Rendering Unconscious episode 358.
This episode is a special collaboration between Rendering Unconscious and The Fenris Wolf podcast!
This conversation between Carl Abrahamsson and Vanessa Sinclair reveals a rich dialogue between two collaborators deeply engaged in exploring the intersections of occult culture, psychoanalysis, and contemporary society. Carl discusses his long-running project, The Fenris Wolf, which he has been publishing since 1989 as a journal dedicated to what he terms "occulture" - the fascinating intersection where occult practices meet and influence mainstream culture. Now in its 12th issue with a 13th forthcoming, the project has evolved to include a Substack newsletter that provides more frequent content including book reviews, current affairs, and recorded teachings. Carl emphasizes how underground cultural movements gradually permeate and transform mainstream society, a process he has witnessed and participated in for over three decades.
Looking ahead, Carl has two significant classes planned through Morbid Anatomy. His "Legacy of Horror" course, beginning August 24, represents his most ambitious teaching project yet, tracing horror culture from its primordial origins through religious and mythological traditions to contemporary social media. He argues that horror serves essential psychological functions, acting as a cultural processing mechanism for trauma and anxiety while satisfying our survival instincts.
In November, he will revisit his popular "Into the Devil's Den and Back" class about Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan, drawing on his personal friendship with LaVey and his documentary work to contextualize LaVey's significant cultural impact.
Vanessa has launched the Rendering Unconscious Center for Psychoanalysis, creating an open, non-academic space for exploring psychoanalytic theory and practice. Her flagship offering is a comprehensive 12-month introduction to psychoanalysis course beginning September 13, which will trace the field's development from Freud's early neurological work through contemporary queer and feminist psychoanalytic theory. She emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces that welcome diverse theoretical orientations, contrasting this with the insularity she experienced in traditional psychoanalytic institutes. Central to Vanessa's current work is "The Queerness of Psychoanalysis," a groundbreaking book she co-edited that features contributions almost exclusively from trans and queer authors. This represents an unprecedented shift in psychoanalytic discourse, challenging traditional theories and practices while offering new perspectives on gender, sexuality, and identity. The book's revolutionary nature reflects broader cultural changes and the need for psychoanalysis to evolve beyond its historically conservative positions.
Both speakers will participate in the Occulture conference in Berlin from October 23-26, where Carl will present his magical memoir "Meetings with Remarkable Magicians" alongside his forthcoming "Introduction to Occulture," while Vanessa will explore the psychoanalytic influences in Anton LaVey's work. Their conversation reveals shared interests in figures like Freud and LaVey, whom they see as pioneers who challenged people to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and society. Throughout their discussion, themes of cultural transformation, psychological insight, and the importance of examining repressed or shadow aspects of human experience emerge repeatedly. Both emphasize creating accessible, supportive communities for exploring these complex topics, moving away from academic elitism toward more inclusive and practically applicable approaches to understanding consciousness, culture, and human behavior.
Follow AN ART APART Substack here.
Both Carl and Vanessa are available for one-on-one consultations.
Contact Carl for a free 15 minute consultation about Source Magic Mentorship.
Contact Vanessa for a consultation if you’re interested in pursuing psychoanalytic treatment online.
Share this post