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:

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:

Attrell, Dan & David Porreca (translated by) (2019). “Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic”. Pennsylvania State University Press.

Fierro, Maribel (1996). “Batinism in al-Andalus: Maslama b. Qasim al-Qurtubi, author of the Rutbat al-Hakim and the Ghayat al-Hakim (Picatrix)”. In “Studia Islamica, 1996/2, 84”. Brill.

Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.

Pingree, David (1981). “Between the Ghaya and the Pixatrix”. In “Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Volume 44, 1981”. 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:

https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ‘Ali. “The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma’arif): An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translation”. 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.

“Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra”. 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.