Esotericism, Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Astrology

Flashcards covering definitions of occult, magic, and esotericism; Neoplatonism vs. Gnosticism; and foundational astrological concepts including signs, houses, and aspects.

What does the term "occult" literally mean, and how was it used historically prior to the Renaissance?

"Occult" literally means hidden or obscured. For much of history, it referred neutrally to unexplained natural forces.

How did the invention of the printing press during the Renaissance polarize the meaning of the term "occult"?

It split the term into a positive usage meaning secret, "higher" truths unknown to the masses, and a negative usage meaning hogwash masquerading as truth.

Where does the term "magic" historically originate?

The term originates in ancient Greek opposition to Persian religious customs practiced by the "Magi."

According to Bernd-Christian Otto, what are the three main contemporary negative characterizations of magic?

Contemporary negative responses frame magic as evil, obsolete, or idiocy.

How does Bernd-Christian Otto define "ritual" in his analysis of criticisms against magic?

Ritual is defined as repetitive behavior following a pre-defined script with a causally-opaque relation between performance and outcome.

According to Bernd-Christian Otto, what factors explain why belief in magical rituals persists across human psychology?

Magical thinking is a normal developmental stage in children, may be evolutionarily adaptive, is not restricted to the uneducated, and is motivated by a desire for re-enchantment and adventure.

How does Wouter Hanegraaff define "esotericism" in his negative definition?

Hanegraaff defines esotericism negatively as "rejected knowledge"—material that both mainstream science and religion have declared to be "not us."

Who are the key Eranos scholars associated with the religionist approach to esotericism, and what is their narrative?

Carl Gustav Jung, Mircea Eliade, and Gershom Scholem. They argue that esotericism offers an antidote to modern Western disenchantment, though critics note they often idealize it while ignoring problematic political implications.

Who are the key Frankfurt School figures associated with the Marxist approach to esotericism, and what is their critique?

Georg Lukacs, Max Horkheimer, and Theodor Adorno. They critique esotericism as inherently conservative, elitist, and a factor contributing to fascism.

Who are the key figures listed as chairs of esotericism in the contemporary academic approach?

Antoine Faivre, Wouter Hanegraaff, and Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke.

Who was the founding philosopher of Neoplatonism in the 3rd century CE?

Plotinus.

What specific contributions did Porphyry and Iamblichus make to Neoplatonism?

Porphyry compiled and organized Plotinus' philosophy, while Iamblichus developed rituals and related esoteric aspects.

What three non-Platonic philosophical traditions significantly influenced Neoplatonism?

Stoicism (life improvement via detachment), Pythagoreanism (spiritual significance of numbers and practices), and Hermetism (correspondences, living nature, and imagination).

Which three Platonic dialogues particularly inspired both Neoplatonists and Gnostics?

Timaeus (for cosmology), Myth of Er (for death and the afterlife), and Allegory of the Cave (for alienation).

What terms do Neoplatonists and Gnostics respectively use for the ultimate source force behind reality?

Neoplatonists usually call it "the One," while Gnostics call it "the Pleroma"; both also refer to it as "the Monad" or "the Absolute."

In both Neoplatonist and Gnostic cosmologies, who directly created the physical material world?

The material world was created by a demiurge rather than by the Absolute directly.

What literary genre defined by divine revelation to a privileged insider was heavily used by Gnostics?

Apocalypse.

Why did Plotinus criticize the literary methods and expression of the Gnostics?

Plotinus argued that Gnostics used storytelling and faith instead of philosophy and reasoning, stating that they "initiate, not teach."

How does Neoplatonic cosmological emanation differ from Gnostic cosmological emanation?

Neoplatonic emanation is a simple sequence (One $\rightarrow$ Intellect $\rightarrow$ Soul $\rightarrow$ World), whereas Gnostic emanation involves a complex chain (Father $\rightarrow$ Mother $\rightarrow$ Aeons $\rightarrow$ Autogenes $\rightarrow$ Aeons $\rightarrow$ Sophia $\rightarrow$ Yaldabaoth/Demiurge $\rightarrow$ Archons $\rightarrow$ World).

In Gnostic myth, how was the Demiurge (Yaldabaoth) brought into existence?

Sophia emanated without a partner, producing an unviable result ("an abortion") that became Yaldabaoth, a blind or evil demiurge who created the material realm.

How do Neoplatonists and Gnostics view the spiritual status of the planets?

Neoplatonists view planets as benevolent traditional Greek deities, whereas Gnostics view planets as Archons, which are demonic figures.

What is the core difference between Gnostic and Neoplatonic views on who can attain salvation?

Gnosticism is inherently elitist, holding that only individuals with specific soul types are saved through revealed secret knowledge, whereas Neoplatonism is universalistic, holding that all souls can achieve salvation through education, virtue, and reason.

In ancient and traditional astrology, what roles do planets, zodiac signs, and houses fulfill?

Planets represent the energies/forces (what is expressing itself), zodiac signs represent how those energies express themselves, and houses represent where in human life those energies are active.

Which traditional planets rule Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer?

Aries is ruled by Mars, Taurus by Venus, Gemini by Mercury, and Cancer by the Moon.

Which traditional planets rule Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio?

Leo is ruled by the Sun, Virgo by Mercury, Libra by Venus, and Scorpio by Mars.

Which traditional planets rule Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces?

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, Capricorn by Saturn, Aquarius by Saturn, and Pisces by Jupiter.

What life areas correspond to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th astrological houses?

1st house = physical self; 2nd house = possessions & resources; 3rd house = early life & education; 4th house = family lineage & property.

What life areas correspond to the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th astrological houses?

5th house = enjoyable personal projects (art, children); 6th house = mundane routine; 7th house = romantic relationships; 8th house = sexuality, death, inheritance.

What life areas correspond to the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th astrological houses?

9th house = religion, travel; 10th house = career, politics, leadership; 11th house = social circle, connections; 12th house = secrets, dreams, fantasies and fears.

In an astrological birth chart, what is the Ascendant (rising sign)?

The Ascendant is the zodiac sign on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth; it is positioned on the 1st house and represents a person's first impression.

What astrological aspect occurs at $0^\circ$ and what interaction does it represent?

Conjunction ($0^\circ$), representing combining forces.

What astrological aspect occurs at $180^\circ$ and what interaction does it represent?

Opposition ($180^\circ$), representing forces in tension.

What astrological aspect occurs at $120^\circ$ and what energy flow does it represent?

Trine ($120^\circ$), representing an easy, constructive flow of energy (generally benefic) between signs sharing the same element.

What astrological aspect occurs at $90^\circ$ and what energy flow does it represent?

Square ($90^\circ$), representing obstructive energy (generally malefic) between signs sharing the same mode.

What astrological aspect occurs at $60^\circ$ and how does it compare to a trine?

Sextile ($60^\circ$), which represents a constructive energy flow similar to a trine, but weaker.

Which astrological aspects are illustrated in this diagram along with their degree separations and geometric symbols?

The diagram displays Conjunction ($0^\circ$), Opposition ($180^\circ$), Trine ($120^\circ$), Square ($90^\circ$), and Sextile ($60^\circ$).