The Three Parts of the Wisdom of the Universe
- Astrology
- Alchemy (Inner Divine & Outer Laboratory Practical)
- Magick (Theurgy & Theatamurgy)
Hermes Trismigestus
Hermes “thrice great”
because he was master of "The three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe"
In the Hermetic Path, the three main domains are Astrology, Alchemy, Magic
Astrology provides the cosmic map.
Alchemy offers the tools of transformation.
Theurgy connects the practitioner to divine forces.
"As above, so below" as the unifying principle.
The workings of the macrocosm
The inner workings within the body and psyche and soul
The magical workings and practices that unite the two
You need to look up and look far out
You need to look in and look very close
You need to bridge the two
Practical Integration:
- Illustrate how a practitioner might combine these arts, such as timing an alchemical ritual with astrological alignments and invoking planetary intelligences through Theurgy.
“Man is a star bound to a body, until in the end, he is freed through his strife. Only by struggle and toiling thy utmost shall the star within thee bloom out in a new life. He who knows the commencement of all things, free is his star from the realm of night.”― The Emerald Tablets of Thoth
Alchemy - inner procxess of transformation, purification,
Astrology - the structure of Nature-Cosmos-Divine
Theurgy - the ritualistic act of participating in the divine order, in imbibing divine consciousness/energy, in doing all the techniques to align everything into an ecstatic state
- Theurgy - the divine working - High Magick, Ceremonial/Ritual Magic
- thaumaturgy - Natural Magic, - thauma (wonder) and ergon (work), - miracle working, wonder working, practical magic
The Three Parts of the Wisdom of the Universe
Astrology
Magic
Alchemy
Alchemy - Operation of the Sun
Magick - Operation of ???
“Astrology, magic and alchemy are the three occult (in the original sense of hidden) Hermetic sciences. All three are interconnected in practice and share the underpinning of Hermetic philosophy.
Magic, says the Renaissance mage Cornelius Agrippa, "is the most perfect, and chief science, that sacred, and sublimer kind of philosophy and lastly the most absolute perfection of all most excellent philosophy." Three Books of Occult Philosophy Bk.I, Chap. 2. The Harrian Sabian mage and scientist Thabit Ibn Qurra says, "...one who studies philosophy and geometry and every other science, but remains ignorant of astrology, will labor in vain, because the more worthwhile geometry and the higher philosophy is the science of astrological magic [literally images](#). De Imaginibus chapter 1.
For the Renaissance occult philosopher magic was a spiritual science which, like the Cosmos itself, was arranged in a triple hierarchy: material, celestial and divine.”
- - [https://www.renaissanceastrology.com/astrologicalmagic.html](https://www.renaissanceastrology.com/astrologicalmagic.html)
Astrology
Operation of the Stars/Heavens(?)
In Hermetic thought, the movements of the planets are believed to have meaning beyond the laws of physics and actually hold metaphorical value as symbols in the mind of the All, or God, which have influence upon the Earth, but do not dictate our actions; wisdom is gained when we know what these influences are and how to deal with them, and this wisdom is astrology, or the operation of the stars. The discovery of astrology is attributed to Zoroaster, who is said to have discovered this part of the wisdom of the whole universe and taught it to man.
Theurgy is practical aspect of alchemy
Alchemy is the key to theurgy
Astrology is the framework of it all
astrology provides the cosmic context, alchemy offers the means of personal transformation, and theurgy serves as the practice that bridges the human and the divine. Together, they form a comprehensive path toward spiritual enlightenment within the Hermetic tradition.
Theurgy is a practice focused on invoking the presence of gods or divine powers to purify the soul and facilitate its ascent through the heavenly spheres. Unlike purely magical operations aimed at influencing the physical world, theurgical practices are intended to bring the practitioner into direct contact with the divine. By engaging in theurgy, the Hermetic practitioner seeks to align their soul with higher spiritual realities, ultimately leading to union with The One. This practice often involves the assumption of godforms or the use of sacred names and symbols to draw down divine energy.[66] In forms of Hermeticism influenced by Christian Kabbalah, this divine magic is reliant upon a hierarchy of angels, archangels, and the names of God.[67]
"Theurgy" translates to the "science or art of divine works" and is the practical aspect of the Hermetic art of alchemy.[68] Furthermore, alchemy is seen as the "key" to theurgy,[69] the ultimate goal of which is to become united with higher counterparts, leading to the attainment of divine consciousness.
Image of them all
Creating a single image that encapsulates the three pillars of Hermetic wisdom—alchemy, astrology, and theurgy—can be achieved by depicting three interconnected scenes:
- Alchemy: Illustrate an alchemist in a traditional laboratory, surrounded by flasks and alembics, deeply engaged in the distillation process. The alchemist's contemplative expression signifies the inner transformation central to alchemical practice.
- Astrology: Portray an astrologer observing the night sky, perhaps with a celestial globe or astrolabe, mapping the stars and planets. This scene emphasizes the study of cosmic patterns and their influence on the terrestrial realm.
- Theurgy: Depict a practitioner performing a ceremonial ritual, invoking divine presence through symbols and gestures. The setting could include sacred geometry and mystical symbols, highlighting the practitioner's connection to the divine.
These scenes can be arranged in a triptych format, symbolizing their interconnectedness within the Hermetic tradition. Incorporating elements like the Hermetic caduceus or the phrase "As above, so below" can further unify the composition, reflecting the holistic nature of Hermetic wisdom.
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The Three parts of wisdom
- Alchemy (Operation of the Sun): material and physical transformation
- Astrology (Operation of the Moon): celestial and spiritual influences
- Theurgy (Operation of the Stars): divine and mystical union
- Alchemy: The Operation of the Sun, representing the material and physical aspects of creation. Alchemy is concerned with the transformation and perfection of matter, symbolized by the sun.
- Astrology: The Operation of the Moon, representing the celestial and spiritual aspects of creation. Astrology is concerned with the influences of the stars and planets on human affairs, symbolized by the moon.
- Theurgy: The Operation of the Stars, representing the divine and mystical aspects of creation. Theurgy is concerned with the union of the human soul with the divine, symbolized by the stars.
“That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing.”
This statement illustrates the Hermetic principle of correspondence, which holds that there is a unity and equivalence between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (humanity). The three parts of the wisdom of the universe reflect this principle, demonstrating that the same principles and patterns that govern the universe also govern human experience.
“Alchemy—The Operation of the Sun—is not simply the changing of physical lead into physical gold. It is an investigation into the spiritual constitution, or life of matter and material existence through an application of the mysteries of birth, death and resurrection.
The various stages of chemical distillation and fermentation, among them, are aspects of these mysteries, that, when applied quicken Nature’s processes in order to bring a natural body to perfection. This perfection is the accomplishment of the Magnum opus (Latin for Great Work).Astrology—The Operation of the Moon: Hermes claims that Zoroaster discovered this part of the wisdom of the whole universe, astrology, and taught it to man. In Hermetic thought, it is likely that the movements of the planets have meaning beyond the laws of physics and actually holding metaphorical value as symbols in the mind of The All, or God. Astrology has influences upon the Earth, but does not dictate our actions, and wisdom is gained when we know what these influences are and how to deal with them.Theurgy—The Operation of the Stars: There are two different types of magic, according to Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s Apology, completely opposite of each other. The first is γοητεια, Goëtia, black magic reliant upon an alliance with evil spirits (i.e. demons). The second is Theurgy, divine magic reliant upon an alliance with divine spirits (i.e. angels, archangels, gods). Theurgy translates to “The Science or art of Divine Works” and is the practical aspect of the Hermetic art of alchemy. Furthermore, alchemy is seen as the “key” to theurgy, the ultimate goal of which is to become united with higher counterparts, leading to the attainment of Divine Consciousness.”
Theurgy: High Magick
Theurgy is a term coined by the Greek philosopher Iamblichus (c. 245-325 CE) to describe a ritualistic and mystical practice aimed at uniting the human microcosm with the divine macrocosm. Theurgy involves a series of rituals, invocations, and meditations designed to purify and elevate the theurgist’s soul, allowing them to ascend to higher states of consciousness and ultimately achieve union with the divine.
Theurgic practices often employ various symbols, tokens, and passwords (known as “sunthemata” and “divine sumbola”) to facilitate communication with higher beings and access hidden knowledge. Theurgists may invoke the names of angels, archangels, and other divine entities to tap into their wisdom and power.
Theatamurgy: Low Magick
Theatamurgy is a lesser-known term that refers to a specific type of theurgic practice focused on the invocation and manipulation of spirits. Theatamurgy involves the use of rituals, charms, and incantations to summon and bind spirits, often for the purpose of gaining knowledge, acquiring magical powers, or achieving specific goals.