Gnosis I: The White Serpent
The Esoteric Heart of Gnostic Spirituality
Dr. Hereward Tilton
March 22 - May 24, 2025
2 PM — 3:30 PM PST
“Know thyself!” – down through the millennia, seekers East and West have striven to free themselves from the dominion of the shadow and attain ‘gnosis’, an experiential knowledge of our innermost identity with the primordial mind. As in Eastern tantra, the Western gnostic traditions associate the liberating ascent of the cosmic axis with idiosyncratic serpentine figures. This course will introduce students to these traditions via the ambiguous serpent symbolism which lies at their heart.
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Gnostic spirituality and philosophy with our comprehensive online Gnostic Studies curriculum. This first course in our five-course series invites seekers of truth to delve into the ancient wisdom traditions that have captivated minds across cultures and epochs. The phrase “Know thyself!” serves as our guiding mantra, as we explore the profound concept of gnosis—an experiential knowledge of our innermost identity with the primordial mind.
Throughout the course, we will unravel the rich tapestry of serpent symbolism that weaves through both Eastern tantra and Western gnostic traditions. This enigmatic imagery not only serves as a focal point for understanding our connection to the universe but also illustrates the struggle with the shadow aspects of our psyche. By analyzing the cosmic axis and its serpentine representations, we will engage in a deep exploration of gnostic spirituality and its implications for personal and collective transformation.
Our journey begins in the ancient floodplains of Mesopotamia, where we will encounter the serpent of primeval chaos, locked in a dramatic contest with the storm god wielding his thunderbolt. From there, we will travel to the sacred landscapes of ancient Egypt, examining how the encircling Mehen serpent assists Ra in his nightly battle against Apep. Our focus will be on the archetypal dimensions of this Chaoskampf (‘struggle with chaos’) mythology and its integration with Platonic psychology among the ancient Gnostic and Hermetic sects.
As we progress, we will delve into the historical development and psychological significance of interrelated serpent symbolism within the Western branches of the gnostic traditions. Special emphasis will be placed on the teli serpent of the medieval Jewish Kabbalists, the white serpent associated with the Angelic Brethren and the Gold- und Rosenkreuz, and the Red Dragon of the Golden Dawn. We will also investigate the visionary experiences documented in Carl Gustav Jung’s Red Book, illuminating the continued relevance of these motifs in modern gnostic thought.
In addition to historical analysis, this course will offer practical insights into the archetypal and biological factors that sustain gnostic serpent symbolism. Participants will engage in reflective practices aimed at fostering shadow integration, enabling personal growth and deeper self-awareness. By encountering these powerful symbols, we will collectively seek to transform not only ourselves but also the world around us.
Join us on this enlightening journey into the depths of gnostic philosophy and spirituality, and discover how the ancient wisdom of the serpent can empower you to unlock your own gnosis. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, this online course provides a unique opportunity to explore the timeless teachings that continue to inspire seekers of truth today.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Define Gnosis: Articulate the concept of gnosis and its significance in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.
Analyze Serpent Symbolism: Examine and interpret the multifaceted roles of serpents in various mythologies, particularly in relation to chaos and transformation.
Explore Historical Context: Trace the evolution of gnostic spirituality through historical examples, from the Gnostic sects of the ancient Near East to contemporary practices.
Integrate Gnostic Philosophy: Apply principles of gnostic philosophy to personal spiritual practice, enhancing self-awareness and inner transformation.
Identify Archetypes: Recognize and differentiate between various serpent archetypes in gnostic traditions, such as the teli serpent, the white serpent, and the Red Dragon.
Connect with Modern Relevance: Discuss the contemporary application of gnostic doctrines and practices in today’s quest for self-knowledge and spiritual awakening.
This course is designed to be an enriching experience that not only deepens your understanding of gnosis.
Related Courses:
Gnosis II: The Divine Mirror
Gnosis III: The Tree of Life
Gnosis IV: The New Age
Gnosis V: Psychedelic Gnosis
This course will become available as an Evergreen class in early June, 2025.
Hereward Tilton (BA Hons I, PhD, FHEA) is a religious studies scholar who has taught and researched extensively on the history of Western esotericism and the psychology of religion. His areas of interest include the history of Rosicrucianism, the gnostic heritage of Carl Gustav Jung, and the use of psychedelics in Western magic, and he has taught at institutes dedicated to the study of Western esotericism at the University of Amsterdam and the University of Exeter. His publications include The Quest for the Phoenix (a historical study of early Rosicrucianism); Touch Me Not: A Most Rare Compendium of the Whole Magical Art (a translation of an early modern Austrian black magical manuscript dealing with psychoactive fumigations); and The Path of the Serpent, Vol. 1: Psychedelics and the Neuropsychology of Gnosis (an exploration of gnostic serpent symbolism in light of recent discoveries in psychedelic neuroscience). In its forthcoming sequel, The Path of the Serpent, Vol. 2: Chaoskampf, Hereward interprets the idiosyncratic serpentine figures of the Western gnostic traditions as signatures of near-criticality and the mysteries of self-organisation in the human individual, in society, and in the cosmos as a whole.