Western Esotericism
The defining events that were going to be responsible for that which was going to be termed as Western Esotericism took place in the 15th century. This was the period of the so called “Renaissance”, which was a time highly characterized by a deep fascination and attraction to the ways of the ancient Greco-roman world.
Influential thinkers like Gemisthos Plethon, Marsilius Ficino and Giovanni Pico de Mirandola were on the forefront when it came to reviving the lost esoteric arts of the classical world.
This was a time where many translations of deeply spiritual, mystical and philosophical works were actively pursued. There were many attempts to integrate and synchronize the wisdom from the ancient world with the Christian worldview which so dominantly characterized the west during this time.
This was indeed the begin of the great fascination for the hermetic, and neoplatonic arts. Much was to follow this initial burst of inspiration.
Number of quotes found: 6
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All teems with symbol; the wise man is the man who in any one thing can read another.
Source: The Enneads - 270
Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.
Source: The Gospel of Thomas - Saying 1
So when the universe was quickened with soul, God was well pleased; and he bethought him to make it yet more like its type. And whereas the type is eternal and nought that is created can be eternal, he devised for it a moving image of abiding eternity, which we call time. And he made days and months and years, which are portions of time; and past and future are forms of time, though we wrongly attribute them also to eternity. For of eternal Being we ought not to say ‘it was’, ‘it shall be’, but ‘it is’ alone: and in like manner we are wrong in saying ‘it is’ of sensible things which become and perish; for these are ever fleeting and changing, having their existence in time.
Source: Timaeus
The excellence of the soul is understanding; for the man who understands is conscious, devoted, and already godlike.
Only for you, children of doctrine and learning, have we written this work. Examine this book, ponder the meaning we have dispersed in various places and gathered again; what we have concealed in one place we have disclosed in another, that it may be understood by your wisdom.
Source: De Occulta Philosophia libri III
In one way or another, all historical currents that fall within the purview of Western esotericism are concerned with asking and answering questions about the nature of the world, its relation to the divine and the role of humanity in between. Strict philosophical argumentation can be part of such discussions; but the underlying motivation is primarily religious, in the sense of a deep concern with the true meaning of life and the ultimate spiritual destiny of human beings in the universe.
Source: Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed - Chapter 4 - 2013
