Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

Marilynn Lawrence, authority on Platonism and Hellenistic astrology, discusses Plotinus' theoretical writings on the science of the stars. They explore his rejection of astrology as a doctrine of fate, his analysis of the planets and their properties, and his arguments against the language used by astrologers. They also delve into the significance of the mid heaven in astrology and Plotinus' perspective on astrology as signs rather than causes.

Exploring the role of Platonists in shaping Western Esotericism, focusing on secrecy and silence. Discussing the esoteric teachings of Platonists and their soul-to-soul connection with students. Exploring hidden messages in Platonist institutions and the integration of religion and philosophy. Delving into esoteric reading in Platonism, including enigmatic and esoteric modes of reading. Highlighting the fusion of religious and philosophical elements in late Platonism. Exploring the Hellenic character and apophatic writing in Platinus.

Debating whether Plotinus was a magician and the influence of Porphyry's account on Platonism. Exploring ritual practices and beliefs in Platonism, including animating statues and visionary exercises. Examining the ritual of bird strangulation and the concept of personal guardian diamonds. Discussing the belief in guardian spirits and Platonus's understanding of the gods.

Mateusz Stróżyński, an expert in anthropology and spiritual practices, discusses Plotinian anthropology and spiritual practices. They explore the relationship between the macrocosm and microcosm in Plotinus' worldview, the contradictory views of embodiment, the concept of Tolma as the source of human evil, the news in Plotinus' philosophy, the recognition of the unconscious, and spiritual practices in Plotinus such as focusing on inner voice during meditation and separating oneself from the material world.

This podcast explores the metaphysical terrain of Plotinus' universe, delving into the concept of higher realities beyond the physical world. It discusses Plotinus's unique philosophy of noesis and the journey inward, as well as the concepts of lumpers and splitters in relation to Stoicism and the concept of noose in Plotinus. The significance of the concept of noose is explored, along with Plotinus' metaphysical philosophy and debates surrounding his noetic world. The podcast also explores Plotinus' teachings on achieving spiritual transformation.

Meet Plotinus, the greatest philosopher of late antiquity and a crucial thinker for western esotericism. Explore his amazing philosophy, including the concept of reality and the three main levels of existence. Learn about the hierarchy of beings and the concept of time in his works. Delve into the complexities of his metaphysics and his disinterest in current events. Discover the background of Plotinus, his cultural identity, and the potential esoteric nature of his writings.

Matthew Neujahr, a guide through the complexities of the Sibylline Oracles - a collection of oracular hexameters from antiquity. Discussions on ancient women sages, Hellenic, Jewish, and Christian prophetic concerns, and the enigmatic nature of the oracles.

Christian Bull, expert on the way of Hermes in antiquity, discusses renunciation, immortalisation, and hypercosmic ascent in the hermetic texts. The podcast explores connections between hermetic texts and Gnosticism, the challenges of dating technical hermetica, the hermetic way as a means of knowing God and gaining knowledge of the cosmos, the concept of Guinea Chor and its connection to rebirth, ascetic practices and tests of a spiritual seeker, the importance of statues in ancient Egypt, and the presence of apocalyptic literature criticizing the rule of the Ptolemies and the Romans.

Anna van den Kerchove, a leading voice in the 'reclaiming' of ancient Hermetism, discusses the origins and influence of the Corpus Hermeticum. Topics covered include the different perspectives on God, the diverse Hermetic community, and the significance of group practices in antiquity.

Dr. M. David Litwa, an expert on deification in the Hermetica, discusses the concept of becoming divine in hermetic literature. Topics include translation of the Hermetica, different interpretations and methods of achieving divinity, and comparisons to Christian views of deification. The chapter also explores Clement of Alexandria's ideas on the evolution of the universe and the role of Hermes in Christian discourse.