Talk Gnosis

Mark Vernon returns to discuss his new book, “Awake: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination,” presenting Blake not just as a poet and artist but as a guide for our times. In it, he explains Blakes thought on imagination as a living, universal flow we can align with as conscious collaborators, present in science as much as in art, rather than a private fantasy generated by the brain. Drawing on his psychotherapy work and Blake’s insights, Vernon contrasts the suffering of a narrowed imagination with the liberating, discerning alignment that opens life up. It’s a conversation about reclaiming imagination as a way of knowing and living, here and now. Buy the book wherever you get ’em or at https://www.amazon.com/Awake-William-Blake-Power-Imagination/dp/1911723979 Keep up with Mark’s work at: https://www.markvernon.com/  [https://dn721600.ca.archive.org/0/items/final-awake-audio/Final%20Awake%20-%20audio.m4a]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

We sit down with Dr. Andrew Jacobs, scholar of early Christianity and advisor/lecturer at the University of Virginia, to explore his book, “Gospel Thrillers: Conspiracy Fiction and the Vulnerable Bible.” Jacobs traces how he stumbled onto this pulp-friendly genre two decades ago in a Virginia used bookstore and found a recurring formula: a lost or secret gospel, shadowy forces, high-stakes chases, and an anxious fascination with how the Bible shapes identity and power in American culture. From Cold War roots to “The Da Vinci Code” era, he shows how these novels mirror public fantasies about academics, archeology, and hidden truths, and why the Bible functions as a totem even for secular audiences.  [https://ia801009.us.archive.org/30/items/audio-final-gospel-thrillers/AUDIO%20FINAL%20GOSPEL%20THRILLERS.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

In this insightful discussion, Todd McGowan, a film and theory expert, and Ryan Engley, a media studies aficionado, dive into the fascinating interplay of psychoanalysis and film. They explore how constraints in classic cinema sparked subversion and the importance of viewing films as 'garbled messages.' From Barbarella’s unexpected feminism to the notion that 'kindness is punk,' they challenge conventional nostalgia. With practical tools for deeper interpretation, they urge listeners to engage with art on a transformative level that transcends mere entertainment.

Professor Damien P Williams was kind enough to spend time with us discussing generative technology such as LLMs like ChatGPT, and visual generators. He explains clearly at a technical level how these technologies work. What’s more, we get into some fascinating places discussing what these technologies might mean for esotericists, and why knowing how they work is integral to knowing what meanings you are bringing in to your spiritual or magical practice. There are some obvious concerns that are known by many; here you’ll get the deeper implications that no one is talking about.  [https://dn720703.ca.archive.org/0/items/generative-ai-and-gnosis/Generative%20AI%20and%20Gnosis.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Ike Baker—writer, esoteric thinker, and creator of the Arcanum podcast—joins us for a cosmos-ranging conversation on his work, modern Gnosticism, Platonism, initiation, and much more. Tune in to discover how Ike’s unexpected path led him from skepticism to deep spiritual practice. He shares why he started creating esoteric content and discusses his mission to guide seekers away from reactive spirituality, encouraging genuine spiritual growth through initiation and community. Check out Arcanvm: https://www.youtube.com/@UCNTK70AOAOi9zMqOZFdvjeA For instance, this is a great Arcanvm ep, it’s Jon and Jason talking Gnosticism: https://youtu.be/eD2dKRBMyKo?si=mdwWEfLxcvBrIDZQ  [https://dn721605.ca.archive.org/0/items/final-for-real-audio-final-super-final-ike-made-with-clipchamp/Final%20for%20realAUDIO%20FINAL%20SUPER%20FINAL%20IKE%20-%20Made%20with%20Clipchamp.m4a]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

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.