[Craig Matheson]

The Noetic ‘Russian Dolls’ to Hermeticism: Western Esoterism, within Esoteric Christianity, within Neoplatonism, within Hermeticism

Craig Matheson

Independent researcher, Barrie, Canada

Abstract

This report offers argued theory & supporting evidence for how the theistic philosophy of Hermeticism intellectually coursed across time to lay philosophical path for the downstream development of the noetic hybrids known as Neoplatonism, Esoteric Christianity, and Western Esotericism. Accordingly, it is contended that long have Hermetic tenets philosophically existed encoded within the foregoing hybrid approaches, ideas and/or movements; all aimed at mastering such a speculative study. Moreover, discussed theory per this report sets forth that, since the dawn of said/three noetic derivatives, at their respective cores – to varying degrees -each of these Hermetic ‘Russian Dolls’ (so to speak) has religiously revolved around a handful of central tenets to Hermeticism, thusly the creed came to foundationally serve aid – in part – for: the establishment of each said noetic hybrid; reaffirming timeless origin story for each; and, as a suspected cornerstone to such pagan practice within forms of so-called ‘secretive societies’ to Western Esotericism. Through discussion & analysis of apparent facts concerning certain historical figures—such as Socrates, Plato, Plotinus, Marsilio Ficino, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Leonardo da Vinci, King Henry VIII and others—the contention is that it becomes increasingly clear that throughout the corresponding time periods to said historical figures, as well as for present-day kindred considerations, Hermeticism has ever played an important psychological role – if only symbolically – whereby the Hermetic Caduceus currently serves as a symbol or standard for public health around the world.

Keywords

Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, Esoteric Christianity, Western Esotericism, Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, King Henry VIII, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola,