There are two primary barriers that limit the expansion and evolution of our consciousness:
1. Exoteric Barrier
The term "exoteric" comes from the Greek word exitērikos, meaning outer or intended for the general public. In this realm, religions expect followers to blindly believe without understanding their true past or future. People are conditioned to live day by day, following societal rules—paying taxes and contributing—without questioning the system. This is where many remain, in a "bubble of bread and circus," living on the surface without a deeper understanding.
2. Esoteric Barrier
The term "esoteric," derived from the Greek word esōterikos meaning within, refers to knowledge intended for a select few with specialized understanding. Religions offer their perspective of truth, and they often want believers to stop there. People are often given special gifts or positions to maintain these beliefs.
Religious Foundations: Astrotheology
Many of the world’s major religions are rooted in astrotheology, the worship of celestial bodies as gods. The three major monotheistic religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam—are based on the worship of heavenly bodies, albeit veiled as divine beings.
Islam: Worships the Moon.
Judaism: Worships Saturn and other planets.
Christianity: Worships the Sun.
We will use Christianity as an example to understand these connections.
The Origins of Christianity in Egyptian Mythology
To trace the roots of Christianity, we look to ancient Egyptian mythology. Horus, an Egyptian god, represents the Sun and the eternal cycle of life. His mother, Isis, is depicted as the goddess of the night sky and the moon, embodying the feminine principle.
Horus was the light-bringer, and Isis was the feminine force that gave birth to him.
Christianity adopted many of these ideas, replacing Isis with the Virgin Mary and Horus with Jesus.
Similarities Between Horus and Jesus:
Horus was baptized by Anup, and Jesus was baptized by John.
Horus was born in a place called Annu, meaning the place of bread; Jesus was born in Bethlehem, meaning the house of bread.
Both have 12 followers (Horus had 12 disciples; Jesus had 12 apostles).
Both are associated with eternal life.
The Influence of Astrology and the Zodiac
The seasons are governed by the Earth's tilt and its path around the Sun. This affects key moments like the equinoxes and solstices, which have been integrated into religious traditions:
Winter solstice (around December 25): The Sun is "reborn," symbolizing the death and rebirth of the Sun—Jesus’ birth is celebrated on this date.
Spring Equinox: Associated with Easter—the resurrection of life.
The Zodiac also holds great significance in many religions. For example:
The Age of Taurus (around 4000–2000 BC): When Moses descended from the mountain with the Ten Commandments, some of his people were worshiping a golden bull calf, representing the Taurus era.
The Age of Aries (around 2000 BC to 1 AD): Moses leads people out of Taurus and into the Age of Aries.
The Age of Pisces (starting around 1 AD): Jesus used five barley loaves and two fish to feed a multitude—symbolizing the transition into the Age of Pisces.
Conclusion
Religions and their rituals are deeply tied to astrological events, celestial worship, and symbolic transitions across the Ages. Understanding the esoteric and exoteric aspects of religion can help us uncover deeper truths about our spiritual path and how ancient beliefs continue to shape our modern worldview.
