Neoplatonism and theurgy: The Ascent Through the Spheres
In the centuries following Plato, a new spiritual philosophy took root that would shape the foundations of Western mysticism: Neoplatonism. More than a school of thought, Neoplatonism became a living path of ascent, guiding the soul through the spiritual spheres back to its divine origin.
When combined with theurgy — sacred ritual intended to invoke the presence of the divine — Neoplatonism formed one of the most profound systems of initiation in the history of the mystery schools.
New to mystery schools? Start with our overview article “What Are Mystery Schools?” and then visit the Mystery School hub for classes, courses and next steps.
The Neoplatonic Vision of Reality
At its heart, Neoplatonism teaches that all existence flows from the One — an ineffable, transcendent source beyond all categories. From the One emanates the Nous (Divine Mind), then the World Soul, and finally the realm of matter.
This descending chain of being, known as emanation, mirrors other mystery school cosmologies:
In Kabbalah, the Tree of Life describes emanations from Ein Sof, the Infinite (Kabbalah and Hermetic Qabalah: The Tree of Life in Mystery Schools).
In Gnosticism, sparks of light descend into matter, longing to return to their Source (Gnosticism and Mystery Schools: Seeking the Divine Spark).
In Hermeticism, the Emerald Tablets describe a divine order cascading “as above, so below” (The Emerald Tablets & Hermes Trismegistus: Foundations of Mystery School Wisdom).
For the Neoplatonist initiate, the goal was not to remain trapped in the material plane but to ascend back through the spheres to unity with the One.
The Ascent of the Soul
Neoplatonism taught that the human soul, though embodied, originates in the higher realms. By purifying itself and aligning with higher truths, it can rise once again through the celestial hierarchy.
The stages of ascent often included:
Ethical purification — freeing oneself from base desires and passions.
Philosophical contemplation — cultivating intellectual clarity and alignment with the Nous.
Mystical union — transcending thought to unite with the ineffable One.
This mirrors the alchemy of inner gold, where the dross of the lower self is transformed into spiritual radiance (Alchemy and the Mystery Schools: The Inner Gold of Transformation).
The Role of Theurgy
While contemplation could bring glimpses of higher truth, the Neoplatonists also practised theurgy — “god-work.” These were sacred rituals, invocations, and symbolic ceremonies designed to call down divine presence.
Thinkers like Iamblichus argued that theurgy was essential because the divine could not be reached by intellect alone. Ritual, symbol, and sacred action created a channel through which the gods or divine powers could elevate the soul.
This practice reflects the initiatory ceremonies of the ancient mystery schools, where symbols, sacred geometry, and ritual mastery opened gateways of consciousness (Theurgy and Ritual Mastery: Invoking the Divine in Mystery School Initiation).
Cosmic Spheres and Spiritual Geography
Neoplatonism described the universe as layered with spheres of existence — from the material plane through the celestial heavens, and finally into the intelligible realm of pure mind.
Ascending through these layers was not merely metaphorical. The initiate, through theurgy and contemplation, would journey inward and upward, experiencing:
The planetary spheres, each embodying archetypal qualities.
The realm of the stars, reflecting the order of cosmic harmony (Astrology and the Mystery Schools: Reading the Cosmic Script).
The return to the Source, the ineffable One.
This ascent parallels both the Tree of Life and the chakric ladder of Eastern traditions, showing a universal archetype of spiritual progression.
Neoplatonism’s Influence on the Renaissance
Centuries later, Neoplatonism would inspire the Renaissance revival of hidden knowledge. Thinkers like Marsilio Ficino translated Plato and the Hermetic corpus, blending Neoplatonism with Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and alchemy (Mystery Schools in the Renaissance: Revival of Hidden Knowledge).
This synthesis helped shape the worldview of John Dee (John Dee: Hidden Knowledge of the Renaissance Mystery Schools), Isaac Newton (Sir Isaac Newton, Alchemy, and the Hermetic Tradition), and even the symbolic codes embedded in Leonardo da Vinci’s art (Leonardo da Vinci and the Secret Codes of the Mystery Schools).
Without Neoplatonism, the Western esoteric tradition as we know it would be unimaginable.
Neoplatonism and Modern Spirituality
Today, Neoplatonic insights remain deeply relevant:
The One mirrors the universal consciousness described in modern metaphysics (Metaphysics & Ontology: Mystery Schools and the Nature of Reality).
Emanation resonates with quantum cosmology and the idea of reality as layered fields of energy.
Theurgy anticipates the importance of ritual and intention in contemporary energy work (Compassion-Based Energy Work: Heart-Centred Alchemy in the Mystery Tradition).
By blending philosophy and spiritual practice, Neoplatonism offers seekers a path that is both intellectual and mystical.
Next Steps On Your Mystery School Path
If this article spoke to you, don’t leave it as just an interesting idea. Take one gentle step to deepen the journey.
Visit the Mystery School hub to see all classes and courses in one place.
Explore 7 Hermetic Principles to connect metaphysical ideas with practical, grounded spiritual living.
Continue reading with these related articles:
Choose the one that feels kindest and most alive for you right now, and let the work unfold at your own pace.
Neoplatonism and theurgy show that philosophy and ritual together can guide the soul’s journey back to Source. More than abstract thought, this tradition is a living path of initiation, one that continues to inspire seekers of unity and transcendence.
At the Bright Beings Academy Mystery School, we honour this wisdom by exploring Neoplatonic, Hermetic, and mystical teachings that illuminate the path of ascent.
FAQs on Neoplatonism, Theurgy and the Mystery Schools
What is Neoplatonism?
A philosophical and spiritual system building on Plato, teaching that all existence emanates from the One and that the soul can return to its source through ascent.
What is theurgy?
Theurgy means “god-work” — sacred rituals designed to invoke divine presence and elevate the soul.
How did Neoplatonism influence mystery schools?
It provided a structured cosmology and practical methods for spiritual ascent, later shaping Renaissance esoteric traditions.
Is Neoplatonism still relevant today?
Yes, its teachings on unity, emanation, and the ascent of consciousness resonate with modern spiritual philosophy and practice.
I look forward to connecting with you in my next post.
Until then, be well and keep shining.
Peter. :)
