The Hermetic Hour

The Whispering Swarm, by Michael Moorcock

On April 16th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will review the new semi-biographical novel by fantasy grandmaster Michael Moorcock "The Whispering Swarm." This remarkable book should be of special interest to magicians and Hermetic students. Moorcock is the modern heir to the mantles of J.R.R. Tolkien, and Robert E.Howard. His fiction is deeply magical and steeped in Hermetic lore. The Whispering Swarm is somewhat experimental. His protagonist is himself and he tells his life story up to his passage from adolesence into adulthood through the entrance into a secret enclave in the multiverse, inhabited by historical and fictional characters he has read about. Raised in London during and after WWll, he discovers an ancient hidden medieval village called the Alsacia, or The Sanctuary, inhabited by magical monks in an old Abbey, a tavern full of swashbuckling cavaliers, including the Musketeers from Dumas and a glamorous Hughwaywoman called Molly Midnight. He also lives in the real world, having a wife and children and a job as an editor, but is driven to escape into The Sanctuary by the tumult of Whispering voices in his head (the Swarm). Most importantly it explores Moorcock's two warring personalities in emotional spiritual and political conflict. He is a romantic at heart and an agnostic socialist in intellect -- so he fights to save King Charles from Cromwell's Ax because his cavalier heroes need his abilities to walk between the worlds. One wonders all through the book, just how much of the fantasy is real, or a metaphor for reality. So, if you want to visit an adult's Land of Oz then follow us through the London fog to the hidden gates of the Sanctuary and we'll find the Swan with Two Necks tavern for a shant of ale and an hour of High Magical Adventure.
 

The Illuminati Revisited -- ”The Secret School of Wisdom”

On Thursday April 2nd, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will review and discuss the newly published book "The Secret School of Wisdom" Authentic rituals and doctrines of the Illuminati edited by Joseph Wages, Rienhard Markner and translated by Jeva Singh Anand. Host Poke Runyon (Marion Roland) will be joined by his fellow Beyond Lemuria stars Merrick Rees Hamer (Master Phylos) and Frater Solomon (Samyaza) in our discussion of the various aspects of the Bavarian Illuminati: their Masonic infiltration, Christian-based socialist ideology, and conspiratorial agenda. We will discuss Adam Weishaupt's mysticism and contradict some previously held opinions about his atheism. We will discuss his relation with Baron von Knigge and some of the later individuals and organizations influenced by the Illuminati -- so If you want to immanenitize the eschaton (whatever that means) tune in and be illuminated.

The Universal Master Key by Franz Bardon

On Thursday March 26th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a review of the new book:
"The Universal Master Key" alleged to be a newly discovered manuscript
by the late Franz Bardon. This book is actually a reconstructed series
of lectures by Bardon to his students on mastering and balancing the
four Hermetic elements in the personality as set forth in the first
section of his book Initiation into Hermetics. The texts of the lectures
are rewritten from a collection of class notes by the students and
rendered in Bardon's writing style by his publisher and editor Dieter
Ruggeberg. The book is published by Faulks Books which mistakenly
represents it on the internet as taken from a "newly discovered
manuscript by Franz Bardon." However it does not appear to be entirely a
hoax. If Dieter wrote the entire book, he has at least mastered Bardon's
style and philosophic attitudes. The book is certainly worth a place in
a Magician's Bardon collection. It is very moralistic and sermonizing in
tone with a strong emphasis on ethics and spiritual integrity. It has
its short-comings. It was supossed to be organized according to the
qualities of each element but he seems to go off the track into a
general discussion on how to live and die well in this and higher worlds
-- so if want to revisit the Bardonian internal tetragrammaton process,
tune in and we will go to Hermetic Sunday school with Reverand Franz.
Next week we revisit the Bavarian Illuminati.
 

Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick Interviews Poke Runyon

On Thursday March 19th, 2015 Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick, a distinguished
Hermetic healer and broadcaster of her own magically related podcasts,
also an associate member of the Church of the Hermetic Sciences since
2011, will share with us her recent interview with the Hermetic Hour
host Poke Runyon. This interview is very similar to last week's
biographical interview we did with Merrick Rees Hamer. Poke told Dr.
Claire that she got him to remember things that he thought he had
forgotten, we will preface the interview with a short biographical
introduction to Claire and her work and her equally distinguished
life partner and colleague, Masonic scholar and Alchemist Ariel Malachi
Sirocco, also an associate member of CHS. So tune in and find out what
our East Coast folks are doing and enjoy the secrets she managed to coax
out of old Frater Thabion.
 

Merrick Rees Hamer The Magical Mason

On Thursday March 12th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon,
will have as its honored guest Merrick Rees Hamer a leading Masonic
ritualist and lecturer in California, a master story-teller, talented
musician, and a leader in the Golden Dawn Rosicrucian Magical
tradition. Merrick is also a classical actor having portrayed "The
Master Phylos" and his evil counterpart "Magister Abaddon" in the Church
of the Hermetic Sciences Production of "Beyond Lemuria" filmed at Mt.
Shasta in 2006 and recently re-released in a second edition. He is also
a leading officer in the Church and in its magical fraternal order the
O.T.A. Merrick will give us a history of his creative and esoteric
interests and accomplishments. So if you would like to spend an hour or
so with a modern master of traditional magick and the arts related to
it: music, drama, and poetic expression, then join us and be inspired.
 

The Multiverse and Chaosphere from Michael Moorcock

On Thursday March 5th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
have a discussion on the magical heroic fantasy fiction of British
literary lion Michael Moorcock. Moorcock. Although Moorcock did not coin
the term Multiverse he did much to popularize it in his Elric of
Melnibone series. H.G. Wells used it in Men like Gods, and Richard
Shaver's Red Dwarf called it the "Simultane." Parallel Worlds is perhaps
the best description of it. What Moorcock did coin was the "Chaosphere"
that mace-like symbol of the black ball with eight spearheads emerging
that was adopted by Peter Carroll as the symbol for their Chaos Magick
system. Moorcock's literary concept of the Chaos world is presented as
an ocean of swirling colors and energies dashing against the cliffs of
his fantasy world -- and periodically invading and claiming lands ruled
by the Lords of Law. The Lords of Chaos, one of which is Elric's patron,
play a constant game with men as the pawns. Moorcock was perhaps
influanced by Vance's Cudgel, to create his anti-hero The Albino
ex-emperor Elric of Melnibone, who struggles to overcome the sociopathic
heritage of his race and finally secumbs to it under the influence of
his black-magick sword which is a vampiric weapon with a evil mind of
its own. This was a perfect fictional character for the darkness that
followed the era of the flower children, a presage of the current goth
and black metal fads. Moorcock describes himself as an anarchist and is
a controversial literary figure in Britain. He is presently writing a
Dr. Who novel, his first using someone else's character. So if you want
to discover the magick of Michael Moorcock tune in and we'll navigate
the multiverse.
 

An Hour with Magus & Folksinger Lon Milo DuQuette

On Thursday February 26th, 2015 our very special guest will be philosopher, author, Magus, songwriter, and folksinger Lon Milo DuQuette. Lon will discuss his latest books "Homemade Magick" from Llewellyn, and as editor: "Horror and the Occult" from Weiser. He will also invite us all to hear him in concert at the MTG recording
studio in Mission Viejo, California this Saturday night. So if you want to catch up on the latest doings and offerings from one of America's most creative and talented magicians, be sure to listen in.
 

Hieronymus Bosch vs. The Spanish Inquisition

On Thursday February February 12th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host
Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the late medieval Dutch
surrealist painter Hieronymus Bosch whose remarkable works have not yet
become the secret code behind a Dan Brown novel (hint Bro. Dan) but
would certainly provide a great background for such a story. His most
famous work "The Garden of Earthly Delights" is a phantasmagoria a of
bizarre and nightmarish symbolism. Which scholars relate to the Gonostic
sect of the Adamites -- a cult of mystic nudists who were trying to
recreate the Garden of Eden. Super Catholic Spain had taken over the
Netherlands in those days and the Inquisition was burning the Dutch
Adamites as fast as Bosch could paint them but the King of Spain was
Bosch's biggest fan, which probably kept Bosch alive.So you can look at
some great Bosch graphics on your computer while you listen to us
recount the tale of the Devil's painter.
 

Dan Brown’s ”Inferno” and Transhumanism

On Thursday February 5th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion on the recent Dan Brown novel "Inferno" and
the the cult of Transhumanism that it seems to advocate. This is a
highly controversial subject and deals with issues that are deeply
challenging from a moral and ethical position. We will also go back to
an earlier novel by H.G. Wells "Men like Gods" which deals with the same
issues and projects a genetically perfected future utopia that seems to
be the goal of the transhumanists. We will compare this form of human
elitism with the process of Hermetic self development and ask ourselves
which way we would rather follow to become "more than human?" So tune in
and find out what's coming in the next 100 years.
 

Old Testament Pseudepigrapha - Melchizedek & Solomon

On Thursday January 29th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion and review on a newly published collection of
Old Testament pseudepigrapha (apocryphal works) edited by Bauckham,
Davila and Panayotov from Erdmans. What makes this 800 page doorstopper
of particular interest to us is "The Legend of Melchizedek" and
Solomon's Hygromancy which is very similar to the medieval Greater Key
of Solomon and may be a later version of the Key's original source. Poke
will be joined by Biblical scholar Frater Solomon who first discovered
this very interesting publication and brought it to our attention. So if
you want to hear about some strange old magical manuscripts that have
just come to light, tune in and we'll delve into this collection.
 

Hermetic Magical Ethics

On Thursday January 22nd, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion on Hermetic Magical Ethics. This will be
somewhat controversial in that we will examine the ethical aspects of
Hermetic philosophy in comparison to Christianity and other Gnostic
variations including Crowley's Thelema and Golden Dawn Rosicrucianism.
We will also question the merits of egalitarian collectivism compared to
the American/Masonic work ethic and personal responsibility standards.
We will review our newly adopted Code of Conduct for members of our
magical lodges and explain some of the reasons for establishing these
guidelines. So if you want to know how well-behaved and nice to each
other magicians ought to be, tune in and we will give you our Golden Rules.
 

Action Adventure Novels and Stories by Poke Runyon

On Thursday January 15th, 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a review and reprise of the host's own writing career as a
novelist, short story writer and screenwriter. After three years in the
Army most in Special Forces, Poke started off in 1965 with Night Jump -
Cuba 1965 followed by Commando X in 1967 and a series of underwater
adventure stories in ARGOSY magazine, on to Hollywood and a short stint
as a screenwriter before getting a real job as a designer and technical
illustrator for Shelby American and on to a career as an industrial artist.
Eventually publishing his own fiction with Drell Master 2001 and From
the Tower of Darkness in 2002 So if you enjoy macho action adventure
stories or ever did, tune in and find out what old Frater Thabion writes
about other than magick.
 

Parzival, The Hermetic Grail Romance

On January 8th, 2015 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 Valentinean 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.

Canaanite Mythology in Magick

On New Years Day 2015 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion on the importance of Canaanite/Phoenician mythology
in Magick and magical Qabalah and in Solomonic ceremonial magick. We
will explore how it can relate to Alchemy, astrology, and Hermetic
Solarism. We will discuss the Alchemical symbolism of our Cannanite
Seasonal rites and the relation of Canaanite Gods and Goddesses to the
Sumerian and classical Greek Pantheons. So if you want to explore what
lies behind the myth of Solomon being the Master Magician, tune in and
we'll introduce you to the real "oldest religion".

Books and Films that Inspired the O.T.A.

On Christmas night December 25th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke
Runyon will present a special program in which Frater Thabion, your host
and the founder of the Order of the Temple of Astarte, will trace the
books and films that influenced and inspired him to create and develop
his unique American system of Magick. I grew out of the Oz books and
graduated to the Mars books (John Carter) then into a teenage
fascination with Richard Shaver's hi-tech Lemurian survivor stories. I
will go to my 1950s early college days watching films such as Jean
Cocteau's Orpheus, and Orson Welles Black Magic (on Cagliostro and
Mesmer) and move on through to a study of Voodoo in line with my
Caribbean adventurer-fiction writer persona. The Saragossa Manuscript
for Kabbalah and mirror magick, Graves The White Goddess. Then my
illness which I tried to cure with self-hypnosis. This led to a serious
study of hypnosis along with Tibetan Tantra (Evans-Wentz) and finally
Western Magick. Mastering the Goetia with the mirror method led to
Jungian psycho-philosophy and the study of anthropology culminating in a
Master's Degree in the subject from California State University. During
this program I created the modern Hermetically oriented Neo-Canaanite
Seasonal ceremonies for our magical order The Temple of Astarte, The
main purpose of our Goetia was to bring up and reestablish the Secret
Goddess of old King Solomon himself. We use the 1770 Hermetic-Masonic rite of Crata Repoa as a structure for our system and I will discuss the sources behind this. Perhaps some of these books and teachings will help others to understand our perspective on the Western Tradition and what we expect to
accomplish by what we call The Great Work.

The CHS/OTA Mission Statement

On Thursday December 18th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Mission Statement of the Church of the Hermetic Sciences and the Ordo Templi Astartes. This is one of the topics that was discussed at our last Board of Director's Meeting as especially important with our membership increasing and new lodges begin opening around the country. In the magical community we are known as the folks that know how to make ritual magick work, but that in itself is not enough of a reason for people to join us unless they simply want to learn our techniques and methods to use for their own purposes. Frankly, that is not what we are here for and we are not teaching magick so that it can be misused. We consider magick to be a system of mental and spiritual development that leads to what we refer to as enlightenment -- which we define as a close personal relationship with God. We follow a pattern of hermetic mytho-philosophy born in Alexandria in the first century and perfected by the Renaissance neo-platonic/hermetic magi in 14th-15th-16th century Europe culminating in the Rosicrucian tradition. We combine paganisn, Qabalah, astrology and alchemy in line with Jungian psychology in a neo-romantic Quest for the Holy Grail based on a linage of eternal goddesses and dying gods from the time of Melchizedek to the beginnings of Christianity. So, if you have wondered just why we do what we do and where we are going with it, tune in and be enlightened.
 

The Lost Gospel, by Jacobivici and Wilson

On Thursday December 4th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with Host Poke Runyon
will review and discuss the latest controversial book attempting to prove a marriage between Jesus and Mary the Magdalene: "The Lost Gospel" by Simcha Jacobovici and Barrie Wilson. This is basically a reinterpretation of an ancient text, the elaborated story of Joseph and Aseneth from Genesis seen as a coded allegory for Jesus and Mary the Magdalene being married and having a family. They make some very good arguments for this interpretation. Apparently this is not a new idea but this "Lost Gospel" has been speculated as a coded text for hundreds of years. We find it particularly important because it lines up with the
Nassaene Hippolytus document behind our conception of the secret Holy Grail history suggested in From Ritual to Romance. Frater Solomon discovered a link from The Lost Gospel to the Crata Repoa that I find is quite significant. It also seems that Mary the Magdalene (Mary the Lady of the Tower) may have been known to the original Rosicrucians. So if you want to get a Hermetic view on "The Lost Gospel" tune in and we will start decoding.
 

Listener’s Night - Let’s Hear from You

This Thursday November 20th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will have a call-in night for our regular listeners. We are on the air from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm pacific time. Our call in number is: 347 857 1830 so give us a ring and ask about anything we've covered on the air or suggest new topics for us to present. We have been putting out a great deal of interesting magical and occult material latley and we need to know what you think about it. So let's hear from you. We'll try to have our regular guests on also that's Fraters Osiris and Heracles. So it will be a sort of Hermetic chat room.

The Chakras and The Book of Revelation

On Thursday November 13th the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion on the relationship between the mystic roses or chakras of yoga with the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation in the Bible. This is of special interest to Rosicrucians and the Rosicrucian tradition in our own Inner Order the O.R.C. We will follow the order of the Seven branch candlestick as does the Golden Dawn but we will mention other arrangements, such as suggested by James Pryce (1910) in Apocalypse Unsealed and his current immitator: Zachary Landsdowne, author of "The Revelation of Saint John" (2006). Revelation has been the cornerstone of Christian mystical texts since the first century of the common era. So if you want to discover what those Seven Seals are hiding then tune in
and let's open them up.
 

The O.T.A. does SOMA in Austin and 4th Degrees in Atlanta

On Thursday November 6th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will report on our visit to Austin Texas' Avalon Lodge and participation
in the recent S.O.M.A. magical conference there along with initiations
and our Mot Mass.  The next week we were off to visit Atlantis Lodge
in Atlanta Georgia there to deliver a lecture at the Atlanta Masonic
Center, do another Mot Mass (our Halloween cermony honoring our
ancestors) and confer fourth degree Ordo Rosae Crucis initiations on
our Texas and Georgia Lodge Masters. Very. Honored. Fraters Heracles
Avalon and Osiris Atlantis will both be our call-in guests. Their
hospitality in Texas and Georgia was wonderful and for V.H. Sor. Zandria
and myself it was more like an extended vacation than a fraternal
business trip although we all worked hard to make all these events
successful and rewarding. Members came from all over the United States
to help and participate. We thank you all and consider ourselves honored
by your support. It was a magical adventure we will remember always, so
if you want to catch up on our nation-wide progress be sure to tune in
and be informed.

Hermetic Yoga - Beyond the Middle Pillar

On Thursday October 16th the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present an advance review on his forthcoming book Hermetic Yoga Beyond
the Middle Pillar this is a new offering from CHS/OTA that has been a
long-time in the works. The yoga system described and brought to life in
this book has been practiced by the O.T.A. since 1975 and is an
extension of Israel Regardie's Golden Dawn Middle Pillar exercise
following the Lightning flash going down the spheres from Kether to
Malkuth forming a complete straight line chakra system similar to the
Hidhu system of Laya Yoga, In this case the Spheres of the Tree of Life
are the planets within. this system traces its origin to two German
Rosicrucian mystics Jacob Bohme and Johann Gitchel. The late Frederick
Adams of Feraferia was also working on a similar system and an essay of
his is included Adams also provided the beautiful cover art depicting a
Goddess in the stars. Also included is an essy by Frater Osiris (Michael
S. Downs) linking Hermetic Yoga to The Chemical wedding of Christian
Rosencrutz via Johann Gitchel' s spiral path of the planets in his
natural man drawing which is one of the keys to the Hermetic Yoga
conception. The book will be followed with a deck of Yoga cards which
will enable the practitioner to carry the system in his pocket for
meditation and study. This is going to be a great aid to magick and
spiritual development and provides a vital resource that Western
magicians have needed for centuries. Now we can call on the Gods within
and exercise all of the powers that our oriental colleagues have called
upon for centuries. So if you want to get a head start on the latest
magical tools of empowerment tune in and we'll start warming up for the
session.
 

The Mysterious Naassene Document from Hippolytus

On Thursday October 9th 2014 the hermetic hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the mysterious Naassene document featured in Hippolytus's influential refutation of all brassieres. Everybody loves a secret document especially if it is ancient and reveals secrets, and the good bishop Hippolytus had a real doozie in his purported Naassene Gnostic sermon, which forms chapter five of his marvelous refutation of all heresies which before Nag Hammadi yielded much of our knowledge of what the Gnostics were actually preaching. This Naassene Gnostic sect is according to the good bishop venerating the cosmic serpent hydra draco et all there are several. but they are mainly trying to do is equate the Christian passion and resurrection with a series of ancient dying gods from Osiris Persephone to Adonis Phoenician and Attis Anatolian and establish Jesus as the last of the year kings or green men of antiquity. Fortunately Hippolytus provides us with a full transcript of his copy like Beowulf his original has suffered rewrite by both Jewish and Christian editors in attempts like making Grendal a descendant of Cain to add Old testament prophecy and New Testament symbolism into the otherwise pagan dying god theme.The Naassene document has influenced many modern occult writers For us in the O.T.A. the main inspiration for our seasonal ceremonies besides the Ras Shamrah tablets was Jessie Weston's From Ritual to Romance (1920) which owes much to the Naassenes. So if you want to find out where the Holy Grail's first holy blood came from tune in and we'll open the old bishop's secret book.

Salome’s Dance of the Seven Veils - an Ancient Ritual

On Thursday October 2nd, 2014 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!"
 

The Orphic Hymns - Magick’s Oldest Liturgy

On Thursday September 25th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion of The Orphic Hymns which are the Western
Esoteric Tradition's oldest liturgy. These hymns to the planets, the gods and goddesses, the stars and all aspects of ancient Greek mythology were used by the Orphic sect before the Golden Age of Greece, in the days of Pythagoras, to guide the dead souls on their spiritual journey up through the celestial spheres and into the realm of the zodiac and beyond. This was a special and separate aspect of Greek mysticism which had its influence on Pythagoras`, the Gnostics, the Mythraites, and the Italian Renaissance Hermetics. Most rectently Christopher Warnock has included the hymns in his "Planetary Magick." We will concentrate on the 18th century Thomas Taylor translation -- which we use -- and read a Robert Graves poem combining a number of Orphic memorials into a
connected instruction which may have played some part in the Elusinian
Mysteries. So. if you want to know what that strange stuff they sing to harp music accompaniment at the beginning of Seasonals, then tune in and we'll take you back three thousand years.
 

Gnostic Christian Marcus - the First Rosicrucian?

On Thursday September 18th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion on the career and contributions of Marcus the Valentinian (died 175 a.d.). Marcus was as much a Hermetic as he was a
Gnostic Christian. The Church Fathers accused him of being more Pythagorean than Christian. He was the developer of the Soma Sophia system of celestial Greek qabalah which we have decoded and perfected (see The Seventh Ray, Book III ) and, according to Kiren Barry Marcus had an influence of the creation of the later Sepher Yetzirah. Marcus developed some of the basic concepts of what became the qabalah. Marcus was a Phonecian, influenced by the earlier Samaritan Simon Magus. Like Simon Marcus had a Priestess whom he venerated as an equal. He gave communion with his priestess by his side and turned water into wine at the altar. The early Church Fathers considered this blasphemous.
Marcus's cult spread from the Middle East to Southern France in the days
before Constantine force-reformed Christianity. So, if you want to explore the most ancient origins of what we call "The Western Tradition," then tune in and we will spend an hour with a man who may have been the first Rosicrucian.

The Chemistry of Alchemy by Cobb, Fetterolf, and Goldwhite

On Thursday September 11th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will review the new book "The Chemistry of Alchemy" by three chemists Cathy Cobb, Monty Fetterolf and Harold Godwhite. The authors are all chemists and chemistry teachers, but they have a fond affection for Alchemy and reveal the Art as their hobby. This is a one-of-a-kind book: an introduction to practical laboratory Alchemy through history from a scientific perspective so that the student learns what alchemical terms really mean ( for instance Mercury can mean any metal in liquid or molten form, and Sulfur is any sulfide) and what the old alchemists were
trying to do and how they actually tried to do it -- and in some cases did it. The book is filled with fascinating experiments that the apprentice can try in his or her kitchen laboratory with the professional chemists' emphasis on safety and with safer substitutes for dangerous materials such as real mercury. They even have a recipe for making what some alchemists thought was The Philosopher's Stone. You will also learn how to make "alchemical gold" good enough to have gotten
you buried alive or burned at the stake in the Middle Ages. Although the authors retain their scientific perspective they have profound respect for the genuine accomplishments of The Art and its venerable adepts. This book is a must-have for anyone who aspires to be a modern alchemist. -- So tune in and we will spend an hour in the laboratory with modern masters of the ancient Art.
 

Shamgar, the Phoenician Judge of Israel

On Thursday September 4th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion on Shamgar, son of the Canaanite War Goddess Anath "who killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad and saved Israel "(over a hundred years before Samson) and became a Judge (ruler of all the tribes) of Israel. Shamgar's story is briefly told in the Biblical Book of Judges. Beyond that lies the realm of myth and legend in which it is suggested that Shamgar was a Phoenician pirate called "Tekheleth Tholi." The Purple Dragon based in Tyre and sent by King Abi Milki to aid the Israeites against the Philistines. He joins the host of the Hebrew Judge Ehud, and marries his daughter Jael, who eventually tries to kill him. His ox goad is said to have been a magical weapon forged by
the blacksmith Tubal Cain. The legend is perpetuated in the Gnostic Christian tradition of Marcus from whom we get the Greek Qabalah. Shamgar's exploits should be considered symbolic rather than historic, like the story of Hiram Abiff in Masonry or the Labors of Hercules in Phoenician and Greek astrological lore. If you want to return to the days when Gods and Giants walked the earth, tune in and we'll evoke the shade of Shamgar.
 

Maitreya McClendon Wexler -Avatrix of the Universal Goddess

On Thursday August 28th, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. the Hermetic Hour with host
Poke Runyon will present an interview with one of the New Age's most
enchanting and inspiring spiritual personalities Maitreya McClendon
Wexler. Maitreya was a famous model on the fashion scene, cover girl and
glamorous diva who married a man of great power and influence in the
entertainment industry. With the resources to support her world-wide
quest for spiritual truth from a feminist perspective she traveled from
the Far East to the Amazon seeking the wisdom of the masters to support
her vision of the Divine Feminine -- not the feminine of the anti-female
feminists here at home, but the true power and beauty of the Eternal
Female archetype. Those of us involved with Feraferia can easily
understand this and will relate to Maitreya's vision of the Goddess. She
has collected a marvelous film record of her spiritual adventures which
we can view, and has written and published several books on her vision.
She has established resource centers where like-minded and hearted souls
can come together to study and meditate with her. So, if you would like
to meet her and share an hour with her discussing her experiences and
her offerings to us, tune in and be enchanted.
 

When an Esoteric Society Becomes a Cult

On Thursday August 21st, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Pacific time the Hermetic
Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the historical
development of "cultism" in esoteric societies, staring with Baron von Hund's Masonic Strict Observance in the mid 1700s, which in turn influenced Wisehaupt's Illuminati, Blavatsky's Theosophy and even The Golden Dawn with their "Secret Chiefs" and more modern groups we will tactfully leave unmentioned.This is an important issue because the paradigm that began with Strict Observance and was adapted by Blavatsky has since been applied to any esoteric group that has an initiatory structure. So if you want to find out what was and what is behind esoteric cultism, tune in and we will lift the veil.

The Traveling Temple - Initiations on The Road

On Thursday August 14th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a report on our East Coast initiations and how two officers can, with preparation on both ends, actually confer, rather than communicate, both First and even Second Degree initiations upon qualified candidates in other States. This subject is particularly important in light of our recent growth and the inquiries we receive regarding active membership from people in other States and Canada. So if you want to learn how to invite the traveling Temple to your home, tune in and we'll give you a preview.
 

Feraferian Lammas Celebration with Jo Carson

On Thursday, August 7th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a report on the August 2nd Feraferian Lugnasad (Lammas) ceremony that Soror Zandria and Frater Thabion attended as guests of Lady Jo Carson, Avatrix of Feraferia, and her husband John presented at their woodland-surrounded home north of San Francisco, California. The Lugnasad ceremony is described in Fred Adams' "Nine Royal Passions of the Year" as: "The Festival of Fruiting and Beginning of Harvest. The meanderings of the Honeymoon as fruits in scented groves ripen, the breasts of the Goddess swell." Our special guest will be Lady Jo herself who will give us a more profound and intimate description of the event in its idyllic forest setting. Feraferia is the oldest, most elegant and sublime expression of American Neo-Pagan, Goddess centered nature religion. If you are new to this tradition, or if you are already attuned to its enchantment, be sure to join us. 
 

The Magick of the O.T.A. from Gnostica 1977

On Thursday July 24th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a reading of his 1977 article in Gnostica No. 44, "The Magick of
the O.T.A." This article described the philosophy, structure and activities of the Order thirty-seven years ago. You may be surprised to discover how long some of our advanced programs have been operative, such as our unique Hermetic Yoga system, our Celestial Magick Vault and our Magical journal The Seventh Ray. The article is short enough for the author to informally update the information given out at that time. So, if you want to learn where we were and what we did back then, and how we have evolved in the intervening years, tune in and be enlightened.
 

The O.T.A. Method of Astral Time Travel

On Thursday Juky 17th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion on the Order of the Temple of Astarte's unique method of Astral Time Travel. We first conceived and developed this method back in the early 1970s as an outgrowth of our Pathworking program. It has much in common with remote viewing in that a "target area" and, in our case, a time in the past, is selected and mapped. Then a celestial reference point and distance in light years is selected. This data is absorbed and studied. For example: if we want to visit ancient Alexandria (one of our favorite tours) we consult archaeological books with accurate graphic recreations to set the general environment at the time. We can use the overhead mirror or the Soul Door as our launch portal. We can use Kusor's Boat if we are launching through the Soul Door. In either case we will use a constellation rather than a Tattwa for a concentration point on the mirror. This is a second degree practice because previous Pathworking experience is required for it to be effective. It is a deep trance activity and can produce significant results. The more precise, well documented and prepared these operations are, the more impressive they will be. So if you want to read lost books in the Great library you
should at least know what ancient Greek looks like. Tune in and we'll take you on a very long journey. 

The Chemical Wedding, Alchemy, and Hermetic Yoga

On Thursday July 10th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
continue our discussion of the Western psychic center (chakra) arrangement established by Boehme and Gitchel based on the Qabalah in relation to the Eastern (an adopted Western) sequence based on Alchemy. Again our guest will be Frater Osiris. We will look at the Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkrutz and conjecture what the secret "Key" to its symbolism might be. We will examine David Goddard's "Tower of Alchemy" in relation to these themes and attempt to reconcile the practice of both systems. This will be an exploratory symposium which may generate as many questions as it answers, but we at least promise to
stimulate your mind -- so tune in and we will at least try to define the mysteries even if we cannot solve them.
 

Jacob Boehme, Johann Gitchel, and the Western Chakras

On Thursday July 3rd, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion and readings by the host from his forthcoming book
"Hermetic Yoga, Beyond the Middle Pillar." This will be an important
advance preview in our series on modern Hermetic practical magick. We
will trace the concept and the development of this tantric yoga of the
West from its origins in Ancient Alexandria starting with the
Orphic-Pythagorean "Music of the Spheres" through the astrological Soma
Sophia and the Alchemical "Ladder of Metals." We will show how the
blending of the Hebrew Kabbalah, with its Tree of Life and Adam Kadmon
concepts, into the Rosicrucian Hermetic expression led German mystics
Jacob Boehme and his follower Johann Gitchel to conceive of a Western
chakra arrangement similar to that used in the East. A short version of
this technique survived as the Golden Dawn's "Middle Pillar" ritual. Now
we can reconstruct and operate the full system. So if you want to bring
power down the Lightning Flash and activate all your mystic roses in the
Western manner, tune in and we'll raise the Dragon.
 

Abraham Merritt, the Grand Master of Magical Fantasy

On Thursday June 26th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion on the magical aspects of Abraham Merritt's (1884 -
1943) novels and stories of exotic fantasy adventure. Merritt was a
highly respected journalist who wrote his colorful tales of the occult
and the bizarre for his own pleasure and not as pot-boilers for the
pulps even though ARGOSY and other pulps were his main outlet. His work
had the quality of literature and the mytho-folkloric erudition of a
Robert Graves. Merritt had a library of over 5000 books on myth,
folklore and the occult. His tales of lost cities, ancient secret cults
and strange other-worldly phenomenon are unparalleled in beauty and
imagination. His "People of the Pit" (1917) was a profound influence on
H.P. Lovecraft and his masterpiece "The Ship of Ishtar" (1924)
described Richard Shaver's inter-dimensional "Simultane" concept. (It
was also the template for our path-working soul-travel boat.) His
"Dwellers in the Mirage"(1932) was an inspiration for my sc-fi novel
"Drell Master." Merritt was steeped in Blavatsky's Atlantis and Lemuria
lore and the obscure legendary sources behind these lost civilizations.
His "The Moon Pool" (1921) lured us out to the ruins of Lemuria in the
Pacific (see Beyond Lemuria). So, if you want to spend an hour with the
Dream-maker, tune and we'll set sail to evening Isles fantastical.
 

Secrets of Sufi Freemasonry

On Thursday June 19th, 2014 the Hemetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion on the English translation of "Secret Practices of
the Sufi Freemasons" by Baron Rudolph von Sebottendorf first published
in German in 1924. This is a highly controversial book by a notorious
author. Sebottendorff was the founder of the Thule Society which
Germinated (pun intended) into the Nazi Party. When he tried to take
credit for that the Nazis kicked him out and sent him back to Turkey.
How he managed to be a devout Muslim and a Nordic pagan at the same time
is one of the many mysteries this book conjures up. Transcending his
politics and fanaticism there is very provocative and profound occult
knowledge in this book --- much of it hidden even to European students
until recently. We will compare Sebottendorff's revelations with Gerard
de Nerval's "Sufi" version of The Masonic Temple Legend, and P.B.
Randolph's discovery of a Syrian Love Cult which may have been the
original source of the O.T.O.'s 9th Degree. So, tune in and find out how
the Sufis get a grip on themselves.
 

The Magical Multiverse

On Thursday June 12th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a discussion on ancient and modern Multiverse concepts in relation to Hermetic Magick, the Qabalah, astrology and Fortean phenomenon. We will examine philosophical. scientific, literary and cinematic models of the Multiverse, sometimes called the "Holographic Universe" or "Parallel Worlds." We will trace the idea through the "nesting spheres" of the geocentric age, to the heliocentric
Renaissance, the invention of the telescope and the discovery of other galaxies and anti-matter, both in terms of science and the pages of science fiction. Our references will be Mary-Jane Ruberstein's "Worlds Without End," Michio Kaku's "Parallel Worlds," the science fiction of Phillip K. Dick, and Richard S. Shaver, and films such as "The Matrix," "Dark City," and "Lost Highway." Our challenge will be to reconcile ancient Hermetic philosophy with the Multiverse concept --- so, if you want to go through the looking glass or down the rabbit hole, tune in a
we will tour the endless "nows" of the Simultane.
 

Negative vs. Positive Gnosis - from Gnostica no. 40, 1976

On Thursday, June 6th, 2014 The Hermetic Hour will present a reading by Poke Runyon (Fra. Thabion) of his 1976 essay "Negative vs. Positive Gnosis" from Gnostica magazine, no. 40. This is an important instructive paper dealing with the ancient and modern spiritual differences between Thelemic (libertine) Gnosticism, Hermetic neo-Platonism and ancient and modern Paganism (wiccans, druids, etc.) These differences are so deep and so misunderstood that many New-Agers involved in the Occult do not know what they profess to believe in. They participate in various groups simply because they are attracted to the style and glamor of the organization and because it provides a rebellion against the religion of the parents. The article explains the fundamental differences between  Gnosticism of the negative world view and Hermetic magick of the positive world view, comparing them to the Pagan and neo-Pagan "natural" world view. You will discover how similar Thelemic Gnosticism is to the Fundamental Christianity it rebels against, and how similar Hermetic magick is to Tantric Buddhism. This paper will be reprinted in text form and posted as an instruction on our web site. So tune in and become transcendentally demystified.
 

The Music of Pythagoras by Musicologist Kitty Ferguson

On Thursday May 28th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
review the 2008 book "The Music of Pythagoras" by musicologist Kitty
Ferguson. This is a wonderfully erudite and deeply meaningful book on
the accomplishments, and lasting influence of the most important of the
pre-Socratean philosophers, and perhaps the most important ancient
avatar of the Western Esoteric Tradition. As a musicologist Ferguson is
able to fully expound on the master's development of "The Music of the
Spheres" from mythical Orpheus through Kepler to Close Encounters of the
Third Kind (we can all whistle that one). The Pythagorean harmonious
universe of music, mathematics, and geometry has been re-validated in
modern times with the advent of new theories in quantum physics. It was,
of course, the bed rock of Qabalah, Alchemy and Magick. We will
demonstrate some applications of the Pythagorean magical scale used to
activate psychic centers (chakras) and discuss the employment of these
techniques in magical operations. So tune in, tune up and we'll sing
along with the planets.
 

The Hermetic Link by Jacob Slavenburg

On Thursday May 22nd, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will
present a review on a very important recent book on the Hermetic Tradition by Dutch author Jacob Slavenburg titled: "The Hermetic Link." Reviewing this book will be a team effort between the host and our esteemed guest Frater Ophis (Freeman Presson) who beat us to the punch and reviewed Slavenburg's book on his website two years ago. How did we miss it? No excuse because it should not have been missed. Certainly there have been other surveys of the Hermetic Tradition, usually combined with other related elements such as Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, magick, etc. but this is the best and most complete tracing of the great Hermetic Gnosis from ancient Egypt, through Alexandria, Harran, the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the so-called "Enlightenment"
and the present modern age. Slavenburg takes us from Zosimus to the Kybalion in a sympathetic, very thoughtful and comfortably philosophical style. He quotes Peter Kingsley ("Reality") frequently and does as good a job as Kingsley in getting across the deepest meaning of the Hermetic Mystery (the Great I AM) - perhaps he does it better in that he uses excerpts from Hermes to reveal the treasure we ardent Hermetic devotees hold so dear, whereas Kingsley in Reality depended on pre-Hermetic Parmenides and Empedocles. If all this is Greek to you, it shouldn't be and Slavenburg goes a long way toward establishing the true and enduring magnificence of our venerable Tradition. Tune in and get yourself
Hermetically sealed. (Preserved for the next incarnation.)
 

Beyond Lemuria, Second Edition - The Simultane

On Thursday May 15th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the re-release of our science fiction epic Beyond Lemuria (Second Edition) which is presently available on Amazon in DVD. As our guests we will have Beyond Lemuria's director Gregory Jednack, who also plays the villain Zoltan Nodesque in the film, and Ed Fitch who has the dual role of Colonel Rich and Reverend Bobby-John. Our main topic will be the new format with our Dero Princess on the cover this time and our new booklet that explains the Shaver Mystery aspects of the film. This is an important addition to help viewers understand the complex and esoteric meaning of the film. Our Intragravatron machine
opens a vortex between dimensions that is very similar to one described in a novel by Richard Shaver. He postulates an endless "Multiverse" of dimensions he calls "The Simultane" which is compatible with ancient
Hermetic philosophy and the latest theories of quantum physics. That we live different lives in different "Nows" both by choice and by accident is our occult interpretation of the Shaver Mystery, and the key concept
in Beyond Lemuria. So tune in and find out what lies beyond the vortex. 

Mysteries of the Pacific - Mana and Tapu (or Kapu)

On Thursday May 8th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the mysterious origins, myths and magick of the Polynesian islanders of the Pacific. Having just returned from a vacation on the island of Maui we are still under the spell of the islands and inspired to share experiences and insights. We visited a fascinating custom jewelry shop in Honolulu called "Sacred Jewels of Mu" where we met Crystal Tones guru Lupito and acquired a singing bowl made
of stellar Moldavite, then on to Maui and a visit to the vast crater of the sacred volocano. We searched the jungle for ancient petroglyphs and encountered the "original Hawaiians." All this led to a speculation about the prehistoric Polynesian diaspora from and later return to
"Lemuria." Based on legends, archaeology and intuition. So, if you want to share in the adventure and ponder the mystery, tune in and catch the wave.
 

The Pentagrammaton: A Hermetic Revelation, by Frater Osiris

On Thursday April 17th, 2014 The Hermetic Hour will celebrate its four year anniversary with special guest Frater Osiris, Wor. Michael Downs, Magister of the O.T.A.'s Atlanta Lodge, who will lead us through 500 years of Symbolism, History and Practice of "Transforming the Unpronouncable Tetragrammaton into a Speakable Magickal Logos, the Pentagrammaton," and reveal the relevant practices for achieving Adepthood that this Arcanum encodes and points to: We will learn about the open-secret practice of Divine Theurgy called "Soliliquea" that is intimately tied to "Pronouncing" the Pentagrammaton, better known to us in our time - but identical in essence --as the "Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel" which leads to our 3rd Degree. We will reveal how the Ubiquitous Pentagram of our most fundamental Rite - when understood in its fullness - is the Key in plain site to this August Operation. Osiris will cover the origin and use of the Classical Name YHShUH - an Hermetic Jesus - by which YHVH was Transformed when Cabala was first added to our Tradition by Christian Hermeticists in the Renaissance, and what becomes a proper NEW WORD or Magickal Logos of Transmutation, for our Hermetically purified Tetragrammaton AMShT...This is a visual and diagram intensive exercise, so Frater Osiris has put up some follow-along resources for this talk at < http://wwww.MagicalMason.info > which will become active just before the show -- just click on the Dove of Astarte on the Top of the Monk's head ...So tune in for an Hermetic-Cabalistic meditation on the creative and
liberating consequences of the O.T.A.'s swap from the traditional Jewish
Godname of YHVH to the Hermetically 'purified' formulation AMShT as its
Elemental Tetragrammaton.
 

Kabbalah, Cabala, and Modern Hermetic Qabalah

On Thursday April 10th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion on different interpretations and conceptions
of Qabalah. This is a subject we have covered before, however, that was
years ago before we started climbing The Tree in our weekly lectures.
Now that we have arrived at The Abyss and and are venturing onto The
Eleven Sphere "Tree Before the Fall", it is appropriate for us to review
our Hermetic Qabalistic structure and establish the philosophical,
mythological and metaphysical differences between the various Kabbalahs,
and the particular innovations we have made in our modern Hermetic
version of the ancient system. On next week's show Frater Osiris,
Magister of our Atlanta, Georgia Lodge will be giving a lecture on this
subject with some insights of his own, so our talk can be considered a
preliminary to his program. Tune in and we'll play Monopoly on the
greatest board game in the universe.
 

Gateway to The Abyss - The Eleven Sphere Tree

On Thursday April 3rd, 2014 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 Eleusinian Mysteries with Feraferia’s Jo Carson

On Thursday March 27th, 2014 Hermetic Hour host Poke Runyon will talk with Jo Carson, leader of Feraferia, about Eleusis and the Mysteries of Death and Rebirth. What happens to the soul after death? What can be expected in the afterlife? Jo has written a new book, Celebrate Wildness—Magic, Mirth and Love on the Feraferia Path which includes a discussion of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Mysteries of Demeter and her daughter Persephone were held at Eleusis, in Greece, for almost 2,000 years. These Mysteries had the goal of providing a first hand experience of certainty in the continuity of life after death. The Mysteries were established around 1450 BCE, and ended only when the Roman Christian emperor Theodosius I forcibly closed them in 392 CE. They were centered around the myth of Demeter, the earth mother Goddess, and her daughter Persephone. In this story, Persephone was abducted by Pluto and taken to the Underworld, and eventually was able to return. This myth provided a key to giving real revelations to the population of that world. Thousands of people journeyed to Eleusis each Fall to experience the Eleusinian Mysteries, which means hundreds of thousands were initiated. However, so tight was the secrecy, or so inexpressible was the experience, that no one has ever revealed its profound secrets. We will explore what is known, what is conjectured, and how Feraferia honors the Eleusinian experience. So tune in and peek behind the veil of death.

The 19th Path from Geburah to Chesed - Strength

On Thursday March 20th, 2014 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 siderial 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

On Thursday March 13th, 2014 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.

Immortality - Part Two: Theory and Method

On Thursday March 6th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present Part Two of Frater Thabion's essay on Immortality. This section
will deal with the theory and the methods of Consciousness transference
to coming incarnations, what is reffered to in the East as the Tulku process. The Christian aspects of this concept will be discussed along with a review of the origins of Christianity in Gnosticism and its original principles. The relation of immortality to the Qabalah, Astrology, Alchemy and the Tibetan Buddhist Kalachakra system will be discussed. This is an important position paper and should be considered one of our more meaningful contributions to the Hermetic Revival. Listen in and learn how to live forever.

Hermetic Immortality and The Great I AM

On Thursday February 27th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a purposefully cryptic lecture on the Hermetic conception of immortality and the concept of "The Great I AM," in Qabalah,
astrology, alchemy, magick and Kalachakra. This profound and ultimate
mystery can be explained briefly in fairly simple terms, but whenever
someone tries to do this they are either laughed at, locked up, or put
to death. The concept is so feared and reviled that it is demonized by
psychologists and marginalized by modern philosophers, although the
great pre-Socratean thinkers Parmenides, Empedocles and Heraclitus
considered it primary: the starting point from which the science of logic and reason arise.The Great Secret is obviously not for everybody even though Jesus tried to get the common man to understand it in mythic rather than philosophic terms. And even though he mythologized it, he still got himself killed! So, we can't come right out and cast our pearls before swine, lest they "turn and rend us." But we can at least point to the philosophy and the science behind our mystery -- and encourage those who have "the mind" as well as "the speech" to find the center point and "the prize for the souls." So tune in and peek behind the veil.
 

”Magical Balance” - Lecture by Frater Heracles of Austin, Texas

On Thursday February 20th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will welcome Frater Heracles, Master of the Austin, Texas Hermitage of the O.T.A. who will give us a reprise of his recent lecture to S.O.M.A. (Society of Magical Artists) entitled "Magical Balance." The gist of this talk is the proposition that Magick should be in all ways a balanced symphony of the positive Forces of Light controlling and directing the negative Forces of Darkness. This is a principal of operation that goes back to ancient Egypt and has been unchallenged in magick until the rise of the Faustian School in the 18th century. Today's Thelemites and Chaos magicians may not agree with it, but it is still the basic two-stroke engine that runs Golden Dawn and O.T.A. magick. John will discuss its aspects in Hermetic yoga, alchemy, qabalah, and the Elements. This is rich food for the mind, so tune in and be well served.
 

The Society of Magical Artists (S.O.M.A.) a Symposium on The Air

On Thursday February 13th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present the founders of S.O.M.A., "The Society of Magical Artists," founded in Austin, Texas over a decade ago, discussing the formation of their council, its scope and agenda, and its schedule of coming events. This is a prestigious group of Hermetic magical scholars and facilitators. SOMA is interfraternal, and eclectic, including G.D., O.T.O. and others under its umbrella. We will have Paxton Knight, Jeffrey Lee Contreras, and Paul Edward Rana calling in. We are honored to have these distinguished leaders of the magical community on the Hermetic Hour. SOMA  is sponsoring The Third Annual Western Mystery Conference at the Scottish Rite Theater in Austin, Texas on October 24th, 25th, and 26th. SOMA holds monthly lectures as well. On February 15th, our own John Sheffield, Master of the Austin O.T.A. Hermitage, will be speaking on Solomonic Magick. - So, if you want to meet The Masters and learn what they have in store for us, tune in and get SOMA.

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

On Thursday February 6th, 2014 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.

The 22nd Path from Tiphareth to Geburah - Justice

On Thursday, January 30th, 2014 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 23rd Path from Hod to Geburah - The Hanged Man

On Thursday January 23rd, 2014 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 Phoenicians and The Hermetic Tradition

On Thursday January 16th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will present a discussion on the ancient Phoenicians and the Hermetic
Tradition. This follows last week's review of "Jesus the Phoenician" by Karim el Koussa. The references for this evening's discussion will be the recent "Phoenician Secrets" by Sandford Holst and "The Phoenicians,
the Purple Empire of the Ancient World" by Gerald Herm, Our focus will
be on Phoenician contributions to, and influence on, Western occultism
and magick. It has recently been established that the Phoenician culture is one of the oldest in the world. It's roots go back nine thousand years. The
Phoenicians were building and sailing ocean-going ships long before the
Pyramids were built. The first pyramid was built by European architects
brought from Malta to Egypt by Phoenician contractors. The Phoenicians
were very secretive about their business and their religion. We will discuss their astrological religion (the Labors of Hercules), their magical alphabet (the real origin of the Qabalah) and their possible connection with Atlantis. So, if you want to voyage with the Purple People on ancient seas, tune in and we'll hoist the mainsheet.
 

Jesus the Phoenician by Karim el Koussa

On Thursday January 9th, 2014 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will review and discuss the new book by the Lebanese Christian author
Karim el Koussa "Jesus the Phoenician". This is a highly controversial
subject. Karim's thesis is revolutionary but quite possibly true. He
sets out to prove by the Bible itself - New and Old Testaments - that
Jesus of Nazareth was not a Jew and that the God he called 'his Father"
was the Canaanite "EL", not the Jewish YHVH. (Jehova). This should be a
very provocative and enlightening discussion -- so tune in and get
Salvation Phoenician style.
 

Chris Cooley: The Sexual Mysteries - Beyond Good and Evil

On Thursday January 2nd, 2014 The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, opens the New Year with a fascinating lecture from Chris Cooley,
avant-garde film maker (Neptune Films), composer-musician-singer
(Hyperfire Records) and author. Chris's talk is entitled: "The Sexual Mysteries - Beyond Good and Evil." Along with his creative activities Chris is a member of a traditional Magical Order with which we are closely affiliated, and is on his way to becoming a Hermetic philosopher, so if you'd like to listen to the wisdom of one we think may become a 21st century Master, tune in and be inspired.
 

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

Happy Holidays! The Thursday after Christmas, December 26th, 2013, 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.

John Michael Greer and The Celtic Golden Dawn

On Thursday December 19th, 2013 The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will have as its distinguished guest the noted author on subjects arcane and esoteric, John Michael Greer. John's first book "Paths of Wisdom" has been of considerable help to us as an authoritative source in our on-going series of lectures on the Hermetic-Qabalistic Tree of Life. John is also the translator of the medieval Latin version of "Picatrix", with Christopher Warnock, which has now become as important in the magical revival as Tyson's Agrippa. Although certainly a Hermetic scholar John Michael Greer's magical heart lies in the Celtic-Druidic tradition. He has written several books in this area and is a practicing Druid himself. His latest work combines the Hermetic Golden Dawn and the Druidic traditions, both of which were active in Victorian England. John discovered a historic interchange between these two very British expressions and he has lovingly reconstructed the synthesis in "The Celtic Golden Dawn," -- So, let us go out to Stone Henge and see how the Druids do a Pentagram Ritual.

Freedom is a Two-Edge Sword: Chapters Three and Four

On Thursday December 12th, 2013 the Hermetic Hour will present the second program devoted to Jack Parson's 1946 essay "Freedom is a
Two-Edged Sword" with the reading of chapters three and four: "The Sword
and the Spirit" and "The Woman Girt with the Sword." These writings are
the philosophical and spiritual meat of this masterpiece of modern mystical, spiritual and philosophical speculation. You will be amazed at the predictive quality of Parson's perspective. It seems to be an epitome of 1980's feminist, environmental and neo-pagan thought written over thirty years before the flowering of these ideas. So tune in and continue the journey into the future from the past with America's rocket scientist magician at the controls of the time machine.
 

Jack Parsons, ”Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword”

On Thursday December 5th, 2013 The Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will read chapters from the essay Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword by rocket
scientist and magician John Whiteside Parsons. Along with being one of
the original founders of JPL in Pasadena, California (sometimes called "Jack Parsons Library") and a developer of solid rocket fuel essential to the space program, Parsons was also an occultist and a magician. He ran an O.T.O. lodge and was a dedicated follower of Aleister Crowley. Parsons' colorful, but tragically short life has been celebrated in the recent books "Sex and Rockets" by someone calling himself "John Carter" and "Strange Angel" by George Pendle -- Also a very good stage play from the Cal Tech drama department called "Pasadena Babalon." Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword was written at the end of World War Two. It is a remarkable prediction of liberalism, civil rights and women's rights --  in fact we might say that Parson's was the forerunner of feminist neo-paganism in California. His views on the mystical and spiritual superiority of women were much different than his mentor Crowley's. We received the Parson's Papers from Gerald Yorke in 1972. The first publication of Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword was my edited version published in our journal The Seventh Ray in 1976 through 1978. The essay has been subsequently published by the O.T.O. in 1990 and again in 2001. It is still in print and available from Amazon. We did a previous Hermetic Hour broadcast on Jack Parsons which you can find in our podcast archives -- now you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand and enjoy the writings of this rocket scientist, especially when he has a crater on the Moon named after him -- on the Dark Side of course.
 

The 24th Path from Netzach to Tiphareth - Death

On Friday, November 29th, 2013 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.
 

Enochian Magick, Masonry, and The Book of Enoch

On Thursday November 21st, 2013 The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the "Enochian" legend and tradition in
magick, Freemasonry, the Bible, and the various versions of the Book of
Enoch itself. We will examine the elements and sources of the Masonic
Enoch legend, the lost Ethiopian Book of Enoch and its unique description of the Fallen Angels and their attributions, the Pagan Solarism of Enoch's Angelic vision, and the special Enochian universe of John Dee and Edward Kelley. We will also compare the Book of Enoch to the ancient Sumerian/Babylonian myth of the Anunnaki, the Goetia, and
Milton's Paradise Lost. So once again tune in and get Enochulated.
 

”The Royal Arch of Enoch,” with Robert Sullivan

On Thursday November 14th, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon
will review and discuss the new book by Robert Sullivan, Esq, 32 "The Royal Arch of Enoch." This is a 600 page magnum opus which sets out to document the premise that one of Freemasonry's most important high degrees, The Ninth Arch, or Royal Arch of Enoch, establishes Masonry's underlying mythology as an antediluvian (before the Flood) Graeco-Egyptian (Hermetic) Solarism deriving from The Book of Enoch -- specifically Ethiopian Enoch -- which was not available to the Western World until the early 1800's. The author will call in and give us a summary of his book and the points of argument he seeks to establish. This book is impressive and deeply researched. Much can be learned from it, and the mysterious nature of Masonic symbolism will become more understandable in 'Light' of Brother Sullivan's revelations. This will be an intriguing disclosure of Masonic "secrets" that fans of Dan Brown and Indiana Jones will find fascinating -- so tune in and get Enochulated.

The 25th Path from Yesod to Tiphareth - Temperance

On Thursday November 7th, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the Twenty-fifth Path of the Hermetic Qabalastic 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.

Halloween - Honoring the Dead

On November 1st, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a serious and a lighthearted look at Halloween. Every Halloween we hold "The Dark Mother of All Halloween Parties" on the nearest Saturday to the 31st. We have a serious ritual in the outdoor henge, invoking "Mot" the Lord of Death who asks each one around the circle "What say you to honor the dead?" -- followed by a jovial Halloween costume party which features a comedy skit. This year we did an impromptu radio play "Sherlock Holmes and the Necronomicon," based on a Seventh Ray feature. We will read the ritual and then play part of the
radio drama skit -- This is our Halloween Party on the air, so tune in, answer Mot's somber question, and then join the fun.

The 26th Path from Hod to Tiphareth - The Devil

On Thursday October 24th, 2013 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 Pomogranates" (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.

Dion Fortune’s Dr. Taverner vs. A Vampire

On Thursday October 17th, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a dramatic reading of occultist and psychologist Dion Fortune's fictionalized account of one of her mentor's strange "cases." Dion Fortune was very influential on modern Hermetic magical theory and practice. Her occult novels such as "Moon Magic" and the "Sea Priestess," are considered classics of occult literature. Her work is carried on by the Society of the Inner Light. Early in her career her master in both occultism and psychology was a man she called "Dr. Taverner." He operated a private sanitarium in a secluded moorland setting in England and the 1920s. There he treated unusual cases of dementia that responded to his occult methods of healing and exorcism. Dion Fortune claimed that these "Secrets of Dr. Taverner" were really true accounts, especially the vampire episode called "Blood Lust" which we will read and then discuss on this broadcast. So, if you've ever wondered just what vampires really are and how they operate, tune in and Dr. Taverner will explain how the dead can possess the living.

”Return of the Dragon Lords” the Ultimate Conspiracy Theory

On Thursday October 10th, 2013 The Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will present a reading of Frater Thabion's ominous apocalyptic, conspiratorial speculation: "Return of the Dragon Lords" which first appeared in The Seventh Ray, Book II, The Red Ray, thirteen years ago and seems to be increasing in credibility as we move further into the 21st century. Dragon Lords is the esoteric "Dark Side" of UFO
abductions, Satanic ritual abuse, Illuminati mind-control and the Reptillian bloodlines of sensational writers such as David Icke -- who may be right for the wrong reasons. The "truth" about the reptilian menace to humanity might go deeper and actually be more disturbing....You are welcome to consider this only speculation, metaphor, and conjecture --but if you believe it, then keep it to yourself, because if you know about them, they know about you!

The 30th Enochian Aethyr - Thabion Reads Crowley

On October 3rd, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a dramatic reading of the ritual of the 30th Enochian Aethyr "TEX" (pronounced Tay-ets), which will include an opening by Watchtowers, a reading of the Call of the Thirty Aethyrs in Enochian and in English, and a reading of Aleister Crowley's vision of the Aethyr from "The Vision and the Voice" Equinox No. 5, 1911. We will give a short introduction to the Enochian Aethyr system and explain how the temple is to be arranged for the ritual. Those who have reproductions of the Enochian tablets on hand should pay particular attention to the Water Tablet. The four Governors for this Aethyr are all invoked from Water. So, if you would like to visit our virtual temple and go on a magical journey with Thabion (First Priest of the Phoenicians) and Therion (The Great Beast), then tune in and get Enochiated.

The Legacy of Mithraism in Magick and Masonry

On Thursday, September 26, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on The Legacy of Mithraism on Magick and Masonry. We will trace the origins of the Mithra sect from the ancient Persian Magi -- an offshoot of Zoroastrianism -- through the Greco-Roman
Middle East, into the mileau of classical Alexandria, where its western branch acquired a cosmology that was largely Hermetic. In fact one might say that the Greco-Roman Mithra sect was ritualized Hermeticism. For several centuries it rivaled Christianity but was eventually overcome when emperor Constantine, himself a Mithraite, made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire for practical political reasons. The Mithra sect was an elite, initiatory, all male religious fraternity that extolled honor, bravery and loyalty. Great for the Roman army but not for the downtrodden masses. Its influence on the later Masonic
fraternity is obvious. Mithraism had seven initiatory degrees so similar to Crata Repoa that John Yarker called his Crata Repoa degree in Rite of Memphis "The Sage of Mithras." We will unravel the complex astrological symbolism of the "Tauroctony", the ritual slaying of the bull, the mystery of the strange lion-headed god, and the theory that the secret communion meal was the old Persian-version of Soma. Our main text reference will be D. Jason Cooper's "Mithras" (1996) with references to Franz Cumont's (1912) "Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans" and "Mushrooms, Myth & Mithras" by Carl A. P. Ruck,
et allia (2011). So, if you want to follow us down into the underground temple of the Mithraeum for a look into the origin of many of our rites and degrees, then tune in and we'll lift the veil.

Soma, Elixir of Immortality in Magick and Alchemy

On Thursday September 19th, 2013, the Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on "Soma," the Elixir of immortality in the Shamanic, Magian, Vedic, Mithriatic, Orphic, Magical and Alchemical traditions. We will refer to the works of Gordon Wasson, Andrija Puharich, Clark Heinrich, James Arthur and Carl Ruck, along with the personal reflections of a magician familiar with the sacrament's use in magical practice. Although the use of this entheogen is legal, we do not require it in our degrees, we do not recommend it, and we will provide no detailed instructions for its use, however, we would be skipping over a very significant aspect of the Western and Eastern Magical Traditions if we ignored "Soma." Let me assure those of you who are still confused about the identity of the legendary Magical Plant, and its effectiveness, your questions will be answered. So tune in and we will go in search of the Food of the Gods. 

”Worlds Within and Worlds Beyond,” with Dr. Ralph Metzner

On Thursday September 12th, 2013 the Hermetic Hour's host Poke Runyon will introduce distinguished guest Dr. Ralph Metzner who will discuss his latest book "Worlds Within and Worlds Beyond," the seventh in his series of books on "The Ecology of Consciousness." All of Dr. Metzner's works are of special interest to students of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Check out his web site at www.greenearthfound.org. He was one of the original psychedelic experimenters and facilitators of that tempestuous era, an Oxford graduate, psychotherapist and a philosopher. His latest book will be of particular interest to students of Magick who may wish to compare his system of therapeutic soul travel to the Buddhist Six Worlds of the Wheel of Existance, the nine realms of the Nordic Yggdrasill World Tree, and the Octaves of Pythagoras with our own Pathworkings on the Qabbalistic Tree of Life. Many of his insights are applicable to our venue regardless of technique. He refers to his method as Alchemical Divination. Although we may use different techniques, and different mythologies we can always learn from the insights and the visions of a master -- so turn us on, tune us in, and don't drop out.

The 27th Path from Hod to Netsach - The Tower

On Thursday September 5th, 2013 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

On Thursday August 29th, 2013 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 microcsosm, 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, Aliester 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 O.T.A. Returns to Mt. Shasta

On Thursday, August 22nd, 2013 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a report and discussion on our 16th through the 19th of August's Magical Pilgrimage to Northern California's remote and awesomely beautiful Mt. Shasta. This is not the first time for us. We shot our magical sci-fi adventure "Beyond Lemuria" at Mt. Shasta in 2006, and we have returned several times since. This time Soror Zandria and I had with us Sorores Seer and Sophia Draconia, and Lord Michael -- all together for the "yoga of the long drive;" (12 hours from L.A. to Mt. Shasta.) With only two days on the Mountain we concentrated on the Panther Meadows area where the founder of the "I AM Activity" met the Alchemist St. Germain. For an appropriate Mt. Shasta ritual we recited The Stanzas of Dyzan in Enochian and brought with us a rock from the Temple Vault at Nan Madol (Lemuria). We discovered a powerful vortex and brought back sacred water from the Panther Meadows spring. We each had our own visionary experiences which our team will share with you when they call in -- so, if you want to get first hand reports on America's most magical power spot tune in and and we'll unveil the mysteries of the Holy Mountain.

The 30th Path from Yesod to Hod - The Sun

On Thursday August 8th, 2013, the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 30th Path of the Hermetic-Qabalastic 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 Qabalastic 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.

Sci-fi Classics that have Influenced the Occult Revival

On Thursday August 1st, 2013 The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on Science Fiction classics that have influenced the modern occult revival. Our special guest will be Professor Curtis Shumaker who teaches a course in science fiction in the State University system. We'll cover Clarke's "Childhood's End" (UFOs and Fallen Angels), Asimov's "Foundation Trilogy" (Scientology,
the Process and CIA mind control), Herbert's "Dune" the psychedelic movement, Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land" (the Hippie movement and CAW), H.P. Lovecraft's "Cthulhu Mythos" (post modern demonology). Philip K. Dick's "Valis" (God is information) and several titles that
Dr. Shumaker will mention. This will be a fascinating look into what our great imagineers have predicted and inspired. Tune in and Scotty will beam us up for an hour on the Final Frontier.