Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy

The Emerald Tablet, the Corpus Hermeticum, and the Journey through the Seven Spheres

By: Marlene Seven Bremner

Narrated by: Marlene Seven Bremner

• Examines the foundational texts and principles of Hermeticism and alchemy, showing how they offer a foundation for a psycho-spiritual creative practice

• Takes the reader on a Hermetic journey through each of the seven traditional planets, offering meditative discourses that speak directly to the intuitive soul

• Provides examples from traditional alchemical art and the author’s own intricate esoteric paintings

Drawing on ancient Egyptian and Greek cosmogonies and essential Hermetic texts, such as the Corpus Hermeticum, the Emerald Tablet (Tabula Smaragdina), and the Nag Hammadi codices, Marlene Seven Bremner offers a detailed understanding of Hermetic philosophy and the art of alchemy as a foundation for a psycho-spiritual creative practice. Offering examples from traditional alchemical art and her own intricate esoteric paintings, Bremner examines the foundational principles of Hermeticism and alchemy and shows how these traditions are a direct means for accessing higher consciousness and true self-knowledge, or gnosis, as well as a way to extract the essence of one’s own creative gifts.

The author takes the reader on a Hermetic journey through each of the seven traditional planets--Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon--exploring their mythological, philosophical, alchemical, Qabalistic, magical, astrological, and energetic natures and offering meditative discourses that reach past the rational mind to speak directly to the intuitive soul. She relates the seven planets to the esoteric anatomy of the human body, specifically the seven chakras, and shows how the planets can offer understanding and experience of archetypal energies and patterns in the body, in one’s life, and in the creative process.

A profound synthesis of magical and occult teachings as well as an initiation into the alchemical opus, this book reveals how to integrate and apply Hermetic and alchemical principles to awaken inner knowing, liberate the imagination, and live a mystical, creative, and truly inspired life.

Critic reviews

“This life-changing book will take you on an amazing, enlightening, soul-filled journey into the wisdom and profound insights of Hermeticism, alchemy, and the occult arts. It gracefully reveals universal truths, cosmic secrets, and hidden mysteries through the author’s immense knowledge on the subject matter as well as her own brilliant creative process. I highly recommend this book to all those who would like to spark their own healing process and spiritual awakening.”

“Marlene Seven Bremner has blessed contemporary readers with a comprehensive book on the history and practice of Hermeticism. Well-researched and approached from the experience of the creative process itself, Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy offers valuable insight into the transmutative path of the Great Work. As an artist and true daughter of Hermes, the author adeptly shows us why Hermeticism is referred to as the Royal Art. An absolutely pleasurable and edifying read.”

“Bremner guides us on a transformative journey of the energetics of change that bridges ancient wisdom with new scholarship. She illuminates the alchemical arts brilliantly and unforgettably, both textually and visually. Her complex paintings reveal her vision and unfold their meaning only upon the reader’s resonant, meditative gaze. This book invites us to enter into the cauldron of our mystical transformation and awaken our creative forces.”

“Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy is an important and necessary work, especially for anyone involved in art and art making who wishes to use their making as a spiritual practice. Alchemy is an art; in fact, it has been called ‘the Art’ of arts in that all creation, according to alchemical theory, flows from the same principles. Implied in this is that any art practice may be used in the alchemical work of making change. In Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy, firmly grounded in primary texts and enriched through her own practice, Bremner provides a remarkably varied and thorough foundation in Hermetic philosophy, cosmology, and practice with leads for deeper study. With this foundation established, Bremner then sets before us another rich feast in her word-portraits of each of the planetary spheres--each portrait an incredible array of myth, poetry, science, philosophy, and magic. Understanding these spheres is critical, as they are the stages of ‘the old, old path’ of the soul’s journey to the One. Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy provides the maps and tools for this journey. It is all here. The only thing missing is you.”

Heaven Sent

Beautiful. It felt like the author was speaking directly to me. So enlightening and thought provoking

An inspiring pointer

An inspiring foundation to engage with principles of alchemy as relates in the practice of art and living at large

Alchemy Unveiled

As someone who's been studying Hermeticism, Alchemy & Kabbalah for the past 4 years, this by far one of the most comprehensive overviews of the metals and the heirarchy of creation. This book is certainly not a beginner book.

Proper initiation typically starts with learning the story and then learning what the story means. So I would recommend having searched read other works prior to this.

I prefer the audiobook over the physical, as the grouping of all the different cultures while trying to keep correspondences was a bit difficult while reading. Listening to the author subdued my analytical brain for a more passive intake of the overall message.

Highly recommend

One of the most comprehensive blends of the history and philosophy that shapes contemporary magick.

Will be re-listening many times

I'm very impressed with how well written and well narrated this book was. Every concept was described so that anyone could grasp and learn from the information given. It didn't feel condescending or pretentious as informative books can sometimes be. I rea