A timely edition, as Dutch researcher and radio and TV host Johan Oldenkamp guests to discuss the myths, symbology and spiritual science behind the festival we know today as Christmas.

Johan reveals how the event represents a mixed bag of influences from European traditions, primarily anchored in the Winter Solstice. This was a time of worship for the 'rebirth' of the Sun, and led to the religious figures of Mithra, Horus, and most recently, Jesus, with the Sun/ Son of God having a double-meaning. The Roman Catholic church brought in Christianity to replace the Pagan traditions, keeping the dates the same to ease the transition. 'Christmas' also tied in with the popular Roman festival of Saturnalia.

Johan points out that 'Christmas' literally means the sacrifice of Christ Consciousness, and has come to be a subversion of its original sun-worshipping status, to instead bring in the dark influences of Saturn. This reversal of meanings can be seen in the figure of Father Christmas/ Santa (Satan) Claus - originally a representation of the Sun, but more recently flipped to symbolise aspects of Saturn.

We conclude by discussing the internal, alchemical process of attaining higher consciousness, and its own connections to the Christmas story, and how people can still enjoy the festivities of the season without being fooled into embracing the dark symbolism involved.

Johan's websites are: www.whollyscience.org, and www.pateo.nl

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