The Symbolic World

In this talk at the Orthodox Arts Festival of 2025, I share my vision for a renewal of Orthodox Christian art rooted in meaningful participation and true celebration. We are living through the collapse of modern aesthetics—art has become propaganda, entertainment, and distraction. But this cultural decomposition presents an opportunity for something truly transformative.Orthodox art offers a profound alternative: not art as consumption or rebellion, but as participation, celebration, and enlightenment. Drawing on my work in children's literature, icon carving, and popular storytelling, I explore how we can reintegrate beauty, memory, and the sacred into every level of artistic creation—from liturgy to fairy tales.If you're an artist, a parent, or simply someone longing for a more meaningful creative world, I invite you to join me in rediscovering what art is really for—and how it can lead us back to God.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/WkQ1PP421nM🕯️ Discover our books, courses, and more at http://www.thesymbolicworld.com📖 Get early access to Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witchNEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim HamiltonThis course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests.- Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 15th, 2025- Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total- Cost: 120 USD (108 USD for Involved patrons)- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this conversation, I sit down with composer and church musician Nicholas Reeves to explore one of the great mysteries: music. Why does music move us so deeply? How does it reflect symbolic patterns in reality? We discuss the ancient and modern roles of music—from sacred liturgies to EDM dance floors—and ask whether the liturgy might be the ultimate artwork. We also dive into the contrasts between order and chaos in sound, the compression of human experience, and the sacred role of communal participation in worship. This discussion really opened new paths for me—I hope it does the same for you.Nicholas’s work can be found at: https://www.nicholasreevesmusic.comYouTube version: https://youtu.be/26ORdueGcIoNEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim HamiltonThis course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests.🗓 Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 15th, 2025⏰ Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total💰 Register for Seraphim Hamilton's course before the end of May to get 15% off when you use the code EARLYSCRIP1 at checkout. 💰 Cost: 120 USD (102 USD with the discount)👉 Register Today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up01:29 - Intro music01:55 - Introduction02:50 - Understanding ourselves through music10:22 - The human voice18:56 - Rhythm21:11 - Dance and what music is24:40 - Variety and sameness32:08 - Reinventing yourself35:21 - Church music43:57 - Continuity46:56 - Moments in liturgy49:30 - Music in America54:54 - The complete work of art59:14 - Making pop culture more participative💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this conversation, I talk with Seraphim Hamilton about how scripture does more than tell a story—it reveals a symbolic pattern that runs through all of creation. We dig into how the Bible presents the world as a kind of cosmic temple, and how that vision unfolds through the Tabernacle, the life of Christ, and the Church.Seraphim brings a deep knowledge of scripture and tradition to the table, and we touch on some of the key themes he'll be exploring in his upcoming course, Scripture: The Key to Reality. If you’ve been following my work on symbolism and biblical patterns, I think you’ll find this conversation both grounded and illuminating.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/PpGKURlGayANEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim HamiltonThis course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests.🗓 Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 15th, 2025⏰ Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total💰 Register for Seraphim Hamilton's course before the end of May to get 15% off when you use the code EARLYSCRIP1 at checkout. 💰 Cost: 120 USD (102 USD with the discount)👉 Register Today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality Seraphim Hamilton is an Orthodox Christian biblical commentator who explores the richness of Christ as He is unveiled in the Old and New Testaments. He has a Master of Arts in Early Christian Studies and a Master of Theology from Duke University. His thesis addressed the relationship between the theology of the Divine Name in Exodus and the writings of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. He is recently married with one daughter and produces regular reflections on Scripture on both Substack and YouTube.Writings: https://seraphimhamilton.substack.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kabane Patreon: https://patreon.com/c/kabaneTimestamps:00:00 - Coming up01:23 - Intro music01:49 - Introduction02:43 - Scripture is the key to reality09:17 - What's the difference between Christianity and Pantheism?13:14 - Why the need for the Tabernacle?16:56 - Dominion in the fall21:23 - Cain vs Noah25:27 - Universal History26:24 - No temple in the Heavenly Jerusalem29:57 - Converging on the same patterns31:38 - Critical analysis of the Bible37:27 - Second Temple literature42:32 - Fractal breathing47:36 - Transfigured clothing-----------------------------------💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

This is an informal roundtable discussion among friends and artists at the 2025 London ARC Conference that includes myself, Andrew Gould, Aidan Hart, Heather Pollington, Neil and Kate DeGraide from Dirt Poor Robins, Ben and Vesper Stamper, Martin Shaw, and John Heers. Amidst thousands of voices focused on policy and economics, we stepped aside to ask a deeper question: what does it mean to renew civilization through beauty?Together, we explore how architecture, music, and the arts shape our perception of the world—and how the recovery of beauty might be essential for healing both culture and soul. There are no scripts here, just a shared sense of wonder, frustration, and conviction. We speak of cities and forests, temples and toasts, tradition and imagination… and what it truly means to see rightly again.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/6oS5NYXut0cSYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond. 🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)Register now:  https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/keywords:ARC Conference, art, architecture, civilization, beauty, human experience, Christian culture, symbolism, design, architecture, music, art, beauty, creativity, orthodoxy, healing, abstraction, civic engagement, human experience

Several years ago, I coined the phrase “watch the fool,” because in a world turned upside down, the fool can strangely point to what’s coming and in some ways play a role in restoring order —for good or for ill. For April 2025’s patron video, now opened up to the public, I reflect on how Kanye West has continued to play this role. He is not a prophet in the traditional sense, but a kind of tuning fork, embodying the contradictions and transformations unfolding in our culture before they happen. This becomes increasingly disturbing as the post–World War II consensus buckles beneath our feet…Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/MfXxQW77cQASYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond. 🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)Register now:  https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this excerpt from the second lecture of the Symbolism Masterclass, I take you deeper than ever into one of the most powerful and mysterious patterns that underlies the cosmos. We explore the strange vision of Ezekiel, the meaning of the cosmic wheel, and how seemingly distant symbols—from pyramids to Christmas trees—are revealing the same fundamental structure.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/6wYPgrniyWoJoin us live for the rest of the Symbolism Masterclass. You will get access to all the lectures that have already taken place, including downloadable audio. https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclassSYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond. 🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Symbolism Masterclass02:45 Fractal Symbolism and Hierarchies06:05 The Nebuchadnezzar Statue and False Hierarchies09:02 The Role of Gold in Symbolism11:51 Understanding Context in Symbolism15:10 The Tabernacle and Hierarchical Structures18:01 The Wheel as a Symbol of Unity20:58 Dante's Representation of Heaven and Earth23:50 The Spiral Structure of Reality26:56 The Cosmic Wheel and Its Implications29:54 The Interconnectedness of All Things33:08 Ezekiel's Vision and the Infinite Structure💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/Keywords:symbolism, fractal, hierarchy, Nebuchadnezzar, gold, context, tabernacle, wheel, Dante, spiral, cosmic structure, interconnectedness, Ezekiel's vision, the Bible, idol, idolatry, religion, Orthodox Christianity

In this episode, Richard Rohlin and I continue our discussion of The Voyage of St. Brendan, focusing on some of the stranger episodes in the story. We look at encounters with sea creatures, a sea giantess, and the figure of a Hermit in paradise. Along the way, we reflect on what these images might reveal about death, resurrection, the role of the saints, and how the spiritual world connects to our own. It's a conversation that opens up layers of meaning in a text that’s easy to overlook.Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/2vxMu-NU6RwPart 1, The Voyage of St. Brendan: https://youtu.be/nlzEUV5sV2o?si=lsPwB1EmXLBIfs0wSYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)While Richard's course on Tolkien and Universal History is over, you can still buy the course and get access to all the lecture recordings and resources here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-historyTimestamps:00:00 - Coming up01:06 - Intro music01:37 - Introduction03:41 - Pascha on the back of a monster06:29 - A whale14:06 - The giant mermaid22:10 - The sequence of events26:48 - Until the Last Judgement33:00 - Don't worry about it40:49 - Baptism43:42 - Garments of skin51:34 - Confronting demonic forces58:08 - Brendan in paradise01:09:00 - Brendan comes to Britain01:26:49 - The death of St Brendan💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

A few weeks ago, a study came out criticizing the use of the phrase "Christ is King"—and it stirred up a lot of strong reactions, including my own. In this video, I take you through the symbolism, history, and deeper meaning behind this expression, and I share why I believe its resurgence today is both important and complicated. I’ll also reflect on how identity naturally includes and excludes—and why that's not something we should fear.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/_9_PWSOgK5wThe study in question: https://networkcontagion.us/reports/3-13-25-thy-name-in-vain-how-online-extremists-hijacked-christ-is-king/SYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond. Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)Join us for the ORTHODOX ARTS FESTIVAL, learn more here: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/ Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

This is a talk I did a few years ago for the Jung Society of Montreal. In it I explore the creation story in Genesis not just as myth, but as a fractal map of how identity, being, and purpose function. In breaking down the symbolism I also make a case for why intelligence isn’t an accident, why rituals matter, and why participation of intelligent beings is foundational to reality. In the Q&A section we touch on group identity, exclusion, dreams, and the meaning of the Last Judgment among other topics. I hope this lecture gives you a sense of the tone and depth of our upcoming Symbolism Masterclass. If you want to learn more, register today.https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclassSYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond.🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)Join us for the ORTHODOX ARTS FESTIVAL, learn more here: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/YouTube version: https://youtu.be/YArpxigY5xY?si=QrMqUuJixHQ3DnXyOriginal video published by Jordan Peterson: https://youtu.be/ZQ43i5nKuZk?si=XB-bgj9VMc0NxBdTTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction02:01 - Intro  music02:26 - Observing the observer08:06 - Ritual and a return to ancient thinking13:58 - Ritual in groups21:34 - The argument27:49 - The start of Genesis36:39 - And God said42:06 - Vegetation44:30 - The sun, moon, and stars45:49 - Creatures of the sea49:32 - Animals51:57 - The creation of man56:28 - Genesis 259:43 - The center of the world06:42 - Iconographic examples12:39 - Questions from JBP18:22 - Q: Elaborate on what you mean with "above" and "below"20:15 - Q: Are people who try to tame wild animals violating the pattern you pointed out?21:51 - Q: How sure are you of the heaven and earth distinction?25:36 - Q: What's the meaning of when God says man is very good and everything else good?30:03 - Comment about Jung31:24 - Q: How did Darwin bring Plato back?37:03 - Q: How would you work with exclusion / inclusion patterns in these times?48:51 - Q: What's the intelligence of dreams?51:45 - Q: If the teleological patterns of being constitute heaven, what is the abode of the human soul?💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe \Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this conversation, I sit down with Joe Allen to dig into the strange and unsettling territory where transhumanism and politics collide. We explore how politics is shaping the trajectory of technological development—and how, in turn, emerging tech like AI begins to shape us. We talk about the deeper philosophical and spiritual undercurrents of transhumanism: the ego behind the machines, the myth of the disembodied mind, and the subtle seductions that come with promises of power and control. From AI warfare to Elon Musk, from Project Stargate to the eerie direction our culture is headed, we raise some uncomfortable but necessary questions. What happens when our tools stop serving us and begin to define us? Get Joe Allen's book: Dark Aeon: Transhumanism and the War Against Humanity: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Aeon-Transhumanism-Against-Humanity-ebook/dp/B0C9FJQD4VSYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond.🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175👉 Register Today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclassORTHODOX ARTS FESTIVAL - Learn more here: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/🔗 Links: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up00:44 - Intro music02:03 - The conservative transhumanist09:11 - Why more than human?14:49 - Bringing myths alive18:41 - Revolution and an image of sin25:47 - International competition34:07 - As soon as a power exists44:39 - Project StarGate50:29 - The power of AIOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this conversation with Mary Harrington, we explore how identity has evolved from the ancient idea of the soul to the concept of self and today how we talk and think about identity. We dive into how technology and AI shape this shift and why bringing back the soul might help us tackle modern challenges. We argue that purpose and hierarchy clarify identity in today’s mess of competing selves. We explore how swapping deep reading for digital scrolling shifts consciousness, how memes steer thought, and the nature of AI and its affects on culture.Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/TJnGDEAka7IOur conversation at ARC that prompted this: A philosophy of human identity in a digital age | Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Pageau, Mary Harrington:  https://youtu.be/oa-MK6l_hgE?si=86TQRbbDCrQdqb60SYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond.🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175👉 Register Today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass‼️EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Use code MASTERCLASS1 at checkout to get 15% off from March 31 until April 7 - only valid for once-off purchases (cannot be combined with any other discount)‼️ORTHODOX ARTS FESTIVAL: Learn more here: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this episode I break down the meaning and symbolism in the 2022 show Severance starring Adam Scott. Let me know in the comments on YouTube if you want more content like this.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/4RgQ0Q4pgHA=====SYMBOLISM MASTERCLASSJoin me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond.🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central /  2-5 PM EST: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session💰 Cost: $175👉 Register Today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass‼️EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Use code MASTERCLASS1 at checkout to get 15% off from March 31 until April 7 - only valid for once-off purchases (cannot be combined with any other discount)‼️=====💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

This is my review of Disney's recent Snow White live-action remake. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/gk2koS8Eomg===========With all this attention on Snow White right now, we want to make sure that we're mostly celebrating this powerful story in our culture. So to do so, we're offering for the very last time a limited edition box set of our own Snow White story, Snow White and the Widow Queen. It's a leather bound book signed by me, in a beautifully designed and bejeweled box with a free sticker and bookmark included. This is the last time you will ever see this product, it's very special, so don't miss out while stocks last.We're also offering 10% off on select Snow White products if you use SNOW25 at checkout. Just go to https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=text+link&utm_campaign=SNOW25As a classic fairy tale and timeless piece of our inheritance it's important to remember Snow White and keep celebrating it - that wonder and beauty and strangeness we find in those original tales that have been passed down to us, are exactly what our books at Symbolic World Press hope to reawaken - with of course some symbolism bread crumbs dropped in for those who want to discover the deeper meaning. So, don't miss out.💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this conversation I interview Peter Leithart, an American author, minister, and theologian, who serves as president of Theopolis Institute for Biblical, Liturgical, & Cultural Studies in Birmingham, Alabama. We discuss the origins, mission, and theological insights of Theopolis Institute and the influence of James B. Jordan, who wrote the influential book titled “Through New Eyes”. We further discuss the significance of biblical typology, and the transformative power of liturgy and sacraments in understanding scripture and shaping Christian life. We explore the interconnectedness of biblical narratives, the cultural shifts towards a deeper understanding of scripture, and the importance of sacramental life in recognizing Christ. YouTuber version: https://youtu.be/Ug_ZGvfBcuEFollow Peter Leithart: https://x.com/PLeithart-Through New Eyes: Developing a Biblical View of the World, by James B. Jordan: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-New-Eyes-Developing-Biblical/dp/157910259X -The End of Protestantism: Pursuing Unity in a Fragmented Church, by Peter J. Leithart: https://www.amazon.com/End-Protestantism-Pursuing-Fragmented-Church/dp/158743377X -Revelation Explained: An Interpretation by James B. Jordan: Volume One: Dragon, by James B. Jordan (Author), Dean W. Arnold (Editor): https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Explained-Interpretation-Jordan-Dragon/dp/1733335633 Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up00:50 - Intro music01:15 - Introduction02:19 - Theopolis Institute05:28 - Initial influences07:23 - Themes in Scripture17:47 - Reality/history rhymes20:33 - The Bible as a way of seeing23:36 - Sacraments31:53 - Creation34:23 - How is this being received?37:35 - Critical Biblical scholarship and references46:15 - Fundamentalism49:39 - Typology is the key51:53 - Bringing it to experience54:20 - The Fathers01:00:56 - Hopes for the future💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

I recently had the privilege to visit Ralston College where I had a wonderful discussion with Gregg Hurwitz about meaning, art, and the future of culture. We also gave advice to the young students at Ralston College about navigating the life of an artist.RALSTON COLLEGE: A revival and reinvention of the traditional university. A fellowship for anyone, anywhere who seeks the truth with courage.While the review of applications for the 2025-26 year of their fully-funded Master's in the Humanities program has already begun, a small number of spaces remain for extraordinary candidates. Apply now: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-maYouTube version: https://youtu.be/5Zyv3z4VT_Y=====================NEW COURSE: The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-EarthJoin us for an in-depth study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, where we'll explore his masterful use of medieval literary genres, Christian storytelling traditions, and hidden philology. This course, presented by Richard Rohlin, will guide you through Tolkien's vision for a "Mythology for England," examining his work as a complex tapestry of Universal History. Through this journey, we’ll also examine Tolkien’s use of epic poems, chronicles, and literary devices to craft a truly legendary vision of the past, present, and future. Thereafter, we'll look at how his work has inspired later authors of fantasy, shaped the genre more generally, and continues to aid our recovery of deeper, cosmological storytelling.- Dates: Live classes are on Mondays at 1 PM Central starting March 3, 2025- Course length: 5 weeks, 10 hours of lectures- Cost: $150- 10% Discount for all patrons at the Involved tier or higher, apply your discount code at checkout- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings with downloadable audio- You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these ideas to contemporary authors and your own mythopoeic writing!- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member at https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/join-community before making your purchase. Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history =====================💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up00:41 - Intro music01:06 - Introduction06:40 - What they like about each other13:03 - Dramatizing Genesis17:01 - On writing and being an artist22:41 - Ralston College students25:37 - Advice to artists28:09 - Why are you compelled to tell stories?33:09 - Form and function42:32 - Looking back on your 20s, what did you do well, and what did you learn from?49:19 - What's been your experience being public figures?59:03 - Do you ever wish you hadn't entered the public eye?01:04:39 - How to keep the fire going without desperation?01:09:30 - How to navigate the political?01:19:22 - How to choose your priorities and commitments?01:23:11 - How to go from an idea to a larger project?01:26:36 - Should an artist cater to an audience?01:34:43 - What does Ralston mean to you?

In this conversation with John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro we discuss their collaborative work on the 'Awakening from the Meaning Crisis' project, exploring the dynamics of their partnership, the impact of their ideas on contemporary discourse, and the challenges of making complex concepts accessible. They delve into the importance of narrative in understanding philosophical ideas, the role of dialogical reasoning in writing, and the surprising effects of their video series on academic engagement. Buy their book: Awakening From the Meaning Crisis: Part One: Origins: https://www.amazon.co.za/Awakening-Meaning-Crisis-Part-Origins/dp/1645011003 John Vervaeke's course on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-cognitive-science-of-ritualDaily Wire Plus: The Gospels seminar: https://www.dailywire.com/show/the-gospels=====================NEW COURSE: The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-EarthJoin us for an in-depth study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, where we'll explore his masterful use of medieval literary genres, Christian storytelling traditions, and hidden philology. This course, presented by Richard Rohlin, will guide you through Tolkien's vision for a "Mythology for England," examining his work as a complex tapestry of Universal History. Through this journey, we’ll also examine Tolkien’s use of epic poems, chronicles, and literary devices to craft a truly legendary vision of the past, present, and future. Thereafter, we'll look at how his work has inspired later authors of fantasy, shaped the genre more generally, and continues to aid our recovery of deeper, cosmological storytelling.- Dates: Live classes are on Mondays at 1 PM Central starting March 3, 2025- Course length: 5 weeks, 10 hours of lectures- Cost: $150- 10% Discount for all patrons at the Involved tier or higher, apply your discount code at checkout- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings with downloadable audio- You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these ideas to contemporary authors and your own mythopoeic writing!- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member at https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/join-community before making your purchase. Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history =====================Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up00:39 - Intro music01:03 - Introduction01:42 - Working together06:23 - Coming to terms with John's vocabulary11:26 - Getting feedback14:27 - Telling a story18:36 - A dialogical process22:25 - Change in academia26:48 - John Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson at UofT29:21 - Cross-disciplinary36:01 - Cognitive science40:14 - Making woo acceptable45:06 - John and John teaching52:33 - What was the Gospels seminar like for Jonathan00:15 - John's experience03:23 - The strangeness of Christianity08:19 - Hope for the book's reception💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

The world is changing rapidly, and the transformation we’re witnessing—especially within the Church—has been astonishing. Across America, Orthodox churches are growing at an unprecedented rate, and cultural shifts that once seemed impossible are now unfolding before our eyes.  For this week's video, we revisit my very first public event with Jordan Peterson, at The Resurrection of Logos event, which took place at the University of Toronto in March 2017. At the time, many of the ideas we now take for granted were just beginning to emerge. It was a moment when culture seemed to be collapsing under the weight of ideology, yet seeds of renewal were being planted.  Looking back, we can see both the opportunities and the dangers that have since taken shape. On one hand, faith is more openly discussed, and the roots of Christian civilization are being rediscovered. On the other, we face the risk of faith becoming overly weaponized. The balance between these forces is more crucial than ever.  This talk, which didn’t gain much attention at the time, now serves as a fascinating snapshot of what was happening in that critical moment. Watch it with fresh eyes and see how far we’ve come.Youtube version: https://youtu.be/hWVsvSatJsk =====================NEW COURSE: The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-EarthJoin us for an in-depth study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, where we'll explore his masterful use of medieval literary genres, Christian storytelling traditions, and hidden philology. This course, presented by Richard Rohlin, will guide you through Tolkien's vision for a "Mythology for England," examining his work as a complex tapestry of Universal History. Through this journey, we’ll also examine Tolkien’s use of epic poems, chronicles, and literary devices to craft a truly legendary vision of the past, present, and future. Thereafter, we'll look at how his work has inspired later authors of fantasy, shaped the genre more generally, and continues to aid our recovery of deeper, cosmological storytelling.- Dates: Live classes are on Mondays at 1 PM Central starting March 3, 2025- Course length: 5 weeks, 10 hours of lectures- Cost: $150- 10% Discount for all patrons at the Involved tier or higher, apply your discount code at checkout- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings with downloadable audio- You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these ideas to contemporary authors and your own mythopoeic writing!- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member at https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/join-community before making your purchase. Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history =====================💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

I had a wonderful discussion with James Orr. Dr Orr is Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. He was also one of the panel members for the Daily Wire Plus Exodus and Gospels seminars, which we discuss in this video. We also talk about our difference approaches and perspectives on Scripture, the current cultural shift and Christianity becoming more mainstream, the risk of instrumentalizing Christianity, Paul Kingsnorth's talk "Against Christian Civilization", and more. Watch the Gospel Seminar on Daily Wire Plus: https://www.dailywire.com/show/the-gospels My discussion with Paul Kingsnorth, Western Civilization Is Already Dead: https://youtu.be/FrjdaVol2TA?si=D6A3mm3WXj5f2i4WPaul Kingsnorth’s First Things talk: "Against Christian Civilization" | 2024 Erasmus Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/live/Y3hMSZqatHIJames Orr links:- https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/directory/dr-james-orr- https://x.com/jtworr=====================NEW COURSE: The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-EarthJoin us for an in-depth study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, where we'll explore his masterful use of medieval literary genres, Christian storytelling traditions, and hidden philology. This course, presented by Richard Rohlin, will guide you through Tolkien's vision for a "Mythology for England," examining his work as a complex tapestry of Universal History. Through this journey, we’ll also examine Tolkien’s use of epic poems, chronicles, and literary devices to craft a truly legendary vision of the past, present, and future. Thereafter, we'll look at how his work has inspired later authors of fantasy, shaped the genre more generally, and continues to aid our recovery of deeper, cosmological storytelling. - Dates: Live classes are on Mondays at 1 PM Central starting March 3, 2025 - Course length: 5 weeks, 10 hours of lectures - Cost: $150 - 10% Discount for all patrons at the Involved tier or higher, apply your discount code at checkout - Participants will be given access to lesson recordings with downloadable audio - You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these ideas to contemporary authors and your own mythopoeic writing! - The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member at https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/join-community before making your purchase.Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history =====================Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up00:47 - Intro music01:11 - Introduction01:57 - James' reaction to The Gospels seminar05:04 - JBP mediating the panel discussion09:25 - Members of the panel11:55 - Approaching Scripture from different perspectives15:23 - James' scholarly approach vs Jonathan's analogical approach20:37 - A time of flux28:18 - Paul Kingsnorth's First Things address32:44 - Instrumentalizing Christianity38:52 - Self-sacrificial love41:39 - Recognize weaponized compassion43:11 - Fetishizing weakness?48:22 - The end of the story51:34 - Technology54:45 - New people coming to church💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

This is a repost of the patron video for January 2025. Given the recent announcement about project Stargate I delved into modernity's quest for forbidden knowledge and how it relates to today's obsession with UFOs, AI, psychedelics, and even transgenderism.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/h79SINKwmjA===========NEW COURSE: The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-EarthJoin us for an in-depth study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, where we'll explore his masterful use of medieval literary genres, Christian storytelling traditions, and hidden philology. This course, presented by Richard Rohlin, will guide you through Tolkien's vision for a "Mythology for England," examining his work as a complex tapestry of Universal History. Through this journey, we’ll also examine Tolkien’s use of epic poems, chronicles, and literary devices to craft a truly legendary vision of the past, present, and future. Thereafter, we'll look at how his work has inspired later authors of fantasy, shaped the genre more generally, and continues to aid our recovery of deeper, cosmological storytelling.- Dates: Live classes are on Mondays at 1 PM Central starting March 3, 2025- Course length: 5 weeks, 10 hours of lectures- Cost: $150- 10% Discount for all patrons at the Involved tier or higher, apply your discount code at checkout- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings with downloadable audio- You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these ideas to contemporary authors and your own mythopoeic writing!- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member at https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/join-community before making your purchase. Register today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history ===========💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

For the past few decades we have heard from the new atheists just how horrible religion is, that religion is responsible for all these terrible things like the inquisition and witch burnings - but what if I told you that there are patterns or structures behind this kind of behaviour that are simply human, and are not unique to religious people, nor to your ideological or political opponents, but exist fundamentally in all identities.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/SQSDCcFKSrQ==================The Symbolic World Goes to Middle-earth! Join Richard Rohlin for his new course on Tolkien and Universal History. As always patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for a 10% discount. Apply your unique discount code at checkout. Read more here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/tolkien-and-universal-history In his famous Letter #131 to Milton Waldman, J.R.R. Tolkien described his Legendarium as an attempt to create a vast cycle of stories. These stories would be dedicated to his home country and as such this concept has often been described by Tolkien scholars as a “Mythology for England.” This course will take this concept a step further by examining the Legendarium as an attempt at a work of Universal History, one which uses both ancient and modern storytelling genres to reconcile conflicting visions of English, European, and Western identity. We will then apply those methods to contemporary storytelling efforts, revealing how Tolkien opens the way to a return to cosmological and legendary Christian storytelling tradition.==================💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageauOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/