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Pistis Sophia

Name: Pistis Sophia
Price: 11.39 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781463644642

✍️ Mead, G R S

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

An ancient Gnostic text detailing the transfigured Christ's revelations regarding celestial hierarchies and Sophia.

This volume presents G. R. S. Mead's landmark translation of the Pistis Sophia, a foundational Gnostic text dated as early as the second century CE. Preserved across five surviving copies from the fifth or sixth centuries, the narrative records the transfigured, risen Christ speaking to his assembled disciples eleven years after his initial teachings. The text captures extensive dialogues involving his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Martha, detailing the complex celestial hierarchies of Gnostic cosmology. Central to the work is Sophia, the female aspect of Logos and world Psyche, depicted as the divine syzygy of Christ. She appears under many capacities and names, including the Universal Mother, the Power on High, the Resplendent Mother, She of the left hand, the Womb, the Virgin, and Elena or Selene the Moon. Early variants from the Berlin Codex and Nag Hammadi papyri further document Christ explaining the consent between the Son of Man and his consort Sophia, which revealed a great androgynous light.

Key Themes

Gnostic celestial hierarchies Aspects of divine Sophia Teachings of transfigured Christ

Literary Context

Originating as early as the second century, this Gnostic material survives in fifth or sixth century copies. It sits within early Christian history and Gnosticism, drawing on ancient codices like the Berlin Codex and papyri from Nag Hammadi.

Mead, G R S

📚 all books by this author (12) →

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

The Gnostic gospels · Valentinian theology · Neoplatonic philosophy · Carl Jung's works on alchemy

📿

Sacred Texts

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2011 📖 238 pages 🌐 en 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781463644642

Fun Fact

Mead's rendition of Pistis Sophia offers an essential window into early Gnostic thought, presenting complex spiritual truths with scholarly rigor. Its strength lies in revealing a unique, deeply mystical Christology and a profound understanding of the divine feminine. However, those seeking conventional Christian theology will find this text challenging, as it diverges significantly from orthodox doctrines. It holds a crucial place for scholars and serious students of esoteric traditions, providing a rich tapestry of ancient cosmology and soul-craft, though it demands a patient and open mind.

📝 Description: Pistis Sophia

This volume presents G. R. S. Mead's translation of the Pistis Sophia, a foundational Gnostic text dated as early as the second century. Preserved across five surviving copies from the fifth or sixth centuries, the narrative records the transfigured, risen Christ speaking to his assembled disciples eleven years after his initial teachings. The text captures dialogue involving his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Martha, detailing the complex celestial hierarchies of Gnostic thought. Central to the work is Sophia, the female aspect of Logos and world Psyche, depicted as the divine syzygy of Christ. She appears under many capacities and names, including the Universal Mother, the Power on High, the Resplendent Mother, She of the left hand, the Womb, the Virgin, and Elena or Selene the Moon. Early variants from the Berlin Codex and Nag Hammadi papyri further document Christ explaining the consent between the Son of Man and his consort Sophia, which revealed a great androgynous light. Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform in a 238 page paperback format, this edition falls under subjects including Gnosticism, Mysticism, Reference, Christian History, and Spirituality. The work suits scholars, historical researchers, and readers seeking ancient Gnostic scripture and early Christian mysticism. It is unsuited for those looking for a modern commentary or a basic devotional text.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This volume presents a dense exploration of Gnostic cosmology and divine hierarchies, appealing primarily to those with a scholarly or serious esoteric interest. While historically significant for its transmission of resurrected Jesus's teachings to figures like Mary Magdalene, it is not suitable for casual readers seeking straightforward narrative or modern spiritual self-help. The complex celestial structures and archaic theological arguments may alienate those unfamiliar with ancient hermetic traditions. It demands patience and a willingness to engage with abstract metaphysical concepts rather than offering immediate comfort or simple moral guidance.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply invested in the history of Christian mysticism and Gnostic cosmology will find this text indispensable. It offers a rare glimpse into the celestial secrets whispered by the risen Christ to his most devoted disciples over eleven post-resurrection years. Those seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine, particularly the role of Sophia, will gain profound insight here. The book outlines intricate cosmic architecture and the path to spiritual liberation, making it essential for scholars and practitioners exploring the journey of the soul within ancient mystical traditions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to ancient mysticism, the esoteric origins of Christianity, or the profound concept of the divine feminine, this text offers unparalleled insight. It's for those ready to explore the complex, often challenging, depths of Gnostic thought and its unique spiritual cosmology.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This volume presents a dense exploration of Gnostic cosmology and divine hierarchies, appealing primarily to those with a scholarly or serious esoteric interest. While historically significant for its transmission of resurrected Jesus's teachings to figures like Mary Magdalene, it is not suitable for casual readers seeking straightforward narrative or modern spiritual self-help. The complex celestial structures and archaic theological arguments may alienate those unfamiliar with ancient hermetic traditions. It demands patience and a willingness to engage with abstract metaphysical concepts rather than offering immediate comfort or simple moral guidance.

❓ Frequently asked questions

The text primarily details the esoteric teachings of the resurrected Jesus to his disciples, focusing on Gnostic cosmology, the nature of Sophia, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Sophia represents the divine feminine principle in Gnosticism, embodying wisdom and the world's soul. Her journey of error and redemption is central to understanding the Gnostic narrative of humanity's spiritual struggle and ultimate salvation.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Gnostic Revelation

Delve into the unique post-resurrection dialogues where Jesus, having spent eleven years with his disciples, imparts advanced spiritual knowledge. This isn't merely a recounting of earthly parables but a direct transmission of the hidden wisdom concerning the cosmos, the soul's origin, and the divine plan for salvation, intended for those ready for deeper truths.

The Divine Feminine

Explore Sophia, the central female deity, presented with numerous names from Universal Mother to the Wandering One. This text illuminates her vital role as the world's soul (Psyche) and feminine counterpart to the Logos, guiding seekers through her suffering, fall from grace, and yearning for redemption, which mirrors humanity's spiritual journey.

Cosmic Hierarchies

Discover the elaborate structures of the heavens as revealed by the transfigured Christ. The book meticulously details the various aeons, spheres, and spiritual entities that comprise the Gnostic cosmos, offering a complex map of divine emanations and lower realms, essential for comprehending the soul's descent and potential ascent back to the Light.

📜 Historical context

The Pistis Sophia stands as one of the most significant surviving Gnostic texts, likely originating in the 2nd century CE. Its discovery in the 18th century provided invaluable insight into early Christian Gnosticism, a movement often suppressed by orthodox traditions. It showcases the rich intellectual and spiritual diversity of early religious thought, challenging conventional narratives.

📚 Glossary

Gnosticism
Pistis Sophia
Aeons

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does the concept of a divine feminine figure like Sophia resonate with or challenge your existing spiritual understanding?
Reflect on the idea of 'hidden knowledge' being revealed only to a select few disciples. What implications does this have for personal spiritual practice?
Consider the complex cosmic hierarchies presented. How might such a detailed mapping of the heavens influence one's perception of their own place in the universe?