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

Dr Bink Hallum, PhD researcher specializing in the Arabic Zosimean corpus, further explores Zosimus of Panopolis. They discuss astral influences, daimones and demons, mysterious talismans, Enochic ideas, and more.

We explore the life, work, and thought of Zosimus of Panopolis, the greatest alchemist of late antiquity, with Professor Matteo Martelli. Topics include Zosimus' birthplace and significance, his critique of priest Nils' operations, the influence of Theosebia in alchemical tradition, manuscripts and translations of Zosimus, the interpretation of alchemy and its relationship to spirituality and laboratory work, the concept of pinuma and its various meanings, and the significance of dreams in spiritual alchemy.

Explore the complicated textual story of the pseudo-clementines, their relationship to authenticity and forgery, and the power struggles within early Christianity. Discover the significance of Clement of Rome and the complications arising from different factions seeking authority from a prestigious text. Delve into the complex textual history of the pseudo-Clementine writings, their origins, variations, and lost originals. Examine Christianity as Jewish monarchy in the Grunshrift and recognitions, and the theme of recognitions in ancient novels. Analyze the esoteric nature of the Pseudo-Clementine literature and the tensions and authenticity within it, including the influence of Rufinus's Latin translation and its impact on medieval hagiographies.

Gnostic religion expert, Charles Häberl, explores the Mandæan community's history and unique practices. Topics include the significance of baptism, the role of John the Baptist, esoteric faith, and the changing dynamics of women's positions within the Mandæan community. The concept of multiple lives, creation in Mandaeism, and the themes and history of Gnosticism are also discussed.

Paul Pasquesi, an expert in early Christian asceticism in the Syriac-speaking world, explores the origins and practices of asceticism in the Late-Antique Syriac World. He discusses the distinct types of asceticism that emerged in the 4th century, the persecution and absorption of Christians in the Roman and Sasanian realms, and the extreme self-discipline and visions experienced by ascetics. The chapter also delves into reconstructing ancient experiences based on texts and the challenges of interpreting visionary imagery.

Papyrologist Korshi Dosoo reveals the world of early Christian magic found in papyrus-records. Blurred boundaries between Christian practices and magic, insipid amulets and narrative charms, seeking justice through magical traditions, continuation of magical traditions throughout history, and the invisibility of early Christian magic are all discussed.

Examining early Christian magical traditions, the podcast explores the use of names of power, the evolution of Roman society's views on magic, and the distinction between divine miracles and fraudulent magic. It also discusses the presence of practical magic in late antique Christian texts and the debates surrounding Christian magic in late antiquity.

The podcast explores the Testament of Solomon, its cosmology and demonology, the different names of the Hebrew God, summoning demons, the use of alphanumeric elements, and prophecies about Solomon's kingdom.

Delve into the world of the Testament of Solomon and its magical practices. Explore the significance of the temple of Solomon and its esoteric interpretations. Discover the complexities of the Solomonic tradition and its association with figures like Pythagoras and Hermes. Uncover the origins of Solomon as a flawed magician and his place in canonical scripture. Learn about King Solomon's wisdom, reign, and impact on various fields. Explore the story of Solomon and Hiram in building the temple, providing material for speculation in Western esotericism.

Discover the secrets of the Sefer ha-Razim, a book of angelic magic that allows contact with celestial beings. Explore the connection between the Sefer ha-Razim and other esoteric traditions, and delve into the earthly practices and magical spells described in the book. Learn about the concept of the afterlife in rabbinic Judaism and the purification rituals, ascetic practices, and ritual paraphernalia mentioned in the text. Finally, explore a modern handbook on angel magic that is connected to the original 'Seifor Raziem' tradition.