Ancient Hellenistic Sources of Western Esotericism
Oxford University Press eBooks October 14, 2008 DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320992.003.0002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Western esoteric traditions derive from ancient Hellenistic patterns of thought, exemplified by Alexandrian Hermetism, Neoplatonism, theurgy, and, to a limited extent, Gnosticism, which originated in the eastern Mediterranean in the first few centuries A.D. |
Abstract
This chapter examines the ancient Hellenistic origins of Western esotericism. It explains that Western esoteric traditions have their basis in certain distinct patterns of thinking about the divine, man, and the universe which stretch back into classical antiquity. These patterns of thoughts can be can be such ancient teachings as Alexandrian Hermetism, Neoplatonism, theurgy, and to a limited extent in Gnosticism, which all originated in the eastern Mediterranean area during the first few centuries A.D.