The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Crotona

Crotona, a Dorian colony situated in Southern Italy, played a significant role in ancient philosophical and intellectual discourse. It is renowned for being the location where Pythagoras established his renowned school after returning from extensive travels in the Eastern Mediterranean. This institution became a center for philosophical and mathematical inquiry, where the essence of philosophy was deeply ingrained. Crotona's history is intertwined with the legacy of the Pythagorean school, which continued to evolve even after the city faced significant destruction, presumably during the 5th century BCE. Following these events, some of Pythagoras' manuscripts and teachings managed to survive, eventually coming into the possession of Plato, demonstrating the enduring impact of Pythagorean philosophy on Western thought. Thus, Crotona stands as a pivotal city where the foundations of Pythagorean philosophy were established and where it survived to influence the great philosopher Plato.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Pythagoras, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, established an influential institution at Crotona upon his return from extensive travels. This school or university in Crotona became a significant center of learning, where Pythagoras educated others in his philosophies and mathematical discoveries. Crotona was where Pythagoras established his influential school

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

Crotona, associated with Pythagoras, represents a significant link between ancient Greek wisdom and the development of Freemasonry in Europe.

PenthouseRitual

The establishment of Peter Gower's lodge in Crotona symbolizes the connection between ancient Greek philosophy and the spread of Masonic knowledge in medieval Europe.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

CrotonathroughPythagorasilluminatesSun →
I. Crotona & Pythagoras

Pythagoras, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, established an influential institution at Crotona upon his return from extensive travels. This school or university in Crotona became a significant center of learning, where Pythagoras educated others in his philosophies and mathematical discoveries. Crotona was where Pythagoras established his influential school

II. Pythagoras & Sun

Sol, often associated with Apollo, is mentioned in connection with Pythagoras, symbolizing divine knowledge and wisdom

CrotonathroughPythagorasilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Crotona & Pythagoras

Pythagoras, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, established an influential institution at Crotona upon his return from extensive travels. This school or university in Crotona became a significant center of learning, where Pythagoras educated others in his philosophies and mathematical discoveries. Crotona was where Pythagoras established his influential school

II. Pythagoras & Alchemy

Pythagoras is mentioned as a potential alchemist in ancient tradition, although no historical proof of his alchemical practice exists

CrotonathroughPythagorasilluminatesMysteries →
I. Crotona & Pythagoras

Pythagoras, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, established an influential institution at Crotona upon his return from extensive travels. This school or university in Crotona became a significant center of learning, where Pythagoras educated others in his philosophies and mathematical discoveries. Crotona was where Pythagoras established his influential school

II. Pythagoras & Mysteries

Pythagoras was an initiate in the Mystery schools, teaching divine knowledge and founding the Philosophical movement

CrotonathroughPhilosophyilluminatesTruth →
I. Crotona & Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

II. Philosophy & Truth

Philosophy seeks to uncover and live by the truth, making truth central to its practice and understanding.

CrotonathroughPhilosophyilluminatesAstrology →
I. Crotona & Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

II. Philosophy & Astrology

ASTROLOGY and PHILOSOPHY both examine metaphysical and existential inquiries. Astrology specifically centers on the perceived influence of celestial events, such as stars, planets, and the Moon, on human affairs and destiny. This exploration of cosmic patterns and their effects on individual lives is a core aspect of Astrology. On the other hand, Philosophy plays a role in interpreting and providing a deeper understanding of these celestial phenomena, often through systematic reflection, critical analysis, and the application of reasoning to broader questions of existence, knowledge, values, and reality. Both disciplines share an interest in delving beyond the physical world to explore profound and often abstract concepts, making them complementary yet distinct fields of study.

CrotonathroughPythagorasilluminatesPentagram →
I. Crotona & Pythagoras

Pythagoras, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, established an influential institution at Crotona upon his return from extensive travels. This school or university in Crotona became a significant center of learning, where Pythagoras educated others in his philosophies and mathematical discoveries. Crotona was where Pythagoras established his influential school

II. Pythagoras & Pentagram

The pentagram was a symbol significant in the teachings and practices of Pythagoras and his school

CrotonathroughPhilosophyilluminatesAll →
I. Crotona & Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

II. Philosophy & All

Philosophy avoids examining the unknowable, focusing on the thinkable and knowable aspects of reality.

CrotonathroughPhilosophyilluminatesHermes →
I. Crotona & Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

II. Philosophy & Hermes

Philosophy, as described, follows the dogma of Hermes, making Hermes central to the philosophy of the adepts.

CrotonathroughPhilosophyilluminatesAstral Light →
I. Crotona & Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

II. Philosophy & Astral Light

The Astral Light, as a substance, serves as the basis for philosophical contemplation and reflection, integral to understanding divination

CrotonathroughPhilosophyilluminatesFiruzabad →
I. Crotona & Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pythagorean school was established in the city of Crotona.

II. Philosophy & Firuzabad

Philosophy involves understanding geopolitical contexts, as evident from the reference to Firuzabad and hostage relations.