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

In this episode, the podcast discusses the influence of Pythagoreanism on Western Esotericism, explores the early Pythagorean movement and its association with concepts like reincarnation and vegetarianism, delves into the influence of the early academy on pseudo-Pythagorean texts, examines the significance of Brontinos' work in late Platonism, explores Timaeus and related texts, discusses the dating and content of Okelos, and explores the occult properties of plants and their connection to Pythagoras.

This podcast explores the Stoics' naturalistic physical theory and its influence on esoteric spirituality and occult sciences. It discusses the transformation of Stoic concepts into immaterial realities in various religious movements and Western esotericism. The podcast delves into the Stoics' concept of 'Pnuma' as a divine and interpenetrating principle, its rejection of atomism, and its significance in philosophy and medicine. It also explores the interplay between immaterial and physical realities, universal sympathy, and the concept of Logos in Stoicism and beyond. The podcast concludes by tracing the influence of Stoic physics on Western esotericism and teases the upcoming episode on Pythagoreanism.

Explore the Stoic approach to esoteric reading and the belief in hidden meanings within texts. Discover the concept of Logos as a hidden principle within all things and its interpretation in understanding nature. Delve into Stoic divination techniques and the belief in signs in nature. Learn about Orpheus' enigmatic approach to poetry and its influence on esoteric discourse. Understand how mystery cults influenced Stoic philosophy and their interpretation of texts.

This podcast episode explores the basics of Stoicism and its influence on western esotericism. It discusses the sources of Stoic philosophy, its development and spread, and its perspective on the concept of God. The episode also delves into Stoic ethics, the nature of the universe, and their views on physics, ethics, and logic.

Chris Brennan, Hellenistic astrologer and historian, discusses the relationship between Hellenistic astrology and natal astrology, the application of astrology beyond individuals, the role of the king and aspects in Hellenistic astrology, the significance of the houses and planetary joys, the distinction between daytime and nighttime planets, Pythagorean principles in astrology, ancient Egyptian astrology, and beliefs and concepts in astrology.

Origins and significance of astrology in Hellenistic Egypt, its impact on Western culture. Historical overview of astrology, its acceptance among ruling elites, and theological concerns. The association of Chaldeans with astrological expertise and development of Babylonian horoscopes. Development and spread of the zodiac, cultural links in the Hellenistic era. Exploring different types of astrology texts and the role of Hermes in Hellenistic astrology.

Explore the transition from Mesopotamian astronomy to Greek astronomy. Learn about the development of astronomy in ancient Egypt and Greece, Plato's beliefs about heavenly body movements, and the concepts of cosmic spheres in Western cosmology. Discover the influence of classical astronomical theory on Western esotericism.

This podcast delves into the esoteric interpretation of Aristotle's philosophy and its impact, explores his influence on various religious and philosophical traditions, discusses the concept of addressative magic and its popularity in the Middle Ages, explores the form of hermetic writings and the Aristotelian tradition in the Middle Ages, and introduces Aristotle's cosmological ideas and the next episode on Hellenistic astronomy and astrology.

Explore the esoteric afterlife of Aristotle, Plato's greatest student, and his significant influence on Western esotericism. Delve into Aristotle's multifaceted character, his association with esotericism, and his dichotomy of exoteric and esoteric knowledge. Discover the absorption of Aristotle's work by late antiquity Platonists and the esoteric approach to reading Aristotle's writings, aiming to conceal the mysteries of higher philosophy from the general public.

Peter Adamson, Professor of Philosophy, discusses the diverse interpretations of Plato's work, delving into his role as an esoteric writer and the contrasting writing styles of Plato and Aristotle. They explore the authenticity of Plato's letters, the irony in his writing, and his use of myths and cosmological accounts.