Description: [BREAKING NEWS SPECIAL] - Scott Ritter : Trump deploys Nuclear Subs to Russia over Social Media Rift
Scott Ritter | Trump deploys Nuclear Subs to Russia over Social Media Rift | Aug. 1, 2025
Source: Judge Napolitano - Judging Freedom YouTube
New World Next Week | Billionaires Want To Edit Your Babies | Aug. 1, 2025
Source: NewWorldNextWeek.com, corbettreport.com, mediamonarchy.com
Story #1: Tech Billionaires, Rogue Scientists Moving to Commercialize CRISPR Babies
NWNW #587 – Scientists Genetically Engineer Wolves With White Hair, Muscular Jaws Like Extinct Dire Wolf (Apr. 11, 2025)
NWNW # 491 – CRISPR Gene Editing May Cause Permanent Damage – Study (Jul. 29, 2022)
NWNW #484 – A One-and-Done CRISPR Gene Therapy Will Aim to Prevent Heart Attacks (May 20, 2022)
NWNW #423 – Two Female CRISPR Scientists Make History, Winning Nobel Prize In Chemistry For Genome-Editing Discovery (Oct. 9, 2020)
NWNW #359 – Scientist Announces Gene-Edited Babies, Goes Missing (Dec. 6, 2018)
Interview 1486 – Jonathan Latham on Gene Editing (Oct. 23, 2019)
Media Monarchy Archives: ‘CRISPR’
Story #1: Tech Billionaires, Rogue Scientists Moving to Commercialize CRISPR Babies
NWNW #587 – Scientists Genetically Engineer Wolves With White Hair, Muscular Jaws Like Extinct Dire Wolf (Apr. 11, 2025)
NWNW # 491 – CRISPR Gene Editing May Cause Permanent Damage – Study (Jul. 29, 2022)
NWNW #484 – A One-and-Done CRISPR Gene Therapy Will Aim to Prevent Heart Attacks (May 20, 2022)
NWNW #423 – Two Female CRISPR Scientists Make History, Winning Nobel Prize In Chemistry For Genome-Editing Discovery (Oct. 9, 2020)
NWNW #359 – Scientist Announces Gene-Edited Babies, Goes Missing (Dec. 6, 2018)
Interview 1486 – Jonathan Latham on Gene Editing (Oct. 23, 2019)
Media Monarchy Archives: ‘CRISPR’
Story #2: Netflix To Reboot 1990s Globalist Propaganda Kids Show ‘Captain Planet’
Your Summer Reading List 2025
Your Summer Reading List 2025
Interview 1079 – Michael Bennett Solves The Georgia Guidestones Mystery
Story #3: SF-Based Internet Archive Is Now a Federal Depository Library. What Does That Mean?
Federal Depository Library Program
Depository Library Program
Video: Eyes & Ears – The Macro Monarchy Kingdom w/James Evan Pilato and Charlie Robinson
The ‘New World Next Week’ Store
Story #3: SF-Based Internet Archive Is Now a Federal Depository Library. What Does That Mean?
Federal Depository Library Program
Depository Library Program
Video: Eyes & Ears – The Macro Monarchy Kingdom w/James Evan Pilato and Charlie Robinson
The ‘New World Next Week’ Store
Larry C. Johnson & Col. Larry Wilkerson: Iran WARNS — Yemen Rewrites the Rules — Russia SNUBS Trump | Aug. 1, 2025
Source: Dialogue Works youtube
Joseph P. Farrell | News and Views from the Nefarium | July 31, 2025
Source: gizadeathstar.com
Description:
Description:
Well, what about that earthquake in Russia's Kamchatka peninsula, a region well known for its active volcanism? Joseph has some typical off-the-end-of-the-high-octane-speculation-twig and Wile E. Coyote nosedive into the speculation canyon on this story, and judging from the emails he's been getting about it, a lot of people are entertaining very similar speculations:
John Blitch | Abductions, Implants, and Disclosure: The Questions that won’t go away | July 31, 2025
Source: MMatt Beall Limitless youtube
Description:
From DARPA research halls to the frontlines of the UFO mystery, John Blitch joins us for a riveting deep-dive into the phenomenon that refuses to fade. We explore firsthand accounts of unexplained encounters, dissect the infamous Tic-Tac incident, and ask whether disinformation has clouded the truth. John opens up about alien implants, his time at DARPA, and his perspective on Luis Elizondo and what true Disclosure might require. With nods to figures like John Brandenburg and discussions on fear, technology, and the search for answers—this episode is an unfiltered journey into the heart of the unexplained.
00:00:00 - Introductions
00:27:43 - What have you witnessed personally?
00:43:04 - The Tic-Tac Incident
00:52:54 - Has Disinformation Fooled the community?
01:32:09 - What would the truth be?
01:41:16 - Alien Implants
02:38:20 - John Brandenburg
02:41:51 - Fear Fighter
02:46:06 - Working at DARPA
03:01:06 - Luis Elizondo
03:15:05 - What does Disclosure have to look like?
03:35:31 – Closing 1. Childhood Encounters with Strange Entities
[]Terrifying Memories: The guest recalls being paralyzed with fear at age five, staring at entities with large, almond-shaped, solid black eyes through their bedroom window in New Hampshire. These experiences triggered intense physiological responses (sweating, hair standing up), which they believe were real, not imagined.
[]No Media Influence: Despite skepticism, the guest found no similar "gray" or "praying mantis" aliens in 1950s/60s media like Star Trek or Lost in Space, ruling out cultural influence. They also feared animals with black eyes (deer, horses, squirrels), linking them to the entities.
[*]Paralysis Phenomenon: The guest experienced paralysis during these encounters, only able to move their eyes. They argue this differs from sleep paralysis (which lasts seconds), as their experiences were prolonged. The host shares a similar experience with a black mist, suggesting an external cause.[/list][size=14][b]
2. 1995 Mantis Encounter
[]Shocking Sighting: In 1995, post-Oklahoma City bombing, the guest encountered a tall, insect-like "mantis" entity while mountain biking. Its non-humanoid appearance was so shocking they initially dismissed it as fake due to societal stigma.
[]Validation Later: Later research revealed mantis-like entities in abduction literature, aligning with their experience. They reference the 2023 Las Vegas incident, where a family reported 8-foot entities after a meteor-like crash, possibly mantis-like.[/list][size=14]
3. Military and DARPA Insigh
[/FONT]
• West Point Project: At West Point, the guest worked on a classified project about the Idaho Falls nuclear incident, corroborated by their father’s reaction, suggesting NHI involvement.
• DARPA Agility: At DARPA, the guest managed robotics programs with unusual autonomy, bypassing federal regulations. They draw parallels to Philip J. Corso’s The Day After Roswell, suggesting DARPA seeded alien tech to contractors.
[*]Cephalopod Camouflage: A DARPA project to reverse-engineer octopus camouflage for special forces was canceled abruptly, hinting at a secretive "super black" program already working on it. A UK paper claims cephalopods may be extraterrestrial, adding intrigue.[/list][size=14][b]
4. Key UAP Incidents
• Tic-Tac Incident (2004): The guest views this as 100% confirmed due to radar, FLIR, and credible witnesses like David Fravor and Ryan Graves. They lean toward extraterrestrial origins but don’t rule out advanced human tech.
• School Sightings: The 1994 Ariel School (Zimbabwe) and 1966 Westall School (Australia) incidents are cited as strong evidence, with consistent accounts from multiple children, who are less likely to lie effectively.
[*]Nuclear Incursions: UAP interactions with nuclear facilities (per Robert Hastings, Bob Salas) are seen as overt warnings against nuclear weapons. The guest speculates NHI may have covertly disabled global nuclear arsenals.[/list][size=14][b]
5. Government Secrecy and Whistleblowers
• Frustration with Secrecy: The guest criticizes government officials for ignoring UAP evidence, calling it "intellectual cowardice." They praise whistleblowers like David Grusch and Lue Elizondo for their courage.
[]Lue Elizondo: Initially skeptical of Elizondo’s credentials (army enlisted, microbiology degree), the guest met him and found him brilliant, understanding why an outsider was chosen for AATIP. They defend him against disinformation accusations, citing his apology to Mario Woods for a misleading Unidentified episode.
[*]Human Mutilation: Referencing Leonard Stringfield, the guest notes disturbing reports of human mutilation linked to abductions, suggesting a cover-up to hide these horrific events.[/list][size=14][b]
6. Vision for Disclosure
NHI-Driven Disclosure: The guest envisions a global event where multiple NHI species appear in major cities, allowing public interaction, bypassing government secrecy. They call this a "Boston Tea Party" for disclosure.
[]Rejecting Catastrophic Disclosure: They dismiss fears of societal collapse, citing human resilience in crises (e.g., 9/11, Oklahoma City bombing). The Vatican’s 2008 acceptance of extraterrestrial life supports this view.
[*]Ontological Relief: Quoting Jake Barber, the guest believes disclosure will bring "ontological relief," not shock, unifying humanity by revealing a cosmic context.
7. Philosophical and Scientific Takeaways
[]Compassionate Science: The guest advocates for open, compassionate dialogue, criticizing "scientism" (dogmatic dismissal of UAPs). They support Dr. Michael P. Masters’ extra-temporal hypothesis (NHI as future humans) and suggest some entities may be biological robots.
[]Fermi Paradox Critique: They call the Fermi Paradox arrogant, arguing NHI likely conceal themselves (like scientists studying animals) using cloaking tech, as seen in the Las Vegas incident.
Closing Thoughts:
The guest’s journey from childhood terror to military insider to UAP advocate is gripping, blending personal experiences with scientific and institutional insights. Their vision of NHI-driven disclosure is bold, and their optimism about humanity’s resilience is inspiring. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone curious about UAPs, government secrecy, and our place in the cosmos!
00:00:00 - Introductions
00:27:43 - What have you witnessed personally?
00:43:04 - The Tic-Tac Incident
00:52:54 - Has Disinformation Fooled the community?
01:32:09 - What would the truth be?
01:41:16 - Alien Implants
02:38:20 - John Brandenburg
02:41:51 - Fear Fighter
02:46:06 - Working at DARPA
03:01:06 - Luis Elizondo
03:15:05 - What does Disclosure have to look like?
03:35:31 – Closing 1. Childhood Encounters with Strange Entities
[]Terrifying Memories: The guest recalls being paralyzed with fear at age five, staring at entities with large, almond-shaped, solid black eyes through their bedroom window in New Hampshire. These experiences triggered intense physiological responses (sweating, hair standing up), which they believe were real, not imagined.
[]No Media Influence: Despite skepticism, the guest found no similar "gray" or "praying mantis" aliens in 1950s/60s media like Star Trek or Lost in Space, ruling out cultural influence. They also feared animals with black eyes (deer, horses, squirrels), linking them to the entities.
[*]Paralysis Phenomenon: The guest experienced paralysis during these encounters, only able to move their eyes. They argue this differs from sleep paralysis (which lasts seconds), as their experiences were prolonged. The host shares a similar experience with a black mist, suggesting an external cause.[/list][size=14][b]
2. 1995 Mantis Encounter
[]Shocking Sighting: In 1995, post-Oklahoma City bombing, the guest encountered a tall, insect-like "mantis" entity while mountain biking. Its non-humanoid appearance was so shocking they initially dismissed it as fake due to societal stigma.
[]Validation Later: Later research revealed mantis-like entities in abduction literature, aligning with their experience. They reference the 2023 Las Vegas incident, where a family reported 8-foot entities after a meteor-like crash, possibly mantis-like.[/list][size=14]
3. Military and DARPA Insigh
[/FONT]
• West Point Project: At West Point, the guest worked on a classified project about the Idaho Falls nuclear incident, corroborated by their father’s reaction, suggesting NHI involvement.
• DARPA Agility: At DARPA, the guest managed robotics programs with unusual autonomy, bypassing federal regulations. They draw parallels to Philip J. Corso’s The Day After Roswell, suggesting DARPA seeded alien tech to contractors.
[*]Cephalopod Camouflage: A DARPA project to reverse-engineer octopus camouflage for special forces was canceled abruptly, hinting at a secretive "super black" program already working on it. A UK paper claims cephalopods may be extraterrestrial, adding intrigue.[/list][size=14][b]
4. Key UAP Incidents
• Tic-Tac Incident (2004): The guest views this as 100% confirmed due to radar, FLIR, and credible witnesses like David Fravor and Ryan Graves. They lean toward extraterrestrial origins but don’t rule out advanced human tech.
• School Sightings: The 1994 Ariel School (Zimbabwe) and 1966 Westall School (Australia) incidents are cited as strong evidence, with consistent accounts from multiple children, who are less likely to lie effectively.
[*]Nuclear Incursions: UAP interactions with nuclear facilities (per Robert Hastings, Bob Salas) are seen as overt warnings against nuclear weapons. The guest speculates NHI may have covertly disabled global nuclear arsenals.[/list][size=14][b]
5. Government Secrecy and Whistleblowers
• Frustration with Secrecy: The guest criticizes government officials for ignoring UAP evidence, calling it "intellectual cowardice." They praise whistleblowers like David Grusch and Lue Elizondo for their courage.
[]Lue Elizondo: Initially skeptical of Elizondo’s credentials (army enlisted, microbiology degree), the guest met him and found him brilliant, understanding why an outsider was chosen for AATIP. They defend him against disinformation accusations, citing his apology to Mario Woods for a misleading Unidentified episode.
[*]Human Mutilation: Referencing Leonard Stringfield, the guest notes disturbing reports of human mutilation linked to abductions, suggesting a cover-up to hide these horrific events.[/list][size=14][b]
6. Vision for Disclosure
NHI-Driven Disclosure: The guest envisions a global event where multiple NHI species appear in major cities, allowing public interaction, bypassing government secrecy. They call this a "Boston Tea Party" for disclosure.
[]Rejecting Catastrophic Disclosure: They dismiss fears of societal collapse, citing human resilience in crises (e.g., 9/11, Oklahoma City bombing). The Vatican’s 2008 acceptance of extraterrestrial life supports this view.
[*]Ontological Relief: Quoting Jake Barber, the guest believes disclosure will bring "ontological relief," not shock, unifying humanity by revealing a cosmic context.
7. Philosophical and Scientific Takeaways
[]Compassionate Science: The guest advocates for open, compassionate dialogue, criticizing "scientism" (dogmatic dismissal of UAPs). They support Dr. Michael P. Masters’ extra-temporal hypothesis (NHI as future humans) and suggest some entities may be biological robots.
[]Fermi Paradox Critique: They call the Fermi Paradox arrogant, arguing NHI likely conceal themselves (like scientists studying animals) using cloaking tech, as seen in the Las Vegas incident.
Closing Thoughts:
The guest’s journey from childhood terror to military insider to UAP advocate is gripping, blending personal experiences with scientific and institutional insights. Their vision of NHI-driven disclosure is bold, and their optimism about humanity’s resilience is inspiring. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone curious about UAPs, government secrecy, and our place in the cosmos!
Ancient Technologies | FORBIDDEN ZONES on the Giza Plateau (Ep. 2) | July 30, 2025
Source: Project Unity youtube
Description:
Locked and blocked subterranean entrances, deep vertical shafts, angry guards, industrial-scale acidic erosion and a lucky find from inside an ancient iron vein! 4K adventure through the anomalies of Egypt with Cairo resident & researcher Geoffrey Drumm from 'The Land of Chem' YouTube Channel.
Description:
Locked and blocked subterranean entrances, deep vertical shafts, angry guards, industrial-scale acidic erosion and a lucky find from inside an ancient iron vein! 4K adventure through the anomalies of Egypt with Cairo resident & researcher Geoffrey Drumm from 'The Land of Chem' YouTube Channel.
Tucker Carlson | John Mearsheimer | The Palestinian Genocide and How the West Has Been Deceived Into Supporting It | July 30, 2025
Source: TuckerCarlson.com
Chapters:
Chapters:
(0:00) An Update on the Ukraine/Russia War
(5:13) The West’s Ridiculous Russophobia
(15:47) Why Do We Still Have NATO?
(25:29) The Growing Threat of China and How the US Empowered Them
(39:30) The US Puppet Called Zelensky
(41:48) Donald Trump’s Biggest Challenges With Ending the War
(48:14) Why the US Foreign Policy Establishment Is So Hawkish on Middle Eastern Wars
(51:10) Why the US Puts Israel’s Interests First
(56:13) The Palestinian Genocide
(1:05:32) The Zionist Mission for Greater Israel
(1:11:24) The Power of the Israel Lobby
(1:20:53) The Attempts to Shut Down Criticism of Israel
(1:32:58) Why Are Christians in the West Supporting Israel’s Killing of Christians in the Middle East?
(1:38:10) The Growing Opposition Towards Israel Among Young People
(1:42:45) Why Don’t We Know the Death Toll of Any of These Wars?
(1:53:27) The Authoritarianism That Has Infected Israel
(1:55:25) Will Israel Rebuild the Third Temple?
(1:58:22) What Is Being Hidden in the 9/11, Epstein, and JFK Files?
(2:01:07) The Future of the Global Stage
(2:08:26) Will There Be a US/China War Over Taiwan?
(5:13) The West’s Ridiculous Russophobia
(15:47) Why Do We Still Have NATO?
(25:29) The Growing Threat of China and How the US Empowered Them
(39:30) The US Puppet Called Zelensky
(41:48) Donald Trump’s Biggest Challenges With Ending the War
(48:14) Why the US Foreign Policy Establishment Is So Hawkish on Middle Eastern Wars
(51:10) Why the US Puts Israel’s Interests First
(56:13) The Palestinian Genocide
(1:05:32) The Zionist Mission for Greater Israel
(1:11:24) The Power of the Israel Lobby
(1:20:53) The Attempts to Shut Down Criticism of Israel
(1:32:58) Why Are Christians in the West Supporting Israel’s Killing of Christians in the Middle East?
(1:38:10) The Growing Opposition Towards Israel Among Young People
(1:42:45) Why Don’t We Know the Death Toll of Any of These Wars?
(1:53:27) The Authoritarianism That Has Infected Israel
(1:55:25) Will Israel Rebuild the Third Temple?
(1:58:22) What Is Being Hidden in the 9/11, Epstein, and JFK Files?
(2:01:07) The Future of the Global Stage
(2:08:26) Will There Be a US/China War Over Taiwan?
Mohammad Marandi | Israel’s War, U.S. Lies & Iran’s Stand on the IAEA | July 30, 2025
Source: India & Global Left youtube
Description:
In this powerful interview, Mohammad Marandi exposes the brutal reality behind Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and the U.S. role in enabling it. We unpack whether the Gaza food aid program is a charade, why no ceasefire is likely soon, and how the West is complicit in the continued suffering.
Description:
In this powerful interview, Mohammad Marandi exposes the brutal reality behind Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and the U.S. role in enabling it. We unpack whether the Gaza food aid program is a charade, why no ceasefire is likely soon, and how the West is complicit in the continued suffering.
We also discuss:
Iran’s decision to invite the IAEA to Tehran — what it really means.
The geopolitical tensions with Azerbaijan and why Iran sees it as an anti-Iran front.
How Western narratives, diplomacy, and international institutions are being weaponized against the region.
This is a must-watch for anyone trying to understand the real balance of power in West Asia — beyond the headlines.
Iran’s decision to invite the IAEA to Tehran — what it really means.
The geopolitical tensions with Azerbaijan and why Iran sees it as an anti-Iran front.
How Western narratives, diplomacy, and international institutions are being weaponized against the region.
This is a must-watch for anyone trying to understand the real balance of power in West Asia — beyond the headlines.
Col. Larry Wilkerson | How We Encircled Russia and Made Europe a Vassal – Divide & Rule | July 30, 2025
Source: Glenn Diesen youtube
Description:
Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired Colonel in the US Army and the former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell. Colonel Wilkerson outlines how the encirclement of Russia, China and Iran has laid the foundation for numerous great power wars. Yet, the narratives omit the encirclements, and the assumption that America's adversaries are acting aggressively and unprovoked
Description:
Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired Colonel in the US Army and the former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell. Colonel Wilkerson outlines how the encirclement of Russia, China and Iran has laid the foundation for numerous great power wars. Yet, the narratives omit the encirclements, and the assumption that America's adversaries are acting aggressively and unprovoked
Andrei Martyanov | Nine and a Half Days | July 30, 2025
Source: smoothiex12.blogspot.com
Description:
Or why Trump thinks it is a "shame" that Russians do not care.
Description:
Or why Trump thinks it is a "shame" that Russians do not care.
Dr. Dan Attrell | Lost Ancient Wisdom, Magic, Hermeticism and Terence McKenna | July 30, 2025
Source: THIRD EYE DROPS with Michael Phillip youtube, The Modern Hermeticist youtube
Description:
Dr. Dan Attrell is a classicist, translator of magical texts like the Picatrix, and the creator of The Modern Hermeticist. We riff on the surprising connections between the esoteric, Platonism, and Hermeticism, and Terence McKenna.
Why do ancient metaphysics — ideas like the One, the daimon, and the chain of being — still resonate in the age of UFOs, and simulation theory? What does Terence McKenna have to do with this? Does be belong in the lineage of Platonists?
We also dive into: The hidden structure of reality, visionary entity encounters, how ancient esoteric philosophy maps onto modern mystical experience, why symbols, language, and consciousness are gateways to higher worlds.
If you're curious about the intersections between ancient wisdom, consciousness, psychedelics, and the nature of reality, this mind meld is for you.
---
Description:
Dr. Dan Attrell is a classicist, translator of magical texts like the Picatrix, and the creator of The Modern Hermeticist. We riff on the surprising connections between the esoteric, Platonism, and Hermeticism, and Terence McKenna.
Why do ancient metaphysics — ideas like the One, the daimon, and the chain of being — still resonate in the age of UFOs, and simulation theory? What does Terence McKenna have to do with this? Does be belong in the lineage of Platonists?
We also dive into: The hidden structure of reality, visionary entity encounters, how ancient esoteric philosophy maps onto modern mystical experience, why symbols, language, and consciousness are gateways to higher worlds.
If you're curious about the intersections between ancient wisdom, consciousness, psychedelics, and the nature of reality, this mind meld is for you.
---
Exclusive Summary
Introduction and Context
The discussion explores the intersections of ancient esoteric traditions (Hermeticism, Platonism) with modern consciousness exploration, particularly through Terence McKenna’s psychedelic philosophy. It posits that reality has hidden layers beyond sensory perception, a notion shared by ancient philosophies and modern seekers. McKenna viewed Neoplatonism as a precursor to psychedelic insights, describing an “ascending hierarchy of rarified states” akin to shamanic cosmology.
Core Themes and Discussions
1. Reality and Deception
- Dr. Attrell rejects the Gnostic view of a “cosmic demiurgical prison.” He sees the material world as an echo of higher realities, not false but a lower extension of the soul into matter, like an elastic band that can “snap back” to the divine.
- Deception stems from human corruption, not cosmic design. The world reflects higher realms populated by intelligences like gods, angels, and demons.
2. Hermeticism and Platonism
- Hermeticism: A life-affirming philosophy encouraging piety, gratitude, and creative acts (art, science, medicine) to draw divine energies into the material world. The Asclepius emphasizes harmonious coexistence with the divine.
- Platonism: Reality is a shadow of a higher, noetic world of forms. The soul processes from and reverts to the “One,” mirroring McKenna’s ideas about time and novelty.
- Theurgy and Initiation: Theurgy involves rituals to draw divine energies (e.g., animating statues). Teletai (initiations) perfect the soul, as seen in mystery cults like the Eleusinian Mysteries.
3. The Picatrix and Perfect Nature
- The Picatrix, a medieval grimoire, details astrological and magical practices to contact planetary intelligences. The “Perfect Nature” ritual, involving a cave and lanterns, connects individuals with a spirit akin to a Holy Guardian Angel, guiding them to their cosmic purpose.
- This aligns with Hermetic and Platonic ideas of aligning with divine will through practical, life-affirming means.
4. Terence McKenna as a Postmodern Platonist
- McKenna’s Philosophy: Attrell describes McKenna as a “weird” or “postmodern” Platonist, adapting Platonic metaphysics to a post-WWII context shaped by environmental concerns and psychedelics.
- Platonic Elements:
- Primacy of the Ineffable: McKenna’s focus on the ineffable aligns with Platonic apophatic mysticism. Psychedelic experiences (e.g., DMT “machine elves”) reveal pure meaning beyond language.
- Time as Eternity’s Image: McKenna’s Timewave Zero theory, where history converges toward a “transcendental object,” echoes Plato’s Timaeus.
- Critique of Materialism: Like Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, McKenna rejects materialist reality as a shadow of a truer, noetic world.
- Anthropocentrism: McKenna divinizes the human mind as the universe’s most complex entity, akin to Hermetic views of humanity as a microcosm.
- Eros: McKenna’s “luv” as a cosmic binding force resembles Plato’s Eros in the Symposium.
- Divergences: McKenna’s feminism, environmentalism, and anti-hierarchical stance contrast with Plato’s patriarchal views. His “archaic revival” draws on pre-Indo-European goddess cultures.
- Later Shift: After a 1991 psychedelic crisis, McKenna explored Jungian alchemy and Renaissance Hermeticism (via Frances Yates), seeing figures like Giordano Bruno as accessing psychedelic-like states without drugs.
5. Eleusinian Mysteries and Psychedelics
- The Eleusinian Mysteries involved a kykeon drink and visionary experiences in a sacred chamber (telesterion). Attrell discusses the hypothesis that the kykeon contained psychoactives like ergot or opium, supported by circumstantial evidence (e.g., poppy imagery).
- Parallels with modern psychedelic experiences suggest a connection. McKenna saw the Mysteries as a precursor to his “archaic revival.”
6. The Sacred and the Numinous
- The sacred is set apart from everyday reality. Ancient and modern seekers aim to encounter this numinous realm through rituals, psychedelics, or contemplation, often conveying it through poetry or initiatory practices.
7. Contemporary Relevance
- Platonism and Hermeticism address the modern “meaning crisis” by offering frameworks for mystical states and coherence in a fragmented world.
- Mainstream religions, steeped in Platonic ideas, provide one path, but McKenna’s blend of ancient wisdom and modern contexts resonates with alternative spiritual seekers.
Key Takeaways
- Hermeticism and Platonism promote a life-affirming view of reality as a divine echo, encouraging creative alignment with cosmic purpose.
- McKenna’s postmodern Platonism adapts ancient metaphysics to modern concerns, emphasizing the ineffable, time, and human consciousness.
- The Eleusinian Mysteries and psychedelics share experiential parallels, suggesting a continuity of mystical exploration.
- These traditions offer tools to navigate the modern search for meaning and the sacred.
Conclusion
The conversation with Dr. Attrell bridges ancient esoteric traditions with modern consciousness exploration, highlighting McKenna’s role as a postmodern Platonist. It underscores the enduring relevance of Hermeticism and Platonism in addressing mystical experiences and the quest for meaning in a disenchanted world. Attrell’s expertise makes this a rich exploration of reality’s “hidden architecture.”
