The Symbolic World

I finally watched K-Pop Demon Hunters after so many of you kept asking about it. In this episode, I explore the strange mix of symbolism: demons, idols, and the way the film deals with shame, music, and attention. There are fascinating elements in the story, but also some deep problems from a symbolic and Christian perspective. Let’s dive in together.WARNING: This episode contains spoilers.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/Rh89J2eAf7o📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out the latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/Latest course: Join Fr. Stephen De Young in his Jubilees and the Nephilim course, now streaming live on The Symbolic World: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Do you want to know more about symbolism and learn how to do your own analysis? Join the Symbolism Masterclass, the culmination of my life’s work on this topic. It’s both for beginners and long-time followers. Over 6 classes and more than 18 hours of content, that you can follow at your own pace, you’ll uncover the hidden structures of reality—from sacred time to the dance of opposites—and learn to live with intention in an age of distraction, confusion, and the crisis of meaning. Register here: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this conversation I’m joined by Andrew Gould and Michael Diamant to explore the importance of traditional architecture and city planning. We discuss why so much of our built environment feels alienating, how modernism abandoned human proportion and beauty, and why recovering classical forms matters for culture, community, and even our spiritual lives.Michael shares the story of the Architecture Uprising movement across Europe, and Andrew explains how he approaches designing buildings that are rooted in tradition yet alive for today. Together we reflect on how beauty is not just a luxury—it’s essential for human flourishing.Youtube version: https://youtu.be/uS_3FB7foVc?si=5zMFNf8ALUUAov9dArchitects, go to https://newtrad.org/Follow Michael on X / Twitter: https://x.com/michael_diamantAndrew Gould's website: https://newworldbyzantine.com/Follow Andrew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.gould.1401Buy Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/  Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up00:48 - Intro music01:13 - Introduction06:14 - What's great about ugly architecture?09:27 - Politics10:51 - The Brutalist13:03 - City planning15:28 - Density20:28 - What is driving the madness?27:03 - The options for architects30:17 - What architecture is today34:26 - Classical beauty40:10 - Bad classical architecture45:52 - Defending your culture51:05 - Andrew Gould's work01:01:02 - Architectural fashion01:04:58 - The film industry💻 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/

📖 RAPUNZEL AND THE EVIL WITCH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE: https://rapunzelbook.com/Heather Pollington and I are thrilled to share our brand-new storybook with you, 'Rapunzel and the Evil Witch'! Following 'Snow White and the Widow Queen' and 'Jack and the Fallen Giants', this third fairy tale feels like the culmination of our work so far. With this book you’ll begin to notice the different threads connecting across the series. Heather has created stunning illustrations that weave medieval and Byzantine influences into a style perfectly suited to the fairy tale world. In this episode, we walk through the process behind the book, the symbolism of Rapunzel’s story, and what's unique about our version of the story. We show many of the book's illustrations. I can't wait to hear what you think!YouTube version: https://youtu.be/aEWgHif0NS8Timestamps:00:00 - Announcement and opening01:36 - Intro music02:02 - Introduction03:41 - Heather's journey to Rapunzel06:40 - Critiques of fairy tales07:46 - Tangled10:12 - Exploring Rapunzel imagery10:24 - Early sketches12:14 - Iconography and Palekh fairy tale tradition15:54 - Frontispiece17:51 - Green flowers20:12 - The witch's garden22:59 - The dark exchange25:48 - The circle of protection28:55 - A sense of freedom30:43 - The moon tower35:04 - The haunting melody37:40 - Love in the tower41:47 - The dream43:27 - Flax into gold46:02 - Rain from heaven53:43 - The wooden throne56:28 - Order💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours- Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings.- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. - Price: 180 USD, Involved patrons qualify for 10% discount.Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world.Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

In this episode, I explore the symbolism of World War II through the imagery of the Axis and the Allies. Beyond politics, these symbols reveal a deeper story about unity and multiplicity—the tension between the “one” and the “many.” I look at how the propaganda and narratives of that time shaped the post-war consensus we still live in today, and why those stories are now reaching their limits. My hope is to help you see how these patterns influence our culture and why finding balance is so important.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/vLpEDlgElegVisit https://www.rapunzelbook.com to pre-order our new fairy tale story, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch.NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours- Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings.- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. - Price: 180 USD, Involved patrons qualify for 10% discount.Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world.💻 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 episode, Father Josiah Trenham returns to the podcast for us to talk about the profound meaning and cosmic significance of marriage. We explore why marriage is a crucial civilizational cornerstone rooted in divine order, not only from a Christian perspective, but universally in all flourishing societies. We discuss how it compares to and co-exists with monasticism and the meaning of marriage and the wedding ceremony not just as a gate to self-fulfillment and a joyful experience, but also as self-sacrifice. We also discuss how rediscovering the beauty of marriage can help restore sanity in our fragmented secular world.This conversation is also a preview of the upcoming Marriage Conference in Riverside, CA (Oct. 10–12), where I’ll be speaking alongside Father Josiah, Archbishop Cordileone, Dr. Brad Wilcox, and others. Learn more at https://www.themarriageconference.com/ Subscribe to Fr. Josiah's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PatristicNectarFilms—NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young- Catch the early bird special of 15% off with code: EARLYJUBILEES, valid until 11:59 pm EST (midnight) of August 8th.- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours- Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings.- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. - Price: 180 USDStep into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world.—Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up01:00 - Intro music01:24 - Introduction04:01 - Marriage, monasticism, and St. John the Baptist09:16 - The symbiosis between monasticism and marriage12:32 - Why marriage fails16:14 - The fruits of abandoning marriage21:37 - Contract24:15 - Acknowledge the ideal27:53 - The nuclear and extended family29:40 - The crowns34:23 - A new independent union38:03 - Aspects of marriage43:19 - Refined love45:42 - Pagan monogamy50:39 - Marrying young55:18 - 50s Housewife vs boss babe57:01 - Having children01:00:39 - Hopes

Fr. Stephen De Young returns to the channel to explore how we should approach extra-Biblical literature—looking especially at the Book of Jubilees in anticipation of his upcoming Symbolic World course: Jubilees and the Nephilim. We discuss a different, more ancient way of doing theology—through story, ritual, poetry, and image rather than flat modern academic argument. If you’ve ever wondered how texts like Jubilees, Enoch, or the Lives of Adam and Eve connect to Christian theology, this conversation is for you.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/poAELqTQTo0NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young- Catch the early bird special of 15% off with code: EARLYJUBILEES, valid until 11:59 pm EST (midnight) of August 8th.- Price: 180 USD (Discounted to 158 USD)- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/jubilees-and-the-nephilim - Course Length: 6 Weeks, 12 Hours- Dates: Live classes are on Tuesday at 7 - 9 pm Central Time, starting August 19th through September 23rd, 2025- Participants will be given access to lesson recordings.- The course is hosted on the Symbolic World Circle Community platform. Sign up as a free member before making your purchase. Step into the strange and revelatory world of the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of Genesis that shaped ancient Jewish thought and still echoes through Christian tradition. In this course, Fr. Stephen De Young guides students through the book’s expansion of biblical history, unveiling the significance of the fall of the angels, the rise of the Nephilim, and the heavenly origins of the feasts of the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, he'll explore how Jubilees reinterprets creation, demonology, and the prophetic structure of time, and why these themes mattered not only to Second Temple Judaism, but to later Christian understandings of the unseen world.Timestamps00:00 - Coming up00:55 - Intro music01:20 - Introduction02:11 - Jubilees05:08 - A different way of doing theology15:23 - Why do we have peripheral stories?22:34 - The twelfth apostle24:16 - Blood libel27:09 - Adam's skull31:19 - Sacred geography34:09 - The sacramental reality39:01 - The modern trade41:52 - UFOs, psychedelics, and materialism44:43 - Reading extra-biblical texts and Jubilees47:53 - What can extra-biblical traditions offer us?💻 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 episode I reflect on the symbolism behind Superman as a figure rooted in American mythology and post-WWII identity. I also discuss the new Superman movie by James Gunn, which actually has an interesting twist that can help us understand not just the superhero archetype, but also the crucial and relevant question of the immigrant or convert.https://youtu.be/RByli5eMoP8Rapunzel and the Evil Witch is coming in August—and you can pre-order it now. If you missed the first 1,000 copies (which sold out in 26 hours!), here’s your chance next to get it. Pre-orders come with the audiobook I recorded and a companion worksheet to explore the story with your family. Go to https://www.rapunzelbook.com/ and get ready—this is where the fairy tales start to weave together.💻 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 episode of Universal History, I sit down with Deacon Seraphim (Richard Rohlin) on the 4th of July to explore the topic of fairies and titular spirits, especially as it relates to the US. We discuss America’s founding, the myth of Oedipus, heroes and monsters, boundaries of identity, stories of water spirits and crossing into territories, all to ask the question of whether fairies can be saved. As always, we’re weaving together myth, symbolism, and cultural insight to help reveal the patterns behind the stories that shape our world.Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/htXHJ1WRSAgPre-order our new fairy tale story book, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witchCOURSE: 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 22nd, 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💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up01:45 - Intro music02:12 - Introduction04:22 - Titular spirits10:03 - Oedipus: From the Bronze age16:47 - A daemon / titular spirit18:40 - Heroes becoming spirits19:54 - The encounter with the Sphinx21:46 - Killing a monsters26:41 - Purification and the furies31:43 - Understanding: Christ the Key39:37 - America46:23 - What are fairies53:15 - Artifacts58:08 - Magic01:00:38 - 3 Stories about faeries01:01:31 - Story 101:06:30 - Tying it in with St. Christopher01:07:25 - Story 201:11:32 - Commentary01:18:02 - Story 301:27:08 - American aboriginalsOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

I was invited to give this talk on Robin Hood in Nottingham—just a stone’s throw from Sherwood Forest—on the feast of Pentecost. What began as a reflection on a beloved folk hero opened into something deeper: a meditation on rebellion, trickery, legitimacy, and the strange holiness that's possible for jesters and outlaws. In this talk, I explore how Robin Hood, the Green Man, King David, and even figures from Islamic tradition and Arthurian legend, all point toward a surprising truth—that the margins of society can conceal servants of the true King. I hope you enjoy it.Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7Q4LBLmeeMwCOURSE: 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 22nd, 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-realityGet early access to Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up01:30 - Intro music01:56 - Introduction by Jonathan03:34 - Introduction: The virtuous rebel06:10 - Who does Robin Hood resemble?09:40 - Green14:25 - A trickster for God16:39 - David25:41 - He loses at the edge39:24 - The Green man: Merlin45:25 - Q&A starts: St. Christopher46:39 - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight48:55 - Maid Marian and the Virgin Mary49:53 - Difference between giants and monsters51:20 - Intention53:01 - Robin Hood in politics54:10 - Marksmanship55:54 - Does the end justify the means57:42 - Is Robin Hood religious?59:06 - Locations and history01:01:38 - Humor in Christianity01:03:20 - Trickery01:06:46 - What goes around comes around01:08:15 - Downstream from the Gospel01:11:44 - Christ vs Robin Hood in historyOur website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

I had the pleasure of speaking with filmmaker Josh David Jordan about his new movie El Tonto Por Cristo. It’s a black-and-white art film set in a Texas monastery — poetic, strange, and deeply moving. What struck me most is how the film weaves together powerful Orthodox imagery, the mystery of the holy fool, all with a totally unique visual language. This isn’t just a message movie — it’s real cinema.Check out the Kickstarter and be part of bringing this movie to theaters. This is a rare and important project. El Tonto Por Cristo: A Cinematic Meditation. An Orthodox film set in a Texas monastery. Help bring this black-and-white story of beauty, holiness, & mystery to theaters worldwide.https://www.eltontoporcristo.com/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/748841722/el-tonto-por-cristo-a-cinematic-meditationOriginal YouTube version: https://youtu.be/pbM5VN9YvCE💻 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/

What is spirit? This was one of my most meaningful conversations with John Vervaeke yet. As we prepare for the Midwestuary 2025 conference in Chicago, we explore how beings come into existence, the mystery of unity and multiplicity, and what’s really going on with AI, angels, and the spirit of community. John shares some powerful personal transformations as well. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into spirit, ontology, and meaning.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/hqmSW3SgzHsRegister for the 2025 Midwestuary Conference in Chicago, August 22-24: https://www.midwestuary.com/NEW 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 22nd, 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- Get early access to Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch- Symbolism Masterclass course by Jonathan Pageau: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass- John Vervaeke's course on the Symbolic World, The Cognitive Science of Ritual: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-cognitive-science-of-ritual00:00 - Intro by Jonathan01:25 - Intro music01:50 - Midwestuary conference details03:42 - What is Spirit?05:21 - John's response08:22 - Fellowship11:00 - Jonathan's response13:34 - Why it's hard to think about unity and multiplicity16:35 - Dualism in spirit18:32 - Modern false dichotomies24:19 - Jonathan: Spirit outside of minds?30:57 - Are there non-psychological spirits?33:42 - Gathered in man35:55 - Reduction can go both ways37:35 - The seat of self-consciousness42:01 - A human centered view43:36 - John: The standard of realness49:30 - An embodied world for everyone56:17 - Porosity between science and myth01:00:39 - Breath01:02:05 - A post-Kantian vision01:05:52 - Exampting and group identity01:10:40 - Liturgy and team spirit01:17:48 - Are spirits just psychological?01:20:26 - Prophesy01:27:43 - How do we use technology?01:34:01 - AI🔗 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 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/