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Hermetic Paganism: A Tradition for Eclectics?

For those who lean more toward ceremonial magick, the Hermetic tradition may be part and parcel of their training. Pagans, however, may not realize Hermeticism is an interesting blend not only of the magick of Greece, Egypt, and other ancient Middle Eastern cultures, but also of their faith and philosophy, making it a viable Pagan religious tradition.

Hermeticism is definitely eclectic in its composition, which may appeal to more eclectic Pagans in the modern age. Originating in Alexandria, Egypt, as the fruits of the cultures which gathered there and slowly synthesized their viewpoints, beliefs and practices, the tradition influenced later ventures by John Dee, the various alchemists, and even scientists, as well as the Golden Dawn and other occult schools of thought. Some say even psychologist C.J. Jung had studied Hermetic texts and integrated them into his views about the workings of the human mind.

While many books on Hermeticism deal with the ancient history of the cultures which combined to create it, such studies make it possible to really see where the roots of Paganism originated. For instance, Hermes Trismegistus was the Greek figure after whom this tradition is named, but he is equated with the Egyptian God Thoth, and the Roman Mercury. As Egypt was successively conquered by Alexander the Great, then Rome, and later the Muslims, bits and pieces of these cultures beliefs made their way into Hermetic ideas.

It's rather interesting, to look at it.

Even the Gnostics had their hey-day in Egypt, and that influence is visible in how Hermetics view the world. The Gnostics see the world as created by an evil deity, with the only good coming from the transcendent God. Yet, other factors outlined in the Corpus Hermeticum indicate that deity is both immanent (being in all) and transcendent, and that personal transformation and understanding of these concepts is what leads to growth in faith and deed.

Some key ideals in Hermeticism are that it:

• Considers humanity to be on a spiritual journey to return to a state of unity with the Divine; this is the Great Work of humankind.
• Holds that if we would attain to the Divine, we must aspire to the Divine; spiritual growth cannot be achieved without human effort.
• Is eclectic and draws material from sources spanning the entire Western Esoteric Tradition.
• Is polytheistic, yet ultimately monotheisitic (i.e., posits a multiplicity of Manifestations of the Divine Which emanate from an ultimate Divine Unity).
• Holds that the Divine is both immanent and transcendent.
• Holds that the Universe is Divine and basically good.
• Teaches that when we seek the Divine, we may best begin with the Mysteries of Nature.
• Encourages spiritual curiosity.
• Understands that human beings can access the Subtle Realms through technique and aspiration; to this end, it embraces theurgy, meditation, ritual, and other spiritual and magical practices.
• Urges those who seek the Divine to also seek balance in embracing all things.
• Is a poetic rather than an ascetic worldview.

As it can be seen, Hermeticism is not merely a magickal tradition, concentrating on practices to achieve given results. It is an integration of faith and practice - much as is Wicca, Druidry or other Pagan traditions.

It might be a tradition for those who are uncomfortable with other, better known traditions to explore.

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