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About the “Chaldean Oracles" of Julian the Theurgist

The "Chaldean Oracles" (Gr.: Χαλδαϊκοὶ Λόγοι or Χρησμοί ) "The Chaldean Oracles" is a collection of mystical and philosophical writings that blend Platonic philosophy with elements of ancient Near Eastern religious thought, particularly from the Chaldean (Babylonian) tradition.
These oracles are primarily focused on the nature of the cosmos, the relationship between the divine and human souls, and the process of spiritual ascent. They present a hierarchical universe where the material world is distant from the divine, but accessible through a process of theurgy—rituals meant to invoke the presence of the gods and elevate the soul.
The work emphasizes the duality between the material and spiritual realms, advocating for the purification of the soul to achieve union with the divine. It has significantly influenced Neoplatonism, especially the later works of philosophers like Iamblichus and Proclus, who integrated its teachings into their own interpretations of Plato's philosophy.

You can follow text and an English translation of “the Chaldean Oracles” by Julian the Theurgist, online at ldysinger.com.
The original Greek text can be found at Bibliotheca Augustana

 

about Julian the Theurgist

Julian the Theurgist (Gr.: Ἰουλιανὸς ὁ Θεουργός) who lived during the 2nd century CE, is traditionally credited as the author of "The Chaldean Oracles," though much about his life remains obscure. Like his father Julian the Chaldean, he was a prominent figure within the mystical and philosophical tradition known as theurgy, which sought to invoke the divine and achieve spiritual purification through sacred rituals. Julian was deeply influenced by the Platonic philosophy, particularly its later developments, and sought to synthesize it with the so called "Chaldean" religious practices. His teachings show a strong emphasis on the transformative power of theurgy as a means to transcend the material world and align with the divine. Julian's works, though fragmentary, have been highly influential in the development of Neoplatonism and Western esotericism.

 

About the audiobook

All surviving fragments of the "Chaldean Oracles" in Ancient Greek are included. After purchase you will be able to download the relevant mp3 file.

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You can listen to the first fragment of the “Chaldean Oracles”, an audio sample of the present audiobook. Please, click on the play-button bellow and, if you wish, follow the Ancient Greek text lower on the page, or alternatively watch the video, which is provided with a quick translation in English. Thank you!

Download the sample mp3

ΧΑΛΔΑΪΚΑ ΛΟΓΙΑ

ἔστιν γάρ τι νοητόν, ὃ χρή σε νοεῖν νόου ἄνθει·
ἢν γὰρ ἐπεγκλίνῃς σὸν νοῦν κἀκεῖνο νοήσῃς
ὥς τι νοῶν, οὐ κεῖνο νοήσῃς· ἔστι γὰρ ἀλκῆς
ἀμφιφαοῦς δύναμις νοεραῖς στράπτουσα τομαῖσιν.
οὐ δὴ χρὴ σφοδρότητι νοεῖν τὸ νοητὸν ἐκεῖνο
ἀλλὰ νόου ταναοῦ ταναῇ φλογὶ πάντα μετρούσῃ
πλὴν τὸ νοητὸν ἐκεῖνο· χρεὼ δὲ τοῦτο νοῆσαι
οὐκ ἀτενῶς, ἀλλ' ἁγνὸν ἀπόστροφον ὄμμα φέροντα
σῆς ψυχῆς τεῖναι κενεὸν νόον εἰς τὸ νοητόν,
ὄφρα μάθῃς τὸ νοητόν, ἐπεὶ νόου ἔξω ὑπάρχει.

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