Altered States and the Return of Rejected Knowledge with Wouter Hanegraaff, Ph.D.

Описание: How can ancient esoteric traditions help us understand the dilemma of comprehension and translation posed by knowledge acquired through altered states of consciousness?

In this talk, Wouter J. Hanegraaff, Ph.D., one of the world’s leading scholars of Western esotericism, explores how Hermeticism and related traditions offer powerful frameworks for understanding how societies through time have dealt with knowledge gained during altered states of consciousness. Drawing on the teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, Hermetic philosophy suggests that reality has both visible and invisible dimensions — and that it is in the practices that attempt, again and again, to bridge the divide between these different states of consciousness that matter.

Professor Hanegraaff discusses how these ideas can shed light on altered states of knowledge, including wisdom gained through psychedelic experiences, which often involve rich symbolism and the feeling of uncovering hidden layers of meaning. By placing psychedelics within a long historical tradition of exploring inner knowledge, he offers a grounded and intellectually rigorous way to make sense of altered states without reducing them to either pure biology or mysticism.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
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.