Roots of Magic Episodes Themed "Polytheism"

Daniel Schwemer on the Bit Meseri Ritual

We speak with Daniel Schwemer about an intensive ritual practice for driving out demonic forces and/or hostile magic. Bit Meseri, the ‘House of Enclosure’, took the ashipu (and forty-nine protective apkaluspirits) four days, at the end of which period the patient was good to go. We talk ritual, theology, and divine handbags.

Listen to this episode

Frank Simons on the Mesopotamian Šurpu Ritual

We explore the ancient Mesopotamian ritual-series known as Šurpu with Frank Simons. This interview is a window onto very, very ancient magical practice, but has a surprising amount to tell us about magic today.

Listen to this episode