From an esoteric view, this shift represents a movement from solar consciousness (external, active, manifested) to lunar consciousness (internal, receptive, hidden) – a time when spiritual work naturally turns toward the cultivation of inner light as outer light diminishes. The “lost” hour becomes a metaphysical gift: temporal disruption that momentarily frees us from chronological time Χρόνος, or Chronos, – that temporal and quantitative time – and opens a gateway to eternal time Καιρός, or Kairos, which is that eternal or qualitative time that reminds us that Humanity’s measurements of time are illusory constructs obscuring the eternal now where the divine dwells.
In Gnostic thought, this “falling back” mirrors the soul’s journey inward during the darkening year – a divine invitation to turn away from the false light of the Demiurge’s material creation toward the Divine Spark and the Sacred Flame that comes from true gnosis. This spiritual beckoning to embrace μετάνοια, or metanoia – to change our minds or go beyond our current thinking – echoes on the eve of November’s second early morning.
Early Christian mystics and the Desert Fathers understood these lengthening nights as sacred periods for vigil and contemplation, when the veils between worlds grew thin and divine mysteries became more accessible to the seeking soul. They knew that darkness was not the absence of God but rather the luminous black radiance described in the Mystical Theology of Pseudo-Dionysius: that divine darkness which is actually an excess of light too brilliant for mortal perception, where one encounters the God beyond all concepts and images. In this fertile void that ushers in the beginning of winter’s embrace, the soul learns to see with the eye of the heart; that organ of spiritual perception which opens only when physical sight surrenders, revealing that the Kingdom of Heaven burns brightest in the midnight hours of our waiting.
So, for November 2025, Saint Martin of Tours will be gathering virtually for the Mass of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts on 30th November. I am working schedules to see what evening works to start an Esoteric, Gnostic Christian Study Group – probably Thursday the 13th or 20th of the month, recognizing that the American Thanksgiving holiday consumes many of the days immediately prior to and the weekend of.
I am also teeing up a Downtown with the Deacon this Thursday, 6th November. Because I haven’t received any recommendations for a change of venue from our last meet up, I’ll be going to Golden West café again in Baltimore. If anyone has time, come on into the city and meet me for some casual conversations about all things Johannite, Esoteric, Gnostic, and early Christian at 1105 W. 3th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211. Also consider vising Golden West to learn more about what they offer and their vibe. You can visit them at https://www.goldenwestcafe.com/home. Come do a meet-and-greet, grab a soda, beer, coffee, or tea of choice, maybe some apps, and have a nice night out with the Deacon.
Also, it you have any Prayer Requests, the Apostolic Johannite Church has many ministries and projects around the globe, but none more universal or sacred to us than the ministry of prayer, particularly in the Eucharist. The path of life, let alone the Gnostic path, is a difficult one, and the journey is made lighter with the support of those around us.
If you find yourself in need of thoughts and prayers, or simply want to boost the signal on the prayers and thoughts you are offering for those you love or are concerned for, we are happy to join our voices and intentions with yours. Visit https://www.johannite.org/prayer-requests/
Lastly, my humble thanks again go out to all the AJC clergy and the others that joined in last month’s Mass of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts. And, to my fellow seminarians, laity, family, friends, and those interested in the Apostolic Johannite Church: I’ll see you at Golden West or somewhere on the net.
Yours Before the Sacred Flame and
𝔇ucatus per 𝔐inisterium et 𝔖ervitium
/Brad
Reverend Deacon Brad Rees
Narthex Leader
Saint Martin of Tours Narthex
Apostolic Johannite Church
Baltimore-DC-NoVA Area