Welcome to Unexplained Extra, with me, Richard McLean, Smith.

For the weeks in between episodes, we look at the stories that for one reason or other

didn't make it into the show.

In last week's episode, the space is that linger.

We journeyed to the grounds of Boleskin House on the banks of Loch Ness in the highlands

of Scotland.

Although the house has long been the subject of dark intrigue, it is perhaps best known

for its association with author and occultist, Alistair Crowley.

The house had been selected by Crowley as the perfect place to conduct a magic ritual

known as the Abramellan operation.

The operation is in principle a spell to make contact with one's guardian angel.

And that also requires calling forth the demons known as the Twelve Kings of Hell.

The invocation required an ascetic concentration which was to last an obligatory six months.

Failure to adhere to the correct time frame could, some believed, leave a gateway open

for the demons to escape.

Crowley has thought to have begun the ritual in the Easter of 1900, but famously left

it incomplete.

Four years later, Crowley would finally make contact with his guardian angel.

It was an event that would change his life forever, and one that has established Crowley,

in legend, far beyond any of his peers.

After breaking off the ritual, Crowley spent some time in Paris with his friend Samuel

Mathes, only for their relationship to ultimately turn sour.

...