About the Temple:
The Temple of Hermes, also known as The Hermetic Temple, is a sacred space dedicated to the study and practice of Hermetism and related esoteric teachings through the ritualistic and ceremonial use of plant medicine. Throughout history, various groups and organizations have established temples or spaces devoted to the exploration of Hermetic wisdom, mysticism, and the pursuit of gnosis. Our work relies on providing direct experience and communion with the divine through sacramental consumption of entheogens. We have several private locations throughout the world that we rely on for initiations and advanced training.
It’s important to note here that the historical information regarding specific ancient temples dedicated solely to Hermes Trismegistus is limited, as much of what is known about Hermetism comes from the writings attributed to Hermes rather than physical structures. However, in the broader context of Hermetism and its modern interpretations, the idea of a symbolic “Temple of Hermes” has taken on deeper significance.
Modern Interpretations and Temples:
In modern times, especially during the Renaissance and the rise of Western esotericism, the revival and reinterpretation of Hermetic teachings led to the establishment of various Hermetic orders, societies, and organizations. These groups often used the concept of the “Temple of Hermes” to refer to their meeting places or ceremonial spaces where members gathered for esoteric study, rituals, and spiritual practices.
The physical structure of these temples might vary, ranging from simple meeting rooms to elaborate ceremonial spaces designed to evoke a sense of sacredness and mystery. The architecture and design of these modern Hermetic temples are often infused with symbolism and mystical elements, reflecting the principles of Hermetism and alchemy.
Purpose of the Temple:
The Temple of Hermes Website and Organization serves as a focal point for seekers to come together, share knowledge, and deepen their understanding of the Hermetic tradition, and share in context, the sacred medicines that awaken us to our inherent divinity and allow us to commune with our creators. Within these temples, members may engage in sacred rituals, meditations, contemplation, and the study of sacred texts, including the Hermetica or other spiritual materials.
These spaces often provide a supportive and initiatory environment for individuals on the spiritual path. Members may progress through various degrees or levels of initiation, representing stages of spiritual growth and self-awareness.
Moreover, the Temple of Hermes fosters a sense of community among practitioners and facilitators, allowing them to connect with like-minded individuals and share their experiences, insights, and understanding of Hermetic principles and practices, throughout our forums.
Our organization chooses to embody the essence of the Hermetic tradition, providing a dedicated space for the pursuit of gnosis and spiritual transformation. While ancient temples dedicated solely to Hermes Trismegistus may not be well-documented, the modern interpretation of the Temple of Hermes represents the ongoing reverence for Hermetic wisdom and its significance in the realm of Western esotericism. These temples and meeting places continue to serve as places of spiritual growth, exploration, and communal support for those seeking to delve into the mysteries of Hermetism, plants and unlock the hidden secrets of the self and the universe.
Our Founder:
“I am blessed by the Creator and it is easy for me to acquire spiritual knowledge because of my close relationship to my ancestors and to the Earth, and because of the spirits that guide the great Taitas in our family and assist them to acquire healing knowledge and power and to comprehend the infinity of knowledge that manifests itself over time. We are a unique lineage on the planet.”
R. Demetri Vallejos
R. Demetri Vallejos – Mutumbajoy was born in Utah in the United States in 1991.
He is a Master within the Hermetic Lineage and of the Mutumbajoy Family.
He has dedicated his life to learning and understanding ancient Hermetic Traditions, the ancient ways of the forests and closely studied the indigenous Mutumbajoy peoples of the Putumayo, who have worked with yagé and ayahuasca for millennia.
At the age of 12 he was initiated by the infinite intelligence that exists as our creator through several waking-dream states and meditations as well as through a connection to the ancestors of this planet. He was initiated with the sacred mushroom at the age of 15 and was called to Colombia through a series of further initiations around the age of 24 and working with yagé and the Mutumbajoy Lineage for 7 years before initiating his own practice. He will continue to honor the Prophecy of the Eagle/Condor.
He has 16+ years of experience with Integrative Meditation Practices, Hermetism, Bodywork, Energy Healing/Maintenance, Alchemy, Plant Medicine and working with entheogens and other sacred/spiritual molecules.
“As a Student of the Infinite, I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to assist Pachamama during this time of transition; especially as the people of Earth (re)awaken to the truth of our humanity and inherent divinity as part of the Cosmos and the Natural World. It is such a gift to be alive at this time and to have the opportunity to have been chosen by the medicine and learn the ways of healing in the ways of our ancestors.”
R. Demetri Vallejos – Mutumbajoy
The Mutumbajoy People
The Mutumbajoy Lineage weaves an extraordinary tale of ancient wisdom and spiritual integration, intertwining Hermetism and Indigenous Knowledge of the plants of the Amazon Rainforest and Putumayo.
The cosmovision of the Mutumbajoy Lineage has it that in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the indigenous tribes cherished their profound connection with the natural world and the spiritual realm. During one fateful night, as the tribe gathered for a sacred ceremony with Ayahuasca, an enigmatic being of radiant light descended upon them.
This being emanated an otherworldly aura, exuding wisdom and an understanding of the cosmos. It introduced itself as a messenger of divine knowledge, gifted with insights into the mysteries of the universe. The tribespeople, awe-struck by the luminous presence, welcomed the being with reverence and humility.
In a divine exchange of energies and consciousness, the being shared the teachings of Hermetism with the tribe. It spoke of a direct, intuitive knowledge of spiritual truths – and the profound interconnection between the microcosm of the self and the macrocosm of the universe. Our Ancestors found themselves captivated by this divine wisdom, recognizing the harmonious resonance between their ancient practices and the teachings being given to them by this Visitor.
Over time, this encounter with the being of light continued to influence the tribe’s ceremonial practices. The sacred rituals acted as a portal to deeper states of consciousness, allowing seekers to commune with the divine and access profound insights into the nature of existence. Being further guided by the teachings of Hermetism, the ceremonies took on a new dimension of spiritual exploration and understanding.
To this day, our Lineage continues to uphold the values and teachings bestowed upon them by the mysterious being of light. Our sacred ceremonies remain a testament to the profound connection between the ancient indigenous practices and the esoteric wisdom of Hermetism.
Seekers who partake in the ceremonies of the Mutumbajoy Lineage are guided to delve into the depths of their own consciousness. Through our sacraments, they are invited to experience the divine light within and recognize the intrinsic unity of the self with the cosmic whole.
The story of the Mutumbajoy Lineage is a testament to the transformative power of an otherworldly encounter, where the integration of Hermetism and Plants Medicine transcends time, shaping a profound path towards self-realization and spiritual awakening. As they traverse the realms of consciousness, seekers are reminded of the luminous presence that inspired their ancestors, bridging the ancient past with the mysteries of the present and the boundless potential of the future.
Message from UMIYAC:
“In our communities there are women and men who posses great knowledge about medicinal plants that can alleviate many diseases.
We also have elders, who can cure possessions by malignant spirits. The elders or curacas can recognize and cure deseases using their hard acquired knowledge of experience yagé (ayahuasca) medicine.
We derive our knowledge from yage and other knowledge plants under the guidance of our elders and spiritual leaders [the taitas]. Our medicinal skills come from the yage plant and from mother nature. Nature is our book.
For us, the human being is not only flesh, blood and bones. We also have feelings, memories, thoughts and spirituality […] we see the person as a whole, and this whole includes one’s relationship with others, with nature and with the spiritual world.
Yagé medicine is our collective and individual spiritual healing process. The ceremonies are sacred and social. During yagé ceremonies we forge unity, we laugh, we analyze the problems and we find the solutions, we share knowledge and experiences.
With the spiritual strength provided by yagé medicine, we resist the pressures of war and protect the territories from environmental devastation.
During the long nights of the rituals, the fire and the yagé sacred and powerful plant of our ancestors illuminate the thoughts and clear our vision. There is also much suffering. Ancestral medicine is an arduous process that tries the individual.”
UMIYAC Elders