#022 - Today's episode is a conversation with Dr.  Justin Sledge as we discuss everything from magic to mysticism and  the mystery of the Great Unknown. We touch briefly on Hildegard Von Bingen as well as the the role that unexplainable, inner experiences play in every day life. 

Dr. Sledge was born and raised in a proud working-class Mississippi family.  He learned the fundamental value of labor from his father who was a pipe-fitter and the crucial  importance of un-waged labor from his mother. A first generation college student, he earned his undergraduate degree at Millsaps College then went for a DRS in religious studies (Western Esotericism and Related Currents) at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and a MA and PhD in philosophy at the University of Memphis.  

He is currently a part-time professor of philosophy and religion at several institutions in the Metro-Detroit area and a popular local educator. Dr. Sledge’s work engages with Religious Studies specifically in the so-called “Western Esoteric Tradition” or Hermetic Tradition in religious and philosophical thought.  In this line of research he seeks to grasps the philosophical commitments which underpin the alleged workings of magic, esoteric influence, spirit possession, alchemy, etc.  This field of inquiry brings him primarily into contact with philosophers and intellectuals regrettably disregarded by the modern philosophic canon.

Be sure to check out his Esoterica YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ

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#021 - All of us have this inner playfulness or creativity that we often hesitate sharing with the world out of fear that it won't be good enough or that we're the only ones that love being goofy and fun when no one is watching.

What if that gift is something you are destined to share with the world? We often have this fear of being seen for the very things that bring us the most joy. We hide our light deep in our shadow because someone or something along the way told us that is what we are supposed to do, when we in reality we all know that isn't true.

On this week's episode, I'm branching out into creating a second channel for my "Inner J." That's a word I like to use to give myself permission to be both reflective and playful all at the same time. Whatever phrase you use for yourself, you have that in you, too, and it's time to let it shine!

These artificial divides we've created both in our internal and external worlds are what is perpetuating this idea of suffering. Life may not be easy and may be filled with a lot of different waves, but we ultimately have a purpose on this planet whether we believe it or not.

I invite you deeper into my own journey and my hope is that it inspires you to do the same.

Shine!

#020 - Our imagination and creativity is a funny thing. It's hard to explain where it comes from or when we find ourselves in that state of "flow", but we all know what it's like to be there. Often times we will give ourselves permission to play and then pull back because we're scared it might not be good enough or afraid of putting it out there into the world.

On this week's episode, I share a bit more about my own journey in this process, witnessing the self-doubt, and how much encouragement we can receive from others when we're willing to take that next small step of whatever that may be in each of our lives. 

The best part of it all is that we can have fun in the process! Enjoy and feel free to follow this show on Instagram @scarcitycomplex if you're not already doing so as we hope to post more content soon.