reply to post by NewerBeing
The problem I see here, is that almost
any symbol you choose cannot have a definite reaction, because every symbol represents a different thing
to whomever is witnessing it.
Take the
inverted cross as an example. If a fundamentalist Evangelical Christian witnessed this symbol, they would no doubt proclaim it induced
behavior akin to Satanism in the individual. However, any actual study of the symbolism behind the inverted cross, done with intelligence instead of
fear-mongering, would uncover the true traditional usage: the Cross of St. Peter, who was crucified upside down.
I would be interested to hear your take on what type of metaphysical effect an inverted cross would have upon an individual. Would it invoke rebellion
and barbarism, contaminating the soul; as per the traditions of Spiritual and Theistic Satanism... or would it invoke piety, humility, honor, and
righteousness; as per the tradition of St. Peter?
How would you justify the answer that you gave? Surely it would be "based on the individual," which would imply a subjective, not objective
correlation. An individual with spiritual leanings toward Satanism could therefore wear a crucifix tattoo, and still demonstrate behavior in
opposition to Christian teachings.
Likewise, the
pentagram is heavily shunned as a heathen, Satanic, pagan, and devil-worshipers symbol. However, the metaphysical uses of this
symbol are quite numerous.
In ancient Mesopotamian cultures it represented, first the HUB pictograph meaning "a corner;" and secondly, the feminine powers of mother goddesses
like Inanna and Ninhursag.
In Greek spirituality the pentagram represented the unification of the five Platonic elements: Aether, Fire, Water, Air, Earth. Additionally, it was a
symbol of the Morning Star, goddess of love, and representation of Venus; Aphrodite.
To the Chaldean magicians it was a symbol or protection and unity with the godhead through the use of the Spirit of God, and the four Holy Archangels:
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Auriel.
In modern theosophy it represents the mastery of Spirit over matter; the balance of the Higher Self, and the animal self through mastery of the
elemental powers present throughout nature.
In Theistic Satanism it represents carnal hedonism over spiritual minimalism; the pursuit of worldly pleasure and success, over fraudulent spiritual
philosophies about post-life rewards.
To Christians themselves it represents the wounds of Christ on the cross: 2 nails in the wrists, 2 nails through his feet, and the lance wound on his
chest. In Celtic Christian literature the pentacle also represents the five virtues as demonstrated by Sir Gawain. Additionally, to Qabalist it
represents the invocation of Y.H.V.H. and I.N.R.I.; the Tetragrammaton, with the addition of the Holy Spirit.
There are countless other pentagram, or pentacle, meanings as well. All of them carrying an astral or metaphysical charge. How could a universal
current be effected through the inking of a pentacle of pentagram, when it has such diverse, and often opposite, meanings?
I'm sorry to say, but I think the potency of a symbol comes from the viewer, and their own noosphere. Not from the act of tattooing a symbol. What
happened to your hand was most likely a reaction to you having lathered it in ink. Any type of ink, whether tattooed, applied during henna, or just
scrawled on with a marker, will effect the skin in some small, or significant way.
That's all that happened to you.
~ Wandering Scribe