Disclaimer.
The exploration of symbols is for educational purposes only. No racism or discrimination is intended.
After discussing the Kabbalah, how symbols were employed for magical purposes, I found myself intrigued by the origins of the six-sided and eight sided stars.
According to Jewish mystical traditions, King Solomon possessed a magical signet ring with a hexagram engraved upon it, which he used to control demons and spirits, and to perform various miracles. This legend is not found in the canonical Hebrew Bible but is found in later Jewish texts such as the Talmud and various medieval Jewish mystical writings.
The association of the hexagram with King Solomon gained prominence in Jewish mysticism, particularly in the Kabbalistic tradition. In Kabbalah, the hexagram became a symbol representing the interconnectedness of the divine and earthly realms, as well as various mystical concepts.
However, it's important to note that the association of the hexagram with King Solomon is more of a later tradition rather than a historical fact explicitly recorded in biblical texts. The symbol itself has been used by various cultures throughout history, including ancient Mesopotamia, Hinduism, Western occultism, medieval Christianity, Islamic art, East Asian cultures, and Judaism.and religions throughout history, and its specific association with Judaism and King Solomon developed over time.
There is no historical evidence to suggest that King David, as described in the Hebrew Bible, used or was associated with the six-pointed star, commonly known as the Star of David or Magen David. The association of the star with King David emerged much later in Jewish tradition, particularly in the medieval and early modern periods. The symbol became prominent as a representation of Jewish identity and heritage, but its direct connection to King David himself is not found in biblical texts.
The eight-pointed star, or octagram, has a rich history across cultures. Originating from ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Persia, it symbolizes concepts such as cosmic balance and celestial harmony. Used in Islamic art for unity and divine order, in Christian symbolism for the Beatitudes and resurrection, and in Judaism for decorative purposes, it holds significant cultural and religious importance.
*See the eight sided star in a Roman Catholic Church.
In the ancient Near East, including regions like Canaan and Babylon, the eight-pointed star was indeed significant in religious and cultural contexts. Here are a few examples:
1. Ishtar/Inanna (Babylon): As mentioned earlier, the goddess Ishtar (Inanna) was prominent in Babylonian mythology. She was associated with the planet Venus and often depicted with an eight-pointed star, symbolizing her celestial and divine attributes.
2. Anat (Canaanite Mythology): Anat, a goddess in Canaanite mythology, was associated with war and fertility. She was sometimes depicted with symbols of celestial power, including the eight-pointed star, highlighting her connection to the heavens and her role as a powerful deity.
3. Baal (Canaanite Religion): While primarily associated with the storm and fertility god Baal, the eight-pointed star may have been used in the worship of Baal and other deities in Canaanite religion. The symbolism of the star could represent aspects of celestial authority or cosmic balance, aligning with the divine attributes attributed to such gods.
4. Astarte (Canaanite Religion): Astarte was a prominent goddess in Canaanite religion, associated with love, fertility, and war. While specific depictions vary, it's possible that she, too, was associated with symbols of celestial power, including the eight-pointed star.
In both Canaanite and Babylonian cultures, the eight-pointed star likely held significance as a symbol of celestial authority, divine power, and cosmic order. Its use in religious iconography and symbolism would have reflected these cultural beliefs and mythological themes prevalent in the ancient Near East.
Within the Old Testament, particularly in books like Deuteronomy and Jeremiah, there are condemnations of the worship of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars. This worship is often referred to as "astrotheology" or "astral worship."
In Jeremiah 8:2 (NIV), it says:
"They will be exposed to the sun and the moon and all the stars of the heavens, which they have loved and served and which they have followed and consulted and worshiped."
These passages, among others, condemn the worship of celestial bodies as a form of idolatry and a violation of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
It's important to note that these passages reflect the beliefs and practices of ancient Israelites and were intended to discourage them from engaging in polytheistic worship practices common among neighbouring cultures. For Catholics and many other Christian denominations, these passages are understood within the broader theological framework of monotheism and the rejection of idolatry.
Yet this looks like an awfully big waifer!
There's the sun again, with the "Queen of Heaven"
Here's inside part of the Vatican
Let's look closely at those suns.
So if scripture has denounced worship of celestial bodies, which doctrine is the Roman Catholic Church following?
It could be called Judeo-Christian for a reason. I wonder what ever became of the Pharisees, and Sadducees that had Christ murdered.
Again I'll let you draw on your own conclusions.
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