[ad. L. theūrgia, a. Gr. θεουργία sorcery, f. θεός god + -εργος working. So F. théurgie (14th c. in Godef., Compl.).]
1. A system of magic, originally practiced by the Egyptian Platonists, to procure communication with beneficent spirits, and by their aid produce miraculous effects; in later times distinguished as ‘white magic’ from GOETY or ‘black magic.’
1569. J. Sanford, trans. Agrippa’s Van. Artes, 59 b. Porpherie who doth muche dispute of this Theurgie or Magicke of thinges deuine doth finally conclude that with Theurgicall consecrations mans minde may be made apte to receaue Spirites and Angels.
1584. R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., XV. xlii. (1886), 392. There is yet another art, which is called Theurgie; wherein they worke by good angels.
1652. Gaule, Magastrom., xxvi. Of ceremoniall magick there are two parts, goetie and theurgie.
1751. [see GOETY].
1899. W. R. Inge, Chr. Mysticism, vii. 267. The turbid streams of theurgy and magic flowed into the broad river of Christian thought by two channels—the later Neo-platonism, and Jewish Cabbalism.
2. The operation of a divine or supernatural agency in human affairs; the effects produced among men by direct divine or spiritual action.
1858. Gladstone, Homer, III. 564. We stand here at a juncture in the poem, where its theurgy supersedes its human mechanism.
1873. M. Arnold, Lit. & Dogma (1876), 167. The constant tendency of popular Christianity to add to the element of theurgy and thaumaturgy, to increase and develope it.
1878. Gladstone, Prim. Homer, 86. The Olympian court is the masterpiece of the whole theurgy of Homer.
