Episodes
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Discover the mysteries of Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim), one of the most influential books of magic ever written. This ancient Arabic text has fascinated mystics, scholars, and occultists for centuries with its unique blend of astrology, alchemy, and Hermetic philosophy. In this episode, we explore its origins, history, and the themes it contains.
Thank you to Dr. Saif for appearing in, and helping out with, this video. Check out her excellent work (some of which is listed in the sources below).
Find me and my music here:
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Sources/Recomended Reading:
Attrell, Dan & David Porreca (translated by) (2019). âPicatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magicâ. Pennsylvania State University Press.
Fierro, Maribel (1996). âBatinism in al-Andalus: Maslama b. Qasim al-Qurtubi, author of the Rutbat al-Hakim and the Ghayat al-Hakim (Picatrix)â. In âStudia Islamica, 1996/2, 84â. Brill.
Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.
Pingree, David (1981). âBetween the Ghaya and the Pixatrixâ. In âJournal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Volume 44, 1981â. University of Chicago Press.
Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.
Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.
Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.
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In this interview, I speak with Dr. Per Faxneld about Satanism and its different historical and contemporary features & connections.
Check out Dr. Faxneld's Academia page for more: https://sh.academia.edu/PerFaxneld
Find me and my music here:
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Or through a one-time donation:
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Episodes manquant?
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We're celebrating this years Halloween by talking about... Halloween. Join me as we explore the history and development of this fascinating holiday, from ancient Celtic roots, to Catholic celebrations and modern pop culture.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Morton, Lisa (2019). "Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween". Reaktion Books.
Rogers, Nicholas (2002). "Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night". Oxford University Press USA.
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In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Satanism, its history and different manifestations in the contemporary world. From the ancient history of the devil to the modern Satanic temple, the story of satanism is an intriguing one that touches on everything from religion, occultism, socialism and feminism.
Thank you to Dr. Per Faxneld for appearing in the episode. Check out his publications for more occultism and esotericism!
Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Barber, Malcolm, The Cathars: Dualist heretics in Languedoc in the High Middle Ages, Second edition (Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson, 2013).
Broedel, Hans Peter (2003). "The Malleus Maleficarum and the construction of witchcraft: Theology and popular belief". Manchester University Press.
Faxneld, Per (2017). "Satanic Feminism: Lucifer as the Liberator of Woman in Nineteenth-Century Culture". OUP USA.
Faxneld, Per & Johan Nilsson (2023). "Satanism: A Reader". OUP USA.
Massignon, Louis (1979). "The Passion of Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr of Islam". Vol. 1-4. Translated by Herbert Mason. Princeton University Press.
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Dive into the captivating world of vampire lore as we unravel the centuries-old history of these immortal creatures. From ancient myths to modern pop culture, join us on a mesmerizing journey through the evolution of vampire legends. Discover the origins, folklore, and enduring fascination surrounding these mythical beings & their influence on culture, religion & philosophy.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Adams, Paul (2014). "Written in Blood: A Cultural History of the British Vampire". The History Press.
Barber, Paul (2010). "Vampires, Burial, and Death". Yale University Press.
Groom, Nick (2020). "The Vampire: A New History". Yale University Press.
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Explore the chilling world of Yurei, the vengeful ghosts of Japanese folklore. In this episode, we delve into the origins, stories, and legends surrounding Yurei spirits, from their connection to death and unresolved grudges to their portrayal in popular Japanese horror. Discover the famous tales of Onryo (vengeful ghosts), the haunting role of Yurei in traditional Japanese culture, and how they inspire modern movies like The Ring and The Grudge.
Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Davisson, Zach (2020). "Yurei: The Japanese Ghost". Chin Music Press Inc.
Morton, Lisa (2017). "Ghosts: A Haunted History". Reaktion Books.
Yoda, Hiroko & Matt Alt (2012). "Yurei Attack!: The Japanese Ghost Survival Guide". Tuttle Publishing.
"A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural." 2024. DK.
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Explore the fascinating history of ghosts and uncover the ancient origins of ghost stories from around the world! In this episode, we dive deep into the myths and legends that have shaped our beliefs in the paranormal for centuries. From ancient Egypt to modern Europe, and beyond, we'll investigate how cultures across the globe have described spirits, hauntings, and supernatural phenomena.
Find me and my music here:
https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate
Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Bottéro, Jean (2004). "Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia". Translated by Teresa Lavender Fagan. University of Chicago Press.
Davisson, Zach (2020). "Yurei: The Japanese Ghost". Chin Music Press Inc.
Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.
Morton, Lisa (2017). "Ghosts: A Haunted History". Reaktion Books.
"A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural." 2024. DK.
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Explore the world of Zar spirit possession rituals in Northeast Africa. Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the rich cultural tapestry of this old tradition, shedding light on the captivating ceremonies, beliefs, and the deep connection between Zar spirits and the practitioners. Discover the mesmerizing dance, powerful music, and the profound significance of Zar in the lives of those who practice it.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
El Hadidi, Hager (2016). "Zar: Spirit Possession, Music, and Healing Rituals in Egypt". The American University in Cairo Press.
Henkesh, Yasmin (2017). "Trance Dancing with the Jinn: The Ancient Art of Contacting Spirits Through Ecstatic Dance". Llewellyn Publications.
Wood, Connor; Saikou Diallo; Ross Gore and Christopher J. Lynch (2018). "Trance, Dissociation, and Shamanism: A Cross-Cultural Model". In "Journal of Cognition and Culture", 18 (5):508-536. Brill.
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We begin this years Shocktober season with another video about jinn - specifically about jinn possession and exorcism in the Islamic world.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Al-Buni, Ahmad ibn âAli. âThe Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Maâarif): An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translationâ. Translated by Amina Inloes & Illustrated by J.M. Hamade. Revelore Press, 2021.
Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.
Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.
Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.
Philips, Bilal (2008). "The Exorcist Tradition in Islam". Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution.
Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.
âShams al-Maâarif al-Kubraâ. Arabic Printed Edition by Dar al-Mizan.
"The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights". Edited by Paulo Lemos Horta. Translated by Yasmine Seale. Liveright Publishing Corporation.
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Discover the fascinating history, unique traditions, and spiritual significance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Tewahedo Church), one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. From its roots in the 4th century to its deep cultural and religious influence in Ethiopia, this video explores the church's ancient rituals, sacred texts, and its role in shaping Ethiopian identity. Learn about the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, the role of fasting, and the importance of religious festivals like Timkat and Meskel.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Binns, John (2016). "The Orthodox Church of Ethiopia: A History". I.B. Tauris.
Samuelson, Calum (2023). "Theosis in the Ethiopian Tradition: A Preliminary Assessment". In "Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies", Volume 40, Issue 1.
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We explore the life and profound teachings of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj, the 9th-century Sufi mystic known for his controversial declaration, âAna al-Haqqâ (I am the Truth) & the factors which led to his martyrdom. In this video, we delve into al-Hallajâs spiritual journey, his poetry, role in Sufism, and the lasting impact of his philosophy on Islamic mysticism.
Visit my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Ernst, Carl W. (translated by) (2018). "Hallaj: Poems of a Sufi Martyr". Northwestern University Press.
Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.
Knysh, Alexander (2012). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.
Losensky, Paul (translated by) (2009). "Farid ad-Din Attrs Memorial of God's Friends: Lives and Sayings of Sufis". Paulist Press.
Massignon, Louis (1979). "The Passion of Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr of Islam". Vol. 1-4. Translated by Herbert Mason. Princeton University Press.
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Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion
Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Clark, Gillian (translated by) (2000). "Porphyry: On Abstinence from Killing Animals". Bristol Classical Press.
Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.
Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.
Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.
Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.
Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.
Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.
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Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion
Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Brose, Benjamin (2021). "Xuanzang: China's Legendary Pilgrim and Translator". Shambhala Publications.
Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.
Wriggins, Sally Hovey (1996). "Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim On The Silk Road". Routledge.
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Check out my linktree to find our new singe, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.
Beck, Guy L. (2009). "Sonic Theology: Hinduism and Sacred Sound". University of South Carolina Press.
Eaton, Richard M. (2020). "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765". Penguin.
Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.
Ernst, Carl W. (2016). "Refractions of Islam in India: Situating Sufism and Yoga". SAGE YODA Press; First Edition.
Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.
Kugle, Scott (ed.) (2012). "Sufi Meditation and Contemplation: Timeless Wisdom from Mughal India". Omega Publications. (Includes a translation of the "Risala-i Haqqnuma"/Compass of Truth.
Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.
Moovsi, Shireen (2002). "The Mughal Encounter with Vedanta: Recovering the biography of 'Jadrup'". Social scientist, Vol. 30, Nos. 7-8.
Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press.
Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press.
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In this episode, we explore the world of Seidr in old Norse culture. Can it be called mysticism? Or perhaps a part of the wider phenomenon of "shamanism"? These are questions and topics we explore in this one.
Check out my linktree to find our new singe, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion
Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b
Music by:
Filip Holm
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Lindow, John (2002). "Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs". Oxford University Press.
NÀsström, Britt-Mari (1995). "Freyja - the great goddess of the north". Almqvist & Wiksell International.
Price, Neil (2019). "The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia". Oxbow Books; 2nd ed. edition.
Stensland, Gro (2007). "Fornnordisk Religion". Natur Kultur Akademisk.
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Sources/Recomended Reading:
Bharati, Agehananda (1965). "The Tantric Tradition". B.I. Publications.
Bhattacharyya, N.N. (2005). "History of the Tantric Religion". Second Revised Edition. Manohar.
Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.
Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.
Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.
Olivelle, Patrick (translated by) (2008). "Upanisads". Oxford University Press.
Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press.
Wallis, Christopher D. (2013). "Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History and Practice of a Timeless Tradition". Mattamayura.
White, David Gordon (2000). "Tantra in Practice". Princeton University Press.
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Sources/Recomended Reading:
Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.
Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1980). "The Bezels of Wisdom". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.
Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".
Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.
Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.
Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.
Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.
Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.
Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-4. Pir Press.
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In this video we explore the life, death and legacy of the 5th century Alexandrian philosopher Hypatia, the very dramatic events that led to her brutal murder and what this can tell us (or not) about the transition from antiquity to the middle ages.
Check out my linktree for socials, music & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:
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Or through a one-time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Athanassiadi, Polymnia (ed.) (1999). "Damascius: The Philosophical History: text with translation and notes". Apamea Cultural Association.
Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.
Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.
Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.
Watts, Edward J. (2018). "Hypatia: The Life and Legend of an Ancient Philosopher". Academic.
Socrates Scholasticus: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/26017.htm
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In this episode, we explore the fascinating character of Fazlallah Astarabadi and his Hurufi (Lettrist) movement, as we dive into the world of Occultism and Esotericism in medieval Iran.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Bashir, Shahzad (2005). "Fazlallah Astarabadi and the Hurufis". Oneworld Publications.
Burrill, Kathleen R. F. (1972). "The Quatrains of NesimĂź Fourteenth-Century Turkic Hurufi". De Gruyter.
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Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influential Islamic philosopher, physician, and polymath. From his groundbreaking philosophical works to his advancements in medicine and even a famous "proof" for the existence of God. In this episode, we explore the historical context and legacy of one of history's greatest minds.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2011). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press.
Gohlman, William E. (translated by) (1974). "The Life of Ibn Sina: A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation". State University of New York Press.
Inati, Shams (translated by) (1984). "Remarks and Admonitions: Part One - Logic". Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.
Inati, Shams (1996). "Ibn Sina & Mysticism: Remarks and Admonitions (Part 4 - Sufism)". Routledge.
Inati, Shams (translated by) (2014). "Ibn Sina's Remarks and Admonitions: Physics and Metaphysics: An Analysis and Annotated Translation". Columbia University Press.
Marmura, Michael E. (translated by) (2005). "Avicenna: The Metaphysics of The Healing". University of Chicago Press.
McGinnis, Jon (translated by) (2010). "Avicenna: The Physics of The Healing â A Parallel EnglishâArabic Text". University of Chicago Press.
Morewedge, Parviz (1992). "Neoplatonism and Islamic Thought". State University of New York Press.
Suhrawardi (1187). "The Philosophy of Illumination". Translated by John Walbridge & Hossein Ziai. Islamic Translation Series. University of Chicago Press.
Winter, Tim (ed.) (2008). "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Cambridge University Press.
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