Definition

1. Noun:
   • White magic performed with the help of beneficent spirits: A form of ritual practice, historically associated with late Neoplatonism, aimed at invoking divine or angelic forces for spiritual elevation, divination, or beneficial purposes, as opposed to malevolent sorcery.
   • The effect of supernatural or divine intervention in human affairs: The manifestation or result of a deity's direct action or influence in the material world.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient philosopher practiced theurgy, seeking communion with celestial beings through complex rituals.
  • They believed the miraculous healing was an act of theurgy, a direct intervention by the gods.

Advanced Usage

• As a concept in religious studies: The term is used to describe a specific branch of ritual magic within Hellenistic and late antique religious philosophy, particularly the works of Iamblichus.
  • The distinction between theurgy (divine-working) and theology (discourse on the divine) was central to his teachings.
• In a metaphorical sense: It can be used to describe any seemingly miraculous or divinely inspired positive change.
  • Critics described the sudden economic recovery as a kind of political theurgy.

Variants and Related Words

• Theurgist (n): A practitioner of theurgy.
  • The theurgist conducted the ceremony to invoke the divine presence.
• Theurgical (adj): Pertaining to theurgy.
  • The text describes theurgical rites in great detail.

Synonyms

• Divine magic: Magic involving benevolent divine forces.
• Ritual invocation: The act of calling upon spiritual entities through ceremony.
• Miracle: A surprising and welcome event attributed to a divine agency.

Antonyms

• Goety / Black magic: Sorcery or magic performed with the aid of evil spirits, intended to harm.
• Mechanism: An explanation of phenomena through natural, non-divine causes.

Related Concepts and Phrases

• "Practice theurgy": To engage in the rituals of theurgy.
  • The sect was known to practice theurgy in secret.
• "An act of theurgy": An event attributed to divine working.
  • The community saw the timely rainfall as an act of theurgy.

Noun

1. white magic performed with the help of beneficent spirits (as formerly practiced by Neoplatonists)
2. the effect of supernatural or divine intervention in human affairs