Submitted by BRENCIS CYRUS -... on
“Make idle the senses of the body and the spirit will be reborn.” - Hermes
What is man?
Man is the ultimate creation who contains a universe within him - a myriad of cells and atoms evolving within and without him. He is a perfect example of living architecture. According to the ancient view of Hermetic Constitution, man IS the following:
A physical form:
• Formed around a living spirit, a finite number of organic cells composing bones, blood, flesh and hair. Each of these compositions of organic cells is a miniature system unto itself.
An electrovital body:
• The ancient believed this to be a phosphorescent light that encompassed or outlined the skeletal frame and nervous system. It is electro-magnetic barrier inseparable from the physical body during life.
An astral form:
• This represents the persona. It is separate from the physical form and is the appearance assumed by the Soul. It was believed to be under the control of the dominating mind. It is absent from the physical body if the physical body is awake. It is responsive to the same pain and injury to the physical body during waking hours. It is this form that is susceptible to black magic attacks.
An animal soul:
• This expression is formless. It represents the lowest and selfish desires that are subject to the astral and material planes.
A spiritual body:
• The ancients considered this a finely etherealized organism which was the Soul’s expression of the heavenly raiment and the purified man.
A Divine soul:
• This was considered the part of the incarnated entity within the microcosm that was the higher arc of the universe. It was considered formless and the expression of good and unselfish aspirations. It was disassociated from the motives of the self.
A Pure Spirit:
• Also known as the Divine Self which never incarnates into form until the seventh state or perfection and everlasting is attained. It represents the divine atom of life.
In all of creation, man is unique as he has a dual nature. He is enslaved to the desires and lower material nature of his body and has fallen. In order to free himself from the world that tests him, man has to learn of his true nature in order to be saved and reborn.