Ep. 192: THEURGY, in Theory and Practice, With P.D. Newman
Feb 12, 2024
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In this episode, Jason Louv is joined by P.D. Newman, an expert in alchemy and Hermeticism. Newman explores the ancient practice of theurgy, tracing its roots back to Homer. He discusses the theurgic themes in Odyssey and Iliad, the contributions of Neoplatonists, and the divinization of the soul. Newman's study sheds light on the philosophical underpinnings and ritual practices of ancient theurgists.
Theurgy, a magical practice, shares roots with shamanic soul flight practices in ancient Greek culture.
Neoplatonists like Porphyry and Proclus linked theurgy to broader philosophical and ritual contexts.
Theurgy played a significant role in the spiritual and mystical practices of ancient philosophers and early Christians.
The right of elevation, a ritual in theurgy, involves consuming substances to induce an altered state and ascending to higher realms.
Deep dives
The Role of Christ in Conquering Death and Hell
The early Christians believed that Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection were meant to conquer death and Hades. By becoming a man and overcoming death, Christ introduced immortality back into the lineage of humanity. This view differed from the Greek conception of Hades, where the soul was seen as an echo or shade. In the early Christian model, Hades was not a place of eternal punishment, but rather a state where souls were not in line with divinity. The Orthodox doctrine of Apokatastasis even suggests that hell is not an eternal place of punishment, but a temporary state to cleanse and purify the soul. The notion of hell as a fiery torture chamber developed later in Christian history.
The Serpent in Genesis and its Foreshadowing of Christ
In the Gnostic reading of Genesis, the serpent is seen as the emissary of the Elohim, urging Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge. This action is viewed as a foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion on the cross. Additionally, early Christian thinkers like John D. and Clement of Alexandria recognized numerous foreshadowings of Christ in various ancient texts and stories, such as Odysseus tying himself to the mast or the Israelites discovering the Promised Land. These foreshadowings contribute to the Christian belief that Christ's actions and sacrifice are part of an eternal plan to restore humanity's connection with the divine.
Early Orthodoxy's View on Hell and Immortality
Early Orthodoxy shared the view that Hades was not a place of eternal punishment, but rather a state for souls who were not in line with divinity. The Orthodox belief in apocatastasis asserted that even those who went to hell did not stay there permanently. Christian thinkers like St. Gregory of Nissa emphasized that the soul's connection to the body and the senses of the material world could result in a hellish experience, but the ultimate goal was to transcend the body and ascend to the divine. The ancient Greek conception of Hades influenced early Christian views, with Orthodoxy maintaining a belief in the immortality of the soul and the possibility of reconciliation with divinity.
The Mystery and Practice of Theurgy
The practice of theurgy, or magic as a spiritual path to unite with the divine, was a central focus of Neoplatonic philosophers and early Christians. The specific practices of theurgy are not clearly outlined in ancient texts, but the prominent Neoplatonist Proclus argued that the more repugnant the story or myth, the deeper the mystery and teaching hidden within. Theurgy's connection to myth and the use of symbols in rituals were believed to convey profound truths and initiate deeper spiritual experiences. While the precise details of theurgy remain elusive, it played a significant role in the spiritual and mystical practices of ancient philosophers and early Christians alike.
The Ritual of Elevation and Theurgy
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses a ritual called the right of elevation and its connections to Theurgy. The ritual involves lying down for several hours without moving while consuming a substance, such as psilocybin mushrooms, that induces an altered state of consciousness. During this time, participants are instructed to project their minds into the realm beyond fate and visualize themselves ascending to higher realms. The ultimate goal is to reach the Milky Way or the noetic realm. The experience is described as intense and transformative, with effects such as increased capacity for learning and a feeling of connection to a higher consciousness or genius. It is uncertain whether the ritual is meant to be performed once or repeatedly, but it is considered a central rite of Theurgy.
Connections to Mythology and Symbolism
The ritual draws inspiration from various ancient mythological and symbolic elements. The speaker highlights intriguing connections to Greek mythology, such as the scene from Plato's Iliad where Achilles performs funeral rites for his companion Patroclus. The ritual involves pouring libations on a fire and invoking the soul of the deceased. Other symbols include the use of the crater, a mixing bowl associated with the anima mundi or world soul, and the presence of Venus, associated with the morning star and representing the ascent from the underworld. The ritual also resonates with concepts from tarot, such as the Star Card representing the galactic center and the Temperance Card symbolizing balance and transcendence.
The Historical Significance and Modern Relevance
The ritual discussed in the podcast is described as potentially the oldest initiatory ritual in history, dating back to prehistoric times. While its historical significance is still being explored, it has attracted interest and practice in contemporary contexts. Some individuals and groups continue to engage in similar rituals, seeking transformation, connection with higher realms, and the acquisition of wisdom or genius. Notably, the ritual has connections to the teachings of Alice Bailey and the Arcane School of the Lucious Trust, which has a meditation room in the United Nations building. While controversy and speculation surround these modern interpretations and practices, the ritual remains an intriguing aspect of ancient mysticism and its potential for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
In this episode of the Ultraculture podcast, Jason Louv is joined by P. D. Newman, an expert in the fields of alchemy, Hermeticism, and theurgy, with over two decades of immersion in these esoteric traditions. Newman shares insights from his latest work, a profound exploration into the ancient practice of theurgy, tracing its origins beyond the commonly acknowledged timeframe back to the era of Homer. He highlights how theurgy, a magical practice aimed at divinizing the soul for mystical union with the divine, shares roots with shamanic soul flight practices and was articulated in the epic meter of Homeric Greek.
Newman delves into the theurgic themes present in the Odyssey and the Iliad, such as Odysseus's journey to Hades and the funeral pyre of Patroclus, showcasing the interconnectedness of Greek shamanic practices and theurgical rites. He also discusses the significant contributions of Neoplatonists like Porphyry and Proclus, who described theurgy using Homeric terms and linked it to broader philosophical and ritual contexts.
Through a detailed analysis of telestikē, the theurgic technique of statue animation, and the divinization of the soul, Newman illustrates the ancient and complex nature of these practices, connecting them to Egyptian and Greek traditions. His study not only sheds light on the philosophical underpinnings of theurgy but also provides a rare glimpse into the actual ritual practices of ancient theurgists.
This is an EXCELLENT and very unexpected show that goes on some very, very, very interesting tangents. You're going to love it.
