Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Star of David, the Seal of Solomon, and How they Differ

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ON THE LEFT: Star of David (n.) - A symbol consisting of two OVERLAPPED triangles    
ON THE RIGHT: Solomon's Seal (n.) - A symbol consisting of two INTERLACED triangles

Notice how the Star of David's 2-dimensional triangles are 'overlapped' while the Seal of Solomon's 3-dimensional triangles are drawn to appear 'interlaced', like clothing threads.

According to legend, King Solomon supposedly took the rather simple, two-dimensional Star of David he inherited from his Royal father and managed to improve upon it by having the two opposite triangles appear as if they were interwoven with one another. A rather interesting take on the very real differences between the Star of David and the Seal of Solomon reads as follows:
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Uniting the Water Triangle [facing downwards] with the Fire Triangle [facing upwards], the Hexagram is formed. It forms a six pointed star also known as the Seal of Solomon. This symbol is a [different type of] Star of David, the national symbol of Israel (God's chosen nation). The difference between the Star of David and the seal [of Solomon] is the triangles which make up the seal [Solomon] interlock and the two triangles of the Star of David lie flat against each other.

- Hexagram, TheForbiddenKnowledge.com


A Green Earth Symbol, Yellow Air Symbol, Black and White Star of David, then a Blue Water Symbol, and a Red Fire Symbol
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The traditional understanding that the Star of David and the Seal of Solomon have fundamental differences in both their origins and visual appearances, seems to have been nearly lost in modern times. What's most frustrating is that more a few modern dictionaries have gotten the essential differences between these two distinct types of hexagrams completely wrong, thus misleading everybody. So, readers should take careful note right now that the symbol seen on top of the Pope's head is, to be completely accurate, not a Star of David, but a Seal of Solomon instead. The biggest visual clue is the way that the Seal of Solomon's triangular lines look like they are either above or beneath one another without ever truly intersecting. Apparently, this was never the case with the Star of David. To be specific, King David used the symbol as a short form of his written signature and as a battle insignia painted on the shields of his fellow Israelite soldiers. In both cases, the iconographic complexity seen in the Seal of Solomon was never really needed and therefore never developed. In contrast, the Seal of Solomon was thought to have been an actual Royal Seal used throughout King Solomon's reign, a hand-held device which stamped an image upon either a puddle of wax, or clay, or even a form of paper made with animal skins. These Seals were usually custom-made by professional artists and were thus far more complex in appearance than any written signature or hand-drawn war emblem.

Notice how it requires far more artistic ability to draw (or create) the Seal of Solomon on the Right, rather than the simple, child-like Star of David on the Left.

In truth, one could say that both symbols were simply different versions of the Star of David. However, the Seal of Solomon has always been depicted with three-dimensional, interwoven (or interlaced) triangles. It is most unfortunate that literally no one these days really knows, or even cares, about what a Seal of Solomon actually is anyway. However, for the sake of precision, one should define the Star of David as being comprised of OVERLAPPING triangles, just as the Seal of Solomon (Solomon's Seal)should always have the appearance of INTERLACED (or INTERWOVEN) triangles instead. The actual, and factually correct, dictionary definitions of these two emblems are listed below:
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Star of David
(n.) - A symbol consisting of two OVERLAPPED equilateral triangles forming a star with six points, used as a symbol of Judaism. It is also called Magen David, Mogen David, and Shield of David, and is shaped identically to the hexagram and Solomon's seal. It is used on the flag of the modern state of Israel.

- Collaborative International Dictionary of English, Dictionary.net

Solomon's Seal (n.) - A mystic symbol consisting of two INTERLACED triangles forming a star with six points, often with one triangle dark and one light, symbolic of the union of soul and body. It is shaped identically to the hexagram and Star of David, distinguished only in its usage.

- Collaborative International Dictionary of English, Dictionary.net
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Among the various myths and legends concerning this age-old Biblical symbol, two of them stand out in particular. The first one concerns the reasons behind why the hexagram was ever called a star (or shield), while the second story explains the intricate three-dimensional pattern seen on the Seal of Solomon, but usually never with the Star of David. Now as to why the hexagram was ever called a Star, the main reason should be quite obvious to most observers. As nearly everybody would agree, the six-pointed shape itself bear a striking visual resemblance to the twinkling effect one experiences when looking directly at either a star, or the sun, through a somewhat hazy atmosphere.

Twinkle (Upward Triangle), Twinkle (Downward Triangle) little star, how I wonder what you are (Star of David). Up above the world so high (Upward Triangle), like a diamond in the sky (Downward Triangle)...

- An interpretation of the song 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'


A Ragtag Collections of Triangles and Hexagrams

There is also a Biblical reason why the hexagram has been called a star and it concerns a certain, obscure prophecy found in the Book of Numbers. Keeping in mind that this was written long before King David was ever born, the relevant verse talks about an unknown future leader of Israel who will rise to power and go on to defeat the traditional enemies of the Israelites- the Moabites for example. This future hero is metaphorically described as 'a Star' which 'shall come forth from Jacob', obviously meaning a yet-to-born descendant from the one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Because of the importance of the Davidic Kingdom, quite a few scholars claim this passage from Numbers should be seen as a direct reference to the later military success and subsequent rule of King David. Indeed, David official founding of the Kingdom of Israel in Jerusalem was the first event of extreme significance which had occurred in Israel since the time period recorded in the Book of Numbers. Yet the question remains as to why the hexagram, rather than David himself, is the 'Star' mentioned in Scriptures. The best, and probably only correct answer to this is that the original Star of David served as his personalized signature- comprised of two triangular Hebrew letters written on top of each other with one of them turned upside down. In short, the hexagram was simply a uniquely clever way David wrote the first and last initials to his own name. Therefore, the claim that the six-pointed hexagram used for David's name was also a perfect symbolic representation of the Biblically prophesied 'Star' of 'Jacob' happens to be fairly logical, at least in a metaphorical sense. Also, because the Bible just so happens to be filled to the brim with metaphors, this legendary explanation may indeed be the real truth behind the origins of the six-pointed Star.
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STAR OF DAVID:
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A STAR shall come forth from Jacob. A scepter shall rise from Israel and shall crush the corners of Moab, and destroy all the sons of Sheth.

- Numbers 24:17

SEAL OF SOLOMON: Place me like a SEAL upon your heart, like a SEAL on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.
- Song of Solomon 8:6
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Now it is time to turn to the Judeo/Christian legends surrounding the Seal of Solomon and the reason behind the change in name. First, as previously mentioned, the more complex looking six-pointed star with interwoven triangles was Solomon's way of improving upon his father David's original design for their family coat-of-arms. This three-dimensional hexagram was also a far more appropriate insignia for a King of Israel and his Royal family to have as their personal seal. Even so, there was also a deeper, more profound reason behind the interwoven appearance of the Seal of Solomon's two interlaced triangles. Apparently, this specific design served as a visual talisman providing spiritual protection and control against the forces of evil. Not only was the Seal thought to ward against, or scare off, demons and other evil spirits, it also helped to trap, contain, and control them- thus rendering them harmless to mere mortals.

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THE REVELATION: 'The triangles which make up the Seal [of Solomon] interlock and the two triangles of the Star of David lie flat against each other.' (www.theforbiddenknowledge.com)


The Star of David's Triangles pictured on the Left 'lie flat against each other'. while on the Right, the Seal of Solomon's Triangles 'interlock'.

To truly understand how and why this worked, notice how the Seal's interlaced lines have an eerie, maze-like appearance to them, going back and forth, above and behind each other, in a ceaseless, never-ending pattern. This infinite sense of complexity was said to cause disorientation and utter confusion in any demon who dared to look directly at the symbol. More than two thousand years later, the Medieval Christians (as well as Jews) also put their trust in the Seal of Solomon, believing it provided ample protection from the forces of darkness. Three different online sources confirm the 'magical' history of this symbol:
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The hexagram, as the Seal of Solomon, is generally...believed to have protective powers and magical properties...[It] has a long history of providing protection from demons and evil spirits. In some magical practices, it is associated with exorcisms.

- Who Knew Two Triangles Could Do So Much?: The Hexagram, by Rebecca, Themagicalbuffet.com

The Seal of Solomon dates back to the Bronze Ages and is a powerful symbol with many mystical and magickal qualities...the Seal of Solomon is believed to offer protection against both enemies and the evil eye, control spirits, and bring good luck in all aspects of life.

- Seal of Solomon, Amulet Power, Angelfire.com

In the middle Ages it was common to find amulets and talismans which reproduced the Seal of Solomon...It was believed that these magic drawings protected the wearer from the influence of demons and evil spirits, or just bad luck. It was also common to record the seal on a frame or lintel of the entrance door to homes...with the same protective character against the spirits or to potential fires.

- The Hexagram, Star of David or Seal of Solomon, Looking4thetruth77.blogspot.com


An Assortment of Flags and Diagrams showing how Earth, Air, Water, and Fire triangles are placed together to form the Star of David, a symbol representing the entirety of Creation, both Heaven and Earth, and all that is in them.

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One might apt to conclude that both the form and function of the Seal of Solomon were in perfectly alignment, thus explaining the legendary spiritual powers this symbol was believed to possess. These days, Christians (and Jews) are free to choose to believe or disbelieve in its significance, yet even today, in the 21st century, the Seal's actual power over the minds of men (and women) has yet to disappear completely. Indeed, look at the dozens and dozens, perhaps even hundreds, if not thousands, of modern, educated adults who still use this symbol to practice magic and/or witchcraft. Even if one doesn't believe in any magic whatsoever, there still has to be a reason why so many fellow humans have such an on-going obsession with this one particular geometric shape. as if by its very appearance the supernatural will then become possible. A more balanced view concerning the power of the Star of David/Seal of Solomon can be found in the Catholic Church of today. Mentioning the Star of David by name, it reads as follows:
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The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the STAR OF DAVID, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament.


- Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church
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In conclusion, the actual history of the hexagram in terms of the Judeo/Christian tradition indicates that the Star of David/Seal of Solomon appears to be in complete agreement with a fairly long and extensive history of Christian use. Hopefully, Christian respect and admiration for this particular emblem will extend itself into an open friendliness, rather than hostility, towards those who still practice and believe in Judaism. Christian Gentiles must come to realize that, even today, the Jews are part of Jesus Christ's real family, for He really was born a Jew and He really did die a Jew. As such, this symbol represents both Him and them, meaning the non-Christian Jew is not simply just the 'Other', the Jew is also a Christian's brother.

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Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Judeo/Christian Tradition: The Global Power of Ten Hebrew Letters

The Judeo/Christian Tradition: The Global Power of Ten Hebrew Letters: In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1    אבגדהזוחטיאבגדהזוחטיאבגדהזוחטיאבגדהזוחטיאב...

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Why is my Avatar the Eye of the Pyramid turned Upside Down?

On September 13, 2012, I had a curious reader who, rather than respond to the subject of the post, asked a rather simple, straight-forward question which took me by surprise. To ensure the privacy involved, I will refer to this commentator as Mr. Poland, while I will be Mr. Ukraine. Anyway, here is the exact message which he wrote to me:
MR. POLAND: Um, why is your avatar an upside-down masonic pyramid?
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MR. UKRAINE: First off, let's have a look at both of them, side by side, Eye to Eye so to speak...




MR. UKRAINE: Then, let's have look at some underlying definitions as to what it is above, and what is below:
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+ WHAT IS ABOVE? +


Capstone [káp stohn]

1. top stone: a stone used at the top of a wall or another structure
2. high point: something considered the highest achievement.

- Encarta World English Dictionary

Capstone (kapstn) n.
1. The top stone of a structure or wall.
2. The crowning achievement or final stroke; the culmination or acme.


- American Heritage Dictionary

ANSWER: The Capstone
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+ WHAT IS BELOW? +

Cornerstone
1. the basic part of something, on which everything depends.
2. the stone at one of the bottom corners of a new building, often put there during a special ceremony


- Macmillan Dictionary

Cornerstone (noun)
A fundamental principle or underlying concept: base, basis, foundation, fundament, fundamental, root, rudiment (often used in plural). See over/under.

- Thesaurus

Cornerstone (n)
The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture" [synonyms: basis, base, foundation, fundament, groundwork, cornerstone]

- WordNet 2.1 (2005)

ANSWER: The Cornerstone



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MR. UKRAINE: Mr. Poland, are we understanding this yet? Mr. Poland? Mr. Poland....

You know the old adage, 'As above, so below'? Well, believe it or not, this is exactly what they were talking about, even way back then. You don't need to believe me, you just need to read your Bible, because that is the Book where I first discovered and learned about it.

Now, back to your original question, I sincerely hope that it has answered itself, but if not, then I'd recommend an advanced search of the Bible for the words 'Capstone' and 'Cornerstone'. Needless to say, what you will eventually find is an fairly impressive number of different references for the word 'Cornerstone' and only a mere two references for the 'Capstone' which, by the way, can only be found in the New International Version Bible (NIV), and no other. These two 'Capstone' references read as follows:




What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the Capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’

- Zechariah 4:7 (New International Version)

Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen Capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?


- Zechariah 4:10 (New International Version)
     
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Now, if one were to truly research ALL the writings of the Early Church Father concerning the Biblical Cornerstone and its meaning, one could quite easily write an entire book just on that subject. However, I am in a sort-of-hurry, so I will simply show you the Biblical references to the Cornerstone as a comparison in quantity, rather than explaining what they heck they're actually talking about (quality(, because I'm still not completely sure either:




On what were its footings set, or who laid its Cornerstone?
       
- Job 38:5
       
The stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone.
       

- Psalm 118:22
       
Our sons shall be as plants grown up in their youth, and our daughters as Cornerstones built after the fashion of a palace.
     

- Psalm 144:12

The princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Memphis are deluded. Those who are the Cornerstones of her tribes Have led Egypt astray.

     
- Isaiah 19:13

Thus says the Lord GOD, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A precious Cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.'

       
- Isaiah 28:16
       
No rock will be taken from you for a Cornerstone, nor any stone for a foundation, for you will be desolate forever,” declares the LORD.
     
- Jeremiah 51:26
     
From Judah will come the Cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.
     
- Zechariah 10:4
       
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'"
     
- Matthew 21:42

Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone;
     
- Mark 12:10

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone?'"

     
- Luke 20:17

Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the Cornerstone.
       

- Acts 4:11
       
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the Cornerstone,
       

- Ephesians 2:20

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone.'
     
- 1 Peter 2:6

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MR. UKRAINE: in conclusion, MR. POLAND, the answer to your question as to why my 'avatar' is a 'masonic pyramid turned upside down' is simple. It is because the Bible isn't talking about the Eye above the Pyramid, in other words a Capstone, it is obviously talking about a Cornerstone (the Eye Below the Pyramid).. Believe it, or not, the greatest 'secret' to this symbol is as easily solved as a child's puzzle, simply by looking closely at the set of 13 stars directly above the Eagle's head on the Other side of the dollar.

Do you see it? Has anyone told you about it? Well, just to let you know, those 13 diabolical little pentagrams have been perfectly arranged to create a tiny six-pointed Star of David. If you can't see it yet, you need better glasses (or contacts).

Anyway, in terms of actual distance and proportion, one once see quite clearly that where the pyramid ends and the eye begins also happens to be in near perfect alignment so that placing the two pyramid/triangles together forms a perfect fit without any overlap. Thus, by combining the Capstone with the Cornerstone, so that which is above is exactly like that which is below (as Above, so Below), this ends up creating the exact same geometric symbol already visible on the other side of the dollar bill directly above the Eagle's Head. 'That's too simple!' you might scream, 'Even a child could figure that out, there's got to be more to it than just that!' You just might say as part of your overall rant and rave that every other 'conspiracy theory' about is simply madness and delusion. For is not the Royal House of David destined by God to rule the world in the end?



The fact of the matter is that, like all young men who used to like playing with fire, the Founding Fathers were very familiar with alchemy and its basic symbolism. It is a historical fact that even back then, as it still is today, the symbols for Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, were all intricately connected to the Star of David, both symbolically and otherwise. Indeed, it is absurd to even listen to some of theorist who insist their use Hexagram must somehow they were secret Jews or Pagans, in disguise.

The real reason the Founding Fathers left behinds some easily decipherable traces of the Six-pointed Star of David, simply shows them to have had the basic common sense to realize it was very much a symbol of Jesus Christ and His family, including His mother Mary, as well as countless other. The Founders also knew that anyone desiring to rule over the Jews must claim this symbol as their own, and woe be to any imposter would ever dare claim to be the the legendary Messiah, the King of the Jews.

'We have no king but Caesar!' the chief priests shouted.

- John 19:15


If you, or anyone who reads at all, is interested in more information about my avatar symbol (The Cornerstone/Eye Below the Pyramid) can let me know, by simply sending me a message or finding me on Facebook, I'm the only Judas Maccabaeus on their Website, so I it is not at all difficult to find me and make contact.


God bless and Shalom.

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+ FINAL REFERENCE +


Cornerstone
The Cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

Over time a Cornerstone became a ceremonial masonry stone, or replica, set in a prominent location on the outside of a building, with an inscription on the stone...The rite of laying a Cornerstone is an important cultural component...metaphorically in sacred architecture generally.

The origins of this tradition are vague but its presence in Judeo/Christian countries can be associated with one quotation from the Old Testament (Psalm 118:22) cited six times in the New Testament (Matthew 21:42,Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:7).

- Cornerstone, Wikipedia

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Monday, September 10, 2012

As Above, so Below -- As Below, so Above in the 2nd Book of Enoch









Even the sun has peace in itself, while I found no peace...and I conceived the thought of placing foundations.

- II Enoch 24:4

EYE ABOVE: the sun'
EYE BELOW: 'placing foundations'
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There is no other except the Lord, neither in heaven, nor in earth, nor in the very lowest places, nor in the one foundation. The Lord has placed the foundations in the unknown, and has spread forth.

- II Enoch 47:4-5

EYE ABOVE:  in Heaven' 
EYE BELOW: 'in earth' and 'lowest places' and 'one foundation'
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The sun goes along the seven Heavenly circles and...has two thrones on which he rests, revolving hither and thither above...And thus it goes close to the earth, then the earth is glad which cause its fruits to grow, and when it goes away, then the earth is sad.

- II Enoch 48:1-2

EYE ABOVE: Seven Heavenly circles' and 'ithther and thither above'
EYE BELOW: 'close to the earth' and 'the earth'
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Then I made firm the Heavenly circle, and made the lower water which is under Heaven collect itself together, into one whole, so that the chaos become dry.

- II Enoch 28:1

EYE ABOVE: 'Heavenly circle' and 'Heaven'
EYE BELOW: 'lower water' and 'the chaos'
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I created rock hard and big and from the rock I piled up the dry, and the dry I called earth. The midst of the earth I called the abyss, that is to say the bottomless.

- II Enoch 28:2

EYE ABOVE:'from the rock, i piled up... the dry I called earth'
EYE BELOW: 'the abyss' and 'the bottomless'  
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If you look to Heaven, the LORD is there. if you take thought of the sea’s deep and all the under-earth, the LORD is there.

- II Enoch 66:5

EYE ABOVE:  'look to Heaven'
EYE BELOW:'sea's deep and all the under-earth'
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Enoch, all that I have told you, all that you have understood, all that you have seen of Heavenly things, all that you have seen on earth,...all these things I have devised and created from the uppermost foundation to the lower and to the end.

- II Enoch 33:2-4

EYE ABOVE: Heavenly things' and 'uppermost foundation'
EYE BELOW: on earth' and 'the lower end to the end' 
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And one from out the order of angels...conceived an impossible thought, to place his throne higher than the clouds above the earth, that he might become equal in rank to my power. And I threw him out from the height with his angels, and he was flying in the air continuously above the bottomless.

- II Enoch 29:3-4

EYE ABOVE: 'to place his throne higher than the clouds above the earth'
EYE BELOW: threw him out from the height' and 'the bottomless'
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Thus the sun revolves and goes. It rises under the heaven and its course goes under the earth with the light of its rays incessantly.

- II Enoch 12:2

EYE ABOVE: 'the sun revolves and goes' and 'rises under the Heaven'
EYE BELOW: 'goes under the earth'
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/ Understanding the Eyes of Both Above and Below /

The Sanhedrin were known by the designation, 'The Eyes of the community.'

- Jewish Midrash, Song 4


EnochEnochEnchEncohEnochEnochEnochEnochEnchEncohEnochEnochEnochEnoch





The Devil is the evil spirit of the lower places, as a fugitive he made Satana from the Heavens as his name was Satan thus he became different from the angels, but his nature did not change.

- II Enoch 31:4

EYE BELOW: 'the lower places'' 
EYE ABOVE: the Heavens'
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Blessed is he who looks down and raises the fallen.  

- II Enoch 52:7

EYE BELOW: 'Looks down'
EYE ABOVE: 'Raises the fallen'
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Hear the words of the father of the earth. How fearful and awful it is to come before the face of the ruler of the earth, but how much more terrible and awful it is to come before the face of the ruler of Heaven, the Judge of the living and the dead, and of the Heavenly troops. Who can endure that endless pain?

-  II Enoch 39:8

EYE BELOW: 'father of the earth' and  'ruler of the earth'
EYE ABOVE: 'Ruler of Heaven' and 'Heavenly troops'
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I measured out the whole earth, its mountains, and a hills, fields, trees, stones, rivers, all existing things I wrote down, the height from earth to the Seventh Heaven, and downwards to the very lowest Hell, and the judgment-place, and the very great, open and weeping hell.

- II Enoch 40:9

EYE BELOW: 'The height' and 'Seventh Heaven'
EYE ABOVE: Downwards' and 'lowest Hell'
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I placed for myself a throne, and took my seat on it, and said to the light: 'Go thence up higher and fix yourself high above the throne, and be a foundation to the highest things'. 6 And above the light there is nothing else, and then I bent up and looked up from my throne.'

- II Enoch 25:5-6

EYE BELOW: 'a throne' and  'my throne'
EYE ABOVE: 'Up higher' and  'high above' and 'bent up and looked up'
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I spread it out with the light and it became water. I spread it out over the darkness, below the light and then I made firm the waters, that is to say the bottomless, and I made the foundation of light...and created seven circles from inside...and placed each of the seven stars...in its Heaven.

- II Enoch 27:1

EYE BELOW:  'Below the light' and 'the bottomless'
EYE ABOVE: 'Foundation of light' and 'in its Heaven'

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/ Understanding the Eyes of Both Below and Above /

The Sanhedrin were known by the designation, 'The Eyes of the community.'

- Jewish Midrash Song 4



 May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.
  

The Face of God, the Face of the LORD...




Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy  of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under  His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as  the sky itself. Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank.

  - Exodus 24:9-11 







The Facts about Talmudic Sexual Morality


"The constant accusation that the Talmud is in any way sexually immoral or impure is one of the biggest lies ever told. In reality, the Rabbis of the Talmud were very strict about personal sexual behavior."
 





 

* The Natural, Normal, and Traditional Sexual Morality of the Talmud *
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The constant accusation that the Talmud is in any way sexually immoral or impure is one of the biggest lies ever told. Why? I've studied the ENTIRE Babylonian Talmud for many years and found it to be very sexually moral, more so than most forms of Christianity. In reality, the Rabbis of the Talmud were very strict about personal sexual behavior. For example, the Talmud insists that a husband may only have sex with his wife in total darkness. Any outside light source illuminating the interior of the marital bedroom was prohibited. Marital love even by the moonlight was seen as sinful and wrong. This is not to say the Rabbis were repressed in any way. Indeed, they come off as quite wise and down-to-earth about sexual matters. Their frank discussions of animal breeding practices would probably make a young girl blush, but their old-fashioned chivalry and respect for women prove the point that these Rabbis represented sort of an ancient version of the Anglo-Saxon country Gentleman.





* The Talmudic Opposition to the Devil's 'Handshake' *
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Because of the traditional Jewish respect for self-discipline and self-control, the Talmud's attitude towards masturbation was far different than today's Christian tolerance and acceptance of a sexual act still defined in the dictionary as self-abuse, or self-defilement. The Rabbis of the Talmud considered any man (or boy) who masturbated as being 'worthy of death'. Here is the relevant Talmudic verses and their blatant condemnation of that diabolical method the Devil prefers to use all the while pretending to shake your hand in friendship.


== The Jewish Talmud's References about Masturbation ==


Rabbi Ammi stated: "He who excites himself by lustful thoughts will not be allowed to enter into the Presence of the Holy One, blessed be He.' For here it is written, 'Was evil in the sight of the LORD,' and elsewhere it is written, 'For You are not a God that takes pleasure in wickedness and evil shall not sojourn with You.'"


- Jewish Talmud, Niddah 13b

Eleazar stated: "Who are referred to in the Scriptural text, 'Your hands are full of blood?' Those that commit masturbation with their hands."


- Jewish Talmud, Niddah 13b

It was taught at the school of Rabbi Ishmael, 'You shall not commit adultery,' implies, 'You shall not practice masturbation with either hand or with foot.'

- Jewish Talmud, Niddah 13b
       

The Cornerstone: A Basic Summary of the Seven Laws of Noah Versus t...


Swastikas, the Broken Crosses of Paganism



Various Swastikas

The Broken and Twisted Cross from the East


The swastika...which as such always has been and always will be anti-Semitic.

- Mein Kampf, by Adolf Hitler

Hatred makes the straight crooked.

- Old Jewish Proverb

One of the little known facts concerning the swastika, and perhaps one that is of the utmost importance, is that the Eastern religions of Buddhism and Hinduism have drastically changed their symbolic use of the swastika since the terrible days of Nazism earlier in the 20th century. Apparently, both of these religions tended to use the Swastika twisted to the Left (the Nazi Swastika), rather than the Swastika twisted to the Right, thus favoring it in their own religious iconography, writings, and architecture. Even today, the swastika is found throughout the towns and cities of India, as well as other Asian nations, and it is the exact same symbol that the Nazis used during World War II. The facts are this:

The [swastika] appears to have first been used in Neolithic Eurasia, perhaps representing the movement of the sun through the sky. To this day it is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Odinism. It is a common sight on temples or houses in India or Indonesia. Swastikas also have an ancient history in Europe, appearing on artifacts from pre-Christian European cultures.


Various Swastikas in History


Put bluntly, both Swastikas are age-old Pagan symbols which have no place in the Judeo-Christian tradition, except perhaps as a symbol of evil or something to be avoided in the least. Now, at the dawn of the third millenium, Buddhism happens to be no longer using the Nazi swastika and is, instead, nearly always using the Swastika twisted to the Right as the 'official' symbol of their faith. This is actually a very recent decision on the part of the Buddhist leadership. The so-called 'ancient' Buddhist folk-lore has been changed to fit and enhance their modern public image as a religion of goodness and peace, rather than a barbaric Pagan faith destined to go extinct.




The Nazi Flag


In reality, it remains completely untrue to say that Buddhism, let alone Hinduism, did not actively use the Swastika twisted to the Left, namely the Nazi swastika for many, many centuries. They both did, and there is ample proof that the recent switch between swastikas is nothing more than a ploy of the Eastern religions to disassociate themselves from the Nazis, their genocidal policies, and to avoid any and all blame. One source notes:

Can there be two completely opposite meanings for one symbol?...Since the Nazis use of the swastika, some people are trying to differentiate the two meanings of the swastika by varying its direction - trying to make the clockwise, Nazi version of the swastika mean hate and death while the counter-clockwise version would hold the ancient meaning of the symbol, life and good-luck. Until the Nazis used this symbol, the swastika was used by many cultures throughout the past 3,000 years to represent life, sun, power, strength, and good luck.

Buddhism, in particular, is now avoiding any and all use of the Nazi swastika (Left Hand) and has fabricated their own folk-lore to match this modern myth. One source states that in today's world, 'Buddhists almost always use the left-facing swastika,' namely the Right Hand swastika, or sauvastika, which the Nazis did not utilize during the World War II. Historically speaking, this is a deliberate falsehood which allows Buddhism to cover up, ignore, and even deny their long and extensive use of the Nazi swastika as a religious symbol of goodness and well being. At best, both symbols were used as one researcher notes specifically:

In the footprints of Buddha the Buddhists recognize...auspicious signs, the first of them being the Svastika...the fourth is the Sauvastika, or that with the arms turned to the left.

- Burnouf (1852)

This means that the distinction between the two swastikas is little more than a modern attempt to explain, or explain away, the ikon of the Nazis as compared to that of Buddhism and/or Hinduism. In reality, both swastikas, sometimes known as the swastika (Left) and the sauvastika (Right), were used in the East with the same meaning for both ikons. Two different sources state the following:

Although the more common form is the right-facing swastika, the symbol is used in both orientations for the sake of balance in Hinduism.

In ancient times, the direction of the swastika was interchangeable as can be seen on an ancient Chinese silk drawing.

Thus the confused, modern distinction about the two swastikas should be discarded and then re-evaluated in a proper manner. One must understand that the Eastern religions deliberately use this broken, twisted symbol as a ikon of goodness, instead of evil as the Bible does in several places, mainly because they are Pagan religions outside of Judeo-Christian monotheism. All things considered, any notion 'that sauwastikas are considered "evil" or inauspicious versions of the auspicious swastika in Indian religions' are without validity especially since Buddhism 'counts the svastika and the sauvastika equally among the...auspicious signs.' Another researcher also confesses doubts about any distinction between the two symbols:

Would it not be simpler to admit that the direction of the branches is of secondary importance in the symbolism of the gammadion (swastika)? When it is desired to symbolize the progress of the sun...little attention will have been paid to the direction given to the rays.

- D'Alviella (1894)

In addition to this general lack of distinction between the two ikons, the alternative name for the Swastika twisted to the Right as a so-called sauvastika, rather just another swastika, also happens to be a historical fiction that was invented by scholars in the West. Namely, 'the term sauvastika thus cannot be confirmed as authentic and is probably due to' 19th century Western researchers making things up as they go along. Well the damage is done, and once again Paganism gets off without any blame for the evil and wickedness inherent in the swastika.





A Modern Buddhist Temple


Most tellingly, the Eastern religions readily admit in their folklore, both Swastikas are emblems which have demonic origins and was initially created by a diabolical serpent being as a emblem for 'good luck'. Careful to use the other swastika, the sauvastika (Cross twisted to the Right), these Pagan faiths, like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, now insist that this ikon has always represented good luck, blessings, and the light of the sun while the swastika used by the Nazis always symbolized bad luck or misfortune. As already discussed previously, this is a modern fable, a Pagan fairy tale, which is historically invalid. As one source writes:

Some contemporary writers assert that the swastika as used in Nazi Germany is in fact the "evil sauwastika". Since the swastika on the Flag of Nazi Germany was "right-facing" when displayed one-sided, this requires a redefinition of "sauwastika" as the variant current in Hinduism, and the "swastika proper" as the "left-facing" one current in Buddhism, contrary to [historical evidence]. The notion that Hitler deliberately inverted the "good left-facing" Buddhist swastika is, however, wholly unsupported by any historical evidence.

Simply put, the swastika is, in fact, an Eastern, or Asian, symbol that never really caught on in the West, most probably due to the spiritual power, influence, and importance of the Christian Cross, an ikon that is mainly opposed to the broken crookedness, the asymmetry of the Swastika. One scholar notes that this ikon 'is rarely seen on its own in Western architecture'.

The history is this: long before Nazism came to power in Germany in 1933, the Eastern nations were using both Swastikas frequently and, never forget, as a crucial and integral part of their religion. Along with the somewhat black/white circle of Yin/Yang, the Swastika, most especially the Swastika twisted to the Left, played a prominent role in the religious symbolism of both Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism for many centuries. These Pagan faiths have called what is crooked, straight. They have claimed that what is broken, is actually well-made, and what is evil, good. One should remember the Book of Isaiah which laments: 'Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.' The proper Biblical understanding of the Pagan swastikas can be summarized as follows:

The Right and Left Hands of Paganism

The Two Swastikas


swastikart2gifLEFT.gif image by Judas999
The Left Hand

File:Crossed circle.svg
The Cross


swastikalft2gifRIGHT.gif image by Judas999
The Right Hand
Location North Equator South
Direction West Central East
Orientation To the Left Straight & Forward To the Right
Dogma Blasphemy Truth Heresy
Alignment Evil Goodness Wickedness
Serpents Crooked Serpent Seraphim Ancient Serpent
Actions Crooked Ways Straight Ways & Paths Crooked Paths
Nature Lightning Earth Thunder


Given everything, it appears most probable and extremely likely that the ancient Jewish prophets and other authors of the Bible were at least vaguely familiar with this symbol, which they obviously viewed with derision and disdain. The following passages are indicative of the main Scriptural view of both the Left Hand and Right Hands of the Swastikas:

Do not turn to the Right hand nor to the Left hand. Remove your foot from evil.

- Proverbs 4:27

God forbid the we should forsake the law and the ordinances. We will not listen to the kings words, to turn away from our religion, either on the Right hand, or the Left hand.

- I Maccabees 2:21-22

He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and did not turn aside to the Right hand or to the Left hand.


- 2 Kings 22:2

Using a variety of Biblical terminology, the Swastikas are quite clearly identified time and again as both wicked and evil, opposed to the traditions of the LORD God of the Bible, like the Christian cross for example. As can be read, both Swastikas were seen as a literal turning away from the Laws of God and from the paths and ways of the fathers, such as King David who, like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham before him, walked in the straight paths of the LORD God and of the Cross of Christianity.

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you. Ye shall not turn aside to the Right hand or to the Left.

- Deuteronomy 5:32

Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the Right hand or to the Left, following other gods and serving them.

- Deuteronomy 28:14

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you, do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

- Joshua 1:7

Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right hand or to the left.

- Joshua 23:6

The repeated use of 'turning aside' as something which should be carefully avoided at all times clearly indicates that the symbols for these actions, the two swastikas, were viewed by the prophets in a very negative manner. It appears to be quite probable that the Biblical authors really did have in mind the two swastikas as representing the Left hand and the Right hand. This is because, in quite a few cases, the characters being described promise not to turn aside either to the Left or to the Right, almost as if it were inherently wrong to do so. In reality, there is nothing wrong with turning aside one way or another unless one understands the underlying symbolic use of the swastika so as to represent the two hands of Paganism being described. Here are just two pertinent examples:

Let us pass through your country. We will stay on the main road, we will not turn aside to the Right hand or to the Left.

- Deuteronomy 2:27

So now if you are going to deal kindly and truly with my master tell me and if not, let me know, so that I may turn to the Right hand or the Left.

- Genesis 24:49

In the first passage, they are promising not to get into any trouble while traveling, to not get side-tracked, and to avoid trespassing on private property. In the second passage, the character is wondering whether or not to treat someone as a friend and an ally, or as an enemy to be dealt with by deliberately turning aside to the Left or to the Right. Put bluntly, the act of turning aside to either the Left or Right was commonly understood by the Hebrews was something which should not metaphorically be done to friends, only to adversaries. In other words, 'turning' to the Left or to the Right can be seen as an ultimate sign of contempt and perhaps even arrogance.

The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the Right hand or the Left

A Basic Summary of the Seven Laws of Noah Versus the Ten Commandments of God

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Some Crucial Facts concerning the Ten Commandments and the Seven Laws of Noah





—> According to Jewish Rabbinical legend, the Seven Laws of Noah were given to Noah and his family of three sons- Shem, Japheth, and Ham immediately after the Great Flood ended in 2105 B.C. However, the primary text for this story, the Book of Genesis, makes absolutely no mention of these Seven Laws except for the general prohibition against murder and the drinking of any blood.

—> Keep in mind the alleged author of Genesis happens Moses, who is said to have personally received the Ten Commandments from God while atop Mt. Sinai. Therefore to suggest that the 10 Commandments was simply an updated, modified, or extended version of the ancient Seven laws of Noah also given to Noah by God, seems highly implausible. Logically speaking, there seems little to no reason to believe Moses would have failed to mention these Seven Noahide laws, if they in fact, they ever existed, and especially if God himself had mentioned them to Noah.





—> Historically speaking, the Seven Laws of Noah have been a basically Jewish concept seldom taken into consideration by the Christian Church. The oldest known source documenting the Seven Laws of Noah is the Jewish Talmud, a post-Christian set of texts, written at least 100 years after Christianity had been established. In contrast, there is far more evidence attesting to the ancient origins of the Ten Commandments, while the sources documenting the Noahide Laws are either scant or nonexistent

.—> From the very beginning of Christianity, the Church has taught that the Ten Commandments of Moses, brought down from Mt. Sinai and written with the very ‘finger of God’, are eternal laws of God which all Christians are expected to obey or face punishment both in this life and the next. Jesus Christ mentions nearly all the Ten Commandments in the Gospels and reaffirms the need for believers to follow and obey them at all times. There is no direct mention of the Seven Laws of Noah in either the Old or New Testament.

—> When it comes to the Seven Laws of Noah, some Jewish and Christian scholars believe there is evidence that the founding fathers of the Christian Church, most of whom knew Jesus personally, used them as a basis for deciding that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and follow the Laws of the Torah. One source notes the following: ‘On the initiative of Peter, and of James, the head of the Jerusalem church, it was agreed that acceptance of the Noachian Laws…should be demanded of the heathen desirous of entering the Church’ (Jewish Encyclopedia, New Testament). Keep in mind this understanding of the relationship between Christianity and the Seven Laws of Noah is still a subject of debate even today.

—> On the other hand, the validity of the Ten Commandments has never been a subject of dispute among the vast majority of Christian religious authorities. One of the major sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is dedicated exclusively to listing, explaining, and interpreting the Ten Commandments as it relates to the Christian faith of today. Most Protestant Churches believe likewise.


+ The Judeo/Christian Ten Commandments in Simple English +

1. YHVH is the LORD your God. You will have no other gods but Him.
2. You will not use the name of the LORD in vain.
3. You will honor the Sabbath day.
4. You will honor your father and your mother.
5. You will not kill.
6. You will not commit adultery.
7. You will not steal.
8. You will not lie.
9. You will not envy another man’s wife.
10. You will not envy another man’s property.

- Established by God in 1313 B.C.
_____________________________

+ The Judeo/Christian Seven Laws of Noah in Simple English +

1) You will not commit Idolatry
2) You will not commit Blasphemy
3) You will not commit Sexual Perversion
4) You wiil not commit Murder
5) You will not commit Theft
6) You will not commit Animal Cruelty
7) You will establish Courts to Enforce these Laws

- Established by God in 2105 B.C.


CONCLUSION: The Seven Laws of Noah are indeed righteous, God-given rules which all mankind should read, learn, study and obey and this means all Christian believers as well. However, by both tradition and Scripture, the Ten Commandments are a fundamental aspect of Christianity which should be both taught and revered among all Christian believers starting from the earliest ages. Moses, not Noah, is the preferred Rabbi to use for any sort of traditional Christian instruction. Also, Christians who take their Bible studies seriously should feel rest assured that, contrary to some believers, many of them hysterical, Jew-hating fanatics, the Seven Laws of Noah are completely compatible with the Christian faith as it has been known since the earliest years of the Church. The Jewish desire to promote the Seven Noahide Laws among non-believers is sincere and has absolutely no ‘hidden’ anti-Christian motivations. Finally, an additional list of the Seven Laws of Noah have been included below along with the corresponding law found in the 10 Commandments written in parenthesis to the right. This easy reference tool clearly shows all the direct correlations between the the Ten Commandments and the Seven Laws:


Law of Noah (Commandment of God)

1. Idolatry (#1- worship of other gods, #3- Dishonoring the Sabbath day, #10- Envy another’s goods)
2. Blasphemy (#2- Using God’s Name in vain, #4- Dishonoring parents, #8- Lying)
3. Sexual Perversion (#6- Adultery, #9- Envy another’s wife)
4. Murder (#5- Murder)
5. Theft (#7- Stealing)
6. Animal Cruelty (#7- Harming God’s creatures is theft)
7. Establish Courts to Enforce these Laws (#8- Determines truth from lies)


God bless Noah, God bless Moses, and may God bless you all. Shalom.