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

Kupperman, Jeffrey S

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1905297718 ISBN 13: 9781905297719

Publisher: Avalonia, 2014

Synopsis

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

About this title

About the Author:

Jeffrey S. Kupperman is the founder and publisher of the Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition. He has an M.A. in religious studies from Lancaster University and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Liverpool Hope University/University of Liverpool, and has been teaching religious studies, philosophy, and anthropology at the college level for nine years. In addition to Platonism and theurgy, he has studied western esotericism for 20 years, including traditional and hermetic Kabbalah. Living in Wisconsin, USA with his wife and two children, he also writes icons (the fancy term for painting them) and makes rosaries and pocket watch chains (and rosary pocket watch chains). He is a practitioner, and occasional instructor, of Kosho ryu kempo. He may or may not have sprung from his mother's head fully armed and armoured.

Review:

Iamblichus was one of only three spiritual giants the ancient Greeks honored with the title "divine." (The other two were Pythagoras and Plato.) His extraordinary insights were rooted in the spirituality of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and other sacred traditions still thriving in the third century C.E. His books galvanized the Greek world--the brilliant Roman emperor Julian was one of this most fervent devotees.

Advanced students of ritual work will relish this book on late Neoplatonic spiritual practice. If however, you're new to this important tradition of working with spirit, you may find the book challenging reading. My advice is buy it anyway; you'll be well rewarded by the glimpse if offers of the depth and magnificence of the lost tradition at the root of Western culture. I personally think many New Agers drawn to channeling and magic can learn a lot from Iamblichus' deeply informed understanding of these topics.

A word to the wise: In some respects Iamblichus' methods of spiritual development are surprisingly close to ancient techniques still practiced in India today. For example, if the idea of enlivening a statue for the purpose of spiritual growth makes no sense to you, you might do well to visit a Hindu temple in your area and see how "prana pratishta" (breathing life into an image of a deity) is still done now, and what an amazingly powerful spiritual practice this can be. - Linda Johnsen, Amazon reviewer

About this edition

• Publisher: Avalonia
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1905297718
• ISBN 13: 9781905297719
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 282