Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

Gerasimos Merianos on East Roman Alchemy in Late Antiquity and Beyond, Part II

We delve further into the laboratories, workshops, and even state coffers of East Rome with Gerasimos Merianos. East Roman alchemy becomes mathematised. The parameters of alchemical secrecy change. We encounter our first alchemical con-men. And Michæl Psellos showcases his ability to see which way the wind is blowing, this time in the realm of high-stakes alchemical politics.

Gerasimos Merianos on East Roman Alchemy in Late Antiquity and Beyond, Part I

In Part I of a two-parter we explore the contours of East Roman alchemy from the seventh century onward. Gerasimos Merianos is our guide to the many and varied authors writing in the alchemical genre aside from (but including) the great Stephanos. The roots of the western alchemical tradition lie in the east.

The Horoscope of Islām and The Alchemical Stone: Maria Papathanassiou on Stephanos of Alexandria, Part II

In Part II we explore two of Stephanos' works: the astrological piece entitled Apotelesmatikē pragmateia, with its katarchic ‘Horoscope of Islam’, and his influential, vexing, and beautiful alchemical work, On the Great and Holy Art of Gold-Making. Come for the visions of the future, stay for the secret 72-letter name of the philosophers' stone.

Philosophy and Occult Sciences at Constantinople: Maria Papathanassiou on Stephanos of Alexandria, Part I

We speak with Maria Papathanassiou about Stephanos of Alexandria: the last known Platonist/Aristotelean philosopher trained at Alexandria, a politically-connected courtier at Herakleios' Constantinople, a Christian, an astrologer, an alchemist, and more.

Esoteric Orthodoxy in East Rome: Jonathan Greig on Maximus the Confessor

Maximus the Confessor, Μάξιμος ὁ Ὁμολογητής (late sixth century – 13 August 662), was an erudite monk, theologian, and philosopher of the East Roman empire; during his eventful life he travelled the soon-to-be-Arab territories of North Africa and the Near East (as well as visiting Rome, currently under the theoretical control of Constantinople via the […]