Thoth-Hermes Podcast

Dear Listeners, welcome to Season 1 Episode 4 of Panosophers' Podcast.  May we express our gratitude for your ongoing support and attention to this venture.    This week, we have the company of Mark Stavish.  Mark is the founder and director of The Institute for Hermetic Studies (IHS).  Mark holds degrees in Theology, Communications and Counseling.  He is a prolific author of depth titles on Mystery subjects, centered on Western Kabbalistic knowledge.  Mark is a longtime friend of our sibling podcast, Thoth-Hermes, and a trove of additional prior conversations may be found there.  The overarching theme of the next two hours centers on: “what can you handle?”  It is plainspoken and direct, while brotherly and benevolent.   We encourage you to listen with ears open to hear.  Mark and Rudolf dive in with the starting context for the IHS: 1990s, East-Coast America.  A time of in-person groups, Gnosis Magazine, and the grit of self-publishing material perhaps too deep for the balance sheets of popular booksellers.  Mark shares stark realities of rejection and adaptation for the sake of creating inheritance to future Seekers- rather than status or income streams.   With his characteristic energy, Mark challenges listeners throughout the dialogue.  He names the essential need for Initiates to handle stark reality, including worldviews not their own, beyond personal identity and ideology.  In doing so, he identifies the need to produce a life-giving vision of the future, least populations be drawn into that which appears to be but is not.  As Mark states, this has little to do with who one wants to see elected US President in “the next election”.  It is this call to Depth that sees Mark and Rudolf explore essential questions: What is ‘tradition' and why is it a responsibility? What is ‘initiation' and the mindset of a true Initiate? How does ‘virtue' relate to potency? Mark issues the Saturnian challenge to grow past “Tik-Tok clutter” and “podcasting, publishing, and product” marketplace of Occultism.  He names the Aquarian postwar Esoteric awakening as a response to mass trauma, “most vibrant when truly counter-cultural” and small-group relational.  Along the way, even the esoteric Christ is alluded to warmly.  Turning to ethics around public divination of societal energies, Rudolf and Mark note the need for maturity in any Initiate claiming to do this.  The qualifications include a true education in all of politics, history and economics- imbuing a nuance which returns to Tradition.   May this bring a cornucopia of fruit for all of us.  Music played in this episode Find out everything about our musical guest today, KARL YOUNG, and about the Shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute, on his own website. Click here All tracks are from his CD "Lost in the Wood" 1) FOREST FLOWER (Track starts at 5:52) 2) YAMAGOE (Track starts at 53:34) 3) MURASAKI MURAIKI (Track starts at 1:39:12) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Pansophers Podcast by Chris Roberts

ACESS VIDEO VERSION BELOW, PURE AUDIO ABOVE Welcome to Season 11 Episode 4 of Thoth-Hermes Podcast…. Though with our guest in this dialogue, who can be quite sure of linear time?  Rudolf and Karin are in conversation with author Dr. Eric Wargo. Academically an anthropologist, Eric has extended his spirit of scientific enquiry through Hermeticism, Alchemy, and into the contemporary “paranormal” discourse at large.  Most specifically, he has taken on depth exploration of time: time loops, retrocausation, and precognition.  This branch of study began for Eric in 2009, after having a UFO/UAP Experience.  This anomalous experience created his initiation into the branch of modern scientists fully versed in scientific method yet fully aware of the mountain of Spooky anecdotal evidence of More.  Law of Large Numbers? Yes, acknowledged: and gently set aside.  Materialist explanation?  A precise language with descriptive validity and profound explanatory limitations.  Experience and initiation- their distinction, and coexistence- are honored throughout this conversation. Eric encountered break-out success with his 2018t book “Time Loops” (which Karin is on record as “passing out almost like Gospel” and scribe Emily keeps in her inner temple box of books).  He has also written on Precognitive Dreaming (2021).  In his current release, “From Nowhere”, he applies these insights to creativity.  Eric notes the role of skilled stress states, flow states, altered states, and creative states in the enhanced experience of precognition.  He also invites a cultural shift towards the upfront naming of retrocausation; moving past Cartesian duality; and  transcending the labyrinth closures found with all of free will, predestination, and Many Worlds theory. In the expanse of unknown, this interview spans a variety of lenses on time and anomaly.  We hear a definition of “retrocausation” that includes both the science of the subatomic level and the co-existing validity of intuitive experience.  The occult Higher Self as perhaps the Long Self which Eric articulates in relation to precognitive dreaming.  The notion of “flipping Freud” and symbolic precognitive insight as the method the Long Self can use to address our agency.  The challenges of True Will, Free Will, and dynamic interaction with choice.  Eric suggests that our “intentions” may frequently be misrecognized precognitions.  If this sounds like one wild moebius strip of a conversation: it is!  And highly enjoyable.  After you listen, carry receptivity for unfolding Wonder in your life events. Eric Wargo has a PhD in anthropology from Emory University and works as a science writer and editor in Washington, DC. He is the author of three books on precognition: From Nowhere, Precognitive Dreamwork and the Long Self, and the acclaimed Time Loops. In his spare time, he writes about science fiction, consciousness, and the paranormal at his popular blog, The Nightshirt. Click here to access Eric's blog! Music played in this episode The music for this episode is very special indeed. As we have been talking about AI and the occult in Episode 1, I thought it is time here that AI proves us its artistic capacities! So I looked up music composed and performed by AI! And I bring to you three very different examples of such music, created by AIVA (short for Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) Find out more about it by clicking here! To add even more AI, the images those of you who are watching the video version of this episode will see,

Greetings and welcome to Episode 3 of Panosopher's Podcast.   In this conversation, Rudolf meets with Australian Freemason Travis Trinca.  This autumn, Travis released “The Temple and the Vault” (Lewis Masonic Publishing); a dedicated cross-tradition study of landscape and ritual in the search for Truth.  Gentle yet candid, our author shares his personal initiatory journey- starting out in an a-religious family home, an extended journey with Rosicrucianism, and then entering into Freemasonry after the birth of his son. In non-Temple life, Travis holds an MBA and the accomplishments of adulthood. Within the Temple, he celebrates an ever-unfolding journey to spiritual maturity.  Travis and Rudolf explore the landscape of mythic truth, Romanticism, and the interface of historic legend in our current time.  They look at the implications of 20th Century “research” focused regard of historical figures, versus a past tolerance for thematic embellishment.  Do mythic landscapes and ritual translate effectively over centuries?  To what extent is it the responsibility of an Order to adapt and re-present the themes of the original analogies?  To what extend is this the responsibility of the individual truth-seeking Initiate?  What are our capacities? In their collective cornucopia of knowledge, Travis and Rudolf enthusiastically speak not only about Freemasonry, but also the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC); The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; and the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA).  Unity is found in diversity, and the interface between text, tradition, and Truth-seeking.  May this conversation prompt Meaning in all listeners.  Music played in this episode Ritualistic music exists in different forms and from all cultures of the world - initation and music have always been linked.  In this episode, we play derivates of such music. 1) GAMELAN MUSIC FROM INDONESIA (Track starts at 4:38) 2) CLAUDE DEBUSSY - PAGODES from Estampesperformed by Claudio Arrau (Track starts at 51:28) 3) DAVID SKIDMORE - RITUAL MUSIC - for 4 percussionists (Track starts at 1:29:33) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Pansophers Podcast by Chris Roberts

For those devoted to the Rosicrucian tradition, Christopher McIntosh needs no introduction. In this conversation, Rudolf brings us closer to the man behind the foundational works that have shaped our understanding of Rosicrucianism. His books—The Rosicrucians, The Rose Cross and the Age of Reason, and his recent Rosicrucian Trilogy containing new translations of the original three Manifestos—stand as indispensable guides through the movement's rich history and symbolic mysteries. McIntosh, a widely respected speaker on Rosicrucianism's historical context, now opens a more personal window into the motivations and philosophies that drive his work, demonstrating how his passion for these mysteries can continue to inspire seekers today. In perfect timing with Pansopher's recent relaunch, McIntosh unveils a deeply personal narrative that intertwines with the cultural and spiritual backdrop of Germany—expanding his focus to explore the often-overlooked roots of the German occult tradition. In his latest book, Occult Germany, he draws on three decades of personal experience living in Germany to reveal the subtle influences and hidden currents that have helped shaped modern occultism. In this conversation, McIntosh offers his perspective on how these forces have worked behind the scenes, nurturing the esoteric landscape in ways that are both illuminating and unexpected. Exploring Germany's rich contributions to alchemy, theosophy, and Rosicrucianism, McIntosh brings us even deeper, turning to the often-overlooked realms of German folk and pagan traditions. This area, rarely discussed in esoteric circles—especially given the cultural aftermath of WWII—emerges here as a key influence on modern occultism. McIntosh unpacks the enduring legacy of German Romanticism, Wagner's mythic visions, the Grail legends, and figures like Gustav Meyrink, all of whom contribute to the rich and largely untold story of Germany's spiritual heritage. Music played in this episode In context with the content of our talk, the music for this episode is German - but from VERY different times and styles. And the music all comes to us from German women! 1) CLARA SCHUMANN - "Ich stand in dunklen Träumen", Op. 13 No. 1(I stood in dark dreams) Arranged for Oboe, Cello and Piano (Track starts at 6:14) 2) MARLENE DIETRICH - "Wenn ich mir was wünschen dürfte"(If I could make a wish) (Track starts at 48:30) 3) NICOLE - "Ein bisschen Frieden" (A little bit of Peace)Live at Eurovision Song Contest 1982 (Track starts at 1:34:57) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Pansophers Podcast by Chris Roberts

ACESS VIDEO VERSION BELOW, PURE AUDIO ABOVE “Science can explain everything except us”: a joke or a koan? This is the humor of our guest today. Welcome to Season 11, Episode 2 of Thoth-Hermes podcast.  Today, Rudolf and Karin interview author Jeffery Kripal.  In July, Kripal's latest book “How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else” was released through University of Chicago Press.  In this conversation, Professor Kripal and our two hosts wrestle with the foundations of lexicon and concepts underlying contemporary dialogue around Flip-worthy alternative spiritual experiences, and the interaction with religion as an academic subject.  This is an excellent conversation to reflect on how we each personally describe our Magic, and why- regardless of alignment for or against the definitions ventured. Jeffrey Kripal entered formal study of religion in the 1980s, after a Catholic upbringing; he centered on exploring comparative mystical literature.  Kripal ultimately gained a home as a historian of comparative religions, spending time at Esalen Institute in California while teaching at Rice University in Texas. Noticing the “flatland” quality of religious scholarship, Kripal moved towards authorship around transcendent and alternative expressions of human spirituality.   Soaked in the humanities, Kripal articulates a longstanding interest in cultivating engagement between the study of anomalous or transcendent experience and pure sciences, in this STEM-centered culture.  Kripal celebrates that “the human being overflows itself” as “embodied consciousness” and is completely clear: “I am pro-science”.  He asserts this while fearlessly naming the Shadow of science: global warming, nuclear armament, and other successful, perilous products of science.  And put him down as an “AI skeptic”. Supernatural… superhuman… transhuman… posthuman… paranormal… occult… magic.  These are all English-language terms used in the attempt to describe the transcendent, mysterious, edgy aspects of our capacity as spiritual beings.  Along the way, Kripal challenges Science-centered academics to being to name their own anomalous experiences before the safety of retirement, and further for thinkers in general to move away from the habit of explaining away those events by returning to previously-disowned religious narratives. Do we speak of “angels” or “entities” when we encounter one?  And why?  Kripal is clear that he is at heart a “comparativist” and thereby intends to open people up to alternatives from default religious worldviews, while not necessarily advocating any given one as a “better” alternative.  This he includes as a larger part of his concepts of “thinking impossibly” and “thinking-with” other authentic seekers. In exploring vocabulary, Kripal himself leans towards “superhumanism” terminology, offering the possibility that actual “humanist” worldview may be best found there.  He asserts that ideas come from superhuman encounter, where we contact a consciousness that exceeds (but gifts) our individual capacity.  Kripal explicitly acknowledges critical theory, specifically naming examples of his view of its validity, and then offers that religion's suppression of authentic spiritual experience may be considered an additional vein.  In cocreation with Karin, our guest also challenge's academic science's constraint of repeatability: “you don't go to the North Pole to look at zebras”.  Indeed.  Please enjoy this episode and familiarize yourself with Professor Kripal's wide writings.    INTERESTING LINKS Official Homepage: http://kripal.rice.edu/index.html Esalen Institute: https://www.esalen.org/about How to Think Impossibly, official University of Chicago site:https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/H/bo216049049.html

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Pansophers' Podcast! Today, Rudolf talks with esteemed UK author and academic, Tobias Churton. In a wide-ranging conversation, the men discuss the Search for Self as well as Wisdom in the context of history.  Particular focus is brought to aspects of Freemasonic and Rosicrucian history.  Tobias defines his experience of “Pansophia”- the mind of God, Wisdom, and the interrelatedness of knowledge.  This conversation unfolds through the knowledge that “this life is only a beginning”, the distractions of political ideology and institutional religion; and the Rosicrucian paradox of being not of this  World yet engaged and seed-bearing within it.  We explore a move towards freedom of “Science” as a democratic access to “Knowledge,” and “Art” as “Magic”. Tobias outlines a vision that sees dialogues and colloquium find energy over our monologue-culture, and a move from over-specialization of knowledge into a more dynamic, holistic approach to study.  In passing, he notes the “cosmic” view most experts attribute to their knowledge, yet without the benefit of cross-disciplinary application. Music played in this episode All tracks today are by our guest TOBIAS CHURTON! 1) Mysterious Waltz (Track starts at 6:28) 2) CREATION (Track starts at 55:07) 3) GNOSTICS 2022 (Track starts at 1:42:30) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Pansophers Podcast by Chris Roberts

Greetings and welcome to the Pansophers Podcast! We are excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, expanding on the content found on the popular pansophers.com website and blog. Our goal is to explore the Universal in the Underlying and apply it to modern Mystery traditions.From now on, on this webiste you will not only find an extended blog, but also many other options: teaching, possibility of publishing and many more, and of course, this podcast. All areas rosicrucian, hermetic, neoplatonic ... and above all magical are open to investigation. Sam Robinson as the initial creator of pansophers.com, Ian Gladwin, Ike Baker and podcast host Rudolf Berger will be the main leaders of that new venture, all four well versed in the matter and not unknown to anyone interested in the field of the Western Tradition. In this episode, we introduce ourselves and our new venture, and invite you to join us for Episode 1 on October 13th! Special thanks to Chris Roberts for our Intro and Outro Music, and to Joshua Kirch for the music titles played during the show. Tarot of The Latent Spaceshttps://mercurialminutes.substack.com/p/tarot-of-the-latent-spaces-by-hermetechnics

ACESS VIDEO VERSION BELOW, PURE AUDIO ABOVE Welcome to Season 11 of the Thoth-Hermes Podcast.  On this first episode, Rudolf meets with guest Karin Valis to expand the growing conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Occultism.  Karin is Slovakian, a Machine Learning Engineer and former teenage atheist “GO” game fanatic turned occultist  This is to say that Karin is both a brilliant analytical mind and committed spiritual explorer.  Karin is a blogger, conference speaker, musician,  magazine editor and AI-integrated tarot deck creator.  Most recently, she has been engaged in creating a philosophical learning platform designed to counterbalance the funneling manipulation effect of Social Media on societal viewpoint dialogue.  A core question in the conversation today centers on how AI development can offer us insight into our very human development of occultism.  Distinguishing the windows of learning available to us, Karin describes the mapping of semantic space in the meaning-making processes of AI model development.  Karin highlights the parallels between Sacred Alphabet and Sacred Language concepts.  Karin comments on theories of AI as a “super positioned simulacrum” of language model AI functioning as a multiverse generator.   Karin and Rudolf, as both musicians and polyglots, describe the variance of spoken and written human language, embodied and disembodied: and the challenges that this presents to AI as a human tool.    0 – The Fool 10 The Wheel of Fortune 21 – The World 17 – The Star Tarot of The Latent Spaceshttps://mercurialminutes.substack.com/p/tarot-of-the-latent-spaces-by-hermetechnics Far from idealizing AI technology, several times Karin acknowledges the problems of AI: human workforce impact, and the “soulless” nature of AI prose.  Her emphasis is AI as a tool to greater human creativity, as opposed to a replacement.  Resourcing the knowledge of AI development as an opportunity- not replacement- for occult epistemology is an on-going theme in the episode.  Along the way, we hear about Karin's experiences creating a recent tarot deck, a shocking synchronicity encountered during AI-enhanced editing of a shamanic ritual recording, and her recent exploration of AI in the context of Vanessa Sinclair and Carl Abrahamsson's Cut-Up classes. Karin shares regarding her magazine, Gnostic Technology and her involvement with the European Foundation for Shamanic Studies. We hear about her expriences with technological, academic and occult conference audiences.  Karin shares her intent to “soften the gaze” of the “tech bros” -which in response to Rudolf's question- she describes as “complicated” in reception. INTERESTING LINKS Access Karin Valis' Blog And this is her Substack Here are some more direct links: Glitched Encounters with the visual exampleshttps://mercurialminutes.substack.com/p/glitched-encounters Divine Embeddings: The Large Language Models and Sacred Alphabets Talk from the Occulture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1inYnG8gNVo And finally, the very exciting Palinode Productions - Deep Leraing Philosophy! https://www.palinode.productions/   Music played in this episode All tracks today are by EVA KADMON! And Eva Kadmon is no one else than our guest today: Karin Valis! Find her music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7EToOYFiAgQsNSObqSYuBa?

SPRING EQUINOX AND A NEW PROJECT! As announced a couple of weeks ago Ike Baker from the great Arcanum Podcast and I have decided to produce a monthly show together, where we interview each time two people about a particular subject, mostly around occult and magical practices. And here we are: Enjoy a great talk, which we had about Modern Alchemy, with Phoenix Aurelius and Daniel Wiseman. This episode is also available as a Video on my and Ike's YouTube Channels. So this is the first episode of that kind, and it ends the long break that I took with this podcast This will not mean that I will do weekly show again, but from time to time in between those monthly talks will also present the kind of episodes that you have been used to. I hope you will enjoy this new format. I apologise for the brief message here, but life is still extremely busy and Ike and I were a bit late with the final edit of the show. Enjoy and looking forward to other projects I will produce for you.

If you CLICK ON TEXT IN CAPITALS in below's article, you will access the links to the respective subject! Welcome to Season 10, Episode 12 of the Thoth-Hermes Podcast.  This afternoon's dialogue finds Rudolf and Brian Cotnoir in circulatio on the experience of alchemy.  Distilled in the process, Brian shares on his life as an author, filmmaker, and practicing physical alchemist of over 50 years.  Please, listen for dispersion.  Then CONSIDER HIS TITLES, On Alchemy (2023), Alchemy the Poetry of Matter (2017), many other publications and Zines! Brian received his initiation of the Adult Library Card in 7th Grade, along with the core occult section maxim “don't tell your parents”.  We can speculate that many listeners would report a similar awakening.  His first fleeting (20 minute) experience of New York City's Weiser bookstore was also nascent.  Continuing to function in consensus reality, Brian majored in Chemistry and minored in Physics, spending time also working at Weiser Books.  An MFA in Film followed.  Brian's work on the big screen has been aired by HBO, PBS, Sundance Festival, and other luminary recognitions.  Parallel to this, Brian has experimented as a true alchemist of physical matter- from mercury dime-making, to tea, to the slightly less mundane: all insightful to the “art of arts and the art of the creative act”.  Brian and Rudolf explore the esoteric discomfort with material and matter.  Brian observes “you think because you have a brain”, recentering the necessity of both psyche and matter.  Both men find parallels between matter and the creative process- Brian, in filmmaking and Rudolf in opera and stagecraft.  The Secrets of the Maze are also ventured, as well as the Process of Reading.  The conversation honors the human capacity for alchemical action as a gift and possible mission from the larger source.  Our ability to separate, clarify, and recombine are core tasks to any creative endeavor, including the journey of an individual lifetime.  Brian shares insight around his Zine making, as well as an invitation for future seekers to work the Zine themes into larger creations.  Brian will be featuring at the November 19th 2023 “SUNDAY ZINE FAIR” at the Brooklyn Museum, and welcomes any listeners to join him in conversation at that time. Brian's zines and books are available in Europe through: Watkins Books carries the books online, the physical shop carries the zines. IglooTree, an online shop, carries the books and all the zines On Alchemy: Essential Practices and Making Art as Alchemy available through Watkins Books in London. Brian and I encourage folks to order copies through their local physical bookstores. KhepriPress.com  To join the Khepri Press mailing list please Sign Up Here Brooklyn Museum Exhibition  Nov 17, 2023 - March 31, 2024 - Copy Machine Artists Music played in this episode This episode features again musicians who are also listeners of this show and who sent me their music for you, the audience. Two of them were already presented in previous shows, and as you particularly enjoyed their art, we bring them back here.  The third piece is from an artist new to this podcast. Enjoy and support those musicians! 1) OVER AND OVER - Brian Lucas, from his album "Presence"  Brian Lucas lives in Oakland, CA. He paints,

Peter Levenda, a native of the Bronx, New York City, has an MA in Religious Studies and has published over 20 books, mostly in the area of hermeticism and the occult, and a trilogy of books concerning Nazism and postwar Nazism, as well as a book on China trade. He is most known for Unholy Alliance, which has a foreword by Norman Mailer and which has been translated into a dozen foreign languages, and Sinister Forces: A Grimoire of American Political Witchcraft. He has also published his study of the Asian alchemical influences in the work of Thomas Vaughan, and the influence of Lovecraft on the work of Kenneth Grant. This is a warm November welcome to Season 10 Episode 11 of Thoth-Hermes Podcast. Today's show brings us into conversation with American writer Peter Levenda. Peter has authored a range of titles on histories of American occultism, Nazi occultism, and the dynamics of conspiracy theory. After successfully pursuing an international business career Information Technology, Peter attained an MA in Religious Studies and Asian Studies. Peter is a member of the American Academy of Religion, several societies, and a member of AFIO (the Association of Former Intelligence Officers). Peter is careful to distinguish his expertise as around the context and content of conspiracy, rather than their promulgator. Repeatedly in the interview, he stresses the importance of listeners self-educating on the factors that make populations generally- and occultists specifically- vulnerable to conspiracy content. Peter also clearly notes that he is a “left-leaning” political “independent” capable of engaging with a variety of worldviews. Peter also offers the Adorno “Fascism Scale” as a resource for study. Peter shares formative childhood experiences- rejecting his childhood Catholicism, while retaining the seed of mysticism. A fearful encounter on a mountain in 1963 cemented his personal conviction on the presence of More. High school found Peter conducting seances, reading Crowley and the Tao Te Ching. All of this is reported with a combination of good humor and lasting reverence. A selection of Peter Levenda's published books Rudolf and Peter explore his writing, some of it based around his premise that “America is a haunted house” of unceded territory carrying the displaced and disregarded practices of the First Nations people. Additionally, the influence of encroaching European settlers' own occult traditions and folkways. Turning to the West at large, Peter and Rudolf distinguish between the “traditionalist” and “surrealist” edges of esotericism; one edge flirting with the Authoritarian Right and the other edge liable to persecution from the former. Peter describes the use of “fiction” as parallel to Surrealism in the ability to analogize “truths” that cannot be proven as “non-fiction”, in the midst of grey area on both. Peter suggests this wisdom is present in many Holy Books. Peter identifies “magic” as situated in a space between Science and Religion, with the Shadow of conspiracy theory. A comprehensive take-down of conspiracy mindedness in the contemporary United States follows, including: “longstanding” inadequacy of news media, a population demotivated to learn context for theories, and the dearth of “tik-tok enlightenment”. Peter further names related internal difficulties within occult groups, including sections of the contemporary Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) and the leadership of the late James Wasserman; the New York-based Wasserman and L...

Greetings for Season 10, Episode 10 of Thoth-Hermes Podcast. In a calendrical resonance, Rudolf meets up with Robert Gordon- exactly one year after their last episode together! A gregarious Australian, Robert holds an M.A. in Museum Studies from University College London. In 2022, Lewis Masonic publishing released his book 21st Century Rosicrucianism. Today's exploration centers on Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the context of language-based models. Rudolf characterizes digital technology as typically either a non-topic or guarded subject in the worldviews of esotericists. Later, Robert observes that many depth creators in high-technology, green technology, and adjacent fields have esoteric involvement. With these twin realities concurrent, the discussion emphasizes the need for active contribution to societal conversations about AI as a “technology of the imagination”. As both men gamely note, we are in the 21st Century, not the 16th- as much as we seek to honor history. Robert and Rudolf note the need for “reverential use of science”, Robert noting that Newton wrote more on theology than physics. Though exoteric religious doctrine is often at odds with the Esoteric (particularly in America), some parallels are noted. One is the belief in a higher Source as the bestower of human imagination, and consequently a form of sanctity in humans' creative actions. Does AI connect to the Source through humanity? Is it fundamentally “natural” or “unnatural”? And how does the subjective, constructed nature of human-to-human communication mirror controversies with AI? Robert's utopian science-novel he wrote in 2015 There is some specific time spent with the question of AI and it's visual “art” forays. Robert truly “goes there” makes a comparison to alchemical manuscripts' images. Can content and imaginal inputs from humans produce outputs with “soul”? Could the vast flow of creative information placed into AI datasets produce a new form of “collective unconscious”? In many cases, today's conversation walks a non-directive, even-handed line between answering these questions and placing them back to the listener. The “hubris of the magi” narrative is acknowledged, as well as the mythos of Daedalus. Do we only hear about the hubris that creates catastrophe? Other careful questions include: can we emphasize the use of AI for sorcery, hall-of-mirrors illusion, or as a possible bulwark against sorcery? Could AI be an actual human-created agent of healing in our society? Can we redevelop a cultural norm of functionally conversing with disagreement? Could AI help us? Does AI have to be marketplace centered or could it assist with counterbalance in the current corruption of political systems? Can AI possibly contribute or experience states that we broadly term as “shamanic”? Is there anything that this human creation can “unlock” for us? Can it become a “technological tradition of imagination”? What human wisdom is offered in the distinction between “dogmatic” and “voluntarily enigmatic”? These prompts are all introduced and posed on today's episode. Enjoy! I have posted this image already last year, when Robert and I speak in Season 9. But for today's subject it is even more important that you have a look at this website and the blog! Robert Gordon's website "Future Conscience" SRIA London (Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia) has number of highly interesting talks on Video which partly also touch our subject - and Robert Gordon also appears in them! Music played in this episode

"What is clear is that there are three main themes running parallel through the Grimoires, with greater or less importance in individual works. These themes are spirit conjuration, divination, and simple charms/spells for dealing with the hardships of daily life and seeking to improve it." (David Rankine) Welcome to Season 10, Episode 9 of Thoth-Hermes podcast. Today, Rudolf shares a conversation with author and occultist, David Rankine. The exploration ranges over the past 40 years of modern British esotericism, and into David's commitment to writing and knowledge sharing as an offering to Mystery. This is an easy-listening dialogue that carries its own treasures of tight question-answer teachings along in the flow. David quickly brings us into the 1980s UK occult scene, which he describes as collegial, confidential and non-competitive. Oxford, London and Leeds are all identified as hotspots during this period. Turning to the Now, David weighs the balance between organizations' tension of socializing and secrecy. David and Rudolf explore the question: “What is a ‘serious magical attitude'?” with way of daily life, worldview and engagement in the 100th Monkey influence all composing the answer. Ethics are undergirding principle in this definition, noting that “serious magicians” are “seriously ethical”. David describes his slow development towards ancestor magic, and its interaction with aging as a human and maturation as a magician. This conversation honors the slow, serious adaptation of practices over a magical lifetime. Rudolf quotes David's definition of “magic” in his early book Becoming Magic, “consciously direct energy flowing towards evolution”. David also shares his concept of “conjuration”, as a Process- occasional, exceptional, purposeful- which develops a long-term symbiotic dynamic with a chosen spiritual entity. Not, as David notes, “a Pokemon collection”. This year (2023) David published volumes 1 and 2 of The Grimoire Encyclopaedia…. With more yet to be revealed! Describing the construction process, David credits the necessity of his enthusiastic, persistent editor Erzebet Barthold. David also centers on the Bible as the foundational grimoire of record, providing a lens for panoramic view of historical Western magical publications. Rudolf asks the core question: “what defines a grimoire?” and David responds gamely. Enjoy! David Rankine's home pageA direct link to Hadean Press to buy the Grimoire EncyclopediaAnd his Amazon book page   Music played in this episode This week I would like to present to you an exciting pianist - GAMAZDA She does piano covers of famous Pop and Rock music titles, three of which we present in this episode. What I find so special about her is not only her stupendous musical talent, her extraordinary power and technique, but also her energy. And as this cannot only be heard, but also seen on her YouTube Channel, I am not only posting a link to that channel here, but also embed one of her videos - discover by yourself! You-Tube Channel 1) TIME - Piano Cover of the Theme from Inception by Hans Zimmer (Track starts at 7:52) 2) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY - Piano Cover  (Track starts at 53:49) 3) SOUND OF SILENCE - Piano Cover (Track starts at 1:39:32) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

Today marks Season 10, Episode 8 of Thoth-Hermes Podcast. For this conversation, Rudolf reconvenes with Chuck “CR” Dunning. The conversation submerges into esoteric freemasonry, then transcends into the union of ritual and exoteric religion. Far from limited to the interests of masonry, this is a multi-layered dialogue about the timeless moebius between sincere seekers of “light, life and love”. Chuck is a retired academic and psychotherapist, a self-disclosed Scottish Rite Mason, and author dedicated to guiding initiates into contemplative practice. Chuck has soft-spoken depth rare in today's scholarly world. His most recent book is an accessible compass of the Rose Croix mysteries. A Rose Croix Oratory (Stone Guild, 2023) has been lauded by readers and reviewers, appreciating its hands-on, plain-language approach. An upcoming publication will delve into Platonic mysticism and its parallels with Craft Masonry. The conversation speaks of the upper degrees' mythos of descent, laying to waste, then renewal and ascension. The 17th and 18th Degree introduce a visceral story of a mourning initiate, who through persistence encounters the teaching figure of the Nazarene. An encounter with “love” as the “charitas” and “agape” archetype offered by this teacher. This is not the Jesus of fast-food and sound byte religion: it is a mystical encounter of visceral “faith, hope and love”. Religious acceptance is optional, but depth initiation is required. Chuck also notes that all three Abrahamic traditions have wisdom teachings represented over the course of the initiate's journey. Later, Rudolf and Chuck name interesting implications of the “priestcraft” of ritual found to create change in accordance with the Will of a Higher Power, to connect to the Divine, and to become more effective worldly agents for it. Chuck names the direct root connection with the Catholic Mass ritual as well as the Protestant Order of Service, even in those denominations who might strenuously distance themselves from the concept of “magic”. This flows from Chuck's exploration of the Rose Croix texts and traditions that named ancient traditions illumination sources for the later emergence of Christianity. Other joyful content along the way includes a service-centered interpretation of the potency of alchemy, magic/magia, and kaballah. We reflect on the verified “alchemy” of meditative practice on the neurochemical physiology of the practitioner. And define True Will as readiness for change away from herd behavior, resiliency under repeated testing, and skillful refinement of personal identity; requiring the recentering on faith, hope and love. CR Dunning Jr's book page on AmazonHere he is on InstagramAnd on Facebook"A Rose Croix Oratory" on Stone Gold Publishing   Music played in this episode I found the music on Stefan Kraus on YouTube and thought it to be an excellent fit for this episode: Here a translation of his personal statement on his german website  In the 1980s (for private reasons not completed) studies at the Hochschule für Künste Bremen with Luciano Ortis (composition) and Hans Joachim Kauffmann (composition  and conducting). Performance of many of his own compositions and arrangements as part of a 12-year engagement as chorus conductor. After 20 years of musical break I started composing again in 2020. Credo Since I do not pursue any economic interests with my music, I do not have to follow dogmas and meet any palatial requirements. Since music is the language of the soul, and every soul is multi-layered, depth can stand next to lightness, beauty next to pain, and grief next to humor,

Welcome to Episode Four, Season Ten of the Thoth-Hermes podcast. Today, Rudolf meets with Charlotte Cowell, translator of The Solar Way (Silver Age Russian Occult Rosicrucian Schools) and author of multiple other titles. Charlotte is the founder, owner and editor of Shin Publications. Charlotte is a delightful guest, simultaneously a fierce, warm and self-effacing intellectual presence in the conversation. A graduate of Oxford University (MA in Ancient and Modern History), Charlotte has pursued the Mysteries for several decades after receiving solo and spontaneous esoteric Christian rebirth in college. Charlotte cites The Meditations on the Tarot (Anonymous) as a cornerstone text for her during her initiatory unfolding. She is also refreshingly frank, in moments, around reconciling the dual paths of Christian… Esotericism. An example being, reading “Meditations” as distinct from using the Cards directly. Listeners on a similar trajectory may well relate to these personal processes. Charlotte brings us into the stark and resilient journeys of Valentin Tomberg, Vladimir Shmakov, Nina Roudnikova and G.O. Mebes (the last, Swedish). These thinkers faced true and visceral danger from Russian political turmoil, in the face of this making many strategic decisions to preserve their body of work for future seekers. Alongside this important history, Charlotte and Rudolph explore the significance of “Shin”. The conversation re-examines “neutralization of the binary” (a term from last week's interview) and the interplay with triangular transcendental synthesis. Charlotte emphasizes her respect for the pragmatic effort made by the persecuted initiates, analogizing her work to laying a memorial wreath in their honor. Charlotte writes in one of her publications that her intention is “…a tribute to the Masters, from time immemorial until the present day, who've served to inspire and shine light on the otherwise solitary path of the seeker; a gift for those who find themselves peering across the abyss for such lights, or stand looking back at the ocean from the refuge of safe shores, searching the distant horizon for memories of the crossing…” from whatever personal vantage point, may this conversation inspire listeners. ABOVE: The cover of those four highly interesting books we speak about in the episode. Click anywhere on them to be brought to Shin Publications website to learn more and order them BELOW: The original painting that inspired the cover of the Shmakov book. It is by artist ArtTheurg, who also created the wonderful illustrations in The Holy Book of Thoth. Click here for Charlotte Cowell's homepage Find the books on Amazon Charlotte's YouTube Channel Music played in this episode The Gnossiennes are several piano compositions by the French composer Erik Satie in the late 19th century. The works are for the most part in free time (lacking time signatures or bar divisions) and highly experimental with form, rhythm and chordal structure. The form as well as the term was invented by Satie. Satie himself was for some time part of Joseph Paladan's Rosicrucian group in Paris, for which he also wrote ritual music. The pieces are performed by Reinbert de Leeuw 1) GNOSSIENNE 1 (Track starts at 9:22)

Episode Three, Season Ten of the Thoth-Hermes podcast explores facets of Higher Worlds and the Anthroposophical traditiom. Today, Rudolf meets with Thomas Mayer, Anthroposophical teacher, author and direct democracy activist. In Thomas's words, “you will meet the people you want to meet” which is an ongoing theme in this conversation. Thomas “met” Rudolf Steiner at the age of 15, reading “How to Know Higher Worlds”; 44 years later, he is an Anthroposophical meditation teacher, with his partner Agnes Hardorp. Thomas recently published “Answering the Call of the Elementals” which is intended as a lively workbook to intentionally strengthen a practitioner's connection to those Beings. In their discussion, Thomas and Rudolf explore the path of supersensible perceptual development. Steiner's work incorporated and influenced many aspects of esotericism; its wide-ranging impact is felt in the breadth of the interview. Topics range from the theme of the “I”/”Ich”, to organic architecture, to the Akashic records, to shadow work and the neutralization of the binary. The term “geisteswissenschaft” (“Spiritual Science”) is referenced and defined. Thomas describes the range of viewpoint diversity even within the Goetheanum as an institution, finding both more “intellectual” (scholarly, academic) thinkers and “spiritual” experiential artists. Solitary and group egregore work are weighed, with acknowledgement of their necessary coincidence. Rudolf and Thomas both note the bolster of healthy counterbalance that individual and cooperative esoteric work can provide. Thomas recommends several foundational Steiner texts for listeners, including “The Theosophy of the Rosicrucians”. Rudolf notes that many Steiner writings are available in English, at no cost, online. Thomas enters more specifically into the ideas of the Aether plane and defines the concept of the “Elementals”. Thomas carefully notes the Anthroposophical belief that supersensible perception is available to all humans, but must be actively and personally developed. He reminds us that this is also In the context of mutual interest: that the Elementals seek human interaction as much (or more) as we seek them. This is the cover of the book we also mention in the podcast, Thomas Mayer's book on elementals, available in English from Inner Traditions (see link below) Click here for Thomas Mayer's homepage (in German, sorry...) The book page at Inner Traditions The Rudolf Steinre Archive - in English, most of his work to be found there Anthro-Wiki - an excllent resource in English and German Music played in this episode Also, on this episode, in the "interval", between the two parts of the main interview, a first short talk on a series that will appear from time to time in the next weeks and months, about the effects of sound and music in the spiritual world. Musician and singer EMERELLE, who also provides the music on this episode, speaks to Rudolf on her work and what she thinks music can do with our mind. Emerelle is a singer, musician & videographer from Austria focused on creating music that touches the soul. Ethereal sounds coming from a deep place of stillness help to reconnect with oneself.  Here is what she says about herself: "I studied music pedagogy & classical singing at university but quit after 3 years to create my own music. I've been on an intense spiritual quest since I was 15 years old, studying various philosophies, meditation, advaita, inner work, traumahealing, sacred womanhood and more. It's always been my aim to touch & inspire people, to help them feel and reconnect with their true nature.

Welcome to Season 10 of the Thoth-Hermes Podcast, dedicated to scholarly exploration of the Western Mystery Tradition. In this opening episode, Rudolf re-engages with Italian-American author David Pantano. David provides a dizzying timeline of occult development in the landscape that has become modern Italy. In the spirit of the Golden Bough (Fraser), David's book “The Magic Door” (2019) provides the canopy for honoring a history beginning with the European Wild West of Hesperia, embracing the varying definitions and forms of The Sacred through a culture's dynamic development. This Italic mythological history has repeatedly and deeply connected into international occulture. The conversation ranges from the importance of authentic linguistic diversity in both exoteric and esoteric reading to the appearance of Roman-era tripartite alchemical initiatory cosmology. Ovid, Virgil and the later Dante all receive citation, in addition Compano, and Ficino. The conversation explores Giordano Bruno's complex contributions not only to esotericism but larger practices such as the Art of Memory (in recent resurgence). We learn of the recent restoration of The Magic Door itself, with its multi-faith, multi-linguistic alchemical script… illustrating the tripartite. The repeated interaction, collusion and co-opting between Church and State are clearly acknowledged, as well as the pre-Rennaisance use of Magical Realism to influence the collective imagination towards the ideal of State. David and Rudolf take time to examine the influence of the UR Group, its writings, and ethical questions surrounding the figure of Julius Evola. David expresses his analysis that Evola, while holding controversial views, did repeatedly publicly and privately reject fascism David and Rudolph emphasize the rejection of hero worship toward any thinker, writer, or historical figure and the responsibility for sustained personal inner work as a bulwark against extremism. Pantano also invites the audience to contact him personally to further discuss or question any aspect of his writing or this interview. If you have questions for David or want to get in touch with him, go on his Faecbook page by clicking here and post him a message.  In the interview, David and I mentioned a few times the new edition of the collected publications of the UR-Group. Below you find a picture of this edition. By clicking on one of the images you will be brought to the corresponding page of the publishers - Inner Tradition. Music played in this episode And once again I am happy to present the music by one of our listeners! Joshua Kirch has sent me his beautiful work already more than a year ago, but now finally after the break I can happily present it to you: Josh Kirch is a musician and composer who started with guitar, and he soon moved to classical guitar and performing in a guitar trio - really enjoying the range of repertoire and especially the Renaissance pieces available. This eventually led him to start learning the lute and cello.His compositions often mix electronic elements with classical and early music instrumentation and themes, as well as more standard rock and folk moments. And as he says himself, his training in magic and the occult has also opened new horizons in regards to his musical work. You can find him here on Soundcloud 1) EAST GATE and SOUTH GATE, FROM GATE QUARTETS (2023) (Track starts at 9:51)

This week's interview is with the definitively pre-eminent hermetic scholar, Wouter J. Hanegraaff. Wouter outlines his pioneering path to Department Chair of History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents at the University of Amsterdam. The interview explores the 1990s milestones towards academic recognition of esoteric history and practice. While not personally a practitioner, sub rosa or otherwise, Hanegraaff warmly engages on the questions surrounding practitioner-as-scholar status. This interview is replete with the naming of Rejected Knowledge. A Calvinist minister's son, Wouter both respectfully and assertively notes areas of understudied “history” within Hermeticism and the Early Church. Wouter notes the unnamed role of Egyptian, Persian and North African Hermetic thinkers, and calls out the difficulty of philhellenism. He describes the “narrow bottleneck of transmission” within early conversion of hermetic texts into Christo-centered language and analogy, followed by a “millenia” of basic silence before snippets of manuscripts re-emerged in the 14th Century. Wouter denotes several basic truths of Hermetic spirituality (not solely “philosophy”). The first theme is of “reverence” and gratitude for basic reality of Life granted to us. Another is the necessity of our self-liberation from worldly sources of addictive illusion; ignorance, not “sin”, being our behavioral obstacle to growth. Wouter describes the challenge of return to our clear, full consciousness as spiritual beings. He invites the possibility of conceptually unlearning vestigial Christocenteric dogma, into receptivity of the Source, the unknowable, and engagement with the Nous: “the total Mystery at the heart of reality”. How does a non-practitioner find such respect for these concepts? Perhaps some hint is found in his blog essay, Esotericism and Democracy, in which he writes: “never forget that in studying esotericism, we are ultimately studying people”. Click on the imgage to be brought to the ESSWE website, the organisation co-founded by Wouter J. Hanegraaff. The website is a great resource for a lot of interesting material! Wouter J. Hanegraaff about himself: "As long as I can remember I have been an avid reader. Books for me are travel vehicles that allow me to visit other times and places, imaginary or real, and with my publications I hope to introduce my readers to new and unfamiliar worlds and ideas. The most consistent red thread that runs through my life and work is a deep curiosity for neglected or rejected ideas, traditions, and dimensions of reality - anything that others are not looking at or are not taking seriously - and a conviction that precisely what tends to be overlooked by mainstream society and culture is most likely to expand our perspectives, stimulate our creativity, and enrich our understanding." continue to read this highly informative self-description by clicking here Wouter J Hanegraaff's homepage Wouter's essay, Imagining the future study of religion and spirituality (2020) Wouter's blogs "Esotericism and Democray"-a great lecture! (in English in spite of the first appearence of this German website Music played in this episode I found out - and he tells us more about it in the interview - that Wouter had initially trained as a classical musician. So today you hear music that he suggested - at least the two first tracks. The third one is the return of Master Wilbur Burchette on the podcast - a perfect mix, in my view, of Esotericism in music and Wouter's initial instrument, the guitar!

In this week's episode of the show the one and only John Michael Greer returns for his now 4th time on the Thoth Hermes Podcast. You are probably familiar with his blog www.ecosophia.net and I'm sure you'll be enjoying our conversation on John's latest work, the initiation system ‘The Fellowship of the Hermetic Rose' or FHR which at the time of airing is available online for free, so please make sure to check out the show notes for further information. This time, JMG as he's frequently called, tells us how the passing away of one of his teachers John Gilbert marked a pivotal point in his decision to form the Fellowship. John Gilbert whose name might also be familiar to most of you was one of the significant teachers of Western Esoteric Tradition and the founder of ‘The Magickal Order of the Golden Dawn'. He initiated JMG into this order but then encountered some difficulties in his endeavour to keep up an adequate organisational structure. After John Gilbert had deceased, JMG received permission from his widow to unpack the material renaming it ‘The Fellowship of the Hermetic Rose' and putting out the knowledge in a reorganised form into a freely downloadable end result including a series of self-initiations. Of course, it is not possible to explain JMG's system without going back to the roots of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn established in 1887 although its founding history is more an appropriate material for a novel or a Netflix series. We will go into the lore behind the (in)famous Cipher Manuscripts and shed some light on the fragmentation that followed some ‘organisational issues' and on the respective roles of Arthur E. Waite and Juliet Ashley resulting in JMG's new system of initiatic practice.   JMG will go on to share his very personal story how he came to the conclusion that this particular system works so well despite of his original training with the classic Golden Dawn ceremonial magic work. He will also point out the main differences between both and give us immensely valuable insights into the original intentions of The Golden Dawn and the requirements and goals of its graduates. John will also elaborate on the issue how this changed and why during the order's tumultuous course of history and emphasize how the Outer Order's extensive practice offers a solid foundation for every magical working that is intended (though not obligatory) in some later phase of the practitioner. We'll dive deeply into the requirements of the Fellowship's daily practice and what this means for individuals living in our modern times in terms of setting aside enough time and a working space for practice. We will discuss meditation, divination and protective ritualistic measures and break every part down to explain the basic idea behind them and how they serve the practitioner. John will also share some information on the degrees of the Fellowship as well as on the specific paraphernalia or tools for the work which are a little bit less money and space consuming compared to our Victorian aristocratic peers. In the end, JMG will kindly open up regarding some future book projects, one being a series of occult mystery novels covering basic training coming out in spring/summer 2023 and his next big one on spiritual healing. JMG Ecosophia page And this is the Ecosophia Dreamwidth Blog, where the Fellowship developed JMG on AMAZON Music played in this episode You know my "faible" for both classical and world music... and my ecclectic taste... So I am afraid you will have to bear with it once again in the musical choices of this week's episode!

“The Rose starts to Unfold… following the Still Voice within…” This week, Rudolf meets up with initiate Robert Gordon. An Australian by birth and upbringing, Robert holds an M.A. in Museum Studies from University College London. Robert is a contemporary forty-something, with a career, family and devotion to a centuries-old esoteric tradition. This summer, Lewis Masonic publishing released his book 21st Century Rosicrucianism. Throughout the interview, the role of truly experiential initiation is honored, emphasized and examined. Robert joined a Masonic order at 21, inspired by studies in Anthropology interacting with a lingering childhood inclination towards the mysteries. From freemasonry, he journeyed into the variations of the Rosey Cross tradition. The conversation names the participatory paradox of both the slowness and persistent purpose found in an authentic Seeker's process: “rest in it, sit in it, be in it, act in it”. Also, the fertility of any given individual's conceptual discoveries: that, unwittingly, seeds may be planted which ripple through time to unknown spiritual students of the future. Robert freely shares his encounters with the core three paths named in his book: personal devotional practice, social engagement, and spiritual retreat. Rosicrucianism's historical and contemporary celebration of plurality is named, leading into the very current period of cross-fertilization available to it. The plurality extends into both the variety of Orders and the variety of individual Seekers. Rosicrucianism does center around the specifically Christian tradition, but is open to all regardless of creed. Robert and Rudolf look at the tensions and possibilities available in this context, as a vessel for Western Esotericism. In what ways can “Jesus Mi Omnia” relate mystically to a universalist, egalitarian, ecumenical intention, and how may resonance be experienced by those who encounter it? The conversation concludes around themes of discernment toward both utopian and dystopian futurism. Robert highlights the opportunity to articulate humanity's spiritual core in the context of core cultural questions of consciousness and artificial intelligence. Receiving a B.A. (Hons) in Anthropology and an M.A. in Museum Studies, Frater Robert spent his professional career working at St Paul's Cathedral as well as for the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace. He then spent time with the Garden Museum, an independent museum and the final resting place of Elias Ashmole. Since 2009, he has written extensively on the intersection between technology, spirituality and modern society (see futureconscience.com). Publications include a science fiction novel (When Winter Calls) and he was the Editor of Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz published in 2020. In the summer of 2022, Lewis Masonic published his latest book 21st Century Rosicrucianism. Frater Robert currently resides in Italy where he focuses on spiritual practice and writing while continuing to contribute to a variety of esoteric orders. An aspirant and practitioner of Rosicrucianism for over 20 years, he is an active member of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia; the Order of the Rose and Cross; and A. E. Waite's Fellowship of the Rosy Cross This is what the website of a Rosicrucian of the 21st Century looks like (see link below) Robert Gordon's website "Future Conscience" TA highly interesting contribution by Robert Gordon to the "Pansophers"-Website Get his book at Lewis Masonic EMILY IS NOW COMPLETELY SHARING THE TASK OF WRITING THOSE WEBSITE EPISODE TEXTS WITH URSULA. THANK YOU BOTH!! Here is what Emily tells us about herself as an introduction: ‘Emily is a fellow traveler of esoteric trans-Atlantic origin.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE PAINTINGS BY MARLENE SEVEN BREMNER WE ARE TALKING ABOUT DURING THE INTERVIEW This week we have a refreshing interview with Marlene Seven Bremner, an American artist and writer presently residing in New Mexico. While a student of polarity therapy, Seven initiated into Jungian alchemical teaching, which in turn flowed into her personal study and distillation of the Hermetica. This discovery process included visual art, textual exploration, and ultimately the writing of a full manuscript.  Seven has recently released her first title with Inner Traditions, Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy: The Emerald Tablet, the Corpus Hermeticum, and the Journey Through the Seven Spheres. The interview is a conversation aligned to her text, appealing to both the new and seasoned students of the Hermetica. Seven's unassuming, lunar quiet blends with solar scholarly intensity as she traverses the conversation. Subjects explored in dialogue with Rudolf range from the alchemy of oil painting; the call to expression through Logos; channeling poetry, and the creative alchemy of the ascent through the Seven Spheres. Bremner soulfully articulates the devotional-contemplative hermetic lifestyle, worldly input, and the influence of the natural elemental balance in Place. Seven makes candid acknowledgement of the importance of attaining balance between the inspiration and distraction of artistic community. Seven and Rudolf specifically explore her painting Harmonia Elementorum, which is present on her WEBSITE (click here or into the link section further down) Her website also features poetry including “Circulato” (dated May 2018), beginning: “I never learned how to dive. I only learned how to sink, in waters deep, deeper than three times my self and dark with the blood of my ancestors…” Enjoy the still waters running deep in this conversation! ABOVE: THOTH TWO PAINTINGS BY MARLE SEVEN BREMNER BELOW: HARMONIA ELEMENTORUM Seven's website The paintings we discuss in the interview can be found here Her author's page at Inner Traditions THIS WEEK'S SHOW NOTES HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY OUR LISTENER EMILY. MANY THANKS! Here is what Emily tells us about herself as an introduction: ‘Emily is a fellow traveler of esoteric trans-Atlantic origin. She keeps her journey offline, unplugged, and handwritten. Sources of resonant personal Wonder include bioluminescence, echolocation, geometry, and paradox. Stay in mystery, my friends Music played in this episode Egypt plays an important role in Hermetic thought of course, from Thoth-Dejhuti to Hellenists etc. So Egyptian music in different forms is on the menu for today's episode. Nubian music is part of the folk tradition in both Egypt and Sudan. Today's guest, Marlene Seven Bremner, when visiting Egypt recently, was fascinated by the Nubian music, so two out of three tracks today come from this tradition. 1) TRIBAL WAR CHANT - Traditional Nubian Music recorded live in Egypt during a local folk ceremony (Track starts at 7:08) 2) ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LOVE SONG - Peter Pringle Peter Pringle (born 1945) is a Canadian musician and television personality, mainly active in the 70s and 80s. In the last two decades he has reconstructed music and musical instruments from thousands of years back, Sumerian, Ancient Hebrew, Babylonian and Egyptian. The text of this love song is from an original papyrus, he performs it in a musical style based on historical research,

Mark Stavish is back on the Thoth Hermes Podcast! And when you have someone like him to talk to, you choose subjects that need clarification, a structured mind and above all, a great knowledge of the field we all like: occultism, hermetism and the Western Traditions. Dualism and especially Non-Dualism have been terms that have found a lot of attention especially during the last 15 years or so. But how does Non-Dualism work in a hermetic and magical context, where duality seems to be the foundation of the material life. What is the difference between duality and dualism. What is the difference between a Gnostic dualism and the Hermetic approach? And why is Traditionalism or Perennialism, as it is often called (is it the same, actually?) also being sometimes under attack. In his very frank and outspoken way Mark will try to give answers to those questions, not without posing others. A highly interesting and educational talk! Mark's very interesting blog "voxhermes" The Institute for Hermetic Studies, led by Mark Stavish Its YouTube Channel Music played in this episode I have been very eclectic again this week when chosing the music... 1) AKA DUA - James Stone A beautiful interpretation of an Ancient Egyptian Hymn or Chant that many of you will know, be it as a Thelemite, a Hermeticist, Egyptologist or whatever. Here is its text and a translation (Track starts at 7:00) 2) ECCE BEATAM LUCEM FOR 40 VOICES One of the most astonishing pieces of classical choral music, and only one of two written for 40 (!) voices, which makes it sound full and harmonious in a very special way! From 16th-century Italian Renaissance, by Alessandro Striggio (Track starts at 56:22) 3) DIR DANKEN WIR DIE FREUDE From the Masonic Cantata "Dir, Herrscher des Weltalls" (To you, Ruler of the Universe) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Track starts at 1:45:17) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

For many Giuliano Kremmerz is still quite unknown. Well, today's guest David Pantano has set out to change this, and today we want to do a step together in that direction. And the topic is worth it! Kremmerz tried to create a Hermetic School that is much less arcane that some of his contemporary occultists wanted it to be. Naples and Egypt, including Egyptian Freemasonry play a role in all that. Also, to me Kremmerz' approach sounds also partly Rosicrucian, which in the context is surprising. But there are reaons for that, we hear. And of course, he did not come out of the blue, there is a long tradition of Western Esotericism, also influenced by antiquity and its history. David has published a book on that story as well and in this talk we are going to link history to Kremmerz' time. But we will also ask: what came after? A lot to cover, and I think it became a highly interesting talk with a person who is extremely knowledgable: David Pantano! David Pantano is an independent researcher, translator, historian, and writer specializing in spirituality, metaphysics, philosophy, and the initiatic practices of West and East. Author of The Magic Door, he lives in Toronto. NOW, TO ANOTHER POINT - ABOUT SHOWNOTES. You probably realized that since Season 6 these newsletters have changed dramatically and become nice texts about the content of the episode with some detailed remarks on the topic. And this was/is thanks to my friend Ursula, whom I mentioned several times here and whom I really want to thank once again. Her day job has grown considerably lately, and she is also the mother of two young children. That means that in the near future at least she will only be able to cover a show once in a while and she will continue to do that. But no longer on a weekly basis. So I thought I would invite YOU, the listeners, to do it in her place. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED to write an English text about the episode and the interview in advance, which then becomes the newsletter and part of the show notes on www.thothermes.com, PLEASE CONTACT ME at rudolf@thothermes.com, and I will get in touch with you. Those of you who show real interest will get to know the upcoming guests and subjects a few weeks in advance, and if you pick an interview, you will receive the “raw” sound file as soon as I have recorded the interview (usually one to three weeks in advance). You listen to it and you write your article about that episode. In return - well, I cannot offer any payment. But I will present a short portrait of the author on the website, in the newsletter, and also in the show intro itself. INTERESTED? I hope so! Do make yourself known! And this does not need to be a one-off, if you feel happy doing this from time to time, this would be wonderful LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU! Music played in this episode This episode is all about Italy, or at least about the geographic area that today we call Italy. So I thought I'd bring you an - admittedly VERY eclectic -  choice of music: all from the Italic Peninsula, but from completely diverse origins and time periods! 1) CIN-CI-LA, FOX DELLE LANTERNE, BOX D'AMORE  what a nice Foxtrott from Italy, a beautiful blend of American influence and southern European charm! With an unnamed orchestra, recorded in ... 1926! (this is why the sound sounds old...), so from the times of Giuliano Kremmerz! (Track starts at 7:17)

First of all, thanks for your patience and apologies for last week's cancellation, but sometimes life just takes over. Podcasting is a great pleasure for me, but professional obligations need to be prioritized anyway. One thing I need to say though: for the next few weeks this text accompanying the show will be a bit shorter and not so detailed as it was in the last two years, also just for capacity reasons with myself and my friend Ursula, who wrote most of those texts. No worries, she won't stop completely, but it will not be so regular and weekly as until now. But after this intro, welcome to this interesting talk on our new episode. It is rather rare that we talk politics here, or rather ideology, or... ? Well, with my guest Rhyd Wildermuth Occultism, or rather Esotericism, as he prefers to name it, and ideology are inseparable. Why? Well, he will explain you. Who is Rhyd? A publisher, a writer ... well, let him tell us by himself: I'm a druid. A gay punk gardener gym bro. An occasional nomad. A theorist and a poet. A publisher and editor. Sometimes an anarchist, sometimes a Marxist. I'm devoted to Brythonic and Gallic gods and some local land spirits and ancestors. I'm all of those things, and also other things. I'm mostly on the side of good. Enjoy the talk! Rhyd Wildermuth is a pagan theorist, a nomadic anarchist, a queer poet, and a punk bard. He's one of the two co-founders of God&Radicals Press, its Managing Editor, and a co-editor of Gods&Radicals: A Site of Beautiful Resistance. Appalachian-born, self-raised and self-taught, he's lived on both coasts of the colonized lands of America; led by dreams, wanderlust, and love he now lives in French-occupied Bretagne. He is the author of four books (including one with Alley Valkyrie) and the book editor of most Gods&Radicals Press publications. His essays have appeared in Black Seed, on Anti-Fascist News and The Wild Hunt, but he writes primarily at Gods&Radicals: A Site of Beautiful Resistance. In addition, he maintains his own blog at PAGANARCH and occasional erotic stories at FUR/SWEAT/FLESH. He is also the co-host of EMPIRES CRUMBLE, a twice-monthly podcast on politics, culture, history, and magic with Alley Valkyrie.   A link to Rhyd Wildermuth's personal site "A beautiful resistance" - the site with all books, the academy and the blog Rhyd mentioned SILVIA FEDERICI - here is her Wikipedia page He also spoke about ERICA LAGALISSE - here is her website The same for BAYO AKOMOLAFE And finally the Dark Mountain Website, by PAUL KINGSWORTH Music played in this episode In this episode, we return to Japanese Rock Music: The Gazette (stylized as the GazettE, also GZE, as I say in the show), formerly known as Gazette (Japanese: ガゼット, Hepburn: Gazetto), is a Japanese visual kei rock band, formed in Kanagawa in early 2002 (source: Wikipedia) 1) WITHOUT A TRACE (Track starts at 7:42) 2) MISEINEN (Track starts at 55:18) 3) LAST HEAVEN (Track starts at 1:34:14) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

When I discovered (well, I was actually made aware of it through a friend) Steve Dee's latest book "Chaos Monk", I was immediately taken in by the title. That combination seemed so intriguing: How would Chaos magic and monastism be part of the same narrative? But when you listen to Steve you will soon find out that his own life experience shows us very well those links. His book is a deeply personal one, and so is this talk. How does monastism work in the 21st century? Where do Magic and monastism - or rather the lessons we can take from it - create a possibility to regain our balance in a world that seems completely out of balance? Going on the quest that Steve proposes to us could be one of those possible paths to walk. Enjoy the episode! Steve Dee is the author of A Gnostic's Progress: Magic and the Path of Awakening, The Heretic's Journey: Spiritual Freethinking for Difficult Times and most recently Chaos Monk . He is also the co-author (with Julian Vayne) of the book Chaos Craft. After a near miss with the Anglican Priesthood, Steve focused his energies on more occult pursuits that have included work within the east/west tantra group AMOOKOS and the Chaos Magic current. His current interest in Gnosticism represents an attempt to explore the way in which joys of heretical freethinking can be harnessed for the benefit of all. His professional background is within the field of mental health social work and he currently works as a Systemic Psychotherapist.   Here you will find Steve's books on Amazon Steve Dee's personal blog Music played in this episode Given that in this episode we speak about traditional occultism as well as Eastern influences, I thought it would be a nice idea to play some Traditional Buddhist music.  1) AJIKAN - Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin (Track starts at 6:56) 2) THE FOUR GREAT VOWS     THE THREE REFUGES - The Congretation Of Cha'an Meditation Center (Track starts at 53:19) 3) DORJE PHURBA - Orchestra Of The Khampagar Monastery (Track starts at 1:38:29) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

It is a huge pleasure – I'm sure not only to me – to start a new season with scientific ecologist, teacher at Schumacher College and author of ‘Gaia Alchemy: The Reuniting of Science, Psyche and Soul', Stephan Harding. At a very young age Stephan discovered his interest in and also his concern for nature which led him to spend a lot of time with studies in biology, physics and chemistry and culminated in obtaining a Ph.D. in behavioural ecology from Oxford University. Being a former student of James Lovelock, Stephan went on to co-found Schumacher College, which offers holistic education around ecology and sustainability and where he currently teaches as Deep Ecology Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer Gaia theory, deep ecology and holistic science. In the beginning of his academic career Stephan had the notion that something important was missing within the scientific community of teachers and students alike. The focus was very much on a pretty mechanistic quantification of nature and the love and affection for it didn't seem to play a big role. Therefore, Stephan embarked on a journey to change that. Well-equipped with Jungian material and analysis he took upon himself to combine the science of Gaia, Earth itself, with psychological insights of alchemy, in other words, to (re)-unify science and soul.  In this episode of our show, we will first introduce Lovelock's Gaia theory and reflect upon Earth's four major components – rocks, water, beings and atmosphere – and how their interactions can be studied through means of cybernetics and system science.  Of course, we will discuss Stephan's most recent book in detail which offers an excellent introduction of the different transformational stages of alchemical processes and explains how they relate to both Gaia's history and internal alchemy. As Stephan is a co-founder of Schumacher College near Totnes, Devon in Great Britain, he will tell us quite a bit about the place which is just meant for exploring rather daring ideas with the main aim to understand why modern human beings are destroying their planet and how this process can be healed. In this context, we will also talk about ‘Deep Ecology' as a science of recognising and dealing with the relationships between different parts of nature, Ecosophia as ecological wisdom and how Gaia Alchemy ties in with these concepts. In the end Stephan will take some time to explain quite a few fascinating ideas such as ‘Deep Time' and what exactly living a ‘Gaian alchemical life' means and highlight his hopes for the future of our civilisation. The book page to "Gaia Alchemy" on the Inner Traditions site Stephan Harding's page on "Human and Nature" Schumacher College website Music played in this episode Once again in this episode we play music by the great esotericist Georges GURDJEFF. He was helped in orchestration and notation by his Russian composer friend, Thomas de Hartmann. These recordings were made at a concert in Mexico City in September 2020. You can find a link to the full concert BY CLICKING HERE 1) RELIGIOUS CEREMONY - Vol III #21 - Yleana Butista and Guests (Track starts at 8:24) 2) THREE SHORT PIECES - Yleana Butista and Guests PERSIAN SONG - Vol I #6 DERVISH #3 - CEREMONY FOR A DEAR DERVISH THE TREMBLING DERVISH (Track starts at 51:50) 3) PRAYER OF NOVEMBER 4, CHRIST MOHAMMED BUDDHA LAMA - Yleana Butista and Guests (Track starts at 1:30:06) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

Well, what should I say about myself here? Everything you would want to know - or maybe did not even want to know - has been said in the interview. And about myself you find a little article on the website anyway. So, just to tell you, that I am extremely grateful that I have met so many interesting people in those first 8 seaons and roughly 140 episodes. I would never have imagined that I will be able to talk to the most important authors, occultists, magicians etc. in the field of Western Esoteric Traditions here. And I am so much looking forward to continue to do so. Also thank you to all the listeners who have followed the show so far. Today we have around 4000 of you a week and that is really great! And special thanks to those who support the show, without you this would not be possible. It would be nice if the others, who are not yet Patrons, considered to become one. Just click HERE and that will bring you to the right place. SEE YOU AGAIN IN TWO WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 4) FOR SEASON 9!   Music played in this episode A very personal music choice of course here for this episode - well, I took the liberty... ENJOY! 1) NIMROD - FROM "ENIGMA VARIATIONS" by Edward Elgar In this version the great Leonard Bernstein conducts the BBC London Symphony Orchestra. It is probably the slowest version ever recorded of that piece but what an incredible tension and emotion he creates like that - only he could do that! (Track starts at 5:59) 2) FINALE FROM THE OPERA "DIE TOTE STADT" - Erich Wolfgang Korngold This is a live recording made about twenty years ago in what was then "my" opera house, the Strasbourg Opera national du Rhin. I was the General and Artistic Director then, so this production is kind of my child. And I think Torsten Kerl sings these final minutes so beautifully - and I LOVE this opera. So I had to share it. (Track starts at 44:20) 3) MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE - Emily Linge This song is originally by Bob Dylan, but was famously covered by the great Adele. And this 16-year-old girl, Emily Linge, who covers it a bit in the mode of Adele, but at the same time in a very personal way, is just such a great talent, that I wanted to share her version with you. (Track starts at 1:21:52) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

UNIQUE SPECIAL OFFER FOR THOTH HERMES PODCAST LISTENERSUntil September 30th, 2022, Aeon Books gives a special 20% discount off the retail price for all listeners of the podcast, when buying on their website. Just enter "KT20" when checking out! Click Here to buy "The Keys to the Temple" at 20% off Meet Ian Rees! Ian is a psycho-spiritual psychotherapist practising in Glastonbury Somerset UK. He has been a therapist for 30 years and spent 10 before that working in Probation Work and Social Work at all levels Since 2009 he has concentrated on developing the Annwn Foundation workshops and the Awen training and presents this material in the UK and Israel. What interests us most here is that he is a highly experienced Qabbalist. First, we talk about his past, how it all started to happen for him, and what seems to be the most important teachings that he could draw of his experience. And we will see that one of the crucial points is to make the correct distinction between "Idol" and "Idea"! Ian has recently published a book with AEON Publishing (UK), co-authored with Penny Billington, on Dion Fortune on how to use the brilliant insights from her occult novels to master the art of the embodied imagination, discover your vitality, and open up to the clarity and love that arise from the root of your being. Dion Fortune's esoteric novels were written as guides to magic and inner development to be used along with her great nonfiction work The Mystical Qabalah. We talk about how to work with her most popular fiction, exploring how the stories and characters can help you integrate the secrets of the Tree of Life and discover what Fortune called “the keys to the temple.” The book contains an exploration of Fortune's writings, experiential practices, and a hands-on workbook section, you will learn to utilize the wealth of esoteric wisdom found in The Mystical Qabalah, The Goat-Foot God, The Sea Priestess, The Winged Bull, and Moon Magic'. But we also speak about a book yet to be published (in September) and which I had the chance to read the manuscript of: "The Tree of Life and Death" is the ultimate workbook for those who want to explore the deep roots of the Qabalah and work with the lost and broken places of the soul and of the universe. It provides an in-depth exploration of the Qliphoth or Shells and looks at the Shadow or unbalanced aspects of the Tree of Life. It is centered around a fascinating practice of alchemical transmutation which brings these Shells into a balanced relationship with what has been described as “the great bundle of the living”. The Tree of Life and Death will show readers how this was central to the work of Dion Fortune and Aleister Crowley. It identifies the historical root of this work in Ancient Egypt contemplating the concept of Maat or Truth and looks at how this principle becomes pivotal in the development of the Qabalah in working to transform the Qliphoth using the ancient Egyptian forms of the holders of Maat - the Eloquent Peasant, the Good Shepherd, and the Silent Sage - seeing them as key images that enable us to embody truth and balance and promote that quality in all that we touch. Matthew will kindly allow us some insights into his book ‘The Way of the Mystic Wizard' which is based on his 15 years teaching about poetry, myth and the art of transformation in his school. He will explain how his personal work comes from a more organic place instead of one of separation, what the real meaning of Shamanism is as part of the world's heritage, how his teaching style includes not only poetry and symbolism but also Jungian psychology and guided inner world journeys and what positive (!) role the pandemic played in turning his teachings into a book that is now available to a much bigger community th...

Please welcome my guest on this week's episode, Matthew Thomas Baker, who holds an MBA in creative writing, a Master in psychology and counselling an has not only been the educational leader of an innovative High School for the Arts for approximately 25 years but also a member of the International Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and the founder and spiritual director of the Institute of Nondual Shamanism. He just quite recently published an exceptional book ‘The Way of the Mystic Wizard' which will be the main topic of our conversation. Growing up in Massachusetts right next to a forest upon undeveloped land surrounded by animals, Matthew spent plenty of his time outdoors and practiced nature mysticism before he even knew there was an actual term for it. In High School, a book on Zen poetry and the initiatic work ‘Siddharta' by Hermann Hesse deeply influenced him and so after entering college Matthew was pretty much fascinated by philosophical and spiritual ideas which ultimately made him taking courses in mythology mainly with an exceptional teacher who introduced his students to the huge diversity of belief systems all around the world challenging them to think outside of the box. Matthew will kindly allow us some insights into his book ‘The Way of the Mystic Wizard' which is based on his 15 years teaching about poetry, myth and the art of transformation in his school. He will explain how his personal work comes from a more organic place instead of one of separation, what the real meaning of Shamanism is as part of the world's heritage, how his teaching style includes not only poetry and symbolism but also Jungian psychology and guided inner world journeys and what positive (!) role the pandemic played in turning his teachings into a book that is now available to a much bigger community than before. As Matthew's book is titled ‘The Way of the Mystic Wizard', we will explore the archetype of this figure and the book's structure which is quite similar to a course written for people with little to no experience offering an access point to anyone interested to find out if this path might be the right one for oneself. In this context we will go into detail and try to answer the main questions such as ‘Why should I start a spiritual practice at all, what's in for me?', continuing with the omnipresent task of ‘Know Thyself!', discuss the necessity of what it takes to break through invisible barriers, how cosmology, poetry and journaling tie in with all this and most importantly, how the changes within effect everything else without. Matthew Thomas Baker's website The Mystic Wizard Experience The Institute for Nondual Shamanism The "recorded journeys on YouTube (rf. to the interview) Get the book on Amazon.com Music played in this episode Like already in two previous episodes in earlier seasons, this week we play music by Krister Linder, who has offered me his tracks from his CD "Across the Never" to play on the show. Please support his work and visit the two links below. Krister Linder's homepage Here is his Bandcamp page. 1) COWBOYS & SNOWDENS (Track starts at 7:15) 2) THE GREAT SURRENDER  (Track starts at 51:03) 3) AWAKE & DISSOLVE (Track starts at 1:36:00) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

One of the greatest and world famous writers of Dark Fiction, or Weird Fiction, or whatever the genre may be called across the planet, Richard Gavin, returns to the show. But while we talked exactly about that type of literature he writes, about his life and backround back then in Episode 9 of Season 5, this time the subject is his non-fiction writing, where he excells just as much - a rarity among writers. "The Benigthed Path" was his first highly acclaimed publication with Theion Publishing a few years ago. Now, literally a couple of weeks ago (yes, this podcast tries to be as close to the authors and publishers as possible) another book by Richard was published by Theion: "The Infernal Masque". It is kind of a sequel without really claiming to be just that. And by the way, "The Benighted Path" has also now just been republished in a second edition and will come out as an Auric Edition shortly. Enjoy a great talk with an intelligent man after which you will see that the Left Hand Path and Ceremonial Magic are finally not far apart in their ideas, more in their means. From the author of The Benighted Path comes this long-awaited new book that delves further into the nocturnal art. The Infernal Masque explores the vital interplay between primordial darkness and infernal fire. It is the dynamic tension between these two elements that creates the sublime frisson within the flesh and soul of the Initiate, immersing them in the ecstatic tempest of daemonic reality. So awakened, one may consult the legions of the Dead, commune with spirits and eventually participate in the grand danse macabre that is the Infernal Masque itself. Incorporating the ancient magical principles of the Eidolon, sciomancy, and Theia mania (“divine madness”), along with more contemporary themes such as estrangement and the uncanny as modes of spiritual transformation, this work is a visionary exposition of the numinous powers that vitalize the phenomenal realm from the Netherworld below. Complete with suggestions for practice and ritual, The Infernal Masque is a powerful doorway into strange and seductive realms of true magical power and experience. (c) Theion Publishing Richard Gavin's website The Infernal Masque on Theion Publishing The Benighted Path (2nd edition)  on Theion Publishing Richard Gavin (mostly fiction) on Amazon.com Music played in this episode What would be a better fit for our subject in this episode than a selection of tracks from that great number of Dark Ambient music that is available out there! The choice fell on Cryo Chamber from Oregon, and three wonderful tracks by them. Here is their Bandcamp page. 1) RUINS, by Void Stasis - Cryo Chamber (Track starts at 6:46) 2) DESIDERII MARGINIS - THE FACELESS BRINGERS OF PAIN, by Cryo Chamber  (Track starts at 58:15) 3) THE SLOW MARCH OF EXTINCTION, by Dronny Darko & G M Slater - Cryo Chamber (Track starts at 1:41:32) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

Welcome to the Secrets of the Occult Tradition of Finland! In this episode, Rudolf speaks to Vesa Iitti, one of the authors of an astonishing book on Finnish Occultism, its history, which is about a hundred years old, just like the young state of Finland. And regarding H.P. Blavatsky: Indeed, her theosophic movement was one of the early Western occultist movements that took roots in Finland. Finland has long been viewed as the land of sorcerers and shamans. Exploring the rich history of Finnish occultism, Perttu Häkkinen and Vesa Iitti examine the significant figures and groups of Finland's occult world from the late 19th century to the present day. They begin with Pekka Ervast, known as the Rudolf Steiner of the North, who was a major figure in Theosophy before starting a Rosicrucian group called Ruusu-Risti, and they look at the Finnish disciples of G. I. Gurdjieff and the grim case of the cult of Tattarisuo. Investigating the relationship of nationalism and esotericism in Finland, the authors tell the stories of Sigurd Wettenhovi-Aspa, who thought that Finns were the root of all Western civilization, and of Yrjö von Grönhagen, who became a close friend of Heinrich Himmler and Karl Maria Wiligut. They also explore the history of Finnish parapsychology, the Finnish UFO craze, and the unique evolution of Freemasonry in Finland, showing how, when the Masonic order was banned, adherents created a number of other secret societies, such as the Carpenter's Order, the Hypotenuse Order, and the Brotherhood of February 17--which later became hubs for the OTO and AMORC. Unveiling both the light and dark sides of modern esotericism in Finland, the authors show how, because of its unique position as partially European and partially Russian, Finland's occult influence extends into the very heart of left-hand and right-hand occult groups and secret societies around the world. So, altogether, a wonderful discovery trip to a wonderful place, at the time of the year when the sun hardly ever sets in Europe's North. And in the intro, Inner Traditions Acquisitions Editor Jon Graham will also tell us why he was particularly interested to get that book translated into English. Book page on the Inner Traditions website Music played in this episode Of course, this week's music comes from Finland! And of course, as I, Rudolf, picked it, it is a mix of Hard Rock - typical Finnish stuff - and classical - well, this one typical Finnish stuff as well! 1) LEMPO - Korpiklaani The foundation of Korpiklaani in 2003 in Lahti, Finland brought the traditional folk music back to life. No one could have foreseen that such a large audience would be interested in Finnish and English mythological texts!www.korpiklaani.com (Track starts at 7:42) 2) FINLANDIA - Jean Sibelius Finlandia, Op. 26, is a tone poem by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was written in 1899 and revised in 1900. The piece was composed for the Press Celebrations of 1899, a covert protest against increasing censorship from the Russian Empire, and was the last of seven pieces performed as an accompaniment to a tableau depicting episodes from Finnish history. (Source wikipedia)   (Track starts at 59:42) 3) SANATON MAA - Korpiklaani (Track starts at 1:41:08) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

My guest this week is the author of several books on magic, Qabalah and witchcraft and his blog has been on my personal reading list for quite some time now. He had stopped blogging some time ago, and when I noticed he had restarted publishing new entries I decided to reach out. Frater Barrabbas Tiresius got back to me and explained that the break was only due to work and travelling a lot and he would soon publish a new book, ‘Talismanic Magic for Witches', coming out in February 2023, so we set up this interview for this episode of the podcast. Frater Barrabbas was born in 1955 and grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. From a pretty early age on he realised he was sort of different and didn't really fit in. Defining himself as a ‘seeker' he managed to get kicked out of Sunday school for asking too many questions instead of ‘simply having faith'. Growing up in a Protestant family with a father who was a member of the military force there was quite a lot of discipline required and being different was not really seen as a positive trait so Frater Barrabbas created himself his own world where he could retreat to. Discovering witchcraft in his teens by reading Gerald Gardner's books (which he actually found boring) it was Paul Huson's ‘Mastering Witchcraft' and Lady Sheba's ‘Book of Shadows' that made a difference and prompted him to be initiated into the Alexandrian tradition by Christopher Synn in his early twenties. This was also the catalyst for getting into touch with the Golden Dawn and its practices and community of that time. Frater Barrabbas originally wanted to become an actor, however he wasn't very good at memorising scripts, and assuming different personas, so went on to get a university degree in English. All along the way, magic and witchcraft were his chosen paths. This episode of the show will highlight quite a few topics that are close to Frater Barrabbas' heart such as his special relationship with Catholicism which might surprise some of our listeners. However, he will explain in great detail the concept of the Catholic mass as a powerful system of energising magic, the role of the priest and that of transubstantiation and also the connection to ancient concepts of sacrifice. Further topics we will be discussing are the role and relevance of magical/occult groups in general and their egregores, how they influence the individual's abilities and workings, democracy vs. autocracy within healthy and less healthy orders, the difference between ceremonial and ritual magic, initiation and self-initiation and the ‘otherness' that creeps up one's spine as the reason for practicing the occult arts. Frater Barrabbas will also have some good advice for anyone just starting out on the path not really knowing where to begin and how being an openhearted sceptic helps in navigating the flood of information available on- and offline. The three books of the "Witches" series by Frater Barrabbas. The third, "Talismanic Magic for Witches", is due in February 2023. But there are also other books by Frater Barrabbas to discover ... Frater Barrabbas' homepage His books on Llewellyn And his highly interesting blog Music played in this episode Somehow the fact that Frater Barrabbas mentioned briefly "The Age of Aquarius" in our talk, that triggered in me the need to look for "Aquarian music" 1) AQUARIUS - Xan Griffin On Xan Griffin's website you not only find all of his g...

Thanks for your patience to wait a week longer than usual for this new episode! This episode is actually a very special one as I have the pleasure to welcome Mogg Morgan as my co-host. Mogg has been the publisher of Mandrake Press for many years and recently we aired an episode of the show where he talked about himself and his work. This time we will be having a wonderful discussion with our guest, author and practitioner Nikki Wyrd on quite a few pretty fascinating topics. Nikki holds a degree in ecology and has written ‘The Book of Baphomet' together with Julian Vayne in 2012 which was published with Mandrake Press, she has contributed to many periodicals and collections of poetry and authored theses and academic papers on subjects such as psychedelic culture and magical thinking and philosophy. In this episode Nikki will let us know how the path was laid out in front of her with her great-grandmother and grandmother reading fortune-teller cards and using a crystal ball. She will tell our audience how she cultivated an interest in mythology and religious and philosophical belief systems as well as in psychedelic mushrooms, Carlos Castaneda's and Robert Anton Wilson's work and how she soon found these topics intertwined in a perfect match. As Nikki was the head of the British Isle section of the IOT for quite some time we will go deep into concepts of Chaos Magick, discuss Crowley's role within it, share some anecdotes about Simon, the Goth, and touch upon ‘Liber Null & Psychonaut' by Peter Caroll on the way. Our guest will also elaborate on women in magick in general and within the IOT specifically, shed some light on the grade system within this order and let us know how divination, invocation, evocation, conjuration, illumination are all integral parts of serious studies of the occult. In the end we will be talking a bit about the future of magick in general and Nikki's projects in this context, including a book on standard chaos monastic practices to be published within days, teachings online and in person, launching her new website and hopefully much more writing. Nikky Wyrd's homepage The Universe Machine Psychedelic press Breaking Convention IOT Blog Mandrake (Mogg Morgan's publishing company) Music played in this episode This week's music is dedicated to psychedelic rock for a good reason (see the title of the episode). As I am myself not really a specialist of the genre, I though I offer you WIKIPEDIA'S thoughts on it: Psychedelic rock is a rock music genre that is inspired, influenced, or representative of psychedelic culture, which is centered on perception-altering hallucinogenic drugs. The music incorporated new electronic sound effects and recording effects, extended solos, and improvisation.Many psychedelic groups differ in style, and the label is often applied spuriously. Originating in the mid-1960s among British and American musicians, the sound of psychedelic rock invokes three core effects of LSD: depersonalization, dechronicization, and dynamization, all of which detach the user from reality. Musically, the effects may be represented via novelty studio tricks, electronic or non-Western instrumentation, disjunctive song structures, and extended instrumental segments. Some of the earlier 1960s psychedelic rock musicians were based in folk, jazz, and the blues, while others showcased an explicit Indian classical influence called "raga rock". In the 1960s, there existed two main variants of the genre: the more whimsical, surrealist British psychedelia and the harder American West Coast "acid rock". While "acid rock" is sometimes deployed interchangeably with the term "ps...

DON'T MISS IN THIS EPISODE THE SHORT TALK I HAD WITH KAREL MCCOY, JAKE STRATTON-KENT'S GIRLFRIEND, ABOUT HIS ACTUAL HEALTH SITUATION AND THEIR NEWS - starts at 10:24 My guest this week is again someone who really does not need to be introduced in detail, as it is very likely that most of our listeners are familiar to some degree with the personality and works of musician and author Gary Lachman. It is a great pleasure for sure to welcome him back on the show and we're going to have a great time talking about quite a lot but especially about his two most recently published books, ‘Dreaming Ahead of Time: Experiences with Precognitive Dreams, Synchronicity and Coincidence' and ‘The Return of Holy Russia: Apocalyptic History, Mystical Awakening and the Struggle for the Soul of the World'. Gary will tell us about the background of ‘Dreaming Ahead of Time' which is essentially based on a talk he gave 2019 in London about the state called ‘hypnagogia', the strange liminal space between being awake and sleeping and how precognition is easily possible during this specific time. He will lead us back into the 1980s where he took his first steps in experimenting with dreams and explain what role a book published in the 1920s by aeronautical engineer J.W. Dunne played in this scenario. Soon enough our conversation is to become quite philosophical touching upon basic questions of time and its structure and role in language and arts as well as its peculiar trait to be entirely subjective. Gary will also be pointing out the main differences between synchronicity and coincidence and giving us some examples I bet quite a few of our listeners will be able to relate to. This episode's second subject will be Gary's book ‘The Return of Holy Russia' which was published right at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. Gary will provide our audience with some background on how the writing process is connected to his previous book ‘Dark Star Rising' which was mainly focused on the politics around Trump, the Alt-Right and Chaos Magick. We'll be talking about Aleksandr Dugin, Putin and trying to illuminate the idea behind their geopolitical ambitions, not in order to justify them, only to understand the context behind them. Finally, Gary will tell us about his most recent not yet published book on Maurice Nicoll, a Scottish physicist and psychiatrist from the 20th century who was not only studying with Jung but also with Gurdijeff and Ouspensky which makes him a fascinating individual so that Gary decided to write a biography about him. Gary's page on Wikipedia His own website And finally his Amazon.com page Music played in this episode 1) SHE GOT ARRESTED - The Interrupters This track is a tribute to Jack Stratton-Kent, the whole occult community is thinking of him and wishing him speedy recovery from his stroke. (See also the special link on top of this page!) (Track starts at 6:34) 2) 6th SYMPHONY "PASTORALE" 3rd AND 4th MOVEMENTS - Ludwig van Beethoven What is Beethoven doing in this podcast? Well, Gary Lachman mentioned this Symphony, so a good reason to play an excerpt! (Track starts at 59:06) 3) THE GREAT SURRENDER - Krister Linden (Track starts at 1:31:49) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

Today's guest is Naomi Ozaniec, who - as we will learn in the first part of the interview - ist not only deeply involved in ancient Kemetic "religion", but also a specialist in Chakras, the Tarot and Meditation. She also runs a school duly named "The House of Life" in Portugal, where she lives now, and online. The Sacred Science of ancient Egypt was an initiatory spiritual system, a technology of consciousness designed to birth a mystical communion with the divinities, an embodied union of being between the eternal and the mortal. After initiation was completed, the re-identified being, now divinely possessed, was known as a Garment of Isis, signifying that the goddess Isis dwelt within them. Offering a practical guide to the key principles within the Egyptian temple tradition, Naomi Ozaniec explores the process of creating and developing a personal relationship with the Neteru, the divinities and forces of creation of ancient Egypt. In her recent book "Becoming a Garment of Isis", she details the nine stages of this initiatory path, which are divided into three phases--heartmind, spiritmind, and soulmind. This step-by-step, interactive process culminates in a ceremony called The Crown of Isis. Naomir provides profound guided meditations and illustrates the manifestation of the initiate's powers through stories of awakening brought on by this spiritual path. She also shares her personal journey as a Garment of Isis and her own powerful interactions with Isis. Naomi's page on Inner Traditions Her books on Amazon The website for her school "The House of Life" Music played in this episode The music of HASSAN ISMAIL is back on the podcast! Once again, we play three tracks, intimately linked to the World of the Esoteric Tradition, on the show. Please find Hassan's YouTube channel here 1) AS WITHIN - Hassan Ismail (Track starts at 8:00) 2) PYRAMIDS OF LIGHT - Hassan Ismail (Track starts at 59:46) 3) ENTROPIA - Hassan Ismail (Track starts at 1:40:52) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

ONLY SHORT SHOW-NOTES STILL FOR THIS EPISODE,NEXT WEEK FULL NOTES SHOULD BE BACK! This week I am happy and honoured to welcome once again one of those great "Tarot Ladies" on Thoth Hermes, Mary K. Greer. It is a pleasure to talk to her about her vast experience in the field, about how she got into all that, about different ways of using this Art, and many more details. The original idea to invite Mary came from another angle, though, and that gave also the title to this episode. Back in the 90's, she wrote that wonderful and thick book on the "Women of the Golden Dawn", which is still available and also seems to be the only one on the matter. And we speak about those four women whose path she describes in the book, her motivation to take up that subject, and also - very important - what it means today to be part of one of those occultist groups as a woman. Two of Mary's books she in particular talks about in the interview Mary K. Greer's website Her books on Amazon Music played in this episode This week, two of the three tracks are from Thoth Hermes listener Fabio Pedrotti. Fabio starts his own esoteric path at the age of 18, through his first initiation to Andean Shamanism, one of the few uninterrupted lineages in the world, of which he will gain the fullness of the three main initiations through a decade. He studies with Dr. Nader Butto and learns the Palestinian divination techniques, how to approach the equilibrium of the Chinese meridians, and bioenergetic treatments. In the following years, he continues his study through western modern astrology, classical 1800s authors such as Levi, Papus, Steiner, and Goethe, the Tarot system, the practice of Chaos and Ceremonial Magick, and the masonic tradition.Always fascinated by Egyptian esoteric knowledge he will enter western Orders: Misraim and Memphis tradition (Order and Rite of Venice) and SIRC (Societas Italica Rosae Crucis), which still maintains the original lineage of the Padri Serviti that transmitted an alchemical knowledge in Mount Senario, near Florence already in the XV century, long before the emergence of the Tubinga circle, that would become famous during the 1600 with the publication of the three renowned Manifestos. Graduated Naturopath since 2005, kinesiologist since 2012, he is also the creator of the Meridiantunes vibro-therapy system, a digital sonic application made to equilibrate the Chinese meridians through sound, today tested in several osteopathic and physiotherapic centers with great results. Today Fabio Pedrotti continues his study, gives lectures, and teaches courses on the western esoterical traditions, such as Alchemy, Rosy Cross, and Egyptian knowledge.The Book of Thoth, a musical duo with the electronic composer Filippo Corradin, was formed in 2021 and will launch 22 songs. Each one arises indeed from one of the 22 major Arcana, giving a glimpse of the realms living in each card. A journey through traditional magic, between jazz, pop, noise, and psychedelic soundscapes. 1) THE AEON (The Judgement) - Fabio Pedrotti Wake up wake upor anything will ever make sensebefore sunrise even stars awaitbut why, whyare you looking for ladders out there?You already know all the strenght it takesWake up Wake uphave you ever sensed the world for realwith eyes disclosedthrough a thinner ear?Why, whydo you stumble upon fears and talesyou could become everything you wishWhy become afraid of light to survive?

ONLY SHORT SHOW-NOTES FOR THIS AND THE COMING TWO EPISODES My guest today is a very special man - Wolf DIeter Storl is cultural anthropologist, ethnobotanist and book author. At the age of eleven, he moved with his parents from his native Germany to rural Ohio, where he in a very deep and special way did not only get interested in nature, forests and plants, but also built a very deep relationship with them. Today he lives on a remote farm in the south of Germany with his wife from Wyoming. He recently published his biography about his youth and life in America, which has shaped his life, called "Far out im America". We talk mostly about this part of his experience, but also about nautre activism and the role nature plays in our everyday's life. Wolf Dieter Storl's website His new English Language book on Amazon US and on Amazon UK All of Wolf's book in German and English on Amazon Germany A Video Clip of Wolf Dieter Storl talking about "Far out in America" Music played in this episode 1) POWERFUL NATIVE AMERICAN CHANT (Track starts at 7:46) 2) EI, WIE SCHMECKT DER COFFEE SÜSSE - Johann Sebastian Bach BWV 211 From the "Kaffeekantate" which Wolf Dieter Storl mentions in the interview just before we take that musical break (Track starts at 52:40) 3) THE WHITE FEATHER - Ah Nee Ma (Track starts at 1:37:46) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

ONLY SHORT INTROS FOR THIS AND THE COMING TWO EPISODES Welcome back to Mark Stavish, the Director of the Institute for Hermetic Studies, where Rudolf and he discuss the not always easay way how to enter the world of the Western Tradition. This starts by how you want to name what you are looking for. Esotericism? Spirituality? Occultism? Or something else? But this is only the start, of course. Has it become easier in the Internet age to find your path, the right approach to it, or more difficult? What are the chances, what are the traps? These and many other questions lead to the clear conclusion: you will need discipline, whatever your approach or your path is going to be. If this now sounds to you like an episode for the beginner, then you might be wrong. It is certainly is thought to help the searcher, but with Mark's huge knowledge and personal experience also the seasoned esotericist will find points to think about, to discuss, to develop. Books by Mark Stavish Link to The Institute for Hermetic Studies The Philosophers of Nature Website Books by Roberto Assagioli (mentioned by Mark Stavish in the interview) Books by Piero Ferruci (mentioned by Mark Stavish in the interview) Music played in this episode 1) BLURRED - Kiasmos “In the vast ocean of nirvana every microsecond a universe pops up as so one fades away, it's omnifying how this creation & destruction plays in such a harmony.” (Track starts at 6:22) 2) TIME AND SPACE - The Cinematic Orchestra "One swing set, well worn but structurally sound, seeks new home. Make memories with your kid or kids so that someday he or she or they will look into the backyard and feel the ache of sentimentality as desperately as I did this afternoon. It's all fragile and fleeting, dear reader, but with this swing set, your child(ren) will be introduced to the ups and downs of human life gently and safely, and may also learn the most important lesson of all: No matter how hard you kick, no matter how high you get, you can't go all the way around.” (Track starts at 53:05) 3) TRANSMISSION 94 - Bonobo "There were no witnesses to what was about to happen. 'Happen' didn't yet exist. Reality was timeless. Space also didn't exist. The distance between two points was immeasurable. The points themselves could be anywhere, hovering and bouncing. Infinity tangled into itself. There was no here and now. Only Being.”  (Track starts at 1:42:12) Intro and Outro Musicespecially written and recorded for the Thoth-Hermes Podcast by Chris Roberts

My guest of this week is LA based scholar, tarot specialist, practicing astrologer and the author of ‘The American Renaissance Tarot', Thea Wirsching. Calling herself ‘Pluto babe' on her website, Thea will shed some light on the origin of this nickname and on her upbringing as an atheist who turned a Born Again Christian at age 14 spending hours in prayer, and meditation. She will tell us how this time in her life ultimately led her to Wiccan studies and a trip to Egypt and then to Munich, Germany, where an intense communication happened between her and a statue of an Egyptian goddess culminating in the decision to study astrology an hermeticism within an academic program. In our conversation Thea will take her time to explain the way she practices astrology and what looking at a chart from an evolutionary point of view requires from clients in terms of carmic/cosmic lifetime homework assignment. She will also go into detail on the more common ideas and preconceptions of people regarding astrology, elaborate on the role of newspaper/pop astrology and the internet as a phenomenon itself and how these are in direct opposition to the sophisticated part of a serious astrologer.As one of the main topics of our discussion will be the American Renaissance Tarot Thea created, we will talk about how she came to study the tarot herself and how two novels played an important role in this process. The American Renaissance in the beginning of the 19th century needs some explanation as well so Thea will introduce us to the key characters of literature of that time period including Melville, Hawthorne, Whitman, Poe, Emerson and Thoreau and analyse what exactly they were interested in, what ideas of the Western Hermetic Tradition were revived in terms of a ‘Renaissance' that bears some parallels to the Florentine Renaissance and how their reception took place. Finally, we will explore Thea's American Renaissance Tarot deck and go into detail on her choices (or not so much) regarding the personalities of the American Renaissance Movement who ended up representing certain cards. We will also have the opportunity to listen to the whole story how Thea was inspired to create the deck, why she renamed some of the court cards and reveal her intention behind the whole creative process including the very specific role of Edgar Allan Poe. Thea Wirsching's "Plutobabe" site - her work as an astrologer The website about the American Renaissance Tarot The American Renaissance Tarot is a traditional 78-card Tarot deck written by Thea Wirsching and illustrated by Celeste Pille. The project pays homage to America's most talented writers and the iconic figures who inspired them in the years 1825-1875. Though the term “American Renaissance” was originally conceived by a literary critic to describe a very narrow but spectacular period in American literature (the years 1850 through 1855), Thea has chosen to extend the parameters of America's literary flourishing to include the Transcendentalist movement of the 1830s and 1840s, as well as some notable postbellum achievements. Short but detailed chapters accompany each card and are rich with quotations from the thirty-six writers included in the project. Music played in this episode This week's music is again by one of our listeners and friends! Joshua Kirch is a musician and composer who started with guitar, and he soon moved to classical guitar and performing in a guitar trio - really enjoying the range of repertoire and especially the Renaissance pieces available. This eventually led him to start learning the lute and cello. His compositions often mix electronic elements with classical and early music ins...

This episode's guest is someone who rarely gives interviews so it is an exceptional pleasure to welcome Rawn Clark who also practices what he preaches and since starting in the 1990s has written quite a large number of influential books on meditation, healing, and self-knowledge. Actually, Rawn who might be best-known for his work ‘A Bardon Companion: Initiation Into Hermetics' has just published his most recent book ‚Book of Aries: Magic of Essential Meaning & The Path of Brilliance' and of course we will talk about this and his other works as well such as ‘The 231 Gates of Initiation: & The 32 Paths of Wisdom Tarot', ‘Permutations of the Tree: The 182 Gates of the Gra Tree of Life' and ‘Love Letter to a Dying World: A Handbook for Humanity'. Some of our listeners may know Rawn from his website through which he has done a wonderful job to promote the theories and practices of Czech Republic occult practitioner and magician Franz Bardon who has written three main books ‘Initiation into Hermetics', ‘The Practice of Magical Evocation' and The True Quabbalah'. Although new content is not being added anymore, the website remains a great resource for anyone who aims to dig further into Bardon and his work, you can find the address in the show notes. FRANZ BARDON Born in 1958 in Oklahoma, Rawn spent most of his life in California and his earliest memories include himself being out in the woods experiencing nature and having the sense of the world being a magical place. Growing up in a family of agnostic Unitarian atheists he found an encouraging environment and started out with reading Carlos Castaneda, going on to devour books on occultism in his 20s. While Rawn was working as a house cleaner in the 1980s he discovered two books in a library he was in at that moment. One was Aleister Crowley's ‘Magic in Theory and Practice' and the other was Franz Bardon's ‘Inititation into Hermetics'. He borrowed them but was not able to finish the first one so he picked up the second and hasn't really put it down ever since. In this episode we will talk a lot about what exactly it is that makes Bardon's works still so relevant and attractive for the 21st century practitioner. Rawn will generously share his personal experiences with the Bardon method, telling us how he felt about the transformations and the contacts. We will also point out differences between Bardon's system and classical hermeticism and touch upon the various fluids behind the elements where he borrowed a lot from modern physics. As many people find sticking with Bardon's 10-step-system demanding to say at least, Rawn aims to demystify some expectations and preconceptions of this work. Furthermore, he will give us some insights what it really takes to advance with it in terms of time and dedication and define initiation itself as well. Rawn's books on Amazon The backup-copy of the famous "A Bardon Companion" website This is NOT a picture of Rawn Clark, but of EMIL STEJNAR Stejnar is reckoned to be the successor of the famous magician Franz Bardon. (english webpage here) I have often been asked if his books were also available in English. Well, now finally eight of them are, the others in preparation.  Here is a link to the ENGLISH language page of the website where his book are presented. Music played in this episode 1) THE CONCEPT OF YOU AND I - Lars Lowe (Track starts at 6:16) 2) INCANTATION "IN PRINCIPIO" - Heather Dale (Track starts at 50:49)  3) HARD - Akerman

Please welcome my guest of this week, scholar and visual artist Sasha Chaitow who takes us on a journey to France during the 2nd half of the 19th century where quite a few mesmerizing persona of the occult revival era can be found, Gérard Encausse (“Papus”), Stanislas de Guaita and also the main protagonist of our episode, almost forgotten Joséphin Péladan. Sasha studied art, communication and English literature in Athens and after completing her Master in Western Esotericism at the University of Exeter she did her PhD on Joséphin Péladan. Actually it was her interest in French symbolism that got her the idea to do some research on Péladan who was a prolific author with more than 100 books and influenced artists and writers of his time alike. Luckily for us all, Sasha's book on Péladan based on her PhD will be published by Theion Publishing late June or July this year and Péladan as a colourful and controversial figure as well as his work will be the main topic of our conversation. We will be talking about Péladan and his role as part of the occult revival and Sasha will point out what was different about him compared to his fellow occultists back then and how he soon found himself at odds with his colleagues due to his clear vision to de-occult occultism itself. From the Theion Publishing website (www.theionpublishing.com) With great joy we announce the forthcoming publication of Son of Prometheus by Sasha Chaitow. Based on her PhD thesis this ground-breaking in-depth study of the life and works of French esotericist Joséphin Péladan will precede her trilogy on Peladan's esoteric work and art to be released by Theion in the coming years. This book is the first scholarly study of the life and work of Joséphin Péladan that succeeds in placing it in the context of the history of Western Esotericism while also providing a clear roadmap to the entirety of Péladan's initiatory teachings and philosophy of the esoteric power of art. Responding to multiple cultural shifts in fin-de-siècle French society, Péladan authored over a hundred novels and monographs in an attempt to bring about the spiritual regeneration of society through mythopoetic art underpinned by esoteric thought. Sasha will explain how Péladan was viewed as ‘difficult' and ridiculed during his lifetime getting bad publicity. Although some fellow occultists such as Papus seemed to understand him, others like Oswald Wirth strongly opposed him and Aleister Crowley borrowed some of his ideas but at the same time wrote negatively about him. While he was almost forgotten and only briefly mentioned here and there, certain mid-20th-century Martinist and Rosicrucian groups claimed his work in order to establish their lineages. On our journey Sasha will be our guide not only through the maze of French occult societies but also through Péladan's worldview which was Neoplatonist in essence as he believed that the Late Antiquity split between religion and occultism had led to paradoxes and misunderstandings. We will also talk about the connection between Péladan and Stanislas de Guaita as Péladan acted as a mentor to de Guaita and was introduced by him to certain occult circles in the late 1880s. Eventually the two of them decided to create an initiatory Hermetic school organised in a quasi-Masonic style ultimately leading to the founding of the Cabbalistic Order of the Rosicrucian as well as to a front-page occult war in the newspapers. Sasha will give us wonderful insights into Péladan's ideas in detail and all the influences that merged within his work and point out several great projects that should be subject to further research. Furthermore, she will offer excellent advice on how anyone interested in Péladan's concepts could start out working with them as a system for self-initiation.

It has been part of the Mission Statement for the Thoth Hermes Podcast since its beginnings that the serious discussion of paranormal phenomena like precogntion, telepathy and clairvoyance shall be part of our subjects. But we have never treated the paranormal as such in a full episode, and now the occasion has come. Our guest today is Norwegian historian of ideas and author Terje G. Simonsen, well-versed also in all things esoteric and occult and also bearer of some quite extraordinary experiences in the field he will also tell us about. His book "A Short Story of (nearly) everything paranormal has become a real bestseller, and offers a wide overview of phenomena, tries to find explanations but without demystiying. In his very open and friendly way Terje explains us his view on the matter, but also has a lot to say about people like Carlos Castaneda, Michael Harner and Rudolf Steiner! The book on the paranormal, endorsed by consciousness experts as the best introduction to psychic phenomena, offering the latest scientific research as well as highly compelling anecdotes. “Superb survey of the paranormal … I cannot recommend it highly enough.” – New York Times bestselling author Herbie Brennan This is the most entertaining and broad survey of the paranormal ever made, combining forgotten lore, evidence from parapsychological experiments and the testament of scientists, archaeologists, anthropologists, psychologists, physicists and philosophers, and also quite a few celebrities. Exploring the possibility that paranormal phenomena may be – and that some most likely are – objectively real, this travelogue through the twilight zone of human consciousness is both scientifically rigorous and extremely entertaining. Readers may be surprised to learn that reputable scientists, among them several Nobel laureates, have claimed that telepathy is a reality, that Cleopatra's lost palace and Richard III's burial place were recovered by means of clairvoyance, and that an espionage program using psychics was set up by the US military! The author proposes that all humans (perhaps all living beings) are linked together in a sort of “mental internet” that allows us to exchange “telepathic emails” and make clairvoyant downloads of information. Could it be that what we usually call “supernatural” is a natural but little understood communication via this mental internet? An engaging, entertaining and informative analysis of a controversial subject, in which these phenomena are approached as potential expressions of unexplained powers of the human mind. Download the article we discuss in the interview!The Experimental Evidence for Parapsychological Phenomena:A Review by Etzel Cardeña - Lund University (Sweden) Click Here Find Terje G. Simonsen's page on Watkins Publishing Music played in this episode   1) EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE - Birraj Pianist and Composer based in New Delhi, India making production music for Films, TV and Media (Track starts at 7:37) 2) THE FAREWELL - Break of Reality Having sold out concerts in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Break of Reality is regarded as one of the world's premiere alt-classical chamber ensembles. The band's signature cello rock sound has bridged the gap between classical, rock and world music listeners, and in 2015, the members of Break of Reality were appointed music ambassadors by the U.S. State Department. Formed in 2003 at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, Break of Reality has gone on to reach millions of listeners v...


Do you remember the wonderful talk with Tamra Lucid we had on S/ E18 back in January, about her really lovely book on Manly P Hall and the 8o's around him in L.A.
Well, ny guest today on this second Special Anniversary Episode is Ronnie Pontiac. He is many things at once. He is now Tamra's partner and husband (she actually makes a quick appearance in the beginning to introduce him) - remember, they got married by Manly P Hall. He is like Tamra a wonderful musician. He became Manly P Hall substitute speaker and was very close to Mr Hall in those seven years. So he is in a way next to Mr. Hall the "other protagonist" of Tamra's book, hence the title of this epiosde.
But Ronnie is also an excellent writer and teacher preparing the release of two books to come, so we will certainly hear of him again on the podcast.


This is the very special Anniversary episode for the 5th Anniversary of the first launch of an episode on our show. Back on April 20th 2017 it was Alan Richardson who was my guest.Without evening mentioning that in the interview, you will see that Lionel Snell, also known under his pen name Ramsey Dukes, is a very special person, brilliant, with a lot of humour, always ahead of this time. The way how he explains the four levels in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, comparing that to the computer world, is unique and only one example of the great things you will find in this interview.At my side is Carl Abrahamsson; for this is the second so-called "TRIO-episode", where I invite a former guest to be my co-host for once, and Carl made the wonderful suggestion to invite Lionel. And Carl was a perfect co-host in all ways. 
All of this makes this a worthy Anniversary celebration.
Thank you to all listeners, guests and musicians who have contributed to wonderful five years!

Please welcome my guests this week – yes, two of them – practitioner, author and creator of the website www.pansophers.com Samuel Robinson and his companion and co-creator Ian H. Gladwin as it is a really wonderful occasion to talk to both of them at the same time about their projects, utopian (or not so much) views on modern day occulture and so much more. Sam grew up in a partly Maori partly English family in New Zealand and learned quite a lot about ancestral veneration and co-existing peacefully within the laws of nature from his grandfather who happened to be a spiritual leader of his tribe. During his year living with Aboriginal indigenous people in the Australian outback Sam had the amazing opportunity to experience not only their teachings but also to dive into Western Hermetic traditions before he settled for living in Europe, first in Germany and now in England. It was also during his time in Germany when Sam discovered a kind of an occult treasure trove consisting of groups, teachings and material scattered around and started to connect those dots in his blog which pretty soon became a voice for Rosicrucianism finally culminating in www.pansophers.com. Based in New York, Ian is a visual artist who grew up in Alaska close to nature and discovered the occult a bit later in life by the invisible language of art and music. Through Israel Regardie's Golden Dawn material Ian came into touch with Rosicrucianism which soon changed his life. No wonder he was open for a path investigating the material in Sam's articles especially on how pansophy and Rosicrucianism might be related and together they continue to work on the website that was created by Sam. In our conversation we will try to find a definition for Rosicrucianism as a symbolic language of dying and resurrection, a universal idea that is told through myth ultimately leading to initiation. We will dive deep into the origins of the pansophic movement, the first manifesto of seven Rosicrucian brothers and how their promise to learn and share might work out in a modern version these days. Of course, we will also talk about a new project of Ian which is not to be fully revealed yet but it has some resemblance to a utopia where the starting point might be ‘Know Thyself' but then the next step has to involve the dissolution of the dualism between nature and humanity recognising the pansophic model how the interior and exterior communicate with each other attaching a moral paradigm, a set of ethics to this which should find their way into both daily and spiritual life. Another focus of the show will be Sam's recently published book on Rosicrucian Alois Mailander who was born in 1847 and is supposed to be the well-kept secret Rosicrucian guide behind the Theosophical Society as well as Rudolf Steiner's secret teacher. As Sam has already plans for a new book focusing on opera singer, director and freemason, Johann Baptist Kernings's practices involving inner work and internal alchemy partly connected to sexual techniques and Kundalini energy he will provide some great advice on the essence of this practice and on the question what it takes to do ‘The Great Work'. Here is that great website on Rosicrucianism we talk about: www.pansophers.com And here you can find Sam Robinson's book on Alois Mailander Music played in this episode   1) WAHABIBI- by Shams93 (Track starts at 8:18) 2) UNLOCK AN IMMORTAL SEAL - Anantakara (Track starts at 57:39) Sometimes we have to be dismantled in our being before accessing some relief and brightn...