Hermetic philosophy encompasses a set of spiritual and philosophical principles that have deeply influenced both esoteric spiritual traditions and conventional fields like science, alchemy, and astronomy.
We introduce the core principles and practices of Hermeticism, including the famed axiom “As above, so below,” and how Hermetic Philosophy has not only shaped spiritual practices but has also made significant impacts in traditional disciplines.
Origins and History
Thoth in Ancient Egypt Mythology
Hermetic philosophy traces its origins to ancient Egypt, where the deity Thoth was revered as the god of wisdom, writing, and magic, and as the scribe of the gods.
He was credited with the invention of writing and hieroglyphics and held patronage over various arts and sciences, such as medicine, astronomy, and magic.
The Evolution of Hermes in Greek History
Following Alexander the Great’s conquests, Greek influence over Egypt grew, especially during the Hellenistic period.
The Greeks identified Thoth with Hermes, their god of communication, boundaries, travel, and the underworld.
This association was formalized during the Ptolemaic period, blending Greek and Egyptian philosophical ideas.
Major Hermetic texts like the Corpus Hermeticum emerged, exploring themes such as the divine, the cosmos, and human ascension through knowledge.
Hermetic philosophy continued to spread, gaining respect in Roman intellectual circles, with figures like Cicero acknowledging Hermes Trismegistus as a significant philosopher.
The Meaning of Trismegistus: “Thrice Great”
The fusion of Thoth and Hermes created Hermes Trismegistus, embodying the qualities of both gods.
The title “Trismegistus,” meaning “Thrice Great,” signifies his mastery over alchemy, astrology, and theurgy.
This reflects his supreme wisdom and authority in transforming matter (alchemy), understanding celestial influences (astrology), and bridging the human and divine (theurgy).
Hermetic Knowledge Lost and Found
With the rise of Christianity under Emperor Constantine, pagan religions declined, and many Hermetic texts were lost.
However, during the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries), scholars preserved and translated Greek philosophical works, including Hermetic texts, into Arabic.
Renaissance Reintroduction and Influence
Hermetic philosophy reentered Europe through Spain and Sicily, where Christian scholars encountered Islamic translations.
Marsilio Ficino, commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici, translated the Corpus Hermeticum into Latin, revitalizing Hermeticism in Europe.
This period saw Hermetic philosophy influence emerging fields such as science, alchemy, and theology, shaping new philosophical and scientific perspectives.
Key Texts of Hermetic Philosophy
The Hermetica
The Hermetica are a diverse collection of writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus.
Traditionally, the Hermetica are categorized into two main groups: the “technical” and the “religio-philosophical”.
Technical Hermetica
The “technical” Hermetica delve into subjects such as astrology, alchemy, medicine, pharmacology, and magic.
These texts often contain practical knowledge and instructions for manipulating natural and supernatural forces.
Among the most famous of these texts is the Emerald Tablet, which became a cornerstone document in alchemical lore.
Religio-Philosophical Hermetica
The “religio-philosophical” Hermetica are primarily concerned with exploring the profound relationships between humans, the cosmos, and the divine.
These texts blend philosophical anthropology, cosmology, and theology.
They not only discuss metaphysical concepts but also offer moral exhortations that advocate for a life path leading to spiritual rebirth and divine ascension, commonly referred to as the “way of Hermes.”
Corpus Hermeticum
The Hermetic texts were compiled and translated into Latin during the Renaissance by scholars Marsilio Ficino and Lodovico Lazzarelli and became known as The Corpus Hermeticum.
The texts within the Corpus Hermeticum are structured as dialogues and letters that delve into deep metaphysical queries about the nature of the divine and the cosmos.
They explore a range of philosophical, spiritual, and theological themes, such as the origin and structure of the universe, the role of humans within a divine cosmos, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
The Emerald Tablet
The Emerald Tablet is perhaps one of the most famous and concise works within Hermetic literature.
Its content is profoundly metaphysical, positing that the material and spiritual worlds are not separate but rather are two manifestations of the same universal essence.
This principle is central to Hermeticism and underpins the practices and theoretical approaches of alchemy.
Text and Interpretation
The core message of the Emerald Tablet, “As above, so below, as below, so above,” suggests a universe that is a coherent whole, where every part reflects the whole.
This idea encourages the belief that by understanding one part or level, one can understand the whole.
The text is also believed to hold the key to perfecting any substance, hence its central role in alchemical traditions. Alchemists used it as a foundation for experiments aimed at turning base metals into gold, which was seen as a symbol for achieving enlightenment or the perfect state of the soul.
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The Asclepius
The Asclepius, also known as the Perfect Discourse (Logos teleios), delves into religio-philosophical themes.
Believed to have been composed in Alexandria between 100 CE and 300 CE, the original Greek text of this dialogue has largely been lost, with only a few fragments remaining.
However, its teachings are preserved in a comprehensive early Latin translation, and additional fragments have been found in a Coptic translation among the documents discovered in Nag Hammadi.
Contents and Structure
The text is structured as a dialogue taking place within the sanctuary of an Egyptian temple.
It features a conversation between Hermes Trismegistus and three of his disciples: Asclepius, Tat, and Hammon.
Themes and Insights
In The Asclepius, Hermes Trismegistus explores profound topics concerning the nature of the gods and the cosmos, providing a detailed examination of the workings of the universe and the divine entities that inhabit it.
It focuses on the creation and ongoing maintenance of the universe, discussing humanity’s place within this cosmic order.
It emphasizes the potential for humans to attain a divine-like understanding and power, suggesting that through spiritual wisdom and alignment with cosmic principles, individuals can transcend their mortal limitations.
The Kybalion
Published in the early 20th century by three anonymous authors under the pseudonym “The Three Initiates,” The Kybalion is a modern interpretation of Hermetic philosophy.
It distills the essence of the teachings found in earlier Hermetic texts, particularly focusing on the “Seven Hermetic Principles.”
This book has played a crucial role in the revival and spread of Hermetic ideas in contemporary settings, providing an accessible entry point for those new to Hermetic thought and a concise framework for understanding the universal laws as perceived through Hermeticism.
You can find a free online version of the Kybalion here.
The Seven Hermetic Principles
The Hermetic Principles are the foundation of the Hermetic tradition and are believed to govern the universal and mental laws that underpin the workings of the cosmos.
Here is a brief introduction to each principle:
The Principle of Mentalism
“The All is Mind.”
This principle embodies the idea that everything in the universe is ultimately mental in nature.
The entire cosmos is perceived as a mental creation of the “All,” which refers to the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent foundational reality.
All phenomena are the result of the mind or consciousness of the universal divine mind, often framed in Hermetic texts as the fundamental reality from which everything emerges.
The Principle of Correspondence
“As above, so below; as below, so above.”
This principle expresses the idea that there is always a correspondence between the laws of phenomena of the various planes of being and life.
The macrocosm is mirrored in the microcosm and vice versa; what happens on one level of reality (physical, mental, or spiritual) happens on every other level.
This principle is instrumental in the study of metaphysics as a means to understand the nature of reality through the relationship between the universe and the individual.
The Principle of Vibration
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”
This principle states that motion is manifest in everything within the Universe, that nothing rests, and everything moves and vibrates at its own rate.
This vibration is considered to be a fundamental characteristic of all energy and matter on every level of manifestation.
Thus, the Hermetic tradition reveals that even things that appear to be stationary are, in fact, vibrating, oscillating, resonating, or in a state of movement.
The Principle of Polarity
“Everything is dual; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree.”
The concept of polarity embodies the idea that everything is dual and that opposites are really only two extremes of the same thing, with many varying degrees between them.
For example, heat and cold may appear to be opposites, but they are simply varying degrees of temperature.
The same applies to light and darkness or large and small; each is the same thing but with a different degree.
The Principle of Rhythm
“Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides.”
This principle explains that there is rhythm between every pair of opposites, or poles, and that this rhythm is responsible for the phenomena of cycles, seasons, stages of development, and patterns.
Just as there are high tides and low tides, each movement in one direction is followed by a movement in the opposite direction, forming a rhythm of action and reaction throughout the universe.
The Principle of Cause and Effect
“Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause.”
According to this principle, nothing happens by chance; that there is a cause for every effect, and an effect for every cause.
It extends to the idea that there is no such thing as chance, and that ‘chance’ is merely a term for a law not recognized or understood.
The Principle of Gender
“Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles.”
This principle states that gender is manifested in everything as masculine and feminine principles.
It extends beyond physical sex to mental and spiritual states, indicating that the masculine and feminine exist not only in the physical plane but also in the mental (the active, aggressive, and assertive aspects) and the spiritual (the receptive, nurturing, and creative aspects).
Key Concepts and Practices of Hermetic Philosophy
Hermetic philosophy encompasses a variety of esoteric practices and concepts that aim to explore and manipulate the subtle energies of the cosmos to achieve both personal enlightenment and the transformation of the environment.
Alchemy: The Transformation of the Soul
Alchemy is perhaps the most iconic of Hermetic arts, often misunderstood as merely the pursuit of turning base metals into gold.
In Hermeticism, alchemy represents a much deeper spiritual process.
Its true goal is the transformation of the soul, an internal metamorphosis aimed at purifying the base aspects of the self and achieving a state of higher consciousness.
This journey is symbolically represented by the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone, an alchemical substance said to grant immortality and ultimate wisdom.
Hermetic alchemy is a spiritual process, where the transmutation of physical substances mirrors the internal quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Astrology: Understanding Celestial Influences
Astrology in Hermetic philosophy extends beyond the simple forecasting of earthly events based on celestial movements; it is a complex system that seeks to understand the deep influences that the celestial bodies have on personal and spiritual growth.
Hermetic astrology posits that the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual) are connected, and thus, the positions and movements of the stars and planets reflect and directly influence the inner spiritual dynamics of an individual.
By studying these celestial patterns, practitioners aim to harmonize their personal energies with the larger cosmic will, facilitating self-awareness and spiritual evolution.
Theurgy: Invoking the Divine
Theurgy is the practice of ritual magic designed to invoke the presence of divine powers. Unlike other forms of magic, which may focus on earthly or self-serving goals, theurgy is a sacred practice that aims to reunite the practitioner with the divine source.
It involves various rituals, including prayers, meditations, and the use of sacred objects, to facilitate direct communication with higher realms.
The goal is to ascend towards the divine by aligning one’s spirit with celestial entities or forces, thereby achieving spiritual enlightenment and insight.
In Hermetic practice, theurgy is not just about seeking divine intervention in worldly matters, but more importantly, it’s about transforming the practitioner’s soul to resonate with divine frequencies.
Influence on Other Traditions
Hermetic philosophy has cast a wide and enduring influence on various aspects of Western esotericism and has engaged in rich dialogues with other spiritual and mystical traditions both in the West and the East.
Impact on Western Esotericism
Hermeticism has deeply permeated Western esoteric thought, significantly shaping its evolution through the ages.
Its influence is notably apparent in movements such as Rosicrucianism, The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Freemasonry and Hermetic Kabbalah, which blend Hermetic principles with their distinct doctrines and practices.
Rosicrucianism
This movement, which emerged in the early 17th century, combines elements of Christian mysticism, alchemy, and Hermetic philosophy.
Hermetic principles of transformation and enlightenment are central to Rosicrucian teachings, emphasizing spiritual awakening through an esoteric understanding of the universe.
The Rosicrucian manifestos, which announced the order’s existence, draw heavily on Hermetic symbols and allegories, proposing a universal reformation of mankind.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: An Overview
Initiated in 1888, the Golden Dawn was structured as a secret society dedicated to the study and practice of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities as a means for personal spiritual development.
Drawing heavily from Hermeticism, as well as Kabbalah, astrology, tarot, alchemy, and Christian mysticism, the order sought to unify these disparate esoteric systems into a cohesive and comprehensive spiritual path.
The teachings of the Golden Dawn placed a significant emphasis on personal transformation through the internalization of Hermetic principles—particularly the maxim “As above, so below,”
Freemasonry
While primarily not a purely Hermetic order, Freemasonry has incorporated a range of Hermetic ideas into its symbolic and ritual frameworks.
The Masonic traditions of symbolic architecture, the emphasis on personal development and enlightenment, and the use of allegorical tools are reflective of Hermetic influences.
The Masonic quest for light as a symbol of knowledge and truth resonates with the Hermetic pursuit of divine wisdom.
Hermetic Kabbalah
The synthesis of Hermetic principles with Jewish Kabbalistic tradition has led to the creation of what is now known as Hermetic Kabbalah.
This adaptation extends beyond mere borrowing from traditional Jewish Kabbalah; it represents a genuine integration of two sophisticated systems of thought.
- Integration with Kabbalistic Concepts: Hermetic Kabbalah intertwines Hermetic principles such as the macrocosm/microcosm parallels with Kabbalistic ideas like the sefirot (emanations of God’s will) and the Tree of Life. This fusion has produced a unique interpretative framework through which practitioners explore the interaction between the divine and the human, the cosmos, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
- Evolution of Thought: Hermeticism has both borrowed from and contributed to the evolution of Kabbalistic thought, emphasizing a more universal approach to traditional Jewish mysticism. This has opened the Kabbalistic teachings to a broader audience, enriching the esoteric dialogue between different cultural and mystical traditions.
Comparison with Eastern Philosophies
Hermeticism also shares several core themes with Eastern philosophies, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, despite arising from a different cultural and historical context.
- Cosmological Parallels: In both Hermeticism and Eastern traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism, the cosmos is seen as an interconnected whole, where the individual (microcosm) reflects the universe (macrocosm). This idea is akin to the Hindu concept of ‘Brahman’ (the ultimate reality) and ‘Atman’ (the soul), and the Buddhist understanding of the universe as an interdependent web of phenomena.
- Divinity and Enlightenment: Hermeticism’s approach to divinity and the path to enlightenment has parallels in Eastern teachings. The Hermetic quest for Gnosis (knowledge of the divine) mirrors the Buddhist path to enlightenment through deep understanding and mindfulness, and the Hindu pursuit of Moksha (liberation through knowledge of the self).
Hermeticism and Gnosticism
Hermeticism and Gnosticism are both regarded as deeply spiritual traditions that emphasize esoteric knowledge and direct personal experience of the divine.
While they developed independently, there are significant thematic and conceptual overlaps that highlight their parallel approaches to mysticism and spiritual understanding.
- Shared Themes of Divine Knowledge: Both traditions stress the importance of Gnosis, or knowledge, as the path to spiritual liberation and enlightenment. Gnostics focus on escaping the material world, which they view as created by a lesser divine being, through profound spiritual knowledge that reconnects them with a higher, transcendent God. Similarly, Hermeticism teaches that understanding the divine laws of the universe allows one to transcend the physical and merge with the divine mind.
- Cosmological and Theological Overlaps: Both traditions share a dualistic view of the universe, distinguishing sharply between the spiritual realm (as inherently good) and the material world (often seen as corrupt or lesser). In Gnosticism, this manifests in the belief in a divine fullness or ‘Pleroma’ from which divine sparks have fallen into the material realm, needing to be awakened and returned. In Hermeticism, while less dualistic in its disdain for the material world, there remains a strong emphasis on ascending from the material to the spiritual through the planes of existence, guided by wisdom and insight.
- Role of the Divine Messenger: Hermes Trismegistus in Hermeticism and figures like Christ or Seth in Gnosticism serve as messengers who provide the essential knowledge needed to initiate this spiritual ascent. Their teachings, encoded in sacred texts, offer the keys to understanding the universe’s deeper truths.
Influence on Historical Figures
Hermetic philosophy has significantly influenced several key historical figures, shaping their contributions to science, philosophy, and the arts.
Below are some notable individuals whose work was deeply affected by Hermetic principles:
Giordano Bruno
Giordano Bruno (1548–1600) was an Italian philosopher, priest, cosmologist, and occultist whose thinking was deeply imbued with Hermetic ideas.
Bruno adopted Hermetic principles, particularly the concept of the universe as an infinite, interconnected entity. This perspective led him to challenge the prevailing Aristotelian geocentric model and advocate for the idea of an infinite universe and the plurality of worlds, each capable of containing life.
These views were radical at the time and contributed to his conviction and execution for heresy by the Roman Inquisition. Bruno’s integration of Hermetic principles into his cosmological theories marked a significant step towards the modern understanding of the universe.
Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton (1642–1727), best known for his laws of motion and gravity, also had a profound interest in alchemy, which was steeped in Hermetic thought.
Newton spent a substantial part of his life studying alchemical texts, many of which were based on Hermetic principles. His alchemical pursuits were not merely for the transmutation of metals but were also driven by a belief in the Hermetic concept that understanding the physical world could reveal the divine forces operating in the universe.
Newton’s work on alchemy influenced his scientific method and theories, as he sought universal patterns in nature that reflected Hermetic ideas of a cosmos characterized by order and interconnectivity.
Johannes Kepler
Kepler (1571–1630) actively integrated mystical and Hermetic concepts into his astronomical theories.
He viewed the geometric harmony of the world as a manifestation of divine order, evident in his work Harmonices Mundi where he connected musical harmony, planetary motion, and geometric principles—an idea influenced by the Hermetic principle of correspondence.
Robert Boyle
Boyle (1627–1691), often known as one of the founders of modern chemistry, was influenced by the Hermetic tradition, particularly the transformational goals of alchemy.
While Boyle sought to distinguish his approach from what he considered the more speculative aspects of alchemy, his scientific work was underpinned by a pursuit of understanding the underlying principles of transformation in nature.
Islamic Philosophers
Islamic philosophers like Al-Kindi (c. 801–873) and Avicenna (c. 980–1037) engaged with Hermetic texts that were translated into Arabic.
Their works often integrated Neoplatonic and Hermetic concepts, particularly in terms of the hierarchy of being and the role of the intellect and astrology in understanding the divine cosmos.
Marsilio Ficino
Marsilio Ficino (1433–1499) was an Italian scholar and Catholic priest who was one of the first to translate the Hermetic texts into Latin.
Commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici, Ficino’s translations of the Corpus Hermeticum were crucial in reviving Hermetic philosophy during the Renaissance.
His work helped to spread Hermetic ideas throughout intellectual circles in Europe, deeply influencing the Renaissance’s artistic and philosophical landscape.
Ficino’s translations and his philosophical writings integrated Hermetic principles with Christian thought, emphasizing the potential for human beings to reach divine knowledge and existence through intellectual and spiritual purification.
Modern Hermeticism
Modern Hermeticism represents both a continuation and a reinterpretation of ancient Hermetic principles, adapting these ideas to contemporary contexts and challenges.
This period has seen a revival of interest in Hermetic thought, driven by new philosophical inquiries and the formation of various esoteric societies that seek to preserve and expand these ancient teachings.
Revival and Reinterpretation of Hermetic Principles in the 19th and 20th Centuries
The 19th and 20th centuries marked significant periods for the revival of Hermeticism, particularly influenced by the broader interest in occult and esoteric traditions during these times.
Key figures such as Eliphas Lévi, Helena Blavatsky, and Aleister Crowley played pivotal roles in this revival, each bringing Hermetic principles into the frameworks of their own teachings and practices.
This era saw Hermeticism being fused with Eastern philosophies, Kabbalah, and other Western esoteric traditions, leading to a rich, syncretic spiritual landscape.
Publications like The Kybalion attempted to distill Hermetic philosophy into seven basic principles, making the ancient wisdom more accessible to the modern reader.
Contemporary Hermetic Orders and Societies
Numerous Hermetic orders and societies were established during this revival, each interpreting Hermetic principles through various lenses.
Notable among these are the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, and Thelema.
Another significant group is the Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.), which combines Tarot divination with Qabalistic and Hermetic teachings.
These organizations often offer structured studies in Hermetic philosophy, ceremonial magic, and other related disciplines, aiming to initiate members into deeper levels of spiritual wisdom and practice.
Hermetic Philosophy in Modern Spiritual and Philosophical Thought
Hermetic ideas have also been explored in modern psychology, notably through the work of Carl Jung, who saw the symbolic alchemical processes as mirroring the individuation process of the psyche.
In philosophy, Hermetic principles have been employed in discussions about the nature of reality and consciousness, contributing to a deeper dialogue between science and spirituality.
Final Thoughts from a Higher View
Hermeticism has woven its way through various esoteric and spiritual paths, leaving an indelible mark on the development of Western thought.
Over time, many principles of Hermeticism have found validation in modern science, affirming what Hermeticists intuitively understood over 2000 years ago about the nature of reality and the universe.
One of the core concepts in Hermeticism is Prisca Theologia, the belief in a single, true theology that threads through all religions, given by God to humanity in antiquity.
Hermeticism may hold the keys to understanding the universe and uncovering the universal truths that bind all spiritual and scientific knowledge.
To get a comprehensive understanding of Hermeticism, I invite you to explore the next article in this series, “The Hermetic Principle of Mentalism: “All is Mind”
By understanding Hermeticism we may gain deeper insights into our own nature, our relationship with the cosmos, and the spiritual principles that guide our lives.
