References to the mystery of the ring-dance/prayer circle in early Christianity can also be found in the writings of Basileios (A.D. 344-407), bishop of Caesarea, and Gregory Thaumaturgus (A.D. 210-260), bishop of Pontus:
In [Basileios's] writings there are several references to the existence of the dance in early Christianity. Thus he says of one who has died in blessedness (Letter 40): 'We remember those who now, together with the Angels, dance the dance of the Angels around God, just as in the flesh they performed a spiritual dance of life and, here on earth, a heavenly dance.' Thus life in this temporal world, where it is lived in righteousness, may be described as a spiritual heavenly dance. In another letter (ad 1:2) he writes 'Could there be anything more blessed than to imitate on earth the ring-dance of the angels and at dawn to raise our voices in prayer and by hymns and songs glorify the rising creator.'(Backman, Religious Dances in the Christian Church and in Popular Medicine, 24-25.)
We do find the following [in Gregory's writings]: 'He who has done everything preserved and prescribed by Providence in its secret mysteries, reposes in Heaven in the bosom of the Father and in the cave in the bosom of the Mother (Christ Jesus). The ring-dance of the angels encircles him, singing his glory in Heaven and proclaiming peace on earth.' In his Four Sermons (10:1146) he quotes a curious legend, 'Today (Christ's birthday) Adam is resurrected and performs a ring-dance with the angels, raised up to heaven'. (Backman, Religious Dances in the Christian Church and in Popular Medicine, 22. (See 'The Temple'; Ch.6; Restoring the Ancient Church: Joseph Smith and Early Christianity by Barry R. Bickmore)
2 comments:
Dear Hanna,
Please contact me. I have to get to know you.
I have been studying sacred geometry and creating art.
In October I am hosting a Sacred Geometry seminar at the Springville museum in Springville, Utah.
Your info is magnificent. Do you have any interest in coming to Utah to participate?
Yvonne
Dear Hanna,
Please note that in the picture these women are wearing diadems. This is very significant as it is symbolic of royal authority. Margaret Barker writes in her Atonement-the Rite of Healing article that the Great High Priest is wearing a diadem when he is performing the creation/covenant rite.
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