theurgy

[ thee-ur-jee ]

noun

, plural the·ur·gies.

1. a system of beneficent magic practiced by the Egyptian Platonists and others.
2. the working of a divine or supernatural agency in human affairs.

theurgy

/ ˈθiːˌɜːdʒɪ /

noun

1. 1. the intervention of a divine or supernatural agency in the affairs of man
   2. the working of miracles by such intervention
2. beneficent magic as taught and performed by Egyptian Neoplatonists and others

Derived Forms

• theˈurgic, adjective
• theˈurgically, adverb
• ˈtheurgist, noun

Other Words From

• the·urgic the·urgi·cal adjective
• theur·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of theurgy¹

1560–70; < Late Latin theūrgia < Greek theourgeía magic. See the-, -urgy

Word History and Origins

Origin of theurgy¹

C16: from Late Latin theūrgia, from Late Greek theourgia the practice of magic, from theo- theo- + -urgia, from ergon work

Example Sentences

Plotinus was still an independent philosopher, inheriting the traditions of Greek thought, though not the traditions of Greek life, building his system avowedly by a rational method, and altogether rejecting theurgy or religious magic.

From Project Gutenberg

In the days when theurgy was still an honourable profession, Apollonius of Tyana said "Knowing what people say is nothing; I know what people don't say."

From Project Gutenberg

In the heights of abstraction where it loses itself, it seems very far from popular superstitions; and yet the school of Alexandria unites ecstatic contemplation and theurgy.

From Project Gutenberg

The arts of theurgy were employed to wean the mind from sensuous knowledge, and to fix aspiration on unseen realities.

From Project Gutenberg

Neo-Platonism, which concerned itself to a large extent with demonology, leaned more and more towards theurgy, and was finally completely absorbed by it.

From Project Gutenberg