Barbelo is a divine entity, often described as the first thought of the transcendent god, or the first emanation from the unnameable father, according to Britannicaand Wikipedia. She is also referred to as Thought, Providence, Forethought, or Foreknowledge, and is believed to be the mother of Christ in some Gnostic texts. Barbelo is sometimes depicted as the female aspect of the highest god, and is often described as androgynous, with traits of both the mother and father.
Here’s a more detailed look at Barbelo:
- First Emanation: Barbelo is considered the first entity to arise from the transcendent God in Gnostic literature.
- First Thought/Image: She is often referred to as “the first thought” and “the image” of the Monad, or the highest God, according to Wikipedia and Gnosticism Explained.
- Mother of Christ: In some Gnostic texts, Barbelo is portrayed as the mother of Christ, who is seen as a divine being pre-incarnate, according to Gnosticism Explained and Wikipedia.
- Androgyny: Barbelo is often depicted as having both male and female qualities, sometimes referred to as the Mother-Father, the Triple Androgynous Name, or the Eternal Aeon, according to Wikipedia and Wikipedia.
- Divine Attributes: Barbelo is associated with foreknowledge, incorruptibility, and eternal life.
- Barbelo as Creator: In some Gnostic cosmogonies, Barbelo is depicted as the single passive antecedent of creation in its manifold.
——————————————-
Ennoia (also spelled Ennoea) is a concept often associated with the first thought or idea of the supreme deity, Bythos, and plays a role in the creation of the Primal Man. It is also linked to the divine feminine, Wisdom (Sophia), who is depicted as being imprisoned in the material world.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- Ennoia as a Divine Thought: In Gnostic cosmologies, Ennoia is often presented as the first thought or idea emanating from the supreme being, Bythos, which then gives rise to other aeons (divine entities) and the creation of the world.
- Ennoia and Sophia: Ennoia is also closely associated with the divine feminine, Sophia (Wisdom), who is sometimes depicted as a fallen aeon or a source of creation that acts without full divine guidance, leading to the creation of the material world.
- The Ennoia’s Fall and Redemption: In some Gnostic mythologies, Ennoia’s descent into the lower realms results in the creation of angels, archangels, and the material universe. She is often portrayed as being imprisoned or suffering in this lower world, and her eventual redemption through gnosis (spiritual knowledge) is a central theme.
- Variations in Gnostic Beliefs: While Ennoia is a common concept, its specific role and portrayal can vary across different Gnostic sects and their associated mythologies.
opensenseme 