The Hermetic Hour

The Hermetic Hour for Thursday, March 24th, 2011, with host Poke Runyon, will feature a discussion of our Spring Equinox "Sacred Marriage" ceremony, with readings for the pageant. This modern version of a 3500 year old pagan rite features a May Pole dance (March Pole actually), and a Communion of the Elements ceremony in which the seven sacraments are shared with the celebrants by the priest and priestess while the newly married God (Baal) and his bride (Astarte) look on from their bridal pavillion . This last Saturday, under a "Super" full moon, we performed the 36th consecutive presentation of "Nuptiae" at Montsalvat in Pasadena, with a newly initiated young couple taking the role of Baal and Astarte, bound together by the ribbons of the Ashera--or may Pole. So, tune in, and we'll try to recreate the experience for you.

The Hermetic Hour for March 17th, 2011 will continue with Poke Runyon's informal history of C.H.S./O.T.A., introducing Louis T. Culling, Israel Regardie, Grady McMurtry, and our intrigues with the nascent O.T.O. that was reforming after Jack Parsons blew himself up. We will also discuss our secret war on terrorists in Los Angeles, the Themis War, and the development of our Seasonals, and our yoga system. So tune in, turn on, and get ready to return to the thrilling days of yester-year. (like the Lone Ranger....)

The Hermetic Hour for this Thursday, March 10th, 2011, with host Poke Runyon, will feature an informal history of the Order of the Temple of Astarte (O.T.A.) and The Church of the Hermetic Sciences. We'll cover the whole story, from the psychedelic era of the late 1960s through the early 70s, and on into 80s and 90s. We'll try to be honest without getting too gossipy---but we can't avoid some controversial events and personalities. You'll meet Israel Regardie and Grady McMurtry, along with Louis T. Culling, Fred Adams, and Joe Wilson. We'll cover the birth of The Seventh Ray, and the Themis War. This will be a mixture of nostalgia and tradition. Most 21st century NeoPagans and magicians have no idea who started---and in some case revived---all this activity back in the late 60s. This will be a revelation for some, and nostalgia for others. Don't miss it.

On the Hermetic Hour this Thursday, March 3rd, 2011, at 8:00 p.m., the subject will be the American Keltic Neo-Pagan expression, specifically "The Roebuck," which is also called "the Clan of Tubal Cain" and, in its earlier American version,"The Order of 1734." The elders of this tradition are Ann and Dave Finnin, who will be with us in the studio. Ann is the author of "The Forge of Tubal Cain" (2008). Ann has been our guest before, discussing magical hypnosis. The main book behind Roy Bowers' unique expression of modern Neo-Paganism was Robert Graves' "The White Goddess" (1948), which was also a major influence on Fred Adams' Feraferia. So tune in and find out how all this fascinating material got over here--and how the Finnins went over to England and brought more back.

On the Hermetic Hour for Thursday, February 24th, 2011 your host Poke Runyon will lead a discussion of one of the most influential modern occult classics, the mysterious, mystical "Kybalion" by "Three Initiates." This little blue book has been treasured by students of the Western Mysteries since its first publication back in 1912. Our very special guest will be Rev. Paul Clark, Steward of the Fraternity of Hidden Light (and the Master Jesus from "Beyond Lemuria") who is perhaps the best qualified scholar-teacher to explain who the original authors were, where their philosophy came from, and why the book is still very important and meaningful. I will try to explain the connections to actual Greek and Greco-Egyptian (Hermetic) philosophy in this modern classic. This is going to be an enlightening hour unveiling the secrets of an obscure and mysterious work. Tune in and get inspired and demystified.

This Thursday, February 17th, 2011, Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on Scrying and Traveling in the Spirit Vision. The essential difference between these modes of visionary experience will be explained. We'll set forth the ancient and modern philosophical and practical magical field theory -- which is not any further "out" than some current theories of quantum physics. We'll describe what happens in scrying, as in angelic crystal invocation, and spirit evocation in mirrors, compared to traveling in the spirit vision, as in "astral projection," such as pathworkings and Enochian Aethyr exploration. We'll explain the importance of yoga and self-hypnosis in these techniques -- and answer any questions you have on the topic -- so, tune in and you'll learn how to journey a million miles between your ears.

On the Hermetic Hour this Thursday, February 10th, 2011 host Poke Runyon will present a program on Afro-Caribbean and African magick, its history, its philosophy, how it works, and where it comes from. We will examine the similarities between the Goetia system and the Voudoun possession. We'll discuss other interesting parallels including the use of facial reflection in mirrors, the astrological geomancy system called "The Eyes of Fna." We'll mention some personal experiences, and touch on the dark side discussing West African Ju-Ju, the Koribra, Congo Dawa, Palo Mayombe, and -- by popular demand -- zombies, and the similarity between zombies and vampires; also the similarity between leopard men and werewolves. These are controversial topics and we do not claim authoritative knowledge. We do promise you an interesting hour of discussion on a very guarded subject. Tune in and and learn about "The Divine Horsemen."

On February 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. The Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will start a discussion on modern urban "Witchcraft," where it came from, who started it, what myths, legends, and magical traditions it grew out of----how it came to America in the 1950s and 60s, and the people who developed it here following the various British models. We'll discuss the Brits: Gerald Gardner, Robert Graves, Alex Sanders, Robert Cochrane (Roy Bowers) and their contributions. Then Ray Buckland, Ed Fitch, and Joe Wilson over here on this side of the pond. Our special, featured call-guest will be Gardnerian Elder High Priest Edward Fitch, author of "A Grimoire of Shadows," and one of our star performers in "Beyond Lemuria." There is quite a bit of fog shrouding the origins, rituals, methods, and activities of "Wicca" in its various forms. At the very least, we will give you the inside story of its British origins and its American beginnings---after that you'll just have to rely on "Perfect Love, and Perfect Trust" --- Blessed Be!

On Thursday evening January 27th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. host Poke Runyon will offer a discussion on the history, philosophy and structure of the Rosicrucian tradition and its offshoots. We will trace its roots from the Italian renaissance Hermetic movement, through the German Reformation, citing the contributions of Agrippa, Paracelsus and others, including its founder Johann Valentin Andreae. We will cite the original Rosicrucian documents, and the legend of Christian Rosenkreuz and his Tomb. The Masonic Rosicrucian revival in 18th century Germany will be considered, with its subsequent influence on the Order of the Golden Dawn. Early German Rosicrucian groups in America, and P. B. Randolph's contribution will be mentioned, along with the origins of various American groups, including A.M.O.R.C. We will try to define just what a "Rosicrucian" is, and how much Christianity is involved in what is otherwise a Hermetic system. We will discuss the differences between the Golden Dawn's R.R. et A.C., and Arthur Edward Waite's more devotional revision -- which may be the best example of the problem. Are Rosicrucians like some Red Hat Tibetan Buddhists? (Bon-pos with Buddha in a nominal position.) Recalling the old occult joke: "Last year I couldn't spell Rosicrucian, and this year I is one!", tune in and we'll give you the history of the mystery.

On the Hermetic Hour for January 20th, 2011 host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on "Sex Magick." The differences between Eastern and Western concepts will be explained. We will trace the origin of the Western "magical child" conception method from its Platonic, Gnostic and Kabbalistic roots, through the various modern versions, including the non-orgiastic "Karreza" method which is said to have derived from medieval chivalry. We will examine the Sacred Marriage (Hieros Gamos) and its ancient myth-ritual theme which became The Great Rite of the Modern Wiccans. We will look at the contributions of P. B. Randolph and his influence on Ruess and Kellnar's German system. Crowley and Kenneth Grant will be mentioned--and, modesty permitting, we will set forth the "dos" and "do nots" of effective practice--so snuggle up with your "significant other," tune in, and let's get it on!