The Light of Hermes Trismegistus: New Translations of Seven Essential Hermetic Texts

Seven essential Hermetic texts are presented in a new book, translated from their original Greek or Latin and accompanied by interpretive commentary. The book explores the historical, poetic, hermeneutic, and magical connections between the texts and reveals their hidden insights, offering directions for practice. The author highlights Hermes as the principle of Mind and shows how these texts are central to a Western tradition of spiritual awakening and creativity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company

A remarkable collection of seven essential texts, previously unpublished together, forms the heart of this extraordinary presentation. These texts, central to the Hermetic Tradition, have been meticulously translated from their original Greek or Latin sources, ensuring their accessibility to a broader audience. Each text is accompanied by comprehensive interpretive commentary, skillfully woven together to create a historical, poetic, hermeneutic, and magical tapestry.

Hermes Trismegistus, revered as a link between the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth, is credited with an extensive body of mystical and philosophical writings, believed to be of immense antiquity. During the Renaissance, the Corpus Hermeticum, a compilation of these writings, ignited the minds of philosophers, alchemists, artists, poets, and theologians alike, inspiring profound insights and artistic creations.

In his book, Charles Stein presents these seven essential Hermetic texts in fresh translations, accompanied by insightful introductions and interpretive commentary. Through his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Stein unveils the hidden treasures of these texts, offering practical guidance for practitioners and illuminating their profound relevance in the modern world.

The collection includes renowned works such as Hesiod's Theogony, the Homeric Hymn to Hermes, the "Poem of Parmenides," the Poimandres from the Corpus Hermeticum, the Chaldean Oracles, "The Vision of Isis" from Apuleiuss Metamorphoses, and "On Divine Virtue" by Zosimos of Panopolis. Stein's introductions and commentaries provide a comprehensive framework for understanding these texts, revealing their interconnected spirit and their potential to shape the future of Hermeticism.

By delving into the depths of these texts, Stein reveals Hermes as the very principle of Mind, encompassing all its possibilities, from intellectual brilliance to profound mystical experiences. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Hermetic wisdom and its enduring influence on human thought and culture.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644114612