What does being a Sophian "look" like...

Recently I was asked “what does it look like to be a Gnostic”.  The question is a valid one – the point being how can you tell if someone is truly following a Gnostic path and what does that really look like?  Unfortunately it’s not a question that can be answered because it’s way too broad.  There are too many forms of Gnosticism with varied ideas and beliefs to pin down anything.

Instead, I chose to answer based on someone following a Sophian path.  In some Traditions there are a set of sacraments that have to be followed for a member to be considered a “true” follower.  There are other Traditions that have specific practices and specific dos and don’ts that must be followed.  This is not the case for the Sophian Tradition.

It is true that we have a set of teachings and a set of practices that are presented to the initiate.   These practices and teachings are all part of the vehicle that can be used to follow the individual path, but they are not the path itself.  We also have a three-fold rite of initiation.  This initiation is almost always enacted for all who wish to follow the Sophian Tradition as their personal path.  But again, this is not the path, but an energetic and symbolic entry for any who wish to partake.  There are cases where individuals are not in the proximity of other Sophians and may not be able to participate in initiation for a long time (if ever).   This doesn’t make them less Sophian because it’s about what is going on inside and not about the external markers that are sometimes used.

The core of this path is about faith and gnosis.  This means that we start with faith in God and our relation to Him/Her.  As we continue our journey we start to experience God through study, meditation, and prayer.  This is the experiential knowledge of God that is gnosis.  Our journey through life will be a mix of faith and gnosis all the way until we finally re-integrate with the Light. This journey is marked by exploring ourselves so we know who we really are.  We need to find the true us buried beneath the ego that is scared and hurt.   We also need to build our connection with others and with God. 

So, what this path is about and what a “true” Sophian looks like is one that is seeking to bind their heart to connect with God, their true self, and all other beings they come in contact with.  It’s about love and compassion.  There is study and practice along the way because it helps to build our awareness, connection, and ability to truly see.  For us, Gnosis is experiential knowledge of this connectedness that can only come through our heart.