The Hermetic Idea of Perfect Nature

The Hermetic Idea of Perfect Nature

The concept of Perfect Nature (al-tiba’ al-tamm) holds a central place in Arabic Hermetism. This enigmatic figure, often described as the heavenly paredros or the Sage’s luminous Guide, is deeply embedded in a cosmic anthropology where the Man of Light is trapped in darkness, striving for liberation. Perfect Nature serves as both the guide and…

The Prayer of Thanksgiving as a Community Spiritual Transformation

The Prayer of Thanksgiving as a Community Spiritual Transformation

A prayer offers intriguing semiotic possibilities, acting as a medium of communication between a person and a deity. However, as a text, a prayer can serve multiple purposes beyond its religious function. While it may be used for its intended purpose — to communicate with a deity — it can also play other roles:  The text…

The Feminine in Hermeticism

The Feminine in Hermeticism

Hermes to Nous: “But the wisdom (sophia) of god – what is it?”Nous to Hermes: “The good and the beautiful and happiness and all excellence and eternity. Eternity establishes an order, putting immortality and permanence into matter.” Corpus Hermeticum XI.4 In many mystical traditions, the feminine presents a perennial problem and enigma. The answer to…

Hermeticism and the Path of Ascension

Hermeticism and the Path of Ascension

In Hermeticism, the path of spiritual ascension is a journey toward profound transformation, encompassing a holistic blend of practices and disciplines. This journey goes beyond traditional religious devotion, aiming for a deep, experiential understanding of the divine and reality. Central to this path is the pursuit of gnosis, or deep intuitive – maybe better “supra-rational”…

8 Prayers Inspired by the Corpus Hermeticum

8 Prayers Inspired by the Corpus Hermeticum

The Hermetic tradition, steeped in esoteric wisdom and ancient philosophy, has long captivated seekers with its mystical teachings. Yet, despite the profound influence of Hermeticism, those who delve into its practices encounter a notable scarcity of one key element: prayers. The Corpus Hermeticum and the Asclepius together contain only two prayers and two hymns, leaving…

Ancient Egyptian Influences on the Hermetica

Ancient Egyptian Influences on the Hermetica

“Most scholars now agree that the traditional wisdom of the Egyptian priests and their knowledge of Egyptian myth were among the elements that made up the Hermetica…“ Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt (Oxford University Press, 2004), Geraldine Pinch The Hermetica, a collection of Greek texts attributed to…

The Hermetic Teachings on Fate

The Hermetic Teachings on Fate

The Hermetic Perfect Discourse (Logos Teleios), though originally penned in Greek, is best known today through its Latin translation, the Asclepius. The Greek version was relatively popular, as it was quoted by notable figures such as Lactantius and Stobaeus. The Latin translation gained recognition among Augustine and later Latin authors, and from around the ninth…