ESOTERICA

The Kabbalah of Christ - Foundations of Occult Qabalah

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:12:30 -0000

How did Jewish Kabbalah become Hermetic Qabalah? To understand that process we have to go back to the late 17th century. There, we find one of the most important translations of Kabbalah in von Rosenroth's mammoth Kabbalah Denudata. Attached in the second volume is an introduction to Kabbalah which inverts centuries of Christian appropriation. Rather than conforming Kabbalah to Christianity, Franciscus Mercurius van Helmont argues that the Lurianic Kabbalah is the true Christianity. This dramatic - and heretical - shift, signals the origins of Qabalah that is neither Jewish nor Christian, but a Hermetic Qabalah. Thus, the origins of the Qabalah as most contemporary occultists know it.

Uploaded 11-07-25

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Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Spector - Francis Mercury Van Helmont's Sketch of Christian Kabbalism
Coudert - Leibniz and the Kabbalah

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Who was the Historical Jesus?

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:00:00 -0000

There simply is no story about western civilization that is not bound up with Jesus and Christianity. And, in a sense we are always asking ourselves “Who was Jesus?” What were his teachings? What does his fate mean? Indeed, whether we are Christians or not, whether we even want to or not. And, so, I want to ask those questions and give you what I take to be reasonable historical and scholarly answers to them. Here is my take on the historical Jesus. Let's explore the questions who was Jesus, what were his teachings and how did his fate transform the world?

Uploaded 22-08-25

Recommended Readings:

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One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
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New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Dr. Tabor's Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@JamesTaborVideos

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus - https://amzn.to/4lEb2I8
The Jesus Dynasty - https://amzn.to/4mwx0hs
The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant - https://amzn.to/4mUvXYk
The Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed - https://amzn.to/41lvoyt
John of History, Baptist of Faith - https://amzn.to/4fOPerL
Just James: The Brother of Jesus in History and Tradition - https://amzn.to/4n1mTkJ

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 3a of 15 - The Apocalyptic Matrix

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 01:15:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 05-08-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Possession and Exorcism in Ancient Israel - Judaism

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 01:00:00 -0000

While it is often forgotten, Judaism has a long history in the development and history of spiritual / demonic possession and exorcism. In this episode of Esoteric, we explore the first 1000 years of this developments. From Ancient Israel and their neighbors, the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, we explore the rise of angels and demons in the apocalyptic movement, before turning to explore several major figures such as the Essenes, Jesus of Nazareth, Philo of Alexandria, and the Roman-Jewish historian Josephus. What we will find is the complicated development of possession and exorcism through the centuries of Jewish religious culture.

Uploaded 16-10-20

Recommend Reading:

Oesterreich - Possession and Exorcism - 978-0883560358
Borghouts - Ancient Egyptian Magical Texts - 978-9004058484
Hrusa - Ancient Mesopotamian Religion - 978-3868351187
Witmer - Jesus, the Galilean Exorcist - 978-0567575524

#possession #exorcism #jewish

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Witches Witch-Hunting and Magic in Early-Modern Europe (FIA Lecture)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:17:30 -0000

This lecture explore, briefly, the history of witches, the witch-hunts, and the development of magic in early-modern Europe and could serve as a general introduction to the topic. Many thanks to the Flint Institute of Arts and Dr. Alan Klein for sponsoring the lecture.

Uploaded 29-10-20

#witch #witchhunt #demonology

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Gnostic Baptism Ritual from the Book of Jeu - Pistis Sophia - Nag Hammadi Library - Gnosticism

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0000

While texts from the Nag Hammadi library have revolutionized our understanding of Gnosticism, we still know very little about just how Gnosticism was practiced in the ancient world. What were their rituals, hymns, gatherings, and daily life like? In this episode of Esoterica we explore a Gnostic Baptism ritual found in the Bruce Codex Book of Jeu. What we find is a complex set of rituals by which one purifies one's soul in order to begin one's ascent back to the divine One. We also explore the various layers of reality described in the Jeu I and some connections with ancient magic.

Uploaded 06-11-20

Recommended Readings:

Schmidt - The Books of Jeu and the Untitled Text in the Bruce Codex - 978-9004057548
Evans - The Books of Jeu and the Pistis Sophia as Handbooks to Eternity - 978-9004284463
Lambdin - Introduction to Sahidic Coptic - 978-0865540484
DeConick (ed.) - Practicing Gnosis: Ritual, Magic, Theurgy and Liturgy in Nag Hammadi, Manichaean and Other Ancient Literature - 978-9004256293
Thunder Perfect Mind Prada Ad - https://www.prada.com/us/en/pradasphere/films/2005/thunder-perfect-mind.html

#gnostic #Baptism #Jeu

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Why the Historical Jesus Matters - Conversation with @JamesTaborVideos

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:20:00 -0000

Dr. James Tabor, renowned scholar of the early Jesus movement, and I discuss the early world of the Jesus Movement, John the Baptist and the Apocalyptic origins of the movement.

Uploaded 29-08-25

Find Dr. Tabor on Youtube - @JamesTaborVideos
Dr. Tabor's blog - https://jamestabor.com/
Dr. Tabor's books - https://amzn.to/4lTCNfH

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism and Hekhalot Literature Seminar Announcement

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body, join in the heavenly liturgy or be transformed into beings of fire. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism over the course of 12-14 weeks starting *Sunday July 20th at 2pm EST* a bit like the Agrippa seminar last year.

Uploaded 27-06-25

Course Syllabus - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing
Course Materials and Readings - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo?usp=sharing
Your Support makes the course possible. Consider a 1 time $54 Patreon support - https://www.patreon.com/c/esotericachannel

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Roman Ghost Story - Pliny and the Stoic in a Haunted House - Read in Latin

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:22:30 -0000

There is a longstanding tradition - though nearly extinct now - of telling ghost stories around Christmas-time. In this episode of Esoterica we are going to conjure the tradition up by exploring a Roman ghost story recounted by Pliny the Younger. Here we find a Stoic philosopher in a house haunted by a chain-shaking specter. We'll discover all the classic haunted house tropes here dating back nearly 2000 years! I'll also be reading the tale aloud in both Latin and English if you want to hear it as well.

Uploaded 25-12-20

Recommended Reading:

Pliny's letters in Latin - http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plin.+Ep.+7.27

The Latter in English - http://www.attalus.org/old/pliny7.html (scroll down to the Sura )

Ogden - Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds - 978-0195385205

#latin #ghoststory #stoicism

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How Angel Magic Brought Us the Internet - The Steganographia of Trithemius

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

Did Angel Magic give us the Internet? In around 1499 Johann Trithemius began combining alchemical theory, astrology, the combatory arts and angel magic into a vast occult system by which to rapidly transmit information, acquire languages, induce prophecy and illuminate the soul. He called this occult science the Ars Steganographia and he was condemned for it. Despite rumors that he was a vile necromancer, Trithemius would continue his studies: founding arcane modern cryptology, tutoring Agrippa as he developed the Occult Philosophy, inspiring the development of the Lesser Key of Solomon, uncovering the astral cycles of history and much more. Let's explore the Ars Steganographia!

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
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Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Bran, Trithemius and Magical Theology - https://sunypress.edu/Books/T/Trithemius-and-Magical-Theology
DO NOT BUY this book from Amazon. They use a POD service and the book will just fall apart.

Skinner & Clark, Steganographia - https://amzn.to/3PocHar
Dan Harms on the Skinner Steganographia - https://medium.com/@danharms_29771/steganographia-a-review-5b26849f45c7

Gamer - Die Polygraphia des Johannes Trithemius - https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/isbn/9789004507753/html?lang=en

Frater Acher - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/black-abbot-white-magic

Shumaker - Renaissance Curiosa - Johannes Trithemius and Cryptography

The Art Theurgia Goetia - https://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/theurgia.htm

Steganographia 1606 - https://books.google.com/books?id=yqRNAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
Steganographia 1608 - https://archive.org/details/SteganographiaBSB1608/mode/1up
Steganographis Vindicated 1721 - https://books.google.it/books?id=wYFZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PP9#v=onepage&q&f=false
John Dee's Manuscript copy - https://www.library.wales/discover-learn/digital-exhibitions/manuscripts/early-modern-period/steganographia/

De Septem Secundeis - https://esotericarchives.com/tritheim/tritem.htm
https://www.google.com/books/edition/De_septem_secundeis_id_est_intelligentii/ij48AAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1
De Septem Secundeis 1522 -
https://www.google.com/books/edition/De_septem_secunda_Deis_id_est_intelligen/EaRRAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1
De Septem Secundeis 1545 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/De_septem_secundeis_id_est_intelligentii/ij48AAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

Polygraphiae 1613 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/Libri_polygraphiae_VI/aN-uEaXeZN0C?hl=en&gbpv=1

Liber octo quaestionum 1534 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/Liber_octo_quaestionum_quas_illi_dissolv/vhI8AAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

"" - https://www.esotericarchives.com/tritheim/8quest.htm

The infamous Bovillus Epistle p. 172 - https://www.google.com/books/edition/Opuscula_Liber_de_intellectu/jtyJxrDZvsoC?hl=en&gbpv=1

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A Primer on Western Esotericism

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:25:00 -0000

An introduction to the relatively new field of western esotericism focusing on
the scope of field including magic, mysticism, alchemy, theosophy, and more; several of the dominant academic approaches to the field; where to study western esotericism at the university level

Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Recommended Readings:

Antoine Faivre - Western Esotericism: A Concise History - ISBN-13: 978-1438433783
Arthur Versluis - Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions - ISBN-13: 978-0742558366
Kocku Von Stuckrad - Western Esotericism - A Brief History of Secret Knowledge - ISBN-13: 978-1844657476
Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke - The Western Esoteric Traditions: A Historical Introduction - ISBN-13: 978-0195320992
Wouter J. Hanegraaff - Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed - ISBN-13: 978-1441136466

#esotericism #occultism #hermeticism

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How Medieval Incantations Worked

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0000

Magical and medicine have long shared a contested border. However, with the introduction of learned medicine into Europe, magical incantations were increasingly sidelined for Galenic principles and practice. However, Urso of Salerno (d. c. 1220) rejected both Church skepticism and Galenic orthodoxy by incorporating Incantations into his medical practice. In his Aphorisms Urso provides one of the most sophisticated theories for the function and application of magical Incantations. Let's explore how medieval incantations worked!

Uploaded 05-12-25

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Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Reading:
Van der Lugt - The Learned Physician as a Charismatic Healer
Bulletin of the History of Medicine
Vol. 87, No. 3 (Fall 2013), pp. 307-346 (40 pages)
https://www.jstor.org/stable/26305934

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Ancient Angel Magic - The Sword of Moses - Harba de‐Moshe - Early Text of Jewish Magic

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:27:30 -0000

The Sword of Moses is a c. 700-1000 CE text of Jewish angel magic which employs an elaborate system of magical words to activate various angelic powers. Indeed, the text itself is said to have been gifted to Moses by the angels themselves. In this episode of Esoterica we explore this ancient magical text, discuss the system of magical words, and detail some of the spells found in this curious text.

Uploaded 11-12-20

Recommend Readings:

Harari - The Sword of Moses (translation) - https://www.academia.edu/9792877/The_Sword_of_Moses_Harba_de_Moshe_A_New_Translation_and_Introduction_2012_
The Sword of Moses (Aramaic - Gaster MS) - https://www.hebrewbooks.org/20266
Debate between Moses and the Angels - Babylonian Talmud 88B and following - https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.89a?lang=bi
View an manuscript of the Sword of Moses - https://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/bge/cl0145/60/0/
Harari - Jewish Magic before the Rise of Kabbalah - 978-0814336304
Bohak - Ancient Jewish Magic - 978-0521180986

#magic #angel #judaism

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 3b of 15 - The Apocalyptic Matrix

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 12-08-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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The Philosophy of Witchcraft

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:30:00 -0000

The apex of the Witch Trials coincided with the emergence of Modern Philosophy. But, what did these new philosophers think about Witches, Witchcraft, Demonology and the trials raging around them? From Agrippa, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza and beyond, let's explore how the major philosophers of early modernity reasoned about the realm of the supernatural and witchcraft.

Uploaded 17-10-25

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One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Levack - The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe
https://amzn.to/3xqE1vr

Levack - The Witchcraft Sourcebook
https://amzn.to/3xn6B0M

Peters - Witchcraft in Europe, 400-1700: A Documentary History
https://amzn.to/4aP0LUC

Mackay - The Hammer of Witches: A Complete Translation of the Malleus Maleficarum
https://amzn.to/4cRfIHy

Clark - Thinking with Demons: The Idea of Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe
https://amzn.to/4cS3Jtk

Hutton - The Witch
https://amzn.to/43TnyML

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Kabbalah and Magic in the Renaissance : Hermetic Prophetic and Magical Kabbalah in Jochanan Alemanno

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:00:00 -0000

While not as famous as other kabbalists Jochanan Alemanno has exercised a substantial influence over the development of both Christian and Hermetic Kabbalah through his student Giovanni Pico Mirandola. In this episode of Esoterica we explore a Kabbalistic study guide written by Alemanno which progresses from basic literacy, rabbinic literature, philosophy, alchemy, to kabbalah and finally magic. Here we find a fascinating fusion of magic and kabbalah which opens the door for much in later occult philosophy and practice.

Uploaded 20-11-20

Recommended Reading:

Idel - Kabbalah in Italy, 1280-1510 - 978-0300126266
Novak - Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and Jochanan Alemanno -https://www.jstor.org/stable/750969

#kabbalah #magic #hermeticism

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Who was Asherah - Wife of Yahweh?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Did Yahweh have a Wife? Asherah is an goddess and cultic object well, though mysteriously, attested in the Hebrew Bible - but what do we really know about Asherah? Let's explore the the history of this goddess: divine matriarch, consort and power behind the throne. From ancient Babylon, the Hittite Empire, the Canaanites, the Hebrew Bible and South Arabian texts let's see what we can learn about this goddess. Do recently discovered inscriptions even indicate that she was the lost or even suppressed Wife of Yahweh? And, how does the Kabbalah restore Asherah as the Divine Feminine? Let's explore the history and mythology of Asherah.

Uploaded 07-11-25

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Did God Have a Wife? - https://amzn.to/4oweMOe
A Reassessment of Asherah - https://amzn.to/3Lpy3Cb
The Cult of Asherah in Ancient Israel and Judah - https://amzn.to/47rcM3G

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Kabbalah - Merkabah Hekhalot and Sar Torah Mysticism - Ancient Chariot and Angelic Kabbalah

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:32:30 -0000

Jewish mysticism is one of the foundations for Western Esotericism and this video explores some of the earliest strata of those mystical texts. In the Merkaba (chariot) / Hekhalot (palaces) texts mystics describe the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent - not ascent - into the divine palaces, meet with fearsome angels, gain control over angelic power, become transformed into beings of fire, and mount the very throne of G-d to carefully measure the vasts dimensions of the divine body. This video also explores the Sar Torah (Torah Prince) literature where mystics engage in Jewish theurgy in order to gain immediate knowledge of legal, magical, and religious lore. We also setup a future discussion of early Jewish magical texts such as the Sefer haRazim (The Book of Secrets) and the most obscure, taciturn, and amazing Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Formation).

Uploaded 01-05-20

Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Recommended Readings:

James Davila - Hekhalot Literature in Translation: Major Texts of Merkavah Mysticism - 978-9004252158
James Davila - Descenders to the Chariot: The People Behind the Hekhalot Literature - 978-9004115415
Vita Daphna Arbel - Beholders of Divine Secrets: Mysticism and Myth in the Hekhalot and Merkavah Literature - 978-0791457245
Gershom Scholem - Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism - 978-0805210422
Menachem Kellner - Maimonides' Confrontation with Mysticism - 978-1904113294
Michael D. Swartz - Scholastic Magic: Ritual and Revelation in Early Jewish Mysticism - 978-0691010984 (Great text mostly dealing with Sar Torah Mysticism)

#merkavah #kabbalah #hekhalot

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Kabbalah - Sefer Bahir ( Book of Illumination ) and The Iyyun Circle - Early History and Introduction

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Kabbalah has become, in many ways, the theology of Judaism and one of the pillars of esoteric spirituality more generally. Despite this, the origins of the Kabbalah remain mysterious. In this episode of Esoterica we explore some of the earliest texts, groups, and figures of the early Kabbalah including the Unique Cherub Circle, the Sefer Bahir and the Iyyun (Contemplation) circle.

Uploaded 08-01-21

Recommended Reading:

Dan - The Early Kabbalah - 978-0809127696
Verman - The Books of Contemplation - 978-0791407202
Kaplan - Sefer Bahir (w/ caveats) - 978-0877286189

#kabbalah #bahir #zohar

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Ancient Angel Magic - Sefer HaRazim - The Book of Secrets - Jewish Magic

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:35:00 -0000

The Sefer HaRazim ( Book of Secrets / Mysteries) is an ancient Jewish book of angel magic dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE. It was discovered in the Cairo Genizah in the 1960's in fragments and was edited together over the course of three years by Mordecai‏ Margalioth. In the text we find descriptions of the seven heavens, angelic military formations, and magical spells corresponding to the various heavens and angels. Sefer HaRazim is an interesting combination of both Merkabah mysticism (in which mystics 'descend' to the throne of the Divine through the palaces of G-d) and the sophisticated technologies of Greco-Egyptian magic. This episode explores the text in depth, several of the spells, angelic names and the long-standing impact of this kind of angelic magic on later traditions of magical practice.

Uploaded 10-07-20

Recommended Reading:

Michael Morgan - Sepher Ha-Razim: The Book of Mysteries - 978-0891306153
Margalioth, Mordecai - Sepher Ha-Razim - Jerusalem: Yediot Achronot, 1966
Medieval Latin Translation: https://histbest.ub.uni-leipzig.de/rsc/viewer/UBLHistBestCBU_derivate_00000077/cod_mag_40_jpg/cod_mag_40_001.jpg

#angel #magic #judaism

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Celebrating 5,000 Subscribers + Channel News + Winter Seminar and Summer Class Patreon Goals !

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000

My sincere thanks to all the subscribers to the channel and especially to our patrons. We hit my 1 year goals for the channel in the first six months - I am humbled and blown away. I had no idea starting this channel it would be noticed at all - Thanks so much.

Uploaded 23-09-20

Head over to Patreon to support the new goals for the channel! Same content (hopefully better!) will continue with new goals!

New Goals - Support Esoterica Here - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Winter 2020 Seminar - This goal will allow me to host a 2020/1 winter seminar on a topic set by my patrons and enjoyed by you! My goal is to provide a reader, discussion group, and 1.5 hour long sessions over the course of 4-5 weeks deeply exploring a text or topic in Western Western Esotericism in addition to my weekly content. This will also support my longer term goal of teaching a university level Introduction to Western Esotericism course next summer!

Next Summer Class - My goal here is to get enough support to teach a university level Introduction to Western Esotericism and Hermetic Philosophy course next summer spanning an entire academic semester starting in May and ending in August. We could meet twice a week for lectures and discussion. I would provide a pdf reader for the class along with discussions and office hours. It would be a fully online course with the sessions available to the public as well - a real attempt in totally open, crowdfunded education on one of the most difficult to find fields in academia.

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Esoterica Channel Promo

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:37:30 -0000

I'm Dr. Justin Sledge and welcome to Esoterica where we explore the arcane side of history, philosophy and religion.

Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

What is that arcane side? We focus on concepts in what can broadly be called esotericism including: magic, mysticism, alchemy, hermetic philosophy, theosophy, gnosticism, and more

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What are the Mayan Mysteries of the Oldest American Manuscript?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000

900 years ago, a set of Mayan scribes composed what is now the oldest American book. But it remains mysterious. On its pages various deities seem to menace, capture and behead victims, attack sacred temples and threaten the world order all on specific dates in the religious 260 days Mayan Calendar. What scholars have revealed is a complex astrological almanac detailing specific dates in the four phases of the planet Venus and the doom that came with them. Let's explore the Códice Maya de México and the foreboding doom brought by the planet Venus.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Mayan Bloodletting Mysticism - https://youtu.be/qqsTx0JutsA

The Mesoamerican Calendar - https://youtu.be/t9E_eXE33JE?si=k1aJkBFUkWRnrLlC

Recommended Reading:

Códice Maya de México - https://amzn.to/4qAJSoU
https://archive.org/details/maya-codex-mexico/MCM%20Page.1.jpg
Schele, etc., - Blood of Kings: Dynasty and Ritual in Maya Art - https://amzn.to/3ZrFRHc
Tedlock - Popol Vuh - https://amzn.to/4r4ZMHE
Coe - The Maya - https://amzn.to/4qAdfYt
Coe, Stone - Reading the Maya Glyphs - https://amzn.to/49Lm9ef
Montgomery - Dictionary of Maya Hieroglyphs - https://amzn.to/49KARCh

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 7b of 15 - The Map is Not Territory

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 14:40:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 16-09-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Magic and Disease - Thinking about the history of magic in the time of COVID-19

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000

Human beings have fought disease since the dawn of history employing a wide range of tools especially including magic. This episode of Esoterica is a brief tour of some of the magical tools, spells, charms, and amulets magician-doctors have used in their fight against illness through the ages. We begin at the dawn of civilization in ancient Nippur and travel through the times of the Greco-Egyptians, the black death, medieval Christian England, the Renaissance before ending with a Jewish angelic incantation against illness printed in Amsterdam in 1701. Of course, this is only a glimpse of the enormous anti-disease magic out there but I hope it provide some historical and human insight into this ongoing struggle with COVID-19 we are all enduring. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe out there!

Uploaded 24-07-20

#magic #disease #history

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The Great Beast and The Green Fairy: Aleister Crowley on Absinthe and New Orleans by@Atun-Shei Films

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:42:30 -0000

In 1918 Aleister Crowley found himself enjoying a few glasses of then illegal Absinthe in the French Quarter of New Orleans. While he waited for a friend he penned an extraordinary essay reflecting on Absinthe, the Occult, the dangers of the prohibitionist and the denizens of the Old Absinthe House still at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville. @AtunSheiFilms and I co-wrote this piece reflecting on that essay and the French Quarter it was written in.

Uploaded 29-08-25

Shot and edited by Andrew Rakich

Find Andy on YouTube @AtunSheiFilms and https://www.atunsheifilms.com/

Special thanks to ‪@TheHistocrat for providing the voice of Crowley, and to Maison Absinthe supplying us with some beautiful absinthe paraphernalia. Though it was originally a loan, we loved it so much we bought it! Check out their online store here: https://www.maisonabsinthe.com/

Original Music by Dillon DeRosa ► http://dillonderosa.com/

Interested in Absinthe? - Check out @AdrienneLaVey 's wonderful channel!

~SOURCES~

Aleister Crowley. "Absinthe – The Green Goddess" (Originally Published 1918). The Hermetic Library https://hermetic.com/crowley/internat...

Ted Gioia. The History of Jazz (1997). Oxford University Press, Page 30-39

“Storyville” (2017). The Historic New Orleans Collection https://www.hnoc.org/virtual/storyville

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Medieval Magic - Scholastic Analysis of Magic and Necromancy in the Middle Ages

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Scholasticism was the greatest intellectual movement of the Middle Ages. In this episode of Esoterica we explore the attitudes of medieval philosophers, theologians and scientists concerning magic. From Augustine where magic is a demonic deception to the rise of natural magic and medieval necromancy we will see that just beneath the surface there is a great deal of subtlety among these thinkers. Further, we will also notice that necromancy and black magic are always at the edges acceptable theory and practice.

Uploaded 04-09-20

Recommended Readings:

Kieckhefer - Magic in the Middle Ages - 978-1107431829
Thorndike - History of Magic and Experimental Science vol. 2
Magic in History Series - Penn State

#magic #medieval #demons

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Who was Belial, the Demon?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:45:00 -0000

The demon Belial seems to have emerged from an obscure force of nature to then become the leader of the Apocalyptic forces of Evil in the Dead Sea Scrolls. And, while only mentioned only once in the New Testament, Belial has become an important evil spirit in both contemporary Goetic magic and Popular Culture alike. But, what are the origins of Belial, a demon that once sat at the apex of the diabolical hierarchy?

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

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Kabbalah and Zohar - Advice and Tips for Starting to Study the Zohar - the core text of the Kabbalah

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0000

I was recently asked about tips for how to start studying the Zohar, the core text in the development of the Jewish Mystical tradition or Kabbalah. I've been study this incredibly challenging text from both religious and academic perspectives for years and here are some tips and advice for anyone - Jewish, non-Jewish, academic, secular, occultist, or just fan of literature - for starting to study this amazing text. Also note the links to the texts below including some recommendations for editions to study at any level of Zohar study.

Uploaded 16-06-20

Sample Section of Talmud - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RLHGFBVl79KWYav7HSgAMblU7Q5lOP4RpTBSjm47tA4/edit?usp=sharing

Zohar Editions from Starter to Advanced

Zohar: Annotated and Explained - 978-1893361515 - Best text for absolute beginner
Zohar: The Book of Enlightenment (Classics of Western Spirituality) - 978-0809123872 - More diverse texts, still great for absolute beginner
The Pritzker Zohar in 12 volumes - https://www.sup.org/zohar/ - Best translation in English
Sefer Zohar (Hebrew/Aramaic) - Margaliot 3 volume edition - Standard edition for both Academic and Religious reference
From here, move on to both academic and religious commentaries

The Zohar can be incredibly challenging to study. Here is a short syllabus in graduated form from easier (Midrash haNe'elam) to more difficult (Idra Rabba) sections:

Midrash haNe'elam / The Hidden Midrash - (2:4a–5b, 14a–22a, 2:35b–40b 46b-47b and volume 11 of the Pritzker Zohar vol. 11 )
The Sava (2:94b–114a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 5) and Yanuka pericopes (3:186a–92a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 9)
The main body of the Zohar - The Introduction being a real challenge
Idra Zuta or the The Lesser Assembly (3:287b–96b - Pritzker Zohar vol. 9)
Sifra di-Tzeni'uta (2:176b–179a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 9)
Idra Rabba or The Greater Assembly (3:127b–145a - Pritzker Zohar vol. 8)

#kabbalah #zohar #mysticism

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Hand-Crafted Lilith Incantation Bowls Available - Limited Holiday Supply

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:47:30 -0000

Aramaic Incantations Bowls were an ancient magical technology for warding off the power of demons, especially Lilith, and malevolent sorcery. Numberings in the thousands, these bowls represent a now lost anti-demonic magical tradition. Esoterica has resurrected this practice in the form of a beautiful objet d'art: a hand-made, contemporary bowl featuring a traditional Lilith image and Aramaic inscription composed by Justin Sledge all based on historical examples in a very limited run of 50 bowls.

Uploaded 28-11-25

You can find the bowls for purchase here: https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-edition

Learn more about Aramaic Incantation Bowls: https://youtu.be/wyI9m50ODB4

The Aramaic Incantation, w/ English translation can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s-dTOknQE7Zi960XP_gvADZMcrbROxB3zjWdC2FRHl4/edit?usp=sharing

ESOTERICA sales for the holidays!

Lilith Incantation Bowls back in limited stock - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-edition

20% off any purchase at our Rare Book Store - code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

New Necromantic Mirror of Floron shirt and 15% off all merch with code HOLIDAY at checkout - https://my-store-d6a943.creator-spring.com/

Looking to buy books on western esotericism check out my study guide - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing

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What is the Ring and Seal of Solomon - The Key to Magic?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Solomon became universally recognized as a power sorcerer by the turn of the common era. But, where did he get his power? Many legends have grown up around the Ring and Seal of Solomon but what do our earliest sources reveal about this legendary magical ring? From books of magic, pilgrims' tales, Islamic lore and medieval necromancy let's explore the Ring and Seal of Solomon!

Uploaded 19-09-25

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

The Long Life of Magical Objects: A Study in the Solomonic Tradition - https://amzn.to/47JhA4Z
Solomonic Magic: Methodology, Texts, and Histories - https://amzn.to/4nEuypp
Solomon the Esoteric King: From King to Magus, Development of a Tradition - https://amzn.to/48hGbxW
The Testament of Solomon online - http://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/testamen.htm
Mccown Critical Edition - https://archive.org/details/cu31924028957400/mode/2up
15th century Harley MS 5596 - http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Harley_MS_5596
Charlesworth - The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha - 978-1598564891
Johnson - The Testament of Solomon: Recension C - 978-1907881947
Demonological Spreadsheet of the Testament - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TLrUUNdQPv9ExCDJ6KE_aJVF7R1ErEavZNFHsA9tIrQ/edit#gid=1286187935 - Courtesy of Patrick M. Dey
The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia - https://amzn.to/4ntcvSW

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 11 of 15 - Qualifications and Praxes of the Merkavah

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:50:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 14-10-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Babylonian Magic - The Maqlu Ritual - Invoking the Gods to Destroy Evil Magic

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The Maqlu ritual is an ancient Mesoptoamian ritual invoking the Shamash, the god of the sun and justice, the destroy those that work evil magic and to unbind that sorcery. This ancient, 3000 year old ritual, is among the most complex forms of counter-magic known in the world. Join me as I explore this fascinating magical ritual!

Uploaded 29-01-21

Recommended Reading:

Abusch - The Witchcraft Series Maqlû - 978-1628370829
Jacobsen - The Treasures of Darkness - 978-0300022919

#babylon #magic #maqlu

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 7a of 15 - The Map is Not Territory

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:52:30 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 09-09-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Does ESOTERICA rely on AI?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Laying out my position on the use of AI - especially generative AI - here at Esoterica.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

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Necromancy and Magic - The Munich Necromancer's Manual - CLM 849 - Actual Historical Grimoire of Sorcery

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:55:00 -0000

The first in a series here at Esoterica exploring books of magic or grimoires. This episode takes a look at the Munich Necromancer's Manual: the spells inside (summoning a castle, a 'love' spell and a spell to find buried treasure), the author and their historical context, and more books are medieval magic.

Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Recommended Readings:

Richard Kieckhefer - Forbidden Rites: A Necromancer’s Manual of the Fifteenth Century - ISBN-13: 978-0271017518
Richard Kieckhefer - Magic in the Middle Ages - ISBN-13: 978-1107431829
Owen Davies - Grimoires: A History of Magic Books - ISBN-13: 978-0199590049
Witchcraft and Magic in Europe - eds, Bengt Ankarloo and Stuart Clark
- Six Volumes
Magic in History Series - Published by Penn State University Press (various texts and authors)

#necromancy #magic #grimoire

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Greek Roman Egyptian Magic - Greek Magical Papyri - Books of Magic

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000

We explore the earliest collection of magical texts in the ancient world - The Greek Magical Papyri (PGM) and the Egyptian Demotic spells. The PGM is the greatest collection of ancient magic. Written on papyrus these collections of spells, incantations, evocations, represent the rich cross-pollination between various cultures, religious systems, and forms of magic and divination. From Egyptian, Roman, Jewish, Greek cultures and religions emerges an amazing religious and magical syncretism. This video introduces the PGM and discusses a collection of spells including: an invisibility lotion, the invocation of Helios, a rare example of lesbian love magic, a curse for your boss, magical athletic ability, protection from demons, an anger management spell and more. This video is part of a series on books of magic in history - subscribe for future videos!

Uploaded 15-05-20

Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Recommended Readings:

Betz - The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation - 978-0226044477
Ankarloo and Clark - Witchcraft and Magic in Europe vol II - Ancient Greece and Rome - 978-0812217056
Ogden - Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman World - 978-0195385205
Waston - Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome - 978-1788312981
Harris - Ancient Egyptian Magic - 978-1578635917

#magic #egyptan #greek

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 9 of 15 - The Myth-Scape of the Hekhalot

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:57:30 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 30-09-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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The Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Cornelius Agrippa - Renaissance Hermeticism Cabala and Magic

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Cornelius Agrippa's 1533 The Three Books of Occult Philosophy is, perhaps, the most famous magical tome in western history. In it, he describes the process by which the magus may return to their prelapsarian, semi-divine state through the process of a reformed natural, celestial and ceremonial magic. Neither a textbook nor a summa, this work is often more celebrated or maligned than actually understood. What does Agrippa actually teach? How do we square his Hermetic idealism with his otherwise radically skeptical attitudes in his other major work of this period? This episode of Esoterica examines this (in)famous text of magic, astrology and cabala.

Uploaded 25-09-20

#agrippa #occult #philosophy #magic

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How I just got fired from Academia (and why that might matter to you)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000

So, my last teaching gig in the University was permanently canceled - What does this tell us about academia and what impact does that have for Esoterica?

Uploaded 17-07-25

Support Esoterica - https://www.patreon.com/c/esotericachannel

Check out my upcoming Merkavah Class!

Class Details - https://youtu.be/J8QE5Fsse1A?si=nZ3_gI-_61YL0CE6

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Gnosticism - Thunder Perfect Mind - Divine Feminine - Gender, Paradox and Violence

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 06:02:30 -0000

One of the most enigmatic and alluring text in the Nag Hammadi Library of Gnostic texts is the famed hymn-poem Thunder: Perfect Mind. This episode explores the origins, structure, parallels with an eye to Thunder's treatment of gender, language and colonialism. We also explore to what degree we can call Thunder 'gnostic' at all - why did this document survive in the Nag Hammadi library at all?

Uploaded 01-01-21

Recommended Readings:

Thunder: Perfect Mind - https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/thunder.html
Taussig, etc. - The Thunder: Perfect Mind: A New Translation and Introduction - 978-0230105638
Prada Ad - https://www.prada.com/us/en/pradasphere/films/2005/thunder-perfect-mind.html

#gnosticism #gnostic #hermeticism

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The Evolution of Ghosts

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0000

Ghosts have a history. Despite seeming like a timeless aspect of religion, metaphysics and culture, ghosts have evolved through time. From polemics with 'pagan' Romans, encounters with Germanic mythology and combat with Enlightenment Rationalism, Ghosts have greatly transformed through time. Let's explore the evolution of the western Ghost.

Uploaded 10-10-25

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One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Medieval Ghost Stories: An Anthology of Miracles, Marvels and Prodigies - https://amzn.to/437On0c
Ghosts in the Middle Ages: The Living and the Dead in Medieval Society - https://amzn.to/3IX7pQ3
Afterlives: The Return of the Dead in the Middle Ages - https://amzn.to/4344vjh

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The Egyptian Book of Thoth - Real Ancient Egyptian Initiation Ritual - Hermetic Philosophy

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:51:00 -0000

Thoth was the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, magic and writing and the legendary revealer of the Hermetic philosophy in the form of Hermes Trismegistus. Preserved in around 30 Demotic fragments is the ritual by which a priest-scribe became initiated into the service of Thoth to serve in the House of Life or an Egyptian Temple. In this episode of Esoterica, we explore this complex and ancient text describing the inner sanctum of the "Chamber of Darkness," the complex mystical exams the initiate undergoes, travels to the Sun and the Netherworld, and more. I also explore the connections between this text and the ancient Greek Religious-Philosophical text of the Corpus Hermeticum and Hermetic Philosophy.

Uploaded 12-02-21

Recommended Reading:

Jasnow and Zauzich - Conversations in the House of Life - 978-3447101165
Teeter - Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt - 978-0521613002
Lichtheim - Ancient Egyptian Literature (3 vol) - 978-0520248427
Wilkinson - Writings from Ancient Egypt - 978-0141395951

#thoth #hermetic #egyptian

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 4 of 15 - The Visions of Paul

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:05:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 19-08-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Lilith Incantation Bowls - 56 Available

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0000

I've been working with ceramic artist Dee Dee Mangum to recreate Lilith Incantation Bowls - learn more about her work and process in this conversation.

Uploaded 10-09-25

Incantations Bowls Available - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-edition

Learn more about historical Incantation Bowls - https://youtu.be/wyI9m50ODB4?si=0x5tFTPMz_zrEi1k

Get the Aramaic Incantation FREE here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s-dTOknQE7Zi960XP_gvADZMcrbROxB3zjWdC2FRHl4/edit?usp=sharing

Follow Dee Dee - https://www.instagram.com/mcmangumstein/?hl=en

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Corpus Hermeticum II - Hermetic Fragments and Testimonies - From Nag Hammadi to the Kore Kosmou

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:07:30 -0000

In this episode of Esoterica we are going to introduce and explore the Hermetic Writings that survive outside the classic Greek tractates and the Latin Asclepius. Here we discover a staggering diversity of texts and traditions all of which give us a better glimpse onto the the spiritual philosophy of Hermeticism. In this episode we explore the Three Hermetic tracts in the Nag Hammadi Library, the copious Stobaean Fragments, Armenian Hermetic Definitions, Oxford and Vienna Papyri and an overview of the General Fragments and Testimonies about Hermes Trismegistus and the "Way of Hermes."

Uploaded 15-01-21

Recommended Reading:

Hanegraaff - How Hermetic was Renaissance Hermetism? - https://brill.com/view/journals/arie/15/2/article-p179_1.xml
Litwa - Hermetica II - 978-1107182530
Mahe, etc - The Way of Hermes - 978-0892811861

Also see my reading list on the first Corpus Hermetcum episode for more readings on this topic!

#hermetic #hermeticism #gnosticism

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How to Explore the Occult and Western Esotericism

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Studying Western Esotericism can be a daunting task. How to even begin? I prepared a self-study guide for getting access to the most reliable and accessible literature on topics in Esotericism up to around 1650, updated for 2026. In this episode I want to walk you through my methodology, the study guide itself and how you can use it to bring yourself up to date on the scholarship. Let's build a library of the occult and the esoteric together!

You can find the study guide here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

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Magic in Ancient Israel and the Hebrew Bible - Divination Necromancy Amulets and the Witch of Endor

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:10:00 -0000

Ancient Israel is one of the most studied cultures of the ancient world. Though, one understudied aspect of their society was the practice of magic. This episode of Esoteric explores what little archaeological and literary evidence remains for the study of ancient Israelite magic. Here we will look at silver amulets found in Jerusalem's tombs and dive into the Hebrew Bible to try to understand the forms of magic that are typically forbidden there. Here we will find various forms of divination and necromancy including the infamous account of the so-called "Witch of Endor."

Uploaded 14-08-20

Recommended Readings:
Yuval Harari - Jewish Magic before the Rise of Kabbalah - 978-0814336304
Gideon Bohak - Ancient Jewish Magic - 978-0521180986
Joshua Trachtenberg - Jewish Magic and Superstition - 978-1614274070 - Dated, proceed critically!

#magic #bible #judaism

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Dead Sea Scrolls : Encoded Cryptic Astrological Calendar and Copper Treasure Scrolls

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most spectacular and important archaeological finds of all time. While the Biblical, Non-Canonical and Sectarian texts are more or less well known there remains many esoteric texts have also surfaced. In this episode of Esoterica we explore the enciphered calendar texts traceable to the Book of Enoch, the oldest astrological texts in Judaism, divination by thunder, encoded sectarian texts and even a treasure map cryptically detailing the location of over 100 tons of gold and silver.

Uploaded 11-09-20

Recommended Readings:

Collins - The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Biography - 978-0691191713
Vermes - The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English - 978-0141197319
Lim and Collins - The Oxford Handbook of the Dead Sea Scrolls - 978-0199663088
Stern - Calendars in Antiquity: Empires, States, and Societies - 978-0199589449
Ben-Dov - Head of All Years: Astronomy and Calendars at Qumran in Their Ancient Context - 978-9004170889
Discoveries in the Judaean Desert - https://global.oup.com/academic/content/series/d/discoveries-in-the-judaean-desert-djd/
and Articles by Stephen Pfann

#deadseascrolls #astrology #treasure

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The Origins of Dracula - How Printing Made a Monster

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:12:30 -0000

How did Dracula become...Dracula? The grim tales of Vlad III the Impaler, Voivode of Wallachia, are infamous. Touted as a bloodthirsty tyrant and a pious defender of Christendom, much of our knowledge of Dracula's stems from a now lost 1463 anonymous German Pamphlet. Reprinted many times, including woodcuts of Vlad dining among his impaled and mutilated victims, these early texts detail the "frightful and strange" deeds of Vlad Dracula. But, what can we reconstruct of the lost original 1463 "Geschichte Drakole Waide - The History of Voievode Dracula"? And, can we trust such accounts as historically reliable? Was Vlad the Impaler as horrible as recounted? Did he drink the blood of his victims like the Vampire that now bears his name? Let's explore the earliest narratives of Vlad Dracula!

Uploaded 31-10-25

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
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One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Cazacu - Dracula - https://amzn.to/4733XwH

Corpus Draculianum - https://www.harrassowitz-verlag.de/search.ahtml?act=suchen&type=quick&keyword=draculianum

Corpus Draculianum YouTube - @CorpusDraculianum

St. Gall 'Dracula" MS - https://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/csg/0806/283/0/
Dracole Waida - https://bildsuche.digitale-sammlungen.de/index.html?c=viewer&bandnummer=bsb00032879&pimage=00006&v=5p&nav=&l=en

Historia von dem wilden Wüterich Dracole Waida, Straßburg: [Matthias Hupfuff], 1500 - https://dlib.gnm.de/item/8Inc16936/5

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Winter Seminar - Philosophical Foundations of the Corpus Hermeticum + Celebrating 10K Subscribers!

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:00:00 -0000

Just a short video celebrating 10 subscribers and announcing the topic of the winter seminar - The Philosophical Foundations of the Corpus Hermeticum. Thanks to everyone who supports the channel - I'm so happy to have reached 10k in only 8 months! Thanks especially to the patrons of the channel.

Uploaded 02-12-20

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Gnosticism - The Apocryphon of John - The Fall of Sophia and Origins of the Demiurge Ialdabaoth

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 01:15:00 -0000

Gnosticism has produced some of the richest and most difficult spiritual texts of the ancient world. With the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library one is confronted with numerous, often obscure and difficult texts - where to begin? This episode of Esoterica argues that the best first text is the Apocryphon / Secret Writing of John, a text found two recensions (long and short) in four manuscripts from antiquity. Here we introduce, summarize and discuss this amazing gnostic text.

Uploaded 18-12-20

Recommended Readings:

Meyer - The Nag Hammadi Scriptures - 978-0061626005
Robinson - The Nag Hammadi Library - 978-0060669355
Davies - The Secret Book of John - 978-1594730825
King - The Secret Revelation of John - 978-0674030558
van den Broek - Gnostic Religion in Antiquity - 978-1107514799
Lambdin - Introduction to Sahidic Coptic - 978-0865540484
Williams - Rethinking "Gnosticism": An Argument for Dismantling a Dubious Category - 978-0691005423

#gnosticism #gnostic #apocryphon

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What is the Dybbuk ? Spirit Possession and Exorcism in the Kabbalah

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 01:00:00 -0000

The Kabbalah changed a great deal in Judaism including the conception of possession and exorcism. This episode of Esoterica explores the development of these concepts in rabbinical Judaism and the rise of Kabbalah, especially Lurianic Kabbalah in the 16th century. Here we discuss the idea of the Dybbuk - the evil dead returned to possess the living - but also the idea of Ibbur or beneficent spiritual pregnancy in which the soul of the righteous dead actually comes to dwell in the body of the kabbalist!

Uploaded 23-10-20

Recommended Reading:

Ansky - The Dybbuk - 978-1494837532
Chajes - Between Worlds: Dybbuks, Exorcists, and Early Modern Judaism - 978-0812221701
Goldish - Spirit Possession in Judaism - 978-0814330036
Elior - Dybbuks and Jewish Women in Social History, Mysticism and Folklore - 978-9655240078
Winkler - Dybbuk - 978-0910818384
Der Dybbuk Film - https://www.jewishfilm.org/Catalogue/films/dybbuk.html
Dimona Dybbuk Exorcism Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSWkfabZApU

#kabbalah #dybbuk #exorcism

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Win a 1300 Year Old Incantation Bowl Fragment - Novel Occult Book Catalog!

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:17:30 -0000

Win an authentic piece of magical history: a 1300 year old Incantation Bowl Fragment and learn about our new antiquarian occult book catalog!

Check out the catalog here: https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

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Magic in Theory - The Stellar Ray Theory of Al-Kindi

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0000

This episode is the first in a series focusing on theories of magic. We begin with one of the most popular medieval theories: the stellar rays of Al-Kindi. Al-Kindi, a 9th century Islamicate philosopher, who argued that the stars emits rays which trickle down to the sub-lunar world where they qualify matter. Further, all entities emit rays. Certain occult or hidden rays can be manipulated by the sage to induce apparently supernatural or magical effects though speech, powerful symbols and animal sacrifice. This idea provided a route to natural, as opposed to ritual/demonic, magic in the middle ages and underwrote much of astrological theory. The stellar ray theory would also be built into the famous book of the magic the Picatrix which would be one of the earliest books learned magic to enter Western Europe. Indeed, the argument in defense of occult forces in the universe is essential for modern physics.

Uploaded 05-06-20

Recommended readings:

Pormann and Peterson - The Philosophical Works of al-Kindi - 978-0199062805
Liana Saif - The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy - 978-1137399465
Al-Kindi - De Radiis (pp. 139-260) - Marie-Thérèse d'Alverny and Françoise HudryArchives d'histoire doctrinale et littéraire du Moyen Age, Vol. 41, 1974 - https://www.jstor.org/stable/i40184716
Al-Kindi: On the Stellar Rays - trans. Zoller and Hand - http://www.projecthindsight.com/archives/medieval%20contents/al-kindi.html
Esmé L K Partridge - Al-Kindi's Theory of The Magical Arts: A Commentary on Al-Kindi's Treatise 'On Rays' - https://www.academia.edu/36457042/Al-Kindis_Theory_of_The_Magical_Arts_A_Commentary_on_Al-Kindis_Treatise_On_Rays

#magic #astrology #alkindi

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 15 of 15 - The Twilight of the Merkavah

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:20:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 21-11-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Frankenstein and the Occult - How Victor Made the Monster

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:00:00 -0000

One of the outstanding mysteries of Frankenstein is just how did Victor bring the Monster to life? We are given some clues that he had long studied famed authors of the Occult - Albertus Magnus, Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus - so what might we learn about making and animating monsters and the dead from these authors? From Necromancy, animating corpses with demons, the Kabbalistic Golem and the Homunculus let's explore how to make a Monster!

Uploaded 24-10-25

This video is a collaboration with @AtunSheiFilms - make sure to check out his amazing, feature length video essay on Frankenstein here - https://youtu.be/CY3LkkAgePg?si=9WjgOo1YVqR8PzEd

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

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How did Magical Mirrors work? The Necromantic Mirror of Floron

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 22:22:30 -0000

Enchanted Mirrors are one of the quintessential objects in the history of magic. But, how were historical mirrors of magic made? What did they do? And, how did they work? Let's explore the history of magical mirrors by turning to perhaps the most famous such mirror of the Middle Ages: The Necromantic Mirror of Floron. Here we find a mirror that will summon a spirit that will answer questions about the past, present and future but only following complex rituals.

Uploaded 03-10-25

Recommended Readings:

Kieckhefer - Forbidden Rites: A Necromancer’s Manual of the Fifteenth Century - https://amzn.to/3KNmtQO
Page - Spellbound: Magic, Ritual and Witchcraft - https://amzn.to/4o0766a
Foreman - The Cambridge Book of Magic - https://amzn.to/4h9TD9L

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 10 of 15 - Dangers and Ordeals

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 08-10-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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Abramelin - Introduction to the Magical Text and the Ritual made famous by Aleister Crowley

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:25:00 -0000

The Book of Abramelin purports to be a text of 15th century magic with a wide range of effects though, most importantly in modern occultism, communication with one's Holy Guardian Angel. The famous famous undertaking of these rituals was performed by Aleister Crowley at House Boleskine around the dawn of the 20th century. In this episode of Esoterica, we explore this fascinating texts, its rituals and history.

Uploaded 22-01-21

Support Boleskine House:

https://www.boleskinehouse.org/

Also, you can support Boleskine by buying fragments of the former structure! I did, it's fun to own some of the former Oratory where Crowley did the Abramelin.

shorturl.at/mBU03

Recommended Reading:

Mathers - The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage - 978-0486232119
Dehn and Guth - The Book of Abramelin - 978-0892542147
Various - The Penn State Magic in History Series
Schwartz - Scholastic Magic - 978-0691605913

#abramelin #crowley #magick

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Gospel of Thomas, Gnostic Egypt and Pistis Sophia w/ Dr. M David Litwa

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0000

Conversation with Dr. M David Litwa on his recent work on the Gospel of Thomas, his upcoming trip to Egypt and why the Pistis Sophia doesn't get studied.

Uploaded 08-08-25

Dr. Litwa's Youtube Channel - @m.davidlitwa
Introduction to the Gospel of Thomas - https://amzn.to/41wMKZh
Egypt Trip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlF3lW3M1fE
Itinerary - https://travefy.com/trip/6yw9rqqtdjzsqz2afmhbc7ckkb53msq
Sign-up - https://portal.argosdestinations.com/public/form/view/68839f3cff70b48bc2be2200

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 12 of 15 - Goals of the Merkavah Mysticism

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 20:27:30 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 10-11-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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What is Theurgy? Proclus and Pagan Liberation

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Precious little on pagan theories of salvation survive from the ancient world. However, Proclus' On the Hieratic Art According to the Greeks is an amazingly brief and yet profound introduction to salvation through Theurgy or God-Doing. In this text, we learn of the four-stage process by which one achieves magical powers and immortalization through various forms of theurgy. From recognizing the world as part of the divine flowing out, incantations, divine epiphanies, occult passcodes, animating cultic statues, and conjunctions with the Divine. Surviving in just one manuscript exemplar and first printed in 1497 - both in Ficino's hand and translation - Proclus On the Hieratic Art is one of the most important testimonies to the synthesis of Pagan philosophy and religious ritual!

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Proclus' On the Hieratic Art according to the Greeks: Critical Edition with Translation and Commentary - https://amzn.to/4tideKm
-The Thomas Taylor translation is also perfectly fine - listen to it read by @TheModernHermeticist here - https://youtu.be/LXycfJBopWU?si=VNGAqhYbUOxXojWX

The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary - https://amzn.to/4rhrt0N

All From One: A Guide to Proclus - https://amzn.to/4cgidF8

Proclus: An Introduction - https://amzn.to/3O4JTTu

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Boleskine House - From Aleister Crowley to the Future - Boleskine House Foundation Interview

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 19:30:00 -0000

Boleskine House is most famous as the site of Aleister Crowley's attempt of the Abramelin Operation. Of course, there's so much more to the site. As part of of our exploration of the Abramelin Operation I interview Keith Reddy and Elin Morgan of the Boleskine House Foundation about the history, destruction, renovation and future of this grand Scottish home.

Uploaded 22-01-21

Support Boleskine House:

https://www.boleskinehouse.org/

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Medieval Mystical Women - The Beguines - Hadewijch Mechthild of Magdeburg and Marguerite Porete

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 19:00:00 -0000

The typical view of the middle ages is one of cultural, intellectual and religious stagnation. This is hardly the truth. The European Middle ages were marked by innovations at almost every cultural register including spirituality. This episode explores the radical and probing mystical spirituality of the Beguines, a lay culture of women who worked in the skilled trades, publicly preached, aided the poor and destitute, all as part of their own autonomous spiritual vocation. These women were also extraordinary mystics and theologians. We briefly explore three of these amazing women here: Hadewijch of Antwerp, Mechthild of Magdeburg and Marguerite Porete to reveal how their mysticism abounds in love, light, madness, and annihilation.

Uploaded 07-08-20

This episode is also a collaboration with my colleague Filip Holm over at Let's Talk Religion where he will be exploring the role of women in Sufism / Islamic Mysticism. Check out his video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVSZaxcg6RY

#mysticism #beguine #women

Recommended Readings:

Hadewijch: The Complete Works - 978-0809122974
Marguerite Porete: The Mirror of Simple Souls - 978-0809134274
Mechthild of Magdeburg: The Flowing Light of the Godhead - 978-0809137763
Swan - The Wisdom of the Beguines - 978-1629190082
McGinn - The Flowering of Mysticism - 978-0824517434

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Ancient Christian Magic - Protection, Exorcism, and Love Magic from Ancient Coptic Texts

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:00:00 -0000

While Christianity is often thought of as hostile to any form of magical practice, history reveals that magic has been practiced through all of Christian history. In this episode of Esoterica we explore the earliest Christian magic preserved in Greek and Coptic sources from late-classical Egypt. Here we find a wide range of magical practices from protection, exorcisms, love magic, curses - even a spell for a good singing voice. Studying early Christian magic gives us an important glimpse into a wider range of Christianity than just the world of theologians, monks, and priests.

Uploaded 13-11-20

Recommending Readings:

Meyer and Smith - Ancient Christian Magic - 978-0691004587
Coptic Magical Papyri - https://www.coptic-magic.phil.uni-wuerzburg.de/

#magic #christian #coptic

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Magical Symbols - History of Sigils Angelic Alphabets and Symbols of Power

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:32:30 -0000

This video traces the origin and development of magical symbols from late-classical Egypt through their development into Western European Magic. These characters likely began as debased hieroglyphics and would eventually develop into unique symbols of power, the seals and sigils in angelic and demonic mage, and form the basis for angelic script / alphabets. This video is a part of a series on magical and occult symbolism so make to subscribe if that interests you!

Uploaded 22-05-20

Support Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Recommended Readings:

Richard Gordon's article - https://www.academia.edu/13925134/Charakteres_between_Antiquity_and_Renaissance_Transmission_and_Re-invention
Don Skemer - Binding Words: Textual Amulets in the Middle Ages - 978-0271027234

#magic #sigil #seal

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Five Myths Surrounding Alchemy

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Alchemy is one of the most misrepresented and poorly understood aspects of Western Esotericism. This video takes a look at five misconceptions from both the scientific dismissal of alchemy to the purely spiritual/psychological interpretation of its processes and symbolism.

Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel

Recommended Reading:

Linden, Stanton J. (ed.) The Alchemy Reader: From Hermes Trismegistus to Isaac Newton. 978-0521796620. Nicely edited collection of alchemical primary texts.
Principe, Lawrence. The Secrets of Alchemy. 978-0226103792. An up-to-date history of alchemy.
Newman, William. Newton the Alchemist: Science, Enigma, and the Quest for Nature's "Secret Fire" 978-0691174877. Cutting edge research on alchemy in the 17th century. An amazing wok of scholarship.
Roob, Alexander(ed.) Alchemy & Mysticism. 978-3836549363. A collection of alchemical imagery and symbolism, also a nice coffee table book!

Spiritual / Psychology School of Interpretation

Atwood, Mary Anne. A Suggestive Inquiry into the Hermetic Mystery….(many re-print editions). The first text to introduce the ‘spiritual interpretation” of alchemy.
Eliade, Mircea. The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy. 978-0226203904. Religious-philosophical interpretation of alchemy.
von Franz, Marie-Louise. Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology. 978-0919123045. An introduction to the Jungian psychological interpretation of alchemy.

#alchemy #hermeticism #mysticism

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Re-Creating a 400 year old Alchemy Potion from Wormwood...then Trying it!

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 16:35:00 -0000

It's often forgotten that Alchemy was central for revolutions in Medicine, especially pharmacology. Following the theories of Paracelsus, I'm re-creating a 400 year old curative potion from Wormwood. How was alchemical medicine made? How did they think it worked? And, what does it taste like and what does it do? Let's re-create some authentic alchemy medicine from 400 years ago!

Uploaded 26-09-25

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/
Recommended Readings:

Linden - The Alchemy Reader
https://amzn.to/3VUhamt

Principe - The Secrets of Alchemy
https://amzn.to/3vSUOqy

Newman - Newton the Alchemist
https://amzn.to/3VK513l

Rampling - The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300–1700
https://amzn.to/3VTzlZu

Zuber - Spiritual Alchemy
https://amzn.to/43Qfmg7

Weeks - Paracelsus: Speculative Theory and the Crisis of the Early Reformation
https://amzn.to/3PVbyEG

Paracelsus: Essential Readings
https://amzn.to/43QUSUu

Abraham - A Dictionary of Alchemical Imagery
https://amzn.to/3xt3Xqx

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What is the Hermetic God and Demiurge?

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000

The concept of the Demiurge is often associated with the demonic cosmos creator of the Gnostics. But, what do we know about the ancient Hermetic Demiurge? Emerging from the world of Greco-Egyptian religion and philosophy, Hermeticism was a powerfully optimistic means of reuniting one's high consciousness (Nous) with the Divine Parental Light after exorcising one's body of fatalistic daimonic infestation. But, the Hermetic Spiritual Philosophy is ambivalent about the place of any Demiurge in it's cosmology and means of salvation. Yet, some texts do speak of a magnificent Solar Demiurge as the conduit and cosmic artisan. Just what is the place of the Demiurge in Hermeticism?

Uploaded 21-11-25

Demiurge 1 - https://youtu.be/mTnQ__VSQzc
Demiurge 2 - https://youtu.be/GWHLuZgixHI
Demiurge 3 - https://youtu.be/xfG0w4k6EA8
Demiurge 4 - https://youtu.be/kq-CoIFf8l0

Thumbnail art from Zdzisław Beksiński

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Hermetic Spirituality and the Historical Imagination - https://amzn.to/4r7cRRB
Hermetica I: The Corpus Hermeticum, Asclepius, and Nag Hammadi Hermetica Ordered as a Path of Initiation - https://amzn.to/47P4kvf
Dr. David Litwa's YT channel - @m.davidlitwa
The Demiurge in Ancient Thought: Secondary Gods and Divine Mediators - https://amzn.to/49tSc3Z

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Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 13 of 15 - The Sar Torah and Sh’iur Komah

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:37:30 -0000

Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah Mysticism

Uploaded 12-11-25

Hundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted the very throne of G!d to carefully measure the vast dimensions of the divine body. These experiences and their praxes are recorded in about 50 manuscripts now known as the Hekhalot (lit. palaces) literature. Outside of specialists this late-classical form of (a)(de)scent mysticism is poorly understood and little appreciated. In this course, we will explore the foundations, social origins, myth-world, praxes and the afterlife of Merkavah Mysticism.

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
One Time Donation Support - Paypal Donation - https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Course Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URUIb_AkZGM3hXzTnPFAwQYkZf_WgL0Q9wWWqSr2ug0/edit?usp=sharing

Course Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-93Z0g92p4xMTFRjk5KznFvh65oRjFAo

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The Mystical Theology of Affection - Bernard of Clairvaux

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Is Love fundamental reality? Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153) is among the pillars of western mysticism. In his mystical theology, he takes John's declaration that "God is Love" to it's radical conclusion: Love is both the means and the goal of all existence. Thus, the soul must undergo a series of transformations through love so as to be raptured up into the Divine Love which is God. Let's explore the mystical theology of Love!

Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Merch - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/store
New to Studying Esotericism? Check out my Reading Guide here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing
Rare Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/

Recommended Readings:

Bernard of Clairvaux: Selected Works - https://amzn.to/4qU6oZ1
Sermons on the Song of Songs Set - https://litpress.org/Products/CFZ02/Sermons-on-the-Song-of-Songs-Set-Volumes-14
The Mystical Theology of St. Bernard - https://amzn.to/4r2iO1h
The Growth of Mysticism: Gregory the Great Through the 12 Century - https://amzn.to/4caDAYG

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