The Hermopolis Foundation
The Hermopolis Foundation exists to ensure that the arts and sciences traditionally ascribed to Hermes are integrally reawakened in the present and the future. To this end, we present the inaugural Hermopolis Symposium as our first step towards a series of conferences, online seminars, and interdisciplinary publications. All who are called to walk the ways of Hermes are considered welcome.
Magical gem depicting Thoth as a crowned ibis with caduceus astride the primordial mound. Special Collections Library, University of Michigan.
Hermes &
Hermopolis
Hermopolis, the “city of Hermes”, is the Greek name for the former cult centre of the Egyptian deity Thoth. Identified with the Greek Hermes and the Roman Mercury, the “thrice-great” god is the guide who leads the philosopher to gnosis of the luminous source. As the originator of hieroglyphs, he provided the coordinating logos of the sacred arts. In Hellenistic and Roman times, a wide body of Hermetic literature was ascribed to him, which included philosophical, cosmological, and soteriological writings alongside magical, astrological, and alchemical works. This body of writings would be preserved, transformed, and renovated in Byzantine and Islamicate cultural spheres before being reborn in medieval and Renaissance Europe.
While the history of the Hermetic tradition is inherently fascinating, the purpose of the Hermopolis Foundation is only partly historical. Our initial goal is to bring the Hermetic tradition full-circle by restoring it to its Hermopolitan roots. Our ultimate goal is to keep the ever-living fire of the Hermetic spirit circulating.
Marble relief with Hermes.
Roman relief in archaistic style. Metropolitan Museum, New York.
