Hermeticism is a philosophical and religious tradition that combines ancient ideas about magic, philosophy, and religion. It’s based on the writings attributed to the legendary Hermes Trismegistus, also known as “Thrice Great”.
Key features
Hermeticism incorporates philosophical lessons on the nature of the divine
It also includes practical instructions for magical work
Hermeticism was influential during the Renaissance and Reformation
It was part of a larger humanist project that sought to revive classical traditions
Hermeticism influenced Isaac Newton’s thought
Hermeticism in poetry
Hermeticism is also the name of a form of obscure poetry, where the language and imagery are subjective
The suggestive power of the sound of words is as important as their meaning
In the 1920s and 1930s, Hermetic poetry became an Italian literary movement
Hermeticism in other religions
In Islam, Hermes was sometimes identified with the Qur’anic prophet Idrīs
In this context, Hermes came to be seen as a “prophet of science”
Hermeticism
