Category Archives: Natural Healing

The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic

The Lord’s Prayer translation from Aramaic (the language of Jesus)

The Aramaic version of the Lord’s Prayer is considered closer to how Jesus might have spoken it, as he likely used Aramaic, the language of his time and region. Here is an Aramaic version of the prayer and a transliteration, followed by a line-by-line Gnostic commentary:

The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic

Text:

Abwoon d’bashmaya
Nethqadash shmakh
Teytey malkuthakh
Nehwey sebyanach aykanna d’bwashmaya aph b’arha
Hawvlan lachma d’sunqanan yaomana
Washboqlan khaubayn aykana daph khnan shbwoqan l’khayyabayn
Wela tahlan l’nesyuna
Ela patzan min bisha
Metol dilakhie malkutha wahayla wateshbukhta l’ahlam almin, ameyn.

Translation:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


Gnostic Commentary on the Aramaic Prayer

  1. “Abwoon d’bashmaya” – “Our Father, who art in heaven”
    The word “Abwoon” can be broken down as “Abba” (Father) and “Woon” (source or womb). This addresses the Divine as both a Father and the Source of all life, embracing the masculine and feminine. In Gnostic spirituality, this is a recognition of the Divine Pleroma, the Fullness where masculine and feminine principles exist in harmony and unity beyond the confines of duality.
  2. “Nethqadash shmakh” – “Hallowed be Thy Name”
    The idea of “hallowing” or making sacred the Divine Name suggests an acknowledgment of an ineffable, transcendent reality. In Gnostic thought, this Divine Name represents the indescribable essence of the Source beyond all conceptions. Naming it is not to limit it but to celebrate its mystery, as in Gnosticism, the ultimate Divine reality is unknowable and beyond ordinary perception.
  3. “Teytey malkuthakh” – “Thy Kingdom come”
    The “Kingdom” is often interpreted in Gnosticism as the Divine Spark within each person. This line expresses a call for the inner Divine presence (often symbolized by Sophia, wisdom) to awaken within. It is a reminder that we, too, are part of the spiritual realm, and the Kingdom of Heaven is within us.
  4. “Nehwey sebyanach aykanna d’bwashmaya aph b’arha” – “Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven”
    This line suggests that the harmony of the spiritual realms should be reflected on Earth. Gnostics believe the material world is a shadow of the Divine, a lesser emanation often seen as a place of illusion. To bring Heaven to Earth is to awaken to the Divine truth, transcending the limitations of material existence and experiencing spiritual unity.
  5. “Hawvlan lachma d’sunqanan yaomana” – “Give us this day our daily bread”
    While traditionally seen as a request for sustenance, this “bread” in Gnostic terms might be interpreted as the “bread of wisdom” or spiritual nourishment. Here, the prayer is for the inner sustenance of knowledge (gnosis), which feeds the soul rather than the body, enabling one to transcend the material and awaken to inner truths.
  6. “Washboqlan khaubayn aykana daph khnan shbwoqan l’khayyabayn” – “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”
    Forgiveness, in Gnostic thought, is an act of liberating oneself from the chains of the Demiurge, the creator of this imperfect material world. To forgive is to release karmic entanglements and to free oneself and others from the illusions of separateness and judgment. This mutual forgiveness clears the way for spiritual ascent.
  7. “Wela tahlan l’nesyuna” – “And lead us not into temptation”
    In Gnosticism, “temptation” refers to the allure of the material world, which is filled with distractions that keep us from spiritual awakening. This prayer is a request for assistance in resisting attachment to illusionary pleasures and remaining focused on the journey to spiritual enlightenment.
  8. “Ela patzan min bisha” – “But deliver us from evil”
    Gnosticism often interprets “evil” as ignorance, particularly ignorance of the Divine Spark within. Here, the plea is to be freed from ignorance and falsehood, breaking the chains of the Demiurge’s world and moving toward truth, understanding, and gnosis.
  9. “Metol dilakhie malkutha wahayla wateshbukhta l’ahlam almin, ameyn” – “For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
    This final line is a declaration of the Divine Fullness. The Kingdom, power, and glory are inherent in the Source, the Pleroma, beyond the limited physical reality. This is a call to align with that boundless reality and affirm our connection with it eternally.

In Gnostic interpretation, the Lord’s Prayer is not merely a plea for guidance and protection but a roadmap for returning to the Divine Source. Each line reflects the journey from the confines of earthly existence, through understanding, forgiveness, and transcendence, toward a direct experience of the Divine unity within.

🕊️🕊️🕊️

Here’s a comparison of this Aramaic-inspired translation of the Lord’s Prayer with the traditional English version. This translation emphasizes the unity and cosmic nature of the Divine, aligning with some Gnostic and mystical interpretations. Each line in this modern version has subtle differences that deepen its spiritual focus.


  1. “Our Father, who art in heaven”
    Modern Translation: “O Birther! Father-Mother of the Cosmos”
  • Comparison: This line expands the Divine to a nurturing, universal Creator, embracing both masculine and feminine qualities, rather than a paternal figure alone.
  1. “Hallowed be Thy Name”
    Modern Translation: “Focus your light within us—make it useful.”
  • Comparison: Instead of simply revering the Divine Name, this line calls for an inward illumination that is purposeful. It suggests that the sacred should manifest practically through us.
  1. “Thy Kingdom come”
    Modern Translation: “Create your reign of unity now.”
  • Comparison: Here, the “Kingdom” is seen as a unifying force in the present moment, rather than a future divine realm. It emphasizes an immediate experience of unity.
  1. “Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven”
    Modern Translation: “Your one desire then acts with ours, as in all light, so in all forms.”
  • Comparison: This line suggests a harmonious alignment between divine and human will, reflecting a non-dual understanding where Divine will is expressed through all forms of existence.
  1. “Give us this day our daily bread”
    Modern Translation: “Grant what we need each day in bread and insight.”
  • Comparison: This version adds “insight” alongside bread, merging physical sustenance with spiritual wisdom, highlighting that we need both to thrive.
  1. “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”
    Modern Translation: “Loose the cords of mistakes binding us, as we release the strands we hold of others’ guilt.”
  • Comparison: Rather than a traditional view of “sin,” this line refers to “cords of mistakes,” suggesting that forgiveness is a process of untangling and releasing mutual guilt, fostering liberation.
  1. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”
    Modern Translation: “Don’t let surface things delude us, but free us from what holds us back.”
  • Comparison: Instead of “temptation” and “evil,” this line speaks of delusion and inner limitations. It’s a request to stay centered and not be led astray by illusions.
  1. “For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever”
    Modern Translation: “From you is born all ruling will, the power and the life to do, the song that beautifies all, from age to age it renews.”
  • Comparison: This line describes the Divine as the source of all purpose and beauty that sustains the cosmos. It’s less about a sovereign kingdom and more about a creative, renewing force that encompasses life itself.
  1. “Amen”
    Modern Translation: “Truly—power to these statements—may they be the ground from which all my actions grow: Amen.”
  • Comparison: This final line adds a personal intention for these words to ground one’s actions, implying a transformative commitment rather than a simple affirmation.

Summary

This modern translation reinterprets the Lord’s Prayer as a cosmic, inward journey rather than a traditional petition to a distant deity. It emphasizes unity, personal responsibility, forgiveness as liberation, and spiritual growth. Instead of focusing on divine intervention, it calls for inner alignment with the Divine presence and power already within us. This aligns well with mystical and Gnostic perspectives, viewing the prayer as an invocation for spiritual awakening and empowerment.

Nazorean Christ

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Vegetarian Lifestyle of the Nazoreans

The vegetarian lifestyle of the Nazoreans has been a longstanding topic of debate among religious scholars. While the practice of not consuming animal products has been maintained for more than two thousand years, there is a general lack of consensus regarding its origin and development over time. This paper will explore the various theories that have been suggested by scholars regarding the vegetarian lifestyle of the Nazoreans. Additionally, the most current peer-reviewed studies on the topic are analyzed in order to bring attention to both the complexities and benefits associated with the practice.

The first and most prominent theory regarding the origin of Nazorean vegetarianism dates back to ancient Judaism. This line of argument claims that Moses and the ancient Israelites, who were vegan by choice, inspired the Nazoreans and their choice to abstain from animal products. Other historical accounts suggest that the vegetarian lifestyle of the Nazoreans was adopted from the Essenes, a Jewish sect known for their asceticism and dietary restrictions. While these theories are all viable options for consideration, more recent scholarship has focused on the ritual practices of the Nazoreans as an indication of their adherence to the vegetarian lifestyle.

Peer-reviewed studies have provided substantive evidence indicating that the vegetarian lifestyle of the Nazoreans was related to a variety of rituals and ceremonies, including seasonal feasts and special occasions. For instance, one study found that during the Egyptian festivals of Pascha and Unleavened Bread, all animal products were abstained from and replaced with plant-based alternatives in celebration. During these times, the consumption of animal products was thought to be both a violation of the Nazoreans’ faith and an act of impurity. Scholars believe that this ritual abstinence provided an impetus for the development and maintenance of the Nazorean vegetarian lifestyle.

In addition to this ritualistic motivation, contemporary scholars have suggested that the provision of animal-free food was motivated by both ethical and health-related considerations. Existing evidence suggests that vegetarian diets positively benefit both emotions and physical health, and it is possible that the Nazoreans valued these dietary considerations. Furthermore, it has been argued that the features of the Nazorean diet, such as its inclusion of vegetables, legumes, and fruits, may have been seen as a means to promote harmony and balance within the community.

In conclusion, the vegetarian lifestyle of the Nazoreans is a complex phenomenon that has been the subject of numerous scholarly debates for more than two thousand years. While a variety of theories have been proposed regarding its origin, the most recently published peer-reviewed studies suggest that the practice has been influenced by a range of motivations, including ritualistic practices, diet considerations, and ethical considerations. As research on the topic continues, further insight into the relationship between the Nazorean vegetarian lifestyle and its social and cultural background may be revealed.

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The Hidden History of Greco-Roman Vegetarianism

If asked about ancient Greece or Rome, the average American conjures images of famous battles, myths, and Hollywood movies. However, overlooked by the majority of modern Americans is the hidden history of ancient Greek and Roman vegetarianism and the ageless debate upon what justice is due animals. Many people assume that the predominant omnivorous diet has been the accepted diet from past to present, but history tells a different story. In addition, past philosophers reveal a fierce debate not only over diet, but about the notion of justice and to whom it applies. The debate has not ended, but in order to know where the future of this debate should go, this past should be known by all participants.

Plato

Before diving into the teachings of the Greek and Roman philosophers, it is important that the Greek and Roman diet be understood. For the Greeks and Romans, cereals, vegetables, and fruit composed much of their diet. The meat that was consumed was usually fish, fowl, or pigs, which were the cheapest and most convenient animals people could kill for their flesh. However, only the wealthiest citizens could afford to eat large amounts of meat on a regular basis.

The first philosopher in the West to create a lasting vegetarian legacy was the Greek teacher Pythagoras. He was born on the island of Samos in 580 BCE and studied in what are now the countries of Greece, Egypt, and Iraq before establishing his school in southern Italy at the city of Croton. While Pythagoras is famous for his contributions to math, music, science, and philosophy, it is his philosophy that is of particular interest. He taught that all animals, not just humans, had souls, which were immortal and reincarnated after death. Since a human might become an animal at death, and an animal might become a human, Pythagoras believed that killing and eating non-human animals sullied the soul and prevented union with a higher form of reality. Additionally, he felt that eating meat was unhealthy and made humans wage war against one another. For these reasons, he abstained from meat and encouraged others to do likewise, perhaps making him one of the earliest campaigners for ethical vegetarianism.

The Greek philosopher Plato (428/427-348/347 BCE) was influenced by Pythagorean concepts but did not go as far as Pythagoras did. It is unclear exactly what his diet consisted of, but Plato’s teachings asserted only humans had immortal souls and that the universe was for human use. Yet, in The Republic, Plato’s character Socrates asserted that the ideal city was a vegetarian city on the grounds that meat was a luxury leading to decadence and war. Thus, to Plato, abstention from flesh is warranted out of a desire for peace and an avoidance of indulgent, excessive living.

Plato’s student Aristotle (384-322 BCE) also felt the universe was for human use and that only human souls were immortal. Additionally, he argued in favor of a hierarchy of beings in which plants occupied the lowest rung of the ladder and humans the highest. In this hierarchy, Aristotle argued that women were lesser compared to men and some humans were natural slaves. As for animals, as Norm Phelps in The Longest Strugglepoints out, Aristotle reasoned that there was no ethical obligation to animals because they were irrational. Colin Spencer, in The Heretic’s Feast, noted that Aristotle argued non-human animals could not manage themselves without human aid in spite of all evidence to the contrary. In short, Aristotle established many reasons used against giving proper justice to non-human and human animals alike.

Aristotle was not the only philosopher to advance some of these views. According to Spencer, the founder of Stoicism, Zeno (c. 335-c. 263 BCE), like Aristotle, argued that there was a hierarchy of beings with plants lowest and humans highest. Similarly, Spencer said Zeno declared animals undeserving of justice due to their inability to reason, but, unlike Aristotle, he sustained himself on a diet of bread, honey, and water. Zeno demonstrated that people have embraced a vegetarian diet for many reasons and while they may not be out of concern for animals, the vegetarian diet itself was seen as providing a wholesome way of life.

A contemporary of Zeno’s was the philosopher Epicurus (341-270 BCE). Epicurus agreed that the universe was for humans. Spencer said Epicurus differed from the above philosophers by arguing that souls cease to exist at death; thus, death was nothing to fear. Another core element to his philosophy was a belief in the goodness of pleasure and the evil of pain. He thought that desire caused pain, and human dependence on temporary pleasures deprived them of true pleasure. Because of this belief, Epicurus did not eat meat as it was a luxury that distracted people from a better life. However, he made no prohibition against eating flesh, which allowed the practice to continue among adopters of his creed. While he lack a stated prohibition, his personal example illustrated what he thought was the ideal way to live, and so, like Zeno, provided another historical support in favor of the vegetarian diet.

Arguing against Aristotle’s views on animals was Aristotle’s pupil and friend Theophrastus (c. 372-c. 287 BCE), a Greek biologist and philosopher. Theophrastus argued that killing animals for food was wasteful and morally wrong. Hypothesizing as to the origin of flesh eating, he argued that war must have forced humans to eat meat by ruining the crops that they otherwise would have eaten. Unlike his teacher, Theophrastus proclaimed that animal sacrifices angered the gods and turned humanity towards atheism. Clearly, religious arguments have long been used as motivation to pursue a vegetarian diet.

Preserving the legacy of Pythagoras was the poet and moralist Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE). Ovid was a Pythagorean-influenced Stoic, who was exiled to Tomis in 8 CE by the emperor Augustus. In his poem Metamorphoses, Ovid evoked the passionate pleas of Pythagoras for people to abandon animal sacrifice and abstain from eating flesh. These passages kept the memory of Pythagoras alive and served as testament to Ovid’s own vegetarian lifestyle.

Influenced by Pythagoras and Epicurus, the Roman philosopher Seneca (c. 4 BCE-65 CE) adopted a vegetarian diet. Spencer states that Seneca denounced the cruelty of the games used by Rome to distract the citizenry and challenged the decadence of his time. Seneca was forced to hide his vegetarianism for a time under the emperor Caligula due to Caligula’s distrust. Under the emperor Nero, his former student, Seneca was forced to commit suicide at age 60, due either to rumors in the court or Nero’s jealousy.

Another Greek philosopher who argued on behalf of animals was the biographer and philosopher Plutarch (46-c. 120 CE). Influenced by Pythagorean philosophy, Plutarch adopted a vegetarian diet and wrote several essays in favor of vegetarianism as well as arguing that animals were rational and deserving of consideration. In particular, his essay On the Eating of Flesh is noteworthy for some arguments familiar to today’s vegetarians, such as the inefficiency of the human digestive system to handle flesh or the fact that humans lack the claws and fangs necessary for to the satisfaction of a carnivorous appetite. For these reasons, Plutarch is truly noteworthy as one of the earliest advocates of animal issues.

After Plutarch, the Greek philosopher Plotinus (205-270 CE) combined Pythagoreanism, Platonism, and Stoicism into a school of philosophy called Neoplatonism. He taught that all animals feel pain and pleasure, not just humans. According to Jon Gregerson, author of Vegetarianism: A History, Plotinus believed in order for humans to unite with the Supreme Reality, humans had to treat all animals with compassion. Seeking to practice what he preached, Plotinus avoided medicine made from animals. He allowed for the wearing of wool and the use of animals for farm labor, but he mandated humane treatment.

Continuing the work of Plotinus was the great Phoenician author and philosopher Porphyry (c. 232-c. 305 CE). He argued with observational and historical evidence in defense of vegetarianism and the rationality of animals. According to Spencer, in On the Impropriety of Killing Living Beings for Food, Porphyry argued meat eating encouraged violence, demonstrated the ability of animals to reason, and argued that justice should be extended to them. Like Plutarch, Porphyry ranks as one of the greatest voices for early Western vegetarianism.

Vegetarianism and animal rights have a long history in Western civilization stretching to antiquity that is unknown or forgotten by many people today. What this hidden history teaches is that many Greeks and Romans survived without eating animal flesh or using animal products. Likewise, it teaches that arguments for and against animal rights are as ancient as Greek philosophy. It demonstrates that many of the same reasons for not eating flesh today are the same as those in the past whether out of spirituality, health, peace, or justice. Furthermore, the modern animal rights movement is built upon this past. Finally, this information presents important voices that should be considered in the debate on vegetarianism and animal rights.

Nathan Morgan

Nathan Morgan, a 2010 graduate of Montana State University Billings, gave a paper on the topic of vegetarianism in the classical world at a recent animal welfare conference in Minneapolis.

Bust of Plato

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Power of Forgiveness

To understand the significance of this quote, we must first recognize the powerful influence that forgiveness or lack thereof can have on our lives. Forgiveness is a complex and deeply personal process that involves letting go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge. It requires us to release the negative emotions tied to a transgression and move towards healing and reconciliation. By forgiving, we free ourselves from the burden of carrying emotional baggage and open up space for personal growth and positive change.

However, when we choose not to forgive, we unwittingly subject ourselves to a continuous cycle of bitterness and negativity. Holding onto grudges often leads to a preoccupation with the past, constantly reliving the hurt and pain inflicted upon us. This preoccupation can poison our outlook on life, permeating our thoughts, actions, and relationships. The energy spent on resentment limits our ability to experience joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Furthermore, the refusal to forgive can lead to a dangerous transformation within ourselves. As we allow anger and resentment to consume us, we risk adopting the very qualities and behaviors we despise in others. The negativity and hostility that accompany an unforgiving mindset can seep into our interactions with others, eroding relationships and breeding a toxic environment.

By becoming what we refuse to forgive, we may inadvertently perpetuate the cycle of hurt and harm. Our actions and attitudes are influenced by the unresolved pain within us, leading us to repeat the very patterns that caused us suffering in the first place. In this way, our refusal to forgive can bind us to the negative energy and perpetuate a cycle of harm that affects not only ourselves but also those around us.

It is important to acknowledge that forgiveness is not synonymous with condoning or forgetting the wrongdoing. It does not require us to minimize or overlook the impact of the transgression. Instead, forgiveness is an act of self-empowerment and liberation. It allows us to transcend the hurt and pain, reclaim our emotional well-being, and break free from the negative influence of the past.

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Surya Mudra or Agni Mudra

Surya Mudra, also known as Agni Mudra, is an ancient healing practice that dates back more than 5,000 years. Derived from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, it is a type of yoga posture that is believed to provide powerful health benefits.

In practice, Surya Mudra is a simple hand gesture. To make the mudra, you use your right thumb to press down on your ring finger. Your other three fingers should be straight and relaxed. This form of yoga is said to communicate an energy and signal to your body, allowing a re-balancing of your internal systems.

Surya Mudra has a variety of different benefits, with its main focus being on improving your energy flow and aiding in digestion. This mudra helps to regulate your whole body, boosting immunity and improving the functioning of your organs. It also promotes healthy skin, weight loss, and reducing stresses.

On an emotional level, Surya Mudra can also be said to restore balance. It helps to equalize your emotions and reduce anxiety, as well as bring peace and clarity to your mind. This can be incredibly helpful for those who are struggling with difficult life issues.

As well as its therapeutic benefits, Surya Mudra also has a spiritual aspect. Practicing this mudra on a regular basis can open up your crown chakra and enhance your connection to the Divine. By doing this, it encourages the generation of positive vibrations and awakens your inner power.

The practice of Surya Mudra should only take around five minutes of your time each day and can be done in any comfortable seated position. Simply close your eyes, extend your arms out in front of you, and place your right thumb over your ring finger. Continue in this position for a few minutes, focusing your intention on energy transformation.

By taking the time to practice Surya Mudra, you can unlock ancient healing powers to improve your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. When combined with other yoga poses and positive affirmations, you can become truly empowered and experience the profound power of yoga.

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The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) is a ceremonial magick ritual that was devised and used by the original Order of the Golden Dawn and has become a mainstay in modern occultism. It is considered a basic preliminary to any other magical work and is often memorized and practiced daily. The LBRP consists of three main parts, including the Qabalistic Cross, which is meant to construct an astral cross in the body of the magician, with points corresponding to sephiroth on the Tree of Life using the doxology of the Lord’s Prayer. The ritual can be performed with little to no special equipment or clothing, and the only magical tool required is a dagger, although the right index finger can be used instead.

Manna from Heaven in the Bible… Magic Mushrooms?

In Exodus 16, God provided the Israelites with a heavenly substance known as “manna” to sustain them while they wandered the desert on their journey to the Promised Land. For centuries, theologians have speculated as to the identity of this divinely-provided sustenance, with many theories arising around the possibilities of it being an hallucinogenic mushroom known as the ‘psychedelic mushroom’. Let us explore the evidence for the hypothesis that ‘manna’ was indeed an hallucinogenic mushroom and examine the implications for religious practice and modern life.

The most common candidate for the identity of the ‘manna’ of Exodus 16 is the psychedelic mushroom, Amanita muscaria. This mushroom has both psychoactive and psycho-spiritual properties that have been well documented throughout history. It grows in abundance in countries located in the Biblical area, including Israel and Egypt, and is highly sought after by religious and spiritual seekers. It has been used in shamanic practices since ancient times, and continues to be used in ritual and spiritual contexts.

The psychedelic mushroom is a powerful entheogen, which is defined as a “substance that brings forth the divine within”. It has been used to access higher levels of consciousness, to expand awareness, and to commune with the divine. The hallucinogenic properties of the mushroom can produce profound religious, spiritual, and psychological effects, depending on the dosage and method of administration. It has been suggested that this is the same type of experience that the Israelites would have had when eating the ‘manna’ of Exodus 16.

In modern times, psychedelic mushrooms are still used in ritual contexts, and special ceremonies are often held in order to honor their power. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as both a means of spiritual exploration and personal healing. It is believed by many that the mushrooms can provide insight into the ancient and forgotten paths to spiritual enlightenment.

The hypothesis that ‘manna’ was an hallucinogenic mushroom has significant implications for both religion and modern life. For those who follow the view of a personal God, this could be seen as further evidence of God’s mercy and love. While it may not be literal manna from heaven, the psychedelic mushroom offers a glimpse into the mystical, spiritual, and powerful potential of entheogenic substances. Additionally, the use of psychedelic mushrooms is an alternative to drugs and alcohol, which can have damaging effects on the body and mind. Thus, it can be seen as a potentially beneficial form of self-exploration and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, there is evidence that ‘manna’ from Exodus 16 was an hallucinogenic mushroom. This substance is still used today and can provide profound religious, spiritual, and psychological effects, depending on the method of administration. The implications of this hypothesis are far-reaching, as they suggest that entheogenic substances can provide insight into spiritual truths and can assist in personal growth and healing.

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Prithvi Mudra

Prithvi Mudra, translated as “earth gesture,” is a hand mudra, or energy seal, that is commonly used in yoga, meditation, and other spiritual traditions for calming the mind and extending grounding energy. Prithvi Mudra is believed to represent the element earth, and its practice is thought to bring balance and stability to both physical and emotional health.

The mudra is performed by pressing the tips of the ring finger and thumb together while keeping the other three fingers extended. This seal is gentle and peaceful, and it is believed to calm the mind and connect one to the earth, thereby inducing a sense of calmness and stability.

In addition to its calming effects, Prithvi Mudra is believed to have a number of health benefits. It is thought to improve digestion, strengthen bones and joints, nourish the skin, and regulate metabolism. Practicing this mudra is also said to reduce symptoms of stress, fatigue, and insomnia.

Practicing Prithvi Mudra is also thought to improve concentration, intuition, and mental clarity. It is believed to increase focus and aid in both physical and spiritual growth. Additionally, it is used to help cultivate gratitude, generosity, and peacefulness.

In terms of meditation, Prithvi Mudra acts as a grounding tool that helps the practitioner remain grounded and present. It can be practiced anytime, such as before or during seated meditation or pranayama breathing exercises. It can also greatly help the mind remain relaxed and focused during periods of stress and anxiety.

Overall, Prithvi Mudra is a powerful gesture for physical and mental wellbeing that can help to promote a sense of calm, connection, and balance. It is an easy hand mudra to incorporate in everyday life and can provide an array of physical and mental health benefits.

Prithvi Mudra, or Earth Mudra, is an ancient yogic gesture originating in India however is used in various religions around the world today. Although it is predominantly used in Hindu and Buddhist belief systems, Prithvi Mudra also appears in Christian iconography as an embodiment of Jesus Christ.

Prithvi Mudra is a hand position in the practice of yoga, used to honor and connect with the elemental energy of the earth. The mudra itself is made by extending the thumb finger, while folding the other three fingers against the palm. It is believed that Prithvi Mudra creates a sense of groundedness in one’s physical and spiritual foundations.

This spiritual grounding of the earthly world and humanity of Jesus may be why several Christian iconographers have included Prithvi Mudra in their depiction of Jesus in his human form. Some examples of this can be found in the art of El Greco, Michelangelo and other renowned masters. As Christianity emphasizes the spiritual importance of rootedness in the physical body, Prithvi Mudra helps to convey Jesus’ connection to humanity and his ability to understand and sympathize with the everyday struggles of life.

In the Catholic & Eastern Church, Jesus’ presence and embodiment of the earthly world is most notably conveyed in the iconic Eucharistic ceremony. During the ceremony, Jesus breaks bread and says, “This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” This gesture of breaking bread, which is connected to Prithvi Mudra in Yoga, brings Jesus’ physical manifestation of the earthly self closer to worshipers.

Apart from his role as an embodiment of groundedness, the use of Prithvi Mudra in Christian art can also be seen as a sign of unity and mutual respect between different religious traditions. Jesus’ inviting gesture combines the power and potential of both Christianity and Yoga and communicates a message of harmony and acceptance between diverse spiritual creeds. Thus, Prithvi Mudra’s utilization in Christian iconography serves as a powerful reminder of how all beings share in the same fundamental needs and goals and how religious and spiritual practices should be used to unite, rather than divide, humanity.

Prithvi Mudra has been found at times a prominent feature in Christian art, as it encapsulates Jesus’ presence on Earth as well as conveys a unified message of acceptance among different religious traditions. By combining the spiritual, physical and symbolic aspects of the mudra, Christian iconographers help to bring Jesus’ relationship to the earthly world to life for people of all faiths and beliefs.

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Prana Mudra

Prana Mudra is a type of hand gesture used in yoga and meditation. It is used to gather and focus the universal life force, or prana, into the body. Prana is believed to be the life force that animates everything in the universe. Prana Mudra is believed to balance the chakras and enhance overall wellbeing, while also promoting physical and mental health.

History :

Prana Mudra is said to originate from India and is an ancient practice, appearing in texts dating back to the Vedic period (1500 – 500 BC). According to traditional Hindu, Buddhist and yogic texts, Prana Mudra practices were used as an effective way to connect with the life force and bring balance to the body and mind. Prana Mudra is said to have been rediscovered by modern-day yogis and meditation practitioners to bring about healing, creativity, and clarity.

Benefits :

The practice of Prana Mudra is believed to have many benefits for both physical and mental health. It is said to increase energy and vitality, reduce tension and stress, balance the chakras and enhance self-awareness. It is also thought to improve concentration and focus, boost creativity and promote mental health.

How to Perform Prana Mudra :

Prana Mudra is a simple and easy to practice hand gesture. To do Prana Mudra, sit in a comfortable position and place the palms of your hands together. Touch the tips of your ring and pinky finger to your thumb. The index and middle finger should be pointed straight. Keep your hands in this position for several minutes, or as long as it is comfortable. While performing Prana Mudra, focus on your breath and allow the energy to flow freely throughout your body.

Prana Mudra is a simple yet powerful technique that can be used to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Practicing Prana Mudra is said to increase energy and vitality, reduce stress, balance the chakras and promote mental health. It is an easy to practice and accessible hand gesture that can be done while sitting in a comfortable position and with minimal equipment.

Jesus was often depicted in ancient art doing Prana Mudra

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Who were the Naassenes? Early Christian Gnostics?

In the early centuries of Christianity, a diverse array of cults emerged that were considered to be heterodox in the eyes of the early church fathers. One of the most enigmatic of these cults was the Naassenes, a sect of early Gnostic Christians who believed in a complex amalgam of Jewish and Greek traditions. This paper will analyze the rituals, beliefs, and veneration of the snake associated with the Naassenes, and how these elements encapsulate their an unusual Gnostic worldview.

Naassenes veneration of the Serpent Cross

The Naassenes were based in the region of Phrygia, where the cult figure Alexander is thought to have been born and raised. Although little is known of their origins, they exhibit a hybrid of Jewish and Greco-Roman influences. This combination is reflected in their practice of incorporating certain rituals and associated symbols into their beliefs, including the veneration of the snake.

The practice of honoring the snake was incredibly important to the Naassenes, and they saw it as a way to contact the divine. They viewed the snake as a spiritual signpost of sorts, as they held it to be a representation of Adam’s wisdom. They believed that the snake represented the secret knowledge of the imago dei (the divine image) and heavenly perfection, and saw it as a conduit for the flow of the Holy Spirit. As such, veneration of the snake was seen as a way to honor the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge, which was in turn a way to seek spiritual transformation and growth.

Aside from the veneration of the snake, the Naassenes also incorporated other symbolic practices into their ritual. One example was their ritual of water baptism, which was thought to be a symbol of purification and enlightenment. The Naassenes also included rituals associated with fasting, with their members fasting in preparation for meditation and contemplation, as well as spiritual renewal. Interestingly, the Naassenes honored a rather eclectic pantheon of deities, including figures from both the Old and the New Testaments, as well as several Greco-Roman figures, suggesting the inclusion of these gods into the cult’s beliefs.

The veneration of the snake associated with the Naassenes suggests the presence of a unique worldview within the cult. By venerating the snake, the Naassenes could draw on an animistic conception of the spiritual realm, even while also affirming monotheism. Furthermore, the inclusion of Christian and Greco-Roman elements in their rituals and beliefs shows that they were no strangers to syncretic religious practices. Thus, the veneration of the snake combined with the hybrid nature of their religious views indicates that the Naassenes were Gnostics rather than simply a group of Christians who happened to have unusual beliefs.

The Naassenes sect were known only through the writings of Hippolytus of Rome.

Abraxas Stone or Gem from The Gnostics and their remains by Charles W. King, 1887. The letters are “ΙΑΩ” or “Iao” and “ΣΕΜΕΣ ΕΙΛΑΜ”, “Eternal Sun”.

The Naassenes claimed to have been taught their doctrines by Mariamne, a disciple of James the Just. The retention of the Hebrew form shows that their beliefs may represent the earliest stages of Gnosticism. Hippolytus regards them as among the first to be called simply “Gnostics”, alleging that they alone have sounded the depths of knowledge.

Naassene Sermon :
The Naassenes had one or more books out of which Hippolytus of Rome largely quotes in the Philosophumena, which professed to contain heads of discourses communicated by James, the brother of Jesus, to Mariamne. They contained treatises of a mystical, philosophic, devotional, and exegetical character, rather than a cosmological exposition. A very interesting feature of the book seems to have been the specimens it gave of Ophite hymnology.

The writer (or writers) is possibly Greek. He does indeed use the Hebrew words Naas and Caulacau, but these words had already passed into the common Gnostic vocabulary so as to become known to many unacquainted with Hebrew. He shows a great knowledge of the religious mysteries of various nations. For instance, he dilates much on the Phrygian rites, and the whole section seems to be a commentary on a hymn to the Phrygian Attis.

Creation of Adam, Byzantine mosaic in Monreale

First Man

The Naassenes so far agreed with other Ophites that they gave to the first principle the names First Man and Son of Man, calling him in their hymns Adamas.

The First Man (Protanthropos, Adamas); the fundamental being before its differentiation into individuals (cf. Adam Kadmon).

The Son of Man; the same being after it has been individualized into existing things and thus sunk into matter.

Instead, however, of retaining the female principle of the Syrian Ophites, they represented their “Man” as androgynous; and hence one of their hymns runs “From thee, father, through thee, mother, the two immortal names.” They declared that “the beginning of Perfection is the gnosis of Man, but the gnosis of God is perfected Perfection.”

Although the myths of the earlier Ophite system are but lightly touched on, there is some trace of an acquaintance with them, as for example the myth that Adam was brought forth by the Earth spontaneously; he lay without breath, without motion, without stirring, like a statue; being made after the image of the First Man, through the agency of several Archons. In order for them to seize hold of the First Man, there was given unto Adam a soul, that through this soul the image of the First Man above might suffer and be chastened in bondage.

The Naassenes taught that their primary man was, like Geryon, threefold, containing in himself the three natures to noeron, to psychikon, to choikon; and so that in Jesus the three natures were combined, and through him speak to these different classes of men. From the living waters which he supplies each absorbs that for which his nature has attraction. From the same water the olive can draw its oil, and the vine its wine, and in like manner each other plant its special produce: chaff will be attracted by amber, iron only by the magnet, gold only by the prickle of the sea-hawk, so each according to his nature attracts and imbibes a different supply from the same source.

Three classes :
Thus there are three classes of men and three corresponding churches :

  • Material (the Bound)—the heathen chiefly captive under the dominion of matter.
  • Psychic (the Called)—ordinary Christians.
  • Spiritual (the Elect)—out of the many called, the few chosen members of the Naassene sect.

Creation

The Naassene work known to Hippolytus would seem to have been of what we may call a devotional character rather than a formal exposition of doctrine, and this perhaps is why it is difficult to draw from the accounts left us a thoroughly consistent scheme. Thus, as we proceed, we are led to think of the first principle of nature, not as a single threefold being, but as three distinct substances; on the one hand the pre-existent, otherwise spoken of as the Good being, on the other hand the “outpoured Chaos,” intermediate, between these one called Autogenes, and also the Logos. Chaos is naturally destitute of forms or qualities; neither does the preexistent being himself possess form, for though the cause of everything that comes into being, it is itself none of them, but only the seed from which they spring.

Adam and Eve with the Serpent, Michelangelo

The Logos is the mediator which draws forms from above and transfers them to the world below. Yet he seems to have a rival in this work; for we have reference made to a fourth being, whence or how brought into existence we are not told, a “fiery God,” Esaldaios, the father of the idikos kosmos. That is to say, it was this fiery being, the same who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, who gave forms to the choical or purely material parts of nature. It is he who supplies the fiery heat of generation by which these forms are still continued. In this work the Logos had no part, for “all things were made through him, and without him was made nothing.” The “nothing” that was made without him is the kosmos idikos.

On the other hand, it is the Logos, who is identified with the serpent, and this again with the principle of Water, who brings down the pneumatic and psychical elements, so that through him man became a living soul. But he has now to do a greater work, namely, to provide for the release of the higher elements now enslaved under the dominion of matter, and for their restoration to the good God.

Generation

The Mysteries of the ancient world, it is taught, pertained to generation. The Lesser Mysteries pertained to the carnal, and the Greater dealt with the spiritual. Within the seed—sperma—is the Mystery of the Logos, as it is the original cause of all things that exist.

For the restoration of the chosen seed an essential condition is the complete abandonment of sexual intercourse between men and women. The captive people must pass out of Egypt; Egypt is the body, the Red Sea the work of generation; to cross the Red Sea and pass into the wilderness is to arrive at a state where that work of generation has been forsaken. Thus they arrive at the Jordan.

The Cross and Sacred Serpent Christ

This is the Logos through whose streams rolling downward forms had descended from above, and generations of mortal men had taken place; but now Jesus, like his Old Testament namesake, rolls the stream upwards, and then takes place a generation not of men, but of gods, for to this name the new-born seed may lay claim (Psalms 82:6). But if they return to Egypt, that is to carnal intercourse, “they shall die like men.” For that which is born from below is fleshly and mortal, that which is born from above is spiritual and immortal. This is the divine bliss—hidden, and yet revealed—of that which was, is, and will be—the kingdom of heaven to be sought for within.

The specimens already given present but a faint idea of the author’s method of scripture exegesis. Hippolytus declares that the verses of Paul in Romans 1:27 contain the key to their whole system, which he alludes to with a great deal of innuendo:

“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”

This “unseemly” being their Mystery of divine bliss, he states; “that heavenly, sublime, felicity, that absence of all form which is the real source of every form.” And baptism applied to none save the man who was introduced into this divine bliss, being washed with the Living Water, and “anointed with the Ineffable Chrism from the Horn, like David [was], not from the flask of clay, like Saul, who was fellow citizen with an evil daemon of fleshly desire.”

The Hermetic alchemists asserted that the Great Work was an opus contra naturam; Paul’s use of “against nature” (παρὰ φύσιν, Romans 1:26) may have been given a similar allegorical meaning by the Naassene exegete. It is certainly possible that the Naassenes viewed homosexuality as exemplifying their concept of androgyny. Carl Jung remarked, “such a disposition should not be adjudged negative in all circumstances, in so far as it preserves the archetype of the Original Man, which a one-sided sexual being has, up to a point, lost.” But as to evidence of any “unseemly” acts, Hippolytus writes that in every way, “they are not emasculated, and yet they act as though they were.”

Exegesis

The writer, it will be seen, makes free use of the New Testament. He seems to have used all the four Gospels, but that of which he makes most use is St. John’s. He quotes from Paul’s epistles to the Romans, Corinthians (both letters), Galatians, and Ephesians. There is a copious use also of the Old Testament; and besides we are told there is a use of the Gospel according to the Egyptians, and that of Thomas. But what most characterizes the document under consideration is the abundant use of pagan writings.

For the author’s method of exegesis enables him to find his system in Homer with as much ease as in the Bible. Great part of the extract given by Hippolytus is a commentary on a hymn to the Phrygian Attis, all the epithets applied to whom are shown when etymologically examined, to be aspects of the Logos. One of the first of the titles applied to Attis is papas—here we are taught to recognise him who brought to rest (epause) all the disorderly motion that prevailed before his appearing. To him all things cry paue, paue, ten asymphonian.

Serpent Grail

The serpent

Every temple, naos, shows by its title that it is intended for the honour of the serpent naas as “the Moist Essence,” of the universe, without which “naught at all of existing things, immortal or mortal, animate or inanimate, can hold together.” Furthermore, “all things are subject to Him, and He is Good, and has all things in Him … so that He distributes beauty and bloom to all that exist according to each one’s nature and peculiarity, as though permeating all.”

G.R.S. Mead has suggested that all of this is in reference to the Kundalini:

This is the cosmic Akāsha of the Upaniṣhads, and the Kuṇḍalinī, or serpentine force in man, which when following animal impulse is the force of generation, but when applied to spiritual things makes of a man a god. It is the Waters of Great Jordan flowing downwards (the generation of men) and upwards (the generation of gods); the Akāsha-gangā or Heavenly Ganges of the Purāṇas, the Heavenly Nile of mystic Egypt.

Eden

The Garden of Eden, in the Naassene system, is the brain, and Paradise the human head, with the four rivers having special significance:

  • Pishon, “that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.”
    • Eyes (because of its dignity and colors that bear witness to what is said)
  • Gihon, “the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.”
    • Hearing (because of its being labyrinthine)
  • Tigris, “that which flows the opposite way to the Assyrians.”
    • Breathing (because “the current of it is very rapid; and it ‘flows the opposite way to the Assyrians,’ because after the breath is breathed out, on breathing in again, the breath that is drawn in from without, from the air, comes in more rapidly, and with greater force.”)
  • Euphrates
    • Mouth (because through prayer and food, a “man is rejoiced, and nourished and expressed.”)

In conclusion, the Naassenes were an early Christian Gnostic cult whose beliefs and practices encompassed a wide range of Jewish and Greco-Roman elements. Of particular importance to the cult was the veneration of the snake, which was seen as a representation of the connection to the divine and an access point to spiritual renewal and growth. This veneration is a clear sign of their complex and syncretic worldview, and shows that the Naassenes were true Gnostics, not just eccentric Christians.

Book by Mark H. Gaffney

Here are some documents and books to look into further in your quest :

  • A Naassene Fragment (quoted by Hippolytus as a summary of the entire Naassene system)
  • The Gospel of Philip (evidently distinct from the Gospel of Philip of the Nag Hammadi Library)
  • The Gospel of Thomas
  • The Greek Gospel of the Egyptians

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