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Writer's pictureThe Sword and Rose

Alchemical Wisdom (Thoth and Hermes)

After 11 years, since the passing of our beloved founder Randy David, we rejoice at the rebirth of our Thoth and Hermes Oils. Blended on Wednesday, December 4th, as retrograde Mercury sat enthroned at the heart of the Sun, we imbued these oils with the essence of wisdom, communication, and transformation associated with their namesakes. 

Thoth, known as Djehuty in ancient Egyptian, is a deity of profound knowledge, wisdom, and cosmic balance. Depicted with the head of an ibis or as a baboon, Thoth is revered as the inventor of hieroglyphic writing and the divine scribe who chronicles the deeds of gods and humans. His impartiality and intellectual prowess position him as a mediator in disputes among the gods, as well as a guardian of the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, where he ensures fairness in the judgment of souls. His association with lunar cycles and timekeeping ties him to the rhythms of creation and cosmic order, reflecting his role as a bridge between the terrestrial and the divine. 


Hermes, the Grecian counterpart to Thoth, is one of the most dynamic gods of the Hellenic pantheon, renowned for his clever versatility. As the god of communication, commerce, and travel, Hermes embodies adaptability, cunning, and resourcefulness. With his winged sandals and caduceus, Hermes is the consummate messenger for the Olympian gods. Like Thoth, Hermes governs boundaries and transitions, serving as a psychopomp who guides souls to the afterlife. His domains extend beyond practicality to include the invention of writing and language, emphasizing his role as a god of intellect and ingenuity. In Roman mythology, Hermes transformed into Mercury, retaining his Greek characteristics while becoming a patron of trade and prosperity, further highlighting his association with reciprocity and wealth. 


The Hellenistic period witnessed the fusion of Thoth and Hermes seen in the figure of Hermes Trismegistus, meaning "Hermes Thrice Great." Hermes Trismegistus is believed to be a divine and wise sage, and the human synthesis of the gods Thoth and Hermes. Hermes Trismegistus is credited with foundational esoteric texts like the Emerald Tablet and the Corpus Hermeticum, which delve into alchemy, astrology, and the mysteries of divine knowledge. These writings profoundly influenced the Hermetic tradition and Western esoteric thought, portraying Hermes Trismegistus as a guide to alchemical transformation and cosmic truth. 


Both Thoth and Hermes are far more than scribes or mediators; they embody universal truths that transcend cultural boundaries. Thoth, with his focus on balance, cycles, and transformation, offers insight into both the physical and spiritual realms. Similarly, Hermes represents the convergence of intellect, communication, and metaphysical journeys, highlighting his role as a mediator between worlds. As Hermes Trismegistus, their legacies merge into a symbol of profound spiritual wisdom and the alchemical transformation of the self. The rebirth of Thoth and Hermes Oils is a tribute to these timeless figures, bringing their energy and teachings back into the lives of seekers and practitioners.


Upon rebirth, a reading was given for what these Magical Deities have to tell us now.


THOTH OIL

First Card: Elk

Elk, whose steady stride echoes the eternal rhythms of time, teaches us the sacred art of pacing, a truth inscribed in the very fabric of creation. Just as the sun rises and sets in measured intervals, so too must our energies. Honor the balance of effort and rest.

Remember that all journeys of meaning are marathons, not sprints. The Elk reminds us that stamina, not haste, is the key to enduring success. If we deplete our essence in the early steps, how will we complete the great work ahead? Take time to breathe, to recalibrate, and to align with the flow of life. 

True mastery is not in endless exertion but in understanding the moments to pause. In stillness, the visions of the next step appear. As Elk runs with strength yet conserves its breath,  we must work with focus, but guard our reserves. Trust the rhythm of the cosmos, for it is through balance that one aligns with the divine blueprint.

Second Card: Alligator

Alligator is a guardian of the primal waters of creation and integration. Alligator teaches the art of patience, urging us to wait with stillness and clarity until the perfect moment arises. Just as the Alligator glides silently beneath the surface, conserving its strength for the decisive strike, so too must we trust our intuition and move with precision when opportunities present themselves. Alligator reminds us that growth and transformation require integration within the cycles of stillness and action, reflection, and renewal.

Rooted along with the ancient Egyptian wisdom of the crocodile, sacred to Sobek, the Alligator calls us to embrace the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Its sharp teeth symbolize the breaking down of what no longer serves us, allowing for transformation and regeneration. We must protect our creative potential as fiercely as the Alligator guards its waters, and recognize the balance between instinct and intellect. In stillness, we find clarity; in action, we find purpose. Through Alligator’s wisdom, we may align ourselves with the eternal rhythms of creation.

Card Three: Buffalo

Buffalo is a symbol of abundance, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of all life. The Buffalo, like the sacred herds that sustained ancient peoples, teaches us that true wealth lies in honoring the cycles of giving and receiving. Its presence reminds us to approach life with reverence and humility, recognizing that every blessing is a gift from the cosmic order. As Buffalo roams the plains in harmony with the earth, so too must we align our lives with the natural flow of abundance, offering gratitude for what is given and sharing freely what we have to give.

Buffalo medicine speaks of sacred reciprocity: the act of giving thanks, not only in moments of prosperity but in times of challenge, for even adversity holds lessons and opportunities for growth. Through Buffalo, we are reminded to walk with steady purpose, grounded yet attuned to the higher forces that guide us. Abundance does not flow from grasping or demanding but from walking in harmony with the cycles of life. Honor the earth beneath our feet, the sky above our head, and the spirit within, and we will find that all our needs are met in their proper time. Gratitude is our most potent offering, as it opens the gates to divine wisdom and sustains the balance of the universe. 

Card Four: Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog’s wisdom lies in the power of retreat and reflection. Prairie Dog reminds us that stepping back from the busyness of life is not an act of weakness but a sacred pause for renewal. Like the Prairie Dog retreating into its burrow, we are called to create a space of safety and quiet where we can reconnect with our inner wisdom. In stillness, clarity emerges, allowing us to see the path forward with greater understanding. Embrace this time of withdrawal as a chance to recharge and refocus, for even the busiest journeys require moments of rest.

Prairie Dog also teaches the importance of community and cooperation, reminding us that no one thrives alone. Its interconnected tunnels symbolize the strength found in shared efforts and mutual support. In the quiet spaces of our retreat, consider how our connections with others sustain and uplift us. Just as Prairie Dog balances its time between solitude and communal life, so too are we called to find harmony between introspection and collaboration. Through these cycles of withdrawal and engagement, we align with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of balance.

Card Five: Raven

Raven is a harbinger of transformation and the keeper of sacred truths. Raven is the shadowed guide, leading us into the unseen realms where magic and possibility dwell. Its presence calls us to embrace change, for transformation is the essence of creation. Just as the Raven moves effortlessly between the earthly and the spiritual, we are invited to explore the depths of our inner world, uncover hidden truths, and reclaim the power of our own magic. In its caw, we hear the echoes of the cosmos, reminding us that wisdom is found in both light and shadow.

Raven is a weaver of fate and a messenger of synchronicity. When it appears, pay attention to the signs and symbols around you, as they are the language of the universe. Raven reminds us that nothing in life is random; all is connected through threads of meaning and purpose. Embrace the mysteries it brings, even when they challenge our own understanding. Through Raven’s guidance, we learn to trust in the unknown and harness the transformative power of our own intuition. In its feathers lies the wisdom of renewal, magic, and the ever-unfolding cycles of creation.

Card Six: Moose

Moose’s towering presence embodies the power of self-esteem and the sacred strength of knowing oneself. Moose teaches us to stand tall in our truth, unshaken by external opinions or expectations. It calls us to honor our unique voice and life path, for true strength lies in authenticity and self-respect. In its bellowing cry that echoes across the wilderness, Moose reminds us to celebrate our accomplishments, not from arrogance, but from a place of gratitude and acknowledgment of our inner power.

Moose also brings the wisdom of balance between gentleness and strength. Though it is a creature of great size and power, Moose moves with deliberate grace, teaching us to wield our strength with wisdom and care. When Moose appears, it calls us to connect with the primal forces of life, grounding ourselves in the natural rhythms of the earth while honoring our spiritual essence. Through Moose, we are reminded that self-confidence and humility are not opposites but companions. We must embrace our worth, walk with quiet strength, and let our unique presence shine as a gift to the world.


HERMES OIL

Card One: Armadillo

Armadillo’s protective shell reflects the sacred boundaries. Armadillo reminds us to define and honor the space in which our spirits reside, just as its armor shields its body from harm. To walk through life without clear boundaries is to invite chaos and confusion; therefore, we must learn when to open ourselves to others and when to retreat within. Armadillo teaches that true strength lies not in the rigidity of walls but in the discernment of when to be vulnerable and when to stand firm. In honoring our boundaries, we also honor our personal truths, navigating the complexities of life with clarity and purpose. Know when to speak, and when to be silent. 

Yet Armadillo also carries the wisdom of adaptability, a quality that resonates deeply with Hermes’ own essence. As it rolls into a ball to protect itself, it teaches us to move with flexibility when challenges arise, adapting our defenses without losing sight of our core self. Boundaries are not meant to isolate but to empower, to help us move freely through the world, balanced between openness and self-preservation. Through Armadillo, we are reminded to hold our space with grace, honoring our journey while remaining open to the lessons and connections that life offers. In this harmony of protection and adaptability, we may find the courage to walk boldly on our path. 

Card Two: Snake

Snake holds the secrets of transmutation, the sacred art of turning base elements into gold, both within and without. Snake teaches that true transformation begins in the soul, where the old is shed to reveal the brilliance of the new. Like the alchemist’s work, our journey is one of refining the self, stripping away what no longer serves to uncover our truest essence. Just as the Snake sheds its skin, we are called to release outdated beliefs, habits, and attachments, allowing the purified and transformed self to emerge. In this process, we align with the universal cycles of life, death, and rebirth, becoming both the vessel and the creator of our own evolution.

The Snake’s coiled energy mirrors the sacred spirals of the Caduceus, the staff Hermes carries as a symbol of balance, healing, and divine knowledge. The twin serpents entwined around the staff represent duality; light and shadow, body and spirit, and their union in the pursuit of harmony. Snake calls us to embrace this alchemical balance, where opposites merge to catalyze profound change. Whether through the healing of old wounds or the awakening of dormant potential, Snake offers the wisdom of transmutation, teaching that even the most painful experiences can become the gold of spiritual growth. Through the lessons of Snake and the Caduceus, Hermes guides us to harness our inner life force, balance the currents of our being, and awaken the power to transmute challenges into profound transformation.

Card Three: Badger

Badger is fierce and unwavering, reminding us of the power of determined action. Badger teaches that transformation begins with our willingness to confront challenges head-on, digging deep into the foundation of our being to uncover hidden strengths. Like the alchemist who works tirelessly at their craft, we are called to channel our energy into purposeful action, transmuting obstacles into opportunities for growth. Badger does not fear the work required for change, and in fact thrives in the digging, unearthing the raw materials needed to shape its destiny. In its boldness, we find the courage to initiate and persist, no matter how daunting the task.

Yet, Badger also carries the wisdom of focus and balance, a teaching mirrored in the serpents entwined on the Caduceus as well. Its message is to temper our ferocity with clarity, ensuring that our actions are guided by purpose rather than reckless force. Badger’s medicine reminds us that true transformation requires not only strength but also the strategic use of our energy. Through Badger, we are guided to embrace boldness when it is needed but to wield it with precision and grace. Trust in the ability to act decisively and shape reality, for the fires of determination are where our willpower is forged into the gold of transformation.

Card Four: Jaguar

Jaguar’s power is silent and its piercing gaze reveals the path of integrity. Jaguar moves through the darkness with grace, unafraid to confront what others might fear. It calls us to embrace the shadows within ourselves, to face our fears and uncover the truths that lie hidden in the depths of our soul. Like the Jaguar prowling unseen, we must navigate the unseen realms of our own psyche, transmuting fear into wisdom and shadow into strength. In this alchemy of self-discovery, Jaguar reminds us that integrity comes from living in alignment with our deepest truths.

Jaguar teaches that transformation requires both self-awareness and the courage to act on what we discover. Jaguar does not shy away from its power, nor does it wield it recklessly. It is the master of discernment, striking only when the moment is right. Through Jaguar, we are called to walk with fearless integrity, trusting in our instincts and inner strength to guide us. Embrace the lessons of the shadows and let their wisdom transmute our souls, for only by knowing all parts of ourselves can we truly walk the path of enlightenment.

Card Five: Crow

Hermes speaks quite clearly through Crow, whose black feathers shimmer with the mysteries of Sacred Law. Crow carries the understanding of universal balance, where the laws of nature and spirit align. It reminds us that Sacred Law transcends the man-made law, residing instead in the eternal truths that govern the cosmos. These are the same principles inscribed as the Hermetic Laws: mentalism, correspondence, rhythm, polarity, vibration, cause and effect, and gender. Crow teaches us to look beyond the surface of reality, to see the patterns that interweave the physical and spiritual realms, and to live in harmony with these universal laws.

Crow’s message is one of vigilance and integrity, for to stray from Sacred Law is to invite imbalance into our lives. Just as Crow moves between worlds, it urges us to act with awareness, ensuring that our thoughts, words, and actions are in alignment with divine principles. Like the Hermetic teachings, Crow emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the cycles that govern life and transformation. Through Crow, we honor these truths, to seek wisdom in the unseen, and to live as a bridge between worlds. By embodying the Sacred Law in your daily life, you align yourself with the harmony of the Cosmos, allowing your journey to flow with the great order of the universe.

Card Six: Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog, as in our reading for Thoth, brings the wisdom of retreat and renewal. Prairie Dog reminds us that rest is not a sign of weakness but a vital act of self-preservation and preparation. Just as it retreats into its burrow, we are called to create a sanctuary where we can reflect, recharge, and reconnect with our inner self. In this sacred pause, we gain clarity and strength for the journey ahead. Prairie Dog teaches that stepping back allows us to see the bigger picture, to integrate our experiences, and to prepare for purposeful action.

Yet Prairie Dog’s wisdom extends beyond solitude, and into knowing when it is safe to come out of its burrow. Just as Hermes goes into the darkest depths, so too does he fly to the highest heavens. Through the Prairie Dog, we are given the reflection needed to be able to go out into the world; now that the coast is clear, we are able to honor all the wisdom we have gained and progress with trust and determination.

May the wisdom of Hermes and Thoth, the eternal scribes and gods of divine knowledge, be guiding lights on your journey. As Hermes teaches the art of communication, transformation, and the weaving of connections between worlds, may you find clarity in your thoughts, courage in your transitions, and strength in your adaptability. As Thoth, the master of balance and keeper of sacred truths, illuminates the path of wisdom and cosmic order, may you discover the harmony within yourself and the rhythms of the universe that sustain all life. May their combined essence, as Hermes Trismegistus, inspire you to embrace both the mysteries of the seen and unseen, transforming your challenges into wisdom and your aspirations into reality. Walk in the blessings of their guidance, and may the legacy of their sacred teachings awaken the divine spark within you.


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