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

Empiricism

Empiricism, a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of experience and experimentation in gaining knowledge, is evident in the worship practices and description of Serapis. Serapis, as a deity, is worshipped through various substances and rituals, underscoring a practical and experiential approach to belief and practice. This empirical approach stands in contrast to traditional scholastic and theological frameworks, indicating a shift towards a method of inquiry and validation based on observable and experiential evidence. The incorporation of diverse substances and rituals in the worship of Serapis reflects an empirical understanding that knowledge and truth are derived from practical experiences and direct interactions with the natural world. Thus, Empiricism, through the worship of Serapis, highlights a shift towards a more experiential and evidence-based approach to understanding the divine and the world.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Grecian InfluenceSubstance

Greek influence is part of the empirical process in creating the statue

Egyptian InfluenceSubstance

Egyptian influence is part of the empirical process in creating the statue

TheodosiusConcept

The edict of Theodosius implies a level of empirical influence in enforcing religious beliefs

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

EmpiricismthroughGrecian InfluenceilluminatesPharaoh →
I. Empiricism & Grecian Influence

Greek influence is part of the empirical process in creating the statue

II. Grecian Influence & Pharaoh

The Pharaoh was influenced by Grecian tradition in his search for an image of Serapis

EmpiricismthroughTheodosiusilluminatesChristian Soldier
I. Empiricism & Theodosius

The edict of Theodosius implies a level of empirical influence in enforcing religious beliefs

II. Theodosius & Christian Soldier

The Christian soldier, acting under Theodosius' edict, demonstrated both military and religious authority by executing the imperial decree. Specifically, this individual was involved in the act of striking the statue of Serapis, thereby symbolizing the end of pagan worship and the reinforcement of Christian dominance during Theodosius' reign. The soldier's actions were indicative of the intertwined nature of Roman military and religious powers in enforcing the emperor's policies. The soldier carried out Theodosius' edict, indicating military and religious authority