‘God-working’ in the Internet: The Reception of Ancient Theurgy in the Digital Age
Carlos Sánchez Pérez
International Journal of the Classical Tradition October 23, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s12138-025-00724-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Antique Expression computer science Key lock The internet Focus optics The arts Cultural anthropology Literature Aesthetics Creativity |
| Key points | Argues that the ancient practice of theurgy has been transformed in contemporary online esotericism into the concept of meme magic, where digital memes are believed to influence reality through collective imagination and symbolic power. |
Abstract
Abstract This paper explores the reception of ancient theurgy in contemporary online esotericism, with a particular focus on its transformation into the practice known as meme magic. Theurgy, a ritual practice rooted in Late Antique Neoplatonism and the Chaldean Oracles, was traditionally understood as a means of invoking the divine through symbols. Over the centuries, its legacy has persisted in various esoteric traditions. In the digital age, theurgy has undergone a striking metamorphosis, finding new expression within internet subcultures, especially through the concept of meme magic—the belief that digital memes can influence reality through collective imagination and symbolic power. This paper traces the historical trajectory of theurgy, examining key moments in its intellectual reception. By analyzing the mechanisms of hybridization and resignification at play, this study sheds light on how ancient ritual traditions continue to evolve in the digital sphere, shaping new forms of magical thought in the 21st century.
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