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

Maya Alapin, scholar on mathematical structures in Plato's Republic, discusses how harmonic theory, music, ratios, and proportions intertwine with textual meaning in the Republic. They explore the claims of scholars John Bremer and J Kennedy about mathematical structures in Plato's Republic and their philosophical and artistic significance. They also delve into the challenges of interpreting ancient texts and the use of software to analyze key points in Plato's Republic.

Explore the rich esoteric content in Plato's Republic, focusing on the concept of transcendent truth accessed through the human mind. Delve into the idea of the good as transcendent and its influence on later philosophers. Examine Plato's divided line as a map of human cognition and the challenges in comprehending the form of the good. Discover Plato's use of the golden ratio and explore the famous Allegory of the Cave and its implications in philosophy.

This podcast explores the complex and sly masterpiece, Plato's Republic, discussing the dialogue's structure, the concept of the soul and the ideal city, the myth of Ur and the journey to the other world, encountering a vast shaft of light and exploring the celestial cosmos, revealing the heavenly order and the music of the spheres, and the concept of reincarnation and the journey of souls.

This podcast explores the concept of utopia and other invisible worlds in western esotericism, including the hierarchical structure of Plato's perfect state, reflections of our society in utopias and dystopias, and the depiction of other worlds throughout history. It also delves into the concept of inner worlds in Western esotericism and how they differ from modern western societies' views of consciousness.

Professor Christopher Gill discusses Plato's Atlantis, its connection to his other works, recurring catastrophes, historiography, the structure of Atlantis, and contrasting virtues between Athens and Atlantis.

Explore the influential dialogue of Plato's Timæus and its impact on Western culture, esoteric thinkers, and Abrahamic religions. Delve into the Demiurge's role in creating the cosmos and the significance of forms in true knowledge. Discover Plato's connection to Pythagoreanism and the concept of the demiurge in creating a cosmic hierarchy.

Professor Peter Struck discusses ancient techniques of esoteric reading. Topics include the origins and meanings of 'allegory' and 'enigma', interpreting hexameter poems, Plato's stance towards poetry, the evolution of symbols in ancient Greek esoteric hermeneutics, and the evolution of symbols and representation in literature.

Exploring Plato's reputation as an esoteric author, the distinction between esotericism and secrecy, and the rise of esoteric interpretations of Plato's works. Analyzing Plato's use of literary masks and apparent contradictions that invite readers to find hidden underlying unity. Delving into esoteric teachings in biblical accounts and the Parmenides, Plato's critique of writing, and his surprising lecture on mathematics and the concept of the good. Exploring the debate on whether Plato wrote esoterically and introducing future topics and an upcoming interview with Professor Peter Strzok.

The greatest philosopher of the western world was a trickster. In this episode we introduce Plato, the father of western esotericism, and discuss his importance to the esoteric traditions.

The elusive 'Orphics' of antiquity continue to present a puzzle to scholars after several centuries of debate and the discovery of amazing new evidence. Dr Miguel Herrero helps us to navigate the fascinating question of ancient 'Orphism'.