A Luxryne course
The Gnostic Mysteries
Knowledge of the heart
The Gnostic traditions of the early centuries CE through their own texts: the Nag Hammadi library, the Monad and the Aeons, Sophia's fall and return, the Demiurge and the ascent of the soul, and Jung's modern reading.
By the end of this course you will
- Know the Nag Hammadi library and its major texts
- Explain the Gnostic myth of emanation, fall and return
- Distinguish Sethian and Valentinian schools
- Practise Gnostic contemplative exercises
Curriculum
Module I
Entering the Tradition
What gnosis is and where its texts came from.
Module II
The Fullness of Light
Monad, Aeons, Sophia and the schools.
- The Monad and the PleromaPremiumThe ineffable source and its fullness of light.Intermediate · 4 min read
- Aeons and SyzygiesPremiumThe paired emanations of divine qualities.Intermediate · 4 min read
- The Myth of SophiaPremiumWisdom's fall, longing and redemption.Intermediate · 4 min read
- Sethian and Valentinian GnosisPremiumThe two great schools: Seth's heavenly race and Valentinus' theology of the bridal chamber.Intermediate · 4 min read
Module III
Fall and Return
The lower world, the ascent and the inner light.
- The Demiurge and the ArchonsPremiumThe craftsman of the lower world and the rulers of the spheres.Advanced · 4 min read
- The Ascent Through the SpheresPremiumThe soul's return through the seven planetary gates to the Ogdoad.Advanced · 4 min read
- Gnostic Contemplative PracticePremiumSilence, prayer of the heart and the inner light meditation.Advanced · 4 min read
- Jung and GnosisPremiumThe Seven Sermons, the Jung Codex and Gnosis as a psychology of wholeness.Advanced · 4 min read
Course reading list
- Elaine Pagels, The Gnostic Gospels (1979)
- Karen L. King, What Is Gnosticism? (2003)
- Hans Jonas, The Gnostic Religion (1958)
- James M. Robinson (ed.), The Nag Hammadi Library in English (1977)
- Marvin Meyer (ed.), The Nag Hammadi Scriptures (2007)
- The Apocryphon of John, in James M. Robinson (ed.), The Nag Hammadi Library in English (1977)
- Bentley Layton, The Gnostic Scriptures (1987)
- Irenaeus of Lyon, Against Heresies (c. 180 CE), Book I
- Pistis Sophia (tr. G. R. S. Mead, 1896)
- Einar Thomassen, The Spiritual Seed: The Church of the 'Valentinians' (2006)