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5 ANIMALS AND THEIR OCCULT SYMBOLISM

5 Animals and their Occult Symbolism

Throughout history, animals have been imbued with mystical significance, serving as symbols, messengers, and spiritual allies in the realms of the occult and esoteric practices. Their connection to the unseen world has inspired countless myths, legends, and magical traditions, weaving them into the fabric of human belief systems. From ancient grimoires to modern pop culture, the symbolic power of animals is undeniable.

In this exploration, we will delve into the occult connections of five everyday animals and uncover their esoteric meanings, tracing their appearances in literature, film, and spiritual traditions.

Number One: The black cat is perhaps the most iconic animal tied to the occult, its reputation steeped in mystery and superstition.

Black cats are known for being elusive, hiding in the shadows of dark alleys, moving with extreme precision, and being stealth hunters. These traits naturally connect them to what’s hidden, what’s unknown, what is secret and what is veiled.

In alchemy, the cat’s dark fur mirrors the darkness of the nigredo, where the impurities of the soul are confronted and released.

In tarot, we can see the black cat on the Queen of Wands, signifying the hidden and intuitive side of the Queen, but also implying that she has a more secretive and dark side to her.

At one time in history, black cats were revered and worshipped. They brought luck and were praised for killing venomous snakes, rodents and birds that damaged crops, and protecting the Pharaoh since at least the First Dynasty of Egypt. The Goddess Bastet was very closely associated with cats, bringing protection to anyone worshipping her.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that black cats were believed to be witches’ familiars, aiding their human counterparts in magical endeavors. Black cats were thought to be shapeshifters, moving between worlds unannounced and unseen.

During the witch trials in Europe and America, their association with the devil and witchcraft led to their persecution alongside accused witches. Too many innocent black cats lost their lives.

This symbolism endures today, with black cats often portrayed as either omens of bad luck or harbingers of supernatural events.

In Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Black Cat,” the animal serves as a chilling symbol of guilt and darkness, underscoring its association with the uncanny. Additionally, black cats have found their way into popular culture as magical companions, such as Salem in the television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Thackery Binx in the film Hocus Pocus. These portrayals continue to highlight their enduring connection to the occult.

Interesting fact – In cats, the gene for a black coat is dominant, which overrides the expression of the tabby gene, resulting in a black coat. This dominance means black is the most common coat color among cats, making black cats more prevalent than any other color. Also, due to genetic mutations, they seem to resist disease more than cats of other colors!

Number Two: Crows and ravens. Firstly, crows are the smaller of the two birds and groups of them are called “murders” – this was given to them in the middle ages for their association with scavenging on dead and decaying matter and with being found around battlefields, cemeteries, gallows and hospitals waiting for any kind of food source.

A group of ravens is called an “unkindness”, or sometimes “conspiracy” of ravens because they have an infamous history of being associated with bad omens, supersitions and other dark foretellings.

Crows and ravens, often conflated, or combined together, in symbolism, are revered for their intelligence and eerie presence. In Norse mythology, the god Odin is accompanied by two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who represent thought and memory and serve as his eyes and ears across the world.

This connection to divine knowledge and prophecy is echoed in other traditions, where crows and ravens are viewed as psychopomps, or guiders of souls, escorting newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their striking black feathers and keen intelligence make them natural symbols of mystery, transformation, and the unknown.

In literature, Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven” immortalizes the bird as a symbol of grief and unrelenting mystery, with its haunting refrain, “Nevermore,” resonating with themes of loss and the supernatural. Similarly, films such as The Crow (1994) emphasize the bird’s association with death and resurrection, reinforcing its esoteric significance.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, ravens are also given a mystical role, specifically in their flight patterns. At one point, a group of ravens is seen flying against the wind, a phenomenon that serves as an omen and a signal of deeper forces at play. This imagery ties into the ancient belief that crows and ravens could defy natural order to deliver messages from the spiritual realm. In the context of Tolkien’s work, their deliberate flight against the wind symbolizes resistance, determination, and the breaking of ordinary rules, aligning with their archetypal role as messengers and harbingers in both literature and occult traditions.

Interesting fact: It is thought that Charles II was the first to insist there must be at least six Ravens at the Tower of London at all times, elsewise, the Monarchy would fall.

Number 3: Owls have long been linked to wisdom and the occult, their nocturnal nature and ability to see in the dark making them symbols of hidden knowledge. In ancient Greek mythology, the owl was sacred to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, and was often depicted alongside her. This association persists in modern depictions of the owl as a figure of insight and mystery. In the occult, owls are believed to be messengers between worlds, capable of perceiving truths hidden to others.

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series leverages this symbolism, using owls as magical carriers of communication, further cementing their mystical reputation. Owls’ ghostly presence in the night sky and their eerie calls have also made them enduring figures in folklore, often viewed as omens of death or portents of significant change.

In ancient Roman folklore, owls were believed to foretell death if they hooted while perched on a rooftop. Additionally, placing an owl’s feather near a sleeping person was thought to compel them to speak and reveal secrets.

Interesting fact: In the western world the owl is associated with wisdom, but in Hinduism it is both auspicious and inauspicious. This is because the owl is the vehicle, or “vahana” of Laksmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. There are some people in India that believe by taking away her “vehicle”, in other words, by sacrificing the owl in rituals, the Goddess will be unable to leave the home of that person and will have no choice but to bring them wealth and prosperity the entire year. Some also believe the owl to be Lakshmi’s sister Alaksmi, the Goddess of misery, poverty and strife. In either case, these animals should be held in high reverence, respected and left alone as symbols of wisdom, beauty and awe.

If you’d like more information on how you can help and donate to owls in India, check this link.

Number 4: The snake: The snake is another animal deeply entwined with esoteric practices, embodying duality and transformation and is used frequently in occult contexts. Its shedding of skin has long been interpreted as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, making it a powerful emblem in alchemy and spiritual transformation. It is seen in symbols like the Ouroboros, the snake that bites its own tail, symbolizing eternal cycles like life and death.

In Hinduism, the snake (or serpent) is associated with Kundalini energy, a coiled force that lies dormant at the base of the spine and, when awakened, leads to spiritual enlightenment. Snakes also appear in the Bible as both tempters and symbols of wisdom, as seen in the Garden of Eden story.

It is associated with healing and wisdom and linked to the ancient caduceus, a staff with two snakes, which represents balance, harmony, and the union of opposites.

His symbol is often associated with Hermes (or Mercury) in Hermetic traditions, signifying wisdom and the path to spiritual enlightenment but also representing commerce and negotiation.

In ancient Greek mythology, the snake is linked to Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, who carries the rod of Asclepius – a classic symbol of medicine.

This duality—of wisdom and danger—makes the snake a complex and multifaceted symbol. Films like The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) draw on the snake’s association with magic and transformation, while classic texts like Aleister Crowley’s writings often feature serpentine imagery to describe spiritual ascent.

In the Harry Potter series, Nagini is a snake that serves as a Horcrux for Voldemort. The word Nagini, is in fact, the name for a female member of the Naga, a class of semi-divine snakes in Indian religion and mythology.

Interesting fact: Despite being so intertwined with occult practices and used as a powerful symbol since the dawn of man, the fear of snakes (ophiophobia or herpetophobia – fear of reptiles) is one of the most common phobias worldwide. It’s averaged that 1/3 of all adult humans have a fear of snakes.

Number 5: The wolf occupies a prominent place in the esoteric imagination, embodying wildness, instinct, and transformation. In many shamanic traditions, wolves are seen as guides, teaching humans how to reconnect with their primal instincts and the natural world.

This connection is particularly strong in Native American spirituality, where the wolf is often regarded as a symbol of loyalty, protection, courage and wisdom. They were guardians and messengers of the forest as well as teachers and guides. Many tribes had wolf clans, such as the Ojibwe (Oh JIB way): The word for “wolf” in Ojibwe is “ma’iingan” (my-IN-gan ). The Ojibwe tribe, found in the Great Lakes region referred to the wolves as a brother or sister along with the viewpoint that whatever happened to the wolves happened to one of the Ojibwe tribe. Killing a wolf is likened to killing a brother or sister.

Wolves also feature prominently in Greek stories and in Norse, Scandinavian, Icelandic, Teutonic lore as shapeshifters, often linked to werewolves, blending human and animal nature in a single entity.

In Norse mythology, the wolf Fenrir was commanded by Odin to be bound with magical fetters, symbolizing the struggle between primal forces and divine order. This myth reflects the wolf’s association with raw power and the untamed aspects of nature.

This idea of transformation aligns with the wolf’s role in the occult as a totemic figure for personal growth and self-discovery. In literature, Jack London’s The Call of the Wild and its exploration of the untamed spirit mirrors this symbolism. Meanwhile, films like The Company of Wolves (1984) delve into the wolf’s connection to power and transformation, blending fairy tales with esoteric themes.

Interesting fact: Some Arctic wolves are thought to synchronize their howls with the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), letting their haunting calls blend with the celestial display in a phenomenon rarely witnessed by humans.

These five animals—the black cat, crow or raven, owl, snake, and wolf—serve as bridges between the natural and supernatural, their symbolism rooted in ancient traditions and perpetuated through modern culture. Their recurring appearances in stories, myths, and films reflect humanity’s enduring fascination with the mysteries they embody. By exploring their roles in the occult and esoteric practices, we gain a deeper understanding of their magical significance and the ways they continue to captivate our imaginations.

So what is your favorite occult animal on this list? Have you had a previous experience with it? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post!!!


Video version here:

5 Animals and their Occult Symbolism


Interesting sources, additional info, courses, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Balancing and Healing the Chakras through Yoga https://www.udemy.com/course/balancing-and-healing-the-chakras-through-yoga/?referralCode=12C81A148616B419AA06

Mudras to Balance and Harmonize your Chakras and Energy Body https://www.udemy.com/course/mudras-to-balance-and-harmonize-your-energy-body/?referralCode=1A275C6E67E05E8C8130

Elemental Energy for Success and Well Being https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

Check our soundtrack here:
https://lennyblandino.bandcamp.com/track/nivuru-synthetic-waves


Websites:

https://www.alkemystica.com

https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/


Links and References:

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/black-cat-facts/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_in_ancient_Egypt

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-48308322

https://www.birdzilla.com/learn/what-is-a-group-of-ravens-called/

https://birdfact.com/articles/what-is-a-group-of-crows-called

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopomp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl_of_Athena

https://michpics.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/the-snowy-owl-on-the-roof/

https://vedicfeed.com/alakshmi/

https://mythologyworldwide.com/the-symbolism-of-snakes-in-mythology-more-than-just-reptiles/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Serpentandtherainbow.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophidiophobia#/media/File:The_Punishment_Of_Loki.jpg

https://www.factretriever.com/snake-facts

https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Horcrux

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagini

https://occult-world.com/werewolves/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Call_of_the_Wild#/media/File:JackLondoncallwild.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Company_of_Wolves#/media/File:Companyofwolvesposter.jpg

https://direwolfproject.com/dire-wolf/dire-wolf-mythology/

https://wildwisconsinwolves.omeka.net/natives

https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/ma-iingan-na

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/20-fascinating-wolf-facts-for-kids/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/familiar

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5 EVERYDAY OBJECTS YOU CAN USE FOR DIVINATION

5 Everyday Objects You Can Use for Divination

Divination is the ancient practice of seeking knowledge or insight through spiritual or mystical means. While tools like tarot cards and crystal balls are well-known, you can also use everyday items for divination. These objects are often already imbued with meaning and energy, making them powerful conduits for esoteric exploration.

How do Everyday Objects Connect to the Esoteric Arts?

Each of these everyday objects that we will discuss holds symbolic and energetic significance. By using these tools for divination, you bridge the gap between the mundane and the mystical, tapping into universal energies and subconscious wisdom. This practice aligns with the following esoteric principles:

  1. Synchronicity: Coined by Carl Jung, synchronicity is the idea that meaningful coincidences reveal deeper connections between the individual and the cosmos.
  2. Intent and Focus: Divination requires the practitioner to focus their energy and intent, aligning their thoughts with the universal flow.
  3. Symbolism: Whether interpreting shapes in tea leaves or patterns in wax, the use of symbols allows for intuitive and archetypal understanding.

Lets have a look at five everyday objects you can use for divination, their esoteric significance, and practical methods for using them.

1. Books for Bibliomancy

What it is: Bibliomancy is the practice of divination using books, often sacred or meaningful texts, to find guidance or answers to questions.

How to use it:

  1. Choose a book that resonates with you—this could be a spiritual text, a favorite novel, or even a dictionary.
  2. Hold your question in your mind. Focus your intent and energy.
  3. Close your eyes, open the book to a random page, and let your finger fall on a line or paragraph.
  4. Read the passage, interpreting it as an answer or guidance related to your question.

Esoteric connection: Books are repositories of human thought and collective consciousness. Bibliomancy taps into the synchronicity of the universe, where the “right” passage is revealed at the perfect moment. This practice aligns with the Hermetic principle of mentalism, where the mind connects to universal wisdom.

2. A Pendulum for Dowsing

What it is: A pendulum is any weighted object that swings freely on a string or chain. While traditional pendulums are often crystals, a necklace, ring, or key can serve as an everyday alternative.

How to use it:

  1. Tie a string or chain to a weighted object, such as a ring or pendant.
  2. Establish a “yes” or “no” baseline by asking simple questions you already know the answers to. Observe the pendulum’s movement (e.g., back and forth for “yes,” circular for “no”).
  3. Ask your question and observe the pendulum’s response. Trust your intuition when interpreting the movement.

Whats the Esoteric connection: Pendulums work by channeling subtle energy fields and amplifying your subconscious mind’s intuitive answers. This ties into the concept of microcosmic and macrocosmic energies, as described in alchemical and esoteric traditions.

3. Teacups for Tasseography (Tea-Leaf Reading)

What it is: Tasseography involves interpreting patterns left by tea leaves or coffee grounds in a cup.

How to use it:

  1. Brew a loose-leaf tea (or coffee if preferred) and drink most of the liquid, leaving a small amount at the bottom.
  2. Swirl the cup gently three times, then invert it onto a saucer. Allow any remaining liquid to drain.
  3. Examine the patterns left by the tea leaves or grounds, using intuition to interpret shapes, symbols, and images. Common interpretations include a heart for love, a circle for completion, or a bird for freedom.

Esoteric connection: Tasseography connects with the esoteric concept of symbolic interpretation. The shapes and patterns are seen as reflections of the querent’s inner world or future potential, aligning with the diviner’s intuitive insights.

4. Candles for Wax Divination (Ceromancy)

What it is: Ceromancy involves interpreting the shapes and patterns formed by dripping wax. While candles are common magical tools, their melted wax can be used for divination in a pinch.

How to use it:

  1. Light a candle and focus on a question or intention.
  2. Allow wax to drip onto a bowl of water or a flat surface. Observe the shapes and patterns formed as the wax cools.
  3. Interpret the shapes based on their symbolic meanings. For example, a star may signify hope, while a spiral could represent growth or cycles.

Esoteric connection: Fire and wax are both transformative elements. In esoteric traditions, fire represents inspiration and will, while wax embodies the material world. Ceromancy reflects how spiritual energy manifests in physical form, offering insights into unseen dynamics.

5. Coins for Flip Divination

What it is: Coin divination uses a simple heads-or-tails approach, but you can deepen the process by combining it with intentions or creating your own symbolic associations.

How to use it:

  1. Take a coin and assign meanings to heads and tails (e.g., heads for “yes” and tails for “no”), or heads for just do it, no for just wait)
  2. Hold your question in mind, focusing on the energy and intent of the inquiry.
  3. Flip the coin and interpret the result. For more complex questions, you can flip multiple coins and look for patterns or combinations.

Esoteric connection: The binary nature of coin flips resonates with the duality found in many esoteric systems, such as yin and yang or positive and negative forces. Coin divination channels the randomness of chance into meaningful synchronicity, providing clarity through simplicity.

Divination doesn’t require expensive or elaborate tools. Everyday objects, infused with your intent and energy, can be powerful conduits for insight and guidance. The key is to trust your intuition and remain open to the messages these tools reveal. By incorporating these simple methods into your practice, you can deepen your connection to the esoteric arts while discovering the magic in the ordinary.

So what’s your favorite divination tool, and why? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post!!!


Video version here:

5 Everyday Objects You Can Use for Divination


Interesting sources, additional info, courses, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Balancing and Healing the Chakras through Yoga https://www.udemy.com/course/balancing-and-healing-the-chakras-through-yoga/?referralCode=12C81A148616B419AA06

Mudras to Balance and Harmonize your Chakras and Energy Body https://www.udemy.com/course/mudras-to-balance-and-harmonize-your-energy-body/?referralCode=1A275C6E67E05E8C8130

Elemental Energy for Success and Well Being https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

Check our soundtrack here:
https://lennyblandino.bandcamp.com/track/nivuru-synthetic-waves

Websites:

https://www.alkemystica.com

https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372429986896515


Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasseography

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carromancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flipism

https://www.psychic-junkie.com/divination-using-coins.html

https://www.californiapsychics.com/blog/psychic-tools-abilities/divination-at-home.html

Pics:

https://www.pexels.com/

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The Sirius Binary Star System – Occult and Esoteric Considerations

The Sirius Binary Star System - Occult and Esoteric Considerations

Celestial bodies in our Solar System show harmonic resonance with the Sirius Star System and many cultures have had a long interest in our relationship with it.

Previous civilizations did understand sky mechanics at an advanced level, and the mathematical precision of their astronomical observations is a testament to this.

What the naked eye perceives as a single star is actually a binary star system, consisting of a white star, called Sirius A, and a faint white dwarf companion, called Sirius B, orbiting each other with a separation of roughly the distance between the Sun and Uranus.

The system is between 200 and 300 million years old and it was originally composed of two bright bluish stars.

At a distance of 8.6 light years, the Sirius system is one of Earth’s nearest neighbors.

This proximity is the main reason for its brightness, as with other near stars such as Alpha Centauri, Procyon and Vega.

Sirius A is the brightest star in the night sky, almost twice as bright as the second-brightest star, Canopus, and the 5th closest star we’ve identified to our sun.

Its companion, Sirius B, is currently 10,000 times less luminous and was once the more massive of the two.

Sirius B, also known as the Pup Star, is one of the most massive white dwarfs known. This mass is packed into a volume roughly equal to the Earth’s.

Because there is no internal heat source, Sirius B will steadily cool as the remaining heat is radiated into space over the next two billion years or so.

Along with Procyon and Betelgeuse, Sirius forms one of the three vertices of the Winter Triangle to observers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Under the right conditions, Sirius can be observed in daylight with the naked eye in the winter months by following a line down from the Orion belt, where it appears as a white/blue star. These observing conditions are more easily met in the Southern Hemisphere, owing to the southerly declination of Sirius.

Some scholars suggested that Sirius was a member of the Ursa Major Moving Group, a set of 220 stars that share a common motion through space.

Sirius may instead be a member of the proposed Sirius Supercluster, along with other scattered stars. This would be one of three large clusters located within 500 light-years of the Sun. The other two are the Hyades and the Pleiades, and each of these clusters consists of hundreds of stars.

The ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Babylonians, Indians and Chinese all had special understanding about the importance of Sirius.

A fascinating aspect of Sirius is the consistency of the symbolism and meanings attached to it.

Several great civilizations have indeed associated Sirius with a dog-like figure and viewed the star as either the source or the destination of a mysterious force. It has over 50 designations and names attached to it.

The name “Sirius” comes from the Latin Sīrius, from the Ancient Greek Seirios, “glowing” or “scorcher”, owing to its brightness.

It was described as “burning” or “flaming” in literature.

To Greek observers, these emanations caused its malignant influence. Anyone suffering its effects was said to be “star-struck” (astrobólētos).

The season following the star’s reappearance came to be known as the “dog days”.

The inhabitants of the island of Ceos in the Aegean Sea, in Greece, would offer sacrifices to Sirius and Zeus to bring cooling breezes and would await the reappearance of the star in the summer.

If it rose clear, it would bring good fortune. If it was misty or faint, then it foretold pestilence. Coins retrieved from the island from the 3rd century BCE feature dogs or stars with emanating rays, highlighting Sirius’s importance.

The star is also called Alpha Canis Majoris in Latin and as the “Dog Star”, reflecting its prominence in its constellation, Canis Major (the Greater Dog), classically depicted as Orion’s dog.

The Ancient Greeks thought that Sirius’s emanations could affect dogs adversely, making them behave abnormally during the “dog days”, the hottest days of the summer, the Heliacal rising of Sirius. They also observed that the appearance of Sirius as the morning star caused plants to wilt, men to weaken, and women to become aroused.

Homer, in the Iliad, describes the approach of Achilles toward Troy in these words:

Sirius rises late in the dark, liquid sky
On summer nights, star of stars,
Orion’s Dog they call it, brightest
Of all, but an evil portent, bringing heat
And fevers to suffering humanity.

The Romans knew these days as dies caniculares, and the star Sirius was called Canicula, “little dog”.

The Romans celebrated the Heliacal setting of Sirius around 25th of April, sacrificing a dog to the goddess Robigo so that the star’s emanations would not cause wheat rust on wheat crops that year.

Interestingly, the 25th of April is now a national holiday in Italy, Liberation Day, celebrating the end of World War II on Italian soil.

In Iranian mythology, especially in Persian mythology and in Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of Persia, Sirius appears as Tishtrya and is revered as the rain-maker divinity.

In Chinese astronomy Sirius is known as the star of the “celestial wolf” (Tiānláng), Tenrōin in Japan and Cheonrang in Korean.

Many nations among the indigenous people of North America also associated Sirius with canines.

The Seri and Tohono O’odham tribes of the southwest describe Sirius as a “dog that follows mountain sheep”, while the Blackfoot call it “Dog-face”.

The Cherokee paired Sirius with Antares as a dog-star guardian of the “Path of Souls”. The Pawnee of Nebraska knew it as the “Wolf Star”, while other tribes knew it as the “Coyote Star”.

Further north, the Alaskan Inuit of the Bering Strait called it “Moon Dog”.

It was “Wolf that hangs by the side of Heaven” for the Northern Osage.

The Hopi Natives refer to Sirius as the Blue Star Kachina. People think the Red Star Kachina is a separate star but perhaps it is the same star at a different part of its cycle. Hopi Prophecy states that when Sirius makes its appearance in the heavens, the Fifth World will emerge.

In India it is referred to as Svana, the Dog Prince Yudhistira.

In Sanskrit it is known as Mrgavyadha “deer hunter”, or Lubdhaka “hunter”. As Mrgavyadha, the star represents Rudra (a form of Shiva). The star is referred to as Makarajyoti in Malayalam and has religious significance to the pilgrim center Sabarimala.

In Scandinavia, the star has been known as Lokabrenna (“burning done by Loki”, or “Loki’s torch”).

In Geoffrey Chaucer’s essay Treatise on the Astrolabe, it bears the name Alhabor and is depicted by a hound’s head. This name is widely used on medieval astrolabes from Western Europe.

Bright stars were also important to the ancient Polynesians for navigation of the Pacific Ocean. Sirius matches the latitude of the archipelago of Fiji.

Sirius served as the body of a “Great Bird” constellation called Manu, which divided the Polynesian night sky into two hemispheres.

Just as the appearance of Sirius in the morning sky marked summer in Greece, it marked the onset of winter for the Māori, and the name Takurua described both the star and the season.

In Ancient Egypt, Sirius was regarded as the most important star in the sky. In fact, it was the foundation of the Egyptians’ entire religious system. It was revered as Sothis and was associated with Isis, the mother goddess of Egyptian mythology.

Isis is the female aspect of the trinity formed by herself, Osiris and their son Horus. Sirius/Sothis was held in such high regard that most of the Egyptian deities were associated, in some way or another, with the star.

Anubis, the dog-headed god of death, had an obvious connection with the Dog Star.

The hieroglyph representing Sirius contains three elements: a “phallic” obelisk (representing Osiris), a “womb-like” dome (representing Isis) and a star (representing Horus).

Thot-Hermes, the great teacher of humanity, was also esoterically connected with the star.

Several occult researchers have claimed that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in perfect alignment with the stars, especially Sirius. The light from these stars was said to be used in ceremonies of Egyptian Mysteries.

The Heliacal rising of Sirius, which refers to its first annual appearance from behind the sun, is when the star can be observed just before sunrise. Sirius’ Heliacal rising always preceded the flooding of the Nile and the Summer Solstice in Ancient Egypt.

Owing to the flood’s own irregularity, the extreme precision of the star’s return was important to the ancient Egyptians, who worshipped it as the goddess Sopdet, meaning”Triangle” or “Sharp One”, as guarantor of the fertility of the land.

The start of the new year, heralded by the rising of the waters, was linked with this “going forth of Sothis” and led to the goddess being called “Lady of the new year”.

The 70 day period of the absence of Sirius from the sky was understood as the passing of Sopdet-Isis and Sah-Osiris through the Egyptian underworld.

It is interesting to note that the embalming of the dead took 70 days. Sopdet was a goddess of fertility to both the living and the dead.

The Sothic cycle or Canicular period is a period of 1,461 Egyptian civil years of 365 days each and it confirms that Sirius does not move retrograde across the sky like other stars, a phenomenon widely known as the precession of the equinoxes.

It is thought that the reason why the Egyptians and many other civilizations of that era used Sirius as their marker for the passage of time was because they picked the most stable object in the sky as their reference point.

Thuban was the pole star when the pyramids allegedly were built and the so-called Simulation began.

Sirius is mentioned in Surah 53 An-Najm (The Star) of the Holy Qura’n, where it is given the name “Ash-Shira”, meaning “Leader” or “Known One”, also known as Mirzam Al-Jawza.

The precession of the equinoxes is an approximately 26,000 year cycle where the rotational axis of the earth appears to wobble, inscribing a great circle in the starry sky. Currently Polaris is almost in line with the earth’s Northern axis.

This great cycle is caused by the interaction of gravitational forces between the earth and the other celestial bodies in our solar system.

Some scholars have offered a radical theory that the reason for this apparent wobble is in fact because our sun is part of a binary star system.

Proposing that Sirius may be the companion to our sun is opposite of what we commonly think of as binary stars because it’s not the closest star to our own.

In general, a binary star refers to a pair of stars that revolve around a common center of mass.

We can observe other binary star systems due to the wobbly movements these stars make or through regular fluctuations in their brightness.

There may be many more binary or even triple star systems than we previously believed, though typically they are closer together.

On the other hand, the binary model seems to better explain a variable rate of precession since the wobble would speed up or slow down depending on the proximity of the two stars as they rotate around each other.

Obviously, if we take into consideration the theory of a flat earth, the starry dome would be rotating above a stationary land, and still, the occult and mystical aspects of Sirius would be relevant.

Sirius remains about the same distance from the equinoxes and the solstices throughout the centuries, despite precession. Researchers found no “precession” adjustments are required to track the star Sirius.

For this reason, it is suggested that Sirius may be the best fit as our binary companion, though a more suitable star would be one closer to our Solar System.

Although there are researchers and astronomers willing to consider this radical idea, it does turn a lot of theories about our universe on their heads, and many people are resistant.

In his book, The Holy Science, the Indian philosopher Sri Yukteswar proposed that our Sun did have a binary relationship with Sirius.

He suggested that this relationship was the cause of the great ages, or Yugas, of Hindu belief, a cycle of roughly 24,000 years, similar to that of precession.

According to this belief, when the Suns are closer in relationship we experience Golden Ages, and because of this cycle the rise and fall of civilizations has occurred before.

When the two Suns are the farthest apart, we experience Kali Yuga. It happens that the stars are now moving closer together towards another Golden age.

Around 25 CE, Seneca described Sirius as being of a deeper red than Mars. It is therefore possible that the description as red is a poetic metaphor for ill fortune.

It is notable that not all ancient observers saw Sirius as red.

The 1st-century poet Marcus Manilius described it as “sea-blue”, as did the 4th-century Avienius.

Around the year 150 CE, Claudius Ptolemy of Alexandria, a Greek Egyptian astronomer of the Roman period, mapped the stars in his Almagest, in which he used Sirius as the location for the globe’s central meridian. He curiously depicted it as one of six red-colored stars. Among the other five he listed Betelgeuse, Antares, Aldebaran, Arcturus, and Pollux, all of which are at present observed to be of orange or red hue.

Also Babylonian cuneiform texts refer consistently to Sirius as a red or reddish star.

The reason could be that the star moved over the centuries and thus the perceived color changed.

According to scholar Robert K. G. Temple, knowledge about Sirius made its way from Egypt to Mali, to a West African tribe called the Dogon.

In his book entitled The Sirius Mystery, he traces the origin of the Dogon tradition back to ancient Egyptian times, around 3,200 BCE.

The Dogon have since time immemorial closely guarded a secret initiatory tradition containing accurate and detailed astronomical knowledge regarding Sirius that would normally be considered impossible without the use of telescopes.

Long before the rise of modern astronomy, the Dogon knew that Sirius A also has a closer, heavier binary star associated with it, with a 50 year orbital period.

They say that Sirius B is immensely heavy, invisible, very small, yet extremely powerful. Their understanding of the two stars’ orbits coincides exactly with modern astronomical findings, yet was noted thousands of years before it was scientifically proven.

They also claim that a third star, Emme Ya, exists in the Sirius system. Larger and lighter than Sirius B, this star revolves around Sirius A as well.

The Dogon also believe that approximately 5,000 years ago, Amphibious Gods, called Nommo, came to Earth in three legged space ships from the Sirius Star System.

They are said to have “descended from the sky in a vessel accompanied by fire and thunder” and imparted profound knowledge to ancient civilizations (such as the Egyptians and Dogon) about the Sirius star system as well as our own solar system.

Allegedly, ancient aliens from Sirius were blue and their descendants thought of as blue-bloods or royalty.

The Dogon have described perfectly the DNA pattern made by this elliptical orbit created by the two stars as they rotate around each other. They believe Sirius to be the axis of the universe, and from it all matter and all souls are produced in a great spiral motion.

The Dogon’s mythology system is strikingly similar to the ones of other civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, Israelites, and Babylonians as it includes the archetypal myth of a “great teacher from above”.

Depending on the civilization, this great teacher is known as Enoch, Thoth or Hermes Trismegistus and is said to have taught humanity theurgic sciences.

In occult traditions, it is believed that Thoth-Hermes had taught the people of Atlantis, which, according to legend, became the world’s most advanced civilization before the entire continent was submerged by the Great Deluge (accounts of a flood can be found in the mythologies of countless civilizations).

Some skeptics propose this astronomical knowledge was due to contamination by the first European anthropologists encountering the Dogon.

Some scholars concluded, after their research among the Dogon, that…“although they do speak about Sigu Tolo as the star they call Sirius, they disagree completely with each other as to which star is meant. For some it is an invisible star, for another it is Venus that, through a different position, appears as Sigu Tolo. All agree, however, that they learned about the star from European scholars…”

Some other scholars suggested that the Dogon could have received Western astronomical information in 1893, when a French expedition arrived in Central West Africa to observe a total eclipse.

In the religion of the Serer people of Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania, Sirius is called Yoonir. The star Sirius is one of the most important and sacred stars in Serer religious cosmology and symbolism.

The Serer high priests and priestesses, “The rain priests”, check Yoonir to forecast rainfall and enable Serer farmers to start planting seeds. In Serer religious cosmology, it’s the symbol of the universe. Interesting to note the similar sound of the Yoni of Hindu belief.

In the Sumerian Civilization, predating the Egyptians, their Epic of Gilgamesh describes a dream of Gilgamesh where the hero is drawn irresistibly to a heavy star that cannot be lifted despite immense effort.

This star descends from heaven to him and is described as having a very ‘potent essence’ and being “the God of heaven”. Gilgamesh had for his companions 50 oarsmen in the great ship, Argo, a constellation bordering Canis Major, where Sirius is found.

Sirius’ Alchemical Symbol was also listed by Heinrich Agrippa, a German Renaissance polymath, physician, legal scholar, soldier, knight, theologian, and occult writer.

His most known work are the Three Books of Occult Philosophy published in 1533. They drew heavily upon Kabbalah, Hermeticism and Neoplatonism.

Sirius is one of the 27 stars on the flag of Brazil, where it represents the state of Mato Grosso.

Composer Karl-Heinz Stockhausen, who wrote a piece called Sirius, is claimed to have said on several occasions that he came from a planet in the Sirius system.

To Stockhausen, Sirius stood for “the place where music is the highest of vibrations” and where music had been developed in the most perfect way.

Sirius has been the subject of poetry. Dante and John Milton reference the star, while it was a “powerful western fallen star” for others.

Tennyson’s poem The Princess describes the star’s scintillation:

…the fiery Sirius alters hue
And bickers into red and emerald.

A more recent study using advanced infrared imaging concluded that the probability of the existence of a triple star system for Sirius is “low” but could not be ruled out.

Every 50 years, the two stars in the system, Sirius A and B, come as close together as their orbits allow, creating huge magnetic storms between them. As they approach each other, the stars both begin to spin faster as tidal forces become stronger, eventually trading places with each other.

This energy is eventually released to flow down the magnetic field lines to the sun, which transmits it like a lens to all the planets.

It may cause cataclysmic events on Earth due to re-aligning of energies before the re-polarization.

Sirius B made its latest closest approach (periastron) to Sirius A in 1994, with the next approach expected at around 2044.

If our sun is in a physical binary relationship with Sirius or other stars, that metaphysical concept may have more physical implications which we are only beginning to understand.

Mystery schools consider it to be “a sun behind the sun” and, therefore, the true source of our own sun’s potency. If our sun’s warmth keeps the physical world alive, Sirius is considered to keep the mystical world alive.

It is the “real light” shining in the East, the otherworldly light, whereas the sun illuminates the physical world, which is considered to be a grand illusion.

According to mythology, survivors from Atlantis traveled by boat to several countries, including Egypt, where they imparted their advanced knowledge. Occultists believe that the inexplicable resemblances between distant civilizations (such as the Mayas and the Egyptians) can be explained by their common contact with Atlanteans.

A great number of secret societies, that have historically held within their ranks some of the world’s most influential people, teach about a mystical connection between Sirius and humanity and hold the Dog-Star in the utmost importance as to the metaphysical interconnections we have with the cosmos and also call it “The Blazing Star.”

Sirius, or Venus, can also represent The Star card in Tarot, as the Major Arcana with the number 17.

Sirius can possibly be found behind the All-Seeing Eye on the American dollar bill. It is shown shining right above the Pyramid.

According to Jyotish astrology of India, Sirius is located in the Nakshatra Ardra which lies entirely in the sign of Gemini. Ardra is associated with both Sirius and Betelgeuse, in the constellation of Orion.

Considering most of the ancient wisdom was passed through the millennia, even the image of the teardrop of Ardra is reflecting the Egyptian Goddess Sopdet and her life giving waters which stood for the flooding of the Nile, and can be interpreted as a metaphor for the awakening of the human race.

With the ruling planet Rahu, it also has the influence of Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, reflecting the emphasis on the mind and a deep feeling nature combined with the passionate thinking.

You can generally locate Sirius in your own astrology chart at 19° Gemini, Sidereal and at 13° Cancer, Tropical.

If you have pronounced aspects of Sirius in your chart, you need to learn how to guide people towards their evolutionary experience without forcing your own will on them. It encourages us to be the teachers for others, and lead by example.

Sirius is the knowledge-holder of ancient hermetic wisdom. It represents high ethical standards, and inspires freedom.

Sirius can be authoritative in nature, nevertheless his energies can help us expand our consciousness.

It impacts our discernment between right and wrong, with a sense of responsibility to direct others towards the expression of their soul’s destiny.

The symbolic link between Sirius and occult knowledge has constantly appeared throughout History and has seamlessly traveled throughout the ages. It is as revered today as it was millennia ago.

What do you think about The Sirius Star System and its Occult and Esoteric meanings? Let us know in the comment section and share the post!!!


Video version here:

The Sirius Binary Star System – Occult and Esoteric Considerations


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

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Links and References:

https://innerworkingsresources.com/sirius/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sirius_Mystery

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopdet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sothic_cycle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Sri_Yukteswar_Giri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holy_Science

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogon_people

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_(mythology)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Cornelius_Agrippa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An-Najm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star_(tarot_card)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Chaucer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudra

https://www.globalegyptianmuseum.org/glossary.aspx?id=359

https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/sopdet/

http://www.crystalinks.com/sirius.html

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/secrets-sirius-dogstar-14th-century-timbuktu-hamid-fernana

https://vigilantcitizen.com/hidden-knowledge/connection-between-sirius-and-human-history/

https://creatrixmag.com/sirius/

https://binaryresearchinstitute.org/bri/

http://vega.lpl.arizona.edu/sirius/A1.html

https://www.constellationsofwords.com/sirius/

http://judy-volker.com/StarLore/Myths/Native_American_North_America2.html

Pics:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canis_Major_constellation_map.svg

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Hubble_heic0206j.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Orbit_Sirius_B_arcsec.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Sirius_A_&_B_X-ray.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Sirius_A-Sun_comparison2.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Sirius_B-Earth_comparison2.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Sopdet.svg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Sirius_Midnight_Culmination_New_Year_2022.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Five_Pointed_Star_Lined.svg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius#/media/File:Angular_map_of_fusors_around_Sol_within_9ly_(large).png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopdet#/media/File:Ivory_label_with_Djer_name_and_Sopdet.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopdet#/media/File:La_tombe_de_Sethi_1er_(KV.17)_(Vall%C3%A9e_des_Rois,_Th%C3%A8bes_ouest)_-8.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopdet#/media/File:Dendera_Temple_complex,_Temple_of_Hathor_-_panoramio_(3).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopdet#/media/File:Isis-Sothis-Demeter.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sothic_cycle#/media/File:CanisMajorCC.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Sri_Yukteswar_Giri#/media/File:Swami_Sri_Yukteswar_Pose.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogon_people#/media/File:Bandiagara_escarpment_2.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_(mythology)#/media/File:Sidney_Hall_-_Urania’s_Mirror_-_Canis_Major,_Lepus,_Columba_Noachi_&_Cela_Sculptoris.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Cornelius_Agrippa#/media/File:Portrait_of_Agrippa_Wellcome_L0000100.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star_(tarot_card)#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_17_Star.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kea_(island)#/media/File:Coin_of_Ceos.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession#/media/File:Precessing_Kepler_orbit_280frames_e0.6_smaller.gif

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudra#/media/File:RudraShiva_from_Ananda_Patani_manuscript,_Assam.jpg

https://aboutnorsemythology.tumblr.com/post/182097212766/the-winters-were-once-so-cold-on-earth-that-the

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firmament#/media/File:Early_Hebrew_Conception_of_the_Universe.svg

https://humanoriginproject.com/the-yuga-cycles-yogic-astronomy-what-are-the-four-yugas/

https://milky-way.kiwi/starrytelling/how-to-find-te-waka-o-tama-rereti/

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An-Najm#/media/File:Surat_An-Najm.jpg

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nommo#/media/File:Brooklyn_Museum_1989.51.39_Nommo_Figure_with_Raised_Arms.jpg

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nakshatras.jpg

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La Coulobre – Legend of a Winged Creature in European Folklore

La Coulobre - Legend of a Winged Creature in European Folklore

La Coulobre, often translated as “dragon” or “serpent,” is central to the legend associated with the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, southern France, with a cluzeau (a type of well or spring) called “the hole of La Coulobre”, still visible along the banks of the Dordogne river.

The village in which the spring is located was called “Vallis Clausa” (“closed valley”) in Latin, because of its topographical position. This in time became “Vaucluse”, from which the spring takes its name. In the Provençal dialect is called Fònt de Vauclusa, “the spring of the closed valley.”

According to local folklore, La Coulobre was a fearsome dragon that terrorized the region. This malevolent creature, described in various accounts as having a serpentine body and a menacing demeanor, was said to be both a physical and symbolic representation of chaos and destruction.

It was a winged creature, often depicted as a giant salamander, with a fetid breath. It was feared for its ability to terrorize the countryside, devouring young children and spreading disease.

She coupled with dragons that then abandoned her, forcing her to raise the small black salamanders to which she gave birth, on her own . She was desperate for a new husband and a father for her children, but her ugliness repulsed all suitors.

The Dragon’s Reign of Terror

The legend describes La Coulobre as a creature of immense power and malevolence. It was said to reside in the dark depths of the spring’s subterranean river system, emerging only to wreak havoc on the nearby inhabitants.

The dragon’s presence was marked by mysterious and disastrous events—cattle would disappear, crops would not grow, and the land would suffer from unnatural droughts. The Fontaine de Vaucluse, with its powerful flow and enigmatic depths, was believed to be La Coulobre’s lair.

The people of Vaucluse lived in constant fear of her. The dragon’s wrath was thought to be linked to the mysterious and unpredictable nature of the spring itself. The locals believed that the beast’s influence extended over the spring, controlling its flow and using it as a means to assert its dominance.

The Heroic Struggle

The legend takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of a heroic figure determined to vanquish La Coulobre and bring peace to the region. This hero is often depicted as a brave knight or a noble warrior, who, armed with courage and skills, embarks on a perilous quest to confront the dragon.

The hero’s journey is fraught with challenges, as he navigates the treacherous terrain of the Fontaine de Vaucluse, and delves into the dark and labyrinthine passages of the spring.

The confrontation between the hero and La Coulobre is the climax of the legend. The battle is described in vivid and dramatic terms, with the hero eventually emerging victorious. The dragon, defeated and slain, is said to have been driven away or killed, with its body either sinking into the depths of the spring or being cast out to prevent any further menace.

With La Coulobre vanquished, the region was said to experience a period of restoration and peace. The Fontaine de Vaucluse, once associated with fear and destruction, was now seen as a symbol of renewal and hope.

The spring continued to flow, but its waters were no longer tainted by the dragon’s malevolent influence. The land flourished, crops grew, and the village thrived.

Saint Véran and La Coulobre

A parallel legend tells that Saint Véran, bishop of Cavaillon, rid the Sorgue of a horrible Drac, a devil or dragon, La Coulobre, striking it down with his staff. This event is commemorated by a sculpture on the church square, depicting Saint Véran killing the beast.

The Sorgue is a river in Southeastern France. Its source is near the town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. It is the biggest spring in France and the fifth biggest in the world.

Saint Veranus of Cavaillon (died c. 590) was a French Saint, with a cultus in Italy.

Gregory of Tours writes of miracles performed by Veranus, including the expulsion of a dragon. He is also remembered as a leader in charitable works and as a patron of local monasteries, not only in France but also in Italy, particularly in the city of Albenga, where he was instrumental in the conversion of the people to Christianity.

There are various theories about the name La Coulobre:

It could be derived from the Latin word coluber (snake).

The Drac is a Ligurian divinity of tumultuous waters and the Coulobre owes its name to two Celto-Ligurian roots: Kal (stone) and Briga (hill). This is the cliff overlooking the spring which still holds the Vache d’Or (Golden Cow), the site of an ancient pastoral religion celebrating the strength and form of water and stone.

In antiquity it was a place of ritual offerings.

Petrarch’s Encounter

In the 15th century, the Italian poet Petrarch (Petrarca), reportedly encountered La Coulobre while walking along the Sorgue river with his beloved Laure.

The monster’s pestilential breath allegedly killed Laure, and Petrarch never recovered from the encounter.

Historical and Geological Background

The Fontaine de Vaucluse is a karst spring, where the water emerges from a subterranean river system.

The sheer volume of water, which can vary dramatically with the seasons, contributes to the spring’s impressive flow.

The site is nestled in a picturesque valley and is surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs, adding to its mystique.

This natural wonder has long been a source of inspiration and intrigue, both scientifically and culturally. Its unique features and the surrounding landscape have made it a significant location for geological study and artistic representation. But it is the legend of La Coulobre that truly enriches its lore.

In a nearby region, an Occitan legend tells of a huge winged reptile with an enormous mouth, horns, ears and claws that ended up in a druid’s hiding spot. It is said that the creature was so large that it attacked people and cattle, abducting them to devour them in its cave.

It was said that La Coulobre’s colossal force was behind the creation of the dangerous passage known as the Saut de la Gratusse, where whirlpools and strong currents led many a sailor to their untimely death.

Tale of the Nymph

A different tale recounts the story of a minstrel who fell asleep on the way to the spring and saw a nymph appear. She led him to the edge of the spring, which opened to let them descend to a meadow strewn with supernatural flowers.

The nymph showed seven diamonds to the minstrel. By lifting one of them, she made a powerful jet of water gush out. “Here,” she said, “is the secret of the spring of which I am the guardian. To make it swell I remove the diamonds. With the seventh, the water reaches the fig tree, which drinks only once a year.”

Then, she woke up the minstrel and disappeared.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The legend of La Coulobre and the Fontaine de Vaucluse is more than just a local story – it reflects broader cultural and symbolic themes.

Dragons and serpents are common motifs in mythology across various cultures, often representing chaos, danger or evil that must be overcome by a hero.

In French folklore, La Coulobre is part of a tradition of dragon legends that emphasize the importance of courage and the role of heroic figures in restoring balance.

These stories often serve as allegories for real-life struggles, highlighting the virtues of bravery, perseverance, and moral integrity.

The Fontaine de Vaucluse, with its mysterious and powerful spring, provides a fitting backdrop for such a narrative.

Moreover, it has become a symbol of the natural beauty and mystical allure of the region. The spring’s dramatic flow and the surrounding landscape evoke a sense of wonder and reverence, enhancing the impact of the story.

The Legacy of the Legend

Today, La Coulobre continues to captivate the imagination of visitors and locals alike.

The Fontaine de Vaucluse remains a popular destination for those seeking to experience its natural beauty and to explore the rich cultural heritage associated with it.

The legend has been preserved through various forms of storytelling, including literature, art, and local traditions.

It also highlights the enduring power of folklore to shape our understanding of natural landscapes. The story of the dragon and the hero reflects the human desire to find meaning in the natural world and its intricate relationship with it.

The legend underscores the idea that natural phenomena, such as springs and rivers, are not just physical entities, but also vessels of deeper symbolic meanings, standing as a testament to this interplay between the natural and the mythological.

The legend of La Coulobre also serves as a potent symbol of the triumph of good over evil. The hero’s victory over the dragon represents the overcoming of darkness and chaos, restoring order and harmony to the land.

This narrative resonates with timeless themes found in folklore and mythology, illustrating the universal struggle between heroic valor and destructive forces.

This essay provides a comprehensive look at the Legend of La Coulobre and its significance, exploring both the mythical narrative and its cultural impact.

It is a fascinating and eerie figure, symbolizing the power of myth, and offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage that defines the region and European folklore.

What do you think of the legend of La Coulobre, dragons and winged creatures? Let us know in the comment section and share the post!!!


Video version here:

La Coulobre – Legend of a Winged Creature in European Folklore


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

https://www.grandsudinsolite.fr/1013–the-legend-of-la-coulobre.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontaine_de_Vaucluse_(spring)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veranus_of_Cavaillon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorgue

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrarch

PICS:

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_Fontaine_de_Vaucluse_-_Paul_Huet.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SaintV%C3%A9ran502.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Access_Fontaine_de_Vaucluse_by_JM_Rosier.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:V%C3%A9ran_de_Cavaillon_(cropped).jpg

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https://pixabay.com/illustrations/photo-snake-reptile-species-fauna-7752725

https://pixabay.com/photos/nature-salamander-fire-salamander-3182879

https://pixabay.com/photos/spotted-salamander-water-lily-6020288

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/dragon-fire-pagan-epic-fantasy-8780168

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/dragon-mythology-english-myths-8800263

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/dragon-lake-fantasy-nature-beast-8520110

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-dragon-lizard-reptile-7852855

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrarch#/media/File:Altichiero,_ritratto_di_Francesco_Petrarca.jpg

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The Labyrinth – Myths and Symbolism

The Labyrinth - Myths and Symbolism

The labyrinth, a symbol of intricate design and profound meaning, has captivated human imagination for millennia. Found in various cultures across the globe, from ancient civilizations to modern interpretations, the labyrinth represents a journey of transformation, a metaphorical path that intertwines myth, symbolism, and human experience. In this article, we delve into the origins, myths, and deep symbolism associated with the labyrinth, seeking to unravel its mysteries and understand its enduring significance.

Origins and Historical Context

The labyrinth’s origins can be traced back to antiquity, with evidence of labyrinthine patterns found in diverse cultures including ancient Greece, Egypt, India, and Mesoamerica.

The theme of the labyrinth leading to one’s destiny is most clearly illustrated in one of the best-known stories from Greek mythology: Theseus and the Minotaur.

The word Labyrinth comes from the Greek labyrinthos and describes any maze-like structure. A labyrinth is a single-path, non-branching route leading to the center and back out, making it easier to navigate.

A maze is a complex branching puzzle with multiple paths and directions. Even so, the terms labyrinth and maze are often used interchangeably.

The term “labyrinth” has come to denote any unicursal maze, regardless of shape. Socrates described a labyrinthine argument as one where the path seems to loop back to the start, reflecting the idea of a complex but navigable route.

Although early Cretan coins sometimes feature multicursal patterns, the unicursal seven-course “Classical” design became associated with the Labyrinth on coins as early as 430 BC.

This design was widely used to symbolize the Labyrinth, even though historical and literary accounts suggest the Minotaur was confined in a complex branching maze. Despite increasingly elaborate designs, visual representations of the Labyrinth from Roman times through the Renaissance are predominantly unicursal. Branching mazes were reintroduced with the rise in popularity of garden mazes during the Renaissance.

The labyrinth/maze, then, may have served to help one find their mystical path by purposefully removing one from the common understanding of linear time and direction between two points. As one traveled through the labyrinth, one would become increasingly lost in reference to the world outside and, possibly, would unexpectedly discover one’s true path in life.

Labyrinths have appeared in various forms, such as designs on pottery and basketry, body art, and engravings on cave or church walls. The Romans created many decorative labyrinths in tile or mosaic, often large enough to be walked. Historically, labyrinths have been used for both group rituals and personal meditation.

Ancient Labyrinths

Pliny the Elder’s Natural History mentions four ancient labyrinths: the Cretan Labyrinth, an Egyptian Labyrinth, a Labyrinth on Lemnos, and an Italian Labyrinth.

The etymology of the word is linked to the Minoan labrys, “double axe”, the symbol of the Minoan mother goddess of Crete and royal authority, although the actual word is Lydian in origin, and most likely came to Crete from Anatolia through trade.

This connection supports the theory that the labyrinth originally referred to the Minoan royal palace in Crete, translating to “palace of the double-axe.” The term “-inthos” may mean “place,” as seen in names like Corinth. Symbols associated with the double-axe were found in the Minoan palace, often linked with female deities. In classical Greece, priests at Delphi were known as Labryades, or “men of the double axe.”

Greek mythology does not mention a specific deity presiding over the Labyrinth, although the goddess Despoine from Arcadian cults might have been associated with labyrinthine themes.

This figure might have been linked to a cult that influenced later Eleusinian mysteries.

The labyrinth of Knossos – Cretan Labyrinth

Knossos, in Crete, has long been suspected to be the site of the most famous labyrinth in history.

Researchers discovered bull motifs and depictions of a labrys, suggesting connections to the labyrinth. This association with the Minotaur myth has become a popular legend.

It’s the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. This labyrinth was designed by Daedalus for King Minos of Knossos on Crete to contain the ferocious half-man/half-bull known as the Minotaur, born from Queen Pasiphae’s cursed union with a bull.

It was an elaborate structure with winding passages and dead ends intended to confuse and trap the beast. Daedalus engineered the labyrinth so intricately that he himself had difficulty escaping after its completion.

Every year, seven young men & maidens were sent from Athens to Crete and then released into the labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur as a tribute.

According to the myth, Theseus, prince of Athens, ventured into the labyrinth with the aid of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, who provided him with a ball of thread (the “Ariadne’s thread”) to navigate the maze.

Theseus successfully slew the Minotaur and found his way out using the thread, thus freeing Athens from the annual offering.

The Labyrinth of Egypt at Hawara

In Egypt, labyrinthine structures were associated with the complex and cyclical journey of the sun god Ra during the night, symbolizing death and rebirth.

One labyrinth stood near the foot of the Pyramid of Amenemhat the III at Hawara. It may have been a collection of funerary temples such as the ones that are commonly found near Egyptian pyramids.

The first major historian to discuss the labyrinth was the Greek author Herodotus, who, in his Histories, wrote that the structure surpassed the greatness of even the Egyptian Pyramids:

“The Egyptians made a labyrinth which surpasses even the pyramids. We learned through conversation with the Egyptian caretakers about the labyrinth’s underground chambers; they would by no means show them, as they were, they said, the burial vaults of the kings who first built this labyrinth, and of the sacred crocodiles…”

Diodorus Siculus also furthered the claim that the Egyptian labyrinth inspired Daedalus to build the Cretan labyrinth for King Minos.

Pliny the Elder , a Roman author and naturalist, described the structure in his Naturalis Historia, writing:

“There is still in Egypt a labyrinth which was the first constructed, 3,600 years ago. Many assert that it was a building consecrated to the Sun, an opinion which mostly prevails”

It is believed that the labyrinth at Hawara mirrored the afterlife. There were 42 halls throughout the structure which correspond to the Forty-Two Judges who preside over the fate of one’s soul, along with the gods Osiris, Thoth, Anubis, and Ma’at, at the final judgment in the Hall of Truth.

The labyrinth, then, could have been constructed to lead one through a confusing maze – much like the landscape of the afterlife described in the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, and the Egyptian Book of the Dead – to lead one toward an enlightened state.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the ruins of the labyrinth were quarried for stone and after most of the stones had been carted away, the location of the structure was gradually forgotten.

So great was the site as a source of building materials that a small town grew up around the ruins, by the oasis of Faiyum.

There have been many other labyrinths around the world since ancient times from the structure built in Italy as part of the tomb of an Etruscan king, to those of an island in modern-day Russia.

Labyrinths were once part of the mortuary rituals of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. They constantly reappear in different forms at different stages in the evolution of Celtic culture and some of them are earlier than the Minoan labyrinths.

The labyrinth as an idea is closely related to the knot: the line that winds all around a design. The difference is that, in a knotwork design, the line has no beginning and no end while, in a labyrinth, there is usually a starting point and a goal.

Both symbolize journeys. This might be a particular adventure or the overall unfolding of life itself. Labyrinths therefore form a visual counterpart to the epic folk-tale which often consists of a long and convoluted journey with episodes that repeat and double back on themselves.

A journey to the center of the self and out again and, in this way, the ancient symbol emerges as a tool for self-exploration and healing.

The Indian mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols and may reflect the labyrinth’s intricate paths, symbolizing the wholeness and unity of the universe.

It can be used to establish a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.

A mandala called yantra takes the form of a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point.

A mandala can also represent the entire universe, which is traditionally depicted with Mount Meru as the axis mundi in the center, surrounded by the continents.

Mandalas often have radial balance, meaning they look the same after some rotation by a partial turn.

In the Rigveda, the various books progress along the same lines as a labyrinth, where one travels a mystical path alone to eventually merge one’s inner journey with the outer world.

In medieval Christian culture, labyrinths were integrated into the floors of cathedrals such as Chartres in France, serving as a metaphorical pilgrimage for believers. It was built between 1215 and 1221, making it the largest church labyrinth ever constructed during the Middle Ages.

The labyrinth also embodies a multitude of symbolic meanings that resonate deeply with the human experience:

Journey and Transformation: At its core, the labyrinth represents a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The act of navigating its twists and turns mirrors life’s complexities, challenges, and the search for meaning. Each step taken within the labyrinth symbolizes progress, introspection, and personal growth.

Unity of Paths: Unlike a maze, which is designed to confuse and challenge, the labyrinth has a single, non-branching path that leads to the center and back out again. This symbolizes the unity of all paths and the interconnectedness of life’s journey.

It teaches that despite different routes and experiences, there is a destination and purpose.

Cycles of Life: The labyrinth’s circular or spiral design mirrors the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. It represents the eternal journey of birth, growth, death and renewal found in nature, seasons, and the cosmos. In this way, the labyrinth becomes a symbol of continuity and the eternal rhythm of existence.

Mystical Pilgrimage: Many cultures incorporate labyrinths into personal practices as a form of meditation and pilgrimage. Walking the labyrinth path becomes a metaphorical journey towards enlightenment, wisdom and divine union. The process encourages mindfulness, reflection and communion with the sacred.

Psychological Exploration: The labyrinth can be seen as the representation of the mind and the process of integrating one’s conscious and unconscious aspects to achieve psychological wholeness.

Therapeutic Practices: Labyrinths are increasingly used in therapeutic settings as tools for stress reduction, meditation, and reflection. Walking the labyrinth path fosters mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional healing, providing individuals with a tangible way to explore their inner landscapes.

Personal Change: The labyrinth in the Greek myth serves as the vehicle for Theseus’ transformation from a youth to a king. He must enter a maze no one knows how to navigate, slay a monster, and return to the world he knows. The labyrinth presented him with the opportunity to change and grow but, like many people, Theseus resisted that opportunity until change was forced upon him.

Occult Significance: Prehistoric labyrinths likely served as traps for evil spirits or paths for ritual dances. In medieval times, the labyrinth symbolized a mystical journey with a defined center (representing God) and a single entrance (symbolizing birth).

The labyrinth, with its rich tapestry of myths and profound symbolism, continues to captivate and inspire humanity.

Its enduring presence across cultures underscores its universal appeal and relevance, offering us a timeless symbol to navigate the complexities of existence and discover deeper truths within ourselves and the world around us.

In unraveling the myths and symbolism of the labyrinth, we unravel not just a physical maze but a symbolic journey that speaks to the essence of what it means to be human—a journey of discovery, transformation, and the eternal quest for meaning.

What do you think about the Labyrinth, its myths and symbolism? Let us know in the comment section and share the post!!!


Video version here:

The Labyrinth – Myths and Symbolism


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minotaur

https://www.ashmolean.org/article/myths-of-the-labyrinth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maze

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_maze

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https://www.labyrinthpark.gr/en/history-of-labyrinth

https://www.worldhistory.org/Labyrinth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala

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https://www.mazemaker.com/about

https://www.geomancy.org

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https://blogmymaze.wordpress.com


REFERENCES:

Hermann Kern, Through the Labyrinth, ed. Robert Ferré and Jeff Saward, Prestel, 2000, ISBN 3-7913-2144-7. (This is an English translation of Kern’s original German monograph Labyrinthe published by Prestel in 1982.)

Lauren Artress, Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice, Penguin Books, 1995, ISBN 1-57322-007-8.

Lauren Artress, The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform, Penguin Books, 2006, ISBN 1-59448-182-2.

Doob, Penelope Reed (1992). The Idea of the Labyrinth: from Classical Antiquity through the Middle Ages. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 0-80142-393-7.

Herodotus, The Histories, Newly translated and with an introduction by Aubrey de Sélincourt, Harmondsworth, England, Penguin Books, 1965.

Karl Kerenyi, Dionysos: Archetypal Image of Indestructible Life, Princeton University Press, 1976.

Helmut Jaskolski, The Labyrinth: Symbol of Fear, Rebirth and Liberation, Shambala, 1997.

Adrian Fisher & Georg Gerster, The Art of the Maze, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1990. ISBN 0-297-83027-9.

Jeff Saward, Labyrinths and Mazes, Gaia Books Ltd, 2003, ISBN 1-85675-183-X.

Jeff Saward, Magical Paths, Mitchell Beazley, 2002, ISBN1-84000-573-4.

W. H. Matthews, Mazes and Labyrinths: Their History and Development, Longmans, Green & Co., 1922. Includes bibliography. Dover Publications reprint, 1970, ISBN 0-486-22614-X.

Andrew Stewart, One Hundred Greek Sculptors: Their Careers and Extant Works.

Henning Eichberg, “Racing in the labyrinth? About some inner contradictions of running.” In: Athletics, Society & Identity. Imeros, Journal for Culture and Technology, 5 (2005): 1. Athen: Foundation of the Hellenic World, 169–192.

Edward Hays, The Lenten Labyrinth: Daily Reflections for the Journey of Lent, Forest of Peace Publishing, 1994.

Carl Schuster and Edmund Carpenter, Patterns that Connect: Social Symbolism in Ancient & Tribal Art, Harry N. Abrams, NY, 1996.

Ettore Selli, Labirinti Vegetali, la guida completa alle architetture verdi dei cinque continenti, Ed. Pendragon, 2020; ISBN 9788833642222

Bulfinch,T. Bullfinch’s Mythology. The Modern Library, 2010.

Castleden, R. The Element Encyclopedia of the Celts. Harper Collins Publishers Ltd, 2013.

Diodorus Siculus. Diodorus Siculus’ Histories. Harvard University Press, 1939.

Hamilton, E. Greek Mythology. Easton Press, 1968.

Jung, C. The Portable Carl Jung. Penguin Classics, 1992.

Michailidou, A. Knossos – A Complete Guide to the Palace of Minos. Ekdotike Athenon, 2004.

Pliny. Pliny’s Natural History. Harvard University Press, 1938.

Rees, A. & B. Celtic Heritage: Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales. Thames & Hudson, 1961.

Strabo. Strabo’s Geography. Harvard University Press, 1928.

The Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth by Larry Orcutt

The Labyrinth: Archetype of Transformation for Global Healing by Annette Reynolds

Verner, M. The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture, and Science of Egypt’s Great Monuments. Grove Press, 2002.

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PICS

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