' The Secret Gospel of John '...

The Origin of Reality [We would know nothing of the ineffable And nothing of the immeasurable Without the help of the one who comes forth from the One who is the Father. He alone has informed us.]1 The Father is surrounded by light. He apprehends himself in that light, [Which is the pure spring of the water of life that sustains all realms]. He is conscious of his image everywhere around him, Perceiving his image in this spring of Spirit Pouring forth from himself. He is enamored of the image he sees in the light-water,2 The spring of pure light-water enveloping him.3 His self-aware thought (Ennoia) came into being, Appearing to him in the effulgence of his light. She stood before him.4 This, then, is the first of the powers, prior to everything, Arising out of the mind of the Father The Providence (Pronoia) of everything.5 Her light reflects his light. She is from his image in his light Perfect in power Image of the invisible perfect Virgin Spirit.6 She is the initial power glory of Barbelo7 glorious among the realms glory of revelation. She gave glory to the Virgin Spirit She praised him For she arose from him.8 [This, the first Thought, is the Spirit’s image.]9 She is the universal womb She is before everything She is: Mother-Father