17.1.26 - 23 - The Three Wise Men

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This time round, the work we did around Ancient Persia used the Magi as the jumping off point. It was clearly the season of Epiphany, so it seemed nice to use what we were familiar with to introduce the children to the idea of what Zarathustra did for us.

There is so much collective symbolism around the birth of Jesus in the Bible. Different books emphasise different things. For instance, the presence of the Sheep, Ox and the Donkey symbolises the passing of the age of the Ram and Bull to a new age - an age of love - the Donkey is the animal of service and humility. The arrival of the Magi symbolise the passing of the torch of the priesthood of Zarathustra to Jesus - the gifts given are gold, frankincense and myrrh - good thoughts, good words and good deeds. But Jesus is no priest - he is an everyman. And the liberation which Christ brings, is hardwired into the story of the birth.

I used to be fascinated with the Wise Men. Who were these Wise Men and where did they come from? This mysterious east, that was really West. Well, now I know. I understand a little more. These wise men were priests of Zarathustra and they were conferring upon this New Age the thinking that Zarathustra brought - that love wins all.

For this week we looked at the life of Zarathustra and the myths surrounding his birth and then his childhood. It has a fairytale quality - it is the stuff of legend. This is the first story I am telling about the human being who has had a revelation - well, apart from Noah. But really, Zarathustra decides that we are no longer guided by the whims of the gods. He places responsibility for our behaviour squarely within ourselves. 

I have loved this ML. This entire week. We have written and read and pondered and debated. It has been a truly golden time. I cherish it utterly. Utterly.

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