In this episode of the “Way of the Hermit” podcast, Gene and David embark on a 4-part exploration of the Trimorphic Protennoia (”Three Forms of the First Thought") - a cornerstone text from the Nag Hammadi library. This episode builds on their previous journeys through the "Secret Gospel of John" and the "Gospel of Thomas," tracing the descent and return of the soul through the mythic architecture of consciousness.

In this discussion, the hosts unravel the Trimorphic Protennoia as both a cosmic autobiography and a practical manual for the inner life. They illuminate the text’s central claim: that all reality is an emanation of consciousness, unfolding through three archetypal forms - Thought, Voice, and Word - mirrored in the Gnostic Trinity of Father, Mother, and Son. Through poetic passages and careful exegesis, Gene and David reveal how this triadic process is not only the fabric of the cosmos but also the hidden engine of our own minds. The conversation weaves through profound symbols: Barbelo as the androgynous First Thought, the descent into the underworld as the awakening of the sleeping soul, and the “still small voice” as the intuitive guide within.

Listeners are invited to contemplate the omnipresence of consciousness, the mystery of the “door” between the ineffable and the manifest, and the transformative power of recognizing the divine seed within. The discussion makes connections to alchemy, Kabbalah, and Jungian psychology, offering both theoretical insights and practical methods for tuning into the quiet, radiant voice at the heart of being.

We hope that this episode deepens your understanding of the perennial wisdom tradition and inspires your own journey toward wholeness and gnosis.

Deep Dive:

• The Trimorphic Protennoia - Three Forms of First Thought

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:27 Review
• 05:54 Trimorphic Protenoia
• 08:49 Protennoia - First Thought
• 12:23 Epinoia - Subsequent Thoughts
• 15:19 Invisible One
• 18:12 The Quiet Voice
• 20:21 Radiant Waters
• 23:32 The Door
• 26:41 Seed and Fruit
• 28:22 The Son
• 30:55 Conclusions

Resources:

• Trimorphic Protennoia (Wikipedia)
• Trimorphic Protennoia - John D. Turner (“Bible-like” but leaves names intact)
• Three Forms of First Thought - Willis Barnstone Translation (clearer, more readable)
• Analytic Idealism in a Nutshell - Bernardo Kastrup
• Irreducible: Consciousness, Life, Computers, and Human Nature - Federico Faggin
• Creative Evolution - Henri Bergson (Amazon)
• Gospel of Nicodemus (Sacred Text Archive)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition - Carl Jung
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians - Freke and Gandy

In this concluding episode of their five-part series, David and Gene explore the final 22 sayings of the Gospel of Thomas (93-114), revealing the text's most profound mysteries about spiritual transformation and divine realization.

These culminating teachings address the protection of sacred wisdom ("pearls before swine"), the gradual process of inner transformation symbolized by yeast working through dough and hidden treasure requiring patient excavation, all of which support the ultimate goal of uniting the dual aspects of consciousness in the alchemical "Sacred Marriage."

The hosts delve into Jesus's radical redefinition of kinship in spiritual rather than biological terms, the three Gnostic worlds of Spirit, Soul, and Matter that require different navigational approaches, and the esoteric meaning behind traditional spiritual practices like prayer and fasting. They examine the provocative final saying about Mary Magdalene needing to become "male," as representing the need for integration of analytical and intuitive faculties into divine wholeness - and how the saying speaks to the tension between orthodox (Peter) and esoteric (Mary) interpretations of spiritual truth.

Other concepts discussed include:

• the door of consciousness that opens from within through persistent spiritual "knocking,"
• the distinction between those who seek firsthand Gnosis versus blind obedience (the "black sheep" who wanders away from the flock),
• and the intimate spiritual communion described as "drinking from Jesus's mouth."

The episode culminates with the hosts' realization that the Gospel of Thomas presents the most revolutionary concept in Gnostic literature: that achieving Gnosis is itself the divine pattern - a fractal process where God comes to know Himself through human self-discovery, making each individual's spiritual journey a unique cosmic contribution requiring active practice rather than passive study.

Deep Dive:

• The Gospel of Thomas

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:52 Sayings 93-95
• 07:19 Sayings 96-98
• 12:41 Sayings 99-101
• 17:28 Sayings 102-104
• 21:05 Sayings 105-107
• 26:26 Sayings 108-110
• 30:25 Sayings 111-114
• 41:55 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gospel of Thomas (history and various translations - Gnosis.org)
• Gospel of Thomas (Patterson and Robinson translation)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• Creative Evolution by Henri Bergson
• The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick by PKD
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Freke and Gandy

In this episode, David and Gene continue their exploration of the Gospel of Thomas, examining sayings 70-92. These sayings focus on navigating the duality between spiritual and material worlds and the constant choices we must make between them.

The esoteric meaning behind the sayings of Jesus in the Gospel are discussed, starting with the call to activate the latent "divine spark" within us - a spiritual conception or “virgin birth” (Saying 70). They interpret Jesus’ saying about the destruction of the "house" (Saying 71) as referring to a personal apocalypse of Gnosis, an irreversible transformation of one's worldview. Jesus's refusal to be a "divider" of possessions (Saying 72) highlights the spiritual realm's inherent unity and the need to integrate the divided aspects of the self.

Further discussion touches on the rarity of those undertaking the spiritual harvest (Saying 73) and the tendency to seek fulfillment externally in "empty wells" instead of looking within (Saying 74). The "solitary ones" who are allowed entry to the "wedding hall" (Saying 75) are presented as those who have achieved inner wholeness, akin to the "Chemical Wedding" in alchemy.

David and Gene explore Jesus speaking as the omnipresent Logos ("I am the All," Saying 77), touching upon pan-psychism and the need to look beyond the surface of reality. They contrast seeking external validation (Saying 78, 91) with the necessity of internal realization and trusting inner authority.

The hosts delve into the hidden nature of consciousness (Saying 83) and the profound challenge of confronting our divine archetypal "likeness" - “our original face before we were born.” (Saying 84). They discuss how the divine pattern must be tried through the fire of earthly life (Saying 85), and how the "Son of Man" finding "no place to rest" (Saying 86) as symbolic of humanity's hybrid nature, caught between two worlds.

The episode concludes by examining the spiral nature of spiritual seeking, where readiness dictates understanding (Saying 92), and how reflecting on, and engaging with these profound sayings is itself a transformative process.

Deep Dive:

• The Gospel of Thomas

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:41 Review
• 03:10 Sayings 70-72
• 07:25 Sayings 73-75
• 12:18 Sayings 76-78
• 16:39 Sayings 79-81
• 18:54 Sayings 82-84
• 23:50 Sayings 85-87
• 28:23 Sayings 88-90
• 31:34 Sayings 91-92
• 34:34 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gospel of Thomas (history and various translations - Gnosis.org)
• Gospel of Thomas (Patterson and Robinson translation)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Freke and Gandy
• You’re Not the Observer—You’re the Observed (YouTube)
• Lateralus - Tool (Spotify)

In this episode, David and Gene continue their discussion of the Gospel of Thomas, exploring sayings 47-69 of this profound and mysterious Gnostic text. The sayings it contains offer timeless insights into the spiritual path, providing guidance for those striving to transcend material attachments and awaken to higher consciousness.

Building on their previous discussions, they delve deeper into the themes of spiritual unity, overcoming duality, and the transformative nature of self-realization.

Their discussion begins with Saying 47, which uses a variety of vivid metaphors to illustrate the need for overcoming the dualities within ourselves and the means by which we can reconcile old cognitive frameworks with new spiritual truths. 

Sayings 48-49 emphasize achieving harmony within oneself and creating an internal sacred space for introspection. David and Gene interpret these teachings as a call to overcome internal duality and embrace wholeness, drawing parallels to esoteric traditions like the "Sacred Marriage" and Jungian individuation.

Sayings 50-52 delve into the origins of light in the Gnostic tradition, the cyclical nature of existence, and esoteric meaning of "death" and "resurrection." The hosts unpack these teachings with references to Gnostic cosmology, emphasizing the importance of inner awareness over external rituals or authorities.

The discussion continues with Sayings 53-55, which contrast external religious practices with inner spiritual work. Themes of detachment from societal conditioning and cultivating spiritual poverty emerge as essential steps toward true enlightenment.

Sayings 56-58 explore the transient nature of the material world, the value of struggle in spiritual growth, and the importance of discernment in timing one's personal transformation. 

The episode concludes with Sayings 59-69, which address the urgency of seeking truth, protecting one’s spiritual vitality from lower distractions, recognizing true authority, and maintaining connection with divine wisdom despite worldly persecution. 

Throughout their discussion, David and Gene attempt to bring clarity to these ancient teachings, revealing how they speak directly to the modern seeker’s quest for self-knowledge. 

Deep Dive:

• The Gospel of Thomas

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:41 Review
• 03:06 Saying 47
• 07:02 Sayings 48-49
• 10:09 Sayings 50-52
• 13:22 Sayings 53-55
• 17:02 Sayings 56-58
• 20:14 Sayings 59-61
• 24:22 Sayings 62-64
• 28:03 Sayings 65-67
• 32:00 Sayings 68-69
• 35:07 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gospel of Thomas (history and various translations - Gnosis.org)
• Gospel of Thomas (Patterson and Robinson translation)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Freke and Gandy

In this episode, David and Gene continue their exploration of the Gospel of Thomas, examining sayings 24-46 of this enigmatic Gnostic text. Building on their previous discussion, they delve deeper into the three-world Gnostic cosmology: the unity of the spiritual Pleroma, the duality of the realm of Soul/Mind (Heaven), and the unity in multiplicity of the physical world (Earth).

They begin by discussing a listener comment about "combining all religions," noting that spiritual unity might indeed be the ultimate goal, as suggested in Ephesians 4:13, where the original Greek terms "Gnosis" (knowledge) and "Pleroma" (fullness) reveal deeper meaning about attaining wholeness through divine knowledge.

This section of the Gospel contains powerful teachings about spiritual discernment and self-mastery:

• Sayings 24-26 emphasize finding inner light rather than seeking externally, loving others as manifestations of the divine, and addressing one's own spiritual blindness before criticizing others.
• Sayings 27-29 contrast spiritual awareness with material distraction, describing humanity as "drunk" with worldly concerns rather than "thirsty" for self-knowledge, while marveling at how consciousness (great wealth) resides within physical form (poverty).
• Sayings 30-32 outline the three stages of Gnostic initiation and the importance of consistent spiritual practice in establishing one's character as "a city on a high mountain."
• Sayings 33-35 explore spiritual discernment, warning against following blind guides while encouraging the sharing of inner wisdom.
• Sayings 36-41 address detachment from material concerns, the suppression of symbolic readings of sacred texts, and the principle that spiritual understanding multiplies when cultivated.
• Sayings 42-44 discuss becoming "passers-by" (detached observers), judging teachers by their fruits, and the consequences of acting against one's own experience of truth.
• Sayings 45-46 conclude with teachings on cultivating positive thoughts and transcending the ego, with John the Baptist representing the consciousness that can see Gnosis as the goal but requires the "final stroke" of ego death to achieve it.

Throughout their analysis, David and Gene reveal how these ancient sayings speak to the modern seeker's journey toward self-realization, offering insights into overcoming material attachments, developing spiritual discernment, and achieving wholeness by overcoming the delusion of the false self.

Deep Dive:

• The Gospel of Thomas

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 03:41 Review
• 04:57 Sayings 24-26
• 08:01 Sayings 27-29
• 11:32 Sayings 30-32
• 14:38 Sayings 33-35
• 17:43 Sayings 36-38
• 19:51 Sayings 39-41
• 22:42 Sayings 42-44
• 25:16 Sayings 45-46
• 28:26 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gospel of Thomas (history and various translations - Gnosis.org)
• Gospel of Thomas (Patterson and Robinson translation)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Freke and Gandy
• Federico Faggin on Idealism, Quantum Mechanics, Free Will, and Identity

In this episode of the Way of the Hermit Podcast, David and Gene begin their exploration of the Gospel of Thomas, a collection of 114 enigmatic sayings attributed to the “Living Jesus,” that, like the other Gnostic texts discovered in the cache at Nag Hammadi, Egypt - challenges conventional religious notions.

Unlike the cosmological narrative of the Secret Gospel of John, the teachings in the Gospel of Thomas are distilled into koan-like paradoxes and parables, designed to provoke self-realization. Labeled heretical by early church fathers, this primary text of the “Thomasine Tradition,” rejects dogma in favor of direct spiritual revelation, urging initiates to meditate on its riddles to awaken their divine nature, so as to “not taste death.”

This episode discusses the first 23 sayings. Here are highlights from the sections:

• Sayings 1–3: immortality comes by transcending physicality and materiality through self-knowledge and identification with consciousness, while the path to sovereignty (“becoming king over the All”) demands confronting disturbing truths.
• Sayings 4–7: delve into Jungian shadow work, where innocence must be reclaimed consciously, and spiritual mastery requires “eating the lion” (integrating instinctual forces symbolized by the Demiurge).
• Sayings 8–11: contrast transient heavens with eternal unity, using metaphors like the fisherman’s “large fish” (ultimate truth) and the disruptive “fire” that the teachings help kindle, to dismantle outdated paradigms.
• A pivotal moment arises in Saying 13, where Thomas receives three secret words - keys to spiritual, soul, and material realms - after recognizing Jesus’s ineffable nature, also highlighting Peter’s and Matthew’s limited interpretations of Jesus as merely a prophet or a philosopher.
• Later sayings (14–23): critique performative piety, urging alignment with the “unborn” (bornless) divine essence within. These sayings include Kabbalistic references, and also refer to the alchemical unification of male/female polarities.

The episode culminates in Saying 23’s stark reminder that few attain full unity with the divine - a “spiritual alchemy” reserved for those willing to dissolve egoic barriers, to die to who they thought they were, in order to become a “Twin of Jesus,” a spiritual master.

David and Gene contextualize Thomas’ role as the archetypal Gnostic doubter, whose insistence on firsthand gnosis mirrors the text’s radical claim: that we are all potential “twins” of Christ, tasked with resurrecting the reflection of the divine, in our mind, heart and hands.

Deep Dive:

• The Gospel of Thomas

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:45 History and Significance
• 05:10 The Gospel of Thomas
• 06:36 Sayings 1-3
• 09:24 Sayings 4-7
• 12:02 Sayings 8-11
• 15:43 Sayings 12-13
• 19:14 Sayings 14-16
• 22:59 Sayings 17-19
• 25:27 Sayings 20-23
• 30:15 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gospel of Thomas (history and various translations - Gnosis.org)
• Gospel of Thomas (Patterson and Robinson translation)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Freke and Gandy

In this episode of Way of the Hermit, David and Gene conclude their deep dive into The Secret Gospel of John, uncovering its profound esoteric teachings on self-awareness, spiritual awakening, and the cosmic struggle between light and darkness.

Picking up where the last episode left off, they explore how the creation of Eve symbolizes a division within Adam’s unified self, representing the separation of conscious and subconscious aspects. This psychic split, orchestrated by the Demiurge, obscures humanity’s divine nature, setting the stage for the journey back to wholeness. Eve, embodying the hidden spark of divinity (the luminous Epinoia), becomes a key figure in awakening Adam to his true nature - a process that mirrors humanity’s longing for self-realization and unity.

The conversation delves into the symbolic narratives of Cain and Abel, representing material desire versus spiritual transience, and Seth, who emerges as a figure of divine recognition and alignment with higher consciousness. David and Gene unpack how these archetypes reflect humanity’s inner struggles and potential for liberation. They also discuss the “fate of souls,” emphasizing how choices influenced by either the Divine Spirit or Counterfeit Spirit determine one’s spiritual trajectory - liberation, imprisonment, or punishment.

Finally, David and Gene examine the redemptive role of the Perfect Pronoia, who descends into darkness to awaken humanity from spiritual slumber. Her three attempts at awakening symbolize stages of moral preparation, philosophical understanding, and spiritual realization, mirroring the Blue Lodge Degrees of Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite.

The episode concludes with an exploration of how Gnostic texts like The Secret Gospel of John serve as seeds (or mental viruses) planted in fertile minds, bearing fruit through shared understanding. So, join us for this thought-provoking conclusion to a discussion of one of history’s most profound spiritual texts.

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John
• Secret Gospel of John correspondences

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:07 Review
• 05:28 Creation of Eve
• 08:16 Adam and Eve
• 11:23 Cain and Abel
• 14:48 Seth
• 17:59 The Fate of Souls
• 20:51 Chain of Fate
• 25:27 Redemption
• 29:30 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederick Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung

In this episode of Way of the Hermit, David and Gene continue their exploration of the “Secret Gospel of John,” delving deeper into the text’s esoteric description of the evolution of consciousness.

The primary story arc of this episode concerns the awakening of self-consciousness and awareness, and also the accompanying feeling of being “not whole.” The narrative follows how Sophia, representing dawning self-awareness, experiences her separation from divine unity, leading to a profound journey of anguish, realignment and restoration. In a response from heaven to Sophia’s prayers, heaven grants a vision to her son, the Demiurge, of what the “perfect man” looks like. But, this “image of god” is distorted, as it is reflected down through the worlds into manifestation, resulting in man’s plight.

This portion of the narrative of the “Secret Gospel of John” can be seen as the blackening phase of the alchemical process. It is the complete descent of spirit into matter, where it is in a sense, imprisoned, and yet, it is the spark that can reignite the ascent home.

David and Gene discuss the idea of building and embodying a living temple, and how the blueprint for such a construction, is an unfolding of “archetype of archetypes,” the same pattern that unfolds and becomes embodied in everything that exists.

So join us, as we continue our in-depth discussion of one of the most important spiritual texts of all time - “The Secret Gospel of John.”

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John
• Secret Gospel of John correspondences

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:00 Review
• 07:33 Sophia’s Call
• 12:16 Pleroma’s Response
• 16:34 Creation of Man
• 20:42 Body of Light
• 23:32 Luminous Epinoia
• 27:54 Light Trapped in Shadow
• 31:17 Tree of Death
• 35:00 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org - Symposium on Masonic Esoterica
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederick Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung

In this episode, David and Gene continue their exploration of the Secret Gospel of John, delving into its complex cosmology and comparing it with Neoplatonic philosophy. They review the discussion from the previous episode that detailed the first phases the evolution of consciousness through the emanations of (1) the Monad (pure undifferentiated consciousness - will), (2) Barbelo (first reflection - thought), and (3) Christ/Autogenes (self-generated awareness - life). 

They draw parallels between ancient spiritual concepts and contemporary neuroscience, and discuss how these concepts relate to the modern understanding of consciousness and psychological development. The conversation explores the emergence of the Four Lights from Autogenes and their correspondence to the Four Worlds of Kabbalah, representing different levels of consciousness from spiritual to physical.

This text for this episode focuses on the dramatic turn in the narrative with the appearance of Sophia of the Epinoia and her creation of the Demiurge - a lion-faced serpent representing primal consciousness without higher reasoning. The text details how this "blind idiot god, born of chaos" creates the Archons (rulers) in an attempt to mirror the higher realms, resulting in a distorted reflection of divine patterns that governs the material world. 

In this episode, David and Gene (as always) weave together insights from various esoteric traditions, including Masonry, Kabbalah, Hermeticism, alchemy, and Christian Gnosticism, showing how these ancient texts are intended as grimoires or textbooks, detailing sophisticated models for understanding consciousness and human psychological development.

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John
• Secret Gospel of John correspondences

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:29 Review
• 05:32 Neoplatonism
• 10:38 Autogenes
• 14:03 The Four Lights
• 19:06 Pigera-Adamas
• 22:24 Sophia Epinoia
• 25:52 The Demiurge
• 29:09 The Archons
• 33:53 A Jealous God
• 36:52 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org - Symposium on Masonic Esoterica
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederick Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung

In this episode, David and Gene begin their exploration of "The Secret Gospel of John," also known as the "Apocryphon of John," a pivotal text in the Sethian Gnostic tradition. They discuss the text's history, its multiple versions, and its significance as a comprehensive presentation of Gnostic cosmology and theology.

The discussion delves into the concept of the Monad, the ultimate unity in Gnostic thought, comparing it to similar ideas in Pythagoreanism and Kabbalah, and exploring its characteristics as the ineffable, unnameable source of all qualities. In the process, David and Gene draw parallels with modern cosmology and to the symbolism of the point within a circle, relating it to biological concepts like seeds and zygotes, while always emphasizing the text's primary focus, which is on the inner world of the mind.

This episode introduces Barbelo, the first emanation from the Monad, representing forethought and the beginning of psychic evolution. David and Gene examine the qualities attributed to Barbelo and how these relate to human consciousness. They conclude by discussing the "birth" of Christ as a metaphor for the self-reflective development of mind, emphasizing the importance of understanding these texts as spiritual guidebooks rather than mere stories.

This is the first episode of a multi-part series on the “Secret Gospel of John.” It begins the exegesis of the text, and also stage for a deeper exploration of Gnostic philosophy as a path of spiritual discovery and growth.

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:39 The Apocryphon of John
• 04:28 History of the Text
• 07:02 Secret Book of John
• 11:06 The Monad
• 14:42 Point in the Circle
• 20:22 Barbelo
• 25:13 The Birth of Christ
• 27:57 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org - Symposium on Masonic Esoterica
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederik Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung