The Astrum Temple is a spiritual wellspring that intertwines the richness of astrology, esoteric teachings, and Hermetic philosophy. By combining these threads of understanding, a full tapestry of insight is created. Members of the Temple are able to objectively study the allegorical and metaphorical parables of mysticism, the spiritual impact of the universe’s celestial bodies, and deepen their relationship with their own sense of self.

In our integration of Hermetic and Esoteric ideas, we believe that the Earth’s relation to the divine isn’t lesser or left out from among the Astra Planeta – but carries its own indispensable role in the spiritual ecosystem. For us, Earth is the foundation on which we begin our celestial journey, grounding the ethereal with the tangible experiences of earthly life. These gifts given by the Earth provide endless opportunities to transcend our hearts and minds as we aspire towards wholeness.

The Gifts of the Earth

The Embodiment of Divine Femininity: Earth is revered as a physical manifestation of the soul, created in the image of the Cosmic Eden. This embodiment parallels Gnostic views where the Earth and the material world are seen as expressions of the divine spark.

A School for the Soul: In Hermetic traditions, Earth is often seen as a place of learning where souls incarnate and evolve through experience. The Temple considers the Earth a spiritual classroom or forge, where the soul is developed for its eventual return through the spheres of the Seven Angels (Astra Planeta).

An Arena for Alchemy: Drawing from esoteric and Hermetic philosophies, Earth is viewed as a laboratory for spiritual alchemy, where individuals work through the prima materia (base matter or the everyday self) to achieve the philosopher’s stone (enlightenment or self-realization). In this view, Earthly life is the crucible for transformation.

*St Dunstan in the East, a Garden in the City; London, UK; photographed by Haarkon 2018.*

*Psyche Entering Cupid’s Garden by William Waterhouse (1903). Harris Museum & Art Gallery*

The Epicenter of Cosmic Balance: Earth represents the center or fulcrum point in a cosmic balance between the material and spiritual. This aligns with Gnostic teachings, which value the pursuit of knowledge to transcend the physical world and reunite with the divine.

A Microcosm of the Macrocosm: Following the Hermetic principle “As above, so below; so below, as above” Earth reflects the larger cosmos. It is a microcosm containing the same energy and principles of the universe. Within the Temple, the Earth and humanity are intimately connected to the broader cosmic order.