The Symbolic World

By: Jonathan Pageau
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  • Summary

  • Jonathan Pageau looks at symbolism in all its forms, from its source in sacred stories and images to contemporary culture and ultimately how it shapes the world we encounter.
    Copyright Jonathan Pageau
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Social Sciences Spirituality
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Episodes
  • 379 - You’re Not That Different From Your Political Opponents

    379 - You’re Not That Different From Your Political Opponents
    Feb 20 2025
    For the past few decades we have heard from the new atheists just how horrible religion is, that religion is responsible for all these terrible things like the inquisition and witch burnings - but what if I told you that there are patterns or structures behind this kind of behaviour that are simply human, and are not unique to religious people, nor to your ideological or political opponents, but exist fundamentally in all identities.

    YouTube version: https://youtu.be/SQSDCcFKSrQ

    ==================

    The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-earth! Join Richard Rohlin for his new course on Tolkien and Universal History. As always patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for a 10% discount. Apply your unique discount code at checkout. Read more here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history
    In his famous Letter #131 to Milton Waldman, J.R.R. Tolkien described his Legendarium as an attempt to create a vast cycle of stories. These stories would be dedicated to his home country and as such this concept has often been described by Tolkien scholars as a “Mythology for England.” This course will take this concept a step further by examining the Legendarium as an attempt at a work of Universal History, one which uses both ancient and modern storytelling genres to reconcile conflicting visions of English, European, and Western identity. We will then apply those methods to contemporary storytelling efforts, revealing how Tolkien opens the way to a return to cosmological and legendary Christian storytelling tradition.

    ==================
    💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com
    🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau
    🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
    🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe

    📱 SOCIAL MEDIA
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageau

    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/
    My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/
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    19 mins
  • 378 - Richard Rohlin - Tolkien and Universal History

    378 - Richard Rohlin - Tolkien and Universal History
    Feb 7 2025
    In this episode Richard Rohlin goes solo to give us an introduction about JRR Tolkien's vision for Universal History. Later this month he will be teaching a course on this topic.
    Register now for the Tolkien and Universal History course by Richard Rohlin on The Symbolic World website: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history

    Cost: $150
    Discount: 10% off for all Symbolic World patrons at the Involved tier or higher. Apply your unique discount code at checkout.
    Live classes: February 24 - March 24, 5 weeks, 10 hours of lectures.
    Lecture recordings will be made available with downloadable audio.

    =====Timestamps====
    01:07 - Introduction
    03:36 - What makes Tolkien unique?
    07:53 - Tolkien & universal history
    12:28 - The Arthurian legends
    22:13 - Redeeming the elves
    26:45 - Redeeming the gods
    27:40 - Medieval genres: Chronicles
    29:35 - Poetry
    31:17 - The Silmarillion
    34:10 - Retelling culture-founding narratives
    36:09 - The Lord of the Rings
    38:44 - The novel
    42:16 - Writing assignment

    💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com
    🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau
    🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
    🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe

    📱 SOCIAL MEDIA
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageau

    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/
    My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • 377 - Annie Crawford - The Breakthrough of Myth

    377 - Annie Crawford - The Breakthrough of Myth
    Feb 7 2025
    In this conversation, Jonathan Pageau and Annie Crawford delve into C.S. Lewis's work, particularly focusing on 'Till We Have Faces.' They explore the significance of this book in understanding Lewis's thought, its mythic elements, and the interplay between paganism and Christian themes. The discussion also touches on the evolution of Lewis's writing style, the role of myth and fairy tales, and the complex themes of mimetic desire and sacrifice present in the narrative. The symbolism of the veil is highlighted as a key element in understanding the duality of truth and deception in Lewis's work.

    ==========NEW SYMBOLIC WORLD COURSE==========
    Join us for Annie Crawford's course on C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces, starting live on January 17th, 2025. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/till-we-have-faces-with-annie-crawford

    💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com
    🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau
    🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
    🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe

    📱 SOCIAL MEDIA
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageau

    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/
    My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

    Keywords
    C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces, myth, paganism, Christian themes, literary analysis, mimetic desire, symbolism, re-enchantment, allegory, C.S. Lewis, myth, duality, sacrifice, modernity, paganism, rationalism, consciousness, reintegration, renewal
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins

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Profile Image for Thanatosophist

extraordinary

genuinely essential listening. pageau and guests navigate the way back from the utter destruction of materialism. symbolism happens!

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