The Hermetica

The Hermetica is a collection of ancient texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary figure combining aspects of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. These writings, dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, explore philosophy, spirituality, and mysticism, addressing themes like the nature of the divine, the cosmos, and the human soul. The texts emphasize the pursuit of knowledge, self-discovery, and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds. Hermetic thought has influenced various traditions, including alchemy, astrology, and modern esotericism, promoting the idea that understanding oneself leads to understanding the universe.