After Rome had conquered most of the known world and had ceased their own internal squabbles, the Emperor Octavian (later Augustus) began what was to be known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). During this time period, trade between previously unconnected areas began booming, and with the movement of goods also came the movement of mystical practices. Greek philosophy intermingled with Chaldean Astrology and Egyptian Ritual Magic. Persian dieties migrated to temples in Rome and Gaul. This massive melting pot brought forth what would later be called the Hermetic movement.
The term Hermetic came from Hermes Trismegistus (Hermes the Thrice-Greatest), the name attributed to a character in mystical, philosophical, and Alchemical writings found in Egypt and dating back to the times of the early Roman Empire. Some identified the Thrice Greatest as the Egyptian God of magic, writing and wisdom, Thoth (Hermes to the Greeks), whilst others believed him to be a person (or group of people) who taught the secrets of magic to those worthy.
The Western Roman Empire eventually succumbed to barbarian invasion by the end of the Fifth Century C.E., and the Muslim Empire eventually swallowed what was once Roman territory. Many Muslims, however, were fascinated by philosophy, astrology, magic and alchemy. Due to this fascination, many magical and alchemical texts once thought lost to the Western World eventually reappeared as they slowly filtered their way back into Europe by way of both Muslim-controlled Spain, and Italian merchant ships travelling to and from parts of the Southeastern Mediterranean.
By the time of the Renaissance, Hermeticism and Alchemy were both widespread and rapidly evolving.
Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):
Paul Huson - Mastering WitchcraftMichael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of WitchcraftAnonymous - The Mystical QabbalahDion Fortune - The Mystical QabalahGiuseppe Bezza - The Astrological Metaphors
