The Primordial Waters of Nun: Understanding The Unmanifest World

In ancient Egyptian cosmology and mythology, the concept of the primordial waters of Nun holds profound significance. Nun, often depicted as an abyss of limitless waters, represents the primordial state of chaos and potentiality from which creation emerged. These waters are a symbol of the formless and undifferentiated state that existed before the ordered world came into being.

Nun is not merely a physical body of water but a metaphysical concept embodying the vast expanse of the unmanifest, the undefined, and the infinite. It represents the boundless sea of possibilities from which the universe and all existence arose. In the mythology of creation, Nun precedes the emergence of the creator god and the subsequent formation of the cosmos.

The symbolism of Nun also extends to the concept of renewal and transformation. In Egyptian belief, creation was cyclical rather than linear, and the primeval waters of Nun represented the potential for both destruction and rebirth. Just as the Nile River flooded and receded, nourishing the land and promoting agricultural growth, the waters of Nun symbolized the continuous cycles of creation, dissolution, and renewal.

The concept of Nun underscores the interconnectedness of life, the interplay between chaos and order, and the idea that all existence emerges from a state of unity and potentiality. It invites contemplation of the mysteries of existence, the fluidity of reality, and the intricate dance between the seen and the unseen.

In summary, the primordial waters of Nun in ancient Egyptian cosmology symbolize the undifferentiated state of potentiality, chaos, and creation that preceded the ordered cosmos. These waters represent the formless expanse from which all existence emerged and embody the cyclical nature of creation, dissolution, and rebirth. The symbolism of Nun invites reflection on the profound mysteries of existence and the interconnectedness of all life.

Who is the Egyptian Deity Nun?

In ancient Egyptian mythology, Nun (also spelled Nu or Nunu) is considered to be one of the oldest and most ancient deities. Nun is often described as the personification of the primeval waters or the chaotic, formless abyss that existed before the creation of the world.

Nun is associated with the concept of the "Waters of Chaos" and is depicted as an infinite expanse of water, often depicted as a vast, swirling ocean. The name "Nun" itself means "primeval waters" or "abyss" in the ancient Egyptian language.

Nun is not typically depicted in anthropomorphic form but is often represented by a symbol known as the "Nun" hieroglyph, which resembles a wavy line or a coiled serpent. This hieroglyph is often used to denote water, the concept of primordial chaos, or the vast cosmic ocean.

In Egyptian cosmology, it was believed that all creation emerged from the primordial waters of Nun. The act of creation involved the emergence of the first land, represented by a mound or a pyramid, from the watery chaos. Nun is sometimes considered to be the father or mother of all other deities, as they are believed to have originated from the primeval waters.

Nun's role in Egyptian mythology extends beyond creation. It is associated with the cyclical nature of the Nile River and its annual flooding, which brought fertility to the land and sustained life. Nun is also seen as a protective and nourishing force, and at times, it was believed to have the power of regeneration and transformation.

Overall, Nun represents the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged in ancient Egyptian cosmology, and it holds significant symbolism in understanding the origins and ongoing sustenance of life in the Egyptian worldview.

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“If you look long enough into the void, the void begins to look through you.”
-Friedrich Nietzsche

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What are the abyss, the void, primeval waters and the unmanifest?

These are often used in different spiritual and philosophical traditions to refer to a concept of the primordial state or the source from which creation emerges. While the specific interpretations and connotations may vary across different belief systems, here is a general understanding of these terms:

The Abyss

In esoteric traditions, the concept of the Abyss holds a deep and mystical significance, representing a threshold of profound transformation and spiritual evolution. The Abyss is often seen as a metaphorical or symbolic realm that exists beyond ordinary human consciousness, serving as a barrier between the known and the unknown, the finite and the infinite.

The Abyss is a point of transition in various spiritual and mystical paths, where the seeker faces a profound test of self, identity, and consciousness. It is often associated with moments of existential crisis, inner turmoil, and the dissolution of familiar concepts and structures. This can be a daunting experience, as it challenges one's beliefs, ego, and attachments, creating a space for genuine transformation to occur.

Within the context of the Cabalistic Tree of Life, the Abyss lies between the sephiroth of Binah (Understanding) and Chokmah (Wisdom). It's often referred to as Da'ath, which means "knowledge." This symbolic representation signifies the merging of opposites, the dissolution of duality, and the pursuit of transcendence beyond the limitations of the ego.

Navigating the Abyss is not a journey for the faint of heart, as it requires a profound willingness to confront the depths of the self and embrace the unknown. It's a journey that demands inner reflection, self-examination, and a willingness to let go of preconceived notions and attachments. Through this process, the seeker can transcend the limitations of the ego, merge with higher aspects of consciousness, and attain a new level of spiritual awareness.

Ultimately, the Abyss represents a transformative gateway to higher states of consciousness, unity, and enlightenment. It symbolizes the shedding of old layers of identity, beliefs, and attachments, allowing the seeker to emerge with a deeper understanding of their true nature and a greater connection to the divine or universal consciousness.

While the journey through the Abyss may be challenging, those who undertake it often experience profound spiritual growth and a profound shift in their perception of reality.

The Void

The void often signifies a state of emptiness or non-existence, symbolizing the absence of form or substance. It can represent the ultimate reality beyond the manifest world, a state of pure potentiality, or the underlying ground of being. The void is sometimes associated with notions of nothingness, but it can also be seen as a fertile space from which creation arises.

In esoteric traditions, the concept of the Void carries profound metaphysical and spiritual implications, representing a state of ultimate potential, formlessness, and the ineffable source of all existence. The Void is a term used to describe a state beyond the manifest world, a realm devoid of attributes, distinctions, and limitations.

The Void is often seen as the primordial source from which all creation arises and to which all creation returns. It's a space of pure potentiality, a state of being beyond conceptualization, where all possibilities exist in a state of unity. In Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism, the Void is known as Sunyata or Wu Wei, representing emptiness and non-action, respectively.

Esoteric traditions regard the Void as a space of profound mystery and transformation. It's often associated with meditative and contemplative practices that involve letting go of attachments, concepts, and the egoic self. By entering the Void through deep meditation, seekers aim to transcend the illusions of the material world and touch the essence of universal consciousness.

The Void can also be a source of both terror and liberation. In the face of the Void's emptiness and formlessness, the ego can experience fear and annihilation. Yet, embracing the Void can also lead to spiritual liberation as the seeker recognizes that their true nature is not confined by the limitations of the material world.

The concept of the Void also intersects with the notion of the Abyss, as both represent transcendent states beyond ordinary human experience. While the Abyss can be seen as a challenging barrier to transformation, the Void is often viewed as the source of that transformation—a wellspring of creative energy and spiritual insight.

The Void in esoteric traditions symbolizes the ultimate reality beyond form and attributes, a realm of pure potentiality and unity. It represents the source of creation, transformation, and spiritual liberation. While the Void can evoke both fear and liberation, it is a space sought after by seekers who wish to transcend the limitations of the material world and access the profound depths of universal consciousness.

The Primeval Waters

The concept of primeval waters is often found in creation myths and cosmological narratives across cultures. It represents the formless and chaotic state preceding the establishment of order and structure. The primeval waters can symbolize the potential for creation, the source of life, or the undifferentiated substance from which the universe emerges.

The Unmanifest

The unmanifest refers to that which is not yet manifested or made visible. It represents the realm of potentiality, the hidden or unseen aspects of existence, or the underlying essence beyond the manifest world. The unmanifest is often associated with the concept of the Absolute, the unchanging reality that underlies all phenomena.

These terms reflect different perspectives on the origin and nature of existence, often transcending ordinary concepts and language. They highlight the recognition of a fundamental, ineffable reality or state that precedes or underlies the manifest world. The interpretations of these concepts can vary across different spiritual and philosophical traditions, so it's important to consider them within their respective contexts.

In esoteric traditions, the concept of the Unmanifest holds a central place, representing the state of existence that precedes the manifest world—the realm of form and differentiation. The Unmanifest is often referred to as the source, the void, or the uncreated, symbolizing the pure, undifferentiated potentiality from which all creation emerges.

The Unmanifest is a term used to describe the ineffable, indescribable state beyond the grasp of ordinary language or perception. It is the realm of pure being, where attributes, forms, and boundaries dissolve into an undivided unity. In Indian philosophies, the Unmanifest is known as "Nirguna Brahman," signifying the formless, attributeless, and infinite reality that underlies all appearances.

Esoteric traditions view the Unmanifest as the ultimate reality from which the manifest world emerges cyclically. It represents the origin of all things, the primordial source that transcends time, space, and conceptualization. While the manifest world is characterized by duality, multiplicity, and change, the Unmanifest is a state of unity, oneness, and eternal stillness.

Navigating the Unmanifest involves transcending the limitations of ordinary perception and the ego. Through deep meditation, contemplation, or spiritual practices, seekers attempt to connect with this transcendent source. It's an exploration of the innermost dimensions of consciousness, an encounter with the infinite and eternal.

The concept of the Unmanifest intersects with the concept of the Void or the Abyss, as all these terms point toward a state beyond the material world. However, the Unmanifest emphasizes the idea of potentiality and the source of creation, whereas the Void and the Abyss often evoke notions of emptiness and transformation.

In summary, the Unmanifest in esoteric traditions symbolizes the uncreated, formless, and infinite reality from which all creation emerges. It's the source of potentiality and the origin of the manifest world. While it remains beyond the grasp of ordinary language and perception, seekers in esoteric traditions aim to connect with this ultimate reality through spiritual practices, transcending the boundaries of the material world to touch the ineffable depths of existence.

In this episode I am discussing the abyss, the void, the primeval waters or THE UNMANIFEST!

Everything that ever was and will be is found here! It’s the infinite potential and the more you grow accustomed to swimming in these waters, the more prolific your magick will be, your fears will wither away, and your creativity will skyrocket.

What I refer to as “night swimming” requires courage; it requires a new set of skills. In order to swim in the abyss, you must tap into your higher facilities. This is why most people don’t night swim, they don’t know how to access these higher facilities.

In order to see in the darkness of the primeval waters, you must develop night vision.

Through metaphors, alchemy, film, and biology, I present an intuitive teaching on what the unmanifest is and how to swim in the abyss in order to create that which you desire.

A truly beautiful concept! I hope you enjoy it!

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