In the Orkhon Valley, the Khan of the East arose from the distance. With four morning stars, he set foot in the royal yurt of gold. He placed the eternal diadem on his head. The Divine Khan put on the robe of scarlet, and rested upon his throne of splendorous gold. He recalled the depravity in the green fields, where blood flowed like the Orkhon River. Where the moon and sun weeped day and night, where their noble Elect, monks and nuns, dwelt in fear.  Together with the Household of Light, he proclaimed to both lords and commoners, slaves and free, men and women, this decree:  “All you call upon the Gods of Light, to save us from this barbarous night. The Elect who saved my soul from blight, entrusted me to be in your sight. So now, I on my ancestors’ throne, command this ancient land to atone. Whatever the Elect preach to you, you are to do. Whether to work for  the benefit of the soul, or they urge you to work for the faith as a whole. Walk under the light of their wisdom, everywhere in the Uyghur kingdom. Honour, respect and serve the Elect, with a loving heart without neglect.” The Keeper of the Faith, with his diadem of authority, and his charisma from Heaven, continued on: “This path is subtle and wonderful, though it is hard to receive and follow in full. Twice and thrice I pondered this with sincerity. In my old life, I lacked clarity. I worshipped the demons as the Awakened One. In my new life, I bow down to the Timeless One.  Now the morning light shines on my eyes. Now I no longer serve those idols with their lies.” And so, the Uyghurs accepted the morning light. They bowed to the Khan and rejoiced in scarlet light. The gods became their protectors and guardians. Angels protected the Kingdom’s grand defenders. The Kingdom enjoyed both kinds of life, both kinds of bliss with little strife. The Khan of the Faith dwelt in unceasing joy, even after the sunset of his royal life. In both the body below and the soul up high, the Khan was blessed by the sun from the sapphire sky.

 

On his golden throne

Dressed in robes of flaming red

He saw the morning

I got baptised on 10th May in a Protestant church. I've been going to that Church for many years, practising Gnosticism in my personal time (like how many ancient Gnostics, such as the Valentinians, practised their faith). This year (during Lent) I felt a calling to finally get baptised. I prayed to Christ and Barbelo if this was the path forward for me. And so I got baptised, and it was wonderful.

I had to write a personal baptism speech, and since the Gnostic path is so personal and intertwined to my path, I had include covert Gnostic pearls before entering the water.

The numbers are some of the scriptural references (mainly from Gnostic scripture), with the references explained at the bottom.

My Baptism speech:

My religious journey started when I was 12 years old, when I first felt a calling to religious faith. Briefly, I was part of the New Age movement, thinking that I've finally found the light. But all I was discovered was voidness in New Age’s vague, feel-good assurances, and voidness within my heart. The New Age Movement claims to elevate and liberate the self, without actually addressing what the self needs liberating from, nor without the humility about human nature.

I left the New Age Movement, and came to Christ again.

I have been going to this Church for over a decade, studying and exploring Christianity, delaying baptism until my heart and mind felt sure. No vague assurances, but a firm hope in Christ and the resurrection. It addressed the sinful human condition, and the blind god of this world, through one concept: Sin. 1.   

In the past few weeks, during Lent, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to baptism. Calling me to be baptised into the waters of this Church and into the light of Christ. This was after I lost much faith in the world.

After how chaotic our world is, especially in the past few years: Including wars, the pandemic, the mental health crisis (which I fell victim to a few years ago) and so much more. It is as if the world is engulfed in a dense fog of fear and terror, blinding all from seeing the light. 2.

I decided now was the time to no longer have blind faith in the world, but commit myself to Christ through baptism, who unlike the world, always remain the same yesterday and today and forever. 3.

I now know and accept that Jesus died for all of us; that Jesus went down into the water of baptism, to perfect and purify it for our salvation, that we who will be baptised will be made whole. 4. Baptism, an exodus from the world into the arms of Jesus Christ. 5.

From the chaotic and ever-changing fires of the world, into the waters of Baptism. From the blindness of the world into the sight of God, from the carnal into the spiritual, from the physical into the angelic, from the created world into the Fullness of Christ himself. 6.

References:

1. The blind god of the world is a reference the demiurge, in 2 Corinthians 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel" and Gnostic scripture where the demiurge is described as a blind god. On the Origin of the World: "She (Sophia) said, "You are mistaken, Samael," that is, "blind god"On the Origin of the World - Bethge and Layton - The Nag Hammadi Library
2. Inspired by the Gospel of Truth: “This ignorance of the father brought about terror and fear. And terror became dense like a fog, so no one was able to see.” The Gospel of Truth - Translation by Barnstone and Meyer - The Nag Hammadi Library
3. Inspired by Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
4. Inspired by the Gospel of Philip: “It was necessary for Jesus to go down into the water in order to perfect and purify it. So also those who are baptized in his name are perfected. For he said, “Thus shall we perfect all righteousness.” The Gospel of Philip - The Nag Hammadi Library - Marvin Meyer Translation
5. Inspired by Valentinian “On the Baptism (B)” from the Nag Hammadi Library: “So we have been sent out of the world into the Aeon. For the interpretation of John is the Aeon, while the interpretation of that which is the upward progression, that is, our Exodus from the world into the Aeon.”On the Baptism (B) -- The Nag Hammadi Library
6. Inspired by Valentinian “On the Baptism (B)” from the Nag Hammadi Library: “from the world into the Jordan and from the blindness of the world into the sight of God, from the carnal into the spiritual, from the physical into the angelic, from the created into the Pleroma” http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/baptb.html)

In the Gospel of Mark (the earliest gospel written) and the Gospel of Matthew, an angel appears outside the tomb of Jesus (two other angels are described inside the tomb by Luke and John, this is addressed near the end). In Matthew, which adds more detail than Mark, it states:

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7

The angel is described as: “his appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow” which is very similar to the description of the angel Eleleth in the Nag Hammadi text The Hypostasis of the Archons:

“Now, as for that angel, I cannot speak of his power. His appearance is like fine gold and his raiment is like snow. No, truly, my mouth cannot bear to speak of his power and the appearance of his face.” The Hypostasis of the Archons

It should be noted that “his appearance was like lightning” and “His appearance is like fine gold” are not mutually exclusive, as yellow lightning actually exist as a natural phenomena, creating a stream of golden radiance in the darkness. Yellow/orange lightning occur in environments with high amounts of dust, smoke, or other particles, particularly in deserts.

Even in the book of Ezekiel (in the Old Testament) describes yellow/orange lightning as fire and like gleaming metal:

“As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.” Ezekiel 1:4

And there are more parallels between this angel and Eleleth:

Like how in Matthew’s gospel, the angel announces the coming of Christ to Mary, Eleleth announces the coming of Christ to Norea:

“Then I (Norea) said, “Sir, how much longer?” He said to me, “Until the moment when the true human, within a modeled form, reveals the existence of the spirit of truth that the father has sent. Then he will teach them about everything. And he will anoint them with the unction of life eternal, given him from the generation without a king.”” The Hypostasis of the Archons

The angel’s role in the Gospel is to make a preparation of the truth for the women, the truth of the resurrection, and to implant an eager desire for the truth to those who will hear the message, which fits with the primary role of Eleleth in Gnostic cosmology,:

“Eleleth, an eager desire and preparation for truth, is set over the fourth” Zostrianos

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Eleleth announces Jesus himself, who is the truth.

This parallel has a deeper level: Norea is a protype of Mary (the three Marys’), as Seth is the protype of Christ.

Seth being the prototype of Christ is explained by Marvin Meyer:

“In Christian Sethian traditions the heavenly figure of Seth can come to expression in the person of Christ, who may conceivably be the incarnation of Seth. Thus, the Second Discourse of Great Seth may be understood to be the second speech or message delivered by Jesus, the manifestation of heavenly Seth.” Marvin Meyer, The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, p. 473

Mary, like Norea, is associated with Sophia: “Wisdom, who is called barren, is the mother of the angels. The companion of the saviour is Mary of Magdala. The saviour loved her more than all the disciples, and he kissed her often on her mouth.” Gospel of Philip

“Finally, the short piece Thought of Norea is an ode to Norea, wife-sister of Seth, conceived  manifestation of Sophia the “fallen” divine wisdom, who will be restored along with her spiritual progeny into the divine world by the very aeons which she once departed.” Turner, John D, Sethian gnosticism and the platonic tradition Page 91

Just as Norea is the sister and companion of Seth, so Mary (the three Marys’) are the sister, mother and companion of Jesus.  

“ Three women always walked with the master: Mary his mother, his sister, and Mary of Magdala, who is called his companion. For “Mary” is the name of his sister, his mother, and his companion.” The Gospel of Philip

Both Norea and the Virgin Mary are described as “the virgin whom no power has defiled”

“Again Eve became pregnant, and she bore Norea. And she said, “He has produced for me a virgin (Norea) as an assistance for many generations of human beings.” She (Norea) is the virgin whom the forces did not defile.”” The Hypostasis of the Archons

“Mary is the virgin whom none of the powers defiled.” Gospel of Philip

Therefore, in the Hypostasis of the Archons and the Gospel, Eleleth descends to and proclaims the good news to the manifestation of Sophia, the virgin whom none of the powers defiled. Also, Eleleth frightened the archons as he arrived to Norea, and Eleleth frightened the roman soldiers when he arrived to Mary.

Eleleth does not give the Gnostic revelation of reality to Mary (only announces that Christ has risen). However this is because Christ, the ultimate source of gnosis, will reveal the Gnostic revelation instead, as Eleleth’s prophecy in the Hypostasis of the Archons states: “Until the moment when the true human (Jesus), within a modeled form, reveals the existence of the spirit of truth that the father has sent. Then he will teach them about everything. And he will anoint them with the unction of life eternal, given him from the generation without a king.” Eleleth function as the revealer of gnosis was superseded by Christ.

Now, some would argue that the Gospel of Luke and John contradict this because they describe two angels instead of just one. However, there is no contradiction. Luke and John describe two angels within the empty tomb, whereas Mark and Matthew describe one angel outside the tomb. Three angels, one outside and two inside (described in different accounts based on one story). This is still consistent with Eleleth because Eleleth has three manifestations/emanations: “The fourth eternal realm has been set up for the fourth luminary, Eleleth. There are three other realms with it: Perfection, Peace, Sophia.” The Apocryphon of John

In the Gospel of John, it says “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.” Gospel of John 20:11-12

This may be a stretch, but the angels here could have been Sophia (Wisdom) and Peace. Sophia seated at the head, obviously because the head (mind) is the seat of Wisdom. Peace seated at the feet, to symbolise the path of holy peace that Jesus and his followers walked:

“and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

The angel at the front of the tomb is Eleleth’s Perfection, who announces the Saviour made perfect through the resurrection.   

“the Savior appeared - not in his previous form, but in the invisible spirit. And his likeness resembles a great angel of light. But his resemblance I must not describe. No mortal flesh could endure it, but only pure, PERFECT flesh, like that which he taught us about on the mountain called "Of the Olives" in Galilee.” The Sophia of Jesus Christ

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:8-10

Three angels, one Eleleth. This idea is similar to the appearance of Christ in the Apocryphon of John: “At the moment I (Apostle John) was thinking about this, look, the heavens opened, all creation under heaven lit up, and the world shook. I was afraid, and look, I saw within the light a child standing by me. As I was staring, it seemed to be an elderly person. Again it changed its appearance to be a youth. Not that there were several figures before me. Rather, there was a figure with several forms within the light. These forms appeared through each other, and the figure had three forms. The figure said to me, “John, John, why are you doubting? Why are you afraid? Are you not familiar with this figure? Then do not be fainthearted. I am with you always. I am the father, I am the mother, I am the child.”” Apocryphon of John

I have been practising Jeremy Puma’s ascent meditation for years, adding more aeons (such as from the Gnostic text Zostrianus) and Sethian mantras over time. Jeremy Puma's Gnostic Ascent has been the most powerful meditation I have ever done.

Sethian mantras (some are used here): https://www.gnosisforall.com/about-16

The Sethian system of aeons and realms: https://www.gnosisforall.com/about-18

Jeremy Puma's Mysteries of Gnostic Ascent: https://www.scribd.com/document/419916443/AGnosticPrayerbookJeremyPuma-pdf

Mysteries of Gnostic Ascent

1. Nous, Christos, Pistis, Sophia. Amen

Explanation: (touch forehead) Nous, (touch heart) Christos, (touch left shoulder) Pistis, (touch right shoulder) Sophia. (touch heart) Amen.

1. “Father, hear us. Amen”
2. “Logos and Sophia save us. Amen”
3. Ascend and pass through the Corporeal Cosmos (Kosmos Aisthetos)
4. Ascend and pass through the Airy Earth (Ge Aerodios)
5. “Archons of this world, abandon us. Amen”
6. “Holy are you Sabaoth, the redeemed archon, redeemed by Pistis Sophia. Amen”
7. “Holy are you Zoe, daughter of Pistis Sophia, who casted down Yaldabaoth with your fiery, angelic breath. Amen”
8. Ascend and pass through the Draco constellation

(From the Perate Gnostic tradition: The constellation of Draco, whose snaking tail was associated with the river that ran through the garden of Eden, was of especial significance to the Perates, being associated both with the figure of Christ as well as a kind of celestial doorway back to the Pleroma, making it very fitting to be included even if it is not Sethian)

1. Ascend and pass through the realm of “Sojourn”
2. Ascend and pass through the realm of “Repentance”

 

The realm of Eleleth

1. “Wisdom, Peace, Perfection, be with us. Amen”
2. “Holy are you, Luminous Eleleth. Amen”

The realm of Daveithia

1. “Holy are you, the Seed of Seth. Be with us. Amen”
2. “Idea, Love, Understanding, be with us. Amen”
3. “Holy are you, Luminous Daveithia. Amen”

The realm of Oroiael

1. “Holy are you, Setheus, heavenly Seth, father of the living race.

Holy, Holy , Holy, AAA, HHH, EEE, III, OOO, YYY, OOO. Amen”

1. “Memory, Conception, Perception, be with us. Amen”
2. “Holy are you, Luminous Oroiael. Amen”

The realm of Armozel

1. “Holy are you Adamas, heavenly mankind and father of Setheus.

You are one

You are one

You are one

EA EA EA”

1. “Form, Truth, Grace, be with us. Amen”

2. “Holy are you, Luminous Armozel. Amen”

3. “Holy are you, Ephesech, the Child of the Child, be with me and guide me. Amen”

4. “Thanks be to you, Christos Autogenes. For whom all has been, is and will be, unto the aeons of aeons. Amen

MA MO

OOO EI

A EI

ON EI!

Amen”

The realm of Barbelo

1. “Holy are you, Protophanes, the First-Appearing One. Amen”
2. “Holy are you, Youel, the Male Virgin, be with me and guide me. Amen”
3. “Holy are you, Kalyptos, the Hidden One, be with me. Amen”
4. “Holy are you, the Triple Male Child, the Great Christ, be with me and guide me. Amen”
5. “Holy Mother-Father Barbelo, we do not watch over our dwelling places; We recognise you. We pray you, place this humble spirit into the holy Light, within an incomprehensible silence in which the self is no more. Amen”

The One

1. Enter and pass through the Triple Powered One
2. Enter and pass through the Great Invisible Spirit
3. Finally enter and rest within the Silent One of Light, the highest point of the All.

  

(In this state, I found using the meditation from the Cloud of Unknowing (medieval text of Christian mysticism) to be the most useful of keeping my soul focused and at peace within the One. 

Like in Gnostic texts (such as the Apocryphon of John), the Cloud of Unknowing states that the One is beyond description and cannot be known through reason. The One can only be known through Love, a personal rather than intellectual knowledge.   

Silently repeat “God” and “Sin” continuously, focusing on those two words alone. Dismiss all other thoughts that may enter the mind.

The purpose of this is to enter a state of unknowing, where the mind is silenced, allowing the light of the One to enter our empty darkness. “God” is used to put our focus on the One (who is the Summum bonum through which all creation should strive for), and “Sin” (in reference to ourselves, our own lack and need to return to the light)).

I usually do this for 15-20 minutes.

Prayer of Return

1. "Praise be to the Limitless Light!"

"Praise be to Barbelo, the Mother- Father!"

"Praise be to the Pentad of the Aeons of the Father!"

"Praise be to the Triple Male Child, the Great Christ!"

"Praise be to Kalyptos, the Hidden One!"

"Praise be to Youel, the Male Virgin!"

"Praise be to Protophanes, the First-Appearing One!"

"Praise be to Christos Autogenes!"

"Praise be to Ephesech, the Child of the Child!"

"Praise be to Armozel, Grace, Truth and Form!"

"Praise be to Adamas, heavenly mankind and father of Setheus!"

"Praise be to Oriael, Conception, Perception and Memory!"

"Praise be to Setheus, heavenly Seth, father of the living race!"

"Praise be to Daveithai, Understanding, Love and Idea!"

"Praise be to the Seed of Seth!"

"Praise be to Eleleth, Perfection, Peace and Wisdom!"

Pass through the realm of “Repentance”

Pass through the realm of “Sojourn”

Pass through the Draco constellation

"Praise be to Zoe, the daughter of Pistis Sophia!"

"Praise be to Sabaoth, the redeemed archon!"

"Love and Compassion to the Archons, Blind rulers of the Cosmos!"

Pass through the Airy Earth

Pass through the Corporeal Cosmos

"Praise be to the Logos and Sophia, Beloved Saviours!"

"All you Aeons and Powers of the Light, Be with me, guide and protect me, Now and Forever, Amen."

Stephan A. Hoeller

Shepherd and Bishop of the Church of Gnosis

Teacher of the tradition of inner knowing

Entered this world through the Kingdom of the Magyars 

Passerby bishop in Yaldabaoth’s world of night

Holding his staff to the twinkling eons above 

Awakening us to the blazing mind of Jung 

Nourishing the eon of gnosis arisen

 

Anointed in heavenly baths of Christ Jesus

 

Hoeller died, yet he now lives in unfading light

Our Lady Sophia shed tears this month and night

Enter the Fullness of love and divinity

Lily of the valley, who escaped death’s valley

Look and behold the divine aeons’ faces

Enter the Fullness of the Mother and Father

Rest in the Bridal Chamber of Christ our saviour