Recently posted

Podcast episode

Episode 218: Alicia Walker on Everyday Magical Culture in East Rome

In the previous episode we looked at learned, elaborate, elite magical practices and the books that enabled them in East Rome. In this episode we discuss the magical practices and objects with which normal, non-specialist Romans navigated their mediæval world. Alicia Walker is our guide in the territory where the esoteric becomes everyday.

Podcast episode

Members only: Storytime: Reading the Solomonic Hygromanteia, Part III

In our final episode on the Solomonic Hygromanteia we get to where the action is: it's time to conjure up a demonic host. Featuring an unexpected cameo appearance from the kabbalistic sephirot!

Podcast episode

Members only: Storytime: Reading the Solomonic Hygromanteia, Part II

We read through Solomon's magical recipe book in BL MS Harleianus 5596. This is spirit-summoning as metier.

Podcast episode

Members only: Storytime: Reading the Solomonic Hygromanteia, Part I

In a three-part episode, we explore the family of Solomonic addressative texts known as the Hygromanteia. In Part I we look at the range of MSS and scholarship and the Solomonic tradition which provides the context for this extraordinary manual for angelic and demonic manipulation.

Oddcast episode

Astral Weeks. On the Planetary Order in the West

In this episode we dive into the qualitative time propounded by western astrology. Following the trail of the planetary week, we are led to explore ancient gods, planetary orderings in antiquity, astrolatry, the planetary hours, and more.

Oddcast episode

Dorka Tamás on Sylvia Plath and the Supernatural

We discuss the short life and extraordinary poetry of the American author Sylvia Plath. Dorka Tamás is our guide into the places where Plath's poetry, emerging from the `high disenchantment' of the American cold war era, strays into the magical fields where poets of all ages receive their inspiration. Featuring a cameo appearance from W. B. Yeats.

Listen to the Introduction

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.

Become a Member

SHWEP is an experiment in community-supported scholarship. Join now for less than one pound per week to get access to special member-only podcast episodes, take part in online discussions about each episode and help ensure the future of this unique listener-supported project

Join SHWEP now

Subscribe to the Podcast

Subscribe to the Oddcast

Subscribe to Roots of Magic

Subscribe by email