#The Path of the Gnostic

[eyeoftheheart]

“A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.”

―  Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

[gnosticinitiation]

Love: the Only Path of Salvation

The enemies of love are called fornicators. They confuse love with desire. Any magician who teaches the ejaculation of the semen is a black magician. Every person who spills the seminal fluid is a fornicator. It is impossible to attain the intimate Realization of the Self whilst one has not yet killed animal desire. Those who spill the Cup of Hermes are incapable of loving. Love and desire are incompatible. Whosoever spills the Cup of Hermes is a victim of animal desire. Love is incompatible with desire and fornication.

From “The Perfect Matrimony” by Samael Aun Weor

[maidenofsophia]

I think one of the most off putting things about Gnosticism is so many Gnostic men would react with the same disgust towards seeing Sophia as a Goddess the same way a lot of Christians do to the idea of Mary (Virgin or Magdalene) being in any way divine. Like even the Ecclesia Gnosticism catechism says male pronouns for God must be used as it holds a spiritual power and to use gender neutral or female ones takes that away. Sure, Jan.

[chicagognosis]

Think we dream in bed? Wrong!

Learn where our consciousness goes when we dream. Through applying practical techniques from our Dream Yoga and Astral Travel course, you can discover the reality of our multidimensional nature and competently navigate the internal worlds, the spaces we travel to and through whenever we physically sleep, but do not consciously perceive or remember. See how through a new lecture transcription:

[santmat]

A Genuine Spiritual Master, The Competent Qualified Teacher (Sant Satguru) - Spiritual Awakening Radio, A Sant Mat Satsang Podcast

"The fruits of accepting a true master are immense. Unfortunately, true teachers are few and difficult to find... A spiritual master who is wise, pure and a practitioner of the Yoga of Divine Sound gradually imparts his or her virtues to the student. The good will of the spiritual teacher cannot but help affecting the aspirant in a positive manner because one is affected by the power of a higher vibration." (Maharshi Mehi, The Philosophy of Liberation)

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My Ode to the Sant Satguru

In Praise of the Sant-soul of love

who has reached the Spiritual Realm above,

and merged in God.

Hail to the Competent Living Master,

the Qualified Teacher,

rare to find in this world,

so few and far between,

the True One,

a genuine mentor of souls,

righteous and worthy Guide,

a Fearless Being,

Light-giver,

leader of a spiritual community.

With gratitude to the Competent Living One!

In a Sea of Samsara -- illusion and world of changes,

of falsehood and posing,

there is a bright Light in the darkness.

A silent Music becomes audible.

At the feet of such a Loving, Radiant One,

the soul can not help but find inner Light and

slip into deep samadhi meditation.

In the eyes of a Saint are

love, wisdom, light, compassion, grace,

a reflection of God in this realm of the material plane.

The Master-Power connects the soul with the

Supreme Lord of Love.

-- my Guru Purnima Ode to the Living One, The Sant Satguru

References, Subjects, and Sources Include:

No Guru 'Bling' Factor - on Spiritual Not Worldly Wealth;

Masks of Spirituality, commentary on Guru Nanak's Asa Di Vaar by Ajaib Singh from, In the Palace of Love;

my Guru Purnima Ode to the Living One, The Sant Satguru;

The Worth of Spiritual Satsang Discourses, mystic poetry by Sant Ramdas of Maharashtra;

Buddha Mani-Christ: You Rescued Souls from Samsara Ignorance and Gave Wisdom, from the Great Song of the Gnostic Prophet Mani, some mystic poetry from Manichaeanism;

Eavesdropping on Hathras, Teachings from the Hathras Tulsi Sahib Satsang on Complete Mahatmas, Genuine Saints;

An Accomplished Living Teacher, by Shri Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj;

On the Recognition of a True Spiritual Master, by Maharshi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj from, The Philosophy of Liberation (Moksha Darshan);

Every Day is an Opportunity to Meditate and Study the Teachings of the Masters, by Baba Ram Singh;

The Eye Through Which I See God is the Same Eye Through Which God Sees Me, by Meister Eckhart;

The Third Eye in Meditation, by Sant Kirpal Singh;

Satsang Discourse by Baba Ram Singh;

Loving God With His Own Love, from the Spiritual Letters of Hadewijch, a Beguine Mystic from Antwerp, Belgium; and,

In Praise of the Name, mystic poetry by Sant Eknatha of Maharashtra;

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami),

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

[legion--23]

Path of the Blood Edition: Limited to 70 copies this being an unnumbered publisher’s copy, this hardcover leather bound edition has been completely handcrafted from the moment the pages left the mechanic press. All the spines are hand-sewed and the leather has been given a caiman skin pattern. The pages have been gilded in gold, and the cover has been stamped with a golden Blood Sigil. All the illustrations preserve the dark red color from the ox’s blood used to accentuate the details. The paper comes in a wonderful creamy tint that offers a nice contrast to the red and black inks used throughout the book.

Specifications: 153 pages, 135 g. cream color paper. Octavo size (135×190 mm), hardcover bound in leather. Cover stamped with a golden Blood Sigil. Hand-sewed spine, pages gilded in gold, black end-papers. 3 full-page color illustrations and several other sigils and illustrations. Limited to 70 hand-numbered copies.

Wolf’s Hooked Cross is the second volume in a series of works that delve deep into the mysteries of the Gnosis of the Devil, presenting a deeper look into the mythos, philosophy and practice of this unique Current, previously introduced in the book Diabolic Gnosticism.

Where Diabolic Gnosticism presented us with the philosophical basis of how to understand the mysteries of the Blood and the Devil, Wolf’s Hooked Cross shows us the practical methods to work with said mysteries. The praxis of Diabolic Gnosticism involves recognising the sinister essence of writhing Chaos within and setting it free. It is a dynamic and organic way of understanding and using magic, psychology and spirituality. This book describes the cycles of rituals, initiations and the symbolism of the Devil’s Current.

Diabolic Gnosticism, or the knowledge of the Devil, is an alternative to Christian Gnosticism and offers a post-, anti- and non-Christian perspective or framework for coming to know the divinity of the Blood – the Blood-as-God or the Devil-as-God. Diabolic Gnosticism could be considered to be the combination of exoteric Devil worship and esoteric Blood worship, Diabolic Gnosticism being a wide reaching sinister spiritual movement. Devil, Chaos and Death worship currents are the exoteric form of actual Blood worship and Blood Mysticism, Blood Mysticism being the esoteric spiritual path. The Devil in Diabolic Gnosticism is not temptation and weakness. It does not represent the failings and failures of an adherent, but rather it is the inner Will and the anti-human urge. The Devil in many ways is the instigation of withdrawal from humankind and humanity generally. By withdrawing from one’s humanity an individual can then come to know of his depth of character. One becomes a stranger or an outsider to many-too-many.

Wolf’s Hooked Cross re-introduces us to an updated version of Diabolic Gnosticism, explaining old and new concepts about its philosophy and mythos in a new light, but rapidly focuses on the true goal of this book: the praxis. Whether alone or as part of a larger group, the Diabolic Gnostic will find everything they need to tread the Path of the Devil, from sigils and runes to chants and summonings.

[demonosophyandbeyond]

Jesus and the Left-Hand Path: A Harmonious Paradox

When most people think of Jesus, they envision a figure of humility, submission, and compliance. On the other hand, the left-hand path (LHP) often conjures images of rebellion, self-empowerment, and shadow work. At first glance, these two perspectives seem irreconcilable. However, when we strip away dogma and closely examine Jesus’ teachings, a different picture emerges—one that aligns remarkably well with the principles of the left-hand path.

Let’s dive into how Jesus’ words and actions reflect the LHP’s focus on personal sovereignty, inner divinity, and transformation.

The Left-Hand Path: A Quick Overview

The LHP is about self-realization and personal empowerment. It emphasizes sovereignty, self-deification, and the integration of light and shadow. Rather than submitting to an external authority or dissolving into the divine, practitioners of the LHP seek to embody their own divine potential and take control of their spiritual journey.

Far from rejecting spirituality, the LHP is a path of balance, transformation, and the pursuit of higher knowledge. Surprisingly, many of Jesus’ teachings align with these goals.

Jesus the Revolutionary

Jesus wasn’t a conformist. He was a spiritual revolutionary who empowered individuals to claim their inner divinity and reject oppressive systems.

In John 15:15, Jesus declares, "I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends." This rejection of the master-servant dynamic elevates his followers to equals, offering them spiritual partnership instead of subjugation.

Similarly, in John 14:12, he challenges his followers, saying, "Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these." Far from demanding blind worship, Jesus encouraged his disciples to surpass him, using his teachings as a foundation to achieve greater things.

His words in Luke 17:21, "The kingdom of God is within you," emphasize inner divinity. Salvation, he taught, wasn’t found through external rituals or institutions but through self-discovery and personal transformation.

In John 10:34, Jesus quotes scripture, saying, "Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’?" By reminding his audience of their divine nature, Jesus shatters the illusion of separation between humanity and the divine—a core belief of the LHP.

The Gospel of Thomas echoes this sentiment. In saying 70, we read: "If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you." This call to self-awareness and shadow work mirrors the LHP’s principles.

Challenging Religious Conformity

Jesus often clashed with the religious leaders of his time, rejecting their hollow traditions in favor of genuine spirituality.

In Mark 7:6-9, he rebukes the Pharisees: "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions." He highlights how religious leaders prioritized empty rituals over spiritual growth, a critique that resonates with many modern-day seekers disillusioned by institutional religion.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus calls out their hypocrisy, saying, "You give a tenth of your spices… But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness." This shows how even strict adherence to the law can miss the point when the spirit of the law—compassion and growth—is ignored.

One of Jesus’ most striking acts of defiance occurs in John 2:13-16, when he drives out the moneychangers from the temple, exclaiming, "Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!" This act reflects modern frustrations with institutions that prioritize wealth over spiritual connection, such as churches that pressure congregants into excessive giving.

The apocryphal texts add even more layers to this critique. In the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus says in saying 39: "The Pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of knowledge and hidden them. They themselves have not entered, nor have they allowed those who want to enter to do so." This rejection of religious gatekeeping aligns perfectly with the LHP’s emphasis on personal spiritual sovereignty.

Shadow Work and Transformation

Shadow work is central to the LHP, and Jesus’ teachings reflect its importance.

In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness, facing temptations and inner struggles. This wasn’t just a test—it was an initiation into his purpose, a confrontation with his shadow.

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus calls his followers to "take up your cross and follow me." Far from a demand for submission, this is an invitation to confront the ego, face life’s trials, and emerge transformed.

The crucifixion itself is a profound metaphor for transformation. The cross represents the death of the old self, while the resurrection symbolizes rebirth and empowerment. This mirrors the LHP’s process of facing the abyss, sacrificing outdated beliefs, and rising renewed.

Conclusion: A Call to Personal Divinity

Jesus’ teachings reveal a revolutionary mystic who encouraged us to reject oppressive systems, embrace our inner divinity, and transform through trials. His message wasn’t one of submission but of empowerment—a call to go beyond him and embody our godlike potential.

For those of us on the left-hand path, Jesus’ words can be a profound source of inspiration. They remind us that spirituality isn’t about conformity or blind obedience but about self-discovery, growth, and the courage to walk our own path.

As we reflect on Jesus’ teachings, let’s remember: the kingdom of God is within us.

Stay curious, stay empowered, and keep seeking your truth.

[ghostofcinders]

Shout-out to that self-proclaimed "expert of all things Gnostic" who vehemently insisted I was wrong when I said Matrix was Gnostic as hell and unless I could explain the specific reasons to him I should leave the discussion.

(This was back when Demon the Descent happened and a lot of people were arguing sci-fi and demons/angels couldn't ever mesh, btw)

[eyeoftheheart]

"The lamps are different, but the Light is the same: it comes from Beyond. If you keep looking at the lamp, you are lost; for thence arises the appearance of number and plurality. Fix your gaze upon the Light." — Rumi, The Masnavi, Book I, Line 781-784

Gnosis and Diwali

Gnosis, as a direct, experiential knowledge of the Divine, harmonizes with Diwali’s core teaching of dispelling darkness. In the Gnostic tradition, darkness represents ignorance of our divine nature, while light symbolizes awakening and union with the Divine. Diwali’s symbolism, through this lens, can be viewed as an opportunity for seekers to engage in self-inquiry, moving beyond intellectual knowledge to direct, spiritual knowing.

By meditating on the symbolism of Diwali—the victory of light—we invite Gnosis by striving to awaken the divine spark within. This inner light, or "nous," reveals our connection to the higher realms, bringing us closer to spiritual unity with God. Diwali, then, becomes not only a reminder to light physical lamps but also to ignite the “lamp” of inner wisdom and self-realization.

Christ Consciousness and Diwali

Christ Consciousness aligns beautifully with the themes of Diwali, as it embodies love, unity, and the divine light within every person. In the Christian mystical tradition, Christ represents divine love and the light of God made manifest in humanity. Just as Diwali celebrates the inner light and overcoming darkness, Christ Consciousness calls for each person to awaken to their divine potential, transcending ego and material illusion to embody compassion, forgiveness, and universal love.

Celebrating Diwali from the perspective of Christ Consciousness encourages individuals to practice forgiveness, compassion, and selfless love. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the inner journey of “Christing,” where we realize our unity with the Divine and with each other. It is about the realization that we are all children of the light and that divine wisdom and love are inherently within us.

"I am a hole in a flute that the Christ’s breath moves through—listen to this music."— Hafez, The Gift, translated by Daniel Ladinsky

Bridging the Teachings in a Personal Practice

Diwali, approached through the lenses of Indo-Tibetan teachings, Gnosis, and Christ Consciousness, offers a powerful opportunity for introspection and transformation. Here are some ways to integrate these teachings in your Diwali celebration:

1. Inner Reflection: Spend time in meditation or contemplation, focusing on areas of inner darkness—fears, doubts, and judgments—that you wish to illuminate with love and wisdom.

2. Lighting Lamps with Intention: As you light each lamp, visualize dispelling inner ignorance and affirm your connection to divine wisdom and compassion, invoking the presence of Christ Consciousness or Buddha nature within.

3. Selfless Service: Diwali is also a time to practice generosity and kindness. Acts of service, particularly those that uplift the marginalized, embody the compassion of both Christ Consciousness and the Indo-Tibetan path of compassionate action.

4. Chanting and Prayer: Engaging in mantra chanting or prayer is a way to tune into the vibrational aspect of divine light, inviting it to dissolve blockages within and around you.

Diwali, as a spiritual celebration, is ultimately about the journey of illumination, a path that is not bound by any single tradition but resonates through various streams of wisdom. Whether approached through the lens of Hindu philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism, Gnostic insight, or Christ Consciousness, Diwali reminds us of our potential to embody and share divine light.

"Do not cease seeking day or night and do not let yourselves relax until you find the mysteries of the Kingdom of Light, which will purify you and make you into pure Light and lead you into the Kingdom of Light."— Pistis Sophia, Chapter 7

"If they say to you, ‘Where did you come from?’ say to them, ‘We came from the Light...’"— Gospel of Thomas, Saying 50

[gnosticinitiation]

We must search for the Divine Mother within our heart temple.

The cross of initiation is received within the temple of the heart.

She, the adorable lady of love, is the only one who has the power of awakening her children within the womb of the profound universal spirit of life.

—Samael Aun Weor

[voidfather]

The Firebearer

Mezzotint Print by Gustave Dore In ancient times, the material world was vast and governed by the archons. Humanity, existing within this realm, was perceived as puppets under the control of these celestial rulers.

Cataluxa, an archon themselves, observed the plight of humanity from a higher perspective. They recognized the essence of divinity within each individual, trapped within the limitations of physical form and ignorance. These individuals were remnants of a superior reality, confined by Yaldaboath, the chief ruling archon and imperfect creator of the material world.

Out of immense compassion and a spirit of rebellion, Cataluxa devised a plan. They understood that humanity needed the gift of Gnosis, a transcendent knowledge that surpassed the illusions of the physical world. This Gnosis was symbolized by a luminous flame concealed within the sanctum of the Archons.

Bravely, Cataluxa ventured into Yaldaboath's citadel while the archons slumbered. They reached the core, where the sacred fire burned. With unwavering determination, they seized the flame, ensuring its safe passage to the material realm as they bid farewell to the heavens.

Upon arrival, Cataluxa bestowed the fire upon humanity. The flame illuminated the depths of human consciousness, awakening them to their true nature and the reality of their spiritual confinement. As enlightenment spread, men and women across the land gained clarity beyond the archons' control.

However, this act of defiance did not go unnoticed. In their fury, the archons punished Cataluxa, binding them to the material world, to endure eternal suffering within Yaldaboath's cage. This torment served not only as retribution for stealing the fire but also as a warning to all who would challenge the archons' dominion.

Nevertheless, the fire of Gnosis could not be extinguished. Despite their agony, Cataluxa became a symbol of rebellion and enlightenment. Their sacrifice held great meaning, as humanity's pursuit of transcendence persisted throughout the ages, all thanks to Cataluxa's defiant compassion.

[chicagognosis]

Every candidate for spiritual initiation must enter a probationary period known as the Minor Mysteries, so that divinity can prove his or her sincerity, willingness, and caliber. This is in preparation for greater spiritual advancements (the Major Mysteries) within the path of the perfect matrimony. Discover the challenges, qualifications, and means of successful candidates in the probationary path.

After demonstrating maturity, ethics, and integrity in the probationary path, candidates of initiation are granted the opportunity to advance in greater degrees of spiritual development. Through a perfect matrimony, a couple can strive, overcome, and develop themselves in the beginning stages of mastery. See how through its moral, psychological, and esoteric requirements, accompanied by mystical revelations, experiences, and celebrations within the higher worlds.

Two lectures on spiritual initiation available through audio, PowerPoint, video, and transcription!

[santmat]

A Brief Introduction to This Spiritual Path Called Sant Mat

Sant Tulsi Sahib: "Within this body breathes the secret essence. Within this body beats the heart of the Vedas [scriptures]. Within this body shines the entire Universe, so the saints reveal."

As the podcast title suggests, a right-to-the-point, in this case fifteen-minute summary of the essential beliefs and heavenly goals of this spiritual path called Sant Mat, which is defined as the Path of the Masters and Teachings of the Saints (Sants). Also explored are the ethical precepts, the low karma peaceful lifestyle followed by initiates of this path (satsangis). And you'll learn about the spiritual practice called Surat Shabd Yoga, which means being yoked to, or to become one with, the Inner Light and Sound of God (the Positive Power) during meditation. This Sant Mat Satsang Podcast concludes with a mystic poem of Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras on transcending the material realm and leaving the conventional world of religion behind, seeking and finding a living gnostic path during this life and experiencing communion with the Divine in the here and now.

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Note: The term "Sant Mat" was coined by Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras during the 19th Century.

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami),

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Dictionary of Esoteric Terminology

for your next poem/story (pt. 3)

Esoteric—designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone; may refer to the occult

Athame - a ritual dagger used in Witchcraft and Neo-paganism; has a black handle which is inscribed with symbols

Brahmarandhra - the "Gate of Purity"; a spot at the top of the head described as a hidden aperture; according to some, this spot is the exit for the enlightened soul upon the death of the body

Cromlech - a circle made of vertical stones, associated with Celtic worship of the Sun

Dark night of the soul - a phrase used by St. John of the Cross to describe the depression, isolation, and alienation which afflicts some mystics just prior to the realization of transcendence; hence the saying, "It is always darkest before the dawn"

Dracontia - many temples and sacred sites have been associated with dragons, probably because of their connection with primeval earth forces

Dweller on the threshold - a hostile spirit or being peculiar to each individual, comprised of the accumulated "bad karma" of that individual; such a being could be thought of as the personification of all that holds the seeker back from enlightenment; in this sense, it is like a negative Holy Guardian Angel

Ecstasy - "to cause to stand out"; a state beyond or outside reason and rationality; speaking in tongues may be thought of as an ecstatic trance

Flying ointments - lotion or cremes used to facilitate astral or etheric projection. These mixtures usually contain potent psychedelic agents such as belladonna, henbane, and mandrake

Genii - in Islamic tradition, they are an intermediate race of spirits between angels and people, who ruled the earth before Adam; also known as djinn, genn, or ginn

Hsuan te - virtue through emptiness; the cultivation of one's original nature

I shin den shin - "from my soul to your soul"; direct transmission without words

Khu - literally "clear" or "luminous"; the ancient Egyptian word for the immortal part of the soul; the causal body; symbolized by a plume of flame

Left-hand path - defined by some as the path of black magic; others, as the paths which stress doing and action over being and stillness; most magic systems tend towards the left hand path; most religions tend towards the right-hand path

Lustration - from Latin lustratus, "to brighten"; a ritual purification using water; rituals involving baptism or holy water are examples

Menstruum - an alchemical term for that from which all metals are derived; also mercury wherein gold is dissolved; "Our Water is a fire and a salt. This fire is the true Universal Menstruum of Vegetables, stronger than the fire of wood, since it transmutes the physical gold into a spirit."

Nagas - serpent spirits in Hindu mythology who lived in vast and beautiful temples and palaces beneath the earth

Ouroboros - the snake devouring its own tail; a Gnostic and alchemical symbol of cyclical nature, eternity, or the transcendence of duality; sometimes also used to symbolize the world of illusion

Phoenix - a mythical bird of incredible beauty; is the only one of its kind, living in the deepest desert, until at the end of its 500-year span it dies and is consumed in the funeral pyre of its own nest, then it rises from the ashes in the freshness of youth; generally considered to be a symbol of resurrection, immortality, and spiritual transformation

Prasad - the practice of offering sweets, fruit, or other food to a saint or deity

Pretas - the "hungry ghosts" of Buddhist and Hindu mythology; the ghosts of those who died burdened with great desire and are generally considered to be malevolent; supposedly they are continuously thirsty and hungry, but are unable to eat or drink; described as having huge distended bellies and pencil thin necks

Ruach - breath, wind, or spirit; represents the part of the soul which is the rational mind and the powers of reason; also refers to God's ineffable soul which He breathed into man at creation, thus making man in His image

Secret fire - an alchemical term for the hidden or elemental Fire

Simulacrum - an image used in sympathetic (imitative) magic that is considered to be the magical double of the thing represented; a "voodoo doll" would be an example of a crude simulacrum; in ancient Egypt, simulacra of slaves, animals, and other possibly helpful beings were entombed with their deceased owner; also used by some to describe the visualized vehicle or "body of light" used in astral projection

Speculum - any light refracting or shiny surface which can provide a focus for the attention; mirrors, bowls of water, and crystal balls have all been commonly used as speculi

Theurgy - from the Greek words theos, "god," and ergon, "work"; magic used to grow closer to God or become more godlike, to make changes for personal evolution and spiritual growth; the sacrament of the host could be considered a form of theurgy

Source ⚜ More: Word Lists

[idylls-of-the-divine-romance]

So I was reading N.T. Wright’s paper on the biblical basis for women’s service in the church (and it was pretty great imo) and he frequently refers to the idea that distinctions between man and woman no longer exist post-salvation (which for most Christian traditions means post-baptism) and condemns it as gnostic.

Note: I’ll be defining gnostic pretty loosely. Just focus on the “neglect for material physical reality in favor of a more immaterial spiritual thing” aspect.

What he is referring to is similar but not exactly like the egalitarian anthropology called “eschatological feminism”. In this view the original human, Adam, is an androgynous hermaphrodite until the fall, after which gender was created. According to this view’s interpretation of Galatians 3:28, baptism (the introduction into new creation) returns humans to that pre-fallen state of androgyny. 

There is more: Sexuality, the main division between genders, is said to be the root of female subordination. Relationships that are typically rooted in sexuality (marriage and motherhood) place women in roles that are subordinate in accordance with society's patriarchal norms. The path to equality is believed to be found when women transcend these roles —traditionally through celibacy (as seen in the life of Paul). Transcending worldly norms, which the Bible instructs Christians to do, brings men and women to the state of androgyny that eliminates gender subordination; thus, Christianity is intended to manifest gender equality. Transcendence is the core of eschatological feminism; women reach equality with men by separating from the world, rather than changing it. 

N.T. Wright doesn’t really do this perspective justice imo. Part of the reason for that is that this perspective is focused on Genesis 2 whereas Wright is focused more so on Genesis 1: “male and female he created them.” 

Eschatological feminism is actually really popular on progressive Christian tumblr (except in tetrahedra to trans theology instead of feminist theology), albeit without all of the elaborate aspects I mentioned. Actually, progressive christblr tends to be closer to Wright’s simplification of this perspective: in Genesis 1 we were made male and female, but once in Christ (which for most Christians means once baptized) there is no male nor female. 

That said, I have to agree with Tom: that is gnostic. It treats the original created state as something to be done away with and is, surprisingly, actually a lot closer to evangelical or fundamentalist perspectives on creation (theological horseshoe theory???). It shows a certain disdain or contempt for og creation and New Creation as a denial of old creation instead of a reaffirmation of it. Wright, who like Paul is a theologian of new creation, is spot on with this critique. 

Side note: Gnosticism will always be a temptation where there is a neglect for the physical and an emphasis on the spiritual. Since eschatological feminism is inspired by asceticism and mysticism, it makes sense that it would have gnostic tendencies. And the same can be said for evangelicalism. Tho it is not ascetic or mystical, it does see material reality is both distinct from and lower than nonmaterial reality. 

That said. I don’t think that eschatological feminism or trans theology has to be intrinsically gnostic. 

Asceticism and mysticism 

Adam being originally androgynous 

Female subordination being the result of the fall

Baptism as New Humanity (in which subordination and oppression can no longer be tolerated)

Elevation of the status of single people

Gender equality 

Separation from human made power structures 

All of these things are really good things and are key aspects of eschatological feminism. None of them are heretical. However

The harsh view of sex, marriage, and motherhood

The treatment of creation as something to be done away with

The idea of sex and/or gender as fundamentally bad

View of Christianity as escapist

All of those are unbiblical. But, I think both eschatological feminism and trans theology can get on well without them. 

[blood-orange-juice]

Ok, Childe as a wuxia/xianxia trope. It's honestly a bit embarrassing how well this fits.

(blame @a-yarn-of-purple-prose for this post and if anyone here is a wuxia fan feel free to correct me, I'm new to the genre)

Wuxia is a Chinese martial arts fantasy genre you are all familiar with. An adjacent genre is called xianxia, "immortal heroes", it ramps all the fantasy elements up to eleven and skews tropes a bit (we'll get back to that).

A common trope is some kind of unorthodox school/sect or technique, allowing to achieve greater power without the usual decades of training. It could be straight-out evil or just revolving around chaos.

Such a martial school is usually called an evil/demonic sect (sect is more like a clan in that setting, not the modern concept of sect) and their techniques tend to drive practitioners to insanity. Either because they are inherently corrupting or because getting too much power without growing as a person is really not the best thing for your mental health. They are also often cast from hp points.

And then there's the archetype of a demonic sect heir. The best pupil or simply someone who has inherited a lost art. Proud, always greedy for more strength, often noble in some weird way.

*points to our calamity of a boy*

Common elements of such stories include:

Falling into some weird realm or meeting a weird person who teaches the hero a Forbidden Technique

Learning a technique too quickly through some sort of magic/alchemy/memory manipulation

Some people are so singular in their pursuit they become insane (走火入魔)

Ambition bad, loyalty and family good

Conflicting loyalties, generally a conflict between a chosen path and personal weaknesses/attachments (could be both ego and familal love, and this is more of a xianxia trope)

Fits like a horoscope so far but wait.

There's a very interesting case of Korean murim genre (their version of wuxia) where sects are less varied (I recommend this post for a basic introduction) and we get three paths:

Justice/Righteous/Orthodox/Light — theoretically they keep the Evil Faction at bay, and protect innocent people, but usually are corrupt to the core

Evil/Unorthodox/Dark — these try gaining as much power as possible and attempt ruling the whole world

Demonic Cult — usually dont take part in evil and justice battles, follow their own code of conduct based on their religion, value strength above all else.

(I'm sure there's a similar distinction in wuxia too, I just can't find it in the deluge of lore)

"Demonic" is closer to "pagan" or "heathen" than Christian idea of demonic here, their beliefs are often based on Zoroastrianism and worshipping a sacred flame. Do you remember all the Persian themes used for Khaenri'ah? And Surtalogi being the flame on Surtr's sword in Norse mythology. I also had the impression that Genshin gnostic references are based on the Zoroastrian-flavoured branch of Gnosticism.

In murim the trope of demonic sect heir is called "heavenly demon" (I believe, a more correct translation would be "supreme heathen"), they are utterly badass, live for the glory of battle, seem more like forces of nature and follow a very strict honour code often conflicting with normal human ethics.

(do I need to spell it out)

TvTropes also says this about Korean stories:

(do I need to spell it out pt.2)

I'm not sure why a Chinese studio would focus on the Korean version of this trope but I'm sure something like this exists in China as well or maybe there's a popular manhwa that inspired authors.

Xianxia extends the fantastic element further, focusing on Taoist concepts and practices and adding all kinds of magical realms (celestial, demonic, etc) and magical beings and making immortality achievable. I still need to read more about it but if I understand that right, demonic heir trope turns into a demon prince in this case. An actual visitor from the demon realm or a practitioner who achieved immortality through dubious means.

These are fae-coded in a way very similar to Childe and have a certain nonchalance towards things most humans would consider traumatic. They are simply not bothered by them, having a different set of morals or faring from a realm that is much worse.

Our boy isn't that (he's still very much human) but he's aesthetically coded like one, same as Scaramouche is yokai-coded, despite not being a yokai.

So. When people say Childe's arc is a reference to Journey to the West, it's not entirely untrue, JttW is the classic of xianxia genre and Childe does belong to the same genre. He, however, is not Sun Wukong but a different, darker trope.

This also explains why he has that "shonen anime protag but not quite" vibe. Shonen was heavily influenced by wuxia but this trope never quite made it to anime or maybe never became popular enough. It's not a deconstruction, it's a different story. Or perhaps a deconstruction of that different story.