Green Hermeticism: Alchemy & Ecology

by Peter Lamborn Wilson, Christopher Bamford, Kevin Townley

Hermeticism, or alchemy, is the ancient, primordial mystery science of nature through which people in all times and places have, for the sake of world evolution, sought to unite Heaven and Earth--divinity, cosmos, earth, and humanity, as a single whole. Selfless, intimate, dedicated to healing and harmony, Hermeticism has accompanied and sustained every religious epoch and revelation. It may be found in all historical cultures, from the traditions of India and China in the East to the Judeo-Christian West. It could even be said that Hermeticism is the primal cosmological revelation and the common ground of all spiritual traditions.

Nevertheless, in the great revival of mystical, esoteric traditions and practices during the last century, Hermetic tradition--in fact, Nature herself--has been largely ignored. Today, when the Earth seems most under attack, Green Hermeticism is especially appropriate. The book explores not only the ancient Masters' inner science, but also their science of Nature.

During spring and summer 2006, Pir Zia Khan convened a series of gatherings to begin to unfold the contemporary meaning of ancient, sacred science for our time. Green Hermeticism is a partial record of that meeting.

Peter Lamborn Wilson, explores the many ramifications of the alternative worldview offered by Hermeticism.

Christopher Bamford provides a broad historical overview of the tradition from the Ancient Mysteries to contemporary manifestations of the alchemical tradition.

Kevin Townley brings a practical dimension to the gathering teaching the preparation of herbal elixirs and demonstrating that cosmology and philosophy can become a truly healing path for the Earth.

Green Hermeticism is necessary reading for anyone seeking a spiritual and cultural path for the healing of the current ecological and cultural crisis.

C O N T E N T S

Editor's Preface and Acknowledgments
Introductory Words and Welcome by Pir Zia Inayat-Khan

1. Disciples at Sa�s: A Sacred Theory of Earth (Peter Lamborn Wilson)
2. Alchemy as Sacred Ecology (Christopher Bamford)
3. Green Hermeticism (Peter Lamborn Wilson)
4. Quilting Green Hermeticism, a Tissue of Texts and Tracings (Christopher Bamford)
5. The Manufacture and Use of Planetary Tinctures (Kevin Townley)

Bibliography

Genres: Occult, Philosophy, Esoterica, Nonfiction, Nature, Ecology, Essays

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Peter Lamborn Wilson also writes under the pseudonym Hakim Bey.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of interesting material here to inspire the Hermeticist, the gardener and the fan of sustainability. Peter Lamborn Wilson's essay (credited to Christopher Bamford, for some reason) is the highlight of the book and worth the purchase by itself. It contains fascinating information about how oyster mushrooms are being used in petroleum spill remediation- and are edible afterward! Unfortunately, while the musings are entertaining and mentally stimulating, there is more theory than praxis here. As the authors admit, this is a starting point but a good one.

[Elguapo · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked this book alot, even though afterwords i had a very strong urge to never read anything of his again, but i loved his pirate book. i liked the other author's essays in this collection, but mr. wilson's just seemed to come off as rambling and pompous, but still moving and thought provoking