Navigating Personal Gnosis: Discernment, Tradition, and Spiritual Growth
In our spiritual journey, we’ve often encountered the term Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG)—a concept sometimes met with skepticism or even outright dismissal. Many practitioners seem to discredit personal revelations simply because they aren’t rooted in historical sources or established traditions. This attitude has always puzzled me, because in my view, spirituality is inherently personal.
In a previous blog post, we shared how our path was initiated through an experiential connection with an entity we recognized as Infinity or Khaos. Rather than beginning with a structured belief system, our journey into eclectic occultism and witchcraft started with profound experiences, which we later sought to contextualize through study and exploration. This led us to take classes and enroll in the Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary to deepen our understanding.
The Role of Discernment in Spiritual Exploration
Through our seminary studies, involvement with the Aquarian Tabernacle Church - Weavers of the Web, and participation in various magical and spiritual events, we’ve encountered a diverse range of beliefs and practices. Engaging with these different perspectives has only strengthened our own understanding—not because we accept everything uncritically, but because we apply discernment.
This is not to say that all spiritual ideas are equally valid. There is, without a doubt, a lot of "magical slop" circulating on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and some ideas can even be misleading or harmful. However, dismissing personal gnosis outright simply because it lacks external validation is a disservice to the spiritual community. The best spiritual or magical practice is the one that works for you.
Balancing Personal Gnosis and Respect for Tradition
Of course, personal gnosis doesn’t exist in a vacuum. While I believe in the freedom to mix and match spiritual elements that resonate, this should be done with awareness, respect, and ethical considerations.
For instance, closed traditions and indigenous practices have deep cultural and historical significance. If someone chooses to incorporate elements from these traditions, they should do so from a place of reverence rather than appropriation. Having a close personal relationship with a deity does not automatically make someone an expert on that tradition. I was recently part of a podcast discussion where an Afro-Indigenous witch doctor shared concerns about a practitioner claiming to channel Ochún, which angered Santería practitioners. This highlights the importance of understanding context before assuming authority.
At the same time, spiritual evolution is natural. If we completely reject new perspectives in favor of rigid traditionalism, we risk falling into dogmatism. By that logic, even biblical prophets—whose revelations were based on personal gnosis—wouldn’t be considered visionary. The challenge is finding the balance: respecting what has come before while remaining open to new insights.
The Key to Spiritual Growth: Discernment, Not Judgment
There is no single "right" way to practice spirituality, but I do believe there are ways it can go "wrong." If I were to call something "wrong," it would likely be because it:
Violates the sovereignty of others (e.g., coercion, manipulation, or harmful intent).
Disregards basic ethical considerations (e.g., cultural theft without understanding or respect).
Fails to serve the practitioner—a spiritual path should be meaningful and effective for the person walking it.
Outside of these considerations, I don’t believe in rigid rules when it comes to spirituality. People will naturally approach their practice in different ways, and what works for one person may not resonate with another.
A Space for Personal Exploration and Growth
With all of this in mind, I’d like to use this blog as a space to explore my own interpretations and experiences in the magical world. I love learning from traditional systems, but I also find value in drawing connections that might not be widely recognized. At the same time, I recognize that my views today may not be my views forever. Just as our previous post explored the importance of learning, unlearning, and relearning, we believe that growth requires allowing space for change.
If you’re on a spiritual path, don’t be afraid to let your practice evolve in a way that makes sense to you. Listen to others, stay open to new ideas, and practice discernment—but ultimately, trust yourself.
Take what resonates, leave the rest. I don’t claim to have universal truths—only what works for me. And just as I continue to refine my understanding, I invite you to do the same.
Wilder Dreams -Vivian
