Many texts from Classical Gnosticism, Thelema, and the Enochian system provide insight and inspiration for Neo-Gnostic aspirants. Selected texts are chosen based on quality, relevance, and suitability for study.
The Thunder, Perfect Mind: This Coptic text was discovered as part of Nag Hammadi Library in 1945. It has been dated to between the 1st century and about 350 CE. “The Power” refers to the Pleroma and the speaker is Sophia, who represents wisdom in many of the Classical Gnostic schools. The text refers to the fundamental nature of the Pleroma as the inclusion and reconciliation of apparently opposing forces. The “perfect mind” refers to the mind that is in harmony with this ultimate cosmic consciousness.
The Gospel of Thomas: This non-canonical Gospel was discovered as part of the Nag Hammadi Library in 1945. Most scholars date it to the 2nd century CE, though dates as early as 60 CE have also been proposed. Many of the sayings and parables found in the text also can be found in the canonical Gospels,. but it also includes statements that reflect Classical Gnostic or proto-Gnostic ideas that inspire contemplation.
Liber Librae – The Book of the Balance: This text originated as an instruction from the Golden Dawn tradition and was later adapted and revised for Thelemic students. It emphasizes a balanced approach to spiritual practice, religion, and material events. Balance is essential for cultivating coherence, and coherence of consciousness is the foundation of the gnostic experience.
The Book of the Law: This text is the principal Holy Book of the Thelemic tradition. Received by means of automatic writing in 1904, it announced the arrival of a new age or Aeon to British mystic and occultist Aleister Crowley. While automatic writing was not particularly unusual around the turn of the 20th century, The Book of the Law shows an extraordinary level of depth and symbolism. This is especially true when compared to many modern examples of channeling.
Liber Cordis Cincti Serpente: The Thelemic system incorporates the concept of the Holy Guardian Angel from The Book of Abramelin, a Renaissance grimoire detailing an involved magical operation for contacting said angel. The Holy Guardian Angel has much in common with the Augoeides of Neoplatonism and Theosophy, the Atman of Hinduism, and even the Higher Self referred to in New Age literature. This text is framed as a dialogue addressing the Holy Guardian Angel named as Adonai (Lord).
The Vision and the Voice: This text represents the intersection between the Thelemic and Enochian traditions. It documents Aleister Crowley’s visions of the thirty Enochian Aires or Aethyrs, a sequence that was begun in 1900 and completed in 1909. The text is divided into thirty chapters, one for each Aire, and includes commentary on the corresponding visions.