Theurgia, or The Egyptian Mysteries (includes Letter to Anebo)

II

REPLY OF ABAMMON

TO THE LETTER OF PORPHYRY TO ANEBO

I observe, moreover, that there is a twofold worship of the personal demon; also, that some perform it as to two, and others as to three, but nevertheless, he is invoked by all with a common form of invocation.

X

ENDÆMONIA, OR TRUE SUCCESS

I question, however, whether there may not be some other secret path to true success Endæmonia The Greek term eudaimonia, often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing," implies a state of divine favor or living in accordance with one's higher nature. that is far from the rites of the gods. I doubt whether it is really necessary to pay any regard to the opinions of individuals concerning the divine endowment of divination and Theurgy Theurgy Ritual practices intended to invoke the presence of the divine or to unite the human soul with the gods., and whether the soul does not now and then form grand conceptions on its own.

On the contrary, there are other methods for obtaining premonitions of what will take place. Perhaps those who exercise the divine art of divining may indeed foresee the future, yet they are not truly successful; for they foresee future events but do not know how to make proper use of that foresight for themselves. I desire from you, therefore, to show me the path to success and in what its essence consists. For among us philosophers, there is much wrangling, as though good might be derived from human reasoning by comparing views.

If this part of the inquiry—the intimate association with the superior race—is passed over by those who devised these rites, then the wisdom they teach serves a trivial purpose, such as calling the Divine Mind to take part in finding a fugitive slave, buying land, or perhaps, a marriage or a matter of trade. However, suppose this subject of intimate communion with the superior race is not ignored, and those who are in communication tell remarkably true things about various matters, but nothing important or trustworthy regarding true success. If they employ themselves diligently with matters that are difficult but of no use to human beings, then neither gods nor good dæmons were present. On the contrary, it would be a demon of the kind called "Vagabond," Original: "planētikos"—a wandering or erratic spirit lacking the stability of the divine. or it was all a human invention or a mortal fantasy.