Altered States and the Return of Rejected Knowledge

In this talk, Wouter Hanegraaff will give an accessible overview of his work on Western esotericism, the study of traditions that explore hidden or inner ways of understanding the world. A key part of this is Hermeticism, an ancient school of thought derived from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, which offers that reality has both visible and invisible layers, and that deeper insight comes from refining our awareness. Hanegraaff shows how these ideas can help us make sense of psychedelic experiences, which often bring symbolic impressions, new perspectives, or a sense of uncovering something previously overlooked. By connecting psychedelics with Hermetic ideas, he offers a grounded way to understand altered states as part of a tradition of expanding how humans perceive and make meaning of their experiences.

Note: Psychologists, Social Workers, and Mental Health Counselors in New York State are eligible for 1.5 CE credit. 

Wouter Hanegraaff, Ph.D. is a Professor of History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents at the University of Amsterdam. He is a scholar whose lifelong curiosity has always led him toward what lies at the edges of mainstream culture, such as the neglected, the overlooked, and the forgotten. From his early fascination with mushrooms in the Dutch Mycological Society, to his studies in music, philosophy, and cultural history, he has followed the red thread of exploring hidden traditions and ways of knowing. Through his writings and teachings, Wouter invites us to step into unfamiliar worlds that expand our perspectives and enrich our imagination.

In this podcast (in Dutch with English subtitles), Wouter Hanegraaff, Ph.D. discusses his scholarship on esotericism, Hermeneutic spirituality and his concept of "rejected knowledge" and why this might be relevant to understanding the contribution of altered states of consciousness on the development of Western civilization.