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The seven rays is an occult concept that has appeared in several religions and esoteric philosophies, since at least the 6th century BCE, of the Aryan peoples in both Western culture and in India. In the west, it can be seen in early western mystery traditions such as Gnosticism and the Roman Mithraic Mysteries; and in texts and iconic art of the Catholic Church as early as the Byzantine era.〔〔 In India, the concept has been part of Hindu religious philosophy and scripture since at least the Vishnu Purana, dating from the post-Vedic era. Beginning in the late 19th century, the seven rays appeared in a modified and elaborated form in the teachings of Theosophy, first presented by H. P. Blavatsky〔 The Theosophical concept of the seven rays was further developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the writings of the Theosophists C. W. Leadbeater, and by other authors such as Alice Bailey, Manly P. Hall, and others, including notably the teachings of Benjamin Creme and his group Share International;〔Creme, Benjamin. ''The Ageless Wisdom Teaching'' Share International Foundation 1996. This book presents an introduction to that great body of wisdom underlying the spiritual teachings of all groups throughout the ages〕 and in the philosophies of organizations such as Temple of the People,〔''The Teachings of the Temple'' (Halcyon, California: The Temple of the People, 1948) Volume I, Lesson 45, "The Seven Rays of Evolution."〕 The "I AM" Activity,〔Saint Germain Foundation. ''The History of the "I AM" Activity and Saint Germain Foundation''. Schaumburg, Illinois: Saint Germain Press 2003〕 The Bridge to Freedom, The Summit Lighthouse,.〔Lewis, James R. ''Church Universal and Triumphant in Scholarly Perspective'' Center For Academic Publication 1994〕 The Temple of The Presence (1995) 〔''White Paper - Wesak World Congress 2002''. Acropolis Sophia Books & Works 2003.〕 and various other such organizations promulgating what are called the Ascended Master Teachings, a group of religious teachings based on Theosophy. As the New Age movement of the mid-to-late 20th century developed, the seven rays concept appeared as an element of metaphysical healing methods such as Reiki and other modalities, and in esoteric astrology. ==In Antiquity== In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus takes the bull-form known as Taurus in order to win Europa. Taurus is also associated with Aphrodite and other goddesses, as well as with Pan and Dionysus. The face of Taurus "gleams with seven rays of fire."〔Ovid, ''Fasti'', v.164.〕 The Chaldean Oracles of the 2nd century CE feature the seven rays as purifying agents of Helios, symbolism featured in Mithraic liturgy as well.〔("The Chaldean oracles: text, translation, and commentary" by Julianus (the Theurgist.), Ruth Dorothy Majercik, ed., p.38 )〕 Later, in the 4th century, Emperor Julian Saturnalia composed a ''Hymn to the Solemn Sun'', and in his ''Hymn to the Mother of the Gods'' spoke of "unspeakable mysteries hidden from the crowd such as Julian the Chaldean prophesied concerning the god of the seven rays." In Greek Gnostic magic of the same era, colored gemstones were often used as talismans for medicine or healing; they were often engraved with a symbol borrowed from the Egyptian deity Chnuphis: a hooded serpent or great snake. The snake was shown with a lion's head, from which emanated either twelve or seven rays. The twelve rays represented the zodiac, and the seven rays represented the planets, usually with the seven Greek vowels engraved at the tips of the seven rays. The reverse sides of the talismans were engraved with a snake twisting around a vertical rod. These were known as "Gnostic amulets" and were sometimes also engraved with the names ''Iao Sabao'' (the Archon Iao). Gnostic gems with Abraxas also featured the seven rays.〔("Part III. Abraxas, Abraxaster, and Abraxoid Gems." ''The Gnostics and Their Remains'', by Charles William King, (1887), page 218 )〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Seven rays」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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