ROMULUS AND REMUS

The author's name is merely old Roman "Remus". The intrusive "h" was a German grandfather's idea to give the correct pronunciation for other Teutons. Latin names are (or were) common in Germany and Scandinavia (cf. Rommel). A permutation of the name is also seen in Arminius, a German prince who defeated the Romans in the First Century. See Amullus Silvius (also Armand, Herman, etc.). According to Jung, the twins represent the religious conviction (like Moses in the bulrushes) that one is a prince by birth and forced to live as an ordinary person until destiny reveals his true status to the world: Romulus and Remus, Remus being the poor victim of oppression, Romulus the emerging prince:

O Gemini of Latium, gentle and cruel,

Princes, wolf-suckled,  born to rule:

O Gemini of Latium, gentle and cruel,

Princes,  wolf-suckled, born to rule:

The one to be ground in the dust,

The  other to rise as he must...

Twins in mythology and in Geminian symbolism refer to the One in its manifestational phase of self and other, as the union of opposites (Yang and Yin, Light and Darkness, Being/Non-Being, etc.). Together with his brother, Remus, Romulus founded Rome as a haven for abductors of the Sabine women. The twins, who were the sons of Mars and Vestal Priestess, Rhea Silva, were abandoned at birth and suckled by a wolf. Originally both presided over the building of Rome, but they quarreled (a parallel of Cain and Abel) over every decision. One day, while Romulus was constructing the city wall, Remus jumped over it, saying: IN HOC MODO SUPERSALIT HOSTIS MURUM ("Look how easily the enemy can leap over this wall!"). At this, Romulus shouted, "And look how easily I can kill you!" and ran him through with his sword. In this way Romulus achieved harmony without union and thereafter set the tone for Roman conquest and empire by will and force.

After his death, Romulus was transported to heaven and wassometimes identified with Mars and sometimes worshiped under the godly Sabine name, Quirinus. Quiris, lit. "spear", also referred to citizens of Cures, the Sabine town, and it eventually came as well to mean a citizen of Rome. The Quirinalia was a military holiday in honor thereof.

Furthermore, according to Jung, "Armilus begot by Satan on a block of marble, is the Anti-Messiah. Messiah ben Joseph must die in order to atone with his blood for the children of Yahweh. Messiah ben Joseph will in turn be felled by Armilus and will succumb during the conflict between Gog and Magog. Armilus will be killed in turn by Messiah ben David." Armilus = Romulus, the Antichrist. From Methodius: "Romulus, who is also Armaeleus." According to some authorities, Romulus was the product of an incubus and a salamander.

Remus, the slain geminus, is represented by the lute, whereas Romulus is the mace. This is the usual Greco-Roman view of the Gemini.

In John Puhvel's Comparative Mythology, things take on a different color. We discover that when the Romans referred to the beginning of time, it was 'AB REMO ET ROMULO', whereas now it's "Romulus and Remus". Remus, it seems, is the true founder of Rome -- its sacrificial origin -- whereas Romulus is but secondary, the name meaning merely "or Roman". The twins, Rhomos and Rhomulos in Greek, are the equivalent of the twin Norse god, Ymir and the Vedic Yama and Yami.

"Romulus" in Egyptian Hieroglyphics

(See also: ROMULUS AND REMUS , Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul,)

herb: An “herb” can be a cactus, a flower, a seaweed, a moss, a mushroom, a grass, a vine, shrub, bush or tree. “Spices” are also classified as herbs. The parts of plants used in herbalism include seeds, flowers, fruits, leaves, barks and roots.

The word “herb” implies that the plant has a specific use. Such uses may be medicinal (goldenseal); culinary (spearmint); cosmetic (almond); aesthetic (rose) or magical (sandalwood). Many herbs enjoy a rich variety of uses.

(See also: herb , Magic, Shamanism, Paganism, Wicca)

Gungnir (Scandinavian) (from gunga to swing)

In Norse myths, the spear wrought for Allfather Odin by the giant-god Loki and the dwarf Dvalin. The name seems an allusion to alternating opposites, such as activity and rest, or spirituality and materiality.

Gullveig (thirst for gold, wisdom) was transfixed on it and burned, "thrice burned and thrice reborn, again and again, yet still she lives." It was then that Odin hurled his spear into the throng of gods, thus instigating the war in heaven which caused the aesir (active gods) to be ousted from Asgard, leaving the vanir in possession of their heavenly abode.

The vanir are "water gods": cosmic deities having reference to the mystic void, the waters of space. The vanir do not participate directly in our system of worlds, whereas the aesir are the creative powers in our universe and dwell in its globes, seen and unseen.

(See also: Gunavat , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Rune, Runa [from Swedish runa, Icelandic run]

Originally a mystery, equivalent to the Greek theo-sophia (divine wisdom), which is the goal of human existence and the aim of evolution; later used for a sign or character which, inscribed on a stick, stone, or even furniture, was believed to have magical properties. A grammarian or one versed in the art of language was called runa-meistari (rune-master), one who knew how to read and write runes correctly.

In Havamal -- a long poem of the Elder Edda -- Odin relates how he "hung nine nights in the windtorn tree" (of life), seeking runes of wisdom (in the material worlds), and that he "raised them with song." It is said that Odin first invented runes and carved them on various beneficent agencies that safeguard human life on earth. One is carved on the shield Grimnismal that "stands before the shining god; mountain and billion would burn away should he fall aside."

Another rune is inscribed on the ear of Arvakrand one on the hoof of Allsvinn (the horses that draw the solar disk across the sky); one is on the reins of Sleipnir, Odin's steed, one on the paw of the bear, another on the tongue of Bragi (poetic inspiration), on the claws of the wolf and on the eagle's beak, on the rainbow bridge (Bifrost); on glass, on gold, on wine, on herb; on Vili's heart and Odin's spear, on the nails of the Norns, etc. All were later scraped off, mixed with the holy mead of wisdom, and distributed throughout the three worlds for the benefit of gods and men.

(See also: Rune, Runa , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

vel: (Tamil) "Spear, lance." The symbol of Lord

Karttikeya's divine authority as Lord of yoga and

commander of the devas. (Known as shula in Sanskrit.)

See: Karttikeya.

(See also: Vel , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Onokoro, Onogoro (Japanese) In Japanese cosmogony, the island-world fashioned by the divine hero Isanagi when he thrust his jeweled spear into the primeval chaotic mass of cloud and water.

(See also: Onokoro, Onogoro , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

Tuatha De Dannan: Tuatha Dé Danann, were a race of people (descended from the goddess Danu) responsible for all the tales of fairies that Ireland is famous for telling. They were said to be adept in magic and, because of this, were banished from heaven. They possessed four talismans of great power: the stone of Fal which shrieked under the true heir to the throne; the spear of Lug which made victory certain; the sword of Nuadu which slays all enemies; and the ever full cauldron of Daghda from which no man ever goes away hungry. They came to Ireland where they were forced to go into hiding when that country was invaded by the Milesians, forefathers of today's Irishmen.

(See also: Tuatha De Dannan , Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Persian Heritage In Hindu Traditions

Many would be surprised to learn that no ancient Hindu temple was dedicated to Rama - neither in Ayodhya nor anywhere else.

There had been many old temples and shrines devoted to Vishnu and Shiva and a few to Brahma, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Hanuman, Kubera, Nagas, Kali and Durga as well as a huge number honouring numerous local tribal deities. Only 180 years ago Raja Ram Mohan Roy coined the word 'Hindu' to describe the huge variety of faiths and sects with similar but not identical philosophies, myths and rituals.

Read more here: » Islam and Hinduism: Persian Heritage In Hindu Traditions

The Kavadi Festival

Perhaps the most potent propitiatory rite that a devotee of Shanmukha undertakes to perform is what is known as the Kavadi. The benefits that the devotee gains from offering a Kavadi to the Lord are a millionfold greater than the little pain that he inflicts upon himself.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Kavadi Festival: Festivals in Hinduism - The Kavadi Festival

Lord Yama, the king of justice, gives fitting punishment to the sinners. Then the cruel messengers take them to hell and torture them. Again and again the messengers beat the sinners with spears, maces and pestles.

This is an excerpt from the book What Becomes Of The Soul After Death by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Lokas Or Planes: The Way To Yama Loka

As the sighting of the moon is a must in Islam to signal holy occasions, so is the confluence of the full moon, pournami , and the star Pushya in the month of Makara or January. It is a day consecrated to the worship of Subrahmanya - he who is full of bliss and effulgence - the younger son of Shiva. He is more or less appropriated by the Tamils as their own god; temples to Kartikeya dot the state, most of them situated on hilltops, in places like Palani and Tiruttani, in thick forests as in Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada and on the seashore as in Tiruchendur.

(See also: Subrahmanya , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Subrahmanya: The Child as the Guru of God  

Outward symbols are necessary and beneficial. When viewed from the right angle of vision, you will find that they play a very important part in your material as well as spiritual life. Though they may look very simple and unimportant, they are very scientific and effective.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Hindu Symbols: Symbols in Hinduism

Skanda Sashti

Lord Subramanya, the Supreme Being, who is the ruler of this universe, who is the indweller of our hearts, who is the second son of Lord Siva, who is the beloved of Valli and Deivayanai, who bestows boons easily on His devotees, who is the embodiment of power, wisdom, love and bliss.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Skanda Sashti: Hindu Worship - Skanda Sashti

A Meditation On Lord Shiva - a Hindu Prayer

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Hindu Prayers: Meditation On Lord Shiva - a Hindu Prayer

Concept Of Freedom Down The Ages

The 20th century has been one of the most memorable periods in history. Imperialism, colonialism and feudalism folded up and monarchy died a natural death, showing that however powerful a tradition may be, it becomes redundant once its role in social evolution is over. The driving force and the foremost objective of that process is greater freedom for mankind.

Read more here: » Freedom: Concept Of Freedom Down The Ages

A beautiful assembly of poems and prayers on the theme of LOVE and TRANSCENDENCE.

“We will read them during the transit tomorrow on the most sacred places on the Isle of Wight.
We invite you to pray for World peace and love during the Transit of Venus at 11am GMT on 8th June 2004 for fifteen minutes. This will be the biggest global mass prayer meeting in the history of the World. You will find some multifaith prayers and poems, and a list of goddess names for your use on this page. Or make up your own prayer in accordance with your own faith or lack thereof. Or, do what thou wilt.”

Read more here: » Venus Transit: Multifaith prayers and poems, and a list of goddess names

A Meditation On Lord Dattatreya - a Hindu Prayer.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Hindu Prayers: Meditation On Lord Dattatreya - a Hindu Prayer