"Theurgy and the Soul" explores Iamblichus of Syria's influential teachings on pagan spirituality and theurgy, emphasizing the soul's descent into the body and the necessity of divine rites for unity with the One. Gregory Shaw presents a sophisticated understanding of Iamblichus's philosophy, revealing its lasting impact on subsequent thinkers and spiritual practices.
The book explores the theurgic practices of Iamblichus' Platonism, challenging the prevailing dualist interpretation. It posits that rather than transcending their physical forms to connect with the divine, these Platonists invited the gods into their bodies. By drawing parallels with Tantric traditions of embodied deification, Gregory Shaw illuminates the dynamic and influential nature of late Platonic thought, presenting a vibrant and often overlooked aspect of Platonism that emphasizes the integration of the divine within the human experience.