Hermeticism, or alchemy, is the ancient, primordial mystery science of nature through which people in all times and places have, for the sake of world evolution, sought to unite Heaven and Earth divinity, cosmos, earth, and humanity, as a single whole. Selfless, intimate, dedicated to healing and harmony, Hermeticism has accompanied and sustained every religious epoch and revelation. It may be found in all historical cultures, from the traditions of India and China in the East to the Judeo-Christian West. It could even be said that Hermeticism is the primal cosmological revelation and the common ground of all spiritual traditions. Nevertheless, in the great revival of mystical, esoteric traditions and practices during the last century, Hermetic tradition in fact, Nature herself has been largely ignored. Today, when the Earth seems most under attack, "Green Hermeticism" is especially appropriate. The book explores not only the ancient Masters inner science, but also their science of Nature. During spring and summer 2006, Pir Zia Khan convened a series of gatherings to begin to unfold the contemporary meaning of ancient, sacred science for our time.

"Green Hermeticism" is a partial record of that meeting. Peter Lamborn Wilson, explores the many ramifications of the alternative worldview offered by Hermeticism; Christopher Bamford provides a broad historical overview of the tradition from the Ancient Mysteries to contemporary manifestations of the alchemical tradition; while Kevin Townley brings a practical dimension to the gathering teaching the preparation of herbal elixirs and demonstrating that cosmology and philosophy can become a truly healing path for the Earth. "Green Hermeticism" is necessary reading for anyone seeking a spiritual and cultural path for the healing of the current ecological and cultural crisis. In Alchemy, there is an injunction to quicken, or revive, the dead, which is illustrated by a dead tree growing verdant again. That is exactly what this wonderful and rare work does in awakening human consciousness to its Divine potential and Ultimate Destiny. Art thus helps Nature to achieve its ideal Perfection. The authors must be congratulated for their insightful words. I wholeheartedly recommend reading it again and again, and again.

Stanislas Klossowski de Rola, author "Alchemy: The Secret Art" and "The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century" Environmental solutions today are largely technical, but the planetary crisis is also a crisis of soul or better yet, of the Imagination. Too tricky for religion, too poetic for reductionist science, "Green Hermeticism" reheats a prophetic imagination still in love with the material world a new alchemy of ancient nature. Erik Davis, author, "The Visionary State: A Journey through California's Spiritual Landscape" Just when you felt numb and disenfranchised, thinking the world had become bleak and dead, along comes this rare, much needed book to remind us that there is still some sanity, depth, and creative energy percolating up from the heart of Reality. Thank God (and the Goddess Nature) for this smart and inspiring breath of fresh air "Green Hermeticism" is where the wasteland ends and where the world becomes re-enchanted with genuine living thought that goes beyond superficialities. It s a rare pleasure to be in the presence of living minds who actually know something wonderful and have not been deadened by the opiates of capital or the tenure track. Very highly recommended. David Fideler, publisher (Phanes Press) editor ("Alexandria"), author of "Jesus Christ, Sun of God" and translator of "Love s Alchemy: Poems from the Sufi Tradition" (with Sabrineh Fideler) The publication of "Green Hermeticism" has the sense we so rarely get, of a genuine moment in cultural history. It is not just the eloquence of its authors' knowledge and arguments or that they are showing us, once again, the depth and range and beauty of alchemy, and the Hermetic tradi.