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Corpus Hermeticum
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A collection of Greek writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistos, dating from some time before the close of the second century AD, Corpus Hermeticum forms the core of the Hermetic tradition, and was one of the main influences on and motivational factors for the Renaissance. This OMTO edition is based upon the classic translation by GRS Mead, lightly updated into more conte
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Paperback, 72 pages
Published
March 1st 2007
by Jeremy Mills Publishing
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I had read John Everard's translation of the Hermetica previously, but this is the first time I had read G.R.S. Mead's translation. Because I was curious to contrast the deficiencies and/or merits of each, I decided to read both translations this time in tandem. I will, accordingly, offer my analysis of both and post this review for both versions.
Occasionally one or the other offers a better translation. This is either due to a better grasp of the text or a better source. Supposedly, only Mead ...more
Occasionally one or the other offers a better translation. This is either due to a better grasp of the text or a better source. Supposedly, only Mead ...more

very interesting concepts. thought-provoking, though for students seeking a text with language closer to modern English, yet still touching on Hermetic teachings with weight and understanding; i recommend reading 'the Kybalion'.
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This is a very old book. One of the oldest surviving Hermetic manuscripts is the Papyrus Vindobonensis Graeca 29456, which dates to the end of the 2nd century AD. This is the review of Mead's translation. This book is described by its editors as the key work standing between the ancient Greek civilisation and the dawn of Christianity.
The first aspect that hits me in this book is the focus on God and all deity things that the thinking man of the second century was preoccupied with. Hence, the boo ...more
The first aspect that hits me in this book is the focus on God and all deity things that the thinking man of the second century was preoccupied with. Hence, the boo ...more

Mead's translation is not my favorite, but reading these ancient treatises was more pleasurable than I expected. They are a great deal more interesting and intelligible than much of the Hermetic tradition since, shining a light on the religious mood of the Hellenistic age while also presenting inherently worthwhile philosophical material for consideration.
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Apr 12, 2018
Matthew
rated it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
gnosticism-hermeticism,
ancient-literature
This was a challenging text to delve into, which will require rereading of a different translation to understand better. The language Mead used at times was difficult to comprehend. One of the chapters I liked the most was "Mind Unto Hermes" which contained the line If, then, thou dost not make thyself like unto God, thou canst not know Him. For like is knowable unto like.
I was not impressed with this Forgotten Books publication as it did not include G.R.S. Mead's commentaries on each of the ch ...more
I was not impressed with this Forgotten Books publication as it did not include G.R.S. Mead's commentaries on each of the ch ...more

This is one of those texts that's considered a "must read" in many ceremonial magick/occult circles. While I understand the significance of learning the basics of Hermetic philosophy? This was probably one of the most painful texts I have had the honor of attempting to read through.
To get the best read out of this, you may need to get a separate translation. Many are available online. You may need them since the writing style is purposely convoluted as if Mead was attempting to add a bit more g ...more
To get the best read out of this, you may need to get a separate translation. Many are available online. You may need them since the writing style is purposely convoluted as if Mead was attempting to add a bit more g ...more

The text is filled with Truth, but the influence of corruption has obviously changed much of it. I enjoyed Timothy Freke's "The Hermetica" more, which refines this text into a more pure and beautiful read, as I think it was meant to be.
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I like this translation by Meade. The Corpus Hermeticum is the source if you want to read on Hermeticism. But my .99 cent Kindle copy seems to be missing some of the chapters. I'm not certain since online descriptions of various translations seem to break the text into chapters differently. The subject interests me enough that I'll have to look into other translations.
An important note in chapter VI points out the word "good" in the text means "self-caused," "self-sufficient," and not the curren ...more
An important note in chapter VI points out the word "good" in the text means "self-caused," "self-sufficient," and not the curren ...more

Güzel. Mead'in çevirisi hakkında henüz bir yorum yapamayacağım zira Latince ve Yunanca bilmiyorum. Kitabın Türkçe çevirmeni de önsözde belirttiği gibi kitabı orjinal dilinden değil Mead'in ingilizce çevirisinden çevirmiş. Bunu dikkate alarak okudum. Genel olarak kitabı çok beğendim. Hayatın her döneminde dönüp okunulması gereken bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum.
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Great intro to Gnosticism. Before reading it I had already adhered to some solipsistic ideas and Gnosticism is quite compatible with that. It also helped me understand the religious change from egyptian/greek philosophy and religion all the way to christianity. The distinction between the Mind, the Soul, and the Spirit was eye-opening, for a long time I thought these were all synonyms.

not sure if this is the "right" version
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Goodreads Librari...: Combine (seven) author names please | 2 | 17 | Oct 27, 2016 06:58PM |
George Robert Stowe Mead, who always published under the initialism G.R.S. Mead, was a historian, writer, editor, translator, and an influential member of the Theosophical Society, as well as founder of the Quest Society. His scholarly works dealt mainly with the Hermetic and Gnostic religions of Late Antiquity, and were exhaustive for the time period.
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“Birth is not the beginning of life - only of an individual awareness. Change into another state is not death - only the ending of this awareness.”
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“No eyes will raise to heaven. The pure will be thought insane and the impure will be honoured as wise. The madman will be believed brave, and the wicked esteemed as good.”
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