From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Invisible
ἀόρατος; ἀειδής
aoratos; aeidēsAoratos denies visibility.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordAoratos denies visibility.
- In StobaeusThe Timaeus excerpt contrasts the visible body of heaven with its invisible soul, which participates in reasoning and harmony.
- In this editionUse “invisible” for denial of sight and “formless” where configuration is lost.
- A place to beginInvisible cosmic soul is contrasted with the visible heavenly body.
- English renderings
- invisible; unseen; without visible form
Meaning
Aoratos denies visibility. The related-looking aeidēs can require “unseen” or “formless” according to context, so its meaning should not be fixed by resemblance alone.
Use in the book
The Timaeus excerpt contrasts the visible body of heaven with its invisible soul, which participates in reasoning and harmony. In the Hermetic discussion of a corpse’s dissolution, aeides instead describes the body becoming formless. Invisibility and loss of configuration are distinct claims.
Places to read
Translation in this edition
Use “invisible” for denial of sight and “formless” where configuration is lost. The context governs the choice.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 286, 358. In I.49.28.4, the best maker belongs to the intelligible order, while soul is the best among generated things; the two descriptions should not be interchanged.
From the book
Centuries of Meditations
Thomas Traherne · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Invisible
invisible; unseen; beyond bodily sight
Invisible means unavailable to bodily sight.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordInvisible means unavailable to bodily sight.
- In TraherneGod’s invisibility is defended as a condition of creation.
- In this editionTraherne’s seeing often includes understanding.
- A place to beginDivine invisibility permits creatures room and distinguishes living power from bulk.
Meaning
Invisible means unavailable to bodily sight. It does not by itself mean unreal, unknowable, or without effects.
Use in the book
God’s invisibility is defended as a condition of creation. A visible infinite body would exclude everything else from its place; an incorporeal source can leave room for creatures while sustaining them. The argument then distinguishes dead bulk from the unseen life that moves, knows, and desires.
Invisibility also describes valuable relations the soul can perceive more securely than private property. Glory, dominion, and participation in distant ages are not colours or shapes, yet the true possessor of the world enjoys them. Traherne’s language of seeing must therefore be read beyond optical sensation. Visible creation educates an apprehension that recognizes the love, order, and communion embodied in its services.
Places to read
In this edition
Traherne’s seeing often includes understanding. Calling something invisible does not withdraw it from every possible form of apprehension.