The Hermeticists were seeking Enlightenment, but not quite in the sense we talk of it now.
Due to the influence of eastern traditions modernly most people tend to see enlightenment as a sudden awakening, perception shift, or realisation.
Underlying this universe there is a hidden realm of pure energy, a higher state of existence that our consciousness could evolve to become directly aware of. This would normally be marked by an out of body experience in which, through meditation, one would become aware of their true nature. Often this is described as a form of rebirth into pure mind, in which one would see themselves as a being of pure consciousness in a realm of shining light.
Once this vision of the higher realms is gained, a change would come over the practitioner. She or he would be reborn with a new, deeper vision of life, with a sense of goodness and compassion that would shine out in every word and action. This new level of awareness also gifted the initiate with spiritual power. Being now able to directly access the world of thoughts, the practitioner is thus able to influence the material word in order to bring healing and blessings to those in need.