Plain English Translation, Asclepius, Section 7, Treatise II of Corpus Hermeticum
The Perfect Discourse of Hermes Trismegistus
Introduction
This is a plain English translation and commentary of this ancient Hermetic text. It is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step, non-academic translation and commentary on this sacred text. You can read an introduction here:
As new sections and articles are written on the Asclepius treatise, they will be added to the below list:
Section 7
G.R.S. Mead Translation
Hermes: Hence, too, the errant spheres, being moved contrarily to the inerrant one, are moved by one another by mutual contrariety, [and also] by the stable one through contrariety itself. And this can otherwise not be. The Bears up there, which neither set nor rise, think’st thou they rest or move?
Asclepius: They move, Thrice-greatest one.
Hermes: And what their motion, my Asclepius?
Asclepius: Motion that turns for ever round the same.
Hermes: But revolution — motion round same — is fixed by rest. For “round-the-same” doth stop “beyond-same.” “Beyond-same” then, being stopped, if it be steadied in “round-same” — the contrary stands firm, being rendered ever stable by its contrariety.
Modern English Translation
Hermes: So, the wandering stars, which move differently from the fixed stars, are moved by each other through their opposite movements, and also by the fixed stars through this very opposition.
This is the only way it can be. Think about the constellations of the Great and Little Bears, which never set or rise. Do you think they are still, or do they move?
Asclepius: They move, most wise Hermes.
Hermes: And how do they move, Asclepius?
Asclepius: They rotate continuously in the same path.
Hermes: But this kind of rotation, moving in the same path, is actually made stable by stillness.
Because moving in the same path puts a stop to moving beyond that path.
So, if this ‘beyond-the-path’ movement is stopped and it’s kept steady in the same path, the opposite effect occurs, making it consistently stable due to its opposition.
Commentary
The modern translation of this section of the dialogue between Hermes and Asclepius from the Hermetic texts delves into the dynamics of celestial motion and the philosophical implications of such movements.
This conversation is a reflection of the Hermetic tradition’s interest in astronomy and cosmology, as well as its deeper metaphysical inquiries.
Contrasting Movements of Celestial Bodies
Hermes begins by discussing the movement of the “wandering spheres” (likely referring to the planets known to ancient astronomers for their wandering paths across the sky) in contrast to the fixed stars, which maintain consistent positions relative to each other.
He suggests that these wandering stars are moved both by their mutual opposition (differences in their orbital paths and speeds) and by the stable influence of the fixed stars. This idea highlights an understanding of celestial mechanics where different types of movements (wandering versus fixed) interact with and influence each other.
The Bears as an Example
The dialogue then shifts to the constellations of the Great and Little Bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), which are circumpolar and thus never set or rise from the perspective of the Northern Hemisphere. Hermes asks Asclepius about their motion, to which Asclepius responds that they rotate continuously in the same path. This observation is accurate; these constellations appear to rotate around the North Star due to Earth’s rotation.
Philosophical Interpretation of Motion and Stability
Hermes’ response to Asclepius’ observation is philosophical. He suggests that the type of motion exhibited by the Bears — a consistent, circular rotation — is essentially a form of stability. This idea is based on the notion that their motion is confined to a predictable, unchanging path (“round-the-same”), which contrasts with erratic or unpredictable motion (“beyond-same”).
Hermes is saying that because their motion is so regular and predictable, it achieves a kind of stillness or stability. This is a reflection on how constancy in motion can be perceived as a form of steadiness or equilibrium.
Metaphysical Implications
The discussion goes beyond astronomical observation and delves into metaphysical territory. Hermes is essentially exploring the idea that opposites — in this case, motion and stillness — are not mutually exclusive but can coexist and even define each other.
This concept is a cornerstone of many philosophical and mystical traditions, including Hermeticism, which often contemplates the interplay and unity of opposites.
Hermetic Cosmology and Philosophy
This passage reflects the Hermetic fascination with the cosmos not just as a physical entity but as a source of spiritual and philosophical wisdom. The movements of the stars and planets are seen as part of a larger, harmonious cosmic dance that is both literal and symbolic. It invites contemplation on the nature of reality, the structure of the cosmos, and the human place within this grand scheme.
Summary
This modern translation of a section from the Hermetic texts presents a discussion on celestial motion and its deeper philosophical and metaphysical meanings.
It encapsulates key aspects of Hermetic thought, particularly its focus on the harmony of the cosmos, the interplay of opposites, and the search for stability and understanding in the constant motion of the universe.
