I love the metaphor of the womb cave symbolism and its relation to first light. This relationship can still be found today even in our language. One of my favourite expressions in learning Spanish that we don’t find equivalent meaning in English is their verb for “to give birth” literally translates as “to give light” or “bring to light” - Dar La Luz or Dar A Luz. It can also be used to mean depending on context of course - “to turn on the light/ lamp”
It's at this time of year that the sacred rites of Osiris would have just come to an end in Ancient Egypt. They ended on the First Day of Peret (Growing Season), which would have fallen near the start of December. Although not the first day of the year in Ancient Egypt, it was nevertheless considered the day of beginnings. It was the day, for example, considered most suitable for a coronation. Horus is the shining solar child, born from Osiris death. While he is in his infancy, the world remains in darkness. But every day, we trust, he grows stronger even in his exile, and will return again with the light.
This is fabulously thought provoking. Thank you. Nature's bones. An ancient belief system right under our noses. Evocative. A wavy reflection of a smile in a torch lit cave puddle.
Excellent article, for this year, my children and I are returning to celebrate the Winter Solstice after a 10 year pause, they were brought up Pagan's and celebrated nature and the turning season's throughout their childhood, sadly we moved away from our beautiful cottage in the countryside and since moving to a town, albeit very pretty, lost touch with our roots and closeness to nature. Thanks for sharing this article...I'm not sure why you put so much emphasis on Neanderthal's having these beliefs, more than say other Humanoids at the time, but not knowing much about them, it will be interesting to explore more of your articles, cheers
I love the metaphor of the womb cave symbolism and its relation to first light. This relationship can still be found today even in our language. One of my favourite expressions in learning Spanish that we don’t find equivalent meaning in English is their verb for “to give birth” literally translates as “to give light” or “bring to light” - Dar La Luz or Dar A Luz. It can also be used to mean depending on context of course - “to turn on the light/ lamp”
Interesting!
It's at this time of year that the sacred rites of Osiris would have just come to an end in Ancient Egypt. They ended on the First Day of Peret (Growing Season), which would have fallen near the start of December. Although not the first day of the year in Ancient Egypt, it was nevertheless considered the day of beginnings. It was the day, for example, considered most suitable for a coronation. Horus is the shining solar child, born from Osiris death. While he is in his infancy, the world remains in darkness. But every day, we trust, he grows stronger even in his exile, and will return again with the light.
This is fabulously thought provoking. Thank you. Nature's bones. An ancient belief system right under our noses. Evocative. A wavy reflection of a smile in a torch lit cave puddle.
Thank you!
🙏💙🔥
Excellent article, for this year, my children and I are returning to celebrate the Winter Solstice after a 10 year pause, they were brought up Pagan's and celebrated nature and the turning season's throughout their childhood, sadly we moved away from our beautiful cottage in the countryside and since moving to a town, albeit very pretty, lost touch with our roots and closeness to nature. Thanks for sharing this article...I'm not sure why you put so much emphasis on Neanderthal's having these beliefs, more than say other Humanoids at the time, but not knowing much about them, it will be interesting to explore more of your articles, cheers