Cosmic Indifference
87 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsThe Church of Cosmic Indifference is a Cosmicist Humanist ministry celebrating personal freedom in determining meaning and purpose in life.
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Episodes
Ubbo-Sathla
May 01, 2020 23:20 - 40 minutes - 45.8 MBWe continue exploring the entities mentioned in "The Descent into the Abyss," taking some time with a creation myth of Ubbo-Sathla as told in "The Unbegotten Source" in the Book of Eibon. We wonder at our predilection toward supernatural explanation and consider what we can gain from a materialist perspective.
Shantak Sacrifice Meditation
April 24, 2020 23:00 - 9 minutes - 11.2 MBA guided meditation about letting go.
Fishers from Outside
April 17, 2020 23:15 - 37 minutes - 43.1 MBAfter hearing about so many entities in last week's "The Descent into the Abyss," we take a step away from the Book of Eibon for a moment to explore some of those creatures and deities just a bit, beginning with Lin Carter's "The Fishers from Outside," based on Lovecraft's poem, "The Outpost." We also consider what we're fishing for and how that connects with creating meaning and value in our lives. Lin Carter's works occupy a special place in our scripture, because Carter often wrote to fi...
Descent into the Abyss
April 10, 2020 23:15 - 38 minutes - 43.5 MBContinuing in the Book of Eibon, we explore Lin Carter's "The Descent into the Abyss," a tale that is a retelling of an earlier work by Clark Ashton Smith, "The Seven Geases." Then we consider that we ourselves can live as if we are the victims of other people's demands or as if we have no choice but to press blindly forward. Knowing that and recognizing when we fall into such a pattern is vital to shifting into a new way of being. We also mention Madame Blavatsky as an originator of the myt...
Scroll of Morloc
April 03, 2020 23:10 - 35 minutes - 40.8 MBWe continue exploring the Book of Eibon with "The Scroll of Morloc: The History of the Shaman Yhemog," translated (?) from the original by Lin Carter. This tale gives us rich fodder for contemplating how we discredit people whose beliefs change, the vulnerability we experience when our beliefs change, and how we might purposefully choose what we want to stand for.
Devouring of S'lithik-Hai
March 27, 2020 23:05 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MBWe continue exploring the Book of Eibon with "The Devouring of S'lithik Hhai," translated (?) from the original by John Fultz. Through this tale we consider another aspect of our personal responsibility for the world we create.
Journey into the Past Meditation
March 20, 2020 23:50 - 10 minutes - 11.7 MBAn imaginative and introspective journey to draw wisdom from the past.
The Double Tower
March 13, 2020 23:05 - 36 minutes - 41.6 MBWe begin a foray into one of the legendary forbidden tomes of the Cthulhu Mythos, The Book of Eibon. Exploring its first tale (as transmitted through Lin Carter), we take a look at balancing seclusion with meaningful supportive relationships and the ideal of authenticity. And, as always, curses and blessings.
The Other Gods
March 07, 2020 00:00 - 34 minutes - 39.9 MBWe explore H. P. Lovecraft's tale "The Other Gods" as a way of stepping back and clarifying why it can be useful to refer to gods even when you believe in an indifferent cosmos, and one reason we might fear discovery.
Gratitude Museum Meditation
February 29, 2020 00:40 - 13 minutes - 14.9 MBA guided meditation on gratitude
Thing on the Doorstep
February 22, 2020 00:55 - 34 minutes - 39.8 MBWe springboard from H. P. Lovecraft's story "The Thing on the Doorstep" to consider how we respond when people around us change and grow, and how we might be more purposeful and intentional about our own growth and change. We mentioned SMART Recovery again in this episode. More information is available at http://www.smartrecovery.org/ We also adapted a couple of works from The Book of Eibon for this week's curses and blessings: "The Minions of Zstylzhemgni" by Richard L. Tierney, and "The...
Quest of Iranon
February 15, 2020 00:50 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MBIn this episode, we take a look at Lovecraft's "The Quest of Iranon" and consider the benefits of habitual gratitude. All of Brene Brown's books are wonderful, but our current favorite is "Braving the Wilderness." You can watch Brene's TED Talk on vulnerability here: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability
Ancestor Meditation
February 08, 2020 00:35 - 9 minutes - 10.7 MBAn imaginative guided meditation to draw on wisdom from our connection with our ancestors.
The Innsmouth Look
February 01, 2020 00:50 - 34 minutes - 39.6 MBIn exploring the conclusion of H. P. Lovecraft's "The Shadow over Innsmouth" we consider what shapes us and sets us on the path of a "default future," and we consider how we can begin to shift away from where our autopilot might take us toward a path that better aligns with our deepest values.
Shadow over Innsmouth
January 25, 2020 00:45 - 37 minutes - 42.4 MBWe consider the example of Obed Marsh in Lovecraft's "The Shadow over Innsmouth," and explore whether we might need to alter our course in order to live into a best possible version of ourselves. We also consider the reasons we often remain on paths that don't lead where we most want to go. And as always, curses and blessings!
Dagon
January 11, 2020 02:40 - 34 minutes - 38.9 MBUsing Lovecraft's proto-Mythos short story "Dagon," we consider our tendency to choose comfort over truth, and a couple of ways we might begin to seek truth within ourselves, at least to begin with. We also pronounce this week's curses and blessings! Here are a couple of resources, as promised in this week's episode: Secular Meditation: 32 Practices for Cultivating Inner Peace, Compassion, and Joy, by Rick Heller The Mindful Geek, by Michael W. Taft
Dream-Quest Fulfilled
December 21, 2019 18:15 - 29 minutes - 33.4 MBWe conclude H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath" with an exploration of our own need to navigate the chaotic void of the unknowable, as well as the possibility that the fulfillment of our personal vision may be closer to us than we sometimes imagine.
Music of the Spheres
December 07, 2019 22:55 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBDaniel Braum visits with us about his short story "Music of the Spheres," which opens the way for us to explore the connection between destruction and creation in our lives. We also consider how to support others whose journey toward wholeness leads them into places we aren't willing to go. And without even trying, Daniel convinces me that Sun Ra was an incarnation of Nyarlathotep. You can find "Music of the Spheres" in Daniel's collection The Night Marchers: https://www.amazon.com/Night-Mar...
Dream-Quest Pt 5: Bargaining with Ghouls
November 23, 2019 23:15 - 35 minutes - 40.6 MBAs we near the end of H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath," Randolph Carter and the ghouls engage in an epic battle with the moon-beasts, and we consider whether we approach our relationships with a mindset of transaction or of connection. What do we have to gain from engaging sense of vulnerability instead of negotiation in our relationships?
Sick Gray Laugh
November 09, 2019 23:15 - 44 minutes - 50.7 MBWe have a conversation with Nicole Cushing about her novel "A Sick Gray Laugh," constructive creativity, nihilism, and intentionally bringing color into grayness where we see it in the world. You can read "A Sick Gray Laugh" for yourself at https://www.amazon.com/Sick-Gray-Laugh-Nicole-Cushing-ebook/dp/B07W3KVR3Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= , or check out her new novella "The Half-Freaks" from Grimscribe Press: https://vastarien-journal.com/the-half-freaks/
Dream-Quest Pt 4: King Kuranes
November 01, 2019 02:31 - 32 minutes - 37.6 MBRandolph Carter visits King Kuranes of Celephais in Part Four of our exploration of H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath." We reflect on how we respond to ancestral trauma, as well as how we can maintain our own personal dream-quest in the face of negativity and anxiety from other people. We're releasing this episode earlier than usual, because we are gearing up for Extra Life Game Day this Saturday (November 2). We'll be live streaming a full campaign of The Mountain Witch r...
Dream-Quest Pt 3: Vale of Pnath
October 19, 2019 22:05 - 39 minutes - 45.3 MBIn Part 3 of our exploration of H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath," we consider how to welcome gifts from unpleasant or unwanted sources, especially with regard to welcoming all of our emotions fully and releasing our attachment to how things must be. We talk about a "Welcoming Reflection" with three parts: Feel what you feel honestly and fully without judgment, explanation, or intensification. Welcome all that you feel, and all of reality as it is in this moment. Let go...
When the Stars Are Right
October 05, 2019 22:00 - 53 minutes - 60.9 MBWe welcome to the pulpit Scott R. Jones, author of "When the Stars Are Right: Towards an Authentic R'lyehian Spirituality," as we explore developing a personally meaningful framework for living with intention. Plus a couple of special blessings, and announcements about upcoming patron perks. And our Extra Life campaign! (see below) On November 2, we have pledged to livestream a full 12-hour campaign of The Mountain Witch role-playing game and raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network. W...
Gift for Nyarlathotep
September 21, 2019 22:00 - 30 minutes - 34.9 MBIn our second installment of H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath," we explore the natural outcomes of acting with integrity to our guiding principles (and the natural consequences of not doing so), plus a comment or two on self-differentiation. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] Become a patron at https://patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Dream-Quest Part 1
September 07, 2019 22:55 - 29 minutes - 33.8 MBWe begin H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath" with an exploration of reclaiming our personal authority and identifying our true work. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] And you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon at patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Reflections on NecronomiCon
September 01, 2019 00:00 - 28 minutes - 32.7 MBOur reflections on NecronomiCon Providence 2019, including the liberation of nihilism, the terror of encountering our innermost being, and the value of uncertainty as we live into a compelling vision for our lives and the world around us. Plus, a special blessing for the Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] And you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon at patreon.com/cos...
Unnamable
August 17, 2019 21:45 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MBFrom Lovecraft's short story "The Unnamable," we explore how naming our self-sabotaging routines can give us power over them, and how we can engage our imaginations to give our hopes and values more importance than our inner critics. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] And you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon at patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Randolph Carter
August 03, 2019 23:00 - 29 minutes - 33.2 MBFrom Lovecraft's "The Statement of Randolph Carter" we consider issues of how we sometimes choose not to shine as brilliantly as we could and how we can listen more intentionally to ourselves and others. This is a very personal episode, in which I talk a lot more about myself than usual, with hope that some lessons I'm learning might also have value for you. And I introduce the very non-Lovecraftian https://mywaking.life
Nyarlathotep
July 20, 2019 23:00 - 36 minutes - 41.1 MBLovecraft's bleak prose poem "Nyarlathotep" provides us an opportunity to clarify the hope of Cosmicism. We talk about our connection to optimistic nihilism, our choice of Humanism as a moral framework, and our opportunity to create purpose and meaning that resonates with us personally. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] And you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon at https://patreon.com/cosmicindiffe...
Celephais
July 06, 2019 22:00 - 38 minutes - 43.8 MBH. P. Lovecraft's "Celephais" teaches us about the hazards of putting our past in our future. We consider a couple of ways to remain mindful of the present and connect with a meaningful vision for the future rather than remaining trapped by past experiences. You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] and you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Experiencing the Other
June 22, 2019 21:59 - 35 minutes - 40.8 MBIn our summer solstice episode, we return to Ann K. Schwader and "Experiencing the Other," her sequel to "Twenty Mile," in which Cassie Barrett allows some boundaries to be ignored for a variety of reasons. We explore how we can maintain boundaries in our own lives, and we affirm that we possess the inner strength to set and keep meaningful boundaries based on our personal life-affirming values. You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] and you can be part of creating ...
Cats of Ulthar
June 08, 2019 23:00 - 44 minutes - 51.3 MBWe pounce from H. P. Lovecraft's "The Cats of Ulthar" into a conversation about the stories we tell, how to evaluate our victim and villain stories more conscientiously, and how to be responsible for the kinds of boundaries we set in our relationships, based on mutual values. You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] and you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Doom Came to Sarnath
May 26, 2019 00:00 - 37 minutes - 43.3 MBAs we continue creeping toward "The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath," we explore another of Lovecraft's Dunsanian tales: "The Doom That Came to Sarnath." From there, we consider the possibilities of being more aware of our inherent biases, preventing them from derailing our purposeful decisions, and acting with integrity to our values even when it doesn't seem to change anything in the world around us. You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] and you can be part of crea...
The White Ship
May 11, 2019 22:00 - 41 minutes - 47.5 MBWe prepare for "The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath" with another of H. P. Lovecraft's Dunsanian tales, "The White Ship," in which the protagonist finds a place of endless beauty and isn't satisfied. We consider our own need for purpose and the many things that can sidetrack us as we create meaning in our lives. You can get in touch by finding us on social media or emailing [email protected] and you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron at w...
Inhabitants of Wraithwood
April 27, 2019 23:00 - 33 minutes - 38.8 MBW. H. Pugmire's "Inhabitants of Wraithwood" provides a starting point for a conversation about belonging, and the perils of our tendency to change or hide who we really are in order to be acceptable. This is a deepening of our suggestion last episode that building relationships with a supportive community can be a helpful resource as we live into a purposeful vision in our lives. We're also preparing for a special patrons-only episode in early May featuring a cavalcade of curses requested b...
Casting Call
April 14, 2019 00:00 - 33 minutes - 38.7 MBDon Webb's "Casting Call" provides an opportunity for us to consider how we connect our short-term behavior to long-term vision. And how we connect with other people who will encourage and support the future we envision for ourselves. We're gearing up for a special patrons-only episode in early May featuring a cavalcade of curses requested by our listeners and followers on social media. If you'd like to request a curse, you can do so on our website at https://cosmicindifference.org/curses-%2...
Pickman's Model
March 31, 2019 00:00 - 40 minutes - 46.7 MBBeginning with H. P. Lovecraft's short story "Pickman's Model," we consider more intentionally aligning the things that exist in our minds with what exists in reality, especially with regard to our beliefs about other people and ourselves. Plus, a few exciting announcements and our patrons' requested curses and blessings. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] And you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon...
Colour Out of Space
March 17, 2019 00:00 - 37 minutes - 42.5 MBIn our Spring Equinox episode, we begin to explore the topic of creativity with H. P. Lovecraft's novella, "The Colour Out of Space." We consider the connection between our creativity and our values, and how what we create can influence the world around us. We now have vanishing curse or blessing folios as special thank-you gifts for one-time contributors. You can check them out at https://cosmicindifference.org/gifts You can get in touch by finding us on social media or emailing minister@c...
Houndwife
March 03, 2019 01:00 - 37 minutes - 42.5 MBConstantine joins us again for a conversation about claiming our purpose and owning our identity, starting from Caitlin Kiernan's "Houndwife," a sequel to H. P. Lovecraft's "The Hound." Plus, we announce a few exciting things: tokens of appreciation for one-time donors, virtual small groups, and a new collection of music from the podcast! You can get in touch by finding us on social media or emailing [email protected] and you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podc...
Whose Hearts Are Pure Gold
February 16, 2019 23:00 - 43 minutes - 49.3 MBAnother insightful conversation about identity with my friend, Sarah Rossmiller, of Rebellious Wellness Therapy. We consider the value of self-reflection, how to avoid self-destructive reactivity, and finding ourselves worthy of rebelling for, beginning from Kristin Prevallet's "Whose Hearts Are Pure Gold," a short story titled after a line by Robert W. Chambers. In a section of "The Prophet's Paradise" entitled The Sacrifice, Chambers writes: "I went into a field of flowers, whose petals a...
Just Beyond Her Dreaming
February 03, 2019 01:00 - 45 minutes - 51.5 MBIn our Imbolc episode for 2019, I'm delighted to have a conversation with my friend Laurie -- hospice chaplain, army vet, and mother (among other roles) -- about feminine identity and motherhood. We start from "Just Beyond Her Dreaming" by Mercedes M. Yardley, a short story that connect to the King in Yellow mythology. Plus some curses you've requested and some Imbolc blessings. You can get in touch by finding us on social media or emailing [email protected] and you can be part...
The Hound
January 19, 2019 22:00 - 43 minutes - 50 MBMy friend Constantine joins me for a conversation about H. P. Lovecraft's "The Hound," and the value of introspection in taking ownership of our paths rather than allowing ourselves to operate on autopilot and tumble headlong into self-destruction. You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] and you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Shadow from the Steeple
January 05, 2019 23:00 - 36 minutes - 41.8 MBWe explore the short story "The Shadow from the Steeple," Robert Bloch's sequel to Lovecraft's "The Haunter of the Dark" (which was itself a sequel to Bloch's "The Shambler from the Stars"). From there, we delve a little more deeply into guiding principles, and I share my own personal guiding principles as an example. Plus, curses and blessings. For music, we use our two most-played pieces on Spotify for 2018, "It Used to Be a Friend" and "Y'qaa Beckons." Also, remember our Cosmic Indiffer...
Winter Solstice 2018
December 21, 2018 12:00 - 41 minutes - 47.2 MBWe read a large selection from H. P. Lovecraft's "The Festival," and we consider the benefits of darkness and how to confront and release some of the darknesses we experience or carry with us. If you want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] And you can be part of creating the Cosmic Indifference podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon at patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Children of the Night
December 09, 2018 01:00 - 29 minutes - 34.1 MBRobert E. Howard's "The Children of the Night" offers us some opportunities to explore prejudice, bias, and the fear-driven hostility we sometimes feel toward others or experience from others. We consider some basic ways to begin building different habits and create more intentional connection in our lives, based on our life-affirming values. Plus, a few curses and blessings requested by our patrons. If you want to get in touch, you can always email [email protected] And you c...
Polaris
November 25, 2018 01:00 - 40 minutes - 46 MBWe explore H. P. Lovecraft's short story "Polaris," in which the Pnakotic Manuscipts first appear, and we consider how shame can impair our ability to live fully into our life-affirming values and what we can do about it. Plus, we celebrate receiving confirmation of our 501(c)(3) status, and we pronounce a few curses and blessings requested by our patrons. If you want to get in touch, you can always email [email protected] And you can help create the Cosmic Indifference Podcas...
Suicide in the Study
November 11, 2018 01:00 - 32 minutes - 36.9 MBWe explore Robert Bloch's "The Suicide in the Study," in which the forbidden tome "Cultes des Goules" first appears, and we consider whether a good self and an evil self wrestle within each of us. Plus our patrons' requested curses and blessings. If you want to get in touch, you can always email [email protected] And you can help create the Cosmic Indifference Podcast at patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Samhain 2018
October 28, 2018 02:00 - 34 minutes - 39.1 MBWe stick to our typical format this episode, with a look at Robert Bloch's "Satan's Servants," a story for which Lovecraft provided extensive editorial advice, and we consider how we honor our ancestors by the world we create. Plus, our patrons' requested curses and blessings. If you want to get in touch, you can always email [email protected] And you can help create the Cosmic Indifference Podcast at patreon.com/cosmicindifference
Shambler from the Stars
October 14, 2018 00:00 - 37 minutes - 43.3 MBAs we delve into the Robert Bloch tale that inspired Lovecraft's "The Haunter of the Dark," we consider our tendency to fear things that aren't real and the danger of treating people as means to an end. Plus, patron-requested curses and blessings. If you want to get in touch, you can always email [email protected] And you can help create the Cosmic Indifference Podcast at patreon.com/cosmicindifference