The Sabean Mandaeans of Iraq, the so-called “last gnostics“, believe that everything – every being, animal, plant, object, whatever – has a twin in the spirit world (what they call the Lightworld). It is their belief that our souls wander the prison of the material world until they are reunited after death with their twin for eternal life. Neither good not bad, the Secret Adam is our other spiritual self waiting for us in the Great Life, the source of all light and life. A Gnostic doppleganger.
Tomorrow I leave for Damascus, Syria to report a story about a group of Sabean Mandaeans forced from Iraq by the ongoing conflict since the American invasion in 2003. I’ve been cramming in between packing, spending as much time as possible with Madeline and Nick, my children and my head is swimming with Gnostics, Mandaeans, Iraqis, Americans, rituals, outrages and magic.
I hope I can keep it all straight.
2 responses so far ↓
Ben Saltzman // January 7, 2008 at 8:55 am
I always hate thinking about my doppelganger because I know he is having so much more fun than I am. However, I bet your doppelganger is envying you right now! Be safe and have a great trip. I can’t wait to see this story. Post us tidbits.
Miriam // January 7, 2008 at 11:41 am
Your doppelganger is totally listening to Kate Bush… synchronicity, indeed.