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In podcast episode 88, we’re joined by teacher Rubaphilos Salfluěre, author of “The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles,” published by Salamander and Sons.

“… this first volume in The Hermes Paradigm series offers a detailed consideration of the core concepts that afford a glimpse at the nature of the philosophy, and its first principles, that lie at the heart of Hermetic science – the source and backbone, yet least understood aspect, of the Western mystery tradition. Beginning with an examination of the history of Hermetism over the past two millenia, a clear historical and conceptual distinction is made between the body of pure Hermetic knowledge – the secret tradition – and the popular outer tradition, the latter of which is so often mistaken for the former. The much-neglected and misunderstood heart of Hermetic philosophy and its practical expression – the science of Hermetic initiation – is the subject of a detailed discussion, as is the central role that alchemy plays in the theory and practical dynamic of Hermetism. The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus is dissected in order to provide the reader with an introduction to how natural law provides the blueprint for both the alchemical laboratory tradition and the inner alchemical journey of initiation.”

In this interview, Rubaphilos talks about his personal experience in the Western Mystery Tradition in New Zealand, including his interest and training in laboratory Alchemy, hypnosis, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, B.O.T.A., A.M.O.R.C., and Freemasonry. We then compare and contrast the alchemical laboratory tradition and spiritual Alchemy, discussing the Philosophers’ Stone and the Elixir of Life. Rubaphilos endeavors to dispel the confusion surrounding the subject of Alchemy, both laboratory and inner work. He also explains how esoteric spiritual Alchemy is synonymous with Qabalah.

I highly recommend Rubaphilos Salfluěre’s “The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles.” With this book, he takes a hard and modern look at Hermetism and Alchemy and forces readers to think by questioning assumptions and the popular tradition. If you are a student of Hermetics and Alchemy, Rubaphilos’ book is essential reading. Perhaps controversial to some, his insights and experience are invaluable in my opinion.

Rubaphilos and I more deeply explore the division between the popular level of the Western esoteric tradition and the hidden tradition, or underground stream, in the Occult of Personality Membership Section. Join us for that fascinating interview.

Rubaphilos Salfluěre (although another URL is specified in the recording, Rubaphilos’ web site can now be found at http://www.rubaphilos.com/)

“The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles” by Rubaphilos Salfluěre

Salamander and Sons

Alchemy Journal

“Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man” by Gopi Krishna

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Chris Pusey

Thanks again to episode sponsors John, Curt, Seth, Theresa, and Jaesun! Check out Jaesun’s artwork at Darkson Studios.

The next Tarot symbolism workshop, Three Keys to Insight, is scheduled for Friday, June 25th at Eternal Balance in Beverly, Massachusetts. See you there!

Technorati Tags: Alchemy, Cabala, chemistry, consciousness, enlightenment, esoteric, esoteric orders, evolution, Hermetics, Hermetism, history, illumination, Kabbalah, kundalini, Magic, Magick, mysticism, occult, philosophy, psychology, Qabalah, Rosicrucianism, spirituality, symbolism, Western Mystery Tradition

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