Greek for "knowledge"; in Gnosticism, a direct experience of the divine that results in a new level of knowledge. Dan Brown says that men in ancient times achieved gnosis through a sexual ritual known as Hieros Gamos (DVC, 308); although such rituals probably occurred in some Gnostic cults, no reliable evidence suggests that these practices were widespread. Many ancient temples did include sex with temple prostitutes as part of worship. See also Gnosticism; Hieros Gamos.