Ogdoad (Gnosticism)
The eighth realm beyond the seven heavens in Gnostic cosmology.
The Ogdoad is a supercelestial region beyond the seven heavens in Gnostic cosmology, a concept developed by the theologian Valentinus around 160 AD. The number eight appears in various forms across Gnostic systems, often representing a higher realm above the planetary spheres. In early Gnostic thought, the Ogdoad was the eighth sphere above the seven planetary heavens, later reinterpreted within Valentinian theology as part of a more complex hierarchy.
Quick Facts
- Key theologian
- Valentinus
- Associated region
- Supercelestial region beyond seven heavens
- Number symbolism
- Eight
- Related concepts
- Hebdomad
- Pleroma
- Aeons
Facts from the source article.
7 + 1 System
Early Gnostics, as described by Irenaeus, held that the world was made through archons (angels). The third in his list, Saturninus, counted these archons as seven. The Ophite teaching, which Irenaeus also records, illustrates this system: the seven archons preside over the seven planets—Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon. Their names vary among sources: Irenaeus gives Ialdabaoth as chief, along with Iao, Sabaoth, Adonaeus, Eloaeus, Oreus, and Astaphaeus; Origen lists Ialdabaoth, Iao, Sabaoth, Adonaeus, Astaphaeus, Eloaeus, and Horaeus; Epiphanius places Ialdabaoth or Sabaoth in the highest heaven, with other names such as Elilaeus, Adonaeus, Eloaeus, Dades, Seth, Saclas, and Iao in lower heavens. Each of the seven archons was thought to have sent specific Jewish prophets to declare their glory. For example, the first archon sent Moses, Joshua, Amos, and Habakkuk; the second sent Samuel, Nathan, Jonah, and Micah; the third sent Elijah, Joel, and Zechariah; the fourth sent Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel; the fifth sent the Book of Tobit and Haggai; the sixth sent Micah (possibly Malachi) and Nahum; and the seventh sent Ezra and Zephaniah.
6 + 2 System
In the system of Valentinus, the terms Ogdoad and Hebdomad appear with similar meanings. Below the Ogdoad are the seven heavens, where the Demiurge dwells and is therefore called Hebdomas. Marcus taught further details about these seven heavens. Above them is the Ogdoad, also called he mesotes and Jerusalem above, the abode of Achamoth, who herself is called Ogdoad. Beyond the Ogdoad lies the Pleroma, the abode of the Aeons, creating a threefold division: the realm of the Aeons, the Ogdoad, and the Hebdomad. This usage of Hebdomad and Ogdoad shows traces of derivation from an earlier system, though the Ogdoad within the Pleroma in Valentinus's own system was likely intended to correspond to the external Ogdoad. In the earliest stages of Valentinian emanation, eight primary Aeons form the first Ogdoad. The ultimate deity, the Ineffable Father, is called Depth or Profundity (Bythos), and around him exists a female power named Silence (Sige). Through emanation, Depth-and-Silence gives birth to Mind-and-Truth (Nous and Aletheia), who produce Word-and-Life (Logos and Zoe), who in turn produce Man-and-Church (Anthropos and Ecclesia). These eight Aeons constitute the Valentinian Ogdoad within the Pleroma.
4 + 4 System
Valentinus's followers who were influenced by Pythagorean philosophy modified the doctrine of the Ogdoad. In Pythagorean thought, the Tetrad was held in high regard as the foundation of the sensible world. The Valentinian Secundus divided the Ogdoad into a right-hand and a left-hand Tetrad. Marcus, who employed Pythagorean number speculations, placed the Tetrad at the highest point in his system.
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