The Transformation of the Daimon as a Spirit Entity from Ancient Greece to Early Christianity, and Beyond

Authors

Christopher A. Mekus Mr.Follow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

Religious Studies

First Advisor's Name

Erik Larson

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Iqbal Akhtar

Second Advisor's Committee Title

co committee chair

Third Advisor's Name

Gwyn Davies

Third Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Keywords

Greaco-Egyptian Magic and Daimon and ouroboros

Date of Defense

3-30-2022

Abstract

Abstract: cultural diffusion of the Graeco-Egyptian daimon-entity was based upon the combination of ancient Egyptian and Greek magic. This syncretic system of magic was marked by the Greek daimon as a spirit-like entity in ritual application and framework with the Egyptian ouroboros symbol and circumambulation, which represented safe spiritual communication and unity with the fickle daimon, as a magical assistant to help obtain ritual goals. Contrary to some opinions, the accumulative evidence indicates that the daimon transformed and endured into Gnosticism, and early orthodox Christianity. The ongoing concept of spiritual unity within the western tradition was of paramount importance, as well as fundamentally expressed as clairvoyance. The purpose of this thesis is to reveal a new perspective on the subject. The primary problem is the challenging of traditional views with an incomplete record of evidence. The methods for this research are the comparison of archeological and interpretive textual evidence, from a pagan convert’s perspective. This new synthesis of facts and probabilities favors a continued transformation of the daimon-spirit. Thus, the daimon transcended as a concept of ritual symbolism in application for spiritual unity, from ancient to modern times.

Identifier

FIDC010824

Recommended Citation

Mekus, Christopher A. Mr., "The Transformation of the Daimon as a Spirit Entity from Ancient Greece to Early Christianity, and Beyond" (2022). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5115.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5115