Rubaphilos Salfluere

In podcast episode 88, we’re joined by alchemist and teacher Rubaphilos Salfluěre, author of The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles, published by Salamander and Sons.

The Hermes Paradigm by Rubaphilos Salfluěre

“… this first volume in The Hermes Paradigm series offers a detailed consideration of the core concepts that afford a glimpse at the nature of the philosophy, and its first principles, that lie at the heart of Hermetic science – the source and backbone, yet least understood aspect, of the Western mystery tradition. Beginning with an examination of the history of Hermetism over the past two millenia, a clear historical and conceptual distinction is made between the body of pure Hermetic knowledge – the secret tradition – and the popular outer tradition, the latter of which is so often mistaken for the former. The much-neglected and misunderstood heart of Hermetic philosophy and its practical expression – the science of Hermetic initiation – is the subject of a detailed discussion, as is the central role that alchemy plays in the theory and practical dynamic of Hermetism. The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus is dissected in order to provide the reader with an introduction to how natural law provides the blueprint for both the alchemical laboratory tradition and the inner alchemical journey of initiation.”

Hermes Trismegistus

In this interview, Rubaphilos talks about his personal experience with the Western esoteric tradition(s) in New Zealand, including his interest and training in laboratory alchemy, hypnosis, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, B.O.T.A., A.M.O.R.C., and Freemasonry. We then compare and contrast the alchemical laboratory tradition and spiritual or inner alchemy, discussing the Philosophers’ Stone and the Elixir of Life. Rubaphilos endeavors to dispel the confusion surrounding the subject of Alchemy, both laboratory and inner work. He also explains how esoteric spiritual Alchemy is synonymous with Qabalah.

Caduceus of Hermes

I highly recommend Rubaphilos Salfluěre’s The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles. With this book, he takes a hard and modern look at Hermetism and Alchemy and forces readers to think by questioning assumptions and the popular tradition. If you are a student of Hermetics and Alchemy, Rubaphilos’ book is essential reading. Perhaps controversial to some, his insights and experience are invaluable in my opinion.

Rubaphilos and I more deeply explore the division between the popular level of the Western esoteric tradition and the hidden tradition, or underground stream, in the Occult of Personality Membership Section. Join us for that fascinating interview!

Rubaphilos Salfluere and Hermetic Laboratory Alchemy – podcast episode 130

Rubaphilos Salfluěre (although another URL is specified in the recording, Rubaphilos’ web site can now be found at https://www.rubaphilos.com/)

The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles by Rubaphilos Salfluěre

The Hermes Paradigm, Book Two: The First Work by Rubaphilos Salfluere

Salamander and Sons

Alchemy Journal

Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man” by Gopi Krishna

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Chris Pusey

Thanks again to episode sponsors John, Curt, Seth, Theresa, and Jaesun! Check out Jaesun’s artwork at Darkson Studios.

{ 10 comments… add one }
  • Michael June 19, 2010, 7:53 PM

    He mentions his website http://www.heredom.org. It seems to be a dead link is there any other links you know of?

    Great interview, thanks for all the hard work.

    • rochester92 June 19, 2010, 8:49 PM

      Rubaphilos is working to get his web site back online as soon as possible. I’ll add the link to the notes as soon as it is. Thanks!

    • rochester92 July 8, 2010, 9:47 PM

      Rubaphilos’ new URL is https://www.rubaphilos.com/

  • Paul Hardacre November 9, 2011, 6:10 PM

    In addition to Rubaphilos’ own website, you can find out more – specifically regarding Book Two of ‘The Hermes Paradigm’ series – at https://www.salamanderandsons.com/modern-magistery/the-hermes-paradigm-book-two.html

    • Damien Bryony February 8, 2019, 11:48 PM

      Hello, I know this comment is very late, but I just stumbled on to the site and wanted to thank you for the great article. I’m gonna check out his books, as I am just beginning to study the occult. As a new practitioner what books would you recommend? Thank you.

  • Damien Bryony February 8, 2019, 8:09 PM

    Hello, thank you for the interesting audio. I am just learning about different occult traditions and am glad I found this site. I’m definitely going to be checking out his book. Keep publishing articles/audios like this. Thank you again.

  • Ian Gordon December 4, 2019, 10:12 AM

    Rubaphilos,
    I was astounded when I saw your illustration for “The Distillation Alembic In History,” but, unfortunately I cannot find a web site that is still working where I can find out more, including buying your books.
    This drawing perfectly illustrates a point I am trying to make, that is that the “modern” alembic (when it is correctly drawn) has a direct decendance from the Moroccan Tagin, or ancient waterless cookware. I would like to know more of our parallel studies.
    I wish someday to update the book, “Tools of the Chemist,” and have many ideas similar to yours.

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