Mysticism and Esotericism:  New Course in Phoenix Rising Academy

(From  Phoenix Rising Academy) 

Dr Karen Parham, our newest PRA faculty member, who is offering two short, self-study courses on Mysticism and Esotericism, with a third in preparation.

The course Mysticism and Western Esotericism is divided into two sections, comprising four modules each.  Mysticism and Western Esotericism I  (available now) examines the differences and similarities between mysticism and esotericism by looking at definitions and approaches. Mysticism and Esotericism II (available from January 2013) focuses on examples and interpretations from different religious traditions of God, Soul and Nature-Mysticism.

The first module of Mysticism and Western Esotericism is offered as a free introductory seminar, with no strings attached. To view the sample seminar, head over to our teaching website at http://classroom.phoenixrising.org.gr, create a new account absolutely FREE, and then navigate to “Online Seminars –>Free Seminars” where you’ll find Dr. Parham’s free lecture as well as two more free samples. If after viewing them, you’d like to sign up to the full course, just email us at phoenix@phoenixrising.org.gr and we’ll guide you through the registration process!

 Excerpt about/by Dr. Parham:

 “My PhD in Philosophy and Dutch Studies was an investigation into the concepts of perfection in the works of the Medieval Flemish mystic, Jan van Ruusbroec. By conducting detailed research into mysticism, I gained a more complete picture of Western Esotericism by recognising the common thread running through mysticism, alchemy and hermetic philosophy. I also lectured to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the history of alchemy and alchemy in the Middle Ages”.

"It was not easy to find courses on Esotericism but I was fortunate enough, because I can speak Dutch, to be one of the first students to complete some of the postgraduate modules in Hermetic Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam offered by Prof. Hanegraaff when it was first set up."