Sabaen Order photograph

Without a doubt, the most popular subject here on Occult Chicago is the Sabean Religious Order. 

I've recently come across some more information about Odun Arechaga and the Sabaens, and a few people have emailed me with their personal involvement with the group.  I'll share some of this once I have a chance, but for now enjoy this photograph.

Advertisement for Thee Satanic Chuch, 1974

I recently came across this 1974 advertisement for Thee Satanic Church.

Not to be confused with the Church of Satan, Thee Satanic Church (at various times / incarnations known as Thee Satanic Orthodox Church of Nethilim Rite, among other things) was run locally by Terry Taylor.

For more information, see the previous post about Terry Taylor and Satanism in Chicago.

Does anyone know if Terry Taylor is still around? 

Dr. Bronner, public crucifixion and Chicago

In honor of Easter, a Chicago story related to a crucifixion.

I'd always assumed that Dr. Bronner's religious essays on the side of soap bottles was somehow related to an extremely right-wing Christian sect.  To be honest, I'd never thought much of it.

Image courtesy Wikipedia.

Recently we have been moving toward more natural products in our home, and Jane purchased a gigantic bottle of Bronner's 18-in-1 soap.  I started reading the bottle and noticed an interestingly singular amalgamation of various belief systems - Christianity, Judaism and references to authors such as Rudyard Kipling.

Bronner it seems has a much more fascinating background than one might anticipate. 

Not surprisingly, a bit of research brings Bronner's antics directly through Chicago.

Three are Sought in Crucifixion of Chicago Man - The Evening Independent, March 10, 1945

An escape from a mental institution in Elgin immediately followed this incident.

Choronzon Club on Facebook?

Interestingly enough, the Choronzon Club appears to now be represented on Facebook.

Tau Choronzon I (1897-1987), from Choronzon Club on Facebook

Hocus Pocus art show, March 24th

Tangentially on topic, this may be of interest to some readers.  Tomorrow (Sunday, March 24th).

Please join us for a spectacular art show and side show attractions.


HOCUS POCUS

The Flat Iron

1565 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60622

 

Over 60 artists
Magicians/Zoltar
Aerial Burlesque by the lovely Angela Eve
Palm Reader Mister Vibe
Tarot Card Reader
Music by Dee Pants
Wheel of Fortune Fortitude
The artwork, jewelry and crafts for sale will all be inspired by Harry Houdini, Victorian magic, circus sideshow, the occult and all things mystical.
Curated by Cheri Basak and Anne Elliott
Sponsored by Revolution Tattoo

Facebook event page

Chicago-based Tarot art Kickstarter

A new collaborative Tarot themed project just announced.

From the Kickstarter page:

The Major Arcana are the most emotionally evocative cards in a tarot deck.  How would an artist and a tarot reader explore these archetypes through the photographic medium?

Lara Dorsett is a photographer and artist who employs intuition and mythology in her personal work.  Jeffrey Kramer is a tarot reader with a background in medieval traditions and lore.

This project will involve the first nine cards in the Major Arcana:  The Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Hierophant, Lovers, Chariot and Strength. 

Lara and Jeffrey will each shoot in black and white film and be challenged to create all of these images in the Chicagoland area.  They will only use props and materials created or found with volunteer models (when used.)

The resulting work will be shown in a local space with free admission for guests.
The successful completion of this project will result in further exploration of the remaining Major Arcana.

For more information, visit:

Kickstarter page

Lara Elizabeth Dorsett's photography website

The Truth About the Occult

Found on the Blue Line.  Of course, I had to pick it up.