10/02/2025
Some here may be interested in this:
The next presentation in University College Cork - Study of Religions Research Seminar Series is on Wednesday 12 February 2025 from 6-7pm [Irish Time/GMT] on MS Teams with Dr Tristán Kapp speaking on:
Secret Self-Knowledge: Considering S*x Magick as Post-Theistic Spirituality in Eastern, Western, and African Esotericism
Since Antoine Faivre's emergence and establishment of "Western esotericism" in the late twentieth century, the discourse of globalising esotericism (beyond the West) has been fraught with controversy. As there are several polemical conversations about how such an effort should manifest itself in esoteric scholarship. This comparative, descriptive, and religionist approach to esotericism explores the intricate relationship between s*xuality and spirituality by understanding the intersections of these aspects as manifested in Western, Eastern, and African esoteric currents, from Aleister Crowley's magia s*xualis to Marie Laveau (The Widow Paris)'s "Gris-Gris". Firstly, this is achieved by bringing said geographical regions into dialogue with one another, determining how esotericism fits into the overall trajectory of the origins of religion. Secondly, delving into the polemics and history of s*xuality: from Foucault to Freud. Thirdly, positioning an esoteric spirituality in the digital era. Consequently, through identifying currents in the West, East, and Africa: including Paganism, Thelema, Satanism, New Age, and Theosophy in the West and Egyptian Paganism, Hinduism, and Buddhism in the East, in addition to African Traditional Religion (ATR), Sufi Islam, and Afro-American "Conjure" in Africa. This study, when intersected with philosophical conceptualisations of the self, contributes to a novel understanding of s*xuality as sacred post-theistic (self-) spirituality, with esotericism serving as the foundation for such an approach.
Dr Tristán Kapp is a South African academic, researcher, and human rights activist with a passion for exploring the intersections of religion, atheism, esotericism, and secular spirituality. He holds an MDiv. (Master of Divinity) in Theology and a Ph.D. in Biblical and Religious Studies from the University of Pretoria; his doctoral thesis titled, "Secret self-knowledge: Considering s*x magick as post-theistic spirituality in Eastern, Western, and African esotericism," delves into the nuanced dynamics of alternative spirituality (i.e. Occultism, Satanism, Paganism, and African Traditional Religion) and the philosophy of self-identity; through the lenses of s*xuality and post-theism. Tristán is also a research associate in the Department of Religion Studies at the University of Pretoria; a community paralegal, as well as the executive spokesperson and interfaith officer for the non-profit advocacy network, the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA). Also known by his social media persona 'The Friendly Satanist,' he works tirelessly to promote and destigmatize alternative religious and non-religious values, while striving towards the empowerment of "the outcast"; combating harmful misinformation through education, research, and advocacy. As a public-facing scholar, this work also involves his online presence, advocacy, and thought leadership on South African minority groups and religious diversity. He has featured as an expert on local television programmes, such as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)'s 'Married Our Way', local and international news media, as well as appearing on numerous podcasts across the globe where he shares insights into religion, alternative spirituality, new religious movements, atheism, and secularism in South Africa. When not immersed in his academic or advocacy work: Tristán channels his creativity as a classically trained violinist, avid blogger, and the proprietor of 'Alterity Counselling', guiding clients from across the globe toward self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. For his post-doctoral research, he aims to delve into the study of theocratic nationalism, extremism, and far-right movements within religion. Analysing their relationship with "conspirituality"; focusing on certain noteworthy events in the history of religion and politics: ranging from the Spanish Inquisition, Witch Hunts, Romantic Nationalism and the Occult revival, as well as the rise of religious extremism in Africa. For more details, visit: https://www.drtristankapp.wordpress.com
All Welcome to Join Us! Please contact Dr Jenny Butler at [email protected] for the MS Teams link.