Draft:Gnostic Church (Colombia)



The Gnostic Church, also known as the Holy Gnostic Church, is a neo-gnostic and esoteric church present in various countries around the world. The Church is a foundation of the Gnostic movement and religion, which emerged in the 1960s and opened severals Gnostic lumisials (lodges, temples). There are several minor and major mystery temples. The church has been active since the 1950s and is mainly visible to the public in Colombia.

History
The Gnostic Church was founded in 1950 when Samael Aun Weor established the organization in Colombia and the Church was at that moment not an official institution. Inspired by his own spiritual experiences and study of ancient texts and esoteric traditions, the first patriarch Samael sought to create a religious movement that would provide individuals with a path to self-realization and spiritual liberation. He drew upon Gnosticism, the mystical belief system that originated in the ancient world, to develop his teachings and philosophy.

The Gnostic Church experienced significant growth during its early years in Colombia. Samael Aun Weor's charismatic personality and his claims of possessing esoteric wisdom attracted a considerable following of individuals seeking spiritual guidance and enlightenment.

Following the death of the founder in Mexico in 1977, the Gnostic Church continued to spread his teachings under the guidance of his disciples. It expanded its influence beyond Colombia, establishing branches and study groups in various countries around the world. These groups continue to study and disseminate the writings and teachings, organizing lectures, workshops, and retreats aimed at promoting spiritual growth and self-realization.

The Patriarchal Succession
The succession of patriarchs within the Gnostic Church refers to the lineage of spiritual leaders who have assumed leadership roles within the organization after his death. His disciples and followers sought to continue his teachings and preserve the legacy of the Gnostic Church. While there is no single universally recognized patriarch, several individuals have emerged as influential figures within the Gnostic Church, contributing to its growth and development. The patriarchal succession was claimed by several Gnostic masters and archbishops. One of the notable figures in the succession of patriarchs is Julio Medina Vizcaíno, also known as V.M. Gargha Kuichines. His contributions helped to sustain the momentum of the Gnostic movement, particularly in Latin America.

The Matriarchal Succession
There is also a matriachal succession related to the knowledge of the wife of Samael Arnolda Garro de Gómez known as V.M. Litelantes. The gnostic Matriarchate is divided in seven parts corresponding to the seven continents.

Organisation
The organizational structures of the Gnostic Christian groups can differ widely. Some may be loosely organized networks of independent study groups or communities, while others may have more formal hierarchies, with ordained clergy, administrative bodies, and regular worship services or rituals. The specific teachings and practices of these organizations may also vary, drawing inspiration from different Gnostic texts, Christian scriptures, and other spiritual sources. The members of the Gnostic Church claim to follow the orders of the venerable White Lodge.

Participation
Participation in the Gnostic Church takes place in four circles. Firstly, there is the public and lay circle, which attends public Gnostic Mass. Within the Church is the first circle, which corresponds to the first initiatory chamber. The second chamber is esoteric and reserved for initiates who have passed through the first chamber, as is the third chamber, which corresponds to the advanced occult teachings reserved for long-time practitioners. The practices of the advanced chambers are kept secret from the uninitiated to prevent the profanation of holy knowledge.

Clergy
The church trains priests and priestesses who represent a hierarchy of different masters from the venerable White Lodge. The authority of the Masters who succeeded Samael has often been contested between the different Gnostic sects that make up the Gnostic movement.

The priests and priestesses work with a Christian Gnostic liturgy written by the Masters.

The Gnostic Movement
The Gnostic movement is an organisation created by Samael Aun Weor which is active throughout the world in various neo-Gnostic institutions.

Teachings and doctrinal orientation
The Gnostic Church is a religious organization that promotes the teachings of Gnosticism. Gnosticism is a mystical belief system that combines elements from various religious traditions, including Christianity, Hermeticism, and esotericism. It is one of the prominent contemporary expressions of Gnosticism and has garnered a significant following worldwide.

The Church focuses on the pursuit of self-knowledge and spiritual transformation. Its teachings emphasize the existence of an inner, divine spark within each individual, which can be awakened through self-realization and the practice of specific techniques.

Samael Aun Weor's writings and lectures cover a wide range of topics, including astrology, alchemy, meditation, sexual transmutation, and the study of esoteric symbols. The Holy Gnostic Church places significant importance on the balance between the masculine and feminine principles, both in the external world and within individuals. It emphasizes the practice of sacred sexuality with chastity, viewing it as a means to attain spiritual awakening and achieve union with the divine. The first patriarch taught that sexual energy could be harnessed and transmuted to fuel the awakening of consciousness, leading to spiritual advancement and enlightenment. He authored numerous books, which served as a cornerstone of the church's teachings. Some of his notable works include The Perfect Matrimony, The Revolution of Beelzebub, and The Pistis Sophia Unveiled.

Age of Aquarius
The Gnostic Church refers to the concept of the Age of Aquarius that combines elements of Gnosticism and spirituality, particularly the astrological age of Aquarius. It is an interpretation that seeks to align the Gnostic teachings with the astrological symbolism associated with the Age of Aquarius. That Age of Aquarius began on 4 February 1962.

In the context of the Gnostic Church, the Age of Aquarius is seen as a period of awakening, enlightenment, and the resurgence of Gnostic wisdom. It is believed that during this age, the spiritual consciousness of humanity will evolve and become more aligned with Gnostic principles.

The spiritual leaders of the church support the idea that the current astrological age offers a unique opportunity for individuals to access deeper spiritual knowledge, inner transformation, and a connection with divine consciousness. It emphasizes the importance of individual gnosis, or direct experiential knowledge of the divine, as a means to achieve spiritual liberation and understanding.

Critics
Critics of the Gnostic Church argue that Samael Aun Weor claims of being the reincarnation of Julius Cesar and possessing secret knowledge lack evidence and scientific validity. They question the validity of his teachings, citing their esoteric and often controversial nature. Despite these criticisms, the church has maintained a devoted following and continues to impact the lives of its adherents through its emphasis on self-transformation and spiritual awakening. The leader has repeatedly criticized homosexuality and moral degeneracy, despite the fact that he has admitted to being too disrespectful towards other people, and the comments made in his books are sometimes taken literally by some of his followers.

Worship and spiritual practice
The Gnostic Church teaches various spiritual practices and rituals intended to facilitate individual spiritual revolution and the pursuit of Gnostic knowledge. While specific practices may vary within the different branches or groups associated with the Gnostic Church, here are some general aspects of their worship and practices:


 * Meditation is a fundamental practice for connecting with the Being, the inner Master.
 * Inner alchemy often includes techniques such as sexual transmutation, which aims to sublimate sexual energy so that it contributes to the spiritual awakening of consciousness.
 * Self-observation and self-reflection to overcome negative patterns and eliminate psychological vices and defects.
 * The study and interpretation of sacred texts from various spiritual traditions, particularly Gnostic scriptures.
 * Rituals, ceremonies and prayers, including invocations and the use of sacred objects or symbols.
 * Recitation of specific mantras through vocalization and specific physical exercises.
 * Selfless service and love for others through the practice of compassion and mercy.

Dioceses

 * GC-IGCU, Colombia, Efraín Antonio Lorduy Mackenzie, Minor Patriarch
 * GC-IGCU Venezuela
 * GC-IGCU, Zürich, Switzerland