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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Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith (Book Review)

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Anodea Judith’s Wheels of Life is an insightful and thorough exploration of the chakra system, blending ancient wisdom with modern psychology, metaphysics, and spiritual philosophy. As one of the most comprehensive books on the subject, it serves as both an introduction for beginners and a valuable resource for those with more experience in energy work.

Judith meticulously examines the seven main chakras, detailing their physical, emotional, and spiritual significance. She explains how imbalances in these energy centers can manifest in various aspects of life, offering practical exercises, meditations, and visualizations to help readers restore harmony. Her approach is both scientific and mystical, making the book accessible to a broad audience—from those interested in yoga and meditation to individuals exploring holistic healing.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its integration of psychological insights with spiritual concepts. Judith connects chakra imbalances to emotional and behavioral patterns, drawing from Jungian psychology and personal development theories. This holistic approach makes Wheels of Life not just a guide to chakras but also a roadmap for self-discovery and transformation.

While deeply informative, the book’s depth and detail may feel overwhelming to some readers, particularly those new to the subject. However, Judith’s clear writing and structured presentation make the information digestible, even when covering complex topics.

Overall, Wheels of Life is a must-read for anyone interested in energy healing, personal growth, or spiritual awakening. Its blend of wisdom, practical exercises, and insightful analysis makes it one of the most definitive books on the chakra system.

Buy this book directly from me on the book selling platform Pango Books.

Wheel of Life – Anodea Judith

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The History & Significance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a deeply significant symbol in Christian mysticism and devotion, representing Christ’s divine love, mercy, and sacrifice. Its imagery—a heart often encircled by thorns, emitting light, and sometimes bleeding—has its origins in both scripture and mystical revelations.

Biblical and Early Christian Roots

The foundation of the Sacred Heart devotion can be traced to the wounded heart of Christ in the Gospel accounts of His crucifixion:

  • John 19:34: “One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” This was later interpreted as a sign of Christ’s outpouring love and the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.
  • Early Church Fathers, like St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom, reflected on Christ’s open side as the gateway of divine love.

By the Middle Ages, mystics such as St. Gertrude the Great (1256–1302) and St. Mechtilde of Hackeborn received visions of Jesus inviting souls to rest within His Heart, describing it as a place of profound love and refuge.

Mystical Apparitions: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

The most famous apparitions of the Sacred Heart occurred in 1673–1675 to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. She described several encounters with Jesus, who revealed:

  1. His Heart, aflame with love, surrounded by a crown of thorns, and pierced.
  2. A call for devotion, including the practice of the First Fridays, where believers receive the Eucharist on the first Friday of nine consecutive months.
  3. The Great Promise: Jesus assured those devoted to His Sacred Heart special graces, particularly at the hour of death.

Mystical and Symbolic Significance

  1. Heart as the Center of Divine Love
    The image of a burning heart represents Christ’s passionate love for humanity, constantly offering mercy and grace.
  2. Thorns as the Suffering of Christ
    The crown of thorns signifies the rejection of divine love by sinners, yet also Christ’s unyielding compassion.
  3. Flames and Light as Purification
    The fire represents divine purification and transformation, inviting souls into deeper union with God.
  4. Blood and Water as Sacramental Grace
    Flowing from Christ’s Heart, these represent the Eucharist (Blood) and Baptism (Water), nourishing and cleansing souls.

Impact on Christian Devotion

  • Feast of the Sacred Heart: Established in 1765 (formally recognized by Pope Pius IX in 1856), it is celebrated on the Friday after Corpus Christi.
  • Influence on Saints & Mystics: Figures like St. Faustina (Divine Mercy devotion) and Bl. Dina Bélanger saw the Sacred Heart as a mystical gateway to deeper intimacy with Christ.
  • Modern Catholicism: The devotion remains popular worldwide, often linked to reparation for sins and intercessory prayer for the world.

The Sacred Heart continues to be a powerful symbol of mystical love, calling believers into the fire of divine compassion and the mystery of Christ’s endless mercy.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ

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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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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
Animal Rights, Animals, Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Inspiration, Mystical, Natural Healing, Plant Medicine, Spiritual, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

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Amba Bhavani Kirtan (Jaya Jagadambe) by Sakshi Zion

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Sakshi Zion singing the devotional chant to the Divine Mother for the Sunday Service at New Thought Center of Hawaii. Amba Bhavani means Mother full of Love & Jaya Jagadambe meaning Victory to the Mother of the Universe.

Amba Bhavani Kirtan by Sakshi Zion

The chant “Amba Bhavani Jaya Jagadambe” is a devotional hymn to the Divine Mother, often associated with Durga, Kali, or other forms of Shakti. This chant invokes the Divine Feminine as Amba Bhavani (Mother Bhavani, the sustainer of existence) and Jagadambe (Mother of the Universe), celebrating her victory and nurturing presence.

A literal translation of the chant is:

Amba: Mother
Bhavani: The consort of Lord Bhava (Shiva) or the one who gives existence
Jaya: Victory or glory
Jagadambe: Mother of the Universe

Thus, the chant can be translated as:
“Glory to Mother Bhavani, Victory to the Mother of the Universe.”

For initiates on the spiritual path, this chant holds layers of symbolic and mystical meaning:

Amba Bhavani represents the Divine Feminine as the force of creation, nurturing, and sustenance. Chanting her name calls forth the primal energy (Shakti) within oneself, awakening the Kundalini.

Jaya signifies triumph over the ego and ignorance, urging the aspirant to seek victory over the inner battles that veil self-realization.

Jagadambe acknowledges the universality of the Divine Mother, reminding the initiate that all beings and elements of creation are manifestations of her energy.


By chanting these sacred names, the aspirant aligns their inner being with the cosmic rhythm, invoking divine grace for transformation, protection, and spiritual liberation.

Jagadambe (Mother of the Universe)

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Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Social Media Expert, Musician, Yoga Teacher, World Traveler