Theurgy
noun /ˈθiː.ɜː.dʒi/ — The practice of divine magic; working with or through divine power
Definition
The practice of rituals believed to invoke divine presence or achieve divine effects — magic performed through the divine rather than against it. The tradition of working with rather than merely asking.
Beyond the definition
Prayer that acts. Theurgy is the tradition that says certain practices — rituals, names, symbols — do not merely ask for divine intervention but actually create the conditions for it.
Origin & history
From Greek 'theourgía' — 'theos' (god) + 'ergon' (work). Divine working. The 3rd-century Neoplatonists, particularly Iamblichus, developed it as a spiritual practice alongside philosophy.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Iamblichus argued that theurgy — the ritual invocation of the divine — was necessary where philosophy alone could not reach.
Medieval ceremonial magic was a form of theurgy — the attempt to work with angels and divine names rather than against divine order.
Theurgy assumes a universe responsive to ritual — that the right combination of action, word, and intention can open something.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Theurgy” when the meaning fits your context: The practice of rituals believed to invoke divine presence or achieve divine effects — magic performed through the divine rather than against it. The tradition of working with rather than merely asking.
Synonyms
divine magic, sacred ritual, spiritual working
Antonyms
rationalism, secular practice
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Theurgy" mean?
Theurgy is noun meaning: The practice of divine magic; working with or through divine power. The practice of rituals believed to invoke divine presence or achieve divine effects — magic performed through the divine rather than against it. The tradition of working with rather than merely asking.
Where does the word "Theurgy" come from?
From Greek 'theourgía' — 'theos' (god) + 'ergon' (work). Divine working. The 3rd-century Neoplatonists, particularly Iamblichus, developed it as a spiritual practice alongside philosophy.