The Unconquerable Sun
On the origins of Xmas
Natalis Solis Invicti (the Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun) was what was celebrated before the church usurped this time of the year to celebrate the birth of Christ. It may not be news to many of you, yet it’s an important reminder that tunes us all to the light behind the materialism of this time of year. It all comes back to the Sun.
Whether you believe in the son of God or the Sun God Mithras, the symbolism is the same. It is the rebirth of the Sun, marking its steady rise towards the next Solstice in the Summer when it reaches its highest point, creating the longest day. It took nearly 400 years after Christ’s death to establish December 25th as his birthday. In fact, in the early days, there was much debate around the birthday of Christ. Some felt it was in January, others March, and many argued for May because of the shepherds who were tending their flocks getting word of the birth of the new King (that could have only happened in the Spring, during the lambing season; from the Gospel of Luke [Luke 2:8 ff]). And so, it was Pope Julius in the 4th century A.D who decided to choose Dec 25th as Christ’s birthday, likely to win over the “pagan” followers of Mithras. How Santa comes into play, and all the relics of our time, one must look to Coca-Cola and the history of Amanita Muscaria.
The idea of the “ Unconquerable Sun” is a precious one to keep close. It assumes an undying light. That the wheel of time will never stop spinning, the warmth will return to our bones, sprouts will reach towards the sky once more, and the lies and secrets which fester in the shadows will be forced into the light eventually. The dark night we find ourselves in cannot last forever. The lecherous forces behind the narratives will be exposed. It’s not just a new dawn, it’s a celebration of the redeeming qualities of the Sun God. No matter if he is Christ, Mithras, Horus, or Apollo for you, the core essence is the same: Light to fill the Darkness; Love to overpower Hate; Illumination which leads to becoming awake, not woke. Remembering these ideas will always create good results.
And so, I would say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, but I think I prefer Natalis Solis Invicti. It’s more in line with what is actually happening. Nothing against Christ’s made-up birthday-or the power of Christ-I’m just one who prefers reality over cleverly crafted stories with hidden agendas.
May this time prove to be regenerative and healing for you and your loved ones. Try your best to build bridges between your sides, not blazing them and waving scythes overhead. It’s a critical point for all of us. Is it more important to be right or to be loved?
Eudaimonia,
Adam
kosmognosis.medium.com/follow
….to support the creation of my writings/podcasts and be showered with gifts as well
…to adventure deeper into kosmos, mythos, and psyche
