"In the Name of the Infinite Mind of Light,
the Mystical Body of Life, and the Holy Spirit of Love +
One Reality, that manifests, sustains, and transforms All Beings."

- The Yoga of the Christos: A Universal Gnostic Liturgy

Circle of the Free Spirit was founded in 1992 in New York City as a spiritual and cultural association, with a focus on ministry, study, liturgy, friendship, social justice and the arts.

As a cultural association we advocate a cosmopolitan libertarian society where spiritual and cultural traditions and personal lifestyles may be practiced side-by-side in peace and friendship.

As a spiritual association we offer an open ministry rooted in the independent sacramental lineage and the Way of Gnosis (Self-Knowledge) as found in pre-Nicene Christianity, and with correspondences in other spiritual traditions and pathways.

As individuals and friends we also work for social justice and engage in literary, visual, contemplative, and performing arts.

"The Child of True Humanity exists within you. Follow it!
Those who search for it will find it."
- The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

We seek Wisdom - Sophia - wherever She may be found. In addition to classical Gnosticism we openly draw from other traditions, such as Buddhism, Vedanta, Hermeticism, New Thought, Jungian psychology, liberation theology, creation spirituality, and current philosophies and methodologies that may be called non-dualist and non-divisive.

"Whatever happens to another, happens to oneself."
- Oscar Wilde, De Profundis

We are not bound by literalist interpretations of scripture and tradition, and freely reject what we consider to be false and unjust notions propagated in the name of religion. Our approach is both pre-Nicene and post-Modern.

We affirm the mutual freedom of all individuals in matters of conscience and lifestyle, and welcome those often excluded and oppressed by organized religion on the basis of gender and sexuality. Indeed, spiritual androgyny is a hallmark and goal of the Way of Gnosis. The true Self is neither, both, and beyond male and female.

As all beings are embraced by the same true Self, the One Reality, we see that whatever we do to others, we do to our Self. This is the inner and Gnostic meaning to the ancient Golden Rule to "Love your neighbor as your Self."

"Friendship is the whole of the spiritual life."
- Gautama the Buddha

We look to one another for insight and cameraderie along the way. Wherever the Circle gathers, there is our "temple in consciousness", one "not built by human hands". We call this AVATAR TEMPLE in honor of our friendship with the Hermetic Order of the Silver Sword and its Avalon Temple in Toronto.

We are an informal community practicing a spiritual friendship that supports each person in the discovery of who they really are. We affirm Unity, celebrate Diversity.

"God Is Friendship"
- Saint Aelred of Rievaulx
(ca 1110 - January 12, 1167)

Our Gnostic Hermetic Study Group explores selected texts such as are found in the Nag Hammadi library as well as more recent works.

Sincere seekers of Gnosis and Sophia are welcome!

To find out more please contact:

Circle of the Free Spirit
Box 230316 Ansonia Station
New York, NY 10023

Bishop + Mark Aelred
MarkAelredCFS@aol.com

For Gnostic ministry in New Jersey, please contact:
Michael Elliot + Priest
mebkieu@verizon.net

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NEW & RECENT ON THIS SITE:

The Gospel of Mark & Swami Vivekananda on the false dualism of sacred vs secular (latest addition to Literalist Violence & Gnostic Non-violence)

Earth-Sharing Associates: Creating cultural support for economic justice and ecological wisdom

+Mikhail Itkin - The Radical Bishop and Gay Consciousness

Implications of the Jesus Family Tomb at Talpiot
by Keith Akers

CULTURAL EVENTS
in the New York City Area:

2008 Performing Arts -
May 30, May 31, June 1, June 8

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This website is relatively new, andis being developed and expanded as time goes on.

Please visit us again!

Site Launch: July 7, 2006

Latest Update: July 4, 2008