Join us on a guided tour through the secret history of Western esotericism, from ancient initiatory schools to contemporary techniques for finding illumination. Over six weekly sessions, you will dive deep into the roots of Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Anthroposophy, and other occult traditions, and explore their influence on contemporary movements including the psychedelic renaissance, chaos magic, and the post-New Age quest for self-actualization. 

Through a series of presentations and discussions, you'll discover the beliefs, practices, and key figures of Western esotericism. You will learn how their ideas and practices can help transform your life today. From John Dee to Dion Fortune, Paracelsus to Cagliostro, Rudolf Steiner to Terence McKenna, you’ll gain insight into influential figures and movements, including the Rosicrucians, Golden Dawn, and Theosophy, among others. The history of occultism in the West is characterized by an enduring tension between the quest for spiritual gnosis or direct knowledge and the often-repressive social, religious, and intellectual structures that oppose this quest.

We will cover modern phenomena such as channeling, crop circles, and the psychedelic revival The discoveries of quantum physics (the 2022 Nobel Prize went to experiments proving the universe is “not locally real”) and the revived philosophy of analytic idealism give us a new basis for anchoring ancient hermetic principles. 

This seminar isn't just about theory and history. You'll also gain practical knowledge of techniques and exercises inspired by Western esotericism, such as meditation, visualization, energy work, and ritual, to inspire inner illumination. These tools will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, the world around you, and the interconnectedness of all things.

By investigating the core beliefs and practices of Western esotericism, you'll tap into your own unique gifts and learn strategies for overcoming obstacles in your personal growth. This seminar will equip you with new knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges of today’s contemporary world — where we confront what some have called “the meta-crisis” — and unlock your inner reserves of wisdom, power, and creativity.

Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an occult enthusiast, or simply wish to access the hidden mysteries of the cosmos, you will find this journey into the heart of Western esotericism illuminating and invaluable. The six sessions take place every Sunday, starting on April 23, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm EST / 10 am to 12:30 pm PST / 6 pm to 8:30 pm CET. (We will skip May 21, and return on May 28).

We start by framing the Western occult tradition in relation to Eastern mysticism and indigenous shamanic practices. We consider recent discoveries in quantum physics that support the “perennial philosophy” and postmodern occult thought.
We review Gnosticism, Hermeticism and the ancient Mystery Schools, then turn to the birth of modern occultism in the Renaissance, with Pico della Mirandola’s failed effort to restore the initiatory tradition, and the Rosicrucian movement. The Rosicrucian Manifestos, published anonymously in the early 17th century, presented the vision of a secret society dedicated to spiritual initiation and the renewal of society through the use of esoteric knowledge. The movement was suppressed and outlawed by the Church, in collusion with European monarchies. 

Alchemy played a pivotal role in the development of Western esotericism, providing a framework for spiritual and psychological transformation and a language of symbols that could express profound truths. Isaac Newton maintained a life-long interest in alchemy as a means of unlocking the secrets of nature and of spiritual transformation. His fellow alchemist, Francis Bacon, promoted a new method of inquiry based on observation, experimentation, and induction, which laid the groundwork for modern science. Jonathan Dee, Queen Elizabeth’s court magician, discovered an angelic language, Enochian, channeled by a mysterious rogue.