From the seeds of Valentinus, or of Simon, sprang up the abomination of those called Barbeliotes, that is, Borborians, Naassenes, or Stratiotics, or Phemionites. For they posited a certain imperishable Aeon dwelling in a virginal spirit, whom they name Barbelo. This Barbelo, they say, asked of him — Foreknowledge. And when she had come forth, and asked again, there came forth Incorruptibility; then Eternal Life. And Barbelo, rejoicing, became pregnant and gave birth to Light. This Light, they say, when anointed with the perfection of the Spirit, was named Christ. Again this Christ requested Nous (Mind), and received it — that is, put it forth. And the Father added also the Logos (Word). Then there were joined together as pairs: Ennoia (Thought) and Logos, Incorruptibility and Christ, Eternal Life and Will, Nous and Foreknowledge. Next, again from Ennoia and Logos, they say, was put forth the Self-Begotten (Autogenes), and with him Truth; and there came to be yet another conjugal pair, of Autogenes and Truth. The Self-Begotten, they say, put forth a perfect and true Man, whom they also call Adamas; and put forth together with him, as his consort, perfect Knowledge. From this point again were revealed a mother, a father, and a son; and from the Man and Knowledge sprang a Tree, which too they call Knowledge.
And from the first angel, they say, was put forth the Holy Spirit, whom they named Sophia (Wisdom) and Prunicus. This one, they say, desiring a consort, brought forth a work in which were Ignorance and Arrogance; and this work they call Protarchon (First-Ruler), and they say that he himself is the maker of the creation. He, joining himself with Arrogance, begot Wickedness (Kakia) and its parts.