american alchemy pt1: huguenots, hermetics, and the new world

Explicit content warning

12/14/23 • 38 min

night night bitch: esoteric stories for sleep and meditation

In the first part of this three-part series, join me on a fascinating exploration of America's hidden history, delving into the convergence of alchemy, mysticism, and early scientific endeavors that shaped the nation's intellectual landscape. Our journey begins with the surprising influence of Puritan alchemists in the founding of America, unraveling a tapestry woven with extraordinary characters, daring experiments, and unlikely friendships. The alchemical community, connected across continents and oceans, played a pivotal role in shaping a cosmopolitan movement for cultural evolution.

As we navigate through the annals of history, we encounter the ambivalent relationship of American colonists with traditional Christian congregations, revealing a religious landscape rich with occult and magical practices. The Huguenots, refugees of war, brought with them Paracelsian medicine and alchemical pursuits to the New World, influencing the cultural melting pot and leaving an indelible mark on American Protestantism.

The episode unfolds with a deep dive into the aftermath of the Rosicrucian movement in Europe and its migration to America, where secret societies and alchemists sought refuge from the turmoil of war. Visionaries like Francis Bacon and John Winthrop emerge as key figures, their alchemical knowledge influencing the establishment of colonies, iron foundries, and even the foundations of the Royal Society. The narrative takes unexpected turns as it explores the intertwining of rational thinking and the prevailing fear of imminent doom, culminating in the hope that contributions to knowledge would bring humanity closer to a prophesied Second Coming. Join us as we unravel the mystical threads that weave through the foundations of America, uncovering the alchemical secrets hidden in its history.

SELECTED READING: “The Intelligencers and the Fifth Moon of Jupiter: Alchemy in the American Colonies” by Kimberly Nichols via Newtopia Magazine (Oct 2012)

YOUR FAVORITE MYSTICAL BEDTIME STORY PODCAST: Can’t sleep? This adult bedtime story podcast invites you to escape the burdens of sleeplessness and immerse yourself in a mystical world of relaxation and enchantment. Sometimes our weary minds need a break from the endless scrolling that often accompanies insomnia. Each episode allows you to unwind and prepare to embrace deep sleep while awakening to arcane wisdom at the same time.

Designed to alleviate nighttime anxiety, each audio journey will offer an oasis of serenity amidst the chaos of the waking world. Choose to embrace restful sleep or enjoy a conscious, meditative state—it's your choice. Prepare to be transported to a realm where dreams and relaxation intertwine. Bid farewell to restless nights and awaken to a newfound sense of peace and rejuvenation.

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SELECTED READING: “The Intelligencers and the Fifth Moon of Jupiter: Alchemy in the American Colonies” by Kimberly Nichols via Newtopia Magazine (Oct 2012)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

mindful surrender while crossing the abyss

Embark on a mystic journey on crossing the abyss. In this episode, we unravel the profound insights gained from Frater Archer’s deliberate encounter with divinity. Explore the liminal space between creation and divinity, where practitioners are stripped bare, and only the spark of divinity remains. Frater Archer shares three paths—vision, meditation, and ritual—and warns of the consequences of this transformative experience.

Discover the psychological impact of crossing the Abyss, drawing parallels between magicians and non-magicians facing trauma. Frater Archer's personal account reveals real-life consequences, challenging the notion that it's merely a psychological phenomenon. Dive into the delicate balance of mental states during this crossing, emphasizing the importance of mental rest and surrender.

As we conclude, explore the trap of knowledge and the analogy of the Vision of Death. The journey is compared to ascending a mountain, shedding layers of the self. Tune in as we delve into the esoteric realms of intentional transformation and the dance between control and surrender.

SELECTED READING: “On Crossing the Abyss” by Frater Archer

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Next Episode

american alchemy pt 2: witch hunts and the invisible college

In this second episode of our three-part American Alchemy series, the focus shifts to John Winthrop Jr. and the culmination of his alchemical endeavors in New London. Acting as the eyes and ears of the Royal Society of London, Winthrop sought homegrown talent for his alchemical project, becoming a central figure in the American colonies' intellectual landscape. He enlisted the help of local alchemists, including George Starkey and others associated with Harvard or arriving from England and Bermuda.

Winthrop's alchemical pursuits extended beyond experimentation to creating a medical center in New London, where he treated patients from across the colonies and Europe. His medicines, often based on antimony and nitre, gained popularity, and Winthrop organized a network of female healers to distribute them. Despite his success, Winthrop contemplated closing or moving New London in 1650 but ultimately expanded the project, and by 1657, he became the governor of Connecticut.

Connecticut, initially a Puritan colony, faced changes with the restoration of the monarchy. Winthrop's father-in-law, Charles II, posed a potential threat, and Winthrop sailed to England in 1661. His absence marked the onset of a witch-hunt in Connecticut, reflecting the challenges and tensions within Puritan culture. Winthrop's diplomatic skills were instrumental in negotiating with the English crown and ensuring a degree of autonomy for Connecticut.

The episode delves into the interconnected lives of alchemists within Winthrop's circle, such as Robert Childe, Elias Ashmole, and Gershom Bulkeley. Their pursuits ranged from alchemy and Rosicrucianism to astronomy and medicine. The text emphasizes the complexities of their beliefs and practices, showcasing a diverse group bound by a shared interest in the esoteric.

As Connecticut faced political changes, Winthrop's role evolved, and he navigated the shifting dynamics while continuing his alchemical experiments.

The episode concludes with Winthrop's legacy, contemplating the end of an era as New England faced challenges that would pave the way for the establishment of the United States of America. The narrative highlights the intertwining of alchemy, politics, and cultural shifts in the development of the American colonies.

SELECTED READING: “The Intelligencers and the Fifth Moon of Jupiter: Alchemy in the American Colonies” by Kimberly Nichols via Newtopia Magazine (Oct 2012)

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Follow the podcast on Instagram at @nightnightb1tch.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.