Jesus Was a Shapeshifter According to Ancient Egyptian Texts

The figure of Jesus Christ is undeniably a spiritual and cultural character of significant importance in human history. Jesus Christ is the pillar of one of the largest and most powerful religions of the world, which is probably why most people find it difficult to question the premise of the Christian faith.

For many of us, it remains a mystery how much of what we are taught about the “Son of God” is true to the original figure that lived over 2,000 years ago. Over the centuries that passed and even in the modern times, there are those who believe that the Jesus Christ we know now is not who he was in reality, but is instead only a version of him that was institutionally adapted by the Church to fit its ideals. Stories about him, his abilities and qualities which were up to the premise established by the Church were kept, while those that didn’t were allegedly deemed fraudulent or inaccurate and were heavily discredited.

Though the Bible had become canonized more than a millennium ago, many apocryphal stories have managed to survive and endure even up to now. More recently, a newly deciphered Egyptian text, which dates back almost 1,200 years, details a part of the crucifixion story of Jesus Christ with apocryphal plot twists, some of which have never been heard of before.

1,200-Year-Old Ancient Egyptian Text with Controversial Data About the Crucifixion Story of Jesus

In March 2013, reports flooded the headlines about a 1,200-year-old Egyptian text that tells the story of the life and crucifixion of Jesus, while also supposedly providing conflicting data that could potentially change the story about Jesus Christ.

The text is written in the Coptic language, and is one of fifty-five Coptic manuscripts that were found in 1910 by villagers digging for fertilizer at the site of the destroyed Monastery of Archangel Michael of the Desert near Al Hamuli in Egypt. Apparently, the monk in the tenth century had buried the monastery’s manuscripts in a stone vat for safekeeping.

The monastery ceased its operations around the early 10th century, and the text wasn’t rediscovered until around the spring of 1910. Then, American financier J.P. Morgan purchased it along with other texts in December 1911. His collections, and the particular text about the crucifixion story of Jesus, are currently housed and protected in the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. A second copy of the ancient text is also available at the Museum of the University of Pennsylvania, but is mostly illegible.

The ancient Egyptian text was written in the name of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a distinguished theologian who lived during the fourth century. A translation of the text was carried out by Roelof van den Broek of Ultrecht University in the Netherlands, and he published the contents of the text in the book “Pseudo-Cyril of Jerusalem On the Life and the Passion of Christ: A Coptic Apocryphon.”

Based on van den Broek’s translation, not only does it describe Pilate as a faithful disciple and not a traitor, it also recounts a dinner with Jesus prior to his crucifixion in which Pilate offered to sacrifice his own son to spare the life of the Messiah. The text also controversially described Jesus as possessing the magical ability to change shape, which explains why Judas had used a kiss to positively identify Jesus. The ancient text also puts the day of Jesus’s arrest on Tuesday evening instead of Thursday evening, which contravenes the current Easter timeline observed by Christians.

Pontius Pilate’s Dinner with Jesus

While apocryphal stories about Pilate are known to exist from ancient times, van den Broek claimed that he has never seen one before in which Pilate had offered to sacrifice his own son in the place of Jesus.

According to this ancient Egyptian text, Pilate prepared a table and ate with Jesus prior to his crucifixion. Pilate later told Jesus that when the morning comes, he would give the people his only son so that they could kill him in Jesus’s place. However, Jesus comforted him and revealed that he had the ability to escape his fate if he chose to. Then, Pilate looked at Jesus and he saw the Messiah turn “incorporeal” and “did not see him for a long time.”

The text also mentioned that Pilate and his wife both had visions that night that show an eagle - which is a representation of Jesus – being killed.

According to van den Broek, this sympathetic portrayal of Pilate in this ancient text is unsurprising since Pilate is regarded as a saint in the Coptic as well as Ethiopian churches.

The Reason for Judas’s Kiss

In the canonical Bible, the apostle Judas betrayed Jesus in exchange for money and used a kiss to identify him leading to the Messiah’s arrest. While the text did not refute the apostle’s betrayal, this apocryphal tale did explain why Judas had to use a kiss to identify Jesus --- Jesus was allegedly a shape-shifter.

According to the 1,200-year-old ancient Egyptian text, arresting Jesus was not that simple since he did “not have a single shape” and “his appearance changes.” “Sometimes he is ruddy, sometimes he is white, sometimes he is red, sometimes he is wheat colored, sometimes he is pallid like ascetics, sometimes he is a youth,” and “sometimes an old man.”

This conundrum led Judas to suggest using a kiss as means to positively identify him. Had he simply given the arresters a description of Jesus’s appearance, the Messiah could have easily changed shape. But by kissing Jesus, Judas revealed to the people exactly who he is.

The controversial meaning behind the kiss of Judas goes way back. This “shape-shifting” explanation of Judas’s kiss is first found in the work of ancient writer Origen, a theologian who lived between 185-254 A.D. In his work, “Contra Celsum,” Origen stated that “to those who saw [Jesus], he did not appear alike to all.”

Jesus’s Arrest on Tuesday?

The ancient Egyptian text also mentions that the date of Jesus’s Last Supper with the apostles and subsequent arrest took place on a Tuesday. In fact, in this old text, Jesus’s actual Last Supper was not with his disciples but with Pontius Pilate. And in between his arrest and supper with Pilate, he was brought before Caiaphas and Herod.

This information is a significant deviation from what are written in the canonical texts. To present-day Christians, the Last Supper and the arrest of Jesus happened on a Thursday evening, and they observe the event every year as “Maundy Thursday” as part of the services of Holy Week.

However, the way the Egyptian text relates the story of Jesus’s arrest to have taken place on a Tuesday evening makes it seem as if the canonical story about his arrest on a Thursday evening did not actually exist.

So, with all these controversial and supposedly “earth-shattering” information about Jesus Christ, one very important question comes to mind: Is this 1,200-year-old ancient Egyptian text based on real life?

To van den Broek, the answer is “not exactly.” For him, the discovery of the text doesn’t mean that the events detailed in it have actually happened, but that some people who lived at the time of the tale’s existence appear to have believed in them.

In fact, according to van den Broek, the ancient text while written in the name of St. Cyril of Jerusalem may not have actually been written by him. Near the beginning of the text, the writer claims that a book has been found in Jerusalem which contained the writings of the apostles on the life and crucifixion of Jesus.  However, it is very unlikely that such a book was found in real life. Instead, van den Broek theorized that a claim like this would have been used by the writer in an attempt "to enhance the credibility of the peculiar views and uncanonical facts” detailed in the text by means of “ascribing them to an apostolic source.”

Nevertheless, though the accuracy of the details written on this ancient Egyptian text is highly doubtful, the text itself is considered authentic. This meant that 1,200 years ago in Egypt – at a time in which the Bible had already become canonized – many still read and believed in various apocryphal stories to the point that books about them remained popular among Egyptian Christians, especially among monks.  

And so, this ancient Egyptian text, while not a reliable source of information about the real story of the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, offers us a glimpse of what people people thought of and believed about the Christian messiah over a millennium ago, allowing us to understand how far the Christian faith has come and how much the religious institution evolved since then. 

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Sources:

http://www.livescience.com/27840-shape-shifting-jesus-ancient-text.html
http://www.ancient-origins.net/unexplained-phenomena/ancient-text-describes-jesus-shape-shifter-001361
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=343TrN9KehcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Pseudo-Cyril+of+Jerusalem+on+the+Life+and+the+passion+pilate&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8uBDUeeIHIGhqgGb0IDwAg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Pseudo-Cyril%20of%20Jerusalem%20on%20the%20Life%20and%20the%20passion%20pilate&f=false
http://www.ancient-code.com/jesus-christ-was-a-shape-shifter-according-to-ancient-egyptian-text/
https://www.seeker.com/shape-shifting-jesus-described-in-ancient-egyptian-text-1767301334.html
http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/jesus-was-a-shapeshift-ancient-text-reveals-and-an-eagle/news-story/b8fafdd26477f40df7041bae4ff9e004
http://listverse.com/2013/12/28/10-mystical-facts-about-ancient-egypt/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Jerusalem
http://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/treasures-from-the-vault-2013?id=74
https://alinsuciu.com/2012/10/12/guest-post-roelof-van-den-broek-pseudo-cyril-of-jerusalem-on-the-life-and-the-passion-of-christ/
http://www.mythicistpapers.com/2016/04/27/jesus-the-shape-shifter-pt-3/
 

Top 7 Real Mermaid Sightings From Around The World

When we think of mermaids, we typically picture a beautiful girl with a seashell bikini top. But yeah, that's what we want them to look like. In actuality, IF mermaids do indeed exist, wouldn’t it make sense that they looked more like fish with nasty scales, slimy and slippery, hair all messed up from soaking in sea water since they were born, skin all wrinkly, gills on their neck, etc?

Of course, mankind has been fascinated with mermaids for centuries. Cultures from all over the world all seem to have mermaids in their folklore, oftentimes with very similar descriptions. But, do they really exist? So for those of you who really need Ariel to exist, here are 7 sightings of mermaids from around the world.

7. Christopher Columbus saw them

On 9 January 1493, Christopher Columbus observed mermaids on the coasts of Africa. He described his experience in his journal, in which he described the encounter with three mermaids that "were not as beautiful as they are painted...although to some extent they have a human appearance in the face….”

But, of course, skeptics think that he was actually looking at a few chubby manatees. 

6. Henry Hudson saw them too!

 Henry Hudson, explorer and discoverer of the Hudson River, recorded seeing a real mermaid near Russia. He wrote in his log: “Two crew members—Thomas Hilles and Robert Rayner—sighted a mermaid at 75° 7′ N, and shouted at the rest of the crew to come and look.” Hudson further recorded it as having a “tail of a porpoise and speckled like a mackerel.”

5.  1943 – Kei Islands, Indonesia

In 1943, at the time of World War II, several mermaids were spotted by Japanese soldiers on the shores of the Kei Islands in Indonesia. They reported seeing them swimming in the water and resting on the beach. A description of the one on the beach is as follows: "roughly 4-foot 9-inches (150 cm) tall, pinkish skin, human looking face and limbs, spikes along its head, and a mouth like a carp."

When Sgt. Taro Horiba heard news of a dead mermaid that was washed up on the shore, he went to examine it. After seeing it with his own eyes he was convinced. After his return to Japan, he urged scientists to go and study such mermaids, however his claims were turned down because no one believed him. As a result, no investigation was undertaken.

Locals refer to mermaids as Orang Ikan, or “fish people” in Malay. There have been several such sightings in the area, and apparently mermaids have reportedly been caught in fishing nets on odd occasions.

4. 1967 – British Columbia, Canada

This sighting occurred when tourists who were on a ferry saw a woman with the tail of a dolphin. She was described as having beautiful blonde hair and was seen eating salmon. The sighting was reported in the Times-Colonist newspaper and drew a lot of attention, but no one has spotted it since.

3. August 1991 – South Africa

About 30 percent of the remains of an unknown, human-like creature was found in the belly of a dead great white shark in Southern Africa. The body was then examined and determined to have hands and a humanoid skull. A barb was left jammed in the shark’s jaws, which was later claimed to be a mermaid’s weapon

2. 2012 – Zimbabwe, Africa

Mermaids have been sighted on a number of occasions in Zimbabwe. It’s claimed that efforts to complete the building of dams were delayed by mermaids. Apparently, mermaids had harassed the workers when they were installing water pumps. Minister Nkomo said to Zimbabwe’s state-approved Herald newspaper that.

“All the officers I have sent have vowed not to go back there,” “We even hired whites thinking that our boys did not want to work but they also returned saying they would not return to work there again,” Nkomo added.

1. May 2013 – Kiryat Yam, Israel

Kiryat Yam is the only place in the world where a $1 million reward is up for grabs for the first person who can provide conclusive footage capturing a real mermaid. The local government has offered this reward in response to the numerous mermaid sightings there.

One of the first people to see a mermaid there was Shlomo Cohen. He said:

 “I was with friends when suddenly we saw a woman laying on the sand in a weird way. At first I thought she was just another sunbather, but when we approached she jumped into the water and disappeared. We were all in shock because we saw she had a tail..."

So here's the deal, do I believe in mermaids? I think I do because to me there are so many unknowns in the world and every legend and myth has elements of truth to them - especially ones that are shared across cultures since ancient times, for example, the great flood. And keep this in mind, over 95 percent of the oceans on earth are unexplored... 95%! So who knows what may or may not exist there. Like I said before, I DO believe that mermaids exist, except they're most likely much more horrifying than the mermaids portrayed in movies and stories. 

The Third Eye You Didn't Know You Had

source: youtube via infinitewaters

For millennia, humanity has always been fascinated with what lies beyond the physical realm. A large part of our population have been interested in and preoccupied themselves with the supernatural - those which are beyond or above nature or reality, and those which are not observable or a part of a tangible or measurable universe. We have the natural inclination to be curious of the unknown, which is why many of us have clung on to the transcendent and the divine.

And among those who believe that something lies beyond our material world, there are those who claim that there is a way to break the barrier that separates the physical and the spiritual; a way that human beings could see what should be unseeable, hear what should be unhearable, and sense what should be unsenseable. This is what they call the “third eye.” And this mystical, extra “eye” believed to be innate in all humans is referred to in the field of science and modern biology as the pineal gland.

 What Is the Pineal Gland

source: thoughtco

As biological science would explain it, the pineal gland - also known as the conarium or the epiphysis cerebri - is a tiny endocrine gland located in the brain. Its size is no bigger than a pea and is situated deep into the core of the brain, between its left and right hemispheres. This endocrine gland gets its name from the Latin word ‘pinea’ - which translates to ‘pine cone’ - and is named as such because its shape resembles one.

The pineal gland is a very small, reddish-gray organ, which measures only about one centimeter in length, and is attached to the posterior end of the roof of the human brain’s third ventricle. It is mainly comprised of pineal cells as well as neuroglial cells, and its known main purpose so far is the synthesis and secretion of a hormone called melatonin.

Melatonin is a simple hormone but is also considered to be very special because its secretion is dictated by light. As a hormone, it communicates information about environmental lighting to various parts of the human body. According to researchers, melatonin has two primary functions in human beings: first is to help entrain our circadian or biological rhythm, while its second purpose is to regulate certain reproductive hormones.

Humans’ circadian rhythm is a 24-hour biological cycle which is characterized by sleep-wake patterns. Daylight and darkness help dictate a person’s circadian rhythm. Exposure to light stops the secretion of melatonin, which in turn helps in controlling circadian rhythms.

Because melatonin secretion is low during the daylight hours and high during dark periods, it influences our body’s reaction to photoperiod, which is defined as the length of day versus night. Since photoperiod affects sleep patterns, melatonin plays a role in controlling our sleep habits, though the extent of its impact is still disputed.

Melatonin also blocks the secretion pituitary hormones that aid in the development and functioning of reproductive organs such as the ovaries and testes.

For such a tiny structure, the pineal gland’s full purpose remains shrouded with a bit of mystery. Since its function was the last one to be discovered among the endocrine glands, research is still ongoing in an attempt for humans to get closer to understanding this mysterious organ.

Pineal Gland As The Third Eye

source: hippocampus

In the past and until now, various spiritual traditions and their devout believers consider the pineal gland as the “third eye,” and activating it is associated with accessing a higher, mystical level of inner vision, insight and wisdom. In fact, Rene Descartes, the Father of Modern Philosophy, once described the pineal gland as the “seat of the soul.”

For millennia, the pineal gland has been connected with the concept of spirituality in many ancient traditions and is subtly represented in modern establishments as well. Its pine cone shape, for instance, is found in many art and artifacts of various traditions, where it serves as a symbol of enlightenment and immortality.

For example, the ancient Egyptians held the pineal gland in such high regard that it is even preserved separately during the process of mummification. There are also claims that the Egyptians associated the pineal gland with the symbol of an eye, which is very prevalent in their discovered art and artifacts.

In Greek mythology, the greek god Dionysus carries a pine cone staff, while the Babylonian god Tammuz is also pictured carrying a pine cone. The Hindu religion, on the other hand, depicts all of its gods with a third eye located on their forehead, between the two eyes of the face.

Even the Roman Catholic faith utilizes the pine cone as a symbol. And not only does the Church have a huge sculpture of a pine cone in the Vatican Square called the “Court of the Pine Cone,” their religion also uses ornaments as well as candle holders decorated with pine cone designs.

A reference to the pineal gland can also be seen in the back of the U.S. one-dollar bill called the “all-seeing eye.” Some argue that this may just be a subtle depiction of the nation’s close relationship to Free Masonry - which, by the way, also uses a lot of pine cone or pineal gland symbolism. However, there are also those who claim this to be a reference to the mystical abilities of people which are hiding inside an unlocked endocrine gland.

In modern times, many believe that every human being’s pineal gland or “third eye” can be activated to frequencies of the spiritual world, giving us the power to sense the all-knowing, godlike euphoria and oneness that surround us. They believe that the pineal gland can be tuned into the proper frequencies with the help of meditation, yoga and other esoteric or occult methods. And once a person has achieved this state, he or she has the ability to travel into other dimensions - which is popularly known as astral travel or astral projection. Through more advanced and ancient methods, they also believe it possible for people to control the thoughts and actions of other people in the physical world.

The Conspiracy of Pineal Gland Suppression

Some of those who believe in the spiritual power hidden in the pineal gland are also of the opinion that there are strong forces in our society which have taken great lengths to ensure that we never access and unleash this innate potential within ourselves. This elaborate conspiracy involves the suppression of the pineal gland through people’s unwitting consumption of sodium fluoride.

In the late 90s, the first study on the effects of sodium fluoride on the pineal gland was carried out. It was determined that this tiny gland is actually a prime target for fluoride since it absorbs more of this chemical than any other physical matter in the body, including the bones. Because sodium fluoride is attracted to the pineal gland like a magnet, this leads the gland to calcify, rendering it ineffective in fulfilling its biological as well as spiritual functions.

source: wikipedia

Nowadays, fluoride is prevalent in the food we eat and the beverages that we drink. Even the majority of the water supply in the United States are infused with sodium fluoride.

Water fluoridation has always been a controversial issue not just for those with spiritual beliefs but for everyone. Though it is widely accepted that fluoride is toxic in high doses, a trend in the twentieth century emerged which added this chemical to people’s drinking water at dosages deemed as “safe.”

Where did this trend begin? Well, fluoride was introduced by the Nazis as well as the Russians into the water supply of their concentration camps so that their prisoners remain docile and don’t question authority. As to how water fluoridation was introduced in America, there are theories claiming that a large corporation was behind the practice, stemming from an elaborate orchestration that allowed an industry to dump toxic waste into the public water supply while also getting paid in the process.

However, there are also those who are of the opinion that water fluoridation is actually a sinister plan by powerful, shadowy forces to reduce an individual’s power to resist domination, and to suppress a person’s ability to awaken the powers of their consciousness, thereby preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Regardless of whether the pineal gland is indeed the divine link to a realm beyond our observable plane of existence, it cannot be denied that this tiny, pea-sized and pine cone-shaped organ is a valuable part of the human anatomy.

However, though we are aware of some of its biological functions, the full purpose of the pineal gland remains to be an exciting scientific question which invites further research and investigation. And since science and modern biology are still working to unlock its remaining mysteries and secrets, there might be a future somewhere in the horizon in which the pineal gland could truly be heralded as humankind’s “third eye.”

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Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/science/pineal-gland
https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-pineal-gland
https://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/otherendo/pineal.html
http://study.com/academy/lesson/pineal-gland-functions-melatonin-circadian-rhythm.html
http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/pineal-gland-activation-third-eye/
http://www.mysticbanana.com/pineal-gland-our-third-eye-the-biggest-cover-up-in-human-history.html
https://exemplore.com/misc/Pineal-Gland-the-God-Organ
http://fluoridealert.org/studies/luke-1997/
http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/895/1/fulltext.pdf
http://consciousreporter.com/conspiracy-against-consciousness/the-effects-of-fluoride-on-consciousness-and-the-will-to-act/
https://youtu.be/WY1tTgfxq9c

5 Christian Relics That Supposedly Have Supernatural Powers

Miracles were once frequent phenomena that confirmed the validity of Christian teachings. According to the Christian faith, God’s purpose in performing miracles was to convince disbelievers of the divine appointment of the perpetrators of these miracles, and thereby proving the reliability of their claims and teachings. In fact, for Christian authorities, a miracle was not really considered a miracle unless it helped prove the truth of the Christian religion.

Thus, it is not surprising that the history of Christianity overflows with claims of miraculous events, and some of them are not just performed by Jesus and the saints, but also by several holy items. Many of these relics are believed to have been preserved since biblical times in hidden places, only to be miraculously discovered later on by devout Christians.   

 Setting aside the prevailing doubt surrounding such holy items, here are five Christian relics that supposedly have miraculous as well as supernatural powers.

1. The Miraculous Medal of the Our Lady of Graces

source: legion of mary

The first relic on this list is the Miraculous Medal. Also known as the Medal of the Our Lady of Graces, the Miraculous Medal was created in response to a supposed request from the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. The design was originated by Saint Catherine Labouré after her apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rue du Bac, Paris, France. Mary told her that those who wear the medal would receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.

After two years of investigation and observation of Saint Catherine, the request to design the Miraculous Medal was approved and was produced through the goldsmith Adrien Vachette.

The first medals were made in 1832 and were distributed in Paris. As the story goes, the blessing that Mary had promised began to shower down almost immediately on those who wore the medal, and soon, the people of France clamored to have what they called the “Miraculous Medal.” Since then, the use of the medal has spread in different parts of the world, and until now, there are devout Christians who continue to wear the Miraculous Medal around their neck and claim to receive the special graces from God for the body and the soul.

2. The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Source: crossroads initiative

The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe had been the subject of many technical studies since 1751 and extensive scientific evaluations in recent years. However, up to this very day, this relic has continued to baffle science, human reasoning and even some skeptics.

The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which marks the day when the Blessed Mother appeared to a 57-year-old peasant named Juan Diego in Mexico back in 1531. According to the earliest reliable account of the story, the Virgin Mary appeared several times before Juan Diego. The surface of his “tilma” – a burlap-type cloak – which bore the image of the Blessed Mother, served as proof of what he had seen. This image on his “tilma” came to be known as “Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, until now, continues to be a relic of awe and mystery. According to some experts, this relic possesses qualities that are humanly impossible to replicate. Many duplicates of the image were made to verify the validity of this supposedly miraculous relic, and while the duplicates have deteriorated over a short period of time, the original image has endured until now and remained in a state of perfect condition.

 The “tilma” featuring the image of the Virgin Mary is also believed to be virtually indestructible, having survived two instances that should have completely destroyed the image. For example, in 1921, an anti-clerical activist hid a bomb inside the Basilica at Guadalupe. When the bomb exploded, almost everything was broken except the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The only damage that occurred in close proximity to the “tilma” was a brass crucifix that got twisted and bent back by the blast.

3. The Blood of Saint Januarius

source:  Aleteia

The third relic on this list is the Blood of Saint Januarius. In the very early fourth century, Saint Januarius was a bishop of Beneventum in Italy who died a martyr during the bloody persecution of Emperor Diocletian.

A relic of his dried blood has been preserved to this day and is kept in the cathedral of Naples, where he is the patron saint. In what appears to be a miracle, the blood liquefies on its own on three separate occasions each year, and thousands of people assemble to witness this miracle in Naples Cathedral three times a year.

On rare occasions that the blood of Saint Januarius fails to liquefy, it has historically been attached to an impending calamity. The last time the miracle of blood liquefication failed to occur was in 1980, and the people of Naples associated it with the earthquake of Irpinia during which 2,900 people died in what is considered to be the worst natural disaster in Italian post-war history. In 1973, the blood also failed to liquefy, and believers connected it with a cholera epidemic that visited Naples that year.

 Scarily enough, for the first time in 36 years, the blood of Saint Januarius did not liquefy in the city’s cathedral last year in December. To many people of Naples, the blood remaining solid is considered a premonition of evil.

4. The Holy Lance/The Spear of Destiny

source: vienna muses

The Holy Lance. In Christian tradition, the Holy Lance, also known as the Spear of Destiny, is the spear believed to be the one the Roman soldier Longinus used to pierce the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross.

Christian knights discovered the Holy Lance at Antioch during the First Crusade in 1098. As the story goes, the sight of the sacred relic in the Church of St. Peter inspired the beleaguered Christian soldiers and they successfully routed the Saracens from the city. According to legend, whoever claims the spear and uncovers the secrets it holds will possess supernatural powers that will enable him to conquer the world.

There are currently several relics in various European churches that claim to be the genuine Holy Lance. However, the spear that is on display in the Hapsburg Treasure House Museum in Vienna has been considered the most authentic one.

This particular relic was also known as Constantine’s Lance, and it was used as a symbol of the imperial power of Holy Roman emperors during their coronation. The lance is also believed by some to have been possessed by a series of successful military leaders, including Theodosius, Charles Martel, Charlemagne and Frederick Barbarossa. There is also a theory claiming that Hitler took possession of the Spear of Destiny at some point during his most successful military campaigns.

5. The Holy Grail

source: typewoon.wikia.com

Last but certainly not the least: at number 5, the Holy Grail. Most people identify a single chalice as the only Holy Grail. However, there are those who have pointed out that European legends about this special cup during the 12th to 15th centuries enumerated more than ten different Holy Grails.

In the Christian faith, the Holy Grail is identified as a serving dish or a chalice that was used by Jesus during the Last Supper. This chalice is also considered as the vessel that Joseph of Arimathea used to catch the blood and sweat of the Messiah in after he was taken down from the Cross.

As the story goes, Joseph of Arimathea was imprisoned for several years for expressing his faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the son of God. After he was released, he traveled to Britain and took the grail with him, and when he died, the grail was passed on to his descendants. According to legend, the Holy Grail provided magical qualities to the righteous if they drink or eat from it, or even by just touching it. Its miraculous powers are believed to be capable of healing and enlightening people, and possibly even making them immortal.  

The legend of the Holy Grail has been perpetuated through literature since the 12th century, specifically in tales which involve the knights of Camelot who served the legendary King Arthur of Britain. In modern times, this special chalice has been the subject of blockbuster films like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” thrusting the legend of the magical cup back to people’s consciousness.

There are many relics associated with Jesus and the Christian faith which have been claimed and displayed throughout the history of Christianity. The authenticity of many of these relics as well as their supposed miraculous and supernatural powers are still heavily disputed until now. However, the firmness in the faith and belief of those who are devoted to these relics and the miracles they are thought capable of performing should not be so easily taken for granted by science or by skeptics.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that in the Christian faith, homage or respect is not really paid to inanimate objects like relics, but to the holy person they’re connected with. And the veneration of that holy person is itself an honor paid to God. As such, the miracles and cures attributed to these relics are not because of their own power but because of the holiness of the person they represent.

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Sources:

https://cammonline.org/the-story-of-the-miraculous-medal/
http://catholicism.org/miraculous-medal.html
http://www.marian.org/news/The-Meaning-of-the-Miraculous-Medal-2942
http://infallible-catholic.blogspot.com/2012/04/miraculous-image-of-our-lady-of.html
http://mtncatholic.com/2014/12/11/4-literally-awesome-facts-about-our-lady-of-guadalupe/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/r-andrew-chesnut/the-virgin-of-guadalupe-t_b_8752084.html
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/12/19/bloody-of-st-januarius-fails-to-liquefy/
http://novusordowatch.org/2016/12/not-this-time-saint-januarius-blood-fails-to-liquefy/
http://www.unmuseum.org/spear.htm
http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/Objects-of-Mystery-and-Power/Things-of-Sacred-Power-The-spear-of-destiny.html
http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/Objects-of-Mystery-and-Power/Things-of-Sacred-Power-The-holy-grail.html
http://www.ancient-origins.net/opinion-guest-authors/truth-about-holy-grail-magical-chalices-around-world-005124

Acharya Kanad, The Indian Sage Who Developed Atomic Theory 2,600 Years Ago

According to what we learn in school these days, English chemist and physicist John Dalton - who was born in late 18th century - is the man credited by modern science with the development of the atomic theory. However, it might be surprising for many people today to know that the concept of atoms was actually formulated by an Indian sage and philosopher nearly 600 years prior to the birth of Christ or 2,500 years before Dalton achieved this scientific breakthrough during his time.

This Indian sage and philosopher was known as Acharya Kanad, and some consider him as the “actual” father of Atomic theory.

Background on Acharya Kanad

source: wikimedia commons

Acharya Kanad was born around 600 BC or 800 BC in Prabhas Kshetra which is located near Dwaraka in present day Gujarat, India. His real name was actually Kashyap and was the son of a philosopher named Ulka.

Since childhood, Kashyap displayed a very keen sense of detail and was fascinated by the most minute things. When he was only a young boy, he once accompanied his father on a pilgrimage to Prayaga. He noticed thousands of pilgrims in the town were littering the roads with the flowers and grains of rice they offered at the temples by the shore of the river Ganges.

The tiny particles attracted Kashyap’s attention and he began to collect the grains of rice from the ground while everybody else busied themselves with offering prayers or bathing in the Ganges. The crowd eventually noticed his peculiar behavior and wondered why he was so fascinated with the grains of rice.

When they asked him about it, Kashyap replied that though a single grain of rice may seem worthless on its own, a collection of hundreds of them could make up a person’s meal. This meant a collection of meals could feed a family and ultimately, mankind. For this reason alone, he believed that a single grain of rice was just as important as all the riches in the world.

After this incident, people started calling him “Kanad,” as “Kan” in Sanskrit means “the smallest particle.”

Kanad pursued his interest with the unseen world and dedicated his life to conceptualizing the idea of the smallest particle. He wrote down his views and eventually passed on his knowledge to others. People began to call him “Acharya” or  “the teacher,” hence the name Acharya Kanad - which means “the teacher of small particles.”

Kanad’s Conception of the “Anu” (Atom)

source: pinterest

Acharya Kanad is believed by many to be the first to have realized the idea of an indestructible particle of matter.

The theory occurred to Kanad while he was walking with food in his hand and he was breaking it into small pieces. He nibbled at the food in his hand until he was no longer able to break it down into smaller pieces. It was then that he realized that he could not divide the food into further parts and conceptualized the idea of a particle that could not be divided any further. He called that indivisible particle “Parmanu,” or “Anu,” which literally means atom.

Acharya Kanad thought of the atom as minute objects that are invisible to the naked eye, and considered it indestructible and hence, eternal. He also theorized that a Parmanu has an inherent urge to combine with another Parmanu. He also explained that combining two Anu belonging to the same class would create a “Dwinuka” or a binary molecule. This binary molecule would contain similar properties to the two original Parmanu it was made of.

Kanad suggested further that it was the different combinations of Parmanu which produced various types of substances. He also brought forth the idea that atoms could be combined in a variety of ways to produce chemical changes while in the presence of other factors such as heat. He used the blackening of earthen pot as well as the ripening of fruit as examples of this phenomenon.

To teach his ideas about the atom and the nature of the universe, Acharya Kanad founded the Vaisheshika school of philosophy. He also wrote a book called “Vaisheshik Darshan,” which presented all of his research.   

Acharya Kanad As the “Father of Atomic Theory” 

View fullsize

source: ancientpages

Several members of the academic community - particularly in India - recognize Acharya Kanad as among the sages of ancient times who made significant contributions to modern science. Some of them have even taken steps to have his name included in mainstream education.

However, recognition of Kanad’s “Anu” theory as the first plausible atomic theory over Dalton’s scientific approach remains controversial. While many recognize Kanad’s perspective on the physical structure of the universe as an impressive metaphysical philosophy, some vehemently maintain that it does not qualify as a scientific theory because it is not at all empirical.

Acharya Kanad’s idea of the atom was not attempting to rationally explain an empirical law. It did not carry an explanatory burden and was just a speculative thesis. Hence, many argue that it would be outrageous to place it in the same league with existing modern scientific theories about atoms.

Though the widely-accepted atomic theory today is substantially different from the one Dalton posited, Dalton’s theory is still considered to be the first scientific theory of atoms because it was attempting to rationally explain an empirical law.

source: messagetoeagle

The atomic theory of Acharya Kanad may not be considered empirical, and while its official place in the field of modern science is still heavily debated, its philosophical and cultural merits cannot be disputed. Though his theory of the atom was abstract and leaned towards philosophy and logic than personal experience or experimentation, it is praised even in modern times as a brilliant and imaginative explanation of the physical structure of the world and for largely agreeing with the discoveries of modern physics.

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Sources:

http://www.ancient-code.com/an-ancient-indian-sage-developed-the-atomic-theory-2600-years-ago/
http://ageac.org/en/news/an-indian-sage-developed-atomic-theory-2600-years-ago/
http://www.unitedindia.com/laws_of_atoms.htm
http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-technology/indian-sage-who-developed-atomic-theory-2600-years-ago-001399?nopaging=1
http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/vedic_science/acharya-kanada-father-atomic-theory/
https://thewire.in/115536/kanad-vaisheshik-msu-atom/
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-maharaja-sayajirao-university-diary-sages-behind-nuclear-technology-rockets-cosmetic-surgery-4561194/

Goujian - The Ancient Chinese Sword that Defied Time

Over fifty years ago, a rare and unusual sword was found in an ancient tomb in China. This ancient weapon is known as “The Sword of Goujian,” and though it’s supposed to be over 2,000 years old, its blade is said to not have a single trace of rust. The sword’s blade has managed to retain its sharpness, drawing blood when a person’s finger is tested on its edge, as if it was completely immune by the passage of millennia. But aside from this strange quality, its craftsmanship has been praised for being intricately detailed for a sword that was forged in a supposedly technologically-limited era.

Discovery of the Sword of Goujian

The discovery of the Sword of Goujian dates back in 1965, during which an archeological survey was being performance along the second main aqueduct of the Zhang River Reservoir in Jingzhou of Hubei province. More than fifty ancient tombs of the Chu State – a successful hegemonic and expansionist state during the Spring and Autumn Period in the early 8th century BCE -  were found in Juangling County.

And so, an archeological dig was initiated, beginning in the middle of October 1965 and ended in January 1966. In December 1965, 4.3 miles or 7 kilometers from the ruins of Jinan, an ancient capital of Chu, the archeological team responsible for the excavation discovered an ancient tomb. In its casket was a skeleton, and next to it was a near air-tight wooden box. From inside this box, they removed a perfectly preserved bronze sword in its scabbard.

This sword is now identified as the Sword of Goujian, and it was unearthed by these archeological researchers along with 2,000 other artifacts.

To their amazement, upon unsheathing the bronze sword, its blade was revealed to be untarnished. And the fact that the sword appeared to be in perfect condition despite being buried in damp conditions for more than 2,000 years was astonishing. A test conducted by the archaeologists showed that the sword’s blade could easily cut a stack of twenty pieces of paper.

Construction of the Sword of Goujian

The Sword of Goujian is among the earliest known Jian swords. A Jian sword is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. Jian swords are among the earliest known sword types in China, and these bladed weapons are closely associated with Chinese mythology. In Chinese folklore, this type of sword is referred to as "The Gentleman of Weapons," and is considered to be one of the four major weapons, along with the staff, spear, and the sabre.

“The Sword of Goujian” is relatively short compared to other historical pieces of its kind. It is a bronze sword with a very high concentration of copper, which made it more malleable and less likely to break apart. The blade’s edges are made of tin, which not only made the sword harder, but also made it more capable of retaining a sharper edge. The sword also contains small amounts of iron, lead and sulfur. The sword’s high proportion of sulfur and sulfide cuprum is revealed to be what gives the weapon its rustproof quality, as sulfur decreases the chance of tarnish in the blade’s patterns.

Weighing 30.9 ounces or 875 grams, the Sword of Goujian measures 21.9 inches or 55.7 centimeters long, including its 3.3.-inch or 8.4-centimeter handle hilt. The blade, on the other hand, is 1.8 inches or 4.6 centimeters wide at its base.

Repeating black rhombic etchings cover both sides of the blade, while blue crystals and turquoise are imbedded on the sword handle.  The grip of the sword is bound by silk while its pommel is composed of 11 concentric circles. 

Inscription on the Sword of Goujian And Subsequent Identification

The owner of this ancient sword was determined through the inscription etched on the its blade. On one side of the blade, eight characters arranged in two columns of text are visible. These characters found near the sword’s hilt are written in an ancient Chinese script known as Bird-worm seal script or “Niǎo Chóng Zhuà”, which literally means “birds and worms characters” because of the writing system’s intricate decoration to the defining strokes. It is a variant of “Zhuan” or seal script, which is very difficult to read. 

Initial analyses deciphered six of the eight characters.  The characters translate to: “King of Yue” ("越王") "made this sword for (his) personal use" ("自作用剑"). According to experts, the remaining two characters are likely to be the name of the king. 

From the sword’s origin in 510 BC to the Yue State’s demise at the hands of Chu in 334 BC, nine kings ruled Yue, including Goujian, Lu Cheng, Bu Shou, and Zhu Gou, among several others. Identifying the correct king that owned the sword sparked debate among archaeologists as well as Chinese language scholars.  Eventually, the experts reached a consensus and decided that the original owner of the sword was Goujian, who reigned between 496 and 465 BC, making the sword around 2,500 years old. 

Goujian was a well-known emperor in Chinese history who reigned over the Yue State during the Spring and Autumn Period. King Goujian’s reign coincided with what is arguably the last major conflict of this period, which is the struggle between the Wu State and the Yue.

The story of King Goujian and Fuchai, King of the Wu state, contending for hegemony is famous throughout China. At some point, Yue was defeated by Wu and Goujian had to serve as Fuchai’s servant for three years before he was allowed to return to his native state. However, after ten years of economic and political reforms, Goujian eventually led his army to victory in the last phase of the war, annexing the rival state.

As a ruler, Goujian never relished in kingly riches, and instead, he ate food suited for peasants and even forced himself to taste bile as a reminder of his humiliations serving under the Wu State. Hence, as a monarch, he was made famous by his perseverance in times of hardship and his ruthlessness during battle.

Unique Properties of the Sword of Goujian

Apart from its historic value, many scholars have wondered how the Sword of Goujian managed to remain rust-free in a humid environment for more than 2,000 years, and how it became possible for it to be as sharp today as when it was originally forged. They were also impressed with the delicate decorations carved into the sword, and by the fact that not a single spot of rust can be found on its body today.

In the hopes of replicating the technology used to create the sword, researchers analyzed ancient bronze shards, and they found that the sword is resistant to oxidation due to sulphation on the sword’s surface. Combined with an air-tight scabbard, this allowed the legendary sword to remain in such pristine condition even after more than two millennia.

The swordsmiths of the Wu and Yue regions in Southern China during the Spring and Autumn Period was also determined to have reached a high level of metallurgy to the point that they were able to incorporate rust-proof alloys into their blades. Their skill in sword-making aided ancient weapons of the time like the Sword of Goujian to survive through the ages relatively unblemished. 

Since its discovery, the Sword of Goujian is regarded as a state treasure in China, and is deemed as a truly legendary sword that defied the rigors of time. This archeological artifact continues to be revered by the Chinese people, much like the fascination over King Arthur’s mythical Excalibur in the West.

The Sword of Goujian was lent to the National Palace Museum in Taipei where it was on display until 2011, along with various other bronze pieces from the 1965 excavation. Presently this archeological artifact is in the possession and care of the Hubei Provincial Museum.

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Sources:

http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/goujian-ancient-chinese-sword-defied-time-003279?nopaging=1
http://printarchive.epochtimes.com/a1/en/sg/nnn/2015/09%20Sep%202015/516/September_4-17_23_lowres.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_of_Goujian
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Goujian_of_Yue
https://youtu.be/M6wcFzBTa7Q
http://en.hubei.gov.cn/culture/heritage/201305/t20130521_450099.shtml
http://www.cultural-china.com/chinaWH/html/en/35History618.html
http://mymodernmet.com/sword-of-goujian/
http://en.yibada.com/articles/101006/20160123/goujian-sword-legends.htm
http://historiarex.com/e/en/89-sword-of-goujian

The Mystery of the Piri Reis Map

Several existing theories about unknown ancient civilizations are often largely based on  speculation and not on physical evidence, which is why many of them are greatly discredited by conventional academics and In order to shake the basis of our knowledge of history, most would require hard evidence such as artifacts.

An example of such an artifact is the Piri Reis map. This special, historical map is only one of several anomalous maps drawn during and prior to the 16th century, and is argued by some people to represent better information about the shape of the planet’s continents than what should have been known at the time.

This claim led to even more extraordinary allegations that the geographical information provided by the Piri Reis map may have been obtained at a very distant time in the past and was based on information drawn by an advanced yet still-unknown ancient civilization.

Discovery of the Piri Reis Map

source: abebooks

The Piri Reis map was discovered on October 9, 1929 by a German theologian named Gustav Adolf Deissmann while he was cataloguing items in the Topkapi Palace Library in Istanbul. He happened upon a curious parchment and on its gazelle skin, he found a map that was drawn and signed by Turkish cartographer Hagji Ahmen Muhiddin Piri, who was also known as Piri Reis.

Aside from being a cartographer, Reis was also an experienced sailor and served as an admiral in the Turkish navy. The map bears the date of 919 in the Moslem calendar, which correspond to 1513 CE in the Western calendar. In constructing the map, Reis claimed to have used as many as 20 source maps and charts, including 8 Ptolemaic (TOLO MAY IC)maps, 4 Portuguese maps, an Arabic map, and a map supposedly constructed by Christopher Columbus.

Aside from its significant historical value, the Piri Reis map has been alleged to contain details no European could have known in the 16th century, and therefore is believed by some to be a tangible evidence which proves the existence of ancient technological civilizations, extraterrestrial visits, or even both.

Controversy Surrounding the Piri Reis Map

source: wikipedia

The Piri Reis map has been the subject of much controversy in academic as well as non-academic circles, sparking a long and intense debate regarding the attribution of its source materials, and the significance of the map’s extraordinary detail of the coastal outlines.

The great debate was sparked by Dr. Charles Hapgood when he published his theory on the Piri Reis map in his 1966 book “Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings.”  Dr. Hapgood was a Harvard-educated historian whose theories about geological shifts earned the admiration of the likes of Albert Einstein.

Dr. Hapgood along with a team of students at the University of New Hampshire studied the Piri Reis map and claims to have found many anomalies, one of which is the alleged representation of the continent Antarctica on the map. The inclusion of the continent’s Queen Maud Land area on this map is particularly interesting because Antarctica was supposedly first discovered in the 19th century, hundreds of years after the construction of the Piri Reis map.

The controversy surrounding the Piri Reis map is not just about how the 16th century Turkish cartographer managed to draw an accurate map of the Antarctic region 300 years prior to its supposed discovery, but also on how the map shows the land mass and coastline of the Antarctic region before it was covered in ice, over 6000 years ago.

In 1961, Captain Lorenzo W. Burroughs, a U.S. Air Force captain working in the cartographic section, wrote a letter to Dr. Hapgood and stated that the “Antarctica” depicted on the Piri Reis map seems to accurately depict the coastline of Antarctica as it is under the ice. The captain based his evaluation on the seismic profile of the Queen Maud Land area made by the Norweigan-British-Swedish Expedition of 1949.

Because of this alleged anomaly, Hapgood proposed that the Piri Reis map was actually based on source materials that pre-date 4000 BCE, thousands of years before the earliest known progressive civilizations with developed languages are known to have existed.

With Hapgood’s extraordinary theory, one glaring and compelling question is raised: “Which unknown civilization had the technology and the need to map the Antarctic region 6000 years ago?”

Hapgood’s theory implies that a prehistoric civilization possessed the technology to navigate major seaways and chart the globe with some level of accuracy. He also suggested that the topographic depiction of the interior of the continents required aerial capabilities. This implies that a prehistoric “super” civilization with aerial and nautical capabilities was the origin of the Piri Reis map’s geographic information on the pre-ice Antarctica.

In his book titled “Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings,” Dr. Hapgood said this about the possibility of ancient voyagers exploring the Antarctic:

“It becomes clear that the ancient voyagers travelled from pole to pole. Unbelievable as it may appear, the evidence nevertheless indicates that some ancient people explored Antarctic when its coasts were free of ice. It is clear too, that they had an instrument of navigation for accurately determining the longitudes that was far superior to anything possessed by the peoples of ancient, medieval or modern times until the second half of the 18th century.”

In short, for Hapgood and his supporters, the Piri Reis map could indicate advanced knowledge passed down from a prehistoric sea-faring civilization which could either Atlantean or alien.

Standpoint of Mainstream Science

source: wikimedia commons

While mainstream scientists are equally intrigued by the mysteries of the Piri Reis map, many of them have vehemently refuted Hapgood’s implication that the map’s accuracy is the handiwork of mythical Atlanteans or out-of-this-world aliens.

To the skeptics, for a map that was constructed in 1513, the Piri Reis map shows an astonishing amount of detail. While it is clearly an impressive map for its time, it is not without flaws. More than anything, the map is a top-notch example of naval intelligence gathering and cartography, containing very specific details which were possibly derived from tightly-guarded secrets of enemy maps.

Some of the critics’ of Hapgood’s theory claim that the Piri Reis map is a representation of the South American coastline based on the modern physical features of the coast and the interior featured on the 16th century map.

On the other hand, Gregory C. McIntosh - another leading expert on the Piri Reis map - claimed that the southern continent depicted in the map is one produced by imagination. According to him, the idea of a southern continent had already been discussed as early as the time of the ancient Greeks, and many old maps have since shown a southern continent in various forms. Hence, it should not be so surprising that a southern continent also appears on the Piri Reis map.

Is the southern landmass depicted in the Piri Reis Map by a 16th century cartographer only a misguided depiction of South America? Or is it just an imagined representation of a mythical southern continent? Or, is it possible that this map is an astoundingly ancient depiction of Antarctica’s coast, hinting at the existence of an advanced sea-faring civilization several millennia ago?

In the end, we may never really know the truth for certain. After all, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. But if we’re lucky, only time and perhaps several extensive research efforts on the subject matter would be able to tell. And should that time come, all evidences that have been brought forward in the past and shall be discovered in the future should all be re-examined with an open mind.

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Sources:

http://www.ancient-origins.net/antarctica-ancient-technology/piri-reis-map-evidence-ancient-technology-00276
http://old.world-mysteries.com/steven_dutch1.htm
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/piri-reis-map-at-topkapi-palace
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=O1TJmqti-TsC&printsec=frontcover&hl=fil
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/1165572-piri-reis-map-evidence-of-a-very-advanced-prehistoric-civilization/
http://sacred-texts.com/piri/index.htm
https://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PSEUDOSC/PiriRies.HTM

Related Articles

The Legendary Sword in the Stone of Galgano

The story of King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone is one of the most famous British legends. For centuries, this Arthurian story has been passed down from one generation to another through various literary works of authors and poets.

The Sword in the Stone - which some believe to be the same as the world-famous Excalibur - essentially tells the tale of an embedded sword that could only be pulled out from the stone by the one true king of England. The retrieval of the sword was deemed unlikely to be accomplished by any other man until the future King Arthur managed to do the impossible, proving his divine appointment as king and true heir of Uther Pendragon.

However, the story of a mystical sword stuck in a stone is not entirely unique to the well-known Arthurian legend. In fact, a similar yet lesser known story can be found in the Italian region of Tuscany, which some experts have suggested to be the real inspiration behind the British legend. This is the Sword in the Stone of Saint Galgano. And unlike King Arthur’s Excalibur, an actual 12th-century sword believed to be the very same sword that Saint Galgano thrust into the bedrock still exists today.

The Life of Saint Galgano Guidotti

Saint Galgano is considered to be the first saint whose canonization was conducted to a formal process by the Roman Church. Much of his life is known through the documents from the processing of his canonization in 1185, which is just a few years after his demise. There are also a number of written works by later authors that covered the saint’s life.

Galgano Guidotti was born in 1148 in Chiusdino, in the modern province of Siena, Italy. Being the son of a minor noble, he had spent his youth as a wealthy knight, solely concerned with the worldly pleasures that life had to offer. Trained in the art of war, Galgano was both arrogant and violent. However, all of that changed and he later renounced the ideologies of warfare and subsequently chose the path of a hermit.

The Story Behind Galgano’s Legendary Sword in the Stone

source: holiday in tuscany

Saint Galgano’s path to holiness began with a vision of the Archangel Michael - who, incidentally, is often depicted as a warrior saint. According to one version of the legend, the Archangel Michael appeared before Saint Galgano and showed him the path to salvation, with the angel providing him directions to the place where he should go to achieve this.

On the following day, Saint Galgano declared his intention of becoming a hermit and took up residence in a nearby cave, which was met with ridicule from his family and his friends. Dionisia, Galgano’s mother, managed to convince her son to a pay a visit to his fiancee one last time before he completely renounces all worldly pleasures. And so, wearing his expensive nobleman’s clothing, he rode a horse and set out to visit his fiancee. However, on his way there, his horse suddenly reared, throwing him off its back.

Suddenly, Galgano felt an invisible force lift him to his feet, and an irresistible seraphic voice led him to Montesiepi, a hill nearby his home town of Chiusdino. When he reached the foot of the hill, the voice bade Galgano to be still and to look at the top of Montesiepi. There, he saw a vision of a round temple, with the Twelve Apostles surrounding Jesus and Mary. The voice instructed him to climb the hill, and while he was doing so, the vision he saw faded.

Once he reached the top of the hill, he heard the voice speak again, and this time, it commanded him to renounce all of his worldly desires. Saint Galgano, however, objected since the task was easier said than done. He went on to say that to accomplish such a feat was as easy as splitting a rock with a sword - it simply cannot be done.

In order to prove his point, Saint Galgano drew his sword and attempted to thrust it into the rocky ground. To his surprise and amazement, his blade went through the stone with as much ease as a hot knife slicing through butter. Having understood the divine message loud and clear, Galgano permanently resided on Montesiepi as a humble hermit, leading a life in poverty.

While he led a simple and humble life far different from the extravagant lifestyle he once had as a nobleman, Saint Galgano was visited occasionally by peasants, looking for his blessing. He also made friends with the wild animals he lived with.

According to one legend, the Devil once sent an assassin in the guise of a monk to kill Galgano. However, the saint managed to survive the ordeal because the wild wolves he was living with attacked the killer and “gnawed on his bones.”

At the age of 33, Galgano Guidotti met his demise in 1181, and was canonized four years later. His funeral was considered a major event at the time, and was attended by bishops as well as three Cistercian abbots, including one who had lost his way while headed for Rome.

The following year, the Bishop of Volterra placed Montesiepi under the care of Cistercian monks, knowing that they would erect a shrine in Galgano’s memory. They began the construction of a round chapel in 1185, and this became known as the Cappella di Montesiepi. The chapel is located just above the main abbey and houses the legendary sword of Saint Galgano up to this day.

Authenticity of the Sword in the Cappella di Montesiepi

source: delightfully italy

For centuries, the sword in the stone in Montesiepi was widely believed to be a fake except by the most devout. However, research in the 21st century revealed that based on the composition of its metal as well as its style, the sword is indeed from the 12th century.

The sword has a basic design - its pommel is flat and slightly egg-shaped with a truncated form, while its guard is a straight bar of steel - and its style is typically associated to the known weapons of the 12th century.

In 2001, a metal analysis conducted by Luigi Garlaschelli of the University of Pavia revealed that the sword is indeed very old, with no clear proof to support the claims that the sword is a recent fake.

Ground-penetrating radar analysis also revealed a two-meter by 1-meter cavity beneath the sword believed to be a burial recess, which possibly contains Saint Galgano’s body. Meanwhile, carbon-dating confirmed that the two mummified arms housed in the same chapel at Montesiepi were also indeed from the 12th century. This incidentally supports that legend that anyone who attempted to remove the sword from the stone had their arms ripped out from their bodies.

The recent scientific research and evidence proving that the sword as well as the mummified arms in Cappella di Montesiepi have existed around the 12th century may not be full-proof evidence that the sword in the stone is indeed Saint Galgano’s blade, but it does paint a shade of truth to the story.

Saint Galgano’s Sword vs. King Arthur’s Excalibur

source: wikia

There are those who argue that the “Sword in the Stone” legend of King Arthur did not originate from the Celtic fringes of Britain or France but in Italy. The story of Saint Galgano and the sword embedded in a rock in Tuscany bears similar details to the Arthurian legend of Sir Percival, the finder of the Holy Grail.

It is also interesting to note that the the first story mentioning King Arthur pulling a sword from an anvil on top of a stone appeared in one of the poems written by 13th century French poet Robert de Boron, and that these poems were written several decades after Galgano’s canonization by the Roman Church. By that time, word of Saint Galgano’s life may have already travelled across Europe, with the legend of King Arthur and his sword likely to have been inspired by the story of the reformed Italian knight.

Though the two stories share very similar elements, each convey a different message and fulfills a different purpose. The Arthurian legend of the Sword and the Stone is a story that displays the might, glory and mythical qualities of King Arthur to do the impossible, demonstrated by the unlikely retrieval of a sword.  The story of Saint Galgano’s sword, on the other hand, speaks of faith, humility and the path to holiness by doing the opposite - which is thrusting a blade into a rock-solid ground.

Though Saint Galgano Guidotti’s story may just be a curious legend much like the story of King Arthur and the Excalibur, its legacy is far from forgotten. The round temple in Montesiepi is still standing, and is still safekeeping the sword believed to have belonged to Galgano as well as the mummified forearms that supposedly belonged to a man who dared to pull out that very same sword. The walls of the Abbey of San Galgano on Montesiepi are also still standing tall, and has since become a tourist spot for its haunting beauty, history and architecture.  

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Sources:

http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/legendary-sword-stone-san-galgano-002968?nopaging=1
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/sep/16/rorycarroll.theobserver
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-sword-in-the-stone-at-montesiepi-chapel
http://myarmoury.com/feature_stone.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2999894.stm

The Immortal Count of Saint Germain

Is it possible for men to live forever? Throughout the eighteenth century, there was an unusual character who carried with him an air of mystique which none during his lifetime had arguably ever matched or neared. He was a man of apparent wealth, influence and prosperity, who was known to have come and gone in various royal courts in Europe. He was considered as a person of great interest and influence, and whose heritage was often attributed to Transylvanian royalty. This man is known as the Count of Saint Germain. And some have said that apart from advising the elite governing bodies by day, and dining with the rich aristocracies by night, he was also an immortal who had somehow managed to uncover the secrets to eternal youth.

Aside from allegations that he could live forever, Saint Germain was also known to be a man of obvious wealth. This led some people to believe that he also mastered alchemy and learned the secrets of transmutation, which gave him unlimited access to untold wealth. Throughout his life, he was also lauded for his many abilities and praised for his seemingly endless amounts of knowledge. His involvement with secret organizations further prompted his reputation as some sort of almost-divine esotericist.

Who was this mysterious man? Are the stories that speak of his immortality mere legend? Or could it be possible that he really did discover the path to perpetually evading aging and death?

Who Is the Count of Saint Germain?

source: wikimedia commons

The Count of Saint Germain was a mysterious gentleman who appeared among the European royal families in the eighteenth century, and was known as “Der Wundermann” or “The Miracle Man.” He was reportedly a man of many talent and skills, particularly in fields like chemistry, music, alchemy and magic. While he had no visible means of support, he did not lack in resources either. Depending on which historical and personal accounts you refer to, he has been considered, at one point or another, as a prophet, a charlatan, a healer, a spy and a visionary.

Myths and speculations about the Count of Saint Germain started to become more widespread around the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He is often referenced in Theosophy – which is a collection of mystical and occultist philosophies concerning the presumed mysteries of life and nature, particularly the nature of divinity as well as the origin and purpose of the universe. There are also those who claim that he is the founder of Freemasonry and inspired several of the American Founding Fathers. Some also believe that he had once hid behind the identity and scientific genius of Francis Bacon, and that he was the real writer of most literary works attributed to Shakespeare.

However, in several New Age movements, the Count of Saint Germain is heralded as the Avatar of the Age of Aquarius, and is deemed to be an Ascended Master that is on the same level as history’s greatest spiritual leaders.

Origins

There are a variety of versions regarding the origin, lineage and life of the Count of Saint Germain. His exact date of birth is also unknown but most accounts claim that he was born in the 1690s.

One version regarding his origin and lineage describes him as the son of Francis II Rákóczi, the Prince of Transylvania, by Rákóczi's first wife. There are also claims that he was the illegitimate son of Maria Anna of Pfalz-Neuburg, who was the widow of Charles II of Spain. Another version alleges that he is the illegitimate son of the king of Portugal – presumed to be John V -  by a Jewish mother.

According to some sources, especially those who believe that he is of Transylvanian nobility, Saint Germain was not his real last name. It was reportedly invented by him as a French version of the Latin term “Sanctus Germanus,” which translates to “Holy Brother.”

Life

Saint Germain first came into prominence in the high society of Europe in 1742, when he would have been a man in his forties. Little is known about his life before this time. A dossier on the mysterious Count was created by order of French Emperor Napoleon III in the 19th century but all the documents about Saint Germain were destroyed in a fire, resulting to the loss of irreplaceable information about him. Also, the Count’s own secretiveness has not helped in uncovering the mystery surrounding his life either.

From 1737 until 1742, the Count of Saint Germain was supposedly in Persia studying alchemy. He arrived in Versailles in 1742 before reaching England in 1743 for the Jacobite Revolution. He also went to Vienne to visit Frederick the Great before heading to Edinburgh in 1745. The Count also went to India in the 1750s and when he returned, he earned the favor of King Louis XV and was invited to stay in the Royal Chateau of Chambord in Touraine. He also supposedly spent some time in Russia, Germany and Bavaria.

The Count of Saint Germain reportedly rubbed elbows with the likes of Voltaire, Marie Antoinette, Casanova, Madame de Pampadour, and Catherine the Great. He beguiled royalty and the wealthy with his vast knowledge of science and history, his musical ability, his charm and his quick wit. He was a renowned conversationalist who could flawlessly converse in Swedish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Russian, and was even familiar with Chinese, Latin, Arabic, ancient Greek and Sanskrit. Because of his talents, he was said to have served as a backchannel diplomat between England and France, and is thought to have played some role in Freemasonry.

Despite his many merits, the Count was also said to possess several habits that most people would find odd. According to some accounts, he never ate in public, but he would often be seen drinking a special tea frequently. He also reportedly dropped hints that he was centuries old and that he often made unusual comments about his age. He also spoke of times which have long passed as if he had been there. There were also claims that he could grow diamonds and fix flawed ones.

Death

In 1779, he travelled to Hamburg, Germany, where he befriended Prince Charles of Hesse-Cassel. For the next five years, he lived as a guest in the prince's castle at Eckernförde, and, according to local records, that is where Saint Germain died on February 27, 1784.

The Immortal Life of the Count of Saint Germain

For any ordinary mortal, death would be the end of their life’s story. However, that was not the case for the Count of Saint Germain. Reports arose suggesting that he was an immortal who had discovered the “Elixir of Life” through alchemy, and a prophet who possessed mystical powers.

It is also believed by many that the Count of Saint Germain was an Ascended Master of Ancient Wisdom, making him the head of a theosophical belief system which believes that the wisdom required to eventually unify the spiritual and material aspects of the universe can be acquired through reincarnation. The Count of Saint Germain, along with other Masters, supposedly have achieved the same kind of ascension as Jesus of Nazareth in the Holy Bible. His followers think that the enigmatic man was actually reincarnated over and over again prior to his birth as Saint Germain as various prominent figures in the historical timeline. These figures were all people of great importance, and all of them left a resounding and lasting effect on the history of the world.

Alter Egos & Incarnations

source: pinterest

The Count of Saint Germaine is believed to have adopted numerous incarnations as well as “alter egos,” which include some of history’s most brilliant minds. The first supposed incarnation of the Count is that of a High Priest of the Violet Flame temple, over fifty thousand years ago. He is recorded next as the prophet Samuel from the Old Testament, and then as Joseph, Mary’s husband and Jesus of Nazareth’s earthly father.

One of his most intriguing alleged incarnations, however, is that of Merlin – a counselor in the court of King Arthur and a possible wizard. He is also considered to have been Saint Alban, the first British martyr for the Christian faith, who existed sometime during the 3rd or 4th century. He is also said to have lived as Roger Bacon, Franciscan and philosopher born in the 13th century. Roger Bacon believed in both the Philosopher Stone and in the Elixir of Life. He also amassed a large group of followers because of his passion and intellect. His final and most powerful form was said to be that of Sir Francis Bacon, a member of Queen Elizabeth I’s court.

However, to many ascension followers, the life of the Count of Saint Germain does not end with his incarnation as Francis Bacon. They believe that he continues to be reincarnated, and is currently still alive and living in Tibet with the same youthful physical body she possessed in the medieval period.

The most recent appearance of a man claiming to be the Count was in 1972 in Paris, France. A man named Richard Chanfray appeared on French television to prove his claim that he was Saint Germain, and he apparently turned lead into gold on a camp stove before the cameras. Chanfray later committed suicide in 1983.

So, who was the Count of Saint Germain? Was he a successful alchemist who found the key to achieving eternal life? Was he a time traveler? Or was he just a highly intelligent individual whose impressive reputation eventually morphed into a fantastic legend?

At this point, it is quite impossible to tell. We may never know the truth behind his story as it has been told so many times, in so many ways, that the truth got lost along the way. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the legacy of The Count of Saint Germain endures because of the mystical and esoteric appeal of his life.

And his supposed goal or vision of enshrining the "violet flame" or fleur-de-lis as the threefold flame of God-identity in the hearts of people continues until now to inspire millions of adherents of the New Age religion.

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Sources:

http://www.sacred-texts.com/sro/csg/index.htm
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Count_of_Saint_Germain#Alter_egos_and_incarnations
https://www.historicmysteries.com/saint-germain/
https://www.thoughtco.com/saint-germain-the-immortal-count-2594421
http://www.alchemylab.com/count_saint_germain.htm
http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2013/11/comte-de-saint-germain-rosicrucian-ascended-master-or-immortal/
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vida_alien/godseden/godseden11.htm
http://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/immortal-count-saint-germaine-ascended-master-ancient-wisdom-003125?nopaging=1

Enochian: The Mysterious Lost Language of Angels

source: spencer alley

Some people believe in a higher power that controls all things and all beings existing in the universe, and in celestial and supernatural creatures – like angels and demons - possessing abilities beyond our capacities and understanding. And among them, there are those who have attempted or are continuing to attempt to make contact and interact with whatever or whoever lies on “the other side.” In fact, during the 16th century, it was believed that if one could speak with angels, one gains the ability to directly interact with them. Hence, it is not surprising that the concept of an Angelic language was quite common during this time.

One such language that was introduced during the 16th century was the mysterious Enochian language, which was allegedly discovered by occultists John Dee and Edward Kelley.

John Dee’s Background

source: wikimedia commons

John Dee – who lived from 1527 until 1609, was an occultist, mathematician, astronomer and astrologer who lived in Mort Lake, West London. Dee was an extremely well-educated and respected intellectual during his time. He graduated from the elite St. John’s College in Cambridge, and was renowned for his intelligence and wit. Eventually, he was accepted into influential circles of the ruling elite and served as scientific advisor and confidant to Queen Elizabeth I. He is also associated with coining the phrase “British Empire.”

During the early part of his life, Dee had little interest in the supernatural. However, he eventually got bored with science, and turned his attention to the occult and magic. Dee wanted to discover lost spiritual knowledge and recover the wisdom he believed was hidden in books of antiquity. Among these books was the then-fabled “Book of Enoch,” which he thought contained description of the magic system used by the Patriarch Enoch in the Bible.

In 1581, Dee began performing a long series of magical research. Earlier that year, at the age of 54, he had written in his journal that God had sent “good angels” to communicate directly with human beings. And so, he had set himself up to make contact with these angels. Dee’s only problem was that he was not a medium, and so he had no ability to “see” the other side. Therefore, he set out to find a gifted medium that would help him in his attempts to make contact with these supernatural beings.

Dee and Kelley’s Alleged Spiritual Contact With Angels

source: s. haines 2010

It was in 1582 that he met Edward Kelley, a little-known son of an apothecary who claimed to be a gifted medium and was very passionate about the occult. And so, the two created a partnership and began conducting sessions together to establish contact with the angels. Almost immediately, they claim to have established spiritual contact, and in their hundreds of sessions from 1582 until 1587, they allegedly communicated regularly with these angels.

During these spiritual sessions, Dee would act as the orator and supplicant. He would direct prayers to God and his Archangels and then, he would invoke them to manifest themselves in a scrying stone – which is a black obsidian mirror. Kelley, on the other hand, would act as the scryer. His job was to see the visions projected in the obsidian mirror and describe them to Dee so he could write them down.

For several years, the two managed to record several supernatural visions, incantations and even prophesies.

Discovery of Mysterious Ancient Language of Angels

source: encyclopedia satanica

In the year 1582 or 1583, John Dee and Edward Kelley claimed to have received communication from angels, who allegedly provided them with the foundations of a language which they can use to communicate with “the other side.” This mysterious “angelic” language had its own alphabet, grammar and syntax, which they recorded in their journals. The new language was called “Enochian,” which springs from John Dee’s assertion that the Biblical Patriarch Enoch was the last human to know the language. But Dee preferred to call it “Angelical,” the “Celestial Speech,” the “First Language of God-Christ,” and particularly “Adamical,” because he claimed it was the language spoken by Adam in the Garden of Eden in naming all of God’s creatures.

According to Dee and Kelley, these angelic beings they communicated with told them that being able to speak the language would unlock the doors to unlimited knowledge, wisdom and power. The language is believed to be helpful in executing the 19 Enochian Calls – a series of incantations which could supposedly summon powerful celestial beings.

The Enochian Language & Its Alphabet

source: wikiwand

Enochian is a language composed of a 21-letter alphabet. The Enochian script is written from right to left, and may also include diacritical marks. The alphabet is used in the practice of Enochian Magic on Angelical or Enochian Keys

There are two different versions of the Enochian Alphabet, with one script slightly different from the other. The first version is contained in Dee’s manuscript, the first five “Books of the Mysteries.” The second version – which is the more widely accepted version – is from “Liber Loagaeth” and is said to be based on Kelley’s original drawings.

The “Liber Loagaeth” contained the initial messages received by Kelley during his visions and contact with the angels. The book consists of 49 great letter tables or squares made of 49 by 49 letters, and is said to be the first corpus of texts in the purported Angelic language. However, Dee and Kelley said the angels never translated the texts in this book.

The other set of Enochian texts was received through Kelley around a year later. This time, the texts came with English translations, and has, therefore, provided the basis for the Enochian vocabulary. The texts contain 48 poetic verses, which Dee called in his manuscripts as “Claves Angelicae” or “Angelic Keys.” Each Key are assigned a specific function within the magical system. And Dee was apparently planning to use them to "open the 49 Gates of Wisdom or Understanding" represented by the 49 magic squares in ‘Liber Loagaeth.’”

Although these texts contained most of the vocabulary of the Enochian language, dozens of other words are found hidden in Dee’s journals, while thousands of undefined words are found in the “Liber Loagaeth.”

Skepticism Over the Enochian Language

Because of the loss of parts of John Dee’s original manuscripts, various interpretations have arisen regarding the meaning, validity and authenticity of the Enochian language. However, ever since its initial publication, the language has also been met with suspicions, skepticism and even hostility.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Enochian was widely considered to be the language of demons. This belief arose from the anti-Christian doctrines that the angels have supposedly told Dee and Kelley. For example, the angels that spoke with the two occultists denied the Godship of Jesus by telling them that nobody should pray to or through Jesus. They also discredited the existence of the Holy Ghost. Such claims shook the foundations of Christianity, which caused some people to conclude that the “good angels” that Dee and Kelley contacted are actually demons. And therefore, Enochian was not the language of angels but was a demonic one.

People that followed the Christian faith were not the only ones who questioned the authenticity of Enochian. Linguists and scholars had a two-fold basis for their skepticism over the language. First was Edward Kelley’s questionable character. Since he had previously been jailed for forgery, it was not impossible that the supposed Angelic language they discovered was just another one of his fabrications. The second was the fact that the so-called prophecies proclaimed by the angels they supposedly spoke with did not materialize. For example, the angels prophesized that Dee would be tried for treason. But in real life, that never actually happened.

Linguistic Evaluations

source: sixwingedangel, deviantart

Enochian has also been extensively analyzed by modern linguists, both enthusiasts and skeptics alike. However, until now, the results from any linguistics analysis have yet to be 100% conclusive. The conclusions drawn from their evaluations typically depend on whether the analyst is a believer or a skeptic.

Some magicians have asserted that Enochian is the oldest language in the world that predates all other human languages. In some circles, the language is also considered among the most powerful strains of magic, and is also a method of contacting beings from other dimensions.

Detractors and skeptics, on the other hand, have pointed out that the syntax of Enochian bears a strong similarity to the English language – which is Dee and Kelley’s natural language. For example, the word “lucifitias,” an Enochian term that translates to “brightness,” bears a connection to Lucifer, whose name translates to “Light Bringer.” Another example is “londoh,” the Enochian word for “kingdom,” which may have just been a representation of Dee’s connection with his royal patron, the Queen of England.

Computer analysis have reportedly shown Enochian to share a grammatical relationship to English. Aside from this, the texts found in the “Liber Loagaeth,” are found to have demonstrated phonetic features that do not appear in natural language. In fact, the Enochian language’s phonetic features are more closely related with “glossolalia,” or speaking in tongues.

Although the authenticity of Enochian as the language of angels remains heavily disputed until now, its current impact in our religious and spiritual communities cannot be denied. Even in modern times where science and technology is accepted by many to be the real key that will unlock the secrets of the universe, there are still many believers of the Enochian language’s supernatural association and magical power. In fact, many modern occultists have created a functional system of magic using the Enochian language, and to some of them, they consider it an extremely powerful magical language that should only be used by experienced occultists.

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Sources:

http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-ancient-writings/enochian-mysterious-lost-language-angels-003100?nopaging=1
http://www.crystalannecompton.com/registers/everything-psychic-membership/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enochian
http://ensemble.va.com.au/tableau/suzy/TT_ResearchProjects/Hexen2039/JohnDee/JohnDee.html
http://www.kondor.de/enoch/sprache_e.html
http://usminc.org/enochian.html