On the Mysteries

they rule over the passion, but not as if they are ruled by the passion. For it does not approach the passions, nor as if having added to itself an acquired impassibility through a participation of a habit or power. Since therefore the things of the rank of the superior [beings] are in this state, as has been said, it is impossible to receive any participation in suffering. For what is the [reason] to attribute it to demons, and heroes, who indeed keep [it] as a service, and a life-giving observance, and these preserve [it] unwithering, but immediately remain good concerning them. And they never depart from them. For we know indeed this, that neither is passion some disorderly and failing and asymmetrical [thing]. From them; being by no means of a motion [that is] emptied, by which it holds, and as a servitude toward the knowledge. Therefore, for this reason, an agony becomes a possession being brought near. Although it is ordered in the rank of the sacred [things] as possessions, and circling around with them. For all knowledges and demons, and all things assigned to them, are of the superior races. How then is it seen much in the sacred rituals that they are subject to passion? I say, therefore, that this also is said infinitely of the priestly initiation. For of the things performed each time in the sacred [rites], some have a secret and superior proportional cause. Some are seen as symbols or eternal [tokens] to the superior [beings]. Others are prepared for some [purpose] again, just as the nature of the transcription of the invisible accounts original: "λόγων" shaped itself through certain visible forms. Others are brought in for the sake of, or any imitation whatsoever, or [as] one will guard. You are able to prepare the useful, or how [it] cleanses. And it releases our [part] from the passions. Or if indeed [one] turns [us] away from some of the convenient, terrible [things]. But one might still allow you, as if indeed toward the passions of the god or demon being served, some part of the purity is offered. For neither is it of a nature to receive any change from the bodies, or according to itself.

impassible—not participation—

or dividing of those being performed in the sacred [rites]: