Shabbat Shalom! week 1 (month 1—day 7)
Gnostic Doctrine is a research websites about Gnostic theology. Gnostic doctrine presents christian mysticism and apocalyptic judaism. We look at books called the old and new apocrypha and pseudepigrapha as well has the nag hammadi library This website was formed for all who wish to know themselves in the light of the teachings of which Christ taught his disciples in private. @GnosticDoctrine #GnosticDoctrine #gnosticteachings
Gnostic Doctrine
Saturday, 27 March 2021
The Zodiac
The Zodiac
2 Kings 23:5 And he put out of business the foreign-god priests, whom the kings of Judah had put in that they might make sacrificial smoke on the high places in the cities of Judah and the surroundings of Jerusalem, and also those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens
Job 38:32 Can you bring forth the Mazzaroth constellation in its appointed time? And as for the Ash constellation alongside its sons, can you conduct them?
Zodiac meaning: a belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and most familiar planets. It is divided into twelve equal divisions or signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces).
The Hebrew word for Zodiac is Mazzaroth or mazzalohth
“The Mazzaroth constellation.” Hebrew, Mazzarohth´; Greek, Mazouroth´ (as in 2Kings 23:5 where it is translated “constellations of the zodiac”);
The Aramaic Targum equates Mazzaroth with the mazzalohth´ of 2 Kings 23:5, “constellations of the zodiac,” or “twelve signs, or, constellations.” Some believe that the word is derived from a root meaning “engird” and that Mazzaroth refers to the zodiacal circle.
“The Mazzaroth constellation.” Hebrew, Mazzarohth´; Greek, Mazouroth´ (as in 2Kings 23:5 where it is translated “constellations of the zodiac”);
The Aramaic Targum equates Mazzaroth with the mazzalohth´ of 2 Kings 23:5, “constellations of the zodiac,” or “twelve signs, or, constellations.” Some believe that the word is derived from a root meaning “engird” and that Mazzaroth refers to the zodiacal circle.
-Or, the signs of the Zodiac. The Heb. is mazzaloth, probably a variant form of mazzaroth (Job 38:32). The word is used in the Targums, and by rabbinical writers, in the sense of star, as influencing human destiny, and so fate, fortune, in the singular, and in the plural of the signs of the Zodiac (e.g., Ecclesiastes 9:3; Esther 3:7). It is, perhaps, derived from 'azar, "to gird," and means "belt," or "girdle;" or from 'azal, "to journey," and so means "stages" of the sun's course in the heavens.
The constellations or signs of the zodiac are, no doubt, intended (comp. Job 38:32, where the term מַזָּדות may be regarded as a mere variant form of the מַזָּלות of this passage). The proper meaning of the term is "mansions;" or "houses," the zodiacal signs being regarded as the "mansions of the sun" by the Babylonians (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3. p. 419). And to all the host of heaven
2 Kings 23:5 And he put out of business the foreign-god priests, whom the kings of Judah had put in that they might make sacrificial smoke on the high places in the cities of Judah and the surroundings of Jerusalem, and also those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens
Some Gnostic traditions associated the Zodiac with the Archons, that is, the malevolent spiritual forces which rule the material realm - servants of the Demiurge:
71 Now the twelve signs of the Zodiac and the seven stars which follow them rising now in conjunction, now in opposition, . . . these, moved by the powers, show the movement of substance toward the creation of living beings and the turn of circumstances. But both the stars and the powers are of different kinds: some are beneficent, some maleficent, some right, some left, and that which is born shares in both qualities. And each of them comes into being at its own time, the dominant sign fulfilling the course of nature, partly at the beginning, partly at the end. (Extracts from the Works of Theodotus)
Then when Pistis Sophia had seen the war, she dispatched seven archangels to Sabaoth from her light. They snatched him up to the seventh heaven. They stood before him as attendants. Furthermore, she sent him three more archangels, and established the kingdom for him over everyone, so that he might dwell above the twelve gods of chaos (On the Origin of the World - The Nag Hammadi Library )
Then the twelve powers, whom I have just discussed, consented with each other. <Six> males (and) females (each) were revealed, so that there are seventy-two powers. Each one of the seventy two revealed five spiritual (powers), which (together) are the three hundred and sixty powers. The union of them all is the will. Therefore our aeon came to be as the type of Immortal Man. Time came to be as the type of First Begetter, his son. The year came to be as the type of Savior. The twelve months came to be as the type of the twelve powers. The three hundred and sixty days of the year came to be as the three hundred and sixty powers who appeared from Savior. Their hours and moments came to be as the type of the angels who came from them (the powers), who are without number (Eugnostos the Blessed)
James said, "Rabbi, are there then twelve hebdomads and not seven as there are in the scriptures?" The Lord said, "James, he who spoke concerning this scripture had a limited understanding. I, however, shall reveal to you what has come forth from him who has no number. I shall give a sign concerning their number. As for what has come forth from him who has no measure, I shall give a sign concerning their measure"
James said, "Rabbi, behold then, I have received their number. There are seventy-two measures!"
The Lord said, "These are the seventy-two heavens, which are their subordinates. These are the powers of all their might; and they were established by them; and these are they who were distributed everywhere, existing under the authority of the twelve archons. The inferior power among them brought forth for itself angels and unnumbered hosts. Him-who-is, however, has been given [...] on account of [...] Him-who-is [...] they are unnumbered. If you want to give them a number now, you will not be able to do so until you cast away from your blind thought, this bond of flesh which encircles you. And then you will reach Him-who-is. And you will no longer be James; rather rather you are the One-who-is. And all those who are unnumbered will all have been named."
25 The followers of Valentinus defined the Angel as a Logos having a message from Him who is. And, using the same terminology, they call the Aeons Logoi.He says the Apostles were substituted for the twelve signs of the Zodiac, for, as birth is directed by them, so is rebirth by the Apostles.
The twelve messengers or apostles, linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac
Twelve Number of signs of the zodiac, and so the number of cosmic authorities produced by the demiurge in the Secret Book of John. Also the number of tribes of Israel, and the number of students (disciples) and messengers (apostles) of Jesus in the early church.
The twelve cosmic authorities (Archon) correspond to the signs of the zodiac.
In a different Mandaean tradition, which parallels the gnostic Sophia myth, a female figure named Ruha initially dwells in the world of light, until she "falls" and gives birth to the lord of darkness (also known as Ur, a dragon). Together they create a host of evil beings, including the seven planets and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Although Mandaeans condemn the powers of the zodiac, they also employ elements of Babylonian astrological magic in certain texts (for example, Sfar malwashia) and rites. As in Judaism, therefore, official condemnation of magic exists side by side with the proliferation of magical texts, amulets, and practices.
The Zodiac is not the reality. Look, the star movements are divided into 12 for the reason that it is the measurement of counting in the heavens --- God's set times and seasons. In the ancient near east, they would count on the digits of a hand with that hand's thumb, three segments for each of the four fingers.
Going spiritual, what governs these is the thumb, being the moon, and the whole hand the sun, since the sun obscures all of the lights in brightness. So, you have God's hand on the earth, who He uses, in the form of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles.
For ages man has believed that he is influenced by the stars for good or for ill, according to the planet under which he has been born, and entirely apart from his own volition. However we are now awaking to the truth of Shakespeare's declaration, "The fault . . . is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings," and to the truth of God's own word in Genesis, to the effect that He made man in His own image and likeness, and gave him dominion. This dominion is, first of all, over himself. Thus man becomes master of his own fate and can make his life what he will. In time he will rule even the elements and the stars, consciously.
The constellations or signs of the zodiac are, no doubt, intended (comp. Job 38:32, where the term מַזָּדות may be regarded as a mere variant form of the מַזָּלות of this passage). The proper meaning of the term is "mansions;" or "houses," the zodiacal signs being regarded as the "mansions of the sun" by the Babylonians (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3. p. 419). And to all the host of heaven
2 Kings 23:5 And he put out of business the foreign-god priests, whom the kings of Judah had put in that they might make sacrificial smoke on the high places in the cities of Judah and the surroundings of Jerusalem, and also those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens
Some Gnostic traditions associated the Zodiac with the Archons, that is, the malevolent spiritual forces which rule the material realm - servants of the Demiurge:
71 Now the twelve signs of the Zodiac and the seven stars which follow them rising now in conjunction, now in opposition, . . . these, moved by the powers, show the movement of substance toward the creation of living beings and the turn of circumstances. But both the stars and the powers are of different kinds: some are beneficent, some maleficent, some right, some left, and that which is born shares in both qualities. And each of them comes into being at its own time, the dominant sign fulfilling the course of nature, partly at the beginning, partly at the end. (Extracts from the Works of Theodotus)
Then when Pistis Sophia had seen the war, she dispatched seven archangels to Sabaoth from her light. They snatched him up to the seventh heaven. They stood before him as attendants. Furthermore, she sent him three more archangels, and established the kingdom for him over everyone, so that he might dwell above the twelve gods of chaos (On the Origin of the World - The Nag Hammadi Library )
Then the twelve powers, whom I have just discussed, consented with each other. <Six> males (and) females (each) were revealed, so that there are seventy-two powers. Each one of the seventy two revealed five spiritual (powers), which (together) are the three hundred and sixty powers. The union of them all is the will. Therefore our aeon came to be as the type of Immortal Man. Time came to be as the type of First Begetter, his son. The year came to be as the type of Savior. The twelve months came to be as the type of the twelve powers. The three hundred and sixty days of the year came to be as the three hundred and sixty powers who appeared from Savior. Their hours and moments came to be as the type of the angels who came from them (the powers), who are without number (Eugnostos the Blessed)
James said, "Rabbi, are there then twelve hebdomads and not seven as there are in the scriptures?" The Lord said, "James, he who spoke concerning this scripture had a limited understanding. I, however, shall reveal to you what has come forth from him who has no number. I shall give a sign concerning their number. As for what has come forth from him who has no measure, I shall give a sign concerning their measure"
James said, "Rabbi, behold then, I have received their number. There are seventy-two measures!"
The Lord said, "These are the seventy-two heavens, which are their subordinates. These are the powers of all their might; and they were established by them; and these are they who were distributed everywhere, existing under the authority of the twelve archons. The inferior power among them brought forth for itself angels and unnumbered hosts. Him-who-is, however, has been given [...] on account of [...] Him-who-is [...] they are unnumbered. If you want to give them a number now, you will not be able to do so until you cast away from your blind thought, this bond of flesh which encircles you. And then you will reach Him-who-is. And you will no longer be James; rather rather you are the One-who-is. And all those who are unnumbered will all have been named."
25 The followers of Valentinus defined the Angel as a Logos having a message from Him who is. And, using the same terminology, they call the Aeons Logoi.He says the Apostles were substituted for the twelve signs of the Zodiac, for, as birth is directed by them, so is rebirth by the Apostles.
The twelve messengers or apostles, linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac
Twelve Number of signs of the zodiac, and so the number of cosmic authorities produced by the demiurge in the Secret Book of John. Also the number of tribes of Israel, and the number of students (disciples) and messengers (apostles) of Jesus in the early church.
The twelve cosmic authorities (Archon) correspond to the signs of the zodiac.
In a different Mandaean tradition, which parallels the gnostic Sophia myth, a female figure named Ruha initially dwells in the world of light, until she "falls" and gives birth to the lord of darkness (also known as Ur, a dragon). Together they create a host of evil beings, including the seven planets and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Although Mandaeans condemn the powers of the zodiac, they also employ elements of Babylonian astrological magic in certain texts (for example, Sfar malwashia) and rites. As in Judaism, therefore, official condemnation of magic exists side by side with the proliferation of magical texts, amulets, and practices.
The Zodiac is not the reality. Look, the star movements are divided into 12 for the reason that it is the measurement of counting in the heavens --- God's set times and seasons. In the ancient near east, they would count on the digits of a hand with that hand's thumb, three segments for each of the four fingers.
Going spiritual, what governs these is the thumb, being the moon, and the whole hand the sun, since the sun obscures all of the lights in brightness. So, you have God's hand on the earth, who He uses, in the form of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles.
For ages man has believed that he is influenced by the stars for good or for ill, according to the planet under which he has been born, and entirely apart from his own volition. However we are now awaking to the truth of Shakespeare's declaration, "The fault . . . is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings," and to the truth of God's own word in Genesis, to the effect that He made man in His own image and likeness, and gave him dominion. This dominion is, first of all, over himself. Thus man becomes master of his own fate and can make his life what he will. In time he will rule even the elements and the stars, consciously.
The query, "Canst thou lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season?", means: Can you cause the sun and the planets to make their prescribed circuits, and to continue in them? Mazzaroth, meaning prognostications and referring to the signs of the zodiac, signifies metaphysically one's power to guide one's own life and to foretell the outcome of the thoughts and intents of one's own mind and heart.
The degrees in a cube of 2160 is same as a one zodiac cycle 2160 years, 12 zodiacs is around 25920 years.
The degrees in a cube of 2160 is same as a one zodiac cycle 2160 years, 12 zodiacs is around 25920 years.
Wednesday, 24 March 2021
The Difference Between Gnosis and Epignosis?
The Difference Between Gnosis and Epignosis?
As far as the words are concerned, they are both Greek nouns commonly translated “knowledge," gnosis and epignosis.
Both are related to the verb ginosko, which means “know; understand; perceive.” The way this verb is used in the Bible, though, shows that it can indicate a favorable relationship between the person and one he “knows.” (1Co 8:3; 2Ti 2:19) Knowledge (gnosis) is put in a very favorable light in the New Testament.
For example, Peter exhorts us to "grow in knowledge" (2 Pet. 1:5-6), and the word is "gnosis". He assures us that if we follow his advice we will be "neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8). But in this statement the word is "epignosis", and similar comparisons will be found elsewhere. The question is; What is the significance of these two words? And if we have "gnosis" (knowledge), when can we claim to have "epignosis" (deeper knowledge)?
Both words are derived from the verb "ginosko" which signifies the act of taking in knowledge, in such a way as to establish a relationship between the one knowing and the object known. For example: "This is life eternal to know (ginosko) Thee, the only true God and Jesus whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3).
In such a context, the verb implies the one knowing, and not merely an academic knowledge.
When the preposition "epi" is added to the noun or verb, transforming it into "epignosis" or "epignosko", it suggests a fuller knowledge or recognition of the object known. Hence the question posed us: When does one reach "gnosis" to move on to "epignosis"?
The answer, of course, is a matter of interpretation. Our opinion is that "epignosis" does not indicate an increased quantity of knowledge, but a fuller quality of it. "Epignosis" is the absorbing and manifesting of whatever knowledge the capacity of the individual permits him to absorb.
And capacity varies with the individual. Christ declared: "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 13:48). The liquid capacity of a glass may be half a pint or litre, and when that amount is poured into it, it has reached its full capacity. It would be folly, wasteful, and perhaps disastrous to try and pour two litres of liquid into it. So with ourselves. When we have reached full capacity according to our limited ability and are using that knowledge effectively, we have "epignosis"; even though our grasp of a subject is more limited than that of others.
However, not all that men may call “knowledge” is to be sought, because philosophies and views exist that are “falsely called ‘knowledge.’” (1Ti 6:20) The recommended knowledge is about God and his purposes. (2Pe 1:5) This involves more than merely having facts, which many atheists have; a personal devotion to God and Christ is implied. (Joh 17:3; 6:68, 69) Whereas having knowledge (information alone) might result in a feeling of superiority, our knowing “the love of the Christ which surpasses knowledge,” that is, knowing this love by experience because we are personally imitating his loving ways, will balance and give wholesome direction to our use of any information we may have gained.—Eph 3:19.
Epignosis, a strengthened form of gno´sis (epi´, meaning "deeper" or “additional”), can often be seen from the context to mean “exact, accurate, or full knowledge.” Thus Paul wrote about some who were learning (taking in knowledge) “yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge [“a real knowledge,” TC; “a personal knowledge,” Ro; “clear, full knowledge,” Da ftn] of truth.” (2Ti 3:6, 7) He also prayed that ones in the Colossian congregation, who obviously had some knowledge of God’s will, for they had become Christians, “be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension.” (Col 1:9) Such accurate knowledge should be sought by all Christians (Eph 1:15-17; Php 1:9; 1Ti 2:3, 4), it being important in putting on “the new personality” and in gaining peace.—Col 3:10; 2Pe 1:2.
Epignosis, a strengthened form of gno´sis (epi´, meaning "deeper" or “additional”), can often be seen from the context to mean “exact, accurate, or full knowledge.” Thus Paul wrote about some who were learning (taking in knowledge) “yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge [“a real knowledge,” TC; “a personal knowledge,” Ro; “clear, full knowledge,” Da ftn] of truth.” (2Ti 3:6, 7) He also prayed that ones in the Colossian congregation, who obviously had some knowledge of God’s will, for they had become Christians, “be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension.” (Col 1:9) Such accurate knowledge should be sought by all Christians (Eph 1:15-17; Php 1:9; 1Ti 2:3, 4), it being important in putting on “the new personality” and in gaining peace.—Col 3:10; 2Pe 1:2.
"Epignosis" is full-knowledge, or the fulness of knowledge. It is applying the substance of knowledge. Like ordinary food, it is not the quantity that we take in that counts, but the absorption by the body of the goodness of that which we consume, and which contributes to physical growth.
Consider the basic doctrine that God is one, and that we should "love Him" with all our strength. If we love a person sufficiently, we will enjoy being in his company, and we will extol his virtues to others. We will be anxious that he is well-respected by our acquaintances, and to that end we will introduce him to others, so that they may share our pleasure. Moreover, if our love is real, we will be longing and yearning after his presence, and moulding our lives so that we may appear attractive to him. So with the love of God. A person who truly loves God will yearn for fellowship with Him. He will strive to reach His holiness, knowing that it will please Him, in the same manner as he would pursue any object for which he feels a strong passion. He will find pleasure in studying the things relating to His majesty and purpose, in uttering words of praise to His name; and in occupying himself with the messages he has received from Him for his benefit and guidance. His feelings towards God will be like those of a lover towards the wife of his youth, or those of a father towards his child.
Monday, 22 March 2021
Friday, 12 March 2021
History of Gnosticism
A history graph over Gnosticism. Note that neo-Gnosticism was essentially started up in the 19th century, generally keeping some of the false narratives of the Church Fathers when designing their theology. The Nag Hammadi Library was hidden in the desert in the 4th or 5th century. The Cathars that were Paulician (or perhaps Marcionite), rather than Gnostic, went extinct in the 13th century. Qabbalah was written down in the 11th century. The last Manichaeans disappeared some time after the 13th century but before the 18th century in China. The Mandeans are the only ones that have a real Gnostic heritage, but they will not accept converts. I suspect the first real Gnostics preceeded Jesus and John the Baptist. #gnosticdoctrine #gnosticteachings
Jesus and Satan
Good and bad, wrong and right. Love and hate, joy and suffering.
Duality is the crux of human being. The physical plane provides a canvas of contrast.
This is suitable for the mind's need to understand and define. Or the mind found suit in this paradigm.
Egg meet Chicken 🧠🥚🐔
Take a Divine step back, detaching from self interest and cognitive frameworks. See the Singularity that exists in totality.
Up implies down. Happy needs sad ☯️
Reconforming then creates a clear understanding that we are the Creator of *our* existence, perception, and fate. We are subject to circumstances, but these evolve through our response.
All forms of Dieties and Spirit exist because we are interdimensional. But they are not us, nor do they control us. We as Light Beings maintain a power of presence that can always transcend.
Pick your potion: subject to change 😊🌊♾
Namaste 🙏💖🕉
Monday, 8 March 2021
Thursday, 4 March 2021
Empathy Plato
So many forget that whole suspension of ego part when trying to empathize with others
We must dream to change how man measures the needs of humanity.~GEG
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