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

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.

Matteo Martelli, alchemy historian and producer of the first critical edition of the fragments of the Pseudo-Democritus, discusses the secrets found in the earliest-known work of alchemy. Topics include deciphering fragmented manuscripts, dating the work, the connection between Pseudo-Democritus and Democritus, the influence of Bolus of Mandy's, hidden wisdom in an Egyptian temple, and the alchemical obsession with esotericism.

Lawrence Principe, an expert in Alchemy and the Hermetick Art, discusses the historical origins of alchemy, its transmission, and translation. He explores the practice of transmutations and assaying metals, replication of alchemical experiments, mysteries of alchemy, cover names in alchemical writings, and the growing recognition of alchemy in the field of history of science.

Explore Marcion of Sinope's unique role in writing the first Christian textual canon. Learn about his rejection of the 12 apostles, his summary gospel without the infant Jesus material, and his belief in the difference between the God of the Jews and the God of the Christians. Discover his views on salvation, Jesus, and the impact of orthodoxy on the development of Christianity.

Geoffrey Smith, an expert on Valentinus and Valentinianism, discusses the transition of Valentinus from being in good standing to being viewed as a heretic and explores the concept of Gnosticism and its interpretations. The podcast also explores Valentinus' beliefs about cosmogony, the Nag Hammadi texts, and Valentinus' mysterious cultic practices and rituals. Additionally, it delves into Ptolemy's letter to Flora and the construction of esoteric wisdom lineages by heretics and the Orthodox team.

Explore the life and ideas of Basilides of Alexandria, an influential Gnostic heresiarch. Discover his apophatic theology, belief in reincarnation, and fascinating cosmology. Dive into the uncertainty surrounding his teachings and their impact on Western esotericism. Learn about the concept of the one true church, various heresies, and Clement of Alexandria's emphasis on church unity. Explore Basilides' perspectives on the transcendence of the first God and the concept of divine powers in esoteric Christianity. Delve into Basilides' positive view of fate, the human soul's qualities derived from planets, and his teachings on reincarnation.

This podcast delves into the origins of Christianity, the emergence of orthodoxy and heresy, and the development of philosophical schools in ancient Greece. It explores the diverse beliefs and practices within early Christianity, including the debate on Christ's physical body and the cycle of reincarnation. The podcast also discusses the suppression of intellectual rivals, the importance of religious rituals, and the distancing of Christians from Jews in the second century.

Professor Michael Williams discusses the history and problematic nature of the term 'Gnosticism', explores the origins and usage of the term throughout different periods, analyzes the significance of the Nag Hammadi texts in reshaping our understanding of Gnosticism, and challenges assumptions about categorizing texts as Gnostic. They also delve into pantheistic ideas and the role of Protonoya in creation.

Exploring the philosophy of Numenius, this podcast discusses his metaphysical scheme and its influences on later Platonism. It delves into the concept of the first God and the faculty of noose, as well as the idea of undiminished giving and emanation in later Platonism.