Our friend Bishop T Allen Greenfield returns to the show to talk about Gnostic history and philosophy. Dr. Greenfield is particularly well-qualified to discuss this subject considering his extensive experience in Gnostic churches serving as bishop. Our conversation covers the definition of Gnosis and Gnostic, the history of ancient sects, the philosophy through the ages, modern permutations of the Gnostic doctrine, and Dr. Greenfield’s own personal lineage. Notable points include differing perspectives on the concept of the Demiurgus and the resultant differences in the views on body and spirit, the secret societies and esoteric orders that have carried the Wisdom, and Apostolic succession. Less

In this episode, we’re joined by author Christopher Knowles. The discussion revolves around his new book, “Our Gods Wear Spandex, The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes.” We talk about the history of comic books and how the ideas contained and promoted in this medium can be traced directly to esoteric and occult concepts. “The collision of science, morality, and magic is being played out hundreds of times a month in comic books and other media, showing us the implications of superhuman potential. Is this an unconscious form of preparation for an inevitable shift in human reality? Should we pay more careful attention to the visionaries and lunatics who anticipate the future in comic-book storylines? In that supernatural realm called the human imagination, comic-book creators like Alan Moore and Alex Ross may be time-travelers, forecasting the future for us and showing us the way. It’s funny how it all seems so similar to the ancient myths. The past and future are always with us.” - Christopher Knowles, “Our Gods Wear Spandex, The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” Chris’ new book does a fantastic job of explaining how comic books relate to ancient mythology and the New Age. It is well-written, and very finely illustrated by Joseph Michael Linsner. If you have any interest in comic books, their history, and their connections with occult and esoteric ideas and mythology, you will definitely want to pick it up. The connections that Knowles highlights in his book have always been there, but it isn’t until now that they have been fully exposed by someone who understands their significance. Our modern mythology may indeed just be repackaged classics from ancient times. This book is not only fascinating, but fun as well. Less

We welcome back to the program T Allen Greenfield to discuss his two most recent books – “Inquisition In 21st Century America” and “Victorian Fire: The Origins of Sexual Magick.” “Inquisition In 21st Century America” is Dr. Greenfield’s description of his personal experiences with regard to expulsion from a “magical order of antiquity“. We discuss how this book has subsequently been censored and is no longer available from the publisher, as well as the idea of censorship and free speech in a larger context. Described as “the essence of 19th century sexual magick under one cover”, “Victorian Fire” details the story of the (re)emergence of sex magick into a somewhat more public environment. One individual that we talk about who is integral to this history is Dr. Paschal Beverly Randolph. These ideas, according to Dr. Greenfield, can be reliably traced back to before the dawn of civilization as we currently understand it. Less