Insights & Research in Western Esotericism

Explore essays, translations, and commentary from our faculty and guest scholars. Stay updated on the latest research, course announcements, and discoveries in Hermeticism, Kabbalah, alchemy, ritual magic, and related fields.

Material Culture and Alchemical Manuscripts Nov 02, 2025

An exploration of alchemical manuscripts and laboratory equipment as cultural artifacts, showing how material culture informs our understanding of esoteric practices.

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Ritual Magic in Historical Context Nov 02, 2025

Examining magical rituals across Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions, this article contextualizes practice within ethical, historical, and cultural frameworks.

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Language Skills for Esoteric Scholarship Nov 02, 2025

Latin, Greek, and Hebrew are essential for engaging primary esoteric sources. This post outlines practical strategies for language study and text translation.

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Introduction to Kabbalistic Texts Nov 02, 2025

Learn the fundamentals of Kabbalistic sources, including terminology, textual structures, and methods for careful, academic study.

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Alchemy: From Practice to Symbolism Nov 02, 2025

A deep dive into the material and symbolic aspects of alchemy, tracing its evolution from practical laboratories to philosophical allegories in European and Islamic traditions.

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Understanding Hermetic Texts: A Beginner’s Guide Nov 02, 2025

Explore the structure, themes, and historical context of Hermetic writings. This post introduces key texts and explains how scholars approach interpretation.

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