Western Esotericism The Secret Hermetic Arts

Introduction to Western EsotericismCourse OverviewWelcome to the Introduction to Western Esotericism. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the rich and diverse traditions that fall under the umbrella of Western esotericism. We will explore the historical development, key concepts, and influential figures within various esoteric currents, including Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Alchemy, Astrology, Magic, and more.

Course ObjectivesBy the end of this course, students will:Understand the historical context and development of Western esoteric traditions. Identify and explain key concepts and practices within different esoteric currents. Analyze the influence of esoteric thought on Western culture and philosophy.

Develop critical thinking skills through the examination of primary and secondary sources. Course StructureThe course is divided into several modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of Western esotericism:Introduction to EsotericismDefinition and scope of esotericismHistorical overviewKey themes and conceptsHermeticismOrigins and developmentThe Hermetic CorpusInfluence on Renaissance thoughtGnosticismGnostic beliefs and textsThe role of knowledge (gnosis)Gnosticism's impact on early ChristianityAlchemyThe philosophy and practice of alchemyKey figures and textsAlchemy's influence on science and spiritualityAstrologyHistorical development of astrologyKey concepts and practicesAstrology's role in esoteric traditionsMagic and RitualTheories and practices of magicThe role of ritual in esoteric traditionsInfluential magical texts and practitionersModern EsotericismThe revival of esoteric traditions in the 19th and 20th centuriesKey movements and figures (e. g.

, Theosophy, Golden Dawn)Esotericism in contemporary cultureCourse MaterialsStudents will engage with a variety of materials, including:Primary texts from esoteric traditions (e. g. , Hermetic Corpus, Gnostic Gospels)Scholarly articles and books on esotericismMultimedia resources (e.