We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history, a crossroads that many of us can sense. This isn’t the first time humanity has faced such a challenge, but it’s crucial that we address it thoughtfully and proactively.
Let’s delve into a reading from The Hermetica, a collection of ancient texts featuring dialogues between Hermes, the Greek counterpart of the Egyptian god Thoth, and his students. One particular dialogue, known as the Asclepius, offers a prophetic vision reminiscent of Mayan prophecies. In this dialogue, Egypt symbolizes the world, especially relevant to our current times.
Hermes tells Asclepius, “Do you know, Asclepius, that Egypt is an image of Heaven? In Egypt, all the operations of the powers that rule in Heaven are present on Earth. The whole Cosmos dwells in this land as in a sanctuary. However, wise men should have knowledge of events before they happen, so you must not be left in ignorance of what I will now tell you.”
He continues with a forewarning: “There will come a time when it will have been in vain that Egyptians have honored the divine with heartfelt piety. All our holy worship will be fruitless. The gods will return to Heaven, Egypt will be forsaken, and the land that was once sacred will be left desolate.”
Hermes paints a bleak picture of the future, where reverence for the universe fades. People will grow weary of life, preferring darkness over light, and death over life. The pious will be seen as insane, while the impious will be considered wise. Belief in the soul’s immortality will be mocked, and malevolent forces will lead humanity into chaos.
In this vision, the Earth will tremble, the sea will be barren, and the heavens will fall silent. The natural order will collapse, and goodness will vanish.
Despite this grim outlook, Hermes offers hope. He suggests that when chaos reigns, God, the Creator, will intervene to restore order. Through divine will, the world will be cleansed of evil, and the cosmos will once again be revered. Humanity will return to a state of spiritual harmony, singing continuous praises to God.
While we may not be facing an imminent global catastrophe, ancient texts remind us of humanity’s role in shaping our destiny. Our actions contribute to the world’s state, and we have the power to change the narrative if we choose.
Are we witnessing remnants of a forgotten chapter in human history? Perhaps. We seem to be a species with amnesia, searching for something missing—an understanding of our spiritual essence and our role in the grand theater of life.
For the ancient Egyptians, the mystery of human existence centered on our spiritual essence. Conversations with Amazonian shamans reveal a similar sentiment: “You’ve severed your connection with spirit.” Reestablishing this connection is vital for progress. It’s not about external power but about nurturing our inner spirit.
At this crossroads, while we may not be able to enact change on a global scale, we can make meaningful changes in our own lives. By choosing love and rejecting destructive behaviors, we can contribute to a shift in consciousness. This collective effort can pave the way for a brighter future, restoring our planet to its rightful place in our lives.
Engage in a group discussion about the themes presented in The Hermetica. Reflect on the prophetic vision of Hermes and its relevance to today’s world. Consider how these ancient insights can inform our understanding of current global challenges. Share your thoughts and listen to different perspectives to deepen your comprehension of the text.
Write a short story or essay imagining a future where the decline of reverence has taken place, as described by Hermes. Explore the consequences of such a world and propose solutions for restoring balance and harmony. Use this exercise to creatively express your understanding of the text and its implications for our future.
Participate in a role-playing activity where you assume the roles of Hermes and Asclepius. Reenact their dialogue and then extend it by adding your own questions and answers. This activity will help you internalize the concepts discussed and explore their deeper meanings through interactive engagement.
Conduct research on other ancient texts that offer prophetic visions or insights into human nature. Prepare a presentation comparing these texts with The Hermetica, highlighting similarities and differences. Discuss how these ancient perspectives can be applied to modern societal issues and personal growth.
Participate in a guided meditation session focused on reconnecting with your spiritual essence. Reflect on the importance of nurturing your inner spirit, as emphasized by both ancient Egyptian beliefs and Amazonian shamanic teachings. Use this time to contemplate your role in shaping a positive future at the crossroads of history.
We live at a crossroads—there’s no doubt about it. We all feel it and know it. This isn’t the first time humanity has faced such a moment, but here we are, hopefully dealing with it.
I want to share a reading from The Hermetica, which includes dialogues between Hermes, the Greek version of the ancient Egyptian god Thoth, and his pupils. In one dialogue called the Asclepius, there is a lament that feels prophetic, much like the Mayan prophecies. Egypt serves as a metaphor for the world, especially in our time.
Hermes speaks to Asclepius, saying: “Do you know, Asclepius, that Egypt is an image of Heaven? In Egypt, all the operations of the powers that rule in Heaven are present on Earth. The whole Cosmos dwells in this land as in a sanctuary. However, wise men should have knowledge of events before they happen, so you must not be left in ignorance of what I will now tell you.
There will come a time when it will have been in vain that Egyptians have honored the divine with heartfelt piety. All our holy worship will be fruitless. The gods will return to Heaven, Egypt will be forsaken, and the land that was once sacred will be left desolate.
Oh, Egypt, of your religion, nothing will remain but an empty tale that future generations will not believe. Only stones will tell of your piety. In that day, people will grow weary of life and cease to see the Universe as worthy of reverence. They will no longer love the world around them, this incredible creation of God.
Darkness will be preferred to light, and death will seem more profitable than life. The pious will be deemed insane, while the impious will be seen as wise. The madman will be thought brave, and the wicked will be esteemed as good.
As for the belief in the soul’s immortality, they will mock it and persuade themselves it is false. No words of reverence will be heard, and the gods will depart from mankind. Only malevolent forces will remain, leading people into reckless actions—wars, robberies, and all things contrary to the nature of the soul.
Then the Earth will tremble, and the sea will bear no ships. Heaven will not support the stars in their orbits. All voices of the gods will fall silent. The fruits of the Earth will rot, the soil will turn barren, and the air will become stagnant. All things will be disordered, and goodness will disappear.
But when all this has come to pass, God, the Creator of all things, will look upon the chaos and restore order through His will. He will guide those who have strayed back to the right path, cleansing the world of evil and bringing it back to its former glory. The Cosmos will once again be deemed worthy of worship, and God will be adored with continuous songs of praise.
I don’t know if we are facing a terrible global catastrophe, and I hope we are not. But I do remember what ancient texts say: every flood myth and story of destruction implicates humanity in some way. Our behavior is part of what we are bringing upon the world. We are manifesting what is coming toward us, and we have the power to change the narrative if we choose to do so.
Are we looking at traces of a forgotten episode in human history? I believe we are. Because we have forgotten, we are a species with amnesia, lost and troubled by a sense of something missing—something we need to understand about ourselves.
For the ancient Egyptians, the essential mystery of human existence revolved around our spiritual essence and our participation in this theater of experience we call life. I have spoken with shamans in the Amazon, and when I asked them about the problems in the world, they said simply: “You’ve severed your connection with spirit.”
Restoring that link is essential if we are to move forward. We cannot progress without reconnecting to spirit. This is the fundamental task we all face—not the external trappings of power that have caused so much suffering.
We stand at a crossroads. While we cannot affect change on a macro level, we can make changes in our own lives and immediate surroundings—changes driven by love. The notion of global destruction can feel overwhelming, but we can stop contributing to it. If we all do this, I believe a significant change in consciousness will occur, allowing the world to move forward. We can look forward to a brighter future for our children and restore our beautiful planet to its rightful place in our lives.
Humanity – The quality of being humane; benevolence and compassion towards others, often discussed in the context of moral philosophy and ethics. – The philosopher argued that true humanity is demonstrated through acts of kindness and empathy towards all living beings.
Cosmos – The universe seen as a well-ordered and harmonious system, often explored in metaphysical discussions about the nature of existence. – In his lecture, the professor described the cosmos as an intricate tapestry that reflects the interconnectedness of all things.
Spirit – The non-physical part of a person regarded as their true self, often considered in discussions about the soul and consciousness. – Many religious traditions emphasize the importance of nurturing the spirit to achieve a higher state of being.
Reverence – A deep respect for someone or something, often discussed in the context of religious worship or philosophical admiration. – The ancient texts speak of reverence for nature as a fundamental principle of living in harmony with the world.
Chaos – A state of complete disorder and confusion, often contrasted with order in philosophical discussions about the nature of the universe. – The philosopher posited that chaos and order are two sides of the same coin, each necessary for the existence of the other.
Knowledge – Information, understanding, or skill that one gets from experience or education, often explored in epistemology. – The pursuit of knowledge is a central theme in many philosophical traditions, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in human life.
Essence – The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character, often discussed in metaphysics. – The essence of a person, according to existentialist thought, is not predetermined but is created through their actions and choices.
Harmony – A pleasing arrangement of parts, often discussed in philosophy as a state of balance and order in the universe or within the self. – The philosopher advocated for a life in harmony with nature, suggesting that such a balance leads to true happiness.
Belief – An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof, often explored in the philosophy of religion. – The dialogue explored the nature of belief, questioning whether faith requires evidence or if it stands independent of empirical proof.
Divine – Of, from, or like God or a god, often discussed in theology and philosophy regarding the nature of the sacred. – The concept of the divine is central to many religious philosophies, where it represents the ultimate source of truth and morality.
