(Above: The Great Occult Beast, Aleister Crowley)
Humans are very visual creatures and many of us learn best visually. Thus, symbols have been used for eons to convey important messages without having to read long essays and books, which was quite useful during the time when most humans were illiterate. They can be very effective in impacting a wide range of people because regardless of their "official meaning" they are interpreted by each person somewhat differently. Therefore, they can have a deeper, broader and more personal impact than just repeating a bunch of words. It is with that understanding that I write today about two important symbols in my life: The Eye of Horus or All-Seeing Eye" and the "Liber Oz" symbol created by Occultist Aleister Crowley. I have put up both symbols in the right-hand column of the blog. So, first up, The Eye of Horus (picture left):
Traditionally, it is an Egyptian symbol of protection representing the deity of
Horus who is one of the oldest and most important ancient Egyptian deities. Click on the name Horus (above) for additional information on him. However, now I'd like to focus on what this symbol means to me and why I find it important. In my mind, The eye represents the "ONE" the "Self" or "Higher Self." The Third Eye of Enlightenment. For Theists it would be "God." It represents the union of all that exists in what we know as our Universe. Thus, it represents perfection, balance and strength. Especially since the triangle is considered the strongest geometric shape. It is the oneness and interdependence of consciousness that the Buddhists speak of.
In my own life it is also the eye of knowledge peering through the darkness, which is thus symbolic of the triumphs of science. It represents the Great Mystery starring back at us, beckoning us to discover the clues that will lead to it's treasure, which is nothing short of full understanding of our Universe and how it works. As well as representing the hope that the answers to the questions and missing knowledge in our personal lives are out there. The rays emanating from the Great Eye represent the transmission of that understanding radiating into our lives. It is the bright sun of enlightenment warming up and melting away the cold hardness of our fears and doubts. It is a comforting and inspiring symbol, which I have tattooed upon my shoulder. Now we come to the last one, which is the "Liber Oz" symbol:
It is a septagram/heptagram, or seven-pointed star, which was created by Occultist Aleister Crowley resting inside a unifying circle. The seven points represent many things but the one I prefer is that the the four points atop represent all the matter of Earth and life in total (Fire, Water, Earth and Air). And we know Earth is the realm of man, and thus science. The three points represent for me the spiritual, which is just as important as matter. Together the represent the union of everything. As I'm sure you've noticed, that collection of circles and semi-circles at the top of the star looks like an erect phallus leveled right at you. In this regard the "Liber Oz" also celebrates the penis and masculinity, which is important to me being a bisexual man.
The Bible will have you believe that "666" is the sign of "the devil" but in reality the "Great Beast" was most likely the Romans. However, because of the superstition of "666" being "Satan's" telephone number or something, and wanting to avoid stupid comments claiming I worship, "the devil" (I don't even believe in "him" so how could I worship, "him?") I've decided to erase the numbers from the symbol as it appears on this blog.
I don't want a bunch of jumping Jesus freaks coming around, harassing me with their silly exorcisms. Nor is "666" really that important to me either way -- I avoid either side in the monotheistic "death match" between "God" and "Satan." So, I have edited it to personalize the symbol for me and plan on having it tattooed on my upper thigh. Omitting the "666" in the design is also meant to cut-off any stupid remarks upon showing the tattoo to others who might not understand the deeper meaning of how I interpret, "666." Here is the final product:
Surely you can see the big, black, bold letters, "Oz" surrounding the symbol. It represents Aleister Crowley's, "Liber Oz" manifesto. I will leave you with a good description of what Aleister Crowley's "Liber Oz" statement actually means. Read it
here. As for the exact words of the, "Liber Oz" you can read them
here.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympics and some of the athletes have embraced Pagan cultures' symbols and designs. For a more in-depth read on that--please visit my good friend, Riverwolf. In this post I'd like to write about the logo for this Olympics named, Ilanaaq the Inunnguaq. The Inunnguaq are statues made from rocks stacked together to create the form of a man by the Inuit native peoples who live in the vast Canadian, Arctic lands. The word, "Inunnguaq" means, "Immitation of a person."
