Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

The ‘Greater Kinds’, Souls, and Kosmos: Iamblichus’ Philosophy, Part II

Mar 9, 2022

This podcast explores Iamblichus' philosophy, discussing the hierarchy of divine entities known as the Greater Kinds and the concept of soul. It delves into the worship of heroes in Greek and Roman religions, the practice of theurgy, and Iamblichus' views on the divine realms, soul, and matter.

37:48

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Quick takeaways

Yamlikus introduces a complex hierarchy of divine entities, including archangels, angels, demons, heroes, and arhons, emphasizing the unique characteristics and relationships of their respective souls and bodies.

Yamlikus challenges Porphyry's belief by asserting that all the greater kinds, including demons, are impassable and not affected by the material world, contrasting with the nature of human souls which can be affected by their bodies and the material world.

Deep dives

The Hierarchy of Divine Entities

Yamlikus introduces a complex hierarchy of divine entities, including archangels, angels, various types of demons, heroes, and two levels of arhons. Although the realm of soul is below this hierarchy, some of these entities, including gods, have souls, vehicles, and even bodies. Yamlikus emphasizes the distinction between the different types of souls, such as those of gods, planets, heroes, demons, and humans, highlighting their unique characteristics and relationships to their respective bodies.

Introduction

3min

Higher Bodies and the Impassable Nature of Greater Kinds

3min

Yom Blikos' Exegetical Framework and Hierarchy of Divine Entities

7min

The Concept of Heroes in Greek and Roman Religions

15min

The Practice of Theurgy and the Appearance of Gods

2min

Exploring Iamblichus' Philosophy of the Divine Realms, Soul, and Matter

8min

We enter into the kosmic reaches of Iamblichus' universe, populated by a host of fascinating fauna, including archangels, angels, daimones, heroes, archontes, and even – weirdest of all – human beings.

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