The Hermetic Dialogues

Academic and esoteric perspectives on ancient Hermetism

Under the auspices of the Hermopolis Academy, we are pleased to announce our forthcoming series of free talks, The Hermetic Dialogues, which bring together academic and esoteric perspectives on ancient Hermetism. These dialogues will take place via three panel discussions live on Zoom. Our confirmed speakers include Wouter Hanegraaff, Aaron Cheak, Shannon Grimes, Ike Baker, and David Fideler.

The purpose of these dialogues is to explore some broad themes underpinning our forthcoming curriculum—Foundations and Flowerings of Hermetic Tradition—to be inaugurated in 2027. In this spirit, the first dialogue focuses on the question of Hermetism as a historical and esoteric “tradition”, the second focuses on the original nature and purpose of the academy itself, while the third focuses on the full scope of the ancient Hermetica as a philosophical and technical corpus.

To register for the Hermetic Dialogues, simply sign up to our Newsletter and we will be in touch. 

Calendar
The Hermetic Dialogues, Part II
Oct 3
The Hermetic Dialogues, Part II

THE NATURE OF THE ACADEMY

A conversation with Wouter Hanegraaff, Aaron Cheak, David Fildeler, and Shannon Grimes.

What is the original nature of the academy and how do ancient centres of learning—from the Egyptian House of Life to the Platonic academies of Athens and Florence—illuminate our perception of what higher education is really about? How does the disenchantment and re-enchantment of the academy influence what we accept as real or worthy of study? As increasing specialisation divests us from deep polymathesis, how can we restore a holistic view of reality that retains academic integrity?

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The Hermetic Dialogues, Part III
Nov 14
The Hermetic Dialogues, Part III

WORLDVIEW AND PURVIEW OF THE HERMETICA

A conversation with Aaron Cheak, Shannon Grimes, and Ike Baker.

Late antique Hermetism presents a corpus of philosophical writings with a distinct emphasis on gnosis and spiritual rebirth. Scholars have tended to distinguish and separate these writings from the so-called “technical” Hermetica—the magical, theurgical, astrological, and alchemical texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. Scholars are increasingly aware that this is an arbitrary division and that a need exists to reintegrate the “philosophical” and “technical” Hermetica. What, then, does the worldview and purview of the Hermetica start to look like when we bring these pieces back together?

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