Episode 514: Jack Parsons Part III - Becky Does Babylon

Executive Brief

• TLDR: This episode delves into Jack Parsons' pursuit of magical practical results, his complex relationship with L. Ron Hubbard, and the initiation of the "Babylon Working" ritual.
• The Big Idea: The narrative explores the blurring lines between scientific inquiry, occult practices, and personal relationships as Parsons and Hubbard engage in elaborate rituals with significant personal and potentially societal implications.
• Takeaways for Listeners:
  • Understanding the historical context of occultism and its intersection with scientific pursuits in the mid-20th century.
  • Recognizing the psychological and relational dynamics at play within esoteric groups and charismatic figures.
  • Appreciating the subjective nature of "results" and belief in occult practices.

Semantic Navigation & Metadata

• Sentiment: Neutral
• Inferred Audience: Individuals interested in occult history, the lives of influential or controversial figures, and the intersection of science and mysticism.
• Top Topics & Categories: Occultism, Aleister Crowley, L. Ron Hubbard, Jack Parsons, Rocketry, Magic Rituals, Thelema, Scientology, Mysticism, Esotericism.
• Identified Speakers: Marcus Parks (Host), Henry Zebrowski (Host), Ed (Guest Speaker/Narrator - likely referring to Ed Foreman in context), Fernando (Technical support/Sound engineer)

Top 3 Distinct Quotes

"But while Parsons was a true believer who just wanted to make something happen, Hubbard was more cynical and looked at magic as just another resource to extract and use no matter the consequence. Put another way. Parsons used magic like you might use solar power. El Ron Hubbard used it more like fracking." — Marcus Parks

"He's the leemic person I have ever met and I have eaten my own cum and is in complete accord with our own principles." — Jack Parsons (quoted in the transcript)

"But the thing is that, you know, where he's taking off his glasses and he's rubbing the bridge of his nose. He's like, 'It's all real. It all works. Don't touch it.'" — Henry Zebrowski (describing Ed Foreman's reaction to magic)

Detailed Summary

This installment of the Jack Parsons series focuses on his transition from rocket science to a deep immersion in occult practices, particularly in collaboration with L. Ron Hubbard. Following his departure from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Parsons became increasingly fixated on achieving tangible results from magical rituals, diverging from Aleister Crowley's more theoretical approach. The narrative highlights the unconventional lifestyle at Parsons' home, the "parsonage," where individuals with varied backgrounds lived and engaged in esoteric pursuits.

A significant portion of the episode details the "Babylon Working," a complex ritual Parsons initiated to manifest a "Moonchild," intended to symbolize religious freedom and liberation. This involved elaborate ceremonies, the use of Enochian language, and a focus on generating personal energy, including masturbation and the use of bodily fluids. The episode underscores the contrasting approaches of Parsons, a genuine believer seeking tangible manifestations, and Hubbard, who appeared more opportunistic and exploitative of the practices for personal gain. The complex dynamics between Parsons, Hubbard, and Marjorie Cameron, who was introduced as an "elemental" and key figure in the working, are explored.

The latter part of the episode details the fallout from the Babylon Working, including Parsons' financial and emotional distress after Hubbard's manipulative actions and departure. Despite the apparent lack of immediate, clear results from the working, the episode emphasizes the profound impact these events had on Parsons' life, leading to his resignation from the OTO and a shift away from his scientific career. The narrative sets the stage for further exploration into Parsons' death and the enduring legacy of the figures involved.

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