Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus' Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy

Name: Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus' Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy
Price: 25.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Kupperman, Jeffrey S
ISBN: 9781905297719

✍️ Kupperman, Jeffrey S

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unlock ancient Neoplatonic secrets for divine connection and personal transformation.

Delve into the profound system of Theurgy, as interpreted by Iamblichus, a central figure in Neoplatonic thought. Jeffrey Kupperman masterfully bridges academic rigor with practical application, revealing how these ancient 'god-working' techniques integrate philosophical contemplation and theological understanding. This guide unpacks the historical evolution of Theurgy, from its Platonic roots through later developments, offering a pathway for deep spiritual transformation. Explore the methods Neoplatonists employed to achieve profound personal change, making this complex tradition accessible for contemporary seekers.

Key themes

{'title': 'Philosophical Roots of Theurgy', 'body': "This book illuminates how philosophical inquiry, including techniques akin to 'divine reading' and visualization, forms the bedrock of theurgical practice. It delves into core ethical and metaphysical concepts like virtue, wisdom, justice, and love, demonstrating their integral role in preparing the practitioner for deeper spiritual engagement."} {'title': 'Divine Nature and Connection', 'body': 'Explore the Neoplatonic conception of "The One" or "The Good" as the ultimate source of all existence. The text examines the divine hierarchy through the lens of monotheistic, polytheistic, and panentheistic perspectives, offering a rich framework for understanding the practitioner\'s relationship with the divine.'} {'title': 'Ritual for Spiritual Ascent', 'body': 'Discover the practical, ritualistic dimension of Theurgy, known as "god-working." Kupperman elucidates the specific mystical practices and contemplations employed by Neoplatonists to effect genuine spiritual transformation, bridging the gap between abstract philosophy and tangible, transformative experience.'}

🏛 Avalonia ISBN: 9781905297719

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Fun fact

Kupperman's 'Living Theurgy' is a rare gem, successfully bridging rigorous scholarship with genuine spiritual practice. It brilliantly demystifies Iamblichus's complex system, making ancient 'god-working' accessible without sacrificing depth. While invaluable for serious seekers of Neoplatonic spirituality, those expecting a light read or instant magical results might be disappointed. This work firmly establishes itself as a foundational text for a contemplative and active path of divine connection.

📝 Description: Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus' Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy

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

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to ancient systems of spiritual development, particularly Neoplatonism, and seek a practical approach to profound personal transformation, this book is essential. It's ideal for those ready to engage with philosophical depth and ritual practice to connect with the divine.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While deeply rooted in scholarship, Kupperman's work is designed to be highly practical. It elucidates ancient Neoplatonic techniques for spiritual transformation, guiding the reader through contemplative and ritualistic 'god-working' practices.

Theurgy, or 'god-working,' is uniquely a Neoplatonic system that integrates philosophical contemplation, theological understanding, and specific ritual practices. Its aim is not mere manipulation, but rather the practitioner's ascent and connection with the divine.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Philosophical Roots of Theurgy

This book illuminates how philosophical inquiry, including techniques akin to 'divine reading' and visualization, forms the bedrock of theurgical practice. It delves into core ethical and metaphysical concepts like virtue, wisdom, justice, and love, demonstrating their integral role in preparing the practitioner for deeper spiritual engagement.

Divine Nature and Connection

Explore the Neoplatonic conception of "The One" or "The Good" as the ultimate source of all existence. The text examines the divine hierarchy through the lens of monotheistic, polytheistic, and panentheistic perspectives, offering a rich framework for understanding the practitioner's relationship with the divine.

Ritual for Spiritual Ascent

Discover the practical, ritualistic dimension of Theurgy, known as "god-working." Kupperman elucidates the specific mystical practices and contemplations employed by Neoplatonists to effect genuine spiritual transformation, bridging the gap between abstract philosophy and tangible, transformative experience.

💬 Quotes from the book

«To truly 'live' Theurgy is not merely to comprehend its intellectual architecture, but to actively engage with its transformative rituals, allowing philosophy to guide the hand that invokes the divine.»

«The path of the theurgist is one of continual ascent, where disciplined contemplation of virtue refines the soul, preparing it for direct communion with the ineffable One.»

📜 Historical context

Theurgy, as presented here, traces its lineage directly to the influential Neoplatonist Iamblichus, building upon philosophical giants like Plato, Aristotle, and Pythagoras, alongside the Chaldean Oracles. This tradition represents over a millennium of evolving Platonic thought, offering a sophisticated framework for divine interaction that shaped much of Western esotericism.

📚 Glossary

Theurgy
Neoplatonism
Lectio Divina

📔 Questions to reflect on

{'question': 'How can I integrate philosophical principles such as virtue or wisdom into my daily spiritual practice or personal growth journey?'}
{'question': 'Reflect on the concept of "The One" or "The Good" as the ultimate source. How does this resonate with or challenge your current understanding of the divine?'}
{'question': 'Consider a specific ritual or contemplative practice you currently use. How might a deeper philosophical or theological understanding enhance its transformative power?'}