What on earth is Hermetics? Most people I know have never heard of it, though most have heard of the term "hermetically sealed". It is very difficult to encapsulate what Hermetics exactly is. It is kind of like trying to define what magic or mysticism is, as it is very nebulous.
Hermetics is basically the study and science of magic, alchemy, and astrology. The word "hermetic" is derived from the Greek work "herm" and the deity, "Hermes", who was the Greek God of knowledge and wisdom. The term "hermetically sealed" means "airtight" and was needed for the alchemical processes of distillation and purification.
Early Hermetic writings emerged around the 2nd century CE with developing Christianity. It revolved around a compilation of books, known as the Corpus Hermeticum. The Corpus Hermeticum consists of many books that contain esoteric teachings, many through dialogues between Poimandres and Hermes, and Asclepius to his son, Tat. The teachings involve a variety of philosophical subjects from the nature of the soul to the primary elements of the universe.
One of the most fascinating Hermetic writings is The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus. Legend has it that Alexander the Great discovered The Emerald Tablet in a cave at Hebron. On the tablet was written the three parts of wisdom; known as astrology, theurgy and alchemy:
"Truth without falsehood, certain and most true, that which is above is the same as that which is below, and that which is without is the same as that which is within, for the performance of the miracles of the One Thing. And as all things are from One by the mediation of One, so all things have their birth from this One Thing by adaptation.
The Sun is its Father, the Moon its' Mother. The Wind carries it in its' belly, and its nurse is the Earth. This is the Father of all perfection or consummation of the whole world. Its' power is integrating if it be turned into earth. Thou shall separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, suavely and with great skill and ingenuity. It ascends from the earth to heaven and descends again to earth, and receives the power of the superiors and all the inferiors.
So thou hast the glory of the whole world; therefore let all obscurity flee before thee. This is the strong force of all forces, overcoming every subtle and penetrating every solid thing. So the world was created. Hence we are all wonderful adaptations of which this is the manner. Therefore am I called Hermes Trismegistus, having the three parts of the philosophy of the whole world. This completes what I have to say concerning the Operation of the Sun."
Probably, the most famous Hermetic quote cited from the Emerald Tablet is "That which is above is the same as that which is below and that which is without is the same as that which is within." This is really the basis for all Hermetic or magical operations and defines a correspondence between the microcosm (ourselves) and the macrocosm (universe). What is happening within us is connected to what is happening around us. By learning about ourselves, we can learn about the universe and conversely, by learning about the universe, we can learn about ourselves. Everything is connected to everything else in the universe. And because everything is connected to everything else, that is why, magic, alchemy and astrology are possible.
Hermetics is also an oral tradition. The esoteric teachings are handed down from teacher to disciple, even in this day and age. Though, Hermetic teachers may be hard to find. Probably the best text for the practical aspects of Hermetic principles is Initiation into Hermetics by Franz Bardon. In this work, we see the philosophical, psychological and practical applications of Hermetics clearly outlined to help guide the aspirant towards self understanding and universal awareness.
I am a Hermetic. I was initiated into the Hermetic tradition at Lotus Temple in Chicago, Illinois many years ago. I have studied and practiced Hermetic principles in my daily life. It is amazing to see how these principles work in reality. Today's scientists scoff at the notion of magic, alchemy or astrology as silly superstition. But there are many questions being raised in the field of quantum physics regarding the nature of reality and consciousness itself.
Matter, when closely observed is not as solid as it appears. It is composed of millions of swirling atoms, protons and electrons that are moving in a magnetic field. Looking closer still, there are even smaller quantum particles that alternative between existing as a wave and particle. And, it has been found that our consciousness has an effect on these particles. There is a connection between the observer and the observed, between our inner universe and the outer universe. I think as time goes by, science will have another look at the ancient esoteric arts and see them in a new light.
I have witnessed the application of Hermetic principles in my own life. I have experienced amazing phenomenon from materialization and control of the elements to exploration of the inner planes through astral projection. Many people have witnessed miracles and magic in their own lives. It is not fantasy or the exuberant imagination of storytellers. Hermetics is a spiritual discipline where the laws of the universe are studied and applied to explore the microcosm and the macrocosm towards ultimate Self-realization. Inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was the phrase, "Know Thy Self". This is the heart of the Hermetic quest.
Jill Lowy is author of Yoga and The Art of Astral Projection and her website is: http://www.TheAstralYoga.com
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