Merry Christ Mass
Following on from last year’s Merry Mithrasmas episode, this year we turn our attention to the early origins of word “Christmas” itself: in ancient Greek philosophy, Roman mystery religions and cannibalistic rites. Merry Yule!
#76 The Hill Figures
Are the hill figures of Britain really ancient? What do they mean? In this episode we look at the symbolism of these enigmatic figures that have been preserved for centuries, and, in one exceptional case, for millennia by countless generations of people.
#75 Wicca – part 2 – Aleister Crowley
Was Aleister Crowley really the most wicked man in the world? What was the relationship between Aleister Crowley and Wicca? How did the events of his life shape the religious and spiritual traditions that he gave rise to? All these questions and more answered in this episode.
#74 Norse Mythology
What has Norse Mythology got to do with Shamanism? Were Odin and Thor usurpers of a more ancient tradition? Did the Vikings know they had Norse Mythology? Who were the Norns? These questions and more examined in this episode.
#73 The Azure Dragon and Shuai Jiao
Shuai Jiao is a popular modern Chinese martial art, but is it related to other arts and if so, which ones? In this episode we also look at the Chinese cosmological concept of Qinglong, or the Azure Dragon.
#72 Did Christianity create Capitalism? (part 1)
Is Capitalism a religion? How did Christianity create it? Are there non-subjects that relate to how societies are run? Who stands to benefit? In this episode we look at the effects of the Reformation on belief systems and economic systems, and how they ultimately resulted in Capitalism as we know it today.
#71 Xing Yi (part 13) The Water Chestnut Mirror
This episode explores the connection between the martial arts of the great Song generals’ tradition and Chinese theatre, which was emerged during the height of the Yuan Dynasty.
#70 Xing Yi (part 12) Rocks and Bamboo
We pick up our series on Xing Yi with a new dynasty, the Yuan, examining the social changes that Mongol rule brought to China and their implications for the martial arts through the lens of the artwork of the period.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/9404101/70-xing-yi-part-12-rocks-and-bamboo
#69 Shamanism, Martial Arts and the Miasma – part 2
How does Shamanism descend into belief-based religion over time? Why are many people uncomfortable drawing a link between Shamanism with the martial arts? Who was Mircea Eliade? These and many other questions are explored in our latest episode.
#68 Shamanism, Martial Arts and the Miasma – part 1
What does Shamanism have to do with the martial arts? What does Shamanism have to do with business? How is the Miasma involved? All this and more in our latest episode.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/9404101/68-shamanism-martial-arts-and-the-miasma