The Hermetic Hour

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The Arbatel of Magic with V.H. Frater SithMeth Jun 29, 2018

Show notes

On Thursday June 28th, 2018 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion, by guest speaker V.H. Frater SithMeth on the Arbatel of Magic (1575), a grimoire calling up a hierarchy of Olympic spirits which is featured in The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy attributed to Henry Cornelius Agrippa (1655). This is a very mysterious manuscript which was outlined and summerized in the first installment, but never finished. However there seems to be enough information, sigils and instructions in what was published for some practical application. Frater SithMeth will read his article on the Arbatel and we will explore the possible use in relation to planetary magick. So if quaint and forgotten books of lore fascinate you, join us and we will have a look at one of the most mysterious.

The 25th Path from Yesod to Tiphareth - Temperance (re-broadcast) Jun 22, 2018

Show notes

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.

The Holy Grail and The Round Table in Magick Jun 15, 2018

Show notes

On Thursday June 14th, 2018 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on The Holy Grail and The Round Table in Magick. To begin this subject we will review the history of the Grail as presented in our poem: The Cult of The Sangreal which we published in our journal The Seventh Ray back in 1975 and which has since become the prologue to our First Degree (Pastophoris) initiation. We trace the Grail from its origin in ancient Phoenicia in the days of Melchizedek around 1500 B.C. It began with the ancient Canaanite God Baal’s yearly death at High Summer followed by his resurrection via the Chalice of heavenly nectar brought by his consort, the Goddess Astarte in the Fall. We trace this event through a series of mythical evolutions until the Grail becomes the cup of resurrection for the last of the dying gods, Jesus the Nazareen, raised by his consort Mary Magdalene. This is the secret of the Grail Tradition which was carried on through the Arthurian Romances. It is a genealogical bloodline and a symbolic ritual implement. One of Four Grail Hallows presented in the Tarot and related to astrology. This symbolism is carried forth in the structure of Arthur’s (or more properly Merlin’s) Round Table. So if you would like to know what qualifies an aspirant to become a knight of the Round Table, tune in and we will start you on your quest. And Adonia is coming up at Rivendell this coming Saturday.

The 26th Path from Hod to Tiphareth - The Devil (re-broadcast) Jun 08, 2018

Show notes

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.

"Return of the Dragon Lords" the Ultimate Conspiracy Theory (re-broadcast) Jun 01, 2018

Show notes

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 Reptilian 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 Real Secrets of The Hypnerotomachia May 25, 2018

Show notes

On Thursday May 24th, the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a review and commentary on the Hypnerotomachia of Poliphili (1499-1999) translated by Joscelyn Godwin. This is one of the most important esoteric books ever published and five hundred years after its debut in Renaissance Italy in 1499, written in stylistic Italian, it finally became available in a readable English translation by Joscelyn Godwin. The Hypnerotomachia of Poliphili, subtitled "The Strife of Life in a Dream" is a romantic fantasy novel which establishes a template for many similar works to emerge in the five centuries following its initial publication: The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz (1616) The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1785) The Wizard of Oz (1900) The Club Dumas (1996) filmed as "The Ninth Gate" (1999) and the novel "The Rule of Four" (2004). The real secrets hidden in the book are not cryptic codes but rather allegorical and thematic. Like the one tale in the Arabian Nights that reveals occult and Magical secrets, the Chapter describing the Isle of Venus near the end of the book carries the true meaning and reveals the esoteric secrets. So if you want to learn what is really hidden in this marvelous old book tune in and we will visit Poliphili's magical dream-world.

The 30th Enochian Aethyr - Thabion Reads Crowley (re-broadcast) May 18, 2018

Show notes

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.

"Original Magic"(2017) by Stephen Flowers and "Real Magic" (2018) by Dean Radin May 11, 2018

Show notes

On Thursday May 10th, 2018, the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will review two recent books: "Original Magic" (2017) by Stephen E. Flowers and "Real Magic" (2018) by Dean Radin. These books don't have much in common. Original Magic deals with the ancient Persian Magi, whereas Real Magic focuses on ESP and those who have special talents and powers. Both books are of interest to Hermetic students for different reasons, The ancient Persian Magi have been largely ignored in the present occult revival and yet their beliefs and practices have had a strong influence on modern Magick. Real Magic champions the natural psychic and clairvoyant and presents the usual arguments and data to validate paranormal experience and suggest that it can be induced by shamanic techniques. Radin also deals with controversial Futurist issues such as the universal mind. Both books are subject to some philosophical and technical criticisms but both are well worth reading.

Recap of Beltane and a New Feraferia Divination System with Jo Carson May 04, 2018

Show notes

On the Hermetic Hour for Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 we will again have the leader of Feraferia, Lady Jo Carson, as our guest in an after event commentary on the Beltane ceremony we featured on last week's show (Thursday) and performed for fifteen members and guests on Saturday the 28th of April at Rivendell Hermitage and Temple outdoor Henge for this event. Beltane is a cross-quarter ceremony falling between Vernal Equinox and Summer Solstice. On Sunday Lady Jo led us through a new development in her Green Pulse Feraferian divination system. Using material developed by the late Master Frederick Adams, she created a cloth Enneasphere that was large enough to dance on as the latest method of astrological and Tarot association. A very shamanic process which yields remarkable results. So join us and we'll give you our impressions of an exciting new way to use your toes in magick!

Feraferian Beltane on April 28, 2018 with Lady Jo Carson Apr 27, 2018

Show notes

On Thursday April 26th, 2018 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon, joined by Lady Jo Carson will preview the coming Feraferian Beltane festival to be presented at Rivendell in Silverado on the evening of April 28th, 2018. As most of us are aware Feraferia, was founded in 1967 by the late Frederick Adams and his Lady Svetlana. Feraferia is America's original Goddess worshiping and Nature nurturing Neo-Pagan Earth-Religion, presently led by Lady Jo Carson who will be our guest and explain the significance and romance of the Beltane Rite: the "Magick and Mysteries of Springtime". It is the story of the progress of the Goddess through the Wheel of the Sacred Year, when the young Goddess Kore and her consort Kuros fall in love, flirt and announce their engagement. But before the marriage they need wisdom and advice. So Women's and Men's mysteries are presented. Then everyone dances together to charge a talisman which they may take home. An Aval Communion tops off the ceremony. So if you want to hear more about this ancient rite tune in and we will enlighten you. And visit the Fifi website at And if you are nearby, try to make it to Rivendell on Saturday evening.

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