THE TEMPLE OF GU DAILY PRACTICE

As Inspired by the Life of Iamblichus

Iamblichus of Chalcis (c. 245-325 CE) is the father of theurgy—the practice of divine work through ritual, prayer, and spiritual communion. His school at Apamea taught that consistent daily practice, not sporadic ritual, was the foundation of authentic spiritual attainment. Students began and ended each day with music to purify consciousness, engaged in regular prayer as conversation with the divine, and prepared their souls for prophetic dreams.

At the Temple of Gu, we honor this ancient wisdom while adapting it for modern life. You don't need to live in a cave or observe five years of silence. You just need consistency, sincerity, and a willingness to show up for yourself and Source every day.

UPON WAKING:

Sound Therapy (5-10 minutes)
Create playlists that regulate your nervous system and clear the fog of sleep. Sanskrit planetary mantras, Shingon Buddhist chants, Gregorian chant, Orisha praise music, singing bowls, nature sounds—whatever speaks to you. Music is technology. Use it.

Prayer as Conversation
Tell Source/God/All how you feel. What you need. What you're grateful for. Be honest. Be vulnerable. Be real.

Meditation as Listening
After you speak, shut up and listen. Sit in silence. Source speaks back when we stop talking.

DURING YOUR DAY:

Take Care of Your Vessel
Eat well. Sleep well. Get fresh air. Move your body moderately. You can't do spiritual work if you're running on fumes.

Divination as Contemplation
Pull one oracle card (Temple of Gu Oracle, tarot, whatever system calls to you). Don't fortune-tell. Don't project. Don't be superstitious. Just vibe with the card's energy and ask yourself: "How can this information integrate into my consciousness right now?"

BEFORE SLEEP:

Sound Therapy (5-10 minutes)
Clear the day's mental clutter. Use music to transition from waking consciousness into dream preparation.

Prayer/Meditation
Same as morning—conversation, then listening.

Dream Preparation
Journal 3-5 sentences about your day or intentions. Set your intention for lucid dreaming or receptive dreaming. In Vodou and mediumship traditions, dreams are where ancestors, lwa, and spirits speak most clearly. Prepare yourself to receive.

OPTIONAL TIMING RECOMMENDATIONS:

The natural anchors are sunrise, sunset, and bedtime. But do what works for YOUR life. There's no dogma here—just showing up consistently.

This is the whole practice. No gatekeeping. No rigid schedules. No hierarchy. Just daily conversation with Source through sound, prayer, meditation, divination, and dreams—while honoring the body that houses your spirit.

Iamblichus knew that extended practice "gradually brings to perfection the capacity of our facilities for contact with the Gods." We're not trying to master the universe in a weekend. We're building relationship over a lifetime. Welcome to the practice.

WE RETURN TO THE ROOT