msraye
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 19:01:13 GMT -5
Wiccan/Pagan Symbols There are many symbols associated with Wicca and modern pagan belief. Some of the most universal Pagan symbols include: Pentacle:The pentacle, a pentagram within a circle, is the most recognizable symbol of Wicca. The pentacle represents the integration of body and spirit, and the spiritual mastery of the four elements. The pentacle is used in a number of Wiccan rituals, and as a Grade sign in Gardnerian and other traditions. The pentacle is often worn as a symbol of recognition amongst practitioners, especially those who practice a code of secrecy. Hidden pentacles are pentacles disguised in more intricate designs, and may be worn when it is not safe or appropriate to wear a standard pentacle. Many such stylized designs are worn which can be recognized by other believers, but less apparent to intolerant family or in the workplace. A bit of HistoryThe five-pointed star, or pentagram is one of the most potent, powerful, and persistent symbols in human history. It has been important to almost every ancient culture, from the Mayans of Latin America, to India, China, Greece, and Egypt. It has been found scratched on the walls of Neolithic caves, and in Babylonian drawings, where it marks the pattern the planet Venus makes on its travels- a secret symbol of the Goddess Ishtar. Scriptures, especially Hebrew, are abundant with references to pentagrams. So, why does this symbol have such a sinister reputation today? The Pentagram in the Ancient WorldThe earliest pentagrams were rough diagrams found scratched into stone age caves. While they are believed to have some spiritual significance, the meaning of the star-shape to early humans is a mystery. In the civilizations that followed, it held various meanings, usually astronomical and religious. Pentagrams served to mark directions in Sumerian texts, and represented the five visible planets. Later, it was the sign of the planet Venus and the goddess . According to the Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, five was the number of man, because of the fivefold division of the body, and the ancient Greek division of the soul. According to Pythagoras, the five points of the pentagram each represent one of the five elements that make up man: fire, water, air, earth, and psyche. (energy, fluid, breath, matter, and mind; liquid, gas, solid, plasma and aethyr) The Pythagoreans held the pentacle sacred to Hygeia, the Goddess of healing, whose name (HGIEiA) was an anagram in Greek for the elements water, earth, spirit, fire, and air. This particular symbolism has persisted for centuries, and has greatly influenced theologies of diverse traditions. Early Christians wore it as an emblem, possibly to represent the wounds of Christ, or possibly due to connections between early Christians and the Pythagorean mysteries.* Later, the pentacle was important to many doctrines of esoteric Medieval and Renaissance belief systems- alchemy, kabbalah, and Ceremonial magick. The five-pointed star, or pentagram is one of the most potent, powerful, and persistent symbols in human history. It has been important to almost every ancient culture, from the Mayans of Latin America, to India, China, Greece, and Egypt. It has been found scratched on the walls of Neolithic caves, and in Babylonian drawings, where it marks the pattern the planet Venus makes on its travels- a secret symbol of the Goddess Ishtar. Scriptures, especially Hebrew, are abundant with references to pentagrams. So, why does this symbol have such a sinister reputation today? The Pentacle and MagickRitual magicians, like the Greeks, used the Pentagram as a microcosm of the human body. The practice of Ritual Magick was used to create a state of closeness with god through the use of symbols and rituals to imitate the divine state. It was believed that like affects like, that the connection between the world of symbols and the world of actions could also be manipulated for evil purposes. One of these magicians, Giordano Bruno, warned of such misuse of the powerful pentacle by Black magicians. (The pentagram is still central to the practice of ritual magick, and is used in the foundation of many of its rituals.) In the Jewish kabbalistic tradition, which borrows many Pythagorean ideas, the pentagram represents the five upper sephiroth on the Tree of Life- five numbers, being indivisible by any but themselves, which represent pure archetypal forces: justice, mercy, wisdom, understanding, and transcendent splendor. The Christian Pentagram?Christian Kabbalists of the renaissance were especially enamored of the pentagram, which they viewed as a mystical proof of the divinity of Christ - to them, it symbolized Christ as the Holy Spirit manifest in the flesh. A favorite gematric feat was to add the Hebrew letter Shin (symbolizing fire and the holy spirit of pentecost) to the Biblical four letter name of God (YHVH, most commonly [and incorrectly] pronounced 'Jehovah') yielding YHShVH- Y'heshua, or Jesus. (There is a secret biblical connection, as well, in the name of the Christian holiday of Pentecost- the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles of Jesus is one of many geometrical 'proofs' in the New Testament disguised as stories) There are many connections between the pentagram and Christianity. Before the cross, it was a preferred emblem to adorn the jewelry and amulets of early Christians (followed by an 'x' or a phoenix). The pentagram was associated with the five wounds of Christ, and because it could be drawn in one continuous movement of the pen, the Alpha and the Omega as one. It was also an expression of a secret Gnostic heresy, found hidden here and there throughout Christian history- a symbol of Isis/Venus as the secret goddess, the female principle. The most notable instance of this symbolism is in the Arthurian Grail romances, which are Gnostic and kabbalistic teachings disguised as tales of knightly quests. The pentacle as a symbol of the feminine principle was was embodied by the rose. The small, five petalled roses found in many gothic cathedral ornamentation are not-so-secret pentagrams: The Pentacle in Wicca and other Neopagan TraditionsCurrently, the most common religious uses of the pentagram are by Wiccan, Neopagan, and Satanic groups. In most Wiccan and Neopagan traditions, its symbolic meaning is derived from Ceremonial magick and nineteenth century occultism- the four elements ruled by the spirit- although as these theologies mature, they have added to its meaning. In many of these traditions, it can also symbolize the unity of mankind with the earth or with the realm of the spirit, the human body, and more. Point up, or Point Down?A "point down" pentacle is nothing new- nor is it necessarily Satanic when it appears as such. Historical depictions of the pentagram were as likely to be points down as point up- a distinction between one or the other was rarely made by the ancients. Even today, one must not assume a point down pentagram is Satanic, as it is just likely to be Masonic, Wiccan, or simply upside-down. Some inexperienced Wiccans will occasionally claim that a point down pentacle is Satanic, but such a symbol has at times represented the Wiccan horned God, and is still today an emblem of the Second Degree initiation in Gardnerian Wicca. The Satanic PentagramIn the minds of many , the pentagram is inextricably linked with black magick and Satan worship. The Satanic pentagram is a difficult symbol- it is the newest and least used, but at the same time the best known and most controversial. The Satanic pentacle is almost always presented upside down, or inverted, with a single point facing downward, and it is this pentacle that is presented incorrectly as 'evil.' The adoption of the pentacle as a Satanic emblem is quite recent, dating only to the latter half of the twentieth century. To the Satanist, this glyph is a representation of "Black magic," symbolizing the triumph of matter and individual desires over religious dogma- earth over an illusory promise of heaven. It is not analogous to the upturned cross (which is a symbol of rebellion against Christian culture), and is not "anti-Wiccan." In modern Satanic theology, the pentagram is far more likely to represent the individual, or the choice to pursue individual glory or immortality rather than union or absorption with the divine- where some traditions advocate the sublimation of the ego or submission to god, Satanism exalts and glorifies it, deifying the human being. The symbol most commonly associated with Satanic practices is the "Sabbatic goat" or Goat of Mendes pentacle, often confused with Baphomet, a figure from Templar legend, and Pan, the Greek goat God. It rarely has any deeper meaning; an irony when one considers that its association with Satanism has made the pentagram a feared symbol to many, and the subject of countless conspiracy theories. The Goat's Head The goat itself is related to medieval superstitions about the behavior of witches, who were often depicted dancing with or riding on goats (who often represented Satan himself). The goat in that context is often seen as an ironic symbol of sexual repression (the association being a clear allusion to the unrestrained sexuality represented by this ancient fertility symbol), so one can see why the symbolism might appeal to modern Satanists, as a symbol of freedom from sexual and religious taboos. The Pentagram in FreemasonryIn Freemasonry and related traditions, the pentagram is usually referred to as the "blazing star," and in addition to more traditional Pythagorian symbolism, is sometimes symbolic of the descent of the divinity of Christ into the world of matter, a remnant of Masonry's ties with medieval Christian Kabbalah and hermeticv tradition. In this, it represents the Star of Bethlehem. Freemasonry emphasizes Pythagorean geometry in its system of allegorical symbology, and as the pentagram was the chief of the Pythagorean symbols, it is not at all surprising to find it among Masonic symbols. Even so, it is still a relatively minor symbol in freemasonry, and largely ignored in today's lodges. The Masonic use of the pentagram has nevertheless provided endless fodder for conspiracy minded evangelicals who see its use as proof of a vast Satanic Masonic network. Many absurd connections have been made between the Satanic pentagram and the Masonic star by enthusiastic conspiracy theorists, who fail to note that the first association of the reversed pentacle with 'evil' is a relatively recent attitude- adopted long after Masons had been using the star without controversy for a very long time. The 19th century magical scholar Eliphas Levi is the first known to have vested the downward pointing pentacle with any real negative meaning, elaborating perhaps on Bruno's earlier claims. It was not until the mid twentieth century that Levi's 'Mendes' pentacle was adopted as an emblem of modern Satanism. No Satanic or black magic group is known to have used a pentagram before then, and even the oldest representations of black masses and other 'satanic' activities contain no pentagrams. The Pentagram of the FoundersSurprisingly, the pentagram also plays an important part in the symbology of the early United States government (a fact not lost on the conspiracy theorists, of course.). Many of the Founding Fathers were Freemasons, to whom the Pentagram is an important symbol (see above). The five pointed star appears in much of our early iconography- the US flag, the Great Seal, and on our currency. It is even to be found in the Capitol, where the White House sits at the apex of a giant pentagram, one of many interesting features in Capitol geometry:
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msraye
Philosopher
Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 19:02:20 GMT -5
Horned God:This is a stylized representation of the Horned God, who in Wicca represents the masculine polarity of the universe. The horned god is the archetypal horned Shaman, related to the ancient Gods of vegetation and the hunt: Greek Pan, the Celtic Cernunnos, and the Egyptian Ammon. This symbol is sometimes referred to as the "horn moon," and as such, is a symbol of the Goddess Diana, especially in Dianic Wicca. Another Horned God image, created from a pentacle: A similar symbol, drawn from Egyptian hieroglyphs representing the Cow Goddess Hathor, is sometimes used by egyptian or feminine centered Pagans: Triple Goddess/Triple Cresent: There are several styles of the Lunar Triple Goddess symbol, representing the three aspects of the moon (waxing, waning, and full) and womankind (mother, maiden, crone), as well as the Lady, or Goddess, the feminine polarity of the universe. Wheel of the Year:The eight-pointed Wheel of the Year symbol marks the important holy days, or Sabbats, in the Wiccan Ritual calendar. It is derived from the sun wheel, or solar cross, a pre-Christian European calendar marking the Solstices and Equinoxes. Cauldron:The Cauldron is drawn from ancient Celtic mythology, and is sometimes called the Cup or Cauldron of Cerridwen. The ancient Celts used cauldrons for food and in ritual as an emblem of abundance and divine inspiration. In Celtic mythology and folklore, the cauldron provides infinite sustenance or artistic inspiration. As a Wiccan ritual tool, it is mostly symbolic. Most often used to represent the fire or water elements, the cauldron is sometimes employed for scrying, for mixing herbs, for consecration, or to hold the ingredients for a spell. It is generally held to be a feminine symbol. Witch's Sign:The so-called Witch's Sign is used in some traditions to mark ritual tools. It is similar to the solar cross, but its exact origin is unknown (It is similar to the Roman numeral thirteen, and reader suggests this may represent the coven of thirteen members) (Similar devices were used in the medieval period to mark time) Hecate's wheel:Hecate's wheel is an ancient Greek symbol, and is an emblem of the Moon Goddess Hecate (Diana Lucifera), and her triple aspect. It is generally used by practitioners of Hellenic Recon or Dianic Traditions. Seax-Wicca:The Emblem of Seax-Wicca, an Anglo-Saxon influenced branch of Wicca, symbolizes the sun, moon, and the eight Sabbats, or holy days. Elven Star:The Elven Star, or seven pointed star, is associated with practitioners of Fairy Wicca.
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msraye
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Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 19:03:22 GMT -5
Green Man:The Green Man is a mysterious, eerie figure depicted mainly in medieval European stonework, believed to represent an ancient vegetation deity. The Green man is nearly always depicted as a "foliate head," that is, a face made of leaves and vines. Sometimes, it appears as a human face peering out from leaves, other times with animal features. The image of the Green man may have been adapted from Roman decorative stonework, or from Celtic interlace figures. Older versions bear a very close resemblance to Celtic and Norse interlace figures, and often combine plant and animal features. One of the oldest examples was discovered on an Irish obelisk that dates to the third century BCE. This may be the Derg Corra of Celtic myth, the man in the tree. The name "green man" was coined in the late 1930s. Other names for this figure are Jack in Green or Jack of the Green. Many believe the greenman is related to the pre-Christian Celtic deity Cernunnos; others that it is simply an expression of the forces of nature, or even a reminder that we, too, are part of the cycle of life. There is no real evidence linking the images to any particular philosophy, cult, or belief, although the faces are strikingly uniform through time. The greenman is not a strictly European phenomenon- similar images appear in Asian, Indian, and Arabic architecture and art as well. Whatever his origin, the Green Man is now an unmistakable mascot of the Neopagan religious movement, where he serves as the embodiment of untamed nature, an emblem of the male principal, and a symbol of fertility and vibrant life energy.
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msraye
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Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 19:04:03 GMT -5
Triquetra/Trinity:The triquetra (often, triqueta) is a tripartate symbol composed of three interlocked vesica pisces, marking the intersection of three circles. It is most commonly a symbol of the Holy Trinity (Father, son, Holy spirit) used by the Celtic Christian Church, sometimes stylized as three interlaced fish: The triqueta symbol predates Christianity and was likely a Celtic symbol of the Goddess, and in the North, a symbol of the god Odin. Although it is often asserted that the triquetra is a symbol of a tripartite goddess, no such goddess has been identified with the symbol. Similar symbols do occur in some Norse and Celtic goddess imagery, but most likely represents the divisions of the animal kingdom and the three domains of earth mentioned above. Triplicities were common symbols in Celtic myth and legend, one of the possible reasons Christian beliefs were so easily adopted by the Celtic people. The triqueta makes an ideal Christian symbol. It is a perfect representation of the concept of "three in one" in Christian trinity beliefs, and incorporates another popular Christian symbol, the fish, in its original form of the vesica pisces. It is sometimes enclosed within a circle to emphasize the unity aspect. In Wiccan and Neopagan belief, the triqueta symbolizes the triple aspected goddess (maid, mother, and crone). Some Christians have protested this "appropriation" of the symbol...however, ironically enough, the original Christian fish symbol was derived from an early symbol of venus, one representing female generative organs- making the triquetra perfectly appropriate symbol for a Goddess revival. The triquetra is also considered to represnt the triplicities of mind, body, and soul, as well as the three domains of earth according to Celtic legend- earth, sea, and sky. The triquetra also appears on the television series Charmed, probably as a less threatening alternative to the pentacle (the preferred emblem of witches real and imaginary). In the show, it represents the "power of three, acting as one " which in turn represents the three sisters. Evangelical tract writers and conspiracy theorists like to label the triquetra a 'satanic' symbol, claiming it is a 'stylized' 666, an allusion to the 'number of the beast' in the Book of Revelation. This, however, is simply wishful thinking. The triquetra of interlaced fishes is one of the very earliest of Christian symbols, predating the crucifix by hundreds of years. The purported 'satanic' meaning of the symbol is a modern evangelical interpolation. Triqueta of interlaced fish from the Roman CatacombsTriqueta of fish from an Egyptian bowl
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msraye
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Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 19:04:56 GMT -5
Traditional Wiccan ritual tools: The four most commonly used ritual tools in Wicca are derived from the magickal tools used by Ritual magicians of the Renaissance. They symbolize the four ancient elements, and are used ritually to channel their powers. They are directly related to the suit signs on tarot cards and the four worlds of the kabbalah. Cup or Chalice:The cup or chalice is a symbol of the element of water, a feminine element representing intuition, gestation, psychic ability, and the subconscious. The Cup also stands in as a symbol of the Goddess, of the womb, and the female generative organs. Athame:The athame or ritual dagger (sometimes, a sword), is a symbol of fire. The Athame represents the fire element, and the masculine qualities of consciousness, action, force, and strength. The athame is used to direct energy and is employed in the casting of circles. An athame is traditionally black handled and dull, but as the knife is considered a personal emblem, there is a lot of variety in actual practice- one might see anything from a hunting knife to a deer antler used as an athame. The chalice and the blade brought together symbolize sexual union. Pentacle:The dish, or paten, also known as a pentacle in most Wiccan and Ritual Magick tradition. This item originated with the Catholic Church, and was one of the four Grail Hallows and came to Wicca via Ritual Magick, where it was a symbol of the element of earth. WandThe wand is a symbol of air. It should be noted that in Ritual Magick, wands are of the fire element, and the dagger is of air. Wiccan practice generally reverses these designations, largely due to the union of the chalice with the dagger in ritual. Wiccan wands are usually made of wood, copper, or crystal, and can be quite ornate and personal in their design. Of all the witch's tools, it is the most personal. Additional Tools: Besom, or Broom:The Besom, or Broom, fills a largely symbolic role in Wiccan practice. Derived from European witchcraft folklore of broom dancing and flying, the broom is used today for symbolic cleansing or purification. A typical besom ritual uses the broom to "sweep" negative energy from a home or other space. Scourge:Sorry, no picture.The Scourge is usually seen only in older Wiccan traditions. The scourge is an implement, usually a small leather whip or cat'o'nine tails, used to gently strike a member for purposes of purification of purging in rituals. The scourge is also symbolic of spiritual discipline. It is derived from the symbolic ritual tools of the Egyptian god Osiris. Boline:The Boline or Bolline is a small, sickle shaped knife used to gather herbs used in rituals and spells. The sickle shaped knife can be traced to Druid mistletoe customs, and is a lunar tool. White-handled knife:Sorry, no picture.The White-handled knife is used by Gardnerian and other traditional Wiccan groups for ritual cutting of cords and other used where a dull athame would not be used, and in the construction of other magical tools.
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msraye
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Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 19:05:31 GMT -5
Theban Alphabet (Wiccan alphabet, witches' Runes):The Theban alphabet is used almost exclusively by Wiccans as a substitution cipher to protect magical writings from prying eyes. It originated as a magical alphabet; the exact origin is unknown. The Theban alphabet first appeared in print in Henry Cornelius Agrippa's Third book of Occult Philosophy in 1531, where it was ascribed to the legendary magus Honorius of Thebes. It is occasionally referred to as the "runes of Honorius," although Theban is not a runic alphabet. While it resembles some ancient alphabets, it is unknown before Agrippa's publication. It is little used as a magickal alphabet, except as an occasional substitute for Anglo-Saxon runes, or for making charms and amulets. Theban was introduced to Wicca by its founder, Gerald Gardner. To use Theban as a cipher, simply substitute Theban letters for English letters as shown below:
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Post by Senbecc on Feb 19, 2007 19:35:24 GMT -5
Interesting...So the Theban alphabet is thought to be an Egyptian adoption by Wicca, and the Pentagram is a Catholic invention? I picked up allot to study from this thread Raye thank you! I look forward to more as you find it.
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msraye
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Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:31:05 GMT -5
Oh I have found a BUNCH of things for this thread...it is all a matter of having the time to put it all up LOL!
All though I do believe that the Pentagram was adopted by the Catholics as a symbol of the crucifiction of Jesus!
The theban alphabet's origin is unknown...I use to use the alphabet when I was in high school as a way to pass secret notes to my friends LOL!
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msraye
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Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:31:55 GMT -5
Magick, Occult, Satanic Symbols: AbraxasAbraxas, also known as Abrasax, is a Gnostic solar deity associated with Yahweh, Mithras and the Celtic Belenus, as well as Yeshu (Jesus). Amulets and seals bearing the figure of Abraxas were common in the second century, and were used as recently as the thirteenth century in the seals of the Knights Templar. By medieval times, Abraxas was relegated to the ranks of demons. The image most associated with abraxas is that of a composite creature with the head of a rooster, the body of a man, and legs made of serpents or scorpions. He carries a whip and shield, called wisdom and power, respectively. Abraxas is occasionally depicted driving a chariot drawn by four horses, which representing the four elements. The word Abraxas was first proposed by the Alexandrian Gnostic scholar Basilides, and is created using the first letters of the names of the seven visible planets. Gematrically, the letters in Abraxas add to 365, the number of days in a solar year, and the number of Aeons, or divine emanations, in Gnostic cosmology. Each of the seven letters represents one of the seven planetary powers. Church father Tertullian, speaking of Basilides' description of Abraxas: "Afterwards broke out the heretic Basilides. He affirms that there is a supreme Deity, by name Abraxas, by whom was created Mind, which in Greek he calls Nous; that thence sprang the Word; that of Him issued Providence, Virtue, and Wisdom; that out of these subsequently were made Principalities, powers, and Angels; that there ensued infinite issues and processions of angels; that by these angels 365 heavens were formed, and the world, in honour of Abraxas, whose name, if computed, has in itself this number. Now, among the last of the angels, those who made this world, he places the God of the Jews latest, that is, the God of the Law and of the Prophets, whom he denies to be a God, but affirms to be an angel.
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msraye
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Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:32:37 GMT -5
PentagramThe pentagram is a five pointed star commonly associated with Wicca, Ritual magick, Satanism, and Masonry. The Pentagram has a long and complex history as a religious symbol. Found scrawled in caves of ancient Babylonia, the five pointed star was copied from the star shaped pattern formed by the travels of the planet Venus in the sky. The emblem remained popular through many cultures and time periods- it was called the pentalpha by the Greeks, who believed it had magical properties. For a time, it was the official seal of the city of Jerusalem: In later times, it was used by medieval Christians to symbolize the five wounds of Christ, and figured in the heavily symbolic Arthurian romances. It also represents the proportions of the human body. The pentagram was commonly used (ironically) against witches and demons. (like other protective knots, it was considered effective only if drawn perfectly) It was not until the twentieth century that the pentagram became associated with Satanism, probably due to misinterpretation of symbols used by ceremonial magicians. In alchemical texts, the four elements (in Latin)- flatus, ignus, aqua, terra, superseded by light, or divine energy- illustrated the process of creation- Fiat Lux, or, "let there be light." In Wiccan/Pagan lore, the pentagram symbolizes the five elements- earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. The Wiccan emblematic pentagram faces point upward to symbolize the triumph of spirit over matter; the Satanic pentagram is transposed, point downwards, to symbolize earthly gratification, or the triumph of the individual over dissolution. Some Wiccan grades also utilize a reversed pentacle, although for different purposes. A pentacle used for ritual purposes in Gardnerian Wicca A pentagram enclosed within a circle is known as a pentacle.
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msraye
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:33:13 GMT -5
Hexagram (Shatkona, Seal of Solomon)A hexagram is a six pointed star composed of two overlapped triangles, found in use by a number of faiths and cultures. Outside of the cross and the swastika, the hexagram is one of the oldest and most universal spiritual symbols. It is associated with the Biblical Solomon, known as the Star of David in the Jewish religion. The Seal of SolomonIn Ritual Magick, the hexagon is called the Seal of Solomon, and represents Divine Union, being composed of a female, watery triangle, and a male, fiery triangle. The traditional elemental triangles of earth, air, water, and fire are derived from the seal. When the points of a hexagram are connected, a hexagon is formed. Kabbalistically, the hexagram represents the Sefirah Tifaret, perfection. Hindu ShatkonaIn the Hindu religion, the hexagram is called the Shatkona, and is equivalent to the symbolism in ritual magick. The Shatkona is the combination of the Shiva kona (trikona, triangle), the symbol of the God Shiva, representing the element of fire, and the Shakti kona, representing the element of water. Together, they represent the union of male and female, and the heart chakra. Image of the Seal from Eliphas Levi's Transcendental Magick
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msraye
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:33:54 GMT -5
Chaos Star (Chaos wheel, chaosphere) The Chaos star is a spoked device with eight equidistant arrows radiating from a central point. It was originally devised by the fantasy novelist Michael Moorcock as a symbol of chaos (infinite possibility). The Chaos wheel has been adopted as a symbol of Chaos magick. The current rounded shape was devised by author and chaos magician Peter Carroll. Caduceus (kerykeion)The caduceus is the legendary herald's wand of the Greek God Hermes (Roman, Mercury). This symbol, a winged staff entwined by twin serpents, is nearly universal, found in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India, where it is always a symbol of harmony and balance. The symbol may have originally been a symbol of the sovereignity of the Goddess Tanit. It has been mistakenly utilized as a symbol of the medical industry in the place of the wand of Asclepius (Asculapius). In the Hermetic Tradition, the cadeceus is a symbol of spiritual awakening, and has been likened to the Kundalini serpents of Hindu mysticism. Witch's Knot (Witch's Charm) The Witch's knot is a common symbol in folk magic. The witch's knot is a symbolic representation of the knot magic practiced by witches in the middle ages, and was used as a sympathetic charm against witchcraft, and usually scratched over doorways of homes and stables. One aspect of its efficacy as a protective charm lay in the ability to draw the complicated symbol in one continuous motion. While the symbol appears to be made up of intertwined vesica pisces, it does not represent "feminine powers" as is sometimes claimed, but the inversion of those powers- the four radiating half circles symbolically reflect malefic winds. Ironically, this is a popular emblem of choice for modern witches. Hermetic Seal of Light This symbol, often referred to as the synthesis of alchemy of the Hermetic Seal, hearkens back to ancient pythagorean philosophy, wherein the circle, the square, and the triangle are the emblems of the material body, the soul, and the spirit, the three elemnts believed to be necessary for alchemical transformation. Alchemically, they are Mercury, Salt, and Sulphur. In Atalanta Fugiens, the alchemical text illustrated below, it is written, "Make of man and woman a circle; thence a square; thence a triangle; form a circle, and you will have the Philosopher's Stone," a hidden geometrical formula for creating an octave and a golden rectangle.
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msraye
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:34:39 GMT -5
Necronomicon Gate "...the Necronomicon, a highly secret magical text released in paperback." - William S. Burroughs.This symbol, called the Necronomicon gate, or the "gate of Yog-Sohoth," is a false sigil usually found on the cover of an edition of the legendary and quite fake "Necronomicon," a falsified grimoire based on the work of horror fiction writer H. P. Lovecraft. Written in Damascus in 730 A.D. by the "Mad Arab" Abdul Alhazred, it's the most evil of the black magick Grimoires. Its use has propelled the unwitting into violence, insanity, and death. Just looking inside without proper precautions can render a person insane....right? Hardly. The Necronomicon, or "Book of Dead Names," is pure invention. It was originally conceived as a literary device by horror writer H. P. Lovecraft, as background for his story The Hound. In the fictional history he later created, the Necronomicon was the product of an Arab poet, Abdul Alhazred, who worshipped extra-terrestrial deities named "Yog-Sothoth" and "Cthulhu." Lovecraft wrote about a dozen or so stories that made reference to the Necronomicon and related characters- what are now known collectively as the "Cthulhu Mythos." Other writers- friends of Lovecraft- took the idea and ran with it, producing dozens more stories with references to the Necronomicon and Lovecraft's race of ancient Godlike extraterrestrials. Enchanted readers naturally assumed that the numerous references were to real legends, and Lovecraft was delighted by this. However, when many fans wrote to Lovecraft to inquire about the Necronomicon, he always replied truthfully that it was his own invention. Lovecraft briefly considered but eventually decided not to create an actual text for the Necronomicon, although he did write a detailed "history." In a letter to colleagues written in 1936, he wrote "If anyone were to try to write the Necronomicon, it would disappoint all those who have shuddered at cryptic references to it." This is probably true, but it hasn't stopped a score of imitators from trying their hand at various Necronomicon hoaxes. The most common of these, which can be found for sale at most book retailers, is called the "Simon" Necronomicon, after its supposed translator, an Orthodox Bishop named Simon (in older editions, the mysterious Simon was a spy). The Simon Necronomicon contains invocations to various Sumerian deities, an assortment of fantasy sigils, and a collection of "spells" that appear to parody many found in authentic medieval grimoires. The Simon Necronomicon is undoubtably a hoax- although claiming to be an ancient Sumerian manuscript, it is filled with anachronism- including distinctly medieval style sigils. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped a number of conspiracy minded individuals from taking it all too seriously- including the notorious David Icke, who faithfully reprints it on his site to bolster his straight-faced claim of an evil alien conspiracy to rule the earth. These things seem to take on a life of their own- various "true believers" will doubtless continue to claim, despite all evidence to the contrary, that the real Necronomicon is out there somewhere- hidden in the Vatican library, squirreled away by the Nazis, or concealed by a secret cult until the return of the "Old ones
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msraye
Philosopher
Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:35:14 GMT -5
Goat of Mendes (Mendez Goat, Sigil of Baphomet, Sabbatic Goat)The so-called "Mendes Pentacle" or Sabbatic Goat emblem was first connected to Satanism in the nineteen sixties, falsely attributed to the nineteenth century occultist Elipas Levi. This symbol is commonly confused with Levi's depiction of the Templar icon Baphomet, which was never presented as a symbol of evil, but of harmony, redemption, and union with the divine. Nonetheless, the two have been confused so often it is nearly impossible to separate them in modern usage. The name "Mendes goat" derives from a connection Levi made between the Templar Baphomet, the Goat of the witch's Sabbat (as depicted in popular art), and the Egyptian god Ammon, of Mendes, Egypt- an emblem (according to Levi) of fertility and sexual freedom. Levi's connection was spurious (The God in question was represented by a ram, not a goat), but the confusion has persisted. A simplified version of the symbol shown was adopted as the emblem of Anton Lavey's Church of Satan in 1966. The Hebrew letters surrounding the pentacle spell out "Leviathan," the mythic sea monster of the Old Testament. This emblem is occasionaly called the "Judas Goat" by modern Satanists. Sabbatic Goat by Swedish Occultist Oswald WirthPentacles from nineteenth century grimoire 'The key of black magic' , falsely attributed to Eliphas Levi
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msraye
Philosopher
Mistress of the Flame
Posts: 131
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Post by msraye on Feb 19, 2007 21:35:58 GMT -5
Unicursal HexagramThe unicursal hexagram is so-called because it can be drawn unicursally- that is, in one continuous movement. This is significant when forming figures in ritual magick, where a continuous line is preferred to an interrupted movement. The symbol was devised by the Golden Dawn, and later adapted by Aleister Crowley as a device of personal significance. It is often worn by Thelemites as a sign of religious identification and recognition. The unicursal hexagram was created for the purpose of drawing the figure in one continuous movement, as the other magical polygons are created- the pentagram is one example. This is significant in ritual magick when invoking and banishing hexagrams must be made. Crowley's adaptation of the unicursal hexagram placed a five petalled rose, symbolizing a pentacle (and the divine feminine), in the center; the symbol as a whole making eleven (five petals of the rose plus six points of the hexagram), the number of divine union. Sigillum Dei Aemeth (The sigil of Dei Ameth, Seal of the truth of God) "Ameth" is Hebrew for "truth." The Sigil of Ameth (or Sigillum Dei Aemeth) is best known as the large, complex circular symbol, with six pointed figures and the names of God and various angels incribed thereon. It is best known in relation to the Enochian workings of Dr. John Dee, as he was instructed to re-create it by angels he contacted during his scrying sessions with Edward Kelly. (The sigil predates Dee, having first appeared in a thirteenth century grimoire; it was later expanded upon by Athanasius Kircher.) The disk was placed in several places on the Holy Table- beneath Kelly's scrying stone and under each leg. The sigil would then protect the workings from outside influences. Mark of the Beast The Mark of the Beast as shown at right is a creation of Ritual Magician Aleister Crowley. The name of the symbol, which functioned in some ways as Crowley's personal seal, was a play on his magical moniker "Tomega Therion," (The Great Beast). In the simplest terms, the image is a symbol of the masculine principal, and is usually paired with its feminie counterpart, the seven pointed Seal of Babalon: It is constructed of three overlaping circlesplus one half circle, echoing the number of revolutions in the mark's associated ritual, and the number of coils in the kundalini. The uppermost circle is the alchemical sigil of the sun; the half circle below is the lunar crescent. The resemblance to male genitalia is, of course, intentional. Hand of GloryA grisly magical charm popular with thieves in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the hand of glory was a candle made from the dried hand of a hanged convict through a complcated recipe that also included herbs, horse dung, peppers, and salt. The hand would be carefully mummified, and then joined to or turned into a candle using tallow from a hanged corpse. (whether this is from the same corpse is apparently irrelevant). Set alight, the hand was reputed to have the power to render the occupants of a household insensible, making burglary a simple task. Golden Dawn Rose Cross Lamen The Rose Cross Lamen was the most important teaching symbol of the outer order of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an eighteenth century magickal society. Based on the Rosicrucian Rose cross, it is a kabbalistic glyph containinga number of formulas, among them all of the "King scale" colors assigned by the GD to the Tree of Life, the four alchemical elements, and the planets of the zodiac. In the center of the cross is a rose with twenty-two petals symbolizing the letters of the Hebrew alphabet and colored accordingly, which is often used as a device for creating sigils. Additionally, the RC lamen served as a symbol of office of Chief Adept. Reversed Cross (Upside down cross)The reversed cross, also known as the cross of St. Peter, has also been used as an emblem of Satanism, although more often by non-satanists than believers. Historically, it has been a symbol of humility, a symbol of Martyred St. Peter's refusal to be crucified in the manner of Christ, preferring to be hung upside down. Today, the symbol of an upturned cross may symbolize an opposition to Christian dogma, a concept borrowed from Christian writers who mistook the emblem of Peter for an anti-Christian symbol- a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy! The inverted cross is also an esoteric symbol of reversal, and is related to the 12th key of the tarot, the hanged man.
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