The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Initiates

The entities referred to as "initiates" are individuals who embark on a profound journey of spiritual and intellectual growth and transformation. These initiates are members of secret societies or organizations, as well as followers or students of the hierophant, engaged in the process of gaining spiritual knowledge. Typically, the initiatory process involves passing through thresholds of enlightenment, where individuals acquire sacred and esoteric wisdom. While these initiates often study the Path and truth, they are also deeply involved in preserving and passing on the Hermetic teachings to those deemed ready to learn.

Initiates hold a significant position in maintaining and disseminating knowledge, particularly regarding the true Tarot. They preside over secret assemblies and contribute to the establishment of orthodoxy among persecuted worshippers, often acting as guardians of sacred knowledge and wisdom. Through their initiation, these individuals gain a superior understanding of the true nature of various divine concepts, including Serapis and Christ, as seen in their involvement with the Serapic cult and Gnostic movements. They are essential to the continuation and propagation of ancient esoteric traditions and teachings, acting as both founders and early practitioners of the Tarot system.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Initiates study under the guidance of Hermes Trismegistus, following his teachings.

The Hierophant teaches and guides initiates on the Path to Truth and Light.

Perpetual Lamp Of WisdomSubstance

Initiates of Hermetic wisdom are tasked with maintaining the "Perpetual Lamp" of knowledge

Hermes TraditionRitual

Initiates practice and perpetuate the Hermes Tradition of Hermetic teachings

These Seven Hermetic PrinciplesConcept

Initiates learn and adhere to the Seven Hermetic Principles as part of their training.

Substance→Substance

Initiates were central to the establishment of orthodoxy through magical truth

Initiates played a essential part in the True Sabbath ceremonies

Initiates created the Tarot cards to represent the higher principles and houses

MacroprosophusConcept

The initiates possessed a profound understanding of the Macroprosophus, who was both a Divine Life form and a spiritual entity governing the Macrocosm. According to the surviving literature, the initiates had comprehensive knowledge about how to connect with and interact with the Macroprosophus, indicating a deep theological or spiritual belief system. This knowledge involved understanding the nature and role of the Macroprosophus in shaping the spiritual or cosmic order, highlighting its significance in the initiates' cosmology and spiritual practices.

MicroprosophusConcept

The initiates possess profound knowledge concerning the Microprosophus, the Divine Life, and its control over the microcosm. This knowledge enables the initiates to connect and interact with the Microprosophus, understanding it as a spiritual entity that governs the smallest or most fundamental aspects of the universe. Through this knowledge, the initiates can navigate the spiritual realm and potentially harness its power or influence.

The Mysteries, taught by initiated minds, passed on knowledge of macrocosmic and microcosmic principles

Philosophers and initiates shared knowledge of the macrocosmic and microcosmic principles

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

InitiatesthroughHermes TrismegistusilluminatesSun →
I. Initiates & Hermes Trismegistus

Initiates study under the guidance of Hermes Trismegistus, following his teachings.

II. Hermes Trismegistus & Sun

Hermes Trismegistus is directly related to the sun and the solar agent through his dogma and teachings.

InitiatesthroughSubstanceilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Initiates & Substance

Initiates were central to the establishment of orthodoxy through magical truth

II. Substance & Paracelsus

Paracelsus provides key insights into the nature of elemental substances like sylphs, salamanders, and gnomes, shaping the broader concept.

InitiatesthroughHermes TrismegistusilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Initiates & Hermes Trismegistus

Initiates study under the guidance of Hermes Trismegistus, following his teachings.

II. Hermes Trismegistus & Alchemy

Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary figure prominently associated with alchemy and a variety of other esoteric and scientific disciplines, particularly as revered by ancient Egyptians. According to traditional belief, Hermes Trismegistus is credited as the author of foundational texts in alchemy, establishing a profound connection between the arts and sciences attributed to him and the practice of alchemy. This entity is often depicted as a key contributor to the development and propagation of alchemical knowledge, further solidifying the central role of Hermes Trismegistus in the alchemical traditions of antiquity. His name translates to "Thrice-Great Hermes," underscoring his esteemed position in both alchemical and broader intellectual circles. Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary figure, is credited as the founder of Alchemy. This statement is consistent across the surviving literature, which both affirm that Hermes Trismegistus established the foundational principles and practices of Alchemy. Alchemy, despite its association with spiritual and philosophical dimensions, has a robust historical lineage often attributed to the wisdom attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. He is revered in various cultures, including Greek, Egyptian, and Hermetic traditions, where he is often conflated with Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, enhancing his status as a key figure in the development and propagation of Alchemical knowledge and beliefs.

InitiatesthroughMysteriesilluminatesPythagoras →
I. Initiates & Mysteries

The Mysteries, taught by initiated minds, passed on knowledge of macrocosmic and microcosmic principles

II. Mysteries & Pythagoras

Pythagoras was an initiate in the Mystery schools, teaching divine knowledge and founding the Philosophical movement

InitiatesthroughSubstanceilluminatesSpirit →
I. Initiates & Substance

Initiates were central to the establishment of orthodoxy through magical truth

II. Substance & Spirit

Substance, containing within it the element of Life, originates the Soul and Mind of man. The substance comprises the elements of fire and æther, which are imparted to form the bodies of man.

InitiatesthroughSubstanceilluminatesFire →
I. Initiates & Substance

Initiates were central to the establishment of orthodoxy through magical truth

II. Substance & Fire

Great fires played a role in the initiation ceremony

InitiatesthroughPhilosophersilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Initiates & Philosophers

Philosophers and initiates shared knowledge of the macrocosmic and microcosmic principles

II. Philosophers & Philosopher's Stone

Philosophers affirm the existence of the Philosopher's Stone as a key to alchemical success

InitiatesthroughHermes TrismegistusilluminatesKabalah →
I. Initiates & Hermes Trismegistus

Initiates study under the guidance of Hermes Trismegistus, following his teachings.

II. Hermes Trismegistus & Kabalah

Hermes Trismegistus, as a prominent figure in occult lore, is linked to the development and transmission of Kabalistic teachings and symbolism.

InitiatesthroughHermes TrismegistusilluminatesAstrology →
I. Initiates & Hermes Trismegistus

Initiates study under the guidance of Hermes Trismegistus, following his teachings.

II. Hermes Trismegistus & Astrology

Hermes Trismegistus, often revered as the founder of Astrology, is a central figure in the establishment and development of this ancient practice. According to the surviving literature, Hermes Trismegistus, also known as Thrice-Great Hermes, is credited with founding the principles and theories that underpin Astrology. This comprehensive title and accolade reflect his purported profound wisdom and mastery, suggesting a foundational role in the creation and elevation of Astrology as a respected intellectual and mystical discipline. Though no specific date or historical context is provided, his association with Astrology is firmly established, highlighting his significant influence on this field of study. Hermes Trismegistus is the founder of Astrology

InitiatesthroughHermes TrismegistusilluminatesDuad →
I. Initiates & Hermes Trismegistus

Initiates study under the guidance of Hermes Trismegistus, following his teachings.

II. Hermes Trismegistus & Duad

The dual nature of wisdom is reflected in both the duad and Hermes Trismegistus, representing intellectual and spiritual aspects