The central theme of Gnosticism is of a spiritual transformation called gnosis. It is often referred to as “entering the bridal chamber” and “putting on the garments of light”. Bridal chamber implies two becoming one – the mystical union. Who are the bride who is the groom? The soul came from above – from the eternal and incorruptible light – it is of the father. It became seperated after the fall because of a change wrought on the flesh by the Archons. The soul is the bride and the father is the groom and this union is the returning to the pre-fallen state of being in knowledge of the father – or gnosis.

So we can understand from this that the connection occurs via the light and that the archons altered/corrupted the flesh to block this light, however in a way that can be overcome in the right circumstances. This is what is known as purifying. The common error here is to assume that this light that is spoken of is just symbolic for spiritual knowledge or understanding and that purification means mentally and spiritually only.

All things, whether we can see them or not, are material in nature. The soul has a material, as does all spirit. Matter is merely a reduced form of spirit. The source of the fathers spirit (or divine light) is actually in visible sunlight (celestial light). The gnostics refer to it as like an aroma or essence that is carried on the light. It is also known as the “dew” and purified eyes can perceive it. This is what is blocked by the archons corruption of the flesh from entering the body and so the soul.

Purification is the pursuit by which this corruption is eliminated from the flesh and it is very much a physical process as well as a spiritual and mental one. Key to it is an extreme amount of fasting because it breaks down and renews the flesh. Also involved is abstaining from everything that generates the spiritual energies the corruption feeds off and can regenerate from – sensory pleasures of every kind and intense emotional states. Purifying involves extreme measures over a long period of time. It is the ultimate spiritual test – with the ultimate reward. It is the only way to get back to the father. But the proper knowledge of it is lost to the world – hence the need for the coming of the son of man. The teacher returns.