A History of the Soul — The Astrology of Hermeticism
Introduction
In our plain language translation and commentary of the first treatise of the Corpus Hermeticum, “The Discourse of Poimandres to Hermes Trismegistus”, we touched on the topic of astrology.
As our plain language translations of the treatise of the Corpus Hermeticum are completed, we will add new lists below to direct your attention to them:
In this article, we explore this in greater depth, touching upon:
- The descent of the soul
- Macrocosm and microcosm/As above, so below
- The Planets
- The signs of the Zodiac
- Alchemy
- Psychology
- Spiritual growth and transformation
- A comparison with religions and philosophical frameworks
The descent of the soul
The consequences of the descent of the soul, in its journey from the divine in God, above and then through the universe, naturally lead to the astrology of Hermeticism.
In this way, the soul can be seen to consist of “layers” of the universe as it “falls” into man’s body.
Astrology holds a significant place in Hermetic thought, but it is essential to understand that Hermetic astrology is not identical to what most people think of as modern Western astrology. Instead, it is deeply embedded within a cosmological and spiritual framework.
Macrocosm and Microcosm
Central to Hermetic teachings is the idea of “As above, so below.” This axiom implies that the workings of the cosmos (macrocosm) are mirrored within the individual (microcosm).
Astrology, in this context, becomes a way to understand how cosmic patterns and cycles influence the patterns and cycles within individuals and the earthly realm.
Planetary Spheres
Hermetic cosmology often speaks of a series of concentric spheres surrounding the Earth, with each sphere associated with a planet. These are not just astronomical bodies but spiritual realms.
As the soul descends into incarnation, it passes through these spheres, gaining certain qualities and characteristics from each. The order and nature of these spheres differ depending on the specific Hermetic source.
Still, they often align with the traditional Ptolemaic order: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon.
Zodiac and Fate
The twelve zodiac signs also play a role in Hermetic astrology, representing specific forces or archetypes. In some Hermetic texts, the zodiac is associated with the concept of Fate. As souls pass through the zodiacal belt before birth, they are imprinted with certain destinies or fates, which they then enact in the earthly realm.
Astrology as a Spiritual Tool
While modern Western astrology often focuses on predicting events or understanding personality traits, Hermetic astrology tends to be more spiritual and philosophical. It is concerned with understanding the soul’s journey, its descent into the material realm and its potential ascent back to the divine source.
Alchemy and Astrology
Hermeticism closely ties astrology with alchemy. Just as alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold, they also sought to understand and harness the alchemical processes within their souls.
The planets, their metals, and their associated deities or spirits play essential roles in this process. For example, the Sun is associated with gold and the idea of spiritual illumination, the Moon with silver, while Venus is linked with copper and concepts of love and attraction.
While Hermeticism does incorporate astrological concepts, it does so within a broader philosophical and spiritual context. The constellations, planets, and zodiac are not just physical or symbolic entities but are deeply intertwined with the soul’s spiritual journey.
The Planetary Spheres
In Hermeticism, the planetary spheres represent not only celestial bodies but also spiritual realms and influences.
They are key components of the Hermetic worldview, which sees the cosmos as a series of concentric circles or spheres, each with its unique qualities, energies, and lessons for the soul.
As the soul descends into physical incarnation, it passes through these spheres and gains characteristics from each. This journey is both a process of ensoulment during the descent and a potential path of spiritual ascent or enlightenment.
Here’s a summarised look at the planetary spheres in Hermeticism:
Saturn
Role in Hermeticism
As the outermost sphere (in traditional Ptolemaic cosmology), Saturn is associated with time, limitation, structure, and death.
Qualities
Discipline, restriction, wisdom from experience, and endurance.
Spiritual Significance
On the soul’s descent, Saturn bestows the understanding of mortality and the transient nature of physical life. On the ascent, it represents overcoming earthly limitations and transcending the bounds of time.
Jupiter
Role in Hermeticism
Jupiter is the sphere of expansion, growth, and abundance.
Qualities
Generosity, justice, authority, and benevolence.
Spiritual Significance
Jupiter teaches the soul about divine law, ethical behaviour, and blessings from right action and benevolence.
Mars
Role in Hermeticism
Mars represents action, drive, and conflict.
Qualities
Courage, willpower, aggression, and assertiveness.
Spiritual Significance
Mars imparts the soul with the energy to act and face challenges. It is also a sphere where the soul learns about conflict and its resolution.
Sun
Role in Hermeticism
The Sun is the sphere of illumination, vitality, and the true Self or spiritual essence.
Qualities
Life force, clarity, and spiritual illumination.
Spiritual Significance
The Sun enlightens the soul, reminding it of its divine origin and purpose. It represents spiritual awakening.
Venus
Role in Hermeticism
Venus is the realm of love, beauty, and harmony.
Qualities
Attraction, sensuality, artistic expression, and connection.
Spiritual Significance
Venus teaches the soul about earthly and divine love, the beauty in creation, and the importance of harmony in relationships.
Mercury
Role in Hermeticism
Mercury is the sphere of communication, intellect, and connection between the higher and lower realms.
Qualities
Thought, communication, adaptability, and mediation.
Spiritual Significance
Mercury aids the soul in understanding and communicating higher truths and bridges the divine and the mundane.
Moon
Role in Hermeticism
The Moon represents the world of flux, change, and the subconscious.
Qualities
Intuition, receptivity, emotion, and reflection.
Spiritual Significance
The Moon’s sphere governs the cyclical nature of life and the mysteries of the subconscious. It teaches the soul about the ever-changing nature of the material world.
In the Hermetic journey, the soul’s descent through these spheres is a process of gaining the qualities and experiences necessary for earthly life. The potential ascent, often pursued through spiritual practices, transcends these influences, achieves enlightenment, and returns to the source. Each sphere, with its lessons and qualities, offers unique insights and challenges for the soul’s journey.
The Stars and Zodiac
The Hermetic worldview encompasses a holistic vision of the cosmos and integrates various elements from Platonic, Aristotelian, Stoic, and other Hellenistic traditions with older Egyptian religious and esoteric concepts.
The stars and the zodiac have always held significance in these traditions, and Hermeticism, in particular, sees them as keys to understanding both the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual).
Macrocosm and Microcosm
The principle “As above, so below; as below, so above.” is an axiom that encapsulates the belief that the universe (macrocosm) and the individual (microcosm) reflect and influence one another.
In this context, the stars and zodiac signs are seen as both influencing individuals' fate and symbolic representations of universal principles.
Zodiac and the Soul’s Journey
Hermeticism speaks of the soul’s descent into the material realm and also its eventual ascent back to the divine source. During this descent, the soul is believed to pass through the zodiac signs as well as the planetary spheres, acquiring certain characteristics or influences from each.
This journey through the zodiac and planets echoes the idea of the soul gaining experience and attributes necessary for its earthly existence.
Zodiac Signs and Alchemy
Alchemy also uses the zodiac signs as symbols for various processes and substances. For example, the sign of Leo, ruled by the Sun, might be associated with gold in alchemical texts.
Living beings with consciousnesses
Hermeticism sees the stars and planets as living beings or consciousnesses, not just inert masses. They influence the destiny of individuals and nations, and understanding their movements and alignments can provide insights into the unfolding of life’s events.
This perspective aligns with astrological traditions, where the positions of stars and planets at one’s birth can offer insights into one’s personality, challenges, and potential.
Spiritual Initiation and the Zodiac
Some Hermetic traditions and related esoteric schools of thought (like certain branches of Gnosticism) incorporate the zodiac into their initiation rituals and teachings. Initiates might progress through stages or mysteries associated with each zodiac sign, symbolising their spiritual evolution and understanding.
Cosmology
In the broader cosmology of some Hermetic texts, the fixed stars (often associated with the zodiac) are distinguished from the wandering stars or planets.
The realm of the fixed stars represents the higher, immutable realities, while the planets and their cycles represent the sub-lunar realm of change and generation.
The Zodiac as a Cycle of Creation
In their sequence, the zodiac signs can also be seen as representing the story of creation, fall, and redemption — a narrative arc found in many religious and esoteric traditions. From the emergence in Aries to the culmination in Pisces, the zodiac can be read as a spiritual journey or evolutionary process.
They also have a practical utility, representing the year of labour. As the Sun passes through each zodiac sign, it measures the passage of the seasons and helps society keep pace with the annual cycle of agricultural activities.
To sum it up, in Hermeticism, the constellation of stars and the zodiac are not just distant celestial phenomena. They are integral to understanding the nature of the universe, the divine, and the self. They also have a practical value, measuring the passage of time through the year and assisting early technologies such as agriculture.
The interplay between these celestial patterns and human existence encapsulates the Hermetic belief in a deeply interconnected and purposeful cosmos.
Comparisons with Other Religions and Esoteric Traditions
Astrology in the Corpus Hermeticum and other religious and esoteric traditions presents an interesting intersection of belief, cosmology, and mystical practice. Hermeticism is often seen historically as a belief system that offers a bridge between pagan beliefs and Christianity.
While there are common threads, there are also distinct differences. Here’s a comparison and contrast:
Similarities
Cosmic Sympathy
Both Hermetic astrology and other traditions embrace the idea that the cosmos is interconnected. The movements of celestial bodies are thought to reflect or influence events on Earth.
Planetary Influence
In both Hermeticism and many other traditions (including Western astrology), planets are thought to exert specific influences on human lives, character, and destiny.
Spiritual Insight
Astrology is used in both contexts to gain spiritual insight and understand oneself in relation to the cosmos. It is not merely predictive but is tied to personal growth and spiritual evolution.
Influence of Greek Thought
Many of the ideas in Hermetic astrology and other astrological traditions in the West can be traced back to Hellenistic astrology. The seven classical planets and the zodiac are common to both.
Differences
Cosmological Framework
Hermetic astrology is embedded within a specific philosophical and cosmological framework that involves a hierarchical structure of reality, with the Earth at the centre and successive layers of planetary spheres. This is not necessarily the case in all other traditions.
Emphasis on Divine Mind
In Hermeticism, the celestial bodies are not merely physical entities but expressions of the Divine Mind (Nous). They have an intellectual and spiritual dimension that is more pronounced than in some other astrological traditions.
Ethical and Spiritual Aspirations
Hermetic astrology strongly emphasises the soul’s journey through the planetary spheres and its eventual return to the divine source. This is a specific aspect of Hermetic thought that might not be emphasised in other traditions, where astrology might be more focused on practical or mundane concerns.
Syncretism in Hermeticism
Hermetic astrology blends elements of Greek, Egyptian, and other Middle Eastern traditions in a unique synthesis. Other astrological traditions may be more rooted in specific cultural or religious contexts.
Differing Techniques and Interpretations
While there might be shared symbols (such as planets or zodiac signs), the interpretation and use of these symbols can vary widely between Hermeticism and other traditions. The methods of constructing and reading a chart are different.
Relationship to Fate and Free Will
Hermetic astrology often includes a nuanced view of fate and free will, with the planetary influences shaping but not absolutely determining human life. Other traditions might construe the relationship between fate and free will differently.
Relationship to Mainstream Religion
In some religious traditions, such as Christianity and Islam, astrology has often been viewed with suspicion or outright condemnation. In contrast, Hermeticism embraces astrology as an integral part of its philosophical and spiritual system.
Conclusion
Hermetic astrology and the astrology found in other religious and esoteric traditions share some foundational concepts, including the belief in cosmic sympathy and the influence of planets on human life.
However, they can differ significantly in their underlying philosophy, emphasis, techniques, and relationship to mainstream religious thought. Hermetic astrology’s focus on the soul’s ascent, syncretic nature, and integration with a specific cosmological and philosophical system set it apart from other astrological traditions.
