This word, in its original Greek, αἰών (aion), signifies the age or duration of anything. The Gnostics, however, used it in a peculiar mode to designate the intelligent, intellectual, and material powers or natures which flowed as emanations from the Βασιλεία (Basileia) or Infinite Abyss of Deity, and which were connected with their divine fountain as rays of light are with the sun (see Gnostics).