Hermeticism is a philosophical and esoteric tradition rooted in the Corpus Hermeticum, a collection of texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, blending Greek, Egyptian, and Hellenistic thought. It emphasizes the pursuit of divine wisdom, the unity of the cosmos, and the potential for human spiritual ascent through knowledge (gnosis). Core principles include the interconnectedness of all things ("as above, so below") and the idea that humans can achieve enlightenment by understanding the divine order.

Luciferianism, in contrast, is a modern esoteric belief system centered on the figure of Lucifer, often interpreted not as the Christian devil but as a symbol of enlightenment, rebellion against tyranny, and the pursuit of individual freedom and knowledge. It varies widely, with some forms emphasizing self-empowerment and others leaning into mythological or symbolic interpretations of Lucifer.