This podcast episode features an interview with Bill Schnoebelen, who recounts his extensive and deep involvement in various occult and esoteric groups. His journey began in his youth with an introduction to occult studies by a Catholic priest, leading him to witchcraft (Alexandrian tradition) and eventually becoming a witch high priest. He then progressed into Satanism, including a period where he formally sold his soul to the devil, and simultaneously became a high-level Freemason, achieving the 33rd degree and engaging with higher European rites like Memphis-Mizraim, where he learned of disturbing hidden "secrets." Schnoebelen also details his time in the Mormon Church, where he became an Elder, experienced their temple rituals, and noted strong similarities to Masonic practices, alleging Luciferian underpinnings confirmed by a Mormon Apostle. The narrative culminates in his conversion to Christianity after encountering the Gospel, leading him to renounce all past affiliations. He now speaks out against what he perceives as the inherent deceptions and spiritual dangers within these organizations, particularly Freemasonry and Mormonism, linking them to Luciferian worship and detailing the spiritual and personal repercussions he faced for exposing them.
Bill Schnoebelen's Journey Through the Occult, Freemasonry, Mormonism, and to Christianity
0:01:17 Early Occult Introduction: As a young man aspiring to be a priest, Bill Schnoebelen was told by a theology priest that Christ studied occult practices in the East to perform miracles, and advised him to study the occult.
0:03:09 Initiation into Witchcraft: Around 1968-69, after reading Sybil Leek's "Diary of a Witch" and contacting Alex Sanders, he was initiated into an Alexandrian coven and later became a witch high priest.
0:05:52 Nature of Alexandrian Witchcraft: He describes his witchcraft as "white," involving belief in a moon goddess and a horned god, ceremonial magic, and some sex magic, but not devil worship initially.
0:07:22 Druidism and Satanic Influences: Schnoebelen met Eli, the Grand Master Druid of North America, and became a Druid high priest. He was also introduced to Anton LaVey's "Satanic Bible" by an occult bookstore owner.
0:09:31 Grand Druid's Advice: Eli, a 33rd-degree Mason, advised him to join Freemasonry to understand "Luciferian energy" and to join the Mormon Church if in spiritual trouble, claiming it was started by witches for witches.
0:10:35 Deep Dive into Satanism and Freemasonry: He became a Master Mason while also being a practicing Satanist (reaching Warlock, 2nd degree in Church of Satan) and witch. He got involved in more hardcore Satanic groups and eventually sold his soul to the devil.
0:13:52 Masonic Initiation Rituals: He describes the Entered Apprentice Masonic initiation, including being blindfolded, having a cable-tow (rope) around his neck, and taking a blood-curdling oath to keep secrets under penalty of gruesome death, before being "brought to light."
0:18:09 Freemasonry as an Anti-Christ Religion: Schnoebelen argues that Masonry is a religion, despite its claims, and an anti-Christ one. He cites Masonic scholars like Albert Pike, Albert Mackey, and Arthur Edward Waite, and occultist Manly P. Hall, who linked Masonry to Lucifer.
0:24:03 Dark Undercurrents in Masonry: He warns of a dark, sexualized energy within Masonry that can lead members into perversion and negatively impact their families. He also mentions the Order of the Eastern Star (women's Masonry) using a pentagram.
0:25:53 Masonic Degrees Explained: He outlines the structure: Blue Lodge (3 degrees), then a choice of York Rite (7 degrees, Knights Templar at the top) or Scottish Rite (29 degrees, leading to 32nd, with an honorary 33rd).
0:30:24 Higher European Rites and the "Royal Secret": He became involved in the Rite of Memphis-Mizraim (up to the 97th degree) and claims the "Royal Secret" known to very few Masons is the ability to "live forever by sexually vampirizing children."
0:35:02 Selling His Soul: In a park in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, with a Satanic group, he formally sold his soul to Satan for seven years of power and pleasure, signing his name in blood in a black book.
0:38:10 Life Deteriorates Despite Pact: His life remained difficult. A pivotal moment came when a bank clerk wrote "I'll be praying for you in Jesus name" on a returned check to the Church of Satan, followed by a rapid decline: loss of occult power, job, and health.
0:40:07 Introduction to Mormonism: Teenage Satanist girls gave him Chick comic tracts about the dangers of the occult. Soon after, Mormon missionaries visited, reminding him of the Druid's advice, and he joined the Mormon Church in 1980.
0:43:04 Mormon Hierarchy and Temple Revelations: He became a Mormon Elder and an Elders Quorum President. After performing specific rituals in the Salt Lake Temple, he met with an Apostle (James Faust) who allegedly confirmed Schnoebelen's dream about Luciferian activities within the temple.
0:49:30 Masonic Similarities in Mormon Temple Rituals: He details strong resemblances between Masonic and Mormon temple rituals, including handshakes, signs, oaths, the Five Points of Fellowship, and the "secret name" given in the Celestial Room, which he claims is a Satanic incantation.
0:56:13 Doubts About Mormonism: His faith in Mormonism waned as he observed its lack of spiritual power to genuinely help people (e.g., a man unable to quit smoking despite numerous priesthood blessings).
0:59:55 Encountering the Gospel: He attended a Protestant prophecy seminar intending to convert attendees to Mormonism. However, the evangelist's message on salvation by grace through faith (Acts 16:31) profoundly impacted him.
1:03:01 Conversion to Christianity: Remembering the Chick tracts, he prayed the sinner's prayer at home in 1984 and was born again. This conversion nullified his seven-year pact with Satan.
1:03:42 Deliverance and Renunciation: He underwent deliverance ministry and formally renounced all his past occult, Masonic, and Mormon oaths and vows.
1:06:00 Repercussions and Final Break with Masonry: After his conversion, he faced attempts on his life for speaking out. An experience in a Masonic lodge where he felt an oppressive evil led him to study Ezekiel 8, which he interpreted as an indictment of Masonic sun worship (facing East). He then formally resigned from Freemasonry.
Witches/Satanists: They are tapping into the devil's power, regardless of belief in a literal devil. Rejecting Jesus has eternal consequences.
Masons: They are attempting to serve two masters (Christ and Masonry/Baal). Masonry is spiritually draining and will lead them away from Christ. They need to get out.
Mormons: They worship a false god and a false Jesus, following a false plan of salvation. He claims Mormonism is darker than Masonry and its top leaders are devil worshippers. They need to leave, find a true Christian church, renounce their vows, and be baptized.
1:15:17 Final Admonition: Trust in Yeshua (Jesus Christ), not in Joseph Smith, Hiram Abiff (the Masonic "Christ-figure"), or Satan.