Hermitix

James Harpur, a British-born Irish poet and author, delves into the life of Jiddu Krishnamurti, igniting discussions about spirituality and ego. He shares his personal encounter with Krishnamurti's magnetic presence and explores the impact of the theosophical movement on his upbringing. Conversations unfold around the paradox of the self and Krishnamurti's urging to dissolve it, while Harpur critiques the inherent flaws of hierarchy in teachings. The dialogue culminates in how Krishnamurti's insights challenge creative expression and the pursuit of awareness.

In this lively discussion, the hosts dive into a range of intriguing topics. They explore Klages's critique of Geist and envision a unique take on environmentalism. There's a fascinating analysis of occultism in films, with recommendations for accurate portrayals. The conversation also touches on anarchism, party politics, and the struggles of managing niche communities online. Additionally, they reflect on personal practices such as magic and meditation, and even share thoughts on astrology for the year ahead. A fascinating mix of philosophy and personal insight awaits!

Join John Michael Greer, a seasoned writer and occultist, as he dives deep into the magical realm of W.B. Yeats. Greer shares his journey discovering Yeats's 'A Vision' and its impact on his understanding of Yeats's occult practices. He discusses Yeats's significant role in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and reveals insights into Yeats's confrontations with Aleister Crowley. Additionally, Greer explores the intersections of poetry and magic, illustrating how Yeats used magic as a fountain of creative inspiration and examining the relevance of his works in contemporary practice.

In a captivating discussion, David Lloyd-Dusenbury, a Senior Fellow specializing in political history, explores the interplay between Western and Chinese civilizations. He delves into the concept of 're-civilization' and critiques Fukuyama's 'end of history' thesis, linking it to Western complacency. Dusenbury highlights China's revival of Confucianism and argues for a Western reconnection with its Christian and classical roots. With insights into Kojève's philosophy, he examines how sacrifice and narratives from the humanities can guide cultural renewal.

The podcast dives into Dennis Cooper's provocative novel, exploring its unexpected significance within transgressive literature. The unique format of forum-style escort reviews centers around a character named Brad, illustrating a stark reduction of identity to mere physicality. Discussions touch on the escalating violence and fetishization, linking it to historical contexts of online culture. The host praises Cooper's engaging style, which lures readers into complicity, while articulating the book's eerily prophetic nature as it navigates extreme behaviors in a hypernormal society.

Quinten Weeterings, a history post-graduate and author, dives deep into Simone Weil's provocative essay on political parties. He explores Weil's radical critique, highlighting her view of parties as corruptive forces that stifle individual conscience and promote totalitarianism. The conversation touches on the paradox of abolishing parties while requiring organized action, and examines Weil's notion of politics infused with 'soul' and genuine community engagement. They also tackle the practical challenges of her radical ideas, questioning their feasibility in today's political landscape.

Paul Bishop, a professor specializing in Carl Jung and German thought, delves into Goethe's "Faust" and its profound themes. He argues Goethe’s influence remains vital yet overlooked. The conversation uncovers the redemptive twist in Goethe's ending versus traditional narratives, exploring the roles of evil and transformation. Bishop reveals Faust as a symbol of Western questing, grappling with desires, and the importance of experiential knowledge. Their discussion connects Jung's interpretation of Faust as a reflection of our own shadow, urging a re-evaluation of modern comforts against deeper transformation.

A captivating review dives into Dickens's motivation behind 'A Christmas Carol,' revealing his financial struggles that shaped the story. The discussion explores Scrooge as a critique of industrial capitalism and the deeper themes of numbness versus hate in his character. Marley's ghost serves as a warning against greed, while the spirits of Christmas unveil the stark realities of joy and poverty. The narrative highlights themes of ignorance and social responsibility, culminating in Scrooge's redemptive transformation and commitment to change.

Stephen Mandes Thomas, a seasoned practitioner of magic and astrology, blends his roots as a cradle Catholic with his extensive training in various magical traditions. He discusses how his exploration of magic rekindled his Catholic faith, transforming his perception of rituals. Stephen critiques modern liturgy for its lack of intentionality and explores the idea that sacraments function as magical practices. He delves into the nuanced relationship between Christianity, angels, and the historic disenchantment of religious practices, while proposing a daily magical routine for deeper spiritual engagement.

Review of Of Cosmogonic Eros by Ludwig KlagesBook link: https://theionpublishing.com/shop/of-cosmogonic-eros/Discussions on Klages with Bishop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJZS9mhri7whttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njct-mk0U3Y---Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - ⁠⁠ / hermitixpodcast⁠⁠ Support Hermitix: Patreon - ⁠⁠ patreon.com/hermitix⁠⁠ Donations: - ⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod⁠⁠ Hermitix Merchandise - ⁠⁠http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2⁠⁠ Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLK Ethereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74