"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Revelation 17:5
Why has Babylon been given such a name, and what enduring influence does it exert on our lives? Moreover, where did the enigmatic aura surrounding it originate?
Interpretations regarding the woman in Revelation vary among scholars and religious traditions. Some understand her as symbolizing a corrupt religious institution, often associated with apostasy or false teachings. From this perspective, she may represent a specific church or religious organization that has deviated from true faith. Others view the woman as a symbol of broader concepts like worldly power, idolatry, or spiritual infidelity. The interpretation of the woman in Revelation is intricate and subject to differing theological perspectives.
In today's discussion, I invite you to delve into the captivating world of the Chaldeans with me. Together, we'll explore their rich history, the ancient text known as the Enuma Anu Enlil, and the intriguing realm of sorcery. Join me on this journey as we uncover the mysteries of this fascinating civilization and the profound influence they left on the tapestry of human history.
The Chaldeans, from Southern Babylon, renowned for their expertise in astronomy and astrology, deeply believed in the significance of celestial events, particularly those involving the Sun, in shaping human destinies. They meticulously observed the movements of celestial bodies, including the Sun, and interpreted them as omens of future events. Solar omens, such as the appearance or disappearance of the Sun and its interactions with other celestial bodies, were considered powerful indicators of divine messages or impending events.
NB. Please refer to my earlier post discussing Sun worship within the Roman Catholic Church. https://www.rebuildspirit.com/post/from-mystic-forces-to-magical-charms-the-enigmatic-saga-of-the-six-and-eight-pointed-stars
Moreover, the Chaldeans practiced astrological magic, leveraging the positions of stars and planets, including the Sun, to influence earthly outcomes. Through rituals, incantations, and talismans performed at specific celestial times, they believed they could harness the cosmic forces represented by celestial bodies to achieve desired effects. In other words they could influence or manipulate outcomes according to their intentions or desires.
The Chaldeans conducted rituals at sunrise or sunset, offering symbolic gestures of light or fire and invoking the power of the Sun through prayers for various purposes, such as protection, healing, and success.
In essence, the Chaldeans' utilization of solar omens and magic reflected their profound belief in the interconnectedness of the celestial and terrestrial realms and their quest to comprehend and manipulate the forces governing the universe for their own benefit.
Why does this matter you might ask?
Indulging in astrotheism, the worship of celestial bodies, is considered a defiance of God's will, often driven by one's own desires and cravings. Astrotheism leads individuals to prioritize their own lusts and inclinations, diverting their allegiance away from the true source of spiritual guidance and wisdom. And more importantly consider the influence exerted by the desires and sorcery practices of these priests on the everyday lives of the common people.
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 44
The Chaldean priests wielded absolute authority as guardians of sacred rites, passing down their esoteric wisdom to succeeding generations of priests. The Chaldeans also paid close attention to the movements of the sun, believing it held special significance for their kingdom. They thought that events like eclipses or changes in the sun's path could be signs from the gods about what to do. So, alongside studying the stars, they watched the sun closely to make important decisions for their kingdom.
Note, that's to influence THEIR kingdom, not the Kingdom of God.
In John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," Satan expresses his defiance and pride through the famous line, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."
The ancient Babylonian Goddess, Ishtar, also known as Venus in Rome, was revered as the original Queen of Heaven. People sought her favor through prayers and rituals. These rituals typically commenced with the burning of incense.
In Babylonian polytheistic religious practices, the burning of incense held immense significance. It was utilized in rituals and ceremonies to cleanse sacred spaces, evoke the presence of deities, and present prayers and offerings to them. The fragrant smoke of the incense was believed to serve as a conduit for prayers and offerings to reach the gods, symbolizing a connection between the earthly and divine realms.
Roman Catholic priests carry the monstrance, symbolizing the sun and burning incense as an offering to the Queen of Heaven.
Coincidence?
"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:" Revelation 17:4 KJB
Again, is it merely coincidental that the woman is adorned in scarlet and purple, holding a golden cup in the Roman Catholic Church?
Note also that obelisks were often interpreted as representations of the phallic symbol in solar cults. In cultures where solar worship was prominent, like ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Mesoamerica, the phallus played a role in religious practices and imagery associated with sun deities. Temples dedicated to solar gods sometimes included phallic symbols or depictions as part of their religious iconography. This connection between the phallus and the sun served to strengthen beliefs in fertility, abundance, and the cyclical rhythm of life.
Obelisks can be found in various parts of the world, Here are some locations where obelisks are commonly seen:
Egypt is perhaps the most famous location for obelisks, with many ancient obelisks still standing in archaeological sites such as Luxor, Karnak, and Heliopolis. Amun-Ra was revered as a powerful sun god at the Temple of Amun-Ra in Heliopolis.
Rome, Italy, is home to numerous ancient Egyptian obelisks, which were brought to the city during the Roman Empire. These obelisks can be found in various locations throughout the city, including the Piazza Navona, the Piazza del Popolo, and the Vatican City.
Several cities in the United States have obelisks as monuments or memorials. For example, the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is a prominent obelisk that honors George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Ethiopia is home to several ancient obelisks, particularly in the city of Aksum. These obelisks, known as stelae, are intricately carved and are believed to date back to the Kingdom of Aksum.
Paris, France, has several obelisks, including the Luxor Obelisk located in the Place de la Concorde. This obelisk was gifted to France by Egypt in the 19th century.
London, England, is home to the Cleopatra's Needle obelisk, located on the Victoria Embankment along the River Thames. This obelisk was also a gift from Egypt to England in the 19th century.
Take a look at the statue of Jupiter in the Vatican City.
The Greeks and Romans likely learned Chaldean sorcery through trade, cultural exchanges, and conquests. Greek scholars were interested in Chaldean wisdom, and as the Romans conquered Greek territories, they absorbed Greek culture, including mystical practices. Additionally, Alexander the Great's conquest of Mesopotamia directly exposed the Greeks to Chaldean knowledge, spreading it further throughout the Mediterranean world.
Questions remains: Has anyone seen Christ, the true source?
Are they still performing sacred rituals to control the masses for their own lusts?
I express my perspective through my artwork.
Artwork by Michelle Hayman
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