Sophia and Barbelo

[gnostic]

I'm pleased to see that they move the Gnosticism forum to a new section, but it is now located under Other Revealed Religions. It make it so much easier to find, :bounce then going through several layers of links. :banghead3

I thought I open the page on Sophia and Barbelo, the two main immortal feminine principles in Gnosticism.

Sophia or Wisdom is very popular among the Gnostics. I can understand such popularity. Having just males figures in the patriarchical religions, like Judaism, Christianity and Islam, make God seemed harsh. Alone, He is not a nurturing god.

I will shortly have some questions in regarding these two.

 

[gnostic]

Who is Epinoia?

It appears that Epinoia is Sophia. Or could she be Zoe, Sophia's daughter? Or is she another aeon?

 

[Buttons*]

Zoe = Eve (they both mean life... go figure... can we say allegory?)
This would be Sophia's "daughter." (this is because Eve ate the fruit of knowledge and understood that they were naked/ignorant... therefore became the daughter of Sophia... in other words: [Eve] Life achieved [Sophia] wisdom...neat hu?)

Which book does it mention Epinoia in?

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Hope you won't mind me 'butting in', but Sophia is a dear love of mine!

I find it intruiging that she's also worshiped and celebrated in the pagan traditions. Perhaps 'love of knowledge' transcends religion?

 

[Buttons*]

Perhaps 'love of knowledge' transcends religion?

*smiles* i certianly hope so! One day maybe all the religions will realize this pursuit and come together as one....

 

[gnostic]

There are two names that I have come across but I don't remember where. They are Epinoia and Ennoia. I think that how you spell them. Can you tell me where their names occur and who are they?

 

[Halcyon]

There are two names that I have come across but I don't remember where. They are Epinoia and Ennoia. I think that how you spell them. Can you tell me where their names occur and who are they?

So many noias, its quite an-noia-ing, get it? That was lame.

Ok... Ennoia simple means thought, generally divine thought in the Gnostic sense.

Pronoia means forethought, who is Barbelo.

Epinoia means afterthought, and while it is linked closely with Sophia, in the Secret Book of John epinoia is called Zoe. Epinoia is the revealer, the enlightener - it is key to Gnosis.

 

[Buttons*]

See, this is why I should just let Paul answer these things. I tend to make up my own crazy way to look at things... so they're not right... I should put that as a disclaimer somewhere.... *thinks*

Anyways, thank you for that lovely answer Paul, it was greatly appriciated. Now could you tell us where it is in the Gnostic texts so we can look it up?

 

[Halcyon]

See, this is why I should just let Paul answer these things. I tend to make up my own crazy way to look at things... so they're not right... I should put that as a disclaimer somewhere.... *thinks*

Anyways, thank you for that lovely answer Paul, it was greatly appriciated. Now could you tell us where it is in the Gnostic texts so we can look it up?

You're way of looking at things wasn't wrong Ash, why did you say that?

I just searched the internet and used the glossary at the back of the gnostic bible. Nothing i said was my own interpretation/knowledge, just what i found in other sources.

 

[gnostic]

So Ennoia is thought of as feminine principle, like Pronoia or Epinoia?

 

[Halcyon]

So Ennoia is thought of as feminine principle, like Pronoia or Epinoia?

I don't know, i don't think so - but i'm not even remotely certain. I think its more of a term than an entity.