The Divine Pymander of Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus (2023 Modernized Edition): A carefully composed plain language rendition for modern readers of Hermetic philosophy

by Hermes Trismegistus

Be careful what you say, for I the mind come to men who are holy and good, pure and merciful, and who live piously and religiously. My presence is a help to them and they immediately know all things, lovingly asking for things and making peace with the Father; and blessing him, they give him thanks and sing hymns to him, being ordered and directed by familial Affection and natural Love. And before they give up their bodies to death, they hate their senses, knowing their Works and Operations. 55. Rather I, who am the Mind itself, will not allow the operations or Works, which happen or belong to the body, to be finished and brought to perfection in them; but being the Porter or Doorkeeper, I will shut up the entrances of Evil, and cut off the thoughtful desires of filthy works. 56. But to those who are foolish, evil, wicked, envious, covetous, murderous, or profane, I am far off, giving place to the revenging Spirit, which applies the sharpness of fire to him, tormenting the senses of such a man and arming him so much more to all wickedness, that he may obtain the greater punishment. 57. And such a one never ceases, having unfulfilled desires and unsatisfiable Lustful passions, always fighting in darkness; for that Spirit always afflicts and torments him continually, increasing the fire on him more and more.