Arcanvm Podcast Hellenic Tantra, Theurgic Currents & the Sacrament of Human Existence w. Gregory Shaw
Jul 4, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Professor Gregory Shaw, a specialist in Platonic theology and author of 'Hellenic Tantra,' explores the integration of ancient theurgy with modern spirituality. He shares the humorous backstory behind 'Hellenic Tantra' and discusses how personal insults can foster growth. Shaw dives into the connections between the soul, imagination, and divine experience, while advocating for experiential understanding in spiritual practices. Listeners will discover the transformative power of theurgy, the nuances of Platonic philosophy, and innovative views on tarot as a means of empowerment.
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Why The Book Is Called Hellenic Tantra
- Gregory Shaw reclaimed a critic's phrase and titled his book Hellenic Tantra to highlight theurgical Platonism's embodied, non-rational side.
- The title signals a deliberate contrast between ritual/embodiment and strictly intellectual Platonic readings.
Academia's Limits On Theurgy
- Shaw criticizes academic Platonism for treating theurgical practices as objects rather than lived, disorienting experiences.
- He argues scholarship often misses the radical difference of theurgical practice by keeping it in rational, comparative boxes.
Author Shocked Reading His Own Work
- Shaw reread his own book while teaching and felt surprised by its impact, as if reading someone else's work.
- He attributes this to being receptive during writing and becoming a medium for deeper ideas.
