“O, let not the flame die out! Cherished age after age in its dark cavern — in its holy temples cherished. Fed by pure ministers of love let not the flame die out!”
Hermes Trismegistus
INITIATION INTO THE MYSTERIES
Hermes Trismegistus was considered to be a master of both spiritual and practical knowledge, and his teachings were said to have been influential in the development of Western esotericism. He is associated with a number of philosophical and spiritual works that were written in antiquity, including the Hermetica and the Corpus Hermeticum. The figure of Hermes Trismegistus has continued to be influential in esoteric circles, and his teachings are still studied by some today.
Western esotericism is a term used to describe a broad range of occult traditions that have emerged in Western culture since ancient times. It encompasses a variety of religious and philosophical systems that are often characterized by a focus on individual spiritual experience, the use of symbolism and ritual, and an emphasis on hidden or esoteric knowledge. It has been influential in the development of many fields, including art, literature, science, and psychology.
THE GREAT WORK
The Western Esoteric tradition has its roots in ancient Greece and Egypt, where a number of philosophical and religious movements emerged that were concerned with the attainment of mystical knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. These traditions were later adapted and expanded upon by various European and Middle Eastern cultures, and over time they evolved into a diverse set of practices and beliefs that include alchemy, astrology, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, and Theosophy, among others. It continues to be a subject of study and fascination for many people today, and its ideas and practices are still adapted in various forms by individuals and groups around the world.
The Kybalion is a widely influential New Age book originally published in 1908 by the Three Initiates that conveys the philosophy and teachings of Hermes Trismegistus through seven principles.