Practical Hermetism
Discover the Way of Hermes as a path of Graeco Egyptian, Panentheistic Monism
Bring together the Corpus Hermeticum, Asclepius, Stobaen Fragments & other Philosophical Hermetica with the Greek, Coptic & Demotic Magical Papyri to build a living spiritual practice
Hermetism has historically suffered with the editorial interference of Byzantine & Christian scribes and New Thought Theosophical texts have made it nearly impossible to reconstruct a Hermetic practice rooted in historical sources.
But when viewed in their proper historical context and compared across late antique magical literature, hermetic texts can be used to reconstruct an idea of the Hermetic worldview & methodology of practice.
By exploring Late Egyptian Hermopolitan, Theban & Memphite theology and better defining Hellenistic influence, we can reconstruct a contemporary Way of Hermes that stands as a viable tradition of spiritual experience.
This new course is an opportunity to deeply familiarise yourself with Hermetic Theology, History & Practice.
With a cohort of other students, study the philosophical hermetica alongside practical considerations from the Greek, Coptic & Demotic ritual manuals, Dynastic Egyptian ritual, Traditional Astrological Magic & more.
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"In Egypt, during the first centuries of the Common Era, men and women would meet discreetly in their homes, in temple sanctuaries, or in solitary places to learn a powerful practice of spiritual liberation."
-Wouter Hanegraaff
"[The Way of Hermes] was a ritual course of teaching and initiation that culminated first in a rebirth and then a visionary ascent to heaven."
-Christian Bull
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What's Included?Modules Included
Over the course of 6 modules, you will gain a deep understanding of Hermetic Philosophy & Practice, both intellectually from current scholarship & practically from reconstructed and group lead ritual and contemplation, including hymns, meditations and theoria.
Module 1: Origins of the Hermetica
In the inaugural module we will explore the identity of the Hermetic founder, Hermes Trismegistos, his works, his origins, nature and philosophy. We will unpack Hermopolitan, Memphite & Theban Theology to trace the early influences on Hermetism, and examine theories over their authorship, while also studying the mechanics of Telestike (statue animation) in relation to Divine Presence in Egypt.
Egyptian Hermetica
As part of this, we will specifically explore the Deified Kings & Wisdom Figures in the Hermetic Corpus, including Amenemhat III, Imhotep & Ammon. We will also study Egyptian Wisdom Literature & the Demotic Book of Thoth. Archaeologically we will look at Amenemhat III's mortuary temple and Pyramid Complex at Hawara and his patronage temple of Sokpiaou Nesos, as well as the material record of Hermopolis Magna to examine the development of Proto Hermetism. Throughout we will incorporate magical gems found in the archaeological record.
Hellenistic Hermetica
By examining the milieu that Hermetic authors used to convey their ideas, we will dive into Middle Platonism & Stoicism and unpack their ontologies & influences on the Hermetic Corpus. Notably too, we will examine Aristotelian notions of phantasia & anima, as well as Theoria as we explore Hellenistic Jewish & Gnostic traits and impacts where relevant.
Module 2: Understanding Hermetic Philosophy
As we move into module 2, we will structure and methodically unpack the key ideas and theories in Hermetic Philosophy. We will begin by taking an overview of all of our sources and current texts and going through each one meticulously to examine ideas like Nous, Pēgē, Theoria & Cosmology, culminating with discussions of incarnation & Ascent through the Planetary Spheres. We have an emphasis on building the Hermetic Worldview, including sections on the Hermetic psychology of addiction & naturalism.
Module 3: Renaissance Hermeticism
Against the backdrop of Hermetism in Late Antiquity, in module 3 we will explore the likes of Marsilio Ficino, Giordano Bruno & Ludovico Lazzereli to understand the influence Hermes had on Renaissance Esoterica & scholarship. We will make use of Ficino's Three Books of Life as well as Lazzereli's Crater Hermetis.
Module 4: The Legacy of Hermes
In this module we will look to the torchbearers of Hermetic ritual and philosophy in Late Antiquity, with an especial focus on Hermeitc excerpts in Iamblichus & Zosimos of Panopolis, but also figures like Anatolius of Hermopolis, Heraiscus & Asclepiades of Alexandria. We will explore their philosophies and work and pick out the distinctly Hermetic elements for contemplation. From ritual theurgy to pharmakon, we will examine what is said of Hermes.
Module 5: Practical Hermetica
As we begin to draw pieces together, this extensive module will explore accounts of hermetic ritual and practice that we have in Late Antiquity. From hymns, prayers and rituals in the Corpus Hermeticum & Stobaen Fragments, the Lunar Decanic timing systems and Eighth Book of Moses in the Greek Magical Papyri and the Astrological Talismans of the Sacred Book of Hermes to Asclepius, you will become very familiar with Hermetic ritual practice. We will examine the Nechepso Petosiris texts & the Kyranides alongside technical hermetica on botany, medicine & alchemy.
Module 6: Living the Way of Hermes
In the final module, we will bring everything together to examine a new reading order of Hermetic texts & explore some of the core philosophical tenants with which to live your life in accordance with the Way of Hermes, thereby making it a viable option for 21st occultists and seekers of spirituality alike.
