Tau Appollonius discuses the little-know Aesthetic Rose+Croix Order of the Temple studies Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Christian esotericism, alchemy, and Kabbalah. And, derived from the Rose+Croix Catholique et Esthétique du Temple et du Graal of Joséphin Péladan (1858-1918), the contemporary Oder exists to create "create a class of artist-initiates who become knights and priests" and to "promote the spiritual and moral ideals of mystic chivalry." We explore its history and its practices today.

Aki Cederberg is the author of Journeys In The Kali Yuga: A Pilgrimage from Esoteric India to Pagan Europe (Inner Traditions) and the forthcoming Holy Europe, as well as a musician, filmmaker, and traveler from Helsinki, Finland. In this interview, Cederberg discusses the meaning and practices of Yule, the pre-Christian midwinter celebration which influenced Christmas and that lives on, still today, through the Christmas tree, the “Yule log” cake, and Santa Claus (related to the ancient northern European shaman). In particular, he looks at how we can celebrate Yule today, why it should be more about “mystery” than “history,” why we should be joyful, and why, nevertheless, we should remember the deceased at this time of year.