Synopsis
Tune in, turn on, and get magick with Poke Runyon, Archimage of the Ordo Templi Astartes. The O.T.A. is the oldest continually operating magical lodge in the US."Poke Runyon is the real deal ... an international magical treasure!" ~ Lon Milo DuQuette
Episodes
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Origins of Hermetic Magick
08/07/2011 Duration: 59minThe Hermetic Hour for July 7th, 2011 will feature a discussion by host Poke Runyon on the origins of Hermetic Celestial Magick, pulling together several threads from ancient and classical times, and bringing the it up through the Renaissance to modern times. We will deal with the Greek Orphic tradition -- its possible Central Asian roots -- Alexandria, Ptolemy and astrology, the Gnostics and the Greek Qabalah, which actually may have preceded the Hebrew Kabbalah. We'll mention Marcus and the "Soma Sophia," the Gnostic "Aeons" and Enochian (both Ethiopian and the Dee and Kelley version). And of course Macrobius and the Music of the Spheres. Much of this background has been ignored by modern occult students who tend to get their cosmology third hand from writers following Levi and Blavatsky. It is good to get back to our roots -- so, tune in and we'll journey back to Alexandria and find out how it got started.
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Special Guest: Lon Milo DuQuette
01/07/2011 Duration: 01h05minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, June 30th, 2011, at 8:00 p.m., with host Poke Runyon, will feature as its call-in guest speaker, one of the most knowledgeable and talented authors of books on magick and the occult (also one of the most prolific!). Lon Milo DuQuette. Lon is an "International Treasure." He has probably introduced more serious students to magick than any writer since Aleister Crowley. Lon's books on modern magick, include Solomonic, Qabalistic, Enochian, the Crowley Tarot, his own Tarot, and a marvelous magical autobiography "My Life With the Spirits." His "The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed ben Clifford," is the only Hermetic Qabalah book you'll ever need - and the only book of its kind that is as entertaining as it is profound. Lon is also a talented musician, a folksinger and song writer. He will be performing Friday night, 8:00 p.m. in at Piazza's in Long Beach. We'll give you directions - so, tune in, and let's find out what new treats Maestro DuQuette has in store for us.
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Adonia - Summer Solstice Rite
24/06/2011 Duration: 55minThis Thursday at 8:00p.m. host Poke Runyon will be re-capping and reviewing "Adonia", our 37th consecutive presentation of the reconstructed ancient Canaanite Summer Solstice rite following a great celebration at Montsalvat in Pasadena. For those of you who have "Rites of Magick," this is the seasonal ceremony depicted in that film. So tune in and we'll dance around the Circle with Ba'al as he asks: "Who drinks with me?"
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Knight of the Sun - The Kalachakra of the West
17/06/2011 Duration: 59minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, June 16th, 2011 will feature a discussion, led by host Poke Runyon, on the controversial Knight of the Sun, or Prince Adept, degree of Freemasonry. We will trace its history from its origin in the 1760s "Hermetic Rite" of Swedenborgian mystic Antoine Pernety, through its adoption into Scottish Rite in the early 1800s, and its subsequent Hermetic reconstruction by Albert Pike in 1857. In 2004 Scottish Rite removed the Hermetic philosophy from the degree, relegating it to a lecture on esoteric symbolism. We'll discuss the Hermetic-magical significance of the original Knight of the Sun, and the relationship of this degree to the seventh degree of Crata Repoa. In this sense it is the "Kalachakra" of the West. Tune in and be enlightened.
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Kalachakra and "Red Shambhala" with author Andrei Znamenski
10/06/2011 Duration: 01h24minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, June 9th, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. will present a very special program, hosted by Poke Runyon, discussing the mystical, historical and political aspects of the legendary Central Asian lost kingdom of Shambhala, and the Buddhist Tantric initiation into its mysteries called Kalachakra. Our very special call-in guest speaker will be Professor Andrei Znamenski, author of the new book "Red Shambhala," from Quest Publications. He has researched the ancient and modern history of this Eastern "Holy Grail" quest from hitherto closed Russian files. We will learn the real story behind adventures stranger than any Indiana Jones might have imagined. We will discuss the inner secrets of Kalachakra, and Shambhala, and how they were miss-used by Tsarists, Reds, Nazis, and militant Buddhists themselves. The web of mysticism and intrigue surrounding this apocalyptic Armageddon prophecy and its political implications has been the basis of a score of thrillers, conspiracy theories, and secret societies.
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Talismans, Sigils, and Lamens - Workshop Session
03/06/2011 Duration: 01h07minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 will be a workshop session, conducted by your host Poke Runyon, giving the theory, and practical instructions, for the creation of magical sigils, talismans, and lamens. We will discuss the various ways that sigils are created, and the several methods employed in creating talismans, sigils, and lamens. We will discuss the materials and tools you'll need--along with the reference texts. We will mention lunar aspects, planetary hours, and astrological considerations. Techniques for charging before and during the operation will be covered---so, if you want to unlock "The Key of Solomon," tune in and learn how to activate your astral credit card.
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Magical Equipment and Temple Furnishings
27/05/2011 Duration: 01h57minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, May 26th, 2011 will feature a discussion by host Poke Runyon on Magical equipment and Temple furnishings. Our call in guest will be "The Rustee Wizzerd," who is in the process of painting his room dark blue (as all wizard's should). We will get down to brass tacks (we use 'um), and give you would-be magi the inside info on what you really need, and how to acquire and/or construct your magical tools. I know that this aspect of magick is intimidating for some, while being too important for others. Actually you can do it all without any of our fancy toys, but then High Magick is "The Art of Kings" and kings like to do things in grand style. I think there is something wonderfully quixotic about the middle class suburbanite locked inside his two-car garage in a flowing robe, waving an exotic wand over a smoking altar upon which glows a crystal orb, suspended like a lost world in the midst of endless (dark blue) night. But, before you head out for Home Depot, and Michael's Crafts, li
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Paranormal Technology with David M. Rountree and Dr. X
20/05/2011 Duration: 01h49minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday May 19th, 2011, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. will feature a discussion on paranormal technology, audio, visual electronic devices, and the phenomena produced by them. This includes EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) UHF and ELF amplifiers, ghost photography, electro-hypnotic devices (Proteus, Procyon AVS) and spirit radios then and now. Our expert call-in guests will be David Rountree, author of the definitive text on the subject: "Paranormal Technology," and Dr. X (Mark Nelson) author of "The Multiverse Receiver" in the latest issue of The Seventh Ray (Book III, The Green Ray). Your host, Poke Runyon, will act as moderator, and ask the kind of questions a non-technical, but interested listener would like to have answered about this fascinating subject. So, tune in and listen very, very carefully---you might hear voices.....
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Adamson's Quest, Technolopolis -- 2084
13/05/2011 Duration: 59minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, May 12th, 2011 will feature a commentary by Poke Runyon on his long-running serialized magical novel "Adamson's Quest" appearing in issues of The Seventh Ray. This is an inner-plane exploration of the lower paths and spheres of the qabalistic Tree of Life presented in the form of a fantasy adventure. The hero, Enoch Adamson, is sent by the sage Hermes Trismegistus on a quest to find "himself, among other things," dressed in the costume of the Tarot's Fool. The first chapter appeared in volume two, number two, 1973, and continued for seven more chapters until 1978 -- then, when The Seventh Ray was reborn in 1999, Adamson continued with chapter nine, followed by chapter ten in 2000, and now chapter eleven "Technopolis -- 2084" in the latest issue, Book III, The Green Ray. The complete first volume (first twelve chapters) will be published later this year. So, tune in and catch up on the longest running occult adventure series in recent history.
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Elemental Spirits and The Undines of William R. Mistele
06/05/2011 Duration: 01h00sThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, May 5th, 2011, with host Poke Runyon, will feature a discussion on Elemental Spirits in Hermetic Magick. Our featured guest speaker will be Hawaiian Hermetic magician, and "spiritual anthropologist" William R. Mistele, author of the book "Undines, Lessons from the Realm of the Water Spirits." This is a wonderful and very magical book by a magus who has mastered Franz Bardon's methods, and used them to make meaningful contact with the Elemental Realms. We will also touch on the old classic "Comte de Gabalis," and other aspects of nature's fairyland. So tune in and let's go scuba diving on the astral.
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The Soma Sofia - Celestial Magick
29/04/2011 Duration: 54minThe Hermetic Hour for this Thursday, April 28th, 2011 will feature a discussion by Poke Runyon on The Soma Sofia, which is featured in the latest issue of The Seventh Ray -- Book III, The "Green Ray." The Soma Sofia is a reconstruction of a lost ancient system of Celestial Magick that divides the entire universe, or 'celestial sphere', into a grid which can be reduced or expanded with precision to apply alpha-numeric code letters, or formulas, to any star, or constellation. This idea or concept is attributed to the Gnostic magician Marcus in the 2nd century of the common era. It has been suggested that the Hebrew kabbalah was influenced by this concept. This may also be the original inspiration for the Enochian Watchtower Tablets. We will discuss the history of this fascinating rediscovery and its practical applications. Tune in and we'll get celestial!
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Puzzles, Math & Magick w/ Mensa Puzzle Editor Alan Stillson
22/04/2011 Duration: 50minOn the Hermetic Hour for April 21st, 2011, host Poke Runyon will discuss our participation in the L.A. Times upcoming "Festival of Books" being held on April 30th and May 1st at the U.S.C. campus in Los Angeles. We are sharing booth 998 with the noted author of brain teasing puzzle books, Alan Stillson -- and he will be our featured call-in guest. Now, if you're wondering about the connection between magick and word-game puzzles, our booth's banner says it all: "Books for the Mind." Magic squares, kameas, the astrological decans of our Soma Sofia, and the Enochian Tablets are all related to alpha-numeric acrostic puzzles. Alan is an expert in Sudoko, which is Japanese system very similar in structure to our Soma Sofia nine-chamber grid. Along with Alan's books, we will discuss what we have to offer, and we hope to see you local magi at the show.
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One Year Anniversary Show
15/04/2011 Duration: 01h58minThis Thursday, April 14th, 2011, will be the one-year anniversary of The Hermetic Hour, produced by Soror Zandria and hosted by Frater Thabion (Poke Runyon). We will review our previous programs, hitting the highlights, and discussing the concept and intention of our show. We will try to have our featured guests call in and recall their particular contributions. Some of you chat-room regulars can call in too. We'll describe and explain our Associate Member Program, and we'll also give an idea of what else we have to offer in the way of videos, books, journals, and up-coming projects and events; this Saturday we are showing Beyond Lemuria at a Masonic Lodge in Culver City. This is for Masons and their guests---so, those of you in the L.A. area who would like to attend (we provide free popcorn), contact me and I'll see if I can invite you as a guest. We'll also have a booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC on April 30 - May 1, 2011. Come on down and join us and get in the spirit of things.
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Dark Origins of the Werewolf Legend
08/04/2011 Duration: 57minThe Hermetic Hour for April 7th, 2011 will feature a discussion by host Poke Runyon on his article in the new Seventh Ray entitled "Dark Origins of the Werewolf Legend." As we are all aware the Hollywood Vampire fascination is beginning to wane, and the werewolves are making a comeback -- however, we are still in the dark about what werewolves really were (and perhaps still are). The real truth is more disturbing, and even terrifying, than the Hollywood fantasy. While we're at it, we'll get to the bottom of the vampire legend as well. This will be a walk on the dark side, so turn the lights down low and we'll whisper about things that go "bump" in the night.
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The Seventh Ray, Book III, The Green Ray
01/04/2011 Duration: 55minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, March 31st, 2011, with host, and editor Poke Runyon, will present a review of the third issue of American magick's oldest continuing journal, The Seventh Ray, running for 20 issues from 1972 through 1978; revived in 1999 (The Blue Ray) continued in 2000 (The Red Ray), and now out again in 2011 with Book III, The Green Ray. This is a parchment bound, 210 page journal with what we sincerely believe are the most significant original magical articles and features available in the 21st century. The "Soma Sofia" may well be the ancient origin of the Enochian watchtower tablets. The "Great Secret" is exactly that: "Immortality guaranteed." All this and more, much more, including the Seventh Ray cartoon. The Seventh Ray, Book III, The Green Ray, in now available from Amazon. So tune in and find out what it's all about.
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Nuptiae: The Divine Marriage & Spring Equinox Ceremony
25/03/2011 Duration: 55minThe Hermetic Hour for Thursday, March 24th, 2011, with host Poke Runyon, will feature a discussion of our Spring Equinox "Sacred Marriage" ceremony, with readings for the pageant. This modern version of a 3500 year old pagan rite features a May Pole dance (March Pole actually), and a Communion of the Elements ceremony in which the seven sacraments are shared with the celebrants by the priest and priestess while the newly married God (Baal) and his bride (Astarte) look on from their bridal pavillion . This last Saturday, under a "Super" full moon, we performed the 36th consecutive presentation of "Nuptiae" at Montsalvat in Pasadena, with a newly initiated young couple taking the role of Baal and Astarte, bound together by the ribbons of the Ashera--or may Pole. So, tune in, and we'll try to recreate the experience for you.
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An Informal History of the Order of the Temple of Astarte & The Church of the Hermetic Sciences Pt 2
18/03/2011 Duration: 54minThe Hermetic Hour for March 17th, 2011 will continue with Poke Runyon's informal history of C.H.S./O.T.A., introducing Louis T. Culling, Israel Regardie, Grady McMurtry, and our intrigues with the nascent O.T.O. that was reforming after Jack Parsons blew himself up. We will also discuss our secret war on terrorists in Los Angeles, the Themis War, and the development of our Seasonals, and our yoga system. So tune in, turn on, and get ready to return to the thrilling days of yester-year. (like the Lone Ranger....)
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An Informal History of the Order of the Temple of Astarte & The Church of the Hermetic Sciences Pt 1
11/03/2011 Duration: 56minThe Hermetic Hour for this Thursday, March 10th, 2011, with host Poke Runyon, will feature an informal history of the Order of the Temple of Astarte (O.T.A.) and The Church of the Hermetic Sciences. We'll cover the whole story, from the psychedelic era of the late 1960s through the early 70s, and on into 80s and 90s. We'll try to be honest without getting too gossipy---but we can't avoid some controversial events and personalities. You'll meet Israel Regardie and Grady McMurtry, along with Louis T. Culling, Fred Adams, and Joe Wilson. We'll cover the birth of The Seventh Ray, and the Themis War. This will be a mixture of nostalgia and tradition. Most 21st century NeoPagans and magicians have no idea who started---and in some case revived---all this activity back in the late 60s. This will be a revelation for some, and nostalgia for others. Don't miss it.
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The Roebuck and the Clan of Tubal Cain
04/03/2011 Duration: 56minOn the Hermetic Hour this Thursday, March 3rd, 2011, at 8:00 p.m., the subject will be the American Keltic Neo-Pagan expression, specifically "The Roebuck," which is also called "the Clan of Tubal Cain" and, in its earlier American version,"The Order of 1734." The elders of this tradition are Ann and Dave Finnin, who will be with us in the studio. Ann is the author of "The Forge of Tubal Cain" (2008). Ann has been our guest before, discussing magical hypnosis. The main book behind Roy Bowers' unique expression of modern Neo-Paganism was Robert Graves' "The White Goddess" (1948), which was also a major influence on Fred Adams' Feraferia. So tune in and find out how all this fascinating material got over here--and how the Finnins went over to England and brought more back.
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The Kybalion
25/02/2011 Duration: 58minOn the Hermetic Hour for Thursday, February 24th, 2011 your host Poke Runyon will lead a discussion of one of the most influential modern occult classics, the mysterious, mystical "Kybalion" by "Three Initiates." This little blue book has been treasured by students of the Western Mysteries since its first publication back in 1912. Our very special guest will be Rev. Paul Clark, Steward of the Fraternity of Hidden Light (and the Master Jesus from "Beyond Lemuria") who is perhaps the best qualified scholar-teacher to explain who the original authors were, where their philosophy came from, and why the book is still very important and meaningful. I will try to explain the connections to actual Greek and Greco-Egyptian (Hermetic) philosophy in this modern classic. This is going to be an enlightening hour unveiling the secrets of an obscure and mysterious work. Tune in and get inspired and demystified.