LIVING THEURGY
A Course in Iamblichus' Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy
By Jeffrey S. Kupperman
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
2014, 282pages. Paperback & Kindle editions available.
ISBN 978-1-905297-71-9
B&W 6.69 x 9.61 in or 244 x 170 mm (Pinched Crown) Perfect Bound on White w/Gloss Lam
Living Theurgy by Jeffrey S. Kupperman
Introduction
A Brief Survey Of Five Important Neoplatonists
A Living Philosophy
Virtue
On Evil
Political Philosophy
Beauty
Love
First Principles – The One
The Spiritual And Natural Realms
The Demiurge
The Greater Kinds, The Gods, And Theology
The Greater Kinds, Continued
The Human Soul
Cultus
On Theurgy
Medicine, Talismancy, And The Pneumatic Vehicle
Animated Statues & Divine Possession
The Invocation Of The Personal Daimon
An Apophatic Theoria
Guide To Pronouncing Hieratic Names
Glossary
Bibliography
IndexJeffrey S. Kupperman is a scholar, artist, and maker of things esoteric and occasionally beautiful. He lives in central Wisconsin with his children.
Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus’ Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy was published by Avalonia in Spring 2014.