Transformation of entrails (1)

Text
Iamblichus, De Mysteriis 3.16.136-137:
As regards the entrails, the life of living beings, the demon presiding over them, the air and the movement of air, and the revolution of the surrounding sky transform them (= the entrails) in a manner pleasing to the gods. A proof is that they are often found without a heart or without other essential parts, the lack of which makes it impossible for them to grant life to living beings. Birds are moved not only by the impulse of their own particular soul, but also by the guardian demon of living beings; and furthermore, the circulation of the air and the power descending from the sky to the air, bringing everything into harmony with the gods’ purposes, lead them in conformity with what the gods initially command. The greatest sign of this is that it does not seem like some natural occurrence that birds rend and often kill themselves: this is some supernatural deed because that which accomplishes these things through birds is some other being.

Source (list of abbreviations)
Iamblichus, De Mysteriis 3.16.136-137

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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