S2 #65 / Miguel Conner on The Occult Elvis.

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by great Miguel Conner, author of The Occult Elvis and host of the Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio podcast, to explore the esoteric, mystical, and trickster-like nature of Elvis Presley. Miguel is known for his deep dives into Gnosticism, mythology, and the hidden dimensions of history, and his latest book uncovers the spiritual and occult influences that shaped the life of the King of Rock and Roll.Elvis Presley was more than just a music icon—his life was filled with supernatural experiences, metaphysical encounters, and a deep yearning for spiritual truth. Miguel and I discuss how comic books, mysticism, and even extraterrestrials played a role in Elvis’s personal mythology. We examine how his twinless survivor syndrome, childhood poverty, and Southern religious upbringing contributed to his liminal, shape-shifting persona, making him a figure of both divine inspiration and tragic excess.One of the key themes we explore is the crossroads as a site of transformation, a place where the trickster archetype and magical forces converge. Like Robert Johnson, Elvis stood at the threshold between worlds, embodying both the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the carnal. Was Elvis an egregore of America, a living embodiment of the nation’s deepest desires and contradictions? Did he unknowingly act as a shamanic figure, channeling mystical energies through music and performance?We also delve into Elvis’s mystical abilities, including his alleged powers to stop the rain and move objects with his will, and how these experiences fit into a broader tradition of spiritual adepts, magicians, and prophets. We explore the darker aspects of his spiritual journey, including his encounters with visions of Jesus, Stalin, and his own impending death, as well as the influence of Gnostic ideas on his worldview.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we connect Elvis’s metaphysical path with that of David Bowie, another artist who engaged deeply with esoteric traditions, Gnosticism, and the occult. Miguel shares insights from his upcoming book on Bowie, discussing how both musicians wrestled with supernatural experiences, cosmic synchronicities, and the burdens of fame as a spiritual path.As we wrap up we take a deeper dive into the hidden esoteric undercurrents of rock music, Elvis’s role in shaping a new kind of mystical pop culture.Thank you very muchShow notes:The Occult Elvis https://www.innertraditions.com/the-occult-elvisMiguel’s website: https://thegodabovegod.com/Miguel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AeonByteMiguel’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aeonbyte/Miguel's X page: https://twitter.com/AeonByteMiguel's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC67NBVrem2dRsYUreRyjSsA/feedMiguel's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyteMiguel's Rofkin: https://rokfin.com/aeonbyteKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka