ESOTERICA

Magical and medicine have long shared a contested border. However, with the introduction of learned medicine into Europe, magical incantations were increasingly sidelined for Galenic principles and practice. However, Urso of Salerno (d. c. 1220) rejected both Church skepticism and Galenic orthodoxy by incorporating Incantations into his medical practice. In his Aphorisms Urso provides one of the most sophisticated theories for the function and application of magical Incantations. Let's explore how medieval incantations worked!Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Reading:Van der Lugt - The Learned Physician as a Charismatic HealerBulletin of the History of MedicineVol. 87, No. 3 (Fall 2013), pp. 307-346 (40 pages)https://www.jstor.org/stable/26305934 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was recently asked about tips for how to start studying the Zohar, the core text in the development of the Jewish Mystical tradition or Kabbalah. I've been study this incredibly challenging text from both religious and academic perspectives for years and here are some tips and advice for anyone - Jewish, non-Jewish, academic, secular, occultist, or just fan of literature - for starting to study this amazing text. Also note the links to the texts below including some recommendations for editions to study at any level of Zohar study.Sample Section of Talmud - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RLHGFBVl79KWYav7HSgAMblU7Q5lOP4RpTBSjm47tA4/edit?usp=sharingZohar Editions from Starter to AdvancedZohar: Annotated & Explained - 978-1893361515 - Best text for absolute beginnerZohar: The Book of Enlightenment (Classics of Western Spirituality) - 978-0809123872 - More diverse texts, still great for absolute beginnerThe Pritzker Zohar in 12 volumes - https://www.sup.org/zohar/ - Best translation in EnglishSefer Zohar (Hebrew/Aramaic) - Margaliot 3 volume edition - Standard edition for both Academic and Religious referenceFrom here, move on to both academic and religious commentariesThe Zohar can be incredibly challenging to study. Here is a short syllabus in graduated form from easier (Midrash haNe'elam) to more difficult (Idra Rabba) sections:Midrash haNe'elam / The Hidden Midrash - (2:4a–5b, 14a–22a, 2:35b–40b 46b-47b and volume 11 of the Pritzker Zohar vol. 11 )The Sava (2:94b–114a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 5) and Yanuka pericopes (3:186a–92a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 9)The main body of the Zohar - The Introduction being a real challengeIdra Zuta or the The Lesser Assembly (3:287b–96b - Pritzker Zohar vol. 9)Sifra di-Tzeni'uta (2:176b–179a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 9)Idra Rabba or The Greater Assembly (3:127b–145a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 8)#kabbalah #zohar #mysticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Win an authentic piece of magical history: a 1300 year old Incantation Bowl Fragment and learn about our new antiquarian occult book catalog!Check out the catalog here: https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is Spiritual Alchemy? Most people interested in alchemy these days are primarily interested in alchemy as a kind of mystical self-transformation. But, where did this concept first emerge in European Alchemy? We first find the concept that the concept of alchemy as spiritual transformation in a obscure text known as Azoth Et Ignis - Azoth and Fire (1584-99/1702). Born in heterodox Protestant, Paracelsian and mystical circles Azoth and Fire argued that in the mystery of the number 666 we find that alchemy is theology and theology is alchemy. But how does Christ become the Stone of the Philosophers' Stone, our means of Spiritual Transformation and the process by which We perfect Nature itself? Let's explore this obscure, profound and important text: Azoth and Fire!Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelOne Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Readings:Zuber - Spiritual Alchemy - https://amzn.to/49QU4DXAzoth Et Ignis - https://archive.org/details/azothetignisdasi00fict/mode/1upDas Lebendige Buch : Ms. germ. fol. 1070 , 1599 - https://digital.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/werkansicht?PPN=PPN737954477&PHYSID=PHYS_0045&DMDID=DMDLOG_0001&view=picture-downloadAlchemistische Sammelhandschrift - Cod. Allerheiligen 3 - https://digital.blb-karlsruhe.de/blbdd/content/pageview/2949214 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

900 years ago, a set of Mayan scribes composed what is now the oldest American book. But it remains mysterious. On its pages various deities seem to menace, capture and behead victims, attack sacred temples and threaten the world order all on specific dates in the religious 260 days Mayan Calendar. What scholars have revealed is a complex astrological almanac detailing specific dates in the four phases of the planet Venus and the doom that came with them. Let's explore the Códice Maya de México and the foreboding doom brought by the planet Venus.Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Mayan Bloodletting Mysticism - https://youtu.be/qqsTx0JutsAThe Mesoamerican Calendar - https://youtu.be/t9E_eXE33JE?si=k1aJkBFUkWRnrLlCRecommended Reading:Códice Maya de México - https://amzn.to/4qAJSoUhttps://archive.org/details/maya-codex-mexico/MCM%20Page.1.jpgSchele, etc., - Blood of Kings: Dynasty and Ritual in Maya Art - https://amzn.to/3ZrFRHcTedlock - Popol Vuh - https://amzn.to/4r4ZMHECoe - The Maya - https://amzn.to/4qAdfYtCoe, Stone - Reading the Maya Glyphs - https://amzn.to/49Lm9efMontgomery - Dictionary of Maya Hieroglyphs - https://amzn.to/49KARCh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We explore the earliest collection of magical texts in the ancient world - The Greek Magical Papyri (PGM) and the Egyptian Demotic spells. The PGM is the greatest collection of ancient magic. Written on papyrus these collections of spells, incantations, evocations, represent the rich cross-pollination between various cultures, religious systems, and forms of magic and divination. From Egyptian, Roman, Jewish, Greek cultures and religions emerges an amazing religious and magical syncretism. This video introduces the PGM and discusses a collection of spells including: an invisibility lotion, the invocation of Helios, a rare example of lesbian love magic, a curse for your boss, magical athletic ability, protection from demons, an anger management spell and more. This video is part of a series on books of magic in history - subscribe for future videos!Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:Betz - The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation - 978-0226044477Ankarloo and Clark - Witchcraft and Magic in Europe vol II - Ancient Greece and Rome - 978-0812217056Ogden - Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman World - 978-0195385205Waston - Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome - 978-1788312981Harris - Ancient Egyptian Magic - 978-1578635917#magic #egyptan #greek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aramaic Incantations Bowls were an ancient magical technology for warding off the power of demons, especially Lilith, and malevolent sorcery. Numberings in the thousands, these bowls represent a now lost anti-demonic magical tradition. Esoterica has resurrected this practice in the form of a beautiful objet d'art: a hand-made, contemporary bowl featuring a traditional Lilith image and Aramaic inscription composed by Justin Sledge all based on historical examples in a very limited run of 50 bowls.You can find the bowls for purchase here: https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-editionLearn more about Aramaic Incantation Bowls: https://youtu.be/wyI9m50ODB4The Aramaic Incantation, w/ English translation can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s-dTOknQE7Zi960XP_gvADZMcrbROxB3zjWdC2FRHl4/edit?usp=sharingESOTERICA sales for the holidays!Lilith Incantation Bowls back in limited stock - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-edition20% off any purchase at our Rare Book Store - code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/New Necromantic Mirror of Floron shirt and 15% off all merch with code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://my-store-d6a943.creator-spring.com/Looking to buy books on western esotericism check out my study guide - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first in a series here at Esoterica exploring esoteric languages and symbol systems! This video takes a look at the Lingua Ignota (Unknown Language) of the 12th century mystic and polymath Hildegard of Bingen.Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelO Orzchis Ecclesia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGCAOf9gjBMRecommended Readings:Sarah Higley - Hildegard of Bingen’s Unknown Language: An Edition, Translation, and Discussion - ISBN-13: 978-1403976734Hildegard's Music on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hildegard+musicHildegard - Hildegard of Bingen: Scivias - ISBN-13: 978-0809131303Selected Writings: Hildegard of Bingen - ISBN-13: 978-0140436044Fiona Maddocks - Hildegard of Bingen - ISBN-13: 978-0571302437Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen - Matthew Fox - ISBN-13: 978-1879181977#hildegard #ignota #conlang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Precious little on pagan theories of salvation survive from the ancient world. However, Proclus' On the Hieratic Art According to the Greeks is an amazingly brief and yet profound introduction to salvation through Theurgy or God-Doing. In this text, we learn of the four-stage process by which one achieves magical powers and immortalization through various forms of theurgy. From recognizing the world as part of the divine flowing out, incantations, divine epiphanies, occult passcodes, animating cultic statues, and conjunctions with the Divine. Surviving in just one manuscript exemplar and first printed in 1497 - both in Ficino's hand and translation - Proclus On the Hieratic Art is one of the most important testimonies to the synthesis of Pagan philosophy and religious ritual!Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Readings:Proclus' On the Hieratic Art according to the Greeks: Critical Edition with Translation and Commentary - https://amzn.to/4tideKm-The Thomas Taylor translation is also perfectly fine - listen to it read by @TheModernHermeticist here - https://youtu.be/LXycfJBopWU?si=VNGAqhYbUOxXojWXThe Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary - https://amzn.to/4rhrt0NAll From One: A Guide to Proclus - https://amzn.to/4cgidF8Proclus: An Introduction - https://amzn.to/3O4JTTu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Love fundamental reality? Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153) is among the pillars of western mysticism. In his mystical theology, he takes John's declaration that "God is Love" to it's radical conclusion: Love is both the means and the goal of all existence. Thus, the soul must undergo a series of transformations through love so as to be raptured up into the Divine Love which is God. Let's explore the mystical theology of Love!Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Readings:Bernard of Clairvaux: Selected Works - https://amzn.to/4qU6oZ1Sermons on the Song of Songs Set - https://litpress.org/Products/CFZ02/Sermons-on-the-Song-of-Songs-Set-Volumes-14The Mystical Theology of St. Bernard - https://amzn.to/4r2iO1hThe Growth of Mysticism: Gregory the Great Through the 12 Century - https://amzn.to/4caDAYG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jewish mysticism is one of the foundations for Western Esotericism and this video explores some of the earliest strata of those mystical texts. In the Merkaba (chariot) / Hekhalot (palaces) texts mystics describe the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent - not ascent - into the divine palaces, meet with fearsome angels, gain control over angelic power, become transformed into beings of fire, and mount the very throne of G-d to carefully measure the vasts dimensions of the divine body. This video also explores the Sar Torah (Torah Prince) literature where mystics engage in Jewish theurgy in order to gain immediate knowledge of legal, magical, and religious lore. We also setup a future discussion of early Jewish magical texts such as the Sefer haRazim (The Book of Secrets) and the most obscure, taciturn, and amazing Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Formation). Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:James Davila - Hekhalot Literature in Translation: Major Texts of Merkavah Mysticism - 978-9004252158James Davila - Descenders to the Chariot: The People Behind the Hekhalot Literature - 978-9004115415Vita Daphna Arbel - Beholders of Divine Secrets: Mysticism and Myth in the Hekhalot and Merkavah Literature - 978-0791457245Gershom Scholem - Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism - 978-0805210422Menachem Kellner - Maimonides' Confrontation with Mysticism - 978-1904113294Michael D. Swartz - Scholastic Magic: Ritual and Revelation in Early Jewish Mysticism - 978-0691010984 (Great text mostly dealing with Sar Torah Mysticism)#merkavah #kabbalah #hekhalot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Angel Magic give us the Internet? In around 1499 Johann Trithemius began combining alchemical theory, astrology, the combatory arts and angel magic into a vast occult system by which to rapidly transmit information, acquire languages, induce prophecy and illuminate the soul. He called this occult science the Ars Steganographia and he was condemned for it. Despite rumors that he was a vile necromancer, Trithemius would continue his studies: founding arcane modern cryptology, tutoring Agrippa as he developed the Occult Philosophy, inspiring the development of the Lesser Key of Solomon, uncovering the astral cycles of history and much more. Let's explore the Ars Steganographia!Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Readings:Bran, Trithemius and Magical Theology - https://sunypress.edu/Books/T/Trithemius-and-Magical-TheologyDO NOT BUY this book from Amazon. They use a POD service and the book will just fall apart.Skinner & Clark, Steganographia - https://amzn.to/3PocHarDan Harms on the Skinner Steganographia - https://medium.com/@danharms_29771/steganographia-a-review-5b26849f45c7Gamer - Die Polygraphia des Johannes Trithemius - https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/isbn/9789004507753/html?lang=enFrater Acher - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/black-abbot-white-magicShumaker - Renaissance Curiosa - Johannes Trithemius and Cryptography The Art Theurgia Goetia - https://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/theurgia.htmSteganographia 1606 - https://books.google.com/books?id=yqRNAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=falseSteganographia 1608 - https://archive.org/details/SteganographiaBSB1608/mode/1upSteganographis Vindicated 1721 - https://books.google.it/books?id=wYFZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PP9#v=onepage&q&f=falseJohn Dee's Manuscript copy - https://www.library.wales/discover-learn/digital-exhibitions/manuscripts/early-modern-period/steganographia/De Septem Secundeis - https://esotericarchives.com/tritheim/tritem.htmhttps://www.google.com/books/edition/De_septem_secundeis_id_est_intelligentii/ij48AAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1De Septem Secundeis 1522 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/De_septem_secunda_Deis_id_est_intelligen/EaRRAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1De Septem Secundeis 1545 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/De_septem_secundeis_id_est_intelligentii/ij48AAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1Polygraphiae 1613 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/Libri_polygraphiae_VI/aN-uEaXeZN0C?hl=en&gbpv=1Liber octo quaestionum 1534 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/Liber_octo_quaestionum_quas_illi_dissolv/vhI8AAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1"" - https://www.esotericarchives.com/tritheim/8quest.htmThe infamous Bovillus Epistle p. 172 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/Opuscula_Liber_de_intellectu/jtyJxrDZvsoC?hl=en&gbpv=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An introduction to the relatively new field of western esotericism focusing on the scope of field including magic, mysticism, alchemy, theosophy, and more; several of the dominant academic approaches to the field; where to study western esotericism at the university levelSupport Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:Antoine Faivre - Western Esotericism: A Concise History - ISBN-13: 978-1438433783Arthur Versluis - Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions - ISBN-13: 978-0742558366Kocku Von Stuckrad - Western Esotericism - A Brief History of Secret Knowledge - ISBN-13: 978-1844657476Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke - The Western Esoteric Traditions: A Historical Introduction - ISBN-13: 978-0195320992Wouter J. Hanegraaff - Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed - ISBN-13: 978-1441136466#esotericism #occultism #hermeticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a lecture I gave last year at the Flint Institute of Art on the history, theory, and symbolism of alchemy. It's going to serve as an introduction to alchemy until I make a series for the channel.Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelSupport Adam McLean's art and research: https://www.alchemywebsite.com/bookshop/index.htmlSupport the Flint Institute of Arts: https://flintarts.org/join-and-give/ways-to-giveRecommended Readings:Linden, Stanton J. (ed.) The Alchemy Reader: From Hermes Trismegistus to Isaac Newton. 978-0521796620. Nicely edited collection of alchemical primary texts.Principe, Lawrence. The Secrets of Alchemy. 978-0226103792. An up-to-date history of alchemy.Newman, William. Newton the Alchemist: Science, Enigma, and the Quest for Nature's "Secret Fire" 978-0691174877. Cutting edge research on alchemy in the 17th century. An amazing wok of scholarship.Roob, Alexander(ed.) Alchemy & Mysticism. 978-3836549363. A collection of alchemical imagery and symbolism, also a nice coffee table book!Spiritual / Psychology School of Interpretation Atwood, Mary Anne. A Suggestive Inquiry into the Hermetic Mystery….(many re-print editions). The first text to introduce the ‘spiritual interpretation” of alchemy.Eliade, Mircea. The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy. 978-0226203904. Religious-philosophical interpretation of alchemy.von Franz, Marie-Louise. Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology. 978-0919123045. An introduction to the Jungian psychological interpretation of alchemy.#alchemy #transmutation #hermeticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This video traces the origin and development of magical symbols from late-classical Egypt through their development into Western European Magic. These characters likely began as debased hieroglyphics and would eventually develop into unique symbols of power, the seals and sigils in angelic and demonic mage, and form the basis for angelic script / alphabets. This video is a part of a series on magical and occult symbolism so make to subscribe if that interests you!Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:Richard Gordon's article - https://www.academia.edu/13925134/Charakteres_between_Antiquity_and_Renaissance_Transmission_and_Re-inventionDon Skemer - Binding Words: Textual Amulets in the Middle Ages - 978-0271027234#magic #sigil #seal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Mysticism Defeat Satan? In 1196 the mystic Hildegard of Bingen was called to help cure a noble woman of demonic possession. However, it became clear that only a divine revelation could combat these demonic forces. And, in a mystical vision, Hildegard received a powerful ritual of exorcism through which She and God alone could contend with the forces of Satan. This Mystical Exorcism is one of the most fascinating in history and may have, unwittingly, helped to form the foundation of the Clerical Necromantic Underground. Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Readings:Hildegard of Bingen: Scivias - https://amzn.to/4vEtsyxSelected Writings: Hildegard of Bingen - https://amzn.to/3OIXxfEHildegard of Bingen - https://amzn.to/3OViaFBSarah Higley - Hildegard of Bingen’s Unknown Language: An Edition, Translation, and Discussion - ISBN-13: 978-1403976734The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen - https://amzn.to/4cAzEilThe Personal Correspondence of Hildegard of Bingen - https://amzn.to/4sMOdW8The Digital Version of the Reisencodex - https://hlbrm.digitale-sammlungen.hebis.de/handschriften-hlbrm/content/pageview/449620 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelEsoterica hopes for your support as we create videos on alchemy, magic, mysticism, theosophy, hermetica philosophy, kabbalah, gnosticism, new age spirituality!I will be making videos on the topics above along with ongoing series on books of magic, occult languages, major figures in esoteric spirituality, a chronological introduction to western esotericism, along with film and book reviews and more!Only a handful of institutions in the world offer high quality, scholarly access to these topics and I want Esoterica to provide content in this field from the most reliable sources available.Your support makes that possible. Thank you for considering becoming a monthly donor! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philosophy is taken to be the paragon of rational argumentation and logical analysis but I want to explore the esoteric and mystical aspect of ancient Greek philosophy - a dimension often ignored or unstressed . This is the first in a series that will explore this more arcane side of western philosophy from ancient Greece to contemporary analytic and continental schools.Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:Kirk, Raven and Schofield - The Presocratic Philosophers: A Critical History with a Selection of Texts - 978-0521274555Philosophy Before Socrates - Richard D. McKirahan - 978-1603841825Eric Dodds - The Greeks and the Irrational - 978-0520242302 Walter Burkert - Lore and Science in Ancient Pythagoreanism - 978-0674539181Charles Kahn - Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans - 978-0872205758Peter Kingsley - Ancient Philosophy, Mystery, and Magic: Empedocles and Pythagorean Tradition - 978-0198150817Parmenides - Martin Heidegger - 978-0253212146 (caveat lector!)#esotericism #presocratic #philosophy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is the first in a series focusing on theories of magic. We begin with one of the most popular medieval theories: the stellar rays of Al-Kindi. Al-Kindi, a 9th century Islamicate philosopher, who argued that the stars emits rays which trickle down to the sub-lunar world where they qualify matter. Further, all entities emit rays. Certain occult or hidden rays can be manipulated by the sage to induce apparently supernatural or magical effects though speech, powerful symbols and animal sacrifice. This idea provided a route to natural, as opposed to ritual/demonic, magic in the middle ages and underwrote much of astrological theory. The stellar ray theory would also be built into the famous book of the magic the Picatrix which would be one of the earliest books learned magic to enter Western Europe. Indeed, the argument in defense of occult forces in the universe is essential for modern physics.Recommended readings:Pormann and Peterson - The Philosophical Works of al-Kindi - 978-0199062805 Liana Saif - The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy - 978-1137399465Al-Kindi - De Radiis (pp. 139-260) - Marie-Thérèse d'Alverny and Françoise HudryArchives d'histoire doctrinale et littéraire du Moyen Age, Vol. 41, 1974 - https://www.jstor.org/stable/i40184716Al-Kindi: On the Stellar Rays - trans. Zoller and Hand - http://www.projecthindsight.com/archives/medieval%20contents/al-kindi.htmlEsmé L K Partridge - Al-Kindi's Theory of The Magical Arts: A Commentary on Al-Kindi's Treatise 'On Rays' - https://www.academia.edu/36457042/Al-Kindis_Theory_of_The_Magical_Arts_A_Commentary_on_Al-Kindis_Treatise_On_Rays#magic #astrology #alkindi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the romantic rehabilitation of Lilith from child-murderer and nocturnal seducer of men to symbol of feminine power and defiance, Lilith has become one of the most recognizable of modern demons. But her origin, first in ancient Mesopotamia and then in the early medieval Jewish literature are marked by curious historical accidents. Curiously enough, Lilith may have emerged as a linguistic mistake and a text meant to parody rabbinic legends. Let’s explore the historical vicissitudes of She of the Night, Lilith.Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Lilith 1 - https://youtu.be/n1EKccz4fS0Lilith 2 - https://youtu.be/U-jIScgb7NcMirror of Lilith - https://youtu.be/uNfcdZ0UCc4Lilith & Incantation Bowls - https://youtu.be/wyI9m50ODB4New Incantation Bowls feat. Lilith - https://youtu.be/0YIZhuIpkPAESOTERICA sales for the holidays!Lilith Incantation Bowls back in limited stock - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-edition20% off any purchase at our Rare Book Store - code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/New Necromantic Mirror of Floron shirt and 15% off all merch with code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://my-store-d6a943.creator-spring.com/Looking to buy books on western esotericism check out my study guide - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRecommended Readings:Patai - The Hebrew GoddessBlair - De-demonising the Old TestamentMcDonald - In Possession of the Night: Lilith as Goddess, Demon, VampireChavalas - Women in the Ancient Near EastNaveh, Shaked - Amulets and Magic BowlsMontgomery - Aramaic Incantation Texts from Nippur Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a series discussing Dr. John Dee's revolutionary, though obscure, 1564 text the Monas Hieroglyphica (The Hieroglyphic Monad). In part one we will discuss the philosophical and historical context of the text and present the main thesis of our analysis: Dee is seeking to reform human knowledge through using a powerful symbol to purify specifically alchemy and cabala. Part two will explore Dee's theory of alchemy and cabala and part three will show how the Hieroglyphic Monad has its power through combining the semiotic (representational) and the ontological (being itself).These episodes represent a more introductory version of my thesis on the Monas Hieroglyphica prepared at the University of Amsterdam.You can read the entire thesis here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3_C6qUjjeL58EciAl00iXOUWMoKAQtG/view?usp=sharingStandard text and translation of the Monas Hieroglyphica - C. H. Josten, Ambix, 12:2-3 (1964): 82-221I'll provide more recommended readings on the Monas Hieroglyphica in the third episode.#dee #enochian #monas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the second episode exploring Dr. John Dee's famous 1564 Monas Hieroglyphica. In this episode we continue our discussion of Dee's Semiotic-Ontology (his link of Representation with Being) by exploring his early theories of alchemy and Cabala. Dee was a maverick in both fields. In alchemy, Dee sought to pursue the "Mercury Alone" theory while maintaining a relationship with traditional alchemy and introducing novel Paracelsian elements. In the field of Cabala, Dee employs traditional Jewish techniques for the manipulation of the Hebrew language to transform the Monad itself. When Dee combines the talismanic, alchemical, and cabalistic he will seek a "Cabala of Being" which will reform reality itself - the topic of the third episode.These episodes represent a more introductory version of my thesis on the Monas Hieroglyphica prepared at the University of Amsterdam.You can read the entire thesis here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9iShqG1gJavUXVKVnk2d1UzQVE/view?usp=sharingStandard text and translation of the Monas Hieroglyphica - C. H. Josten, Ambix, 12:2-3 (1964): 82-221I'll provide more recommended readings on the Monas Hieroglyphica in the third episode.#dee #enochian #monas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism. Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelOne Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharingCourse Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The concept of the Demiurge is often associated with the demonic cosmos creator of the Gnostics. But, what do we know about the ancient Hermetic Demiurge? Emerging from the world of Greco-Egyptian religion and philosophy, Hermeticism was a powerfully optimistic means of reuniting one's high consciousness (Nous) with the Divine Parental Light after exorcising one's body of fatalistic daimonic infestation. But, the Hermetic Spiritual Philosophy is ambivalent about the place of any Demiurge in it's cosmology and means of salvation. Yet, some texts do speak of a magnificent Solar Demiurge as the conduit and cosmic artisan. Just what is the place of the Demiurge in Hermeticism?Demiurge 1 - https://youtu.be/mTnQ__VSQzcDemiurge 2 - https://youtu.be/GWHLuZgixHIDemiurge 3 - https://youtu.be/xfG0w4k6EA8Demiurge 4 - https://youtu.be/kq-CoIFf8l0Thumbnail art from Zdzisław Beksiński Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelOne Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Recommended Readings:Hermetic Spirituality and the Historical Imagination - https://amzn.to/4r7cRRBHermetica I: The Corpus Hermeticum, Asclepius, and Nag Hammadi Hermetica Ordered as a Path of Initiation - https://amzn.to/47P4kvfDr. David Litwa's YT channel - @m.davidlitwa The Demiurge in Ancient Thought: Secondary Gods and Divine Mediators - https://amzn.to/49tSc3Z Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The demon Belial seems to have emerged from an obscure force of nature to then become the leader of the Apocalyptic forces of Evil in the Dead Sea Scrolls. And, while only mentioned only once in the New Testament, Belial has become an important evil spirit in both contemporary Goetic magic and Popular Culture alike. But, what are the origins of Belial, a demon that once sat at the apex of the diabolical hierarchy?Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My deepest gratitude to all of you as @TheEsotericaChannel crosses 1,000,000 subscribers.ESOTERICA sales for the holidays!Check out and Subscribe - feel free to add other worthwhile ReligionTube Channels!Let's Talk Religion - https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkReligionAngela's Symposium - https://www.youtube.com/@drangelapucaReligion for Breakfast - https://www.youtube.com/@ReligionForBreakfastThe Modern Hermeticist - https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernHermeticistSeekers of Unity - https://www.youtube.com/@SeekersofUnityDan McClellan - https://www.youtube.com/@maklelanKipp Davis - https://www.youtube.com/@DrKippDavisLilith Incantation Bowls back in limited stock - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-edition20% off any purchase at our Rare Book Store - code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/New Necromantic Mirror of Floron shirt and 15% off all merch with code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://my-store-d6a943.creator-spring.com/Looking to buy books on western esotericism check out my study guide - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism. Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelOne Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharingCourse Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alchemy is one of the most misrepresented and poorly understood aspects of Western Esotericism. This video takes a look at five misconceptions from both the scientific dismissal of alchemy to the purely spiritual/psychological interpretation of its processes and symbolism.Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Reading:Linden, Stanton J. (ed.) The Alchemy Reader: From Hermes Trismegistus to Isaac Newton. 978-0521796620. Nicely edited collection of alchemical primary texts.Principe, Lawrence. The Secrets of Alchemy. 978-0226103792. An up-to-date history of alchemy.Newman, William. Newton the Alchemist: Science, Enigma, and the Quest for Nature's "Secret Fire" 978-0691174877. Cutting edge research on alchemy in the 17th century. An amazing wok of scholarship.Roob, Alexander(ed.) Alchemy & Mysticism. 978-3836549363. A collection of alchemical imagery and symbolism, also a nice coffee table book!Spiritual / Psychology School of InterpretationAtwood, Mary Anne. A Suggestive Inquiry into the Hermetic Mystery….(many re-print editions). The first text to introduce the ‘spiritual interpretation” of alchemy.Eliade, Mircea. The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy. 978-0226203904. Religious-philosophical interpretation of alchemy.von Franz, Marie-Louise. Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology. 978-0919123045. An introduction to the Jungian psychological interpretation of alchemy.#alchemy #hermeticism #mysticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm Dr. Justin Sledge and welcome to Esoterica where we explore the arcane side of history, philosophy and religion. Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelWhat is that arcane side? We focus on concepts in what can broadly be called esotericism including: magic, mysticism, alchemy, hermetic philosophy, theosophy, gnosticism, and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A review and analysis of the 2016 film A Dark Song. I'll be discussing the esoteric and occult aspects of the film including the Abramelin operation, Aleister Crowley's infamous invocation at Boleskine, and some thoughts on how the film deals with the Faustian trope in a novel manner.A whole video on the Abramelin operation will appear in the future as part of Esoterica's series on books of magic - stay tuned!Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:A Dark Song trailer and rent - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-S3JqJZJ3sDehn, Guth, Duquette - The Book of Abramelin: A New Translation - 978-0892542147 - The best edition of the text (sadly, no critical edition of the text exists to date)Mathers - The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage - 978-0486232119 - Classic but defectiveSadly, it appears that Crowley's Confessions are out of print and very exspensive but I am sure they can be found onlineThe Boleskine House Foundation - https://www.boleskinehouse.org/ - contact them to help restore this important piece of Scottish and Esoteric history!#occult #abramelin #crowley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laying out my position on the use of AI - especially generative AI - here at Esoterica.Consider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studying Western Esotericism can be a daunting task. How to even begin? I prepared a self-study guide for getting access to the most reliable and accessible literature on topics in Esotericism up to around 1650, updated for 2026. In this episode I want to walk you through my methodology, the study guide itself and how you can use it to bring yourself up to date on the scholarship. Let's build a library of the occult and the esoteric together!You can find the study guide here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingConsider Supporting Esoterica!Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelMerch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/storeNew to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharingRare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first in a series here at Esoterica exploring books of magic or grimoires. This episode takes a look at the Munich Necromancer's Manual: the spells inside (summoning a castle, a 'love' spell and a spell to find buried treasure), the author and their historical context, and more books are medieval magic.Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:Richard Kieckhefer - Forbidden Rites: A Necromancer’s Manual of the Fifteenth Century - ISBN-13: 978-0271017518Richard Kieckhefer - Magic in the Middle Ages - ISBN-13: 978-1107431829Owen Davies - Grimoires: A History of Magic Books - ISBN-13: 978-0199590049Witchcraft and Magic in Europe - eds, Bengt Ankarloo and Stuart Clark- Six VolumesMagic in History Series - Published by Penn State University Press (various texts and authors)#necromancy #magic #grimoire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices