To Become Like God, So Far as Possible
by J. S. Kupperman

Plato is arguably one of the most important, if not the most important, western thinkers. Platonic thought has influenced more cultures and religions than it is convenient to list, and continues to do so to this day. From the Old and New Academies, to the rejection and re-acceptance of Aristotle, to Middle and Neo-Platonism, if you are a regular reader of this Journal, the odds are Plato has somehow influence you.

The number of ways in which Platonism has transformed over approximately 2,500 years is extraordinary. Besides the original Academies, there is middle Platonism in the form of Hermetism and Gnosticism, two major strains of Neoplatonism, the Christian Platonism of pseudo-Dionysius and Marsilio Ficino, many elements of Jewish kabbalah, and several varieties of Sufism. More modernly, Platonism is found in Freemasonry, modern Hermetic practices, from the Golden Dawn to the Aurum Solis and beyond, Greek reconstructed Paganisms and just about every Paganism descended from Gerald Gardner. Plato has influenced philosophy, religion, and even political science. His reach has been nothing short of super human, fitting for one whose goal was to become like God, so far as possible.

This issue of the Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition examines only a small sampling of Plato’s influence. We might spend a dozen issues trying to cover everything. Here we will find papers on theurgy, Gnosticism and the Upanishads, an examination of the Kabylion, and an interview with John Dee scholar Michael Wilding. We are also happy to continue our exclusive series on the Bavarian Illuminati.

The next issue of the Journal turns its attention towards Eros and Agape in the Western Mysteries.  As always, if you wish to contribute to the Journal, please visit the submissions section.