Epiphany and Radio Free Golgotha
Today is the last day of Christmas, also known as Epiphany.
There are a lot of events and meanings that get tacked onto this day: the baptism of Christ, the extension of grace to gentiles, and most importantly the visitation of the Three Magi-Kings.
The three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar are mentioned in several grimoires. The Epiphany Mass is when special chalk for making the circle mentioned in the 6th and 7th books of Moses gets consecrated.
Catholics of course use the chalk to mark their door with the year and initials of the three wise men.
20 + C + M + B + 17
The initials also stand for Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.”Carmelites use the following prayer:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and sixteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen
Of course not all traditions of the Magi have them coming from Persia, or even numbered as three. There is an 8th century vellum manuscript known as the Revelations of the Magi that was tucked away in the Vatican Library for who knows how long until Brent Landau found it and translated it back in 2012. Though the Syriac text he works from was dated to the 8th century, it is believed that it is a copy of a text from the 2nd century, making it contemporary with many Gnostic texts.
In this story there 12 Magi. not just three. Its also says that they were not Persian Magi, but from the land of Shir which is identified with either far eastern India or China. They were called Magi because they prayed in Silence (like as in meditation). The star that they follow transforms into a child and tells each of them important messages relating to the universality of Christs work for all people, not just the Jews. This is perfectly in line with the core message of Epiphany, because apart from being the feast of the adoration of the Magi, it is the day that some celebrate the extension of Grace to the Gentiles – the universality of Christ. Also, the fact that the Magi were from Asia is sort of a gift to those of us whose practices straddle the east and west. Like the mythical kingdom of Prestor John, we find treasures in the east that are applicable to the western mysteries.
RADIO FREE GOLGOTHA!
JUST as I was about to hit publish on this post, I got a private message from Jesse Hathaway of Wolf and Goat fame giving about the best Epiphany gift I could imagine: The launch of a new Podcast from Al Cummins and Jesse Hathaway: Radio Free Golgotha. I havent even listened yet, but I know that it is going to be great. Click the picture below to go to the webpage and listen.
