Introduction
Understanding Hermetics
Hermetics brings together spiritual dialogues about God, the cosmos and the intellect, as well as traditions of astrology, magic and d'alchemy. Not all the texts attributed to Hermes Trismegiste share a single doctrine.
Composed in Greek and Latin in an Egyptian cultural milieu, philosophical treatises depict a master revealing ancient wisdom.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- L-hermetics brings together spiritual dialogues about God, the cosmos and the intellect, as well as traditions of astrology, magic and d-alchemy.
- Composed in Greek and Latin in an Egyptian cultural milieu, philosophical treatises depict a master revealing ancient wisdom.
- The contemplation of the cosmos can lead to the recognition of a divine origin of the intellect.
- hermeism sees knowledge as a metamorphosis linking the human being to the cosmos.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Composed in Greek and Latin in an Egyptian cultural milieu, philosophical treatises depict a master revealing ancient wisdom.
Historical developments
Hermetic texts were translated and developed in the Arab world.
Ritual life and teachings
The contemplation of the cosmos can lead to the recognition of a divine origin of the intellect.
Seed and rediscovery
In the Renaissance, their rediscovery in Europe feeds Marsile Ficin, Pic de la Mirandole and several esoteric currents.
History and development
Composed in Greek and Latin in an Egyptian cultural milieu, philosophical treaties stage a master who reveals ancient wisdom. Hermetic texts were translated and developed in the Arab world.
In the Renaissance, their rediscovery in Europe nourishes Marsile Ficin, Pic de la Mirandole and several esoteric currents. They were then thought to have preceded Moses; philology later showed their late ancient dating.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
The contemplation of the cosmos can lead to the recognition of a divine origin of the intellect. Some treaties describe an inner rebirth, an ascent through the planetary spheres or contemplative silence.
Technical branches use correspondences, substances, images and calculations to act in a universe perceived as living.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Poimandres, Perfect Speech/Asclepius, Emerald table in its Arabic and Latin tradition, papyrus and alchemical treatises. Symbols: caducée, mercury, circle, sun, star, maxim "what is at the top...", whose precise formulation belongs to the tradition of the Emerald Table.
What research can and cannot say
Hermetically hermetic alchemy has contributed to the history of laboratory techniques, without its spiritual theories being consistent with modern chemistry. Academic study distinguishes ancient hermeticism, reborn hermeticism and contemporary occultism.
References