The Hermetic Hour

On Thursday evening, October 28th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will discuss "Divination for Magicians." We are qualifying this subject to exclude a number of techniques not often used in magick. We will lead off with Tarot, discussing its actual origins, the 19th century "Egyptian origin" myth, how it was thought to be "older than the kabbalah," and its subsequent influence on modern Hermetic "qabalah" -- from Eliphas Levi to Paul Foster Case. We will discuss various Tarot designs, and their particular attributes. We'll move on to Geomancy, discussing its ancient origins, and characteristics -- briefly comparing it to the Chinese I-Ching. We'll be taking calls on this subject, so join us and see what the future holds in store.

This coming Thursday, October 21st, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will launch a discussion on what is commonly called "Astral Projection." We will use what we still consider the best occult manual on the subject: "The Art of Astral Projection," by Ophiel, as our starting point. We'll mention path workings (Inner Plane projection) vs. the OOBE, comparing these methods with Tibetan practice (po-wah yoga and throng-jug yogas). Following on Jack London's "Star Rover", we'll examine self-hypnosis and sensory deprivation. We'll mention Monroe and Hemi-Sync, (binaural beats), discuss "Music of the Spheres," and Remote Viewing. Tune in, turn on, and get out!

This Thursday, October 14th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. PST, Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will lead a discussion on "The Enoch Syndrome." This is a term we have applied to a type of channeled, visionary (right brain) revelation that is extraordinarily detailed and consistent. The Biblical Enoch and his tour or Heaven is our starting point. We'll proceed through Dee and Kelley, Oasphe, Phylos, Urantia, Richard Shaver, Edgar Cayce, the Seth Material, and finally "The Jet-Propelled Couch" by Robert Lindner, which was the inspiration for the film "K-Pax." Although we are going to examine the psychological factors behind this phenomenon, we are not out to debunk these fascinating revelations, but rather to place them in the perspective of Hermetic philosophy: as a personal reality that extends to encompass the universe, and is therefore "real" in its own context. Join us and expand your consciousness.

On Thursday the 7th of October, 2010, the Hermetic Hour, hosted by Poke Runyon, will present a lively review of magical fiction and films. We will go from "The Saragossa Manuscript"(1841) through Dion Fortune's "Moon Magic", Somerset Maugham's "The Magician" (novel and film), Chambers "The King in Yellow", Lovecraft's dream cycle, Merritt's lost worlds (that influenced Shaver), Jack Williamson's "Darker than You Think" (Jack Parson's favorite), Clark Ashton Smith dream-maker extraordinary, his imitator Jack Vance (from which we got Dungeons & Dragons), "Valis" by Philip K. Dick -- just to name a few. Then the films: Orson Welles' "Black Magic" on Cagliostro, Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus", Merrian Cooper's "She", "Simon King of the Witches," "What Dreams May Come," "Crowley," and Jodorowsky's "The Holy Mountain." A smorgasbord of mind-benders. Tune in and feast on it!

This coming Thursday, September 30th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. host Poke Runyon will review our past 23 shows, describing what we covered in each one. We have tried to give a full picture of magick, from the first century to the modern era. All of these shows are archived, and can be listened to at any time. They are actually an informal course in Hermetic magick and its related arts. Please call in with questions on any of our previous shows or topics. We will also discuss our Associate Member program, its concept and goals. Tune in and find out where we've been and where we're going.

On September 23rd, 2010 at 8:p.m. the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will lead a discussion on Angel Magick (good spirits too) with an emphasis on crystal ball scrying techniques, training, equipment, and talisman construction and charging. We will discuss the recent books recounting Dr. Thomas Rudd's 17th century work in this field, and relate some experiences we've had in the circle doing this work. This will be call-in night, so have your questions ready on any topic we've covered. Tune in and get Theurgerated, or Thaumatergified.

On Thursday evening, September 16th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on magical astrology. We will begin with the prehistoric origin of the Zodiac in the Age of Taurus -- "Bull's Eye Astrology" -- and explain how this began the symbolism of the Zodiacal signs (the 12 Labors of Heracles). We will delve into Alexander's emphasis on Aries, and the establishment of horary astrological doctrine by Ptolemy. We will touch on the Orphic-Hermetic doctrine of the soul's descent and return, the geocentric model still used in Hermetic magick, the Mansions of the Moon, the Decans, and astrology's influence in geomancy, tarot, the Tree of Life, the kabbalah, and alchemy, and the concept of "Elective Astrology." Tune in and get proGnosticated!

On Thursday evening September 9th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour, hosted by Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on the Hermetic art of alchemy, its history, its mystery and its philosophy. Poke does not claim to be an alchemist, and so his presentation will be based on his extensive notes from a seminar on the ancient art taught by the late Hans Nintzel, who was considered one of America's foremost alchemical masters. Our call-in guest will be Art Kunkin, author of "Alchemy Revealed" and the foremost alchemist in Southern California. Tune in and help us find the Philosopher's Stone.

On The Hermetic Hour for September 2nd, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. host Poke Runyon will be joined by Jo Carson for a discussion about the life and work of surrealist painter, poet, Neo-Pagan philosopher and ceremonial magician Frederick Adams. Fred, with his consort Lady Svetlana, founded "Feraferia" in 1969. Feraferia was the first, and still the most elegant, expression of Goddess worshiping, Nature focused, Neo-Pagan religion in America. Jo Carson's recently released film "Dancing With Gaia" features Fred giving instruction in land-form yoga, and also displays his marvelous art work. Fred Adams was certainly a master magician. He and Svetlana recreated the ancient Greek Eleusinian Mysteries and perfected a joyous round of nine Seasonal Ceremonies. There would be no O.T.A. Seasonals without the original inspiration of Feraferia. Tune in on Thursday and connect with this beautiful and vital expression of modern magick.

On Thursday the 26th of August, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour, hosted by Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on "The Dark Side" of Hermetic magick. We will explore the works of the 20th century's most erudite and accomplished diabolist, Kenneth Grant and his "Typhonian Gnosis", tracing his sources through Crowley, the occult artist Austin Osman Spare, and back to the fin d' secle decadents of the late 19th century. We will touch on Grant's adoption of the "Cthulhu Mythos" of fantasy writer H. P. Lovecraft and his fictional "Necronomicon." We will read deliciously evil snippets from Grant's books, and our own lovingly crafted satire "Beyond the Nostrils of Nuit" from the forthcoming Seventh Ray. This really ought to be our Halloween show. Tune in and we'll descend into the Tunnels of Set.