Talk Gnosis

Delve into the fascinating world of modern Gnosticism with insights from a community survey. Discover how individuals stumble upon Gnostic ideas, influenced by everything from books to YouTube. Uncover unconventional paths that seekers take, revealing the diverse figures and texts that resonate deeply. Community engagement proves essential as the podcast highlights the importance of reliable sources and personal interpretation. Finally, appreciate Gnosticism's enduring legacy and its varied interpretations, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Join Dr. Michael Sosteric, a sociologist and professional mystic, as he shares his extraordinary journey from materialism to mysticism, triggered by a terrifying childhood confrontation with God. He introduces the concept of 'connection experiences,' emphasizing the importance of understanding these profound moments. The discussion also critiques society's reluctance to acknowledge mystical events and explores the interplay between consciousness and brain function. Tune in for insights that can help map personal spiritual journeys and distinguish transformative crises from harmful experiences.

Deacon Jon hosts Saskia Vogel, the translator of Peter Cornell’s “The Ways of Paradise,” a uniquely conceived novel presented as research notes to a lost, imaginary manuscript. The book’s premise is it’s a series of 122 footnotes that circle the idea of paradise, creating a text that intentionally blurs the line between academic research and fiction, reality and the imagined, the esoteric and the exoteric. The text itself becomes a labyrinth exploring loss and the human yearning for a paradise that remains just out of reach, a book that is ultimately completed not on the page, but in the mind of the reader who engages with its mystery. Get the book: https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/the-ways-of-paradise/ Read an excerpt: https://www.theparisreview.org/miscellaneous/8310/the-ways-of-paradise-selected-notes-from-a-lost-manuscript-peter-cornell Follow Saskia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saskia.vogel/ Check out her homepage: https://saskiavogel.com/  [https://ia600900.us.archive.org/0/items/audio-finalforrealsaskia/AUDIO-FINALFORREALSASKIA.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

What is Gnosis?! We don’t have THE answer but we have ANSWERS…many of them! In this Mapping Gnosticism installment, Jason and Deacon Jon wander into the labyrinthe of the complex and transformative nature of experiential knowledge that goes beyond intellectual understanding. We look at notions of spiritual enlightenment, presenting gnosis not as a singular, achievable state, but as a dynamic, ongoing journey of personal transformation that encompasses imagination, bodily experience, and a profound connection to something greater than oneself. Is Gnosis a beautiful supernatural experience? Or more of a nuanced, often uncomfortable process of recognizing divine sparks in everyday moments—whether during a stressful commute, caring for a dying friend, or experiencing profound interconnectedness?! Or maybe Gnosis is the friends we make upon the way.  https://dn721505.ca.archive.org/0/items/final-audio-what-is-gnosis/FINAL%20AUDIO%20what%20is%20gnosis.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Nic Laccetti, a frequent contributor to discussions on Gnosticism, joins the hosts to explore the uncanny parallels between modern AI and ancient Gnostic thought. They dive into how Silicon Valley's technological advancements mimic religious mythology, pondering the potential consequences of a god-like AI. The conversation touches on existential fears surrounding AI's capabilities and critiques the oversimplification that tech advancement equals spiritual enlightenment. They also reflect on philosophical debates concerning human cognition and the societal narratives that shape our understanding of AI.

Conclave The Apostolic Johannite Church is proud to present the twenty-fifth annual AJC Conclave – May 8th – 13th, 2025 – Hybrid – Online and Atlanta, GA Coming out of the pandemic, and in a first for the Apostolic Johannite Church, we’ve elected to make Conclave 2025 a hybrid event. Conclave will be both online and in-person with the Parish of St. John in Atlanta, GA, giving folks in a variety of circumstances and situations the ability to participate in whichever way is most accessible and enjoyable for them. All Conclave speakers, talks and workshops will take place from Friday, May 9th to Sunday, May 11th, 2025 – with additional activities and in-person liturgy scheduled for those who are able to attend in-person. Our speakers will be a blend of in-person and online- with in-person speakers being broadcast to our online attendees live. This year our theme is Divine Union, Mysticism and Theurgy Each year the people of the AJC, friends and family gather together to socialize, learn, build our skills and deepen our community. It is an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth and insight to modern Gnostic practice. Conclave is a rich opportunity to deepen your practice, education and experience of Gnosticism and the Apostolic Johannite Church. Conclave offers lectures, workshops and panel discussions selected to develop ministry skills, support the work of church leaders both lay and ordained and deepen and enrich the spiritual lives of attendees. As always, we welcome you, no matter who you are or what your spiritual path, to join us for this unique weekend. You can come for all or part and participate as much or as little as you’d like. However you choose, we welcome you into our household.  [https://ia601201.us.archive.org/12/items/final-conclave-audio/final%20conclave%20AUDIO.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

M.R. Osborn has a new essential book so we just had to get into it with him. Delve into the rich spiritual tradition of the “Office of the Holy Spirit” and its connection to the enigmatic 18th-century mystic Martinez de Pasqually. This interview unveils a rare treasure from medieval Christianity that nearly vanished from history but found new purpose in Pasqually’s esoteric Christian practice. Osborn’s latest book reproduces this forgotten divine office – a structured prayer system rooted in the psalms and traditionally observed at specific hours throughout the day. The conversation explores how Pasqually, a Catholic of Portuguese-Jewish origin, incorporated these devotions into his “Élus Coëns” system, emphasizing spiritual reconciliation through prayer. This beautifully illustrated volume, featuring both original Latin texts and English translations, offers not just historical insight but a practical devotional resource for Christians of all backgrounds seeking to deepen their connection with the Holy Spirit through this ancient contemplative tradition.  [https://ia800806.us.archive.org/28/items/talk-gnosis-office-of-the-holy-spirit-martinez-de-pasqually-w-m.-r.-osborn-tube-ripper.com/%5BTalk%20Gnosis%5D%20Office%20of%20the%20Holy%20Spirit%20%2B%20Martinez%20de%20Pasqually%20w%20M.R.%20Osborn%20%5BTubeRipper.com%5D.m4a]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

David Pantano discusses his book “Alchemical Hermeticism: The Secret Teachings of Marco Daffi” with Talk Gnosis. Daffi, born as Baron Ricciardo Ricciardelli in 1900 in Naples, developed a profound system of spiritual transformation after confronting his own psychological imbalances. Daffi’s alchemical hermeticism offers an approach to inner transformation through the classic stages of nigredo, albedo, and rubedo. His work provides practical methodologies for confronting one’s shadow, purifying the psyche, exploring the inner landscapes, and achieving spiritual integration—a heroic journey of transforming unconscious forces into spiritual gold, remaining as relevant today as when it was first developed. Buy the book at: https://www.innertraditions.com/alchemical-hermeticism  [https://ia600808.us.archive.org/18/items/audio-final-daffi-for-real/AUDIO%20final%20daffi%20for%20real.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Talk Gnosis welcomes back Dr. Shirley Paulson to discuss her new FREE course on the Nag Hammadi and related texts. Dive into how these texts portray Jesus as a teacher and healer rather than a sacrifice, celebrate divine feminine figures like Mary Magdalene and Sophia, and offers seekers mystical, but practical wisdom, for navigating the world we live in. Featuring insights from renowned scholars and addressing common misconceptions and cliches about Gnostic (or if you prefer, “Gnostic”) this conversation invites listeners to discover how these ancient writings speak to contemporary spiritual needs. Take the course at https://earlychristiantexts.net/introducing-nag-hammadi-and-related-texts/ Dr. Paulson has a great blog post that goes through ten points about why the Nag Hammadi writings matter for right here and right now. Check it out for yourself and share it with someone you think might be interested! You can read it at: https://earlychristiantexts.com/the-nag-hammadi-library/  [https://ia800609.us.archive.org/17/items/audio-actual-final-nag-hammadi/AUDIO%20ACTUAL%20FINAL%20Nag%20Hammadi.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

We’re pretty sure this is our first show where the topic of God’s penis comes up a number of times! Talk Gnosis dives deep into the intersection of Jewish mysticism and sacred sexuality with Dr. Marla Segol, author of “Kabbalah and Sex Magic: A Mythical Ritual Genealogy.” From ancient texts describing God’s body to medieval mystical practices to modern manifestions of Kabbalistic sex magic, Dr. Segol and Jon explore how Kabbalists understood sexuality as a way to participate in divine creation and sustain the cosmos. Check out the book at: https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-08960-7.html  [https://ia800809.us.archive.org/30/items/audio-final-kabbala/AUDIO%20Final%20Kabbala.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​