The Way of Hermes

by Hermes Trismegistus, Clement Salaman (Translator), Dorine Van Oyen (Translator)

HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY

“The excellence of the soul is understanding; for the man who understands is conscious, devoted, and already godlike.”
Hermes to Tat

“My discourse leads to the truth; the mind is great and guided by this teaching is able to arrive at some understanding. When the mind has understood all things and found them to be in harmony with what has been expounded by the teachings, it is faithful and comes to rest in that beautiful faith.”
Hermes to Asclepius

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 (200-700 A.D.), and aimed to awaken gnosis, the direct realization of the unity of the individual and the Supreme.

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 used by the hermetic student to strengthen the mind during meditation. With the proper mental orientation,a state of pure perception can be achieved 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.

Clement Salaman is the editor of the English translation of The Letters of Marsilio Ficino. Dorine Van Oyen is a lecturer on Hermetic studies in Amsterdam. William D. Wharton teaches Classical history, languages, and philosophy in Boston. Jean-Pierre Mahe is Correspondent of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, Paris.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Occult, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Alchemy, Esoterica

132 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

About the author

Hermes Trismegistus (Ancient Greek: Ἑρμῆς ὁ Τρισμέγιστος, "thrice-greatest Hermes"; Latin: Mercurius ter Maximus) is the purported author of the Hermetic Corpus, a series of sacred texts that are the basis of Hermeticism.

Alternate names: Hermès Trismégiste, Hermes Trismegistro, Hermes Trimegistro, Hermes Trismegisto, Hermes Trimegisto.

Reviews

[L Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I couldn't understand a concept or a passage from the Copenhaver translation, I came to this one by Salaman. Sometimes it helped, and sometimes it didn't. The overall tone of the translation isn't as dry as the one by Copenhaver, but if your goal is academic understanding that translation might be better.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t feel I can adequately review a translation without having read other translations. That said, “The Way of Hermes” is readable, clear and lovely. I found my copy at a used book shop. I find myself curious about translations by J.D. Chambers (1882), W.W. Westcott (1894) and G.R.S. Mead(1906). Mead’s translation is now considered public domain and is available online, and I will revise this review after I read it.

The  preface, foreword and afterword of this translation offered valuable and concise context about the collection of texts we call the “Corpus Hermetium”. They offer excellent and inspiring starting-points for the pursuit of the Hermetic Teachings and I will be referring back to this book often.

There was a time when the “Corpus Hermeticum” texts were considered to be Egyptian teachings and an important contribution to Judeo-Christian spiritual systems; That Hermes Trimegistus was contemporary to Moses. When it was concluded to have been written in the 1st - 3rd Century CE (by a Calvinist, so keepthat Protestant agenda in mind?) it was dismissed as being entirely a product of Platonic and Biblical influence.

It is theorized today, and emphasised in Gilles Quispel’s preface, that this collection of texts indeed contains wisdom from multiple cultures, and that at the beginning of the Christian Era there existed in Alexandria a secret society of mystics using language that would appeals to mystics off different backgrounds. I appreciate this ideal of appreciating Mystery beyond the limits of religious or civilian law. I also believe that we’ve hit an interesting time off renewed interest in spirituality without dogma (and that this was also the case in Renaissance Neo-Platonism and early 1900s Theosophy) and that more commentaries and discussions on the content of the “Corpus Hermetium” would be inpiring and help unite humans spiritually instead of dividing us by race, religion and citizenship.

[Joseph Inzirillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing you realize when reading the Corpus Hermeticum is that nothing is literal. Many of the ideas in the CH have permeated the many movements after it—both religious and new age.

Without spoiling a read through the book, I will say this.

God resides within us all. Whether you take that literally or equate God to energy, is up to you. The message is the same regardless.

Worth a read.

[David A. Beardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Hermes Trismegistus actually was in a mystery to which we will probably never know the answer. But that is probably just as well--it could well divert the attention from his teachings and revelations, which are universal and timeless. This book provides a very accessible translation and commentary on the known works of Hermes, which goes beyond a mere academic approach. As it says in the introduction, "We have endeavoured to give the translation a freshness and vigour that will illuminate for today's reader the way these works drew and inspired listeners in antiquity and in the Renaissance. We hope thus to open the mind to the eternal questions that these treatises address: What am I? What is this world around me? What is my relation to it?"
(Full disclosure: I am acquainted with Mr. Clement Salaman, one of the translators of this book.)

[Ashley H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love that this translation is designed to express the "inspirational intent of these writings.". It's a gorgeous version, and I want to do a line by line comparison with other translations to really get at the heart of these texts. This book is excellent for a deep, enriching study of Hermes words.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this immensely but I think true enjoyment & understanding will only come with time & rereading

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of how you feel about the Corpus Hermeticum’s core ideas this is undeniably a solid translation of the text.

[Ali Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't spent time with other translations of the Corpus, but sought out this one for what many attest is an easier readability. I found this read fascinating through and through, there is a lot we can guess, or infer, about the folks who read and were reading the Corpus - but the most staunch conclusion for me is how intertwined the world of Religion was.

Greek, Egyptian and Jewish ideas coming together in Alexandria end up forming the prototype for the Western religious tradition for the next 2000 years, and it is for this reason above all I consider Hermeticism one of the most fruitful paths I have explored as a Muslim living in diaspora with poor command of the Arabic language. Hermes brings us to our common understandings of Oneness, the Cosmos, and the cycles of generation and diminution. Through this a seeker is given much to contemplate and meditate on - for the purpose of any religion should not be to serve as an exoteric rulebook, but a reflection into our inner state.

Was Hermes an actual person? A true god among us? A prophet, contemporary (or a teacher of Moses)? Whether literally, or a figurative archetype that lets us peer into the mindset of the Renaissance Counter-Enlightenment movement, Hermes gives us a window (a mirror?) into who we really are.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

How am I supposed to RATE the Corpus Hermeticum?!

Ok, uh--I really like book 11 and 12 and the Definitions. There is no book fully free of some of the parts of gnosticism I just can't get behind, namely the idea that the body is inherently corrupt and the point of life is to distance yourself from the physicality of pleasure and pain ASAP. However, these three books have the LEAST of that and the MOST of the platonism stuff I can actually get behind.

"For the creatures do not die, but as compound bodies, they are dissolved; and dissolution is not death, but is the dissolution of a mixture. They are dissolved not to be destroyed, but that new creatures may come to be. After all, what is the activity of life? Is it not movement? What, then in the cosmos is unmoving? Nothing, my son." Book 12. Good stuff.

[Cosette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way of Hermes was my first dip into Hermetic literature, and it proved an accessible entry point. The translation is clear and readable; I appreciated not needing a dictionary at hand or having to pause every few lines to look up unfamiliar terms.

I picked it up to satisfy both intellectual and spiritual curiosity about a body of work foundational to the Western Mystery Tradition. The vision here doesn’t neatly match how I see the world, but there are definite echoes: the macrocosm, a living, ordered cosmos, and the emphasis on mind, virtue, and praise. This isn’t a practical manual; it’s contemplative philosophy in short, concentrated passages, offering much to ponder. I can see myself returning to it for orientation and texture. Salaman offers a graceful doorway into the Hermetic tradition and an inviting place to begin.

[dr_set · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very disappointing. Little more than nonsense and gibberish.

It talks vagaries about light, fire and water to "explain" creation. It goes on and on about how "The one and all" is indivisible and one, like if parroting this tautology would constitute some profound truth and revelation.

By the text you can tell that the author is an uninspired second rate intellect, that in no way can be compared with other relevant writers of antiquity such as Plato or Aristotle as the tradition says that was done by Facino, the original translator.

There is very little if anything to be gained by reading this book, not even a few nuggets of popular wisdom as you could expect from most traditional philosophical / mystical texts from antiquity.

[Scott Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I understand the urge of some to rate this book based on their personal feelings on the substance of the source text, I don’t feel that is a fair approach. The intent of the book is to provide a modern translation of the work rather than an interpretation and, as such, those leaving reviews should mainly (if not only) consider the translation work itself. There are better forums in which to debate personal belief in the truth of the text’s substance. In that spirit:

This translation is clear and readable, with sufficient notes provided for those wanting insight into why certain decisions were made regarding the translators’ use of specific wording. I appreciated the sections of exegetical context as well, which can be helpful to those unfamiliar with the corpus.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering how old and how complex it would be to translate the repetitive points that seem to be over half the lessons saying the same thing can be forgiven for the value and knowledge they hold. The small pieces of new ideas in a few of the books is worth combing through the fluff of the same arguments rephrased again and again to weed out the impatient readers not worthy or capable of comprhending what the truth to these theories would even mean. I especially liked the "definitions" portion at the end. I would recommend reading it after The Kybalion then once you finish this, read The Kybalion again. Some fascinating stuff to consider. 🤔

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting the Corpus Hermeticum to be more ethereal and focused on The All and collective consciousness. Maybe it was the translation, but this seemed very much to me to be early Christian teachings hidden under a thin veil of esoteric thought. I did appreciate the newly translated Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius though. It was a great collection of thoughts and observations.

[Gabriela Ventura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uma tradução cuidadosa do Corpus Hermeticum - certamente a melhor que já tive acesso - com introdução, notas explicativas, contexto histórico e problemas de datação e recepção.

E, quase como bônus, a tradução das definições de Hermes para Asclepius, também com uma introdução bacana. Um material finíssimo.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a readable translation of the Corpus Hermeticum, the principle texts of Hermetic Philosophy and Theology. It is the most poetic "synthesis" of the two in the Western World. It has creation myths, dialogues, speculative thought, poetry, and initiatic symbolism. The collection can almost be seen as the Western World's version of the Upanishads.

[WizardNearACoast · Rating 4 out of 5]

solid translation that seems to prioritize the flow and readibility of the text. i found myself missing the detailed endnotes from the Copenhaver translation. they add significant context around translation difficulties which can muddle the meanings of this ancient literature. i was, however, happy with the inclusion of the Armenian Definitions to Asclepius.

[Alex Bertoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sempre tive muita curiosidade de conhecer as escritas herméticas, e por um lado foi bom satisfazer essa curiosidade, mas acredito que não pude absorver adequadamente as mensagens por trás dos textos. Toda a parte de introdução e de explicação é muito interessante, acredito que gostei muito mais de ler "sobre" as escritas herméticas do que lê-las propriamente.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definitions were less attractive than the main corpus. Especially 9.5 a bit too "Gnostic", obviously could be the translation or just hyperbolic.

Otherwise I found no contradictions with this and late Platonism, completely in harmony with them.

[T.S. Matkovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good translation. These four translators are the foremost scholars, coming from well esteemed universities in Paris, Boston, and Amsterdam. It is a necessary buy BUT it is slim. They really could have used more of their academic analysis in this book.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I strongly recommend this translation over G.R.S. Mead's.

[DEMBEARS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good translation for beginners

[Florry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best translation of The Corpus Hermeticum out there. The translators have done a excellent job in using language that is understandable and able to convey complicated ideas clearly

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful translation of the Corpus Hermeticum. A must read for any spiritual seeker.

[George Pollard]

The translations here are nice, more poetic and readable than the Copenhaver versions.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many similarities bewteen teh Chaldean Oracles and Corpus Hermeticum.

[Maxim]

wow i’m sure some early christian clergies were terrified this text will become popular !

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to explain beautiful, enlightening messages shared within the pages of this great work. This will open your mind to the true awe of God and the universe. Talk about blowing your mind, this concepts taught within its pages will lay bare the deeper purpose of God and the human soul. For those who are ready this will give one a much purer understanding of the eternal nature of all living entities. It will show you how studying the cosmos is also a study in the souls connection to all things. This work will teach you about what truth really means. How that which is real, does not change and how much of what we think of as real is actually just an illusion. It delves deeply into the inter workings of the entity that is God, or what we would call God. Hermes minced no words and sugar-coats nothing about what is required of us if we wish to understand our greater purpose and how to begin the on our journey, that will reach far beyond this lifetime. He explains how we truly are eternal beings having a human experience, but how this human experience does not have to limit the heights to which we can reach, even in this life. The messages are beautiful, truth-inducing, inspiring and there for all who have an ear to hear.

I cannot begin to express how this book touched and opened my soul. Many time while reading it I was brought to tears with the realization that I truly am a part of the Supreme being and the Supreme being is a part of me. Oh how I wish that all human beings could internalize this understanding. It would change the entire course of the human race. We would, both collectively and individually, become something so much greater than we can even imagine. Hermes words helped me to see how all things and people are connected. If only we could all embrace this contentedness and work together to push beyond the restraints of what we currently believe is possible. The sheer volume of that vision brings me to tears every time. This work has inspired me to strive for that vision and do everything in my power to help move it forward. I send out all the love, healing and inspiration that I can to the universe and my fellow human beings. Please, please hear this message and seek further enlightenment for yourself.

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five+ stars...this in an excellent translation of this great classic Hermetic work. I'll write a better review when I've re-read certain passages. This is one of those that you see more meaning in after your read it again.

[Maan Kawas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book filled with deep ancient wisdom which left its prints on later philosophy! Although it is a short book, it is not an easy read; however, it is one of the books which I am confident I will return too for further understanding.