In this episode, David and Gene delve into the fascinating world of Gnostic Christianity, exploring its origins, philosophical concepts, and enduring influence.

The episode explores the historical and philosophical landscape that gave birth to Gnostic Christianity, focusing on Alexandria's crucial role as a melting pot of Eastern and Western thought. David and Gene also discuss the significance of the Septuagint and the works of Philo of Alexandria, in bridging Jewish and Greek philosophical traditions.

The main Gnostic sects are introduced: the Sethians, Valentinians, Basilideans, Ophites, and Carpocratians, as well as the key texts associated with them, that were discovered in Nag Hammadi, Egypt. In preparation for later discussions, this episode summarizes many fundamental Gnostic concepts such as the Pleroma, Nous, Aeons, Barbelo, Sophia, the Demiurge, and the Archons.

Carl Jung's contributions to understanding Gnosticism are examined, as are his interpretations of Gnostic concepts as representations of psychological processes and structures, shedding light on the potential of Gnostic thought to illuminate the human psyche.

Deep Dive:

• Gnostic Christianity

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:43 Gnostic Christianity
• 05:28 The Septuagint
• 07:04 Philo of Alexandria
• 09:34 Gnostic Sects
• 11:54 Nag Hammadi Texts
• 12:50 Gnostic Concepts
• 15:14 Seven Sermons to the Dead
• 17:04 Gnostic Psychology
• 19:28 Gnostic Jung
• 22:27 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org (A Symposium of Masonic Esoterika)
• Morals & Dogma: Annotated Edition
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung
• Seven Sermons To the Dead by Carl Jung
• Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing by Stephan A. Hoeller

In this episode of "Way of the Hermit," David and Gene dive down the rabbit hole, into the world of Gnosticism and its connection to Freemasonry. They explore how Gnostic teachings, once considered heretical, were driven underground and lay buried for centuries until their rediscovery in the 20th century. They discuss the core principles of Gnosticism, emphasizing its focus on direct inner knowledge of the divine (gnosis) rather than adherence to dogma or external rules.

The episode traces the historical suppression of Gnostic ideas by early Christian literalists and examines key figures in Gnostic thought, including Simon Magus, Philo of Alexandria, and G.R.S. Mead. David and Gene highlight the significance of the Nag Hammadi texts discovered in 1945, which provided unprecedented insights into Gnostic Christianity. They also explore the symbolic interpretations of religious and Masonic stories, arguing that these allegories contain deeper truths about human consciousness and spiritual awakening.

The discussion draws intriguing parallels between Gnostic concepts and Masonic symbolism, suggesting that Freemasonry is perhaps a form of Gnosticism. They propose that the three degrees of the Masonic Blue Lodge, as well as the Masonic quest for the “Lost Word”, the three names of God and three temples in the Scottish Rite, correspond to the three stages of Gnostic awakening.

Deep Dive:

Nag Hammadi's Gnostic Revelations

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:36 Gnosticism
• 04:02 Masonry is Gnosticism
• 06:33 The Key to the Mysteries
• 09:56 Church of the Antichrist
• 13:19 Simon Magus
• 15:49 Philo of Alexandria
• 18:05 G.R.S. Mead
• 21:21 Nag Hammadi
• 24:45 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gnostics: The First Christian Heretics by Sean Martin
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Tim Freke & Peter Gandy
• Novo Clavis Esoterika by Timothy Hogan
• Gnostic Religion in Antiquity by Roelof van den Broek
• Pistis Sophia: The Gnostic Tradition of Mary Magdalene, Jesus, and His Disciples by G.R.S. Mead
• Fragments Of A Faith Forgotten by G.R.S. Mead
• Corpus Hermeticum by G.R.S. Mead
• Simon Magus: The Gnostic Magician by G.R.S. Mead
• Gnostic John the Baptizer by G.R.S. Mead
• Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing by Stephan A. Hoeller
• The American Religion: The Emergence of the Post-Christian Nation by Harold Bloom
• The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels
• God is a Verb by David Cooper

In this episode, David and Gene begin their deep dive into Gnosticism and its intimate connection to Freemasonry. They explore the key concepts that form the foundation of Gnostic thought, including the Monad, Emanations, Duality, and the pursuit of Gnosis, and discuss how these ideas are woven into the fabric of Masonic philosophy, particularly within the Scottish Rite system.

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

David and Gene discuss how the ancient wisdom traditions use symbols and allegories to convey deeper truths about the nature of reality and human consciousness. Through the symbols and stories of sacred scriptures, they conceal hidden truths, that are revealed to those who possess the key to their interpretation. They also delve into the historical context of Gnosticism, touching on its suppression by orthodox religious authorities and its survival through esoteric traditions, and how Gnostic concepts like the Aeons are related to the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.

The conversation also draw parallels between Gnostic ideas and Masonic symbols and rituals, revealing the esoteric underpinnings of Freemasonry, and discuss the works of influential thinkers like Albert Pike, Carl Jung, and contemporary Masonic scholars who have recognized the Gnostic elements within Masonry.

Join us we begin our exploration of the mysteries of Gnosticism and its profound impact on Freemasonry, and on the world... and find out what it really means, to establish a "New Order for the Ages."

Deep Dive:

• Gnosticism, Freemasonry and Gnosis

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 04:03 Why Gnosticism?
• 06:33 Freemasonry and Gnosticism
• 09:21 The Perennial Philosophy
• 11:37 The Monad
• 14:16 Duality
• 15:42 Allegories and Symbols
• 17:58 Gnostic Heresy
• 23:13 Gnosis
• 26:18 Conclusions

Resources:

• 2024 Southeastern Masonic Symposium & Harmony
• Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft
• Arcanum Podcast - Ike Baker
• Gnostic Philosophy: From Ancient Persia to Modern Times
• The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual
• Novo Clavis Esoterika