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

Explore the rise of apophatic language and the challenge of expressing the highest reality in words. Delve into the concept of ineffability, the influence of Platonist philosophers, and the development of apophatic language in late antiquity. Discover the mutual influence of philosophy and religion, and the increasing prevalence of the apophatic approach as a supreme strategy of esoteric discourse.

The podcast explores the concept of late antiquity and its impact on Western esotericism. It discusses the third century crisis in the Roman Empire, the pursuit of a unified society, and the transformation of religious life and practices during late antiquity.

Exploring the concept of divinisation and angelomorphic transformation in Clement, discussing the assimilation of humans to a godlike state and encountering God face-to-face. Examining the significance of the Ogdoad in the soul's ability to ascend through the spheres. Exploring the use of tokens and ritualized practices in cosmic ascent. Delving into the concept of ascending souls, universal salvation, and the process of spiritual evolution.

Professor Henny Fiskå Hägg explores Clement of Alexandria's apophatic theory and writing-practice, discussing the challenges of describing God when words are insufficient. The podcast delves into Clement's use of alpha privatives and Middle Platonist influence, his emphasis on apophatic theology, and the concept of esotericism in Christianity. It also examines research theology and the different approaches to attaining knowledge of God, as well as the impact of Clement's ideas throughout history.

Clement of Alexandria's esoteric reading methods, three sources of wisdom in esoteric reading, integration of Christian scriptures and esoteric teachings, concept of Inigmata and Simmulaan, esoteric truth and oracles, contrast between Greek in the New Testament and Hellenic literary forms, esoteric hermeneutics and hidden meanings in scripture, esoteric interpretation of the Jewish tabernacle.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the esoteric writing methodologies in Clement's Stromateis, including the concept of 'public secrecy' and the reasons behind Clement's esotericism. They also explore topics such as the patchwork nature of the text, faith, asceticism, martyrdom, Gnostic Christianity, and esoteric themes. Additionally, they analyze different perspectives on interpreting Plato's Republic and discuss Straussian esoteric writing. The podcast concludes with an exploration of rhetorical paradox and mystic secrecy in Book Five of the Stromateis.

Explore the life and thought of Clement of Alexandria, a prolific Christian philosopher who integrated Greek philosophy and Christianity. Discover the esoteric and Gnostic aspects of his beliefs, and his trilogy of teachings on conversion, understanding, and gnosis. Delve into his complex teachings and interpretation of Gnosis, bridging the gap between transcendental consciousness and human existence.

Examining the life and work of Vettius Valens, a second-century Roman astrologer, and his contribution to astrology through his book. Exploring the dense calculations and topics covered in Valens' book, comparing his approach with that of Ptolemy. A discussion on the belief in fate and predestination in ancient astrology and the esoteric nature of Valens' teachings.

Claudius Ptolemy, ancient astronomer and astrologer, is discussed in this episode. Discover his works, the Almagest and the Tetrabiblos, and their influence on astronomy and astrology. Explore the enduring popularity of his works during the Middle Ages and how they aligned with Aristotelian ideas. Learn about the impact of the al-Majist and its role in pre-modern Western esoteric thought. Delve into Ptolemy's theoretical background to astrology and his rejection of stars as synchronic signs. Finally, explore the translation and transmission of Ptolemy's Tetra Biblos in Western Europe.

Nichomachus of Gerasa, a crucial thinker in Neopythagoreanism, is discussed in this episode. The podcast explores the development of Pythagoreanism, Plato's influence on Neoplatonism, Nachomachus' works, the monadic universe in Theologumina, and numerical speculation in Western esotericism.