POIMANDRES

in the water, and its shadow upon the earth. Seeing the form similar to himself in the water, he loved it and wished to dwell there. Along with the intention came the action, and he inhabited the irrational form. Nature, having taken the beloved, wrapped itself around him entirely, and they were mingled; for they were lovers. And because of this, beyond all living creatures on earth, the human is twofold: mortal because of the body, but immortal because of the essential human. For being immortal and having authority over all things, he suffers mortal things, being subject to Heimarmene Fate/Destiny. Being above the harmony, he has become a slave within the harmony. Being male-female, as he is from a male-female Father, and being sleepless from a sleepless one, he is held fast. And after this, my Nous Divine Mind—for I, too, love the Logos Word/Reason. Poimandres said, "This is the mystery hidden until this day. For Nature, having mingled with the human, brought forth a most wonderful miracle. For while he possessed the sevenfold nature of the harmony, which I spoke to you of, from the Father and spirit, Nature did not wait, but immediately gave birth to seven humans, according to the natures of the seven administrators, male-female and sublime." "And after this, O Poimandres, for I have now come to a great desire and I long to hear; do not run ahead." And Poimandres said, "But be silent. For I have not yet finished the first Logos Word/Reason for you." "See, I am silent," I said.