Hermes
is a personification and symbolic embodiment of the phenomenon we describe and
view as design and the design process. Hermes is considered the inventor of
language and speech and was associated with bringing dreams to mortals by
dealing with the elements, circumstances and depictions that emerge from the
depths of the unconscious.
Through
symbols and metaphor design bridges the boundaries between the conscious and
the unconscious. The word hermeneus, i.e. an interpreter, owes its meaning and
function to Hermes as the translator of many hermenutical procedures and rites
that in the past, attempted to reveal the inner meanings (huponoia) surrounding
certain texts and discourses, e. g. the Homeric poems.
“…
hermeneutics is a more widely defined discipline of interpretation theory,
because it includes the entire framework of the interpretive process,
encompassing written, verbal, and nonverbal communication.”
In
3D space/time every symbol and metaphor possesses a hierarchy of interpretation
that allows for each depiction to function coherently or incoherently,
inclusively or exclusively, holistically or separately with others that have preceded
it. Every divisive interpretation has the potential of becoming the hermeneus
of a more inclusive interpretation thereby causing every connotation to waver
in meaning and purpose at greater and more inclusive levels of awareness.
“Words
spoken are symbols or signs (symbola) of affections or impressions (pathemata)
of the soul (psyche); written words are the signs of words spoken.
As
writing, so also is speech not the same for all races of men.
But
the mental affections themselves, of which these words are primarily signs (semeia),
are the same for the whole of mankind, as are also the objects (pragmata)
of which those affections are representations or likenesses, images, copies (homoiomata).”
—Aristotle, On
Interpretation, 1.16a4
Hidden
within every holographic form is an opportunity for deep introspection. Every
physical, mental and emotional reflection is dependent upon design, i.e. the
symbol, and intrinsic to the power of Hermes. A pensive inquiry reveals an
intimate perspective into the context in which every relative form is made
mindful and conscionable. Each transition, i.e. change, contains a degree
of distinction that can lead to a greater unification and understanding of
consciousness itself. These meanings appear hidden within the designs of a
holographic universe and extend beyond the parameters of every virtual
province. These influences fall within the domain of Hermes who
metaphorically straddles between the realms of the conscious and the
unconscious by means of the dimensional fields we perceive as reality.
This
is the first in a series of personal investigations into the mythological
aspects of design as it relates to Western culture and civilization. The
attempt to describe, interpret and understand these mysterious attributes were
typically personified in the powers of many gods, particularly the Grecian god Hermes and the Roman god Mercury.
This
first elucidation will eventually be joined with other expose’s describing how
the concept of design has evolved over the centuries through the power of myth,
i.e. tales that describe the qualities, trials and tribulations of Hermes.
HERMES AND THE FIRST
ADVENTURE OF HERACLES
At
the crossroads of his life and soon after his encounter with the seductive
promises of “Happiness” and the good works of “Virtue”, Heracles,
son of Zeus and Almente, granddaughter of Perseus had decided he would walk the
path of morality and righteousness. In order to meet this life challenge
Heracles took the opportunity to rid the Grecian countryside of its lions and
robbers and then he focused upon the abuses of Erginus, king of the Minyans who
taxed the people of Thebes.
All
Greece admired him for his courage and his victories to such an extent that the
gods awarded him with gifts. Apollo gave him arrows; Hephaestus a golden quiver
and Hermes gave Heracles a sword, which he was to use in his path towards virtue
and integrity.
Humanity
is the offspring of the earth Gaia, i.e. the personification of the feminine
(Yin) and the result of the insemination of the masculine (Yang)
personified as Uranus, the consequence being embodied in the form of the Giants
of Greek mythology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_(mythology)
"The
Nephilim were on the earth in those days - and also afterward when the sons of
God would consort with the daughters of man, who would bear to them. They were
the mighty who, from old, were men of devastation. God saw that the wickedness
of Man was great upon the earth, and that every product of the thoughts of his
heart was but evil always."
K.
M. Briggs, The Fairies in English Tradition and Literature, p 63
University of Chicago Press, London, 1967.
Because
Zeus had banished her elder sons Prometheus, Atlas and the Titans, Gaia had
rallied her giant offspring against Zeus. Heracles fought on the side of the
immortals where he became an Olympian by distinguishing himself in battle.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
SWORD
Besides
being an instrument of warfare the sword symbolizes the concept of truth.
Hermes, acting as a messenger between the conscious and the unconscious, had
given Heracles the gift he needed on his path towards righteousness, virtue and
integrity. In the battle against the giants Hermes had joined the fight using
his own golden sword of truth and wearing the helmet of Hades, symbolizing
Pluto and the hidden unconscious mind.
In
essence, Hermes' participation in the battle recognizes the unconscious mind as
being both a defender and source of truth. As an instrument of the mind, truth
may be used to discover the knowledge and understanding necessary to meet the
challenges leading to awareness, integrity and virtue by becoming the mind's
slayer of the "real". Hermes involvement in the battle made it
apparent that truth cannot be found, nor can it be made fully discernible, in
the amid a conflict between antagonists.
Manly P. Hall; The Secret Teachings of all Ages
Hermes
was one of the supernatural associates of ancient initiation representing the
descent of divine wisdom incarnate. The hidden forces of heaven, i.e. the
unconscious, were gifted to Heracles by means of the sword given to him by Hermes. In
the battle to defend Olympus however, the arrows given to him by Apollo helped kill the earth giants.
Mind
when used for the purposes of seeking truth, can become an instrument of virtue
while remaining a two-edged sword.
In reference to the Design Paradigm, the mind (Hermes) will bring forward, i.e.
make conscious, its own contrasts before the psyche. These mindful contrasts are made apparent by the
heart and the all consuming presence that engulfs both of them with the wisdom
that knowledge, experience and awareness must find balance between what is both
meaningful and purposeful in Life.
So why did Heracles use Apollo's arrows in defense of Olympia?
The arrow symbolizes but another aspect of the mind. The arrow is swift, quick,
powerful, focused, and filled with intent. The mind can travel great distances.
By penetrating the eyes of the giants each arrow can get to the “truth of the
matter" therefore being "out of sight and out of mind."
Thought can pierce the mysteries hidden in the virtual field of
the unconscious and 3D space/time. Whether visible or invisible, the arrow
represents the mind (Hermes) being targeted in the direction of both a meaning
and a purpose. Its propellent may or may not be the truth.
* * *
Manly P Hall; What the Ancient Wisdom Expects of Its Disciples
* * *
The text you've provided delves deeply into the symbolic roles of Hermes and design in the context of Western mythology and philosophy. Here's a refined and expanded version with further exploration of the key themes, including the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind, the symbolic significance of Hermes, the concept of truth, and the evolution of design. I'll also emphasize the philosophical aspects tied to mythological figures like Hermes and Heracles.
Hermes as the Personification of Design and the Design Process
Hermes, the ancient Greek god, is often viewed not only as a divine messenger but also as the symbolic embodiment of the very process of design. As the inventor of language and speech, Hermes bridges the worlds of the conscious and the unconscious. He is associated with unlocking the mysteries of the unconscious, bringing dreams to mortals, and facilitating communication between disparate realms of thought and existence. Through his mythological role, Hermes becomes a metaphor for the design process itself: a process that not only constructs forms and artifacts but also seeks to uncover hidden meanings and connect the realms of consciousness and the unconscious.
Symbols and Metaphors: The Bridge Between Consciousness and the Unconscious
In design, every symbol, metaphor, or artifact possesses a unique capacity to connect the conscious mind to the unconscious. Just as Hermes was the hermeneus—the interpreter and translator of deep, often hidden meanings in texts like the Homeric poems—design, too, can be seen as a hermeneutical process that decodes the symbols and metaphors woven into the fabric of our experience. Symbols, when placed in a specific context, are not fixed in meaning but instead carry a multiplicity of interpretations. These interpretations can unfold in layers, shifting from exclusive, narrow meanings to more inclusive, expansive understandings. This dynamic interplay of interpretation, where one connotation leads to the next, mirrors the power of Hermes to transcend boundaries and reveal greater insights. Just as the god traverses between realms, so too does design navigate between the material and immaterial, the conscious and unconscious.
The Holographic Nature of Reality and Design
Every form and symbol within the realm of design—whether in physical, mental, or emotional domains—serves as a gateway to introspection. Hermes, with his association to both the conscious and the unconscious, embodies this capacity for deep exploration. In a holographic universe, each form or design holds the potential for reflection, enabling a greater understanding of the self and the surrounding reality. Design becomes not just the creation of objects or systems but an introspective tool that uncovers layers of meaning, much like Hermes' role in guiding individuals through the depths of their own minds. Each transition, each change within a design, presents an opportunity for growth, for deeper unification, and for an evolving awareness of the nature of consciousness itself.
Design as a Mythological Process: A Personal Investigation
This exploration of Hermes and design as symbolic processes is just the first in a series of reflections on the mythological aspects of design. The study of myth, particularly the tales of Hermes and his counterparts in different cultures, helps us to understand the evolution of design throughout history. Mythological figures such as Hermes and his Roman counterpart, Mercury, encapsulate the transformative power of design, from its role in language and communication to its capacity to guide human understanding and action. These ancient tales, through their personification of divine attributes, offer us valuable insights into the ways that the concept of design has evolved, not merely as an aesthetic or functional process, but as a profound metaphysical tool for interpreting and navigating the world.
Heracles, Virtue, and the Gift of the Sword: Design and the Path to Righteousness
In Greek mythology, Heracles, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, is a central figure who embodies the quest for moral clarity and virtue. The gods, recognizing his deeds, bestowed upon him powerful gifts. Hermes, in particular, gave Heracles a sword—an emblematic gift that reflects the intersection of design, truth, and virtue. While the sword is often viewed as a tool of war, in this context, it transcends its mere physicality to symbolize truth itself. Hermes, through his gift, empowers Heracles to navigate the trials of life, not merely by brute force, but by wielding the sword of truth in the battle against ignorance and vice.
The Sword of Truth: Hermes' Role in the Battle of the Giants
In his role as a messenger and intermediary between the conscious and unconscious, Hermes also acts as a guide in the pursuit of truth. When Heracles faces the giants—personifications of chaos and disorder—Hermes joins the battle, using his golden sword as a symbol of clarity and wisdom. The sword becomes more than a weapon; it represents the mind’s capacity to cut through the veils of illusion and reveal deeper truths. In the battle for virtue and righteousness, truth is not merely a passive observer; it is an active force, one that illuminates the path to integrity. As a symbol, the sword reflects the two-edged nature of truth—it can both defend and challenge, offering insight while also demanding a transformation of the mind.
The Arrow of Apollo: The Swift Mind in Search of Truth
In contrast to the sword, Apollo’s gift of the arrow to Heracles further symbolizes another aspect of the mind—the quick, penetrating force of intention and focus. The arrow is swift, purposeful, and driven by intent. It moves through space and time with precision, symbolizing the mind’s ability to target and unravel the hidden mysteries of the unconscious. The arrow represents a directed search for truth, one that penetrates the illusions of the unconscious to reveal deeper realities. The mind, like the arrow, can travel great distances, exploring both the visible and invisible realms in the quest for understanding.
The Mind as a Tool for Virtue and Transformation
Both the sword and the arrow in the mythological narrative symbolize the mind’s role in the pursuit of virtue and self-awareness. Hermes, in his role as a messenger and guide, facilitates the process by which the mind engages with the complexities of existence. Whether through the cutting clarity of the sword or the focused intent of the arrow, the mind becomes a tool for transformation. This duality—the sword’s capacity to sever and the arrow’s power to direct—highlights the complex nature of design itself. Design, in its truest sense, is not a static act of creation but a dynamic force that engages with and shapes the deeper currents of consciousness. Through design, we engage in the eternal dance between form and meaning, between the conscious and the unconscious, forging new pathways toward understanding, unity, and truth.
In this expanded version, the themes of Hermes as a symbolic figure, the role of design in bridging the conscious and unconscious, and the metaphorical significance of the sword and arrow are developed further. This interpretation emphasizes the relationship between mythological archetypes and the evolution of design as a process that transcends mere aesthetics and function, becoming an integral part of human consciousness and transformation.
The author generated this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.
* * *
* Campbell, Joseph, “The Hero with a Thousand
Faces”, Bollingen Series XVII, Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.
1949.
* Schwab, Gustav, “Gods & Heroes of Ancient
Greece”, Random House, New York, N.Y. 1974.
* Perseus Digital Library. Ed.
Gregory R. Crane. Tufts University.
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu (accessed
December 2, 2012).
* * *
"Bridging the gap between divine omniscience
and mortal awareness."
Edited: 11.25.2012, 11.26.2012, 11.27.2012, 11.30.2012, 12.02.2012, 03.28.2017, 11.09.2017, 03.05.2018, 02.11.2020, 06.15.2020, 12.03.2021, 02.01.2023, 03.30.2025
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