Theophanies of the Ancients

Thesis 1.

An ornamental woodcut initial letter C depicts a vase of flowers and fruit set against a dark, cross-hatched background within a square frame.

Since I am about to explain, according to the small measure of strength and talent within me, the nature of Theophanies or apparitions of the Gods based on the teachings of the ancients—which are contained especially in the records of the poet-prophets original Latin: vatum; in antiquity, poets were often viewed as divinely inspired seers or prophets—I judge that, setting all else aside, I must apply myself to showing what is to be expected in this very Dissertation. It is easily apparent, however, from the very name of the Dissertation, that I will not be dealing with Epiphanies, or the apparitions of Angels, Archangels, Demons, rulers original Greek: ἀρχόντων (archonton); in Neoplatonic and Gnostic thought, these were high-ranking spiritual beings or planetary governors, Heroes, Souls, etc. This is not because they have no connection at all to the Theophanies which I am attempting to illustrate here from antiquity and the records of the ancients, but because the material would be more extensive than can be contained in the very few pages granted to me. I hold the hope, however, that if leisure and opportunity are provided to me, I may demonstrate my diligence, however small it may be, in investigating this very material more accurately. In the meantime, besides other theurgic refers to "theurgy," a type of ancient ritual practice intended to invoke the presence of gods or spirits and sacred mystical writers, one may consult Iamblichus, On the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Section II, chapter 3 and following, where he comments at sufficient length on these Epiphanies and their distinctions.

Thesis 2.

Moreover, it is well known among all who have at least crossed the threshold of Greek literature that the word Theophany original Greek: Θεοφανείας is derived from the words God original Greek: τοῦ Θεοῦ (theos) and to appear original Greek: φαίνειν (phainein), and by the literal force of the word is nothing other than an apparition of God, or a manifestation