Cult of Mercury: Difference between revisions
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== The Ancient Cult == | == The Ancient Cult == | ||
In ancient times, the Cult of Mercury was a mystical organization that served the pagan Roman Republic and Empire. The modern [[Order of Hermes]] sees itself as continuing in the mystical (though not | In ancient times, the Cult of Mercury was a mystical organization that served the pagan Roman Republic and Empire. The modern [[Order of Hermes]] sees itself as continuing in the mystical (though not religious) traditions of the Cult, with the modern Cult being an attempt at a more complete religious and magical revival - although the pagan gods are seen as anthropomorphized principles of nature and [[Daimon|daimons]]. | ||
The ancient Cult of Mercury fell apart about the same time as the Western Roman Empire did (5<sup>th</sup> century A.D.). | The ancient Cult of Mercury fell apart about the same time as the Western Roman Empire did (5<sup>th</sup> century A.D.). | ||
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== The Modern Cult == | == The Modern Cult == | ||
In the modern (that is, 13<sup>th</sup> Century) [[Order of Hermes]], the '''Cult of Mercury''' is a [[Societas]] founded by [[Priamitus]] of [[House Mercere]] and led by Mercere Magi serving as high priests of Mercury/Hermes. Many of them reside in [[House Flambeau]], as per [[ | In the modern (that is, 13<sup>th</sup> Century) [[Order of Hermes]], the '''Cult of Mercury''' is a [[Societas]] founded by [[Priamitus]] of [[House Mercere]] and led by Mercere Magi serving as high priests of Mercury/Hermes. Many of them reside in [[House Flambeau]], as per [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]]. | ||
Mercurian priests (''flamines'', singular ''flamen'') are often respected in [[Hermetic Society]], for tradition if nothing else, and perform various ceremonial duties. | Mercurian priests (''flamines'', singular ''flamen'') are often respected in [[Hermetic Society]], for tradition if nothing else, and perform various ceremonial duties. | ||
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* Ancient Cult of Mercury, [[ArM5]] 9 | * Ancient Cult of Mercury, [[ArM5]] 9 | ||
* [[ | * [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]] 95, [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]] 16. | ||
* See also [[Cult of Heroes]], [[Neo-Mercurians]], [[Sol Invictus]]. | * See also [[Cult of Heroes]], [[Neo-Mercurians]], [[Sol Invictus]]. | ||
* [[Plentarch]] was a high priest of the ancient cult | * [[Plentarch]] was a high priest of the ancient cult | ||
*The [[ArM2|Second Edition]] supplement [[Order of Hermes book|Order of Hermes]] (p. 28-33) | *The [[ArM2|Second Edition]] supplement [[Order of Hermes (book)|Order of Hermes]] (p. 28-33) | ||
*[[The Tempest]], introduction | *[[The Tempest]], introduction | ||
Revision as of 04:45, 11 June 2014
The Cult of Mercury is a fictional organization of magicians that pre-dates the Order of Hermes.
The Ancient Cult
In ancient times, the Cult of Mercury was a mystical organization that served the pagan Roman Republic and Empire. The modern Order of Hermes sees itself as continuing in the mystical (though not religious) traditions of the Cult, with the modern Cult being an attempt at a more complete religious and magical revival - although the pagan gods are seen as anthropomorphized principles of nature and daimons.
The ancient Cult of Mercury fell apart about the same time as the Western Roman Empire did (5th century A.D.).
In Mythic Europe, some scholars of magical history believe that the Cult of Mercury can trace its origins to even earlier cults of classical Greece and Persia.
Magic of the Ancient Cult
The ancient Cult of Mercury relied solely on what Hermetic magi would call ritual magic. It had the novel feature that its magic could be easily recorded in written form, which is perhaps why so many of the Founders practiced magic derived from that of the ancient cult.
The Modern Cult
In the modern (that is, 13th Century) Order of Hermes, the Cult of Mercury is a Societas founded by Priamitus of House Mercere and led by Mercere Magi serving as high priests of Mercury/Hermes. Many of them reside in House Flambeau, as per Houses of Hermes: Societates.
Mercurian priests (flamines, singular flamen) are often respected in Hermetic Society, for tradition if nothing else, and perform various ceremonial duties.
References
- Ancient Cult of Mercury, ArM5 9
- Houses of Hermes: True Lineages 95, Houses of Hermes: Societates 16.
- See also Cult of Heroes, Neo-Mercurians, Sol Invictus.
- Plentarch was a high priest of the ancient cult
- The Second Edition supplement Order of Hermes (p. 28-33)
- The Tempest, introduction
Legacy Page
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:cult_of_mercury