Hermesianism

/hərˈmeɪʒənɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A philosophical and spiritual tradition based on the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, emphasizing divine wisdom, alchemy, and mystical knowledge.

Etymology

From Hermes, the Greek god associated with wisdom and writing, combined with the suffix -ianism. The tradition claims descent from ancient Egyptian-Greek syncretism, though most texts were likely written in the 2nd-3rd centuries CE.

Kelly Says

Hermeticism influenced everything from Renaissance alchemy to modern ceremonial magic, yet most people don't realize that Sigil magic, tarot readings, and even some chemistry concepts trace back to Hermetic philosophy—it's essentially the grandmother of Western esotericism.

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