In The magic of signs and symbols. Continuation.
Cross
This is a symbol of Rule and Navi, separated by the Reveal line. All sides of the cross are equal in length, because all elements are in balance, i.e. a balance of power is maintained.
Christians appropriated this symbol for themselves, changing the entire design. They extended the Navi line, thereby establishing themselves as a religion of death. The balance of power was upset.
The energy of such a cross is negative, because Navi's field is increased, he is essentially a vampire. And, if you consider that crosses of this kind are hung on the necks of all people, and in addition with a corpse, then the very low energy of the adherents of this religion becomes clear. When hanging a cross on children, the harmonious development of the child is disrupted.
Now many adults understand that they need to get away from Christian vampirism, but they don’t know how to do it. So, regardless of when a person was baptized (as an adult or a child), the debaptism procedure can be carried out independently, quietly and unnoticed by others. And you shouldn’t trust this to any “magi in the Nth generation.” To do this, you only need a desire and a conscious decision to leave the sect of the dead. And the procedure is extremely simple, anyone can handle it.
So, you need to remain completely alone, so that no one distracts you. It can be indoors, it can be outdoors. First the cross is removed. Then we imagine a dark cloud above our head (this is a Christian egregor), from which a “hose” goes to the top of our head. Mentally, we take this “hose” with our hand, unhook it from the head, but do not let go.
Mentally (or maybe out loud) we say words of gratitude to the egregor for all the good things he has done to us throughout our lives. And it doesn’t matter whether it was or wasn’t - the main thing here is gratitude. Then we say that our paths have diverged, and the time has come for us to part forever. Only after this do we release the “hose” and watch how it is drawn into the cloud, which floats away or dissolves. All. Usually the person feels great relief. The shoulders straighten on a physical level.
As for the cross, it, together with the chain, needs to be cleaned with the fire of a candle (not a church one), then it is better to melt it into some other decoration. You can simply take it to church and leave it there, i.e. give.
Circle
The circle is a symbol of the sun, planet. All children draw the same sun. That's life.
But with the advent of Christianity, “horror stories” appeared in the form of evil spirits, from which you need to hide inside the circle. And so everyone begins to draw circles around themselves - eternal protection from the outside world. And psychics are promoting this, and magicians of all levels and sorcerers of the Nth generation...
Everyone builds protection around themselves in the form of circles, raising them high in the form of cylinders, barrels, etc., etc. And they do not understand that for every action there is a reaction. The more powerful the defense against a supposed attack, the weaker the person actually becomes, because... he, fencing himself off from the World, receives less energy from the Cosmos. Everything is elementary. Any defense always loses. You need to strengthen your energy and then no “nasty” will be able to reach you.
Pectoral crosses- one of the most significant shrines for representatives of the Catholic and Orthodox churches. When buying a cross for a baby before baptism or for themselves, many do not think about the features and differences between Catholic and Orthodox crosses, choosing the one they like in design. The consultant does not always know the answers to all questions. The Zlato online store has an extensive catalog of Orthodox crosses for you, and how they differ from Catholic crosses will be discussed further.
Cross shape
The first thing that distinguishes an Orthodox cross from a Catholic one is its shape.
Orthodox crosses There are six- and eight-pointed ones. The oblique crossbar of the Orthodox cross, located in its lower part, symbolizes the road to the Kingdom of Heaven, leading from the sinful world.
Catholic cross usually four-pointed without unnecessary parts and crossbars. Its shape is simple and clearly distinguishable.
The meaning of engraving on the cross
Silver and gold jewelry in the shape of a cross are usually complemented by engraving - a short inscription. It looks like “I.Н.Ц.I” - in Slavic or “INRI” - in Latin. This is an acronym that stands for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
Only on Orthodox crosses on the reverse side there is the inscription “Save and Preserve.” It is never found on Catholic crosses.
Disposition of Christ
Orthodox and Catholic crosses have another significant difference. It lies in the disposition of the crucified Christ. If you look closely, you can clearly see that the figures are arranged differently.
- the palms of Christ are turned out, the fingers are not closed;
- triumph and joy are displayed on the face;
- the legs are not crossed, they are nailed separately.
Catholic cross:
- Christ's head is lowered;
- palms are closed, arms sag;
- the facial expression conveys inhuman suffering.
When choosing cross jewelry, just take a look at the number of nails present on the feet and hands of Christ. There are four of them on the Orthodox cross - one on each palm and one on each leg. On the Catholic cross there are three of them - one on each palm and one on the legs, superimposed on each other.
Modern variations of pectoral crosses
The Zlato online store offers a huge assortment of crosses from leading jewelry manufacturers: Silvex, Capital Jewelry Factory, Aurora, Onyx, HYUV, ZARINA, etc. Each brand regularly updates product collections, and among them there are crosses:
- for men, women and children;
- of gold and silver;
- with inlay and without stones;
- with enamel, blackening and other decoration techniques.
Men's Orthodox crosses are usually larger than women's and are designed for massive chains. They are made without stones and have a discreet design. Women's and children's crosses are more sophisticated - with openwork inserts, cubic zirconia and diamonds. The more rare and valuable the stone, the higher the price of the jewelry. Pendants are worn on chains, leather and silk cords, often under clothing, to hide adherence to one’s religion from prying eyes. We offer to compare branded crosses from different manufacturers in http://zlato.ua/. For each model we have selected the best photos and detailed descriptions. To simplify and speed up your selection, use the site’s filters by setting parameters by type of metal and design. This will allow you to choose and buy jewelry that matches the style of your other accessories.
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The cross is a very ancient symbol. What did it symbolize before the Savior’s death on the cross? Which cross is considered more correct - Orthodox or Catholic four-pointed (“kryzh”). What is the reason for the image of Jesus Christ on the cross with crossed feet among Catholics and separate feet in the Orthodox tradition.
Hieromonk Adrian (Pashin) answers:
In different religious traditions, the cross symbolized different concepts. One of the most common is the meeting of our world with the spiritual world. For the Jewish people, from the moment of Roman rule, the cross, crucifixion was a method of shameful, cruel execution and caused insurmountable fear and horror, but, thanks to Christ the Victor, it became a desired trophy, evoking joyful feelings. Therefore, Saint Hippolytus of Rome, the Apostolic Man, exclaimed: “and the Church has its own trophy over death - this is the Cross of Christ, which it bears on itself,” and Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Languages, wrote in his Epistle: “I wish to boast... only by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14).
In the West, the most commonly used now is the four-pointed cross (Fig. 1), which the Old Believers call (for some reason in Polish) “Kryzh Latin” or “Rymski”, which means Roman cross. According to the Gospel, the execution of the cross was spread throughout the Empire by the Romans and, of course, was considered Roman. “And not by the number of trees, not by the number of ends, we venerate the Cross of Christ, but by Christ Himself, whose most holy blood was stained,” says St. Demetrius of Rostov. “And showing miraculous power, any cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and by invoking His most holy name.”
Starting from the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.
The eight-pointed Orthodox cross (Fig. 2) most closely corresponds to the historically accurate form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified, as testified by Tertullian, Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, Saint Justin the Philosopher and others. “And when Christ the Lord carried the cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was no title or foot on it yet. There was no footstool, because Christ had not yet been raised on the cross and the soldiers, not knowing where Christ’s feet would reach, did not attach a footstool, having finished this already on Golgotha” (St. Demetrius of Rostov). Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, first “they crucified Him” (John 19:18), and then only “Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was first that the soldiers “who crucified Him” divided “His clothes” by lot (Matthew 27:35), and only then “they placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27: 37).
Images of the Savior’s crucifixion have also been known since ancient times. Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant (Fig. 3), and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear (Fig. 4).
Since ancient times, crucifixion crosses, both in the East and in the West, had a crossbar to support the feet of the Crucified One, and His legs were depicted as nailed each separately with its own nail (Fig. 3). The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail (Fig. 4) first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.
From the Orthodox dogma of the Cross (or Atonement) undoubtedly follows the idea that the death of the Lord is the ransom of all, the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched hands, calling “all the ends of the earth” (Isa. 45:22).
Therefore, in the tradition of Orthodoxy, it is to depict the Savior Almighty precisely as the already Risen Cross-Bearer, holding and calling into His arms the entire universe and carrying on Himself the New Testament altar - the Cross.
And the traditionally Catholic image of the crucifixion, with Christ hanging in his arms, on the contrary, has the task of showing how it all happened, of depicting the dying suffering and death, and not at all what is essentially the eternal Fruit of the Cross - His triumph.
Orthodoxy invariably teaches that suffering is necessary for all sinners for their humble assimilation of the Fruit of redemption - the Holy Spirit sent by the sinless Redeemer, which, out of pride, Catholics do not understand, who through their sinful sufferings seek participation in the sinless, and therefore redemptive Passion of Christ and thereby fall into the crusader heresy "self-rescue".
Most often, Catholics depict the cross as four-pointed.
Four-pointed crosses have been known since the 3rd century. Having once appeared in the Roman catacombs, they remain to this day the main form of depiction of the cross among Catholics. However, Catholics do not attach much importance to the shape of the cross, noting that it is not the basis of the creed. The image of the Savior is not always found on Catholic crosses, but if it is present, then Jesus’ feet are nailed with three nails. Catholics believe that three nails were used in the Crucifixion. Above the head of Jesus there is a tablet on which is written in Latin “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” - INRI. Usually above the head of the crucified person there was a description of his crime. Pontius Pilate did not find another name for the “crime” of the Savior.
Catholic cross: difference from the Orthodox one
The Orthodox cross does not always have an eight-pointed shape, although this is the form of the cross used by Orthodox Christians in the East. A lower crossbar can also be added to an Orthodox cross, which symbolizes the “righteous standard.” On one side of the scale are sins, on the other are the good and righteous deeds of people.
The shape of the cross is also not decisive for Orthodox Christians. Much more important in this case is what is depicted on the cross. So the sign “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in Orthodoxy looks like IHHI (in Slavic-Russian). Jesus' feet are not nailed to the cross together and there are only four nails on the crucifix. The letters IC XC on the right and left hand of the Savior are a Christogram and stand for Jesus Christ.
On the reverse side of the Orthodox cross there is always the inscription “Save and Preserve.”
The palms of Jesus on the Orthodox cross are usually open. It’s as if Jesus is taking the world into his arms. On the Catholic cross, the Savior's hands can be clenched into fists.
The use of the cross also differs: during burial, Orthodox Christians place a cross at the feet of the deceased, and Catholics place a cross at the head of the deceased. However, the rule is not mandatory and mainly depends on the local traditions of Christians. Catholics always install a four-pointed cross on domes (spires near churches), but in Orthodoxy there are different forms of crosses.
Catholic and Orthodox cross - is the difference significant?
The Monk Theodore the Studite wrote “the cross of every form is the true cross.” Neither Catholics nor Orthodox Christians attach much importance to the shape of the cross. The Catholic cross has changed over the centuries, just like the Orthodox one. Thus, until the 10th century, Christ was depicted on the cross as resurrected and triumphant; the image of the dead and suffering Christ appeared only in the 10th century and is more often found among Catholics.
Both in Catholicism and Orthodoxy there are six and eight-pointed crosses, these are the crosses of the hierarchy (archiepiscopal and papal).
The main thing that unites all Christians: if earlier the cross was an instrument of torture and shame, then after Christ’s sacrifice on the cross it became a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The Lord himself spoke about the necessity and significance of the feat of the cross: “ He who does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian) is unworthy of Me"(Matthew 10:38). The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, also addressed the topic of the sacrifice of the cross: “ Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in the wisdom of the word, so as not to make the cross of Christ abolish. For the word about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and destroy the understanding of the prudent. Where is the sage? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this century? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For both the Jews demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks foolishness, but for those who are called, Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God"(1 Cor. 1:17-24).
The cross is one of the symbols of the Christian religion. He is especially revered by representatives of the Catholic and Orthodox movements. But many believers will not be able to say how the Orthodox and Catholic symbols of Christianity differ.
Catholic and Orthodox cross: are there any differences in shape?
In the minds of most ordinary people, there are Catholic and Orthodox crosses, which must be worn by representatives of a certain denomination.
Differences between images of Catholic and Orthodox crosses
This statement has nothing to do with reality, since both Catholics and Eastern Christians can use crosses of different shapes. There are three types in total:
- four-pointed;
- six-pointed;
- eight-pointed.
All these symbols denote cleansing from sins through suffering and hope for resurrection in the future.
Four-pointed cross
This form of the main Christian symbol is the most ancient. It was on such a cross that the Savior was crucified, and his image is found in the early Christian catacombs.
This type is most common in Western Christianity, but in the eastern branch of the Christian faith it is considered equal to all other varieties of the holy symbol.
Six-pointed cross
The figure with six ends has an additional crossbar. Among Eastern Christians, an additional crossbar is located under the main horizontal part and means “measure of sins.” The left side, facing down, symbolizes unrepentant sin. The right side, tending upward, is a symbol of remorse and repentance.
Interesting: in the Catholic Church, a six-pointed cross is an indicator of the place of a clergyman in the church hierarchy. This attribute is used by priests in the rank of archbishop.
Eight-pointed cross
In the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, the eight-pointed figure is most widespread. It is considered the closest to the structure on which the Son of God died.
The eight-pointed cross is considered protection from evil spirits and evil spirits
In addition to the footrest, indicating the “measure of sins,” at the top of the cross there is a short crossbar, symbolizing the tablet on which Pontius Pilate wrote “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” These words replaced the accusation, which the people who judged Christ could not formulate.
Interesting: in the Catholic Church, a cross with eight ends is an attribute of the power of the Pope. Additional elements are placed above the main crossbar.
Difference between Catholic and Orthodox cross symbol
Their main difference lies in the image and inscriptions. Having carefully studied them, one can say with almost complete certainty which movement of Christianity this subject belongs to.
Inscriptions
You can determine the ownership of an item by the inscription at its top. In the Latin version, the abbreviation for the words “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” is “INRI”. There can be two types of inscriptions on an Eastern Christian cross: IHHI or IHCI. In addition to this abbreviated inscription, it contains the following letters:
- IC XC - Jesus Christ;
- TS - King of Glory;
- NK - NIKA, which means winner.
Only the Orthodox Christian symbol has the inscription “Save and Preserve” on the reverse side.
Image
The greatest differences are observed in the depiction of the figure of the Savior. The Orthodox image depicts the Son of God conquering death. His arms, palms open, are calmly spread to the sides. It seems that Jesus embraces all people. The head is surrounded by a halo and the eyes are open. The legs stand on the crossbar, or nail one at a time to the vertical part.
Most often, Catholics depict the cross as four-pointed.
The Catholic depiction of Christ is more realistic. The figure literally hangs on a cross-shaped structure, nailed to it with three nails. A crown of thorns is put on his head, from under which blood flows onto his face. Wounds are also visible on other parts of the body. The eyes on his drooping head are always closed.
You should know that the crucifix of Eastern Christians is flat, while for Catholics it protrudes above the surface.
Differences Appear
Officially, a schism in the Christian Church occurred in the middle of the 11th century. But already by this time there were noticeable differences in the appearance of the clergy, temple architecture, rituals and the appearance of church utensils. Over time, this split intensified, and its apogee was the events that occurred in 1054, when the heads of the Eastern and Western Christian churches anathematized each other.
Meaning for Christians
One of the main symbols of the Christian faith is revered by Catholics and Orthodox Christians as a symbol of the victory of the Son of God over death and hope for eternal life. He protects from evil forces and patronizes good endeavors. The priest, putting a cross on a person during baptism, gives him into the power of the Lord. Believers wear this item on their bodies as an indicator of belonging to Christianity and a reminder of the great sacrifice of the Savior, who atoned for the sins of people with his martyrdom.
The difference between a Catholic and an Orthodox cross lies in the image, which can be placed on any form. It is quite easy to distinguish them, but it is necessary to remember that any cross reminds people of the trials Jesus endured for the sake of humanity. The truth of faith is determined not by external attributes, but by purity of thoughts and the desire to live according to the commandments of the Lord.
What is the difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic cross?
