In Greek mythology, Hermes is a Greek god, also known as Mercury (Mercurius) among the Roman gods. Numerous stories tell about his wise and tactical behaviour, especially about his great negotiating skills, even in most difficult situations.

Hermes (Mercury) is one of the sons of Zeus, the father of the gods, and Pleiade Maia, a daughter of Atlas. Depending on the reference, his birthplace is named as Mount Kyllene in Arcania or the area around Mount Olympus. In Greek mythology he is one of the twelve gods of Olympus. In mythology we learn about his inventiveness and imagination, his grandiose inventive talent and his extraordinary creativity. His great mobility and agility were paired with a mischievous, likeable and cheerful disposition.

The richness of his talents results in the diversity of his dominions. With his winged shoes and winged helmet, the god Hermes is faster than light. As messenger of the gods he announces the decisions of the gods (of Zeus) to the mortals and translates them for them. He is the progenitor of the heralds, so to speak. As messenger of the gods, he is the ultimate legislator and has high authority.

As a soul leader he protects and guides the souls of the dead on their way to the underworld to the Last Judgment of Hades. Mercury is thus a mediator between the worlds, the upper and the lower world, a border crosser between the worlds. He is both a crosser between the gods and mortals and between the human kingdom and the realm of the dead.

As the god of science he is closely connected with chemistry, especially alchemy. Thus Mercurius is a mediating principle between the opposite poles in alchemy. Hermes is, among other things, also the patron god of merchants and art dealers. He is the god of travelers and the protective god of traffic. His other domains include magic in particular, whereby Hermes was not only the god of magic, but also the god of jugglers and thieves. He is also a master of deception and confusion.

Further symbols of Hermes’ rule are the scroll and his shepherd’s crook. Thus he is also the god of science, of language and oratory and a god of shepherds. Hermes is the patron saint of the Hermetic Academy. The Hermetic Academy preserves hermetic instructions that help people to find meaning, self-realization and self-knowledge.

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