Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) A Secret History of Secret History, Part II
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Sep 5, 2017 AI Snips
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Western Esotericism and the Reformation
- Western esotericism comes into its own during the Reformation period, after 1517.
- This era saw the rise of Christian Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, Christian Theosophy, and Illuminism.
The Reformation and Esotericism
- The Reformation, starting around 1517, disrupted Catholic dominance and fueled esoteric movements.
- Common narratives often overlook the continuous intellectual activity during the Middle Ages.
Origins of Jewish Kabbalah
- Jewish Kabbalah, a key element in Renaissance esotericism, originated in 12th-13th century Spain.
- It's an esoteric tradition within Judaism, encompassing textual exegesis, practical magic, ecstatic meditation, and numerology.