Hermetic Magic in Cusanus

The general topic of «Hermetism in Cusanus» is of great interest to the field of historical studies because of the manifold aspects it involves. Both Hermetism and Cusanus bring together two complete conceptions of the world, including, at the same time, a literary and speculative treatment of science, relifion and art. Accordingly, magic provides a fascinating insight into Cusanus's Hermetici reflections. This article displays specifically the presence and the meaning of Hermetic magic in Cusanus through an up-to-date examination of his major works and sermons. Special attention is paid to Sermon CLXXXIX (Bruneck, June 1455) that discusses the telestic magic of the Asclepius as an example «summe admirabile» of the active power of faith. Indeed, on the basis of the Hermetic Asclepius, Cusanus guided his audience to understand the magic strenght of Christian faith, which is said in Scripture to move mountains.