A book review today is Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy by Marlene Seven Bremner—The Emerald Tablet, the Corpus Hermeticum, and the Journey Through the Seven Spheres. This has been an absolute favorite. It’s not a simplistic or watered-down read in any way. In fact, it’s so well structured and deeply detailed from Hermetic, Jungian, alchemical, and artistic perspectives.
“Masonry is the art of building not just temples of stone, but the living temple of the soul.”
Marlene herself, being a gifted artist, explores numerous ancient alchemical images while offering her own original artwork as meditative guides. Her work reflects her personal alchemical transmutations—her wrestlings with the inner forces to unlock and heal various aspects of selfhood and evolution.
The book is divided into thoughtful parts. Part one begins with the Hermetic texts, delving into the ancient Egyptian roots of Hermeticism and then mapping its evolution through the Muslim, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. It offers a nuanced breakdown of the three branches of Hermeticism.
Part two—where things really get juicy—dives into Hermetic cosmology and alchemy: heaven and earth, the tetrad and trinity, and the harmony of fate. It outlines twelve torments ordered through the creative sphere, initiating us into a deeper understanding of the multidimensional architecture of the soul.
What follows is a profound journey through the wandering archetypes, with deep detail on each of the seven planetary forces. Each archetype is explored with approximately 20 pages of dense, meditative information that blends esoteric psychology, alchemical dynamics, and symbolic art. From Saturn’s descent into darkness to Jupiter’s expansion, from Mars’ transformational fires to the luminous essence of the Sun—this is the work of true gnosis.
Bremner also explores Venus as the joy of creation, Mercury as the etheric voice of divine mind, and the Moon as reflection of the unconscious. The final chapter offers Remunerations on the Old Path, providing a sacred pause for integration.
Originally, this book was intended as a prelude to her next volume The Alchemical Marriage, due for release in mid-2023. She explains this in our upcoming interview, sharing how the content overflowed and expanded organically into a two-volume journey.
One of the standout features is her treatment of Hermes—not just as a myth or historical figure, but also as archetype. She seamlessly weaves classical depictions and myths with her own visionary encounters and insights, providing a deeply immersive experience into Hermetic mysticism.
Her artwork alone is worth the purchase. You’ll find it saturated with symbolic layers—visions drawn from dreams and inner encounters, infused with esoteric codes and alchemical light. Through these paintings, Bremner offers more than art—she offers transmission.
This book is not only informative, it is initiatory. I now recommend it as required reading for my Demonteship students when studying planetary archetypes and Hermetic metaphysics. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, beautifully articulated guide to the inner world of Hermeticism—this is the one.
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