Proclus and the 'Theurgic Liturgy
of Pseudo-Dionysius
Dylan Burns
(Nasi, Tennessee
Istrooecrion: Pssve-Dionsts, Tacs, Proeaes
‘The influence of the great Neoplatonist Prclas on Pseude-Dionysivs the
Areopagie central figure inthe history of Western myst, well
now! rocks’ brand of Late Neoplatonim is often defined, however,
sot by its intorations upon exer Neopatonic metaphysics, but ts inl
Sion of ritual practice into the Neoplatonic fe? These sites were called
“heurgy” @eoupyie-ttecaly “gou-wnrk”) andthe Late Neoplatonists,
eherished it even move than philosophy. The word “theurgy” was used by
them to denote all manner of rts, including pusifcation, hymns, prayers,
the animation of status, possession the conusrtion of spit and mys
1. Recent sales inh HUD Safe, "Ua in objet entrele Pseudo Dene Proc”
in idem, Reser sar Neato ses Pi (Pas: |. Ve, 190); idm, "New Objective
Links bersen the Pseudo Dionyrias ad roca” Neptanin nd Chrion Tho,
Dy OMeam (Albany Sate U of New York P 1982; Safe, “Leben le pha object entre ke
Pseado-Denys et Pocky" Roms mai md rari meals enor a
Pie LE: Do Pecan on 75eamnerain, 3} Maeve (Lauvsin-heNeuse: Féation
Ineratone des Isis Prades Méchvales Texte t Eee dhs Magen Age, 1998) op
195.97; Stephen Gen, Frm amit Eragon (Leiden: FE) Bal, 19795 andthe more
ener analysis of Wemes Beerwals, “Dionyios Azeopagte: es chricher Protx?” in
Plate ie dr ahendidile Gis pit, Now Forslangen mPa Ti. Keach an
Bosch (Daemstade Waserecattiche Buchgcelicha, 1977). The eee explination
ofthe mosimporunr evidence (Den wall nomen ue of Poel Ot sa of Erie
The Dinar Nar) Calo Stes "Pocket Denys de eistence malin Dag riage
1:54 paid oe Ores an Osi, Ae tu Clap Iai Dar, 27-28 emi 1994,
YYeabe de Anda, Collection des Fades Augustncrnes, Séne Antgté 151 (Pans: Isiur