ESOTERICA
Dr. Justin Sledge explores the arcane in history, philosophy, and religion, covering topics such as alchemy, magic, Kabbalah, mysticism, hermetic philosophy, theosophy, and the occult using academic scholarship. The podcast also offers a study guide, rare occult books, and merchandise for enthusiasts.
Episodes
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 7a of 15 - The Map is Not Territory
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
What is the Ring and Seal of Solomon - The Key to Magic?
Solomon became universally recognized as a power sorcerer by the turn of the common era. But, where did he get his power? Many legends have grown up around the Ring and Seal of Solomon but what do our earliest sources reveal about this legendary magical ring? From books of magic, pilgrims' tales, Islamic lore and medieval necromancy let's explore the Ring and Seal of Solomon!Consider Supporting
SOLD OUT! Join @ESOTERICA and @Atun-Shei Films Tour of Esoteric New England 2026
Join Andy Rakich (Atun-Shei Films) & Dr. Justin Sledge (Esoterica) for an October tour of Esoteric New England, October 9-16 2026:Purchase Tickets here - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/esoteric-new-england-with-andy-justin-october-2026Donate to the budget of "The Alchemist" ► https://www.paypal.me/atunsheifilmsThe tour will start in rural Rhode Island visiting forgotten King Philip's
Psychedelic Natural Magic - Potions from the 1558 Magiae Naturalis of Giambattista della Porta
While psychoactive substances are a core component in many religious traditions, with the exception of alcohol, they are conspicuously missing from much of the western European context. Did and how did such substances play a role in religious, philosophy, mysticism, and magic? This episode explores what appears to be an early selection of mind-altering compounds found in the enormously popular 15
Win a 1300 Year Old Incantation Bowl Fragment - Novel Occult Book Catalog!
Win an authentic piece of magical history: a 1300 year old Incantation Bowl Fragment and learn about our new antiquarian occult book catalog!Check out the catalog here: https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/
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Primer on Alchemy (FIA Lecture)
This is a lecture I gave last year at the Flint Institute of Art on the history, theory, and symbolism of alchemy. It's going to serve as an introduction to alchemy until I make a series for the channel.Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelSupport Adam McLean's art and research: https://www.alchemywebsite.com/bookshop/index.htmlSupport the Flint Institute of Arts: https:/
ESOTERICA at 1,000,000 Followers
My deepest gratitude to all of you as @TheEsotericaChannel crosses 1,000,000 subscribers.ESOTERICA sales for the holidays!Check out and Subscribe - feel free to add other worthwhile ReligionTube Channels!Let's Talk Religion - https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkReligionAngela's Symposium - https://www.youtube.com/@drangelapucaReligion for Breakfast - https://www.youtube.com/@ReligionForBreakfastThe M
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 8 of 15 - Who is Able to See it?
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
The Mystical Dreams of Descartes - Exploring the Origins of Rationalism and Modernity
In this episode we explore the non-rational origins of rationalism by investigating a series of dreams had by Rene Descartes - thought to have founded rationalism and modern philosophy - on the night of November 10/11, 1619. Early in his career Descartes, like many intellectuals of his day, was searching for new intellectual and scientific foundations as the worldview provided by Aristotle had be
Mysticism vs Satan - Hildegard of Bingen's Sacred Exorcism
Can Mysticism Defeat Satan? In 1196 the mystic Hildegard of Bingen was called to help cure a noble woman of demonic possession. However, it became clear that only a divine revelation could combat these demonic forces. And, in a mystical vision, Hildegard received a powerful ritual of exorcism through which She and God alone could contend with the forces of Satan. This Mystical Exorcism is one of
How did Magical Mirrors work? The Necromantic Mirror of Floron
Enchanted Mirrors are one of the quintessential objects in the history of magic. But, how were historical mirrors of magic made? What did they do? And, how did they work? Let's explore the history of magical mirrors by turning to perhaps the most famous such mirror of the Middle Ages: The Necromantic Mirror of Floron. Here we find a mirror that will summon a spirit that will answer questions ab
Magical Symbols - History of Sigils Angelic Alphabets and Symbols of Power
This video traces the origin and development of magical symbols from late-classical Egypt through their development into Western European Magic. These characters likely began as debased hieroglyphics and would eventually develop into unique symbols of power, the seals and sigils in angelic and demonic mage, and form the basis for angelic script / alphabets. This video is a part of a series on ma
Win a 439 year old book of Alchemy by Paracelsus!
Win this wonderful book of alchemy! Learn more in the video.Esoterica Occult Books - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/esotericaoccultbooks/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
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Alchemy - Where to Begin - Introduction to the Summa Perfectionis (Sum of Perfection) Pseudo-Geber
Alchemy is one of the most difficult fields of study in Western Esotericism for a host of reasons: texts are often in ancient languages, practically encoded, full of arcane symbolism and obscure instructions. One of the most daunting tasks is even where to begin. There are thousands of alchemical texts spread over 1500 years - which is the best starting point if you want to study alchemy? In th
Kabbalah - Merkabah Hekhalot and Sar Torah Mysticism - Ancient Chariot and Angelic Kabbalah
Jewish mysticism is one of the foundations for Western Esotericism and this video explores some of the earliest strata of those mystical texts. In the Merkaba (chariot) / Hekhalot (palaces) texts mystics describe the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent - not ascent - into the divine palaces, meet with fearsome angels, gain control over angelic power, become transformed into beings of fire, and m
Esoteric Film Review and Analysis - A Dark Song
A review and analysis of the 2016 film A Dark Song. I'll be discussing the esoteric and occult aspects of the film including the Abramelin operation, Aleister Crowley's infamous invocation at Boleskine, and some thoughts on how the film deals with the Faustian trope in a novel manner.A whole video on the Abramelin operation will appear in the future as part of Esoterica's series on books of magic
A Primer on Western Esotericism
An introduction to the relatively new field of western esotericism focusing on the scope of field including magic, mysticism, alchemy, theosophy, and more; several of the dominant academic approaches to the field; where to study western esotericism at the university levelSupport Esoterica on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Readings:Antoine Faivre - Western Esotericism
Magic in Ancient Israel and the Hebrew Bible - Divination Necromancy Amulets and the Witch of Endor
Ancient Israel is one of the most studied cultures of the ancient world. Though, one understudied aspect of their society was the practice of magic. This episode of Esoteric explores what little archaeological and literary evidence remains for the study of ancient Israelite magic. Here we will look at silver amulets found in Jerusalem's tombs and dive into the Hebrew Bible to try to understand
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 15 of 15 - The Twilight of the Merkavah
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
Hand-Crafted Lilith Incantation Bowls Available - Limited Holiday Supply
Aramaic Incantations Bowls were an ancient magical technology for warding off the power of demons, especially Lilith, and malevolent sorcery. Numberings in the thousands, these bowls represent a now lost anti-demonic magical tradition. Esoterica has resurrected this practice in the form of a beautiful objet d'art: a hand-made, contemporary bowl featuring a traditional Lilith image and Aramaic in
Re-Creating a 400 year old Alchemy Potion from Wormwood...then Trying it!
It's often forgotten that Alchemy was central for revolutions in Medicine, especially pharmacology. Following the theories of Paracelsus, I'm re-creating a 400 year old curative potion from Wormwood. How was alchemical medicine made? How did they think it worked? And, what does it taste like and what does it do? Let's re-create some authentic alchemy medicine from 400 years ago!Consider Support
Medieval Magic - Scholastic Analysis of Magic and Necromancy in the Middle Ages
Scholasticism was the greatest intellectual movement of the Middle Ages. In this episode of Esoterica we explore the attitudes of medieval philosophers, theologians and scientists concerning magic. From Augustine where magic is a demonic deception to the rise of natural magic and medieval necromancy we will see that just beneath the surface there is a great deal of subtlety among these thinkers.
Five Myths Surrounding Alchemy
Alchemy is one of the most misrepresented and poorly understood aspects of Western Esotericism. This video takes a look at five misconceptions from both the scientific dismissal of alchemy to the purely spiritual/psychological interpretation of its processes and symbolism.Support Esoterica: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRecommended Reading:Linden, Stanton J. (ed.) The Alchemy Reader: Fr
Witches Witch-Hunting and Magic in Early-Modern Europe (FIA Lecture)
This lecture explore, briefly, the history of witches, the witch-hunts, and the development of magic in early-modern Europe and could serve as a general introduction to the topic. Many thanks to the Flint Institute of Arts and Dr. Alan Klein for sponsoring the lecture.#witch #witchhunt #demonology
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Magic and Disease - Thinking about the history of magic in the time of COVID-19
Human beings have fought disease since the dawn of history employing a wide range of tools especially including magic. This episode of Esoterica is a brief tour of some of the magical tools, spells, charms, and amulets magician-doctors have used in their fight against illness through the ages. We begin at the dawn of civilization in ancient Nippur and travel through the times of the Greco-Egypti
Lilith Incantation Bowls - 56 Available
I've been working with ceramic artist Dee Dee Mangum to recreate Lilith Incantation Bowls - learn more about her work and process in this conversation.Incantations Bowls Available - https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/shop/p/handcraft-aramaic-incantation-bowl-limited-editionLearn more about historical Incantation Bowls - https://youtu.be/wyI9m50ODB4?si=0x5tFTPMz_zrEi1kGet the Aramaic Incantation
What is the Dybbuk ? Spirit Possession and Exorcism in the Kabbalah
The Kabbalah changed a great deal in Judaism including the conception of possession and exorcism. This episode of Esoterica explores the development of these concepts in rabbinical Judaism and the rise of Kabbalah, especially Lurianic Kabbalah in the 16th century. Here we discuss the idea of the Dybbuk - the evil dead returned to possess the living - but also the idea of Ibbur or beneficent spi
Who was Belial, the Demon?
The demon Belial seems to have emerged from an obscure force of nature to then become the leader of the Apocalyptic forces of Evil in the Dead Sea Scrolls. And, while only mentioned only once in the New Testament, Belial has become an important evil spirit in both contemporary Goetic magic and Popular Culture alike. But, what are the origins of Belial, a demon that once sat at the apex of the di
The Philosophy of Witchcraft
The apex of the Witch Trials coincided with the emergence of Modern Philosophy. But, what did these new philosophers think about Witches, Witchcraft, Demonology and the trials raging around them? From Agrippa, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza and beyond, let's explore how the major philosophers of early modernity reasoned about the realm of the supernatural and witchcraft. Consider Supporting Esoterica
How Angel Magic Brought Us the Internet - The Steganographia of Trithemius
Did Angel Magic give us the Internet? In around 1499 Johann Trithemius began combining alchemical theory, astrology, the combatory arts and angel magic into a vast occult system by which to rapidly transmit information, acquire languages, induce prophecy and illuminate the soul. He called this occult science the Ars Steganographia and he was condemned for it. Despite rumors that he was a vile n
The Great Beast and The Green Fairy: Aleister Crowley on Absinthe and New Orleans by@Atun-Shei Films
In 1918 Aleister Crowley found himself enjoying a few glasses of then illegal Absinthe in the French Quarter of New Orleans. While he waited for a friend he penned an extraordinary essay reflecting on Absinthe, the Occult, the dangers of the prohibitionist and the denizens of the Old Absinthe House still at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville. @AtunSheiFilms and I co-wrote this piece reflecting
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 12 of 15 - Goals of the Merkavah Mysticism
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
The Devil Rides Out - The Devil's Bride - Occult Film Review and Analysis
The Devil Rides Out or the The Devil's Bride as it was known in the US is a seminal occult film. Unlike many other films which feature occult or esoteric themes, there is actually a substantial amount of research reflected in this film base emerging from the 1934 novel of the same name by Dennis Wheatley. In this more light-hearted episode of Esoterica, we explore this classic 1968 Hammer film wi
The Origins of Dracula - How Printing Made a Monster
How did Dracula become...Dracula? The grim tales of Vlad III the Impaler, Voivode of Wallachia, are infamous. Touted as a bloodthirsty tyrant and a pious defender of Christendom, much of our knowledge of Dracula's stems from a now lost 1463 anonymous German Pamphlet. Reprinted many times, including woodcuts of Vlad dining among his impaled and mutilated victims, these early texts detail the "fr
Egyptian Alchemy : Decoding the Greek - Egyptian Alchemy - The Formula of the Crab / Scorpion
Alchemy is, perhaps, best known for it's elaborate symbolism but just how far back into history can we trace these allegories, secret codes, and hidden meanings? In this episode of Esoterica we investigate what is likely one of the earliest encoded alchemical texts: "the Formula of the Crab" or "the Formula of the Scorpion." Found in a 10th century Greek manuscript, this formula contain a Greco-
Corpus Hermeticum - Introduction to Hermes Trismegistus and Hermetic Philosophy
The Corpus Hermeticum are the texts and teachings ascribed to the legendary Egyptian sage, priest, and philosopher Hermes Trismegistus. When translated and published by Ficino in 1471 these texts were heralded as the very source of pure, perennial wisdom. In the subsequent years, these ideas went on to have a massive impact upon what is now called western esotericism. Just what are these teachi
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 10 of 15 - Dangers and Ordeals
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
Necromancy - How to Read a Historical Book of Magic / Necromancy - Reading a Real Necronomicon
This episode celebrates 1000 Subscribers! This time we answers fans of the channel's request for an analysis of a historical book of magic. What if you were to stumble onto an actual copy of the something like the Necronomicon of HP Lovecraft / Evil Dead lore? How would you go about actually reading it? Here, we discuss at length, the various processes scholars perform to understand medieval b
The Lesser Key of Solomon - History of Solomonic Magic and Goetia - Check out updated 2023 video!
Solomon has been associated with both exoteric and esoteric wisdom - especially magic and control of demons - for millennia. This Episode of Esoterica explores the history of Solomonic magic and the it's most famous expression in the Lemegeton or The Lesser Key of Solomon. We will deep dive into the history of Solomon as a sorcerer, the development of Solomonic Magic, and the composition and str
What are the Mayan Mysteries of the Oldest American Manuscript?
900 years ago, a set of Mayan scribes composed what is now the oldest American book. But it remains mysterious. On its pages various deities seem to menace, capture and behead victims, attack sacred temples and threaten the world order all on specific dates in the religious 260 days Mayan Calendar. What scholars have revealed is a complex astrological almanac detailing specific dates in the fou
Who was Asherah - Wife of Yahweh?
Did Yahweh have a Wife? Asherah is an goddess and cultic object well, though mysteriously, attested in the Hebrew Bible - but what do we really know about Asherah? Let's explore the the history of this goddess: divine matriarch, consort and power behind the throne. From ancient Babylon, the Hittite Empire, the Canaanites, the Hebrew Bible and South Arabian texts let's see what we can learn about
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 7b of 15 - The Map is Not Territory
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
Frankenstein and the Occult - How Victor Made the Monster
One of the outstanding mysteries of Frankenstein is just how did Victor bring the Monster to life? We are given some clues that he had long studied famed authors of the Occult - Albertus Magnus, Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus - so what might we learn about making and animating monsters and the dead from these authors? From Necromancy, animating corpses with demons, the Kabbalistic Golem and the
Ancient Angel Magic - Sefer HaRazim - The Book of Secrets - Jewish Magic
The Sefer HaRazim ( Book of Secrets / Mysteries) is an ancient Jewish book of angel magic dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE. It was discovered in the Cairo Genizah in the 1960's in fragments and was edited together over the course of three years by Mordecai Margalioth. In the text we find descriptions of the seven heavens, angelic military formations, and magical spells corresponding to the v
What is Theurgy? Proclus and Pagan Liberation
Precious little on pagan theories of salvation survive from the ancient world. However, Proclus' On the Hieratic Art According to the Greeks is an amazingly brief and yet profound introduction to salvation through Theurgy or God-Doing. In this text, we learn of the four-stage process by which one achieves magical powers and immortalization through various forms of theurgy. From recognizing the w
The Mystical Theology of Affection - Bernard of Clairvaux
Is Love fundamental reality? Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153) is among the pillars of western mysticism. In his mystical theology, he takes John's declaration that "God is Love" to it's radical conclusion: Love is both the means and the goal of all existence. Thus, the soul must undergo a series of transformations through love so as to be raptured up into the Divine Love which is God. Let's
How to Explore the Occult and Western Esotericism
Studying Western Esotericism can be a daunting task. How to even begin? I prepared a self-study guide for getting access to the most reliable and accessible literature on topics in Esotericism up to around 1650, updated for 2026. In this episode I want to walk you through my methodology, the study guide itself and how you can use it to bring yourself up to date on the scholarship. Let's build
Esotericism in Philosophy: Pythagoras and Parmenides
Philosophy is taken to be the paragon of rational argumentation and logical analysis but I want to explore the esoteric and mystical aspect of ancient Greek philosophy - a dimension often ignored or unstressed . This is the first in a series that will explore this more arcane side of western philosophy from ancient Greece to contemporary analytic and continental schools.Support Esoterica on Patre
Introduction to Merkavah Mysticism - 14 of 15 - Magical Context and Afterlife
Welcome to our seminar on Merkavah MysticismHundreds of years prior to the rise of the Kabbalah, shaman-like rabbinic mystics were described as having made the terrifying and awe-inspiring descent into the Divine Palaces. There they met with and bypassed fearsome angels with magical codes, gained control over angelic powers, became transformed into beings of fire, gained vast wisdom and mounted t
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