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Hermeticism
Hermes Trismegistus, or Hermes thrice greatest, is the incarnation of the Egyptian god Thoth of wisdom and learning and the Greek Hermes messenger of the gods. He founded alchemy, astrology and philosophy.
After the 1700s European Hermetics largely disappeared and their alchemical texts were hidden away in secret societies like Rosicrucians and Freemasons. Hermeticism can be found in the philosophies of those groups as well as in modern western occult practice.
What is Hermeticism?
Hermeticism is a philosophy and occultism rooted in ancient Egyptian religion, science, and magic. It is a religious and philosophical movement based on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus (Thoth the thrice great Hermes). It unified elements of Jewish, Christian and Hellenistic mysticism with Egyptian occult beliefs.
Hermetic teachings emphasize that man has a divine spirit but is enslaved by his body and material desires. He is trapped in the lower seven spheres of existence and can only gain liberation by rising up through them.
Hermetic teachings influenced Renaissance scientists like Paracelsus who was a physician, surgeon, botanist, astrologer, alchemist, and founder of toxicology. It also helped give rise to modern experimental science. The Hermetic tradition of empiricism, reason and open inquiry was an influence on the Scientific Revolution that began in the 1600s AD. It’s also evident in the Rosicrucians, Freemasonry and other western occult traditions. Hermetic philosophy, Neoplatonism and Pythagoreanism are still in use today in many occult schools.
How do I practice Hermeticism?
Hermeticism is an ancient mystical Meditation tradition with many different streams of thought. It has roots in Platonism, first-century mystery religions, Gnosticism, alchemy, and occultism. It is not, however, a pure philosophy because it lacks some of the hallmarks of philosophical thinking (no set axioms, no strict way of deducing truths).
Hermetic teachings emphasize the duality of man’s nature: He or she has the capacity for good and ignorance. The goal of Hermeticism is to help individuals transcend their lower, egoic self and connect with their higher, spiritual selves.
One of the key ways to practice Hermeticism is by reading and studying the hermetic texts. It is advisable to start slow, focusing on carefully chosen translations and incorporating Hermetic principles into daily life. Other hermetic practices include maintaining a diary, setting up an altar, and engaging in daily prayers and meditation. Astrology is another important component of Hermetic practice. Incorporating it into your routine can help you deepen your understanding of cosmic influences, enabling you to better align yourself with the universe.
Do I need a teacher for Hermeticism?
The Hermetic tradition, as articulated by Hermes Trismegistus (Greek for "Three times greatest Hermes"), is a comprehensive and cosmopolitan philosophy. It has influenced the occult and alchemy of the West in a wide variety of ways.
Hermetic philosophies consider all humans to be on a spiritual journey to return to the state of unity with the Divine. Hermeticists believe this is humanity's Great Work.
The Hermetic tradition does not require any particular religion or spirituality to practice its principles. In fact, Hermeticists are generally open to studying and taking influence from other religious and philosophical traditions (like Neoplatonism, the Kabbalah, the Chaldean Oracles, Gnosticism, and Pythagorean literature) in order to better understand its teachings.
Unlike some other religious cults and secret societies, Hermeticists are not required to have any kind of teacher. The Hermetic path is an inner one, and aspirants must find their own way to the goal of gnosis, which is an experiential understanding of the total unity of the universe.
Are there any Hermetic communities today?
Historically Hermetic wisdom was a secret teaching veiled in mystery. The Hermetic traditions merged magic with science and taught that man has dual natures. His true nature is one with God and the universe, but he is also enslaved to his desires and material body. Hermes Trismegistus formulated the principle that man can acquire planetary characteristics through practice and descent through the lower seven spheres of existence.
Hermetic philosophy explains why alchemy works (getting spiritual results through physical processes) and why astrology is accurate (the stars and planets influence each other). Hermetic philosophy tells us that the universe and our lives are a reflection of ourselves. This idea is summed up in the famous phrase "As above, so below".
Frances Yates is often credited as inaugurating the modern Hermetic renaissance with her groundbreaking work on Giordano Bruno and other figures. While Hermeticism is not a religion, it encourages aspirants to open themselves to the experience of gnosis, a knowledge that cannot be taught and only revealed in an individual's own mind.