“Why We Need Ethical Cults”
Jamie Wheal argues for the “ethical cult” as distinct from “traditional cults” such as institutionalized religions and “culty cults” a la the Peoples Temple, Nxivm, et al. More detail on the same theme here:
Cultpunk
“Ruby Takes a Trip” (documentary, 1991)
I recorded this unusual and imaginative documentary on VHS tape back when it first screened, and re-watched it several times. During the first two-thirds, comedienne and presenter Ruby Wax lampoons various California New Age therapies and ostensibly mystical practices (or at least provides color commentary as they lampoon themselves) and it’s fun and funny to … Read more“Ruby Takes a Trip” (documentary, 1991)
Behind the scenes of the “Parable of the Sower” opera
The creators of the Parable of the Sower – a modern opera inspired by Octavia Butler’s prophetic 1992 work of dystopian fiction – describe the urgent relevance of their story in a time of climate crisis and social malaise: In this genre-defying work of concert performance featuring a powerhouse ensemble of 20 singers and musicians, … Read moreBehind the scenes of the “Parable of the Sower” opera
Grimes – “New Gods”
Grimes‘ music video for her 2020 album Miss Anthropocene imagines new gods for a new world: Miss Anthropocene is an art project by Grimes in which a new pantheon of modern Gods exist as humanoid versions of the concepts that dominate our lives, such as Climate Change, plastic, biological warfare, social media, etc. In the … Read moreGrimes – “New Gods”
OSHUN – “Blessings on Blessings”
More on the music of Oshun: OSHUN is a sonic manifestation of Afrofuturism, creating music ranging from Hip-Hop / Soul to Spiritual. Combining digital and acoustic sounds, heavy drums and bass, and ambient harmonic textures, OSHUN has amassed a following of over a million people across social media, streaming platforms and international touring. Their supporters span across … Read moreOSHUN – “Blessings on Blessings”
“Promised Land: Religious Ideology and Solarpunk Science Fiction”
Rob Cameron writes for The New Modality on the potentials of re-enchanting the optimistic Solarpunk and Afrofuturist genres: There is no greater or more fundamental technology than culture. It, and the ark of ideologies that arise from it, are more than just peer pressure from dead people. Culture is software. And more often than not, that includes … Read more“Promised Land: Religious Ideology and Solarpunk Science Fiction”
“How to Become a Cult Leader” (documentary, 2023)
In my quite deeply considered opinion, I’d make a terrible cult leader. I doubt that this upcoming Netflix documentary will change my mind, but I’m looking forward to it anyway. The culty cult story runs like classic Scooby Doo; you know exactly what’s going to happen, but it can be fun checking out the little … Read more“How to Become a Cult Leader” (documentary, 2023)
“The Bacchae” (1991)
Elizabeth Hand’s short story The Bacchae takes place in a near-future world of sky-shields and mutant fish, awakening to dark-red, cultic magics: A shadow sped across the ground. For an instant it blotted out the sun and Gordon looked up, startled. He had an impression of something immense, immense and dark and moving very quickly … Read more“The Bacchae” (1991)
“Houses Under the Sea” (2003)
Caitlin R. Kiernan’s short dark fantasy story Houses Under the Sea introduces the charismatic academic-turned-Lovecraftian-cult-leader Jacova Angevine: When I close my eyes, I see Jacova Angevine. I close my eyes, and there she is, standing alone at the end of the breakwater, standing with the foghorn as the choppy sea shatters itself to foam against … Read more“Houses Under the Sea” (2003)