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On the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians, also known as the Theurgia and under its abbreviated Latin title De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum, is a work of Neoplatonic philosophy primarily concerned with ritual and theurgy and attributed to Iamblichus.

What is Theurgy? According to the perennial wisdom of the ancient sages, Theurgy is the exalted goal of communicating with, and bringing down to earth, planetary spirits and angels: the gods of wisdom and light. And only a knowledge of the inner meaning of their hierarchies and an absolutely pure and unselfish mode of life can lead to the acquisition of the powers necessary for entering into communion with them.The present work contains a series of epistles that the ancient Neo-Platonic theurgists Iamblichus (245-325 a.d) and Porphyry (234-305 a.d) exchanged. Apart from the translation into English and annotations of the modern Neo-Platonic scholar and theosophist Alexander Wilder, the present edition also benefits from the Introduction and annotations that Thomas Taylor provided in his own and alternative translation of this work, plus still further annotations and a new Prologue by Sonchis Triacorda, thus providing more than 100 pages of additional text.This work is an invaluable help for the attainment of the first requisite of Theurgy, i.e., true knowledge of the inner meaning of the divine hierarchies. For the attainment of the second requisite, however-i.e., an absolutely pure and unselfish mode of life-one should perhaps not look at books but somewhere else.

The Syrian philosopher Iamblichus is famous for his accounts of ancient religious traditions: this book contains Thomas Taylor's translations of his commentaries regarding Egypt, Assyria and Chaldea.Containing many references to the mystical philosophies of the ancients, Iamblichus' writings are considered early accounts of theurgic traditions for their description of magical rituals and ceremonies. His descriptions hold clues to the origins and development of religious thought - particularly pagan ideas regarding burial, the afterlife, and the transition of the soul from matter to spirit.Taylor is keen to replicate the veneration and respect which Iamblichus had for earlier traditions: both author and translator share a devotion to Neoplatonist thought, and it is in the spirit of these philosophical ideas that these insights upon antiquity are presented in English.This edition of Iamblichus's works includes Taylor's numerous annotations. These explain more obscure meanings and references and mention related works that are also of value - in all, they assist readers in investigating the extant texts. Unlike other editions, which through error do not include the full text, care has been taken herein to reproduce the full translation.

This volume, "On the Mysteries," by Iamblichus (Abamun), presents a distinctive form of scripture that is deeply rooted in the Ancient Egyptian religious tradition. Unlike most remnants of Ancient Egyptian texts, which often take different forms, this work employs a teacher-disciple dialogue format similar to that found in Eastern scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. This method of teaching may have been less common in ancient Egypt, especially prior to the period of conquest by Persians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. The extensive question-and-answer format offers valuable insights into the spiritual practices of Ancient Egyptian and other mystery religions during that historical context.In today's world-characterized by a plethora of diverse religions, new-age philosophies, and social strife-Iamblichus' work encourages us to navigate the complexities of contemporary spiritual traditions. It invites readers to sift through the noise of religious fanaticism and widespread misconceptions to discover the true purpose of religion and the secret teachings that unveil the mysteries of life, enlightenment, and immortality. This text, written over two millennia ago, delivers wisdom that remains relevant and applicable to our modern challenges."On the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians," translated by Thomas Taylor, provides a profound exploration of the esoteric teachings of these ancient civilizations. Iamblichus, recognized as a practitioner of the Egyptian Mysteries, draws heavily from the Neterian philosophy of Ancient Egypt. His choice to adopt the name Abamun-meaning "heart of Amun"-reflects his deep connection to this spiritual tradition. Taylor's translation adds to the manuscript's credibility, ensuring that the essence of Iamblichus' teachings is preserved for contemporary readers, making this text an invaluable resource for anyone interested in ancient wisdom.Engaging with this manuscript offers numerous benefits, including a comprehensive understanding of the mysteries of life and the paths leading to enlightenment and immortality. The dialogues between teacher and disciple provide timeless insights that address contemporary issues such as religious fanaticism and the overwhelming cacophony of modern philosophies. Readers are guided toward a deeper understanding of the true purpose of religion, aiding in their spiritual growth and enlightenment.The manuscript also includes trilinear translations, enhancing the reader's comprehension of the original texts and bridging them to ancient teachings. It explores Kemet (Ancient Egypt) in depth, discussing the impacts of foreign invasions on spiritual practices while highlighting the resilience of Egyptian sages in preserving their traditions. The teachings of Abamun, in conjunction with those of Sage Djehuti (Thoth/Hermes), provide profound insights into Neterian philosophy, particularly during times of cultural and religious upheaval.In conclusion, "On the Mysteries" serves as a treasure trove of ancient wisdom that transcends time and space. The legitimacy of Iamblichus as a philosopher and mystic, paired with Thomas Taylor's meticulous translation, establishes this manuscript as a credible and invaluable resource. The teachings contained within offer timeless wisdom that can illuminate paths toward spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of life's mysteries. I urge you to engage with this profound text, allowing the insights of the ancients to guide you on your journey toward spiritual growth and a more meaningful existence. Let the wisdom of Iamblichus resonate in your life, opening doors to deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich tapestry of ancient spiritual traditions.

It takes a whole team, and several years, to translate work by the Syrian native Iamblichus (250-330), because his writing is neither eloquent nor graceful. They use the Bud text of douard Des Place as a basis for facing pages of Greek and English. The work attempts to combine the teachings of revelation literature with those of Neoplatonism, and t

This translation from the Greek by Thomas Taylor (1758-1835) was first published in 1821. Taylor's early writings and translations into English influenced such romantic poets as Blake, Coleridge and Keats. Iamblichus is thought to have been born in Syria in the middle of the third century and is regarded as one of the great Neoplatonist philosophers. He founded a school in which he taught 'white magic' or 'theurgy'; he sought to uncover the invisible side of nature and to give Man the means to effect the union of the divine spark with its parent-flame within him. In this work, divided into ten sections, he gives a complete canon of pagan religious thought and belief and explains their background. The Neoplatonist Porphyry's Letter to Anebo, in which he criticises religious rituals and practices, and Iamblichus' response to this criticism, and defence of these traditions, are included.

Authentic memoirs of the life of Pythagoras--the father of philosophy and the inventor of geometry--hold the great interest for every lover of wisdom. Iamblichus' biography is universally acknowledged as deriving from sources of the highest antiquity. Its classic translation by Thomas Taylor was first printed in 1818 and is once again brought to light in this edition. During Iamblichus' life, the depth and sublimity of his writing and discourse attracted a multitude of associates and disciples from all parts of the world. The Emperor Julian wrote of him, "that he was posterior indeed in time, but not in genius, to Plato," and all the Platonists who succeeded him honored him with the epithet of "divine." Iamblichus' account of the life of Pythagoras begins with the great philosopher's birth on the island of Samos, his youth, and his wide renown in Greece. It briefly covers his early travels and his studies with the philosophers Anaximander and Thales, his twenty-two years of instruction in the temples of Egypt, and his initiation into the Egyptian and Babylonian mysteries. The later life and work of Pythagoras are richly elaborated, with humorous and profound anecdotes illustrating his philosophy and providing a unique view of community life under his tutelage in Crotona. Included are excerpts from his teachings on harmonic science, dietetic medicine, friendship, temperance, politics, parenthood, the soul's former lives and many other topics. The book also contains substantial sections on the Fragments of the Ethical Writings (the work of very early Pythagoreans) and the Pythagoric Sentences. The translator of this work, THOMAS TAYLOR, is known for his authoritative translations of the Platonists; he was practically the sole source of Neo-Platonic thought in the transcendentalist movement of New England. Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras was a constant source of inspiration to the transcendentalists and a major influence on their writings throughout the Nineteenth Century. Taylor's work was enthusiastically acclaimed by Emerson, who referred to the translator as "a Greek born out of his time, and dropped on the ridicule of a blind and frivolous age." Sage of Samos, initiate of the mysteries, and transmitter of the ancient wisdom, Pythagoras was a pivotal figure in all of western philosophy and thought. His life is as much an example for us today as it was for his students nearly twenty-five centuries ago.