Hermeticism facts for kids
Hermeticism is a very old and special way of thinking that combines philosophy (which is about big ideas) and magic. It gets its name from Hermes Trismegistus, who was believed to have written the first books about it. Hermes Trismegistus was seen as a mix of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.
Hermeticism is also connected to astrology (studying how stars and planets might affect us) and alchemy (an old practice that tried to turn metals into gold). These ideas were very popular in Europe during a time called the Renaissance.
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What is Hermeticism?
Hermeticism is a system of beliefs that includes both spiritual ideas and magical practices. It teaches that there are hidden truths about the universe that can be discovered through special knowledge. People who followed Hermeticism often studied ancient texts and symbols to understand these secrets.
Ancient Roots of Hermeticism
The ideas of Hermeticism are said to come from a very wise figure named Hermes Trismegistus. This name means "Thrice-Greatest Hermes." He was thought to be a combination of the Greek god Hermes, who was a messenger and god of knowledge, and the Egyptian god Thoth, who was the god of writing, magic, and wisdom.
For a long time, people believed that the original Hermetic texts were extremely old, even older than the famous Greek thinkers Plato and Pythagoras. This made the texts seem very important and wise.
Hermeticism in the Renaissance
During the Renaissance (a period of great rebirth in art, science, and learning in Europe), Hermetic ideas became very popular. In 1463, a scholar named Marsilio Ficino translated many of these important texts into Latin. These translations were then published in 1471. This made the ancient Hermetic writings available to many more people across Europe.
A New Look at Old Texts
In 1614, a scholar named Isaac Causabon made an important discovery. After carefully studying the language used in the original Hermetic writings, he showed that they were actually written much later than people thought. He found that they were likely created between 200 and 300 AD. This changed how people viewed the history of Hermeticism.
Hermeticism Today
Even after Isaac Causabon's discovery, Hermeticism continued to be an interesting topic for many. It saw a new wave of interest in the 19th century, especially in Western Europe. One of the most well-known groups involved in this revival was the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This group studied and practiced many Hermetic ideas, including magic and spiritual development.
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Images for kids
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The Magician, from the Rider–Waite tarot deck, often thought to display the Hermetic concept of "as above, so below".
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In Spanish: Hermetismo para niños
