Who is the Founder of IHP?

Dr. Dario Salas Sommer is the founder of the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy. He is a Chilean philosopher, scientist and humanist who has been committed to the progress of humanity and to the internal development of the human being for more than four decades.

What is Hermetic Philosophy?

Hermetic Philosophy is the living tradition of wisdom and human evolution that was practiced in the ancient Egyptian mystery schools, originally expounded by Hermes Trismegistus. It is based on the seven Hermetic Principles: Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender.

How do I become a member of IHP?

We welcome anyone who wants to work sincerely to improve his or her life by increasing their level of consciousness. You can join through in-person workshops in New York or through our correspondence course available worldwide.

No. IHP is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the study and practice of Hermetic Philosophy. Members are free to come and go as they please, maintain their own religious beliefs, and live their lives however they choose. There is no worship, no guru figure, and no pressure of any kind.

About the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy

Why We Exist

Our Mission

We are a worldwide community of people who are dedicated to living life at a higher level of consciousness. We learn to explore our inner worlds to develop wisdom through practical exercises and a proven step-by-step curriculum that, when followed, consistently produces profound results in each person.

IHP fosters hope for a better world, peace and mutual understanding among all human beings, of all races, gender, religion, country or social status. We believe that by increasing our own levels of conscious awareness, we can change the lives of our families, our surroundings, and the world for the better.

The Institute was founded in 1970 by Dr. Dario Salas Sommer, in Santiago, Chile.

The Founder

Dario Salas Sommer

1935 – 2018

Born in Santiago, Chile, Dario Salas Sommer dedicated his life to the study of human consciousness. From a young age he was convinced that “something was wrong with this world,” and conventional study did not satisfy him — he found it superficial and disappointing. He longed to discover the secret of life.

After years of searching and experimentation, he arrived at the concept of Operative Philosophy — his own work, distilled from the patient observation of human and terrestrial nature. At age 23 he founded the Hermetic Philosophical Institute, dedicated to the moral and spiritual development of people.

Over the course of his life he gave more than 2,000 talks, authored ten books, and built a worldwide community with branches across Chile, the United States, Spain, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Russia, and Bulgaria.

His Approach

Operative Philosophy

“Unlike academic philosophy which remains theoretical, Operative Philosophy is practical and directly applicable to everyday life — addressing spirituality, relationships, finances, happiness, and wisdom simultaneously.”

This approach integrates all dimensions of human existence. Through structured exercises and a proven step-by-step curriculum, students learn to raise their level of consciousness, unlocking latent potential and gaining mastery over the forces that shape their lives.

The result is not merely knowledge, but a lived experience of higher awareness.

Where We Come From

Our History

1970

Founded in Santiago, Chile

Dr. Dario Salas Sommer established the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy, bringing ancient mystery school wisdom into a practical, modern framework for personal development.

1980s

International Expansion

The Institute expanded beyond Chile, establishing branches in Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain as the teachings resonated with seekers across Latin America and Europe.

1990s

US & European Growth

Operations were established in the United States, Russia, Italy, and Bulgaria, bringing Hermetic Philosophy to new audiences and cultures worldwide.

2000s

Published Works & Curriculum

Dr. Salas Sommer published seven foundational books and refined the step-by-step curriculum that guides students from beginner concepts to advanced teachings.

Today

A Global Community

Headquartered in Santiago, Chile with US operations based in New York, the Institute continues to grow as a worldwide community across 8+ countries, dedicated to raising consciousness.

Foundation of Ancient Wisdom

The Seven Hermetic Principles

1

Mentalism

“The All is mind; the Universe is mental.”

This principle embodies the truth that the Universe is mental in nature. Everything that appears in the material universe is spirit and is unknowable. All physical reality is a mental creation.

2

Correspondence

“As above, so below; as below, so above.”

This principle embodies the truth that there is always a correspondence between the laws of phenomena on the various planes of being and life. As above, so below.

3

Vibration

“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”

This principle embodies the truth that everything is in motion, everything vibrates, nothing is at rest. From the highest manifestation to the lowest, everything vibrates.

4

Polarity

“Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites.”

This principle embodies the truth that everything is dual, everything has two poles, everything has its pair of opposites. Opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree.

5

Rhythm

“Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall.”

This principle embodies the truth that in everything there is a measured motion, a to and fro, an inflow and outflow, a swing forward and backward.

6

Cause & Effect

“Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law.”

Every cause has its effect, every effect has its cause. Everything happens according to law. Chance is but a name for law not recognized.

7

Gender

“Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles.”

This principle embodies the truth that gender is manifested in everything. Gender is in all things, on all planes, and manifests in all creation.

Our People

U.S. Leadership Council

David Richeson

President

A student of Hermetic Philosophy for over 25 years. Alumnus of Phillips Academy Andover and Brown University (BA in Philosophy). Serves as Chief Digital Officer at Lippe Taylor, leading digital strategy for Fortune 500 clients. A proud New Yorker who loves theatre, jazz, comedy, and meaningful conversations.

Jason Stile

Controller

Joined IHP in 2006 and found what he was searching for — inside himself. Inventor and entrepreneur who dreamt up Ajustlock and built Ajustco, selling patented innovations globally to Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart. Started his career as an NYC electrician. Loves nature, break dancing, and live jazz.

David Owens

Director

Introduced to IHP in 1996, the school helped David clarify questions about his path and purpose. From an early age he sensed a deeper, hidden world — the teachings of Dr. Salas Sommer gave him the language and tools to understand it. A personal trainer born and raised in NYC who loves cartoons, sneakers, and being happy.

Deanna Smith

Director

A member since 2007 and workshop presenter since 2014. At IHP, Deanna has found the journey of internal growth is never ending and always awe-inspiring. She turns challenges into opportunities, and from that vantage point, life has become what she is willing to make it. Known for basking in quiet moments in nature and relishing life's subtle daily joys.

Luis Nunez

Director

Committed to expanding the reach of Hermetic teachings across communities.

David Richeson

President

A student of Hermetic Philosophy for over 25 years. Alumnus of Phillips Academy Andover and Brown University (BA in Philosophy). Serves as Chief Digital Officer at Lippe Taylor, leading digital strategy for Fortune 500 clients. A proud New Yorker who loves theatre, jazz, comedy, and meaningful conversations.

Jason Stile

Controller

Joined IHP in 2006 and found what he was searching for — inside himself. Inventor and entrepreneur who dreamt up Ajustlock and built Ajustco, selling patented innovations globally to Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart. Started his career as an NYC electrician. Loves nature, break dancing, and live jazz.

David Owens

Director

Introduced to IHP in 1996, the school helped David clarify questions about his path and purpose. From an early age he sensed a deeper, hidden world — the teachings of Dr. Salas Sommer gave him the language and tools to understand it. A personal trainer born and raised in NYC who loves cartoons, sneakers, and being happy.

Deanna Smith

Director

A member since 2007 and workshop presenter since 2014. At IHP, Deanna has found the journey of internal growth is never ending and always awe-inspiring. She turns challenges into opportunities, and from that vantage point, life has become what she is willing to make it. Known for basking in quiet moments in nature and relishing life's subtle daily joys.

Luis Nunez

Director

Committed to expanding the reach of Hermetic teachings across communities.

Begin Your Journey

Take the first step on your path to higher awareness. Whether you attend a workshop or start with our books, you are welcome here.

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