Before one can begin to understand the symbolism, they must first be aware of the 7 principles of hermeticism. You do not have to understand them yet, as for all that understanding comes with time. You must first be aware of them, then you shall begin to know. I'll give a quick overview, but remember that it is up to he who seeks it to find the truth in these teachings. Once you see, you shall see it everywhere.
The Principle of Mentalism: The All is mind; The universe is mental
The Principle of Correspondence: As above, so below; As below, so above.
The Principle of Vibration: Nothing rests; Everything moves; Everything vibrates.
The Principle of Polarity: Everything is dual; Everything has poles; Everything has its pair of opposites; Like and unlike are the same; Opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; Extremes meet; All truths, are but half-truths; All paradoxes may be reconciled.
The Principle of Rhythm: Everything flows, out and in; Everything has its tides; All things rise and fall; The pendulum swing manifests in everything; The measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; Rhythm compensates.
The Principle of Cause and Effect: Every cause has its effect; Every effect has its cause; Everything happens according to law’ Chance is but a name for law not recognized’ There are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law.
The Principle of Gender: Gender is in everything; Everything has its masculine and feminine principles; Gender manifests on all planes.
Once one understands, one shall see that all conflict has been engineered to benefit them. They desire that the people suffer while they hold the one key to salvation.
Notice the books. Notice Alchemy; "the art of transmuting base metals into gold."
The ancients spoke in CODE. Transmutation = transmutation of mental states, from hate into love, from "base metals" (base, material desires) to "gold" (love & unity). These secrets held great power, but could be abused by evil and the opposite may occur. Think Principle of polarity, principle of mentalism, principle of correspondence.
Element 79 - Gold
Who was Hermes Trismegistus?
Hermes "the Thrice Great"Imhotep, Thoth.Quote "Listen to yourselves and look into the Infinity of Space and Time. There you hear the singing of the Astros, the voice of the Numbers, the harmony of the Spheres." (Fragmented)Quote: “What are the stars doing? What do the numbers say? What are the Spheres rolling? Oh, souls lost or saved !: they say, they sing, they roll, your destinies!" (Fragmented)
What is he saying? One must truly understand the power and nature of symbols.
The rabbit hole goes much deeper, this is only the surface. “The lips of wisdom remain closed, except for the ear capable of understanding.”
Only by genuine searching can one uncover the truth. Deprogram the self, and all will become clear.