Reading this late dialogue from Plato which, by all accounts, is the origin of [[Worldmaking]] in the so-called Western culture (although it is of course steeped deeply in the Greek world, and has exerted influence everywhere from Alexandria throughout the Hellenistic period, to the Arab world, to the all but memory-holed 1000 year Christian Empire of the New Rome, the destruction of which enabled the West to have the Renaissance). Timaeus is the origin, and it seems like it is an origin of that preciously rare literary genre - spiritual creative philosophy. ![[platonicsolidsb.jpg]] The dialogue delves into delves into the nature of the physical world, the cosmos, and the role of the divine in creation. Some key symbols and themes: The Demiurge: Represents the creator of the universe. In Plato's philosophy, the Demiurge doesn't create ex nihilo (out of nothing), but organizes and orders pre-existing chaotic matter. The World Soul: Plato describes a World Soul that permeates the cosmos, symbolizing the idea that the universe is a living, intelligent being. The World Soul is a mediator between the ideal Forms and the physical world, ensuring harmony and order. The Perfect Living Creature: The cosmos itself is depicted as a perfect living creature, encapsulating Plato's belief in an ordered, rational universe. This symbolizes the idea of macrocosm reflecting microcosm, suggesting that the structure of the universe mirrors the structure of individual living beings. Geometric Shapes: Plato uses geometric shapes (like the triangle) to explain the composition of the physical world. These shapes represent the building blocks of the universe, symbolizing the rational structure underlying all things. The Chora (Receptacle or Space): Plato introduces the concept of Chora as a space or receptacle in which all forms are imprinted. It symbolizes the passive aspect of the physical world that receives and carries the forms. The Five Elements: Plato discusses earth, air, fire, water, and the quintessence (ether) as the fundamental elements of the universe. These elements symbolize the different states of matter and the complexity of the physical world. The Circle and the Sphere: The cosmos is described as spherical, with the Earth located at its center. Circles and spheres symbolize perfection and the eternal, unchanging nature of the universe. Myth and Cosmogony: Plato uses mythic narratives to convey his cosmological ideas. These myths serve as symbolic vehicles for philosophical concepts, emphasizing the role of narrative in understanding the universe. The Role of Necessity and Intellect: The interplay of Necessity (chance or randomness) and Intellect (rational order) in the creation and maintenance of the universe highlights the balance between determinism and free will in Platonic thought. The Limit and the Unlimited: These concepts from pre-Socratic philosophy are used by Plato to describe the principles of order and disorder in the universe, symbolizing the boundaries and potentialities of existence. https://notesfromthedigitalunderground.net/sacred-geometry-in-platos-timaeus/ https://faculty.humanities.uci.edu/bjbecker/exploringthecosmos/week1c.html ![[pythagorean_morphology.jpg]] ### Proclus Proclus, a prominent Neoplatonist philosopher of the 5th century, significantly expanded on Plato's ideas, including those in "Timaeus." His work, particularly in relation to theurgy (a practice involving rituals and invocations aimed at uniting the practitioner with the divine), reflects a further development of Platonic thought. Here's how Proclus' ideas evolved from Plato, especially in connection to theurgy: Enhanced Role of the Demiurge: In Proclus' thought, the Demiurge (the creator god in Plato's "Timaeus") takes on an even more central role. Proclus interprets the Demiurge not just as a cosmic craftsman but as a more abstract principle of divine intellect, bridging the gap between the One (the ultimate principle of reality) and the manifest world. Multiplicity of Intermediary Beings: While Plato hinted at the existence of Forms and the World Soul, Proclus greatly expanded this into a complex hierarchy of intermediary beings (gods, demi-gods, angels, daimons, etc.). These beings function as mediators between the One and the material world, playing a crucial role in theurgical practices. Theurgy as a Means of Ascension: Proclus believed theurgy was a practical means to achieve henosis (union with the divine). Through rituals, invocations, and the use of symbols, individuals could ascend the hierarchical chain of being, approaching the One. This was a significant extension of Platonic thought, emphasizing mystical experience and ritual practice. Emphasis on Symbolism and Ritual: In Proclus' philosophy, symbols and rituals gained an essential status. He saw them as not merely representational, but as possessing a real connection to the entities or realities they symbolize. This view elevates the role of symbols and rituals in understanding and interacting with the metaphysical realm. Intellect, Soul, and Matter: Proclus developed a more elaborate ontology based on Plato's ideas. He distinguished between different levels of existence: the One (beyond being), Nous (intellect), Psyche (soul), and the material world. Theurgy was a means to traverse these levels, from material existence to the divine intellect. Cosmology and Theology: Proclus' cosmology was more theologically oriented than Plato's. He viewed the cosmos not just as a living organism (as in Plato's "Timaeus") but as a theophany, a manifestation of the divine. In summary, Proclus took Plato's foundational ideas and expanded them into a comprehensive metaphysical system that integrated theology, philosophy, and mystical practice. Theurgy, in Proclus' thought, became a central means of achieving union with the divine, reflecting a shift from Plato’s more abstract and philosophical contemplation towards a more direct, experiential approach to the divine. ### Theurgy Theurgy, in the context of late Neoplatonism, particularly in the work of philosophers like Proclus, is a complex and multifaceted concept. It's a spiritual practice involving rituals, invocations, and meditations aimed at uniting the practitioner with the divine. The connection between theurgy and mathematics, while not immediately apparent, is deeply rooted in the Neoplatonic worldview. Theurgy in Neoplatonism: Spiritual and Ritual Practice: Theurgy involves various rituals and practices, including the use of symbols, incantations, and the manipulation of material objects, believed to be imbued with divine power. The goal is henosis (union with the divine), and these practices are thought to purify the soul and elevate it through the hierarchical chain of being. Mediation of Divine Forces: In Neoplatonism, theurgy is seen as a way to channel and mediate divine forces. This is achieved through rituals that invoke the presence of gods or higher beings, facilitating a communion with these entities. Transformation and Ascension: Theurgical practices are aimed at transforming the practitioner's soul, allowing it to ascend from the material world to the intelligible realm of Forms and, ultimately, to the One. ### Connection to Mathematics: Mathematics as a Symbol of the Intelligible: In Neoplatonic philosophy, mathematics, especially geometry and arithmetic, is viewed as a bridge between the sensory world and the intelligible realm. Mathematical truths are seen as eternal and unchanging, much like the Forms. Numbers and Harmonies: Proclus, like Pythagoras before him, believed in the mystical properties of numbers. Numbers and their relationships (harmonies) were seen as fundamental principles of the cosmos. In theurgy, numerical symbolism could be used in rituals to reflect these cosmic principles. Geometry and Sacred Symbols: Geometric shapes were often used in theurgical rituals. They were considered sacred symbols representing various aspects of the divine order of the universe. For example, the circle, representing unity and eternity, could be used in rituals to symbolize the soul's aspiration towards the One. Mathematics as a Means of Purification: The study and contemplation of mathematics were considered a way to purify the mind and soul. By engaging with the abstract and immutable truths of mathematics, the soul is thought to turn away from the material world and align itself with the divine. Cosmological and Metaphysical Structures: Neoplatonists often used mathematical models to describe the structure of the cosmos and the hierarchy of being. These models were not just theoretical but had practical implications in the design and execution of theurgical rituals. Mathematics in Symbolic Interpretation: In interpreting sacred texts and symbols, Neoplatonists like Proclus often employed mathematical concepts to uncover deeper, metaphysical meanings, which in turn informed theurgical practices. In summary, theurgy in Neoplatonism is a practice aimed at achieving union with the divine through ritualistic means. Mathematics plays a significant role in this context, providing a symbolic language that bridges the material and the divine, aiding in the soul's purification and ascent. The Neoplatonic view of mathematics as a pure, divine science makes it an integral part of theurgical practices, embodying the principles of cosmic order and harmony.