The Institute / History

The Institute For Hermetic Philosophy is a not-for-profit institution founded in October 1970, in Santiago, Chile, by Dario Salas Sommer. His idea was to create an open organization that was warm and friendly, a place where people could communicate from the deepest part of themselves, from their being, without fear of being misunderstood or hurt.  It was created to serve as a refuge for the inner world of each individual where one could grow and develop through the practice of Operative Philosophy.  The Institute was created as a School of Life that would gather together people of all races, religions, political ideology or social level, but with one thing in common – a deep intuition that there must be a better option for our lives on this planet.

The project began with practically no funds, a few members who worked as volunteers, and the effort of the other members.

However, all those members who had concrete proof that their lives had changed through the practice of Hermeticism provided real and powerful motivation.

From there on, the seed spread quickly and branches were opened in Venezuela, Spain, Argentina, The United States and Colombia.

Nowadays members from far away places such as Russia, The United States, Italy and South Africa travel to Chile periodically as well as to other cities where there are branches of the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy, to benefit from the practical teachings of Hermeticism.

From time to time, new study branches open up.  However, if  you do not have a branch of the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy where you live, you may have access to our School through our Interactive Institute via the Internet, and you may also receive our Newsletter for free.

Branches Around the World

The Institute for Hermetic Philosophy currently has branches in 12 cities throughout the world, divided among 6 countries.  The main headquarters are in Santiago, Chile.

Branches were founded in the following order:

If you wish to find out more about the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy or any of its branches around the world, contact us.