S2E15: The Trimorphic Protennoia - Part 1 of 4

Way of the Hermit

In this episode of the “Way of the Hermit” podcast, Gene and David embark on a 4-part exploration of the Trimorphic Protennoia (”Three Forms of the First Thought") - a cornerstone text from the Nag Hammadi library. This episode builds on their previous journeys through the "Secret Gospel of John" and the "Gospel of Thomas," tracing the descent and return of the soul through the mythic architecture of consciousness.

In this discussion, the hosts unravel the Trimorphic Protennoia as both a cosmic autobiography and a practical manual for the inner life. They illuminate the text’s central claim: that all reality is an emanation of consciousness, unfolding through three archetypal forms - Thought, Voice, and Word - mirrored in the Gnostic Trinity of Father, Mother, and Son. Through poetic passages and careful exegesis, Gene and David reveal how this triadic process is not only the fabric of the cosmos but also the hidden engine of our own minds. The conversation weaves through profound symbols: Barbelo as the androgynous First Thought, the descent into the underworld as the awakening of the sleeping soul, and the “still small voice” as the intuitive guide within.

Listeners are invited to contemplate the omnipresence of consciousness, the mystery of the “door” between the ineffable and the manifest, and the transformative power of recognizing the divine seed within. The discussion makes connections to alchemy, Kabbalah, and Jungian psychology, offering both theoretical insights and practical methods for tuning into the quiet, radiant voice at the heart of being.

We hope that this episode deepens your understanding of the perennial wisdom tradition and inspires your own journey toward wholeness and gnosis.

Deep Dive:

• The Trimorphic Protennoia - Three Forms of First Thought

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:27 Review
• 05:54 Trimorphic Protenoia
• 08:49 Protennoia - First Thought
• 12:23 Epinoia - Subsequent Thoughts
• 15:19 Invisible One
• 18:12 The Quiet Voice
• 20:21 Radiant Waters
• 23:32 The Door
• 26:41 Seed and Fruit
• 28:22 The Son
• 30:55 Conclusions

Resources:

• Trimorphic Protennoia (Wikipedia)
• Trimorphic Protennoia - John D. Turner (“Bible-like” but leaves names intact)
• Three Forms of First Thought - Willis Barnstone Translation (clearer, more readable)
• Analytic Idealism in a Nutshell - Bernardo Kastrup
• Irreducible: Consciousness, Life, Computers, and Human Nature - Federico Faggin
• Creative Evolution - Henri Bergson (Amazon)
• Gospel of Nicodemus (Sacred Text Archive)
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition - Carl Jung
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians - Freke and Gandy

Chapters

1. S2E15: The Trimorphic Protennoia - Part 1 of 4 (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:01:15)

3. Review (00:02:27)

4. Trimorphic Protenoia (00:05:54)

5. Protennoia - First Thought (00:08:49)

6. Epinoia - Subsequent Thoughts (00:12:23)

7. Invisible One (00:15:19)

8. The Quiet Voice (00:18:12)

9. Radiant Waters (00:20:21)

10. The Door (00:23:32)

11. Seed and Fruit (00:26:41)

12. The Son (00:28:22)

13. Conclusions (00:30:55)