Theurgy: Theory and Practice

In this insightful study, P. D. Newman delves into the ancient practice of theurgy, tracing its roots back to before Homer and exploring its interplay with Greek culture and shamanic traditions. He analyzes the theurgic themes present in the Odyssey and Iliad, examining key events and symbols such as Odysseus’s journey to Hades and Patroclus’s funeral pyre. The work further investigates the writings of Neoplatonists Porphyry and Proclus, offering a detailed understanding of ritual practices and the philosophical theories surrounding theurgy, particularly through the lens of the Chaldean Oracles.