If any of you would be interested in engaging with the Hermetic Qabalah from a critical but sympathetic Christian perspective I would recommend “The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic” by Anthony Duncan as a fine place to start. Here are a few comments that struck me while reading the book: Light and fire feature very prominentlyContinue reading “The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic”
Tag Archives: magic
The Six Signs: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Occultism
“Seven Governors” by Jakob Bohme Surely one of the most useful definitions of Western esotericism I have ever come across (also Western occult tradition, Western hermetic tradition, Western mystery tradition) is that of Antoine Faivre, the first to define Western esotericism as a field of interdisciplinary academic study. In his book Western Esotericism, Faivre listedContinue reading “The Six Signs: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Occultism”
Jesus and the Tarot: The Ace of Cups
The image to your left is of the Ace of Cups in the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. If you reflect on the symbolism you may observe that the cup or chalice is being held by a divine hand, usually representative of God or one of God’s angelic messengers. Above it is a dove, symbolicContinue reading “Jesus and the Tarot: The Ace of Cups”
Jesus as Lord of the Zodiac
A 17th-century fresco from the Cathedral of the Living Pillar in Georgia depicting Jesus within the Zodiac circle. For me this is theology in colour. In this case, a Christ centred approach to astrology in particular and esotericism in general. Jesus, as Messiah, is not merely one power amongst many. But rather, he transcends allContinue reading “Jesus as Lord of the Zodiac”
Meditations on the Tarot – The High Priestess
Who is the High Priestess of the Tarot? As surprising as it sounds, you can find the answer for yourself in the Old and New Testaments. Just read these passages: The Woman A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelveContinue reading “Meditations on the Tarot – The High Priestess”
That Old Black Magic
It seems a Hindu Astrologer has set up business near the puja supply shop in the centre of Pendle Hill. Promising “Protection from any Black Magic” with a “100% success” rate, it suggests there are many out there seeking divine protection. Few seem to be seeking it from Christian communities however, or, given my conversations,Continue reading “That Old Black Magic”
As Above So Below
In the same way that Christ reveals God to us, Christ also reveals the world to us. In speaking of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, the New Testament affirms that “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3) and “For in him all things were created: things in heavenContinue reading “As Above So Below”
Voodoo, Yahoo and Nigerian Scams
According to New Scientist, Joshua Oyeniyi Aransiola, a sociologist at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife has the inside scoop on the Nigerian email scammers and it turns out their secret to success is voodoo: Those unfamiliar with Nigerian culture might find one of the study’s findings particularly surprising – scammers make regular use of voodoo. AsContinue reading “Voodoo, Yahoo and Nigerian Scams”
Energy Healing: A Christian Theological Appraisal
ENERGY HEALING: A CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL APPRAISAL Philip Johnson, Copyright 1999 One feature of our postmodern world is the attention given to health and lifestyle issues, such as diet, fitness, mental health, stress reduction, and the treatment of illnesses. Across the twentieth century many major breakthroughs have occurred in medical diagnosis, surgical procedures, and the treatmentContinue reading “Energy Healing: A Christian Theological Appraisal”
Hidden can be Holy
I was chatting with my wife tonight and, not sure quite how it came up, but I made the comment, “You wouldn’t make a good occultist,” to which she responded, “Isn’t that a good thing?” I was all very light hearted digging, but it got me thinking and I would like to quote a few commentsContinue reading “Hidden can be Holy”
Curious Christian 