Talk Gnosis

In this Talk Gnosis, Ronnie Pontiac returns to offer an in-depth exploration of the enigmatic Orpheus myth, its profound impact on Western countercultures, and how the ancient Orphic Hymns can bring this power into your life. In his book with Tamra Lucid, “The Magic of the Orphic Hymns: A New Translation for the Modern Mystic,” Pontiac sheds light on the mythical biography of Orpheus, delving into the significant myths and their esoteric interpretations. He discusses the essence of mystery cults, particularly Orphism, its ancient significance, and the mystical Orphic Hymns – ancient initiatic poems imbued with magical traditions. . Ronnie further articulates the motivations behind his and Tamra’s decision to publish this book, emphasizing the contemporary relevance of the Orphic Hymns. He explores their practical and spiritual applications, offering insights into how these ancient hymns can be integrated into modern spiritual practices. This interview is not just a journey into the history of an ancient myth and religion but also a reflection on their lasting impact and relevance in today’s world, making it a must-watch for those interested in the intersections of mythology, spirituality, and cultural history. Get your copy at https://www.innertraditions.com/books/the-magic-of-the-orphic-hymns  [https://ia601201.us.archive.org/5/items/ronnie-audio-final/RonnieAudioFinal.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

In this episode of Talk Gnosis, Dr. Allen Greenfield, a renowned figure in occultism, paranormal work, ufology, and alternative spirituality, makes a much-anticipated return to the show after a decade. We talk about so much, from the men in black to what Gnosticism means for the modern age, though the main thrust is about Free Illuminism movement he helped ignite Free Illuminism is a different way of exploring occultism, mysticism, and the esoteric based on these principles: 1. Spiritual growth is incompatible with authoritarian structure. 2. Scientific Illuminism requires a non-dogmatic, experimental approach. 3. A free society linked in free communion should be actualized. 4. We facilitate, we do not lead. We do the Work, we do not extract oaths or dues, or require dogmatic beliefs. We also talk about his new book at the end, so get it and all his books at: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Allen-H-Greenfield/ Or order them in at your local bookstore if you don’t want to send some cash to the Amazon Archon.  [https://ia601208.us.archive.org/32/items/final-allen/Final%20Allen.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

In an engaging episode of Talk Gnosis, Billie Steigerwald, Gnostic Priestess and independent scholar, offers deep insights into the essence of Gnosticism. She shares her journey of discovering Gnosticism and its relevance in the modern world. The conversation delves into the concepts of love, the role of the feminine in Gnosticism, and the potential growth of interest of all things Gnostic.  [https://ia600501.us.archive.org/23/items/gnosticism-love-metaphysics/Gnosticism%20Love%20Metaphysics.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Listen in on our conversation with writer, film maker, musician, and podcaster Carl Abrahamsson about esoteric, society, and occulture. We discuss his new book “Source Magic: The Origin of Art, Science, and Culture” and its connection to the origins of human experience and culture. We explore the influence of figures like Genesis P-Orridge, Derek Jarman, and Ezra Pound on the themes of magic and creativity. Abrahamson shares his journey as a writer, filmmaker, and musician, and his passion for exploring and sharing unique cultural experiences. https://www.carlabrahamsson.com/  [https://ia600507.us.archive.org/18/items/Occulture/Occulture.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Settle in, folks, get comfy. This is a long chat with Earl, the driving force behind the Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast, or SHWEP. Hosted by Jason Mehmel, with guest Shaun McCann of the Apostolic Johannite Church. We cover a lot of territory in this wide-ranging discussion. As fans of the SHWEP, Jason and Shaun had lots to ask about and Earl’s wonderful responses kept the conversation going! We also asked listener questions which led to further fascinating places! Earl was a fabulous guest, engaging with us as practicing Gnostics as much as we were asking him about his fabulous work! If you’re not familiar with SHEWP, then get on board! Here’s some information about the show itself. The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast is a chronological history-of-ideas narrative documenting the development of a central, but often-overlooked, collection of intellectual currents in the western world. The exact parameters of what constitutes western esotericism are an ongoing debate in academe, but they certainly include esoteric Platonism through history, alchemy, astrology, traditions of learned magic, occultism, and many types of thought usually considered under the imprecise term ‘mysticism’. Found at http://shwep.net or wherever you get your podcasts! (Note: We recorded this episode in March 2023, but technical difficulties delayed the release until now!)     [https://ia800509.us.archive.org/32/items/shwep-trim-echofix-5/SHWEP-trim-echofix-5.mp3]     —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​

The director and writer West Craven is best remembered as a horror genius for “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream,” and many others. But his career was more expansive than the horror genre including everything from an experimental novel to a heart warming Meryl Streep pic. What unites his work is a focus on meta, societal, and theological narratives. That’s right, theological! Raised as an evangelical Christian, a movement he rejected, his films say profound things about religion in America, religious mythos, and maybe even the nature of God. Dr. David Goodin returns to the show to discuss “Theology & Wes Craven” a book of essays he edited and contributed to on the topic. Don’t be scared, tune in now! Get the book at: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781978714700/Theology-and-Wes-Craven  [https://ia600500.us.archive.org/15/items/wes-craven-theology/Wes%20Craven%20Theology.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Delve into our illuminating conversation with Dr. Kyle Smith, the author of the fascinating social history “Cult of the Dead:A Brief History of Christianity.” Dr. Smith discusses his research into how Christianity was profoundly shaped by the cult of martyrdom in its early centuries. He explains how the often gruesome stories of saints’ tortures and deaths reinforced Christian faith and bound believers together, and how martyrs’ relics and shrines continue to be venerated today. Kyle also unpacks how commemorating martyrdom through calendar feasts dedicated to saints’ deaths structured the passage of time itself for Christians. Get the book at: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520345164/cult-of-the-dead  [https://ia601805.us.archive.org/32/items/cultofthe-dead/CultoftheDead.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Join us as Dr. Shirley Paulson returns to dive deep into the riveting “Letter from Peter to Phillip,” shedding light on the resilience and strategies of early Christ followers in the face of violence and imperial oppression. This gem of a text, though brief and nestled in the treasures of the Nag Hammadi Library, stands outside the traditional Christian canon, yet it packs a punch with profound insights and transformative advice on healing from the shackles of empire. Explore the astonishing influence that narratives and mythos, often categorized as Gnostic, can have on our lives, offering insightful perspectives and paving the way toward personal strength in the face of suffering.Don’t miss out on exploring how the timeless wisdom enclosed in just a page or two resonates with our contemporary challenges, making the “Letter from Peter to Phillip” startlingly relevant to our current moment. Dr. Paulson, along with another renown scholar, Dr. Hal Taussig have an online course all bout “The Letter from Phillip to Peter” and we found it to be incredible, check it out at Healing Violence in the World: Letter of Peter to Philip Read “The Letter from Peter to Phillip” at http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/letpet-meyer.html  [https://ia601807.us.archive.org/16/items/letter-peter-phillip/Letter%20Peter%20Phillip.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

It’s said “philosophy started with Plato” and while Platonism is everywhere it has a special, intense, and weird relationship with Gnosticism. For more than three hours we examined it with Joanne Leone and now we’re wrapping it up with a discussion on the demiurge! Well not just the demiurge but so much on how the Gnostics engaged and transformed but ultimately embraced the Platonic thought of their time. If you listen to all three hours you’ll be the new philosopher king (or queen or ruler or whatever title you choose). The funny thing is, in some ways we only scratched the surface, it took us 9 months to get this out (we have A LOT of banked shows for y’all) but we’re hoping Joanne will come back on for a few hours/days/weeks more to keep it going sometime… Part 1: https://pod.link/845230843/episode/2cc8abb999fdbf699563bd9c8f5dcd16 Part 2: https://pod.link/845230843/episode/061ab85d39490ffe29116fe4f480bdc7  [https://ia600503.us.archive.org/11/items/platonism-ancient-gnosticism-part-3/Platonism%20Ancient%20Gnosticism%20Part%203.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

We’re back with Joanne Leone for Part 2 of our epic three part investigation of the links, influence, and relationships between Platonism and Gnosticism. In this ep we get into evil gods ruling us, divine goddesses of saving wisdom, the Sethians jamming with the Platonic philosophers, and continue to dive deeply into how Gnosticism adopts, embraces, subverts, and transforms the backdrop philosophic tradition of Western civilization. This ep and all our content is also out as a podcast, subscribe where ever you usually listen or go to https://pod.link/845230843 And if you’ve landed here without checking out Part 1 first be sure to check it out on YouTube at https://youtu.be/RZA_Mt6dcIA and as a podcast at: https://pod.link/845230843/episode/2cc8abb999fdbf699563bd9c8f5dcd16     [https://ia600504.us.archive.org/6/items/platonism-gnosticism-pt-2/Platonism%20%26%20Gnosticism%20Pt2.mp3]     —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​