Gnosis, or Knowing, is a wisdom – felt, a realization of something deep and true which comes not from our logical reasoning capacities, but rather through a wave of experience – felt. We may get chills, or feel our eyes well with tears, or feel an aliveness in our chest, or any of the other countless ways we humans are moved.
When we have the good fortune to have a moment of Gnosis, of Knowing – be it a literal second, or be it for the course of a whole ritual or song or walk in the woods, or a of piece conversation with someone we love, we touch down upon a form of intelligence undervalued, and therefore under-explored, in the modern world. A form of intelligence we can brush up against in myth, and experiences with art, and community gatherings & ritual, and time immersed in the natural world. And when we do touch it, we are changed.
Please understand: the moment we step into a conversation about Gnosis, or Knowing, we are leaving the land of certainty, irrefutable fact, and empirical evidence, and entering another layer of existence. One that is woven into the measurable world, yet is inherently mysterious – and unmeasurable with the tools & levels of understanding we currently possess.
When we talk about Knowing or Gnosis, we are drawn into the mystery, the mystical, the esoteric or unseen: The in-between, the liminal space where material and spiritual, inner and outer, meet in a felt experience. Many wild women have had their fair share of these vibrant experiences. And I have found, the longer one engages in relationship with
the wild woman archetype, the more of these experiences they have.
I suspect that is, in part, because the natural world, a wild woman’s greatest teacher, embodies with astounding clarity: the known & unknown. Nature tells a story about the truth of reality: there are things we can plainly see and measure and there are things we cannot…
Essential to the flourishing of life on our home planet is the Moon, who stays close to the Earth with the help of gravity, and whose circling presence keeps Earth steady on its axis. The Moon is directly related with the ocean tides, and is mirrored in length to the average menstrual cycle.
And based on what I’ve experienced, what I’ve heard in circle about the experiences of other women, and what has been written by women in the past: There is a mystical connection one can have with the Moon, which facilitates Gnosis or Knowing.
Watching the moon
at dawn
solitary, mid-sky
I knew myself completely
no part left out.
Can you relate?
I’ve had moments of Knowing like this too, under the Moon.
There was one time, in particular, years ago, where standing under the Full Moon, and I could no longer outrun a truth my mind did not want to accept because Knowing it would change my whole life. And it did. (Thank goodness.) Like the reflector she is, the Moon helped me See.
In other moments, it was more of a feeling or sensory experience beyond thought, beyond words – that impacted me.
I’ve heard countless stories from other women, stories that are tucked into my heart, stories I can’t tell because they were shared in the confidentiality of Circle about mystical experiences with the Moon.
From what I have observed, the Moon can be a midwife of Gnosis, of Knowing. Maybe it’s the privacy of the subtle cool light, draped over darkness that helps us to sense, to feel? Maybe something about the nature of evening activities that help us to relax and let go? Maybe it’s a reason which I couldn’t even dream up? Who knows? (It doesn’t really matter.)
No matter your intimacy with the Moon, you can always go deeper – just like any relationship. So, if you feel the tug of curiosity, find time in the evening to be with the Moon. If there is a question you’ve been grappling with or holding for a while, stand under the Moon and ask your heart. Be very sure to downshift from your head or analytical mind, into the wisdom of your heart. Breath helps.
Some really important questions are unanswerable by logical calculation alone. Some questions can only be truly answered by our old friend, our constant companion who holds down our inner rhythm throughout our entire life on Earth: our hearts. And when the heart speaks, it often does so through Knowing. It is felt.
So, this Full Moon, give yourself the gift of consciously dancing in the mystery, where sensing and feeling lead the way, where you are allowed to not know everything until you do Know something.
YOUR TURN
In the comments below, and/or in the privacy of your own heart, please answer:
Have you ever had an experience of Gnosis or Knowing under the Moon?
Describe the experience with as many or as few words as you wish!
Can’t wait to read ‘em! ♥️
You have expressed this so very beautifully, Chris. I think understanding the distinction between factual knowledge and Knowing is so vitally important. Your thoughts beautifully dovetail with the book I am currently swimming in, Eating in the Light of the Moon. Which validates what I have Known for a long time, but have felt alone in my Knowing. Thank you Chris, for this beautiful gift of not-aloneness.
Thanks for your share, Shelley 💜 So glad this writing is in alignment with what you are exploring right now. Sending lots of love.
Shelley: I love that book. xoxo
Under the light of the Hunter moon one year ago I heard the call to gather women in circle and dance.. I did that ..We do.. we know..beautiful ..
Yay! So happy to hear that, Helen!
Thank you for a beautiful share! In my walk with The Divine there has been and is a Grace of mystical awareness. In the past month as I was captured by the moons embrace and a Gnosis/knowing, that the moon light radiates within me and everyone. A sense of NO separateness in that moment (beyond what could be written).
A True joining in mystery.
Gnosis for me is when the head is empty and the Heart filled with pure Love! True knowing is beyond all words. Deep serenity are the fruits of deep knowing. Warm love and light!
Yay, Nanette ♥️ Love your sharing here – especially the part about “No Separateness – feel that.
Love,
C
I’m not sure where I read this chant… it was many moons ago, but I often repeat it when looking for guidance and while looking at the moon. I believe it was meant to be a full moon chant, but any moon will do for me… “Divine Mother, Mother Divine, show me the way, give me a sign.”
Love that, Susan! Thanks for sharing. xo
You captured this sensation well in this part:
Please understand: the moment we step into a conversation about Gnosis, or Knowing, we are leaving the land of certainty, irrefutable fact, and empirical evidence, and entering another layer of existence. One that is woven into the measurable world, yet is inherently mysterious – and unmeasurable with the tools & levels of understanding we currently possess.
Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Thanks so much for hearing me, Sarah ♥️
Beautiful. Thank you, Chris.
Thanks so much, Rita ♥️