What is Theurgy? Ancient Pagan Salvation through Ritual, Philosophy and Unity with the Divine
Vložit
- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Breaking with centuries of philosophical and spiritual tradition, the Syrian philosopher Iamblichus put forward a theory of salvation in which religious devotion and reverence, rather than an intellectual inward turn to 'know thyself,' was the sole means by which to achieve "henosis," or union with the divine. Break with Plato and Plotinus, Iamblichus argued that the soul could ascend to the One, the Good and the Beautiful by becoming co-creators with the demiurgic Gods of the Cosmos through the ancient rituals of the Egyptians, Chaldeans and Greeks and their sacred scriptures. By contrasting intellectual 'theory' and 'theology' for theurgy - 'God-Doing,' Iamblichus paves a radical new path in ancient pagan spirituality, ironically bringing it closer to early Christian Sacramentalism.
#occult #magic #theurgy #paganism #philosophy
Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - / esotericachannel
Paypal Donation - www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - / @theesotericachannel
Recommending Readings:
Taylor - On the Egyptian Mysteries (many reprints)
Clarke - Iamblichus: On the Mysteries - 978-1589830585
Shaw - Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus - 978-1621380634
Clarke - Iamblichus' De Mysteriis: A Manifesto of the Miraculous - 978-0754604082
Wallis - Neoplatonism - 978-0872202870
Dillon - Neoplatonic Philosophy: Introductory Readings - 978-0872207073
Consider Supporting Esoterica!
Patreon - www.patreon.com/esotericachannel
Paypal Donation - www.paypal.me/esotericachannel
Merch - czcams.com/channels/oydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ.htmlstore
This is a really good video. It's a difficult subject to describe, but as usual, you presented it well.
I am digging your channel. Very Groovy.
The more I learn, the more I get confused due to endless information.
Because now you know what you don't know, which makes you wise. Plato 😊
Because now you know what you don't know, which makes you wise. Plato 😊
Because now you know, what you dont know, which makes you wise. Plato 😁
Because now you know wh… oh three ppl already said this…. Hmmmm
Such is the path of the wise man
I was trained in kabbalistic practice in orthodox Jewish yeshivas, and I am struck by the similarities between what I was taught and practiced and Iamblachus's philosophy, except utilizing Torah as the sacred text. I did not fully appreciate the connection between the rabbinic kabbalistic tradition and neoplatonism until your channel, thank you. The only separation between much of the Jewish and surrounding traditions is what is scripture and the intellectual lineages, although the rabbis do not often credit Greek philosophers. I appreciate learning about it now to know what I don't want to be. Sublimation is for posers.
I’m curious about the possibility that Jewish and Christian ideas of worship actually influenced the Platonists. I don’t agree that the theurgy of Iamblichus survives in Christian liturgy. Writings in the New Testament about the Eucharist and sacrifices and sacrifice in the Hebrew Scriptures suggest a tradition that a Hellenistic would describe as theurgy. It may be that Christian Eucharistic ideas were adopted by Platonists. It may be that these cultures shared a theurgic worldview. It’s worth a thought.
It's the other way around. At least one historian of Kabbalah, Moshe Idel, pretty clearly shows that Kabbalaists adopted the Neoplatonic framework, almost in toto. The theory of emanationism is obviously pertinent. The Christians wither stole or adapted many Neoplatonic ideas. Why do we think the major Neoplatonic texts are missing? They rooted them out and burned them.@@colum6
As a Hellenic pagan I've really wanted to learn more about theurgy, so thanks for this quality content!
Theurgy is a good framework regardless of the type of pagan you are. May the Gods and your ancestors bless you! 🙏👐
@@arielfelts9111 Well said
Why is Hellenistic Paganism growing so much lately?
I keep running into them on the internet all over the place lately..
@@mysteriousjungalist well attested. Especially in terms of actual prayers and hymns and usable stuff.
@@mysteriousjungalist really easy to just grab the orphic hymns and pick one to recite and offer the listed incense. Or pray a homeric hymn, Or one of the many other hymns and prayers and prayer formulas attested in Hellenic sources, and pour a libation. It's laid out for you in a way thats easy to grasp and had deap roots. Vs something like Norse Heathenry which will require more reconstruction borrowing and innovation to make s complete ritual.
Soooo...
Plotinus: "It's all about getting back into the unknowable Oneness in the One at the center of the cosmic jam, maaaaaan."
Porphery: "And everything outward about it is too many notes."
Iamblicas: "Guys, the One keeps saying its gotta have more cowbell"
Appreciations for this pithy overview! Even though Iamblichus' cosmology differs significantly from that of the nondual Shaivism to which I am accustomed, I readily sympathize with (1) the heartfelt aspirations towards the Divine Source Consciousness, (2) reliance on divine grace, which we would call "śaktipāta", (3) conscious participation in the divine work, (4) the value of devotional-contemplative ritual, (5) the recognition of esoteric "correspondences", and (6) the prospect of unitive spiritual experience.
I bought the women’s cut black metal Esoterica shirt
I gotta say
It is pretty boss
You are a boundless book of knowledge, and you as a person are such a kind soul. An amazing and humble teacher.
I’ve been wanting a video like this about Iamblichus for a while and you definitely delivered!! I noticed a lot of parallels with certain schools of Vedanta, especially Vasistha Advaita. The Noetic Theurgy reminds me of jnana yoga and the ritual Theurgy reminds me of the teachings of Shankaracharya. The idea that the offerings become transformed into something more divine is also paralleled in the ideas of prasad in Hinduism. Awesome video!
Shankara would be the last person to teach ritual as a way to enlightenment; there is no action or karma you can perform that can give you permanent freedom since all effects are limited. I don't recall what text it is in but I know he says, verbatim ''he who worships another beyond himself becomes the plaything of the Gods''.
This was definitely high level stuff, but I found it very accessible. I’m not very knowledgeable with the technical side of all this, but this makes perfect sense to me on a spiritual level. I’d argue there is a unique value in learning from content like this from a scholar on the internet. It’s the closest thing I’ll experience to the ancient lectures. And that experience it invaluable for understanding the heart of the philosophy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Fantastic, I knew this would be a banger. I don't think Julian required quotes around The Apostate, he's pretty stoked about his turn away from Christianity towards what he'd frame as a Iamblichan Platonism with emphasis on the Hellenic qualities of it, being quite the Hellenophile. I think what was going on in Julian's mind was a fair bit more complicated, and garbled (no offense to the man), than the institution of a rival entity to Christianity as it had congealed by the 4th Century, there's an excellent work called "Julian's Gods: Religion and Philosophy in the Thought and Action of Julian the Apostate", the author really tries to get into the context Julian was writing and thinking in, and also humanizes what he was up to as well, as we are people and not truly detached intellectual agents. It's fairly technical and the author will quote scholarship done in French verbatim so it can be a bit tedious if you're not a Francophone and it definitely expects you to have a vague idea at bare minimum of Neoplatonic thought and the philosophical climate of Late Antiquity. He's an absolutely fascinating character and worth the attention of any scholar.
I just find it curious how Dr. Sledge openly speaks of Sabbatai Zevi and Elisha ben Abuyah as heretics, apostates and such, but for Julian he uses quotes. Interesting.
Phenomenal. This one actually helped me to categorize and understand a lot of my own personal history, changes between different perspectives and uncommon personal experiences. I think that means I am a fan of both Iamblichus and of Esoterica, without which my understanding of Iamblichus would still be pretty hazy
Triangle players must love you for acknowledging their great musical contribution. 🥹
This is wonderful. Thank you, sincerely, for the time you've invested into learning the material, learning to explain it well, and sharing it freely. I learned a tremendous amount from this lecture.
Such fascinating history renews my hope for a continuity of existence in which I have more time to read books. This life isn't going to be sufficient to satisfy all my curiosities.
Thanks for this! I’ve been learning a lot about Catholicism and am coming to see the deep esoteric undergirding of Christianity. Makes me feel like our culture has such an impotent concept of spirituality. I wonder to what extent the laymen understood these concepts in their day and what happened for it to get so watered down. I’d love to understand more of what you said
a video on medieval folk spirituality would be sick.
@@RackTomRememberance particularly on how it affected modern day stuff would be fascinating
You could put your efforts into longevity like the Daoist magicians and still have gone thru less that 1% of the material rituals from world traditions - everyday it feels like its always just over the next hill doesn't it?
Or you could stop playing with the pebbles on the beach (alchemist deathbed quote) and switch tack, let go of self, and accept answers when you need them from the H.S.
Very simply there is no need to understand it. We have moved beyond the need for it.
@@Haverlock Is that "the Royal we" your highness?
Or are you the planetary spokesperson now? Was there a show of hands? that not exactly fair on the internet 😢
This is one of my favorite videos because it taught me so much about a subject I was ignorant of. I’m used to only theurgy being named dropped. The contranatural perception of Sorcery makes sense as well as not being flashy with over use of Theurgy. Fantastic again Doc Sledge. Again the further reading section is indispensable for us layman who are curious!
*Takes notes* This is terrifically useful for a book I'm writing (fantasy, as ever). Accessible, accurate, content concerning classic Hellenic religious practice is gold dust. Thanks for your help, Dr. Sledge!
Thank you again, Dr. Sledge. You condense a great deal of knowledge to its key points both effectively and entertainingly. I'd love to hear more from you on this topic in subsequent releases.
Thank you for this. This is another one that I need to watch a few times.
I like the phrase "ontological registers."
Great episode. Thanks for the intro to the topic. I'm adding these recommended books onto my list!
your writing and pacing are amazing. the content is mindblowing. thank you, and peace.
I think my mind was blown in a way that had clarity and to borrow your term, continuity, as well as resonance, so I was able to once again briefly point in DiCaprio meme gif at some points! Thank you greatly, Dr Justin Sledge! I felt my comprehension today at least had some kind of through-line to reach back and relate to independently even as all your content have excellent springboards for further reading, playlist, and review!
Thank you, so much; it is such a privilege to ride the coattails of your life's pursuit :)
A longtime listener, I only recently actually watched and there is no going back to audio only because you are HILARIOUS.
Thank you for your insightful explanation Justin. Love Esoterica, keep up the good work!
Wonderful, just yesterday was looking for more information about theurgy :) thank you!
How serendipitous that *this* happened to be your most recent video as I'm finishing my reading of Wallis' Neoplatonism. Excellent video, as always!
Wow teaching is all I can say Dr. You cleared much opacity in Plato/Neo-Platonism for me in short time. And now I'm left wanting more Theurgy. Again, gratitude for the nuance, pace and great reading list. You took us as close to the doorway to the Divine as words can go. Now to turn inward through that doorway, and let theurgy be. Thank you for being the vehicle, Dr. Sledge. In light and truth
One of my favorite videos. I think you did a really good job of explaining this to someone like myself who doesn't already know a ton about it.
I had to rewatch the first 10 minutes of your video after deciding which T-Shirt to get. But this is fine, rewatching your videos is one of my favourite things to do. Thanks again!
I love this channel so very much. I mean honestly, the quality of it all is rather astounding. I've honestly been inspired to finally pursue this as a career and started school back up again.
This was SOLIDLY one of my favorite talks of yours. I love the way you showed multiple connections and denials giving themselves their own head-spin. Many giggles, thank you!
I am so blessed that you spend your time holding good posture and giving this content
I feel blessed that I've found Esoterica. From my limited experience of study, Dr. Sledge, expresses opinions that ring true to what my net has caught. And it's so encouraging, to feel like what I've caught, has me on a path of enlightenment. Thank you❣️
I can see Iamblichas influence on Eastern Orthodox theology.
This channel has truly opened a world of wonder for me.
A while ago I started reading the Shaw book and it was fascinating but I had to take a break... Thanks for this.
Really enjoy these spiritual examinations and multiple philosophies about a possible afterlife. Now if I can find guidance on my finances and relationships I'll have heaven on earth
Yooooo thanks for this one bro
Amazing content as always thank you
Love this channel!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Quite possibly one of my favorite videos of yours, coming from a long time subscriber btw, been waiting for something like this.
Love this channel!!
Shaws book is wonderful. I wonderrd if wed get a recommendation of him when we started talking about immaterial theurgy possibly being more arithmological in a Pythagorean sense. Loved the video! Keep up the good work!
It’s kind of interesting how this same sort of back and forth that you see with Poryphry and Iamblichus can be seen in a lot of different cultures. For example, you can notice a somewhat similar dichotomy between Shankara and Ramanuja in Vedantic Philosophy, the latter tries to defend the validity of traditional religious ritual within the philosophical context of the former
❤ thank you!
Thank you Doctor Justin Sledge,
You have made theurgy more understandable for me. Personally this information dense video required a bit of effort to take in this understanding of Iamblichus.
I remembered this episode and went back to it while reading "The Pagan Holy Man in Late Antique Society" by Garth Fowden. Goes very well together. Thanks!
Absolutely excellent, as always. Thank you.
This reminds me...I need new jeans. No, but this is seriously the episode I have been waiting for since I discovered your channel. These Neoplatonism collaborations have been a dream. Excellent video.
Yeeessssss! I've been waiting for something on Iamblichus since RfB mentioned this channel.
Iamblichus is fascinating; he seemed to have been going for a "Grand Unified Theory of Paganism"
I'm so glad you've a great sense of humour.
Thanks for the book recommendations at the end.
Thanks!
Banger episode, Justin. I can feel my XP going up. Speaking of which - the theology of the THAC0 war would be a fun 4/1 episode.
I am definitely going to have to rewatch this one and follow up on some of the references, fascinating but definitely had some prereqs that I did not have!
Sledge, you are a wonder. many thanks.
Just received my order with the coolest shirt ever Wooooooo Thank You !!
🔥
Thank you.
A fascinating tour-de-force: thank you!
Best channel of its type on CZcams
Great video! It would be so cool if you did a video on the likely use of psychedelic plants and fungi in esoteric religions. Or just do a review on the Immortality Key book. Anyways, thanks again for this video and keep up the great work.
This channel is just sweet for my esoteric appetite❤.
I’m down with this spiritual practice Dr. sledge. I’m going to get started tonight.
Wonderful!
Thanks very much for your time and energy, sir. I found myself disagreeing with some of the elements earlier in the session about the the Hermetic/Phaedric/Gnostic pessimism of the body, but I did agree with the notion about the Eucharist as being a good example of theurgy in both thought, action, and embodiment. Thanks!
Ah, so glad you did a video on this! I'll have to listen twice, probably. A couple of ideas:
I wonder if you'd consider making a video on Kenneth Grant and the Typhonian Tradition?
And, I wonder if you'd consider a video (or series?) on the "Simon Necronomicon?" I daresay you could do justice to such a complex issue as the "Schlangekraft Rescension."
You seem to have your finger on all sorts Of vocabulary I search...well done and thank you - I hope one day you are able to say exactly what is in your heart when the mood strikes you...fearlessly here on youtube
I can't imagine a greater joy or more worthy project than learning how to fulfill the requirements of Henosis. This seems to me to be telos inlaid in the laws of nature, and the sacred function of the individual.
Thanks 😊
wonderful!
This Lamblichus vs Neoplatonism debate also echoes in Jewish circles. Consider Maimonides vs. Kuzri & and the Kaballists, on if commandments are just educational and nominal or also have an effect in higher plains.
Brilliant Scholar and Teacher - Thanks
Thank you!
The tiny jokes sprinkled throughout all of these videos are some of the best parts, and really help add some comic relief breaks from the heady and heady stuff being discussed -- bravo!
Totally outstanding.
Valentin Tomberg, a convert to Catholicism from Anthrosophy through Orthodoxy, explicitly describes Christianity as theurgy and the Christian as magus in Meditations on the Tarot.
Another great video!
super informative, Doc! thanks again for another great video!
I love this stuff.
Fantastic video
Thank you for educating us. I'm not at all interested in esoterica, in the sense that I will do nothing to learn more. But these videos show me the worlds of ideas that our modern thought come from.
What a phenomenal episode :D
There's a theological school called _radical orthodoxy_ originating from the Anglican Church that uses the concept of theurgy in this very sacramental sense. I like that.
YOU, SIR, ARE A BLESSING TO YOU TUBE!!! Thank you fellow wise man. 🤍✨
The infinite spiral of spiritual knowledge is vast. Big hello from MidTown Memphis. Go Tigers
I don't know if it's Dr. Sledge's ability to explain the arcane and mystical in an understandable way or something else, but a lot of what what was said makes sense to me and fits my own perceptions and experiences despite not having studied philosophy and not being a Catholic.
Thank you
Hi seth. Nice info. X
LADS NEW ESOTERICA VID JUST DROPPED
Thank you so much ...I do enjoy these lessons ...
Hi, Doctor Sledge. Totally fascinated with this last video. I already had noticed that iamblichean perspective on theurgy was totally in line with the traditional catholic perspective on the sacraments. Though authors like Hadot and Uzdavinys would argue that philosophy, more than an intellectual effort is more of a practice and a way of life. Even our St. Bonaventure, following the exemplar of St. Francis of Assisi said that theology was the practical way for the sanctification (read deificatio) of the theologian, and that the basis of theology is prayer and devotion, not so much a systematic intellectual effort. Will you be doing a video on the theology of Saint (or pseudo, whatever) Dionysius the Areopagite? That would be awesome.
Ps. I have no problen with saying we outpaganed the pagans and that we beat them at the theurgy olympics. Maybe protestant-sola fide christians may feel unconfortable but... well, it is what it is, man.
I second the interest in Dionysus the Areopagite
This episode is a heavy hitter. Careful, Dr. Sledge! If you continue to show us all of your deep intellectual insights, the daemones may steal your gifts!
Thanks! keep it up :)
Thanks for the lecture! It’s a great springboard into a fascinating topic! I have a potential nuance and clarifying questions regarding the mentioned relation between theurgy and Catholic ritual.
The church claims two related yet distinct operations:
Sacraments are symbols effecting substantial change, e.g. baptism incorporates initiates into the mystical body of Christ, and Eucharistic bread is bread no more but the body of Jesus with concomitant divinity. These admitted mysteries - read: philosophically indefensible claims - require divine action beyond normal cosmic function and human logic.
Sacramentals are symbols - items or devotions - used to encourage a good disposition, better receptivity of grace or influence. By this description, holy water, medals, para-liturgical blessings, and the like aren't items or actions causing change themselves, no matter the magical format.
If I read him right, Iamblichus describes theurgy as a symbolic item or ritual acting as a locus for an unaltered, immaterial entity’s constant activity. These rites allow devotees easy assent to the entity’s mantle through affecting the human’s state. Even effects such as transformed sacrifices, statue animation, levitation, or visions are effected sympathetic loci rather than substantial changes.
This seems closer to Catholic sacramentals than sacraments.
Is this summary accurate to what Iamblichus describes? Further, given the distinction above, would you say theurgy is closest to a sacrament, a sacramental, or something straddling the two?
Its from old esoteric drawings like those depicted in your thumbnail that ooened up my brain to neural networks and their resemblances to other networks in society and nature.
Request for an episode to tell us about the origins of the Orthodox/Catholic sacraments (specially the mass and transubstantiation)
Im here❤
Thanks for posting your detailed overview of Iamblichus and Theurgy. I found it very insightful and helpful. A few comments: I found 'The Mysteries' to be tough reading primarily because of the bitter tone of the writing and argumentative dismissals of Porphyry's position. In contrast, when Plotinus critiques someone, or some view, he is very patient and presents their view in detail before going on to present his own analysis (I'm thinking of Aristotle's Categories). // I appreciate you mentioning animal sacrifice in the context of Theurgy; my impression is that Iamblichus was really angry at the mere suggestion that animal sacrifice could be done away with. From Iamblichus's point of view certain types of deities can only be contacted through animal sacrifice. What is striking to me is that Iamblichus never sees the sacrifice of animals from the perspective of the animal; I think that is because he lacks empathy (I'm probably exaggerating; as you can tell I favor Plotinus and Porphyry). // Overall my view is that the theurgic interpretation of Platonism unnecessarily complicates the system; that there is no 'problem' in the Platonism of Plotinus that is solved through theurgy. I see theurgy as an add-on, or injection, of perspectives and views that inherently distort, and therefore make more difficult, the return to the One, the Good, and the Beautiful. // Thanks again for a presentation that packs so much information into a mere 40 minutes. Much appreciated.
I love your channel and have been bingeing your videos. You mentioning the black metal esoterica shirt got me thinking. I’m super curious about the relationship between metal music and the occult. As a black kid in the 90s, I was always just told it was devil worshipping music. Ironically, it was rap music that turned out to be the real satanic tune. It would be cool to hear your thoughts on the history.
It was a marketing ploy to make it edgy, rebellious, and exciting. Especially if it was otherwise very corporate.