The Hermetic Hour

Picatrix: The Medieval Grimoire of Dirty Tricks

The Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will answer your call-in questions on our last show about European magus Franz Bardon. In between calls we will discuss the oldest, most famous (or infamous) of magical grimoires, "The Aim of the Sage", more popularly known as Picatrix" (Picatrix, not pick-up-sticks, and other books of dirty tricks!) This once forbidden tome ( at least in English ) is now available, translated from both the Arabic and the Latin medieval texts. We will discuss the Harranian Sabian contribution, and the Spanish connection--and if this sounds like Greek, it's that too. So tune in and find out how to get scorpions to sting themselves, and how to grow smart plants from human skulls, along with some profound Hermetic philosophy, and astrology that fights back. Greek, it's that too. So tune in and find out how to get scorpions to sting themselves, and how to grow smart plants from human skulls, along with some profound Hermetic philosophy, and astrology that fights back. 

Franz Bardon: Initiation, Evocation & the Alchemy of Power

Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will present a lecture on the magick of Franz Bardon, the 20th century European alchemist and magician. Bardon was the author of three books on magick, and one semi-autobiographical novel. His Eastern style methods of training, owing much to raja and tantric yoga, have had a considerable influence on modern Western practice. We will discuss each of his three books in sequence; where his information came from, and what his philosophy was. You will learn about "fluid condensers," "volts," "elementals," magnetic and electric fluids, and magick mirrors. His debt to P. B. Randolph will be mentioned. We will discuss the origins of his myriads of spirits, the way he derived his sigils, his unique concept of Kabbalah. Bardon's background as a professional hypnotist, alchemist and healer will be compared to his mundane life and problems. The Master was an over-weight chain-smoker who died after eating a bacon sandwich---but he was still "The Master," and we should appreciate him all the more for the faults that made him human. Tune in find out why Simon, King of the Witches kept saying "Magnetic-Electric," while having fun with the D.A.'s daughter.

Sibylline Secrets: How a Gnostic Hoax Shaped Western Magic

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the ancient "Sibylline Oracles" created, or re-created, in Greco-Roman Alexandria in the first centuries of the common era. These prophetic verses, attributed to the Sibyls, or prophetic priestesses of ancient Greece were actually a hoax, written by Jewish and Christian Gnostics in an attempt to recast the legendary lost prophetic books of ancient Rome to include the Bible and predict Christianity. They were so successful and popular that the early Christian Church approved of them. They were accepted into the Hermetic tradition, along with The Orphic Hymns and the Chaldean Oracles.They became an influence on western magick and Fairy lore. We will refer to Jake Stratton-Kent's summary of the Oracles in "Geosophia" (2010) and Milton Terry's translation 1899. So, if you want to catch up on this often forgotten aspect of western magical lore, tune in and we'll lift the veil.

Holy Blood, Holy Grail -- Mary Magdalene and The Merovingians

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon (or Roygnon) will review and discuss the 1982 Bestseller "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. This is the book that generated "The Da Vinci Code" and is the first mainstream modern speculation on Jesus being married to Mary Magdalene and possibly having heirs who become The Grail Family and, according to the author's become the magical, holy bloodline of the Legendary Merovingian dynasty of French Kings in the days of King Arthur. This bloodline is perpetuated and protected by a medieval secret society that still exists in modern France, The Priory of Sion (Zion). The book is a door-stopper and not very well organized. They try to make it read like a detective story rather than a straight forward documentary presentation. Unless you are fascinated by the subject you may get bogged down with all the mystery before you reach the solution -- but if you stick with it the overall effect is convincing. And to devout Christians perhaps shocking. There are some problems, not with the idea of the Grail family. That is very well presented, but with the authenticity of the Priory of Sion itself. Yes there was one back in medieval times -- but is today's fraternity and its family leadership directly connected to the early medieval Merovingians? In any case the book is a great introduction to this fascinating subject. It certainly got me to looking into my old French antecedents. I discovered the Merovingian "golden bees" on the Roygnon family crest and began to wonder if I had a little of this magical blood? I recall Hamlet said: "To bee or not to bee." I wonder if he was Merovingian. Tune in and we'll explore the mystery of the Grail Family.

The Grail Within: Hermetic Secrets of the Round Table

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on The Holy Grail and The Round Table in Magick. To begin this subject we will review the history of the Grail as presented in our poem: The Cult of The Sangreal which we published in our journal The Seventh Ray back in 1975 and which has since become the prologue to our First Degree (Pastophoris) initiation. We trace the Grail from its origin in ancient Phoenicia in the days of Melchizedek around 1500 B.C. It began with the ancient Canaanite God Baal’s yearly death at High Summer followed by his resurrection via the Chalice of heavenly nectar brought by his consort, the Goddess Astarte in the Fall. We trace this event through a series of mythical evolutions until the Grail becomes the cup of resurrection for the last of the dying gods, Jesus the Nazareen, raised by his consort Mary Magdalene. This is the secret of the Grail Tradition which was carried on through the Arthurian Romances. It is a genealogical bloodline and a symbolic ritual implement. One of Four Grail Hallows presented in the Tarot and related to astrology. This symbolism is carried forth in the structure of Arthur’s (or more properly Merlin’s) Round Table. So if you would like to know what qualifies an aspirant to become a knight of the Round Table, tune in and we will start you on your quest.

Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the Holy Grail: A Herodian Secret

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a reading and commentary on a chapter, by Fraters Thabion and Solomon, from the forthcoming book Hermetic Yoga, Beyond the Middle Pillar, Vol. 2, titled Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the Holy Grail. This will trace the story from Bethlehem to Camelot with some remarkable surprises, such as Jesus was the grandson of King Herod the Great, Jehovah was not his Father in Heaven, that he believed in equality for women, and tolerance for the Gentiles. That he married a Phoenician princess and sought to unite all Israel under the original Most High God EL That his cousin Herod Antipas bribed Pontius Pilate to have him executed, and that Mary Magdalene barely managed to escape with their son to Southern France where they founded the Cult and the lineage of the Sangreal -- Its all documented with the latest discoveries from ancient archives, so tune in and we'll go beyond The DaVinci Code.

"Parzival" -- Medieval Secrets of The Holy Grail

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Hermetic origins of the Holy Grail as presented in Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Medieval romance “Parzival. This is a follow-up on an earlier broadcast from three years ago in which we read Jeanine Rene’s Article on Parzival from The Seventh Ray issue number 19, January 1977. In the introduction to her article I stated that: “Much of the symbolism and the allegory of Kellner’s original O.T.O. derived from Parzival.” This and other fascinating secrets embedded in Wolfram's medieval masterpiece will be the subjects of tonight’s broadcast. So, if you want to find the Grail we have the clues for you. Eschenbach’s Parzival is like Colonna’s Hypnerotomachia. It's one of those old books full of secrets and magick. And our job on the Hermetic Hour is to dig them out for you.

The Holy Grail and Its Hidden Origins

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the controversial themes and symbols of the Medieval Holy Grail legend. We will first establish that the entire concept of “Lucifer the Light bringer” is a hoax launched in the Old Testament to cover-up Jehovah’s palace coup (the War in Heaven) and the subsequent exile of Elyon and his Elohim (the Fallen Angels). Next we will examine the Medieval Cathars, their origins and beliefs. We will consider the survival of Valentinian Gnosticism in Southern France and the Troubadour Courts of Love. We will describe the Grail and its Hermetic-Sabian Celestial origin as set forth in von Eschenbach’s Parzival – and we will reveal what the physical Holy Grail really was. So if you want to know what those nasty French knights were hiding in their castle, join us on the quest.

Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on Princess Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils. which was actually the Phoenician version of Babylonian Ishtar's descent into the underworld to resurrect the Dying God; in her case Tammuz, in our case Ba'al Hadad We have used this obviously fact-based legend to reconstruct Anath's vanquishing the Lord of Death at Autumn Equinox to revive Prince Ba'al the rain and vegetation god of ancient Canaan. If you are wondering about where the head of John the Baptist comes into this, we will solve that mystery also. Our special guest for this program will be Frater Heracles of our Austin, Texas lodge who just presented a spectacular Festival of Seven Gates and will give us his first hand impressions of this revived ancient rite and how it is done in the 21st century. So, if you want to know where the Dance of the Seven Veils started -- and is still going -- tune in and chant: "Down and down the path we go, to the caverns far below!"  

Glamorous Rebellion: Salome’s 2,000-Year Fight for Power

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will review the 1930 classic historical novel "Salome: My First 2000 years of Love", by George Sylvester Viereck and Paul Eldridge. This is the second of a three-decker trilogy by Viereck and may be called a fictional feminist manifesto. Glamorous feminism, because its heroine the immortal Princess Salome used her charm and beauty in a constant battle against male domination symbolized by her immortal lover, and patriarchal nemisis, Cartaphilus, the Wandering Jew. These two sustain a love-hate relationship that spans the ages as each of the two immortals struggle with their self-determined missions: Salome wants female equality and even domination. Salome supported and condoned medieval witchcraft and was considered a witch. She infiltrated the Roman Catholic Church and installed a female Pope. Cartaphilus is determined to destroy Christianity because Jesus cursed him with immortality. The metaphor of the Jewish diaspora is obvious. Further disturbing symbolism is found in Cartaphilus' servant: Kotikokura, an African apeman who is described as "the missing link" between simians and humans. He becomes more and more human through the course of the three volume trilogy. However because he is "African" we will be surprised if the third volume is reprinted. The first two books are available in recent editions and original 1930 copies of Salome are still available. Even with the controversial aspects, these books are well worth reading.

Parzival, The Hermetic Grail Romance

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a reprise of the 1977 article in the old Seventh Ray number nineteen by author Janine Renee titled: Parzival and the Hermetic Grail. The author researched and wrote this at our request. It forms an important element in our reconstructed linkage of ancient Phoenician rituals to early Valentinian Christian Gnosticism and to medieval Grail lore. The major source for Janine's article is the 1965 "The Krater and the Grail: Hermetic Sources of the Parzival by Henry and Renee Kahane. Modern neo-pagans have never lost their fascination for the Holy Grail quest. The idea that the Grail was originally pagan (The Hermetic Krater) goes along with the recent revelations of Jesus and Mary Magdalen and the paganizing of Christianity. So if you want to start on your own Grail Quest tune in and we will give you directions to to the Grail Castle Montsalvat.  

The Mystical and Romantic Medieval Poem, "The Rubaiyat"

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a commentary on and a reading of the Rubaiyat a Sufi poem from medieval Persia by the mystic and astronomer Omar Khayyam translated by Edward Fitzgerald and published in 1859. The Rubaiyat is quintessentially romantic in style and content. It is said to reflect the ancient cyrenaic hedonistic philosophy of Aristippus and extols a libertine lifestyle in preference to piety. When I was a teenager I needed to break away from Christian fundamentalism so I adopted the Rubaiyat as my alternative to the Bible. I memorized the entire poem so that I could quote seductive passages to Baptist virgins while drinking beer on the beach at sunset. Ah! Those were the days! Or as Omar would put it: "Alas that Spring should vanish with the rose, and youth's sweet scented manuscript should close, the nightingale that in the branches sang, ah whence and wither flown again who knows?" And so, if you yearn to know "What Omar's moving finger writ, " then tune in and we will innoculate you against excessive piety.

The Hypnerotomachia: An Esoteric Romantic Fantasy Novel

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a review and commentary on the Hypnerotomachia of Poliphili (1499-1999) translated by Joscelyn Godwin. This is one of the most important esoteric books ever published and five hundred years after its debut in Renaissance Italy in 1499, written in stylistic Italian, it finally became available in a readable English translation by Joscelyn Godwin. The Hypnerotomachia of Poliphili, subtitled "The Strife of Life in a Dream" is a romantic fantasy novel which establishes a template for many similar works to emerge in the five centuries following its initial publication: The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz (1616) The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1785) The Wizard of Oz (1900) The Club Dumas (1996) filmed as "The Ninth Gate" (1999) and the novel "The Rule of Four" (2004). The real secrets hidden in the book are not cryptic codes but rather allegorical and thematic. Like the one tale in the Arabian Nights that reveals occult and Magical secrets, the Chapter describing the Isle of Venus near the end of the book carries the true meaning and reveals the esoteric secrets. So if you want to learn what is really hidden in this marvelous old book tune in and we will visit Poliphili's magical dream-world.

Hermetic Hour 2025 Lineup: Myths, Magick, and The King of Fear

Host Poke Runyon reviews the Hermetic Hour's 2025 schedule, previewing new essays and dramatic readings including The Jesus Myth (Jan 23), The Quest for Prester John's Tomb (Feb 6), The Laws of Old (Apr 10), Magic and Hypnosis (May 1), Cult of the Sangreal (Jul 3), and The King of Fear (Oct 16 & 23).
Tune in for mythic history, Hermetic philosophy, magical practice, and serialized adventure -- and check the archives at magick.podbean.com for any episodes you miss.

The Voynich Enigma: Language From Another Dimension?

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will discuss the Mysterious Voynich Manuscript (Beinecke MS. 408) a late medieval herbal, alchemical and astrological book written in an unknown language and illustrated with pictures of plants and astronomical arrangements that are not of this world. Authorship was originally attributed to Roger Bacon (1214 - 1292) but carbon-dating placed the MS. in the early fifteenth century. John Dee and Edward Kelley have been suggested because of their similar Enochian language creation, but there is no proof of their involvement. The mysterious MS has fascinated both scholars and amateur researchers alike with solutions announced every year since 1943 when the U.S. Government code-breakers attempted to decipher it. A new solution was announced just a week before this broadcast and has already been discredited. The main reason most experts fail seems obvious to a Hermetic scholar. The Voynich MS was not written in cipher. It was written in a language and in an alphabet that has no analog on earth or in this earthly dimension. The key to finding the origin of the Voynich material might be found in another mysterious manuscript published in 1670. We will read this revelation as our contribution toward solving the mystery -- so put on your Indiana Jones fedora and listen in.

Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Renaissance

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will review the classic study on Renaissance Magick by Dame Frances Yates (1899 - 1981), "Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition." (1964) This is a book that should be the cornerstone of any Hermetic student's library. Although the Italian philosopher and magician Giordano Bruno (1548 - 1600) is the main figure on which Yates centers her work, the book is in fact a broad study of Renaissance Hermetic Magick evolving from its Italian origins in the late Middle Ages and on through to Bruno's exposition of its post Copernican version. Hermetic Humanists accepted Copernicus but the Church refused to abandon the geocentric universe. Bruno, a Dominican monk was burned at the stake. Many considered him a Scientific martyr, but Yates contends that his heresies were Hermetic as well as scientific. So if you would like to explore the life and beliefs of Giordano Bruno, join us for a Hermetic Renaissance Faire.

Cecco d' Ascoli and Forbidden Renaissance Magic

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the late Medieval astrologer magician Cecco d' Ascoli who was burned at the stake by the Inquisition in 1327 a.d. for publishing books connecting astrology with magick, necromancy and demonology. In several ways he presaged the sad career of Giordano Bruno who went to the stake 273 years later in 1600 for a similar offense. Cecco expounded his magick on a geocentric universe model, whereas Bruno paganized (or demonized) a later Copernican universe. Cecco d' Ascoli may be considered the father of Solomonic ceremonial mirror magick. One of his most heretical revelations was a description of summoning (evoking) the demon "Floron", in a mirror of polished steel. Floron had fallen from the Order of Cherubim and served under the Goetic king Amaymon. Such a mirror was described in Picatrix and later depictions of it reveal that it was in fact a hand mirror. After Cecco's execution magicians no longer wrote of magick mirrors but their use continued until the present day. We will draw primarily from Lynn Thorndike's "History of Magic and Experimental Science", Volume 2 (1923) with current material from Christopher Warnock. So if you want to find out where this dark mirror magick got started, tune in and we'll pull another Italian magus out of the fire.

The Parallel Universe of Magonia

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the alleged Parallel world or trans-dimensional ariel Queendom of the Sylphs known as "Magonia" that was documented in medieval histories and has recently inspired a fantasy novel of that title "Magonia" by Maria Headley (2015) and was the main theme for UFO authority Jacques Vallee's "Passport to Magonia" (1969-93) which delt with the Magonian "close encounters" from the 9th century and other supernatural visitations recounted in European folklore as early examples of alien sightings, close encounters, and abductions, on through to the mysterious "airship" reports from the American West in the 1890s, comparing them with modern reports and investigations. Vallee contends, and as Hermetic devotees we certainly concur, that most of these events are inter-dimensional rather than extra-terrestrial; that there are parallel worlds co-existing with us as near to us as our furniture. This is also the main theme of our film Beyond Lemuria (2007-14) and, as I mentioned last week, is set forth in the old Hermetic book "Comte d'Gablis" (1760) -- So if you'd like to spend an hour in the absolute elsewhere, tune in and we'll take you down the rabbit hole.  

"The Rose of Paracelsus," Leonard Pickard’s Psychedelic Alchemy

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a review of William Leonard Pickard’s magisterial novelized biography “The Rose of Paracelsus”(2019). This 650 page masterwork is already considered literature by the academic community. Like Mallory’s “The Morte de Arthur” “The Rose” was entirely written in prison. It recounts Pickard’s academic, scientific, and extra-legal career from the early 1960s until his arrest and subsequent imprisonment in 2000. It is beautifully written, fast paced and well structured. It is subtitled “On Secrets and Sacraments” which aptly describes what it delivers. Pickard was not only a psychedelic alchemist, he was also an intelligence asset (say researcher) for the Ivy League think tanks and indirectly for government agents. So conspiracy theory and even UFO buffs will be pulling quotes from The Rose for the next decade. Pickard connected with an international network of psychedelic alchemists and visited each in a world tour that reads like a James Bond adventure. Returning to the U.S. he visited his mentor the venerable psychedelic sage, Sasha Shulgin, who warned him against a demonic cultist who inhabited an abandoned underground missile base used for an LSD laboratory and an orgiastic temple. But like a character in a Richard Shaver or Sax Rohmer story Leonard Pickard was lured into this hellish underworld where psychedelics were used to enslave and abuse young women. And because this cult had better government connections than Pickard, he was set up to take the rap for their criminal activities. He was given two life sentences in Federal Prison. Fortunately he has just been released and we hope he will be listening to this broadcast. So. Turn on, Tune in, and learn what’s under the rose.  

Who Were the Three Initiates Who Wrote The Kybalion?

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will revisit the 1908 occult classic "The Kybalion" by Three Initiates and reveal just who those three initiates were. In 2008 Philip Deslippe issued the "Definitive Edition of the Kybalion" which he claimed was entirely the work of William Walter Atkinson (1862 - 1932)In the next few years Golden Dawn scholar Mary Greer did more research and discovered that Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland had written a version of the Hermetic corpus that presented the same seven principles as the Kybalion. Both Kingsford and Maitland had passed away by 1908 and Richard Smoley edited yet another Kybalion in 2018 (the centenary edition) returning the byline to the Three Initiates, declaring the authors to have been: William Walter Atkinson, Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland. We might also mention that Golden Dawn scholar Robert A. Gilbert discovered that Anna Kingsford was actually the mysterious Fraulein Sprengle who helped create the Golden Dawn. Her connection is revealed in our book: "Secrets of the Golden Dawn Cypher Manuscript" which is available from < pokerunyon.com > So let's take another closer look at the Kybalion and its recent editions.  

The Kybalion with Rev. Paul Clark

The Hermetic Hour with your host Poke Runyon will lead a discussion of one of the most influential modern occult classics, the mysterious, mystical "Kybalion" by "Three Initiates." This little blue book has been treasured by students of the Western Mysteries since its first publication back in 1912. Our very special guest will be Rev. Paul Clark, Steward of the Fraternity of Hidden Light (and the Master Jesus from "Beyond Lemuria") who is perhaps the best qualified scholar-teacher to explain who the original authors were, where their philosophy came from, and why the book is still very important and meaningful. I will try to explain the connections to actual Greek and Greco-Egyptian (Hermetic) philosophy in this modern classic. This is going to be an enlightening hour unveiling the secrets of an obscure and mysterious work. Tune in and get inspired and demystified.
Also discussed: the need for a scholarly, annotated reissue, the book's historical context in Alexandria and Theosophy, and how these ideas surface in contemporary fiction such as The Dark Brotherhood.

Decoding "The Moon Pool" (1919) by Abraham Merritt

The Hermetic Hour with Host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the secret meaning behind Abraham Merritt's classic Fantasy novel “The Moon Pool.” (1919). This Lost Race fantasy adventure story, similar to Rider Haggard's “She”was very influential on other fantasy writers, movie makers and comic book writers and artists. It was one of the major sources of the 1940s “Shaver Mystery”. Moon Pool is based on the idea that the Moon was pulled out of the Earth half a billion years ago when our young world was in a molten state, leaving a huge cavity in the area of the Central Pacific, which sealed itself over and eventually became a vast air filled cavern under the ocean. A subterranean world with its own flora, fauna and people. Its only connection to the surface world is the ancient ruined stone city of Nan Modal on Pohnpei Island in the Central Pacific Ocean. In these haunted ruins is a mysterious doorway that only opens when the Moon is full, revealing The Moon Pool from which rises a fantastic alien being that resembles an animated and illuminated kabbalistic Tree of Life. It is called “The Dweller” or “The Shining One” – a beautiful, alluring vampiric creature that stalks human prey, harvesting and feeding on their souls. The Dweller or Shining One is worshiped as a god by a faction of the Murians, who are as evil as their diety and are plotting to conquer the surface world. Into this setting come a group of adventurers from our world – so we can have a hero and a heroine to save both worlds ( love conquers all) -- and someone to tell the story. That, as the Irish say, is the gist of it. But there is a lot more behind the scenes in Moon Pool than just a good story. So If you want to learn the horrible secret of the Shining One then tune in and listen as we open the door to The Moon Pool.

The Subterranean War and the Shaver Mystery

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on recent reports of an alleged underground war being waged by American special forces soldiers against a coalition of traitors and demonic aliens in a subterranean network of DUMBs (deep underground military bases ) connected to a tunnel network excavated and still inhabited by ancient Satanic humanoids usually described as “demons.” This vast underground network is said to extend worldwide. It was first revealed to the public in 1886 by French writer Alexandre St. Yves d, Alvedre, who claimed it was a subterranean kingdom under Tibet with tunnels that reached everywhere in the world. It was forgotten until 1922 when Ferdinand Ossendowski exposed it again in his best-seller “Beasts, Men and Gods.” Although he may have gotten the story from the Mad Baron of Mongolia who probably got it from St. Yves book, or perhaps from the drunken High-Lama of Mongolia who probably got it from the Mad Baron. In any case a Science-fiction writer (who was also mad) Richard S. Shaver re-ran it as series of truth-based fictional adventures in Amazing Stories right after the end of W.W. II. Shaver gathered a fan base of true-believers, including this reporter at age 16. This evil underworld was peopled by satanic mutants armed with ancient ray machines which could be used for mind-control, sadistic torture or seduction. It made great pulp fiction. Even after I outgrew Shaver, I couldn’t resist making a movie based on his Mystery. In 2007 we released BEYOND LEMURIA which includes all of the elements the present Underground War Reports are featuring: Government and military involvement, Satanic depravity, child-trafficking, and UFO super-science. Tonight we will focus on these current reports and the actual evidence of these underground facilities. So if you want to know what’s really down there stay tuned and we’ll go down the rabbit hole. 

The Shaver Mystery and the First Ancient Astronauts

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the first Ancient Astronaut Theorists, before Van Daniken, Sitchen, and the rest there was Richard Shaver and Ray Palmer and the Shaver Mystery. In recent years more and more of their fantastic 1940s revelations about Ancient extra-terrestrial Aliens and their high technology and their continued influence on, and interfearence in, earthly affairs (mind control and child trafficking and madness) has been confirmed and exploited by later whistle-blowers such as Tom Delonge, Corey Good, David Wilcock and others. It seems that Shaver and Palmer wrote their History Channel documentary scripts but are never credited as the source. Are these Ancient Aliens still with us? "Our original Ancient Astronaut theorists say yes!" So tune in and let's return to the thrilling days of yesteryear and revisit The Shaver Mystery.  

Tales of the Red Dwarf - The Magical Writings of Richard S. Shaver

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the lost and forgotten magical fantasy novel by the infamous science fiction hoaxer Richard S. Shaver. Actually Shaver's editor Ray Palmer was the hoaxer; Shaver believed he was writing "the truth' about the survivors of ancient extraterrestrials still living in caverns below and plaguing surface people with mind-control ray machines. This dubious expose was called "The Shaver Mystery" and dominated the pages of AMAZING STORIES, America's most popular sci-fi mag in the 1940s. Shaver's weird tales of the subterranean "Dero World" are enjoying a modest revival in reprinted editions. We were among the first 21st century Shaver revivalists with our 2007 film BEYOND LEMURIA. In our new version of "The Shaver Mystery" we placed the Cavern World of the Deros in another dimension, a parallel world very close to our own. However Shaver himself always insisted that his underground Deros were in this physical dimension --whereas his editor Palmer insisted they were "disembodied spirits." Shaver was an empathic receiver, a rue mystic. He revealed what might be the real secret of his Cavern World in a marvelously crafted fantasy novel that never has had a title of its own. It appeared in three separate issues of AMAZING and FANTASTIC from 1947 through 1949. The first part was "The Tale of The Red Dwarf," next came the third part "Daughter of the Night," followed by the second part two years later called "Erdis Cliff." Shaver precedes Moorcock's fictional Multiverse, and even M-Theory by decades. -- So, if you want to discover a new dimension, tune in and we'll slide down the worm hole.

"The King of Fear" by Poke Runyon, Part 2 of 2

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present the second half of his screen story "The King of Fear," a Narrative Treatment for a Motion Picture. This is the story on which the movie is based. It is written first person present tense. The Camera is telling the story and in this case the author is the camera. The story begins in ancient times with Alexander the Great trying to find a secret pass through the Himalayas into India, and jumps ahead to the 1880s when archaeologists uncover the remains of one his Macedonian soldiers. A discovery that launches an intrigue and conflict between British and Russian intelligence agents. Chief of which is the sinister immortal Mongolian Lama known as "The King of Fear." A pawn in this chess game is the beautiful Russian psychic Lana Varushka and the dashing hero is a Sufi yoga master Hajji Mahmoud Hassan (actually Captain Alan Vaughan of British army intelligence.)This is Great Game story in the manner of Kipling's Kim, and The Man who would be King. The story and the characters are all based on real events and real people. Although greatly fictionalized. Lana Varushka is to this story what Monty Python's "Brian" is to the New Testament. She's not the Avatrix of the New Age; she's just a very naughty girl. When this tale is complete we will offer it as an E-book on PokeRunyon.com.

"The King of Fear" by Poke Runyon, Part 1 of 2

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present the first half of his screen story "The King of Fear," a Narrative Treatment for a Motion Picture. This is the story on which the movie is based. It is written first person present tense. The Camera is telling the story and in this case the author is the camera. The story begins in ancient times with Alexander the Great trying to find a secret pass through the Himalayas into India, and jumps ahead to the 1880s when archaeologists uncover the remains of one his Macedonian soldiers. A discovery that launches an intrigue and conflict between British and Russian intelligence agents. Chief of which is the sinister immortal Mongolian Lama known as "The King of Fear." A pawn in this chess game is the beautiful Russian psychic Lana Varushka and the dashing hero is a Sufi yoga master Hajji Mahmoud Hassan (actually Captain Alan Vaughan of British army intelligence.)This is Great Game story in the manner of Kipling's Kim, and The Man who would be King. The story and the characters are all based on real events and real people. Although greatly fictionalized. Lana Varushka is to this story what Monty Python's "Brian" is to the New Testament. She's not the Avatrix of the New Age; she's just a very naughty girl. When this tale is complete we will offer it as an E-book on PokeRunyon.com.

The Three Supernal Spheres: Kether, Chokmah & Binah Explained

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present the final discussion on the Tree of Life -- Kether and the Supernals. In our series on the Tree we have worked from the bottom up, and now we will have to shift into reverse and start down from above. We will outline the theory of four dimensions on the tree and how each dimension contains its own Tree. Kether of Malkuth being the heaven with God on his throne (if that's what you want) We will also deal with the two higher dimensions Atziluth and Briah and the Chokmah-Binah yin-yang effect, Our main text will be Dion Fortune's Mystical Qabalah which is the main source for both Gareth Knight and John Michael Greer's works on the the subject. There will be some surprises in store, so tune in and we will take heaven by storm.  

Sphere of Chesed - Jupiter's Throne and the Third Eye

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Fourth Sphere of the Qabalistic Tree of Life Chesed or Gedulah the sphere attributed to Jupiter the King of the planets, and the physical locus of the Third Eye. We consider Chesed the home of Dagon, Capricorn, the amphibian god of ancient Canaan, who is related to Poseidon the patron deity of ancient Atlantis which we also place in the Jovian sphere. Once again our texts will be Dion Fortune, Gareth Knight, Michael Greer, and our own Hermetic Yoga, Volume One. So if you want to visit the sphere of prosperity (and we could all use some of that) join us for an eye opener (Third eye that is).And those of you here in Southern California don't forget our Halloween Party Saturday night, with the infamous Mot Mass honoring the dead.

Geburah: The Sphere of Mars

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present another discussion in our on-going series on the Spheres or Sephiroth of the Tree of Life. Sphere number five Geburah, the Sphere of Mars. We will cover different concepts and attributes of this sphere. It is traditionally ruled by Samael, the Hebrew counterpart of Satan, but the G.D. changed the angelic attribution to Kamael, connoting a less evil character to Geburah --or making it a "necessary evil" if you will. This is reflected in the planetary spirits. The intelligence of Mars is protective whereas the spirit is aggressive. We place the Canaanite War-Goddess Anath in Geburah. Again we will refer to our texts Dion Fortune, Gareth Knight, John Greer and our Hermetic Yoga. So, if you want to get tough with Hermetic Qabalah, tune in and find out how to sharpen your magical sword.  

The Sphere of Yesod - Gateway to The Astral World

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present the second in our series of discussions on the Sephiroth of the Tree of Life, Yesod, the Foundation, the treasury of Images, the ninth sphere. Yesod is considered the transition point from the Yetzirah to the Ashia dimensions, from the etheric to the astral. It is related to the Moon and is called the sphere of the emotions, of memories and dreams. It is the sexual center both physically and spiritually. It is essential to the art of magick. Again our texts will be John Michael Greer's Paths of Wisdom, Gareth Knight's A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism and Dion Fortune's Mystical Qabalah. So tune in and come along with us as we delve into the mysteries of Yesod and Levanah.

Tiphareth - The Sphere of Beauty

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Sphere of Tiphareth, the sixth sephiroth on the Tree of Life. Tiphareth is called the Sphere of Beauty and is the center of the Tree just as the Sun is the center of the Solar System. It is the hub from which all the paths radiate and the downward reflection of the light from Kether. Mythologically it is the sphere of the dying gods, Osiris, Ba'al and Jesus, and thus the point of mystic transformation and enlightenment. Raphael is the presiding archangel and an agent of healing. Again our texts will be Dion Fortune, Gareth Knight and John Michael Greer. So join us for for an hour of inspiration as well get to the heart of old Adam Kadmon. Exam question: "How many kabbalists does it take to screw in a light bulb?" Tune in for the answer.  

Netsach - The Sphere of Nature

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present the third in our series of lectures on the Spheres of the Tree of Life, The Seventh Sphere, Netsach, the sphere of nature attributed to Venus and the home of the Goddess Astarte. Netsach has been called "The Sphere of the Mysteries" and the womb of the creative process. The Goddess Herself is the Seventh Sphere in that She contains all the spheres of the Tree within Herself and is thus the supreme Initiator. Once again we will refer to texts by Gareth Knight, Dion Fortune, John Michael Greer. and our own Hermetic Yoga, Volume One. Come join us for some deep meditations and reflections on the most intimate aspects of occultism.  

Hod - The Sphere of Magick

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present the third in our series of discussions on the Sephiroth of the Qabalistic Tree of Life, the eighth sephira Hod which is called Splendor and the sphere of the intellect. Hod is considered the sphere of Magick because it is the workshop in which astral preforms are created and sent to Yesod for eventual manifestation in Malkuth. It is presided over by the archangel Michael (some say Raphael) and operated by the craftsman-alchemist gods of various traditions: Thoth, Hephaestus, Vulcan, Tubal Cain and in our Canaanite pantheon Kusor. It is also the sphere of the Elohim (the Gods) and the Beni Elohim sons of the Gods and Goddesses who are also the angels of the shemhamephorash, the 72 positive counterparts of the 72 spirits of the Goetia; certainly Pagan. We consider it Kusor's library, laboratory and workshop. Once again we will cite Dion Fortune, John Michael Greer, and Gareth Knight and our Hermetic Yoga book. You'll find the Beni Elohim in Bardon's 2nd Volume. So, if you want to get something done magically we will visit the place where creativity flourishes. 

Malkuth - Sphere of the Elements

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Qabalistic Sphere of Malkuth and its significance in Hermetic Magick. This will be the first of a series of lectures starting at the bottom of the Tree of Life and working upwards following the path of the Serpent of Wisdom. These lectures will actually be lessons in the Associate Member Program which we will later collect in one package. They will be interspersed with current topics, such as significant new books, important guest interviews, and such, but you can expect at least one or two Otz Chiim lectures per month. --- Malkuth is not just the physical world of Ashiah below the Yetzirah astral, it is a most important magical-mystical realm in which a significant visions are received -- especially the Holy Guardian Angel experience, which is done entirely in Malkuth (each Sphere contains an entire Tree). Our texts will be Dion Fortune's Mystical Qabalah and Gareth Knight's A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism. Tune in and start the long climb upward.  

Gateway to The Abyss - The Eleven Sphere Tree

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a special program discussing the O.T.A.'s Pathworkings beyond the Sphere of Chesed. These Paths lead to the re-manifested Sphere of Da'ath, which in the Eleven Sphere Tree becomes Saturn, the beginning of the physical universe and the gateway to the Abyss. This concept and its practical applications are covered in "New Tarot Trumps for an Eleven Sphere Tree of Life" in THE SEVENTH RAY, Book III, "The Red Ray." We will also discuss the Golden Dawn's eleven sphere tree and the idea of the Tree before and after "The Fall." This is a Key lecture and lesson in our study program. So tune in and we will journey to Mot's Back-o'-Beyond.

The Hermetic Origins of The Sefer Yetzirah/The Book of Creation

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Pagan Hermetic origins of the Sepher Yetzirah. This ancient book is the Philosophical and mystical foundation of the Medieval Hebrew Kabbalah. And eventually the Hermetic Qabalah which seems to recover its actual origins. It is traditionally attributed, by the Hebrews, to Father Abraham and was said to have been written by him in Harran where he is said to have “Made Souls” The Harranians were star-worshipers who preserved the star lore of ancient Babylon and eventually joined the Pythgorean - Hermetic magical tradition. The Sepher Yetzirah or Book of Creation describes how the Universe was created by the Word of God, using the proto-Hebrew Phoenician alphabet, the first alpha-numeric letter system. Which acquired twenty-four letters to accommodate the entire celestial sphere and the elements, and then became the origin of ancient Greek—which passed on its alpha-numeric heritage to Medieval Hebrew and Arabic. It has even been suggested that the second century Valentinian Magician Marcus wrote the earliest version of the Sepher Yetzirah. Even Gershom Scholem admits that the philosophy of the Sepher Yetzirah is Pythagorean. So, if you want to delve in to the depths of the mysteries join us for an hour of speculation on the origins of The Book of Creation. 

Secrets of Elizabethan Magic: The First Conjuration

We have had a photocopy of a 300 year old magical manuscript in our archives for fifty years and have used it or research, study, rituals, and publications but until we began a serious study of Valentinian Gnosticism we had no idea what secrets were hidden in this Elizabethan era manuscript that we had been using for years. The structure of the Celestial and Terrestrial versions of the Tetragrammaton was set forth in the First Conjuration of the Goetia. Elizabethan magicians were NeoPlatonists and Hermetics. They were partial to Christian Gnosticism and venerated the most high God, honoring Jehovah as the God of the Earth Sphere. I now wonder if Sloane 2731 influenced us to realize the two Tetragrammatons years before we discovered them in the text of the First Conjuration.

Unlocking the Magic of Elizabethan England

In the Elizabethan period the Italian Renaissance came to England. Even though the English had broken with the Roman Church they were still following the Italians in astrology, philosophy, alchemy and Magick. During the reign of The Virgin Queen the British would exceed the Italians in that one aspect of the Hermetic Arts – Magick. The Angelic Revelation of Dr. John Dee is certainly the high water mark of Renaissance Theurgy. But we magicians sometimes forget that the English Elizabethan period was a Magical Age. It was the Time of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and Spencer’s “The Faerie Queene.” Magick was in the air. So let us look back on this golden age and recall some of its magical treasures.

Cult of the Sangreal: The Grail and Canaanite Mythology

This is the Hermetic Hour for Thursday July 3rd, 2025, Your host Poke Runyon's 90th birthday which we will celebrate with a reading of Cult of The Sangreal and commentary. This is  a poem describing the whole history of the Holy Grail and Western Magical tradition from is beginning in ancient Canaan with the yearly death of Ba'al,  through King Solomon's temple and on to the Harranian Sabians and  Persian Magi, the Gnostics and Hermetics of fist century Alexandria, The Kabbalah of medieval Spain, the Cathars  and Troubadours of Southern France to the Rosicrucians of the Renaissance. The poem was Published in The Seventh Ray in 1976. With a commentary on each section of the poem added in 1998. Together the poem and commentary give us the depth, scope and spiritual compass of the Order of the Temple of Astarte and the Crata Repoa Reformatus. 

The Hermetic Tradition and The Biblical Religions

The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on the relationship of the Hermetic Tradition with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This topic was suggested by one of our listeners who wanted to know "Where does Jesus fit in the Hermetic scheme of things?" A very good question. The Hermetic Tradition interpenetrates, incorporates, may have influenced, and certainly enhances the mystic and philosophical aspects of all three of the great religions --- and especially the tradition of Freemasonry. The Hebrew Kabbalah is especially compatible with Hermetic concepts and Gnostic cosmology. Alexandria in classical times, a hundred years before the "Common Era" saw the birth of the Hermetic tradition, and may even have influenced Jesus -- more so than Buddhism, which was not familiar to the Greco-Roman world. The similarities between Christian and Hermetic philosophy led to the popularity of the Hermetic writings in the early Renaissance, and their brief acceptance by the Roman Church. Christians, Jews, and Sufi Muslims who are not prisoners of their dogma, find no problems working systems such as the Golden Dawn. If one can abide Freemasonry, one can enjoy the Way of Hermes. We will discuss early forms of Christianity that fit well with Hermetic doctrine. And we will discuss Jesus' teachings in relation to Hermetic philosophy -- So, tune in and we'll Witness for Hermes, and -- to quote Reverend Bobby-John: "We'll all be saved!"  

H.P. Lovecraft and The Necronomicon

The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will feature a discussion on the writings of Howard Phillips Lovecraft and their influence on modern magick, especially that of the Kenneth Grant, and Chaos Magick traditions. We will summarize the "Cthulu Mythos" and the history of the fabulous "Necronomicon." Although both are essentially fiction, we will discuss Lovecraft's dream recall method, and the idea, purposed by Kenneth Grant, that Lovecraft actually created  what must now be considered a genuine mythology. Lovecraft's demons, loved and feared by millions, have become as real as those of the Goetia -- at least in the subjective realm of magick. We will recount some humorous episodes involving Necronomicon fabrications, and we will read from the most complete text of the Mad Arab's hellish book, the alleged "John Dee Translation."  So, tune in and shudder at the blasphemous ravings of Abdul Al Hazred.

The 19th Path from Geburah to Chesed - Strength

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 19th Path of the Qabalistic Tree of Life called "Strength." This path laterally connects the Spheres of Geburah, on the Pillar of Severity, with Chesed on the Pillar of Mercy. The Path is attributed to the letter Teth, the Serpent, and the astrological sign of Leo. The Tarot Trump shows a woman gently closing the mouth of a lion. This is a "Key" Path on the Lightning Flash which defines our extended "Middle Pillar" yoga system. Gareth Knight suggests that it represents the initiatory journey of an Adeptus Major (6=5) to Adeptus Exemptus (7=4). Crowley's version of the card was called "Lust" and had the woman riding the beast -- this at least symbolizes one aspect of this path, that of conquering the beast within. The lion symbolism is also astrological and alchemical. The Heart of the Lion being the marker star Regulus in the Golden Dawn sidereal system. This also relates to the Labors of Hercules. This is an important Path and the last one before Da'ath on the Short Path -- so if you want to get ready to make the big jump across the Abyss, tune in and come with us.

The 20th Path from Tiphareth to Chesed - The Hermit

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 20th Path of the Tree of Life. This is the Path that leads from Tiphareth to Chesed and is aptly attributed to the astrological sign Virgo, the Hebrew letter Yod and the Tarot Trump The Hermit. Again our texts will be Gareth Knight's Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism and John Michael Greer's Paths of Wisdom. This particular path is concerned with the issues of personality and individuality in relation to the spiritual ideal of dissolving the ego. In this regard Chesed represents The Garden of Eden, and the Hermit travels the lonely road to recover his/her virgin state of selfless innocence. The alternative to this -- according to Gareth Knight -- is a return to Lemurian black magick, an option which we will also examine for it's symbolic significance. So, if you want to journey beyond the Sun then join us Thursday night.

Unveiling Secrets in "The Tomb of Prester John" Chapters 8 thru 10

It's Thursday May 22nd, 2025 - This is the Hermetic Hour, I'm your host Poke Runyon and tonight we present a dramatic reading from my magical adventure novel "The Tomb of Prester John" - chapters eight thru ten. We take up the story with Doc and Sophie in their Akisar Hotel room after escaping from Theatria's Catacombs. They dismantle the "Lamp of Truth" and use it to decipher the code in Prester John's letter. Their Turkish colleague Colonel Renda arrives and they all proceed on toward Cappadocia where they are captured by the evil genius Victor Paulesque and Khalil ibn Iblis and his terrorists. In the subterranean world of the Troglodytes they all travel together on an underground train and enjoy a dinner which the sinister Paulesque tries to win them over to his Satanic agenda.

The 22nd Path from Tiphareth to Geburah - Justice

The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a panel discussion on the 22nd Path of the Tree of Life, leading from Tiphareth to Geburah. The Path is attributed to the astrological sign Libra, the Scales of Balance, the Tarot Trump "Justice," and the Hebrew and Phoenician letters "Lamed," both representing the Ox Goad -- which has a remarkable symbolism relating to a Biblical-Canaanite mystery we will reveal for the first time. This Path also ends up at the narrow bridge leading to the Castle on the Edge of the Abyss (Geburah). Again we refer to John Michael Greer's "Paths of Wisdom" and Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism." Now, if you want to meet Osiris in the Great Hall of Judgement, remember, like Santa Claus, he has a list of who's been naughty and who's been nice -- so be good for goodness sake!  

The 21st Path from Netsach to Chesed - The Wheel of Fortune

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 21st Path of the Qabalistic Tree of Life, leading from Netsach to Chesed. This is the Path attributed to Jupiter, the Hebrew letter "Kaph", (the Hand), and the Tarot Trump "The Wheel of Fortune." The Sphere of Chesed is also attributed to the Planet Jupiter, making this a very powerful positive combination. We have a unique interpretation of The Wheel of Fortune which also appears in our Crata Repoa initiatory system. Chesed (Jupiter) is appropriately ruled by the Phoenician Father God El (AL) and we place the Phoenician God Dagon in residence. Chesed also relates to Atlantis as the ruling realm of the mythical world. So if you want to go back in time and meet an amphibious ancient astronaut, tune in make the journey with us.

Magick and Hypnosis

On May Ist 2025 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a reading of his 1977-1999 landmark Magical essay:
Magick and Hypnosis. Which first appeared in Llewellyn's magazine GNOSTICA volume 5, number 9, whole number 45 in 1977 and was updated in 1999. This important article has been translated into German and French and has had wide circulation in academic circles. It is a major position paper in modern Hermetics. It is included as a appendix in our recent THE BOOK OF SOLOMON'S MAGICK, SECOND EDITION (2023) So, if you are still not quite sure about  how Hermetic Magick really works then tune in, relax and just listen to my voice.

The Laws of Old

On Thursday April 10th, 2025 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present an essay on The Laws of Old, the channeled credo of ancient Atlantis inscribed on the pillars in the Temple of the Order of the Temple Astarte. These arcane precepts were channeled by Frater Thabion during his Holy Guardian Angle Retreat in 1984 and are in Enochian which is alleged to have been the language of Old Atlantis. These ancient moral principals are all positive assertions. Thou shalts, rather than Thou shalt nots as in the Ten Commandments. They were first revealed in our film BEYOND LEMURIA (2007, published in the booklet that accompanies the film, and delivered by our own V.H. Frater Memnonides as The Master Phylos in the movie; which is still available in a 2014 Second Edition @(PokeRunyon.com) Our essay goes on to discuss the relation of The Laws to the Holy Grail tradition and their origins in Plato's Philosophy. This is the first time we have made mention of The Laws on the the Hermetic Hour so students of our work and philosophy should give this episode special attention.

The 23rd Path from Hod to Geburah - The Hanged Man

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 23rd Path of the Qabalistic Tree of Life, leading from the Sphere of Hod to the Sphere of Geburah on the Pillar of Severity. This Path is attributed to the Element of Water and the Tarot Trump "The Hanged Man." Once again our texts for reference will be Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism" and John Michael Greer's "Paths of Wisdom." We will delve into the history and the mystery of the strange "Hanged Man" and give you our own unique interpretation of its meaning from Greek Mythology. So, if you want to cross stormy seas to Anath's Castle on the Edge of Forever, be sure to join us for another exciting adventure in the Land of Otz Chiim.  

The 24th Path from Netzach to Tiphareth - Death

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 24th Path on the Hermetic Qabalah's Tree of Life. This is the Path attributed to Death, the right hand guardian or gate to Tiphareth, with the Devil on the left side as Path 26. These two gates are considered soul testing challenges to the central Sun, and realm of the Solar Logos represented by Tiphareth. Our texts will be Gareth Knight's Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism and John Michael Greer's Paths of Wisdom. This Path will give us an opportunity to discuss the nature and meaning of Hermetic enlightenment, the concept of individual consciousness being eternal consciousness, and what Eliphas Levi really meant when he wrote: "Death is man's way of conquering immortality." --- So, if you want to live forever, tune in and get a head start on it.  

The 25th Path from Yesod to Tiphareth - Temperance

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Twenty-fifth Path of the Hermetic Qabalistic Tree of Life. This Path goes up the Middle Pillar from Yesod to Tiphareth and has the Tarot Trump "Temperance" attributed to it. Regardie considers it related to the Holy Guardian Angel as your guiding spirit. The astrological reference is Sagittarius and relates to an arrow shot directly upwards. The Hebrew letter is Samech and the traditional reference is "the Tentative Intelligence." Again our texts will be Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism," and John Michael Greer's "Paths of Wisdom." So if you want to keep going up the Tree with us, tune in, close your eyes, and we'll take a shot at the Sun.

The 26th Path from Hod to Tiphareth - The Devil

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon, will present another of our on-going lecture series on the Paths of the Tree of Life. This time we deal with 'The Devil', the Tarot Trump and other relevant symbolic aspects of the Path that leads from Hod, the Mercurial Sphere of the intellect, to Tiphareth, the Solar Sphere of Mystical Transformation and beauty. Once again our primary texts for reference will be Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism" and Israel Regardie's "Garden of Pomegranates" (first edition), so if you want to journey from the laboratory to the temple, and meet the devil on the way, tune in and travel with us from Darkness to Light.

The 27th Path from Hod to Netsach - The Tower

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on the 27th Path of the qabalistic Tree of Life leading from Hod to Netsach, This is the lowest of three cross members uniting opposite pillars on The Tree. Gareth Knight considers it "The main girder of the personality." It connects the sphere of the Intellect with the sphere of Natural Forces, so sparks are bound to fly. The Path is attributed to the planet Mars and the Tarot trump "The Blasted Tower." This prompted Gareth Knight to relate the Path to the mysterious alchemical allegory "The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz;" which he summarizes in the "Practical Guide." So tune in and we will walk the Path to "The House of God."  

The 28th Path from Yesod to Netsach - The Star

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the twenty-eighth Path of the Tree of Life, which leads up from Yesod, realm of the Collective Unconscious of the microcosm, to Netsach, the realm of natural forces of the macrocosm. In the Hermetic Tradition this Path is attributed to Aquarius and the Tarot Trump "The Star," however, Aleister Crowley was moved to interchange The Star with The Emperor. We will discuss his reasons for this and its implications. This is an important symbolic path for neo-pagans and those who venerate The Goddess. So, tune in and we will try to walk this Path both ways.

The 29th Path from Malkuth to Netsach - The Moon

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the symbolism and meaning of the 29th Path of the Qabalistic Tree of Life leading from Malkuth to Netsach. This is the Path of the Moon (Tarot trump) and is a watery route up to the seventh Sphere of Netsach (Venus) which is attributed to the realm of Nature and natural philosophy. Once again our texts will be Dion Fortune's "Mystical Qabalah" and Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism." We will also summarize our own version of this Path as recorded in our special Pathworkings DVD used in our Associate Member Program. In our system the Goddess Astarte resides in the Temple of Netsach and Her divine body contains all the psychic centers (chakras) of the Lightning Flash. So, if you want to get up close and magical with Mother Nature tune in and we'll pay The Goddess a visit.

The 30th Path from Yesod to Hod - The Sun

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 30th Path of the Hermetic-Qabalistic Tree of Life. This is the Path of "Resh" and The Sun, called "The Collective Intelligence." It is the first Path in which we employ "Kusor's Boat," a magical device unique to the O.T.A. derived from ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian myth sources (also inspired by A. Merritt's "Ship of Ishtar"). The Boat enables us to fly over Paths already walked in the astral journeys at the base of The Tree. The Boat is shown in our Pathworking video available to Associate Members. Our text will again be Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism, Vol. 2," and "Adamson's Quest" from THE SEVENTH RAY. This Path leads from Yesod, the Lunar sphere of memory, emotion and astral foundation to Hod, the Sphere of Mercury, reason, science and positive Solar-zodiacal progress. It questions the male and female spiritual perspectives and raises the current debate between techno-industrial progress vs. environmental and eco-centered spiritual philosophies, along with collectivism vs. individualism. So, tune in and find out about star-people and earth people, and why the Hermetic soul is androgynous.
 

The 31st Path from Malkuth to Hod - Judgment

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion of the Thirty-first Path of the Tree of Life from Malkuth to Hod, reviewing its esoteric meaning and symbolism in the Hermetic Qabalah. This is the Path of Fire leading up the Pillar of Severity to the Mercurial Sphere of Hod. Texts for our talk will be Gareth Knight's Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism, Dion Fortune's Mystical Qabalah, and Poke Runyon's Adamson's Quest. We will also review our video presentation of this Pathworking in our DVD offered to Associate Members. So, tune in and "Walk the hot sands" of the Astral Plane.

The Great Secret of the Masons and Rosicrucians

On Thursday March 13th, 2025 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will deliver his 2007 lecture: The Great Secret of the Freemasons and Rosicrucians. Poke is known as Frater Thabion in the Rosicrucian community and is a 32 KCCH in Scottish Rite. This lecture discusses The Lost Word of Masonry, the concept of Deism, the Great I am, the total mystical unity of the Universal Mind and the profound underlying spiritual connection of the world's Abrahamic religions. You can obtain a published copy of The Great Secret in The Seventh Ray Book III available from Pokerunyon.com but listen to this presentation for a full understanding of these philosophical concepts.

The 32nd Path from Malkuth to Yesod - The Universe

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the symbolism and meaning of the Thirty-second Path on the Tree of Life. This lecture will include a review of our special Path Working on this subject which we have recorded for members and associate members. The Tarot symbolism, the relation to Saturn in the Cube of Space, and the traditional qabalistic associations will be covered. Text for this lecture are The Garden of Pomogranets by Israel Regardie and Volume Two of Gareth Knight's Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism. Tune in and start the journey upward.    

Kabbalistic Tree of Life Pathworkings: Guided Tours Through the Astral Plane

The Hermetic Hour will feature a talk by host Poke Runyon on Magical Pathworkings. These are hypnotic guided tours of the astral plane, "inner plane projections," intended to introduce the magical students to deeply significant symbolism from mythology and traditional occult correspondences. The kabbalistic Tree of Life is the road map. The central idea here is that the student confronts the symbol or archetype and receives personal knowledge he or she might not obtain by conscious study. They are astral initiations. We will look at the history of this type of working, the Eastern version that influenced the O.T.A.'s pathworking system, and we will even take you on a mini-pathworking, so you can experience some of the effect. This is an important part of traditional magical lodge instruction that is not well understood. Tune in and take the journey.                                      

Pathworking from Malkuth to Chesed via the Soul Travel Boat

On February 20th, 2025 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will narrate the astral journey or flight from Malkuth to Chesed using our Soul Travel Boat, which enables us to fly over the previously traveled 29th path, and Sphere of Netsach; beyond which lies the Great Wheel of Eternity that takes us back thru the Astrological Ages to the Times of Atlantis where we will meet Dagon the elder god from the Stars. Who shows us how to open our third-eye. This is a magical journey you won't want to miss, so join us on PodBean, or You-Tube and sail the dream-skies of the astral with us. -- Thabion
 

Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot: From Origins to Modern Influence

Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will discuss "Divination for Magicians." We are qualifying this subject to exclude a number of techniques not often used in magick. We will lead off with Tarot, discussing its actual origins, the 19th century "Egyptian origin" myth, how it was thought to be "older than the kabbalah," and its subsequent influence on modern Hermetic "qabalah" -- from Eliphas Levi to Paul Foster Case. We will discuss various Tarot designs, and their particular attributes. We'll move on to Geomancy, discussing its ancient origins, and characteristics -- briefly comparing it to the Chinese I-Ching. We'll be taking calls on this subject, so join us and see what the future holds in store.

Part 2: The Tomb of Prester John, Chapter One

The Hermetic Hour for Thursday October 7th, 2021 -- will feature a dramatic reading of the first chapter of "The Tomb of Prester John" a new magical adventure novel by Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon. The protagonist of the story is the same Indiana Jonesish anthropologist Poke created and portrayed in his film "Beyond Lemuria" where we saw Doc Roland exploring the ruined city of Nan Modal. In this new adventure Roland and his beautiful belly-dancing lady archaeologist Sophie Nasrani, go in search of the fabulous tomb of the legendary medieval priest-king Prester John. They have a 12th century letter written by Prester John to emperor Frederick Barbarossa and an antique magic lantern to decode the script. They know the tomb is located somewhere east of Samarkand but Sophie must evoke the prophetess Jezebel in a full moon ritual dance. Throughout their adventure they are stalked by Sophie's former lover Khalil ibn Iblis, a terrorist who believes he is the reincarnation of Hassan Sabbah and has revived the cult of the Assassins.
As the tale progresses we will air it chapter by chapter on the Hermetic Hour, so if you want to get in at the beginning, tune in tonight and get ready for High Adventure.

Part 1: Tartaria and the Legend of Prester John

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the vast Central Asian kingdom of Tartaria and the medieval legend of Prester John, the mysterious Christian monarch who was said to have ruled a huge empire West of China and to have written letters to the Pope and kings in Europe. Mentioned by Marco Polo and other European travelers to the Orient Prester John  was a political Holy Grail quest for Crusaders seeking allies against the Muslims. But John and his kingdom was never found -- and yet there may have been a Christian king and warlord in Central Asia in medieval times as new historical research and archeology are discovering. In Medieval times the boundaries of Tartaria stretched from China to Eastern Europe; an area defined by the conquests of Genghis Khan and his sons. Only recently have we come to realize that Europeans have been living in Central Asia for thousands of years. Many of the Central Asian tribes and even nations riding under Mongol banners in the middle ages were actually  Caucasian Christians descendants of the ancient Scythians, Armenians and Indo-Europeans. The real history of Central Asia has been suppressed and mistranslated. We will suggest who the real Prester John might have been. So put on your fedora, snap your bullwhip and lets follow the Silk Road to adventure.
Be captivated by the myths and suppressed histories that connect the Scythians, Armenians, and Indo-Europeans to a Euro-Caucasian presence in these ancient lands. Uncover the historical and archaeological discoveries that challenge traditional narratives, and embark on a journey to restore the lost truths about Prester John and the influence of Western civilization in Central Asia.

Part 10: The Quest for Prester John's Tomb Unveils Dangerous Secrets

This is the Hermetic Hour for Thursday February 6th, 2025 -- featuring a dramatic reading of chapters Seven, Eight and Nine of "The Tomb of Prester John" a magical adventure novel by Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon. The protagonist of the story is the same Indiana Jonesish anthropologist Poke created and portrayed in his film "Beyond Lemuria" where we saw Doc Roland exploring the ruined city of Nan Modal. In this new adventure Roland and his beautiful belly-dancing lady archaeologist Sophie Iskandar, go in search of the fabulous tomb of the legendary medieval priest-king Prester John. They have a 12th century letter written by Prester John to emperor Frederick Barbarossa and an antique magic lantern to decode the script. They know the tomb is located somewhere in eastern Turkey but Sophie must evoke the prophetess Jezebel in a full moon ritual dance. Throughout their adventure they are stalked by Sophie's former lover Khalil ibn Iblis, a terrorist who believes he is the reincarnation of Hassan Sabbah and has revived Sabbah’s medieval cult of the Assassins. The first six chapters are already recorded in our archives and will be continuing this year on the Hermetic Hour
 
 

Astral Projection, Soul-Travel and Away We Go!

Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will launch a discussion on what is commonly called "Astral Projection." We will use what we still consider the best occult manual on the subject: "The Art of Astral Projection," by Ophiel, as our starting point. We'll mention path workings (Inner Plane projection) vs. the OOBE, comparing these methods with Tibetan practice (po-wah yoga and throng-jug yogas). Following on Jack London's "Star Rover", we'll examine self-hypnosis and sensory deprivation. We'll mention Monroe and Hemi-Sync, (binaural beats), discuss "Music of the Spheres," and Remote Viewing. Tune in, turn on, and get out!  

The Jesus Myth

On January 23rd the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present an essay "The Jesus Myth" - Christianity's only hope -- which will be a counter argument to the evangelical Christian position that the so-called Jesus Myth based on the Naassene Document, a 1st or 2nd century Gnostic Christian scripture, presenting Jesus as the last of a recurring cycle of dieing Pagan Gods resurrected by Pagan Goddesses such as: Tammuz and Ishtar, Osiris and Isis, Baal and Astarte, Venus and Adonis, etc., culminating in Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The fundamentalists contend that this idea undermines the historical Jesus (they reinforce this by mixing in other Gnostic Christian views that Jesus did not die on the cross, which was not a part of the original Naassene proposition.)
    As Valentinian Gnostic Rosicrucians, we contend that the Jesus Myth as set forth in the Naassene Document is not only valid as scripture, but that it represents Christianity's only hope of survival against its awful record, both Orthodox and Protestant,of exploitation, prejudicial persecution, hypocrisy and patriarchalism. So tune and help us defend our tradition.
Music Credits:
Opening: Seian by Ali Kesanto
Closing: Sneaking Around the Mansion by John Abbot

Magical Fiction and Films

On Thursday the 7th of October, 2010, the Hermetic Hour, hosted by Poke Runyon, will present a lively review of magical fiction and films. We will go from "The Saragossa Manuscript"(1841) through Dion Fortune's "Moon Magic", Somerset Maugham's "The Magician" (novel and film), Chambers "The King in Yellow", Lovecraft's dream cycle, Merritt's lost worlds (that influenced Shaver), Jack Williamson's "Darker than You Think" (Jack Parson's favorite), Clark Ashton Smith dream-maker extraordinary, his imitator Jack Vance (from which we got Dungeons & Dragons), "Valis" by Philip K. Dick -- just to name a few. Then the films: Orson Welles' "Black Magic" on Cagliostro, Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus", Merrian Cooper's "She", "Simon King of the Witches," "What Dreams May Come," "Crowley," and Jodorowsky's "The Holy Mountain." A smorgasbord of mind-benders. Tune in and feast on it!
 

Review of New Shows in 2024 and What Lies Ahead in 2025

On Thursday January 2nd 2025 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will review the new shows we presented in 2024 and discuss what is coming up in 2025. Our host for the past 15 years has been Blogtalkradio. They are shutting down on January 31st, 2025 and so we are moving to PodBean in 2025. Blogtalkradio was a pioneer in podcasting and we owe them thanks for giving us a wonderful outreach tool which has not only brought us many new associate members, but also inspired several other Hermetic podcasters. As our regular listeners know we have been re-broadcasting our shows from 2010 this year for new listeners who missed them. Blogtalkradio.com has archived everything, with abstracts, and those archives will no longer be available after January 31st, 2025. If you want to download a particular show, let's say the Enochian Magick lecture, get it before Blogtalkradio shuts down. Also we will discuss new shows we have in the works and upcoming publications and productions. So tune and stay with us. Happy New Year!

Angel Magick

On September 23rd, 2010 at 8:p.m. the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will lead a discussion on Angel Magick (good spirits too) with an emphasis on crystal ball scrying techniques, training, equipment, and talisman construction and charging. We will discuss the recent books recounting Dr. Thomas Rudd's 17th century work in this field, and relate some experiences we've had in the circle doing this work. This will be call-in night, so have your questions ready on any topic we've covered. Tune in and get Theurgerated, or Thaumatergified.

Magical Astrology

On Thursday evening, September 16th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on magical astrology. We will begin with the prehistoric origin of the Zodiac in the Age of Taurus -- "Bull's Eye Astrology" -- and explain how this began the symbolism of the Zodiacal signs (the 12 Labors of Heracles). We will delve into Alexander's emphasis on Aries, and the establishment of horary astrological doctrine by Ptolemy. We will touch on the Orphic-Hermetic doctrine of the soul's descent and return, the geocentric model still used in Hermetic magick, the Mansions of the Moon, the Decans, and astrology's influence in geomancy, tarot, the Tree of Life, the kabbalah, and alchemy, and the concept of "Elective Astrology." Tune in and get proGnosticated!

”Forbidden Occult” on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi TV

The Hermetic Hour -- for December 12th, 2024with host Poke Runyon will review and discuss the video series "Forbidden Occult" on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi TV which features all four of the documentary Occult productions he wrote and produced for the Church of the Hermetic Sciences, "The Magick of Solomon, The Rites of Magick, Beyond Lemura, and Dark Mirror of Magick". Released as a series by Reality Entertainment. Although all titles are still available separately, the series offers a new generation the opportunity to  view all four of these Occult Classics all in one format.

The Art of Alchemy

On Thursday evening September 9th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour, hosted by Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on the Hermetic art of alchemy, its history, its mystery and its philosophy. Poke does not claim to be an alchemist, and so his presentation will be based on his extensive notes from a seminar on the ancient art taught by the late Hans Nintzel, who was considered one of America's foremost alchemical masters. Our call-in guest will be Art Kunkin, author of "Alchemy Revealed" and the foremost alchemist in Southern California. Tune in and help us find the Philosopher's Stone.

A Tribute to Fred Adams with Jo Carson, Leader of Feraferia

On The Hermetic Hour for September 2nd, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. host Poke Runyon will be joined by Jo Carson for a discussion about the life and work of surrealist painter, poet, Neo-Pagan philosopher and ceremonial magician Frederick Adams. Fred, with his consort Lady Svetlana, founded "Feraferia" in 1969. Feraferia was the first, and still the most elegant, expression of Goddess worshiping, Nature focused, Neo-Pagan religion in America. Jo Carson's recently released film "Dancing With Gaia" features Fred giving instruction in land-form yoga, and also displays his marvelous art work. Fred Adams was certainly a master magician. He and Svetlana recreated the ancient Greek Eleusinian Mysteries and perfected a joyous round of nine Seasonal Ceremonies. There would be no O.T.A. Seasonals without the original inspiration of Feraferia. Tune in on Thursday and connect with this beautiful and vital expression of modern magick.

Kenneth Grant, Austin Osman Spare, and H.P. Lovecraft

On Thursday the 26th of August, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour, hosted by Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on "The Dark Side" of Hermetic magick. We will explore the works of the 20th century's most erudite and accomplished diabolist, Kenneth Grant and his "Typhonian Gnosis", tracing his sources through Crowley, the occult artist Austin Osman Spare, and back to the fin d' secle decadents of the late 19th century. We will touch on Grant's adoption of the "Cthulhu Mythos" of fantasy writer H. P. Lovecraft and his fictional "Necronomicon." We will read deliciously evil snippets from Grant's books, and our own lovingly crafted satire "Beyond the Nostrils of Nuit" from the forthcoming Seventh Ray. This really ought to be our Halloween show. Tune in and we'll descend into the Tunnels of Set.

The ”Why” of Magick

On this Friday the 13th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. (Templar Memorial Day) The Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will lead a discussion on Hermetic Philosophy, from ancient Alexandria through the Renaissance, and into the modern era. We will look at the early work of Empedocles and Pythagoras, the Pomander and the Asclepius, the Emerald Tablet, and the Chaldean Oracles. We will consider the Gnostic connection, and how the kabbalah arose from Greek, Assyrian, and Gnostic roots, and how it joined with Hermeticism in the Renaissance. We will establish why astrology is so important in the magical art. Most importantly we will look for The Great Secret of Hermetic-kabbalistic philosophy. This is the "Why" of Magick. This is the Holy Grail that we search for. This is the reason we dedicate our lives to an art that destroys the fools, and makes the wise immortal. I doubt that you have ever heard anything like this before. Tune in and we will open the pathway to enlightenment. Nosce te Ipsum -- Tu es Deus. Remember: this week we are on Friday evening, not Thursday. Please call in "on the topic."

Magical Pathworkings

This Thursday, August 5th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour will feature a talk by host Poke Runyon on Magical Pathworkings. These are hypnotic guided tours of the astral plane, "inner plane projections," intended to introduce the magical students to deeply significant symbolism from mythology and traditional occult correspondences. The kabbalistic Tree of Life is the road map. The central idea here is that the student confronts the symbol or archetype and receives personal knowledge he or she might not obtain by conscious study. They are astral initiations. We will look at the history of this type of working, the Eastern version that influenced the O.T.A.'s pathworking system, and we will even take you on a mini-pathworking, so you can experience some of the effect. This is an important part of traditional magical lodge instruction that is not well understood. Tune in and take the journey.

Behind Beyond Lemuria

On the upcoming episode of The Hermetic Hour for July 29th, 2010, host Poke Runyon will discuss the background behind the 2007 cult film "Beyond Lemuria" which he wrote and produced for C.H.S. Productions. Beyond Lemuria is a feature length science fiction/occult drama that was filmed in the ancient ruins of Nan Madol in the Pacific, inside an O.T.A. temple in Pasadena, high on the slopes of Mt. Shasta, and deep in the lava caverns under America's holy mountain. The film features leading occult figures in the roles of the Mt. Shasta Avatars. Lon Milo DuQuette takes the role of Hermes Trismegistus, Paul Clark is the Master Jesus, Merrick Hamer is Phylos of Atlantis, and Frater Solomon is Samyaza, the Fallen Angel from "The Book of Enoch." The dark side of the drama involves "The Shaver Mystery," a 1940s revelation of a secret underground realm of Atlantean-Lemurian survivors who possess the super-scientific weapons of the ancients. These evil "Deros" offer their secrets to the black magicians in the film, while the white magicians (played by the same actors) seek the wisdom of the ancients up on the Holy Mountain. Beyond Lemuria is available on DVD from Amazon, and is occasionally shown to select audiences; most recently at Hop Louie's bar and restaurant in L.A.'s Chinatown for a group of college art students. Tune in and get a "behind the scenes" run down on a controversial cult classic.

The Picatrix

At eight p.m this Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 the Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will answer your call-in questions on our last show about European magus Franz Bardon. In between calls we will discuss the oldest, most famous (or infamous) of magical grimoires, "The Aim of the Sage", more popularly known as Picatrix" (Picatrix, not pick-up-sticks, and other books of dirty tricks!) This once forbidden tome ( at least in English ) is now available, translated from both the Arabic and the Latin medieval texts. We will discuss the Harranian Sabian contribution, and the Spanish connection--and if this sounds like Greek, it's that too. So tune in and find out how to get scorpions to sting themselves, and how to grow smart plants from human skulls, along with some profound Hermetic philosophy, and astrology that fights back.