For the Love of the Gods, the History and Modern Practice of Theurgy, Our Pagan Inheritance
Now available on Amazon as an ebook from Mnemosyne Press. Order here!
For the Love of the Gods tells the epic story of theurgy, from its roots in ancient Egypt to its modern day practice. The lives and passions of the early Pagan philosophers come alive in these pages, immersing you in the bustling cities and diverse cultures that spawned theurgy as we know it today. Theurgy is best understood when it is deeply experienced. The stories presented here re-create the experience of these ancient practices and show how they were passed down through generations of teachers and students of differing ethnicities, genders, and ages.
It’s commonly believed that ancient Pagan theurgy traditions were erased from the earth and replaced by monotheistic religions―but this is a myth. The way to the gods was never lost. For the Love of the Gods shares step-by-step instructions for theurgic rituals, so that you can create relationships with the gods and love them as the ancients did. Discover how to offer devotionals, create living statues, invoke into yourself and others, and achieve personal communion so that you, too, may dwell in the happy presence of the divine.
Find “For the Love of the Gods: The History and Modern Practice of Theurgy” on:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Praise for the book
“In For the Love of the Gods, Brandy Williams brings teachers, gods, ancestors, and guides to life. Williams writes with such love and devotion that it’s easy to come present in stories of our collective ancient history. When it comes to practice, Williams offers both academic rigor and grounded accessibility – which is an amazing balance to achieve. The foremost theurgist and woman magician, Williams offers us a magickal history peopled by powerful women teachers, ancestors, and gods. This book is a gift of love, and a rousing love song to past, present, and future generations of women magickians.”
–Lasara Firefox Allen, author of Jailbreaking the Goddess, Lasara Firefox Allen
“Brandy Williams was one of the first modern Pagans to recognize the importance of NeoPlatonism. Many of us relied on her research to jumpstart our own. For many years, the surviving texts of theurgy were either completely unavailable to the public or available only in archaic translations in sexist language. Few Pagans found these texts approachable, let alone inspiring. Brandy’s presentations on NeoPlatonic theurgy at Pagan conferences reinterpreted these texts for a modern Pagan community and inspired many of us to understand, re-evaluate, and pursue this body of ancient wisdom as a living practice. Now, with this book, Brandy brings her knowledge of theurgy to a wider audience. Cleverly integrating fictional vignettes of historical theurgists passing on their knowledge to others with direct instruction in theurgic practices and techniques, she brings these teachings to life and passes on her own insights on integrating theurgy into a contemporary spiritual path.”
–Don Frew, Gardnerian High Priest, Covenant of the Goddess National Interfaith Representative, Global Council of the United Religions Initiative Trustee, Author & Presenter on Wiccan history and theology
Brandy Williams has a superlative talent for making magical traditions easy to understand and accessible. Her newest work, For the Love of the Gods, covers the history and practices of theurgy, from the earliest times to the present. She discusses the formative figures and texts of the tradition and makes a case for its importance to modern Paganism, offering frameworks, rituals, and a vast bibliography of texts and research materials for any serious practitioner.”
–Erynn Rowan Laurie, author of Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom, The Well of Five Streams: Essays on Celtic Paganism, and Fireflies at Absolute Zero
“Theurgy was implemented by the well-educated elite in ancient times to effect union with the divine. Its practice has continued, albeit in modified forms, to modern times. Brandy provides a very comprehensive overview of the practice of theurgy throughout its history. I particularly enjoyed her practical suggestions for readers to craft their own practice. Rather than impose her own preferences, she suggests a number of options, whereupon readers may select those which they feel drawn to. The penultimate chapter outlines rituals to accomplish typical theurgic operations – these can either be performed as written or modified in accordance with the reader’s tradition or preferences. Sometimes the hardest step to take on any path is the very first one. With Brandy’s guidance, that first step towards the practice of theurgy has become much easier.”
– Tony Mierzwicki, author of Graeco-Egyptian Magick: Everyday Empowerment
“For the Love of the Gods is an important critique of the harmful and regressive aspects of Western thought. Williams decisively updates theurgic tradition by acknowledging the sexism, racism, and colonialism inherent to Western philosophy, empowering us to claim these lessons and choose a new direction for conscious, contemporary practice. This book is an important contribution that moves the dialogue forward to include perspectives that have been traditionally censored. I highly recommend this book for those looking to incorporate the rich heritage of Western philosophy and magic into a living system.”
–Sonja Sadovsky, author of The Priestess and the Pen
“For the Love of Gods is an in-depth look at the historical practices of our ancestors and how those practices connect to modern day theurgy. By exploring the stories, rituals and people of the ancient worlds, Brandy Williams gives life to the practices long before our modern movement. From Kemet to Greece, from Rome to Spain; this book dives into a range of ancient philosophies and practices that are a direct reflection of our modern day connection to the Gods. Williams gives us a broad reflection of the lives of many diverse paths in this book, challenging our perceptions and the erasure done by colonization. She liberates the stories often lost in modern Pagan practices today. It was exceptionally fascinating for me, as a Black woman, to read about some of the stories and practices in Kemet, connecting some of my knowledge of current practices with those of the ancestors of Ancient Egypt. ”
–Crystal Blanton, author of Bridging the Gap, Working Within the Dynamics of Pagan Groups and Society and Pain and Faith in a Wiccan World: Spirituality, Ethics and Transformation
“Brandy Williams’ literary gift the world, For the Love of the Gods, is a treasure-trove of Pagan historical, deific and cultural gems offered to the reader in deliciously textural story-telling fashion and sound academic presentation. It invites us beyond the concept of the Gods as merely symbols, cultural concepts or unevolved superstition; and into them as living eternal life-streams. This includes their life, love and legacy in many classical cultures, transported through historical human figures and passed through the centuries as literate and oral theurgic tradition, its wisdom and devotional practice. As a modern Pagan, witch and animist, I celebrate the role of this book in contemporary Paganism. It gives muscle to the concept of ‘Pagan Pride’ as she presents a legacy that extends from the distant past, through current practice, and into eternity. Williams helps us see through her heartfelt words and soulful eyes that, ‘there is another way to look at our ancestors, the ancestors of our souls, a chosen family of the spirit. Any ancestor who speaks to us can form part of that lineage. This does not depend on our physical bloodline and no one can exclude us from that relationship’. For this is the basis for the love of the Gods.”
–Orion Foxwood, international teacher and root-worker, Orion Foxwood and the House of Brigh
“Inside this cover you will find the suppressed and forgotten stories of the ancestors beginning at the Greco-Egyptian period with a feel of campfire stories. In part two Brandy breathes life into modern theurgy in a way that is practical and grounded. Reconstructing a lineage of transmission dormant for centuries, Brandy shows us our past and at the same time puts the power in our hands to firmly connect with what has come before to create the future. Her eloquent tone captures your attention all the way through.”
–Bill Duvendack, author of Vocal Magick and internationally known presenter
For the Love of the Gods Interviews
Voice of Olympus – Episode 84, October 17 2017. I talk colors, theurgy, the intersection between sacred and worldly work, and more with Hercules Invictus on the Voice of Olympus show.
Voice of Olympus – Episode 67, June 20 2017, In my interview for Voice of Olympus, I speak with Hercules Invictus on relationships with the gods, the importance of differing perspectives, and more.
The Science of Magic with Gwilda Wiyaka – Episode 152, Feb. 9 2017. Gwilda Wiyaka of The Science of Magic Radio asked excellent questions. We dive deep into the fundamental concepts guiding the theurgic relationship to the divine. Check it out!
Voice of Olympus – Episode 43, Jan. 4 2017 Hercules Invictus and Athena Victory broadcast the Voice of Olympus every Monday. It was such a treat to talk to such educated and devoted people! I can’t wait for the next time I get to talk to them.
Magical Experiments: Theurgical Experiments, interview by Taylor Ellwood, December 12, 2016. Taylor asks such great questions, I had a blast!
Intuitive Ink: interview by Servet, Oct. 16. My favorite moment of this show is when a caller asked about my book Practical Magic for Beginners. I love connecting with people who are doing the work!
Eccentric Entrepreneurs, the Business of Book Launching: interview by Taylor Ellwood, Oct. 11, with Lasara Firefox Allen. Lasara’s newest book Jailbreaking the Goddess launched as a Pagan best-seller, and my latest book For the Love of the Godshit Amazon best seller on launch day too. We talked to Taylor about our strategies for bringing out our books to the widest possible audience.
Stooping Starlight: interview by Lauren Gardner, Autumn Equinox. Lauren is one of my dear Thelemic sisters. This is an intimate heart-to-heart chat – that Lauren recorded! I hope you take the time to check out Stooping Starlight, it’s right at the forefront of new Thelemic thought.
Raise the Horns: interview by Jason Mankey, Sept. 15. Jason said he never gets to talk about Crowley, so we talked about Crowley!
OM Times: interview by Victor Fuhrman, Sept. 14. I felt as if Victor was a brother I hadn’t met yet. He’s a true spiritual wise man. It was an honor to get to talk to him.