The SHWEP is a free, (roughly) weekly podcast series exploring cutting-edge academic research in the study of Platonism, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, the Kabbalah, alchemy, occultism, magic, and related currents of thought. These traditions, although largely rejected by the dominant modern empiricist world-view, are central to the history of western thought. The academic study of these often-obscure chapters in the history of ideas, under the general name of ‘western esotericism’, is bringing these currents of thought back into their rightful place as essential elements in the intellectual heritage of the western world.

This podcast documents the academic exploration of the neglected corners of western culture. The approach is roughly chronological, beginning with the earliest civilisations and moving forward in time until the present day, with the aim of leaving out nothing essential along the way. It will be a long and fascinating trip through the history of ideas, and one which is bound to challenge what you think you know about philosophy, science, religion, and western identities.

https://shwep.net/about/

Bernard Roger.

The Initiatory Path in Fairy Tales: The Alchemical Secrets of Mother Goose 

• Explains how the stages of the Great Work are encoded in both little known and popular stories such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood

• Reveals the connection between Mother Goose and important esoteric symbols of the Western Mystery tradition

• Demonstrates the ancient lineage of these stories and how they originated as the trigger to push humanity toward higher levels of consciousness



https://www.amazon.com/Initiatory-Path-F...1620554038

"The first men were, in this case, a family of gigantic, sensitive mandragores, animated by the sun, who rooted themselves up from the earth; this assumption not only does not exclude, but, on the contrary, positively supposes, creative will and the providential co-operation of a first cause, which we have REASON to call GOD. Some alchemists, impressed by this idea, speculated on the culture of the mandragore, and experimented in the artificial reproduction of a soil sufficiently fruitful and a sun sufficiently active to humanise the said root, and thus create men without the concurrence of the female."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandrake


   

"Concerning the use of copper coins, Elisabetta attributed an apotropaic symbolic value to the coin due to the cross that was engraved on it. Elisabetta aimed to use the cross symbol on the coins to counteract the magic performed on Giacomo. It cannot be ruled out that the choice of metal (i.e., copper) had an alchemical basis or was linked to the transmission of magical knowledge from the higher clergy to the lower clergy and then to the people."

Unveiling Superstition in Vieste: Popular Culture and Ecclesiastical Tribunals in the 18th-Century Kingdom of Naples 

Francesca Vera Romano

Full text.

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/10/1202

To Boldly Go Where No Book Has Gone Before: A Joyous Journey Through All of Science 

Luke O'Neill

"To Boldly Go Where No Book Has Gone Before covers everything from space travel and evolution to alchemy and AI. Written by one of our leading scientists, this is an insider's account that celebrates the joy of science. It is filled with all the juicy bits that other histories leave out."

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boldly-Where-Bo...0241542421

Extract on alchemy here:

https://www.delanceyplace.com/view-archives.php?5134

Apparently rights-free.

"Philip Ball’s The Elements: A Visual History of Their Discovery is an exceptional exploration of the elements that make up our universe, blending both the historical journey and the science behind their discovery. What sets this book apart from others on the periodic table is its stunningly detailed visuals. The book doesn’t merely focus on the technical aspects of chemistry; it vividly chronicles the human stories of discovery, offering insights into the personalities, politics, and even accidents that led to the identification of each element."

Includes a chapter on the Alchemical Elements.

https://chemistry.com.pk/books/the-eleme...discovery/

Title : Argonautica (Ἀργοναυτικά) Author : Apollonius Rhodius (Ἀπολλώνιος Ῥόδιος) Written : 250 BCE Place of Origin : Ancient Greece Original Media type : Papyrus, Fragments, Manuscripts Original Language : Ancient Greek Genre(s) : Adventure, Ancient Greece, Epic, Greek Mythology, Historical Fiction The Quest for the Golden Fleece, Colchis and Medea, The Golden Fleece and Flight, Betrayal and Tragedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQtVLBVtLVg

"The Book of Aquarius is a fascinating exploration into Alchemy, specifically focused on the elusive goal of creating the Philosopher's Stone. It offers an intriguing blend of historical references, Esoteric Wisdom, and practical guidance on an Ancient Art that has captivated human imagination for centuries. The book stands out because it argues that the Philosopher's Stone is not just symbolic but a physical, attainable reality. It has sparked curiosity among modern day Readers and aspiring Alchemists alike, challenging the boundaries between Science, Mysticism, and Spiritual Transformation. It presents an engaging perspective on Alchemical Traditions."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g76uW66Opd8

"We will take you on a journey through the layers of myth, history, and mysticism surrounding Baphomet. From its alleged worship by the Templars during the 14th century, through its symbolic connection to secret Gnostic and Hermetic traditions, to its role as an alchemical androgyne, representing the union of opposites—spirit and matter, light and darkness."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzFsX95ALxc

"On October 1, 2024, Lévy Gorvy Dayan will open Enchanted Alchemies, an exhibition exploring themes of magic, mysticism, and the occult in art. The exhibition places historical figures such as Gertrude Abercrombie, Eileen Agar, Leonora Carrington, Elda Cerrato, Ithell Colquhoun, Leonor Fini, and Monica Sjöö in dialogue with contemporary practitioners, including Francesco Clemente, Chitra Ganesh, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Bharti Kher, Linder, and Goshka Macuga. Featuring over 50 works by 27 artists spanning painting, sculpture, ceramic, watercolor, and collage—some newly created—Enchanted Alchemies brings together a range of expressive approaches to magic and mystical thinking. The exhibition display will evolve through two phases to reflect the transformative and alchemical themes of the artists’ works."

https://www.artrabbit.com/events/enchant...ult-in-art