THE ROYAL SIREN OF BASIL VALENTINE

The-Royal-Siren-of-Basil-Valentine

The Royal Siren of Basil Valentine

THE ROYAL SIREN OF BASIL VALENTINE

“Her breasts pour forth blood (column J), and milk (column B).
She swims in the Ocean of which she is the source.
(The Prime Matter from which everything is formed).”
— Le Livre de L’ Apprenti, c. 1927 by Oswald Wirth

This quote , referenced from Le Livre de l’Apprenti by Oswald Wirth, describing a figure with both breasts pouring forth blood and milk, swimming in the Ocean of which she is the source, seems to embody elements of the Mother Goddess archetype as it has been interpreted and depicted throughout many ancient cultures, particularly within the context of alchemy and spiritual transformation.

This imagery aligns closely with the symbolism we associate with the Neolithic Mother Goddess, Both the holding of the breasts and the relationship with the ocean of creation being strong themes for the divine feminine of the palaeolithic to the Bronze Age.

The quote is a part of a broader tradition that draws from alchemy, mysticism, and esoteric teachings. Oswald Wirth was a Swiss Freemason, occultist, and author, known for his works on symbolism, tarot, and spiritual development. His writings are largely influenced by the Hermetic and Rosicrucian traditions, which seek to understand the hidden, mystical aspects of life, often through symbolism, ritual, and alchemy.

Wirth’s interpretation of spiritual teachings, such as in the case of the Royal Siren symbol, comes from a deep engagement with Western esoteric traditions and integrates mythological and alchemical elements. It suggests a continued appreciation and understanding of the Mother Goddess archetype that we can see making this appearance in relatively modern times.

Both the Siren and the goddess figurines represent feminine power, symbolizing fertility, nourishment, and life-giving forces. The Siren’s duality, however, adds complexity to this representation by also including the destructive and transformative aspects of the feminine, where milk (nourishment) and blood (life and death) are simultaneously poured from her, indicating a deeper, more mystical understanding of the feminine’s role in creation, transformation, and destruction.

This shows a continuity of the Mother Goddess archetype spanning thousands of years, from the Venus figurines of the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods to figures like the Royal Siren, suggests a deeply ingrained, enduring belief in a feminine divine. This belief seems to persist, albeit transformed, in later societies and secret traditions, such as Freemasonry, where the Mother Goddess and the balance between feminine and masculine are present, albeit often hidden in symbols and rituals.

The Ocean as Source: The Ocean in the quote is especially significant. In many ancient myths, oceans, seas, or waters are often seen as the primal substance or the primordial chaos from which all creation emerges. In this sense, the Mother Goddess is seen not only as the nurturer and creator but also as the source of all life—she is the ocean itself, both the origin and the sustainer. This mirrors ancient traditions where the goddess is connected to water, whether it be the oceans, rivers, or other bodies of water, which are vital symbols in creation myths.

The Royal Siren: The reference to the Royal Siren in this context also invokes an important archetype—the Siren is often depicted as a feminine force that draws beings toward her, whether with a song, a call, or an invitation to transformation. The Siren is a figure that embodies both attraction and danger, as her allure pulls individuals into realms of transformation or even destruction. In alchemy and other mystical traditions, this concept of attraction and transformation is very potent, as it symbolizes the alchemy of the soul and the journey of spiritual refinement.

Mother Goddess in Alchemy: In alchemical symbolism, the Mother Goddess is often depicted as the first matter or prime substance (known as the prima materia) from which everything in the universe is created. This idea of the Ocean as a source fits well within alchemical traditions, where the prima materia is said to be the substance from which all elements of the universe are formed. The alchemical process of transmutation is symbolic of returning to the primordial state, much like the transformation of base matter into gold—just as the Mother Goddess is both the origin and the final destination of all spiritual and material processes.

Mythology: The Siren, as a figure of the feminine principle, is drawn from Greek mythology and may also have roots in earlier mythological traditions. The Sirens were beings who lured sailors with their enchanting songs, often leading them to their demise. In Wirth’s interpretation, the Siren is no longer a simple temptress but a divine force that symbolizes the deep, mysterious, and often paradoxical nature of creation itself. Her portrayal of blood (life) and milk (nourishment) highlights the nurturing and destructive sides of the same force, which ties into the themes of life-giving and death-bringing aspects that are central to many mythological systems around the world.

Psychological Archetypes: From a Jungian perspective, Wirth’s imagery of the goddess as the Siren represents the anima, or the unconscious feminine aspect of the male psyche, embodying both creativity and destruction. The Siren’s duality (nurturing but potentially dangerous) can be interpreted as a reflection of the shadow side of the feminine principle, which is often repressed in modern society.

The Continuation of the Mother Goddess

Prehistoric Roots: The Mother Goddess symbol has been central to human spiritual practices for millennia. The Venus figurines (like the Venus of Willendorf) are considered the earliest known depictions of the divine feminine in human history, emphasizing fertility, nourishment, and life-giving forces. These figurines and other similar representations suggest that early human societies revered the Mother Goddess as the source of life and creation.

Symbolism Through the Ages: As we move into more complex societies, we see the feminine divine evolving. In ancient Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman mythologies, goddesses like Ishtar, Aphrodite, and Hera carry forward this archetype, though often under patriarchal structures. Over time, these deities are increasingly subordinated to male gods like Marduk in Babylon, Zeus in Greece, and Jupiter in Rome, signalling a shift in gendered religious structures.

Freemasonry and the Divine Feminine: The connection to Freemasonry is particularly interesting because it has long been associated with symbolism of the divine feminine, even if not always openly. The mother goddess is frequently implied through symbols like the square (representing the earthly, feminine aspect) and the compass (representing the masculine, spiritual). The architectural structures built by Freemasons often contain hidden symbolism, drawing upon ancient goddess worship and the balance between the feminine and masculine.

The Role of Freemasonry in Shaping Modern Power Structures

Power Dynamics and the Masculine: Freemasonry has been integral to the creation of many of the world’s most significant structures, including governmental buildings, and has historically held positions of great influence. Despite some elements of goddess symbolism being woven into the Masonic tradition, masculine dominance remains the dominant force in these structures of power. This reflects a tension between the ancient feminine and the more modern patriarchal values that emerged, particularly with the rise of Christianity and Western patriarchal societies.

Shift Toward the Masculine: Over the centuries, there has been a progressive shift towards the dominance of the divine masculine, especially in the Abrahamic religions, where God the Father is elevated as the ultimate creator. The idea of the Mother Goddess is subsumed or obscured, with the focus on a single, male deity. This shift mirrors the patriarchal societal structures that gained prominence, where power was consolidated in masculine roles, leaving the feminine divine either marginalized or reinterpreted.

Cultural and Societal Implications

Suppression of the Feminine: The continued suppression or transformation of the Mother Goddess into lesser forms (e.g., Mary in Christianity, or the Goddess as a passive consort) aligns with the broader societal movements that have historically suppressed feminine authority. The divine feminine has often been relegated to passive, supporting roles in religious, cultural, and political spheres, while the divine masculine takes centre stage.

Uncovering Hidden Histories: Despite these trends, remnants of the feminine divine persist in mystical and esoteric traditions, including Freemasonry, where symbolic references to the goddess are often hidden or encoded in architectural designs, rituals, and teachings. This suggests that the Mother Goddess archetype continues to play a significant, albeit more covert, role in spiritual and political systems.

Gender and Power: The ongoing struggle between masculine dominance and feminine power is mirrored in many modern movements, such as feminism and the reclamation of the divine feminine in spiritual practices. While patriarchal systems of power have been dominant for millennia, there is a growing recognition of the need for balance—acknowledging and embracing the feminine as an essential part of creation and existence.

Conclusion

The enduring presence of the Mother Goddess and the subsequent shift toward a dominant divine masculine can be traced throughout history, from the earliest goddess figurines to modern esoteric traditions. The influence of these beliefs is still embedded in society today, particularly in the hidden symbols and teachings of institutions such as Freemasonry. The divine feminine, though often marginalized, continues to have an undercurrent of influence in shaping cultural, spiritual, and political power dynamics.

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