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

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

In this episode, David and Gene delve into the world of esoteric Freemasonry with their esteemed guests, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw. As authors of the book "A Path to Providence", Shaun and Ben share their inspiring journey in reviving the mystery school roots of Freemasonry through the establishment of groundbreaking esoteric education programs in North Carolina.

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

From humble beginnings in small esoteric discussion groups to the formation of the first Traditional Observance Lodges in North Carolina, Ben and Shaun recount the challenges and triumphs they faced in introducing these programs to the Masonic community, as well as their vision for the future.

Shaun and Ben emphasize the importance of "nudging" Masonry in a more esoteric and spiritual direction, as well as keeping their own curriculum within the bounds of Masonry while still exploring interconnections with other esoteric traditions. They discuss the development of the "Middle Chamber Program" for Blue Lodge Masons and the "Key to the Mysteries" initiative for Scottish Rite degrees, both aimed at providing a structured approach to esoteric education.

They also discuss the profound experiences offered by the "Inner Chamber Experience", a capstone program involving guided meditations and other preparation for what has proven for many, to be a transformative Lodge exercise. In this fascinating conversation, Shaun and Ben share their insights on the role and future of Freemasonry, where they envision a shift towards greater emphasis on the philosophical, spiritual, and esoteric aspects of the Craft... and challenge listeners to not sit on the sidelines, but instead get involved with this esoteric movement at whatever level they feel capable.

Join David, Gene, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw, on this enlightening exploration of the esoteric path within Freemasonry.

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:54 Shaun Bradshaw & Ben Wallace
• 04:53 Esoteric Education
• 11:41 Keeping it Masonic
• 17:25 The Key to the Mysteries
• 22:20 The Inner Chamber
• 29:01 Outreach
• 32:32 Closing Thoughts
• 37:39 Concluding Remarks

Resources:

• A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program by Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace
• Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer
• The Way of the Craftsman by Kirk McNulty
• Contemplative Masonry by Chuck Dunning
• The Meaning of Masonry by Walter Wilmshurst
• Free Masonry: It's Hidden Meaning by George Steinmetz
• The Rough and Rugged Road by Tony Hornsby
• In Search of Light by Bob Davis

Contact Information:

Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw
[email protected]

Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace
[email protected]