Asclepius

Asclepius was a popular god in Greco-Roman Egypt. During the reign of Cleopatra VII (46 BC), Asclepius-Imhotep was even more popular than Ptah, the patron god of Memphis.

Asclepius-Imhotep was the god form of the sage Imhotep, known to the Greeks as Imouthes. He was a powerful magician and healer.

Asclepius and Hermes often resemble each other in their symbols. Both Asclepius and Hermes are accompanied by a combination of snakes and a staff. Both attributes already appear in magical texts in the book of Exodus (VII, 9-12)

In the Greco-Roman world, Asclepius was represented by a wooden staff entangled with a single serpent. Hermes was shown with the traditional Greek caduceus. That is, with a metal staff of short heralds entangled by two snakes in the form of a double helix that is sometimes topped by wings.

In astronomical texts, Asclepius and Hermes Trismegistus appear interchangeably. In the Corpus Hermeticum, however, Asclepius is the pupil of Hermes Trismegistus (CH XIV, 1). Asclepius only takes on the role of teacher himself in one case, namely in CH XVI at the court of King Ammon.

Homework Assignment

Asclepius is/represents the self healing ability in nature and in the cosmos. Observe over the next few days when you see things that heal. For example, nature that slowly recovers after the winter. Or your own physical injuries.

Also notice the healing of “spiritual wounds” such as having negative thoughts, having no focus, or being easily distracted; and take a mental note of how and when these feelings subside.

Take notice of how the lives of the people you know are improving.