Yaldabaoth a Psychological Approach

Title: Yaldabaoth: The Psychological Implications of a Mythical Figure

To escape this disorder of the world one can transcend it by extraordinary insight, learning, or knowledge, called a gnosis

An opening reading from The Apocryphon of John and On the Origin of the World

 And when she saw (the consequences of) her desire, it changed into a form of a lion-faced serpent. And its eyes were like lightning fires which flash. She cast it away from her, outside that place, that no one of the immortal ones might see it, for she had created it in ignorance. And she surrounded it with a luminous cloud, and she placed a throne in the middle of the cloud that no one might see it except the holy Spirit who is called the mother of the living. And she called his name Yaltabaoth.

The Apocryphon of John

And when Pistis Sophia desired to cause the thing that had no spirit to be formed into a likeness and to rule over matter and over all her forces, there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance, androgynous, having great authority within him, and ignorant of whence he had come into being. Now when Pistis Sophia saw him moving about in the depth of the waters, she said to him, "Child, pass through to here," whose equivalent is 'yalda baoth'.
On the Origin of the World

Since that day, there appeared the principle of verbal expression, which reached the gods and the angels and mankind. And what came into being as a result of verbal expression, the gods and the angels and mankind finished. Now as for the ruler Yaltabaoth, he is ignorant of the force of Pistis: he did not see her face, rather he saw in the water the likeness that spoke with him. And because of that voice, he called himself 'Yaldabaoth'. But 'Ariael' is what the perfect call him, for he was like a lion. Now when he had come to have authority over matter, Pistis Sophia withdrew up to her light.
On the Origin of the World

Title: Yaldabaoth: The Psychological Implications of a Mythical Figure

Introduction

Yaldabaoth, a name deeply rooted in ancient texts and Gnostic traditions, offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the intricacies of human psychology. In this document, we delve into the symbolism and meaning of Yaldabaoth from various perspectives, drawing from Greek and Hebrew sources, Gnostic texts, and biblical references. By doing so, we aim to unravel the profound psychological implications associated with Yaldabaoth and its relevance in understanding the human condition.

Origin and Symbolism

Yaldabaoth, also known as Ialdabaoth or Yaltabaoth, derives from both Greek and Hebrew traditions. Its etymology reveals layers of meaning, translating to "Children of the Void" or "Children of the Abyss," signifying a profound connection to the depths of human existence. The components of its name—'yalda' (child), 'bohu' (void), and 'abbott' (fatherhood)—provide rich material for interpretation


In Gnostic scriptures, Yaldabaoth is depicted as a lion or a lion-faced serpent, symbolizing the outward senses or ego. This symbolism underscores the notion that Yaldabaoth represents the rational ruler of the outward senses. It is created when reason follows the influences of the ego, shedding light on the profound implications of ego-driven consciousness.

Yaldabaoth as the Lord of the World

Gnostic beliefs posit Yaldabaoth as the lord of this world, exerting dominance over the human condition. This concept holds that Yaldabaoth defines human psychological existence. According to this perspective, humans are inherently ego-bound, necessitating the development of an individual ego. Yaldabaoth is seen as the shadow of ego development, perpetuating the formation of a focal narcissistic ego within human consciousness.

Symbolism of the Lion

The lion-faced aspect of Yaldabaoth carries significant symbolism. In various religious and biblical texts, lions are associated with fierceness and predation. They represent wickedness, opposition to God, and hostility toward God's people. This symbolic connection serves to underscore the negative aspects of human nature and consciousness embodied by Yaldabaoth

The Bible describes wicked individuals and nations as lions, reinforcing the idea that Yaldabaoth represents human consciousness in opposition to divine principles (Psalm 10:9; Psalm 22:13; Psalm 35:17; Psalm 57:4; Jeremiah 12:8). It is also associated with false prophets (Ezekiel 22:25), wicked rulers and princes (Proverbs 28:15; Zephaniah 3:3), and even the Babylonian World Power (Daniel 7:4). Additionally, the seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast emerging from the sea, which derives its authority from the dragon, is depicted as having a lion's mouth (Revelation 13:2).Psalm 91:13 further illustrates the lion and the cobra as denoting the power of the enemy, where the lion represents open attack and the cobra signifies underhanded scheming or attacks from concealed places. This biblical symbolism reinforces the notion that Yaldabaoth symbolizes aspects of human consciousness in opposition to divine principles, as interpreted by Gnostic traditions."

The lions mentioned in Daniel 6:10-23 further symbolize savage thoughts that can arise within us.


Yaldabaoth and the Sea

Both Yaldabaoth and the Beast in Revelation 13:1 are described as ascending from the sea. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents the unformed state of the mind or doubt. It signifies instability and a lack of clarity in one's thoughts and beliefs. Yaldabaoth's emergence from the sea symbolizes the birth of ego-driven consciousness, characterized by confusion and instability.

In Revelation, we read about a beast emerging from the sea with ten horns and seven heads, each bearing a blasphemous name. This imagery of a beast rising from the sea finds a parallel in the description of Yaldabaoth. Like the Beast in Revelation 13:1, Yaldabaoth is described as ascending out of the sea, representing the emergence of a ruler from the depths of the waters, lion-like in appearance.

The concept of the 'Seas' in Genesis 1:10 takes on a symbolic meaning, representing the unformed state of the mind. Being 'at sea' metaphorically signifies a state of doubt and instability in one's mental processes, where thoughts have not been aligned with underlying principles.

Water, particularly 'the sea,' is associated with doubt in various contexts. In Mark 6:47-51, it can also be interpreted as the denial of sin, bad thoughts, and beliefs. The racing thoughts forming a 'sea of thought' require faith in oneself to navigate safely. This faith is born from understanding, particularly understanding of God and Christ, highlighting the significance of spiritual comprehension in overcoming the challenges posed by the sea of doubt and uncertainty."

Yaldabaoth vs. Yahweh

It is essential to differentiate Yaldabaoth from Yahweh. Yaldabaoth represents the carnal mind or the ego, whereas Yahweh symbolizes a higher divine consciousness. This distinction highlights the complex interplay between human psychology and spirituality, underscoring the struggle between ego-driven desires and a higher spiritual understanding.

Conclusion

Yaldabaoth, as a symbol and archetype, offers a profound exploration of human psychology. Drawing from ancient traditions, Gnostic texts, and biblical references, we have delved into the multifaceted nature of Yaldabaoth and its role in shaping the human condition. The lion-faced serpent's emergence from the sea of doubt symbolizes the complexities of ego development, consciousness, and spirituality.




In understanding Yaldabaoth, we gain insight into the intricate interplay between ego and self-awareness. Yaldabaoth remains a compelling figure, inviting us to contemplate our own inner struggles and the quest for a deeper understanding of human consciousness. This exploration prompts us to reflect on the ever-present tension between ego-driven desires and the pursuit of higher spiritual truths. In the end, Yaldabaoth stands as a symbol of the human condition, encapsulating the journey of ego development and self-discovery

Original text 

Ialdabaoth Greek Ιαλνταμπαόθ Yaldabaoth Hebrew ילדאבהות (Literally "Children of the Void," or Children of the Abyss (depth of the waters) from ילדה = yalda= child; בהו = bohu = void; אבהות = abbott = fatherhood, parentage, paternity).

Yaltabaoth

In the gnostic scriptures Yaldabaoth is described as a lion or a lion-faced serpent these are symbols of the outward senses or ego

O Ialdabaoth, who art the rational ruler of the outward senses,

Yaldabaoth (ignorance via the ego) is created when reason follows the outward senses

The Gnostics held that Yaldabaoth was the lord of this world and dominates the human condition. Yaldabaoth defines human psychological existence. humans are of necessity ego-bound in the sense of being required to develop an individual ego for the gnostics the figure of Yaldabaoth is the shadow of ego development Yaldabaoth is the archetype that creates and sustains an inevitable development within human consciousness toward the formation of the focal narcissistic ego

mankind has observed the characteristics and habits of animals and has applied them in a figurative or symbolic sense to persons, peoples, governments, and organizations. Thus Yaldabaoth is a symbol of human consciousness individually and organised collectively in opposition to God

lion-faced serpent The "serpent" is outward senses of consciousness. It may also be called desire, Those who had been bitten by the fiery serpents that is the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,.
In the Bible wicked people and nations are described has a lion

.Because of the lion’s fierce and predatory characteristics, the animal was also used to represent wicked ones (Ps 10:9), persons who oppose God and his people (Ps 22:13; 35:17; 57:4; Jer 12:8), false prophets (Eze 22:25), wicked rulers and princes (Pr 28:15; Zep 3:3), the Babylonian World Power (Da 7:4). And the seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast out of the sea, which gets its authority from the dragon , was depicted as having a lion’s mouth. (Re 13:2) At Psalm 91:13 the lion and the cobra seem to denote the power of the enemy, the lion being representative of open attack and the cobra of underhanded scheming, or attacks from a concealed place.—Compare Lu 10:19; 2Co 11

The lions of Daniel 6:10-23 represent the savage thoughts that arise in us.

Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Pr 28:15 ¶ As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Ps 22:21 Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
Isa 5:29 Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.

1Pe 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:


2Ti 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.
Like the Beast in Rev 13:1 Yaldabaoth is described as ascending out of the sea there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance

The "Seas" of Genesis 1:10 represent the unformed state of mind. We say that a man is "at sea" when he is in doubt about a mental process; in other words he has not established his thoughts in line with the principle involved, he is unstable.

Water ("the sea"), in Mark 6:47-51, represents doubt; it can also be understood as denial of sin bad thoughts and beliefs. The racing thoughts have formed a sea of thought, and to walk over it safely requires that one have faith in oneself. Faith necessary to accomplish so great a work comes from understanding--understanding of God and Christ.



Yaldabaoth is not Yahweh but represents the carnal mind or the ego

Yaldabaoth is a personification of human nature

Yaldabaoth describes human psychological existence

the figure of Yaldabaoth is the shadow of ego development Yaldabaoth is the archetype that creates and sustains an inevitable development within human consciousness toward the formation of the focal narcissistic ego