Podcast episode
The sixth-century East-Roman antiquarian John of Lydia tells us that a student of Iamblichus, Sōpater of Syria, helped Constantine out with theurgic rituals at the founding of the New Rome. In this episode we consider the swirl of evidence around this supposed event. Featuring a cameo appearance from the eschatological polar gate.
Podcast episode
In Part 1 of a brace of episodes we explore the New Rome and her occult foundations. Featuring appearances from such luminaries as Apollonios of Tyana and Vettius Valens.
Blog post
Our castaway is Carl Abrahamsson, a writer, publisher, magico-anthropologist, filmmaker, and photographer whose decades of exploration in the occultural sphere have helped shape the modern magickal landscape. The esoteric island goes back to the source.
Blog post
We reflect on a year spent in the seventh century and in 2025. Apocalyptic themes seem to have dominated both time-frames. Here's to a sublime and less exciting 2026!
Oddcast episode
We look at the evidence for reincarnationist ideas in the early Jesus-movement and into the fourth century, starting with Simon Magus (whose mistress Helen was the First Thought of god, trapped endlessly reincarnating in fleshly bodies) and finishing with Origen of Alexandria (who, if he didn't teach reincarnation, sure convinced a whole lot of people that he did). Featuring a cameo appearance from Paul of Tarsos, the world's best-known gnostic.
Roots of Magic episode
We dive back into the world of Akkadian purification magic with Beatrice Baragli, who is working on an edition of the ritual sequence known as Bīt Rimki (`The Bathhouse'). Politics used to be very magical.
An introduction to the podcast, discussing briefly what we mean by ‘western esotericism’. This episode also answers the burning question, ‘What’s so “secret” about The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast?’ and features a short quiz to test your knowledge of western esoteric history.
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