The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Abraxas

Abraxas is a complex and enigmatic figure in Gnostic traditions, often associated with a composite of 365 aeons or Spirits of the Days, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the year through 360 degrees plus five additional deities. This depiction highlights the intricate spiritual framework surrounding Abraxas, embodying a profound cosmological and mythological significance. Abraxas is also referred to as a name given to a collection of ancient talismans, suggesting its role in esoteric and magical practices. This dual nature of Abraxas—both as a spiritual entity and as a collection of magical artifacts—reflects the manifold and layered understanding of this ancient figure in Gnostic and esoteric traditions.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

BasilidesPerson

Basilides formulated the concept of Abraxas, a composite symbol representing the Supreme Being

The concept of Abraxas was created by Basilides and used to describe the Demiurgus, the creator of the lower worlds

Luminous PentagramConcept

ABRAXAS is symbolized by the luminous pentagram, a key alchemical symbol

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesSun →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Sun

Sol, often associated with Apollo, is mentioned in connection with Pythagoras, symbolizing divine knowledge and wisdom

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Alchemy

Pythagoras is mentioned as a potential alchemist in ancient tradition, although no historical proof of his alchemical practice exists

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesMysteries →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Mysteries

Pythagoras was an initiate in the Mystery schools, teaching divine knowledge and founding the Philosophical movement

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesPentagram →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Pentagram

The pentagram was a symbol significant in the teachings and practices of Pythagoras and his school

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesIsis →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Isis

Pythagoras incorporated Egyptian teachings, particularly those of Isis, into his philosophical work

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesFreemasonry →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Freemasonry

Pythagoras and Freemasonry share historical and philosophical connections, both dealing with wisdom and symbolism Ancient Masonry influenced and was influenced by the philosophies of Pythagoras, in particular his focus on wisdom and symbolic practices

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesTriad →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Triad

Pythagoras used the triad in summarizing his philosophical and mathematical teachings

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesAristotle →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Aristotle

Pythagoras indirectly influenced Aristotle through his works on philosophy

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesEgypt →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Egypt

Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, was initiated into the Egyptian Mysteries of Isis and delved deeply into the rich traditions of Egypt. His study and initiation into these religious and philosophical practices in Egypt are well-documented, highlighting the significance of Egyptian knowledge and beliefs in shaping his thoughts and contributions to various fields. Through his immersion in Egyptian traditions and the mysteries of Isis, Pythagoras likely enriched his philosophical and mathematical philosophies, making his contributions even more profound and manifold. Pythagoras was initiated into the Egyptian Mysteries of Isis

AbraxasthroughPythagorasilluminatesPlato →
I. Abraxas & Pythagoras

Abraxas, a Gnostic pantheos, is explained using a system closely related to the Pythagorean theory of number, suggesting a connection between the two.

II. Pythagoras & Plato

Pythagoras and Plato are both central figures in the study of philosophical and mathematical teachings, their triad concepts connected Plato, the renowned ancient Greek philosopher, significantly integrated and adapted Pythagorean ideas into his own philosophical constructs, demonstrating a deep respect for the influential thinker Pythagoras. A key aspect of this integration was the emphasis on the role of music in moral and educational development within the state. Plato's understanding of music’s impact on the societal and individual level was profoundly shaped by Pythagorean principles, which posited that music has the power to influence the soul and thereby contribute to the greater harmony and well-being of the state. This alignment with Pythagorean thought can be seen in Plato's various works, where he advocates for the careful selection and regulation of musical compositions to promote virtue and wisdom among citizens.