What does the cross mean in esotericism?

Crosses are found in many cultures, among many peoples. It is found in embroidery, carving, and folk dolls – for example, crosses on the faces of Ukrainian motanka dolls. Cross – This is also a solar symbol, like swastikas. The cross, in fact, is also a swastika, only without the rays extending to the side. Many not very distant people consider it a “purely Christian” sign, but this is far from the case. For example, Catholic missionaries preaching in China saw crosses depicted on statues of Buddha, whose teachings arose about six centuries earlier than Christianity, and the Spanish Canquistodors witnessed the veneration of the cross by North American pagan Indians as a fusion of Heavenly fire and Earthly fire. The word “cross” comes from the common European root “cru”, which means “crooked”. We can observe this root in the words “circle”, “crooked”, “steep”. In Latin “crux” means cross. There is also a version that the word “cross” comes from the Slavic root “kres” – fire (compare: “crosshair” – a tool for starting a fire). Archaeological evidence suggests that the cross as a symbol was revered in the Upper Paleolithic. Also, the regular (equal) cross symbolizes the principle of connection and interaction of two principles: feminine (horizontal line) and masculine (vertical). Masculine is a vertical, a connection with the sky; feminine – horizontal, duration, flow of life and time. Crosses are also divided into straight crosses, that is, having horizontal and vertical lines, and oblique, having two diagonal lines, Moreover, the straight cross represents the male aggressive creative principle, the oblique cross represents the softer creative principle. A straight cross can also serve as a model of the World Tree, where the vertical line is the World Tree, and the horizontal line is the world of reality. Accordingly, a cross with a horizontal line shifted upward will indicate the location of the world of Rule on the Tree, and downwards – the world of Navi. Naturally, these crosses will have a corresponding magical meaning. The “sown field” (in the picture on the left) is a sign of fertility, and wearing it is intended to increase vitality, which would lead to an increase in the ability to bear children, as well as an abundance of earthly fruits.

The main types of crosses characteristic of the Nordic tradition:

most accurately demonstrates the similarity of the cross with the swastika and the entire convention of their separation. Look at the six- and eight-rayed Kolovrat. Nothing changes except the number of rays for these signs. Despite the fact that this cross is called Celtic, it is known to almost all Indo-Europeans, including the Slavs. The history of the Celtic cross goes back at least 8-9 thousand years. The Celts especially revered this cross. The Celtic cross was also called the “warrior’s cross”, “Wotan’s cross” (Odin). It is a cross with a crossbar on each ray, or a swastika with rays extended to the left (for the dark one, to the right). The purpose of this cross is protection from external influences. Also, many researchers talk about this sign as a magical sign of the Family. It is also called the Helm of Terror, representing it as a combination of the four Algiz Elder Futhark runes. The Algiz rune is a rune of passive protection, that is, the meaning of this symbol is unchanged. This symbol was widespread both in ancient times, there is archaeological evidence of this – many amulets with a helmet of horror were found in the territories of the Scythians, Mordovians, Indo-European peoples, and in the Middle Ages it was used to decorate the walls of houses and wooden products and was also often used in church utensils. The most powerful symbol among the helmets of horror is the so-called Aegisjalm (Scandinavian name) or the Cross of Invincibility – this symbol surpasses all others in its effectiveness.

The cross as a sacred sign

O.V.Belova The cross is one of the oldest sacred signs in the world’s mythopoetic and religious systems; the main symbol of Christianity (it is also a monogram of the name of Christ). In folk ornament Cross called “God’s sign” (Maced.); Cross and its variety (swastika) acts as a solar sign: symbolizes light (Sun) and fertility; is also a geometric version world tree.Various types are known in the Christian tradition Cross: T-shaped (“tau-cross”); “Cross of St. Andrey” with a diagonal crossbar; “Latin” (equal-ended, but often with an elongated vertical crossbar) and “Greek” (equal-ended, sometimes with extensions on the blades) cross. Among the southern Slavs Cross Latin type is found on tombstones, spinning wheels, in ornaments (Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, especially Dalmatia), but in general it prevails Cross Greek type (on tombstones, spinning wheels, Easter eggs, ritual breads, above the entrance to houses). Equal-ended Cross as a princely sign found on documents from the 12th century. Sign Cross objects endowed with sacred status in traditional culture, revered or dangerous places were noted. cut out Cross on badnyak (a log burned on Christmas Eve); during combustion side with Cross should have been on top (Croats). Cross done with a knife on the underside loaf bread before cutting it (Poles). On Baptism Eastern and Western Slavs almost universally drew with smoke Cross on door lintels. Cross placed near the hearth, on the border of the village, at a crossroads, in a field, under a tree (among the southern Slavs Cross placed next to a tree revered by the community or carved Cross on a tree, see Tree cult). For ritual purposes Cross made from linden, hazel, Christmas straw, Christmas logs, ears of corn, dough, clay. As the main ritual attribute Cross appears in rituals dedicated to Epiphany (immersion Cross into the hole – “Jordan”); Ascension or St. George’s Day – walks around villages with processions of the cross, sometimes with the aim of causing rain; day Ivan Kupala (St. John) – burning Cross, made from broken barrels (northern Slovakia). On Exaltation (ukr. honest cross, Bulgarian krastov den, Serb, krstovdan) cattle were smeared with tar, depicting a sign Cross (Serb.). At Sredokrestye (Wednesday on the 4th, Cross veneration, week of Lent) baked cookies in the form Cross, which was used during the first pasture of livestock, during sowing, and when telling fortunes about the harvest and fate (Eastern Slavs). Made from badnjak Cross the Serbs threw into the first sown furrow; when placing a chicken on eggs, they marked each one with a sign Crossfor the chicks to hatch. In order for the bread to be successful, it was done before baking. Cross from dough on doors (Metohija). If a woman wanted to get pregnant, she would wear an apron with embroidered Crosses (Macedonia). Value Cross how amulets are connected with the symbolism of baptism: they made the sign of the cross upon themselves (or the object at which the action is directed), starting or finishing work, leaving the house, going on a journey, sitting down at the table, going to bed. Cross protected from hail, rain, thunderstorms: in Serbia they placed consecrated wooden Crosses on the border of the village; the Poles set up on the field Cross from branches burnt in the Easter fire as protection from lightning. In eastern Slovakia it was believed that the tree on which it was carved Cross, no thunder strikes. To stop the rain they did Cross from salt (northeastern Bulgaria). Crosses in the house and on outbuildings were depicted with chalk, candles, garlic, the blood of a sacrificial animal, dough, and tar. Body-wearable Cross – an integral attribute of a Christian, which a person received when performing the sacrament of baptism and which he did not part with all his life. Exchange of wearables Crosses forms part of the rites of communion or twinning (Rus. brotherhood of the cross). Loss of body Cross foreshadowed misfortune or sudden death (Vladimir.). The cross was used to scare away demonic creatures and animals, meeting with which is dangerous or promises misfortune: the devil, vampire, mermaid, wolf, hare, etc. Cross widely used in magic and fortune telling. In funeral rituals and beliefs Cross appears as a symbol of death. Grave Crosses (especially anthropomorphic structures) act as a substitute for the deceased or as a receptacle for his soul. Belarusians have the largest Crosses were placed on the graves of old people, small ones – on the graves of children. “Women’s” Crosses differed in thickness. In Šumadija Cross At the grave the child was dressed in his clothes. In Polesie sometimes Cross Aprons were hung on women’s graves, and towels on men’s graves. Roadside, memorial, worship, votive, ordinary crosses have the status of local shrines. Their functions? protect crops from hail (among the Serbs), villages from disease and drought (among the Eastern Slavs), mark burial places for “hosted” dead (for example, at crossroads or on hills), places of failed temples and buried treasures. On votive, everyday Crosses they hung out offerings: towels, scarves, etc. With memorable Crosses in folk stories there are motifs associated: a miraculous appearance (cf. legends about “revealed” icons), followed by the construction of a chapel or church; punishments for desecration Cross (attempts to transfer Cross from a revered place, placing it in a bathhouse, in a Riga or destroying it is punishable by illness). Revered Crosses could be perceived as anthropomorphic creatures. In Gdovsky district St. Petersburg province. they told me how big Cross rode around on horseback following the wedding trains. All specified types Krestov healing properties were attributed: moss growing on Cross, chips, fragments Cross , as well as posted on Cross offerings (for example, those suffering from eye diseases wiped their eyes with towels hanging on an ordinary Cross ) and the water used to wash Cross . Shlyapkin I.A.Ancient Russian crosses. I. Novgorod crosses until the 1906th century, motionless and not of church service. St. Petersburg, XNUMX; Tolstoy N.I.Anthropomorphic tombstones // Tolstoy N.I. Language and folk culture. Essays on Slavic mythology and ethnolinguistics. M., 1995. S. 206-212. Sources (materials used in writing this article):

Vedic and Slavic symbolism

Natural symbolism

Cross in science

“Ornaments of the Island of San Blas” – patchwork of the Kuna Indians (Panama)

Stepan Pisakhov and Senya Malina

Pomeranian family as the basis of folk pedagogy. The Ideal of the Perfect Man

Hoops – their history

The Maltese cross is one of the most ancient symbols. It is often said that its origins are connected with the Middle Ages, but the history of this sign is much older. Deep symbolism and mystery make the Maltese cross very popular. In fact, it is difficult to find a person who has not at least heard about the Maltese cross. Often they will tell you at least a few words about his story. Today we will talk about the Maltese cross, its meaning and its history.

Maltese Cross: meaning and interpretation by the order

Let’s start with the most important thing, what the Maltese cross means. At the same time, it should be noted that the perception of the order and other interpretations differ. In particular, the four branches and eight rays symbolized Christian and chivalric virtues, respectively. Four important Christian virtues: fortitude, temperance, justice and prudence.

The eight rays are also associated with the peoples who took part in the order. These are England (including Scotland and Ireland), Auvergne, France, Provence, Bavaria (including Germany), Italy, Castile and Portugal, Aragon. The knights also swore an oath that they would observe eight obligations (principles, aspirations):

live according to the law, conscience and justice;

be able to show mercy;

have the courage to repent of sins;

show humility;

always be sincere and honest;

respect and support justice;

be true to your word and deed;

believe with complete faith.

Unfortunately, there is no reliable information about what the Order of St. John originally meant.

Maltese cross: the history of a mysterious symbol

The roots of the Maltese cross symbol lie in the crosses of the Crusaders. It was originally the symbol of the Amalfi Republic (located on the southwest coast of Italy). The cross was associated with the symbol of the Christian warrior, although its overall shape was somewhat different from the Maltese cross we see today (the arrowheads had a relatively wider base than the current Maltese cross symbol).

The origins of the Maltese Cross can be traced back to a group of brave monks who served in an orphanage built to help pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. Over time, the monks also began to assist the knights of the Crusades in addition to providing armed escort to people traveling through disputed territories.

These “Brothers of St. John” soon developed into a military order, calling themselves the “Knights of St. John” or Knights Hospitaller. On the battlefield, these knights were forced to fight fire – literally.

The enemies, the Saracens, created bombs filled with a flammable mixture called oil. As a result, the knights had to fight the insatiable flames. They had to risk their lives to save their comrades and comrades who were trapped in the flames. The only problem was that the thick smoke made it difficult to identify the other knights and separate them from the enemy.

Therefore, to solve this problem, knights turned to using the cross as an identification mark on their armor. They used the Cavalry Cross to represent the noble cause they were fighting for. However, it has been slightly stylized so that it is immediately visible at first glance. This is how the emblem appeared, which later became known as the sign of the Maltese cross.

Order of Malta and Ukraine

Few people know how the Order of Malta is connected with our homeland. Zaporozhye Cossacks were often called knights, since they had their own charter and moral principles. According to historical research, the Cossacks directly ended up in Malta after a battle with the Turks on the water. They remained with the order, became its members, and the local population admired their courage and devotion to their native land.

The Cossacks brought a symbol to Ukraine, which was then applied to Cossack flags.

Regardless of which theory corresponds to reality, it is known for sure that there was contact between the Maltese and Ukrainian knights. This is confirmed by historical sources, folklore and heraldry of Cossack detachments.

Maltese cross: meaning in esotericism and mystical teachings

Most often, the meaning of the Maltese cross begins to be analyzed from its numerological aspects. The symbol has four main branches from which four more branches sprout. The number 4 in esoteric teachings denotes a literally divine process. This is due to the fact that we have four elements, seasons, cardinal directions, primary elements, states of matter, etc.

The division of the branch symbolizes the duality of our nature. For example, each of the elements can create and destroy.

In esotericism, the Maltese cross has a unique meaning. This is the basis, the root cause, the primary source. Actually, the essence of our universe. It is also called the solar circle or the eternal circle of our life.

The Maltese cross became a symbol of knights for a reason. This is an ancient amulet for warriors, priests, and sages. That is why the sign became the coat of arms of states, provinces, and individual families. It is often used in special awards to emphasize that the hero will receive a benefit for courage and sacrifice.

Some esotericists see a deeper meaning in the Maltese cross:

personification of the sun (its warmth, strength, protection and destruction);

the embodiment of fate (of all humanity and an individual), therefore they say that if a person wants to make positive changes in his life, he should wear a Maltese cross near his heart;

the basis of the universe, therefore the attributes of rituals were often decorated with this symbol.

They also see the number 9 in the sign. Each branch intersects at a single point, the ninth. It is believed that this is the personification of the birth, formation, development and decline of civilization, as well as the main dignity of humanity – their desire to understand the essence of the universe.

Maltese cross: what does it mean in different areas?

Today, the Maltese cross continues to be a relevant and popular symbol. It is used by various aviation, maritime, fire, medical, and military authorities around the world. Not to mention Malta itself, the birthplace of the Order of Malta. There the cross can be seen on many historical and cultural monuments. Moreover, local residents still apply this sign during construction to protect their home.

Maltese cross tattoos are also common. In tattoo art it is a protective amulet. It symbolizes courage, bravery, honor, and the ability to sacrifice.

A person who wears such jewelry or makes such a tattoo strives to be brave and courageous. He often protects the weak and cannot tolerate injustice. This is a true fighter for the rights and freedom of every person. If a tattoo is not for you, we recommend buying an Order of Malta pendant – a beautiful accessory and a protective amulet in one piece of jewelry.