Theurgia. Or, the Egyptian Mysteries

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This historic book may contain numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book from the publisher. The Pythagorean school explored how music influences the soul's dispositions, producing effects such as exartysis (adaptation), synarmoga (elegance of manners), and epaphe (contact). They utilized specific songs to purify the reasoning power at night, promoting tranquil sleep and positive dreams. Upon waking, they employed different songs to shake off the heaviness of sleep. Additionally, they believed that music alone could heal the soul's passions and certain ailments, leading to the term "epode," meaning enchantment. Proclus, in his commentary on Plato's First Alcibiades, notes that musical instruments can be classified as repressive or motive. Repressive instruments are beneficial for education, calming youth and instilling order, while motive instruments are used to inspire energy, particularly in mystical rituals. Thus, Pythagoras harnessed music to effect positive changes in human behavior and lives.