Religion without a Goddess...

"A religion without a goddess is halfway to atheism."

- Dion Fortune

The Demiurge's Laugh

The Demiurge's Laugh

It was far in the sameness of the wood;
I was running with joy on the Demon’s trail,
Though I knew what I hunted was no true god.
It was just as the light was beginning to fail
That I suddenly heard—all I needed to hear:
It has lasted me many and many a year.

The sound was behind me instead of before,
A sleepy sound, but mocking half,
As of one who utterly couldn’t care.
The Demon arose from his wallow to laugh,
Brushing the dirt from his eye as he went;
And well I knew what the Demon meant.

I shall not forget how his laugh rang out.
I felt as a fool to have been so caught,
And checked my steps to make pretense
It was something among the leaves I sought
(Though doubtful whether he stayed to see).
Thereafter I sat me against a tree.

- Robert Frost

Gnosticism as Playful and Celebratory...

"Another aspect of Rosicrucianism which few writers have touched upon, but which I feel is important, is its quality of playfulness, something that is arguably present in the Gnostic tradition that so influenced Rosicrucianism. The dualistic universe of the Gnostics, with its demiurge who created the physical world, need not be gloomy and depressing. Rather, it opens up the possibility of seeing the world as a marvellous conjuring trick, with the demiurge as the conjurer, whose skill is admired and applauded. But sooner or later the show will end and you must leave the theatre. From this viewpoint, Gnosticism ceases to be a negative, melancholy view and becomes instead a playful, celebratory one."

- Christopher McIntosh, The Rosicrucians

"The Gnostics" by Andrew Phillip Smith

Andrew Phillip Smith, who is a well known author within the Gnostic community, has just released a new book entitled "The Gnostics", which is an introductory text on the subject, numbering just over 250 pages. It looks like a very intriguing book, with a solid scholarly backing, and I will be posting a review of it here on Henosis Decanus soon.

In the mean time, you can order it here, or, if you want the slightly different cover of the American version, try here (although you'll have to wait 'til early October for that version). Also check your local bookshops.