Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Jack Parsons' life was almost defined by the phenomenon of mysterious coincidence." — Ben
"If you wanted to kill Jack Parsons, wait a day until he's in Mexico. You do it quickly and quietly. You also could have just shot him in the head." — Marcus
"His significance does not lie in the extent to which we resemble others or in the extent to which we differ from them. It lies within our ability to be ourselves." — Jack Parsons (from his tract "Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword")
The final installment of the Jack Parsons series delves into his life after L. Ron Hubbard's departure with Parsons' life savings and partner. Parsons, though financially and emotionally impacted, continued his scientific work at North American Aviation while also pursuing Bohemian magical practices with Marjorie Cameron. The episode details their unconventional relationship, Cameron's artistic expressions, and Parsons' deep involvement in occult rituals like the "Babylon Working." Parsons' life became increasingly complicated by the Red Scare, his libertarian leanings, and FBI investigations due to his involvement in defense projects and alleged communist ties, despite his libertarian stance.
Parsons faced significant setbacks, including losing his security clearance and job, which led to him taking menial jobs like pumping gas. His personal life also fractured with Marjorie leaving him for an artist colony, though she later returned. He attempted to clear his name and return to defense work but was hampered by his unconventional nature and an espionage-related incident involving the American Technion Society. This led to his permanent revocation of security clearance. He eventually founded his own explosives and special effects company, "Parsons Chemical Manufacturing Company," supplying Hollywood.
The episode culminates with the circumstances surrounding Parsons' death in a catastrophic explosion in his laundry room on February 17, 1959, while fulfilling a rush order for explosives. The explosion destroyed his home, and he was found critically injured, later dying at the hospital. The exact cause remains debated, with the official explanation pointing to an accidental detonation of volatile chemicals due to inadequate equipment and a rush job. However, conspiracy theories persist, suggesting assassination by the government, Howard Hughes, or even a magical ritual gone awry, like summoning a fire demon or creating a homunculus. Marjorie Cameron's reaction to his death, her disposal of his remaining weed, and her subsequent life, including her own mystical pursuits and acting career, are also discussed. The episode concludes by reflecting on Parsons' legacy as a pioneer in rocketry and a significant, albeit unconventional, figure in modern ritual magic.