Occultist and writer John Michael Greer discusses 'The Tree of Spirit' book by John Gilbert, exploring tarot card origins, debunking myths, and discussing the symbolic meanings of cards like Death and the Devil. They also discuss the concept of new thought, the power of will, exploring restriction, comfort zones, and seeking a third option in life's choices.

This podcast explores Philip K Dick's novel 'VALIS' and its examination of insanity, reason, and the blurring of fiction and reality. It also delves into the connections between Gnosticism and Dick's writings, discussing concepts like the demi-urge, the division between good and evil, and transcendence through Christ. The podcast challenges the notion of reality and spirituality and examines the transformative experience 'VALIS' provides for readers.

Adrian Nathan West, translator of more than twenty books, discusses the work of Hermann Burger. They explore Burger's use of synesthesia and hypotaxis, his unconventional life and association with a cult, strange and unhinged ideas in his work, his perspective on depression, and his concept of existence and fetishes. They also discuss the challenges of understanding Burger's writing.

Join host and German literature professor Stephen Dowden as they delve into the dark world of Thomas Bernhard. They discuss Bernhard's enigmatic writings, his criticism of Austrian culture, the writer's purpose and influence, existential questions and anger in his work, the theme of failure and loss of confidence, and Bernhard's unique perspective on stability and respite.

Steven Moore, an American author and literary critic, discusses the work of novelist William Gaddis. Topics include the connection between Gaddis and James Joyce, their first meeting, the unfinished book Agape, Gaddis' view on success and audience, the absent father theme, recommended starting points for new readers, and Gaddis' association with postmodernism.

Eric Adler, Professor of Classics at the University of Maryland, discusses the friendship and intellectual relationship between Irving Babbitt and Paul Elmer More. They explore their differing views on religion, the concept of new humanism, and the evolution of their relationship over time. They also delve into the absence of virtue in contemporary society and the legacy of these two important intellectual figures.

Dr. Gottfried M. Heuer, Jungian Training-psychoanalyst, -supervisor and teacher, Neo-Reichian body-psychotherapist and trainer for nearly 50 years in West London; lectures, group-work and teaching in many European countries, North, Middle and South America, Africa and Australia; independent scholar with some 70 papers published in 7 languages. His books include 10 Otto Gross Congress–proceedings (LiteraturWissenschaft.de); Sacral Revolution (Routledge 2010); Sexual Revolutions (Routledge 2011; Russian edition 2017); and Freud's 'Outstanding' Colleague/Jung's 'Twin Brother': The Suppressed Psychoanalytic and Political Significance of Otto Gross (Routledge 2017); and he is also a published graphic artist, photographer, sculptor and poet: ‘The Gathering of the Rebel Angels: With Otto Gross to Moscow, 1917 – 2017 – 2117’. (Poem), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwYXRHHMOxg ‘When I Entered God, My Vision Became Like His’ (Rabia), (artworks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fha4jiiN2MI and ‘Present at the Creation: Conception and Birth of a poem, ‘The Star of Redemption’ https://youtu.be/GhN4rHxlQow?si=Yn5QsRL3PX6xqh_J In this episode we discuss his book 'Freud's 'Outstanding Colleague' / Jung's 'Twin Brother': The Suppressed Psychoanalytic and Political Significance of Otto Gross Freud's 'Outstanding Colleague' / Jung's 'Twin Brother': The Suppressed Psychoanalytic and Political Significance of Otto Gross' Book link: https://www.routledge.com/Freuds-Outstanding-ColleagueJungs-Twin-Brother-The-suppressed-psychoanalytic/Heuer/p/book/9781138899698 --- Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - https://twitter.com/Hermitixpodcast Support Hermitix: Patreon - https://www.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

Roberto Bolaño, the book author, joins the podcast to discuss his renowned novel '2666'. They explore its themes of fate, crimes against women, and the presence of stereotypes. They also compare the themes of violence and redemption in '2666' with Cormac McCarthy's 'Blood Meridian'. The podcast reflects on the disquieting atmosphere and lack of conclusions in the book, questioning why readers are drawn to its disturbing subject matter.

Mark Blacklock, Lecturer at Birkbeck College, discusses J.G. Ballard's blurring of fact and fiction, the disturbing nature of his writing, his analysis of the future, and insights into his nonfiction writings.

Lars Iyer, a British novelist and philosopher of Indian/Danish parentage, discusses his recently published theory fiction novel exploring the philosophy of Simone Vay and academic life in Britain. Topics covered include the role of British comedy in addressing suffering, the marginalization of academic spaces, criticism and support for a house helping people with addiction, the essence of love and vulnerability in human relationships, and the accessibility and emotional impact of the book.