The Hermetic Hour

This is the Hermetic Hour for Thursday July 3rd, 2025, Your host Poke Runyon's 90th birthday which we will celebrate with a reading of Cult of The Sangreal and commentary. This is  a poem describing the whole history of the Holy Grail and Western Magical tradition from is beginning in ancient Canaan with the yearly death of Ba'al,  through King Solomon's temple and on to the Harranian Sabians and  Persian Magi, the Gnostics and Hermetics of fist century Alexandria, The Kabbalah of medieval Spain, the Cathars  and Troubadours of Southern France to the Rosicrucians of the Renaissance. The poem was Published in The Seventh Ray in 1976. With a commentary on each section of the poem added in 1998. Together the poem and commentary give us the depth, scope and spiritual compass of the Order of the Temple of Astarte and the Crata Repoa Reformatus. 

Dive into a fascinating exploration of ancient mythology and sacred rituals as we unravel the historical tapestry of the Holy Grail and Canaanite traditions. This episode delves into the rich history of the Sangreal, tracing its roots back to the days of Melchizedek and Abram, and further into the realms of ancient Canaanite mythology.

Discover the epic tales from the clay tablets of Ugarit, which illuminate the lives of legendary figures like Baal and Astarte. Learn how these mythologies influenced the evolution of religious thought, leading to the reinterpretation of deities such as El into the God of Abraham, Yahweh.

We explore the Hermetic and Kabbalistic philosophies, unveiling the mystical traditions preserved through the ages by the Sabean sages and their connections to the medieval Grail legends. From the resplendent courts of Solomon to the poetic allegories of the troubadours in Languedoc, this episode unveils a secretive past that intertwines with the very roots of Western esoteric traditions.

The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a discussion on the relationship of the Hermetic Tradition with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This topic was suggested by one of our listeners who wanted to know "Where does Jesus fit in the Hermetic scheme of things?" A very good question. The Hermetic Tradition interpenetrates, incorporates, may have influenced, and certainly enhances the mystic and philosophical aspects of all three of the great religions --- and especially the tradition of Freemasonry. The Hebrew Kabbalah is especially compatible with Hermetic concepts and Gnostic cosmology. Alexandria in classical times, a hundred years before the "Common Era" saw the birth of the Hermetic tradition, and may even have influenced Jesus -- more so than Buddhism, which was not familiar to the Greco-Roman world. The similarities between Christian and Hermetic philosophy led to the popularity of the Hermetic writings in the early Renaissance, and their brief acceptance by the Roman Church. Christians, Jews, and Sufi Muslims who are not prisoners of their dogma, find no problems working systems such as the Golden Dawn. If one can abide Freemasonry, one can enjoy the Way of Hermes. We will discuss early forms of Christianity that fit well with Hermetic doctrine. And we will discuss Jesus' teachings in relation to Hermetic philosophy -- So, tune in and we'll Witness for Hermes, and -- to quote Reverend Bobby-John: "We'll all be saved!"  

The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will feature a discussion on the writings of Howard Phillips Lovecraft and their influence on modern magick, especially that of the Kenneth Grant, and Chaos Magick traditions. We will summarize the "Cthulu Mythos" and the history of the fabulous "Necronomicon." Although both are essentially fiction, we will discuss Lovecraft's dream recall method, and the idea, purposed by Kenneth Grant, that Lovecraft actually created  what must now be considered a genuine mythology. Lovecraft's demons, loved and feared by millions, have become as real as those of the Goetia -- at least in the subjective realm of magick. We will recount some humorous episodes involving Necronomicon fabrications, and we will read from the most complete text of the Mad Arab's hellish book, the alleged "John Dee Translation."  So, tune in and shudder at the blasphemous ravings of Abdul Al Hazred.

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 19th Path of the Qabalistic Tree of Life called "Strength." This path laterally connects the Spheres of Geburah, on the Pillar of Severity, with Chesed on the Pillar of Mercy. The Path is attributed to the letter Teth, the Serpent, and the astrological sign of Leo. The Tarot Trump shows a woman gently closing the mouth of a lion. This is a "Key" Path on the Lightning Flash which defines our extended "Middle Pillar" yoga system. Gareth Knight suggests that it represents the initiatory journey of an Adeptus Major (6=5) to Adeptus Exemptus (7=4). Crowley's version of the card was called "Lust" and had the woman riding the beast -- this at least symbolizes one aspect of this path, that of conquering the beast within. The lion symbolism is also astrological and alchemical. The Heart of the Lion being the marker star Regulus in the Golden Dawn sidereal system. This also relates to the Labors of Hercules. This is an important Path and the last one before Da'ath on the Short Path -- so if you want to get ready to make the big jump across the Abyss, tune in and come with us.

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 20th Path of the Tree of Life. This is the Path that leads from Tiphareth to Chesed and is aptly attributed to the astrological sign Virgo, the Hebrew letter Yod and the Tarot Trump The Hermit. Again our texts will be Gareth Knight's Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism and John Michael Greer's Paths of Wisdom. This particular path is concerned with the issues of personality and individuality in relation to the spiritual ideal of dissolving the ego. In this regard Chesed represents The Garden of Eden, and the Hermit travels the lonely road to recover his/her virgin state of selfless innocence. The alternative to this -- according to Gareth Knight -- is a return to Lemurian black magick, an option which we will also examine for it's symbolic significance. So, if you want to journey beyond the Sun then join us Thursday night.

It's Thursday May 22nd, 2025 - This is the Hermetic Hour, I'm your host Poke Runyon and tonight we present a dramatic reading from my magical adventure novel "The Tomb of Prester John" - chapters eight thru ten. We take up the story with Doc and Sophie in their Akisar Hotel room after escaping from Theatria's Catacombs. They dismantle the "Lamp of Truth" and use it to decipher the code in Prester John's letter. Their Turkish colleague Colonel Renda arrives and they all proceed on toward Cappadocia where they are captured by the evil genius Victor Paulesque and Khalil ibn Iblis and his terrorists. In the subterranean world of the Troglodytes they all travel together on an underground train and enjoy a dinner which the sinister Paulesque tries to win them over to his Satanic agenda.

The Hermetic Hour, with host Poke Runyon, will present a panel discussion on the 22nd Path of the Tree of Life, leading from Tiphareth to Geburah. The Path is attributed to the astrological sign Libra, the Scales of Balance, the Tarot Trump "Justice," and the Hebrew and Phoenician letters "Lamed," both representing the Ox Goad -- which has a remarkable symbolism relating to a Biblical-Canaanite mystery we will reveal for the first time. This Path also ends up at the narrow bridge leading to the Castle on the Edge of the Abyss (Geburah). Again we refer to John Michael Greer's "Paths of Wisdom" and Gareth Knight's "Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism." Now, if you want to meet Osiris in the Great Hall of Judgement, remember, like Santa Claus, he has a list of who's been naughty and who's been nice -- so be good for goodness sake!  

The Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a discussion on the 21st Path of the Qabalistic Tree of Life, leading from Netsach to Chesed. This is the Path attributed to Jupiter, the Hebrew letter "Kaph", (the Hand), and the Tarot Trump "The Wheel of Fortune." The Sphere of Chesed is also attributed to the Planet Jupiter, making this a very powerful positive combination. We have a unique interpretation of The Wheel of Fortune which also appears in our Crata Repoa initiatory system. Chesed (Jupiter) is appropriately ruled by the Phoenician Father God El (AL) and we place the Phoenician God Dagon in residence. Chesed also relates to Atlantis as the ruling realm of the mythical world. So if you want to go back in time and meet an amphibious ancient astronaut, tune in make the journey with us.

On May Ist 2025 the Hermetic Hour with host Poke Runyon will present a reading of his 1977-1999 landmark Magical essay:

Magick and Hypnosis. Which first appeared in Llewellyn's magazine GNOSTICA volume 5, number 9, whole number 45 in 1977 and was updated in 1999. This important article has been translated into German and French and has had wide circulation in academic circles. It is a major position paper in modern Hermetics. It is included as a appendix in our recent THE BOOK OF SOLOMON'S MAGICK, SECOND EDITION (2023) So, if you are still not quite sure about  how Hermetic Magick really works then tune in, relax and just listen to my voice.