← Home
praxis

Ritual Purity

The maintenance of a state of cleanliness—physical, moral, or spiritual—required for encounter with the divine.

587 passages · 17 traditions
gnosticism: 122 passagesgnosticism122neoplatonism: 118 passagesneoplatonism118greek_mystery: 91 passagesgreek_mystery91egyptian: 85 passagesegyptian85western_esoteric: 43 passageswestern_esoteric43finnic: 22 passagesfinnic22christian_mysticism: 18 passageschristian_mysticism18buddhism: 14 passagesbuddhism14celtic: 13 passagesceltic13jewish_mysticism: 12 passagesjewish_mysticism12mesopotamian: 12 passagesmesopotamian12mandaean: 11 passagesmandaean11platonism: 11 passagesplatonism11renaissance_hermeticism: 7 passagesrenaissance_hermeticism7hermeticism: 5 passageshermeticism5sufism: 2 passagessufism2norse: 1 passagenorse1
gnosticism122
Gospel of Philip | Section 1c
And Jesus said, “Whoever will not eat my flesh and drink my blood has no life within him.” What does he mean? His flesh is the word and blood the holy spirit. Who has received these has food and drink and clothing. I condemn those who sa…”
Gospel of Philip | Section 1i
His seed was Jesus, and the plant was the cross.” The tree of life in the middle of that garden of paradise is an olive tree, and from the olive tree comes chrism, and from that oil comes the resurrection. THE WORLD EATS BODIES The world e…”
Gospel of Philip | Section 1j
In the world these are the true people. They are the attendants of the bridal chamber. POWER AND WEAKNESS In this world, power and weakness mingle when man and woman have sex. Joining is different in the eternal realm, though we use the…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 93
<Jesus said,> "Do not give what is holy to dogs, lest they throw them on the dung-heap. Do not throw the pearls to swine, lest they [...] it [...]."…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTd
It happened while I am sitting being distant from you [9 ] a little upon the mountain of the Olives, thinking of the arrangement of the service concerning which they sent me, that it was finished: and the Last mystery dispatched not to me m…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTe
And having come, coming unto the World I came unto the midst of the Rulers of the Sphere, I was the likeness of Gabriel the angel of the Aeons, and knew me not the Rulers of the Aeons. But they were thinking that I am Gabriel the angel. I…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTf
And when your time was finished they produced you in [14 ] the World, there not being soul of the Rulers in you; and ye took your part out of the power, this which breathed in unto the Confusion the last Helper, this (power) which is mixed…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTg
Now therefore we all together we wait for thee at the last Boundary, namely, the last mystery (reckoning) from within, he also is a part of us. Now therefore we have dispatched to thee thy vesture [17 ] which is thy very own from at first,…”
Show all 122 →
neoplatonism118
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter II
We shall, therefore, deliver to you the peculiar dogmas of the Assyrians; and also clearly develop to you our own opinions; collecting some things from the infinite writings of the ancients, but others from those particulars which were comp…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VI
What, therefore, shall we say concerning the media? I think, indeed, that from what has been before said, they will be manifest to every one; for these give completion to the indivisible connexion of the extremes. Nevertheless, it is necess…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIa
“ How therefore ,” you ask, “ are many things performed to them in sacred operations, as if they were passive? ” I reply, that this is asserted through an ignorance of sacerdotal mysticism. For of the things which are perpetually effected…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIb
[31] Things of this kind, therefore, are introduced for the sake of our soul, and of the diminution of the evils which adhere to it 55 through generation, and of a solution and liberation from its bonds. On this account, also, they are ver…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XII
You also say, “ that invocations are directed to the Gods as to beings that are passive, so that not only dæmons are passive, but likewise the Gods .” This, however, is not the case. For the illumination which takes place through invocation…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIII
Moreover, “ the pacifications of anger ” will become manifest, if we understand what the anger of the Gods is. [32] This, therefore, is not, as it appears to be to some, a certain ancient and inveterate rage, but an abandonment of the benef…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVa
After this, you pass on to another division into contraries, viz. the division of Gods with reference to dæmons. For you say, “ that the Gods are pure intellects ;” but you propose this opinion as an hypothesis, or you narrate it as a dog…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVb
Or what passion can accede to a thing of this kind, the purity of which the most worthy human manners cannot easily equal? You say, however, “ that the things which are offered in supplications are offered as to sensitive and psychical nat…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXI
The division, however, of the passive from the impassive , which you adopt, may perhaps be rejected by some one, as not adapted to either of the more excellent genera, through the causes which we have before enumerated; and it also deserves…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IIIa
Let us, however, now proceed to the appearances of the Gods and their perpetual attendants, and show what the difference is in their appearance. For you inquire, “ by what indication the presence of a God, or an angel, or an archangel, or…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IIIb
In addition also to these peculiarities, divine beauty, indeed, shines with an immense splendour as it were, fixes the spectators in astonishment, imparts a divine joy, presents itself to the view with ineffable symmetry, and is exempt from…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
Moreover, that which purifies souls is perfect in the Gods; but in archangels it is anagogic. Angels alone dissolve the bond of generation. Dæmons draw souls down into nature; but heroes lead them to a providential attention to sensible wor…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IX
In the last place, the dispositions of the soul of those that invoke the Gods to appear receive, when they become visible, a liberation from the passions, a transcendent perfection, and an energy entirely more excellent, and participate of…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIa
In what follows, in which you think that ignorance and deception about these things are impiety and impurity, and in which you exhort us to the true developement of these particulars, is not, indeed, attended with any ambiguity, but is ackn…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIb
Those assertions, also, of yours pertain to the same thing, in which you say, “ that the science of the Gods is sacred and useful, and call the ignorance of things honourable and beautiful darkness, but the knowledge of them light; and also…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
In the first place, therefore, you ask me to explain to you distinctly, “ what that is which is effected in the foreknowledge of future events? ” Immediately, however, that which you endeavour to learn is impossible. For, according to the m…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
There are, therefore, many species of divine possession, and divine inspiration is multifariously excited; whence, also, the signs of it are many and different. For either the Gods are different, by whom we are inspired, and thus produce a…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IX
What you afterwards say is as follows: “ That some of those who suffer a mental alienation, energize enthusiastically on hearing cymbals or drums, or a certain modulated sound, such as those who are Corybantically inspired, those who are po…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter X
Let us, however, discuss what pertains to divination more particularly; not asserting this, that nature leads each thing to its like; for the enthusiastic energy is not the work of nature; nor again asserting that the temperature of the air…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIa
Another species of divine divination which is much celebrated, most manifest and manifold, is that of oracles, about which you say as follows: “ There are some who drink water, as the priest of Clarius, in Colophon; [59] but others are seat…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIb
But when she places herself on the seat of the God, she becomes coadapted to his stable prophetic power: and from both these preparatory operations she becomes wholly possessed by the God. And then, indeed, he is present with and illuminat…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIII
Let us, therefore, now direct our attention to another species of divination, which is not public, but of a private nature, concerning 147 which you say, “ that some become enthusiastic by standing on characters, as those that are filled fr…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIV
Concerning another kind of divination, also, you say as follows: “ Others who are conscious what they are doing in other respects, are divinely inspired according to the phantastic part, some indeed receiving darkness for a cooperator, othe…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVIII
Another contest, however, awaits us, not less than that in which we have been before engaged, and which you immediately announce, concerning the causes of divination, “ whether a God, an angel, or a dæmon, or some other power, is present in…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XX
Omitting, therefore, these things, we may reasonably adduce a second cause, assigned by you, of the above mentioned particulars: viz. “ that the soul says and imagines these things, and that they are the passions of it, excited from small i…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXII
You say, therefore, “ that the soul generates the power which has an imaginative perception of futurity, through motions of this kind, or 177 that the things which are adduced from matter constitute dæmons through the powers that are inhere…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXIV
In what follows, while you endeavour to unfold divination, you entirely subvert it. For if a passion of the soul is admitted to be the cause of it, what wise man will attribute to an unstable and stupid thing orderly and stable foreknowledg…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXVIIa
Moreover, neither is it sufficient to assert, “ that nature, art, and the sympathy of things in the universe, as if they were the parts of one animal, contain premanifestations of certain 188 things with reference to each other; nor that bo…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXVIIIa
You adduce, however, as a thing by no means to be despised, “ the artificers of efficacious images .” But I should wonder if these were admitted by any one of the theurgists who survey the true forms of the Gods. For why should any one exc…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXIX
Why, therefore, does the maker of images, who effects these things, desert himself, though he is better than these images, and consists of 195 things of a more excellent nature, and confide in inanimate idols, which are inspired with the re…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXX
You say, however, “ that the makers of images observe the motion of the celestial bodies, and can tell from the concurrence of what star, with a certain star or stars, predictions will be true or false; and also whether the things that are…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXXIa
Again, therefore, still worse than this is the explanation of sacred operations, which assigns as the cause of divination, “ a certain genus of dæmons, which is naturally fraudulent, omniform, and various, and which assumes the appearance o…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXXIb
Hence this genus of divination is undefiled and sacerdotal, and is truly divine. This, also, does not, as you say it does, require me, or any other as an arbiter, in order that I may prefer it to a multitude of other things; but it is itse…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
Let us then, in the next place, consider the opposing arguments, what they are, and what reason they possess. And if we should discuss some things a little more abundantly, in consequence of speaking freely and at leisure, it is requisite t…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter II
But we sometimes see that take place which is now proposed to be considered. For it happens that spirits are commanded [to do this or that] who do not use a reason of their own, and have not the principle of judgment. Nor does this occur ir…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IV
What then shall we say concerning the next inquiry to this, viz. “ why the powers who are invoked think it requisite that he who worships them should be just, but they when called upon to act unjustly do not refuse so to act ?” To this I re…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VI
In order, therefore, that from an abundance of arguments we may contend against the objection which is now adduced, we will grant, if you please, the contrary to what we have asserted, viz. that certain unjust things are performed in this b…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VII
Moreover, it is necessary to add the causes whence evils [90] sometimes arise, and to show how many and of what kind they are. For the form of them is not simple; but, being various, is the leader of the generation of various evils. For if…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter X
We shall collect, therefore, what happens from these conclusions. For if certain invocators employ the physical or corporeal powers [91] of the universe, an involuntary gift of energy [from these powers], and which is without vice, takes pl…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XI
Moreover, you inquire, and at the same time doubt, “ how it comes to pass that the Gods do not hear him who invokes them, if he is impure from venereal connexions; but, at the same time, they do not refuse to lead any one to illegal venery…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIII
Consider, therefore, also another genus of causes; how a stone or a herb frequently possess from themselves a nature corruptive, or again collective of generated natures. For this is not only the case with these, but this physical power is…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
The doubt mentioned by you in the next place, is, as I may say, an inquiry which is made in common both by the learned and the unlearned, I mean concerning sacrifices, “ what utility or power they possess in the universe, and with the Gods,…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter III
Here, therefore, the same reasoning is likewise sufficient. For with us the enjoyment of bodies which once were united to soul, impresses in us heaviness and defilement, ingenerates in us voluptuousness, and produces many other diseases in…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IVa
Nor is that which so greatly disturbs you, and for which you so strenuously contend, attended with any difficulty, I mean abstinence from animals, [95] if it is rightly understood. For those who worship the Gods do not abstain from animals…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
Your next inquiry is of greater consequence, and is concerning things of a greater nature. How, therefore, shall I be able, briefly and sufficiently, to give you an answer to a question which is extremely difficult, and requires a long expl…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VI
But the greatest thing in sacrifices, viz. their efficacious power, and why especially they are so very beneficial that without them we are neither liberated from pestilence, nor famine, nor sterility of fruits, nor obtain seasonable shower…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII
The same absurdities likewise happen from assigning, as the causes of what is effected by sacrifices, either certain numbers that are with us, such, for instance, as assuming the number 235 sixty in the crocodile, [97] as adapted to the sun…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IX
It is better, therefore, to assign as the cause of the efficacy of sacrifices friendship and familiarity, and a habitude which binds fabricators to the things fabricated, and generators to the 241 things generated. Hence when, this common p…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter Xa
We, however, admit all these assertions; physical essences, indeed, being coexcited as in one animal, according to aptitude or sympathy, as in another respect being subjects, and following and being subservient to the cause of the efficacy…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XI
It appears to me, also, that the present question errs in another respect. For it is ignorant that the offering of sacrifices through fire has the power of consuming and destroying the matter of them in a greater degree; that it assimilates…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIII
Subverting, therefore, in this manner the common absurd opinions concerning sacrifices, we shall introduce in their place true conceptions about them; omitting the particular discussion of each species of sacrifice, which the peculiar and d…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIV
We shall begin, however, the elucidation of this subject in the best possible manner, if we demonstrate that the sacred law of sacrifices is connected with the order of the Gods. In the first place, therefore, we say, that of the Gods some…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XV
Let us then, in the next place, direct our attention to that which accords with what has been before said, and with our twofold condition of being. For there is a time when we become wholly soul, are out of the body, and sublimely revolve o…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVI
Farther still, therefore, we must not disdain to add what follows; that we frequently perform something to the Gods who are the inspective guardians of body, and to good dæmons, for the sake of the necessary use of the body; as, for instanc…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVII
What, therefore, shall we derive from the Gods who are entirely exempt from all human generation, with respect to sterility, or abundance or any thing else pertaining to [the mortal] life? Nothing whatever. For it is not the province of tho…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVIII
According to another division, therefore, the numerous herd [or the great mass] of men is arranged under nature, is governed by physical powers, looks downward to the works of nature, gives completion to the administration of Fate, and to t…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIX
On this subject, however, there is also the following division. Of divine essences and powers some have [a genesiurgic] soul and nature subject and ministrant to their fabrications, whenever they wish to use them. But others are entirely se…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XX
Being impelled, therefore, from another principle, viz. from the world and the mundane Gods, from the arrangement of the four elements in the world, and the association of the elements according to [appropriate] measures, and also 259 from…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXI
I think, therefore, that all who are lovers of the contemplation of theurgic truth will acknowledge this, that the piety which pertains to divine natures ought not to be exercised towards them partially or imperfectly. Hence, since prior to…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXIII
The various mode, therefore, of sanctity in sacred operations partly purifies and partly perfects some one of the things that are in us or about us. And some things, indeed, it restores to symmetry and order; but others it liberates from mo…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXIV
The same things also may be learned from the distribution of the Gods according to places; and from this, and the partible dominion over each particular thing, it may be seen how many allotments, greater or less, superior beings are assigne…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXV
If, therefore, these things were human customs alone, and derived their authority through our legal institutions, it might be said that the worship of the Gods was the invention of our conceptions. Now, however, divinity is the leader of it…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXVIa
Since, however, prayers are not the smallest [but on the contrary a very great] part of sacrifices, especially give completion to them, and through these the whole operation of them is corroborated and effected; and since, besides 271 this,…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XXVIb
And, in the third and last place, it may easily be conceived from hence how prayer and sacrifice mutually corroborate and confer on each other a sacred and perfect power in divine concerns. Hence, since it appears that there is a perfect c…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
It is now, however, time for me to pass on to the next doubt which you propose, viz. “ Why it is requisite that the inspector [who presides over sacred rites] ought not to touch a dead body, though most sacred operations are performed throu…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter II
After another manner, also, this doubt may be dissolved. For in men, indeed, who are detained in matter, bodies deprived of life produce a certain stain; because that which is not alive inserts a certain defilement in that which is living,…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter III
In the next place we shall explain how divination is effected through sacred animals, such, for instance, as hawks. We must never say, therefore, that the Gods accede through bodies that are thus procured, being employed. For they do not pr…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter IV
It is necessary, however, to think that the soul which uses divination of this kind, not only becomes an auditor of the prediction, but also contributes in no small degree from itself to the consummation of it, and of what pertains to its o…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
Let us, therefore, now discuss another species of doubts, the cause of which is occult, and which, as you say, is accompanied with “ violent threats .” But it is variously divided about the multitude of threats. “ For it threatens either to…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VII
Or this thing may likewise be explained as follows: Dæmons preside with a guardian power over arcane mysteries, and this in so remarkable a degree, because the orderly distribution of things in the universe is primarily contained in dæmons.…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
You object, however, “ that he who hears words looks to their signification, so that it is sufficient the conception remains the same, whatever the words may be that are used .” But the thing is not such as you suspect it to be. For if name…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter III
According to another order, however, he arranges the God Emeph [134] prior to, and as the leader of, the celestial Gods. And he says that this God is an intellect, itself intellectually perceiving itself, and converting intellections to its…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
This deific and anagogic path Hermes, indeed, narrated, but Bitys, the prophet of King Ammon, [138] explained it, having found it in the adyta of Saïs [139] in Egypt, written in hieroglyphics; 307 and the same prophet also delivered the nam…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VII
Hence that of which you are dubious is not true, “ that all things are bound with the indissoluble bonds of Necessity ,” which we call Fate. For the soul has a proper principle of circumduction to the intelligible, and of a separation from…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII
What then, is it not possible for a man to liberate himself [from fate] through the Gods that revolve in the heavens, and to consider the same as the leaders of fate, and yet as 311 those that bind our lives with indissoluble bonds? Perhaps…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
Let us now, therefore, to the utmost of our power, endeavour to discuss the manifold doubt concerning the peculiar dæmon, and which also is subject to various objections. Since, however, to speak summarily, the consideration of the peculiar…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VI
If, however, it be requisite to unfold to you the truth concerning the peculiar dæmon, we must say that he is not distributed to us from one part of the heavens, or from some one of the visible elements; but that from the whole world, the a…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter II
Hence you in vain doubt, “ that it is not proper to look to human opinions .” For what leisure can he have whose intellect is directed to the Gods to look downward to the praises of men? Nor do you rightly doubt in what follows, viz. “ that…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter III
I wish, in the next place, to reply to such assertions as calumniate divine prediction. For you compare with it “ certain other methods which are conversant with the prediction of future events .” To me, however, it does not appear to be an…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter V
But why am I prolix about these particulars? For I have abundantly shown, in what has been before said, the transcendency of divine above human divination. It is better, therefore, in compliance with your request, “ to point out to you the…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VI
Moreover, after it has conjoined the soul to the several parts of the universe, and to the total divine powers which pass through it; then it leads the soul to, and deposits it in, the whole Demiurgus, and causes it to be independent of all…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VII
With respect to the good , likewise, they conceive that one kind is divine, and this is the God who is prior to the intelligible; but that the other is human, and is a union with the former. And these two kinds of good Bitys has unfolded fr…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIa
And thus we have answered, to the utmost of our ability, your inquiries concerning divination and theurgy. It remains, therefore, at the end of this discussion, that I should beseech the Gods to afford me an immutable guard of true concept…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIc
The fifth according to body, which is called corporeal-formed. And the sixth according to matter, and this is denominated material.” Olympiodorus adds, “or after another manner it may be said, that some of these are celestial, others ether…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIId
For it is necessary that every form in the universe should be never failing, in order that the universe may be perfect, and that, being generated from an immoveable cause, it may be immoveable in its essence. But every wholeness is a form,…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIe
“The divine Iamblichus, however, doubts how the Gods are said to be allotted certain places according to definite times, as, by Plato in the Timæus, Minerva is said to have been first allotted the guardianship of Athens, and afterwards of S…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIg
So that all things are full of divine natures; terrestrial natures receiving the plenitude of such as are celestial, but celestial of supercelestial essences; [153] while every order of things proceeds gradually, in a beautiful descent, fro…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIh
Hence the ancient priests, by the mutual relation and sympathy of things to each other, collected their virtues into one, but expelled them by repugnancy and antipathy; purifying when it was requisite with sulphur and bitumen, and sprinklin…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIl
Opinion, likewise, and the phantasy, are said thus to energize when they discover arts, and accomplish admirable works, such, for instance, as Phidias effected in the formation of statues, and another in another art, as also Homer says [157…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIm
Thus, for instance, if the allotment of the soul was as far as to philosophy, the soul would be able, though it should not choose a philosophic but some other life, to energize in that life somewhat philosophically. There are also said to…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIo
In the next place, departing from intellect, and descending into reasoning and dianoia, it no longer apprehended real beings by simple intuitions, but syllogistically and transitively, proceeding from one thing to another, from propositions…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIq
On the contrary, divinely-inspired poets, as Hermeas well observes, knock, as it were, at the gates of the Muses, and thus being filled from thence exclaim, Εσπετε νυν μοι Μουσαι And, Μηνιν αειδε θεα— And, Ανδρα μοι εννεπε Μουσα . For bein…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIr
But there are a certain few who by employing a certain supernatural power of intellect, are removed from nature , &c. The class to which these few belong is beautifully unfolded, as follows, by Plotinus, in the beginning of his Treatise on…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIs
Hence the Emperor Julian, in the fragments of his treatise against the Christians, preserved by Ciryl, says, speaking of the Christians, “If any one wishes to consider the truth respecting you, he will find that your impiety consists of the…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIu
ελευθεροι δε οντες υπερανω παντων, ωσπερ φυλακες και επισκοποι ακριβεις του παντος, περιεχονται τῳ νυχθημερῳ το παν.——εχουσι προς ημας την μεγιστην δυναμιν. i. e. “We say, O son, that the body [of the universe] is comprehensive of all th…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIw
Cathartic virtue, therefore, alone must be called the salvation of souls; since this cuts off, and vehemently obliterates, material natures, and the passions which adhere to us from generation; separates the soul and leads it to intellect;…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIx
κᾳν επι του ωκεανου ελθῃς τας ηϊονας, κᾳκει θεοι, τοις μεν ανισχοντες αγχου μαλα, τοις δε καταδυομενοι. Dissert. i. Edit. Princ. 4 . “Diogenes Laertius says of Pythagoras, that he charged his disciples not to give equal degrees of hon…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII|
Between souls that always abide on high with purity, such as the souls of essential heroes, and those that descend into the regions of mortality, and are defiled with vice, such as the souls of the greater part of mankind, the class of unde…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII~
But Pythagoras, as he was astronomizing, happened to meet with the Phrygian piper at an unseasonable time of night, and persuaded him to change his Phrygian for a spondaic song; through which the fury of the lad being immediately repressed,…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII
Ταις ενεργειαις της μελῳδιας συμπασχειν ημων αντικρυς τας ψυχας, την συγγενειαν ωσπερ επιγινωσκουσας ——et, ποτε μεν εις ησυχιαν και κατασολην τρεπεσθαι, ποτε δε εις οἱσρον και ενθυσιασμον. And, in the last place, see Plato in his Io, and A…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII€
But, in consequence of her alliance to this order, she produces twofold guardian triads, one in conjunction with her father, but the other herself by and from herself, imitating in this respect the whole vivific Goddess [Rhea] who constitut…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII
Moreover, if it should happen that the whole race of some one successively use land which had originally been plundered, in this case, the injury in the first place becomes immanifest, and on this account is more difficult to be cured; and,…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII‚
Proclus, in his MS. Commentary on the First Alcibiades of Plato, observes, “that in the mysteries some one of the more imperfect dæmons assumes the appearance of one that is more perfect, and draws down to himself souls that are not yet pu…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIƒ
with evil dæmons], which are hurled forth before the Gods, but on entering the interior parts of the temple, unmoved, and guarded by the mystic rites, they genuinely receive in their bosom divine illumination, and divested of their garments…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII†
For these conceptions and these works teach us, that in reality we, through sacred operations, approach to divinity, but that divinity does not draw near to us. Hence Proclus in Alcibiad. εν ταις κλησεσι, και εν ταις αυτοψιαις προσιεναι π…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIŠ
Η γοητεια δε εστι τεχνη τις περι τους ενυλους και χθονιους δαιμονας φαντασιοσκοπουσα τοις εποπταις τα τουτων ειδωλα. και τους μεν ωσπερ εξ αδου αναγουσα, τους δε υψοθεν καταγουσα, και τουτους κακωτικους. και ειδωλα αττα υφιστησι φαντασματ…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIIIŽ
But the Egyptians honoured the asp, the weasel, and the beetle, in consequence of observing in them certain dark resemblances of the power of the Gods, like that of the sun in drops of water. For at present, many believe and assert that th…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII
The Pythagoreans, likewise, adorned numbers and figures with the appellations of the Gods. For they called the equilateral triangle, Minerva Coryphagenes, or begotten from the summit, and Tritogeneia because it is divided by three perpendi…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII
It is well observed by Ficinus, in lib. i. Eunead. ii. Plotin. “that the fire which is enkindled by us is more similar to the heavens than other terrestrial substances. Hence it participates of light, which is something incorporeal, i…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII‘
112 . Proclus on the First Alcibiades observes, “that about every God there is an innumerable multitude of dæmons, who have the same appellations with their leaders. And that these are delighted when they are called by the names of Apollo…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII’
“This is spoken after the manner of the pontiffs, by whom, according to ancient rites, in all sacrifices, after the appropriate Gods whom it was necessary to invoke to the sacrifice, all the divinities were invoked in general.” And in his A…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII•
of my translation of Plato, where many of these names are beautifully unfolded from the MS. Scholia of Proclus on the Cratylus. 127 . See the additional notes at the end of vol. v. of my translation of Plato, and also the notes to my t…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter VIII–
65, when he says, “The cathartic prayer is that which is offered for the purpose of averting diseases originating from pestilence, and other contagious distempers, such as we have written in our temples .” Καθαρτικαι δε (ευχαἰ, επι αποτροπα…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 21
Section 3 3. We come now to that other mode of Likeness which, we read, is the fruit of the loftier virtues: discussing this we shall penetrate more deeply into the essence of the Civic Virtue and be able to define the nature of the higher…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 22
Section 4 4. We come, so, to the question whether Purification is the whole of this human quality, virtue, or merely the forerunner upon which virtue follows? Does virtue imply the achieved state of purification or does the mere process suf…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 29
Section 3 3. The metaphysician, equipped by that very character, winged already and not like those others, in need of disengagement, stirring of himself towards the supernal but doubting of the way, needs only a guide. He must be shown, the…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 67
Section 6 6. For, as the ancient teaching was, moral-discipline and courage and every virtue, not even excepting Wisdom itself, all is purification. Hence the Mysteries with good reason adumbrate the immersion of the unpurified in filth, ev…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 68
Section 7 7. Therefore we must ascend again towards the Good, the desired of every Soul. Anyone that has seen This, knows what I intend when I say that it is beautiful. Even the desire of it is to be desired as a Good. To attain it is for t…”
← Collapse
greek_mystery91
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 4 (part 8)
43 these unnatural habits." As, therefore, it is not wonderful that the greatest part of those who inhabit a pestiferous region, should languish and decline, but that a very few should preserve their natural strength; so we ought not to won…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 4 (part 9)
For we preserve as sacred to those divinities, a perpetual fire in our temples; since this element is most similar to their lucid frames. But with respect to fumigations from herbs produced by the earth, they called the censer or pan, in w…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 4 (part 10)
For in this solemnity grass is carried about, enwrapping the kernels of olives, attended with figs, all kinds of pulse, oaken boughs or acorns, the fruit of the strawberry, wheat, and barley, a mass of dried figs, cakes composed from the me…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 4 (part 16)
This heated paper we may compare to a certain relation of inferiors to superiors; and its approximation to the lamp, to the opportune use of things according to time, place, and matter. But the procession of fire in the paper aptly represe…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 4 (part 17)
82 bitumen, and the sprinkling of marine water. For sulphur purifies from the sharpness of its odour; but marine water on account of its fiery portion. Besides this, in the worship of the Gods, they offered animals, and other substances c…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 6 (part 1)
THE INITIATIONS OF ORPHEUS . p. 109 TO MUSÆUS * ATTEND Musæus to my sacred song, And learn what rites to sacrifice belong. Jove I invoke, the earth, and solar light, The moon's pure splendor, and the stars of night; p. 110 Thee Neptune,…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn I. THE GODDESS PROTHYRÆA
I. TO THE GODDESS PROTHYRÆA * . The FUMIGATION from STORAX. O venerable goddess, hear my pray'r, For labour pains are thy peculiar care; in thee, when stretch'd upon the bed of grief, The sex as in a mirror view relief. Guard of the race, e…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn VII. THE SUN
VII. TO THE SUN. The FUMIGATION from FRANKINCENSE and MANNA. HEAR golden Titan, whose eternal eye With broad survey, illumines all the sky. Self-born, unwearied in diffusing light, And to all eyes the mirrour of delight: Lord of the seasons…”
Show all 91 →
egyptian85
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 6 (part 6)
Maspero explained to the Members of the Congress of Lyons the views which he held concerning this word, and which he had for the past five years been teaching in the Collège de France, and said, "le ka est une sorte de double de la personne…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 12 (part 5)
8. Here [offer] a vase of black beer. 9. Here [offer] a vase of beer of iron 10. Here [offer] a vase of beer. 11. Repeat four times and [offer] unguent of the festival. 12. Here [offer] heken oil. 13. Here [offer] a pitcher of sef…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 16 (part 3)
The palettes of the Egyptian scribe were rectangular, and were made of wood, stone, basalt, ivory (see Nos. 5512a, 5513, 5525a, and 12,779, etc., in the British Museum). They measure from 10 to 17 inches in length, and from 2 to 3 inches…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 17 (part 1)
PLATE IV. Vignette: Ani, found just, is led into the presence of Osiris. On the left the hawk-headed god Horus, the son of Isis, wearing the double crown of the North and the South, takes Ani by the hand and leads him forward towards "Osi…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 18 (part 2)
In the upper part of it the deceased is shown adoring Osiris, and below is the legend,[3] "Hail, Osiris, the chief of Amenta, the lord of eternity, [1. This instrument is called ### ur hekau , and is made of a sinuous piece of wood, one en…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 18 (part 4)
, "the son who loveth him"; whereupon the Kher-heb says: "O Sem, let the Se-mer-f come into the tomb in order that he may see the god." The Sem priest holding him by the arm then leads forward the Se-mer-f , who addresses the deceased: "I h…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 18 (part 6)
May no ill-luck happen through the dethronement of his two eyes in his body, even as no evil fortune came to Horus through the overthrow of his eye in his body. Thy two eyes are decked therewith in its name of Uatch , which maketh thee to…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 18 (part 7)
I am Thoth, who have made (12) Osiris victorious over his enemies on the day of weighing of words in the (13) great House of the mighty Ancient One in Annu.[4] I am Tetteti,[5] the son of Tetteti; I was (14) conceived in Tattu, I was born i…”
Show all 85 →
western_esoteric43
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies Which Have Influenced Modern Masonic Symbolismb
He says, in part: "It appears that all the perfection of civilization, and all the advancement made in philosophy, science, and art among the ancients are due to those institutions which, under the veil of mystery, sought to illustrate the…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies Which Have Influenced Modern Masonic Symbolisme
At certain seasons, according to the positions of the sun, moon, and stars, the Arch-Druid climbed the oak tree and cut the mistletoe with a golden sickle consecrated for that service. The parasitic growth was caught in white cloths provid…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Isis, the Virgin of the Worldk
*** It is reasonably certain, however, that Pythagoras, who had been initiated in the Egyptian temples, when he promulgated the doctrine of metempsychosis, restated, in part at least, the teachings of the Egyptian initiates. The popular su…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Bembine Table of Isisb
Laurentius Pignorius reproduced the Tablet in connection with a descriptive essay in 1605, but his timidly advanced explanations demonstrated his ignorance concerning the actual interpretation of the figures. THE BEMBINE TABLE OF ISIS. Co…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Wonders of Antiquityf
She bathed in the Castalian well, abstained from all food, drank only from the fountain of Cassotis, which was brought into the temple through concealed pipes, and just before mounting the tripod, she chewed a few leaves of the sacred bay t…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Flowers, Plants, Fruits, and Treesb
Yet the cross itself is the oldest of phallic emblems, and the lozenge-shaped windows of cathedrals are proof that yonic symbols have survived the destruction of the pagan Mysteries. The very structure of the church itself is permeated wit…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Ceremonial Magic and Sorcerye
On the place where you intend to make the circle, you must first draw a great cross with a large sword with which no one ever has been hurt. Then you must make three concentric circles. The innermost circle is made of a long narrow strip…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Ceremonial Magic and Sorceryf
The words about the circle are the names of the invisible intelligences, and the small crosses mark points at which certain prayers and invocations are recited. The small circle outside is prepared for the spirit to be invoked, and while i…”
Show all 43 →
finnic22
The Kalevala | Rune XIf
I have brought the best among them In my sledge to this thy cottage; Well I wrapped her in my fur-robes, Kept her warm enwrapped in bear-skin, Brought her to my mother's dwelling, As my faithful life-companion; Thus I paid the scornful maid…”
The Kalevala | Rune XIIf
Now the minstrel, Lemminkainen, Changes both his form and stature, Passes through the inner door-ways, Enters he the spacious court-hall, And these words the hero utters: "Fine the singing quickly ending, Good the song that quickly ceases;…”
The Kalevala | Rune XIVb
Should thy mistress not awaken At the calling of thy flute-notes, Play again, and play unceasing, Make the golden tongue re-echo." Wild and daring Lemminkainen Steadfast prays upon his journey, Calling on the gods for succor, Hastens off th…”
The Kalevala | Rune XVIIc
"Thence arose the violation, Thence arose the first destruction, Thence came all the evil-doings: From the neighborhood of wizards, From the homes of the magicians, From the eaves of vicious spirits, From the haunts of fortune-tellers, From…”
The Kalevala | Rune XVIIId
Wainamoinen now is sailing On the blue back of the waters, Sitting at his helm of copper; On the prow are golden carvings, Beautiful his boat of magic, Sailing fleetly o'er the billows, To the never-pleasant Northland, To the dismal Sariola…”
The Kalevala | Rune XVIIIe
These the words of Ilmarinen: "Fair Annikki, lovely sister, Bring me now my silken raiment, Bring my best and richest vesture, Bring me now my softest linen, That my wooing prove successful." Straightway did the helpful sister Bring the fin…”
The Kalevala | Rune XXc
"Thus did Osmotar of Kalew Brew together hops and barley, Could not generate the ferment. Thinking long and long debating, Thus she spake in troubled accents: 'What will bring the effervescence, Who will add the needed factor, That the bee…”
The Kalevala | Rune XXIb
"Feed the courser of the suitor, On the sweetest corn and barley, On the summer-wheat and clover, In the caldron steeped in sweetness; Feed him at the golden manger, In the boxes lined with copper, At my manger richly furnished, In the warm…”
Show all 22 →
christian_mysticism18
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 12, Section 1a
181 CHAPTER XII Concerning ” Holy of holies ,” ” King of kings ,” ” Lord of lords ,” ” God of gods .” 1. Forasmuch as the things which needed to be said concerning this matter have been brought, I think, to a proper ending, we must praise…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 3, Section 1a
CHAPTER III What is the power of Prayer? Also concerning the Blessed Hierotheus and concerning Reverence and the Writing of Divinity. 1. And first of all, if it like thee, let us consider the highest Name, even “Goodness,” by which all t…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 3, Section 1c
It would be an impiety to do so, for he is almost equal to the Scriptural Writers, as he showed when he met with them to view the body of the B. V. M. even among our inspired Hierarchs (when, as thou knowest, we with him and many of our…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 4, Section 1v
cannot be free from pain, nor without a feeling of ill, since there would be something causing Him trouble, yea, all things must in that case be in a state of disorder and perpetual strife; whereas the Good imparts a principle of harmony to…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Mystical Theology | Chapter Ib
They are useful and necessary up to a point, but the Truth lies beyond them and is to be apprehended to a supernatural manner by what later writers call “infused” contemplation. The sum of the whole matter is that God is incomprehensible.…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 5 (part 5)
109 the spirit of holiness cannot enter unless unholiness is chased away. In this battle against evil the angels are always ready to assist man in an invisible manner against the temptations of the "devils," provided that he is willing to…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 9 (part 6)
He could generate in a virginal state, and procreate by means of his will and out of his own substance, without any pain or laceration." ( Threefold Life , ii. 24.) "If man had withstood the temptation one human being would have been born…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 10 (part 7)
It is not shown that Esau became subject to Jacob, but the story represents to us a spiritual symbol, showing how the kingdom of nature in man was to become subjected and to be made to submit in humility to the kingdom p. 214 of grace; how…”
Show all 18 →
buddhism14
The Dhammapada | Chapter I, Section 1b
70-75.' I do not deny that this may have been the traditional interpretation, at all events since the days of Buddhaghosa, but the very legend quoted by Buddhaghosa in illustration of this verse shows that its simpler and purely moral inter…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter I, Section 1c
The play on the words anikkasâvo kâsâvam, or in Sanskrit anishkashâya h kâshâyam, cannot be rendered in English. Kashâya means 'impurity,' nish-kashâya, 'free from impurity,' anish-kashâya, 'not free from impurity,' while kâshâya is the na…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter I, Section 1d
He suffers when he thinks of the evil he has done; he suffers more when going on the evil path. 18. The virtuous man is happy in this world, and he is happy in the next; he is happy in both. He is happy when he thinks of the good he has…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter II, Section 1a
p. 9 CHAPTER II. ON EARNESTNESS [1] . 21. Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvâ n a), thoughtlessness the path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already. 22. Those who are…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter VI, Section 1b
I would rather take the whole sentence together as a gloss upon the word va g anti:--va g antîti arahatta ñ ânena apaka ddh antâ kh andarâga m vi g ahanti; va g anti means that, ridding themselves of lust by the wisdom which Arhatship confe…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter VII, Section 1b
Without the hints given by the commentator, we should probably take the three similes of this verse in their natural sense, as illustrating the imperturbable state of an Arahanta, or venerable person. The earth is always represented as an…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter X, Section 1b
He who inflicts pain on innocent and harmless persons, will soon come to one of these ten states: [133. See Mahâbhârata XII, 4056. 134. See Childers, s.v. nibbâna, p. 270, and s.v. kâ m so; D'Alwis, Buddhist Nirvâ n a, p. 35. 136.…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter X, Section 1c
Nakedness he seems to have rejected on other grounds too, if we may judge from the Sumâgadhâ-avadâna: 'A number of naked friars were assembled in the house of the daughter of Anâtha-pi nd ika. She called ber daughter-in-law, Sumâgadhâ, and…”
Show all 14 →
celtic13
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINb
And they had daggers with blades of gold, and with hilts of the bone of the whale. And they were shooting their daggers. “And a little way from them I saw a man in the prime of life, with his beard newly shorn, clad in a robe and a mantle…”
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINg
And as long as thou concealest it, it will conceal thee. When they have consulted together, they will come forth to fetch thee, in order to put thee to death; and they will be much grieved that they cannot find thee. And I will await thee…”
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINh
And following the train, he beheld a lady with yellow hair falling over her shoulders, and stained with blood; and about her a dress of yellow satin, which was torn. Upon her feet were shoes of variegated leather. And it was a marvel that…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWCo
And Peredur and the maiden were placed together, and the two young pages served them. And the maiden gazed sorrowfully upon Peredur, and Peredur asked the maiden wherefore she was sad. “For thee, my soul; for, from when I first beheld the…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWCp
And we will go to do homage to Arthur, and to embrace the faith and be baptized.” Then said Peredur, “To Heaven I render thanks that I have not broken my vow to the lady that best I love, which was, that I would not speak one word unto any…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWCz
And as he traversed the valley he beheld a horseman coming towards him, and wearing the garments of a priest; and he besought his blessing. “Wretched man,” said he, “thou meritest no blessing, and thou wouldest not be profited by one, seei…”
The Mabinogion | Tale KILHWCH AND OLWENb
Then said she unto him, “I declare to thee, that it is thy destiny not to be suited with a wife until thou obtain Olwen, the daughter of Yspaddaden Penkawr.” And the youth blushed, and the love of the maiden diffused itself through all his…”
The Mabinogion | Tale KILHWCH AND OLWENp
It is needful for me to wash my head, and shave my beard, and I require the tusk of Yskithyrwyn Penbaedd to shave myself withal, neither shall I profit by its use if it be not plucked alive out of his head.” “It will be easy for me to compa…”
Show all 13 →
jewish_mysticism12
The Book of Concealed Mystery (Siphra Dtzenioutha) | 1f
[The letters of the Hebrew alphabet are divided into three classes, the three mothers as they are called, AMSh; the seven duplex letters, BGDKPRTh, so called because they are sometimes tenues and sometimes aspirates, according to whether th…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Page 3 (part 6)
That sounds almost as though the author of the Book of jubilees had written it. That it is not a merely scientific interest which impels the writer to give expression to his astronomical theories may be seen from the words at the conclusio…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter VII
CHAPTER VII. 1. And all the others together with them took unto themselves wives, and each chose for himself one, and they began to go in unto them and to defile themselves with them, and they taught them charms and enchantments, and the cu…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter IX
CHAPTER IX. 1. And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed upon the earth, and all lawlessness being wrought upon the earth. 2. And they said one to another: 'The earth made †without i…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter X (part 1)
CHAPTER X. 1. Then said the Most High, the Holy and Great One spake, and sent Uriel to the son of Lamech, and said to him: 2. ' 〈 Go to Noah 〉 and tell him in my name "Hide thyself!" and reveal to him the end that is approaching: that th…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter X (part 2)
And all desirable trees shall be planted on it, and they shall plant vines on it: and the vine which they plant thereon shall yield wine in abundance, and as for all the seed which is sown thereon each measure (of it) shall bear a thousand,…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XII
XII-XVI. Dream Vision of Enoch: his intercession for Azâzêl and the fallen Angels: and his announcement to them of their first and final doom . CHAPTER XII. 1. Before these things Enoch was hidden, and no one of the children of men knew whe…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XIV (part 2)
None of the angels could enter and could behold His face by reason of the magnificence and glory and no flesh could behold Him. 22. The flaming fire was round about Him, and a great fire stood before Him, and none around could draw nigh H…”
Show all 12 →
mesopotamian12
Adapa and the Food of Life | Section 1a
ADAPA AND THE FOOD OF LIFE . TABLET NO.1 He possessed intelligence . . . , His command like the command of Anu ... He (Ea) granted him a wide ear to reveal the destiny of the land, He granted him wisdom, but he did not grant him eterna…”
The Descent of the Goddess Ishtar into the Lower World | Section 1a
Return to Ancient Near East index Return to Main Index DESCENT OF THE GODDESS ISHTAR INTO THE LOWER WORLD [From The Civilization of Babylonia and Assyria, M. Jastrow, 1915] To the land of no return, the land of darkness, Ishtar, the daught…”
Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation | 1d
rejoice and be glad; The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. ... rejoice and be glad; The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. 0 my son, who knoweth all wisdom, Pacify Tiamat with thy pure incantation.…”
Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation | 1j
Tutu [Marduk] is "He who created them anew"; Should their wants be pure, then are they satisfied; Should he make an incantation, then are the gods appeased; Should they attack him in anger, he withstandeth their onslaught! Let him therefor…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet I — The Tyranny of Gilgamish and the Creation of Enkidu | Tablet I, Section 1b
Gilgamish leaveth no son to his father, [his arrogance swelling] (Each) day and night; aye, he is the shepherd of Erech, [the high-wall’d], 25. He is their shepherd . . . masterful, dominant, subtle . . . Gilgamish leaveth no maid to…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet III — The Expedition against Humbaba | Tablet III, Section 1c
I (forsooth) dread him, and (yet) to [(the depths of the) Forest] I'll take [me] . ." . " . . . . . . . . may thy god (so) [protect] thee, Bringing thee back [(safe and)] sound to the walls of [broad-marketed] Erech." 35. Gilgami…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet VI — Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven | Tablet VI, Section 1a
THE SIXTH TABLET. OF THE GODDESS ISHTAR, WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH THE HERO AFTER HIS EXPLOIT AGAINST HUMBABA. . (Now) is he washing his stains, (and) is cleansing his garments in tatters, Braiding (?) (the locks of) his hair (to descend loo…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet VI — Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven | Tablet VI, Section 1c
But if thou’lt [not] make [this Bull], then . . . . I'll smite . . . ., I'll put . . . ., I'll . . . . 100. More than the . . . will be the . . . . . . . ________________________________ Anu [made answer, (thus) spe…”
Show all 12 →
mandaean11
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 3
Then all of the priests arose and said to Old Father Zakhriā, [they said] in reproach: "Be at rest and keep thy seat, Old Father, and let the calm of the Good (pl.) rest upon thee. Old p. 39 Father, if there were no dreams in Judća, then wo…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 4
Yahyā proclaims in the nights, Yōhānā on the Night's evenings. 4 YAHYĀ proclaims in the nights and says: "Through my Father's discourses I give light and through the praise of the Man, my creator, I have freed my soul from the world and fr…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 9
JOHN AND THE BAPTISM OF JESUS (§ 30). Yahyā proclaims in the nights, Yōhānā on the Night's evenings. YAHYĀ proclaims in the nights.—Glory rises over the worlds. Who told Yeshu (Eshu)? Who told Yeshu Messiah, son of Miryam, who told Yeshu…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 10
"A blind man who writes a letter: a villain who has become virtuous. He abandoned wantonness and abandoned theft and reached unto faith in almighty Life. "A desolate house who ascends again to the height: one of position who has become hum…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 11
[? Gnosis of Life speaks (cp. § 29):] "Let me warn you, my brothers, let me warn you, my beloved! Let me warn you, my brothers, against the . . . who are like unto the cross. They lay it on the walls; then stand there and bow down to the b…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Some Typical Extracts | Section 1
p. 71 UNDER the first two headings readers have been made acquainted with all those pieces from the Mandæan John-Book that can be held to have in any sense a historic intention. To these are now added a few extracts of such specimens of th…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Some Typical Extracts | Section 4
But I made answer unto them: "O ye fishers, who lap up your filth, no fisher am I who fishes for fish, and I was not formed for an eater of filth. A Fisher am I of souls who bear witness to Life. A Poor Fisher am I who calls to the souls, c…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Some Typical Extracts | Section 7
When the Fisher heard this, he stamped on the bows of the ship. The Fisher stamped on the ships of the fishers; the fishers lie in the shallows close crowded together, tied up together like bundles of wheat, and cannot rise up. The reeds sw…”
Show all 11 →
platonism11
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1a
PHAEDO by Plato 360 BC translated by Benjamin Jowett New York, C. Scribner's Sons, [1871] PERSONS OF THE DIALOGUE PHAEDO, who is the narrator of the dialogue to ECHECRATES of Phlius SOCRATES APOLLODORUS SIMMIAS CEBES CRITO ATTENDANT OF THE…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1i
They are temperate because they are intemperate-which may seem to be a contradiction, but is nevertheless the sort of thing which happens with this foolish temperance. For there are pleasures which they must have, and are afraid of losing;…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1…
The wise and orderly soul is conscious of her situation and follows in the path; but the soul which desires the body, and which, as I was relating before, has long been fluttering about the lifeless frame and the world of sight, is after ma…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1†
But we who live in these hollows are deceived into the notion that we are dwelling above on the surface of the earth; which is just as if a creature who was at the bottom of the sea were to fancy that he was on the surface of the water, and…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1l
And I bethink me of an ancient purgation of mythological error which was devised, not by Homer, for he never had the wit to discover why he was blind, but by Stesichorus, who was a philosopher and knew the reason why; and therefore, when he…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1m
For prophecy is a madness, and the prophetess at Delphi and the priestesses at Dodona when out of their senses have conferred great benefits on Hellas, both in public and private life, but when in their senses few or none. And I might also…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1o
Zeus, the mighty lord, holding the reins of a winged chariot, leads the way in heaven, ordering all and taking care of all; and there follows him the array of gods and demigods, marshalled in eleven bands; Hestia alone abides at home in the…”
Plato: Symposium | Section 1b
But when I hear another strain, especially that of you rich men and traders, such conversation displeases me; and I pity you who are my companions, because you think that you are doing something when in reality you are doing nothing. And I…”
Show all 11 →
renaissance_hermeticism7
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter VI — Of the Wonderful Natures of Water, Air and Winds | Chapter VI, Section 1a
CHAPTER VI. Of the Wonderful Natures of Water, Air and Winds . The other two Elements, viz., Water and Air, are not less efficacious than the former; neither is Nature wanting to work wonderful things in them. There is so great a necessi…”
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter XXXIX — That We May, By Some Certain Matters of the World, Stir Up the Gods of the World and Their Ministering Spirits | Chapter XXXIX, Section 1
CHAPTER XXXIX. That We May, By Some Certain Matters of the World, Stir Up the Gods of the World and Their Ministering Spirits . No man is ignorant that evil spirits, by evil and profane arts, may be raised up as Psellus saith sorcerers are…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialoguec
Hence he cries: "O mountain of Parnassus, where I abide! Muses, with whom I converse! Fountain of Helicon, where I am nourished. Mountain, that affordest me a quiet dwelling-place! Muses, that inspire me with pro found doctrines. Fount…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Second Dialogued
So that, finding himself thus ascending and descending, he feels within his soul the greatest dissension that is possible to be felt, and he remains in a state of confusion through this rebellion of the senses, which urge him thither where…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Fifth Dialoguel
Here are shown the pains and troubles which beset love, principally love of a low kind, which is no other than the forge of Vulcan, that smith who makes the bolts of Jove which torment offending souls. For ill-ordered love has in itself th…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part II (Gli Eroici Furori) | PREFACE
. The second part of "The Heroic Enthusiasts" which I am now sending to the press is on the same subject as the first, namely the struggles of the soul in its upward progress towards purification and freedom, and the author makes use of low…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part II (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialoguec
And I will say, because to me this pain Is dearer than all other pleasures are. Mar. In reference to this I told you that although one should be attached to corporeal and external beauty yet he may honourably and worthily be so attached;…”
hermeticism5
Corpus Hermeticum 4: The Epistles | Section 1b
And having raised themselves so far they sight the Good; and having sighted it, they look upon their sojourn here as a mischance; and in disdain of all, both things in body and the bodiless, they speed their way unto that One and Only One.…”
Corpus Hermeticum 7: The Seven Powers | Section 1
The Greatest Ill Among Men is Ignorance of God 1. Whither stumble ye, sots, who have sopped up the wine of ignorance and can so far not carry it that ye already even spew it forth? Stay ye, be sober, gaze upwards with the [true] eyes of the…”
Corpus Hermeticum 13: The Discourse of Hermes to Tat | Section 1b
Thou seest me with eyes, my son; but what I am thou dost not understand [even] with fullest strain of body and of sight. 4. Tat: Into fierce frenzy and mind-fury hast thou plunged me, father, for now no longer do I see myself. Hermes: I…”
Corpus Hermeticum 13: The Discourse of Hermes to Tat | Section 1d
<lacuna in text>, though this Sermon (Logos) on Rebirth, on which I did not comment - in order that we may not be calumniators of the All unto the multitude, to whom indeed God Himself doth will we should not. 14. Tat: Tell me, O father:…”
Corpus Hermeticum 13: The Discourse of Hermes to Tat | Section 1c
Gnosis of God hath come to us, and when this comes, my son, Not-knowing is cast out. Gnosis of Joy hath come to us, and on its coming, son, Sorrow will flee away to them who give it room. The Power that follows Joy do I invoke, thy Self-c…”
sufism2
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | PROLOGUEb
Knowest thou why thy mirror reflects not? Because the rust has not been scoured from its face. If it were purified from all rust and defilement, It would reflect the shining of the SUN Of GOD.6 O friends, ye have now heard this tale, Whic…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY XIV
The Chinese and the Greek Artists. The Chinese and the Greeks disputed before the Sultan which of them were the better painters; and, in order to settle the dispute, the Sultan allotted to each a house to be painted by them. The Chinese pro…”
norse1
The Poetic Edda: Voluspo | Section 1i
On all sides saw I | Valkyries assemble, Ready to ride | to the ranks of the gods; Skuld bore the shield, | and Skogul rode next, Guth, Hild, Gondul, | and Geirskogul. Of Herjan's maidens | the list have ye heard, Valkyries ready | to ride…”