The Book of Hermetica: The Three Essential Texts: The Corpus Hermeticum, The Emerald Tablet, The Kybalion
About this ebook
Corpus Hermeticum and The Emerald Tablet are both attributed to Hermes Trismegistus and were written between 100-300 BCE. These works form the foundation of hermetic wisdom, expounding on philosophy, religion, magic, and alchemy. The Kybalion was written much later, in the 20th century, and explores the seven basic hermetic principles. Faithfully reproduced in The Book of Hermetica, these esoteric writings have inspired great minds throughout the ages—everyone from Newton and Milton to Leonardo da Vinci and Jung—and modern readers will find their pages equally fascinating.
The Book of Hermetica is the perfect introduction to the mysteries of hermeticism and essential reading for anyone interested in understanding western mystical thought through the ages.
About the author
Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary figure associated with the Greek god Hermes and Egyptian god Toth. The two gods were understood to be one and the same; the figure of Hermes Trismegistus arose from this syncretism, and can also be found in Islamic writings. Writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus form the basis of hermeticism which became popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when it was associated with astrology, magic, alchemy, and philosophy.
The identity of the Three Initiates has been the subject of much secrecy and rumor since The Kybalion first appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is now believed that William Walker Atkinson was one of or perhaps the sole author of the book. Born in 1862, Atkinson was a pioneer of the New Thought movement who wrote an estimated 100 books during his lifetime.
