telestike (τελεστικη)

(Language: Greek)

Short Description: one of the Neoplatonic names for theurgy and hieratic rituals

Long Description: one of the Neoplatonic names for theurgy and hieratic rituals; the animation of statues; telestike mania of Phaedrus 244e employs purifications and rites; according to Hermeias ( In Phaedr.92.16-24), the telestic madness is ranked above all the others inasmuch as it gathers all the others together and possesses them (that is, theology, all philosophy and erotic mania); there are different kinds of telestike.

Sources: The Golden Chain: An Anthology of Platonic and Pythagorean Philosophy, by Dr. Algis Uždavinys