THE CHALDEAN ORACLES

ΧΑΛΔΑΙΚΑ ΛΟΓΙΑ

1. For there exists a certain Intelligible which you must perceive by the flower of mind. For if you should incline your mind toward it and perceive it as perceiving a specific thing, you would not perceive it. For it is the power of strength, visible all around, flashing with intellectual divisions. Therefore, you must not perceive that Intelligible violently but with the flame of mind completely extended which measures all things, except that Intelligible. You must not perceive it intently, but keeping the pure eye of your soul turned away, you should extend an empty mind toward the Intelligible in order to comprehend it, since it exists outside of (your) mind.

1 Ἔστιν γάρ τι νοητόν͵ ὃ χρή σε νοεῖν νόου ἄνθει· ἢν γὰρ ἐπεγκλίνῃς σὸν νοῦν κἀκεῖνο νοήσῃς ὥς τι νοῶν͵ οὐ κεῖνο νοήσεις· ἔστι γὰρ ἀλκῆς ἀμφιφαοῦς δύναμις νοεραῖς στράπτουσα τομαῖσιν. Οὐ δὴ χρὴ σφοδρότητι νοεῖν τὸ νοητὸν ἐκεῖνο ἀλλὰ νόου ταναοῦ ταναῇ φλογὶ πάντα μετρούσῃ πλὴν τὸ νοητὸν ἐκεῖνο· χρεὼ δὴ τοῦτο νοῆσαι οὐκ ἀτενῶς͵ ἀλλ΄ ἁγνὸν ἀπόστροφον ὄμμα φέροντα σῆς ψυχῆς τεῖναι κενεὸν νόον εἰς τὸ νοητόν͵ ὄφρα μάθῃς τὸ νοητόν͵ ἐπεὶ νόου ἔξω ὑπάρχει.

S

2. Arrayed from head to toe with a clamorous light, armed in mind and soul with a triple-barbed strength, you must cast into your imagination the entire token of the triad, and not go toward the empyrean channels in a scattered way, but with concentration.

2 Ἑσσάμενον πάντευχον ἀκμὴν φωτὸς κελάδοντος͵ ἀλκῇ τριγλώχινι νόον ψυχήν θ΄ ὁπλίσαντα͵ πᾶν τριάδος σύνθημα βαλεῖν φρενὶ μηδ΄ ἐπιφοιτᾶν ἐμπυρίοις σποράδην ὀχετοῖς͵ ἀλλὰ στιβαρηδόν.

3....the Father snatched himself away, and did not enclose his own fire in his intellectual Power.

3 ... ὁ πατὴρ ἥρπασσεν ἑαυτόν͵ οὐδ΄ ἐν ἑῇ δυνάμει νοερᾷ κλείσας ἴδιον πῦρ.

4. For Power is with him, but Intellect is from him.

4 ἡ μὲν γὰρ δύναμις σὺν ἐκείνῳ͵ νοῦς δ΄ ἀπ΄ ἐκείνου.

5. For the First Transcendent Fire does not enclose its own Power in matter by means of works, but by Intellect. For Intellect derived from Intellect is the Craftsman of the fiery cosmos,

5 ... οὐ γὰρ ἐς ὕλην πῦρ ἐπέκεινα τὸ πρῶτον ἑὴν δύναμιν κατακλείει ἔργοις ἀλλὰ νόῳ· νοῦ γὰρ νόος ἐστὶν ὁ κόσμου τεχνίτης πυρίου.

S

6. For as a girdling, intellectual membrane, he separates, according to the oracle, the first fire and the other fire which are eager to mingle.

6 ὡς γὰρ ὑπεζωκώς τις ὑμὴν νοερὸς διακρίνει͵ πῦρ πρῶτον καὶ πῦρ ἕτερον σπεύδοντα μιγῆναι.

S

7. For the Father perfected all things and handed them over to the Second Intellect, which you—the entire human race—call the First Intellect.

7 Πάντα γὰρ ἐξετέλεσσε πατὴρ καὶ νῷ παρέδωκε δευτέρῳ͵ ὃν πρῶτον κληΐζετε πᾶν γένος ἀνδρῶν.

S

8....beside this one sits a Dyad. For it has a double function: it both possesses the in-telligibles in its mind and brings sense-perception to the worlds.

8 ... δυὰς παρὰ τῷδε κάθηται· ἀμφότερον γὰρ ἔχει͵ νῷ μὲν κατέχειν τὰ νοητά͵ αἴσθησιν δ΄ ἐπάγειν κόσμοις.

S

9. For all things which issue from the One and, conversely, go back to the One, are divided, so to speak, intelligibly, into many bodies.

omnia enim ex uni entia e converso ad unum vadentia secta sunt, sicut intellectualiter, in corpora multa.

 And do not keep in your mind

9 ... μηδ΄ ἐν σῷ νῷ καταΐσχειν.

9a And do not keep in your mind the multiform other, they say, but extend the perceptive faculty in the soul toward the One.

neque in tuo intellectu detinere multivarium aliud, sed anime niera in unum ampliare

10....all things have been generated from One Fire.

10 ... εἰσὶν πάντα ἑνὸς πυρὸς ἐκγεγαῶτα.

11. Perceiving the Good itself, where the Paternal Monad exists,

11 Τἀγαθὸν αὐτὸ νοοῦσα ὅπου πατρικὴ μονάς ἐστι.

12....for the Monad is extensible which generates duality,

12 ... ταναὴ μονάς ἐστιν καὶ δύο γεννᾷ.

13. For nothing imperfect runs forth from the Paternal Principle.

13 Οὐ γὰρ ἀπαὶ πατρικῆς ἀρχῆς ἀτελές τι τροχάζει.

14. The Father does not provoke fear, but imbues persuasion.

14 Πατὴρ οὐ φόβον ἐνθρῴσκει͵ πειθὼ δ΄ ἐπιχεύει.

15. And you do not know that every god is good. 0, drudges, sober up...

15 Οὐδ΄ ὅτι πᾶς ἀγαθὸς θεὸς εἰδότες· ἆ͵ ταλαεργοί͵ νήψατε ...

16....in the god-nourishing silence of the Fathers.

16 ... τῇ θεοθρέμμονι σιγῇ τῶν πατέρων ...

17....for the one who has perception, the intelligible is nourishment,

17 ... τῷ δὲ νοοῦντι τροφὴ τὸ νοητόν.

18. You (gods) who know the supermundane, Paternal Abyss by perceiving it,

18 οἳ τὸν ὑπέρκοσμον πατρικὸν βυθὸν ἴστε νοοῦντες.

19. every mind perceives this god...

19 τόνδε νοεῖ πᾶς νοῦς θεόν ...

20. For Intellect does not exist withoUt the intelligible, and the intelligible does not exist apart from Intellect...

20 Οὐ γὰρ ἄνευ νοός ἐστι νοητοῦ͵ καὶ τὸ νοητὸν οὐ νοῦ χωρὶς ὑπάρχει ...

20 bis...intelligible, having within himself that which thinks.

20bis ... νοητόν͵ ἔχων τὸ νοοῦν ἐν ἑαυτῷ.

21....for he is all things, but intelligibly,

21 ... πάντ΄ ἐστὶ γάρ͵ ἀλλὰ νοητῶς.

22. For the Intellect of the Father said for all things to separate into three, governing all things by the Intellect <of the very first > eternal <Father >. He nodded his assent to this and immediately all things were separated.

22 Εἰς τρία γὰρ νοῦς εἶπε πατρὸς τέμνεσθαι ἅπαντα͵ πρωτίστου πατρὸς ἀϊδίου νῷ πάντα κυβερνῶν· οὐ τὸ θέλειν κατένευσε καὶ ἤδη πάντ΄ ἐτέτμητο.

23. In order that a triad might connect the All while measuring all things.

23 ὄφρα τὰ πάντα τριὰς συνέχῃ κατὰ πάντα μετροῦσα.

24. into beginning, end, and middle in the order determined by Necessity.

24 εἰς ἀρχὴν καὶ τέρμα καὶ εἰς μέσα τάξει ἀνάγκης.

25. The Father thought these things and a mortal was brought to life by him.

25 Ταῦτα πατὴρ ἐνόησε͵ βροτὸς δέ οἱ ἐψύχωτο.

26. For the world, seeing you as a triadic Monad, has honored you.

26 Μουνάδα γάρ σε τριοῦχον ἰδὼν ἐσεβάσσατο κόσμος.

27. For in every world shines a triad, ruled by a Monad, says the oracle.

27 Παντὶ γὰρ ἐν κόσμῳ λάμπει τριάς͵ ἧς μονὰς ἄρχει.

28. For in the womb of this triad all things are sown.

28 Τῆσδε γὰρ ἐκ τριάδος κόλποις ἔσπαρται ἅπαντα.

29. For in this triad the Father has mixed every breath.

29 Τῆσδε γὰρ ἐκ τριάδος πᾶν πνεῦμα πατὴρ ἐκέρασσεν.

30. Source of Sources, the womb which contains the All.

30 πηγὴ τῶν πηγῶν͵ μήτρα συνέχουσα τὰ πάντα.

31. From both of these flows the bond of the first triad, which is not truly first, but where the intelligibles are measured.

31 Ἐξ ἀμφοῖν δὴ τῶνδε ῥέει τριάδος δέμα πρώτης οὔσης οὐ πρώτης͵ ἀλλ΄ οὗ τὰ νοητὰ μετρεῖται.

32. it is a worker, (that) it is the dispenser of life-giving fire, (that) it fills up the life-giving womb of Hecate (and)...pours on the Connectors a force of fruitful and very powerful fire.

32 Ἐργάτις͵ ἐκδότις ἐστὶ πυρὸς ζωηφόρου αὕτη͵ καὶ τὸν ζῳογόνον πληροῦσ΄ Ἑκάτης   κόλπον ............... ἐπιρρεῖ τοῖς συνοχεῦσιν ἀλκὴν ζειδώροιο πυρὸς μέγα δυναμένοιο.

33....skilled worker Craftsman of the fiery cosmos...

33 ... ἐργοτεχνίτης͵ κόσμου τεχνίτης πυρίου ...

34. From there (i.e., Source of Sources), the birth of variegated matter leaps forth. From there, a lightning-bolt, sweeping along, obscures the flower of fire as it leaps into the hollows of the worlds. For from there, all things begin to extend wonderful rays down below.

34 Ἔνθεν ἀποθρῴσκει γένεσις πολυποικίλου ὕλης· ἔνθεν συρόμενος πρηστὴρ ἀμυδροῖ πυρὸς ἄνθος κόσμων ἐνθρῴσκων κοιλώμασι· πάντα γὰρ ἔνθεν ἄρχεται εἰς τὸ κάτω τείνειν ἀκτῖνας ἀγητάς.

35. For Implacable Thunders leap from him and the lightning-receiving womb of the shining ray of Hecate, who is generated from the Father. From him leap the girdling flower of fire and the powerful breath (situated) beyond the fiery poles.

35 Τοῦδε γὰρ ἐκθρῴσκουσιν ἀμείλικτοί τε κεραυνοὶ καὶ πρηστηροδόχοι κόλποι παραφεγγέος αὐγῆς πατρογενοῦς Ἑκάτης καὶ ὑπεζωκὸς πυρὸς ἄνθος ἠδὲ κραταιὸν πνεῦμα πόλων πυρίων ἐπέκεινα.

36. The Intellect of the Father rides upon the unshakeable guides which shine inflexibly by the furrows of the Implacable Fire.

36 νοῦς πατρὸς ἀρράτοις ἐποχούμενος ἰθυντῆρσιν͵ ἄγναμπτον στράπτουσιν ἀμειλίκτου πυρὸς ὁλκοῖς.

37. The Intellect of the Father, while thinking with its vigorous will, shot forth the multiformed Ideas. All these leapt forth from one Source, for from the Father comes both will and perfection. But the Ideas were divided by the Intelligible Fire and allotted to other intelligibles. For the Ruler placed before the multiformed cosmos an intelligible and imperishable model from which, along a disorderly track, the world with its form hastened to appear, engraved with multiform Ideas. There is one Source for these, from which other terrible (Ideas), divided, shoot forth, breaking themselves on the bodies of the worlds. Those which are borne around the frightful wombs like a swarm of bees—flashing here and there in various directions—are the intelligible Thoughts from the Paternal Source, which pluck in abundance the flower of fire from the acme of sleepless Time. The first self-perfected Source of the Father spouted forth these primordial Ideas.

37 Νοῦς πατρὸς ἐρροίζησε νοήσας ἀκμάδι βουλῇ παμμόρφους ἰδέας͵ πηγῆς δὲ μιᾶς ἄπο πᾶσαι ἐξέθορον· πατρόθεν γὰρ ἔην βουλή τε τέλος τε. Ἀλλ΄ ἐμερίσθησαν νοερῷ πυρὶ μοιρηθεῖσαι εἰς ἄλλας νοεράς· κόσμῳ γὰρ ἄναξ πολυμόρφῳ προὔθηκεν νοερὸν τύπον ἄφθιτον͵ οὗ κατ΄ ἄκοσμον ἴχνος ἐπειγόμενος μορφῆς μέτα κόσμος ἐφάνθη παντοίαις ἰδέαις κεχαραγμένος· ὧν μία πηγή͵ ἐξ ἧς ῥοιζοῦνται μεμερισμέναι ἄλλαι ἄπλατοι ῥηγνύμεναι κόσμου περὶ σώμασιν͵ αἳ περὶ κόλπους σμερδαλέους σμήνεσσιν ἐοικυῖαι φορέονται στράπτουσαι περί τ΄ ἀμφὶ παρασχεδὸν ἄλλυδις ἄλλῃ͵ ἔννοιαι νοεραὶ πηγῆς πατρικῆς ἄπο͵ πουλὺ δρεπτόμεναι πυρὸς ἄνθος ἀκοιμήτου χρόνου ἀκμῇ. Ἀρχεγόνους ἰδέας πρώτη πατρὸς ἔβλυσε τάσδε αὐτοτελὴς πηγή.

38. These are the Thoughts of the Father, after which my fire is rolled up.

38 Ἔννοιαι πατρὸς αἵδε͵ μεθ΄ ἃς ἐμὸν εἰλυμένον πῦρ.

39. For after he thought his works, the self-generated Paternal Intellect sowed the bond of Love, heavy with fire, into all things.  In order that the All might continue to love for an infinite time and the things woven by the intellectual light of the Father might not collapse. With this Love, the elements of the world remain on course.

39 Ἔργα νοήσας γὰρ πατρικὸς νόος αὐτογένεθλος πᾶσιν ἐνέσπειρεν δεσμὸν πυριβριθῆ ἔρωτος͵ ὄφρα τὰ πάντα μένῃ χρόνον εἰς ἀπέραντον ἐρῶντα͵ μηδὲ πέσῃ τὰ πατρὸς νοερῷ ὑφασμένα φέγγει· ᾧ σὺν ἔρωτι μένει κόσμου στοιχεῖα θέοντα.

40. the Principles, which perceived the intelligible works of the Father, concealed them with sense-perceptible works and bodies.

40 ἀρχάς͵ αἳ πατρὸς ἔργα νοήσασαι τὰ νοητὰ αἰσθητοῖς ἔργοις καὶ σώμασιν ἀμφεκάλυψαν.

41....perceiving sense-perceptibles as capable of being touched,

41 ... ταἰσθητὰ νοούσης  ὡς ἐπαφητά.

42. by the bond of wondrous Love, which leapt first from Intellect, clothing his bonded fire with the fire (of Intellect) in order to mingle the Source Craters while offering the flower of his fire.

42 δεσμῷ Ἔρωτος ἀγητοῦ͵ ὃς ἐκ νόου ἔκθορε πρῶτος ἑσσάμενος πυρὶ πῦρ συνδέσμιον͵ ὄφρα κεράσσῃ πηγαίους κρατῆρας ἑοῦ πυρὸς ἄνθος ἐπισχών.

43....with a deep Love...

43 ... ἔρωτι βαθεῖ ...

44. (The Father) mixed the spark of soul with two harmonious qualities, Intellect and divine Will, to which he added a third, pure Love, as the guide and holy bond of all things.

44 ... ψυχαῖον σπινθῆρα δυσὶν κράσας ὁμονοίαις͵ νῷ καὶ νεύματι θείῳ͵ ἐφ΄ οἷς τρίτον ἁγνὸν Ἔρωτα͵ συνδετικὸν πάντων ἐπιβήτορα σεμνόν͵ ἔθηκεν.

45....a stifling of true Love.

45 ... πνιγμὸν ἔρωτος ἀληθοῦς.

46....Faith, Truth, and Love,

46 ... πίστιν κἀλήθειαν καὶ ἔρωτα.

47. May fire-bearing Hope nourish you...

47 Ἐλπὶς δὲ τρεφέτω σε πυρήοχος ...

48. For all things are governed and exist in these three (virtues),

48 Πάντα γὰρ ἐν τρισὶ τοῖσδε κυβερνᾶταί τε καὶ ἔστι.

49. For (Aion) alone, copiously plucking the flower of mind from the strength of the Father, has the power to perceive the Paternal Intellect < and > to impart <Intellect > to all Sources and Principles, and to whirl them about and keep them forever in ceaseless motion.

49 πατρογενὲς φάος· πολὺ γὰρ μόνος ἐκ πατρὸς ἀλκῆς δρεψάμενος νόου ἄνθος ἔχει τὸ νοεῖν πατρικὸν νοῦν καὶ νόον ἐνδιδόναι πάσαις πηγαῖς τε καὶ ἀρχαῖς καὶ δινεῖν αἰεί τε μένειν ἀόκνῳ στροφάλιγγι.

50. the center of Hecate is borne in the midst of the Fathers.

50 μέσσον τῶν πατέρων Ἑκάτης κέντρον πεφορῆσθαι.

51. Around the hollow of her right flank a great stream of the primordially-generated Soul gushes forth in abundance, totally ensouling light, fire, ether, worlds.

51 Δεξιτερῆς μὲν γὰρ λαγόνος περὶ χήραμα χόνδρων πολλὴ ἅδην βλύζει ψυχῆς λιβὰς ἀρχιγενέθλου ἄρδην ἐμψυχοῦσα φάος πῦρ αἰθέρα κόσμους.

52. In the left flank of Hecate exists the source of virtue, which remains entirely within and does not give up its virginity.

52 Λαιῇς ἐν λαγόσιν Ἑκάτης ἀρετῆς πέλε πηγή͵ ἔνδον ὅλη μίμνουσα τὸ παρθένον οὐ προϊεῖσα.

53....after the Paternal Thoughts I, the Soul, am situated, animating the All with my heat.

53 ... μετὰ δὴ πατρικὰς διανοίας ψυχὴ ἐγὼ ναίω θέρμῃ ψυχοῦσα τὰ πάντα.

54. On the back of the goddess boundless Nature is suspended.

54 Νώτοις δ΄ ἀμφὶ θεᾶς φύσις ἄπλετος ᾐώρηται.

55. For her hair appears dazzlingly in shimmering light,

55 Χαῖται μὲν γὰρ ἐς ὀξὺ πεφρικότι φωτὶ βλέπονται.

56. Truly Rhea is the source and stream of blessed intellectual (realities). For she, first in power, receives the birth of all these in her inexpressible womb and pours forth (this birth) on the All as it runs its course.

56 Ρείη τοι νοερῶν μακάρων πηγή τε ῥοή τε· πάντων γὰρ πρώτη δυνάμει κόλποισιν ἀφράστοις δεξαμένη γενεὴν ἐπὶ πᾶν προχέει τροχάουσαν.

57. For the Father has inflated the seven firmaments of the worlds.

57 Ἑπτὰ γὰρ ἐξώγκωσε πατὴρ στερεώματα κόσμων.

58....was established at the site of the heart... I follow what has been revealed by the gods.

58 (τὸ ἡλιακὸν πῦρ) ... κραδίῃς τόπῳ ἐστήριξεν ...

59. solar world (and the) whole light...

59 (ὁ) ἡλιακὸς κόσμος (καὶ τὸ) ὅλον φῶς ...

60. fire, channel of fire... and dispenser of fire...

60 πῦρ πυρὸς ἐξοχέτευμα ... καὶ ταμίαν πυρός ...

61. The ethereal course and the boundless impulse of the moon, and airy streams... Ether, sun, breath of moon, airy leaders.  Of solar circles and lunar soundings and airy hollows... And next:...portion of ether and sun and channels of moon and air....[Portion] of ether, sun, and moon and all those things which swim with the air... ‘^,...and expansive air, the course of the moon and the eternal orbit of the sun.

61a αἰθεριός τε δρόμος καὶ μήνης ἄπλετος ὁρμή ἠέριοί τε ῥοαί ... 61b αἰθήρ͵ ἥλιε͵ πνεῦμα σελήνης͵ ἠέρος ἀγοί. 61c ἡλιακῶν τε κύκλων καὶ μηναίων καναχισμῶν κόλπων τ΄ ἠερίων ... 61d ... αἴθρης μέρος ἠελίου τε καὶ μήνης ὀχετῶν ἠδ΄ ἠέρος ... 61e αἴθρης [μέρος] ἠελίου τε σεληναίης τε καὶ ὅσσα ἠέρι συννήχονται ... 61f ... καὶ πλατὺς ἀὴρ μηναῖός τε δρόμος καὶ ἀείπολος ἠελίοιο.

62. Plainly, therefore, the ethers of the elements... as the Oracles say, are there.

62 (οἱ) τῶν στοιχείων αἰθέρες ...

63. drawn in a curved shape...

63 κυρτῷ σχήματι συρομένην ...

64. The lunar course and starry procession.

64 μηναῖόν τε δρόμημα καὶ ἀστέριον προπόρευμα.

65. And there is a fifth in the middle, another channel of fire, where the life-bearing fire descends as far as the material channels.

65 καὶ πέμπτον μέσον ἄλλο πυρήοχον͵ ἔνθα κάτεισι μέχρι καὶ ὑλαίων ὀχετῶν ζωηφόριον πῦρ.

66. As the channels are mingled together (the highest life) perfects the works of imperishable fire,

66 μιγνυμένων δ΄ ὀχετῶν πυρὸς ἀφθίτου ἔργα τελοῦσα.

67. from fire, water, earth, and all-nourishing air.

67 ἐκ πυρός͵ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ γῆς καὶ παντρόφου αἴθρης.

68. For whatever other mass of fire there was, the All he worked with his own hands, so that the world-body might be fully completed and the world might be visible and not seem membrane-like.

68 καὶ γὰρ ὅτις πυρὸς ὄγκος ἔην ἕτερος͵ τὰ δὲ πάντα αὐτουργῶν͵ ἵνα σῶμα τὸ κοσμικὸν ἐκτολυπευθῇ͵ κόσμος ἵν΄ ἔκδηλος καὶ μὴ φαίνηθ΄ ὑμενώδης.

69. For (the sky) is an imitation of Intellect, but the product has something of the corporeal in it.

69 Νοῦ μὲν γὰρ μίμημα πέλει͵ τὸ δὲ τευχθὲν ἔχει τι σώματος.

70. For untiring Nature rules both worlds and works, in order that the sky might turn round, pulling down its eternal course, and that the swift sun might come around the center, just as it is accustomed to do.

70 Ἄρχει γὰρ φύσις ἀκαμάτη κόσμων τε καὶ ἔργων͵ οὐρανὸς ὄφρα θέῃ δρόμον ἀΐδιον κατασύρων͵ καὶ ταχὺς ἠέλιος περὶ κέντρον ὅπως ἐθὰς ἔλθῃ.

71. priding himself on the harmony of light....

71 ἁρμονίᾳ φωτὸς γαυρούμενος ...

72. For, I, the Divine, have arrived, armed from head to toe.

72 Καὶ γὰρ δὴ πάντευχος ἐνόπλιος ἧκα θεείη.

73. Among these is the first sacred course. Next, in the middle, is the course of air. Another, the third, is the one which heats the earth by fire. All things serve these three turbulent rulers.

73 Ἐν τούτοις ἱερὸς πρῶτος δρόμος͵ ἐν δ΄ ἄρα μέσσῳ ἠέριος͵ τρίτος ἄλλος ὃς ἐν πυρὶ τὴν χθόνα θάλπει. Ἀρχαῖς γὰρ τρισὶ ταῖσδε λάβροις δουλεύει ἅπαντα.

74....Principle Source.

74 ... κρηνήϊος ἀρχή.

75. ⁴¹...the Principle channel is inclined under them.

75 ... ὑποκέκλιται αὐταῖς ἀρχικὸς αὐλών.

76. Many of these leap forth and stand upon shining worlds. Among these are three summits: < that of fire, ether, and matter >

76 Πολλαὶ μὲν δὴ αἵδε ἐπεμβαίνουσι φαεινοῖς κόσμοις ἐνθρῴσκουσαι· ἐν αἷς ἀκρότητες ἔασιν τρεῖς· πυρίη γ΄ ἠδ΄ αἰθερίη καὶ ὑλώδης.

77. The (Iynges) which are thought by the Father also think themselves, since they are moved by his unspeakable counsels so as to think.

77 αἵ γε νοούμεναι ἐκ πατρόθεν νοέουσι καὶ αὐταί͵ βουλαῖς ἀφθέγκτοις κινούμεναι ὥστε νοῆσαι.

78....they are couriers...^),

78 ... διαπόρθμιοι ἑστῶτες ...

79. Every world possesses unbending, Intellectual Supports.

79 Πᾶς ἴσχει κόσμος νοεροὺς ἀνοχῆας ἀκαμπεῖς.

80. But also, all those things which serve Material Connectors.

80 ἀλλὰ καὶ ὑλαίοις ὅσα δουλεύει συνοχεῦσιν.

81. All things yield to the intellectual Lightning-bolts of the intellectual Fire, serving the persuasive will of the Father.

81 Τοῖς δὲ πυρὸς νοεροῦ νοεροῖς πρηστῆρσιν ἅπαντα εἴκαθε δουλεύοντα πατρὸς πειθηνίδι βουλῇ.

82. He has given the summits the protection of his (intellectual) Lightning-bolts, having mixed his own force of strength among the Connectors.

82 Φρουρεῖν αὖ πρηστῆρσιν ἑοῖς ἀκρότητας ἔδωκεν ἐγκεράσας ἀλκῆς ἴδιον μένος ἐν συνοχεῦσιν.

83. , `...unifiers...

83 ... ὁλοποιοί.

84. For (the First Connector), encompassing all things exists, himself, entirely outside.

84 ... αὐτὸς πᾶς ἔξω ὑπάρχει.

85....wing of fire...

85 ... ταρσὸν τοῦ πυρός ...

86. ``...ruler of souls Teletarch.

86 ... ψυχοκράτωρ τελετάρχης.

87. But a holy name, in sleepless motion, leaps into the worlds at the hasty command of the Father.

87 ἀλλ΄ ὄνομα σεμνὸν καὶ ἀκοιμήτῳ στροφάλιγγι κόσμοις ἐνθρῷσκον κραιπνὴν διὰ πατρὸς ἐνιπήν.

88. [Nature] persuades us to believe that the demons are pure, and that the offspring of evil matter are good and useful.

88 [ἡ φύσις] πείθει πιστεύειν εἶναι τοὺς δαίμονας ἁγνούς͵ καὶ τὰ κακῆς ὕλης βλαστήματα χρηστὰ καὶ ἐσθλά.

89....bestial and shameless,

89 ... θηροπόλον καὶ ἀναιδές.

90....from the hollows of the earth leap chthonian dogs, who never show a true sign to a mortal.

90 ... ἐκ δ΄ ἄρα κόλπων γαίης θρῴσκουσιν χθόνιοι κύνες οὔποτ΄ ἀληθὲς σῆμα βροτῷ δεικνύντες.

91. Driver (fern.) of dogs of the air, earth, and water.

91 ἠερίων ἐλάτειρα κυνῶν χθονίων τε καὶ ὑγρῶν.

92....aquatic.

92 ... ὑδροβατῆρας.

93....multiflowing tribes

93 ... πολυχεύμονα φῦλα.

94....Intellect in Soul, but in the sluggish body he has placed our <soul> , he, the Father of gods and men.

94 ... νοῦν μὲν ψυχῇ͵ ψυχὴν δ΄ ἐνὶ σώματι ἀργῷ ἡμέας ἐγκατέθηκε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε.

95....is placed in the heart

95 ... ἐγκάρδιον ἐνθείς.

96. Because the Soul, existing as a radiant fire by the power of the Father, remains immortal. It is the Mistress of Life and possesses full measures of the many wombs <of the world>.

96 Ὅττι ψυχή͵ πῦρ δυνάμει πατρὸς οὖσα φαεινόν͵ ἀθάνατός τε μένει καὶ ζωῆς δεσπότις ἐστὶν καὶ ἴσχει κόσμου πολλῶν πληρώματα κόλπων.

97.  <Taking wing>, the soul of mortals will press God into itself. And possessing nothing mortal, the soul is completely intoxicated <by God>. Therefore, boast of the harmony under which the mortal body exists.

97 Ἀμπταμένη ψυχὴ μερόπων θεὸν ἄγξει ἐς αὑτήν͵ κ΄ οὐδὲν θνητὸν ἔχουσα ὅλη θεόθεν μεμέθυσται· ἁρμονίαν αὔχει γάρ͵ ὑφ΄ ᾗ πέλε σῶμα βρότειον.

98. The ethers have strengthened the body of a sacred man.

98 Ἀνδρὸς δὴ ἱεροῦ δέμας αἰθέρες οἰκοδόμησαν.

99....to serve (generation), but having served with an untamed neck...

99 ... θητεύειν͵ ἀλλ΄ ἀδαμάστῳ τωὐχένι θητευούσας

100. squalid,

100 αὐχμηράν.

101....do not invoke the self-revealed image of Nature.

101 ... μὴ φύσεως καλέσῃς αὔτοπτον ἄγαλμα.

102. Do not gaze at Nature; her name is Destiny.

102 Μὴ φύσιν ἐμβλέψῃς· εἱμαρμένον οὔνομα τῆσδε.

103. Do not aid in increasing Destiny...

103 μηδὲ συναυξήσῃς θεἰμαρμένον ...

104....do not defile the pneuma nor deepen the surface.

104 ... μὴ πνεῦμα μολύνῃς μηδὲ βαθύνῃς τοὐπίπεδον.

105....not to quench in your mind...

105 ... φρενὶ μὴ σβέσαι ...

106....0, man, cunning creation of an impudent nature.

106 ... τολμηρᾶς φύσεως͵ ἄνθρωπε͵ τέχνασμα.

107. Do not cast into your mind the huge measures of earth, for the plant of truth does not exist on earth. Do not measure the extent of the sun by joining rods together, for he is borne along by the eternal will of the Father and not for your sake. Let be the rushing motion of the moon; she forever runs her course by the action of Necessity. The starry procession has not been brought forth for you sake. The wide-winged flight of birds is never true, nor the cuttings and entrails of sacrificial victims. All these are playthings, the props of commercial fraud. Flee these things, if you would open the sacred paradise of piety, where virtue, wisdom, and good order are brought together.

107 Μὴ τὰ πελώρια μέτρα γύης ὑπὸ σὴν φρένα βάλλου· οὐ γὰρ ἀληθείης φυτὸν ἐν χθονί ἐστιν. Μηδὲ μέτρει μέτρον ἠελίου κανόνας συναθροίσας· ἀϊδίῳ βουλῇ φέρεται πατρός͵ οὐχ ἕνεκεν σοῦ. Μήνης ῥοῖζον ἔασον· ἀεὶ τρέχει ἔργῳ ἀνάγκης. Ἀστέριον προπόρευμα σέθεν χάριν οὐκ ἐλοχεύθη. Αἴθριος ὀρνίθων ταρσὸς πλατὺς οὔποτ΄ ἀληθής͵ οὐ θυσιῶν σπλάγχνων τε τομαί· τάδ΄ ἀθύρματα πάντα͵ ἐμπορικῆς ἀπάτης στηρίγματα. Φεῦγε σὺ ταῦτα͵ μέλλων εὐσεβίης ἱερὸν παράδεισον ἀνοίγειν͵ ἔνθ΄ ἀρετὴ σοφία τε καὶ εὐνομία συνάγονται.

108. For the Paternal Intellect has sown symbols throughout the cosmos, (the Intellect) which thinks the intelligibles. And (these intelligibles) are called inexpressible beauties.

108 Σύμβολα γὰρ πατρικὸς νόος ἔσπειρεν κατὰ κόσμον͵ ὃς τὰ νοητὰ νοεῖ· καὶ κάλλη ἄφραστα καλεῖται.

109. But the Paternal Intellect does not receive the will of (the soul) until (the soul) emerges from forgetfulness and speaks a word, remembering the pure, paternal token.

109 Ἀλλ΄ οὐκ εἰσδέχεται κείνης τὸ θέλειν πατρικὸς νοῦς͵ μέχρις ἂν ἐξέλθῃ λήθης καὶ ῥῆμα λαλήσῃ μνήμην ἐνθεμένη πατρικοῦ συνθήματος ἁγνοῦ.

110. Seek out the channel of the soul, from where it <descended > in a certain order to serve the body; < and> seek <how > you will raise it up again to its order by combining (ritual) action with a sacred word.

110 Δίζεο καὶ ψυχῆς ὀχετόν͵ ὅθεν ἔν τινι τάξει σώματι θητεύσασ΄ ὑπέβη καὶ πῶς ἐπὶ τάξιν αὖθις ἀναστήσεις͵ ἱερῷ λόγῳ ἔργον ἑνώσας.

111. Urging yourself onward to the center of the clamorous light,

111 κέντρῳ ἐπισπέρχων σαυτὸν φωτὸς κελάδοντος.

112. Let the immortal depth of your soul be opened. May all of your eyes stretch upward on high.

112 Οἰγνύσθω ψυχῆς βάθος ἄμβροτον· ὄμματα πάντα ἄρδην ἐκπέτασον ἄνω.

113. A thinking mortal must hold the soul in check, so that it might not fall in with ill-fated earth but be saved.

113 χρὴ δὲ χαλινῶσαι ψυχὴν βροτὸν ὄντα νοητόν͵ ὄφρα μὴ ἐγκύρσῃ χθονὶ δυσμόρῳ͵ ἀλλὰ σαωθῇ.

114....submerged in the passions of the earth, and be destroyed by the necessities of Nature, as one of the gods says.

114 ... βαπτισθεῖσα χθονὸς οἴστροις.

115. You must hasten toward the light and toward the rays of the Father, from where the soul, clothed in mighty intellect, has been sent to you.

115 Χρή σε σπεύδειν πρὸς τὸ φάος καὶ πρὸς Πατρὸς αὐγάς͵ ἔνθεν ἐπέμφθη σοι ψυχὴ πολὺν ἑσσαμένη νοῦν.

116. For the Divine is accessible not to mortals who think corporeally, but to all those who, naked, hasten upward toward the heights,

116 οὐ γὰρ ἐφικτὰ τὰ θεῖα βροτοῖς τοῖς σῶμα νοοῦσιν͵ ἀλλ΄ ὅσσοι γυμνῆτες ἄνω σπεύδουσι πρὸς ὕψος.

117. saved through their own strength...

117 σωζόμεναι δι΄ ἑῆς ἀλκῆς ...

118. To some, (God) has granted (the ability) to apprehend the symbol of light through instruction. Others, however, he has fructified with their own strength while they are sleeping.

118 τοῖς δὲ διδακτὸν ἔδωκε φάους γνώρισμα λαβέσθαι· τοὺς δὲ καὶ ὑπνώοντας ἑῆς ἐνεκάρπισεν ἀλκῆς.

119....strength that binds us to God

119 ... θεοσυνδέτου ἀλκῆς.

120....delicate vehicle of the soul.

120 ... ψυχῆς λεπτὸν ὄχημα.

121. For the mortal who has approached the fire will possess the light from God.

121 τῷ πυρὶ γὰρ βρότος ἐμπελάσας φάος ἕξει.

122. By making the soul bright with fire...

122 τὴν ψυχὴν φέγγουσα πυρί ...

123. (continues fr. 122) And (the order of angels) causes a separation with matter by...lightening (the soul) with a warm breath,

123 ... πνεύματι θερμῷ κουφίζουσα ...

124. Those who, by inhaling, drive out the soul, are free.

124 ψυχῆς ἐξωστῆρες ἀνάπνοοι εὔλυτοί εἰσιν.

125....lights which are set free,

125 ... εὔλυτα φέγγη.

126. has lit the fire...

126 πυρσὸν ἀνάψασ΄ ...

127. On all sides, the reins of fire extend from the unformed soul.

127 πάντοθεν ἀπλάστῳ ψυχῇ πυρὸς ἡνία τεῖνον.

128....if you extend your mind, illumined by fire, to the work of piety, you will also save the flowing body.

128 ... ἐκτείνας πύριον νοῦν ἔργον ἐπ΄ εὐσεβίης ῥευστὸν καὶ σῶμα σαώσεις.

129. Save also the mortal covering of bitter matter,

129 Σώζετε καὶ τὸ πικρᾶς ὕλης περίβλημα βρότειον.

130. flee the shameful wing of allotted fate, and rest in God, drawing in the flowering flames which come down from the Father. From these flames, as they are descending, the soul plucks the soul-nourished flower of fiery fruits.

130 Μοίρης εἱμαρτῆς τὸ πτερὸν φεύγουσιν ἀναιδές͵ ἐν δὲ θεῷ κεῖνται πυρσοὺς ἕλκουσαι ἀκμαίους ἐκ πατρόθεν κατιόντας͵ ἀφ΄ ὧν ψυχὴ κατιόντων ἐμπυρίων δρέπεται καρπῶν ψυχοτρόφον ἄνθος.

131....sing a hymn to Paean.

131 ... τὸν παιᾶνα ἀείδειν.

132....keep silent, initiate.

132 ... σῖγ΄ ἔχε͵ μύστα.

133. Above all, let the priest himself who governs the works of fire, be sprinkled with the icy billow of the deep-roaring sea, as the oracle says about him.

133 Αὐτὸς δ΄ ἐν πρώτοις ἱερεὺς πυρὸς ἔργα κυβερνῶν κύματι ῥαινέσθω παγερῷ βαρυηχέος ἅλμης.

134. Do not hasten to the light-hating world, boisterous of matter, where there is murder, discord, foul odors, squalid illnesses, corruptions, and fluctuating works. He who intends to love the Intellect of the Father must flee these things.

134 ( Inscriptio™ λόγιον) Μηδ΄ ἐπὶ μισοφαῆ κόσμον σπεύδειν λάβρον ὕλης͵ ἔνθα φόνος στάσιές τε καὶ ἀργαλέων φύσις ἀτμῶν αὐχμηραί τε νόσοι καὶ σήψιες ἔργα τε ῥευστά· ταῦτα χρεὼ φεύγειν τὸν ἐρᾶν μέλλοντα πατρὸς νοῦ.

135. For you must not gaze at them until you have your body initiated. Being terrestrial, these ill-tempered dogs are shameless. they enchant souls, forever turning them away from the rites.

135 Οὐ γὰρ χρὴ κείνους σε βλέπειν πρὶν σῶμα τελεσθῇς· ὄντες γὰρ χθόνιοι χαλεποὶ κύνες εἰσὶν ἀναιδεῖς καὶ ψυχὰς θέλγοντες ἀεὶ τελετῶν ἀπάγουσιν.

136. For no other reason does God turn away from man and, with his living power, send him on empty pathways,

136 Οὐδενὸς εἵνεκεν ἄλλου ἀποστρέφεται θεὸς ἄνδρα καὶ ζώσῃ δυνάμει κενεὰς ἐπὶ πέμπει ἀταρπούς.

137....shines as an angel, living in power.

137 ... θέει ἄγγελος ἐν δυνάμει ζῶν.

138....in the angelic order.

138 ... ἀγγελικῷ ἐνὶ χώρῳ.

139....the fire-heated thought...

139 ... τὴν περιθαλπῆ ἔννοιαν ...

140. To a mortal tarrying (in prayer), the blessed ones are quick (to act).

140 Δηθύνοντι βροτῷ κραιπνοὶ μάκαρες τελέθουσιν.

141. It is the loosing of the god when the sluggish mortal inclines toward that place.

141 Ἔκλυσις ἐστι θεοῦ νωθρὸς βροτὸς ἐς τάδε νεύων.

142....bodies have been attached to our self-revealed apparitions for your sakes...

142 ... σώματα τοῖς αὐτόπτοις φάσμασιν ὑμῶν εἵνεκεν ἐνδέδεται ...

143. the corporeal nature onto which you have been grafted...

143 (διὰ τὴν) σωματικὴν εἰς ἣν ἐνεκεντρίσθητε φύσιν ...

144. ... the unformed are formed,

144 ... τὰ ἀτύπωτα τυποῦσθαι.

145....to perceive the shape of light which has been stretched forth.

145 ... νοεῖν μορφὴν φωτὸς προταθεῖσαν.

146....after this invocation, (it says) you will either see a fire, similar to a child, extended by bounds over the billow of air, or you will see a formless fire, from which a voice is sent forth, or you will see a sumptuous light, rushing like a spiral around the field. But you may even see a horse, more dazzling than light, or even a child mounted on the nimble back of a horse, (a child) of fire or covered with gold or, again, a naked (child) or even (a child) shooting a bow and standing on the back (of a horse).

146 ... ταῦτ΄ ἐπιφωνήσας ἢ παιδὶ κατόψῃ πῦρ ἵκελον σκιρτηδὸν ἐπ΄ ἠέρος οἶδμα τιταῖνον· ἢ καὶ πῦρ ἀτύπωτον͵ ὅθεν φωνὴν προθέουσαν· ἢ φῶς πλούσιον ἀμφὶ γύην ῥοιζαῖον ἑλιχθέν· ἀλλὰ καὶ ἵππον ἰδεῖν φωτὸς πλέον ἀστράπτοντα ἢ καὶ παῖδα θοοῖς νώτοις ἐποχούμενον ἵππου͵ ἔμπυρον ἢ χρυσῷ πεπυκασμένον ἢ πάλι γυμνόν͵ ἢ καὶ τοξεύοντα καὶ ἑστηῶτ΄ ἐπὶ νώτοις.

147. If you speak to me often, you will perceive everything in lion-form. For neither does the curved mass of heaven appear then nor do the stars shine. The light of the moon is hidden, and the earth is not firmly secured, but everything is seen by flashes of lightning.

147 Πολλάκις ἢν λέξῃς μοι͵ ἀθρήσεις πάντα λέοντα. Οὔτε γὰρ οὐράνιος κυρτὸς τότε φαίνεται ὄγκος͵ ἀστέρες οὐ λάμπουσι͵ τὸ μήνης φῶς κεκάλυπται͵ χθὼν οὐχ ἕστηκεν· βλέπεται δέ τε πάντα κεραυνοῖς.

148. But when you see the formless, very holy fire shining by leaps and bounds throughout the depths of the whole world, (then) listen to the voice of the fire.

148 Ἡνίκα δὲ βλέψῃς μορφῆς ἄτερ εὐίερον πῦρ λαμπόμενον σκιρτηδὸν ὅλου κατὰ βένθεα κόσμου͵ κλῦθι πυρὸς φωνήν.

149. When you perceive an earthly demon approaching, offer the mnizouris stone while making an invocation...

149 Ἡνίκα δαίμονα δ΄ ἐρχόμενον πρόσγειον ἀθρήσεις͵ θῦε λίθον μνίζουριν ἐπαυδῶν ...

150. Do not change the nomina barbara;

150 ὀνόματα βάρβαρα μήποτ΄ ἀλλάξῃς.

151....Connectors...

151 ... συνοχηΐδας ...

152....without parts...

152 ... ἀμιστύλλευτος ...

153. For the theurgists do not fall into the herd which is subject to Destiny.

153 οὐ γὰρ ὑφ΄ εἱμαρτὴν ἀγέλην πίπτουσι θεουργοί.

154....who are going about in herds,

154 ... ἀγεληδὸν ἰόντων.

155. hard to bend and weighted from behind, and without a share, light.

155 δύσκαμπτος καὶ ὀπισθοβαρὴς καὶ φωτὸς ἄμοιρος.

156. For they do not differ in great measure from dogs without reason,

156 Οἵδε γὰρ οὐκ ἀπέχουσι κυνῶν ἀλόγων πολὺ μέτρον.

157.  <For > earthly beasts will occupy your vessel.

157 Σὸν δὲ γὰρ ἀγγεῖον θῆρες χθονὸς οἰκήσουσιν.

158. And you will not leave behind the dregs of matter on a precipice, but there is also a portion for the image in the place surrounded with light.

158 Οὐδὲ τὸ τῆς ὕλης σκύβαλον κρημνῷ καταλείψεις͵ ἀλλὰ καὶ εἰδώλῳ μερὶς εἰς τόπον ἀμφιφάοντα.

159....because the souls of men who have left the body by force are accursed...

159 ... βίῃ ὅτι σῶμα λιπόντων ψυχαὶ ἀρηΐφατοι καθαρώτεραι ἢ ἐπὶ νούσοις.

160. indissoluble law from the blessed ones... that the human soul passes over again to a human life and not to the life of beasts.' '

160 Θεσμὸν ἀπαὶ μακάρων ... ἄλυτον ... αὖτις ἐπ΄ ἀνθρώπων περάαν βίον͵ οὐκ ἐπὶ θηρῶν.

161....avengers, stranglers of men...

161 ... ποιναὶ μερόπων ἄγκτειραι ...

162. Ha! Ha! The earth howls at them up to the time of their children.

162 Ἆ ἆ τούσδε κατωρύεται χθὼν ἐς τέκνα μέχρις.

163. Do not stoop below into the dark-gleaming world beneath which an abyss is spread, forever formless and invisible, dark all around, foul, delighting in images, without reason, precipitous, twisted, forever revolving around its maimed depth, forever wedded to an invisible shape, idle, without breath.

163 Μηδὲ κάτω νεύσῃς εἰς τὸν μελαναυγέα κόσμον͵ ᾧ βυθὸς αἰὲν ἄμορφος ὑπέστρωται καὶ ἀειδής͵ ἀμφικνεφὴς ῥυπόων εἰδωλοχαρὴς ἀνόητος κρημνώδης σκολιὸς πηρὸν βάθος αἰὲν ἑλίσσων͵ αἰεὶ νυμφεύων ἀφανὲς δέμας ἀργὸν ἄπνευμον.

164. Do not stoop below. A precipice lies beneath the earth, drawing (the soul) down from the staircase of seven steps.

164 Μηδὲ κάτω νεύσῃς· κρημνὸς κατὰ γῆς ὑπόκειται͵ ἑπταπόρου σύρων κατὰ βαθμίδος ...

165. Seek paradise...

165 Ζήτησον παράδεισον ...

166....do not release (the soul), lest it come forth possessing something (evil)...

166 ... μὴ ΄ξάξῃς͵ ἵνα μή τι ἔχουσα ἐξίῃ ...

167. Center, from which all things are equal up to the rim.

167 κέντρον͵ ἀφ΄ οὗ πᾶσαι μέχρις ἄντυγος ἶσαι ἔασιν.

168....holding fast the three-winged Principle, as the oracle says.

168 ... κατέχων τὴν τρίπτερον ἀρχήν.

169....Once Transcendent,

169 ... ἅπαξ ἐπέκεινα (δὶς ἐπέκεινα).

170. cities, men and all, are destroyed...

170 αὐτάνδρους πόλεάς γ΄ ἀπολέσθαι ...

171. so that we do not flow into a wretched stream from forgetfulness.

171 Μηδέ ποτ΄ ἐκ λήθης ῥεύσωμεν χεῦμα ταπεινόν.

172....by which many are pulled down into twisted streams,

172 (ὕλης͵) ἧς κατασύρονται πολλοὶ σκολιοῖσι ῥεέθροις.

173....primordial matter...

173 ... τὴν πρωτογενῆ ὕλην ...

174. To others she provides life; to herself, far more,

174 ἡ δ΄ ἑτέροις παρέχει τὸ ζῆν͵ πολὺ μᾶλλον ἑαυτῇ.

175. : And First Power of the sacred word...

175 καὶ δύναμιν πρώτην ἱεροῦ λόγου ...

176. ``...throwing the feet beneath the step, ,,

176 ... ὑπερβάθμιον πόδα ῥιπτῶν.

177.  ‘^,...the Teletarchs assist the Connectors,

177 ... οἱ μὲν τελετάρχαι τοῖς συνοχεῦσι συνείληνται ...

178....the inaccessible recesses of (the) mind.

178 ... ἀβάτοις σηκοῖς διανοίας.

179....Source of every division,

179 ... πάσης τμήσιος ἄρχειν.

180....the turbulence of matter...

180 τῆς ὕλης τὸ λάβρον ...

181....the light-hating world...

181 ... ὁ μισοφαὴς κόσμος ...

182....thoughtful reality.

182 ... ἡ πολύφρων ἀτρέκεια.

183....the real is in the depth.

183 ... τὸ δ΄ ἀτρεκὲς ἐν βαθεῖ ἐστι.

184. serves the Ethereal depth...

184 δουλεύων βάθει αἰθερίῳ ...

185....Time of Time...^),

185 ... χρόνου χρόνος ...

186....our rushing vessel.

186 ... ῥόθιον κύτος ἡμῶν.

186 bis...a multiformed image...

186bis ... ψυχῆς πάμμορφον ἄγαλμα.

VARIOUS CHALDEAN EXPRESSIONS

187. Unageing

187 ἀγήραος.

188. Independent of Zones

188 ἄζωνος.

189. Faces on all Sides

189 ἀμφιπρόσωπος.

190. Leading Upward

190 ἀναγωγός.

191. Ineffable

191 ἄφθεγκτος.

192. Implicated in Matter

192 ἔνυλος.

193. To be Vehicled

193 ἐποχεῖσθαι.

194. Seven-Rayed

194 ἑπτάκτις.

195. Linked to the Zones

195 ζωναῖος.

196. Defilement

196 κηλίς.

197. Key

197 κλείς.

198. Hidden

198 (ὁ) κρύφιος (διάκοσμος).

199. Unrolled in a Circle

199 κυκλοέλικτος.

200. To Intercalate

200 μεσεμβολεῖν.

201. Vehicle

201 ὄχημα.

202. Court Open to All

202 πανδεκτικὴ αὐλή.

203. Chain

203 σειρά.

204. To be Scattered

204 σκίδνασθαι.

205. Firmaments

205 στερεώματα.

206. Magic Wheel

206 στρόφαλος.

207. Connector

207 συνοχεύς.

208. Conjunction

208 σύστασις.

209. Supermundane (See fr. 59, introduction, for context.)

209 ὑπερκόσμιος.

210. Chalcis...Kumindis

210 χαλκίς ... κύμινδις.

210a To Refrain from Mallow

tiαλάχης όπYχεσσαι

210b To Drink Milk

γαλακτοποτεΪν

210c Hand 

χείρ

DOUBTFUL FRAGMENTS

211. The wretched heart of the recipient does not support me,

211 οὐ φέρει με τοῦ δοχῆος ἡ τάλαινα καρδία.

212  Those things which Intellect says, it doubtless says by thinking.

212 ἃ δὴ λέγει νοῦς͵ τῷ νοεῖν δήπου λέγει.

213. Flee swiftly from earthly passions, flee far away, you who possess the superior eye of the soul and the steadfast rays, so that the great, heavy reins of the body might be held in check by a pure soul and the ethereal radiance of the Father.

213 Φεῦγε τάχος χθονίων παθέων ἄπο͵ τηλόσε φεῦγε͵ ψυχῆς ὄμμα φέριστον ἔχων καὶ ἀκλινέας αὐγάς͵ σώματος ὡς ἀνέχοιτο μέγα βρίθοντα χαλινὰ ἐκ καθαρῆς ψυχῆς τε καὶ αἰθερίης πατρὸς αἴγλης.

214. All splendid gifts come to mankind from God, whether He has produced something good and happy, or something excellent, or something lovely. Beautiful gifts from God are prepared for all. The power of an immeasurable God and (his) limitless strength hold sway over all things, and He rules alone over everything.

214 Πάντα γὰρ ἀνθρώποισι Θεοῦ πέλει ἀγλαὰ δῶρα· εἴτ΄ ἀγαθόν τι πέφυκε καὶ ὄλβιον͵ εἴ τι φέριστον͵ εἴ τι ἐραστόν͵ πᾶσι Θεοῦ καλὰ δῶρα τέτυκται ... Κάρτος ἀμετρήτοιο θεοῦ καὶ ἀπείριτος ἀλκὴ πάντων μὲν κρατέει͵ πάντεσσι δὲ μοῦνος ἀνάσσει.

215. There are two demons according to men, and of these, there are two races. Those who roam over the ever flourishing earth < are commanded > by the sovereignty of Zeus to assist men. For Zeus is the dispenser of all goods and evils. He is the one who determines the length of life for those who are brought into the world and who mixes the mortal body with both worthless and valuable things. Whoever in his wisdom would conciliate these demons and know what works please them, would excel all others in understanding and noble deeds, bearing noble gifts from a noble (benefactor) and fleeing common things.

215 Δοιοὶ δαίμονές εἰσι κατ΄ ἀνέρα· δοιὰ δὲ τούτων ἔθνεα· οἳ κατὰ γαῖαν ἀεὶ τεθαλυῖαν ἀλῶνται͵ παρμίμνειν μερόπεσσι τεταγμένοι ἐκ Διὸς ἀρχῆς. Ζεὺς γάρ τοι δωτὴρ πάντων ἀγαθῶν τε κακῶν τε͵ ὃς καὶ τικτομένοισι χρόνον ζωῆς ἀφορίζει͵ καμμίξας φαύλοισι καλοῖσί τε σῶμα βρότειον. Κείνους δαίμονας ὅστις ἑῇ σοφίῃ προσέλοιτο͵ γνώμην τε σχοίη͵ ποίοις χαίρουσιν ἐν ἔργοις͵ πάντων ἂν προφέροιτο νόῳ καὶ πράξεσιν ἐσλαῖς͵ ἐσθλὰ παρ΄ ἐσθλοῦ δῶρα φέρων καὶ φαῦλα προφεύγων.

216. Nymphs of the springs and all water spirits; hollows of the earth, air, and beneath the solar rays; male and female lunar riders of all matter—heavenly, stellar, and fathomless.

216 Νύμφαι πηγαῖαι καὶ ἐνύδρια πνεύματα πάντα καὶ χθόνιοι κόλποι τε καὶ ἠέριοι καὶ ὕπαυγοι μηναῖοι πάσης ἐπιβήτορες ἠδ΄ ἐπιβῆται ὕλης οὐρανίας τε καὶ ἀστερίας καὶ ἀβύσσου.

217. A sweet desire takes hold of all (souls) to dwell forever on Olympus as companions of the immortal gods. But not all are permitted to set foot in these halls. It is not whoever has thoughtfully placed his intention on the entrails (of sacrificial victims) who will immediately go to Olympus after the dissolution of the body, rising aloft on the light wings of the soul, but whoever [is wise...]

217 Πάσας μὲν γὰρ ἔχει γλυκερὸς πόθος͵ ὥς κεν Ὄλυμπον ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσι συνέμποροι αἰὲν ἔχωσιν· οὐ πάσαις δὲ θεμίστ΄ ἐπιβῆναι τῶνδε μελάθρων ... Οὐχ ὅστις σπλάγχνοισιν ἐπίφρονα θήκατο βουλὴν ἤδη καὶ πρὸς Ὄλυμπον ἀποσκεδάσας τόδε σῶμα ᾖξεν ἀειρόμενος ψυχῆς κούφαις πτερύγεσσιν͵ ἀλλ΄ ὅστις σο[φ]...

218. Ah! Indeed! They are exceedingly, nay, eminently, the most blessed of all souls who pour themselves forth from heaven onto earth. But most blessed are those who possess an unutterable Destiny; all those, lord, who are born from your radiance and even from Zeus, himself, by the thread of a mighty Destiny.

218 ῏Η μάλα δὴ κεῖναί γε μακάρταται ἔξοχα πασῶν ψυχάων ποτὶ γαῖαν ἀπ΄ οὐρανόθεν προχέονται· κεῖναι δ΄ ὄλβισταί τε καὶ οὐ φατὰ νήματ΄ ἔχουσαι͵ ὅσσαι ἀπ΄ αἰγλήεντος͵ ἄναξ͵ σέθεν͵ ἠδὲ καὶ αὐτοῦ ἐκ Διὸς ἐξεγένοντο͵ μίτου κρατερῆς ὑπ΄ ἀνάγκης.

219. After daybreak, boundless, full of stars, I left the great, undefiled house of God and descended to life-nourishing earth at your request, and by the persuasion of ineffable words with which a mortal man delights in gladdening the hearts of immortals.

219 Ἠέριον μετὰ φέγγος ἀπείριτον ἀστεροπληθὲς ἄχραντον πολὺ δῶμα θεοῦ λίπον͵ ἠδ΄ ἐπιβαίνω γαίης ζωοτρόφοιο τεῇς ὑποθημοσύνῃσι πειθοῖ τ΄ ἀρρήτων ἐπέων͵ οἷς δὴ φρένα τέρπειν ἀθανάτων ἕαδε θνητὸς βροτός ...

220. Listen to me, although I do not wish it, since you have bound me by Necessity.

220 Κλῦθί μευ οὐκ ἐθέλοντος͵ ἐπεί μ΄ ἐπέδησας ἀνάγκῃ.

221. Why, from the eternally coursing ether, do you need to invoke me, the goddess Hecate, by constraints which bind the gods?

221 Τίπτε μ΄ ἀεὶ θείοντος ἀπ΄ αἰθέρος ὧδε χατίζων θειοδάμοις Ἑκάτην με θεὴν ἐκάλεσσας ἀνάγκαις;

222. I have come, hearkening to your very eloquent prayer, which the nature of mortals has discovered at the suggestion of the gods.

222 ῎Ηλυθον εἰσαΐουσα τεῆς πολυφράδμονος εὐχῆς͵ ἣν θνητῶν φύσις εὗρε θεῶν ὑποθημοσύνῃσι.

223. Drawing them down from the ether by unspeakable spells, you brought them easily to this earth against their will. But (the demons) in the middle—the ones who stand on the midmost gales far from the divine fire—you treat (these) demons shamefully and send them to mortals as prophetic dreams.

223 Τοὺς μὲν ἀπορρήτοις ἐρύων ἴυγξιν ἀπ΄ αἴθρης ῥηϊδίως ἀέκοντας ἐπὶ χθόνα τήνδε κατῆγες͵ τοὺς δὲ μέσους μεσάτοισιν ἐπεμβεβαῶτας ἀήταις νόσφι πυρὸς θείοιο πανομφέας ὥσπερ ὀνείρους εἰσκρίνεις μερόπεσσιν͵ ἀεικέα δαίμονας ἔρδων.

224. But execute my statue, purifying it as I shall instruct you. Make a form from wild rue and decorate it with small animals, such as lizards which live about the house. Rub a mixture of myrrh, gum, and frankincense with these animals, and out in the clear air under the waxing moon, complete this (statue) yourself while offering the following prayer.

224 Ἀλλὰ τέλει ξόανον͵ κεκαθαρμένον ὥς σε διδάξω· πηγάνου ἐξ ἀγρίοιο δέμας ποίει͵ ἠδ΄ ἐπικόσμει ζῴοισιν λεπτοῖσι͵ κατοικιδίοις σκαλαβώταις͵ σμύρνης καὶ στύρακος λιβάνοιό τε μίγματα τρίψας σὺν κείνοις ζώοισι͵ καὶ αἰθριάσας ὑπὸ μήνην αὔξουσαν͵ τέλει αὐτὸς ἐπευχόμενος τήνδ΄ εὐχήν.

225. Finally, loosen the lord. The mortal no longer makes room for the god.

225 Λύετε λοιπὸν ἄνακτα· βροτὸς θεὸν οὐκέτι χωρεῖ.

226. associate of Helios, gazing upon the holy, celestial pole.  

226 Ἠελίοιο πάρεδρος ἐπισκοπέων πόλον ἁγνόν.