Green Hermeticism: Alchemy and Ecology
by Peter Lamborn Wilson, Christopher Bamford and Kevin Townley
with an Introduction by Pir Zia Inayat-Khan
Publisher: Lindisfarne Books
Trade Paperback, Octavo 6" x 9" - 207 pages, illustrated, bibliography.
Hermeticism, or alchemy, is the ancient, primordial mystery science of nature through which people in all times and places have, for the sake of world evolution, sought to unite Heaven and Earth—divinity, cosmos, earth, and humanity, as a single whole. Selfless, intimate, dedicated to healing and harmony, Hermeticism has accompanied and sustained every religious epoch and revelation. It may be found in all historical cultures, from the traditions of India and China in the East to the Judeo-Christian West. It could even be said that Hermeticism is the primal cosmological revelation and the common ground of all spiritual traditions.
Nevertheless, in the great revival of mystical, esoteric traditions and practices during the last century, Hermetic tradition—in fact, Nature herself—has been largely ignored. Today, when the Earth seems most under attack, Green Hermeticism is especially appropriate. The book explores not only the ancient Masters’ inner science, but also their science of Nature.
During spring and summer 2006, Pir Zia Khan convened a series of gatherings to begin to unfold the contemporary meaning of ancient, sacred science for our time. Green Hermeticism is a partial record of that meeting. Peter Lamborn Wilson, explores the many ramifications of the alternative worldview offered by Hermeticism; Christopher Bamford provides a broad historical overview of the tradition from the Ancient Mysteries to contemporary manifestations of the alchemical tradition; while Kevin Townley brings a practical dimension to the gathering teaching the preparation of herbal elixirs and demonstrating that cosmology and philosophy can become a truly healing path for the Earth.
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CONTENTS
Editor's Preface and Acknowledgements
Introductory Words and Welcome - Pir Zia INayat-Khan
- The Desciples at Sais: A Sacred Theory of Earth - PLW
- One the All: Alchemy as Sacred Ecology - CB
- Green Hermeticism - PLW
- Quilting Green Hermeticism: A Tissue of Texts and Tracings - CB
- The manufacture and Use of Planetary Tinctures - KT
Bibliography
About the Contributors
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