From the book
Marsilio Ficino’s Platonic Theology, Volume I
Marsilio Ficino · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordAethereum indumentum is an ethereal clothing or covering of soul.
- In the Platonic TheologyAt the close of the discussion of circular motion, Ficino says that the reciprocal relation of soul and body may be less apparent in the gross human body but is present in soul's ethereal garment.
- In this editionThe relative Quod opening IV.2.27 continues the garment in IV.2.26.
- A place to readThe garment is invoked where the circular-motion analogy seems less clear in gross embodiment.
Meaning
Aethereum indumentum is an ethereal clothing or covering of soul. The material metaphor names a subtler embodiment in contrast to the gross body, without detailing its composition in this passage.
Use in the book
At the close of the discussion of circular motion, Ficino says that the reciprocal relation of soul and body may be less apparent in the gross human body but is present in soul's ethereal garment. He immediately promises discussion elsewhere, and IV.2.27 continues the reference by attributing to Zoroaster the view that this garment turns continually within us. The image therefore names a subtler mode of embodiment invoked to preserve the analogy between human and cosmic soul-body relations. It should not be treated as a fully explained doctrine in this volume: the passage supplies neither a detailed composition nor an account of its origin, persistence, or posthumous role. The operative contrast supplied here is between a gross body and an ethereal covering in which circular movement is more intelligible.
Further passage references. IV.2.26–IV.2.272; apparatus
Places to read
Translation in this edition
The relative Quod opening IV.2.27 continues the garment in IV.2.26. Read across the unit boundary. Ficino promises fuller discussion elsewhere, so the two units should not be expanded into an unqualified theory of its origin or posthumous career.
indumentum aethereum
indumentum aethereum. Printed forms: aethereo animae indumento.
The soul's ethereal garment. The promised further discussion is deferred; its claimed circulation is not established as a full doctrine within this passage alone. References: IV.2.26. See Ethereal garment.
Zoroaster (authorities and cited works)
Zoroaster. A recurrent ancient theological authority for intellectual rulers, the intelligible beyond mind, divine production and persuasion, cosmic principles, fate, recurrence, and the ethereal garment. Ficino's claims about this authority and the origin of ancient wisdom remain attributions within the work. I.5.19; I.6.9; II.12.8–11234; II.13.27; III.1.12; IV.2.2, IV.2.10–1223, IV.2.27. See Hermetic theologians and the Magi; Fate; Great year; Ethereal garment.