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

This podcast explores the Roman 'curse-tablets' and their similarities with other ancient magical practices, such as Jewish incantation-bowls. It discusses the role of the Roman state and the cult of Magna Mater, as well as the itinerant priests known as the galley. The podcast also delves into the cultural practices of the gala, including ritual castration, and compares curse tablets with votive offerings in ancient traditions.

Daniel James Waller, researcher, discusses the enigmatic Jewish incantation bowls from Mesopotamia. They explore their significance in late-antique Jewish culture, the challenges in their preservation and study, the religious backgrounds of the writers, and the diverse beliefs in demonology and angelology found in the bowls. They also delve into the presence and acceptance of magic in rabbinic Judaism.

Explore the evidence for late-antique Jewish magic and its influence on ancient Jewish attitudes towards magic. Delve into topics such as demons, exorcisms, healing spells, and the production of magical bowls and amulets. Discover the connection between magic, medicine, and the legal profession in antiquity. Gain insights into the belief in angels and demons and their impact on speech act theory. Examine the role of magic in court cases and its contrasting attitudes in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

Discussing the complexities of monotheism, henotheism, polytheism, and dualism in late antiquity. Examining the blurred lines between monotheism and polytheism, and the gradual shift towards quasi-monotheism. Exploring the concept of dualism and its presence in various religious traditions. Delving into the theological positions of monotheism and polytheism, their associated practices, and the concept of dualism in certain religions.

Exploring the rise of Christianity and decline of paganism in late-antique Rome, including the evolution of Christianity from Judaism, the persecution of Christians, the implementation of the Tetrarchy system by Diocletian, and Constantine's conversion and his complex relationship with traditional Roman polytheism.

The podcast explores politics, religion, and the Jews in late antiquity, including the geopolitical balance of the Roman and Sassanian states, the emergence of Rabbinic Judaism, and the influence of Zoroastrianism on Christian teachings.

Explore the Theolegoumena arithmeticæ, a theological work from late antiquity, and its exploration of erythmology and the philosopher Yamblokus' ophthalmological approach to number. Delve into 'The Theology of Arithmetic', discussing number theory, a possible Christian connection, and erythmological speculation in Christianity. Discover the significance of numbers in Yamblachos and post-Platinian Platonism, tracing its origins to early Pythagoreans. Discuss the relationship between mathematical entities and forms in Plato's philosophy. Explore the role of numbers, letters, and the spoken word in making sense of the world, and the connection between Orphism, Pythagoreanism, and the cosmological framework of the deck had.

Learn about sacred materials, cosmic sympathy, soul descent through planetary spheres, metaphors in theurgy, 360-day year in Egyptian timekeeping, astrology in Greco-Roman culture, fate and ritual practices, and the concept of the personal diamond in esotericism.

Professor Gregory Shaw discusses the concept of Theurgy and its importance in late-antique philosophy. The podcast explores personal experiences with spiritual development, the accessibility of Platonist teachings, and the story of Yamblokus and his supernatural abilities. It also delves into the symbolical language used in Porphyry's 'On the Cave of the Nymphs' and the paradox of the immortal soul.

Professor John Finamore discusses Iamblichean theurgy in theory and practice, including the concepts of theirji as a sacred rite, separating the soul from the body, the relationship between Yumlokoz and Porphyry, and the evolving perception of Yamblika's views on ritual and magic.