Animating God Statues in the Theurgy of HPB

Animating God Statues in the Theurgy of HPB

In Isis Unveiled, H.P. Blavatsky makes several mentions of the concept of theurgy. She speaks highly of it, including the evocation of gods. This may seem odd, given her later criticisms of polytheism and paganism. But in Neoplatonism, HPB sees a model for a modern theurgy, ancient wisdom practices that could be applied by present day occultists. One of HPB’s favorite Neoplatonists was the pagan Iamblichus. Iamblichus’ approach to theurgy included not only evocation and invocation to the gods, but also the secret practice of the animation of god statues– a practice which had its roots in Egypt and was indeed practiced by alchemists in Alexandria. This talk will explore some of HPB’s and the Neoplatonist’s take on theurgy with a special emphasis on the animation of statues. Behind the exoteric adoration of idols lies the esoteric, the animation of the representation which comes alive for the occultist.