Podcasts - The Symbolic World

Le magnificat et le cantique de Zacharie

Jonathan et Jean-Philippe tentent de comprendre la structure symbolique de deux cantiques dans Luc 1: le magnificat et le cantique de Zacharie.

Le magnificat et le cantique de Zacharie

Jonathan et Jean-Philippe tentent de comprendre la structure symbolique de deux cantiques dans Luc 1: le magnificat et le cantique de Zacharie.

Podcast

Fractals: The World is Full of Meaning

I’ve spoken about fractals on my channel for many years. In this talk, I explore the topic directly—showing how fractals are a fundamental structure of reality. Understanding these patterns is essential if we want to see the world symbolically and build true fellowship rooted in spirit rather than mere rules. This talk took place at the 2025 Midwestuary conference. Estuary Hub Link: https://www.estuaryhub.com/ https://www.southeastuary.com/ 📖 Let's take our stories back. Check out our latest book in the Tales for Now and Ever series, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://rapunzelbook.com/ 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 Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 00:28 - Intro music 00:51 - Introducing Jonathan 02:08 - Start of talk 04:59 - Heaven and earth 07:44 - Produce variation 13:44 - Revelation 19:18 - Resistance to embodiment 22:05 - Heaven provides influence 25:21 - A nation: embodiment 35:56 - Too close to multiplicity 38:27 - A luminous hierarchy 41:22 - What can make a hierarchy fragile Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Fractals: The World is Full of Meaning

The Strange Symbolism of K-Pop Demon Hunters: Shame, Attention, LGBT, Jung

I finally watched K-Pop Demon Hunters after so many of you kept asking about it. In this video, 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 video contains spoilers. 📖 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/

The Strange Symbolism of K-Pop Demon Hunters: Shame, Attention, LGBT, Jung

Architecture: The Most Important Art - with Andrew Gould and Michael Diamant

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. Architects, go to https://newtrad.org/ Follow Michael on X / Twitter: https://x.com/michael_diamant Andrew Gould's website: https://newworldbyzantine.com/ Follow Andrew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.gould.1401 💻 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/

Architecture: The Most Important Art - with Andrew Gould and Michael Diamant

Rapunzel and the Evil Witch - with Heather Pollington

📖 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 video, 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! Timestamps: 00:00 - Announcement and opening 01:36 - Intro music 02:02 - Introduction 03:41 - Heather's journey to Rapunzel 06:40 - Critiques of fairy tales 07:46 - Tangled 10:12 - Exploring Rapunzel imagery 10:24 - Early sketches 12:14 - Iconography and Palekh fairy tale tradition 15:54 - Frontispiece 17:51 - Green flowers 20:12 - The witch's garden 22:59 - The dark exchange 25:48 - The circle of protection 28:55 - A sense of freedom 30:43 - The moon tower 35:04 - The haunting melody 37:40 - Love in the tower 41:47 - The dream 43:27 - Flax into gold 46:02 - Rain from heaven 53:43 - The wooden throne 56:28 - 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/

Rapunzel and the Evil Witch - with Heather Pollington

Étude biblique: l'hymne aux Colossiens

Jean-Philippe se retrouve avec Frère Simon Lessard, OP, pour discuter des différences entre l'approche symbolique et l'approche classique, cette fois-ci en s'attaquant conjointement à l'hymne aux Colossiens. Ils parviennent à harmoniser leurs approches en voyant le Christ comme cause finale, la structure fondamentale de la création.

Jean-Philippe Marceau

Étude biblique: l'hymne aux Colossiens

Jean-Philippe Marceau

Symbolism Explained: The Fundamental WWII Duality That Still Haunts Us Today

In this video, 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. Visit 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/

Symbolism Explained: The Fundamental WWII Duality That Still Haunts Us Today

Platonisme en biologie et effondrement démographique

Jonathan et Jean-Philippe partent de deux sujets issues de la biologie: 1) Le platonisme biologique de Michael Levin. 2) L'effondrement démographique auquel la planète fait présentement face, ainsi que ses répercussions génétiques et symboliques.

Platonisme en biologie et effondrement démographique

Marriage: The Bedrock of Civilization - with Fr. Josiah Trenham

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 USD 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. — Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:00 - Intro music 01:24 - Introduction 04:01 - Marriage, monasticism, and St. John the Baptist 09:16 - The symbiosis between monasticism and marriage 12:32 - Why marriage fails 16:14 - The fruits of abandoning marriage 21:37 - Contract 24:15 - Acknowledge the ideal 27:53 - The nuclear and extended family 29:40 - The crowns 34:23 - A new independent union 38:03 - Aspects of marriage 43:19 - Refined love 45:42 - Pagan monogamy 50:39 - Marrying young 55:18 - 50s Housewife vs boss babe 57:01 - Having children 01:00:39 - Hopes 💻 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/

Marriage: The Bedrock of Civilization - with Fr. Josiah Trenham

How to Read Extra-Biblical Texts Like Jubilees (and Why It Matters) - Fr. Stephen De Young

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. NEW COURSE: Jubilees and the Nephilim, by Fr. Stephen De Young - Catch the early bird special of 15% off with code: EARLYJUBILEES, valid until end of July. - 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. Timestamps 00:00 - Coming up 00:55 - Intro music 01:20 - Introduction 02:11 - Jubilees 05:08 - A different way of doing theology 15:23 - Why do we have peripheral stories? 22:34 - The twelfth apostle 24:16 - Blood libel 27:09 - Adam's skull 31:19 - Sacred geography 34:09 - The sacramental reality 39:01 - The modern trade 41:52 - UFOs, psychedelics, and materialism 44:43 - Reading extra-biblical texts and Jubilees 47:53 - 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/

How to Read Extra-Biblical Texts Like Jubilees (and Why It Matters) - Fr. Stephen De Young

Why you might want to watch the new Superman movie

In this video 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. Rapunzel 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/

Why you might want to watch the new Superman movie

The Spirits Beneath America: Fairies and Founding Fathers - Universal History - Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin

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. Pre-order our new fairy tale story book, Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/products/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton This 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 up 01:45 - Intro music 02:12 - Introduction 04:22 - Titular spirits 10:03 - Oedipus: From the Bronze age 16:47 - A daemon / titular spirit 18:40 - Heroes becoming spirits 19:54 - The encounter with the Sphinx 21:46 - Killing a monsters 26:41 - Purification and the furies 31:43 - Understanding: Christ the Key 39:37 - America 46:23 - What are fairies 53:15 - Artifacts 58:08 - Magic 01:00:38 - 3 Stories about faeries 01:01:31 - Story 1 01:06:30 - Tying it in with St. Christopher 01:07:25 - Story 2 01:11:32 - Commentary 01:18:02 - Story 3 01:27:08 - American aboriginals Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

The Spirits Beneath America: Fairies and Founding Fathers - Universal History - Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin

Le symbolisme de l'architecture

Jonathan, Catherine et Jean-Philippe parlent du symbolisme de l'architecture.

Le symbolisme de l'architecture

Jonathan, Catherine et Jean-Philippe parlent du symbolisme de l'architecture.

A Dangerous Movie in the Best Way Possible

Podcast

A Dangerous Movie in the Best Way Possible

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-meditation 💻 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 Dangerous Movie in the Best Way Possible

The Original Green Man (Nottingham talk)

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. COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton This 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 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:30 - Intro music 01:56 - Introduction by Jonathan 03:34 - Introduction: The virtuous rebel 06:10 - Who does Robin Hood resemble? 09:40 - Green 14:25 - A trickster for God 16:39 - David 25:41 - He loses at the edge 39:24 - The Green man: Merlin 45:25 - Q&A starts: St. Christopher 46:39 - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 48:55 - Maid Marian and the Virgin Mary 49:53 - Difference between giants and monsters 51:20 - Intention 53:01 - Robin Hood in politics 54:10 - Marksmanship 55:54 - Does the end justify the means 57:42 - Is Robin Hood religious? 59:06 - Locations and history 01:01:38 - Humor in Christianity 01:03:20 - Trickery 01:06:46 - What goes around comes around 01:08:15 - Downstream from the Gospel 01:11:44 - Christ vs Robin Hood in history Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

The Original Green Man (Nottingham talk)

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Patron-Only

The Age of Self-Esteem

For this patron video, I explore the modern idea of self-esteem—where it came from, how it shapes our culture, and why it so often leads us into confusion and disorder. I contrast this with the Christian vision of humility, which offers a path to true freedom and joy.

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Patron-Only

August 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Friday, August 29th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out to inquiries@symbolicworldpress.com or through our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Think Like Your Enemy: The First Step in Symbolic Vision

In July 2025’s (very late) patron video, I explore the art of seeing from your enemy’s perspective. Ultimately, the ability to see other perspectives is the essence of thinking itself. I also reflect on what it means when Christ commands us to love our enemies. Thank you for your continued support.

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Patron-Only

July 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

How the World Exists: Identity and Its Negation

For June 2025’s patron video, I reflect on the deep ontological structure behind the categories of what we can call "that" and "not that"—a fundamental pattern in how the world exists. Drawing from Genesis, I explore how identity emerges through distinction, and how the interplay of unity and multiplicity forms the fabric of reality. Thank you again for your ongoing support—it makes this work possible. Symbolism Masterclass: (Remember all Involved ($10+) patrons can get 10% off. Apply your discount code at checkout.) https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass

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Patron-Only

June 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Friday, June 27th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Rapunzel and the Evil Witch

This month (May 2025), I’m excited to give you the very first look at our upcoming fairy tale book, Rapunzel. In this video, I walk through the story’s symbolism, how it mirrors Snow White, and how we’re building a shared mythic universe. I also share a behind-the-scenes look at Heather Pollington's stunning illustrations. I can’t wait for you to see it. Visit https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch to get release updates before anyone else.

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Patron-Only

May 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

The World War II Consensus is Breaking Down

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, 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…

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Patron-Only

April 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Monday, April 28th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

"Saved Through Childbearing" - What It Means to Be Saved

For March 2025's patron video, I delve into the passage from 1st Timothy, where St. Paul states that "women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control". I explore the meaning behind this text, St. Paul's symbolic worldview, masculinity and femininity, the implications of childbearing, and the broader context of salvation. Thank you for your continued support. You’re welcome to join me for my Symbolism Masterclass live course starting later this month. If you register before April 8th you can get a 15% discount with code: MASTERCLASS1 If you’re seeing this on or after April 8th and you’re supporting at the Involved level or higher, you can still claim 10% off. Just log into the Symbolic World website and see your discount code at the top of the course page. Use our contact form if you run into trouble. Course page: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass Log in page: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/login Contact form: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

March 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Friday, March 28th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

ARC and the Duality of Our Present Moment

Jonathan Pageau

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Feb 27, 2025

Is the Alliance of Responsible Citizenship (ARC) to be a noble light in this great cultural shift, or just another laboratory of experiment in the modern age? My February 2025 patron video is a reflection on my recent experience at the ARC conference. I discuss the evolution of our ideological landscape since 2016, as well as some of the dangers of weaponizing Christianity for political purposes.

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Patron-Only

February 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Alien Intelligence: Stargate, UFOs, AI, Psychedelics

Given the recent announcement about project Stargate, for January 2025’s patron video I delved into modernity's quest for forbidden knowledge and how it relates to today's obsession with UFOs, AI, psychedelics, and even transgenderism.

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Patron-Only

January 2025 Patron Q&A

This month's patron Q&A will be on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Symbolism Explained: Fractals

For December 2024's patron video I explain the theory of fractal symbolism, why it's important and powerful, and how we can sometimes go wrong when we apply this symbolism.

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Patron-Only

December 2024 Patron Q&A

December 2024's patron Q&A will occur on Monday, December 23rd, 2024, at 11 am EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

The Restoration of Notre Dame

For November 2024's patron video I take a closer look into the restoration of Notre Dame de Paris. After a devastating fire in 2019, and 5 years of reconstruction, Notre Dame is now officially open. But did they get it right in how they rebuilt the church?

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Patron-Only

November 2024 Patron Q&A

November 2024's patron Q&A will occur on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 2pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

My Perspective on Jordan Peterson's Discussion with Richard Dawkins

Jonathan Pageau

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Nov 4, 2024

For October 2024's patron video I give some comments regarding Jordan Peterson and Richard Dawkins' recent discussion on Jordan's podcast. Thank you for your continued support. - Their original discussion: Dawkins vs Peterson: Memes & Archetypes | Alex O’Connor Moderates | EP 491: https://youtu.be/8wBtFNj_o5k?si=aknGX5kaR-8WVduB

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Patron-Only

October 2024 Patron Q&A

October 2024's patron Q&A will occur on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

A Special Look Behind the Scenes at Symbolic World Press

For September 2024's patron video, I give you a special behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming Symbolic World Press book projects. I really believe that we are at a turning point in storytelling. My goal as an artist has always been to create beautiful things, so I'm excited to bring you these beautiful stories in collaboration with the wonderful artists on our team. Thank you for your continued support. If you would like to pre-order Jack and the Fallen Giants and GodsDog 2 (Warrior), you can get it on sale now: https://store.thesymbolicworld.com

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Patron-Only

September 2024 Q&A

September 2024's patron Q&A will take place on Friday, September 27th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

The Two Sacrifices That Establish Identity

For August 2024's patron-only video, I discuss the two aspects of the Atonement sacrifice that was made on the holiest day of the year in the Old Testament. This way of reconciling the people of Israel with God is a model that shows us how all identities are established - from human groups like nations and sports teams to something as simple as a cup. Thank you all for your continued support.

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Patron-Only

August 2024 Patron Q&A

August 2024's patron Q&A will take place on Thursday, August 29th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Symbolism of the Wounded Ear

For July 2024's patron-only video, I do something I haven’t done before, which is to discuss something I haven't figured out yet. In this video, I speculate on the symbolism of the wounded ear, primarily drawing from instances of the pattern in Scripture. Thank you for your support.

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Patron-Only

July 2024 Patron Q&A

June 2024's Q&A will take place on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Did God Want Adam and Eve to Eat the Fruit?

For June 2024’s patron-only video, I draw on St. Ephrem the Syrian’s Hymns on Paradise to explore the question of the Fall and whether God meant for Adam and Eve to eat the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Bad after all. As always, thank you for your support.

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Patron-Only

June 2024 Patron Q&A

June 2024's Q&A will take place on June 27th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

The Impossibility of Atheism

Jonathan Pageau

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May 30, 2024

May 2024's patron video. Richard Dawkins wrote an article about how an organism becomes a model or microcosm of the world it's adapted to live in. He sent the article to Jordan Peterson, who has been using it as an argument to refute atheism. In this video, I explain the argument, which I've also used, and its implications.

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Patron-Only

May 2024 Patron Q&A

May 2024's Q&A will take place on May 28th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Wearing a Veil Because of the Angels

For April 2024’s patron video, I discuss the controversial topic of veiling, drawing on 1 Corinthians 11 and explaining St. Paul’s strange statement, "Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels". Thank you for your support.

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Patron-Only

April 2024 Patron Q&A

April 2024's Q&A will take place on April 24th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

March 2024 Patron Q&A

March 2024's Q&A will take place on March 18th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Reach out via our website for technical assistance if needed: https://thesymbolicworld.com/contact

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Patron-Only

Why Bible Scholars Are Often Useless

Jonathan Pageau

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Mar 13, 2024

For March 2024's patron video I present a short meditation on what many modern Bible scholars, especially the atheist kind, get wrong about Scripture. Thank you for your continued support!

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Patron-Only

The Symbolism of Body

The Patron video for February 2024 is about body and matter. This video will also help you understand why the term Mother of God is not actually controversial. I will publish two extra patron videos in the next 2 months to make up for lost time in December and January. Thank you all for your support.

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Patron-Only

February 2024 Patron-Only Q&A

February 2024's Q&A will take place on February 23rd, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

January 2024 Patron-Only Q&A

The next patron Q&A will take place on Friday, January 26th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. Remember that patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

December 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

The next patron Q&A will take place on January 4th, 2024, at 2 pm EST. See you there! Remember that patrons of $10+ per month can submit questions in advance through The Symbolic World website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

The Dark Shadow of Santa Claus

Jonathan Pageau

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Dec 6, 2023

For November 2023's patron video, I discuss the companions of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, like Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht, and Zwarte Piet. How can we understand this symbolism?

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Patron-Only

November 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

November 2023's Q&A is on Thursday, November 30th, at 2 pm EST. Patrons at $10+ please submit your advance question on The Symbolic World website and remember to vote on questions: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

Where Two or Three Gather in My Name

October 2023's patron video is a follow-up to my recent video about ritualization as it emerges in the animal kingdom, as well as in normal human behavior. In this video, I emphasize the flip side of that, where you can see ritual as a pattern that descends "from heaven" to organize lower phenomena. Thank you for your continued support.

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Patron-Only

October 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

October's Q&A is on Friday, October 27th, at 2 pm EST. Patrons at $10+ please submit your advance question on The Symbolic World website here: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

September 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Please note that this month’s Q&A will actually be next week on Monday, Oct 2nd, at 2 pm EST. If you're a $10+ patron please submit your advance question on our website: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/

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Patron-Only

A Secret Reading of Scripture

September 2023's patron video. We often say that the Mother of God is the secret of the Church. In this video, I discuss how the Fathers understand Scripture and the kinds of connections they make to help us understand the role of the Mother of God. This example relates specifically to the Feast of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God that we celebrated last week.

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Patron-Only

Hierarchy in Opposites

For August 2023's Patron-Only video, I talk about opposites, or duality, and how they relate to each other hierarchically, as center/margin, right-hand/left-hand, heaven/earth, and masculine/feminine. Thank you for your continued support.

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Patron-Only

August 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Patrons of $10+ can submit an ADVANCE QUESTION for August's Q&A on our website. Please also remember to vote on questions: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ If you're a $10+ patron but are unable to access the link above, please let us know at inquiries@symbolicworldpress.com The August 2023 Q&A will be on Thursday, 31 August 2023, at 2 PM EST. See you there!

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Patron-Only

July 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Join us for this month's patron-only Q&A on Monday, 24 July 2023, at 8pm EST. Patrons of $10+ can submit a question in advance through our website, linked below. Popular questions with the most 'likes' will be answered first, so remember to vote as well. Submit a question: https://the-symbolic-world.circle.so/c/q-a-questions-submissions/ Thank you all for your support. See you soon.

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Patron-Only

June 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Date: Today, Wednesday, 21 June 2023. Time: 2PM EST / 7PM UK. I will answer the most popular questions submitted by $10+ patrons, but I will also try to answer some questions in the chat. See you there!

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Patron-Only

May 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Patrons could submit questions in advance at $10/month or more through The Symbolic World website

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Patron-Only

April 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Patrons can submit questions in advance at $10/month or more through The Symbolic World website.

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Patron-Only

My Trip to Europe

For March 2023's patron-only video, I talk about my recent trip to Europe, including seeing beautiful art and architecture in France and spending time at Mt. Athos in the middle of Lent.

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Patron-Only

March 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Patrons can submit questions in advance at $10/month or more through The Symbolic World website, SubscribeStar or Patreon. Questions are selected by moderators due to time constraints.

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Patron-Only

February 2023 Patron-Only Q&A

Patrons can submit questions in advance at $10/month or more through The Symbolic World website, SubscribeStar or Patreon. Questions are selected by moderators due to time constraints.

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Patron-Only

Gargoyle Monuments

For January 2023's Patron-Only video, we look at the symbolism of some recent controversial public monuments, including the statue on the New York courthouse and the new Martin Luther King Jr. statue in Boston. What does this mean exactly and what does it say about our current moment?

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Patron-Only