Algis Uzdavinys (1962–2010)

This book is a must read for anyone....with enough background knowledge to catch the nuances and orienteer around. First things first, one needs to believe in a transcendent reality, even if 'virtually' and 'as a test', otherwise the excercise is futile, second, one needs in good faith to build his structural theology in order to grasp the manifold topics that Mr. Uzdavinys touched. Preferentially the theological structure should be in place earlier, so basic knowledge of some Egyptian show more theologies (Egyptian Book of the Dead, Anthologies of Literature) and neoplatonic writings (especially Iamblichus and Apuleius - the Isiac part) should be read beforehand. Otherwise one might lose the thread and lose interest in a great and contentful book that it is. My goal is not to detract anyone from reading this great work, but to support him before he or she dives into deep waters offered by Mr. Uzdavinys. The synthesis is a definite compendium for anyone interested in the theological elucidations of various Egyptian theologies (Memphite, Theban, Heliopolitan, Hermopolitan), it should be of interest to Khemetist magicians in dialogue with platonism, neo-platonism and theurgy. Tonnes of research and a commitment to truth and wisdom! I found it a general survey of well-proportioned theological concepts of ancient provenance that I will most definitely return to! It contains a handy glossary at the end with most of the used concepts explained succintly. Highly recommended! show less

"Perhaps I am the mummy-like jackal who has come from the four corners of Nun and wishes to bark amongst the dogs of Seshat." Algis Uždavinys (1962-2010) was an incredible scholar of classical theurgy and Greek philosophy. While he claimed that with this book he had "nothing else to say," I can't help but feel his insights were congealing into a not quite yet realized but still marvelous synthesis of ancient thought. This monograph is a exposition of philosophy as Orphean madness, what show more Plato called erotike mania: the desire for the divine banquet and wisdom. show less

A beautiful scholarly summation of the rituals of deification and theurgic ascent. One can't help but revel in Uzdavinys' process as an academician to provide the source and resources of telestic transformation, philosophical rebirth, being and beyond-being within Egyptian thought, the mystical origins of Platonism, divine semiotics, gnostic hermeneutics, and the framework of which theurgy can be internally derived and seen, as such, transforming the ba into akh within the solar barque of Ra

Brilliant collection of Pythagorean and Neoplatonic writings, including extended excerpts from Plotinus, Iamblichus, and Proclus. This is a fine survey of the pagan philosophy of late antiquity, a profound influence on Christian mysticism and Islamic Sufism, and an intriguing metaphysical system.