Category: end times prophecy

The Lunar Mansions Part 3, Dendera Lunar Decans

The Lunar Mansions Part 3, Dendera Lunar Decans

In Part 3 of our series on Lunar Mansions we will focus on the Lunar Decans of the Dendera Zodiac. In the first two parts of this series, we reviewed how the Lunar Mansions were preserved in ancient China, India, Isreal and Arabia. In Part 3 our focus is on ancient Egypt. The Dendera Zodiac is the best-known example of Egyptian zodiacal monuments, whose temple dates from the 1st century BC. The zodiac however, is believed to date far older than the temple housing it, going back at least to 2100 BC. Now housed in the Louvre, in Paris, the Dendera Zodiac displays a rounded ceiling vault with the 12 major signs, as well as the Egyptian northern and southern constellations, the planets, the sun and moon, and the 36 lunar decans, arranged around the periphery of the circular zodiac.

An early scientific study of Egyptian archaeological sites was conducted as part of Napoleon’s campaign into N. Africa. Bonaparte included French Archaeologists and language specialists to research key sites including the Giza Plateau. Many French scholars of the day believed the Dendera Zodiac to be thousands of years older than the Ussher’s date of creation. This was not the ideal or most politically expedient date for the “Holy Roman Empire,” but with the entrance of Champollion, as the foremost French Egyptologist in Napoleon’s reign, he provided a later incept date for the Dendera zodiac. As the first to decode the hieroglyphics on the famed Rosetta Stone, based on his study of Temple cartouches near the Temple’s ceiling location of the Dendera zodiac, he dated the royal names and by association, the Dendera Zodiac itself to a period between 50-200 BC. 1

Library of Alexandria Documentary Series: Temple of Dendera ...

As a result, this late dating of the Dendera Zodiac has persisted in orthodox Egyptian archaeology to this day. But English scholars like Herman Lockyer provided evidence that the Dendera Temple housing the zodiac was probably “rebuilt at least three times since 3733 BC; once in the reign of King Pepi I, [which Lockyer dates at 3233 BC] once again by Thothmes III in 1600 BC, and finally by the Ptolemies about 100 BC. According to Lockyer the temple may have been aligned previously at the star Dubhe, which ceased to be circumpolar about 4000 BC, and before that at gamma Draconis, which ceased to be circumpolar about 5000 BC.” [2]

Lockyer also held that these historical rebuilds of astronomical Temples, based on changing star alignments, shows an awareness of the Precession of the Equinoxes in ancient Egypt, that far predated Hipparchus‘ supposed c.140 BC “discovery” of the precession of the Equinoxes. Another of these French Archaeologists; “Dupuis calculated the incept date of the Dendera Planisphere around 4000 BC.” 3 There is an obvious host of modern scholarship in agreement with Lockyer, opposing the orthodoxy of modern evolutionary archaeology, including “Hamlet’s Mill” authors George Santillianna and Von Dechend, who documented a number of tribal cultures like the Inuit, Persians, Norsemen, Native Americans, Hawaiians, Japanese, Chinese, along with the ancient Egyptians, who all recognized the sacred signs
and iconography of the precession of the equinoxes.

Champollion’s later date above, agrees with Lockyer’s date of the latest rebuild of the Dendera Temple by the Ptolemies around 100 BC, while ignoring the earlier temple rebuilds, going back to the Old Kingdom. As the oldest circular zodiac, Dendera holds a key place, not only in Biblical Archaeology, and Archaeo-Astronomy, but also with its system of Decans, from ancient Egypt, providing rare evidence supported in the most ancient texts, like the Pyramid Texts, predates any existing record for a Gospel in the Stars. In a recent critique of the writings of Frances Rolleston and the idea of the “Gospel in the Stars,” that she popularized in the later 1800’s, [Faulkner-2013] states;

“Not only are there no texts preserving the original knowledge of the gospel in the stars, but we know of no sources before Rolleston that claimed that there ever were such texts, or that any ever lived who believed such things. The first source we know of to make this claim is Frances Rolleston’s book. Let me be clear—it is obvious from Rolleston’s book that she had no texts that clearly taught her thesis. Instead, she created the meanings to support her thesis without reliance upon any older texts. The evidence we have that is most consistent with the gospel in the stars thesis not being an ancient idea at all, but entirely the invention of Frances Rolleston less than 200 years ago.”4

Faulkner continues;
“Although many ancient cultures referred to decans, they are defined differently than how  Rolleston used the term. These cultures divided each astronomical sign into three decans. Since there are twelve signs circling the sky, each sign stretches over about 30° of the ecliptic. Thus, each decan spans roughly 10° along the ecliptic. Since it takes approximately 360 days for the sun to complete a circuit with respect to the stars, the sun occupies each decan for roughly ten days.“5

Faulkner’s description of how these “ancient cultures” calculated decans in their calendars, is an exact match for how the Egyptians calculated them related to the Dendera Zodiac. 
Although our admiration and respect for Rolleston is great, due to her reliance on Scripture, our approach to Biblical Astronomy holds Biblical Scripture as the ultimate source of truth and the veracity of the Celestial Gospel. The evidence for the Gospel in the Stars we cite, comes primarily from the Scriptures of the Bible first and foremost, then is supported by historical research and secular sources in Biblical Astronomy. Few are aware of the evidence linking the Dendera Zodiac with prophecies of the birth of Christ, that I have advocated and posted [@try-god.com] for over 15 years, and continue to expand, including this blog in the Spring of 2020. Below is a Scriptural example of the three decans linked to Leo the Lion, highlighted in yellow. 6

Mazzaroth Chart - Hebrew Astrology - Constellation 12. Leo ...

Obviously, Faulkner is not familiar with the abundant Scriptural references to the Gospel in the stars, and the internal integrity of God’s Word at the basis of this subject, that provides all the ancient textual evidence required, far out dating Rolleston on this subject. Added awareness of how the ancient Egyptian monument, the Great Sphinx embodies the Alpha-Omega signs of the Hebrew Mazzaroth, with prophecies of the Birth of Christ, that adds historical support to the Dendera Zodiac. When taken with the other monuments of the Giza Plateau, the witness from ancient Egypt for the Gospel in the Stars becomes a deafening crescendo of truth, impossible to ignore for any honest seeker of evidence for an astronomical gospel. A key element of the Dendera zodiac is the recognition of the ancient Egyptian star names associated with it, and their meaning, compared to the Hebrew meanings of the same stars. This gives us a view of the similar approaches to practical Astronomy between the two cultures and the potential common source of these star names, from Biblical Patriarchs like Seth and Enoch, and how they convey the gospel message, prior to their corruption in the idolatry of the Egyptian star religion.

The Pyramids of the Giza Plateau

Egypt: Temple of Dendera - Smit & Palarczyk | Egypt, Egypt art ...

This evidence from the Dendera Zodiac, with its system of Decans predates the usage of decans in any of the oldest Greek or Latin texts by thousands of years, providing an ancient source far in advance of Rolleston’s writings, or even Ptolemy, as a basis for the Gospel in the Stars. We will explore the details of this in later blogs in 2020, as this blog serves to introduce the reader to some of the research in this field underlying Biblical Astronomy. This method of decan calculation was standard practice in ancient Egypt. With this ancient Egyptian historical background, we don’t have to rely on Faulkner’s opinion of how this ancient system of decans came together, since we have scholarly accounts from the oldest texts in history like the Pyramid Texts and the Book of Job, that make specific references to the decan system in ancient Egypt, based on the “Helical rising” of stars and asterisms used for time-keeping, from at least the end of the Old Kingdom in Egypt, [circa 2200 BC], if not earlier. 7

The Pyramid Texts, writings and tomb wall decorations, dating back to the Old Kingdom (2780–2250 BC) provide a bulk of decan references and ancient Egyptian creation myths. The progression of decan stars in Heliacal rising also explains how the series of 3 decans aligns with each of the 12 major constellations of the zodiac, giving a basis of the order of decans in the zodiac of Dendera, as stated by Rolleston and other Gospel in the stars advocates, witnessed with Leo’s three decans above.

Figure 1. Dendera Zodiac with 36 Lunar Decans. 8

Figure 3. The figures represented in the Dendera Zodiac correspond to the traditional zodiacal signs

The color-coded image of the Dendera Zodiac below, shows specifically how the decans on the outer rim of this zodiac match up to the 12 main constellations in red, blue, orange,  and Yellow. Another element of dominion seen in the four faces of the Cherubim, [Ezek. 1:5-6], shows what the Babylonians called the 4 royal signs, we find Aquarius–Man who is created after God’s image, with Leo the Lion the king of non-domesticated animals. With the Taurus the Bull as the king of domesticated animals, seen at the bottom cardinal point with the sign of the Bull in Fig. 3. and the Eagle-Aquila, king of the fowl of the air, [Gen.1 26-28], we find a composite image of these four signs of the zodiac in the Cherubim. These four Cardinal Directions, of the Hebrew Mazzaroth provide a template for the 12 major signs both in Egypt and Israel. [Num. 24:7-9]

Figure 2. A color-coded image of the Dendera Zodiac. 9


Sun, Stand Thou Still Upon Gibeon; And Thou, Moon, In The Valley ...

Schwaller De Lubicz is another scholar who argued in favor of the ancient Egyptian knowledge of precession. He points out 2 hieroglyphs on the outer rim of Dendera’s zodiac that mark a line between Aries the Ram and Taurus the Bull, correlating to a date around 2200 BC, in Fig. 3 indicating how the Egyptians wanted to mark the transition in ages of precessional ages, in this case from the age of Taurus to that of Aries. As De Lubicz states;

“The mere fact that the cult of the Bull [Apis/Mentu] preceded the cult of the Ram [Amon]
in Egypt, and that the dates of these cults correspond to the equinoctial positions of their constellations at the appropriate time-approximately 4000 and 2000 BC-is conclusive.“10

According to Schwaller DeLubicz, this was conclusive evidence that the ancient Egyptians were not only aware of, but applied their knowledge of the precession of the equinoxes. This evidence also speaks volumes concerning the age of the Dendera Zodiac, documenting this transition of the precessional ages of Taurus to Aries, following other elements of the calendar system inherent in the Dendera Zodiac before 3000 BC.

Figure 3. Overlaid Zodiacs of the Celestial Pole and Ecliptic Pole of the Dendera Zodiac. 11
zodiac poles

As we can see in Figure 3 above, the receding pole star is mapped on the smaller inner center circle, along with a series of four points related to the four axes on the larger outer circle of the zodiac. This shows us the pole star in the specific precessional ages going back to the Age of Gemini, marked on the larger zodiacal circle by the symbol “II“, prior to 4380 BC, portrays the transition from the Age of Gemini to the Age of Taurus. This depicts Gemini’s position at the early stages of Egyptian reckoning of precessional ages in Dendera’s zodiac, even though the latest version of the Temple of Dendera housing
this zodiac, was rebuilt in the late Hellenistic period.

Most of the prevailing sentiment in orthodox archaeology holds an evolutionary view where the sophistication of astronomical understanding of concepts like precession was beyond the ken of “primitive” cultures, despite abundant evidence to the contrary. The orthodoxy finds itself at a loss to explain how ancient history does not conform to their evolutionary view of increased astronomical sophistication with the passage of time, instead, they are faced with a reality where the older and superior application of this knowledge was corrupted by the mythology and idolatry of later cultures in the ancient world. As E.W. Bullinger stated:

“All the ancient systems of idolatry connected with Astrology and mythology were in the same way, not original inventions of what was new but the corruption of what was old,
and the perversion of original truth.”12

Figure 4. Ancient Archaeological depictions of the Precessional Age of Taurus the Bull.

What are some of the commonalities among the various myths across ...

This reflects a history of Dendera’s temple and associated Zodiac extending back into Pre-dynastic ages coincident to the Precessional Age of Taurus. We take added note of their recognition of the Precession of the Equinoxes in ancient Egypt, and how early Pharaohs took their titles. Starting with the Menuhopteps, and Menes/ Narmer, who ruled before the Amenhoteps in Pharaonic historical progression. Notably, the Old Kingdom Pharaohs adopted Mentu the Bull in their titles during latter parts of the Precessional Age of Taurus, before the precessional shift to the Age of Aries, around 2200 BC. This transition of ages of the precession of the equinoxes, occurred when the retrograde motion of the Sun caused the sunrise in successive signs of the zodiac every 2.160 years, opening a new precessional age.

Figure 5. Pharaoh Rameses II linked with the Precessional Age of Aries in a Ram-headed Sphinx.

What are some of the commonalities among the various myths across ...

Once the Age of the Ram Aries began, the Pharaohs began honoring the Ram-Amon in their kingly titles. During this period and following was also when Ram-headed Crio-sphinxes began showing up in Egyptian iconography, as a representation of their creator-god Khnum, who they believed, fashioned the universe out of clay. This also accounts for Khnum’s association with the fertility of soil and the annual inundation of the Nile, marked by the star Sirius. As Khnum’s influence grew in power in Egyptian pantheons, the symbolism of the previous precessional Age of Taurus decreased in value. Egyptologist Richard Parker deciphered early symbols carved on an ivory tablet from the First Dynasty as: “Sirius, the opener of the year, the innundation.” As Krupp observes: “This implies that the basic elements of the calendar system were in place by 3100 BC. The same celestial calibrations endure all the way into the Ptolemaic period, 3,000 years later.“ [13]

This 1st Dynasty Ivory plaque depicts the star Sirius as a hieroglyph of a reclining Cow with the Sun above her head, easily visible in similar form in the Dendera zodiac, marking not only the decan to open the New Year, but also denotes the precession of the equinoxes. Since Isis embodied this reclining cow pictured with a star between bovine horns, seen just above the “Decans” label in the lower-left corner of Fig. 6, below, providing strong evidence of the use of the Sirius cycle, or Sothic Calendar in ancient Egypt, as a testimony to their advanced astronomical practices and recognition of precession
early on.

Figure 6. Dendera Zodiac cast at the Rosicrucian Museum-San Jose, CA. 14

The significance of the coordination of the lunar and solar cycles in the context of this New Year’s celebration is that the Heliacal Rising of Sirius also qued the Egyptians to add an  Intercalary month, keeping the calendar’s lunar cycles in line with the solar seasons. This luni-solar coordination also applies in view of the unity of lunar decans with the solar zodiac of 12 Constellations, on the Dendera Zodiac, not in disjointed separation. The calendars with long-standing and wide-spread use in Egypt included those of both administrative and religious uses. They date from Egypt’s unification around 3000 BC. The civil calendar consisted of 365 days, with 12 months of 30 days, and each month named for religious holidays during that month. On this lunar plan, each month consisted of 3 weeks, of 10 days, in-synch with their 36-decan system.

As the only circular astronomical model to be found in Egyptian antiquity, Dendera’s Zodiac depicts the 360 days of the Egyptian year, with decans arranged on the outer edge of the circular zodiac. Twelve signs with 3 decans each, in the 360-day year, even with a 37th decan allowing for the 5 extra days of the year, totaling 365 days of the Sothic Calendar. Figure 7 shows images of the specific star groups and asterisms in heliacal rising every 10 days on the Dendera Zodiac.

Figure 7. 36 Decans of the circular Dendera Zodiac with their star signs. 

Denderah Zodiac divided

As we have documented in parts 1 and 2 of this series on the Lunar Mansions, the Chinese, Arab and Indian zodiacs applied 28 Lunar Houses distinct from these 36 Decans. Some hold that the decans predate the use of the 12 signs in ancient Egypt to divide the ecliptic, but the Egyptian recognition of the ages of the precession of the equinoxes pointed out above, is contrary to that notion. It appears more likely that the decans were directly linked to each of the 12 tropical signs of the zodiac initially, in alignment with the theme of the Gospel in the stars. Thus the lesson of the decan supports that of the 12 constellations, even as we see with Leo’s destruction of the serpent- Hydra above. Bullinger tells us the Egyptian name for Leo was Pi Mentekeon, which means the pouring out, in reference to pouring out of divine wrath, as seen in the decan-Crater, the cup holding God’s wrath in the judgment of Christ’s victorious return, [Rev. 14:10, 16: 19]. The 3rd decan of the Raven Corvus also adds to this theme in one of the decan star names called Minchar al Gorab, meaning Corvus tearing to pieces the serpent’s remains;
[Prov. 30:17, 1 Sam. 17:46]. 15 

This attests to the integrity of the stellar witness, with all its elements reflecting the same truths of Scripture, as seen in the 19th Psalm. These ancient lunar calendar decans marked the Lunar Mansions, but due to inconsistent records of Decan stars, there was an occasional lack of consensus in Egypt, so with the exception of Sirius, the rest of these 36 decans endured several transformations during the Hellenistic period. 16

A good source for a specific list of these decan stars from the Middle Kingdoms was from an office-holder under Queen Hatshepsut (c. 1450 BC) of Egypt named Sesenmut, was buried near the queen’s tomb. On the ceiling of his burial monument was found an excellent example, from the Age of Aries of these 36 decans listed below.

Figure 8. The Decans of Senenmut’s Tomb 17

The Egyptians divided the decans of the night sky in different constellations in a way similar to modern astronomy. Senenmut’s Tomb is a great example of the decans in painted ceilings of different Egyptian tombs, that allow us to establish their number from tomb to tomb. In spite of periodic uncertainty, it seems there were at least 36 decans consistently depicted. Egyptians divided the year in 5 days plus 36, 10-day periods, corresponding to the 10 days of consecutive risings of decan stars recorded in Senenmut’s tomb, listed below:

  1. tpc-knmwt. A set of three stars represented by a man with a solar disk on his head. It is linked to Geb. [Canis Major]
  2. knmwt. A boat with a head of a snake in the ship’s bow with a standing boy with one finger in his mouth. It is associated to Isis or Ba. [Canis Major]
  3. hr-hpt-knmwt. A set of three stars seen in a tailed man with a bird’s head with a double crown.  It is linked to Isis or Horus’ sons. [Cancer]
  4. h3t-d3t. A set of four stars represented by a falcon-headed man with 2 big feathers.  It is associated to Isis or Hours’ sons. [Leo]
  5. phwy-d3t. A set of three stars seen in a man with a white crown on his head and a scepter in his hand.  It is linked to Horus’ sons. [Leo]
  6. tm3-hrt. A set of three stars represented by a man with two big feathers on his head and a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Duamutef or Mesti. [Virgo]
  7. tm3-hrt. A set of three stars seen in a falcon-headed man with horns and a solar disk over them. He also holds a scepter in his hand.  It is linked to Duamutef or Qeehsenuef.  [Virgo]
  8. wsti. A man with the solar disk rounded by a royal snake.  It is associated to Duamutef.  [Virgo]
  9. bk3ti. A man with the double crown and a scepter in his hand.  It is linked to Duamutef.  [Virgo]
  10. tp-c–hntt. Two stars represented by a falcon-headed man with a solar disk on his head and a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Duamutef or Hapy. [Scorpio]
  11. hntt-hrt. A set of two stars represented by a tailed man with a stick and a scourge in his hands.  It is linked to Horus.  [Scorpio]
  12. hntt-hrt. A set of four aligned stars seen in the four aligned stars, a head and an arm on a ship.  It is associated to Seth.  [Scorpio]
  13. tms-n-hntt. Three aligned stars represented by a baboon on a ship in front of a lunar disk.  It is linked to Horus.  [Scorpio]
  14. s3pt–hnnw. A set of 2 stars seen in Anu a falcon-headed man with a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Isis or Nephtis.  [Scorpio]
  15. hr-ib-wi3. A set of four stars represented by a falcon-headed man with a solar disk on his head and a scepter in his hand.  It is linked to Seth or Ur.  [Scorpio]
  16. shsmw. Two stars seen in a man with a snake and a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Seth or Ur. [Serpens]
  17. knmw. A headless man with a solar disk on his shoulders.  It is linked to Hapy or Duamutef.  [Serpens]
  18. smdt. Three stars represented by a tailed man with a double crown.  It is associated to Horus. [Capricorn]
  19. tpc–smdt. A tailed man with a double crown.  It is linked to Hapy.  [Capricorn]
  20. srt. A set of four stars seen in a falcon-headed man with the ateph crown and an animal tail in his skirt.  It is linked to Isis. [Aquila]
  21. s3wy-srt. Two stars seen in a woman with a scepter in her hand.  It is associated to Duamutef. [Aquila]
  22. hr-hpt-srt. A tailed man with scepter in hand, linked to Qebehsenuef. [Aquila]
  23. 3hwy. A tailed jackal headed man with a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Duamutef. [Pisces]
  24. b3wy. A set of 3 stars represented by a tailed ibis headed man with the ateph-crown and a scepter in his hands.  It is associated to Duamutef. [Pisces-Cepeus]
  25. hnt-hrw. A tailed falcon-headed man with a tadpole.  It is linked to Hapy or Mesti.
  26. hr-ib-hntw. A tailed falcon-headed man.  It is associated to Horus.  [Aries]
  27. hnt-hwr. A boy with one of his fingers in his mouth sitting on a lotus flower.  It is linked to Horus. [Aries]
  28. kd. Three stars represented by a boy with one of his fingers in his mouth sitting on a lotus flower and a solar disk on his head.  It is associated to Horus. [Taurus]
  29. s3wy-kd. Two stars seen in a tailed man with the ateph crown and a scepter in his hand.  It is linked to Horus. [Taurus]
  30. crt. A tailed man with a papyrus plant.  It is associated to Qebehsenuef. [Taurus]
  31. h3w. Four stars seen in a tailed falcon-headed man with the double crown.  It is associated to Hapy. [Taurus]
  32. rmn-hrw-inw-s3h. 18 stars seen in a tailed man with the white crown and a scepter in his hand.  It is linked to Mesti. [Aries]
  33. msdr-s3h. A lioness headed woman with a royal snake and a crosier in her hand. It is associated to Duamutef. [Orion]
  34. rmn-hr-s3h. Three stars seen in a man with the white crown with a feather sitting on a throne.  It is associated to Horus. [Orion]
  35. c–s3h. An ibis-headed man with the ateph crown and a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Horus. [Orion]
  36. s3h. Its corresponding is Orion and it’s represented by two ships. On the first one there are three people: a boy with one of his fingers in his mouth and a double crown on his head, a horned woman with a solar disk on her head and another woman with 2 feathers and the solar disk between them. On the other ship there is a snake in a lotus flower. It is associated to Maat-Horus.
  37. spdt. Its corresponding star is Sirius and seen in a tailed falcon-headed man with a solar disk on his head and a scepter in his hand.  It is associated to Isis. 18

This evidence reflects a long-standing history from Old Kingdoms and even Pre-dynastic ages of ancient Egypt of astronomical themes in support of the Gospel in the Stars. My encouragement to the reader is to review the links included here and the key background provided in presenting the case for the “Gospel in the Stars,” and Biblical Astronomy. Awareness of these related topics, present a more comprehensive view of Biblical Astronomy, depicting a grasp of sub-categories in this study, and how they support and inter-relate to the larger context.

God Bless!

Rene‘

Footnotes

1. [https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/circular-egyptian-mythology-does-dendera-zodiac-represent-most-ancient-021599]
2. Secrets of the Great Pyramid, Peter Thompkins, p.168
3. The Mazzaroth, Antiquity of the Chaldean and Egyptian Constellations, Frances Polleston
4.  https://answersingenesis.org/astronomy/stars/a-further-examination-of-the-gospel-in-the-stars/
5. IBID
6. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338614465705844552/ [picture credit]7
7. The Senenmut Project-Introduction, Jose Lull
8. [https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/circular-egyptian-mythology-does-dendera-zodiac-represent-most-ancient-021599] [picture credit]
9. https://www.starmythworld.com/mathisencorollary [picture credit]
10. The Skies in Memory, John Lash as quoted in The Atlantis Blueprint, Wilson & Flem-Ath. p. 169
11. Secrets of the Great Pyramid, Peter Thompkins, p.172
12. Companion Bible, App. 42, EW Bullinger.
13. Echoes of the Ancient Skies, p.172, E.C. Krupp
14. Dendera Zodiac cast at the Rosicrucian Museum-San Jose, CA. [picture credit]
15. Witness of the Stars, p. 163, 168. EW Bullinger.
16. The Discovery of Time, ppg. 82-83, Stuart McCready
17. https://themathematicaltourist.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/the-decans-in-senenmuts-tomb/ [picture credit]
18. IBID

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Are Virtue Signaling Pastors Breaking the Law?

As we are all making sacrifices and enduring certain hardships due to the Covid-19 virus,
I wanted to pass on Jon Nessle’s excellent article in a special blog post this month.

Are Virtue Signaling Pastors Breaking the Law?
(2020 Covid-19 Pandemic)
By Rev. Jon O. Nessle

It was the winter of 1974 and my first Sermon. The room had been rented and
everything organized and I was ready. But then a snow storm hit. Normally an inch
or two of snow would not thwart my congregation who were from small Midwest
towns and farms, who would not think much of it. But this snow fall was over 8
inches! I called everyone up and said, don’t come. We will reschedule it. I knew
that there would be some stubborn or persistent folks who would brave the elements
and still try to come and I had elderly members that I did not want to put at risk. So
I postponed the meeting and told everyone to even call folks that they didn’t think
would come, just to make sure no one tried.

Weeks later when the meeting was to be held again, it began snowing again. I
declared, not again! I called up a few strong believers and we prayed for the snow
to stop. At the same time another congregant was flying in to the local airport. He
later told me of a strange thing he witnessed. He saw the snow stop falling! He said
it happened all across the sky simultaneously. The snow stopped all at once and as
the plane was descending to land he watched the clear patch of sky increase in size
moving downward. The layer of snow fell together like a falling blanket, leaving
clear air above! I asked him when was this? It was exactly at the same time we were
praying. We on the ground saw the snow stop and so we continued preparations for
the meeting.

Then one hour before the meeting was to start, I received a phone call from my
Mother. Her house had caught on fire! Thankfully, it was put out in time and the
damage was not terrible. I was 30 miles away. I asked her if she was OK and she
said yes and I explained that I could be there in a few hours and she said that was
fine. So I taught my first Sermon and made the Devil sorry he ever messed with me!
What was the difference between those two incidents? Wisdom.

With this current pandemic, these are unprecedented times in our lifetime,.
Ecclesiastes, a book of wisdom declares:
2
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under
the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time
to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a
time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time
to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast
away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a
time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of
peace.

Perhaps this too is a time for wisdom : Because of the potential to spread the virus,
this is a time to refrain from embracing. Sometimes we face situations in which
there seem to be conflicts of priorities or Laws. This is one of them. On one hand,
the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution states that “Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
On the other hand, Regional Health Authorities and State and County Governments
are imposing quarantines or limits on the size of meetings including Church, to limit
potential exposure to the virus. What should we do? Normally such constitutional
things are adjudicated in a Court of Law in which a Judge weighs the issues and then
based upon his or her wisdom, applies the law. We do not have time for that, for
this virus does not wait. But since this conflict of law will ultimately be resolved by
wisdom, can we not appeal to wisdom now?

This is the key question: Is complying with the Government’s temporary restriction
on large meetings, including Church meetings, an act of fear and therefore a violation
of faith? Is there a Biblical precedent for this situation? Yes there is! Quarantines
are Biblical and the rules are outlined in Leviticus 13ff. Therefore, obeying
quarantines are not a questioning of our faith.
3
Leviticus 13:1-5
1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying,
2 When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab,
or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of
leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one
of his sons the priests:
3 And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh:
and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in
sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy:
and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
4 If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be
not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white;
then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:
5 And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if
the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the
skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:

The priests were tasked with the job of diagnosis and quarantine because they were
authorities who could be trusted. While some could dogmatically claim that the
observation of such things must be done exactly the same today, I say that the
principles that are here can transfer to our modern situation. Today the trusted and
licensed ones who are tasked with diagnosis of disease and setting quarantines are
Doctors. Back then the Priests were trained and experienced in this. Today our
equivalent, Pastors, Priests and Rabbis, etc. are not. But the truth of quarantining
for a period of time still stands.

The Law of Moses also contained fascinating details about hygiene that protected
the Jews from germs 3000 years before they were discovered by Louis Pasteur.
There are directives about washing after touching dead things, and being unclean for
periods of time. This also includes washing clothes that were worn and even shaving
and social distancing!
4
Leviticus 14:8
8 And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off
all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and
after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out
of his tent seven days.
9 But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair
off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he
shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his
flesh in water, and he shall be clean.

Leviticus 14:34-48 even speaks of checking homes and condemning the buildings.
Again in modern times, religious leaders are not tasked or trained for such things.
Other trained and licensed experts are. It is fascinating to read this section of
Scripture knowing that mankind did not know about germs (but God did…)
5
Leviticus 15:2-13
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any
man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is
unclean.
3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh
run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his
uncleanness.
4 Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and
every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.
5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe
himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
6 And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean
until the even.
7 And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall
wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until
the even.
8 And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean
until the even.
9 And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall
be unclean.
10 And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be
unclean until the even: and he that beareth any of those things shall
wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until
the even.
11 And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not
rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe
himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
12 And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue,
shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
13 And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he
shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his
clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

Leviticus 17:15
And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which
was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a
stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water,
and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean

Disease was prevented by the requirement to go outside the camp and defecate there
and then bury it. (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13.) Bloodborne diseases were prevented by
the prohibition of eating blood and viruses borne by unclean animals were avoided
by dietary laws. Leviticus 22: 4ff states that these rules even applied to the priests
themselves. Furthermore, Exodus 30:17-21 required the priests wash at the Laver.
While this would have ceremonial significance, it also has health implications for
the Tabernacle was a place of assembly for the congregation and as such, a common
source of the transmission of germs, much like schools are today. Social distancing
also was part of the Law:
6
Deuteronomy 23:10, 11
10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of
uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad
out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
11 But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself
with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp
again.

So was the compliance with the Law a question of fear or faith? No, it
was of obedience. Therefore because of this precedent, I think that wisdom
should prevail and that we ministers who run Church meetings ought to think
of our most vulnerable congregants and not put them in harm’s way. Look. The Priests
and even Moses were super-believers and at times had interceded to miraculously stop
plagues, more than once. So why were these health related regulations even needed?
Wisdom…

Yes, these times are fearful and assembling with fellow believers is a comfort, but
the mitigating factor of the potential for virus transmission discourages that. But
thankfully, because of our affluence and technology in the USA and other countries,
there are other ways of assembly. We can assemble virtually over the Internet or in
cell phone conference calls. But we also must reach the most vulnerable group
which is our elderly folks who make up a significant proportion of some Churches.
They do not tend to utilize technology to the same degree as younger generations.
But there are still ways of dealing with this. I heard of congregations who have
assembled in their cars in parking lots and the Pastor preached from horseback.
Churches could even utilize closed Drive in Theatres for this purpose.

Furthermore, I know of no general reason for any minister to require anyone
to break quarantine, unless, of course, one has technicolor revelation to do so.
I say “technicolor” because such a thing would violate what I have just shared from the
Bible. There is precedent for doing so like when Paul circumcised Timothy despite
what he wrote about circumcision, but again, he had technicolor guidance to do so.
So if a minister thinks he has such guidance, may I remind him that the rules for
prophets given in the Old Testament apply:
7
Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow
not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not
spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously:
thou shalt not be afraid of [revere, (hence obey any more)] him.

There could be a miracle like what happened with the snow preceding my second
meeting. But if there is no divine intervention, people could get hurt. So if anyone
follows his so-called guidance and gets sick he cannot attribute that to their lack of
faith. There are healthy Churches and unhealthy ones, true ministers and false ones,
and there is a lot of gray area in between for both. When it comes to such
complicated analyses, the words of Jesus suffice: “By their fruits ye shall know
them.” He did not say “by their words…”

In my opinion, any organization who legalistically requires people to attend Church
is violating the spirit of assembly which is at the core of any ekklesia. People ought
to be coming because they want to, because they get results, fruit, not just words. If
people are criticized and judged there, something is wrong. It is not healthy. Or if
ministers feel they have to signify themselves or their Church by breaking the rules
of quarantine, both rules, I say, of our secular government and in the Bible, unless
they have “technicolor” revelation to do so, it is either that they are confused,
immature or virtue signaling. The English Oxford Dictionary describes “virtue
signaling” as: “a pejorative neologism for the conspicuous expression of moral
values.” That is, it is a newly coined term of communicating disapproval by
conspicuously expressing one’s moral values. They are disapproving of the
quarantine by signaling their supposed “holy bravery” by implying they have great
faith in spite of it. Well, that’s great for you, but what about grandma? You can be
responsible for your own risks, for the Bible says, “may your blood be on your
own head.” But what about the vulnerable folks in your congregation?

In a religious setting, virtue signaling is the “persistence or occurrence of various
costly religious practices such as circumcision, fasting, snake handling, and trial by
ordeal. This idea is that the participation in an act with a religious purpose serves as
a way to signal one’s dedication to the beliefs held by that religion, thereby signaling
personal morality to onlookers.” 1

These virtue signalers are trying to gain acclaim and followers like birds dancing and
displaying their plumage to attract mates. The Bible has another way of describing it.
8
Colossians 2:23a

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility…

The word “will worship” is ethelothrēskeia which is defined as a self-devised external form of ceremonial service. 2
Self-devised, as in not of God, external, as in showing off, ceremonial, as in not practical or useable. So my advice is find yourself another Church if they are requiring you to break quarantine. After this is all over you can go back if there is anyone left…

1 Bulbulia, Joseph; Schjoedt, Uffe (2010-07-16), “Religious Culture and Cooperative Prediction under Risk: Perspectives from Social Neuroscience”, Religion, Economy, and Cooperation, DE GRUYTER, pp. 35–60

________________________________________________________________

Jon’s reference to Ecc. 3 and the “28 times” as they relate to the 28 Lunar Mansions, fits in with our current series on the Lunar Mansions, which we will be wrapping up in our Part 3, blog post later this month.

From the 28 times in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we see the obvious juxtaposition to “easy“ times
vs. “difficult” ones, 14 on either side, like 2 hands. These associated attributes with the twenty-eight “times” in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 come in pairs, and in each pair, one element is the opposite of the other. Birth/ Death; Planting/ Plucking; Killing/ Healing,
Breaking down /Building up, etc. This strongly suggests the goal is to portray a range
of human activity according to this pattern whether good or evil, depending on individual choice. Again, with the knowledge that all these results can occur in life, with God on our side in His path of righteousness, we can still prevail in the most difficult of “times” in this world. This brings to mind Deut. 30, where God’s Word lists some related pairs resulting from
freewill choice He has given to all men, to walk in their lives in the ways that they choose to go.

Deut. 30:19-20

19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

God not only gives us this freewill choice, He also tells us which choice benefits us the most! We are thankful for Jon Nessle, providing us a perspective of added wisdom in these difficult times that clarifies the vagaries of choice we are faced with every day.

Let’s Choose life Folks…


God Bless,

Rene’

 

 

 

The Biblical Astronomy of the Lunar Mansions

The Biblical Astronomy of the Lunar Mansions

A Brief History of the Lunar Mansions

Recently, you may have noticed festivities in current events attached to the Lunar New Year.
The Lunar Mansions or Zodiac of the Moon, has a rich history, although more obscure than its Solar counterpart. Much of the Astronomical Lore tied to the Lunar Mansions has been linked to astrology due to a greater emphasis on the Solar Calendar in western culture, along with a resulting lack of attention on it’s Lunar sister. If you have ever eaten at a Chinese restaurant, you are familiar with the placemats with the signs of the Chinese Lunar Zodiac.
As we can see from the Chinese Dragon linked to the Lunar New Year below, China is one
of the ancient cultures that has a strong recognition of the Lunar Zodiac, along with India’s Nakshatra’s, and the ancient Arabian Manzils. Frances Rolleston is one of the few western scholars of Biblical Astronomy who has paid any attention to this area, as is evident from her Poetic “Memorial Lines on the Lunar Mansions” below. Each of these 28 Lunar Mansions are based on a division of the ecliptic into 12 degrees and 51 minutes, based on the daily mean lunar motion through the ecliptic. With our emphasis on Biblical Astronomy, we want
to avoid astrological associations of any kind, unless they can shed added light on the truth, as we have seen in other cases where ancient mythologies have preserved truths prior to astrological corruptions having set in. With the Poem below, and the addition of the Arab “Manzils,” which are the Lunar Mansions that likely had the greatest influence on western astronomical lore until more recently. We have also included the star names correlating to the Lunar “camps” as the Moon passes through these constellations on it’s monthly trek.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is observed throughout China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore as well as other Asian countries, and in Chinatowns around the world. Originating in the region
of Guangzhou, in south China, this is the equivalent of their Spring Festival observance. For those familiar with the Hebrew Spring festival, called Passover, there are similarities between the two ancient cultures, that are not apparent at first blush. Another name for the Hebrew Spring festival is Chag Ha’aviv. The month when the Israelites left Egypt was the first of the year. This was called Abib, the “month of ears” of grain. It was the spring month of the opening of harvest, later called Nisan, as it is known today (Exodus 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Esther 3:7). This was a lunar month to which the Hebrews were already accustomed, the change came in making this the first “month,” which was not the case before.

While the Jewish New Year is commonly thought of as Rosh Hashanah which typically comes around in early fall, Passover is actually considered one of four possible Jewish New Years. The term “Rosh Hashanah” does not appear in the Torah; in fact, in both Exodus and Ezekiel, the Hebrew month of Aviv — later renamed Nisan, referred to the beginning of the year or the first month of the year. Nisan is also the month of Passover. Since the Chinese word for “year” is nian, we also can see some common language roots between China and Israel, which are believed to go back to some of Noah’s sons settling in ancient China.

Chinese Lunar Mansions 1

Chinese New Year, like Passover, Rosh Hashanah and all Jewish holidays, occur at various times each year in two months of the Gregorian calendar (January and February), because the Chinese calendar, like the Hebrew calendar, is based on the Metonic cycle, a luni-solar calendar that intercalates an extra month every 19 years. Generally, the Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, but the similarities in the Chinese & Hebrew Lunar calendars don’t stop there. These festivals also share rituals and traditions that bear a  striking resemblance.

In Judaism, the Passover festival is known primarily for an emphasis on the precious blood of the Lamb, which was fulfilled later in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In Egypt, the blood was placed over, and on the sides of the door-posts to protect the inhabitants against the plague of the Death angel, who wiped out the first-born of Egypt that night. From this, the spiritual practice of the mezuzah was taken, which are ornate containers of miniature scrolls of verses of Scripture, that are hung on door thresholds for protection.

In preparation for New Year’s celebrations in China, homes are decorated in red, a practice linked back to the story of a Chinese New Year monster, or Chinese version of the death angel,  roaming the countryside killing children and livestock. As people discovered that the monster was afraid of the color red, they began hanging red lanterns, wearing red clothes, draping doors with red cloth and posting red scrolls printed with lucky messages on their doorposts! The red amulets are meant specifically to ward off an evil monster bent on killing children. Even as Hebrew custom ushers in most festivals with a ritual meal [Passover Seder] on the eve of the first day of the holiday, Chinese New Year also kicks off with a “reunion dinner” with special foods. As the poetic lines of the Lunar Mansions below mirror the signs of the Lunar Zodiac in China, Arabia and India, so they hold special meaning for Israel also.

The Lunar Zodiac 2

A Comprehensive Guide to the Lunar Mansions


Memorial Lines on the Lunar Mansions-Frances Rolleston 3

The Zodiac tells the path, the Way, which the Sun Measures Day by Day,
The Moon has her own Zodiac given, traced by stars in midnight heaven,
Those eight and twenty Mansions known, to Arabs here, by names still known,

[Aries– Stars: Beta & Delta Aries] [Manzils: Al Sharatain, Al Butain]
Messiah’s reign the signs begun, which tell the progress of the Sun,
The Moon to Church the glory lead, begins her course in Christ her head
Ordained to end in union blest, with him above in endless rest,
The Lunar Mansions still began, the slain, the Bruised, Al Sheratan,
That name too, tells the princely reign, the Lamb shall rule who has been slain,
Not to one purpose do we find, God’s Word or Works alone confined,
These starry records early made, more than one meaning oft’ conveyed,

[Taurus– Stars: Eta & Alpha Tauri, Lambda Orionis]
[Manzils: Al Thurayya, Al Dabaran, Al Hak’ah]
Botein the trodden on below, Thuraiya multitudes to show,
The Ruler, Aldebaran-Red, Heka-he comes in Orion’s Head,

[Gemini-Stars: Alpha & Gamma Gemini, M44]
[Manzils: Al Han’ah, Al Dhira, Al Nathrah]
Al Hena-Wounded at the feet, of the bright twins and placed as meet,
Dira the seed their heads upon, Al Nithra-gain, possession won,

[Cancer-Stars: Lambda, Alpha, Delta Leo]
[Manzils: Al Tarf, Al Jabbah, Al Sarfa]
Terpha-the prey, the separation, Al Gieba– highest exaltation,
Of ancient solstice was the measure, Al Zubra-gathered as a treasure,

[Virgo-Stars: Beta, Alpha,  Virgo]
[Manzils: Al Awwa, Al Simak]
Serpha-the Branch, of he desired, Awa-the babe, the Magi admired,
Simak Al Azal, she who holds, the Branch, the seed, her arm enfolds,

[Libra-Stars: Alpha Libra, Iota Virgo ] [Manzils: Al Jubana, Al Ghafr]
Caphir below, atonement made, Al Zubena– the price he paid,

[Scorpio-Stars: Beta, Alpha Scorpio]
[Manzils: Iklil Al Jabhah, Al Kalb]
Ielil-completion, Kalb, the cleaving, in conflict with the reptile heaving,

[Sagittarius-Stars: Lambda Scorpio, Zeta Sagittarii]
[Manzils: Al Shaulah, Al Na’am]
Shaula, the dart sent forth, Al Naim, to bless the Glorious One who came,

[Capricorn-Star: Pi Sagittarii, Alpha Capricorn]
[Manzils: Al Baldah, Al Sa’d al Dhabih]
Beldah sent forth with speed, beneath Dabih, the victim sinks in death,

[Aquarius-Stars: Mu, Beta & Alpha Aquarii]
[Manzils: Al Sa’d al Bula, Al Sa’d al Su’ud, Al Sa’d al Ahbiyah]
Bulsa the drinking in, Al Suud, pouring out life-giving flood,
Achbiya-the vase in which ascends, the water in which he descends,

[Pisces-Stars: Alpha Pegasi, Alpha & Beta Andromeda]
[Manzils: Al Farghal Mukdim, Al Fargh al Thani, Al Batn al Hut]
Al Pherg-Muchaddem-multitude of former times, in union viewed,
With later gain’d, Muacchar named, both as his own their Lord has claimed.
Al Risha-Band within to hold, united thus the crowds untold,

The multitudes redeemed by him, whom all these types foreshadowed dim.

Image result for Lunar Zodiac manzils

The Star Calendar or Sidereal Lunar Year has 364 days, which is exactly 28 sets of 13 days, a perfect match with equally spaced lunar stations. The 28 Lunar Mansions divide into 7 x 4 along the lines of the four Cherubim angels each with seven mansions, a pattern we will see developed below.

As the Cherubim travel in the presence of the Heavenly Father in His celestial temple, so they were depicted in the earthly Temple and Tabernacle also. Since the Cherubim were sewn in the curtains of the Tabernacle, is noteworthy regarding the stellar significance associated with their four faces depicting the Cardinal Directions. As we have noted, their four faces correspond to the signs of the zodiac at the four-corners of the ecliptic, and also as guardians of God’s throne-room. The Cherubim also carry symbolic weight regarding the cycle of the precession of the equinoxes because their four faces/signs function as precessional markers for the Age of Taurus, as seen in Numbers 23-24. Since the cycle of precession serves as the primary clock of Cosmic Ages, the symbolic aspects of the Cherubim serve to harmonize space–time in the Creator’s Intelligent Design of His Creation, and like the Great Pyramid, they serve as a temporal key to the ages of precession and related Biblical Administrations. This is a key in opening our understanding, because Israel’s Tabernacle housed the Ark of the Covenant in the holiest of all, signifying the presence of Jehovah in a Covenant relationship with His chosen people, as the central purpose for all Creation. As the Cherubim overspread the Mercy-seat that covered the Ark of the Covenant, their function as guardians was realized, as it is in their image depicted upon the Veil into the Holiest of all.

The Ark of the Covenant

four colors of the tabernacle

This idea is supported in the four colors of the Tabernacle’s curtains hanging on its internal walls. The four colors employed in the Tabernacle; red, blue, purple and white, alternated in succession as the curtains completed a circuit around the walls in the Tabernacle. James Strong, of Strong’s Concordance fame, gives us a glimpse of the perfect order of how the Cherubim were depicted on these colored curtains of the Tabernacle, in accordance with the wooden planks of the Tabernacle’s walls;

”As the full planks are each 1 & 1/2 cubits wide, with a knob and loop to each, and as the joined sheets are each twice as long as the entire circuit of planks, it follows that every looped portion assigned to plank must be 3 cubits long, which allows exactly one cubit for each of the component stripes of color. Now since the flat panels of violet, containing the figure of the cherubim, are each to be 5/6ths of a cubit wide between the ends of the loops that stretch them out, or a full cubit including the loops and their eyelets, there are left two cubits for the other two colors, one on each slope of the intervening fold of cloth… each of these separate curtains was 28 cubits long, giving nine full series of colors,
[9 x 3=27], with a surplus cubit [totaling 28] for an entire stripe, which must have fallen short or been redundant at one end or the other.”4

Hebrew Tabernacle with wooden planks and Curtains.

nine full series of colored curtains

The nine full series of colored curtains above, yielding 27 cubits, with the surplus cubit marking the 28th, is a symbolic recognition of the Sidereal Lunar Month, which is counted against the backdrop of the stars, in the time it takes for the Moon to return to the same stars in the sky. This sidereal month is 27.322 days, the period marked between the 27th and 28th in the series of colored curtains, during which time the Earth travels 1/13th of its annual orbit around the Sun. This is another way to understand the 364-day year of 13 months of 28 days, while depicting the lunar symbolism as the lesser light rules the night.

This divine pattern of the Tabernacle given to Moses by revelation from God, exhibits a perfect
luni-solar Symmetry between the 4 colored curtains, with the cherubim shown on them, and the wooden planks of its walls. This shows how the laws of heaven [cherubim/ curtains] reigning on earth [wooden planks]. A reflection Symmetry is noted here, due to the four colored curtains mirroring each other as they complete their circuit around the Tabernacle walls, even as the light of the Moon reflects Sun-light on the Earth. This pattern is indicated by James Strong below;

“Thus, the reversal of the order of the stripes on the opposite sides of the room is so compensated by the change in the panels at the corners that strict regularity is maintained throughout the entire series, and yet complete correspondence in the position of the 20 violet cherubim-panels on each side, and seven at the end…This gives exactly 7 cherubim
to each side, and the same number to the rear of the Most Holy Place, and 14 to each side and the adjoining half of the Veil in the Holy Place, while the 2 on the Mercy Seat correspond to the two on the Veil; in no instance is a cherub on two colors at once. Moreover, if the Veil itself be made to consist of two broad stripes {purple & Crimson} for its 2 cherubim, respectively, with a half stripe of violet on either edge like all the other door screens, this will complete the circuit of the colors continuously in their uniform order around the three sides of the Holy Place, as well as those of the Most Holy.”5

This shows the divine seven-fold pattern of the order of Cherubim according to their regular distribution around the four colored curtains of the Tabernacle walls of both the Holy Place, and the Holy of the Holies. As we find this pattern in the earthly Tabernacle, so we also find it in the Heavenly Tabernacle, as Revelation 15 reveals. [Rev. 8:2]

Rev. 15:5-8
(Rev 15:5) And2532 after3326 that5023 I looked,1492 and,2532 behold,2400 the3588
temple3485 of the3588 tabernacle4633 of the3588 testimony3142 in1722 heaven3772
was opened:455

(Rev 15:6) And2532 the3588 seven2033 angels32 came1831 out of1537 the3588 temple,3485
having2192 the3588 seven2033 plagues,4127 clothed1746 in pure2513 and2532 white2986
linen,3043 and2532 having their(4012) breasts4738 girded4024 with golden5552 girdles.2223

(Rev 15:7) And2532 one1520 of1537 the3588 four5064 beasts2226 gave1325 unto the3588 seven2033 angels32 seven2033 golden5552 vials5357 full1073 of the3588
wrath2372 of God,2316 who liveth2198 forever and ever.1519, 165

(Rev 15:8) And2532 the3588 temple3485 was filled1072 with smoke2586 from1537 the3588
glory1391 of God,2316 and2532 from1537 his848 power;1411 and2532 no man3762 was able1410 to
enter1525 into1519 the3588 temple,3485 till891 the3588 seven2033 plagues4127 of the3588 seven2033 angels32 were fulfilled.5055

The pattern of the 7 angels of God in relation to the four “beasts” or living creatures, depicting the 4 Cardinal Directions is upheld in the heavenly Tabernacle even as we see in its earthly model. This 7 x 4 pattern yielding 28 also relates to the lunar cycle, aligning to the solar cycle, as we will find in the Tabernacle structure. The enemy continues to adhere parasitically to the original order set down by the Almighty, in ordering and marshaling his legions of fallen angels. As we have seen the pattern of seven repeated in the fallen angelic orders, we also find an image of “four beasts” resembling the “dragon decans” or serpent monsters [Draco, Hydra, Cetus, & Serpens] in the starry signs of the night sky. As we take a closer look at the Biblical significance of these four colors in the Tabernacle, we will begin to get an idea of the depth of this symbolism, along with its rendition by the god of this world. Let’s start by viewing the Creator’s Covenant with His Creation as seen in Jeremiah.

Our view of the orders and organization of these angelic ministering spirits gains new insights when considered in light of the Lunar Mansions. The Covenant that God has kept with Israel, started with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, [Gen. 15:5], with its foundations in Noah and Adam. This Covenant is tied to the Order of Creation that God instituted with His system of Natural Law during Creation Week. We find evidence of this pact in Jer. 33:20 ff, in the Covenant of Day and Night, that set the timekeeping standards of God’s temporal order, by which the angels themselves are also ordered. If the Covenant of the stars is broken by man, the covenant of man’s seed was negatively impacted also. This was the first  pattern established by the Creator, but corrupted in astrologically inspired heathen calendars, given over to the idols and heathen day-gods. The context of this original Covenant is carried forward in Jer. 33:20-22 below.

Jer. 33:20-22
(Jer 33:20) Thus3541 saith559 the LORD;3068 If518 ye can break6565 (853) my covenant 1285 of the day,3117 and my covenant1285 of the night,3915 and that there should not1115 be1961 day3119 and night3915 in their season;6256

(Jer 33:21) Then may also1571 my covenant1285 be broken6565 with854 David1732 my servant,5650 that he should not have4480, 1961 a son1121 to reign4427 upon5921 his throne;3678 and with854 the Levites3881 the priests,3548 my ministers.8334
(Jer 33:22) As834 the host6635 of heaven8064 cannot3808 be numbered,5608 neither 3808 the sand2344 of the sea3220 measured:4058 so3651 will I multiply7235 (853) the seed 2233 of David1732 my servant,5650 and the Levites 3881 that minister unto 8334 me.

As we consider this order of the ecliptic, from its lunar perspective we can see how the seven-fold order of angels extends around the full circle of the ecliptic according to the four faces of the Cherubim. God’s Covenant with Creation included both the Day and Night. Initially, a like Covenant was set between the Angels of the First Heavens and Earth, until it was broken in the rebellion of Lucifer, and his third of the angels. But the vestiges of this Covenant which are evident in the angelic order of the Tabernacle curtains, and the Lunar cycle, are still intact for the Godly angels serving the Almighty, in the Second Heavens and Earth. Jeremiah also refers not only to King David as God’s servant but also to the Levites [H3881] the priests, [H3548] and my ministers, [H8334]. With the Creation of mankind, the seed of David leading to Christ as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, is also included in this order. 

Image result for Lunar Zodiac manzils

Another applied element of the 28 lunar station stars was something that John reported in the book of Revelation in his vision of the heavens. He said that besides the four beasts that surround the throne of God, there was also a circle of 24 seats for 24 elders (Rev. 4:4, 7). “Noting that 24 plus 4 is 28, it appears like the 28 lunar stations may be the four corner-stone stars along with 24 others chosen from the zodiac constellations, on the path of the Moon. The four corner constellations are a lion (Leo), a bull (Taurus), a man (Aquarius) and a serpent (scorpion), which is the evil counterpart of the flying eagle, just as John described the four beasts.” Since the 24 elders are faithful servants of God, it seems fitting to equate the 24 elders with 24 remaining stars of the lunar mansions.”6

This not only shows an integration between the angelic hosts and human servants, which we find the blueprints for in the 24 priestly courses of the OT in [I Chron. 23-27], but also depicts the Lordship of Jesus Christ in both the angelic hosts, and the kingdoms of man over which he currently rules. The 24 priestly courses ran on a continuous cycle of 168 days [24 courses x 7 days per course] that began when King Solomon initiated them in 951 BC. 7 According to one program, the characters of the Hebrew Alphabet spelling a Name of God, yielded 168 letters, divided into 6 letters for each of the 28 Lunar Mansions.

The Bible defines the division of the priestly courses in the 12 months of the year as follows in [1 Chron. 27:1-15]:

1 As for the sons of Israel by their number, the heads of the paternal houses and the chiefs of the thousands and of the hundreds and their officers that were ministering to the king in every matter of the divisions of those that came in and that went out month by month for all the months of the year, each division was 24,000.
2 Over the first division of the first month there was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, and in his division there were 24,000.
3 Some of the sons of Perez the head of all the chiefs of the service groups were for the first month.
4 And over the division of the second month there was Dodai the Ahohite with his division, and Mikloth was the leader, and in his division there were 24,000.
5 The chief of the 3rd service group for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada the chief priest, and in his division there were 24,000.
6 This Benaiah was a mighty man of the 30 and over the 30; and [over] his division there was Ammizabad his son.
7 The 4th for the 4th month was Asahel, Joab’s brother, and Zebadiah his son after him, and in his division there were 24,000.
8 The 5th chief for the 5th month was Shamhuth the Izrahite, and in his division there were 24,000.
9 The 6th for the 6th month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, and in his division there were 24,000.
10 The 7th for the 7th month was Helez the Pelonite of the sons of Ephraim, and in his division there were 24,000.
11 The 8th for the 8th month was Sibbecai the Hushathite of the Zerahites, and in his division there were 24,000.
12 The 9th for the 9th month was Abi-ezer the Anathothite of the Benjaminites, and in his division there were 24,000.
13 The 10th for the 10th month was Maharai the Netophathite of the Zerahites, and in his division there were 24,000.
14 The 11th for the 11th month was Benaiah the Pirathonite of the sons of Ephraim, and in his division there were 24,000.
15 The 12th for the 12th month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel, and in his division there were 24,000 (1 Chronicles 27).

In an alternative program, a Name of God spelled in Hebrew characters divided into 12 groups, of 14 letters, aligned with each of the primary 12 constellations. As the 28 “times” of [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8] divide into two groups of 14 positive and negative “times” as these lunar mansions, the 14 examples of “good times” are said to originate from the 14 letters in the name of God [YHVH Elohenu YHVH]. 8 As an obvious reference similar to [Matt. 6:33], when a man seeks God’s Kingdom first, his days will be blessed, so that he prevails even in “difficult days.”

Tabernacle Colors

We can see this four-fold pattern carried further in the four colors of the Tabernacle, as they embody together the four-fold ministry of Jesus Christ as the chief corner-stone in the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, showing his dominion over all Creation. As we have seen, the four celestial pillars/cherubim correspond to the four Cardinal Directions, known as the equinox and Solstice, seen on the ecliptic and Equator at the four-corners of the heavens. These four cardinal points correspond to the tribes, zodiacal signs and colors as follows:

Symbols of the Cardinal Directions

Cardinal
Direction		 Star
Picture		 zodiac
Sign		 Tribe of
Isreal
 Temple
Color		 Bible Verses Branch
Prophecies		 Cherubim
Ezek.1:10
North Scorpio replaced by eagle Scorpius

Aquila

 Dan White
Linen		 Psa 75
Zech. 3:8
Ezek 1:10		 Mark/
Servant		 Eagle”s Face & Wings
East Lion Leo Judah Purple Num 24:9
Jer. 23:5		 Matthew/
King		 Lion”s Face
South Man Aquarius Reuben Red Num 24:7
Zech. 6:12		 Luke/Son
of Man
 Man”s Face & Hands
West Bull Taurus Ephraim
and
Mannasseh		 Blue Num 24:8
John 4:2		 John/ Son
of God		 Bull”s Face &
Feet

The vision of Ezekiel at the river Chebar describes these living creatures, specifically their four faces, matching the signs of the four Cardinal Directions of the heavens. As we have noted regarding the North, it was omitted, as only 3 sides of the Tabernacle are disclosed regarding the order of its Curtains. In the North we find the face of Aquila the Eagle [Eze.1:10], replacing that of his natural enemy, the Scorpion/ serpent, as is evident in the triple sign
Ophiuchus as he wrestles Serpens the serpent, representing the dragon who fell from his first estate as a lead archangel of God. The gap opened by this fall, will be superseded by the authority of Christ over his Body-the Church, including not only this authority over human kingdoms but angelic kingdoms also. This consistent pattern of four is seen through all the world’s order, for example in the four basic alchemical elements: earth, wind, fire and water. This also carries over into the four states of matter: liquid, solid, gas and Plasma, not to mention the 4 forces of nature: Gravitational force, Electro-magnetic force,
Weak Nuclear force and Strong Nuclear force. This basic pattern of nature is not only witnessed in the ministry of angels, but in Christ’s ministry also, as reflected in the 4 gospels above. Thus, as we view the two phases of the return of Christ, first in his sufferings and then in glory, we find the following division along the lines of Christ’s ministry, as seen in the four gospels:

Sufferings

He came as a man/Son of Man/Luke/Aquarius
He sacrificed his life/Servant/Mark/ Eagle for Scorpion

Glory

The Son coming in judgment/Son of God/John/Taurus
The Lion-king of Judah rending his prey/King/Matthew/Leo

These symbolic references to the four quarters of heaven, seen in the four unified faces of the Cherubim, represent a composite view of the celestial/earthly Tabernacle structure, that witnesses to the return of Jesus Christ with his Saints, to execute judgment on the wicked. The added 7 x 4= 28 symbolism of the celestial Cherubim/24 elders, becomes more apparent as our study continues.

These Godly angels are led by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel even as the fallen angels are led by the Dragon, as seen in Rev. 12:1-9. Our view of these godly angels, in this study will be in the context of their ongoing battle against the evil angels or devil spirits, who were cast down with the dragon from heaven. This record depicts a key example of the relationship between how the stars are symbols of Draco the dragon and his spirit realm of fallen angels, an important element of our study of the “Host of Heaven.” Michael [one who is like God] brings God’s authority and stands for God’s people against the dark spiritual forces of the Dragon’s world kingdom of fallen angels, [Jude 9] in the spiritual warfare currently being waged, as seen in Revelation 12.

Rev. 12:1-7
(Rev 12:1) And2532 there appeared3700 a great3173 wonder4592 in1722 heaven;3772 a woman1135 clothed with4016 the3588 sun,2246 and2532 the3588 moon4582 under5270 her848 feet,4228 and2532 upon1909 her848 head2776 a crown4735 of twelve1427 stars:792
(Rev 12:2) And2532 she being with child2192, 1722, 1064 cried,2896 travailing in birth,5605 and2532 pained928 to be delivered.

The great wonder in heaven here refers to a celestial sign, which is confirmed by the mention here of the Sun, Moon & Stars. The only woman, or female sign of the zodiac is Virgo, which actually has 12 literal stars around her head, but also is the first sign of the Biblical zodiac as it is figuratively and monumentally preserved in the head of The Great Sphinx.

(Rev 12:3) And2532 there appeared3700 another243 wonder4592 in1722 heaven;3772 and2532 behold2400 a great3173 red4450 dragon,1404 having2192 seven2033 heads2776 and2532 ten1176 horns,2768 and2532 seven2033 crowns1238 upon1909 his848 heads.

The word “appeared” [G3700] refers to a gaze of fascination, noting its structure and function as something to be wondered at. These verses will teach us much about the order of the spirit realm, or Dragon’s Kingdom of fallen angel’s if we pay attention. The 2nd “wonder of heaven,” is a celestial sign like the previous verse, but referring to a different kind of sign, a circumpolar called Draco the Dragon set by the Creator at the northern Celestial Pole [Job 26:13]. This is the first of 13 uses of “dragon” in the Book of Revelation, indicative of the disorderly and rebellious nature of the fiery Red Dragon. Once again we find the seven fold order of the Dragon’s spirit kingdom referenced in the Dragon’s 7 heads along with the 7 crowns upon his 7 heads. These 7 heads imply 7 ruling [unclean spirits-daimon; Revelation 16:13-14] who embody a leading aspect of the Dragon’s power over his earthly kingdom, as we find in [Dan. 10].

(Rev 12:4) And2532 his848 tail3769 drew4951 the3588 third part5154 of the3588 stars792
of heaven,3772and2532 did cast906 them846 to1519 the3588 earth:1093 and2532 the3588 dragon1404 stood2476before1799 the3588 woman1135 which was ready3195 to be delivered,5088 for to2443 devour2719her848 child5043 as soon as3752 it was born.

Apian’s Astronomicum Caesareum,” [Ingolstadt 1540 AD]

head tail of the dragon

Here we have the dragon’s head associated with its tail, since the tail always does what the head tells it to do. In the graphic above from “Apian”s Astronomicum Caesareum,” [Ingolstadt 1540 AD] depicting the alternating head and tail of the dragon, we find 27 [9 x 3] points on the circle around the central dragon. This relates directly to the lunar calendar, or the Draconic Month, also known in Astrology as the Head & Tail of the Dragon. As we stop to consider the geometry applied here, we find an interesting dynamic. This is a shadow of the pattern we saw above in the nine full series of colored curtains of 27 cubits in the Tabernacle, referring to the Sidereal Lunar Month of 27.322 days. Geometrically, the numbers 3:9:27 reflect a relationship where 9 is the geometric mean between 3 and 27. Thus, 9 equals the square root of 3 x 27, or 81. The Mayan knowledge of this is geometry
is indicated in one of their most accurate lunar calendars, based on 81 full moons occurring every 2,392 days. Here we find a celestial image of the spiritual hierarchy of the enemy’s kingdom of 1/3 the host of Heaven, based on an aspect of the lunar sidereal cycle, counted against the backdrop of the stars. We should also take note that the common ratio underlying all of this, without variation is 1:3. This invariant ratio, can also be expressed as 1/3, which reflects the third part of the angels dragged down to Earth in the dragon’s tail in Rev. 12:4 above. Thus we find common elements in the order of Cherubim depicted on
the curtains of the Tabernacle, with the 27 days of the sidereal lunar month, as they correlate to the Draconic month of the dragon’s head and tail.

These ancient links with dragon and the lunar cycle, are also witnessed in the fact that in Astrology, a lunar Node; the point where the Moon crosses over the ecliptic, was also called the dragon’s head and tail, dictating the periods of the eclipse cycle, according to the phi ratio. The Eclipse limits for both solar and lunar eclipses are dictated by a 6 degree range within 12.5° to 18.5° of the lunar Node, wherein a New Moon or Full Moon takes place. The accuracy of the Mayan lunar calendar is indicated in its 11,960 days [2392 x 5] or 405 lunations, [260 x 46 in tzolkin terms] when divided [11,960÷ 405= 29.5308] gives us a lunar synodic cycle of 29.5308 days. When this lunar synodic cycle is divided by the 69 groups or families of days when solar eclipses occur, [29.5038÷ 69=173.333] we get the average period of 173.333 days between [10] eclipses. As the Sun links with a lunar Node when two of these 173.333 periods elapse, it gives us an eclipse year of 346.62 days, 18.6 days short of the solar year of 365.242. This reveals the basis of the phi ratio because 18.618 x 18.618=346.62 telling us that the lunar cycle relates to the eclipse cycle via the phi ratio of 1.618.

Since the six degree range of the lunar Node was formerly tied to Draco at the northern Celestial Pole, it indicates the time before the dragon was cast down to the earth with his spirit realm. However, after the dragon was cast down, its head and tail would be transferred from the polar regions, down to the ecliptic, where the Hydra is located. This powerful figure of casting down the dragon, with his 1/3 of the stars of heaven, [fallen angels] to the Earth with him, is symbolized as a Meteor shower from the Constellation Draco, during the period of Christ’s birth. For a deeper look into this topic, check our website study: Introduction to the Jupiter-Regulus Conjunctions. Also noteworthy is the section on “Lunar eclipses and Occultations” under the study on the Calendar of the Biblical Patriarchs. This verse [Rev. 12:4] also relates directly back to the first prophecy of the promised seed in Gen. 3:15, where the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head, while the serpent’s seed would bruise the man’s heel. As the dragon’s head directs the spirit realm in his tail, the desired acts of persecution and destruction against the woman’s seed are carried out by the serpent’s seed-those who follow the Way of Cain [Jude 1:11], in open rebellion against the true God. This reveals the overriding purpose of the serpent, devouring the promised seed of the woman, as soon as he was born. We saw an example of this in the actions of the serpent’s seed-King Herod, who murdered all the male children around Bethlehem under age 2, in an effort to devour the infant Jesus, as soon as he was born. Having failed at this, the enemy turned his attention to believers in the Church, the spiritual body of Christ.

This provides context and among other things, depicts a seven fold angelic order of the spirit realm in the orders of angels under Satan, [Rev. 8:2] but also develops a fuller grasp of the link between the serpent’s seed and lunar symbolism, which we have referenced in other studies on this blog and website.

(Rev 12:5) And2532 she brought forth5088 a man730 child,5207 who3739 was3195 to rule4165 all3956nations1484 with1722 a rod4464 of iron:4603 and2532 her848 child5043
was caught up726 unto4314God,2316 and2532 to his848 throne.

This verse encapsulates the victorious life, ministry and completed work of Jesus Christ, from birth to resurrection and beyond, in one verse of Scripture. This is a figure of speech called symperasma, providing a summary and conclusion of the subject-the inevitable Coming and ultimate Victory of the Promised Seed. This emphasis shows Christ’s ultimate victory over the serpent and its seed, despite all the enemy’s efforts to obstruct the purposes of the Heavenly Father. This emphasis is monumentally preserved in the Great Sphinx with the head of the Woman Virgo bearing the infant promised seed, who matures to fulfill his highest of callings, by defeating and destroying the enemy’s work, as shown in the other 10 zodiacal signs between Virgo and Leo. His final victory over the serpent is witnessed in Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah [Rev. 5:5], as the Lion’s extended claws are set to rend the Hydra to pieces. The Hydra is the longest of the Constellations, extending below Libra’s scales through Virgo and Leo to include the Crab of Cancer. These four signs; the woman, her seed, his sacrifice, and the altar, not only represent 1/3 of the entire circle of the 12 signs of the zodiac, but also reflect a carnal image of Christ’s righteous sacrifice, in the religion of human works, attempting to earn salvation while ignoring the completed work of Grace, given by God in His only begotten Son. Thus, as the Hydra [the serpent destroyed] slithers below these four signs of the zodiac, he represents the counterfeit and the deception of antichrist, leading away from, and denying the true work of Christ. This is an important aspect of the devil’s works that Christ came to destroy [John 10:10, I John 3:8].

The Archangel Michael in spiritual warfare against the dragon. 
archangel michael

Revelation 12:7
(Rev 12:7) And2532 there was1096 war4171 in1722 heaven:3772 Michael3413 and2532 his848 angels32fought4170 against2596 the3588 dragon;1404 and2532 the3588 dragon1404 fought4170 and2532 his848angels,32
(Rev 12:8) And2532 prevailed2480 not;3756 neither3777 was their848 place5117 found2147 any more2089 in1722 heaven.3772
(Rev 12:9) And2532 the3588 great3173 dragon1404 was cast out,906 that old744 serpent,3789 called2564 the Devil,1228 and2532 Satan,4567 which deceiveth4105 the3588 whole3650 world:3625 he was cast out906 into1519 the3588 earth,1093 and2532 his848 angels32 were cast out906 with3326 him.846

In verse 7 we have the Archangel Michael contending in spiritual warfare against the dragon and his angels even as we see in [Daniel 10]. In verse 9 we find four names of the adversary [dragon, old serpent, the Devil, and Satan], referring to four different aspects of the enemy’s spiritual dominion over the darkness of this world. We also see a fifth name-deceiver, which is a common trait in the other four serpent names of the enemy. The Devil must deceive people into following his ways, because nobody in their right mind would ever voluntarily follow him if they knew his true nature. Thus, deception is a universal trait of the enemy’s kingdom, and his mode of operation. This shows how the enemy has marshaled his spiritual forces of fallen angels in direct juxtaposition the Godly order, reflected both in the curtains of the Tabernacle, and in the Cardinal Directions, against the 27 alternating lunar stations of the head and tail of the dragon. We have just seen two examples of how the serpentine aspects of the enemy’s spiritual dominion are celestially represented in the Dragon–Draco and the Hydra.

In addition to the Lunar days, the sidereal month also divides into 28 equal sections, that correspond to the Lunar Mansions, which appear as the 28 “camps” (literally, 28 “camps of the Moon“) and the Divine Presence, corresponding to the 28 phases of the lunar zodiac. This pattern is also illustrated in another Biblical reference in Ecc. 3: 2-8, which begins;

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (3:1). These 28 times corresponding to the 28 camps of the divine presence can also refer to names of God. There are 28 angelic rulers (28 lunar angels) governing the lunar mansions as we have seen in the order of Cherubim on the circuit of colored Tabernacle curtains. The word for “season” here is [H4150–moed] meaning an “appointed time,” used many times of the sacred 7 Feasts of Israel. 11

Ecclesiastes 3 depicts a pattern of fourteen benevolent “times” and fourteen malevolent ones. These are thought to apply to “good” and “bad” time cycles of the 28 “Lunar Mansions,” fourteen from the aspect of Chesed (Mercy or Benevolence) aligned with the Angelic servants of light, and fourteen from the aspect of Din or Pachad (“judgment” or Gevurah), with fallen angels. These 14 positive and 14 negative aspects listed here configure in seven positive and negative pairs relating to the seven “double letters” of the Hebrew Alphabet, as well as seven attributes or qualities associated with these Hebrew letters, as seen in the chart below.

“Seven Pairs” Structure of Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

From the 28 times in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we see the obvious juxtaposition to “easy“ times vs. “difficult” ones, 14 on either side, like 2 hands. These associated attributes with the twenty-eight “times” in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 come in pairs, and in each pair, one element
is the opposite of the other. Birth – Death; Planting – Plucking; Killing – Healing; Breaking down – Building up, etc. This strongly suggests the goal is to portray a range of human
activity according to this pattern whether good or evil, depending on individual choice. Again, with the knowledge that all these results can occur in life, with God on our side in His path of righteousness, we can still prevail in the most difficult of “times” in this world. This brings to mind Deut. 30, where God’s Word lists some related pairs resulting from freewill choice
He has given to all men, to walk in their lives in the ways that they choose to go.

Deut. 30:19-20

19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

God not only gives us this freewill choice, He also tells us which choice benefits us the most! Choose life People…


God Bless,

Rene’


Footnotes

1. Picture Credit [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-Eight_Mansions]
2. Picture credit [https://donnaphilosophica.com/comprehensive-guide-lunar-mansions/]
3. Memorial Lines on the Lunar Mansions-Frances Rolleston
4. The Tabernacle of Israel, ppg. 82-8 3, James Strong
5. IBID, p. 85, James Strong
6. [https://www.johnpratt.com/items/docs/2018/lunar_mansions.html]
7. www.torahcalendar.com
8. [http://www.truebiblecode.com/understanding4.html]
9. Apian’s Astronomicum Caesareum, [Ingolstadt 1540 AD]
10. Secret Book of Egyptian Gnostics, Jean Doresse, fn. pg. 74
11. Strong’s Concordance, [H4150], James Strong
12. Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, R.H. Allen, p.208

 

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Heavenly Signs and Earthly Tremors – 2020

Heavenly Signs and Earthly Tremors 2020

This past Summer in July 2019, I posted a blog on Heavenly Signs and Earthly Tremors
detailing links between earthquakes and eclipses. As we enter a new decade that looks to redefine the meaning of “the roaring 20’s,” it seems we have added to previous evidence in light of the recent earthquakes and aftershocks felt in Puerto Rico, in the last two weeks. There has been a cluster of over 1,000 earthquakes shaking Puerto Rico since the New Year, but what is different about this, is the major spike in volcanic activity occurring at the same time. In Alaska, the Shishaldin Volcano erupted at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7th– the same day three earthquakes hit Puerto Rico. The Alaska Volcano Observatory stated, this volcano sent up an initial ash cloud to 19,000 feet, followed in Mexico on Thursday, Jan. 9th when Mt. Popocatepetl shot hot ash nearly 4 miles into the sky as the volcano came to life in a gush of lava and ash-clouds, hurling flaming rock about 20,000 feet skyward. While this took place in Mexico, the Sabancaya volcano in Peru was exploding volcanic ash in a plume about 24,000 feet into the air… but the media has paid little attention to it, due to what is going on in the Phillipines! 1

Psalm 144:4-15
5 Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. 6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; 8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. 10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. 11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: 13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. 15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.

People can be confident in our God, the Lord of all Creation, even in the face of natural disasters like this, because we can prosper in any situation, even if the world is living in fear.

Eruption of the Taal Volcanic Philippine Island. 2

Billows of smoke with lightning from the eruption of the volcanic island

On Sunday, Jan. 12th the Taal volcano roared to life, and this eruption of the volcanic island sent “steaming, ash and rock up 6 to 9 miles into the sky”. On Monday hot lava spewed from this Philippine volcano after it’s eruption of ash and steam caused villagers to flee and closed down Manila’s International Airport. You may be wondering what has been going on in the heavens during all of this, other than lightning?

There was an Annular Solar Eclipse that opened Christmas night to Dec. 26th, 2019 during Hannukah week, which was notable as pointed by one Christian Minister- Pastor Paul Begley, who stated this is the third consecutive year that a solar eclipse appeared during Hannukah. This eclipse was visible mainly in the middle east, beginning in Mecca as Pastor Begley noted. 3

“The entire Islamic world will see this solar eclipse during the Hanukkah season.” The image of this eclipse below is what residents of the UAE witnessed, with the rest of the middle east. 4

Pastor Begley said that another solar eclipse will appear in South America during Hanukkah next year on December 14, 2020. And yet again the year after on Dec 4, 2021 a Solar Eclipse will appear during Hanukkah that will be visible in Antarctica. 5

Two days after this “ring of fire” Solar Eclipse on December 28th, 2019, there was a 4.7 quake in Puerto Rico, followed early the next morning with a 5.0 magnitude quake on 12-29-2019. This ring of fire Solar Eclipse seemed to foreshadow the volcanic activity that preceded the earth–shaking events being felt as never before in Puerto Rico. Next, was a 5.8 magnitude quake on Jan. 6th, 2020, followed by 3 quakes on Jan. 7th. The first of these and most powerful, was a 6.4 magnitude tremor, followed 10 min. later by a 5.6 mag. aftershock. Then only 15 minutes later there was another 5.0 aftershock. All this seismic activity taking place between 2 eclipses, is an eye-opening lead-up to the first of four Penumbral lunar eclipses opening the new decade scheduled in 2020. 6

2020 will see four Penumbral Lunar Eclipses and one Annular Solar Eclipse. 7

January 10 Penumbral lunar eclipse 19:10 UT Europe, E. Africa, Asia, W. Australia
June 5 Penumbral lunar eclipse 19:25 UT Africa, Middle East, west & central Asia, Australia
June 21 Annular solar eclipse 6:40 UT Africa, SE. Europe, Asia
July 5 Penumbral lunar eclipse 4:30 UT N. America, S. America, W. Europe, Africa
November 30 Penumbral lunar eclipse 9:43 UT N. America, S. America, E. Asia, Australia
December 14 Total Solar eclipse 16:13 UT E. Pacific, S. America, S. Atlantic

 Courtesy Sky & Telescope

We just experienced the first of these, called a Wolf Blood Moon Eclipse on Jan. 10th & 11th, which was accompanied by another 5.9 after-shock in Puerto Rico on Jan. 11th, followed by the eruption of the Taal Volcano on Jan. 12th.  This Super Blood Moon Penumbral Eclipse was not visible in North America, but was near the Moon’s closest orbital position to the earth.

Figure 1. Supermoon Statistics

Luke 21:24-33

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

“Israel has been viewed as hands of God’s prophetic clock in Matthew 24, and Luke 21. In these gospel chapters Jesus used Israel to tell us of a generation that will finally see all the prophecies fulfilled.” When Israel was reborn as a Nation-State in 1948, the “fig tree generation,” was also birthed. As Luke 21:32 says: “This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.”  Jesus confirmed his words when He said, ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away’ (Luke 21:33). This
generation that sees the fig tree shoot forth will not pass till all these things be fulfilled. 8

The 1948 generation is the generation that will not pass till all things prophesied by Jesus in Mathew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 be fulfilled. There are Messianic faithful who refer to Psalm 90:10 as a determinant of the length of a “Biblical “generation.”

Psalms 90:10: The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they be eighty years, yet is their labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

 According to their position, the following conclusions are drawn, which they explain at the following link: http://www.christiantruthcenter.com/the-fig-tree-generation-the-generation-that-will-not-pass/

In 2018 this generation was 70 years old the same year that Israel marked 70 years of statehood on May 14th, 1948. but this generation has to attain 80 years for years of “labour and sorrow” (great tribulation), bringing us to the year 2028. So then according to them from 1948 to 2028 = 80 years then this generation is soon cut off as prophesied in Psalms 90. This “cut off” happens when Christ appears at the Armageddon battle. 9

Therefore, since the ending point of this “fig tree” generation concludes in 2028, and as Jesus said, ‘generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled’, they have concluded that means the latest for Jesus Christ to return is the year 2028.

There are 7 years in a Great Tribulation period (the years of labor and sorrow) which must be fulfilled before the generation is cut off. So according to this position, the latest time for the Great tribulation to begin is the year (2028 – 7) = 2021. Before the Great Tribulation begins, the church is raptured, so the “rapture” may be near the year 2021. 10

What I find interesting about this scenario is that 2028 stands out for a couple of reasons. First, 28 AD is also known as the “acceptable year of the Lord,” the year Christ completed his earthly ministry. The crucifixion date of Jesus Christ was [Nisan 14th], April 24th, 28 AD, and his resurrection took place [Nisan 17], May 1st, 28 AD. This makes the year 2028 the 2,000 year anniversary of these events, which is an eye-opener. 11

Another reason the 2028 date stands out relates to the alignments of the Great Pyramid, which was the subject my Dec. 2019 Blog. In this blog-study we noted the Great Pyramid’s Sunset alignments opening to New Years Day on the Hebrew Calendar-Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 21st, 2017 close to the Rev. 12 sign. With the ancient testimony of the Great Sphinx embodied in Virgo the head of the woman with Leo the Lion’s body, facing the eastern autumnal equinox, the Sphinx is pointing us to the setting Sun in Virgo as pictured with the Pyramid’s horizon view in Virgo, seen below.

Figure 2. The Tetrad and the Signs of 2017. 12

Robert Breaker Exposed false prophet | What will happen on September 23 2017

At the moment Al Nitak is at meridian, Leo is in the east, but more importantly its star known as Regulus (King star) is precisely at the inclination of the Christ angle. Therefore, the Christ angle not only bisected Bethlehem at Christ’s birth, but it also bisects Regulus. The year 2017 is the first year from present that Rosh Hashanah comes immediately after September 20th—when Al Nitak hits meridian precisely at dawn, and also when Regulus hits the Christ angle. The next years that this will occur are 2028 [2000 year anniversary of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection] and 2047– close to anniversary of Isreal’s statehood. 13

Rosh Hashanah 2017, Sept. 20-21. 14

Thus Regulus fills the bill for the candidate aligned with Rosh Hashanah and the meridian alignment of Orion at dawn, along with the Christ angle.

Luke 21:24-33

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 

The times of the Gentile dominion over Jerusalem are summarized below taking into account not only the Jubilee Calendar, but also 2520 years when Jerusalem and its Temple lay desolate. There are a number of prophecies about Israel being re-formed as a nation– an event that took place in May 1948. This key point not only in the history of Israel, but also in Biblical Prophecy was marked by a series of Modern Blood Moon Tetrads in 1948-50 and 1967-68. These Blood Moon Tetrads marking the rebirth of Israel as a nation, align with a series of triple conjunctions of Mars-Regulus in Leo in 1947-48, and another triple union of Mars-Spica in Virgo in 1967-68, conforming to the pattern of Celestial Sphinx signs in Virgo and Leo.

There is certainly much in recent events regarding Jerusalem coinciding with these celestial events. Back on Dec. 6th of 2017 the Trump administration announced plans to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, causing controversy among Islamic nations who opposed recognition of Jerusalem by a major world power linked with Israel. The timing of this is also interesting when we look at the Jubilee calendar that marked other key events related to Jerusalem in recent history.  As we correlate the two previous Jubilees in 1917 and 1967, we find an intriguing history wherein 1917, Jerusalem was liberated from the Ottoman Turks under General Allenby, just a few weeks after the Balfour Declaration promised Israel a homeland. This date is key in Dec. 1917 when viewed in a prophetic time span of Shemitah cycles [360 x 7] that total 2,520 years starting in 605-4 BC when the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, leading Israel away into the Babylonian Captivity. In the Balfour Declaration on Nov. 2, 1917-during the 1917-1918 Jubilee, till retaking the Western Wall during the 1966-1967 Jubilee, to the current Jubilee in 2017-2018, God has been at work  to restore His Jubilee Blessings to Israel in stages. The Temple Mount seems the next logical stage of this restoration process, where we could see provisions for a third Temple in Jerusalem. The new US Embassy was opened on the 70th anniversary of the rebirth of the State of Israel-May 14th, 2018. One key aspect of Biblical Jubilees is the restoration of the land to the original owners, thus it is interesting to see a progressive restoration of the lands of Israel including Jerusalem to the people who have returned to live in the modern State of Israel.

Diagram of Herod Temple

This great 2520 year period is called the great seven times of prophecy in Levi. 26:18;

 Then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. v.21 Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins. v. 24 then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet seven times for your sins. v.27 And after all this, if you do not obey Me, but walk contrary to Me, v. 28 then I also will walk contrary to you in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

God is certainly making a point in this record among other judgments, what He brings upon Israel if they continued to walk against Him in all their ways. After the repetitions of the 7 times of Judgement, it also records the desolation of their cities including Jerusalem, and how their lands will not produce for them because Israel ignored the pattern of sabbaths as rest to their lands [Levi. 26:34-37, 42-46], as God commanded-leading to the Jubilee Sabbaths.

Israel lost her sovereignty in 605-4 BC, yielding a perfect 2520-year period (360 x 7), minus the 70 years captivity in Babylon, was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel regained independence. In 586 BC, the city of Jerusalem was destroyed, including the Temple. This took place 19 years after 605 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar removed their national sovereignty and sat King Jehoiakim as vassal ruler, (2 Kings 24:1). Using 586 BC as the start point of another time measurement, when Jerusalem is destroyed, adding another 2520-year period (again subtracting 70 years for the captivity of Jerusalem) is fulfilled in 1967 when Israel recaptures Jerusalem, June 7, 1967. The eternal covenant of God with His people Israel cannot be separated from the land of Israel, (Psalm 105:7-11) and its ultimate fulfillment is in accordance with His precise timing.

The city of Jerusalem and the Temple lay desolate for 70 years. After that period of desolation the 2520-Year countdown began, culminating on June 7, 1967 when Israel regained control over Jerusalem. They also gained control of the Temple Mount, but they had to return power back to the King of Jordan, who still retains control of the Temple Mount today. ​In the 20th century, the Nation of Israel regained her sovereignty, celebrating her Independence on May 14, 1948. Nineteen years later, the city of Jerusalem came under Israeli control on June 7, 1967. This Gentile dominion over Jerusalem is structured in two 1260 year periods [1260 x 2 =2520] leading up to the current countdown to the end times, where we are seeing a transition from 2520 years, to 2520 weeks, to 2520 days, leading us to a period just prior to the 7-year tribulation period. As the time periods on God’s clock decrease from years to weeks to days and even hours, so the countdown to judgment of the world quickens as time grows shorter for our deliverance. As we read in the narrative of Biblical history, the nation of Israel did not repent to God for their shortcomings, and only a small minority returned under Ezra to rebuild the wall after the captivity. God anticipated this rebellion from what we see above in Leviticus 26. There, God warned Moses, if his descendants didn’t repent and return after the captivity, His seven-fold wrath would fall upon them. ​We have already seen [360 years x 7] = 2520 remaining years of judgment in the 1260 x 2 periods of Gentile dominion over Jerusalem in history.

Bullinger believed that these 1260 year periods marking the Gentile’s dominion over Jerusalem and its Temple in history, would foreshadow two 1260 day periods in the end-times, when the final Abomination of Desolation was to be fulfilled, before and during the Great Tribulation, [2 Thess. 2:1-4]. This time of the fullness of the Gentiles is supported in the heavens with findings in the 1260 days from the 1st Blood Moon Eclipse of the 2014-15 Tetrad to the Rev. 12 sign, on 9/23/17, as a precursor to the 2 periods of 1260 days contained in the 7-year tribulation, [Rev. 11:1-3, 12:6, 14, 13:5]. This 1260 day period is reflected in the Figure 2 graphic above.
There is additional background information on the history of the Hannukah Celebration and how it represented the cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple after it was desecrated by Antiochus IV as a forerunner of the Anti-Christ. 

The last Blood Moon eclipse of the 2014-15 Tetrad on Sept. 28, 2015, as the only Moon in this Tetrad visible in Jerusalem, occurred 2520 weeks from the end of the 6-Day-War, during the previous Blood Moon Tetrad of 1967-68, as Israel reclaimed control over Jerusalem for the first time since 70 AD. This is enlightening when we recall the 7 weeks, or 49-day count between Passover and Pentecost, is also the basis for the 7 weeks of years that form the 50 Year Jubilee on the Hebrew Calendar, as seen in the 50 years between 1967-68 to 2017-18. This gives us a common standard for calculating weeks, days and years in Biblical time-keeping, established in the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and the Hebrew Jubilee. This manner of Sabbath counting can apply to a week of days, as the weekly Sabbath; a week of weeks, as the counting from Passover to Pentecost; a week of years bringing a Sabbath Year; or even a week of Sabbath Years, bringing a Jubilee. And as we have seen in connection with the two princes of [Daniel 9:25-27]: with Jesus it was a literal week of seven days, whereas with the anti-Christ it is a week of seven years wherein he disrupts the temple sacrifices in the 7-year tribulation at the halfway mark of 1260 days.

The information above provides Biblical evidence for some interesting hypothesis concerning the end-times and the last days of the Great Tribulation period. The Heavenly Signs and Earthly Tremors opening the new decade of the Roaring 20’s, should have our eyes squarely fix towards the sky and in God’s Word, with an expectancy to see the Lord’s Victorious Return FOR his Saints, especially as these warning signs become more frequent and intense.

Psalm 18:6-17

6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. 10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his secret place; His pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. 13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14 Yea, he sent
out his arrows, and scattered them; and He shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. 15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. 16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

We can always look towards our God and Heavenly Father who is our Rock, our stronghold and our deliverer to get us through any and all situations that might be too big to handle on our own.

Happy New Year!

God Bless!

Agape’

Rene’

Footnotes

1. [https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=3768]
2. https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/jan/13/lava-gushes-from-taal-volcano-in-philippines-in-pictures [Picture credit]
3. https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/142194/ring-of-fire-to-appear-over-bethlehem-after-christmas/
4. [https://www.space.com/ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-2019-photos-videos.html] [Picture credit]
5. IBID
6. [https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=3768]
7. Sky and Telescope.com
8. http://www.christiantruthcenter.com/the-fig-tree-generation-the-generation-that-will-not-pass/
9. IBID
10. IBID
11. The Path into Eternity, Appendix 1, p. 494. Jon O. Nessle
12. https://watchfortheday.org/signsoftheend/giza2024.html [picture credit]
13. IBID
14. IBID [Piture credit]
15. General Reference for Earthquakes; [https://ds.iris.edu/seismon/index.phtml ]

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