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Hermeticism or the Western Hermetic Tradition is a set of philosophical and religious beliefs based primarily upon the pseudepigraphical writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. These beliefs have heavily influenced the Western esoteric tradition and were considered greatly important during both the Renaissance and the Reformation.
The term Hermetic is from medieval Latin hermeticus, which is derived from the name of the Greek god, Hermes. In English, it has been attested since the 17th century as the adjective Hermetic
The predominant literary form is the dialogue: Hermes Trismegistus instructs a perplexed disciple on some point of hidden wisdom.
In Late Antiquity, Hermetism emerged in parallel with Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and early Christianity, "characterized by a resistance to the dominance of either pure rationality or doctrinal faith".
The books now known as the Corpus Hermeticum were part of a renaissance of syncretistic and intellectualized pagan thought that took place around the 2nd century. Other examples of this cultural movement would include Neoplatonist philosophy, the Chaldaean Oracles, late Orphic and Pythagorean literature, as well as much of Gnosticism.
The extant Greek texts dwell upon the oneness and goodness of God, urge purification of the soul, and defend pagan religious practices, such as the veneration of images. Many lost Greek texts, and many of the surviving vulgate books, contained discussions of alchemy clothed in philosophical metaphor.
The term Hermetic is from medieval Latin hermeticus, which is derived from the name of the Greek god, Hermes.
Many Christian writers, including Lactantius, Augustine, Giordano Bruno, Marsilio Ficino, Campanella and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola considered Hermes Trismegistus to be a wise pagan prophet who foresaw the coming of Christianity. They believed in a prisca theologia, the doctrine that a single, true, theology exists, which threads through all religions, and which was given by god to man in antiquity
The three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe
Alchemy—The Operation of the Sun: is not simply the changing of physical lead into physical gold. It is an investigation into the spiritual constitution, or life of matter and material existence through an application of the mysteries of birth, death and resurrection. The various stages of chemical distillation and fermentation, among them, are aspects of these mysteries, that, when applied quicken Nature's processes in order to bring a natural body to perfection. This perfection is the accomplishment of the Magnum opus (Latin for Great Work).
Astrology—The Operation of the Moon: Hermes claims that Zoroaster discovered this part of the wisdom of the whole universe, astrology, and taught it to man. In Hermetic thought, it is likely that the movements of the planets have meaning beyond the laws of physics and actually hold metaphorical value as symbols in the mind of The All, or God. Astrology has influences upon the Earth, but does not dictate our actions, and wisdom is gained when we know what these influences are and how to deal with them.
Theurgy—The Operation of the Stars: There are two different types of magic, according to Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Apology, completely opposite of each other. The first is γοητεια, Goëtia, black magic reliant upon an alliance with evil spirits (i.e. demons). The second is Theurgy, divine magic reliant upon an alliance with divine spirits (i.e. angels, archangels, gods).
Theurgy translates to "The Science or art of Divine Works" and is the practical aspect of the Hermetic art of alchemy. Furthermore, alchemy is seen as the "key" to theurgy, the ultimate goal of which is to become united with higher counterparts, leading to the attainment of Divine Consciousness.
As stated above In Hermetic religion the supreme Deity, or Principle, is referred to variously as 'God', 'The All', or 'The One'. The absolute is the central focus of Hermeticism and therefore it is difficult to assign it a position among the traditional Theistic religions, or along the monotheistic and polytheistic spectrum.
Hermeticism transcends both Monotheism and Polytheism as well as Deism and Pantheism within its belief system, which teaches that there is a transcendent God, The All, or The One, of which we, and the entire universe, participate. Also it subscribes to the notion that other beings such as gods and angels, and elementals exist in the Universe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism
Directory Links
Le Kybalion - Mental Transmutation
Among the magnificent books and documents that the Rosicrucian Order preserves as a part of its foundation is a classic esoteric work, a first edition copy of the Kybalion in French.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Official Site
The Hermetic Arcanum
The secret work of the hermetic philosophy
The New Hermetics - Initiate
Experience and Work with the Altered State
Practice Actions for Spiritual Development
Hermetica - Key To Universal Knowledge
He who knows himself, knows the All' says the legendary Hermes Trismegistus. 'Nosce te ipsum - know thyself' is also the motto over one of the entrance gates of a Greek temple at Delphi.
Orientation of the Hermetic Philosophy - Doctrines of Hermes Trismegistus [video]
A Manly P.Hall lecture about Hermetic Philosophy.
Hermetism and Hermeticism:
An Introduction
Rosicrucian Digest - Exploring one of the most popular and
enduring mystical philosophies on Earth—
the tradition attributed to Hermes Trismegistus
The Seven Hermetic Principles of Creation and The Kybalion [video]
The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these, understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open.
Law Of Attraction - Chakras- Hermetic Principles - Sacred Geometry [video]
The video describes the seven hermetic principles, seven platonic solids and how they relate with chakras, and the secret law of attraction.
First Knowledge Lecture
(Neophyte Degree) - Hermetics Resource Site
The Hermetic Code in DNA [video]
Michael Hayes - The Hermetic Code in DNA . 08-30-08
The Hermetic Principles
[ video]
The Story of Life - How All Life can be understood when you feel the Energy and Beauty of Oneness.
Hermetic Philosophy and the Mystery of Being
Essays and exercises on Eastern and Western Hermetic, Esoteric and Mystical Philosophies to awaken Cosmic Consciousness and unfold Primordial Wisdom.
Universal Cosmic Law
The Seven Principles
The universe exists by virtue of these laws which form its framework and which hold it together - The lips of wisdom are closed except to the ears of understanding.
Theurgy
or the Hermetic Practice
A Treatise on Spiritual Alchemy By E. J. Landgford Garstin
Hermetic Kabbalah
The Kabbalah was adopted for its symbolic vocabulary and integrated into an Hermetic mystical tradition that continues to the present day.
Magick
Three Books of Occult Philosophy
Three Books of Occult Philosophy (De Occulta Philosophia libri III) is Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's study of occult philosophy, acknowledged as a significant contribution to the Renaissance philosophical discussion concerning the powers of ritual magic and its relationship with religion.
The Calls of Enoch: The First Key of Enochian Magic
Written by John Dee, Edward Kelley
The Arcane Formulas or Mental Alchemy.
A supplementary volume to The arcane teaching - Author: Atkinson, William Walker, 1862-1932
The Calls of Enoch: The First Key of Enochian Magic
The techniques modern magicians use to protect themselves arise from medieval notions and concepts. These techniques have been copied by New Age movements and Pagan/Wiccan groups.
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