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Oracles...
Similarities of ancient knowledge and beliefs
~ survival and significance,
by Susun Coleman Miller
Similarities of ancient knowledge and beliefs
~ survival and significance,
by Susun Coleman Miller
"Consulting the Oracle" by John William Waterhouse, showing eight priestesses in a temple of prophecy |
| From Wikipedia: An oracle is a person or persons considered to be the source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion; an infallible authority, usually spiritual in nature. It can also be a prediction of the future, from deities, that is spoken through another object or life-form. In the ancient world many sites gained a reputation for the dispensing of oracular wisdom: they too became known as "oracles", as did the oracular utterances themselves, whose very name is derived from the Latin verb orare (to speak). |
| Every culture and religion has used Oracles as a way of understanding life, death and Spirituality. From the earliest times, written and through lore, all ancient civilizations incorporated similar religions and belief systems based on astronomy as they knew it, earth seasons, rocks, earth, fire and water as well as lessons from animals and nature. Cultures incorporated this knowledge with science, math, art, meditation, dance, prayer, music and sometimes even sex. These beliefs were absorbed or denounced by changing powers or governments and their reining religions, thus shaping some interesting interwoven beliefs. Oracles 'happened' when a person felt 'guided' by God, to speak. Oracles were not generally consulted for prophesy and predicting the future, but were used to consult about practical life situations, and, even travel to other 'divine' dimensions. A deity was often asked a simple 'yes or no' question; often through it's representation in a statue or item. 'Things' and 'objects of power' were incorporated at random, to allow 'divination' and chance to play a role. From the East, the amazing I Ching was taking form. In Egypt, the Tarot was evolving from engraved symbols on walls and later, sunk into watermarks on papyrus, to hide and preserve the Oracle during times of persecution. Around the globe, Oracles were worn as amulets, carved in stones and references have been found in private records everywhere, acknowledging their presence. Sarsen stones were erected in many places, medicine wheels, runes and animal totems survive today. Oracles were sought by kings and peasants alike. Many positions of power, to what crops were planted, were usually decided by an Oracles of Divination. |
The Pseudo-Sibylline Oracles were closely-guarded oracular scrolls written by prophetic priestesses,
Sibylls, in the Etruscan and early Roman Era 6th Century B.C.E. Passages have been thought to be the
first draft of the Biblical Book of Revelation. The texts cover Hellenistic and Roman Pagan mythology,
including Homer and Hesiod as well as Jewish legends such as the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Tower
of Babel. There are references to Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, as well as a long list of Roman
Emperors, and Gnostic and early Christian writings. (See -- J.B. Hare notes for further info)
Sibylls, in the Etruscan and early Roman Era 6th Century B.C.E. Passages have been thought to be the
first draft of the Biblical Book of Revelation. The texts cover Hellenistic and Roman Pagan mythology,
including Homer and Hesiod as well as Jewish legends such as the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Tower
of Babel. There are references to Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, as well as a long list of Roman
Emperors, and Gnostic and early Christian writings. (See -- J.B. Hare notes for further info)
| The Oracle at Dodona Artist: Jean Delville 1896 |
I feel the study of these sometimes
'forbidden' stories, reveal our human
ability to achieve greatness. Oracles
allow us to use imagination AND intellect,
to capture thought processes that may
actually unlock information in our cellular
structure. It is this aspect I think most
feared by governments and churches.
People thinking for themselves takes the
power away from institutions.
It is through self, and use of different
'tools' with meditation and prayer, that
have allowed humans a glimpse into
thoughts and realities we are told we
inherit with faith. I believe these portals
into other realities, are in reality, God's
Gift.
'forbidden' stories, reveal our human
ability to achieve greatness. Oracles
allow us to use imagination AND intellect,
to capture thought processes that may
actually unlock information in our cellular
structure. It is this aspect I think most
feared by governments and churches.
People thinking for themselves takes the
power away from institutions.
It is through self, and use of different
'tools' with meditation and prayer, that
have allowed humans a glimpse into
thoughts and realities we are told we
inherit with faith. I believe these portals
into other realities, are in reality, God's
Gift.
Aegeus, a mythical king of Athens, consults the Pythia, who sits on a tripod.
An inscription on the cup identifies the Pythia as Themis, the Delphic Oracle.
By the Kodros painter, ca. 440-430 BCE, now in the Berlin Museum (Berlin
Mus. 2538). This is the only contemporary image of the Pythia.
An inscription on the cup identifies the Pythia as Themis, the Delphic Oracle.
By the Kodros painter, ca. 440-430 BCE, now in the Berlin Museum (Berlin
Mus. 2538). This is the only contemporary image of the Pythia.
| Amun |
I find it interesting so many aspects have been 'left out' intentionally about the life of Jesus, in what
seems to be an effort to perpetuate stories that serve church, rather than believers. I find the life
of Jesus most interesting, and his teachings a culmination of Oracles and practices of his time.
He learned many Divine secrets, one can only explore and experience, through dedication of
study and realization of intuitive Spiritualism. It is my belief that ALL of his teachings should be
reclaimed.
There are many religions that contain simple Truths. Again, Oracles reflect the similarities that
are innately HUMAN. I am not alone in this day and time, with those who are willing to explore
Truths and trust intuitive and intellectual instincts.
seems to be an effort to perpetuate stories that serve church, rather than believers. I find the life
of Jesus most interesting, and his teachings a culmination of Oracles and practices of his time.
He learned many Divine secrets, one can only explore and experience, through dedication of
study and realization of intuitive Spiritualism. It is my belief that ALL of his teachings should be
reclaimed.
There are many religions that contain simple Truths. Again, Oracles reflect the similarities that
are innately HUMAN. I am not alone in this day and time, with those who are willing to explore
Truths and trust intuitive and intellectual instincts.
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