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Art, Christ, Divine Mother, Gnostic, History, Mary Magdalene, Mystical, Spiritual

Mary Magdalene as Achamoth & Sophia

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In Valentinian Gnosticism, Mary Magdalene is often viewed as a symbolic figure representing wisdom and spiritual understanding. This interpretation connects her to Sophia, a central figure in Gnostic cosmology, particularly to Achamoth, also known as the “lower Sophia.” Here’s an overview of this connection:

  1. Sophia and Achamoth in Valentinian Gnosticism:
    • Sophia (“Wisdom”) is a central aeon in Gnostic cosmology. In Valentinian thought, Sophia is part of the divine Pleroma (the realm of fullness), but through a passionate desire to understand the unknowable Father, she falls from the Pleroma.
    • This fall results in the creation of Achamoth, or the “lower Sophia,” who exists outside the Pleroma in a state of deficiency and separation. Achamoth gives rise to the material world and the demiurge (the creator of the physical universe).
  1. Mary Magdalene as a Symbol of Wisdom:
    • Valentinian Gnostics often identified biblical figures with mythological archetypes. Mary Magdalene, as a prominent follower of Jesus, is seen as embodying wisdom in her pursuit of spiritual truth and her intimate understanding of Christ’s teachings.
    • Her connection to the “lower Sophia” comes through her role as a seeker and transmitter of divine knowledge. Like Achamoth, she exists in the material realm but strives for reunion with the divine.
  1. Mary Magdalene’s Role in Valentinian Thought:
    • In texts like the Gospel of Mary and Pistis Sophia, Mary is portrayed as a deeply spiritual and enlightened figure, often receiving special teachings from Jesus. This parallels Achamoth’s yearning for redemption and her ultimate restoration to the divine order.
    • Mary’s relationship with Christ symbolizes the redemption of wisdom and the restoration of the divine feminine. She acts as an intermediary figure, much like Achamoth, who facilitates the salvation of the soul through gnosis (knowledge).
  1. The Feminine Principle and Redemption:
    • Valentinian Gnosticism places great importance on the feminine principle, with figures like Sophia and Mary Magdalene embodying the soul’s journey from ignorance (deficiency) to enlightenment (fullness).
    • Mary’s role as the “apostle to the apostles” reflects the idea that the lower Sophia, despite her fall, plays a pivotal role in humanity’s redemption by imparting divine knowledge.

In this interpretation, Mary Magdalene is not merely a historical figure but a living symbol of the soul’s journey toward divine wisdom, mirroring the myth of Achamoth and her eventual restoration.

𓋹 𓋹 𓋹

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Nazorean Baptism

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John baptizing Jesus (Ethiopian depiction)

John the Baptist (Yahya Yuhana) baptizing Yeshua the Nazorean Christ (Yeshua Ha Mashiah / Yishu Mshiha / Jesus Christ)

In Mandaean and early Nazorean Gnostic traditions, baptism is a central ritual symbolizing spiritual purification, enlightenment, and the soul’s connection to the divine world. Unlike the Christian concept of baptism as a one-time act for salvation, Mandaean baptism (masbuta) is a repeated, sacred act performed in flowing, living waters, representing the soul’s continual cleansing and ascent toward the Lightworld. It is a powerful rite of renewal and protection, believed to wash away darkness and negative influences while reconnecting the individual with divine truth and the higher spiritual realms. For early Nazoreans, baptism also carried esoteric significance as a transformative journey—an initiation into hidden wisdom and an alignment with cosmic forces. Both groups viewed John the Baptist as the master of this sacred practice, elevating baptism as a mystical path to liberation and unity with the divine.

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Story of Shiva & his Ganja

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In the quiet stillness of Mount Kailash, Shiva sat in deep meditation. His eyes half-closed, his breath slow and steady, he let the universe swirl around him like a river. Time did not exist for the god of destruction; moments were infinite, and every inhale connected him to the essence of all that is.

But one day, a gentle breeze carried the scent of something wild and earthy. Shiva opened his eyes and followed it, curious. Beneath a tall, ancient tree, he found a plant with vibrant green leaves that seemed to hum with life. He plucked a leaf, rolled it between his fingers, and smiled—a knowing smile, as though recognizing an old friend. This was no ordinary plant; it was a gift of the earth herself, born to calm storms and awaken the soul.

As Shiva lit the leaf, he felt its smoke rise into his lungs, spreading like a warm river of peace. His mind expanded, his body softened, and the weight of the cosmos lifted from his shoulders. In that moment, he felt deeply connected—not only to the universe but to the beauty and simplicity of life itself. The plant brought him clarity, a profound stillness beyond thought and words. It wasn’t an escape but an opening, a doorway into the infinite.

From that day on, Shiva embraced the plant as a companion during his meditations. He loved it not for indulgence but for the way it aligned his body and spirit, helping him dance between the realms of existence and nothingness. It reminded him of his true nature—wild, free, and unshackled by time.

The gods watched in awe, puzzled by Shiva’s fondness for this humble plant. Some whispered that it was strange for a deity to love such earthly things. But Shiva only laughed, the kind of deep, booming laugh that echoes across creation.

“Ganja,” he said, “is a gift for those who seek peace within chaos. It quiets the noise of the world and awakens the truth hidden in the heart.”

And so, Shiva became the protector of the sacred plant, sharing it with wandering sadhus and seekers of the soul. To this day, in the forests and mountains, in the hearts of those who seek, Shiva’s breath lingers in every curl of smoke—a reminder that even the simplest things can carry the universe within them.

Shiva Sadhu Smoking Ganja

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Animal Rights, Animals, Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Natural Healing, Spiritual, Stories, Vegetarian

Pliny the Younger describes the Early Christians as Vegetarian

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In his letter to Emperor Trajan (Epistle 10.96), Pliny mentions that Christians would “assemble again to partake of food—but ordinary and innocent food.”

Pliny the Younger is describing the practices of early Christians. He notes that they customarily met before dawn to sing hymns to Christ and bound themselves by oath to abstain from crimes such as fraud, theft, and adultery. After these gatherings, they would “reassemble to partake of food—but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.”

Many scholars interpret Pliny’s description of the Christians’ meals as potentially vegetarian. In Pliny the Younger’s Letter 10.96, he writes to Emperor Trajan describing the Christians, stating that they would “reassemble to partake of food—but food of an ordinary and innocent kind” (cibum… promiscuum tamen et innoxium).

While Pliny does not explicitly state the type of food consumed, the phrase “innocent kind” has led some scholars to speculate that it might refer to vegetarian meals. This interpretation arises from the possibility that early Christian communities, influenced by Jewish dietary laws or ascetic traditions, may have avoided meat due to ethical, ritualistic, or symbolic reasons.

However, this view is debated. Other scholars argue that “ordinary and innocent” likely refers to simple, unadulterated food and not necessarily vegetarianism. Pliny’s goal in describing the Christians’ practices was to refute rumors of their alleged immoral feasts, such as cannibalism.

Some scholars suggest that the term “innocent” (innoxium) could imply a vegetarian diet, reflecting a commitment to non-violence and purity. This perspective is informed by the fact that certain religious groups in antiquity, such as the Pythagoreans, practiced vegetarianism for ethical reasons.

Pliny the Younger’s observation of early Christians abstaining from animal sacrifices and consuming a simple, “ordinary and innocent” meal aligns with historical evidence that the earliest followers of Jesus, including the Ebionites and Nazoreans, practiced vegetarianism. These groups not only rejected animal sacrifices but also upheld a vegetarian Love Feast or Agape Meal, reflecting their commitment to compassion, purity, and the original teachings of Jesus.

Early Christian Vegetarian Agape Love Feast

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Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, Stories, Vegan, Vegetarian

The Gnostic Last Supper (Agape Love Feast)

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The Nazoreans and Ebionites, early Jewish-Christian groups, had a unique interpretation of the Last Supper, seeing it less as a literal meal or sacrificial act and more as a symbolic communal gathering rooted in Gnostic spirituality. These sects emphasized the idea of Christ as a spiritual teacher who imparted secret wisdom, and they interpreted the Last Supper as a Love Feast (or agape feast), meant to reflect divine unity and mutual love among followers. Unlike the orthodox Christian focus on the Eucharist as the body and blood of Christ, they rejected the notion of sacrificial consumption, instead highlighting the sharing of food as a reflection of spiritual nourishment and harmony.

Vegetarianism played a central role in this interpretation. Both groups adhered to strict dietary laws, abstaining from meat and emphasizing a return to an Edenic ideal of nonviolence and purity. The Last Supper, in their eyes, was likely a vegetarian meal symbolizing the rejection of fleshly desires and worldly corruption. By sharing simple, plant-based food, they demonstrated their commitment to spiritual elevation and the interconnectedness of life. This practice also aligned with their broader ethical concerns about compassion, aligning the physical act of eating with the moral and spiritual ideals they believed Christ embodied.

For the Nazoreans and Ebionites, the Love Feast was not just a meal but a deeply communal and mystical experience, embodying Gnostic ideas of unity with the divine. It symbolized the breaking down of barriers between individuals and the fostering of a spiritual brotherhood that transcended physical concerns. In this sense, the Last Supper was a celebration of divine wisdom, love, and the potential for spiritual enlightenment, distinct from later sacramental interpretations. Their practices reflected a worldview in which the material world was seen as secondary to the spiritual, and the meal became a medium for transcending the mundane and aligning with divine truth.

Agape Gnostic Love Feast

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Animal Rights, Animals, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, Stories

Astrotheology & Esoteric Understanding of Abraham near-sacrifice of son Isaac

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In esoteric and astrotheological interpretations, the biblical story of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son Isaac and the substitution of a ram can be understood as symbolic of celestial, archetypal, and inner spiritual processes rather than a literal historical event. Here are key insights from this perspective:

1. Astrological Symbolism

  • Abraham (Father of Faith): Represents the Sun or divine consciousness, the central guiding force of the soul’s spiritual journey.
  • Isaac (Son): Symbolizes humanity or the individual soul, subject to trials and transformation.
  • Ram (Substitute Sacrifice): The ram corresponds to the zodiac sign Aries, associated with the spring equinox. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and symbolizes renewal, new beginnings, and the potential for rebirth. The ram’s sacrifice may point to the transition from one astrological age to another or the alignment of cosmic energies. For instance, the Age of Aries (around 2000–0 BCE) was marked by a focus on warrior cultures, sacrifice, and the centrality of lambs or rams in religious practices.

2. Inner Transformation

The story reflects the process of inner spiritual awakening:

  • Abraham’s Test: Represents the human ego’s struggle to surrender to divine will and transcend material attachments (symbolized by the son, Isaac).
  • The Sacrifice: Indicates the necessity of a shift from ego-centered living to a higher, spiritual focus. The ram represents a substitute: the relinquishing of base instincts or primal desires, paving the way for spiritual evolution.

3. Cosmic Allegory

  • The mountain (Mount Moriah) symbolizes the higher plane of consciousness or spiritual enlightenment.
  • The angel’s intervention represents divine wisdom guiding humanity away from literal violence (child sacrifice, which was practiced in some ancient cultures) toward symbolic or spiritual sacrifices.
  • The ram being “caught in the thicket” symbolizes hidden divine knowledge or potential that must be uncovered and offered to align with cosmic law.

4. Transition of Ages

In a broader astrotheological context, the substitution of the ram for Isaac may mark a transition in human consciousness or religious practices:

  • From human sacrifices (literal interpretation) to animal sacrifices, reflecting a spiritual and ethical evolution.
  • It also foreshadows the Age of Pisces, where the sacrificial motif is fulfilled through the figure of Christ (the “Lamb of God”).

The story of Abraham and Isaac in esoteric astrotheology is a symbolic narrative of the soul’s journey, the evolution of consciousness, and humanity’s alignment with divine will. It incorporates celestial dynamics (ages and zodiac signs), spiritual trials (faith and surrender), and ethical transformation (moving from literal to spiritual sacrifice).

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Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, Stories, Vegetarian

The Holy Family of the Ebionites

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The Ebionites, an early Jewish-Christian sect, revered Jesus not as a divine being but as a prophet chosen by God to guide humanity. For them, the Holy Family was an embodiment of humility and piety, a testament to God’s ability to work through the ordinary. Mary, in their view, was a devout young woman of deep faith, chosen by God for her purity of heart rather than supernatural qualities. Joseph, too, was a righteous man who provided for his family with the steady hands of a carpenter or stone mason, a reflection of the quiet virtues of diligence and faithfulness. Together, they symbolized the simplicity of God’s will being fulfilled through the lives of the meek and humble.

Jesus, to the Ebionites, was born not through divine conception but as the natural child of Mary and Joseph, a product of human love and obedience to God’s laws. They believed that Jesus’ wisdom and righteousness were the result of his devout upbringing and his unwavering devotion to the Torah. As a child, he would sit at Joseph’s feet, learning the trade of carpentry, while Mary taught him the sacred traditions and scriptures. The family was seen as a model of Jewish piety, adhering to the dietary laws, observing the Sabbath, and making annual pilgrimages to the Temple. The Ebionites found in them a relatable sanctity, a reminder that holiness was accessible to all who lived in alignment with God’s commandments.

The Ebionites also believed that the Holy Family’s way of life reflected an ethic of compassion, which extended to their dietary practices. They taught that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus adhered to a vegetarian diet, avoiding the killing of animals as part of their commitment to God’s creation. For the Ebionites, this was not just a matter of health but a profound spiritual discipline, rooted in the belief that the original harmony of Eden could be restored through nonviolence and reverence for all life. They saw Jesus as the perfect exemplar of this principle, teaching love not only for humanity but for all creatures. The vegetarianism of the Holy Family became, for the Ebionites, a symbol of their purity and their alignment with God’s original intent for the world, inspiring them to practice the same in their pursuit of righteousness.

This perspective on the Holy Family shaped the Ebionite understanding of salvation. They believed that Jesus, inspired by the Spirit of God at his baptism, became a teacher and guide for humanity, showing the way to live in harmony with God’s will. The family’s humble origins underscored their belief that salvation did not come from wealth, power, or divine favoritism, but from obedience to the law and a life of compassion and simplicity. For the Ebionites, the story of the Holy Family was not about miraculous interventions but about the sanctification of the ordinary, a message they sought to live out in their own lives.

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Art, History, India, Mantra, Mystical, Natural Healing, Plant Medicine, Spiritual, Stories, Yoga

Dhanvantari Diety of Healing

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Dhanvantari is a revered deity in the Vedic tradition and Hinduism, known as the God of Ayurveda and the divine physician. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerging from the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan), holding the pot of amrita (the nectar of immortality). His appearance is symbolic of health, healing, and longevity.

Dhanvantari is often depicted with four hands, carrying a pot of amrita, a leech, a conch shell, and a discus (chakra), symbolizing his association with medicine, healing, and divine powers.

He is worshipped as the patron of medicine and health, and practitioners of Ayurveda revere him as their guiding deity. His blessings are invoked for physical and spiritual well-being, and his birthday is celebrated as Dhanteras, a day during the festival of Diwali dedicated to health and prosperity.

In essence, Dhanvantari represents the divine connection between spirituality, medicine, and the preservation of life.

Sri Dhanvantari

One of the most popular mantras dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari is used to invoke his blessings for healing and well-being. It is known as the Dhanvantari Mantra:

Dhanvantari Mantra:

ॐ शङ्खं चक्रं जलौकां दधदमृतघटं चारुदोर्भिः सुशोभं। सर्वामयघ्रं चिन्त्यं धृतमणिविभूषं धवन्तरिं दीव्याम्॥

Om Shankham Chakram Jalaukam Dadhatamrita-Ghatam Charu-Dorbhih Sushobham Sarvāmaya-Ghram Chintyam Dhr̥ta-Mani-Vibhūṣam Dhanvantarim Divyam.

Translation:

“I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, who holds a conch, discus, leech, and the nectar of immortality in his graceful hands. His presence removes all ailments and grants health, vitality, and longevity.”

Short Healing Mantra:

For simplicity, many also chant:

ॐ श्री धन्वन्तरये नमः
Om Shree Dhanvantariye Namaha

Purpose of Chanting:

  • To seek health, healing, and protection from diseases.
  • To enhance vitality and energy.
  • To connect with the divine energy of Ayurveda and holistic healing.

Regular chanting of these mantras is believed to promote physical and spiritual well-being.

Healing God : Sri Dhanvantari
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The Case for Jesus and Early Christian Vegetarianism

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Dear friends, today I invite you to reflect on evidence that has been largely overlooked but deserves our serious consideration: the possibility that Jesus and the earliest Christians lived a vegetarian lifestyle. This is not just an idea born out of modern concerns but a perspective deeply rooted in ancient texts, early Christian traditions, and historical records.

First, let us begin with the figure of John the Baptist, a man revered as the forerunner of Christ. Traditionally, John is said to have eaten locusts and wild honey, but alternative translations and ancient texts like the Gospel of the Ebionites suggest that “locusts” may have been mistranslated, and he likely ate “honey cakes” or manna, both vegetarian foods. Could this indicate a broader ethos of compassion and simplicity, reflective of a plant-based diet?

Consider also James the Just, the brother of Jesus and a key leader of the early Christian community. Historical accounts, including those by Hegesippus, describe James as a Nazarite, a man who abstained from meat and alcohol. As Jesus’ closest companion, wouldn’t James have exemplified his brother’s teachings? Scholars like Robert Eisenman suggest that James’ vegetarianism reflects the values of the original Jesus movement.

Furthermore, early Christian texts such as the Clementine Homilies advocate for abstaining from meat, aligning with the belief that humanity was created to live in harmony with all creatures. These writings reveal that early Christian communities may have viewed vegetarianism not just as a dietary choice but as a moral imperative, integral to living a life of love, mercy, and nonviolence—the very heart of Jesus’ teachings.

Finally, let us look to the Ebionites, an early Jewish-Christian sect who followed Jesus’ teachings and practiced vegetarianism. Though dismissed by later church orthodoxy, their practices and beliefs offer a glimpse into the original teachings of Christ. Alongside them, the Mandaeans and other ancient sects reveal that vegetarianism was not just an anomaly but a recurring theme among early spiritual movements.

Friends, this is not a call to rewrite scripture but to recognize the undeniable evidence before us—evidence that challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of Jesus’ teachings and the practices of his earliest followers. It reminds us to approach history with humility and a willingness to learn. Whether or not we adopt these practices ourselves, let us honor the compassion and respect for life that these traditions embody, for they are timeless truths deeply aligned with the spirit of Christ.

Amen.

Yeshua as an Ebionite Nazarene vegetarian prophet and messiah, embodying compassion and harmony with nature.

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Faith Can Move Mountains (Medley Cover) by Sakshi Zion (The Twinkle Brothers, Peter Broggs & Jah Levi)

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Faith Can Move Mountains” is a powerful cover medley performed by Sakshi Zion, seamlessly blending the reggae classics of Twinkle Brothers, Peter Broggs, and Jah Levi into a soulful and uplifting tribute to the strength of faith.

Faith Can Move Mountains – Sakshi Zion

The medley begins with the spiritual resonance of Twinkle Brothers’ harmonies, bringing a deep, rooted sound of hope. As the tempo picks up, the medley flows into Peter Broggs’ stirring lyrics of resilience, building a rhythm that echoes with conviction. The final section brings Jah Levi’s transcendental energy, creating a euphoric sense of overcoming life’s challenges.

Sakshi Zion’s emotive vocals carry each song with clarity, offering a harmonious fusion of roots, reggae, and gospel influences, delivering a message that truly “faith can move mountains.” The medley encapsulates the power of music to inspire, uplift, and bring people together in unity and strength. This performance was part of the Sunday Service at New Thought Center of Hawaii.

Visionary Rasta Inspired Art

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and to start your own journey with a team of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, forging a way to make the world a better place for all, just like you…

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