The occult has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue for many individuals, who seek to uncover the hidden knowledge and mysterious powers it holds. Among the vast array of occult literature available, three volumes stand out as key texts on the secrets of the occult. These three volumes delve into various aspects of the occult, exploring its history, practices, and philosophies. The first volume, **"The History of the Occult"**, provides a comprehensive overview of the origins of the occult and its evolution throughout the ages. It traces the roots of occult practices to ancient civilizations and delves into the development of occult societies and movements. By examining key figures and events, this volume offers a deep understanding of the foundations upon which the occult is built.
Michigan State’s Sparty is second-best college basketball mascot, survey says
Sparty is beloved by Michigan State fans. There’s no doubt about that.
Evidently, he’s also quite popular with the rest of America. Sparty, the muscular mascot of Michigan State athletics, was voted the second-best college basketball mascot, according to a survey conducted by the gambling website, Time2Play.
About 1,490 NCAA basketball fans across all 50 states were surveyed. They were asked to rate the 70 mascots from the schools whose men’s basketball programs have made the most NCAA tournament appearances. Respondents were 57% male and 43% female. The average age was 38.
Sparty ranked No. 2 with 3.64 stars, behind only the Oregon Duck at 3.86 stars. Jack the Bulldog (Georgetown), Ramses (North Carolina), Hook Em’ (Texas), Joe Bruin (UCLA), Albert Gator (Florida), Jonathan the Husky (UConn), Louie (Louisville) and Big Jay (Kansas) rounded out the Top 10.
Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger (3.01) was the only other Big Ten mascot to score over 3 out of 5. Iowa’s Herky the Hawk (2.90), Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye (2.76), Maryland’s Testudo (2.57), and Purdue Pete (2.46) wrap up the entries for the oldest Division 1 conference in the nation.
Michigan, which doesn’t have an official mascot, was not considered. Friar Dom of Providence was ranked as the worst college basketball mascot.
According to the MSU Alumni Association, the first Sparty mascot appeared in 1955. It features a papier-mâché Spartan head made by Theta Xi fraternity brothers Donald Pais, Kenneth Roberts and Don Bauer. The head was six feet tall and weighed more than 60 pounds.
A staple at MSU sporting events, the current version of Sparty, described as “an approachable, fierce yet kind, man for all seasons” that “reflects the university’s strength and character” was introduced in 1982.
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By examining key figures and events, this volume offers a deep understanding of the foundations upon which the occult is built. The second volume, **"Occult Practices and Rituals"**, delves into the practical side of the occult. It explores the various rituals and ceremonies undertaken by practitioners to tap into the hidden forces of the universe.
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Flushing grad reveals his secret identity as Michigan State’s “Sparty” mascot
EAST LANSING — Throughout his college tenure at Michigan State University, Jacob Rau led a double life: to his classmates and most of his friends, he was a physical therapy student working toward his degree.
But to a select few who knew his secret identity, he was the man behind MSU’s iconic mascot, Sparty.
Rau, a 2018 Flushing High School graduate, has portrayed Sparty since his freshman year at MSU—roaming the sidelines and bleachers at sporting events and bringing the school’s fearless yet lovable Spartan warrior character to life for fans.
Upon graduating from MSU this past weekend, Rau was finally allowed to reveal his role as Sparty. He also got to wear the boots from his Sparty costume to his graduation commencement—a ritual followed by many past Spartan mascots.
Per tradition, the role of Sparty is filled anonymously by students who keep their role a secret from their friends and fellow students for the duration of the assignment. Students who perform as the mascot are only allowed to disclose their identities upon graduation.
Jacob wearing the Sparty costume at an MSU football game. Photo provided
Rau, 23, said portraying Sparty has been a fun, fulfilling experience.
“Once I got to campus, I remember seeing in the dorm lobby that there was an advertisement for Sparty tryouts,” he said. “My sister said I should look into doing it. A couple weeks went by, and I decided to try out. It was a very cool opportunity and a great way to get involved more on campus.”
Rau performed as Sparty at more than 300 games and events throughout his college career. While Sparty is best known for pumping up school spirit at football and basketball games, most of Rau’s appearances as the mascot were outside the realm of athletics, including weddings, parades, fundraisers, tailgates, corporate events and alumni relations activities.
However, performing as Sparty wasn’t all fun and games for Rau, as it did require a great deal of physical exertion—and sweating—on his part. According to the
Michigan State alumni website, the buff and muscular Sparty stands about six feet tall with a 10XL helmet size and size 22 boots.
“With the costume, you’re carrying around an extra 40 pounds, and that’s just not something you’re used to walking around with,” Rau said. “It’s a learning curve.”
Rau said he worked hard to develop Sparty’s character and spark interaction with crowds.
“Sparty has his own personality, but everyone that portrays him has a different take and brings their own flavor,” he said. “Some of the people I used to work with would stay on the court or field and dance the whole time. That wasn’t me. During timeouts of a basketball game, I would go out and shoot up ‘air’ three-pointers and free throws and go up in the stands to mess with somebody.”
When he wasn’t running around in his costume, Rau was busy studying kinesiology with a concentration in athletic training and rehabilitation. Now that he’s received his degree, Rau said he’ll be pursuing a postgraduate program at either Western Michigan University or the University of Michigan.
At Flushing High School, Rau was a multisport athlete in football, baseball and track and field and served as the student council president. Rau didn’t portray Flushing’s Raider bird mascot when he was a student, but his older brother Justin proudly took on the role in 2015/2016.
Although his time as Sparty has come to an end, Rau said he’ll always treasure the experience.
“It’s the best part of your day because people get excited to see you,” he said. “All the fan interactions are awesome. People start dancing with you, or they’ll want pictures. It gives everybody, especially kids, something special to remember.”
To be a Sparty
In 1992, Larry Lage saw a unique job listing in a student newspaper. Then a college sophomore at Michigan State University, he met the listing’s sole hard-and-fast requirement of being a current student between the height of 5’10" and 6’2".
Lage decided to apply…
It’s one of the most exclusive and secretive clubs in the state. One of the hardest positions to attain. One of the most beloved sports mascots in America.
“I’d be a great Sparty,” Lage told his friends, who encouraged him to try out for the gig.
On the day of the audition, Lage considered bailing after waking up groggy from an epic collegiate-level afternoon nap. But his friends persuaded him to push on and endure.
“This isn’t about you!” said Lage’s buddy. “This is about all of us.”
“I had three minutes to do anything I wanted in the costume for a panel of judges,” said Lage. For his routine he chose a refined number he had polished years earlier for a high school talent competition.
“And so I did my beginning routine to Beastie Boys’ ‘Brass Monkey.’”
Lage brought that funky monkey energy to his performance, and made the first brutal cut from 25 aspiring Spartys to six finalists. After an interview with the panel of Sparty alums and alumni association reps, he became one of two Spartys selected for the year.
And he, as with all active Spartys, was sworn to secrecy.
Larry Lage Larry Lage as SpartyHe was sent away to mascot camp in Wisconsin, communing with other mascot greats such as Brutus the Buckeye, learning the ways of the mascot.
“They would teach that you have to over-exaggerate all of your movements to be as big as possible because you’re in this costume,” said Lage.
The Sparty costume consists of a big head, as with most school mascot costumes. But Lage said that’s where the similarities end. Most mascots essentially wear “pajamas” on their bodies. Meanwhile, Sparty straps on large boots, muscle-bound legs, a Spartan skirt and chest plate, muscle-y arms to match the girth of the legs, gloves and wrist cuffs. Then the Disney-esque head with a massive helmet.
Like Voltron, the pieces assemble as if to lead the universe of mascots.
When Lage donned the plushy muscles and hard chest plate of Sparty, he knew he wasn’t entering Spartan Stadium as a spectator.
“When you're Sparty, you're working, you know. You're there to entertain the crowd. You're not there to watch the game,” said Lage. “And you can't see well.”
Part of Sparty’s job is to go to pep rallies, parades, and other university events that mean interacting with the fans.
“Adults by and large. love Sparty,” said Lage. As for kids? “It’s either wonder and awe, or they’re freaked out.”
Laura Weber-Davis Indoctrinating child to Sparty's loreNow, Lage is part of a special alumni group; those who were Sparty. There are 66 members of a former-Sparty Facebook page; he meets up with other Spartys for a reunion every five years; and he’s happy to say there have been a few women Spartys beneath the big chin along the way.
Today, Larry Lage is a sports reporter with the Associated Press, and he occasionally faces doubts that he can be an objective journalist during Michigan State games. But he insists he doesn’t care who wins MSU games.
“I root for my [adolescent] son’s teams. When I watch my daughter dance, I cry. When I go cover a game [for work] I do not care who wins,” he said.
But he does care how Sparty performs.
“I want Sparty to represent well.”
You can listen to Lage’s interview with Stateside above to hear more about the mascot experience. This interview was conducted by Laura Weber-Davis, who, as a Michigan State alum, is completely incapable of being objective about Sparty.
At Michigan State, Students Protect Their Mascot From Mischievous Rivals
Legend has it that some University of Michigan fans defaced the statue sometime in the 1960s, and that led to members of the Michigan State University band and other students, sitting vigil. Alec Gerstenberger/WKAR hide caption
toggle caption Alec Gerstenberger/WKARLegend has it that some University of Michigan fans defaced the statue sometime in the 1960s, and that led to members of the Michigan State University band and other students, sitting vigil.
Members of the Michigan State University marching band are braving below freezing temperatures to take part in "Sparty Watch" — a more than 50-year-old protection scheme devised to fend off attacks on MSU's beloved mascot, The Spartan, in advance of their rivalry football game on Saturday.
It's 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and 22 degrees. Twenty members of the MSU marching band and color guard are huddled outside in the snow flanking the 9-foot bronze statue.
Education
From divination techniques to spellcasting, this volume offers a hands-on approach to the occult, providing detailed instructions and explanations for practitioners seeking to harness its powers. Lastly, the third volume, **"The Philosophy of the Occult"**, focuses on the underlying beliefs and principles that shape the occult. It delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the occult, exploring concepts such as karma, reincarnation, and the nature of reality. This volume seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the occult as a holistic system of beliefs and practices, highlighting its potential for personal growth and enlightenment. These three volumes together form a comprehensive guide to the secrets of the occult, offering a well-rounded exploration of its history, practices, and philosophies. Whether one is a novice seeking to delve into the occult or an experienced practitioner looking to expand their knowledge, these volumes serve as valuable resources for those seeking to unlock the mysteries of the occult..
Reviews for "Beyond the Veil: Journeying into the Mysterious Realm of the Occult"
1. Sara - 1 star:
I was highly disappointed with "Three volumes on the secrets of the occult". The book made grand promises of revealing hidden knowledge but fell short miserably. The information presented was shallow and lacked depth, making it feel like a beginner's guide rather than an in-depth exploration of the subject. The writing style was dry and unengaging, failing to captivate my interest. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking genuine insights into the occult.
2. John - 2 stars:
I had high hopes for "Three volumes on the secrets of the occult" but was ultimately let down. The content seemed scattered, lacking a cohesive structure that would have made it more approachable. Additionally, the information provided felt more like a collection of random facts rather than a comprehensive understanding of the occult. The author seemed to assume prior knowledge on the subject, leaving beginners like me confused and frustrated. Overall, I found the book to be disjointed and lacking in substance.
3. Emma - 1 star:
Unfortunately, "Three volumes on the secrets of the occult" failed to meet my expectations. The writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard to grasp the concepts being presented. Furthermore, the author seemed to rely heavily on personal anecdotes rather than presenting well-researched information. This made the book feel more like a self-indulgent rambling rather than an informative piece. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a serious exploration of the occult.
4. Michael - 2 stars:
I found "Three volumes on the secrets of the occult" to be lacking in both depth and accuracy. The author appeared to cherry-pick information, presenting a biased view of the subject matter. This made it difficult to trust the content of the book and left me questioning the validity of the information provided. Additionally, the writing style was repetitive, adding to the sense of disorganization within the book. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for those interested in the occult.