In Aboriginal cultures, the shaman and the tribal leader is often the same person.In the Aryan culture of Vedic India and Iran, individuals known as Rishi held the status of seers, sages, and saints. Scholars will disagree, but this could also be the meaning of the Celtic “rix/rixs” – (king, a tribal leader). The term “rix” shares linguistic roots with the Latin word “rex” (king, ruler). However, considering that the Latin term has a sole meaning, it is plausible that the original source of this concept traces back to Sanskrit influences.
Throughout history, spanning from ancient times to the eras of pharaohs and medieval kings, a consistent notion persisted that a king held a sacred status. These rulers were often believed to be descendants of deities or even semi-divine beings in certain instances.
To enhance this perception, rulers employed a system of symbolic communication, employing shared royal regalia that symbolized their authority and wisdom. These symbolic elements, while displaying minor differences, were remarkably similar and frequently carried an astronomical significance.
Scepter, the royal staff
The scepter stands as one of the most ancient symbols of royal authority, having been present in nearly all early civilizations, spanning from Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece and India, and enduring through Christianity to the European monarchies. Despite the slight differences in its overall form and dimensions across these diverse cultures, its underlying significance remains consistently unchanged.
The scepter is an upgraded version of the shepherd’s staff. It symbolizes the power to lead and protect the flock, but also to judge and punish it. In an astronomical sense, the scepter represents the Axis Mundi – an invisible pole around which the whole universe rotates.
Sword as the symbol of power
As humanity transitioned into the metal ages, the mere staff no longer sufficed as a potent symbol. Instead, the sword emerged as the fresh emblem of authority within the realm of royal regalia. The role of the king increasingly evolved into that of a warlord during this era.
When swords first appeared, they represented something truly mystical, holding great strength and power. The blacksmiths who made them were seen as magicians, and the skill with which they subdued the elements inspired numerous myths and superstitions. No wonder then, that all ancient cultures have stories of magical swords. What is strange, is how most of these myths tell similar stories.
More on that here.
The royal crown and the zodiac
Crown developed from the diadem. The oldest example of diadem dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, around 3,000 BC. The earliest crowns were probably made of flowers and leaves. We can deduct that from the first golden models, which were simply following this longstanding convenion.
As time progressed, these golden crowns grew increasingly intricate, incorporating a range of animals, crosses, and other symbolic representations. On top of that, precious jewels were added.
However, the original symbolism never changed. Crown represents the starry sky and the zodiac. The wearer of the crown assumed a central position within this representation. In essence, akin to the Universe’s Creator, the individual comprehended the cosmic principles and upheld them on Earth. Thus, their governance held a divine essence.
The ring as the symbol of power
Similar to the crown, the ring held significant prominence within the realm of royal regalia. Positioned on the finger associated with the Sun in palmistry, the ring can be likened to a diminutive crown, sharing analogous symbolism.
The custom of “kissing the ring” dates back to at least the Middle Ages. This tradition found application within both the Papacy and, as depicted by Mario Puzo, the Italian Mafia. The act of kissing the ring signified an acknowledgment of the wearer’s supreme authority and rule.
Mantle as the symbol of power
The history of Mantle, or the royal robe, stretches back over a considerable span. In contemporary times, the immediate association is often with European kings and queens. However, even the priestly mantle can be considered a more modest iteration of this concept.
In ancient times, the mantle held the representation of the skies, which were often conceived as a protective covering or cape. This imagery was prevalent in Greek depictions of deities, where the mantle assumed the role of angelic wings. The same symbolic essence extends to the cape, which serves to infuse a sacred, celestial aspect into marital symbolism. As a result, this significance is carried forth even to modern-day superheroes, particularly those endowed with the ability to fly.
The initial manifestation of the mantle likely resembled an intricate article of clothing, akin to the design of an Indian sari. The origins of the sari, much like those of the crown, trace their heritage to the Indus Valley civilization.
Another emblem of regal significance within Asian culture, conveying a parallel connotation, is the umbrella.
Throne as the symbol of power
A king must have a throne. The earliest thrones took the form of megalithic structures, hewn directly from bedrock. These thrones were deliberately aligned along cardinal directions, enabling seers to observe celestial movements.
In subsequent eras, these priest-kings transitioned to palace settings. Despite growing in complexity and intricacy, thrones continued to bear various engraved symbols of authority. Remarkably, they were still fashioned from massive rocks, serving as a reminder of their original significance and purpose.
The word “throne” comes from the Greek “thrónos” – meaning “chair, throne”. Its root is the PIE “*dʰer- (“to hold”). This same root is in the Vedic “Dharma“, meaning “post, sacrificial pole, support of heavens”. But the other meaning of Dharma is “divine justice, the cosmic law”.
In other words, the throne reprsents the connection between the earth and the sky. And the one sitting on it was the supporter of divine justice, just like Vedic Vishnu, or Christ Pantocrator.
Globus cruciger as the symbol of power
Globus cruciger – the orb topped with a cross stands as another age-old emblem of authority. The cross was a subsequent inclusion, influenced by Christianity. In ancient Greece, Zeus was depicted with an orb beneath his foot, symbolizing his dominion over the Earth. This symbol was embraced by Christianity, incorporating the cross to signify Christ’s sovereignty.
The concept is further mirrored in the figure of Atlas, who bears the globe upon his shoulder, conveying a parallel symbolism. Evidently ancient in origin, this idea finds resonance in numerous Asian cultures, where the orb holds significance within their religious iconography.
The meaning is obvious, and similar to that of the throne.
Shoes as the symbol of power
While shoes may not hold significant prominence within Western royal insignia, they play a crucial role in the East. In the epic Ramayana, when Rama embarks on his exile, his brother Bharata chooses his slippers from the array of royal regalia. This act could symbolize Bharata’s intention to emulate Rama’s leadership, reassuring him that the kingdom will be managed in a similar manner—literally stepping into his shoes. Whether influenced by this narrative or not, shoes carry notable importance in the regalia of numerous Asian nations, such as Thailand.
More on the astronomical meaning of the royal regalia
By now, most of the associations with astronomy should be obvious. But perhaps there is even more than meets the eye. The crown can be the symbol of the zodiac, but also the planet Saturn, whose ring was not unknown to ancient cultures. The path of Saturn through the zodiac depicts the furthest boundaries of our solar system.
The sword is, of course, a symbol of the war-god Mars. And the staff was a common attribute of Hermes/Mercury and its other equivalents. As we saw, both the throne and the orb are attributes of Zeus/Jupiter. And the cape, or a mantle, the only “female” attribute, would represent Venus.
Even the lunar nodes, an important element of ancient astronomy, could be represented by a pair of dragons, snakes, or other dual animals that usually adorn the thrones. The seated person, therefore, represents the union of the Moon (mind) Sun (soul), and the Earth (body). In this way, he is the true ruler of earth and sky, a manifestation of the cosmic order.
Conclusions
The royal (and priestly) regalia goes back to the dawn of human civilization. Its symbolism speaks volumes about the first leaders of our race. They were seers, astronomers, and masters of time and destiny. Like cape-wearing superman, they were more than human – enlightened beings. Unfortunately, this golden age had to end. The greed and corruption took over, and only the symbolism remained.
Centuries ago, astrology yielded ground to modern science, yet the leaders of Western civilization retained their ties to it. While they may have discarded the overt use of mantles, with the exception of the Pope, the same symbols persist in more discreet forms.
The manufactured halos resembling those of saints, frequently observed behind the visages of politicians on our television screens, crafted through adept photographic manipulation, serve as a noteworthy illustration. However, the astronomical symbolism runs far more profound. It permeates the very fabric of logos, sculptures, and architecture employed by the globe’s most significant organizations.
In essence, these archetypes continue to influence our subconscious psyche, akin to how they captivated the minds of our forebears millennia ago. The lingering question pertains to whether our modern elite genuinely seeks to comprehend the meanings encapsulated by these symbols or if their focus primarily revolves around the materialistic aspects of global control.
Before the Patriarchy there was Matriarchy. As always it persisted longest in the most remote lands.
The candidate king had to obtain the approval of the Sovereignty or Spirit of the Land.
He had to mate physically with the Sovereign Spirit which was always female and sometimes multiple. The current Queen was the human embodiment of the Earth Goddess, the Supreme Being. Sometimes he was unsuccessful. Having tried to mate with the Goddess and failed he was hunted down and torn to pieces by Her faithful familiars the wolves. The most famous example was ‘an ac te’, The One, ‘te’ who Saw, ‘ac’ (pronounced ‘on-ac-tay’) because he had seen the Queen naked but was rejected.This comes down to us from the Greeks as the story of ‘Acteon’
The King then ruled as the leader of the tribal war band of mainly male warriors, though the Romans reported that there were female warriors also. The Queen attended to the more mundane affairs of State.
Gradually the status and power of the King increased in the manner described. In and after 1250 BCE there appears to have been a general male coup in the Mediterranean lands with the Queens demoted to consorts of the King. The female Supreme Being the Earth Goddess was demoted to the status of wife or daughter of the new male Supreme Being God, Zeus, Jupiter etc. The males won power by various means, violence or persuasion. In Greek mythology the Earth Goddess Danu (or Her followers) had to be won over by a bribe of wealth. Zeus is portrayed in myth as ‘seducing’ Danae in the form of a shower of gold.