In this talk, Wouter Hanegraaff will give an accessible overview of his work on Western esotericism, the study of traditions that explore hidden or inner ways of understanding the world. A key part of this is Hermeticism, an ancient school of thought derived from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, which offers that reality has both visible and invisible layers, and that deeper insight comes from refining our awareness. Hanegraaff shows how these ideas can help us make sense of psychedelic experiences, which often bring symbolic impressions, new perspectives, or a sense of uncovering something previously overlooked. By connecting psychedelics with Hermetic ideas, he offers a grounded way to understand altered states as part of a tradition of expanding how humans perceive and make meaning of their experiences.

Note: Psychologists, Social Workers, and Mental Health Counselors in New York State are eligible for 1.5 CE credit. 

Wouter Hanegraaff is a scholar whose lifelong curiosity has always led him toward what lies at the edges of mainstream culture, such as the neglected, the overlooked, and the forgotten. From his early fascination with mushrooms in the Dutch Mycological Society, to his studies in music, philosophy, and cultural history, he has followed the red thread of exploring hidden traditions and ways of knowing. Through his writings and teachings, Wouter invites us to step into unfamiliar worlds that expand our perspectives and enrich our imagination.

Professor Hanegraaf’s recent work, especially in Hermetic Spirituality and the Historical Imagination, shows that these inner journeys are part of a much older story. They connect to ancient traditions of initiation, visionary insight, and sacred knowledge. The Hermetic view, where spirit and matter reflect each other, and the divine is both beyond and within, offers a powerful way to make sense of psychedelic experiences. These aren’t just chemical events; they are moments of remembering, reenactments of a deeper human longing for wholeness.
Wouter Hanegraaff Website

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