14. Geeking Out and it isn't Pop Culture

Being a geek isn't exclusively associated with pop culture. Geekiness is about your level of passion for a specific subject matter. The Trekkie with their room full of cosplays and collectibles is no different than the dude with a sports memorabilia filled 'man cave.' Just watch a game. The guys wearing uniforms and/or painting themselves up in team colors are exactly the same as your local Sailor Moon cosplayer. Personally, I have a couple things I really geek out about that aren't pop culture. No, it isn't marijuana leaf macrame or armpit hair braiding. Sorry to disappoint.
I love history. Look at that beautiful flying phallus from Pompeii. He just wants to give you prosperity and good luck. I have shelves full of history books where the books are stacked multiple deep. Crammed in nooks and crannies on those shelves are recreations of historical artifacts and actual ancient coins. I got my first Egyptology book written for adults when I was in the fourth grade. When other kids were worried about the mall and their hairspray stockpile (this was the 80s), I was trying to teach myself hieroglyphics and wondering what the Roman gods were like before they started hijacking the Greek ones. I'm still teaching myself hieroglyphics. It's a never ending journey, as the scholars figure out more each year.
My other geeky obsession is tangentially related to the first. I have been studying the occult, esoteric, and the Western Mystery traditions almost as long as I have been history. My first New Age book was given to me in the 5th grade. I never really picked up on the New Age much, but it did lead me into stuff like Eliphas Levi and 'The Divine Pymander.' Reading this stuff in school made me real popular in a highly religious and conservative state. Like my love of history, this has generated shelves of books and knickknacks. I also have crates full of ritual supplies, amulets, and garb. I've learned how to read tarot, runes, pendulums, oracle cards, and even palms. I'd like to learn the i-ching.
I went to college for Anthropology and History. I specialized in the evolution and development of religion, especially out of the Middle East. The classes were great, but I couldn't make a career of it. Unfortunately, I don't thrive in the cut throat world of academia. So, after school, I slunk off to be an amateur historian/theologian/occultist and work in data analytics. Get me on those subjects though and I'll talk your ear off. I'm telling you guys about these interests since they will make appearances in the blog. I do research on my own and sometimes want to share the reams of data I have on obscure ancient history and how it ties into modern ritual Magick or neo-paganism. Welcome to the fact the I'm not just a geek. I am legit, a nerd.

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