Theurgy and the Soul

Theurgy and the Soul

Author: Gregory Shaw

Publisher: Penn State University Press

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Iamblichus was once considered one of the great philosophers. The Emperor Julian followed Iamblichus's teachings to guide the restoration of traditional pagan cults in his campaign against Christianity. Although Julian was unsuccessful, Iamblichus's ideas persisted well into the Middle Ages and beyond. His vision of a hierarchical cosmos united by divine ritual became the dominant worldview for the entire medieval world. Even Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that he expected a reading of Iamblichus to cause a "revival in the churches". But modern scholars have dismissed him, seeing theurgy as ritual magic or "manipulation of the gods". Shaw, however, shows that theurgy was a subtle and intellectually sophisticated attempt to apply Platonic and Pythagorean teachings to the full expression of human existence in the material world.


Book Synopsis Theurgy and the Soul by : Gregory Shaw

Download or read book Theurgy and the Soul written by Gregory Shaw and published by Penn State University Press. This book was released on 1995 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Iamblichus was once considered one of the great philosophers. The Emperor Julian followed Iamblichus's teachings to guide the restoration of traditional pagan cults in his campaign against Christianity. Although Julian was unsuccessful, Iamblichus's ideas persisted well into the Middle Ages and beyond. His vision of a hierarchical cosmos united by divine ritual became the dominant worldview for the entire medieval world. Even Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that he expected a reading of Iamblichus to cause a "revival in the churches". But modern scholars have dismissed him, seeing theurgy as ritual magic or "manipulation of the gods". Shaw, however, shows that theurgy was a subtle and intellectually sophisticated attempt to apply Platonic and Pythagorean teachings to the full expression of human existence in the material world.


Living Theurgy

Living Theurgy

Author: Jeffrey S. Kupperman

Publisher:

Published: 2014-05

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 9781905297719

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Living Theurgy is a masterpiece combining scholarly excellence with lucid practicality. Theurgy ('god-working') is a combination of ritual mystical practices interwoven with philosophy and theology. It was developed by Iamblichus and other Neoplatonists inspired by the works of philosophers including Plato, Aristotle and Pythagoras, and Julian the Chaldean. Author and scholar Jeffrey Kupperman elucidates and makes accessible the core ideologies and practices of Theurgy, which evolved through more than 1000 years of Platonic philosophy and cultural transformations. Kupperman guides the reader through the contemplative and theurgical practices used by the Neoplatonists to create effective spiritual transformation in the practitioner. Philosophia (Philosophy) as the foundation of Theurgy is explored through techniques such as lectio divina ('divine reading') contemplation and visualisation. It focuses on discussion of key concepts including virtue, wisdom, bravery, temperance, justice, evil, political philosophy, beauty and love. Theologia (Theology) considers the One, also known as the Good, which is the source of all, through the spectrum of monotheism, polytheism and panentheism. It also explores different views regarding the nature and functions of the Demiurge, angels and daimons, and the human soul, and the practices of Theurgy, including the use of hymns and prayers. Theourgia (Theurgy) focuses on the practices, from purification and the use of signs, symbols and tokens to talismancy and the ensouling of eikons (divine images). The work concludes with a complete guide to the Invocation of the Personal Daimon, an essential step in the theurgic process of purification and illumination in seeking the Divine. Living Theurgy is a literary psychopomp for practitioners seeking effective methods of developing their knowledge and relationship with the divine through Neoplatonic praxis. It is essential reading for all those interested in traditional forms of magical, philosophical, and religious practice, and the history of the western mysteries. "Philosophy is purifying, religion illuminating, but theurgy is uplifting." Introduction, Jeffrey Kupperman


Book Synopsis Living Theurgy by : Jeffrey S. Kupperman

Download or read book Living Theurgy written by Jeffrey S. Kupperman and published by . This book was released on 2014-05 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Living Theurgy is a masterpiece combining scholarly excellence with lucid practicality. Theurgy ('god-working') is a combination of ritual mystical practices interwoven with philosophy and theology. It was developed by Iamblichus and other Neoplatonists inspired by the works of philosophers including Plato, Aristotle and Pythagoras, and Julian the Chaldean. Author and scholar Jeffrey Kupperman elucidates and makes accessible the core ideologies and practices of Theurgy, which evolved through more than 1000 years of Platonic philosophy and cultural transformations. Kupperman guides the reader through the contemplative and theurgical practices used by the Neoplatonists to create effective spiritual transformation in the practitioner. Philosophia (Philosophy) as the foundation of Theurgy is explored through techniques such as lectio divina ('divine reading') contemplation and visualisation. It focuses on discussion of key concepts including virtue, wisdom, bravery, temperance, justice, evil, political philosophy, beauty and love. Theologia (Theology) considers the One, also known as the Good, which is the source of all, through the spectrum of monotheism, polytheism and panentheism. It also explores different views regarding the nature and functions of the Demiurge, angels and daimons, and the human soul, and the practices of Theurgy, including the use of hymns and prayers. Theourgia (Theurgy) focuses on the practices, from purification and the use of signs, symbols and tokens to talismancy and the ensouling of eikons (divine images). The work concludes with a complete guide to the Invocation of the Personal Daimon, an essential step in the theurgic process of purification and illumination in seeking the Divine. Living Theurgy is a literary psychopomp for practitioners seeking effective methods of developing their knowledge and relationship with the divine through Neoplatonic praxis. It is essential reading for all those interested in traditional forms of magical, philosophical, and religious practice, and the history of the western mysteries. "Philosophy is purifying, religion illuminating, but theurgy is uplifting." Introduction, Jeffrey Kupperman


Theurgy, or the Hermetic Practice

Theurgy, or the Hermetic Practice

Author: E.J. Langford Garstin

Publisher: Nicolas-Hays, Inc.

Published: 2004-06-01

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 0892545704

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Theurgy means "the science or art of divine works." In alchemy, this process is called the "Great Work," which is the purification and exaltation of our "lower" nature by the proper application of esoteric principles, so that it may become united with its higher counterparts, whereby we may attain spiritual, and ultimately divine, consciousness. Drawing on the teachings of the Egyptian, Greek, and Hebrew mystery schools and quoting extensively from important alchemical writers, Garstin details this process of purification. Students who are curious about alchemy but daunted by the body of its literature and its strange allegories will find this book to be an excellent introduction. Garstin discusses source alchemical works and clearly explains what their esoteric symbolism means. With the information in this book, students of alchemy can then proceed to make a more informed exploration of the alchemical works and other writings of the Western Mystery Tradition.


Book Synopsis Theurgy, or the Hermetic Practice by : E.J. Langford Garstin

Download or read book Theurgy, or the Hermetic Practice written by E.J. Langford Garstin and published by Nicolas-Hays, Inc.. This book was released on 2004-06-01 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Theurgy means "the science or art of divine works." In alchemy, this process is called the "Great Work," which is the purification and exaltation of our "lower" nature by the proper application of esoteric principles, so that it may become united with its higher counterparts, whereby we may attain spiritual, and ultimately divine, consciousness. Drawing on the teachings of the Egyptian, Greek, and Hebrew mystery schools and quoting extensively from important alchemical writers, Garstin details this process of purification. Students who are curious about alchemy but daunted by the body of its literature and its strange allegories will find this book to be an excellent introduction. Garstin discusses source alchemical works and clearly explains what their esoteric symbolism means. With the information in this book, students of alchemy can then proceed to make a more informed exploration of the alchemical works and other writings of the Western Mystery Tradition.


Philosophy and Theurgy in Late Antiquity

Philosophy and Theurgy in Late Antiquity

Author: Algis Uzdavinys

Publisher: Angelico Press / Sophia Perennis

Published: 2010-03-10

Total Pages: 326

ISBN-13: 9781621386346

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book clearly establishes that traditional myth is the symbolic expression of metaphysics, as metaphysics is the exegesis of myth; and that Greek philosophy was not an isolated 'miracle' but a reinterpretation of perennial themes common to the ancient Near Eastern, Mesopotamian, Indian, and especially Egyptian religions.


Book Synopsis Philosophy and Theurgy in Late Antiquity by : Algis Uzdavinys

Download or read book Philosophy and Theurgy in Late Antiquity written by Algis Uzdavinys and published by Angelico Press / Sophia Perennis. This book was released on 2010-03-10 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book clearly establishes that traditional myth is the symbolic expression of metaphysics, as metaphysics is the exegesis of myth; and that Greek philosophy was not an isolated 'miracle' but a reinterpretation of perennial themes common to the ancient Near Eastern, Mesopotamian, Indian, and especially Egyptian religions.


Invoking Angels

Invoking Angels

Author: Claire Fanger

Publisher: Penn State Press

Published: 2012-02-01

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13: 0271051434

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"A collection of essays examining medieval and early modern texts aimed at performing magic or receiving illumination via the mediation of angels. Includes discussion of Jewish, Christian and Muslim texts"--Provided by publisher.


Book Synopsis Invoking Angels by : Claire Fanger

Download or read book Invoking Angels written by Claire Fanger and published by Penn State Press. This book was released on 2012-02-01 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A collection of essays examining medieval and early modern texts aimed at performing magic or receiving illumination via the mediation of angels. Includes discussion of Jewish, Christian and Muslim texts"--Provided by publisher.


Iamblichus on the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians. Translated from the Greek by T. Taylor

Iamblichus on the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians. Translated from the Greek by T. Taylor

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1821

Total Pages: 382

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Iamblichus on the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians. Translated from the Greek by T. Taylor by :

Download or read book Iamblichus on the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians. Translated from the Greek by T. Taylor written by and published by . This book was released on 1821 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Theurgy in Late Antiquity

Theurgy in Late Antiquity

Author: Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler

Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht

Published: 2013-05-15

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 364754020X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Theurgy is commonly taken to denote a complex of rites which are based on the so-called Chaldean Oracles, a collection of oracles in hexameters, which were probably composed during the late 2nd century AD. These rituals are mostly known through Neoplatonic sources, who engage in a passionate debate about their relevance to the salvation of the soul and thus to the philosopher's ultimate goal. Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler examines the development of the discourse on theurgy, attempting to reconstruct what was understood as theurgic ritual in the late antique sources. Withstanding the temptation to impose a unity on the disparate sources which span several centuries, she thus goes beyond the picture of a coherent, extra-philosophical tradition drawn by the Neoplatonists to sketch the variations in the rituals subsumed under 'theurgy' and their function, and shows how every author constructs his own 'theurgy'. This perspective leads to consider theurgy as an example of an 'artificial' ritual tradition, composed from already existing elements to create something claimed as sui generis. Theurgy offers the great opportunity to look at such a tradition from its beginning up to its end and to analyse the mechanisms of inventing and reinventing such a ritual tradition in process.


Book Synopsis Theurgy in Late Antiquity by : Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler

Download or read book Theurgy in Late Antiquity written by Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler and published by Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. This book was released on 2013-05-15 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Theurgy is commonly taken to denote a complex of rites which are based on the so-called Chaldean Oracles, a collection of oracles in hexameters, which were probably composed during the late 2nd century AD. These rituals are mostly known through Neoplatonic sources, who engage in a passionate debate about their relevance to the salvation of the soul and thus to the philosopher's ultimate goal. Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler examines the development of the discourse on theurgy, attempting to reconstruct what was understood as theurgic ritual in the late antique sources. Withstanding the temptation to impose a unity on the disparate sources which span several centuries, she thus goes beyond the picture of a coherent, extra-philosophical tradition drawn by the Neoplatonists to sketch the variations in the rituals subsumed under 'theurgy' and their function, and shows how every author constructs his own 'theurgy'. This perspective leads to consider theurgy as an example of an 'artificial' ritual tradition, composed from already existing elements to create something claimed as sui generis. Theurgy offers the great opportunity to look at such a tradition from its beginning up to its end and to analyse the mechanisms of inventing and reinventing such a ritual tradition in process.


Theurgy and Numbers

Theurgy and Numbers

Author: Frederick J. Veldman

Publisher: Waning Moon Publications, LLC

Published: 2010-03-15

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780982354940

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

''As a writer I thought that magical arts were language driven. I mean, we call them 'spells.' We have 'Words of Power, ' mantras, chants, and invocations. But with mathematics we have something else entirely. If I write down I saw three bluebonnets blooming today, you know exactly how many (even if you don't have the pleasure of knowing that it is the state flower of Texas). In fact, you can know the number even if you do not know English. In fact, you can know the number even if every single human perishes and you are some visiting alien from Tau Ceti. This would be true as your ability to grasp the Fundamental Theorem of the Calculus or the quadratic formula or )amusingly enough) Goedel's Incompleteness Theorems. Mathematics is where the mind can grasp the stuff of the Cosmos. We need only think of the terrible flash seen on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, or the beauties of the Mandelbrot set, or watch children play at cutting a Moebius, to understand that math is at he secret heat of the physical world. And that math is the key to 'wonderworking'.'' -- Don We


Book Synopsis Theurgy and Numbers by : Frederick J. Veldman

Download or read book Theurgy and Numbers written by Frederick J. Veldman and published by Waning Moon Publications, LLC. This book was released on 2010-03-15 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ''As a writer I thought that magical arts were language driven. I mean, we call them 'spells.' We have 'Words of Power, ' mantras, chants, and invocations. But with mathematics we have something else entirely. If I write down I saw three bluebonnets blooming today, you know exactly how many (even if you don't have the pleasure of knowing that it is the state flower of Texas). In fact, you can know the number even if you do not know English. In fact, you can know the number even if every single human perishes and you are some visiting alien from Tau Ceti. This would be true as your ability to grasp the Fundamental Theorem of the Calculus or the quadratic formula or )amusingly enough) Goedel's Incompleteness Theorems. Mathematics is where the mind can grasp the stuff of the Cosmos. We need only think of the terrible flash seen on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, or the beauties of the Mandelbrot set, or watch children play at cutting a Moebius, to understand that math is at he secret heat of the physical world. And that math is the key to 'wonderworking'.'' -- Don We


Theurgy and the Soul: Theurgy Put Into Practice Into Daily Life

Theurgy and the Soul: Theurgy Put Into Practice Into Daily Life

Author: Tim Poteat

Publisher:

Published: 2021-06-12

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Until recently, Neoplatonic theurgy has been defined by scholars as an attempt to manipulate the gods through ritual, and its influence in late antique Platonic circles has been interpreted as evidence for the decline of Greek rationality caused in large part by the teachings of the fourth-century Syrian Platonist, Iamblichus. Although scholarly research on theurgy and Iamblichus has now corrected these misunderstandings, they have left their mark on related areas of research: a notable example is the role of theurgy in the Christian liturgy of Dionysius the Areopagite. This book contains the core ideologies and practices of Theurgy, which evolved through more than 1000 years of Platonic philosophy and cultural transformations. It also guides the reader through the contemplative and theurgical practices used by the Neoplatonists to create effective spiritual transformation in the practitioner.


Book Synopsis Theurgy and the Soul: Theurgy Put Into Practice Into Daily Life by : Tim Poteat

Download or read book Theurgy and the Soul: Theurgy Put Into Practice Into Daily Life written by Tim Poteat and published by . This book was released on 2021-06-12 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Until recently, Neoplatonic theurgy has been defined by scholars as an attempt to manipulate the gods through ritual, and its influence in late antique Platonic circles has been interpreted as evidence for the decline of Greek rationality caused in large part by the teachings of the fourth-century Syrian Platonist, Iamblichus. Although scholarly research on theurgy and Iamblichus has now corrected these misunderstandings, they have left their mark on related areas of research: a notable example is the role of theurgy in the Christian liturgy of Dionysius the Areopagite. This book contains the core ideologies and practices of Theurgy, which evolved through more than 1000 years of Platonic philosophy and cultural transformations. It also guides the reader through the contemplative and theurgical practices used by the Neoplatonists to create effective spiritual transformation in the practitioner.


Iamblichus and the Foundations of Late Platonism

Iamblichus and the Foundations of Late Platonism

Author: Eugene Afonasin

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2012-05-25

Total Pages: 221

ISBN-13: 9004183272

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Drawing on recent scholarship and delving systematically into Iamblichean texts, these ten papers establish Iamblichus as the great innovator of Neoplatonic philosophy who broadened its appeal for future generations of philosophers.


Book Synopsis Iamblichus and the Foundations of Late Platonism by : Eugene Afonasin

Download or read book Iamblichus and the Foundations of Late Platonism written by Eugene Afonasin and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2012-05-25 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drawing on recent scholarship and delving systematically into Iamblichean texts, these ten papers establish Iamblichus as the great innovator of Neoplatonic philosophy who broadened its appeal for future generations of philosophers.