J.D. Ponce on Hermes Trismegistus: An Academic Analysis of Corpus Hermeticum E-Book

J.D. Ponce

• Herausgeber: J.D. Ponce
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

This exciting essay focuses on the explanation and analysis of Hermes Trismegistus' Corpus Hermeticum, one the most influential works in history and whose understanding, due to its complexity and depth, escapes comprehension on a first reading.
Whether you have already read Corpus Hermeticum or not, this essay will allow you to immerse yourself in each and every one of its meanings, opening a window to Hermes Trismegistus' Hermetic thought and the true scope of his immortal teachings.

Leseprobe

J.D. PONCE ON

HERMES TRISMEGISTUS

AN ACADEMIC ANALYSIS OF

CORPUS HERMETICUM

© 2024 by J.D. Ponce

INDEX

PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS

Chapter I: Historical Context of the Hellenistic Period

Chapter II: RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES AND SYNCRETISM

Chapter III: PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS

Chapter IV: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WISDOM

Chapter V: INTERSECTIONS WITH GREEK PHILOSOPHY

Chapter VI: Contributions from Early Christian Thought

Chapter VII: IMPACT OF GNOSTIC TRADITIONS

Chapter VIII: Neoplatonic Influences

Chapter IX: THEMES AND PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS

Chapter X: POEMANDRES, THE SHEPHERD OF MEN

Chapter XI: ON THE NATURE OF THE COSMOS

Chapter XII: Transcendence and Divine Wisdom

Chapter XIII: UNITY AND THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT

Chapter XIV: PARADOXES OF DIVINE PRESENCE

Chapter XV: ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF HERMETIC THOUGHT

Chapter XVI: KNOWLEDGE AS A SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE

Chapter XVII: PERMANENCE AND TRANSFORMATION

Chapter XVIII: ON THOUGHT AND SENSE

Chapter XIX: THE KEY

Chapter XX: THE MYSTERIES OF DIVINE INTELLIGENCE

Chapter XXI: UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS

Chapter XXII: THE SECRET SERMON ON THE MOUNTAIN

Chapter XXIII: HERMES' EPISTOLARY WISDOM

Chapter XXIV: GOVERNANCE AND ROYAL GUIDANCE

Chapter XXV: DIVINE AND TEMPORAL POWER

Chapter XXVI: THE ENCOMIUM OF KINGS

Chapter XVII: LATER INFLUENCE OF THE CORPUS HERMETICUM

Chapter XXVIII: HERMES TRISMEGISTUS’ 25 KEY QUOTES

Preliminary Considerations

The legendary figure, Hermes Trismegistus, at the center of the Hermetic tradition is wrapped in the mythological origins and historic references that contribute to his enigmatic face. The name Hermes Trismegistus means ‘Thrice-Greatest Hermes’ which implies a mix of Greek god Hermes and Egyptian god Thoth hence capturing the syncretic character of the tradition associated with him. This blend represents more broadly Hellenistic cultural exchange in its accommodation of various religious, philosophical, and mystical traditions into a coherent system of thought.

Historical references to Hermes Trismegistus can be traced back to the early centuries of the Common Era wherein he is depicted as a wise sage and transmitter of esoteric knowledge. This collection was written between 2nd century BCE - 3rd century CE according to some scholars, indicating a period during which there was cultural exchange and synthesis involving Greek, Egyptian as well as Jewish traditions; this reflects on various influences that shaped intellectual landscape during that time. These texts venerate Hermes Trismegistus as a primary figure in mystical or philosophical thought development.

Also, significant philosophies and theological concepts linked with Hermes Trismegistus many themes such as divine nature, relationship material spiritual worlds and spiritual growth process.

Hermes’ sense of everything as interconnectedness is one of his major contributions that reflect a deep understanding of unity and harmony in the cosmic principle. His teachings involve the essence of life, divinities and human beings to offer meaningful ideas on how matter works with spirituality. In his writings, Hermes forces the readers to contemplate on those basic issues that relate to existence, purpose or truth. Philosophically, he espouses a holistic meta-physical ethics which incorporates mystic elements and can be used to understand the universe as well as humanity’s place in it. Such metaphysical conceptions as his exploration of divine order and nature soul not only underlie Hermes epoch but continue to find resonance in every age for those who seek wisdom.

Also, Hermes theological contributions reveal like patchwork quilt of religious thoughts drawing from many traditions and interweaving these by amalgamation. The “synthesis” that forms his theology is beyond what it is conventional boundaries advocating for universal spirituality based on reverence for Godly things which cannot be spoken about due not speaking out words bound by previous boundaries.

Hermes is a character who expresses reverence for all creatures and highlights the importance of cultivating religious insight as a way of obtaining better understanding and unity with the universe.

The influential teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, along with his rich tapestry of symbolism in writing, have had lasting impacts on subsequent traditions throughout centuries, penetrating various cultural and religious movements. The Renaissance period in Europe was one of these remarkable times when there was renewed interest in ancient texts and ideas about Hermes Trismegistus. For instance, this revitalization resulted in the Hermetic Revival, which rekindled an interest in the Corpus Hermeticum as well as other related works that significantly influenced artistic, literary, philosophical discourse and alchemical endeavors. It wasn’t just scholarly curiosity; it was far-reaching; it created a widespread fascination with esoteric knowledge, spiritual questing and wisdom pursuit. Hermes Trismegistus’ influence transcends into the realms of esoteric and mystical pursuits, particularly within traditions of Western occultism. His teachings were profoundly associated with mysticism and magical practices, serving as a seminal point for various occult philosophies and rituals. Through amalgamation of Hermetic principles, elements from Jewish Kabbalah, Christian mysticism and alchemical traditions, an intricate web of esoteric lore was created to offer enlightenment and internal transformation.

Furthermore, apart from western Esotericism Hermes Trismegistus has also impacted on Islamic and Middle Eastern mysticism. The figure Hermes Trismegistus known as ‘Hirmis’ in the Islamic world became inter-woven with the tradition of Islamic philosophy and mysticism thereby opening up a doorway for cultural exchange through which ideas were swapped thus expanding spiritual horizons. In Sufism too, the teaching supposedly emanating from Hermes Trismegistus found echo that made its own contribution towards the development of mystical thought in Islam’s fold.

Furthermore, while globalization and cultural exchanges widened, Hermetic teaching crossed geographical boundaries and emerged in different intellectual and spiritual soil. In contemporary times, Hermes Trismegistus’ impact can be felt in the New Age movement that brings together metaphysical ideas, holistic medical procedures and religious practices based on Hermetic tradition. This recent version thus demonstrates the significance of Hermes Trismegistus’s wisdom and its ability to motivate seekers as they seek self-knowledge or transcendence.

Chapter I

Historical Context of the Hellenistic Period

Formation and Expansion of the Hellenistic World:

The Hellenistic phenomenon is a direct consequence of the triumphs of Alexander the Great, who ruled from Greece, to Persia and Egypt. This era initiated a change of culture, because Greek civilization began to all parts of Alexander's domains. Subsequently, Greek culture set in and blended with local customs, facilitating the transmission of the Greek language, art, philosophy, and other features to societies that fell dominantly under its control.

After Alexander the Great died, his enormous empire was partitioned among his generals, resulting in the Ptolemaic and the Seleucid dynasties in Egypt and Asia, respectively. Particularly, Ptolemy I, who dominated Egypt, also became the founder of a dynasty that lasted many centuries. In contrast, Seleucus I founded a great empire which extended over most of Asia. The powerful rule which these great leaders consolidated within the politics of these regions also had directly proportional influence on the culture and education of the society.

In addition, the Hellenistic period is characterized by an apparent and unprecedented explosion of human activity, especially in philosophy, science and the arts. Scholars and thinkers from different parts of the world came to the major cities like Alexandria and Athens which enabled both the collabo-ration and dissemination of ideas at a global scale. Influential philosophers of the time, Zeno of Citium and Epicurus are known to have dominated preexisting streams of thoughts and established schools during this period, thus contributing to the intellectual wealth of the Hellenistic world. Besides, the Ptolemaic and Seleucid sovereigns strongly encouraged the advancement of scientific and artistic activity which led to the remarkable progress in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and the visual arts.

Such is the impact of the unification and formation of the Hellenistic world and its’ constituents that it is unequivocally the most progressive shift of events in history after the legacy of Alexander the Great. It serves as the focal point in the timeline at which Western civilization arose and paved the behavior and ethos of future historical eras that would follow.

Significant Political Figures and Their Effects:

During the Hellenistic age, various political leaders came into being and exercised considerable authority over the regions constituting the Hellenistic world. These leaders influenced the geopolitical power relations, as well as contributed to the cultural and intellectual evolution of the period. One of the most notable people is Alexander the Great’s whose conquests gave birth to the wide spread of Greek culture and ideologies throughout the Mediterranean and the Near East. His legacy was deeply felt during the Hellenistic period and affected the later dynasties and power relations. Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander’s trusted generals, founded the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, which instituted a new era of cultural achievements and fostering of learning and the arts. The Seleucid Empire, founded by Seleucus I Nicator, became an important power in the eastern parts of the empire and controlled trade routes which interchanged civilization’s ideas. On top of that, Antiochus III’s imperial expansion and military campaigns furthered the empire’s control. In Asia Minor, Attalus I of Pergamon actively advanced the Greek culture and learning, thus impelling the intellectual progress.

Political alliances and rivalry among key players not only defined the division of power in the Hellenistic world, but also provided the context for intercultural relations and trades. Moreover, Cleopatra VII of Egypt and powerful women who controlled complex diplomatic and political marriages to defend their territories forever changed the political mosaic. Creative and intellectual activities were further stimulated through the support of the arts and scholarship by the powerful rulers like the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Attalids in Pergamon, which enriched the literature and philosophy during the time. In sum, the legacy of the Hellenistic world came from the activities of these major political figures, which indeed shaped for the better the forthcoming centuries.

Intellectual and Cultural Evolution:

Similar to the previous periods, the Hellenistic period is marked by significant advances in cultural and intellectual life, especially in the development of arts and literature, philosophy, and sciences. The combination of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and other cultures gave birth to a new era of unrivaled innovation and creativity. Let us take a look at some of the most important developments: the interrelation of various cultures and traditions, art and literature, philosophy, and science.

Among the characteristics of the Hellenistic period, a particular feature that stands to be remembered is the encyclopedic dissemination of knowledge through the establishment of new institutions like Library of Alexandria. When established, this learning center became the place for all scholars and philosophers from the ancient world, encouraging the spirit of innovation and curiosity. The promotion of different cultures, the translation of different texts to a number of languages, and increase in the scope of different cultures led to a constructive synthesis of intellectually diverse cultures resulting in new innovations in technology, medicine, philosophy, and astrology, to name a few.

In addition, the Hellenistic period also gave rise to the very famous philosophical schools, Stoicism, Epicureanism and Skepticism, which all have their different interpretations on existence, ethics, and knowledge.

Such philosophical movements not only influenced the minds of people across the globe but also integrated themselves into future western civilization. Apart from this, the evolution of culture during this time is illustrated by the rise in the followers of mystery cults that provided the worshippers with personal, non-state religion focused practices and rituals. The blending of beliefs and activities at this time indicates the merging and exchange of cultures and values from different civilizations.

In the context of art and literature, the most noticeable change of the Hellenistic period was a relaxing of the classical styles of ancient Greece towards a more expressive and detailed approach. Emphasis shifted in sculpture and painting to the actual life of the people, focusing on feelings, variety, and realism. This change in art was characteristic of the cultural and cosmopolitan diversity of the Hellenistic world which reinforced the unification of different societies through art. The impact of Hellenistic civilization was profound in succeeding time and shaped the future intellectual and cultural heritage of the modern world.

Chapter II

Religious Influences and Syncretism

Pagan Traditions and Belief Systems:

Traditions and belief systems within pagan societies are rooted in the customs, myths, and religious practices of the preceding generations. During the Hellenistic period, the Mediterranean part of the world was rich in indigenous pagan traditions. Various forms of paganism encompassed religious practices such as worshipping different nature, ancestral, and spirit deities, along with the observance of sacred rituals and festivals. Each area in the Hellenistic world possessed its own distinctive pantheon of gods often possessing overlapping domains. The worship of these deities was prevalent in day-to-day life and had an impact on all most all aspects including political, religious, and social. Many pagan belief systems were based on the traditional admiration of nature and the interconnectedness of natural elements alongside the divine. Rituals were performed to honor, and appease the deities, inspiring them to provide protection to the people actively partaking in the ritual. Some of these traditions also incorporated aspects of animism where objects from the natural world were assigned a form of spiritual meaning. In addition, the blend of oracular practices and mystery cults enhanced the diversity of systems of pagan beliefs.

Those traditions are also referred to as pagan because of their varied and sometimes fluid nature. Their fusion also led to the integration of Egyptian and Greek deities which supported and further contributed to the already sophisticated religious environment in which the formation of the Hermetic tradition occurred.

The merger of Egyptian and Greek deities in the Corpus Hermeticum is one of the forefronts influences of religion and syncretism in that the Westernized ancient texts didn't receive. The connection between the Greek god Hermes embodying communication, boundaries, and transitions and the Egyptian god Thoth, who was revered as the deity of wisdom, writing, and magic, was combined. This joins them and shows the significant blend of Greek and Egyptian religious traditions claiming the new figure of Hermes Trismegistus.

These deities illustrate the cultural and religious assimilation of people during the Hellenistic period. As Egyptians came across the Greeks and their civilization, the need to fuse the existing Greek gods with Egyptian ones arose, leading to the blend of myths and religion. The blend of religious practices gave rise to the existing deities alongside each other, accompanied by fluidity of belief systems, exemplifying the ancient world.

In addition, the incorporation of Egyptian and Greek gods in the Corpus Hermeticum shows the syncretism of different religions. This specific instance of syncretization enabled the amalgamation and diffusion of religious phenomena, beliefs, practices, and symbols that gave rise to blended religious doctrines and customs. The blending of Egyptian and Greek religious practices not only enriched the spiritual environment at that time but also opened new horizons for philosophy and mysticism in the context of the Hermetic corpus.

The merged form of Hermes Trismegistus possesses traits from Greek and Egyptian mythology and serves to demonstrates the flexibility of religious belief systems in the ancient world. By the blending of divine traits from different civilizations, Hermes Trismegistus became a striking icon of counterpoise and integration of many religions. The merge Egyptian and Greek deities illustrates how much religious syncretism affected the development of the Hermetic tradition and the great impact different religions had in each other.

The Development of Hermetic Syncretism:

The culmination of this syncretic novel trend is embodied in “The Corpus Hermeticum” purportedly authored by the mythical Hermes Trismegistus. The “Corpus” blends Egyptian religion, Greek philosophy, and other esoteric elements into a coherent framework of spiritual worldview. When viewing spiritual syncretism through the lens of Hermeticism, it is understood that people tried to amalgamate contradictory systems of different cultures to construct a more holistic picture of the cosmos and mankind’s role in it. One of the principal characteristics of Hermetic syncretism is that it is integrative because it encompasses many religions and their deities. In doing so, followers of Hermeticism sought to go beyond the confines of conventional religion and develop an integrated system of spirituality. They worked through a syncretic approach to reconcile different mythologies and religious teachings with the hope of achieving a wisdom that surpasses ethnicity and locality. With the aid of Hermetic syncretism, there came into being innumerable religious symbols and teachings disguised allegorically, which were based on the Egyptian and Greek images and iconography. This combination of visual art and literature aided in fashioning the particular Hermetic cosmology which sought to explain the relationship between the heavens and the earth and enable fusion of the two domains.

Furthermore, the concept of divine outpouring and the function of mediating supernatural agents evolved into key features of hermetic syncretism, contributing further to the complex character of its spiritual paradigm.

Chapter III

Philosophical Underpinnings

Bases of Hermetic Philosophy:

In studying The Corpus Hermeticum, which is one of the central texts of Hermetic philosophy, one must understand the intricate link between humanity, the universe, and God. It features a cosmology of the world as a well-ordered system that is a product of intelligence and wisdom. A man is depicted as a microcosm of the macrocosm capable of fitting itself into the cosmic harmony and contributing to the world’s creation. In addition, the ethical teachings and moral principles that are writ-ten in the Hermetic texts aim to assist individuals to lead a noble and purposeful life. The Corpus Hermeticum teaches the importance of seeking knowledge, achieving balance and harmony within oneself, and understanding how everything is fundamentally connected. It emphasizes the need to show kindness, humbleness, and worship towards God as a path to attaining spiritual enlightenment and set guidance for moral principles. In studying the fundamentals of Hermetic philosophy, we seek to find answers to the types of reality that exist, the reasons behind man’s being, and the governing laws of the world.

Cosmology and Metaphysics in the Corpus Hermeticum:

The foundation of Hermetic cosmology stems from the belief of the unity and interdependence of all things existing within the cosmos. This interdependence is captured in the Hermetic maxim of ‘as above, so below’ which refers to the relationship between the macrocosm (the universe) and microcosm (the individual). This implies that the features and patterns found in the heavens are found on Earth and inside the human mind.

The Corpus Hermeticum also elaborates the concept of a hierarchical ordering of creation, in which different levels of being are each controlled by divine principles and intelligences. This divine order of the universe appears in the interaction of the forces of nature and the levels of spirit, which gives rise to the balanced operation of the universe.

In addition, the Hermetic conception of metaphysics includes the essence of existence, as well as the relation of material and immaterial reality. In this case, the Corpus Hermeticum holds on the idea of dualism, where the corporeal world is blended with a spiritual one.

This mesh is expressed through the key idea of the ‘Great Chain of Being’ which portrays the hierarchy of existence from the most materialistic forms to the most spiritualistic forms, and finally to the godly being. “In addition, the Corpus Hermeticum focuses on the metaphysic elements of creation, suggesting the existence of a divine creative power or Demiurge that gives order and meaning to the cosmos. This Demiurge is the organizing intelligence who designs the material world in accordance with the archetypes of higher realms. Also, Hermetic metaphysics investigates the nature of the soul and its deification through the spiritual realization and union with the God. It explains how the soul undergoes a metamorphosis by passing through various cosmic sphers in pursuit of knowledge and divine being.”

Ethics and Moral Principles:

“Wisdom” assuming the position of a virtue in action, intention and thought contains a concept of spiritual and ethical perfection wherein an individual realizes divine will and operates in harmony with cosmos. Teachings of Hermetics focus on nurturing wisdom, compassion, and integrity as the virtue of thoughts, intentions, and actions. Acknowledgement of the unity of all existence and the duty to safeguard universal peace is the cornerstone of ethics. This harmony of existence is the foundation of the ethic principle of reciprocity where every action and intention affect the structure of existence in profound ways.

The inter-human duality inscribed into the nature of a human being is examined by the Corpus Hermeticum detailing the never-ending conflict of the higher self, which is divine, and the lower self, which is material. This division inspires the ethical obligation of raising human awareness beyond the demands of the body towards achieving enlightenment. Man is encouraged to achieve theosis, namely the transformation of the body with divine archetype, through the basic introspection self-discipline along with cultivation of inner virtues. Further, the ethical guidelines of the Corpus Hermeticum advocate knowledge, understanding, and self-control as vital elements of the process of spiritual growth and moral correction.

Dealing with human relationships, Hermetic empathy gives explanation to compassion and goodwill while engaging with another person. The teachings emphasize the golden rule of a person wishing how to be treated, corresponds with the universal law of harmony and justice. Benevolence and compassion go beyond the human society to all forms of live and nature. Moreover, the Hermetic tradition encourages practices of moderation and self-restraint, appreciating the im-portance of balance in everything.

Chapter IV

Ancient Egyptian Wisdom

Origins of Hermetic Thought in Egyptian Lore

The Egyptians' close relationship with nature, their worship of life and death, as well as their wide array of gods contributed heavily towards the formational years of Hermitic thought. First, the Egyptian concept of Maat, which encompasses truth, order, and harmony, strongly resembles the Hermitic principle of correspondence, which states that structures and patterns of a system are repeated in every existence. This striking similarity forms the base gap between the two traditions which is profoundly deep.

Besides this, the importance placed on life after death, as well as the soul traveling through different worlds, can also be found in teachings of Hermetism pertaining to spiritual growth and acquiring knowledge. This merging of Egyptian gods and mythology into the Hermitic teachings serves as primary evidence to validate the intertwining of both systems. As an example, the Egyptian god of wisdom, magic, Thoth, was later identified as Hermes Trismegistus, a clear mark of the unification of Egyptian and Greek thought. Such stories are also there about Osiris, Isis, and their son Horus. They play an important part in Hermetic literature as symbols of great mysteries and concepts that explain remarkable things.

In addition to these ideas, the Ankh, a symbol of life for the Egyptians, is also a strong representation of the most important Hermetic principles of life, signifying the never-ending pursuit of renewal and enlightenment.

Reflecting on the transfer of Egyptian priests’ knowledge to later Hermetic writers, it becomes clear that ancient Egyptian wisdom is at the heart of Hermetic philosophy. New forms of mystic practices, magic, and other Egyptian religious traditions were added to the Hermetic framework, enriching its mystical and otherworldly aspects.

Merging of Egyptian Deities and Myths:

The incorporation of Egyptian religious ideas, art, and cosmology in the Hermetic texts leads one to appreciate the legacy of ancient Egypt. The integration of Egyptian and Greek cultures in the Hermetic tradition is apparent from the worship of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, and magic, who transforms into Hermes Trismegistus, the Egyptian magician credited as the author of the Hermes And the creation of the Egyptian corpus.

Also, the Hermetic texts frequently make reference to Egyptian religious literature through their myths, drawing similarities between the godly characters and their positions in the universe. This combination of Egyptian and Greek myths seems to suggest the existence of a blended cultures approach whereby the myths and gods of two different cultures are integrated to express higher fundamental ideas. Addressing Egyptian myths within these texts illustrates the respect and admiration for ancient wisdom and spiritual truths guarded within the mythological legends of Egypt.

Moreover, the incorporation of Egyptian culture within Hermeticism comes with the analysis of the convergences and divergences of Egyptian and Greek religious paradigms. The involvement of the Hermetic tradition with Egyptian cosmogony, ritual symbolism, and practices adds to the already existing philosophy and mysticism in the Hermetic texts, providing the profound understanding of divine reality and the purpose of human existence beyond spiritual emancipation.

When studying the merging of Egyptian gods and mythology, this integration’s effect on later esoteric and religious movements needs to be assessed. The blending of Egyptian knowledge into the Hermetic tradition produced an inheritance that was felt throughout different philosophical and occult traditions. This impacted the rise of alchemy, astrology, and other metaphysics. Interest in and use of Egyptian symbols and myths within esoteric traditions stems from the primary fusion of the symbols in the Hermetic corpus, illustrating the distinctive impact of Egyptian culture on Western civilization.

Egyptian Priestly Knowledge Transference:

In ancient Egypt, the priesthood was in charge of preserving and transferring all spiritual and mystical teachings, which included a variety of subjects such as cosmology, metaphysics, magic, and spiritual magic rituals. Through the power of magic and religion, the Egyptian priests were educated and custodians of ancient traditional mysteries guarded to help comprehend the cosmic divinity. Therefore, through a priestly society’s structure, they were faithful to safeguard and elucidate the society’s secrets. The movement of this type of knowledge to the Hermetic tradition took place through multiple ways, like the one that came into being with the Greek scholars and the Egyptian priests during the Hellenistic period. The interaction incorporated imagery of the afterlife and rituals of transformation into the evolving Hermetic tradition. Egyptian mystical transformation teachings, like the life after death symbolism, were integrated into the Hermetic traditions. The primary sources of Egyptian priestly knowledge, especially in the Corpus Hermeticum, Astral projection, spiritual advancement, cosmology, and phenomena of Man and the universe, all point to the osmosis of Egyptian priestly cultures’ golden traditions.

Moreover, reverence for Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of magic, wisdom, and writing, within the Hermetic tradition shows the influence of Egyptian priestly teachings on Hermeticism. Attributes of Thoth such as the ibis head and the caduceus have symbolic meaning that is incorporated into Hermetic symbolism, above hinting at the preservation of Egyptian wisdom within the Hermetic tradition. The transfer of Egyptian priestly knowledge is further demonstrated in the mystic practices and theosophical teachings present in the literature of Hermetism, which mark the integration of Egyptian religion into the philosophic traditions of Hermeticism. Also, theistic elaboration as the divinely enabled creation of the world and divine powers were accepted as the employment of magic and ritual for the purpose of calling out a deity and uniting with divine beings came into being in the spheres of the Egyptian priesthood.

Chapter V

Intersections with Greek Philosophy

The pre-Socratic philosophers, regarded for their initial investigations into the constituents and functioning of the universe, set the stage for the philosophical discussion in Ancient Greece. Their thoughts, which deeply involve at least elements of rational and systematic reasoning, were important towards the emergence of the intelligence which would intersect with and shape Hermeticism. One focal point of such intersection is cosmology and meta-physics so much, that the interest the pre-Socratic philosophers showed to these disciplines on one side and Hermeticism on the other. The ideas of Thales and Anaximander regarding the concept of an underlying unity or primal source were in stark contrast to Hermeticism, which regarded a universal principle as the source of everything, while everything was interrelated. Besides, the teachings of Heraclitus and Parmenides about uncovering the truths contributed largely to the smoke of wisdom and the hope for overwhelming spiritual enlightenment and inner wisdom of the Hermetic people. Of great importance, also, was the deep thinking of the pre-Socratic philosophers like Empedocles and Anaxagoras about the relationship between the material world and the immaterial world, which together with the emphasis of the Hermeticists on the microcosm-macrocosm decided divine order of the cosmos served as a unifying them.