Alchemy, Theurgy & Roots of Ritual Practice. Or, How to Animate a Statue!

Alchemy, Theurgy, and the Roots of Ritual Practice. Or, How to Animate a Statue with Brian Cotnoir in the PRS Library!

Alchemy and theurgy have as their goal the ascent of the soul through a material practice. Alchemy does so with matter and theurgy through material symbol and ritual. Where they overlap is in the purification rite known as the animation of statues in which a god is embodied.

Although mentioned in the Corpus Hermeticum; in Iamblichus’ On the Mysteries; even in a Neo-platonic commentary on Euclid; as well as other hermetic and gnostic texts, nowhere is the practice described.

Tonight’s talk will examine the mentions and stories throughout the Greco-Roman world, the Greek Magical Papyri, Chaldean Oracles, the practices of poetry, music, theurgy and alchemy. And from this an outline will emerge of what this animation entailed and perhaps some ideas for deepening practice.

About Brian Cotnoir

Brian Cotnoir is an alchemist, artist, and award-winning filmmaker. A contributor to Frater Albertus’ Parachemy, he is also the author of a series ofAlchemy Zines. His books include Alchemy: The Poetry of Matter (2017), Practical Alchemy: A Guide to the Great Work, Alchemical Meditations, and the Emerald Tablet, his translations of and commentary on, the earliest Arabic and Latin versions of this seminal text. And most recently,On Alchemy: Essential Practices and Making Art as Alchemy.
He has presented workshops and seminars around the world on various aspects of alchemical theory and practice based on his research. His film work has been screened at Museum of Modern Art, Sundance Film Festival, HBO,PBS and other international venues.

Khepri Press, launched in 2014 with the publication of the Emerald Tablet, is the vehicle and portal for his alchemical work.

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