<![CDATA[Exploring Esoterica]]>27476675-c07b-5a97-93e9-6171d64e3802Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:35:17 +0000Captivate.fmMerwin McCradyhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/6bbc57f1-87e6-474e-8c61-0be2837672c8/YNthfO3ZRxSqj-VKnKD3V1E4.jpgExploring EsotericaMerwin McCradyMerwin McCradyWelcome to Exploring Esoterica, the podcast where I explore different esoteric philosophies that have been ridiculed, shunned, and outright banned from society. We take a journey through the culture, history, and the rationale behind each practice. Much of what you find online can be riddled with misinformation, conspiracy theories, and subjective information being relayed as factual. This podcast looks at the facts so that we may gain a better understanding from a comprehensive view instead of an apologetic or polemic one. Let’s wade through the sea of knowledge together and learn how these secret practices have shaped our modern world.https://www.merwinmccrady.comfalseepisodicnopodcastSupport the show!Modern Astrology versus TraditionalModern Astrology versus TraditionalClick here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

The discovery of the outer planets created a massive change in astronomy and society. It also changed the framework and practice of astrology. Today I discuss these changes and how the practice has been adapted to fit modern society.

*Correction at [12:18]: The group was not disbanded, just discredited by the greater scientific community.

Timestamps:

  1. [00:00] Intro
  2. [02:43] Part 1: A Brief History
  3. [14:18] Part 2: Outer Planets
  4. [26:43] Part 3: Spiritual Freedom

Key Takeaways

  1. Astrology is constantly being adapted to fit different religions, cultures, and societal changes through time.
  2. There’s a correlations between the discovery of the outer planets and the shifts in society that were happening at that time. These fall in line with the significations of each outer planet.
  3. We have greater spiritual freedom, resulting in different beliefs and practices when it comes to astrology.

Listen to these episodes as a refresher:

  1. Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  2. Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac

References:

  1. A History of Western Astrology, Volumes 1 and 2 by Nicholas Campion
  2. Astrology and the Authentic Self by Demetra George
  3. YouTube Video: History of Jewish and Muslim Astrology

]]>Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

The discovery of the outer planets created a massive change in astronomy and society. It also changed the framework and practice of astrology. Today I discuss these changes and how the practice has been adapted to fit modern society.

*Correction at [12:18]: The group was not disbanded, just discredited by the greater scientific community.

Timestamps:

  1. [00:00] Intro
  2. [02:43] Part 1: A Brief History
  3. [14:18] Part 2: Outer Planets
  4. [26:43] Part 3: Spiritual Freedom

Key Takeaways

  1. Astrology is constantly being adapted to fit different religions, cultures, and societal changes through time.
  2. There’s a correlations between the discovery of the outer planets and the shifts in society that were happening at that time. These fall in line with the significations of each outer planet.
  3. We have greater spiritual freedom, resulting in different beliefs and practices when it comes to astrology.

Listen to these episodes as a refresher:

  1. Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  2. Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac

References:

  1. A History of Western Astrology, Volumes 1 and 2 by Nicholas Campion
  2. Astrology and the Authentic Self by Demetra George
  3. YouTube Video: History of Jewish and Muslim Astrology

]]>590422f8-5b62-4349-9079-03260df169a1Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:35:00 -060030:46falsefull2222Sagittarius Season and ExplorationSagittarius Season and ExplorationSagittarius season is a time of exploration and expanding our station in life. Let’s discuss the various ways this may manifest in our lives as the seasons get ready to change once again. 

Timstamps 

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [04:44] Exploring 12 Areas of Life
  • [01:41] Sign of Sagittarius
  • [13:31] One Last Point

Key Points

  • As the autumn season ends, we may feel urges to make a few more changes as the year comes to a close. 
  • Sagittarius is the sign of expansion and exploration, so we may want to make some changes to expand our ideas and ideals in an area of our life. 
  • This change can feel personal but also can involve our relationships and careers. 

Listen to these episodes as a refresher: 

  • Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
  • Episode 16: The 12 Houses in Astrology
  • Episode 19: Outgrowing Your Life
  • Episode 20: Scorpio Season & Emotional Empowerment

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

You can also click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>Sagittarius season is a time of exploration and expanding our station in life. Let’s discuss the various ways this may manifest in our lives as the seasons get ready to change once again. 

Timstamps 

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [04:44] Exploring 12 Areas of Life
  • [01:41] Sign of Sagittarius
  • [13:31] One Last Point

Key Points

  • As the autumn season ends, we may feel urges to make a few more changes as the year comes to a close. 
  • Sagittarius is the sign of expansion and exploration, so we may want to make some changes to expand our ideas and ideals in an area of our life. 
  • This change can feel personal but also can involve our relationships and careers. 

Listen to these episodes as a refresher: 

  • Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
  • Episode 16: The 12 Houses in Astrology
  • Episode 19: Outgrowing Your Life
  • Episode 20: Scorpio Season & Emotional Empowerment

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

You can also click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>7f29681f-66cd-4f6c-8672-003f79bd3124Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -060015:19falsefull2121Scorpio Season & Emotional EmpowermentScorpio Season & Emotional EmpowermentScorpio season is a time for celebration and deep connection with others and within ourselves. In this episode I discuss how that is related to emotional empowerment and topics related to that. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Intro

[00:26] Scorpio Season 

[04:39] Emotional Empowerment

[09:43] Community

Key Takeaways:

  • Autumn season is a time for celebration. Scorpio season is time for connection with others and our sense of spirituality.
  • This is also a time to engage in advocacy work and caring for our community. 
  • Emotional Empowerment involves themes of shadow work, healing, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of empathy.  

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

You can also click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>Scorpio season is a time for celebration and deep connection with others and within ourselves. In this episode I discuss how that is related to emotional empowerment and topics related to that. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Intro

[00:26] Scorpio Season 

[04:39] Emotional Empowerment

[09:43] Community

Key Takeaways:

  • Autumn season is a time for celebration. Scorpio season is time for connection with others and our sense of spirituality.
  • This is also a time to engage in advocacy work and caring for our community. 
  • Emotional Empowerment involves themes of shadow work, healing, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of empathy.  

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

You can also click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>4abeb708-b0d1-4d49-885a-7503b3fd2a48Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -060011:33falsefull2020Outgrowing Your LifeOutgrowing Your LifeThere are moments when we feel like we're outgrowing our current life. In this episode I connected this with astrology and rational steps we can take. 

Timestamps: 

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [00:51] Jupiter Return 
  • [04:01] Four Areas to Consider
  • [11:28] Two Things We Can Do

Key Takeaways 

  • Planetary returns are important moments that relate to changes in our life. A Jupiter Return is when we feel the urge to expand our life in some significant way. 
  • What we can do in our life is dictated by our resources, time constraints and obligations, and we feel intuitively called to explore. This is a very personal time that is different for everyone. Traditional advice may not resonate with everyone and I explore alternative ideas and suggestions instead. 

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

You can also click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>There are moments when we feel like we're outgrowing our current life. In this episode I connected this with astrology and rational steps we can take. 

Timestamps: 

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [00:51] Jupiter Return 
  • [04:01] Four Areas to Consider
  • [11:28] Two Things We Can Do

Key Takeaways 

  • Planetary returns are important moments that relate to changes in our life. A Jupiter Return is when we feel the urge to expand our life in some significant way. 
  • What we can do in our life is dictated by our resources, time constraints and obligations, and we feel intuitively called to explore. This is a very personal time that is different for everyone. Traditional advice may not resonate with everyone and I explore alternative ideas and suggestions instead. 

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

You can also click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>c6d9fd71-3f0a-4a10-8b87-24397b4fd5c6Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -060013:44falsefull1919Coping with Unexpected ChangeCoping with Unexpected ChangeIn this episode, I deviate a bit from my normal format to talk candidly about the struggles I’ve been having, how that relates to the current astrological transit Uranus in Gemini, and how to cope with an unexpected change happens in life, especially a financial loss. 

Timestamps:

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [01:01] Uranus in Gemini
  • [03:22] My Experience and Philosophy
  • [05:27] Lean Into Community
  • [07:05] Capitalism is not your identity

Key Takeaways:

  • Uranus is the planet of unconventional behavior and sudden unexpected change. This can be a good thing to change an outdated system or a challenge that makes us restructure our lives and perspectives. 
  • Capitalism teaches us that financial insecurities an individual’s fault when the system is flawed and set up to leave many people at a disadvantage for the benefits of the few.
  • Learning to break out of the capitalistic mindset is the first step in inciting change to the system and not letting it define you. 

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

]]>In this episode, I deviate a bit from my normal format to talk candidly about the struggles I’ve been having, how that relates to the current astrological transit Uranus in Gemini, and how to cope with an unexpected change happens in life, especially a financial loss. 

Timestamps:

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [01:01] Uranus in Gemini
  • [03:22] My Experience and Philosophy
  • [05:27] Lean Into Community
  • [07:05] Capitalism is not your identity

Key Takeaways:

  • Uranus is the planet of unconventional behavior and sudden unexpected change. This can be a good thing to change an outdated system or a challenge that makes us restructure our lives and perspectives. 
  • Capitalism teaches us that financial insecurities an individual’s fault when the system is flawed and set up to leave many people at a disadvantage for the benefits of the few.
  • Learning to break out of the capitalistic mindset is the first step in inciting change to the system and not letting it define you. 

Click here if you would like to support this podcast.

]]>10803048-380a-4cdc-8ba2-f12ad357f3eeWed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -060011:13falsefull1818Planetary Conditions in AstrologyPlanetary Conditions in AstrologyIn this final episode of my series on traditional astrology, we examine a few of the basic planetary conditions that determine the strength of planets in a chart. This is the fourth and final part of the framework of astrology. 

Correction: at 7:13 it shows Sun and Moon are square if Sun in Leo and Moon in Virgo. It should read Scorpio, not Virgo. I’m blaming Mercury currently being Retrograde, haha. 

Previous episodes in this series: 

  • Episode 12: Hellenistic Astrology
  • Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  • Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
  • Episode 16: The 12 Houses in Astrology 

Timestamps: 

  • [02:30] Part 1: Planetary Placements
  • [11:40] Part 2: Timing Techniques
  • [18:42] Part 3: Conclusion

Key Takeaways: 

  • Planetary conditions show which planets are strong or weak in an astrological chart. These can be derived by analyzing the placements of planets within that chart. 
  • Timing Techniques show which planets are strong or weak in their expression at certain points in time.  
  • Planetary conditions and techniques are used to predict how certain events and circumstances will come about in our life. 

References: 

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro
  • You Were Born for This by Chani Nicholas

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>In this final episode of my series on traditional astrology, we examine a few of the basic planetary conditions that determine the strength of planets in a chart. This is the fourth and final part of the framework of astrology. 

Correction: at 7:13 it shows Sun and Moon are square if Sun in Leo and Moon in Virgo. It should read Scorpio, not Virgo. I’m blaming Mercury currently being Retrograde, haha. 

Previous episodes in this series: 

  • Episode 12: Hellenistic Astrology
  • Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  • Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac
  • Episode 16: The 12 Houses in Astrology 

Timestamps: 

  • [02:30] Part 1: Planetary Placements
  • [11:40] Part 2: Timing Techniques
  • [18:42] Part 3: Conclusion

Key Takeaways: 

  • Planetary conditions show which planets are strong or weak in an astrological chart. These can be derived by analyzing the placements of planets within that chart. 
  • Timing Techniques show which planets are strong or weak in their expression at certain points in time.  
  • Planetary conditions and techniques are used to predict how certain events and circumstances will come about in our life. 

References: 

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro
  • You Were Born for This by Chani Nicholas

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

]]>fdafd5b5-211f-419e-81be-6a119cae7dffFri, 25 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -060021:02falsefull1717The 12 Houses in AstrologyThe 12 Houses in AstrologyDisclaimer: you will hear faint chirping in the background. The birds were busy that day and I’ve tried to minimize it as much as possible. Apologizes if this is too distracting for you. 

This is the third part of the framework of astrology. I discuss the 12 houses in traditional astrology and how they fit together with the planets and zodiac signs. 

Previous episodes in this series: 

  • Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  • Episode 12: Hellenistic Astrology
  • Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac

Timestamps: 

  • [01:42] Part 1: The Principles
  • [11:14] Part 2: The 12 Houses 
  • [27:05] Part 3: Putting It Together

Key Takeaways: 

  • The houses signify different areas of our life and themes associated with them. 
  • Angular houses are the most important, succedent houses support them, and decline houses are loosely related. 
  • Houses above the horizon are related to the mind and public matters, below related to the body and private matters. 

References: 

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey. 

Stay tuned for the 4th and final part of this series, where I discuss the configurations and planetary conditions.

]]>Disclaimer: you will hear faint chirping in the background. The birds were busy that day and I’ve tried to minimize it as much as possible. Apologizes if this is too distracting for you. 

This is the third part of the framework of astrology. I discuss the 12 houses in traditional astrology and how they fit together with the planets and zodiac signs. 

Previous episodes in this series: 

  • Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  • Episode 12: Hellenistic Astrology
  • Episode 15: The 12 Signs of the Zodiac

Timestamps: 

  • [01:42] Part 1: The Principles
  • [11:14] Part 2: The 12 Houses 
  • [27:05] Part 3: Putting It Together

Key Takeaways: 

  • The houses signify different areas of our life and themes associated with them. 
  • Angular houses are the most important, succedent houses support them, and decline houses are loosely related. 
  • Houses above the horizon are related to the mind and public matters, below related to the body and private matters. 

References: 

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey. 

Stay tuned for the 4th and final part of this series, where I discuss the configurations and planetary conditions.

]]>4e42c4ee-8bfa-49d8-a742-1bad107be028Sun, 15 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -060028:40falsefull1616The 12 Signs of the ZodiacThe 12 Signs of the ZodiacThis is the second episode in my astrology series. I go over the 12 signs of the zodiac and a few ways they are categorized in ancient astrology.  Previous episodes in this series:

  • Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  • Episode 12: Hellenistic Astrology

Timestamps:

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [05:58] Part 1: A Brief History
  • [10:57] Part 2: 12 Signs of the Zodiac
  • [20:10] Part 3: Planetary Rulership

Key Takeaways:

  • The planets signify themes and circumstances in our lives, while the zodiac signifies how they are expressed.
  • In the tropical zodiac, the signs are defined by season, mode, and element. This further explains the expression of each sign.
  • Planets in certain signs in the planetary rulership scheme have special considerations for their topics and expression.

References:

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

Stay tuned for the 3rd part of this series, where I discuss the 12 places, or houses, in astrology. This is the third component of the framework of astrology. 

]]>This is the second episode in my astrology series. I go over the 12 signs of the zodiac and a few ways they are categorized in ancient astrology.  Previous episodes in this series:

  • Episode 14: Planets in Ancient Astrology
  • Episode 12: Hellenistic Astrology

Timestamps:

  • [00:00] Intro
  • [05:58] Part 1: A Brief History
  • [10:57] Part 2: 12 Signs of the Zodiac
  • [20:10] Part 3: Planetary Rulership

Key Takeaways:

  • The planets signify themes and circumstances in our lives, while the zodiac signifies how they are expressed.
  • In the tropical zodiac, the signs are defined by season, mode, and element. This further explains the expression of each sign.
  • Planets in certain signs in the planetary rulership scheme have special considerations for their topics and expression.

References:

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

Stay tuned for the 3rd part of this series, where I discuss the 12 places, or houses, in astrology. This is the third component of the framework of astrology. 

]]>8dd19d25-126a-48da-ac87-06ab4ee73beeSat, 26 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -060047:20falsefull1515Planets in Ancient AstrologyPlanets in Ancient AstrologyThis is the first episode in my astrology series. I go over a brief history of this practice and dive the most important component, which is the planets. This is in terms of ancient astrology, which is slightly different than the popular modern version. 

Timestamps:

  • [00:00] Welcome 
  • [02:34] Part 1: A Brief History
  • [19:31] Part 2: The Planets
  • [38:36] Part 3: A Modern Perspective

Key Takeaways:

  • Most of the development can be attributed to the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. Hellenistic Greece refined these components. 
  • Astrology became shunned and outlawed due to the spread of Christianity. 
  • The planets signify external circumstances more than psychological influences like in modern astrology. 
  • Philosophical debates of astrology are similar to those of any spirituality and religion.

References 

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, where I talk about the 2nd most important component in this framework: the Zodiac or 12 signs in astrology 

]]>This is the first episode in my astrology series. I go over a brief history of this practice and dive the most important component, which is the planets. This is in terms of ancient astrology, which is slightly different than the popular modern version. 

Timestamps:

  • [00:00] Welcome 
  • [02:34] Part 1: A Brief History
  • [19:31] Part 2: The Planets
  • [38:36] Part 3: A Modern Perspective

Key Takeaways:

  • Most of the development can be attributed to the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. Hellenistic Greece refined these components. 
  • Astrology became shunned and outlawed due to the spread of Christianity. 
  • The planets signify external circumstances more than psychological influences like in modern astrology. 
  • Philosophical debates of astrology are similar to those of any spirituality and religion.

References 

  • A History of Western Astrology by Nicholas Campion
  • Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
  • On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro

Click here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, where I talk about the 2nd most important component in this framework: the Zodiac or 12 signs in astrology 

]]>b2ed068a-feae-4893-aa19-697bcf00e4c8Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -060041:08falsefull1414Welcome to Exploring EsotericaWelcome to Exploring EsotericaIn this podcast I explore the culture, history, and framework behind different esoteric practices and philosophies. Previously called Merwin's Philosophy.

]]>In this podcast I explore the culture, history, and framework behind different esoteric practices and philosophies. Previously called Merwin's Philosophy.

]]>4fbc34f5-c238-4917-a146-f8fc04e5ab29Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -060000:57falsetrailer11Western EsotericismWestern Esotericism Western Esotericism is the new focus of this podcast. Let’s explore the basics of this field of study. 

References


]]> Western Esotericism is the new focus of this podcast. Let’s explore the basics of this field of study. 

References


]]>cf23f0ed-d67d-4b86-957f-a471b3e227ecThu, 07 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -060025:36falsefull1313Hellenistic AstrologyHellenistic AstrologyAn introduction into astrology and its importance. We start off during the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece. 

Reference:


]]>An introduction into astrology and its importance. We start off during the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece. 

Reference:


]]>411d4b84-7106-4971-a667-a7c6cb7c027cTue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -060027:31falsefull1212Spirituality Versus PsychologySpirituality Versus PsychologyI explain the difference between spirituality and psychology, and how they both affect our lives on a deeper level. This episode is the basis of this podcast. 

https://www.merwinmccrady.com/blog/spirituality-versus-psychology 

]]>I explain the difference between spirituality and psychology, and how they both affect our lives on a deeper level. This episode is the basis of this podcast. 

https://www.merwinmccrady.com/blog/spirituality-versus-psychology 

]]>64486763-46d9-49ae-88d0-11c263b432ccTue, 20 Jun 2023 00:15:00 -060008:34falsefull44