Iamblichus On the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians

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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 (without typos) from the publisher. In 1895, it was not illustrated. The text explores the Pythagorean school’s use of music to influence the soul's dispositions. They employed specific songs for exartysis (adaptation), synarmoga (elegance of manners), and epaphe (contact), effectively guiding the soul's emotions away from negative passions. Before sleep, they purified their reasoning from daily disturbances through particular odes, ensuring tranquil rest and positive dreams. Upon waking, they used different songs to shake off the heaviness of sleep. Additionally, musical sounds alone, without words, were believed to 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 serve different purposes: some are repressive, aiding in education by calming youthful turbulence, while others are motive, inspiring energy and enthusiasm. In mystic rituals, for instance, the pipe's energetic sound is utilized to stimulate reasoning and emotional engagement. Thus, Pythagoras harnessed music to foster beneficial changes in human behavior and life.