2010 Esoteric Book Conference

EBC administrators William J. Kiesel, Michael Kolson & Catamara Rosarium

 

In 2009 Ouroboros Press publisher William Kiesel founded the Esoteric Book Conference to provided a venue for scholars and contemporary exponents of esotericism to give talks, show esoteric art and most importantly hold a book fair where new and antiquarian books in the field could be showcased. The 2nd annual conference was a great success and it has now secured itself as an annual international event.

The presentation hall

JD Holmes offering books from several European publishers

Richard Kaczynski signing copies of the new edition of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley

Robert Ansell publisher at Fulgur & John Coughlin of Waningmoon browsing

Ros, Robert and Barry Hale

David Beth signing copies of Voudon Gnosis

Michael Staley from Starfire Publications

Charles Krafft browsing at Ajna Bound's table

William greeting Clint Marsh publisher at Wonderella Printed

 The photographs were taken by Carlos Melgoza and the complete set may be viewed at the Anima Nocturna blog.

Arcana V: Musicians on Music, Magic & Mysticism

New Anthology on Music, Magic & Mysticism 

Edited by John Zorn.

For centuries musicians have tapped into mysticism, magic and alchemy, embracing ritual, spell, incantation and prayer, and experimenting with esoteric approaches to harmony, pitch and vibration. In recent decades, avant-garde musicians have rediscovered these overlaps, as occultism has reinvented itself--through Buddhist and other Asian influences, Thelema and Chaos Magic--to accommodate cultural strains from psychedelica through Punk and Industrial music. 

This special edition of John Zorn's much acclaimed Arcana series focuses on the magical aspects of the act of making music. Neither historical overview nor musicological study, it illuminates the sympathies between music and the esoteric tradition with the help of today's finest experimental musicians and occultists. Among these are William Breeze, Gavin Bryars, Steve Coleman, Alvin Curran, Frank Denyer, Jeremy Folgel, Fred Frith, Sharon Gannon, Peter Garland, Milford Graves, Larkin Grimm, Tim Hodgkinson, Jerry Hunt, Eyvind Kang, Jessika Kenney, William Kiesel, Yusef Lateef, Frank London, Dary John Mizelle, Meredith Monk, Tisziji Munoz, Mark Nauseef, Pauline Oliveros, Genesis P-Orridge, Terry Riley, Adam Rudolph, Trey Spruance, David Toop, Greg Wall, Peter Lamborn Wilson and Z'ev.

Ouroboros Press publisher William Kiesel has an article in this integral book entitled 'Musings on the Hermetic Lyre'. Kiesel gave a recent interview on the Thelema Now podcast where he talks about the book.

Large Octavo. Sewn softcover volume.

459 pages with illustrations, 

notes and biographical information.
$40.00 postpaid [worldwide].

Ordering Instructions

Picatrix Release Party

Picatrix Volume Two Ordering Information

The release party for Picatrix Volume Two was held at the Rodriguez Guerra Art Studio in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square district and was an enjoyable and successful affair.

Ouroboros Press publisher, William J. Kiesel gave a brief talk about the importance of the text in the Western Esoteric Tradition and provided anecdotes about historic figures who were influenced thereby.

The event was well attended by a wide variety of locals and many out-of-state guests.







William J. Kiesel and astrologer Austin Coppock a.k.a., Baron Samadhi Coppockalypse


Speacial thanks to Carlos Melgoza of Anima Nocturna for the photography.

About the Publisher

William J. Kiesel is the publisher and editor of Ouroboros Press which has been operating since the turn of the current century. His long years in the antiquarian and esoteric book trade gave him access to rare books and manuscripts not generally available to the public. William has cultivated a lifelong care of books and has involved himself in every aspect of bookmaking, from bookbinding and typography to handset letterpress. Today he works with translators of Arabic, Latin, and German to provide rare texts to the English speaking world.

William Kiesel is a member of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism. ESSWE Website


In addition to his work as a publisher and editor, William gives presentations on Alchemy and the Western Esoteric Tradition. His practical experience and historical knowledge of occult literature and culture spans two decades and draws from such diverse areas as Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, Qabalah, Thelema, Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, Near Eastern Esotericism and Ceremonial Magic. Esoteric symbol systems in religion, mythology and folklore are among his objects of continual study in historical and contemporary contexts. He is a natural teacher and good orator with the distinct talent of making the enigmas of esoteric symbolism clear to the curious.

A few presentations given in recent history:

-The Royal Art: Introduction to Alchemical Symbolism
-Atalanta Fugiens: Alchemical Music in Renaissance Hermeticism
-Iconography in the Western Esoteric Tradition
-The Alchemical Bestiary: Animal Symbolism in Renaissance Hermeticism
-The Circle of Arte: Magic Circles in European Grimoires


Listen to an interview with William on the Occult of Personality website or read an interview with him on Reading Local Seattle. Emily Pothast wrote a few kind words on her blog Translinguistic Other as well.

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