John Ward on Ghost Hunting, Occultism, and Aleister Crowley - October 11, 2014

In this episode of *Where Did The Road Go?*, host Sarai welcomes back guest John Ward, an esoteric researcher and practitioner based in Egypt, to discuss his experiences with ghost hunting, ancient symbolism, and the legacy of Aleister Crowley. Ward recounts a chilling paranormal investigation at a historic English house where he used dowsing rods to detect subterranean structures beneath the cellar, later confirmed to be the remains of an old tavern. The investigation yielded clear EVPs, including a loud clap and a voice saying 'welcome' and his name, which were analyzed by professional ghost hunter Barry Fitzgerald as an electrical discharge. Ward reveals he had performed the ancient 'Bornless One' ritual before the investigation, a practice rooted in Egyptian mysticism, and discusses how humor and personal experience shape his approach to ritual work. He reflects on Crowley’s evolution from a superficial mimic to a profound mystic after his 1904 experience in Egypt, emphasizing that true understanding of ancient traditions requires direct, embodied experience—not just reading. Ward also critiques modern esotericism for becoming sterile and materialistic, advocating instead for a return to experiential wisdom. He shares his vision for a digital community hub, Intrepid Paradigm, to bridge scholarly and alternative communities through ongoing dialogue and shared research. The episode closes with Ward’s heartfelt thanks to his collaborators, Scotty Roberts and Rocky Stucci, and a preview of future discussions on modern esoteric graffiti in Egypt.