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DISCOURSE OF THE EIGHTH AND NINTH
Translated by James Brashler, Peter A. Dirkse, and Douglas M. Parrott
Archive Notes
The Nag Hammadi collection includes a previously unknown and crucially important Hermetic
document, The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth. Probably dating to the third century or earlier,
this text appears to be an initiation rite into visionary journey. This document provides singular
evidence of the liturgical and experiential elements within Hermetic tradition. It gives witness to
the existence of a ritual genera of Hermetic writings previously unknown and now lost.
The ritual vowel phrases shown in the text are meditational vocalizations (perhaps similar to a
mantra) based on the sacred name: IAO (They should be read with intonation.)
