Corpus Hermeticum

This poem takes its starting point on two Hermetic texts, the Corpus Hermeticum XIII.18 and the Corpus Hermeticum XIII.11. Those following the work of Iamblichus, a philosopher of the 4th century, in what was known as "theurgy". Alongside Plotinus and Porphyry, he was a founder of Neoplatonism.

Theurgy (/ˈθiːɜrdʒi/; from Greek θεουργία) describes the practice of rituals, sometimes seen as magical in nature, performed with the intention of invoking the action or evoking the presence of one or more gods, especially with the goal of uniting with the divine, achieving henosis, and perfecting oneself.

Henosis (Ancient Greek: ἕνωσις) is the word for mystical "oneness," "union," or "unity" in classical Greek. In Platonism, and especially Neoplatonism, the goal of henosis is union with what is fundamental in reality: the One (Τὸ Ἕν), the Source, or Monad.

As I've currently been studying a number of Neoplatonic writings of the 4th century, it seemed appropriate to fashion a poem; I have, however, attempted to given it a local Jersey feel, hence the dolmen!

Corpus Hermeticum

Powers within me, sing a hymn
Sing to the One and to the All
Open up both mind and limb
Open portal, break down wall

Now sing together with my will
Hymning light, the joy of mind
Within the dolmen, on the hill
Open inner eyes so blind

Sacred knowledge, join with me
Enlighten me, all you powers
Earth and land and sky and sea
As I gift the offering of flowers

Throughout heaven, earth, water, air
Make Wisdom give her blessing here