Showing posts with label Androgyny and Satan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Androgyny and Satan. Show all posts

Friday, December 13, 2024

Pagan Spirituality and Pagan Sexuality The Rise of Androgyne in The Last Days



By Endtimeshofar





Introduction to Pagan Spirituality and Sexuality

Pagan spirituality encompasses a diverse range of traditions, practices, and beliefs. It is often rooted in ancient religions, which honor nature, polytheism, and the cycles of life. Many modern pagans draw inspiration from Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, and indigenous traditions.

Pagan sexuality is integrally connected to these spiritual beliefs. It often highlights the sacredness of all forms of love and sexual expression. Unlike some religious traditions that may have strict rules about sexuality, pagan spirituality typically embraces a fluid understanding of gender and sexual identities.

Were seeing the rise of androgyne in the last days, people are gravitating back to Pre-Judeo-Christian religions of paganism, and the manifestation is being seen in the change of modern sexuality norms have reverted back to the ancient pagan days of androgyne and gender-fluid sexuality. How will the Church respond and minister to a neo-pagan society? Let us systematically explore how neo-paganism has rapidly change the views of Western civilization on sexuality, and the elimination of the traditional views of just male and female. 

Key Aspects of Pagan Spirituality:

  • Polytheism: The belief in multiple gods and goddesses.
  • Nature Worship: Reverence for the Earth, seasons, and natural cycles.
  • Ritualistic Practices: Seasonal festivals, moon rituals, and rites of passage.
  • Magical Practices: Spellwork, divination, and the use of objects like crystals and herbs.

Core Beliefs in Pagan Sexuality:

  • Sacred Sexuality: Sexual acts are seen as expressions of divine energy.
  • Fluidity of Gender: Recognition and acceptance of non-binary, transgender, and gender-fluid identities.
  • Consent and Respect: Emphasis on consensual relationships and respect for all partners.

Major Pagan Traditions:

  1. Wicca: Focuses on duality of the God and Goddess, and the Wheel of the Year.
  2. Druidry: Reveres nature, specifically trees, and follows seasonal cycles.
  3. Heathenry: Based on Norse myths, honoring gods like Odin and Thor.
  4. Hellenism: Reimagines the worship of Greek gods such as Zeus and Athena.

Sexuality in Pagan Practices:

  • Sexual rites: Often part of fertility rituals or celebrations of life cycles.
  • Role of deities: Many pagan deities are patrons of love, sex, and fertility, exemplifying the divine nature of these acts.

In conclusion, pagan spirituality and sexuality provide a holistic approach where every aspect of life is interconnected, and sexuality is celebrated as a natural and sacred part of human existence.

Historical Context of Pagan Beliefs






Pagan beliefs have roots extending back to ancient civilizations. These systems of spirituality were diverse and oriented around nature, multiple deities, and the cycles of life. The following points highlight the historical context of pagan beliefs:

  • Ancient Civilizations: Many ancient cultures, such as the Greeks, Romans, Norse, and Egyptians, practiced what are now considered pagan religions. They worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each governing specific aspects of life, from love to warfare to agriculture.
  • Deification of Nature: Pagans saw the divine in all facets of the natural world. Rivers, mountains, forests, and celestial bodies often had their own spirits or deities. This intimate connection with nature influenced rituals and celebrations, many of which were tied to the seasons and agricultural cycles.
  • Ritual Practices: Pagan rituals often involved offerings, sacrifices, and ceremonies to honor deities and ensure their favor. These practices varied widely among different cultures but shared a reverence for the sacredness of natural elements and life's milestones.
  • Symbolism and Mythology: Myths played a crucial role in pagan belief systems. They provided explanations for natural phenomena, human behavior, and the origins of the world. Symbols derived from these myths were used to convey complex spiritual truths and foster a sense of shared identity among the followers.

"The religious systems we now call 'pagan' were the dominant modes of spirituality for millennia, shaping human history through their rich traditions and profound insights into the human experience." - Scholar of Religious Studies

  • Transition and Adaptation: With the rise of monotheistic religions, many pagan traditions were either suppressed or absorbed into the new religious frameworks. Festivals, symbols, and even deities were reinterpreted or co-opted, blending the old with the new.
  • Modern Paganism: Contemporary paganism, often known as neo-paganism, seeks to revive these ancient practices in modern contexts. Movements such as Wicca, Druidry, and Heathenry take inspiration from historical traditions while adapting them to contemporary spiritual needs.

Exploring paganism's historical context is crucial to understanding its spiritual and cultural significance, revealing a legacy intertwined with humanity's deepest connections to the divine and the natural world.

The Concept of Androgyne in Paganism

Paganism, an umbrella term encompassing various religious traditions, often embraces a fluid understanding of gender and sexuality. The concept of the Androgyne is deeply rooted in these belief systems.

Historical Context






In many ancient cultures, gods and goddesses with androgynous attributes symbolize the unity of masculine and feminine. For instance:

  • Greek Mythology: Hermaphroditus, a deity embodying both male and female characteristics.
  • Hinduism: Ardhanarishvara, representing a fusion of Shiva and Parvati.

The androgynous figures signify the wholeness and completeness in nature, transcending binary gender norms.

Symbolism



The Androgyne represents various metaphysical and spiritual principles in Pagan spirituality:

  • Balance: Harmonizing the masculine and feminine energies within an individual.
  • Transformation: Symbolizing inner metamorphosis and spiritual evolution.
  • Unity: Reflecting the interconnectedness of all existence and the dissolution of dualities.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary Paganism, the figure of the Androgyne has gained renewed significance, embodying ideals of inclusivity and diversity. It manifests in:

  • Ritual Practices: Incorporating androgynous symbols and deities in ceremonies.
  • Gender Fluidity: Affirming the validity of non-binary identities and expressions.
  • Community: Fostering acceptance and understanding of diverse gender and sexual identities.

Influence on Pagan Sexuality

The Androgyne also impacts views on sexuality within Paganism:

  • Sacred Sexuality: Celebrating sexual unions as sacred acts embodying divine balance.
  • Sexual Freedom: Upholding the autonomy and inherent sanctity of all consensual sexual expressions.
  • Spiritual Pathways: Recognizing sexual experiences as potential avenues for spiritual enlightenment and personal growth.

Integration in Pagan Practices

Pagans incorporate the Androgyne concept through:

  1. Creative Arts: Depicting androgynous beings in art, music, and literature.
  2. Educational Workshops: Offering teachings and discussions on gender fluidity and spirituality.
  3. Community Celebrations: Honoring androgyny during festivals and sabbats.

The concept of the Androgyne thus continues to inspire and shape Pagan practices, promoting a more inclusive and holistic understanding of gender and sexuality.

Modern Revival of Pagan Practices




The modern revival of pagan practices features a renewed interest in ancient traditions. This movement stems from a desire to reconnect with nature, enhance personal spirituality, and challenge dominant religious narratives. Individuals are increasingly exploring practices that align with early paganism, integrating them into their contemporary lives.

Practices

  1. Rituals and Ceremonies:
    • Modern practitioners often conduct rituals that mirror ancient ceremonies.
    • These include seasonal celebrations like solstices and equinoxes.
    • Such rituals often aim to honor gods and goddesses, nature, and planetary cycles.
  2. Festivals:
    • Modern pagans participate in festivals such as Samhain, Beltane, and Ostara.
    • These festivals usually involve community gatherings, feasts, music, and dance.
    • They help reinforce a sense of community and shared belief.
  3. Nature Worship:
    • Reverence for nature is a cornerstone of pagan practices.
    • Modern pagans might engage in activities like meditating in natural settings, tending gardens, or making offerings to nature spirits.
    • Ecological concerns often drive participation in environmental conservation efforts.
  4. Divination Practices:
    • The use of tarot cards, runes, and other divination tools is prevalent.
    • These practices seek guidance, insight, and connection to the divine through interpretive rituals.

Community and Identity

  1. Inclusivity:
    • Modern pagan communities advocate for inclusivity, featuring diverse identities and sexual orientations.
    • Safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and discussions around gender fluidity are common.
  2. Online Platforms:
    • The internet plays a significant role in the modern pagan revival.
    • Online forums, social media, and virtual ceremonies allow global connectivity and exchange of ideas.

"The growing interest in pagan practices not only reflects a yearning for connection to the past but also represents a search for a more inclusive and holistic spiritual path."

Moral and Ethical Views

  1. Ethical Living:
    • Contemporary practitioners often embrace moral codes that emphasize respect for all living beings.
    • Ethical and sustainable living practices form an important tenet.
  2. Interconnectedness:
    • Modern pagans believe in the interconnectedness of all life.
    • This belief influences their view on environmental and social issues, promoting active participation in communal solutions.

Influence of Androgyny in Contemporary Society




In today's society, the concept of androgyny has gained remarkable prominence, impacting numerous aspects of life. The following key areas show how androgyny influences contemporary society:

Fashion and Aesthetics

  • Unisex Clothing Lines: Designers increasingly create collections that blur gender lines, offering garments suitable for all.
  • Model Representation: Runways and fashion campaigns feature androgynous models, celebrating gender fluidity.
  • Personal Style: Individuals mix traditionally masculine and feminine elements, fostering a diverse fashion landscape.

Media and Entertainment



The rise of androgyny is evident in various media forms:

  • Film and TV Characters: Shows and movies showcase androgynous characters, exploring themes of identity and fluidity.
  • Music Industry: Artists like David Bowie and Janelle MonĂ¡e embody androgynous styles, influencing fans and peers.
  • Influencers and Social Media: Platforms feature influencers who challenge gender norms, encouraging followers to embrace androgyny.

Gnosticism Promotes Androgyne

Gnostic Gospel of Phillip: There was no death when eve was still in Adam. Adam was called hermaphrodite, both male and female. thus the human soul is described as androgynous.






Monday, September 4, 2023

Satan is The GOAT: Satan is The Greatest Opponent Against Truth!

 



Here are some excerpts from our podcast on 8/17/23 entitled Satan is The GOAT: Satan is The Greatest Opponent Against Truth! Spirit of the Goat: Baphomet, Azazel, and Pan:


H.P. Blavatsky The Secret Doctrine: Baphomet, Azazel, and Pan

  



In The Secret Doctrine P. 406, Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky writes a footnote comparing Baphomet to the Azazel:

In Demonology, Satan is the leader of the opposition in Hell, the monarch of which was Beelzebub. He belongs to the fifth kind or class of Demons (of which there are nine according to the medieval Demonology), and he is at the head of witches and sorcerers. But see elsewhere the true meaning of Baphomet, the goat-headed Satan, one with Azazel, the scape-goat of Israel. Nature is the God Pan

 

 Leviticus 17:7, “ They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.”

 

Se’irim-Hebrew word (singular: se’ir) are goat-shaped Semitic spirits. Their name derives from sai’ir meaning “hairy” or “shaggy goat.” In Leviticus 17:7, the Children of Israel are forbidden to sacrifice to them.

 


Baphomet: The Union of Babylon and The Beast  



On a biological level, Baphomet represents all life:

The scales of a fish and reptile.

The body of a man and woman(representing both sexes as hermaphrodites).

The wings of bird.

And the head of a beast.

Source: The Pagan Book of Wisdom and Knowledge: Baphomet Lodge P. 9, Jonathan Ludd 

 

Baphomet is the Union of Babylon and the Beast.

The “Sat” and “Tan” become one, thus becoming Satan.

Source: The Pagan Book of Wisdom and Knowledge: Baphomet Lodge P. 9, Jonathan Ludd 

Goat Azazel in Leviticus 16

The word “Azazel” in the Hebrew text can be translated “the goat that goes away.” This is the justification for the common “scapegoat” translation (NIV, NASB, KJV). The scapegoat, so the translator has it, symbolically carries the sins of the people away from the camp of Israel into the wilderness. Seems simple enough.

However, “Azazel” could also be a proper name. In Lev. 16:8 one goat is “for Yahweh” while the other goat is “for Azazel.” Since Yahweh is a proper name and the goats are described in the same way, Hebrew parallelism suggests Azazel is also a proper name, which is why more recent translations, sensitive to the literary character of the Hebrew text, read “Azazel” and not “scapegoat” (ESV, NRSV, NJPS). So what’s the big deal?

 

In the Day of Atonement ritual, the goat for Yahweh—the goat that was sacrificed—purifies the people of Israel and the Tabernacle/Temple. Sins were “atoned for” and what had been ritually unclean was sanctified and made holy. But purification only described part of what atonement meant. The point of the goat for Azazel was not that something was owed to the demonic realm, as though a ransom was being paid. The goat for Azazel banished the sins of the Israelites to the realm outside Israel. Why? Because the ground on which Yahweh had his dwelling was holy; the ground outside the parameters of the Israelite camp (or, nation, once the people were in the Land) had been consigned to fallen, demonic deities back at Babel. Sin could not be tolerated in the camp of Israel, for it was holy ground. Sins had to be “transported” to where evil belonged—the territory outside Israel under the control of gods set over the pagan nations. The high priest was not sacrificing to Azazel. Rather, Azazel was getting what belonged to him: the ugly sinfulness of the nation.

Source: The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16: A Goat for Azazel, By Dr. Michael Heiser


The Goat god Pan and The Gates of Hell

To the pagan mind, the cave at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld, where fertility gods lived during the winter. They committed detestable acts to worship these false gods.

Caesarea Philippi's location was especially unique because it stood at the base of a cliff where spring water flowed. At one time, the water ran directly from the mouth of a cave set in the bottom of the cliff.

The pagans of Jesus' day commonly believed that their fertility gods lived in the underworld during the winter and returned to earth each spring. They saw water as a symbol of the underworld and thought that their gods traveled to and from that world through caves.

To the pagan mind, then, the cave and spring water at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld. They believed that their city was literally at the gates of the underworld the gates of hell. In order to entice the return of their god, Pan, each year, the people of Caesarea Philippi engaged in horrible deeds, including prostitution and sexual interaction between humans and goats.

Source: https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/gates-of-hell-article

 

All Goats Are Going to Hell



Matthew 25:31-34, 31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

 

Matthew 25:41, 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:



Sunday, March 5, 2023

Rise of Satanism in American and Last Days Satanic Revival

 


By Shofarsound


Satanism, or the worship of Satan, has been a subject of fascination and fear for centuries. In the United States, the rise of satanism has been a controversial topic, with some seeing it as a legitimate religious movement and others seeing it as a dangerous and subversive influence.

 

The history of satanism in the US dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when the Church of Satan was founded by Anton LaVey in San Francisco. LaVey’s brand of satanism was largely secular, focused on individualism and self-empowerment rather than the worship of a literal Satan. The Church of Satan gained media attention and a small following but remained relatively obscure.

 

In the 1980s, however, satanism became the subject of a moral panic, fueled by sensationalist media coverage and the testimony of supposed “victims” of satanic ritual abuse. This panic led to a wave of arrests and prosecutions of people accused of participating in satanic rituals and abusing children. However, many of these cases were later discredited, with evidence suggesting that the supposed abuse was largely a product of hysteria and suggestion.

 

Despite the backlash against the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s, satanism has continued to be a subject of fascination for some Americans. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in satanism, particularly among younger people. This new wave of satanism is largely influenced by the ideas of the Satanic Temple, a group founded in 2012 that advocates for secularism, individualism, and social justice.

 

The Satanic Temple has gained attention for its provocative actions, such as erecting a statue of the goat-headed deity Baphomet in public spaces and suing to have a Ten Commandments monument removed from the grounds of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The group has also advocated for reproductiverights, LGBTQ rights, and other progressive causes, using satanic imagery and language to challenge conservative Christian values.

 

While the Satanic Temple’s brand of satanism is largely non-theistic and focused on activism rather than worship, there are also traditional satanic groups that do worship Satan as a deity. These groups tend to be more secretive and underground than the Satanic Temple, but they do exist and have been linked to criminal activity in some cases.

 

Overall, the rise of satanism in the US is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While some see it as a legitimate expression of individualism and freedom, others view it as a dangerous and subversive influence. As with many controversial topics, the reality is likely somewhere in between, and the true nature and impact of satanism on American society will continue to be debated and discussed for years to come.


Seeing Mary Harrington's 2021 article How Satanism Conquered America: Untrammelled Individualism Is No longer a Sin, confirms the rise of satanism in American society. Here are some of the examples she quoted in the article that is eye-opening:

In 2021, even the idea of a priest as the main protagonist in a battle between good and evil feels, well, very 1973. These days, while there’s plenty of Satanist imagery about, overtly anti-Christian symbols seem either banal (Lil Nas selling Satan trainers) or just naff (WitchTok).

 But if devilish imagery mostly feels a bit cringe, the Devil himself has gone mainstream. If being deliberately anti-Christian pour Ă©pater la bourgeoisie feels exhausting, for the new, post-Christian bourgeoisie Satan now reads like the good guy. And in the hands of this class, the Devil’s proverbial pride, self-regard, and refusal to yield isn’t just celebrated — it’s on its way to becoming the established religion of the United States of America.




We are seeing a full manifestation of open satanic worship taking place in our country, and in fact, this coming April 28-30, 2023 Satancon in Boston, MA is happening. The theme of the gathering in celebration of The Satanic Temple's 10-year anniversary is "Hexennacht in Boston," German for "Witches' Night," which marks the ancient pagan holiday of May Eve. The night was later changed to Walpurgisnacht to commemorate Walpurga, a Christian saint who evangelized Germany and was said to have exorcised demons from the sick. SatanCon will include discussion panels, entertainment, satanic rituals, a satanic wedding chapel, and a "satanic marketplace."

 

Sam Smith 2023 Grammy Awards Performance His Hit Song Unholy




 The Book of Revelation warns us of a satanic revival of demon worship will take place, Revelation 9:20-21 says, " But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts." We see the beginning of Bible Prophecy being fulfilled in our day and age.