Ialdabaoth

Ialdabaoth is the chief archon, the Demiurge of many Gnostic texts: the lion-faced son of Sophia who made the material world and wrongly believed himself the only god. He rules the highest planetary sphere, Saturn. In Gnostic thought the archons are jailers of the soul; the seeker learns their names in order to pass beyond them.

Uses

• Understanding what binds you
• Gnostic ascent meditation

Planet

Saturn

Order

1 of 7, from the highest sphere

Source

Irenaeus, Against Heresies I.30; Origen, Against Celsus VI.31

Working with it

In meditation, picture the sphere of Saturn as a gate. Name Ialdabaoth, name what this sphere holds you with, and in your mind set it down and pass through.