The Mystery School of Sophia
As the feminine companion to God, Sophia symbolizes the womb of creation which brings forth all life from the sacred marriage of opposing energies: spirit and matter, heaven and earth, intellect and intuition. She holds the caduceus: the winged staff entwined with two serpents. The serpent is an ancient symbol of duality. It is considered both masculine and feminine, solar and lunar, medicinal and poisonous, preserver and destroyer, spiritual and sensual. In addition, the synthesis of opposing energies is represented by the Rosy Cross, from which emerges the sheaf of grain, representing the ultimate revelation of the Mysteries.
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The Symbolism of SophiaIn ancient times, the seven stars of the Pleiades marked the point of the vernal equinox which occurred in the constellation of Taurus. According to the Greeks, the Seven Sisters were a flock of doves, placed in the heavens by Zeus. The leader of the Pleiades was Alcyone, the "halcyon" bird which ensured good weather during the sowing month of Taurus.
Appearing in the form of a dove, Sophia was identified with the Holy Spirit in the Gospels. Accordingly, the Holy Spirit is frequently depicted in religious iconography with seven rays of light emanating from it. These correspond to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. The holy number seven is associated with the four lunar phases and is sacred to Sophia. According to the Book of Proverbs, "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out it’s seven pillars." These are known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, Grammar, Rhetoric, Dialectic, and Music. The Greek religious temples and philosophical academies were supported by pillars carved in the likeness of women, as the priestesses of the Great Goddess were the original "pillars of the church". As the feminine companion to God, Sophia symbolizes the womb of creation which brings forth all life from the sacred marriage of opposing energies: spirit and matter, heaven and earth, intellect and intuition. She holds the caduceus: the winged staff entwined with two serpents. The serpent is an ancient symbol of duality. It is considered both masculine and feminine, solar and lunar, medicinal and poisonous, preserver and destroyer, spiritual and sensual. In addition, the synthesis of opposing energies is represented by the Rosy Cross, from which emerges the sheaf of grain, representing the ultimate revelation of the Mysteries. On the left of Sophia, the feminine energies are symbolized by the moon and the pool of water. The moon governs the tidal cycles and is associated with the waters of creation. The moon also symbolizes the material realm. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, matter is the reflection of spirit. In addition, the moon illuminates the invisible world which corresponds to the feminine gift of intuition. |
On the right of Sophia, the masculine energies are represented by the sun and the element of fire. The sun generates heat and ligh which sustains all life. The sun also symbolizes the spiritual realm. As the sun generates light, the spiritual realm is composed of pure light. In addition, the sun illuminates the visible world which corresponds to the masculine characteristic of intellect.
Sophia is also the embodiment of the Many-Named Lunar Goddess, crowned with a halo of twelve stars, which correspond to the twelve months, or moons, of the solar year. Upon her forehead, she wears the symbol of the triple moon. This corresponds to the three visible lunar phases of the Triple Goddess: the Virgin (Waxing Moon), the Mother (Full Moon), and the Crone (Waning Moon). Furthermore, her triple aspect is represented by her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Charity.
According to the ancien[S, the Earth is encircled by seven heavens or spheres. Above them is the eighth sphere of the ftxed stars. Also, behind the eighth sphere is the heavenly light of the Divine which shines through the crystal sphere and appears as stars. The All-Seeing Eye symbolizes illumination and was originally an emblem of Maat, the Egyptian goddess of justice. She is identified with the Greek goddess Ananke, the Strong Fate, who guides the destiny of the universe and is the Spindle of Necessity upon which all the spheres of heaven revolved.
The two males reclining near the feet of Sophia represent the sacred king and his deputy who each ruled for one half of the year. This corresponds to the Ancient Poetic Theme: the God of the Waxing Year constantly striving against the God of the Waning Year for the love of the Triple Goddess. One male sits near the point of the winter solstice, known as the Gate of the Gods, where the soul ascends Upon the solar path to the heavenly realm of spirit. The other male sits near the point of the summer solstice, known as the Gate of Men, where the soul descends upon the lunar path to the physical realm of matter. Both of these cycles harmoniously complement each other as the eternally revolving Wheel of Life, or Zodiac.
The stars around the moon and beneath of dove are five-pointed pentacles. These are associated with the goddess Venus, as her planet forms a five-Pointed star within the circIe of the zodiac every eight years. Around the head of Sophia are six-pointed stars which symbolize the umon of masculIne and feminine energies. To her right is a lily which is her sacred flower and symbolizes both purity and innocence. To her left is a lotus, the Eastern Counterpart to the lily, which also represents enlightenment. Near the locus is a crown which symbolizes divinity, sovereignty, power, and royalty. Finally, in her right hand she holds a book, the universal symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
Sophia is also the embodiment of the Many-Named Lunar Goddess, crowned with a halo of twelve stars, which correspond to the twelve months, or moons, of the solar year. Upon her forehead, she wears the symbol of the triple moon. This corresponds to the three visible lunar phases of the Triple Goddess: the Virgin (Waxing Moon), the Mother (Full Moon), and the Crone (Waning Moon). Furthermore, her triple aspect is represented by her three daughters Faith, Hope, and Charity.
According to the ancien[S, the Earth is encircled by seven heavens or spheres. Above them is the eighth sphere of the ftxed stars. Also, behind the eighth sphere is the heavenly light of the Divine which shines through the crystal sphere and appears as stars. The All-Seeing Eye symbolizes illumination and was originally an emblem of Maat, the Egyptian goddess of justice. She is identified with the Greek goddess Ananke, the Strong Fate, who guides the destiny of the universe and is the Spindle of Necessity upon which all the spheres of heaven revolved.
The two males reclining near the feet of Sophia represent the sacred king and his deputy who each ruled for one half of the year. This corresponds to the Ancient Poetic Theme: the God of the Waxing Year constantly striving against the God of the Waning Year for the love of the Triple Goddess. One male sits near the point of the winter solstice, known as the Gate of the Gods, where the soul ascends Upon the solar path to the heavenly realm of spirit. The other male sits near the point of the summer solstice, known as the Gate of Men, where the soul descends upon the lunar path to the physical realm of matter. Both of these cycles harmoniously complement each other as the eternally revolving Wheel of Life, or Zodiac.
The stars around the moon and beneath of dove are five-pointed pentacles. These are associated with the goddess Venus, as her planet forms a five-Pointed star within the circIe of the zodiac every eight years. Around the head of Sophia are six-pointed stars which symbolize the umon of masculIne and feminine energies. To her right is a lily which is her sacred flower and symbolizes both purity and innocence. To her left is a lotus, the Eastern Counterpart to the lily, which also represents enlightenment. Near the locus is a crown which symbolizes divinity, sovereignty, power, and royalty. Finally, in her right hand she holds a book, the universal symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
The 79 Elements embodied within the painting...1. 12 Tiers of Angels
2. Hagia Sophia Dome Windows 3. Sun (Solar) Masculine Day Forces 4. Moon (Lunar) Feminine Night Forces 5. Constellation Ceiling Pavillion (Upper Universe) 6. Wisdom Owl 7. Angelic Child (Often seen w/Sophia) 8. All Seeing Eye (Feminine) 9. Dove (Holy Spirit) 10. Angel Lighting the way Up to heavens 11. Angel Lighting the way Down from the Heavens 12. Spirit Cross (Dove is carrying) 13. 6 Stars below Spirit Cross 14. Pyramid Building, Egyptian, Knowledge Center 15. Rosey Cross 16. Eye in Heart 17. Wheat Shaft 18. Infinity 19. Lunar phases 20. Pillar: 3 pairs Ionic, Doric & Corinthian 21. Initiate 1 at Pillar: 22. Initiate 2 at Pillar: 23. Initiate 3 at Pillar: 24. Initiate 4 at Pillar: 25. Initiate 5 at Pillar: 26. Initiate 6 at Pillar: 27. Staircase: Degrees of Enlightenment, Steps or Stages of Alchemical Purification 28. 12 Stars around the Lunar Moon 29. Element: Earth 30. Element: Air 31. Element: Fire 32. Water: Pooled, Waterfall 33. Universe: Lower 34. Milky way 35. Beams of Light streaming at the Minds of Initiates 36. 4 Squared: Metal corners on the Book of Wisdom 37. Egg 38 Nest 39. Faith, Hope & Charity (Women) |
40. Faith: Cross 41. Hope: Heart 42. Charity: Anchor 43. Chalice: Sophia’s (w/equal length bars making the cross) 44. Chalice: Christ’s (w/Christian cross w/a < to the left) 45. Crown Traditional Male Style 46. Eagle On Crown 47. Palm leaf On Crown 48. Lapis The ultimate in purification 49. Flowers The “Sophia” flower 50. Vessel Surrounded w/Eastern & Western Flower Blossoms 51. Green Tablet: 52. Crystals 53. Lily: Western Spiritual Traditions 54. Lotus: Eastern Spiritual Traditions 55. Bee’s 56. Antakytheara Mechinism: 1st known geared device Working Universal clock 57. The Byss (or Abyss) 58. Male (Left) 59. Male: (Right) 60. The Ripple Effect 61. Zodiac (Wheel of Life) 62. Urn (For fire) 63. Smoke from Fire (Smudging) Incense Clear the Space Fragrance of Prayer 64. Sophia: Goddess of Wosdom, Virgin of the World 65. Solar & Lunar Headress (Crown) 66. 12 Starred Halo for Sophia 67. Rainbow Light from halo to Faith, Hope & Charity 68. Winged Ceduceus with Lapis stone in the top 69. Dual Snakes 70. Sword 71. Veil: Glistening 72. ‘Y’ on her dress (Feminie) Yanni 73. Book of Wisdom 74. Osobusus on Cover of Book 75. Gold Edges on the pages 76. Eye of Horus (on her bracelet) 77. Duck or Brown Swan 78. Philosopher’s Stone 79. Initiate at invisible column: You, the Viewer |
Research below provided by Todd O'Brien
Author of The Book of Sophia
As the feminine companion to God, Sophia symbolizes the womb of creation which brings forth all life from the sacred marriage of opposing energies: spirit and matter, heaven and earth, intellect and intuition. She holds the caduceus: the winged staff entwined with two serpents. The serpent is an ancient symbol of duality. It is considered both masculine and feminine, solar and lunar, medicinal and poisonous, preserver and destroyer, spiritual and sensual. In addition, the synthesis of opposing energies is represented by the Rosy Cross, from which emerges the sheaf of grain, representing the ultimate revelation of the Mysteries.
On the left of Sophia, the feminine energies are symbolized by the moon and the pool of water. The moon governs the tidal cycles and is associated with the waters of creation. The moon also symbolizes the material realm. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, matter is the reflection of spirit. In addition, the moon illuminates the invisible world which corresponds to the feminine gift of intuition.
On the right of Sophia, the masculine energies are represented by the sun and the element of fire. The sun generates heat and light which sustains all life. The sun also symbolizes the spiritual realm. As the sun generates light, the spiritual realm is composed of pure light. In addition, the sun illuminates the visible world which corresponds to the masculine characteristic of intellect.
The holy number seven is associated with the four lunar phases and is sacred to Sophia. According to the Book of Proverbs, "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." These are known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, Grammar, Rhetoric, Dialectic, and Music. The Greek religious temples and philosophical academies were supported by pillars carved in the likeness of women, as the priestesses of the Great Goddess were the original "pillars of the church".
In ancient times, the seven stars of the Pleiades marked the point of the vernal equinox which occurred in the constellation of Taurus. According to the Greeks, the Seven Sisters were a flock of doves, placed in the heavens by Zeus. The leader of the Pleiades was Alcyone, the "halcyon" bird which ensured good weather during the sowing month of Taurus.
Appearing in the form of a dove, Sophia was identified with the Holy Spirit in the Gospels. Accordingly, the Holy Spirit is frequently depicted in religious iconography with seven rays of light emanating from it. These correspond to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
The two males reclining near the feet of Sophia represent the sacred king and his deputy who each ruled for one half of the year. This corresponds to the Ancient Poetic Theme: the God of the Waxing Year constantly striving against the God of the Waning Year for the love of the Triple Goddess. One male sits near the point of the winter solstice, known as the Gate of the Gods, where the soul ascends upon the solar path to the heavenly realm of spirit. The other male sits near the point of the summer solstice, known as the Gate of Men, where the soul descends upon the lunar path to the physical realm of matter. Both of these cycles harmoniously complement each other as the eternally revolving Wheel of Life or Zodiac.
The stars around the moon and beneath of dove are five-pointed pentacles. These are associated with the goddess Venus, as her planet forms a five-pointed star within the circle of the zodiac every eight years. Around the head of Sophia are six-pointed stars which symbolize the union of masculine and feminine energies. To her right is a lily which is her sacred flower and symbolizes both purity and innocence. To her left is a lotus, the Eastern counterpart to the lily, which also represents enlightenment. Near the lotus is a crown which symbolizes divinity, sovereignty, power, and royalty. Finally, in her right hand she holds a book, the universal symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
As the feminine companion to God, Sophia symbolizes the womb of creation which brings forth all life from the sacred marriage of opposing energies: spirit and matter, heaven and earth, intellect and intuition. She holds the caduceus: the winged staff entwined with two serpents. The serpent is an ancient symbol of duality. It is considered both masculine and feminine, solar and lunar, medicinal and poisonous, preserver and destroyer, spiritual and sensual. In addition, the synthesis of opposing energies is represented by the Rosy Cross, from which emerges the sheaf of grain, representing the ultimate revelation of the Mysteries.
On the left of Sophia, the feminine energies are symbolized by the moon and the pool of water. The moon governs the tidal cycles and is associated with the waters of creation. The moon also symbolizes the material realm. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, matter is the reflection of spirit. In addition, the moon illuminates the invisible world which corresponds to the feminine gift of intuition.
On the right of Sophia, the masculine energies are represented by the sun and the element of fire. The sun generates heat and light which sustains all life. The sun also symbolizes the spiritual realm. As the sun generates light, the spiritual realm is composed of pure light. In addition, the sun illuminates the visible world which corresponds to the masculine characteristic of intellect.
The holy number seven is associated with the four lunar phases and is sacred to Sophia. According to the Book of Proverbs, "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." These are known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, Grammar, Rhetoric, Dialectic, and Music. The Greek religious temples and philosophical academies were supported by pillars carved in the likeness of women, as the priestesses of the Great Goddess were the original "pillars of the church".
In ancient times, the seven stars of the Pleiades marked the point of the vernal equinox which occurred in the constellation of Taurus. According to the Greeks, the Seven Sisters were a flock of doves, placed in the heavens by Zeus. The leader of the Pleiades was Alcyone, the "halcyon" bird which ensured good weather during the sowing month of Taurus.
Appearing in the form of a dove, Sophia was identified with the Holy Spirit in the Gospels. Accordingly, the Holy Spirit is frequently depicted in religious iconography with seven rays of light emanating from it. These correspond to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
The two males reclining near the feet of Sophia represent the sacred king and his deputy who each ruled for one half of the year. This corresponds to the Ancient Poetic Theme: the God of the Waxing Year constantly striving against the God of the Waning Year for the love of the Triple Goddess. One male sits near the point of the winter solstice, known as the Gate of the Gods, where the soul ascends upon the solar path to the heavenly realm of spirit. The other male sits near the point of the summer solstice, known as the Gate of Men, where the soul descends upon the lunar path to the physical realm of matter. Both of these cycles harmoniously complement each other as the eternally revolving Wheel of Life or Zodiac.
The stars around the moon and beneath of dove are five-pointed pentacles. These are associated with the goddess Venus, as her planet forms a five-pointed star within the circle of the zodiac every eight years. Around the head of Sophia are six-pointed stars which symbolize the union of masculine and feminine energies. To her right is a lily which is her sacred flower and symbolizes both purity and innocence. To her left is a lotus, the Eastern counterpart to the lily, which also represents enlightenment. Near the lotus is a crown which symbolizes divinity, sovereignty, power, and royalty. Finally, in her right hand she holds a book, the universal symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
The Wisdom School of S.O.P.H.I.A
QUALITIES Of SOPHIA PRIESTESS As A SPIRITUAL PEACEFUL WARRIOR
Sophia is the Goddess of Wisdom; the Wisdom of Love & the Love of Wisdom. We are the heart & hands & voice of the Divine. We are striving to embody perfect love, trustworthiness & joy. We are each of us responsible for creating safety & sacred space. We are choosing “Maitri” loving kindness, respect & friendliness to self & others. We Are the Ones we've been waiting for, and with it comes great responsibility.
Responsibility – I am responsible for my life; my feelings, choices and actions. I choose to respond more and react less. I use “I” statements. I strive to come from my highest self.
Integrity – My choices and actions are consistent with my intentions, mission and commitments. I keep my promises! I do what I say I will. I walk my talk. My word matters! I can be counted on.
Self-awareness – I examine my thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I am aware of shadows, patterns and limiting beliefs that compromise my integrity and these principles.
Accountability – I “own' to another when I am out of integrity. I acknowledge the consequences of my actions and the choices and intentions behind them. I learn and grow from these lessons (AFGLO) I apologize and make amends.I seek help when needed
Clarity – I seek to understand; to know what I want, who I am, and who I am becoming!
Mission – I seek to discover my true mission of service and choose to live in integrity with it. Being of service to the Divine, Goddess, Temple of SOPHIA, my Sophia Spirit Heart family, Earth and community, is an honor, blessing and a joyous gift. I serve lovingly; with an open and generous heart. (no martyrdom or self-sacrifice please)
Action – I take action to live my mission and fulfill my commitments. I ask for help when I need it. I ask for what I want. I move through my fear. I take healthy risks.
Authenticity – I am sincere and honest in all of my dealings. I am aware of and own my feelings. I speak my truth. I come from my heart. I am genuine and real.
Directness – I speak clearly and kindly to another of my perceptions, feelings and judgments about them. I neither practice nor tolerate derisive, negative sideways comments or 'gossip'. I am loyal to myself and to my SOPHIA SpiritHeart Family.
Trust – I trust the process. I am worthy of trust. As I live these principles and values, I learn to trust and respect myself and others. With continuity and consistency, I become trustworthy.
Unconditional Love – I love and accept all beings, without reservation. I value and celebrate our differences. I am willing to love and accept my self as I am, right now. I achieve a life of unconditional love, by raising my consciousness to the level from which all love flows. I set healthy boundaries where necessary.
Compassion – I see all behavior as a statement of love or a cry for help. I see and seek to heal the wound behind the 'negative' behaviors. I look for the positive intent behind all behavior and strive to forgive myself and others. I am working on not taking others behavior towards me, “personally”.
We didn't invent these – we became aware of them and choose to live by them. Our sacred intention is to follow these principles always and to be aware of, acknowledge, and learn from those time we don't. (edited & w/gratitude from The New Warriors of the ManKind Project)
Sophia is the Goddess of Wisdom; the Wisdom of Love & the Love of Wisdom. We are the heart & hands & voice of the Divine. We are striving to embody perfect love, trustworthiness & joy. We are each of us responsible for creating safety & sacred space. We are choosing “Maitri” loving kindness, respect & friendliness to self & others. We Are the Ones we've been waiting for, and with it comes great responsibility.
Responsibility – I am responsible for my life; my feelings, choices and actions. I choose to respond more and react less. I use “I” statements. I strive to come from my highest self.
Integrity – My choices and actions are consistent with my intentions, mission and commitments. I keep my promises! I do what I say I will. I walk my talk. My word matters! I can be counted on.
Self-awareness – I examine my thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I am aware of shadows, patterns and limiting beliefs that compromise my integrity and these principles.
Accountability – I “own' to another when I am out of integrity. I acknowledge the consequences of my actions and the choices and intentions behind them. I learn and grow from these lessons (AFGLO) I apologize and make amends.I seek help when needed
Clarity – I seek to understand; to know what I want, who I am, and who I am becoming!
Mission – I seek to discover my true mission of service and choose to live in integrity with it. Being of service to the Divine, Goddess, Temple of SOPHIA, my Sophia Spirit Heart family, Earth and community, is an honor, blessing and a joyous gift. I serve lovingly; with an open and generous heart. (no martyrdom or self-sacrifice please)
Action – I take action to live my mission and fulfill my commitments. I ask for help when I need it. I ask for what I want. I move through my fear. I take healthy risks.
Authenticity – I am sincere and honest in all of my dealings. I am aware of and own my feelings. I speak my truth. I come from my heart. I am genuine and real.
Directness – I speak clearly and kindly to another of my perceptions, feelings and judgments about them. I neither practice nor tolerate derisive, negative sideways comments or 'gossip'. I am loyal to myself and to my SOPHIA SpiritHeart Family.
Trust – I trust the process. I am worthy of trust. As I live these principles and values, I learn to trust and respect myself and others. With continuity and consistency, I become trustworthy.
Unconditional Love – I love and accept all beings, without reservation. I value and celebrate our differences. I am willing to love and accept my self as I am, right now. I achieve a life of unconditional love, by raising my consciousness to the level from which all love flows. I set healthy boundaries where necessary.
Compassion – I see all behavior as a statement of love or a cry for help. I see and seek to heal the wound behind the 'negative' behaviors. I look for the positive intent behind all behavior and strive to forgive myself and others. I am working on not taking others behavior towards me, “personally”.
We didn't invent these – we became aware of them and choose to live by them. Our sacred intention is to follow these principles always and to be aware of, acknowledge, and learn from those time we don't. (edited & w/gratitude from The New Warriors of the ManKind Project)
