Test Tubes and Cauldrons
Test Tubes and Cauldrons is a podcast about the science behind spirituality. Hosts Astra, Fel, and Han are occult practitioners who also love science, and they explore how to make sense of the world and our purpose in it. Each episode mixes discussions of spiritual topics with scientific perspectives. The tone is curious and conversational, with a dash of humor about not blowing up test tubes.
Episodes
Episode 58: UFOlogy and ETs with Levi
Try to keep your feet on the ground as we dive into UFOs, extraterrestrials, and all things paranormal! From primordial soup exobiology and ancient myths reimagined as alien encounters to Buddhist world-systems and Crowley's cosmic pen pals, we're exploring how spirituality and UFO lore shift through time. We'll explore the paraUFOlogy debate, why some spirits absolutely aren't aliens (looking at
Episode 57: Cults vs The Occult
Don’t drink the Kool-Aid just yet, we’ve got a new episode for you! This week we are diving into the world of cults. What defines them, how they intersect with the occult, and why high-control groups can be so hard to spot, especially on social media. From mystery cults of the ancient world to modern movements like Scientology, Jonestown, NXIVM, we unpack the psychology, power structures, and tact
Episode 56: Hypnosis
You are getting very sleepy…listen to our voices… Hopefully you haven’t fallen into a trance-induced hypnosis just yet as there is a new episode to listen to! This contentious episode explores both the history of hypnosis and its more modern understanding. There’s a surprising amount of science behind this favored Victorian party trick that also has roots in spiritual practices. Strap in as we dis
Episode 55: Science of Prayer Pt 2
Welcome back to part 2 of our 'Science of Prayer' series! Back in April we discussed prayer with Aiden the VVitch, with a focus on the use of prayer in a variety of spiritual and occult settings. In this episode, the hosts tackle the science behind prayer, investigating the mechanisms behind how prayer affects our brains as well as the controversial fields of faith healing and whether prayer can b
Episode 54: New Years Magic and Updates!
Hello from Hanne, Fel and Astra! It's been quite the year and we're excited to get back into it. In this episode we discuss some personal, practice and podcast updates as well as talk about what we're doing to start this year off magically. The next episodes after this one will be some back recordings. So excited to be back!!
Episode 53: Epigenetics!
It's a science-heavy one this week, everyone! This week the hosts discuss the intriguing world of epigenetics, where nature and nurture collide. Can you change your DNA? What effect does the world have on our genetics, and on us as people? Does this have any spiritual consequences, as some people claim? Tune in this week to hear about the science behind epigenetics and our thoughts on how this som
Episode 52: The Magnanimous Life of Dr. John Dee
We are back with a long-awaited episode of our Occultists & Scientists series focusing on the life of John Dee and his scryer Edward Kelley. A renaissance man in every right, Dee was a physician, engineer, theologian, astronomer, cartographer, and magician - working with the angels to develop a unique system of angelic magic now described as Enochian. But this tale of the great magician has da
Episode 51: Prayer with Aiden the VVitch
This week, TTAC are delighted to be joined by a special guest: Aiden aka @AidenTheVVitch In this episode, the hosts discuss all things prayer. How is prayer typically applied across different occult practices? Do you need to pray to be an occultist? Why are so many people ‘afraid’ of prayer? Is there any scientific evidence for prayer as a health intervention? And what’s the difference between pra
Episode 50: Incense Oils and Perfumes
In this episode, the hosts dive into the science of smell & the odiferous side of the occult Why is incense such a popular offering? Does an oil's odour reflect its properties? And what on earth does a saint smell like?! This episode features four case studies across different traditions to explore the seemingly-ubiquitous - but surprisingly diverse - role of fragrance in the occult. You can a
Episode 49: Conspiracy Theories & Magical Thinking
This week the hosts dive into the intersection between conspiracy theories and the occult, all the way from the wacky to the outright terrifying. This episode explores the basis of the psychological concept ‘magical thinking’ and how it relates to spirituality, as well as how this mode of thinking might help or hinder one’s practice. It also features a discussion on why conspiracy theories are unf
Episode 48: Sustainability in Practice
In this episode, the hosts explore the crossover between spirituality and sustainability. What does it mean to build an environmentally sustainable spiritual practice? How have environmentalism and spirituality historically crossed paths? And why DO people keep burying jars, anyway? Join us this week for a topic very close to our hearts. Thanks to Kelsey from our Discord (https://discord.gg/kJthJy
Episode 47: Research in Practice
We're baaaack! Please enjoy as Hanne, Astra and Fel expand and dive deep on research practices and how to incorporate what you've researched into practicality. And again, thank you all so much for your continued support.Check out our discord!: https://discord.gg/NfefwYePyPNotes:Owen Davies Grimoires: A History of MagickMagic in Medieval Manuscripts by Sophie Page and Esoteric ArchivesGrimoire arch
Episode 46: Spirituality and Mental Health
In this episode, the three hosts (Astra, Han and Fel) discuss personal experiences with as well as research surrounding spirituality and Mental Health, positive impacts, negative impacts and how the community discusses (or avoids discussing) it. Reminder: None of the hosts are mental health professionals, all advice is not a replacement for medical treatment.BIBLIOGRAPHY/RESOURCES:Nap MinistryThe
Episode 45: Trees!
It's another Fel and Han special today, with the hosts discussing a subject very dear to our collective hearts: Trees! In this episode, the hosts discuss how seemingly universal tree-lore is and why so many themes might be shared across cultures. We also explore the science behind how trees 'talk' to one another and how this fascinating phenomenon might translate to a spiritual context. Finally, p
Episode 44: Near Death Experiences & Other Liminalities
TW: discussion of drug use in this episodeIn Part 2 of the Afterlives and Past Lives series, the hosts Astra, Hanne and Fel explore the mystifying and perhaps mystical world of near-death experiences. Tune in to hear our scientific deconstruction of what a near-death experience actually is, how they correspond to spiritual traditions across the globe, and how some of our personal experiences have
Episode 43: Asklepios and Healing Magic in Ancient Greece
It's a Fel and Han takeover! This week, two of the hosts get together to discuss a synthesis of mysticism and medicine in the ancient world: the Cult of Asklepios. Tune in to hear about who Asklepios really was: the ascent of a revered medic to god-hero, his relationship to Paian Apollo, and his influence on the development of modern medicine via a cult that dominated the ancient world for centuri
Episode 42: Afterlives & Past Lives (Part 1)
We’re delving into worlds unseen this episode, as we explore the various spiritual models of the afterlife, as well as how these models play a role in spiritual practice across the world. We also delve into the sticky world of ‘past life regressions’ and how much we can rely on testimonies like these.In part 2 (coming in 2 weeks!), join us for some more scientifically styled discussion on near-dea
Episode 41: Creatures & Cryptids
This week, Fel and Han drag Astra along for a riotous exploration of creatures, cryptids, and folklore. Is there any truth to these most mysterious of beasts? What kind of historical or scientific explanations might we have for cryptids? Is Bigfoot real?! Tune into this episode for our thoughts. RESOURCES Pliny’s Natural History: https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plin.+Nat.+toc (A spec
Episode 40: Superstitions, Folklore and Myth
In this episode, the hosts (Hanne, Fel and Astra) take a step out of the hard sciences and into linguistics, sociology and psychology—pulling examples from history, personal experience and studies to try and find the differences (if there are any) between the three and why they might develop in the way they do.RESOURCES:The Story of Myth by Sarah Iles JohnstonWhat They Say in New England by Clifto
Episode 39: Colo(u)rs
Alongside a few spats over the appropriate spelling of colour (it does have a u), in this episode the hosts discuss all things bright and beautiful. We chat colour physics, biology, and how our cultural understanding of colours may be less solid than you think! We also examine how this interplays with occult ideas of ‘colour correspondences’ - Jung’s internal alchemy, The Golden Dawn, Feng Shui, a
Episode 38: The Cult of the Moon
It is no secret that witches across the world are fascinated with the moon both from pagan and witchy literature to its importance in ancient civilizations as the luminary that rules the popular monthly cycle. Join us for this weeks episode where we investigate the moons evolution from ancient society to modern times and discuss the science of the moons gravitational pull and how it controls the w
Episode 37: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart...I Mean Brain Makes
In this episode, the hosts discuss the weird and wacky world of dreams. What kind of spiritual significance was historically assigned to dreams? How does one practice the mysterious art of oneiromancy? How does sleep work on a neurological level, and what even is a dream? Tune in to hear the hosts' thoughts, and strap in for our increasingly unhinged ramblings on the nature of consciousness. Goodn
Episode 36: You Asked and We Answered! (Q&A)
We're back! In this episode, the hosts answer your questions. We discuss telepathy, how we met, stigma against occultism in the workplace, the intersection between science & spirituality in our practice, sins against cereal, and more...BOOKS WE RECOMMENDED:Entangled Life - Merlin SheldrakeBad Science and Bad Pharma - Ben GoldacreThe Hidden Life of Trees: Discoveries from a Secret World - Peter
Episode 35: The Practical Magick of Cycles with Olivia, the Witch of Wonderlust
A very happy Solstice to you all! In this episode, the hosts (Astra, Fel and Hanne) were joined by the wonderful Olivia (a.k.a. @thewitchofwonderlust) to discuss the role of cycles in spiritual practice. Which ones are useful, and which ones might be a little outdated? How do we adapt to cycles in a changing world? Tune in to hear us discuss a whole plethora of topics including calendars, climate
Episode 34: The Mystery of Auras
In this episode, the hosts explore the topic of auras. Do they hail from an ancient spiritual tradition, or is the truth somewhat more…colourful? Do we have an existing explanation for why some people see auras? How does aura photography work? And how might we use & apply these ideas within an spiritual practice? Tune in this week to hear us discuss these topics and more.RESOURCES:Milán, E. G.
Episode 33: Buzzwords and the Underlying Misconceptions
How often have you heard terms thrown around and thought they meant one thing only to realize within a specific space they mean something entirely different? While different meanings in specific fields is not a problem, a larger issue begins to arise when terms are misconstrued and taken from the original context and then expanded to try and fit additional concepts they aren't suited for. Join us
Episode 31: Ancestry, DNA, and Biological Essentialism
In this episode hosts Astra, Fel, and Han explore ancestry, the importance of DNA in determining eligibility to participate in closed practices and other traditions alongside issues of biological essentialism. Do DNA tests such as 23 & Me actually give you accurate and useable data? If so, how, if at all, does that translate to occult practices? Or is a practice defined by the spirituality of
Episode 30: Astral Projection
In this episode, we explore the torrid and confusing history of astral projection. From its origins in mystic thought all the way down to its use as a magical tool - what is astral projection & how did we reach today’s understanding? Tune in to hear how the concept of the astral ‘body of light’ was born, and how it evolved in the midst of cultural fetishisation and the development of modern ph
Episode 29: The Science Behind the Clairs
This week, the hosts explore the concept of ‘clairs’, terms used to differentiate all sorts of diverse psychic experience. From Jainism to Spiritualism, second sight to seances, psychic experiences have been a core tenet of the occult and spirituality for thousands of years. But how well do these historical accounts line up with our modern definition of ‘clairs’, and is there any benefit to viewin
Episode 28: Ghosts!
Happy Samhain! This week we discuss ghosts, what they are, if they differ from spirits, and how their descriptions have varied across cultures and centuries. Is the way we currently view ghosts different than in the past and if so what has influenced the change? Be sure to tune in to the end as well where we share some of our own ghost stories or frightening paranormal experiences!Link to our disc
Episode 27: Intuition and Deja Vu
This week hosts Astra, Han, and Fel dissect the science behind intuition and deja vu! Do these experiences have a scientific mechanism behind them and if so, what is it and how does it work? Or are they as mystical and immeasurable as people like to claim? Plenty of questions to answer and a few funny interludes (hint, we talk about some hilarious quantum findings)...grab some tea and pop into the
Case Study #2: Magick, Metallurgy, and Medicine in the Medieval Period
Welcome back to the laboratory and to the second season of the podcast! This week hosts Astra, Fel, and Han travel back to medieval times and discuss magick during a time of heavy catholic influence, metallurgy, and medicine among many other topics including influential scientists, occultists, leech books, witch hunts!A delightful historical concoction to explore that won't blow your head off.Soci
Episode 25: Let's Talk About Bias
Tune in for our last episode of season one! We'll be back in about a month, though, so don't fret it.Bias is human and helps us make decisions, but it can also hold us back and lead to some very serious ramifications. Tune in to the three hosts (Astra, Hanne and Fel) to discuss bias, what kinds of bias exist and how it shows up in both the occult and scientific community.Links:Discord: https://dis
Episode 24: The Poison Path
Poisons are a natural wonder and phenomena, one that should be handled with care, but have so much use within and outside of the occult. Yet, as with many things falling under the umbrella of left hand path, it is often demonized, seen as dark, ill-willed, and incapable of doing good. Join the hosts today as we discuss what the poison path is, misconceptions surrounding it, and how it actually req
Episode 23: Spiritual Shower Thoughts Pt. 3
Do goldfish have spirituality? What are the correspondences of genetically modified ingredients? Are color correspondences different for people who are color blind? What if we could see beyond the visible spectrum? Join us for our third installment of the spiritual shower thoughts series where we dive into crazy spiritual questions, but this week....under the influence of mugwort! We get a little
Episode 22: Occultist and Scientists - Emanuel Swedenborg, the Prodigy
Welcome back to the lab! In this episode the hosts dig into a hidden influential scientist turned mystic who had a huge impact on both our understanding of modern-day science and traditional witchcraft practices. Emanuel Swedenborg was a prodigy and striking example of a renaissance man with varying interests. He was the first to propose the proto-neuron theory, the structure of an atom nearly a c
Episode 21: Entheogens & Spirituality
The three hosts (Astra, Fel and Hanne) discuss the science and history of entheogens in spiritual practices, how scholarship has changed and how it differs from other trance inducing practices. A general content warning for this episode, there will be a discussion surrounding drug use and its effects.Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Effects of Ayahuascahttps://www.impe
Episode 20: Science and the Occult Through the Ages: The Classical Era
Welcome to the first episode of our new series where we take a look at the relationship between science and the occult through the ages. In this episode we take a look at the Classical Era, contemplating the words and ideas of many influential philosophers such as Thales, Anaximenes, Aristotle, Pythagorus, and Empedocles, and many more! We touch upon fundamental theories of how the world works suc
Episode 19: Tech Witchcraft with Warrior Witch Nike
In the modern era, spirituality seems to have an overarching idea that technology inhibits one's ability to do magick. While the buzzing of notifications and constant flow of information can be a distraction to many people during ritual, that doesn't mean it is inherently bad or not useful in our practices! This week, the hosts are joined by Warrior Witch Nike to discuss tech magick, what it is, w
Episode 18: Psychics and the Paranormal!
Science and mysticism have been intertwined for centuries, but in many ways, science has also been used to perpetuate bogus spiritual experiences by charlatans and grifters within the spiritual and spirit community. Ghost hunters use thermal energies and electro-magnetic devices to decipher spirit interactions and charlatans used a wide variety of tricks to prove their abilities including magnets
Episode 17: Words and Symbols
Symbols have an important role in the development of language throughout the centuries from hieroglyphics to the alphabets we know today, but within the occult community they also take on other meanings. Join the hosts as they talk about the science behind words and symbols in the occult. How accurate is the suggestion that a sigil is most effective when you destroy and forget? Is it possible to e
Episode 16: Chaos Magic and New Paradigms with Kapt!
We are delighted to welcome a close friend of ours to the podcast for this episode! Kapt is a chaote, planetary magician, yoga instructor, and fantastic astrologer who was willing to sit down and talk to us about chaos magic. We discuss its origins, some of the key tenets, ways to go about engaging in this eclectic tradition and common misconceptions about chaos magic in the witchcraft community.
Episode 15: Spiritual Shower Thoughts Pt. 2
Our last shower thoughts episode was quite popular (and we had a blast recording it), so we figured we'd do a second one with some thoughts we weren't able to talk about last time. The hosts discuss the possibilities of animals practicing magick, what happens when you eat a binding spell, whether or not you can work with the genius loci of certain architectures or large scale structures like a sub
Episode 14: Divination and Astrology
First recording during Mercury retrograde and it was a doozy, but thanks to Fel for cleaning it up and producing a great episode! This week the hosts discuss divination, its history, some of our favorite types, and how we use it in our own practice. We also touch upon the scientific validity of divination and astrology by looking into some specific studies. Grab your teacup and join us at the tabl
Episode 13: The Low Frequency Truth of Vibrations
The terms frequency and vibration are thrown around a lot in the witchcraft community, especially amongst New Age practitioners, to describe people in certain states, explain the magical properties of crystals, and suggest that by controlling these frequencies we can reach our highest self. The hosts take on this topic and attempt to explain what these terms actually are, how we empirically measur
Episode 12: What IS New Age Anyways?
In this episode, the hosts discuss the New Age Movement, its origins, history, and evolution over time in addition to common practices within that are scientifically unsound. The definition of "new age" is incredibly hard to pin down, but hopefully this provides some useful insights!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources from the episode:Perspectives on the New Age: https://
Episode 11: Ways of Knowing - Ontology and Epistemology in the Occult with Ruby!
We are delighted to welcome our first guest to the podcast - Ruby is a Scottish folk practitioner and solitary Wiccan pursuing a career in occupational therapy. Ruby joins the hosts to talk about epistemology, ontology, and the different ways of knowing and how this relates to the occult. We discuss different paradigms and how they fit into different traditions and discuss our own thoughts from ou
Episode 10: Built for Divinity?
Humanity and divinity go back centuries and it leads to the classic philosophical debate of which came first - humans or the divine? Do we have an innate lure and connection to the divine and is there a biological basis for the strong beliefs people have? Religions have been created, destroyed, and transformed through the ages as integral parts of our society all with the desire to connect to some
Episode 9: Spiritual Shower Thoughts!
One of the best parts about spirituality is being able to make your practice your own and people are incredibly creative when it comes to spellwork! In this episode, the hosts discuss some wacky spiritual shower thoughts like whether bacteria have spirits., can you do plant necromancy on your furniture, or whether spirits evolve over time. It's going to be a great time - so grab a drink from our b
Episode 8: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble Pt. 2
Last week the hosts discussed herbalism through a scientific lense, but it plays a very key role in the practice of many pagans, witches, and some occultists. Hosts Astra, Hanne, and Fel discuss herbalism from a magical point of view - discussing how herbs are commonly used within magic and their own practices.Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Drug interactions due to g
Episode 7: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble Pt. 1
There is a constant discourse between herbalist and the scientific community...neither of which seem to see the side of another, but is there a place for herbalism within healing? Hosts Astra, Hanne, and Fel discuss what herbalism is and the place they feel is should occupy within the scientific world of drug development. What are the benefits and limitations of herbalism vs. synthetics? Fair warn
Episode 6: Meditation and Mindfulness...what do we actually know?
In this episode we explore meditation and mindfulness from a scientific point of view. What is meditation and mindfulness and how are they distinguished? Is there any physiological basis behind those practices and what is the current research on this topic? Unfortunately, the answers to these questions aren't as simple as they might appear! Grab a beaker full of coffee and let's discuss!Come join
Episode 5: Don't be an Idiot!
The discussion of safety in witchcraft is neglected, but extremely important! Hosts Astra, Hanne, and Fel discuss the different realms of safety within the craft, suggestions, warnings, why crystals shouldn't go into water, dosing of salves and tinctures, and cross reactions of herbs with prescription drugs among other topics. We also touch upon some of our own "oops" moments to show that we all n
Episode 4: The Magic of Research!
In this episode we talk about research in multiple facets! How do we define it scientifically and can we apply a similar rigor to our occult research? We talk about the different types of sources, their reliability, and our own personal tips on how to be an effective researcher. Try not to crush any glassware under that stack of books!*Apologies for some mic feedback - we were in a different recor
Episode 3: If It Happens In Your Head...Is It Real?
Join the hosts as they discuss the placebo effect in magick! We cover what placebos and nocebos are, how blinded trials work and why they are useful in study design. The hosts touch upon areas of magick they consider to be placebo effects and discuss why. Do you think the placebo effect plays a role in magick? Let us know where!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources from the
Episode 2: Shadow Work in the Occult
Join us as we talk about shadow work...where it came from, how it became popular, and the cultural and scientific issues with the term and application of the practice.References/ResourcesBias of Carl Jung Toward Eastern Spiritual Practices: https://taileaters.com/depth-psychology/jungs-bias-toward-spiritual-practices-of-the-east/Gnosticism and Individuation: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27510698?s
Episode 1: Fact or Fiction?
Welcome to our first episode of Test Tubes and Cauldrons, a podcast where we talk about the science behind spirituality! In this episode, the hosts discuss whether attempting to view spirituality through a scientific lens lessens the magical nature of it. Hop into the discussions with us as we talk and try not to blow up a test tube or two!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcBooks/
Recommended
Infinite Health with Dr. Arasi Maran
The Daily
World News Tonight with David Muir
The Joe Rogan Experience
English Vocabulary Help
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Stand In The Circle
SLOW ENGLISH PODCAST (A1-A2) With Subtitles | Daily Videos | English With Us Podcast
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
