Chasing Hermes: The Pursuit of Mercury

#16: Neoplatonism and the Theurgy of Iamblichus  play >

#16: Neoplatonism and the Theurgy of Iamblichus

2/20/2010 | Download File (42.37 MB) - right click to download

Episode 16: Neoplatonism and the Theurgy of IamblichusAs pagan traditions started to dwindle in the face of the rising popularity of Christianity in the third and fourth century C.E., a new interpretation of ancient philosophy was born. Drawing from the cosmology of the Thimaeus, this tradition attempted to revive the writings of Plato for a new time. This was a world view which gave place not only to the gods of the classic Greek mythology but also to an interpretation of the transcendent monotheistic deity. This school of philosophy later became known as Neoplatonism.With its roots in 2nd century Alexandria, Neoplatonism shares much of its cultural heritage with hermetism. Yet Neoplatonism's most famous proponent was not an Alexandrian, but instead came from Syria. His name was Iamblichus. Orating within a tradition that oftentimes had little interest in magical pursuits, Iamblchus became an important apologetic of esoteric practices. The writings of Iamblichus include a new definition of sacred magic dubbed Theurgy, or divine-working, which ought to sound familiar even to many new age practitioners today. Neoplatonism came to an abrupt end when the Pope issued a ban in 529, forcing the Neoplatonist schools in Alexandria and Athens to close its doors. However, neoplatonist philosophy survived outside the Christian world, being openly adopted in the Islamic world and having a profound influence on the medieval Kabbalists. Together with the Hermetism, Neoplatonist philosophy was revived in Western Europe at the early days of the Renaissance and was again studied and adopted by the intellectuals of a new time. Some useful links:Neoplatonism (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy)Ammonius SaccasPlotinusPorphyryIamblichus"Theurgia or On the Mysteries of Egypt" by IamblichusClick to listen to this episode:

#14: Magic in Ancient Egypt [40:43]  play >

#14: Magic in Ancient Egypt [40:43]

12/15/2009 | Download File (46.57 MB) - right click to download

Episode 14: Magic in Ancient EgyptThe life of a magician in Ancient Egypt was tough. He had to get up early in the morning, wash, shave every hair from his body, pick up his magician's toolbox and go to work. Both the poor and the wealthy required his services: staving off evil warlocks, prescribing remedies to common illnesses, carving amulets and talismans, and providing enough mojo to the dearly departed to last them an eternity in the afterlife.More than pyramids and mummies, Ancient Egypt was an intricately structured society where magicians had a prominent position. The magicians were called  "scribes of the house of life" and had to undergo long training before they could practice their art. Often serving part-time as priests at a temple, these highly educated men were approachable intermediaries between the physical world and the supernatural. In this episode, we explore some of the documented tricks of the Ancient Egyptian magician's trade and find some interesting parallels with today's western occultism. We also challenge some common perceptions about what the Egyptian amulets and talismans were used for.Some useful links:Ancient Egyptian Magic article by Dr Geraldine Pinch [bbc.co.uk] This article includes great photos of some of the objects we discuss in the episode.Ancient Egyptian Magic by Bob Brier [amazon.com]A great book covering all of the magician's trade. It also includes many examples of actual spells.Bob Brier's audio lectures at the Teaching Company [teach12.com]These lectures are extremely intriguing and cover the entire history of Ancient Egypt and more.Click to listen to this episode:

#12: Astral Projection, part 2 - Listener Feedback (38:28)  play >

#12: Astral Projection, part 2 - Listener Feedback (38:28)

10/11/2009 | Download File (44.00 MB) - right click to download

Episode 12: Astral Projection, part 2 - Listener FeedbackWhat is sleep paralysis and how does it work? Can you create your own characters and interact with them in your dreams? Close your eyes and prepare to slide deeper into the world of lucid dreaming and astral projection! In this episode we answer some of the listener feedback that we received on episode 06 and our take on the astral projection phenomenon. Thank you everyone who wrote in with your comments and questions - keep 'em coming.There are a ton of good resources out there for those of you who are interested in exploring your dreams. In fact, much of the discussion on sleep paralysis was informed by the work of Nicholas Newport over at Lucidology.com. He has some brilliant explanations of how to enter sleep paralysis and how to go from there to full out-of-body. Nicholas has a YouTube channel and a podcast as well. If you prefer taking in your information printed on dead trees, you may want to look up Stephen LaBerge. He has published numerous books on the subject since the mid-80's, several of which have become standard works in the field. Of course, Stephen LaBerge has a website too.Click to listen to this episode:

#10: Seven Alchemical Principles, part 2 (40:10)  play >

#10: Seven Alchemical Principles, part 2 (40:10)

6/21/2009 | Download File (45.93 MB) - right click to download

Episode 10: Seven Alchemical Principles, part 2Our sojourn into the world of practical alchemy continues with a plunge into the last four of the seven alchemical principles - Conjunction, Fermentation, Distillation and Coagulation. These four stages represent the coagula process which must follow after the completion of the first three solve stages that we discussed in episode nine. Conjunction is the recombination of the parts that were taken apart in the separation process.Fermentation is the controlled decay of the substance in order to allow new life to arise.Distillation extracts the alcohol created in the fermentation stage.Coagulation finally joins the mercury, sulfur and salt Due to the rather advanced nature of these discussions we recommend that you listen to part one before continuing with part two.Learn more:Flying Roll VII - AlchemyConjunctionFermentationDistillationCoagulationThe Alchemy Web SiteClick to listen:

#09: Seven Alchemical Principles, part 1 (33:52)  play >

#09: Seven Alchemical Principles, part 1 (33:52)

5/24/2009 | Download File (38.74 MB) - right click to download

Episode 09: Seven Alchemical Principles, Part 1 We are back with a fresh new show straight out of our kitchen laboratory! In this episode, we get our hands dirty with some practical experiments while we discuss the first three of the seven classical alchemical principles: Calcination, Dissolution and Separation. Alchemy is concerned with extracting and refining the purest essence of a physical substance. Modern alchemists view the physical changes that the substance undergoes as powerful analogies to spiritual and psychological changes within the human psyche. For example, breaking down the solid structure of an herb, as in the process of calcination, exemplifies to the alchemist the tearing down of old beliefs, thoughts and emotions in the alchemist. The mind of the alchemist affects his alchemy, and vice versa. This is part one of a double episode. Come back soon as we dish out a second serving of that secret sauce that we call Chasing Hermes. Learn more: Flying Roll VII - AlchemyCalcination Dissolution SeparationThe Alchemy Web Site Click to listen:

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