The Way of Hermes: New Translations of The Corpus Hermeticum and The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius

by Clement Salaman

A new translation of the great esoteric masterpiece that includes the first English translation of the recently rediscovered Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius .

€¢ The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius provides new insights into the actual workings of the gnostic spiritual path.

€¢ Will be of great interest to scholars and religious seekers alike.

The Corpus Hermeticum , a powerful fusion of Greek and Egyptian thought, is one of the cornerstones of the Western esoteric tradition. A collection of short philosophical treatises, it was written in Greek between the first and third centuries a.d. and translated into Latin during the Renaissance by the great scholar and philosopher Marsilio Ficino. These writings, believed to be the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, were central to the spiritual work of Hermetic societies in late antique Alexandria, aiming to awaken gnosis, the direct realization of the unity of the individual and the Supreme. They are still read as important, inspirational spiritual writings today.

In addition to this new translation of The Corpus Hermeticum , which seeks to reflect the inspirational intent of the original, The Way of Hermes includes the first English translation of the recently rediscovered manuscript of The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius , a collection of aphorisms, closely related to parts of The Corpus Hermeticum , used by the hermetic student to strengthen his mind in meditation. With the proper mental orientation, one could achieve a state of pure perception in which the true face of God appears. This document is of enormous value to the contemporary student of gnostic studies for its insights into the actual workings of this spiritual path.

Genres: Esoterica, Religion, Philosophy, Spirituality, Occult, History, Magic

132 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting, and pretty readable for an "ancient" philosophical/religious text. I didn't finish it though, I feel like at this point in my life I either already know the philosophy its espousing, or I just don't care enough to delve into any deeper meanings.

There really are some beautiful ideas contained within; such as live your life with kindness and light, and not with base desire and interest in material things. I find it interesting that humanity all throughout history has been having this problem.

As above, so below.

[think blue count two · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think it's patently ridiculous to give a text like this anything less than 5 stars - but i am rating my reading experience, not the text. i think i need to seek out The Corpus Hermeticum in Plain English.
i imagine that if i read this in high school, youthful enthusiasm and self assuredness would have led me to believe i absorbed 100% of its meaning. i'm old enough now to realize i am not so clever or such a great reader and it's probably closer to 50% comprehension. so, it was frustrating on the level of not understanding, and also on the level of "damn, i'm stupid, huh??"

nevertheless, some passages were seriously effecting. i am not really on board with the monotheistic/emanationist thing, but the Corpus helped me dial into this view of reality.
useful in my recent attempt to get a better handle on the concept of godliness.
all is unity? god is love? do i really buy it? idunno. maybe i am too gnostic, i see love as a choice, a middle finger to a hostile reality. or i think i do... but it's not like i can verify that i hold any convictions that deeply. ok, enough about me!

book 11, parts 19 through 22 is so fucking sick.
you will feel your soul flying!
almost missed the Definitions tucked away in the back. there are some amazing aphorisms in there. i can see myself returning and even (unthinkable for me) underlining passages.

sorry for the misleading 3 star rating. that's for the recommendations algorithm, because i just didn't have a very enjoyable time reading, and i also don't need my recs getting clogged up with Plato and Iamblichus. they're bad enough as it is.

[Andoni Sergiou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had made previous attempts to read the Corpus Hermeticum prior to reading this translation. I must say that translation quality makes all the difference. Having read multiple versions, this is by far the clearest in communicating the vast, difficult, winding and beautiful tracts of the Corpus Hermeticum and Definitions.

As for the Corpus Hermeticum itself, the text is challenging to review for its great complexity. However, personally, I found chapters 1, 7, 11, and 13 to be the most coherent in revealing what Hermeticism is all about: nous; a psychological state in which the beauty and interconnectedness of the universe is not only perceived at its deepest level, but gives one an intuitive 'sense' of that which transcends other ways of knowing and knowledge.

[Ben Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative

[Gints Janelsins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for beginners, but for seekers who have interest in philosophy and spirituality.