I see the two topics crossover a lot with Hermeticism, is there anything in the sources about it?

What is the difference of these three concepts?

What is your specific technique for meditation? Is meditation a part of hermeticism, and is there a specific “hermetic” meditation technique?

I got the emerald tablets as a Christmas gift and the version I got was translated by Ambra Ellison Ghiringhelli and when I searched her up it’s just a random woman, I feel like she has no credibility. Somebody let me know if it’s worth my time.

it came to my attention that in hermeticism & kybalion there is a principle of cause & effect does that mean that hermetics accept the concept of causality and if so what kind of causality, stoic causality(deterministic) or epicurean causality(indeterministic), any response will be much appreciated.

I am fairly new to the Hermetic Philosophy and began listening to an audiobook of the Corpus Hermeticum a week ago. I’m still struggling to understand what the grand narrative behind these texts. What is their purpose?

I ask because after having a re-read on one of Polyphanes blog post he emphasizes that Hermeticism doesn't supplant existing religion, it supplements.

Now given that Hermeticism was for a polytheist audience and is inherently polytheistic, it would make sense right? I wouldn't wanna have to unpack a whole other spirituality just to learn Hermeticism. Any advice would help 🙏🙏

So when I'm reading up on Hermeticism one thing that tends to pop up were the attempts throughout medieval Europe to try and blend Christian Theology with Hermetic thought. Yes I know this version of Hermeticism wouldn't be considered part of classical Hermeticism but are these people still regarded with any type of respect in current Hermetic spaces?

I believe in one almighty God, who in turn created other deities who are divine but still below God. For example, I worship God as the supreme being but also the ancient Egyptian pantheon as deities that God has created. I also worship Jesus too, as a human incarnation of God.

Hi everyone

I have read through The Way of Hermes several times, and in the back of the book there is a text referred to as The Definitions, which essentially are a collection of esoteric aphorisms and affirmations. I am well practiced in mantra recitations, but I am wondering if anyone has advice on how to work with this text as a spiritual practice.

The affirmations are pretty lengthy, and often quite perplexing. Does anyone have experience with this? There is an excellent preface to the Definitions which describes them as being used by initiates.

Much appreciated!

Hello to everyone, I'm new to the Hermetic philosophy, I recently left religion (Christianity) to find something that resonates with me and I happened to stumble on the Hermetic philosophy. It really grabbed my attention and I began reading the Kybalion (for basic understanding and introduction to this philosophy).

A question I have is where can I find sources(books, podcasts etc.) to deepen my understanding of this philosophy and learn how to practice it.

Hello friends

Not sure if what I am asking for exists or not. I have read through the CH several times and love it immensely. I am wondering if there exists a book (or textbook) that contains a collection of hermetic writings from different practitioners/ philosophers. I feel like the closest I can get would be a book of writings from Platonic philosophers in ancient Greece.

Any recommendations would be most welcome!

Cheers

Lately I've been pondering this topic, I know it sounds simple but I'm used to the conveniences of life still, and to a point I'd say I have a hard time doing without them. Things such as:

Spending money on things I know I don't need.

Aimlessly scrolling social media when I could be practicing my fictional writing.

Wasting gasoline when I'm bored at home.

I know these are shifty habits and they all kinda go back to the same source, so how can I break the cycle so I can ascend, and get closer to God?

How does it work in it?

Hi all,

I posted my reading list yesterday and got great feedback. For those of you who saw/responded to my post, you’ll know that I’m brand new to Hermeticism. I’ve not yet got any of the literature, so I’ve not yet started my practice.

That said, my readings online and in this sub, have led me to another question. Can the seven planetary gods be seen as Jungian archetypes? Are the statues ensouled during theurgic rituals actually possessed by the spirit of a god. Or are they effigies of transformative psychology, an ancient precursor to transpersonal psychology?

I know Christ has nothing to do with Hermeticism, Hermes Trismegistus is the prophet here. But could I, in practice, ensoul a statue of Christ with his spirit as part of my joirney? Does Hermes Trismegistus actually inhabit the statue or am I calling a mentor archetype to help me uncover deeper meanings in the corpus?

Anything such as ethics

Hi everybody,

I spoke briefly to Polyphanes on the back of another commenter’s conversation with them. I asked for some book recommendations on Gnosticism, Alchemy, Astrology, and Theurgy. (Thanks again Polyphanes).

Before I begin studying the technical texts, I want to read, contemplate and read again(!) the philosophical texts.

This is a list I’ve put together from the Polyphanes recommendations and some of my own research:

Hermeticism (philosophy)

• Way of Hermes by Clement Salaman (contains Corpus Hermeticum and The Armenian Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius)
• Asclepius: A secret discourse of Hermes trismegistus (contains Asclepius aka Perfect Sermon)
• Hermetica by Brian Copenhaver
• Hermetica II by M David Litwa (contains the Stobaean Fragments, the Oxford Fragments and Vienna Fragments)

I’ve also got the following list for future readings:

Hermeticism (technical)

• The Greek Magical Papyri by Hans Dieter Betz (also contains Demotic Magical Papyri and Coptic Magical Papyri)
• Ancient Christian Magic by Marvin Meyer and Richard Smith
• Centiloquium of Hermes Trismegistus
• Picatrix
• The Sacred Book of Hermēs to Asklēpios

Gnosticism

• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures by Marvin Meyer and James Robinson (contains Discourse on the Eighth and the Ninth)
• Revolutionary Psychology by Samael Aun Weor
• Pistis Sophia by G R S Mead

Alchemy

• Alchemy and Alchemists by Sean Martin
• Aion by Carl Jung
• Psychology and Alchemy by Carl Jung
• Alchemical Studies by Carl Jung
• Mysterium Coniunctionis by Carl Jung
• Jung and the Alchemical Imagination by Jeffery Raff
• Book of Pictures by Zosimos (limited English translations of Zosimos’ work, could only find this work on Amazon).

Theurgy

• Reply of Abammon - Iamblichus

(ALSO THE GREEK PAPYRI ALREADY MENTIONED IN TECHNICAL LIST ABOVE).

I write it here because hermetic texts seem to include theory of correspondences and explanations of how world works

Hey everyone, I just wanted to ask, what is the most modern and easy to digest translation of the corpus Hermeticum for a native English speaker? (Bonus points for suggestions for the other texts too)

I'm new to this and I bought something for my kindle and it's turns out to just be Meads translation which is public domain, I can understand it, but it's kinda hard to parse for me.

Hello, I just wanted to ask if you’ve read the Stobaean fragments. I have David Litwa’s translations, and I’ve noticed that they seem far more extensive and elaborate than the earlier Hermetic texts in the Corpus Hermeticum, while also presenting slightly different views on cosmology.

The earlier Hermetic texts in the Corpus Hermeticum emphasize mystical experiences, visions, and revelations, often written in the form of dialogues between a teacher (e.g., Hermes Trismegistus) and a student. In contrast, the Stobaean fragments are more didactic and expository, offering philosophical arguments and moral exhortations rather than visionary narratives. I also noticed that the Stobaean fragments place a higher emphasis on morals and ethics, focusing on practical wisdom and virtuous living as a path to aligning oneself with the divine order.

While the Corpus Hermeticum emphasizes mystical revelation and personal transformation through direct experience of the divine, the Stobaean Hermetica offer a more intellectualized approach, balancing metaphysical speculation with ethical guidance. The metaphysical philosophy in the Stobaean fragments complements their moral teachings, providing a comprehensive vision of how humanity can live in accordance with the divine order while also understanding the cosmic and metaphysical reality that underpins it's existence.

I find this fascinating because it demonstrates the diversity within the Hermetic tradition, showing how it evolved and adapted to different audiences over time. The Stobaean Hermetica feel like a bridge between esoteric mysticism and philosophical discourse. Has anyone else noticed this shift in tone and content? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the Stobaean fragments compare to the Corpus Hermeticum and what this might reveal about the development of Hermetic thought.

I've recently delved into Hermeticism, primarily because it presents God as a non-anthropomorphic force, which deeply resonates with my perspective. However, in my readings, I've come across several references that use anthropomorphic language to describe God, which raises some questions for me.

From my point of view, God is an impersonal force—without consciousness or emotional bonds with its creation. It is a necessary existence, meaning it was never created; it simply is. Its primary role is not one of active intervention, but rather the natural unfolding of creation itself.

I believe that we, as individuals, can attune ourselves to this divine force by aligning with its energy and seeking harmony within it. In this sense, practices like meditation or prayer serve more as tools for achieving higher states of focus and spiritual connection, rather than as a means of direct communication with a conscious deity.

Moreover, I see the ultimate nature of this force as beyond human comprehension—our limited perspective and cognitive faculties are incapable of grasping its true essence. Any attempt to define or personify it is merely an approximation, shaped by our inherent need to understand the unknown within the boundaries of our experience.

I suppose I could describe myself as a Hermetic Pantheist.

I'm curious to know if others within the Hermetic community share a similar perspective or if the more traditional anthropomorphic interpretations hold greater significance in Hermetic thought.

I dont understand, is there 2 text named poimandres and poimandres shepard of Man or smh like that? Which one talk about anthropos? Edit: i know its propably a stupid question but in my country there are some bad translations and not much info about it

I got to thinking about this after doing ancestry veneration. Most of my recent ancestors lived and died following Jesus Of Nazareth. And after working with my grandparents from the beyond I realized that their presence feels "Holy". Maybe that's just because of my closeness to them I'm not sure. He was simple and Southern so there's no way he knew anything about Hermes Trismegistus.

My grandpa specifically went through many, many changes in his life. Having to admit his faults on several occasions. My Dad and his siblings don't have the best memories of him but I never saw those sides of him, nor did anybody really in his final 10 - 15 years. Neither of them belonged to a specific denomination either, neither did they read the Bible. They just went to churches and took in whatever sermon was preached, but my papaw had enough wisdom to tell when a preacher was bullshitting.

Sorry if I'm oversharing it's just I know after death you reincarnate. But did is it possible to ascend while not following Hermeticism? Otherwise I shouldn't be able to feel my grandparents since they returned on this Earth.

P.s. I'm not trying to imply Christian bias here in anyway, just in case it's taken as such.

Id like to know your interpretation of the absolute/god, its the source of everything that exist right? So first emanation of that source is gods mind and what's your concept about it? Its in everything that exist a little part of it? Its personal mind or impersonal? Then that mind created the demiurg which created everything. Maybe we can thing about god mind as the highest part human mind(or also animal, if youre think that way, in wchich Animals then), i mean spiritualy above matter, or consciousness or pure love and empathy?