The Symbolic World Podcast By Jonathan Pageau cover art

The Symbolic World

The Symbolic World

By: Jonathan Pageau
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Jonathan Pageau looks at symbolism in all its forms, from its source in sacred stories and images to contemporary culture and ultimately how it shapes the world we encounter.Copyright Jonathan Pageau Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • 449 - Decapitation Symbolism: The Glory of Losing Your Head

    449 - Decapitation Symbolism: The Glory of Losing Your Head
    May 8 2026
    In this video, I explore the symbolism of decapitation in the Bible and Christian tradition. Beginning with Joseph’s interpretation of the baker and cupbearer in Genesis, we trace a pattern of “lifting up the head” through Scripture, martyrdom, the Eucharist, and ultimately the crucifixion and ascension of Christ. Along the way, we encounter Saint John the Baptist, the mystery of sacrifice, and the astonishing story of Saint Denis of Paris, who carried his own head while preaching after his martyrdom.

    YouTube version: https://youtu.be/uwRsUj30URk

    Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington
    Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/
    Virtual tickets are now also for sale, and Involved+ patrons can get 10% off: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/virtual-summit-2026

    🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
    💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com
    🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau

    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/
    My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • 448 - Fr. Josiah Trenham - How to Integrate Faith, Family, and Nation

    448 - Fr. Josiah Trenham - How to Integrate Faith, Family, and Nation
    Apr 29 2026
    I sat down with Fr. Josiah Trenham to talk about something that’s becoming harder to ignore: how to properly order your loyalties.
    We discussed the tension between faith, nation, family, and personal identity, and what happens when those come into conflict.

    Join us at the Symbolic World Summit, where Fr. Josiah will be one of the keynote speakers.
    May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington
    Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/

    YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/Ugt7XnbH0tQ

    🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
    💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com
    🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau

    🎧 Listen to and review The Symbolic World podcast:
    -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5
    -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488

    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/
    My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • 447 - Annie Crawford - The Cosmic Alchemy of That Hideous Strength

    447 - Annie Crawford - The Cosmic Alchemy of That Hideous Strength
    Apr 21 2026
    In this conversation with Annie Crawford, we explore the role of alchemy in C.S. Lewis’ That Hideous Strength. While alchemy is often dismissed as occult or irrelevant, Lewis uses its symbolism in a precise and meaningful way.

    We look at how the novel presents two forms of transformation: one rooted in control, technology, and disembodied power, and the other in sacrifice, order, and participation in the divine. This distinction speaks directly to how we understand modern technology, including AI.
    The discussion also touches on story structure, the nature of symbolic thinking, and how transformation is embedded in narrative itself.

    YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7WqrbWNHJBs

    Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington
    Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/

    =====
    🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
    💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com
    🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau

    🎧 Please review The Symbolic World podcast:
    -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gI8bUwPtT3gkduHqNh6M5
    -Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-symbolic-world/id1386867488

    Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/
    My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
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excellent work into the meanings of sign and thing signified. very worthwhile in trying to see the world as it is

symbolism happens

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I was first introduced to Jonathan Pageau thru Jordan Peterson's Exodus series. Excellent presentation

Astonishing insights!

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Gives better insight on how to propperly interpret reality. Thank you for breaking down these difficult topics.

Profound

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