Category Archives: History

Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Kabbalah, Mystical, Spiritual

The 3 Secret Words in the Gospel of Thomas

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In the Gospel of Thomas, saying 13 presents a mysterious moment where Jesus takes Thomas aside and speaks three secret words to him. The text does not reveal what these words are, leading to much speculation among scholars and mystics.

Gospel of Thomas Greek Fragments

Here are some prominent interpretations:

1. Gnostic Interpretations

Since the Gospel of Thomas is associated with Gnostic traditions, some believe the three words could relate to key Gnostic concepts, such as:

  • “You are divine” – Affirming the idea that self-knowledge leads to enlightenment.
  • “Know yourself fully” – A central theme in Gnostic thought, aligning with the idea of discovering the divine spark within.
  • “The Kingdom is within” – Echoing other sayings in Thomas that emphasize inward spiritual realization.
Gnostic Garden of Eden

2. Jewish and Mystical Possibilities

Some scholars suggest the words may relate to sacred Hebrew concepts:

  • The Ineffable Name of God (YHWH or a hidden pronunciation thereof)
  • “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (“I Am That I Am”) – The divine self-identification from Exodus 3:14.
  • A lost phrase from Jewish wisdom traditions.
Tree of Life (Kabbalah)

3. Theological and Philosophical Guesses

  • Some propose the words could be something like “Truth, Light, Life”, mirroring themes found in other early Christian texts.
  • Others suggest they could relate to Jesus’ identity as the Logos or the divine word.

Since the text remains silent on what Jesus actually said, the “three hidden words” remain an open mystery—one that invites deep reflection and personal interpretation.

Gnostic Christ

What did the Saints say?

There is no direct record of notable Christian saints explicitly commenting on the three hidden words from the Gospel of Thomas, as the text was not widely accepted in orthodox Christianity. However, if we look at mystical and theological themes from notable saints who emphasized divine wisdom and secret knowledge, we can infer possible interpretations.

1. St. Augustine (354–430) – The Word as Christ

Augustine, though critical of Gnostic texts, might suggest that the three words could point to Christ as “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). This aligns with his belief that salvation comes through knowing and following Christ.

St. Augustine

2. St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395) – Divine Ascent

Gregory, a mystic and theologian, emphasized spiritual ascent toward divine union. He might interpret the three words as something like “Light, Knowledge, Unity”, reflecting the soul’s journey toward God.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

3. St. John of the Cross (1542–1591) – The Secret Union

John, a Carmelite mystic, wrote of the dark night of the soul, where divine knowledge is often hidden. He might see the words as related to mystical union, perhaps “Silence, Love, Mystery”, expressing the ineffable nature of divine truth.

St. John of the Cross

4. St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) – The Cosmic Christ

Hildegard, a visionary, saw Christ as the cosmic Word. She might interpret the words as something like “Fiery Love, Wisdom, Breath”, reflecting divine creativity and spirit.

St. Hildegard of Bingen

5. Meister Eckhart (1260–1328) – The Inner Godhead

Eckhart, a medieval mystic, taught that God is found in the depths of the soul. He might suggest that Jesus spoke “Be still, know”, aligning with his idea that true divinity is found in silence and self-awareness.

Meister Eckhart

Though we cannot know for sure what the three words were, saints and mystics across history have consistently pointed toward self-knowledge, divine union, and inner transformation as the essence of Christ’s hidden teachings.

What about the Manichaeans?

The Manichaeans, as a dualistic and Gnostic-influenced religious movement, believed in a cosmic struggle between Light and Darkness. Though they did not directly comment on the Gospel of Thomas, their teachings offer clues about what the three hidden words might represent.

Some scholars suggest that if the Manichaeans had speculated on these words, they could have related to core Manichaean concepts, such as:

  1. “Light, Power, Wisdom” – Reflecting their belief in the divine Light trapped in the material world, the spiritual power needed for liberation, and the wisdom to achieve salvation.
  2. “Father, Mother, Son” – Mirroring the Manichaean Trinity, where the Father of Greatness (the highest God), the Mother of Life, and the Living Self (akin to the divine spark) play key roles in redemption.
  3. “Truth, Life, Liberation” – Representing the Manichaean path of knowledge (gnosis), which leads to salvation and escape from the material world.

Manichaeans saw Jesus as a revealer of hidden knowledge (similar to how he is portrayed in Thomas), so whatever the words were, they likely pointed to the secret knowledge (gnosis) that frees the soul from material bondage.

Prophet Mani

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Egypt, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual

The Destruction of the Library of Alexandria

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The burning of the Library of Alexandria is a complex historical event because it wasn’t destroyed in a single incident, and much of the information about it comes from conflicting accounts and myths. Here’s a summary of the key events often associated with its destruction:

1. The Initial Creation and Decline

  • The Library of Alexandria was established in the 3rd century BCE in the Egyptian city of Alexandria during the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy II.
  • It aimed to house all the world’s knowledge and may have held hundreds of thousands of scrolls.
Library of Alexandria

2. Possible Incidents of Destruction

  • 48 BCE (Julius Caesar):
    During Julius Caesar’s siege of Alexandria, fires broke out in the city, which may have spread to parts of the library or its warehouse. Some historians suggest this marked a significant loss of manuscripts.
  • 3rd Century CE (Christian Rule):
    Under Roman Emperor Aurelian (circa 270 CE), fighting in Alexandria damaged much of the city, including the library’s remaining institutions.
  • 4th Century CE (Theophilus):
    In 391 CE, Christian authorities, led by Patriarch Theophilus, destroyed pagan temples, possibly including parts of the library, as part of efforts to suppress paganism.
  • 7th Century CE (Muslim Conquest):
    A controversial account (possibly apocryphal) claims that Caliph Umar ordered the destruction of remaining scrolls in 642 CE, reasoning that they were either redundant or contrary to Islamic teachings. Modern historians often question the credibility of this story.

3. Why Was It Destroyed?

The library’s destruction was likely caused by a combination of:

  • War and political conflicts: Alexandria was a site of frequent battles.
  • Religious tensions: Pagan, Christian, and later Islamic authorities suppressed knowledge they deemed heretical.
  • Neglect and decay: Over centuries, a lack of funding and care contributed to its decline.

The “burning” of the Library of Alexandria is a metaphor for the gradual loss of its treasures over centuries, rather than a single catastrophic event.

The Library of Alexandria

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Christ, Gnostic, History, Magick, Mystical, Spiritual, The Secret

Jesus and Merkaba Mysticism

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The likelihood of Jesus practicing Merkavah Mysticism is plausible, though not provable.

But what is Merkaba Mysticism and how can we connect Jesus to this ancient tradition?

Here’s a careful breakdown of the evidence, context, and spiritual content that suggest Jesus may have been connected to early Jewish mystical traditions — especially Merkavah (Chariot) mysticism, the earliest form of what would become Kabbalah.

✨ What is Merkavah Mysticism?

  • “Merkavah” (מֶרְכָּבָה) means chariot, referring to Ezekiel’s vision of the divine chariot (Ezekiel 1).
  • Practiced between roughly 100 BCE to 600 CE (Second Temple to early Rabbinic period).
  • Ascents into the heavenly realms (heikhalot = “palaces”)
  • Visionary encounters with angels and God’s throne
  • Use of sacred names, ritual purity, and intense meditation
  • Secret knowledge transmitted orally to initiates

Merkavah mystics were often marginal, elite Jewish mystics, operating outside mainstream Temple practice — similar in ways to the Essenes, Nazoreans, and early followers of Jesus.

🕊️ Jesus and Merkavah: Clues and Parallels

1. Jesus’ Baptism and Vision

“The heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove.” – Matthew 3:16

  • Similar to mystical heavenly ascent experiences.
  • Echoes Ezekiel’s vision of divine chariot and throne.

2. Transfiguration

“His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light… a bright cloud overshadowed them.” – Matthew 17:2-5

  • A classic Merkavah-like vision: light, clouds, voice from heaven.
  • Presence of Moses and Elijah, both associated with ascents.

3. Ascents into Heaven

“No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.” – John 3:13

  • Suggests esoteric knowledge of heavenly realms.
  • Reflects Merkavah’s idea of the initiated mystic ascending to divine throne.

4. Secret Teachings to Disciples

“To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given.” – Matthew 13:11

  • Initiatory structure parallels Merkavah practice: secret knowledge for the worthy.
  • Also mirrors Heikhalot literature, where only the pure can safely ascend.

5. Use of Divine Names and Exorcisms

“In your name we drove out demons and performed many miracles.” – Matthew 7:22

  • Use of sacred names is central to both Merkavah and Jesus’ ministry.
  • Exorcism and healing are linked to mystical power from divine realms.

6. Apocalyptic and Angelic Language

“You will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” – John 1:51

  • Clearly references Jacob’s Ladder and angelic traffic between worlds.
  • Very much in the symbolic and experiential language of Merkavah mysticism.

🏺 Historical Possibility: Did Jesus Have Access?

  • Jesus lived in 1st-century Judea, during a time when Merkavah mysticism was practiced by fringe Jewish groups.
  • He likely had contact with Essenes, Nazoreans, or other apocalyptic-mystical sects.
  • As a charismatic healer, teacher, and prophet, Jesus fits the profile of a mystic initiate familiar with these practices.
  • The Book of Enoch, popular in his time, contains many visionary journeys that shaped Merkavah imagery — and it deeply influenced early Christian thinking.

🧠 Conclusion: Likely but Unprovable

While there is no direct textual proof that Jesus practiced Merkavah mysticism in the formal sense, several strong indicators suggest:

✅ He likely knew of mystical ascent traditions and divine throne visions.
✅ His teachings and experiences align strongly with Merkavah motifs.
✅ He was spiritually and culturally close to groups that engaged in this kind of mysticism.
✅ His visionary events, use of sacred names, and emphasis on inner purity mirror the initiatory path of the Merkabah mystic.

Thus, it’s plausible — perhaps even likely — that Jesus was a practitioner or inheritor of Jewish mystical ascent traditions, or that he spontaneously accessed the same inner realms described by Merkavah mystics.

Ezekiel’s vision

📜 1. Historical Context: Was Kabbalah around in Jesus’ time?

  • Kabbalah as a formalized system (like the Zohar and Tree of Life structure) developed much later, especially in 12th–13th century Spain and Provence.
  • However, proto-Kabbalistic and mystical Jewish traditions certainly existed during the Second Temple period (which includes the time of Jesus):
  • Merkavah mysticism (visions of divine chariots, as in Ezekiel) was known in certain Jewish sects.
  • Heikhalot literature and mystical ascent traditions predate formal Kabbalah and were practiced by early Jewish mystics.
  • The Essenes and other ascetic-mystical sects (like those at Qumran) had esoteric teachings, possibly influencing or paralleling early Kabbalistic thought.

So, while the term “Kabbalah” wasn’t used yet, esoteric Jewish mysticism was active and evolving.

✡️ 2. Jesus and Jewish Mysticism: Are there parallels?

Some scholars and mystics suggest that Jesus’ teachings share characteristics with Jewish mystical ideas:

  • Use of parables and symbolic language, similar to later Kabbalistic teachings.
  • “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you” — resonates with the inner spiritual journey found in mysticism.
  • Emphasis on the Name of God, purity of intention, and inner transformation.
  • References to the “Father” and Heavenly Realms, which align with Kabbalistic sefirot like Keter (Crown) and Abba (Father).

These could point to Jesus having access to esoteric knowledge, likely through oral traditions, especially if he was in contact with sects like the Essenes or Therapeutae.

🧙‍♂️ 3. Jesus as a Mystical Rabbi or Spiritual Adept

There is a growing body of thought, especially in esoteric Christianity, Gnosticism, and Kabbalistic reinterpretations, that sees Jesus as:

  • A Jewish mystic or spiritual teacher (sometimes called a ba’al shem, a “master of the Name”).
  • Someone who may have been trained in hidden teachings (Sod level of Torah — the mystical dimension).
  • A healer and miracle-worker, which in Kabbalistic and mystical Jewish terms, often implies a deep connection to divine names and spiritual practices.

📚 4. Influence from Kabbalah on Later Christian Mysticism

Even if Jesus himself didn’t practice what we now call Kabbalah, later Christian mystics often merged Kabbalistic ideas with Christian theology, such as:

  • Renaissance Christian Kabbalists like Pico della Mirandola and Johannes Reuchlin.
  • The idea of Jesus as the embodiment of Tiferet, the harmonizing principle in the Tree of Life.
  • The connection between the Sefirot and the Trinity, or Jesus as a divine bridge between humanity and the Infinite (Ein Sof).

🧩 Conclusion: Was Jesus a Kabbalist?

Not in the classical sense, because the formal structure of Kabbalah didn’t exist in his lifetime.

However, it’s very possible — even likely — that he was deeply immersed in Jewish mysticism, particularly:

  • Merkavah/Heikhalot traditions
  • Use of divine names
  • Spiritual ascent practices
  • Inner Torah teachings at the level of Sod (Mystery)

He may have been a forerunner or spiritual cousin of later Kabbalistic sages, and his teachings have certainly inspired Kabbalistic reinterpretations over the centuries.

Let’s explore how the teachings and sayings of Jesus parallel the Kabbalistic Tree of Life and its Sefirot — the ten divine attributes or emanations through which God reveals and interacts with the world.

✨ Overview of the Tree of Life and Jesus’ Teachings

The Tree of Life (Etz Chaim) is central to Kabbalah. It consists of:

  • 10 Sefirot: Divine attributes from Keter (Crown) to Malkhut (Kingdom)
  • Structured across 3 Pillars: Mercy (right), Severity (left), and Balance (center)
  • Represents the inner architecture of both the cosmos and the human soul

We’ll match these with select teachings or qualities of Jesus from the Gospels.

Kabbalah Tree of Life

🔟 Sefirot and Parallels in Jesus’ Teachings

1. Keter (Crown) – Divine Will / Pure Consciousness

“I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10

  • Kabbalistic meaning: The unknowable divine source, beyond comprehension.
  • Jesus: Aligns with Divine Will; teaches unity with the Infinite.

2. Chokhmah (Wisdom) – Flash of Inspiration / Divine Insight

“Before Abraham was, I am.” – John 8:58
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

  • Chokhmah is the “seed” of divine thought.
  • Jesus expresses timeless insight and intuitive knowing.

3. Binah (Understanding) – Intuition / Structure of Thought

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Matthew 11:15
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

  • Binah brings structure to inspiration; the womb of wisdom.
  • Jesus guides listeners into deep understanding, often through parables.

4. Chesed (Mercy/Loving-kindness) – Overflowing Love

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
“The greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

  • Chesed is unconditional giving and mercy.
  • Jesus is the embodiment of divine compassion.

5. Gevurah (Strength/Justice) – Discipline / Boundaries

“Do not think I came to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34
“Woe to you, hypocrites!” – Matthew 23

  • Gevurah balances mercy with truth and judgment.
  • Jesus rebukes injustice and challenges spiritual complacency.

6. Tiferet (Beauty/Harmony) – Compassion / Balance of Mercy and Judgment

“Come to me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” – John 14:6

  • Tiferet is often seen as the Messiah point on the Tree.
  • Jesus as the compassionate center who harmonizes justice and love.

7. Netzach (Victory/Eternity) – Perseverance / Endurance

“Take up your cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
“In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart: I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

  • Jesus models endurance and spiritual victory over suffering.

8. Hod (Glory/Humility) – Submission / Reverberation of Divine Speech

“Not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
“He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death.” – Philippians 2:8

  • Hod is about sincere humility and the power of language and praise.
  • Jesus exemplifies humble obedience and the power of word.

9. Yesod (Foundation) – Connection / Generativity / Spiritual Transmission

“Abide in me, and I in you.” – John 15:4
“The Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke 17:21

  • Yesod is the spiritual bridge between divine and earthly.
  • Jesus connects heaven and earth through himself — the mediator.

10. Malkhut (Kingdom) – Manifestation / Presence in the World

“Thy Kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10
“Go into all the world and preach the good news.” – Mark 16:15

  • Malkhut is the Shekhinah, the divine indwelling presence.
  • Jesus brings the Kingdom into manifest form through his presence and mission.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Jesus as the Living Tree

Some mystics (e.g., in Christian Kabbalah) suggest that Jesus represents the full Tree of Life in human form:

  • He embodies the balance between heaven and earth.
  • His teachings map perfectly onto the spiritual ladder of ascent.
  • As the “Son”, he harmonizes the upper (Father) and lower (Kingdom) worlds.
Jesus guiding the turbulent waters of the mind

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Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

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Animal Rights, Animals, History, India, Spiritual, Vegan, Vegetarian

5 Reasons Guru Nanak promoted a Vegetarian Lifestyle

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Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, did not explicitly mandate vegetarianism for all Sikhs. However, his teachings emphasize principles that can align with a vegetarian lifestyle. Here are five reasons why Guru Nanak’s philosophy is often seen as promoting vegetarianism:

  1. Compassion for All Living Beings (Daya):
    Guru Nanak preached compassion (daya) as a fundamental virtue. A vegetarian lifestyle can reflect compassion by minimizing harm to animals and respecting their right to life.
  2. Respect for Creation (Nam Japna and Hukam):
    Guru Nanak emphasized living in harmony with God’s creation and recognizing the divine presence in all beings. This respect for life may encourage abstaining from killing animals for food.
  3. Non-Violence (Ahimsa):
    Although not explicitly stated as a strict rule, Guru Nanak’s teachings align with the principle of non-violence, which vegetarianism supports by reducing the suffering of sentient beings.
  4. Simple Living and Moderation:
    Guru Nanak encouraged simplicity and moderation in life, including in diet. A vegetarian diet is often seen as a humble, non-excessive way of living in harmony with the earth’s resources.
  5. Focus on Spiritual Growth:
    Guru Nanak emphasized purity of mind and spirit. Some interpret this as encouraging foods that promote physical and mental clarity, which vegetarianism is often associated with in spiritual traditions.

While Sikhism does not mandate vegetarianism, some modern Sikh leaders and scholars advocate for it, emphasizing compassion and non-violence. Here are a few notable quotes:

  1. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji (Namdhari Sikh Leader):
    • Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the spiritual head of the Namdhari Sikhs, emphasized a strict lacto-vegetarian diet, aligning with principles of non-violence and purity. 
  2. Damdami Taksal (Sikh Educational Organization):
    • The Damdami Taksal advocates for a strict lacto-vegetarian diet, citing the Guru Granth Sahib and promoting vegetarianism as a means to uphold compassion and non-violence. 
  3. Namdhari Sikh Community:
    • The Namdhari Sikhs follow a strict lacto-vegetarian diet and have quoted verses from the Guru Granth Sahib endorsing vegetarianism, advocating for cow protection and non-violence. 

These perspectives highlight how some modern Sikh leaders and communities interpret Sikh teachings to support and promote a vegetarian lifestyle, emphasizing compassion, non-violence, and spiritual purity.

The Holy Book of the Sikhs

The Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, does not explicitly endorse or condemn vegetarianism. Instead, it emphasizes spiritual development, ethical living, and devotion to God over dietary choices. Some verses address the topic of meat consumption and the futility of ritualistic debates over food purity. Here are a few relevant excerpts:

  1. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1289-1290:
    • “First, the flesh is in the water; dwelling in the water, it is regenerated.” This verse suggests that life originates from water, implying that all forms of life are interconnected. Sikhs.org
  2. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1103:
    • “You kill animals and call it religion; then what indeed is irreligion?” This verse questions the justification of killing animals in the name of religious practices. The Voice of Sikhs
  3. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 472:
    • “None of the grain of corn is without life. In the first place, there is life in water, by which all are made green.” This verse highlights that life exists in all forms, including plants and water, suggesting that distinguishing between living beings for dietary reasons is arbitrary. SikhiWiki

These verses indicate that Sikh teachings focus on the importance of inner purity, compassion, and ethical conduct rather than prescribing specific dietary laws. The emphasis is on understanding the interconnectedness of all life and avoiding futile debates over food choices.

Guru Nanak often spoke against violence and the unnecessary taking of life. The article referenced in this discussion (https://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/62853-vegetarianism-according-to-sikhism/) provides a detailed explanation of how early Sikhs upheld vegetarian practices as a reflection of compassion and non-violence. These teachings resonate with Guru Nanak’s message of universal love and respect for all living beings.

While it’s true that Guru Nanak criticized the futility of debating dietary righteousness, his core message was to transcend such arguments by embracing ethical living and compassion. This principle aligns naturally with vegetarianism as a way of minimizing harm. It’s also worth noting that many historical Sikh communities rejected animal sacrifices and meat consumption, further underscoring the alignment of vegetarianism with Sikh values.

Guru Nanak

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Christ, Gnostic, History, India, Mystical, Spiritual

Saint Jude and Saint Thomas, the same person?

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The idea that St. Jude (also known as Jude Thaddeus) and St. Thomas might be the same person and even the twin brother of Jesus is a fascinating theory. While this view is not widely accepted in mainstream Christianity, it has gained traction in some circles due to the following factors:

  1. Name Confusion:
    The name “Thomas” derives from the Aramaic word T’oma, meaning “twin.” In the Gospel of John (11:16), Thomas is referred to as “Didymus,” the Greek word for “twin.” Some scholars speculate that this designation might imply a deeper connection, perhaps symbolically or biologically, to Jesus. Meanwhile, Jude is sometimes associated with the same linguistic root.
  2. Similar Roles and Overlap in Traditions:
    Both St. Jude and St. Thomas are described as apostles of Jesus, and in some apocryphal texts, they are linked to missionary activities in regions like Mesopotamia and India. This overlap in missionary traditions has led some to propose they might have been conflated in early Christian oral traditions.
  3. The Twin Theory:
    In some non-canonical writings, like the Gospel of Thomas (a Gnostic text), there are mystical or symbolic references to Thomas having a special understanding of Jesus. This has been interpreted by some as evidence that Thomas had a close or twin-like relationship with Jesus, possibly in a spiritual sense. Jude, as another lesser-known apostle, might have been absorbed into this idea.
  4. Family Connections in the Gospels:
    In the Gospels, Jesus’ “brothers” are named as James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). “Judas” is often equated with St. Jude, leading some to propose he might have been a literal brother of Jesus. If Thomas was also a close familial relation, the idea of them being twins could arise from speculation.
  5. Mystical and Apocryphal Traditions:
    In mystical and esoteric traditions, such as those found in some Gnostic texts, symbolic or allegorical relationships are often exaggerated. For example, Thomas and Jesus might be described as twins to signify their spiritual unity or shared mission, rather than a biological connection.
Saint Jude

Mainstream Christianity generally views St. Jude and St. Thomas as distinct individuals. St. Jude is considered the author of the Epistle of Jude, while St. Thomas is best known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw and touched His wounds (John 20:24–29).

The association of the Apostle Thomas with the name “Judas Thomas Didymus” stems from early Christian texts, particularly those with Gnostic influences. The term “Didymus” is Greek for “twin,” and “Thomas” is derived from the Aramaic word for “twin,” leading to the interpretation that his full designation means “Judas the Twin.” This nomenclature appears in texts such as the Gospel of Thomas, which begins: “These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus spoke and Didymus, Judas Thomas, recorded.”

In some early Christian traditions, particularly those from Eastern Syria, Thomas is referred to as “Judas Thomas,” suggesting that “Judas” was his given name and “Thomas” a descriptive epithet meaning “twin.” The Acts of Thomas, a 3rd-century text, also refers to him as “Judas Thomas.”

Regarding the conflation of Thomas and Jude (also known as Judas or Thaddeus), some traditions have identified them as the same individual. This perspective is noted in certain Eastern Christian writings, where “Judas Thomas” is considered both an apostle and a brother of Jesus.

The notion of Thomas being Jesus’ twin is more symbolic than literal, emphasizing a close spiritual relationship rather than a biological one. This interpretation aligns with Gnostic texts, which often employ symbolic language to convey deeper theological meanings.

Saint Thomas the Twin of Christ

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Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

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Divine Mother, Egypt, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Shiva, Spiritual, Stories

Artemis, Cybele, Isis and the Black Stone from Heaven

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The “stone that fell from heaven” in Ephesus, as mentioned in the Book of Acts (Acts 19:35), is likely referring to the sacred image or stone of Artemis, which has strong parallels with the Black Stone of Cybele in Rome and Phrygia.

Black Stone of Artemis, Cybele, Isis, the Kaaba, and the original Shiva Linga

Here’s how they’re connected:

📖 Acts 19:35 (Ephesus)

“Men of Ephesus, who is there that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis and of the image which fell from heaven?”
— This “image” is believed by scholars to be a meteoric stone or aniconic idol (not shaped like a human form) associated with Artemis of Ephesus, whose cult was immense in the ancient world.

🪨 The Black Stone of Cybele

  • The goddess Cybele was also worshipped with a black meteoric stone, believed to have fallen from the sky.
  • The most famous event was in 204 BCE, when the Romans imported the sacred black stone of Cybele from Pessinus (Phrygia) to Rome during a crisis, believing it would help them defeat Hannibal.
  • It was installed in the Temple of Magna Mater (Great Mother) on the Palatine Hill.

🔁 Parallels and Syncretism

  • Both Artemis of Ephesus and Cybele were Great Mother goddesses associated with fertility, protection, and sacred stones.
  • The “stone from heaven” tradition points to a meteoric origin — often a sign of divine power or heavenly sanction in the ancient world.
  • The Artemis of Ephesus, especially with her non-Greek, multi-breasted or egg-covered image, resembles eastern fertility goddesses like Cybele, showing clear syncretism between their cults.
Artemis of Ephesus

🔮 The Same Stone?

The “image that fell from heaven” in Ephesus is likely conceptually the same as the Black Stone of Cybele — both being sacred meteorites representing powerful mother goddesses, and both deeply tied to mystery cults, fertility, and protection of cities.

The Stone of Heaven: One Mystery, Many Faces

Across the sacred traditions of the ancient world, there are stories of a stone that fell from heaven — a mysterious black stone revered not for its shape, but for its cosmic origin and divine presence. Though it appears in many cultures under different names and guises, its essence is the same: a symbol of the womb of the cosmos, a gateway to the divine, and a touchstone of eternity.

🕋 The Black Stone of the Kaaba

In Mecca, encased in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, lies the Black Stone (al-Ḥajar al-Aswad) — a revered object in Islamic tradition believed to have been sent down from Paradise. Pilgrims touch or kiss it during the Hajj, reenacting ancient rites said to date back to Abraham and Ishmael. The stone is not worshipped, but venerated as a sacred sign — a point of contact between heaven and earth.

🔱 The Shiva Linga: The Cosmic Pillar

In India, the Shiva Linga — often black and cylindrical — represents the formless creative power of Shiva, the unmanifested totality of being. In many temples, it is a stone, sometimes a naturally occurring meteorite, placed in sanctums to be bathed, anointed, and worshipped. The Linga is not merely a phallic symbol; it is the axis mundi, the pillar of light that unites earth, heaven, and the underworld.

🪨 The Stone of Artemis and Cybele

In Ephesus, the people worshipped a mysterious image of Artemis said to have fallen from the sky. Similarly, the Phrygian Mother Cybele was represented by a black meteorite brought to Rome during wartime, a symbol of divine protection and earthly fertility. These stones, like the others, were not carved by human hands — they were gifts from the heavens, representing the primordial goddess.

🌌 A Shared Mystery

What links the Kaaba, the Shiva Linga, and the stones of the goddesses is not doctrinal sameness, but symbolic unity:

  • All are black stones, often meteorites — heavenly material that carries the scent of the cosmos.
  • All serve as centers of pilgrimage and ritual devotion.
  • All are aniconic — not literal images of the divine, but embodiments of mystery, pointing beyond form.
  • All are axis points, connecting the earthly with the celestial, the seen with the unseen.
Goddess Cybele and Elegbal Stone of Heaven

🧭 The Philosophical Core

To the mystic, these stones are not idols but portals — silent witnesses to the eternal, standing outside time. Whether one stands before the Kaaba, offers libation to the Linga, or beholds the stone of the Mother, one is standing before the same mystery, spoken in different tongues:
the mystery of the Divine Presence manifesting in the heart of matter.

Artemis, Isis, and Cybele are not the same goddess, but they share similar attributes and have been associated with each other in various syncretic religious traditions, especially during the Greco-Roman period. Here’s a breakdown:

Artemis

  • Origin: Greek
  • Role: Virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, childbirth, and protector of young women.
  • Symbols: Bow and arrow, deer, moon.
  • Associations: Twin sister of Apollo, daughter of Zeus and Leto.

Isis

  • Origin: Egyptian
  • Role: Goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and protector of the dead.
  • Symbols: Throne-shaped crown, wings, ankh.
  • Associations: Wife of Osiris, mother of Horus. Her worship spread widely through the Greco-Roman world.

Cybele

  • Origin: Anatolian (Phrygian)
  • Role: Great Mother of the Gods, associated with fertility, wild nature, mountains, and protection.
  • Symbols: Lions, throne, mural crown, drum (tympanum).
  • Associations: Often syncretized with Rhea (Greek mother of the gods) and sometimes Artemis or Demeter.

Syncretism

In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, religious syncretism often blended these goddesses:

  • Isis was identified with many goddesses including Artemis, Demeter, and Aphrodite.
  • Artemis of Ephesus (with many breasts or eggs) was particularly associated with Isis and Cybele, reflecting a mother/fertility aspect very different from the virgin huntress Artemis of classical Greece.
  • Cybele was viewed by Romans as a powerful mother goddess and was linked with Rhea, Artemis, and Isis in the sense of being a protectress and source of life.

They are distinct in origin and mythology, but in late antiquity, especially in mystery cults and esoteric practices, their identities and functions often merged symbolically.

Elegabal Stone of Heaven

The Stone That Fell from Heaven

— A poem of the eternal shrine

I wandered far, with dust upon my face,
Through desert night and jungle’s dreaming grace.
In Mecca’s heart I kissed the star-born stone,
And heard it whisper truths I’ve always known.

I saw the blackness burn with holy fire,
A silent witness to the soul’s desire.
No shape it wore, yet all forms it became —
The womb, the seed, the rootless, formless Name.

In India, where sacred rivers flow,
I bowed before the Linga’s ageless glow.
No idol there — just Presence, still and deep,
Where Shiva stirs in meditation’s sleep.

The priests would bathe it, flowers in their hands,
While silence hummed like thunder through the lands.
I touched the stone — it pulsed like beating skin,
And drew me to the Source that lies within.

In Ephesus, I found another face:
A goddess clothed in stars and mother’s grace.
They said her image fell from skies above —
A stone of power, womb of cosmic love.

And Cybele — wild lions at her feet —
With meteoric heart, both fierce and sweet.
In Rome they raised her stone with sacred songs,
To heal their war and right ancestral wrongs.

One stone, one flame, one uncreated fire —
The form the formless takes when hearts aspire.
It falls through space but rises in the soul,
The silent axis turning cosmos whole.

O pilgrim, do not bind it with a name,
For Shiva, Isis, Allah are the same.
Not in the stone, but through it shines the Light —
The Hidden Face the mystics seek at night.

So walk the path, and let your heart be still —
The Stone of Heaven waits on every hill.
Not carved by hands, nor born of dust and clay —
But breathed from stars to guide your feet today.

𓋹 𓋹 𓋹

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion

Shiva Linga
Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, Stories

The Betrayal of Judas

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The Kiss of Judas

In the Gospel of John, Judas Iscariot is portrayed as the disciple who betrays Jesus to the authorities. He is depicted as possessed by Satan at the moment he chooses to betray Jesus (John 13:27). He leaves the Last Supper after Jesus gives him a piece of bread, which symbolizes the beginning of the betrayal. Judas later leads a band of soldiers to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, identifying Him with a kiss. The Gospel of John emphasizes Judas’s treachery, greed (he steals from the disciples’ communal money bag), and spiritual darkness.

In Johannite Gnosticism, a mystical and esoteric tradition that reveres John the Beloved as a key initiatic figure, Judas’s role is often viewed with greater nuance. This tradition doesn’t focus as heavily on Judas but reinterprets the Passion narratives as part of a mystical unfolding of divine knowledge (gnosis) rather than a simple moral story of betrayal and sin. While Judas is not necessarily exonerated, the Johannite perspective tends to view events like the crucifixion symbolically, and betrayal may be seen as part of a divine plan that leads to spiritual awakening. Judas could thus be understood as playing a necessary, though tragic, role in the cosmic drama.

The Gospel of Judas, a 2nd-century Gnostic text discovered in the 1970s and made public in 2006, presents a radically different view of Judas. In this text, Judas is not a villain but the most enlightened of the disciples. Jesus shares secret knowledge with him alone and asks Judas to betray him in order to help free His spiritual self from the body — a core idea in Gnostic theology, which sees the material world as a prison for the soul. In this view, Judas’s “betrayal” is actually an act of obedience and spiritual insight, helping to initiate Jesus’s liberation and fulfillment of divine purpose.

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion

Art, Christ, Divine Mother, Gnostic, History, Mary Magdalene, Mystical, Spiritual

Mary Magdalene as Achamoth & Sophia

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In Valentinian Gnosticism, Mary Magdalene is often viewed as a symbolic figure representing wisdom and spiritual understanding. This interpretation connects her to Sophia, a central figure in Gnostic cosmology, particularly to Achamoth, also known as the “lower Sophia.” Here’s an overview of this connection:

  1. Sophia and Achamoth in Valentinian Gnosticism:
    • Sophia (“Wisdom”) is a central aeon in Gnostic cosmology. In Valentinian thought, Sophia is part of the divine Pleroma (the realm of fullness), but through a passionate desire to understand the unknowable Father, she falls from the Pleroma.
    • This fall results in the creation of Achamoth, or the “lower Sophia,” who exists outside the Pleroma in a state of deficiency and separation. Achamoth gives rise to the material world and the demiurge (the creator of the physical universe).
  1. Mary Magdalene as a Symbol of Wisdom:
    • Valentinian Gnostics often identified biblical figures with mythological archetypes. Mary Magdalene, as a prominent follower of Jesus, is seen as embodying wisdom in her pursuit of spiritual truth and her intimate understanding of Christ’s teachings.
    • Her connection to the “lower Sophia” comes through her role as a seeker and transmitter of divine knowledge. Like Achamoth, she exists in the material realm but strives for reunion with the divine.
  1. Mary Magdalene’s Role in Valentinian Thought:
    • In texts like the Gospel of Mary and Pistis Sophia, Mary is portrayed as a deeply spiritual and enlightened figure, often receiving special teachings from Jesus. This parallels Achamoth’s yearning for redemption and her ultimate restoration to the divine order.
    • Mary’s relationship with Christ symbolizes the redemption of wisdom and the restoration of the divine feminine. She acts as an intermediary figure, much like Achamoth, who facilitates the salvation of the soul through gnosis (knowledge).
  1. The Feminine Principle and Redemption:
    • Valentinian Gnosticism places great importance on the feminine principle, with figures like Sophia and Mary Magdalene embodying the soul’s journey from ignorance (deficiency) to enlightenment (fullness).
    • Mary’s role as the “apostle to the apostles” reflects the idea that the lower Sophia, despite her fall, plays a pivotal role in humanity’s redemption by imparting divine knowledge.

In this interpretation, Mary Magdalene is not merely a historical figure but a living symbol of the soul’s journey toward divine wisdom, mirroring the myth of Achamoth and her eventual restoration.

𓋹 𓋹 𓋹

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion

Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual

Nazorean Baptism

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John baptizing Jesus (Ethiopian depiction)

John the Baptist (Yahya Yuhana) baptizing Yeshua the Nazorean Christ (Yeshua Ha Mashiah / Yishu Mshiha / Jesus Christ)

In Mandaean and early Nazorean Gnostic traditions, baptism is a central ritual symbolizing spiritual purification, enlightenment, and the soul’s connection to the divine world. Unlike the Christian concept of baptism as a one-time act for salvation, Mandaean baptism (masbuta) is a repeated, sacred act performed in flowing, living waters, representing the soul’s continual cleansing and ascent toward the Lightworld. It is a powerful rite of renewal and protection, believed to wash away darkness and negative influences while reconnecting the individual with divine truth and the higher spiritual realms. For early Nazoreans, baptism also carried esoteric significance as a transformative journey—an initiation into hidden wisdom and an alignment with cosmic forces. Both groups viewed John the Baptist as the master of this sacred practice, elevating baptism as a mystical path to liberation and unity with the divine.

Cannabis, History, India, Mantra, Mystical, Natural Healing, Plant Medicine, Shiva, Spiritual, Stories

Story of Shiva & his Ganja

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In the quiet stillness of Mount Kailash, Shiva sat in deep meditation. His eyes half-closed, his breath slow and steady, he let the universe swirl around him like a river. Time did not exist for the god of destruction; moments were infinite, and every inhale connected him to the essence of all that is.

But one day, a gentle breeze carried the scent of something wild and earthy. Shiva opened his eyes and followed it, curious. Beneath a tall, ancient tree, he found a plant with vibrant green leaves that seemed to hum with life. He plucked a leaf, rolled it between his fingers, and smiled—a knowing smile, as though recognizing an old friend. This was no ordinary plant; it was a gift of the earth herself, born to calm storms and awaken the soul.

As Shiva lit the leaf, he felt its smoke rise into his lungs, spreading like a warm river of peace. His mind expanded, his body softened, and the weight of the cosmos lifted from his shoulders. In that moment, he felt deeply connected—not only to the universe but to the beauty and simplicity of life itself. The plant brought him clarity, a profound stillness beyond thought and words. It wasn’t an escape but an opening, a doorway into the infinite.

From that day on, Shiva embraced the plant as a companion during his meditations. He loved it not for indulgence but for the way it aligned his body and spirit, helping him dance between the realms of existence and nothingness. It reminded him of his true nature—wild, free, and unshackled by time.

The gods watched in awe, puzzled by Shiva’s fondness for this humble plant. Some whispered that it was strange for a deity to love such earthly things. But Shiva only laughed, the kind of deep, booming laugh that echoes across creation.

“Ganja,” he said, “is a gift for those who seek peace within chaos. It quiets the noise of the world and awakens the truth hidden in the heart.”

And so, Shiva became the protector of the sacred plant, sharing it with wandering sadhus and seekers of the soul. To this day, in the forests and mountains, in the hearts of those who seek, Shiva’s breath lingers in every curl of smoke—a reminder that even the simplest things can carry the universe within them.

Shiva Sadhu Smoking Ganja

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion