It's Friday the 13th. Finally, I wait all year for this day. I've told you before how lucky Friday the 13th is for me, so I won't repeat myself. Instead, let's look at the 13th card of the Tarot, Death.
In the Major Arcana of the Tarot, the 13th card is Death. Contrary to popular fear, when upright this card signifies transformation, endings, and rebirth rather than literal death. When reversed, it may indicate stagnation, upheaval, decay, or resistance to change.
Despite its ominous reputation in superstition, thirteen holds a positive and powerful role in esoteric traditions. It is regarded as the number of mystical manifestation and cosmic law.
The teachings of Jesus are framed around the formula 1 + 12 (Christ plus the apostles), producing thirteen. According to Pythagorean philosophy, one added to twelve creates an unlimited number, symbolising transcendence beyond completion. Through this principle, miracles—such as the multiplication of loaves and fishes—are said to occur.
Thirteen represents an all-or-nothing law of destiny:
Death through failure and degeneration
Rebirth through regeneration and transformation
It is also the sacred number of the Great Goddess, reflected in the thirteen lunar cycles of the year.
Pythagoras was born around 570 BC on the Greek island of Samos.
Pythagoras made influential contributions to philosophy and religious teachings in the late 6th century BC.
Many
mathematical and scientific discoveries were attributed to him, as well
as discoveries in the field of music, astronomy, and medicine, but
Pythagoras is best known for the Pythagorean Theorem which bears his
name.
The Pythagorean Theorem simple stated is... well, math so we're going to skip it.
Pythagoras
and his disciples were the conceives of the "Golden Ratio" which is
1.618, the perfect analogy of the universe. More math, so we won't go
into this either.
Pythagoras
started a liberal school where the students weren't allowed to talk for
a year or look into a mirror beside a candle. He taught them
reincarnation, and the power of numbers.
Pythagoras and his disciples were the first to use the concept of "cosmos" and point out that the earth rotates around the sun.
Pythagoras was a vegetarian.
And most importantly for us, Pythagoras was a number freak and taught us that numbers are everywhere and in everything....
Watch the film for the complete run down. It's only 3 minutes. And as we know, Pythagoras thought the three was the "perfect number!"
In this corner, we have Esoteric, with her knowledge that is meant for a small, private, or inner circle of people. She comes from the Greek word “esōterikos,” meaning “inner.” Relating to or designating knowledge that is meant for a small, private, or inner circle of people. Historically associated with secret societies, religious sects, and philosophical movements. Examples: Gnostic teachings, Kabbalah in Jewish mysticism, and Sufism within Islam. Requires a deeper, often initiatory, understanding. Often seen in specialized fields or practices where in-depth knowledge is required. Not openly shared or accessible to the general public. To maintain the purity and sanctity of certain teachings, keeping them away from those not deemed ready or worthy.
Exoteric Boxer
Her opponent, Exoteric, pertains to outward things; suitable for the public or masses. Derived from the Greek word “exōterikos,” meaning “outer.” Often associated with public-facing religious teachings or broadly accepted cultural norms. Mainstream religious practices, public educational systems, and commonly accepted societal norms. Meant for the general public without the need for special initiation or training. Information is straightforward and doesn’t require significant prior knowledge. Accepted and understood by a broad audience. To provide knowledge and understanding that’s accessible and easily shared across a wide audience.
The God-Fearing Paracelsus left us some good stories. In this college film played for students of medicine in the 60's, two things are apparent: 1. They were a lot smarter when it came to literature for they quote "Faust," and 2. Operations haven't changed much, a little more automated, but basically the setup.
Roger Bacon was rich. So we know his story. Please take a moment now and think about all the other esoterics of his day, who because they weren't rich, we know them not. Now on with the poop on this guy.
Roger Bacon was born about 1214, and he grew up wanting to be a teacher. He went to Oxford University in England; and after obtaining his degree, he became a teacher on the staff of the University of Paris in the 1240’s.
The writings of the Greek thinker Aristotle had been lost to Europe for over ten centuries and had recently been rediscovered. Bacon had studied Aristotle at Oxford and became very excited. He believed that Aristotle was a great thinker, and he taught his students in Paris about Aristotle’s writings.
During this time, Bacon was also working with light rays and lens and doing many chemistry experiments. His experiments were based on some things that Aristotle had written about, but these experiments were not working out. He discovered that on many topics the famous and honored Aristotle was wrong. Years of hard work based on some of Aristotle’s false teachings had to be thrown away. Perhaps worse was his realization that he had sent students out into the world with false knowledge.
Bacon was very disappointed at having wasted so much effort by trusting Aristotle. Although much of Aristotle’s writing was correct, the errors made it risky to trust anything. Bacon began struggling with the problem of how to make knowledge trustworthy.
Bacon first decided that there was something fundamentally wrong in the way people judged what was true and false. In Bacon’s day, people believed that arguing logically could prove the truth. Everyone thought Aristotle’s arguments were logically correct so they judged Aristotle to be writing the truth. But Bacon knew, from his failed laboratory work, that Aristotle was wrong about many things he had written – even though Aristotle had very good rational arguments to support his views.
Bacon also studied other respected writers and found many to be wrong. When he tried to discover what had led these men astray in their writings, he came up with four central reasons for their errors – the four stumbling blocks to truth.
Some were wrong because they had relied on a supposed “expert” who was wrong.
Some were wrong because they relied on popular opinions or beliefs that were wrong.
Others were wrong because they just wanted things to agree with their pet ideas and to conceal their ignorance through pride.
And lastly and most dangerous, some were wrong because they had believed in a logical argument.
These four sources of error were to be avoided at all costs. It is ironic that Aristotle had espoused these very points two thousand years earlier (and they are still taught today in courses in rhetoric) as the best strategies to use in winning a debate or in persuading an audience by oratory. Sadly, Aristotle’s stated goal, however, was merelyto persuade the listener – not to find Truth.
Bacon now set out to devise a systematic way of judging whether a statement was true or false and thereby obtain trustworthy knowledge. Bacon believed that “seeing might be believing” for experiments in his laboratory, but he was even unsure about whether personal bias could sneak in unsuspectingly to sway one’s observations. Therefore, Bacon said that several people (the more the better) should do the experiment separately and independently to see if they all got the same results. If many different people in different places at different times could do the same experiment and get the same results, then personal bias should be ruled out. What was seen and duplicated in the laboratory could be considered to be true. He wrote up his experiments in detail and had his students try to repeat them before he would trust the results.
Bacon summarized his belief clearly: “Neither the voice of authority nor the weight of reason and argument are as significant as experiments from which come peace to the mind.”
Bacon’s ideas threatened a number of the powerful teachers of his day, and he was forbidden to continue his experiments or work on his books. He sent a copy of his preliminary work to the Pope, Clement IV, who liked Bacon’s ideas and wanted to see more. The Pope liked Bacon’s view that by observing creation, one learned more about God. It is not clear whether Bacon had to continue his work in secret or whether Clement ordered that Bacon be allowed to continue his work. In any case, Bacon did continue his work.
It is believed that some time after Clement died, Bacon, his protector now gone, was imprisoned for his outspoken criticisms of current beliefs because there is a complete absence of any record of Bacon’s activity from 1279 to 1289. His last work dates from about 1292 and is incomplete. We assume that he died then at the age of about 72.
It is difficult to accurately assess Bacon’s influence in bringing about that revolutionary period in human thought – the Renaissance – that began several hundred years after his death. Whether his work was widely influential or whether the “scientific method” was independently rediscovered really makes no difference in judging the greatness of the man himself. His ethical standards in science and his relentless pursuit of truth stand as a beacon to inspire us all to the utmost in keen, objective observation and scrupulous honesty in all of our undertakings.
If you've been reading EsotericDaily.com over the last fifteen years, you know I love moons. All moons. And so I've written about men on the moon, a Snow Moon, a Fake Moon, a Blue Moon, a Black Moon, the Super Moon, and of course, being Mooned by a Gargoyle -- to name a few. The moon I want to talk about today is today's Blood Moon, for it really is a continuation of the year of the Fire Horse which is going to change everything.
So what is a Blood Moon? Simply stated, it is the total eclipse of the moon from Earth which happens because the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from falling onto the lunar surface, and so the Moon takes on a reddish color.
The Incan Empire which was a vast South American empire that flourished from the early 15th century A.D. until its conquest by the Spanish in the 1530s, called their Moon goddess Mama Quilla and thought that she cried silver tears. They believed the Blood Moon was caused by an animal or serpent attacking Mama Quilla. Their custom was to try to scare away the Blood Moon by making as much noise as possible.
The world’s earliest civilizations believed the Moon was being attacked during a Blood Moon, and so figured that their king was being assaulted as well, and they protected their king by hiding him and installing a substitute ruler. When the total eclipse had passed, their king emerged from hiding and resumed his position as ruler.
The Christians figured it was a sign of the return of Jesus;
"And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the Earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness. And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord – King James Bible, Joel 2:30"
According to Joel 2:30, Jesus might be coming back tomorrow(?) but I doubt this because I think he is already here in Donald Trump who has the support of the Christian church like no other president ever.
How can we forget our beautiful Pagans, who believed the The Blood Moon carried powerful spiritual meanings, which announced a time of endings, deep transformation, and rebirth.
Historically, both solar and lunar eclipses were often seen with awe or fear. They were sometimes read as omens of death, upheaval, or the fall of rulers, while in other traditions they were woven into myth as celestial battles. Here’s a look at how some cultures and religions felt about them.Norse mythology: Eclipses were explained as the wolves Sköll and Hati chasing the Sun and Moon. When they caught their prey, an eclipse occurred.
Although there are many traditions regarding a Blood Moon, the common factor is they all believe it brings hidden truths to the surface and closes cycles that are no longer meant to continue; which brings me back to the Year of the Fire Horse which will make this year the most interesting ever. Yes, ever.
Hold on to your seats boys and girls, all we can do at this point is howl.
This is the Chinese Lunar Calendar year of the horse. No big deal. According to our friends at Google Ai, the year of the horse is a year of rapid change, freedom, energy, and adventure, often signaling a fast-paced, action-oriented period. It emphasizes independence, creativity, and hard work.
That's the Chinese Calendar and we all have an animal, mine happens to be the Pig, which is considered very fortunate. And I would definitely say I've been blessed with plenty of good fortune. I got my health, food, shelter, and a little money left over each month. Not bad for a high school dropout from Detroit Michigan, but I digress.
What I learned yesterday, after chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for world peace, for two hours at my local Soka Gakkai Buddhist Center, from a conversation with another leader, is that this is not only the year of the Horse, it is the year of the Fire Horse.
What this means is that the Chinese zodiac system combines 12 animal signs with the 10 heavenly stems, or 10 symbols that represent the five elements, each in yin and yang forms.
As our friends at Mental Floss write: InChinese tradition, the Horse is far from subtle. People born in the year of the horse are often described as energetic, independent, and confident. The animal itself symbolizes hard work, bravery, resilience, and freedom. Historically vital for transportation and agriculture, horses represent endurance and progression, qualities that directly translate intothe Chinese zodiac.
So in a nutshell, the Fire Horse only happens every 60 years. And the last time it happened was 1966, when: the Vietnam War between the US and Vietnam was at its peak, the Chinese Culture Revolution began, the Civil Rights fight was on fire with the beginning of the Black Panther Party, Malcom X, John Lennon of the Beatles says the Beatles "...are more popular that Jesus," which sparked the conservative backlash that is still with us today, art with Andy Warhal, etc.
It was an explosive year to say the least.
Go back 1906, the previous Fire Horse year and you have the San Francisco Earth Quake, Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first US president to visit a foreign county, Mahatma Gandhi coins the term Satyagraha, to characterize the nonviolence movement in South Africa. In 1906, the women's suffrage movement the saw intensified militancy, with the term "suffragette" coined in the UK to describe WSPU militants, such as those in the 1906 march, who used direct action to demand voting rights. In the US, Harriot Stanton Blatch founded the Equality League of Self-Supporting Women to engage working-class women. Notably, 1906 saw Finland become the first European country to grant women full suffrage, etc.
And now, in 2026, the year of the Fire Horse began officially on February 17th, which saw a significant annular solar eclipse -- often called a "ring of fire" -- visible primarily over the Southern Ocean. The civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies, and a fatal, record-setting avalanche in the California Sierra Nevada. And of course, on February 17, 2026, President Donald Trump stated he would be involved "indirectly" in high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran.... Which as I write this, the US and Israel are bombing Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are in a full-fledged war, Russian is still bombing Ukraine, and the Israelis are still killings people in their retaliation against the Palestinian people for their attack on Israel two years ago.
I could go on, but you get my drift. We are in for a very big year. Stay turned here at EsotericDaily.com as we parse this shit out together with open eyes to see.
Today, boys and girls, let's talk about the Demiurge for a lot of you are worshiping this entity thinking it is your guardian angel.
The word "demiurge" literally means a public worker, demioergós, demiourgós, and was originally used to designate any craftsman plying his craft or trade for the use of the public. Soon, however, technítes
and other words began to be used to designate the common artisan while
demiurge was set aside for the Great Artificer or Fabricator, the
Architect of the universe, maker of heaven and earth.
Plato used the term in the dialog Timaeus, an exposition of cosmology in which the Demiurge is the agent who takes the preexisting materials of chaos,
arranges them according to the models of eternal forms, and produces
all the physical things of the world, including human bodies. The
Demiurge is sometimes thought of as the Platonic
personification of active reason. The term was later adopted by some of
the Gnostics, who, in their dualistic worldview, saw the Demiurge as
one of the forces of evil, who was responsible for the creation of the
despised material world and was wholly alien to the supreme God of
goodness.
In Esoteric philosophy the Demiurge or Logos, is simply an abstract term, an idea, like “army.” As Madame Blavatsky wrote in The Secret Doctrine, the Demiurge is not a single personal creator god, but a collective "host" of lower creative angels or builders (Elohim) who fashion the material universe based on divine ideation. They are not the supreme absolute deity but the architects of form, often identified with the Gnostic Ialdabaoth and the Old Testament Jehovah.
The Demiurge is generally considered evil, malicious, or deeply flawed in Gnostic tradition,
acting as a "false god" who imprisons souls in the material world.
Often called Yaldabaoth, this figure is seen as ignorant, arrogant, and
jealous, rather than the true supreme deity.
Finally, if you are a Buddhist like me, the Demiurge is just another heavenly deity who might be out to get you if you wallow in the lower worlds. But if you keep your life force high, He/She/It can't touch you.
