Around the Circle, Meet your hosts, Loni & Mustafa al-Laylah
About
Our Story
Long before knowledge was written into books, it was shared through stories. People gathered around fires, beneath open skies, in temples, homes, and sacred spaces to exchange ideas, preserve traditions, and ask the questions that shaped generations. Those conversations were more than lessons—they were opportunities to listen, challenge assumptions, and discover wisdom together.
Chats in the Circle was born from that same spirit. We come from different backgrounds and experiences, but we share a deep respect for history, spirituality, and the traditions that have influenced humanity across time. Rather than offering a single paerspective or claiming to have all the answers, we invite thoughtful exploration through conversation, research, and curiosity.
Whether we're discussing mythology, folklore, Buddhism, Western esoteric traditions, ancient civilizations, symbolism, or modern spiritual practice, our hope is to create a place where everyone feels welcome to listen, learn, question, and grow.
Together, Loni and Mustafa al-Laylah believe that every meaningful conversation begins with curiosity—and that wisdom grows when it is shared.
Loni Kindel
Loni Kindel is a lifelong student of spirituality, history, and the enduring wisdom found across cultures and traditions. A student of **Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche**, she actively practices Buddhism with a focus on compassion, mindfulness, and personal growth.
From an early age, Loni experienced intuitive abilities that inspired a lifelong exploration of spirituality and the mysteries of human experience. Those experiences led her to study ancient texts, mythology, folklore, symbolism, and a wide range of spiritual traditions in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the wisdom they offer.
Her passion lies in exploring how ancient teachings remain relevant in today's world and creating meaningful conversations that encourage curiosity, understanding, and connection. Through *Chats in the Circle*, Loni hopes to provide a welcoming space where listeners can explore history, spirituality, and timeless questions with open minds and open hearts.
Mustafa al-Laylah
Mustafa al-Laylah is a Consecrated Gnostic and Apostolic Bishop in the lineage of Tau Michael Bertiaux, Tau Allen H. Greenfield, and Tau Joel Duez, and has served in this role since 2021. A member of the Moorish Orthodox Church (MOC) since 1996, Mustafa has played a significant role in the church's development and expansion. He co-founded the Khalwat-i-Khidr Lodge in Dallas and the Sabian Order of the MOC Adept Chamber, an initiatory body dedicated to exploring the role of pagan thought within the Gnostic tradition. He also founded the Bushaq al-Hallaj Memorial Temple and continues to support the growth of the MOC internationally by issuing charters for new lodges and preparing official ecclesiastical documents.
Since joining Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) in 1993, Mustafa has served in numerous local, regional, and national leadership roles. He is a member of the Senate of the United States Grand Lodge and has held offices including treasurer, education committee chair, local body master, member of the Committee of Four, and Most Wise Sovereign of Baphomet Chapter Rose+Croix. A professional graphic designer, Mustafa has contributed to numerous O.T.O. publications and initiatives, including the United States Grand Lodge website and the complete visual identity for the 10th North American O.T.O. Conference. Mustafa has also been a member of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.) since 1997 and has served as an ordained priest since 2010.