Theurgy in Late Antiquity: The Invention of a Ritual Tradition

Theurgy is a complex of rites based on the Chaldean Oracles, composed during the late 2nd century AD. Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler examines the development of the discourse on theurgy, reconstructing what was understood as theurgic ritual in the late antique sources. She shows how every author constructs his own theurgy, leading to consider it an example of an artificial ritual tradition composed from already existing elements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 325 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

Theurgy, a multifaceted and intricate realm, encompasses a collection of rites intricately woven with the essence of the Chaldean Oracles, a revered corpus of oracles composed during the late 2nd century AD. These rituals, primarily documented through Neoplatonic sources, ignite a fervent debate among philosophers as they explore their profound relevance to the salvation of the soul and, ultimately, the ultimate pursuit of philosophical enlightenment. In her insightful examination, Ilinca Tanaseanu-Döbler delves into the evolution of the discourse on theurgy, skillfully reconstructing the understanding of theurgic ritual in the late antique sources. Resisting the urge to impose a cohesive unity upon the diverse sources spanning centuries, she ventures beyond the Neoplatonic portrayal of a coherent, extra-philosophical tradition to unveil the variations within the rituals encompassed by theurgy and their respective functions. Through this lens, she reveals how each author constructs their unique interpretation of theurgy, offering a profound insight into the artifice and creativity involved in the formation and reimagining of such a ritual tradition. This perspective invites us to contemplate theurgy as an exemplary instance of an artificial ritual tradition, meticulously constructed from pre-existing elements to claim a sense of uniqueness. By embarking on a journey from its inception to its culmination, theurgy presents a remarkable opportunity to analyze the intricate mechanisms that drive the invention and reinvention of such a tradition in the ever-evolving tapestry of human history.

Weight: 672g
Dimension: 235 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783525540206