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z2square200Zero Equals Two is a blog on magical news and culture sponsored by U.S. Grand Lodge, O.T.O. A diverse collective of contributors comb the worlds of magick, art, science, history, philosophy, and more every day for articles and events of interest to Thelemites and other modern free-thinkers and explorers, collecting them on this blog for your enjoyment.

Recent posts

  • Clarifications of Deacon-Sacerdote Policy
    2019/08/23

    The office of Deacon-Sacerdote in Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica was announced by the Grand Master Sabazius during his keynote address at NOTOCON in August 2019. This document clarifies policy concerning the office of Deacon-Sacerdote. This information applies to E.G.C. within U.S. Grand Lodge only.

    For brevity and clarity, the following abbreviations are used in this document:

    • Deacon-Sacerdote: DS
    • Priest or Priestess: P/Ps
    • Knight of East and West: KEW

    The following new and modified policies apply to the office of DS within Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica and United States Grand Lodge:

    1. The office of DS is conferred automatically when a member attains both ordination as a Deacon and initiation as a KEW, in either order.
    2. There are no gender requirements associated with the office of DS.
    3. A DS may confer the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, marriage, and others with the authorization of their supervising Bishop, equivalently to an ordained P/Ps.
    4. At least one of the three principal officers (Priest, Priestess, Deacon) in a public celebration of the Gnostic Mass must be one of the following. (The Primate may grant developing areas temporary exemption from this requirement.)
      1. A Bishop.
      2. A clerical member under supervision of a Bishop with recognized status as an ordained P/Ps or as a DS.

    These existing policies remain unchanged, but are included here for clarity:

    1. The Priest, Priestess and Deacon in a public celebration of the Gnostic Mass must each be one of the following.
      1. A Bishop.
      2. Ordained in the role in which they are serving, and under the supervision of a Bishop.
      3. A novice in the role in which they are serving, and authorized for such service by their supervising Bishop.
    2. Eligibility for status as a novice P/Ps, ordination to these offices, and service in these offices in a public celebration of the Gnostic Mass are all constrained as follows:
      1. Priest: Gender assigned as male at birth, or a transgender person identifying primarily as male.
      2. Priestess: Gender assigned as female at birth, or a transgender person identifying primarily as female https://admin.oto-usa.org/ds-policy

     

     

  • “The Tower” Music Video From Electro Rock Trio Nixie’s EP “The Aeon”
    2019/08/22

    Nixie are a three-piece, all female electro rock band from Vancouver. Their new EP is call The Aeon and includes the tracks “The Moon,” “The Hierophant” and “The Tower.” Hmmmm. Here’s the video for “The Tower.”

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsmxrmCOqak.

  • David Tibet Offers Free Download of Eric Count Stenbock Anthology
    2019/08/22

    O.T.O. Cabinet member David Tibet has posted a PDF of THE COLLECTED POEMS OF ERIC, COUNT STENBOCK  (Durtro, London, 2001) which he edited for FREE DL!

    https://www.academia.edu/40089720/THE_COLLECTED_POEMS_OF_ERIC_COUNT_STENBOCK._Edited_by_David_Tibet_Durtro_London_2001_.

  • Here Comes NecronomiCon 2019 in Providence RI!
    2019/08/21

    WEDNESDAY – August 21

    Noon to 3:00 pm – ARS NECRONOMICA: DARK DREAMS IN THE DIVINE CITY – Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, 02903  OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    Nearly 60 artists are featured in this remarkable three-week showcase of some of the finest in weird art. More information can be found at the Ars Necronomica page. The opening reception will be Thursday night.

    3:00pm to 4:00pm – Talk by Joshi Endowed Research Fellow, JiHae Koo – John Hay Library, 20 Prospect St, 02912
    Please join the staff of the John Hay Library in the Lownes Room for a conversation with S. T. Joshi Endowed Research Fellow JiHae Koo. JiHae will discuss her ongoing research at the Library using the Lovecraft Collection in a talk is entitled “Lovecraft, Photography, and the Transhumanist Imagination.”

    6:00pm to 11:00pm – NecronomiCon Welcome PRE-PARTY – Black Box / AS220, 95 Empire Street, Providence 02903   OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC
    A welcoming party for NecronomiCon attendees at AS220’s creative venue, The Black Box. Local and visiting authors will read weird fiction, and the mic will be open – attendees are encouraged to share their own pieces, covers, and fan fiction. We’ll also be screening some special films and music. If you’re arriving early for the convention, come and take part or just have a drink and hang out with friends old and new.
    Author readings at 6:30 and 7:30pm, film collages by Frank Difficult and short film specials by HPLFF to follow.

    THURSDAY – August 22

    Noon to 3:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm – ARS NECRONOMICA: DARK DREAMS IN THE DIVINE CITY GROUP ART EXHIBITION – Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, 02903  OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    Nearly 60 artists are featured in this remarkable two-week showcase of some of the finest in weird art from around the world. More information can be found at the Ars Necronomica page. The opening reception will be Thursday night, from 6-8pm. The PAC Galleries are located directly across the street from the First Baptist Church, where the Welcoming Ceremonies will take place.

    All day – FILM SCREENINGS – RISD Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center, 20 N. Main Street, 02903) and Black Box (95 Empire Street, 02903) – see separate schedule   OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC ($5/day for public)

    All day – WALKING and BUS TOURS of Lovecraft-related sites around Providence – Separate ticket $10/$15 available now! Check the page here.

    Noon to 4:30pm – REGISTRATION open at the Graduate Hotel, 2nd Floor landing. Beat the crowds and come early!

    3:30 to 5:30pm – WEIRDWORKS MEET-UP for Horror Gaming Creators – Poindexters Cafe, Graduate Hotel
    WeirdWorks (weirdworks.org), a networking group of horror gaming creatives, is holding an informal meet and greet at the coffee shop (it serves beer and food, too) next to the Graduate Hotel foyer. Come meet us, find out what we’re working on and how you might get involved. To let us know you’re coming, sign up (https://tinyurl.com/yy2jruuc) and register to play our free convention card game “Rock, Paper, Cultists!”, play all weekend long, and compete for prizes including copies of Feed the Shoggoth, Convicts & Cthulhu, and more!

    5:00pm to Midnight – Lovecraftian and Weird GAMING – Graduate Hotel, 18th floor. See separate schedule

    5:00 to 6:00pm – WELCOMING CEREMONY – the First Baptist Church in America, 75 N. Main St. 02903   OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    Our convention Poet Laureate Sonya Taaffe, Guests of Honor, and local historians and luminaries, will welcome attendees to this historic and symbolic Providence landmark. Barnaby Evans, executive director of WaterFire, will emcee, and renowned organist Stephen Martorella will provide a musical accompaniment to the ceremony.

    6:00 to 8:00pm – ARS NECRONOMICA Art Exhibition, OPENING RECEPTION – Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, Providence, 02903   OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    This is the official reception for the 2019 Ars Necronomica exhibition, Dark Dreams in the Divine City. The gallery will be open all day, and other days of the convention, as well as to the end of the month, so you won’t have to worry about missing this remarkable exhibition of world-class weird art, featuring the works of nearly sixty artists from around the world.

    7:00 to 11pm – NecronomiCon PARTY UNDER THE STARS – Facade Lot, 35 Weybosset St. 02903 OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free, 21+)
    By popular demand, we’ve got some special outdoor events planned, including a NEON Retrofest partnered concert featuring special musical acts Triangle Forest (Providence) and Straplocked (Connecticut), and including local dancing monstrosities Big Nazo, some music/video mashups, and other special screenings. There will be a beer garden with plenty of Narragansett Beers (including a reprise of their first Lovecraft beer) and other libations by New Harvest Coffee and Spirits, and a very fitting carnival fire pit roast by Julians and Dreadnaught Provisions to feed your cultist belly. More plans still in the works!

    8:00 to 10:00pm – THEATRICAL SOLO ACT DOUBLE-FEATURE, a special performance of M.R. JAMES tales – Capital Ballroom, Graduate Hotel, 2nd Floor
    Robert Lloyd Parry superbly brings to life two separate M.R. James tales – “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad” and “The Ash-Tree” (brief intermission between both tales, each runs ~45 minutes). Whether M.R. James is already a fave, or you’re not familiar with his work, Parry’s award-winning presentations will be an enjoyable presentation of some of the best in classic horror!

    8:00pm to 11pm – BLACK LODGE PARTY – a secret and undisclosed location – CLOSED EVENT
    A private club for Golden Key and Silver Key members (passes required). A small getaway spot for Key members. But remember – there are only three rules about Black Lodge…

    FRIDAY – August 23

    Noon to 3:00 pm – ARS NECRONOMICA: DARK DREAMS IN THE DIVINE CITY GROUP ART EXHIBITION – Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, Providence, 02903   OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    Nearly 60 artists are featured in this remarkable three-week showcase of some of the finest in weird art from around the world. More information can be found at the Ars Necronomica page.

    All day – WALKING and BUS TOURS of Lovecraft sites around Providence – Separate ticket $10/$15 available now! Check the page here.

    9:00am to Midnight – Lovecraftian and Weird GAMING – Graduate Hotel 18th floor. See separate schedule

    1pm to Midnight (and beyond?) – FILM SCREENINGS – RISD Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center, 20 N. Main St, 02903) and Black Box (95 Empire St. 02903) – see separate schedule OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC ($5/day for public)

    6:00 to 7:30pm – HPLHS’s Dark Adventure Radio Theater “THE LURKING FEAR” – Capital Ballroom, Graduate Hotel 2nd Floor
    The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society presents a special live presentation of its Dark Adventure Radio Theatre – “The Lurking Fear.” This live show features an ensemble of actors, thrilling music and sound effects and delightful opportunities for audience participation.

    7:00 to 10:00pm – STRANGER THINGS TRIVIA NIGHT! – Black Sheep, 397 Westminster St. 02903 OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (21+)
    Something special for this year – an evening of trivia for the sensational Weird show, Stranger Things! Lead by our good friends at Bad Taste, and hosted by Black Sheep pub, next to AS220. Trivia will cover each season, one season at a time, over three separate rounds!

    7:00 to 9:00pm – GUEST RECEPTION – Graduate Hotel, L’Apogee 17th Floor
    Private reception for Guests of Honor, Guest pass holders, and Golden Keys, with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and a stunning view of Weird Providence.

    8:00 to 10:00pm – THEATRICAL DUAL SOLO ACT DOUBLE-FEATURE, HPL’s “The Hound” and M.R. JAMES – AS220’s Black Box Theater, 95 Empire Street, 02903)  OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ($5 for public)
    These original, award-winning one-man performances feature Gregory Bodine staging a remarkable, dynamic presentation of Lovecraft’s “The Hound” (approx. 8:00 to 8:50pm) and Robert Lloyd Parry superbly brings to life the M.R. James’s chilling “A Warning to the Curious.” (approx. 9:00 to 9:50pm)

    9:00 to 11:30pm – CHAPO TRAP HOUSE plays CALL OF CTHULHU live! – Columbus Theater, 270 Broadway, 02903
    In honor of Necronomicon 2019, the intrepid hosts of the podcast Chapo Trap House will once again descend into the abyss of mystery, madness, and race science that is Call of Cthulhu, the tabletop roleplaying game based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. While the Chapos have clashed with Great Old Ones and Outer Gods before in their 1920s Tabletop Game Theory episodes, this will be their first and perhaps only time playing a scenario in front of a live audience. More information on the facebook event page.

    9:00pm to Midnight-ish – ELDRITCH BALL – Graduate Hotel, Biltmore Ballroom 17th floor
    The return of the Eldritch Ball, with a very unique theme — DREAMING IN CARCOSA! Sure to be a night of epic adventure you won’t soon be able to forget!  The ball is a fancy-dress, costume, masquerade, cosplay, semi-formal affair of Hyadean scale. OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC ($ee below)
    Ticket cost for convention pass holders (including off-duty minions) is $25.00 advance / $28 at the door, and includes two drink tickets (21+ ID required for alcohol). NOTE: the hotel is opening a second bar this year, so we will avoid the awful lines of 2017). The cost for limited number of general public tickets is $30 advance / $35 at the door. Sorry, only Golden Key and Guests of Honor get in free. Capacity is just 333 souls, so act fast. Tickets available here!.

    SATURDAY – August 24

    10:00 am to 5:00 pm – ARCADE ARTIST & VINTAGE MARKETPLACE – Arcade Providence, 130 Westminster Street, Providence 02903  OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    A couple dozen local and regional artists and artisans will sell wares of all manner, especially for NecronomiCon – come stroll America’s first indoor mall (and stop into our store, too: Lovecraft Arts & Sciences). More information can be found at the Facebook event page.

    2:00pm to 7:30 pm – ARS NECRONOMICA: DARK DREAMING IN THE DIVINE CITY – Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, Providence 02903  OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    Nearly 60 artists are featured in this remarkable three-week showcase of some of the finest in weird art from around the globe. More information can be found at the Ars Necronomica page.

    All day – WALKING and BUS TOURS of Lovecraft-related sites around Providence – Separate ticket $10/15 available here. Check the page here.

    9:00am to Midnight – Lovecraftian and Weird GAMING – Graduate Hotel, 18th floor – See separate schedule

    Noon to Midnight (and beyond?) – FILM SCREENINGS – RISD Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center, 20 N, Main St. 02903) and Black Box (95 Empire Street, 02903) – See separate scheduleOPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC ($5/day for public)

    6:00 to 8:00pm – TOR Publishing NIGHTFIRE RELEASE PARTY – Outdoor Terrace!, Graduate 3rd Floor
    TOR Nightfire anthology release party and author reading – come have some s’mores outdoors with the authors! (Runs to 8pm)

    6:00 to 7:00pm – PLUTO IN FURS Book Release Reading and Party – Narragansett Bayview, Graduate Hotel 17th Floor
    Join us for a book release party for the new anthology Pluto in Furs: Tales of Diseased Desires and Seductive Horrors. Hosted by editor and publisher Scott Dwyer and featuring readings from Adam Golaski, Gemma Files, Jeffrey Thomas, Orrin Grey, and Richard Gavin.

    7:30 to 9:00pm – HPLHS’s Dark Adventure Radio Theater “MAD SCIENCE”– Capital Ballroom, Graduate Hotel 2nd Floor
    The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society presents a special live presentation of its Dark Adventure Radio Theatre – “Mad Science.” This live show features an ensemble of actors, thrilling music and sound effects and delightful opportunities for audience participation.

    8:00 to 10:00pm – THEATRICAL DUAL SOLO ACT DOUBLE-FEATURE, M.R. JAMES vs. HPL’s “The Hound” – AS220’s Black Box Theater, 95 Empire Street, 02903)  OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ($5 for public)
    These original, award-winning one-man performances feature Robert Lloyd Parry bringing to life M.R. James’s chilling “A Warning to the Curious” (approx. 8:00 to 8:50pm)  and Gregory Bodine staging a remarkable, dynamic presentation of Lovecraft’s “The Hound” (approx. 9:00 to 9:50pm).

    8:30 to 10:00pm – The H. P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast’s 10th ANNIVERSARY PARTY     – L’Apogee, Graduate Hotel 17th Floor
    Join Chad Fifer and Chris Lackey as they celebrate ten remarkable years of raising the bar for Lovecraftian and weird fiction podcasting, and generating thousands of fans from around the world. The lads will be joined by Ken Hite and Andrew Leman, and other friends and guests from over the years. Open to all attendees and guests!

    **Don’t forget all the film screenings – see separate schedule!

    9:00pm to 1:00am (doors at 8pm) – GODFLESH, JARBOE and friends, MORNE – The Columbus Theater, 270 Broadway, 02903 – OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (tickets details below)
    An absolutely epic night featuring the dark grinding heaviness of Godflesh, making their only U.S. appearance of the year; the singular Jarboe (ex-Swans) performing a very special NecronomiCon set with guests P. Emerson Williams, Kristina De La Force, and Brett Robinson; and local dirge/doom act Morne – all performing in one of the most gorgeous settings we could hope for, the beautifully restored 1920s era Columbus Theater. Tickets on sale here.

    9:00 to 10:00pm – Lovecraftian / Weird TRIVIA HOUR and “Drunk Lovecraftian History”! – Trinity Brewhouse, 186 Fountain St, 02903 – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (free, 21+)
    Our pal, Pete Rawlik, is a trivia master. Pete pulls together a great collection of Lovecraft- and weird-fiction-related trivia, some fairly easy, some hard enough to even make S.T. Joshi whimper. Good news is we’re putting this on deep in the bowls of one of Providence’s most iconic bars! In addition, the event ends with a special “Drunk Lovecraftian History” event staged Todd Chicoine and Jason McKittrick. All this segues into the next event…

    10:00 to 11:00pm – Innsmouth SEA SHANTIES! – Trinity Brewhouse, 186 Fountain St, 02903 – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (free, 21+)
    The boys from the H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society bring their finest singing voices, and expect you to croak and bleat along with all your favorite hits, such as Innsmouth Girls, Old Captain Obed, and everyone’s favorite – The Devil Reef Chanty! The boys are planning a fun time, so be sure to shamble on over to the Trinity Brewhouse.

    SUNDAY – August 20

    8:00 to 9:30am – CTHULHU PRAYER BREAKFAST – Biltmore Ballroom, Graduate 17th Floor
    The unholiest of cosmically unspeakable breakfasts, hosted by Most Exalted Hierophants Cody Goodfellow and Anthony Teth. Separate ticketed event – tickets on sale via our eventbrite page
    Golden Key and Silver Key members receive complimentary admission.  Please note, this event partly overlaps with other events.

    9:00am to 5:00pm – Lovecraftian and Weird GAMING – L’Apogee,  Graduate 18th floor – See separate schedule

    TBA – FILM SCREENINGS – RISD Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center, 20 N. Main St. 02903) and AS220’s Black Box (95 Empire Street, 02903) – See separate schedule   OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC ($5 for public)

    NOON to 4:00 pm – ARS NECRONOMICA: DARK DREAMS IN THE DIVINE CITYGROUP ART EXHIBITION – Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, 02903  OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC (free)
    Nearly 60 artists are featured in this remarkable three-week showcase of some of the finest in weird art from around the world. More information can be found at the Ars Necronomica page.

    8:00pm to 10:00pm – The Dunwich Horror PICTURE SHOW! – Columbus Theater, 270 Broadway, 02903   OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ($5 for all!)
    Come see the classic, 1970’s Dunwich Horror, presented on 16mm film in all its psychedelic weirdness like you’ve NEVER seen it before (except maybe in 2015 and 2017). Come enjoy the nicest old theater in Providence! Come dressed as your favorite Whateley sibling and sing along with your favorite chants! Come spend your last few bucks on one of the last few Lovecraft ‘Gansetts left. Ticket prices at the door are $5 per person for all, including passholders, in order to defray the necessary expense of renting this beautiful venue!

    9:00pm to 1:00am (doors at 8pm) – FINAL, VITRIOL, BLACK PUS, RETRIBUTION BODY– AS220, 115 Empire Street, 02903  OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (tickets details below, all ages)
    The very last official event of the convention: a soul-shattering sonic experience, featuring acts FINAL (Justin K. Broadrick of Godflesh’s first project and first show ever in the U.S.) and VITRIOL (G.C. Green of Godflesh’s project only performed twice before). Opening local noise acts, BLACK PUS (with Brian Chippendale of Lightning Bolt) and RETRIBUTION BODY make this an even greater, singular night to remember.

    http://necronomicon-providence.com/core-schedule/.

  • The Feast of Roderic Borgia, Pope Alexander VI
    2019/08/21

    Sunday, 18 August, was The Feast of Roderic Borgia, Pope Alexander VI. Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo de Borja 1 January 1431, was Pope from 11 August 1492 until his death on 18 August 1503. According to The Invisible Basilica of Sabazius, Alexander “is remembered by Catholics as one of the most ‘decadent’ of the Renaissance Popes.”

    Alexander VI was in fact a popular Pope during his day: he was a patron of the arts and a political statesman, who repelled a French attempt to assert control over Italy, liberated the Papal States from petty land barons, called for a league of Christian States against the Turks and was tolerant toward the Jews. He was also partial to the Qabalah, and he granted absolution to Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, a Christian Qabalist and student of Raymond Lully and Marcilio Ficino, who had been accused of heresy by the Inquisition under Pope Innocent VIII. Michelangelo created the Pietà for Alexander.

    Learn more about Pope Alexander VI:

    In memory of Pope Alexander and his penchant for parties, we offer this delicious Italian recipe:

    A chestnut flour cake dusted with confectioner's sugar and cocoaCastagnaccio Pugliese (Chestnut Flour Cake)

    Ingredients

    • 1½ cups chestnut flour
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • 1 tbs baking powder
    • 2 tbs cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
    • Pinch of salt
    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
    • 2 tbs honey, plus more for serving
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ cup raisins
    • ½ cup dried cranberries, plumped in ¼ cup warm water (or wine – preferably Vin Santo)
    • ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lightly brushing it with olive oil. Reserve.
    2. In a large bowl, swift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt.
    3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, eggs and milk.
    4. Slowly pour the liquids into the dry ingredients, whisking very well to avoid lumps. The batter should be smooth and a bit liquidy.
    5. Reserve some of the nuts and fruits to sprinkle on top of cake. Add the remaining to the batter, mixing until evenly distributed.
    6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the nuts/fruits on top and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cake begins to puff slightly and the middle is set. Remove from the oven and cool completely before removing from pan.
    7. Dust lightly with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder and serve with some warm honey.

    (Source: Olivia’s Cuisine)

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