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Apollonius of Tyana, an enigmatic first-century philosopher, continues to captivate minds as an ancient miracle worker. A Neo-Pythagorean, teacher, and mystic, he is often compared to Jesus Christ due to his reported miracles and profound wisdom. Despite the mythical elements surrounding his life, Apollonius’s influence on science, spirituality, and occult philosophy remains notable even today. This post will delve into his life, teachings, and the legacy that has kept him relevant for over 2,000 years.
Early Life and Education of a Mystic
Born around AD 2 in Tyana (modern-day Bor, Turkey), Apollonius came from a wealthy Cappadocian Greek family. His early education included grammar and rhetoric in Tarsus and medicine at the temple of Aesculapius in Aegae. However, it was the Pythagorean philosophy, which he adopted at sixteen, that profoundly shaped his life. As a Pythagorean, he embraced an austere lifestyle: he refrained from marriage, wine, and meat, allowed his hair to grow long, wore only linen, and slept on bare ground. This dedication attracted attention and soon, admiration, as he became known for his rejection of animal sacrifice and his self-imposed five-year vow of silence.
This silence, along with his extreme practices, elevated Apollonius’s status as a sage. Stories began to circulate that he possessed supernatural abilities, such as understanding all languages without study, reading minds, and predicting the future.
Travels and Encounters with Mysticism
Apollonius’s spiritual journey led him through Syria, Egypt, Persia, and India. He was drawn to the mystical practices of the magi, Brahmans, and gymnosophists, seeking knowledge beyond the confines of Western philosophy. His primary disciple and scribe, Damis, recorded his teachings and experiences, which later became the foundation for his biography written by the Athenian author Flavius Philostratus. According to these records, Apollonius’s travels granted him insight into various cultures and religious practices, which he synthesized into a unique version of Neo-Pythagoreanism.
Philostratus describes Apollonius performing miracles, like halting a plague in Ephesus and uncovering a supernatural “vampire” bride. In the case of the plague, Apollonius allegedly identified the disease’s origin in a mysterious beggar and instructed the townsfolk to stone him. When they complied, they found a large black dog under the stones, which Apollonius declared was the plague's embodiment. Such tales underscored his reputation as a philosopher who understood hidden truths and wielded mystical powers.
Apollonius and the Roman Empire
During Emperor Nero’s rule, Apollonius lived in Rome despite the philosopher-persecutions of the time. His presence in the city drew the attention of officials, and although he and his followers faced possible danger, their reputation allowed them some influence in modifying temple practices. Apollonius also befriended Vespasian, future Emperor of Rome, and maintained connections with other influential Romans. Yet, his relationship with the imperial court was tumultuous, especially under Emperor Domitian, who banished philosophers and arrested Apollonius on charges of treason. During his imprisonment, Apollonius reportedly impressed Domitian, ultimately gaining his release.
A dramatic account tells of Apollonius delivering a speech in Ephesus, where he suddenly paused and proclaimed, “Smite the tyrant.” According to legend, at that very moment, Emperor Domitian was assassinated in Rome, further solidifying Apollonius’s reputation as a prophet.
The Legacy of Apollonius: Rival to Christ?
In the centuries following his death, Apollonius's legacy evolved into a cultural and religious counterpoint to Christianity. Some historians suggest that his biography, written by Philostratus and commissioned by Empress Julia Domna, was intended to elevate Apollonius as a pagan answer to Jesus Christ, portraying him as a philosopher-mystic with miraculous abilities. However, Christian scholars, including Eusebius, dismissed Apollonius as a charlatan, claiming any powers he possessed were likely from evil spirits.
Philostratus's account, while unique, lacks corroborative sources, unlike the multiple accounts of Jesus found in the New Testament. Many critics argue that Philostratus may have embellished Apollonius’s story to satisfy Julia Domna’s motives. Matt Slick argues that the New Testament is more reliable due to its multi-sourced accounts written by eyewitnesses, while Philostratus’s account came centuries after Apollonius’s death. Nevertheless, the question of Apollonius as a “parallel” to Christ remains a topic of interest.
Apollonius and the Occult Revival
The mystical aura surrounding Apollonius resurfaced during the occult revival of the 19th century. French occultist Eliphas Levi even attempted to summon his spirit in a ritual, which he detailed in Transcendental Magic. Although the spirit did not appear as Levi anticipated, he claimed to have received answers telepathically. Apollonius's influence permeates modern occult literature, and his life serves as a bridge between ancient mystical traditions and contemporary spiritual explorations.
Final Thoughts: Apollonius’s Enduring Appeal
Apollonius of Tyana continues to intrigue as a figure who transcended his era. Whether a sage, a mystic, or a mythical creation, his story is one of a relentless seeker of truth. His teachings, though largely lost, echo through the influence he left on philosophy, mysticism, and even art. Whether as a spiritual guide, a “rival” to Christ, or a historical enigma, Apollonius’s life invites reflection on the nature of wisdom, belief, and the limits of human understanding.
Bibliography and Further Reading
- Levi, E. Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual. Rider & Co., 1984 (originally published 1854).
- Philostratus, Bowerstock, G.W. Life of Apollonius of Tyana. Penguin, 1971.
- Mead, G.R.S. Apollonius of Tyana: the philosopher-reformer of the First Century AD. Theosophical Publishing Society, 1901.
- Shirley, R. Occultists & Mystics of all Ages. University Books, 1972.
Additional Sources
- Mysterious People: Apollonius of Tyana
- Wikipedia: Apollonius of Tyana
- Alchemy Lab: Apollonius of Tyana
Apollonius’s story, though shrouded in myth and mysticism, challenges us to explore the boundaries of knowledge, faith, and the pursuit of enlightenment across the ages.
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