The Cross—A Magickal Symbol - by Anita Burns
The conversion of the European populace from Pagan dominated to
Christian dominated was not abrupt. It was a slow transition that took
many twists and turns. The early Christian missionaries in their zeal
to bring conversion to the "heathens,” adopted and adapted pagan
customs, holidays, temples, deities, symbols, and magical ritual. Even
the birthday of the Christian’s Jesus was assigned to coincide with the
Sun God’s—Mithra.
One symbol that is globally associated with Christianity is the cross.
But, even that was adopted from earlier magical and mystical symbols.
Christianity recognizes many forms of the cross. And most, if not all
of them were borrowed from pre-Christian cults.
Exactly when the cross became associated with Christianity is not
known. The earliest depictions of Jesus were conspicuously cross-less.
He was depicted more as the "Good Shepherd.” Some Christian fathers
refused to adopt the cross because it was such a powerful Pagan symbol.
It was known as the scepter of Apollo. In the Egyptian religion of
Sarapes, it was a symbol of life after death. A 3rd century church
father, said "You it is, ye Pagans, who adore wooden crosses for what
else are your ensigns, flags, and standards but wooden crosses, gilt
and beautiful. Your victorious trophies not only represent a simple
cross, but a cross with a man on it.” The "cross with a man on it”
refers to the ancient practice of a sacrificial king who was hung on a
cross so his magical blood could fertilize the earth. As a remnant of
this practice, we have a scarecrow.
When crosses began to show
up as Christian symbols, there were a wide variety depicted, including
Greek, St. Andrews, Swastika, Maltese, the solar cross of Wotan, the
Egyptian Ankh, or cross of Venus, and many more.
For a few
hundred years, the Tau was the official cross used in the Christian
church. This was borrowed from the Druids who formed Tau crosses of oak
to represent Thau (God). When the Latin cross took its place in
Christianity, Tau was relegated to St. Philip, who exorcised the god
Mars in the form of a dragon.
The cross consists of two main
parts, a vertical line and a horizontal line. A circle is sometimes
added. Using numerology, the power of the cross can be seen. With the
exception of the Tau, the cross is a four pointed symbol. The number
four, in sacred numerology stands for:
- The alchemical elements of salt, sulphur, mercury, and rebis
- Spirit, soul, word, man
- Father, Holy Ghost, Christ, Son (In Christian mysticism)
- Hebrew Yod (Fire), He (Water), Vau (Air), He (Mother Earth)
Pythagoras called number four the eternal principal of creation, THE sacred number. In Gnosticism, number three is God and number one is Man which equals four (God in Man). Four is the doorway to illumination and initiation, as the initiate transcends the three dimensional world of knowledge into the realm of the fourth dimension. Four carries the power to create and attain both materially and spiritually.
Latin CrossThis is the most common form of cross used by the Christians. It was assimilated into that religion in the 7th century AD, and not completely accepted by the church until the 9th century. It was known as such a powerful Pagan symbol, many church fathers refused to adopt it. It was known as the scepter of Apollo and, in the Egyptian religion of Serapis, a symbol of life after death. It is still a powerful Pagan symbol to increase one’s masculine power.
Greek CrossThis was the traditional Christian cross through the 9th century. It comes from the Greek’s symbol for Hecate, the Goddess of crossroads. It symbolizes the union of male and female principles. Wearing a Greek cross helps to balance your masculine and feminine energies.
Cross PateeThis is a synthesis between the Greek Cross and Wotan’s Cross. It also represents the God Frey. It is a symbol for the cosmic union of female and male energies. It is a good cross to wear for a balancing of elements.
Tau CrossThis is one of the earliest crosses, coming from ancient Egypt and associated with Osiris. It also symbolizes the Druid’s Thau god. It is a magical symbol for good fortune and protection from obstacles, and for strength and wisdom.
Celtic CrossThe Hindus knew this cross as the Kiakra, divine sexual union. It was adopted by the Christians as a grave marker. Using this cross as a talisman enhances your sexuality. It also helps protect one from unseen spirits.
Regardless of its history or shape, there is no doubt that the cross carries with it a strong energy and influence on our lives. It has been a symbol for many things and always powerful.