#040 - When Poems Become Spells: Shadow Work & Ritual Magic with Lisa Marie Basile

What if poetry is spell-work? In this episode, Lisa Marie Basile — author of The Magical Writing Grimoire and Saint of — reveals how automatic writing, shadow work, and ritual practice can unlock deeper creativity and transform personal darkness into resonant art.Nathan and Lisa explore the alchemical intersection of poetry, the occult, and intentionality: from bibliomancy and Italian folk magic to the Jungian "black light" of the subconscious. Basile's maximalist, baroque approach to verse treats language itself as magic — a threshold between the conscious mind and the mysterious, liminal forces that drive powerful writing.Whether you're a poet, a spiritual seeker, or a writer looking for new creative techniques, this conversation will change how you write poetry. 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup🦋 MORE ABOUT LISA MARIE BASILE:Her website: https://www.lisamariebasile.com/ Luna Luna Magazine: https://www.lunalunamagazine.com/Her book, Saint Of: https://amzn.to/4wnXFm1 (also available on her website)All books: https://www.lisamariebasile.com/saint-of MORE POETRY VESSEL:🙏 JOIN OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePoetryVessel📜 SUBMIT YOUR POETRY:https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/submit🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN COURSE (LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT):https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain👉 EVERYTHING ELSE:https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall📌 CHAPTERS:0:00:00 - Introduction: Drenching Poetry in Magic0:01:20 - Lisa Marie Basile: From Fiction to Poetry0:04:30 - Maximalism and Baroque Style in Modern Poetry0:07:30 - Influences: Anaïs Nin and Latin American Poetry0:09:50 - The Threshold: Spiritual Petitions in Verse0:12:40 - Poetry Reading: "Saint of Tenebrous Things"0:15:30 - Shadow Work: Using Darkness as Creative Fuel0:17:15 - Tarot and the Tower Archetype in Creative Writing0:19:40 - How to Practice Bibliomancy for Creative Inspiration0:24:20 - Language as Magic: Writing for Higher Consciousness0:30:50 - The Ritual of Reading Poetry Aloud0:33:15 - Poetry Reading: "Saint of Ecstasy"0:40:40 - Building a Poetry Collection: World-Making on the Page0:45:50 - Italian Folk Magic and Ancestral Traditions in Writing0:58:15 - Poetry Reading: "Saint of Reconstruction"1:03:00 - How to Write Occult and Esoteric Poetry1:12:30 - Creativity as an Act of DevotionPODCAST DISCLAIMER:The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.FTC DISCLAIMER:Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!