The Aeon Autophyes: The Self-Existent Attribute

 ### **The Aeon Autophyes: The Self-Existent Attribute**

#### **Greek Meaning:**

The Greek term **αὐτοφυής** (*autophyes*) means "self-grown," "self-existent," or "naturally inherent." It is derived from **αὐτο-** (*auto-*), meaning "self," and **φυής** (*phyēs*), related to **φύω** (*phyō*), which means "to grow" or "to produce." This term conveys the idea of something that arises naturally, independently, and inherently, without reliance on external factors.

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#### **Valentinian Understanding:**

In Valentinian Gnosticism, **Autophyes** is one of the 26 aeons that emanate from the **Son**. Aeons, as divine aspects or attributes, reflect the eternal qualities of the divine fullness (*Pleroma*). The aeon **Autophyes** signifies self-existence, self-origination, and inherent being, representing the divine attribute of complete independence and unshaken stability.

The **Valentinian distinction** between the human Jesus and the divine Christ (the Logos) is essential here. The Logos, as the "self-originate Word of truth," embodies the principle of **Autophyes**—a divine emanation that exists inherently within itself, reflecting the eternal nature of the divine.

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#### **Scriptural and Gnostic Insights:**

**Ode 32:**  

*"To the blessed ones the joy is from their heart, and light from Him who dwells in them;  

And the Word of truth who is self-originate,  

Because He has been strengthened by the Holy Power of the Most High; and He is unshaken for ever and ever. Hallelujah."*  

This passage illustrates the following aspects of **Autophyes**:  

1. **Self-Origin and Divine Independence:**  

   The "Word of truth who is self-originate" reflects the aeon **Autophyes**, emphasizing the Logos as an emanation of the divine fullness that arises inherently from its source. It is not derived from anything external but is an intrinsic aspect of divine truth.  

2. **Strengthened by the Holy Power:**  

   The Holy Power of the Most High, often understood as the feminine aspect of God (such as the Holy Spirit in Valentinian thought), sustains and strengthens the Word, affirming its eternal, self-existent nature.  

3. **Unshaken Forever:**  

   The eternal and unchanging nature of the Word aligns with the immovable stability of **Autophyes**, symbolizing the divine constancy and incorruptibility inherent in the Pleroma.

**Ephesians 4:13:**  

*"Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."*  

This verse reflects the believer’s spiritual journey toward the fullness (*Pleroma*) of divine understanding. The aeon **Autophyes**, as an attribute of self-existence and stability, provides a foundation for believers to align their consciousness with the unshaken nature of the Christ consciousness.

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#### **Role in the Consciousness of a Believer: The Christ Consciousness**

The attribute of **Autophyes** serves as a model for the believer’s spiritual journey. Through the Christ consciousness, believers are called to embody the qualities of self-existence, spiritual independence, and unshaken faith.  

1. **Self-Origination in Truth:**  

   Believers are invited to develop a consciousness that is self-originating in divine truth, not dependent on external validation or material distractions. The Christ consciousness helps the individual align with the divine fullness, drawing from the inherent light within.

2. **Strengthened by Divine Power:**  

   Just as the Word of truth is strengthened by the Holy Power of the Most High, believers draw strength from the feminine aspect of God (the Holy Spirit). This empowerment enables them to stand firm in their spiritual path, reflecting the self-existent and enduring nature of **Autophyes**.

3. **Unshaken Stability:**  

   The Christ consciousness fosters a steadfast and immovable spiritual state, as described in **Ephesians 4:13**. Believers who align with the attribute of **Autophyes** become unshaken by external circumstances, rooted in divine truth and wisdom.

4. **Illumination and Joy:**  

   The self-existent light and joy described in **Ode 32** flow from recognizing the divine presence within. Believers who embrace the Christ consciousness reflect this light outward, becoming sources of stability and divine truth in the world.

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#### **Conclusion:**

The aeon **Autophyes** represents the divine attribute of self-existence, independence, and unshaken truth, emanating from the **Son**. It serves as a foundation for the Christ consciousness, calling believers to embody stability, self-originating faith, and alignment with the eternal principles of the Pleroma. Through the influence of **Autophyes**, believers participate in the unchanging, self-existent reality of divine truth, strengthened by the Holy Power and illuminated by the light of the Logos.