Theurgy

Theurgy (from Greek: θεουργία, lit. 'divine work') is a term originally coined in late antiquity, generally defined as the practice of rituals, sometimes seen as magical in nature, performed with the intention of invoking the action or presence of one or more gods, especially with the goal of uniting with the divine, for the purpose of healing, blessing, or achieving henosis (union with the divine). The term was first used in this sense by the 2nd-century neoplatonist Iamblichus, who distinguished it from thaumaturgy, which he described as the "production of wonders," while theurgy was intended to "compel the gods to do the will of the theurgist." Theurgy has been practiced in various forms within different religious and philosophical traditions, including Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and some forms of Christianity, such as Hesychasm. In Hebrew, the term is translated as עבודה אלוהית (Avodah Elohit), which literally means 'divine work'. In Latin, it is often translated as theurgia, and in Arabic, it is known as العلم الإلهي (al-'ilm al-ilahi), meaning 'divine science'. The practice of theurgy often involves complex rituals, invocations, and the use of sacred symbols and texts, aiming to bring about spiritual transformation and divine communion.