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An Introduction to the Corpus Hermeticum
The fifteen tractates of the Corpus Hermeticum, along with the Perfect Sermon or Asclepius, are the foundation documents of the Hermetic tradition. Written by unknown authors in Egypt sometime before the end of the third century C.E., they were part of a once substantial literature attributed to the mythic figure of Hermes Trismegistus, a Hellenistic fusion of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.
This literature came out of the same religious and philosophical ferment that produced Neoplatonism, Christianity, and the diverse collection of teachings usually lumped together under the label "Gnosticism": a ferment which had its roots in the impact of Platonic thought on the older traditions of the Hellenized East. There are obvious connections and common themes linking each of these traditions, although each had its own answer to the major questions of the time.
This literature came out of the same religious and philosophical ferment that produced Neoplatonism, Christianity, and the diverse collection of teachings usually lumped together under the label "Gnosticism": a ferment which had its roots in the impact of Platonic thought on the older traditions of the Hellenized East. There are obvious connections and common themes linking each of these traditions, although each had its own answer to the major questions of the time.
- GenresOccult
Nook
First published July 12, 2009
About the author
John Michael Greer
181 books531 followersJohn Michael Greer is an author of over thirty books and the blogger behind The Archdruid Report. He served as Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America. His work addresses a range of subjects, including climate change, peak oil, the future of industrial society, and the occult. He also writes science fiction and fantasy. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife.
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June 23, 2018
This is one of those texts that's considered a "must read" in many ceremonial magick/occult circles. While I understand the significance of learning the basics of Hermetic philosophy? This was probably one of the most painful texts I have had the honor of attempting to read through.
To get the best read out of this, you may need to get a separate translation. Many are available online. You may need them since the writing style is purposely convoluted as if Mead was attempting to add a bit more grandeur to the source material. The material itself will give you an understanding of this flavor of Gnosticism which can also help explain some of the "Whys" of modern ceremonial practices.
I recommend just getting a "Cliff notes" version.
To get the best read out of this, you may need to get a separate translation. Many are available online. You may need them since the writing style is purposely convoluted as if Mead was attempting to add a bit more grandeur to the source material. The material itself will give you an understanding of this flavor of Gnosticism which can also help explain some of the "Whys" of modern ceremonial practices.
I recommend just getting a "Cliff notes" version.
Displaying 1 of 1 review