The Aeon Autophyes: The Self-Originating Divine Principle

 

### **The Aeon Autophyes: The Self-Originating Divine Principle**

#### **Greek Meaning:**

The Greek word **αὐτοφυής** (*autophyes*) translates to "self-grown," "self-existent," or "naturally inherent." It is derived from **αὐτο-** (*auto-*), meaning "self," and **φυής** (*phyēs*), related to **φύω** (*phyō*), meaning "to grow" or "to produce." The term conveys the idea of something that originates by itself, is self-sustaining, or has an intrinsic nature that does not rely on external sources for its existence.

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#### **Valentinian Meaning:**

In Valentinian Gnosticism, **Autophyes** is one of the 26 aeons emanating from the **Son**. As an aeon, **Autophyes** is not a separate being but an aspect or attribute that reflects the divine nature. Aeons are emanations that express the divine fullness (Pleroma). The aeon **Autophyes** embodies the concept of self-originating truth, representing a divine principle that is uncreated, independent, and eternally existent. This is essential to the Valentinian understanding of the divine structure, where **Autophyes** serves as an emanation of the **Son** in the Logos, which holds the self-originating Word of truth.

The Valentinian tradition maintains a sharp distinction between the human Jesus and the divine Christ, the Logos. The **Autophyes** is the self-originating Word of truth that emanates from the Logos, emphasizing its eternal and unshaken nature. The phrase "the Word of truth which is self-originate" reflects the self-existent aspect of this divine principle.

#### **Scriptural Insights on Self-Originating Truth:**

**Ode 32 (1-3):**  

*"To the blessed ones the joy is from their heart, and light from Him who dwells in them; And the Word of truth which is self-originate, Because He has been strengthened by the Holy Power of the Most High; and He is unshaken for ever and ever."*  

This passage reveals that the Word of truth is self-originating, unshaken, and eternally enduring. It is the divine principle that strengthens and sustains the faithful, embodying the self-sustaining nature of **Autophyes**.

The term "self-originating truth" ties into the Valentinian belief that truth itself is a divine emanation, flowing from the Logos, the pre-existent divine principle. The **Autophyes** aeon is this embodiment of truth that does not depend on external sources for its existence but flows from the divine fullness.

#### **The Relationship between Truth and Soul:**

In Valentinian thought, the self-originating Word of Truth emanates from the Logos and is tied to the soul of truth itself. This "soul" refers metaphorically to the vital power of the Word. It is not a literal soul but the principle that gives life to the Word, making it enduring and unshakable.

This understanding is consistent with the metaphor in **Ode 31:13**, which speaks of the promises to the patriarchs for salvation. It emphasizes the power of the prophetic Word that guides the faithful and embodies the Spirit of Christ in the prophets.

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

**Autophyes** plays a pivotal role in the consciousness of a believer by representing the self-sustaining, self-originating nature of divine truth that leads to the Christ consciousness—the higher, spiritual awareness of the individual.

1. **The One Who Is—Spiritual Identity:**  

The phrase **"The One Who Is"** refers to the true spiritual identity, which is the Christ mind or the divine essence of the individual. **Exodus 3:14** states, "I AM THAT I AM" (*The One Who Is*), which reflects the eternal, self-existent nature of divine reality. The Christ consciousness reflects this self-originating truth—**Autophyes**—as an aspect of the **Son**, which is the indwelling divine presence in the believer.

2. **Jehovah-Shalom—The One Who Is Peace:**  

In the Christ consciousness, **Autophyes** allows the believer to experience **Jehovah-Shalom**, "The One Who Is peace." This is an inner peace that comes from recognizing the eternal, unshaken truth within. It is the realization that the **The One Who Is** is present in the heart of the believer. This divine consciousness of peace can be cultivated through prayer and meditation on Truth, helping the believer to attune to their divine identity.

3. **Spiritual Expression through Divine Mind:**  

The Christ consciousness, fueled by the self-originating **Autophyes**, allows the individual to express their divine nature through alignment with **The One Who Is**. This consciousness is free from the limitations of the material world and attuned to the higher spiritual realm. Through recognizing the indwelling power of the **Autophyes**, the believer finds themselves increasingly aligned with divine principles, manifesting their true identity as created in God's image.

4. **Spiritual Power and Manifestation:**  

When the believer attunes their **mind** to the divine **Autophyes**, they tap into a power that allows them to manifest in harmony with divine will. The recognition of **The One Who Is** is central to demonstrating peace, harmony, and fulfillment in life. It is a metaphysical understanding that connects the believer to the higher truths of existence, providing clarity and insight for spiritual expression.

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### **Conclusion:**

The aeon **Autophyes** represents the self-originating truth that emanates from the **Son**, embodying the divine power of the Logos. It is a central principle in Valentinian Gnosticism, reflecting the eternal, unshaken nature of divine wisdom and truth. For the believer, **Autophyes** serves as a guide to the **Christ consciousness**, connecting the individual to their true spiritual identity as **The One Who Is**, the eternal divine presence within. Through this recognition, the believer aligns with divine peace, wisdom, and spiritual power, manifesting the principles of the higher realm in their life.