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Three (Astrologer) Kings |
| By Jyoti Devi (Charlotte Benson) |
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�We Three (Astrologer) Kings Of Orient Are� � Bearing gifts we�ve traversed afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain � following yonder Star. Oh Star of Wonder, Star of Light. Star of Royal Beauty Bright. Western-leading, still proceeding. Guide us through Thy Perfect Light. �
These traveling, gift-bearing scholars were not �astronomers�. They were astrologers, interpreting the meaning of what the planets signified as they aligned, and rose at sunrise, against the backdrop of the constellations. These three Magi, who were well-educated, spiritually-developed, wise, affluent, dignified, independent-thinking, honorable, respectful, curious, dedicated, wealthy, resourceful and heroic men could - or should - be models for us contemporary astrologers. I have an extensive collection of �Wise Men� figures in a display case in my home. The most authentic trios depict an older, white-bearded man; a middle-aged man with a brown-beard; and a youngish, clean-shaven dark-skinned man. All of whom are very well- attired, and wearing lots of really nice jewelry. I am constantly surprised, to see my guests shocked to finally make the mental connection that these Wise Men were astrologers! In fact, without much of a stretch, I can easily say that these Three Astrologers were the saviors of Western civilization! According to the Biblical account, the astrologers were �warned in a dream� to not follow King Herod�s instructions to return and report on where the new-born was found. (So that King Herod could have the child killed, secretly.) Instead, they went back to their respective lands, and their gifts supported Jesus� family in their flight to Egypt, etc. It�s obvious to me that the astrologers, in defiantly ignoring government instructions, preserved the life of the founder of the Christian religion followed by so many Westerners. So, who were these three wise guys? The most widely-accepted tradition names Melchoir (age 40) as a Persian king/astrologer, bearing frankincense. This gift of perfume was meant to signify the acknowledgment of the recipient�s status as a deity. Gaspar (aka Gathaspa) was about 60 years old. He was the king/astrologer from India, and was the first to offer his gift of gold. Gold signifies a tribute to the baby�s status as a king/ruler. Balthazar (age 20) was a Babylonian king/astrologer, alternately said to be the king of Arabia. He is the most dark-skinned man, and brought myrhh. Since myrhh was used in embalming rituals, this gift was meant to signify the mortality of the child, and his impending death/sacrifice. These astrologers eventually were canonized, and became saints. (Another quality for us astrologers to aspire to!) The (purported) relics of the Three Astrologers are housed in the enormous cathedral in Cologne, Germany. I made it my business to go on a pilgrimage there, to see the tomb of the astrologers. That cathedral, and its prime reliquary, is amazing and impressive � the largest Gothic church front in Europe! It was very gratifying to see astrologers given credit, where credit was due. I continue to be inspired by the wisdom, and the heroics, of The Three Astrologers.
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