Alchemy, Theurgy & Roots of Ritual Practice. Or, How to Animate a Statue!

Thu Jul 18 2024 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm UTC-07:00

Philosophical Research Society | Los Angeles

The Philosophical Research Society
Publisher/HostThe Philosophical Research Society
Alchemy, Theurgy & Roots of Ritual Practice. Or, How to Animate a Statue!
Advertisement
Join Brian Cotnoir in this talk on poetry, music, theurgy and alchemy in the Greco-Roman world!
About this Event

Alchemy, Theurgy, and the Roots of Ritual Practice. Or, How to Animate a Statue with Brian Cotnoir in the PRS Library!

Alchemy and theurgy have as their goal the ascent of the soul through a material practice. Alchemy does so with matter and theurgy through material symbol and ritual. Where they overlap is in the purification rite known as the animation of statues in which a god is embodied.

Although mentioned in the Corpus Hermeticum; in Iamblichus’ On the Mysteries; even in a Neo-platonic commentary on Euclid; as well as other hermetic and gnostic texts, nowhere is the practice described.

Tonight’s talk will examine the mentions and stories throughout the Greco-Roman world, the Greek Magical Papyri, Chaldean Oracles, the practices of poetry, music, theurgy and alchemy. And from this an outline will emerge of what this animation entailed and perhaps some ideas for deepening practice.


About Brian Cotnoir

Brian Cotnoir is an alchemist, artist, and award-winning filmmaker. A contributor to Frater Albertus’ Parachemy, he is also the author of a series ofAlchemy Zines. His books include r (2017), , , and the , his translations of and commentary on, the earliest Arabic and Latin versions of this seminal text. And most recently,.
He has presented workshops and seminars around the world on various aspects of alchemical theory and practice based on his research. His film work has been screened at Museum of Modern Art, Sundance Film Festival, HBO,PBS and other international venues.
, launched in 2014 with the publication of the Emerald Tablet, is the vehicle and portal for his alchemical work.


Ticket Price: $20 (in-person event only).

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.



Event Photos

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.


REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.


PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking, many thanks.


PRS EVENT POLICIES

  • We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
  • Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
  • We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
  • Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
  • No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
  • There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
  • We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
  • PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
  • Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
  • Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

Tickets

USD 20.00

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Los Angeles

Anita Nevar Art Exhibition - Ru Pauls DragCon - Los Angeles, USA
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 05:00 pm Anita Nevar Art Exhibition - Ru Pauls DragCon - Los Angeles, USA

Los Angeles Convention Center

DAWN CHASES MIDNIGHT:  A Radio Drama on ESG Factors in Community Life
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 05:00 pm DAWN CHASES MIDNIGHT: A Radio Drama on ESG Factors in Community Life

Aratani Theatre, San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA, USA

A Night of Stories
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 06:00 pm A Night of Stories

6957 N Figueroa St

The Afters - Unofficial Dragcon After Parties
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 06:00 pm The Afters - Unofficial Dragcon After Parties

33 Taps DTLA

Misery Signals
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 06:30 pm Misery Signals

1720

Mad Kelly, Talkless, and Killvein
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 06:30 pm Mad Kelly, Talkless, and Killvein

The Echo

Lonely Richard
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 07:30 pm Lonely Richard

2906 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA

Three Cults Walk Into A Bar
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 07:30 pm Three Cults Walk Into A Bar

Lyric Hyperion Theater & Bar

Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 07:30 pm Taffy Brodesser-Akner

The Ebell of Los Angeles - Lounge

Troilus and Cressida - LMU's Shakespeare on the Bluff
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 08:00 pm Troilus and Cressida - LMU's Shakespeare on the Bluff

LMU Drollinger Family Stage

Shiksa Sings... LA!
Thu Jul 18 2024 at 08:45 pm Shiksa Sings... LA!

The Yard Theater

Los Angeles is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Los Angeles Events