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The Corpus Hermeticum: Initiation Into Hermetics, The Hermetica Of Hermes Trismegistus — Hermetica

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The Corpus Hermeticum: Initiation Into Hermetics, The Hermetica Of Hermes Trismegistus

Name: The Corpus Hermeticum: Initiation Into Hermetics, The Hermetica Of Hermes Trismegistus
Price: 11.13 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Mead, G R S
ISBN: 9791029911019

✍️ Mead, G R S

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4.5

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This essential collection presents the fifteen core tractates of the ancient Corpus Hermeticum, alongside the foundational Perfect Sermon. Attributed to the mythical sage Hermes Trismegistus, these texts were compiled in Egypt centuries before the 3rd century C.E. and represent a profound synthesis of Greek and Egyptian spiritual thought. Rediscovered during the Renaissance, these writings illuminate a path to understanding the cosmos, the divine mind, and humanity's place within it, forming the bedrock of Hermetic philosophy and influencing countless mystical traditions.

Mead, G R S

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Hermetica

🏛 Fv Editions 📅 2020 📖 136 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9791029911019

Fun Fact

This edition of the Corpus Hermeticum is indispensable for serious students of esotericism, offering direct access to the wellspring of Hermetic thought. While its dense philosophical style demands careful reading, the profound insights into cosmology, divine mind, and human potential are immeasurable. Those seeking a light read or simplified interpretations may be disappointed, but for the dedicated seeker, it's a transformative journey. It stands as a vital cornerstone in any occult library, illuminating the enduring power of ancient wisdom.

📚 This Book in Collections

☤ Corpus Hermeticum

📝 Description: The Corpus Hermeticum: Initiation Into Hermetics, The Hermetica Of Hermes Trismegistus

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. The treatises we now call the Corpus Hermeticum were collected into a single volume in Byzantine times, and a copy of this volume survived to come into the hands of Lorenzo de Medici's agents in the fifteenth century. The treatises divide up into several groups. The first (CH I), the "Poemandres", is the account of a revelation given to Hermes Trismegistus by the being Poemandres or "Man-Shepherd", an expression of the universal Mind. The next eight (CH II-IX), the "General Sermons", are short dialogues or lectures discussing various basic points of Hermetic philosophy. There follows the "Key" (CH X), a summary of the General Sermons, and after this a set of four tractates - "Mind unto Hermes", "About the Common Mind", "The Secret Sermon on the Mountain", and the "Letter of Hermes to Asclepius" (CH XI-XIV) - touching on the more mystical aspects of Hermeticism. The collection is rounded off by the "Definitions of Asclepius unto King Ammon" (CH XV), which may be composed of three fragments of longer works.

💎 Expert review

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Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Mead’s translation presents a vital collection of fifteen core tractates alongside the Perfect Sermon, offering a clear window into the mythical sage's teachings. While historically significant and spiritually dense, this text demands patience; it is not suited for casual readers seeking quick answers or modern self-help frameworks. The philosophical abstraction may alienate those unfamiliar with Neoplatonic concepts or ancient mystery traditions. However, for dedicated practitioners of Hermetics, it remains an authoritative source that captures the essence of Renaissance rediscoveries and ancient cosmic mysteries.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

This volume is an essential treasure for seekers of Western esotericism who wish to unearth the foundational wisdom that shaped mystical traditions. Readers interested in the profound synthesis of Greek and Egyptian thought will find deep value in these core tractates and the Perfect Sermon. It offers a unique path to understanding the cosmos and the divine mind, illuminating humanity's place within the greater spiritual scheme. Those drawn to the revelations of Hermes Trismegistus will appreciate this direct access to the bedrock of Hermetic philosophy, making it indispensable for serious students of ancient spirituality.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

Seekers of ancient wisdom, students of esotericism, and anyone intrigued by the philosophical roots of Western mystical traditions will find profound insights within these pages. This is essential reading for those desiring a direct encounter with Hermetic thought's primary source material.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Mead’s translation presents a vital collection of fifteen core tractates alongside the Perfect Sermon, offering a clear window into the mythical sage's teachings. While historically significant and spiritually dense, this text demands patience; it is not suited for casual readers seeking quick answers or modern self-help frameworks. The philosophical abstraction may alienate those unfamiliar with Neoplatonic concepts or ancient mystery traditions. However, for dedicated practitioners of Hermetics, it remains an authoritative source that captures the essence of Renaissance rediscoveries and ancient cosmic mysteries.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Hermes Trismegistus is a mythical, legendary figure to whom the Hermetic texts are attributed. He represents a syncretic fusion of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth, embodying divine wisdom and knowledge.

The collection begins with the foundational 'Poemandres' revelation. It then proceeds through eight 'General Sermons,' followed by the 'Key' which summarizes these, and concludes with additional tractates covering various aspects of Hermetic philosophy.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Divine Revelation

The Corpus Hermeticum opens with the profound experience of Poemandres, the 'Man-Shepherd,' bestowing cosmic understanding upon Hermes. This initial tractate establishes a direct, revelatory mode of acquiring spiritual knowledge, emphasizing the direct transmission of divine wisdom rather than mere intellectual study, setting the tone for the entire collection.

Cosmic Philosophy

Beyond revelation, the subsequent 'General Sermons' delve into core tenets of Hermetic thought. They explore the nature of the universal Mind, the creation of the cosmos, and the intricate relationship between humanity and the divine. These dialogues offer a systematic framework for understanding the metaphysical structure of existence, from macrocosm to microcosm.

Spiritual Illumination

A central thread throughout these texts is the journey towards Gnosis—a deep, intuitive spiritual knowledge. The 'Key' and other tractates guide the reader toward an inner awakening, emphasizing the human capacity to transcend the material world and achieve union with the divine intelligence, making enlightenment an attainable goal for the diligent seeker.

📜 Historical context

Originating in Hellenistic Egypt before the 3rd century C.E., these texts were compiled in Byzantium and lay largely hidden until their rediscovery in 15th-century Italy. Their re-emergence profoundly impacted Renaissance thought, igniting a resurgence of interest in esotericism, Neoplatonism, and alchemy, thereby shaping the trajectory of Western occult traditions for centuries.

📚 Glossary

Hermes Trismegistus
Poemandres
Hermetism

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does the concept of Poemandres as the 'Man-Shepherd' resonate with your understanding of divine guidance or inner wisdom?
Reflect on the Hermetic idea of the universal Mind. How might this perspective shift your view of knowledge, consciousness, and interconnectedness?
Consider the call for self-knowledge within these ancient texts. What personal insights might be revealed by embarking on such an inward journey?