Exploring the Hermetic Tradition

by Terence McKenna

The term “Hermetic” comes from Hermes Trismegistus, who was originally an Egyptian god (Thoth) and was later incorporated into Greek culture, and associated with Hermes. The term “hermetic” can mean “pertaining to alchemy and magic”. About forty books are ascribed to Hermes Trismegistus. These books were written between about 200 BC and 200 AD deal with alchemy and astrology, and also with philosophy. The “Hermetic Tradition” isn’t simply the Alchemical Tradition, it’s a literary-philosophical tradition in which alchemy, astrology, the occult, and the philosophy of Plato are all interwoven. All European alchemists may be said to be part of the Hermetic tradition, but philosophers and poets with no interest in alchemy may also be considered part of this tradition. In this lecture Terence McKenna explores the Hermetic Tradition by discussing ancient traditions, symbolism, the philosophy behind it.

Genres: Esoterica, Philosophy, Nonfiction

Audiobook

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Terence Kemp McKenna was a writer, philosopher, psychonaut and ethnobotanist. He was noted for his knowledge of the use of psychedelic, plant-based entheogens, and subjects ranging from shamanism, the theoretical origins of human consciousness, and his concept of novelty theory.

Reviews

[Dan Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lecture from 1992 in which TM encourages us to look for "accumulations of density of coincidence". Emphasis on the role of language in creating reality, the importance of history, the origins of and historical inaccuracies around the Hermetic tradition, and, of course, the psychedelic experience. He covers everything from Jesus to Marxism, UFOs and mushrooms, stellar demons and nanotechnology.

[Joshua Dew · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informal lecture in which Professor McKenna examines the historical origins of the Hermetic tradition, i.e., man as a participant in the divine through magic or metaphysical forces, its permutations through Western Civilization into the Enlightenment, and its rejection by modern scientific materialism. A fascinating, highly creative thinker and speaker.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent, albeit slightly self indulgent lecture. Three stars because maybe about 25% of the material is on topic of hermetic traditions, rest is taking quite entertaining intellectual detours. Many intellectual leaps I do not agree with and some revolutionary ideas, kept me entertained for sure.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is a series of lectures (in 1992?) and as such it is a bit rambly and starts out with some random Q&A. Then it gets into the topic. I haven't read any Terence McKenna before though I knew of his work. To me the lectures cover a really interesting topic and Terence McKenna covers it in an intelligent way but as well as the Hermetic Tradition he covers the Birth of Christianity, Alchemy, his own experiences with DMT and other psychedelics, his own theories on mushrooms and culture and UFOs and their meaning. It's hard to say where the fact and where the fantasy stops and at times he will explain something and then say "...but I don't belive it". In the end it was a fascinating stroll through history and his own personal experiences with many detours on the way. I laughed a lot and it was especially interesting listening to it after listening to The Meme Machine by Susan Blackmore (published 1999). Very entertaining oddball lecture series.

[Jim Street · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's roughly what I should have expected from McKenna, but I was hoping for something else. It was an interesting take though with some memorable ideas. Recorded in 1992 and he was talking about the fascist state then. I wonder what he would think about 2024... 12 years after the end of history and mobile phones as one step closer to the philosopher's stone...

[Karen Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking, entertaining, and enlightening. Points off for the bizarre rant advocating for population control and against capitalism toward the end. As thoroughly frustrating as that part was, the rest was absolutely a worthwhile ride.

[Gioia Giusti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Eclectic, sounds like Maia Limbowskij