Hermes Trismegistus is the alleged writer of the numerous texts that created the philosophical religion called Hermeticism. Not much is known about his life because trying to define him as a single person or entity is widely debated.  One of the most common beliefs is that he was a representation of the Greek god Hermes combined with the Egyptian god Thoth. In both cultures, these gods were creative writers of magic and interpretation.  Both were also known as “psychopomps” that guide souls to the afterlife. According to Jungian psychology, a psychopomp is also a mediator between the unconscious and conscious realms and works as a sort of channel to past souls. 

“Trismegistus” literally means “Thrice Great” which is reportedly attributed to Hermes for several different reasons. One explanation is that he knows the three parts of the wisdom of the entire universe. This knowledge is the basis of a set of philosophical and religious beliefs known as Hermeticism. Other theories for the name Trismegistus include allusions to his possible lineage as a third son of kings or simply because he was referenced as the greatest priest, philosopher, and king.

The texts written by Hermes Trismegistus were highly important because of not only their content but their age. Found to be thousands of years old, the texts are said to encapsulate all the training of Egyptian priests. The texts are usually divided into categories of philosophical or technical instructions. The philosophical category is more about knowing and interpreting the wisdom of the universe through astrology. The technical texts explain using forms of practical magic such as written spells that may imprison the souls of demons inside of objects or how to use gems and herbs to communicate with angels and engage in prophecy. 



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