# Introduction The Hermetics study is a scientific methodology dating back to the [[Sylvan Era]], spread during the birth of [[The Aldbine Empire]]. The Hermetics are specifically underpinned by the Hermetic Measures theory, which proposes that all creations can be understood in nature by comparing their energy and composition to other creations. # The Hermetic Measures The Hermetic Measures is the descriptive basis of all Hermetics. Forces are understood as measures in each object and being, and by describing their intensity and valuing them based on their differences relative to other objects, objective truths can be determined. There are three specific classifications: The Trichotomic, the Fundamental, and the Elemental. ## Trichotomic Measures The Trichotomic Measures are the most basic measures that describe the form of each object. As implied by their classification name, there are three Trichotomic Measures: Substance, Mana, and Cathexis. [[Substance]] measures physicality. [[Mana]] measures magical charge. [[Cathexis]] measures psychological, emotional, and spiritual potency ## Fundamental Measures The Fundamental Measures are the cornerstones of the world. Difficult to fully understand and even harder to control, they are forces that are resist clear rules and behaviors. They exist in connected pairs, described as polar or perpendicular. Polar measures describe that as the presence of one measure is stronger, the opposing measures must be weaker. Perpendicular measures are strongly linked and may affect each other, but are not in direct opposition. There are four specific subclassification of Fundamental Measures: Arcane, Basal, Positional, and Resonance. ### Arcane Measures The Arcane Measures are a polarity measure that describes the stability and mana as a force. [[Lexos]] measures order, organization, rigidity, and abstraction. [[Chaos|Chaos]] measures change, velocity, fluidity, and actuality. ### Basal Measures The Basal Measures are polarity scales that describe the composition of life energy. [[Elysia]] measures life force, reproduction, and growth. [[Miasma]] measures death, decay, and decomposition. ### Positional Measures The Positional Measures are perpendicular forces that describe the position and change in position of an object. [[Magnus]] describes the density of objects. [[Chronos]] describes the superposition and temporal properties of objects. ### Resonance Measures The Resonance Measures are perpendicular measures of perception, verity, and existence. By definition, objects with no Resonance Measures cannot be scientifically observed. Therefore, all objects that can be observed have the presence of at least one of the Resonance Measures [[Flux]] is the measure of vibration. [[Lumen]] is the measure of repulsion. ## Elemental Measures The Elemental Measures are purely physical dichotomies that exist in objects with some measure of [[Substance]]. They are polar measures; a spectrum in opposition. They are the easiest measures to control and manipulate. The subclassifications of the Elemental Measures are Inertial, Permeable, and Thermal. ### Inertial Measures Inertia is a quantitative property that describes the resistance to physical changes within an object. Objects that are highly resistant to change are considered to have low inertia, and are strongly associated with the element of [[Earth|Earth]]. Objects that are highly susceptible to change in their physical properties are considered to have high inertia, and are strongly associated with the element of [[Water|Water]]. ### Permeable Measures Permeability is a quantitative property that describes the strength of physical charges of attraction and repulsion within an object. Objects with high levels of Permeability either bond (or repulse) strongly with like particles of elements of similar make up and are associated with the element of [[Volt]], while objects with low levels of Permeability do not bond or repulse with elements of similar make up and are associated with the element of [[Air]]. ### Thermal Measures Thermality is a quantitative property that describes the strength of physical force stored within an object. Objects with high levels of thermality are considered hot and give off energy (heat) in efforts to stabilize. They are associated with the element of [[Fire|Fire]]. Objects with low levels of thermality are considered cold, and absorb energy in efforts to stabilize. They are associated with the element of [[Ice|Ice]]. # Branches The branches of the Hermetics are: - [[Astrology]] - [[Alchemy]] - [[Bestiary]] - [[Humors]] - [[Botany]] - [[Thaumaturgy]] --- See also: [[Hermetics History]]