TUTANKHAMUN'S METEOR SPACE DAGGER WAS A FAMILY HEIRLOOM, EXPERTS SAY

FOR years, experts have known that one of Tutankhamun's famous daggers was made of a meteoric iron that literally came from space. But further study now suggests the dagger had been a gift to his father Akhenaten or his grandfather Thutmosis IV.

Metallurgical analysis in 2017 shoed the iron metal had come from a meteor that had hit the Earth in prehistoric in pre-historic times.

Analysis of the blade composition could not reveal where the meteorite had landed, of course.

But study of the Amarna Letters tablets provided some hints. The tablets were inscribed approximately 3,400 years ago ... about a century before King Tut was interred. 

In looking at the transcription, the researchers noted a section where an iron dagger was mentioned. It was given to King Tut's grandfather by the King of Mitanni, suggesting the meteorite may have landed in what is now Syria.

Tutankhamun was buried with several weapons, including two daggers. One was a golden ceremonial dagger and the other had an iron blade. Both had golden sheaths.

While archaeologists knew that one of the blades was iron, there was no way of knowing where that cutting-edge alloy had come from at such an early date in history.

But using non-invasive, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, a team of Italian and Egyptian researchers confirmed that the iron of the dagger placed on the right thigh of King Tut's mummified body a has meteoric origin.

The team, which included researchers from Milan Polytechnic, Pisa University and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, detailed their results in the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science.

The weapon, now on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, was described in 1925 by Howard Carter, who three years before had discovered the treasure-packed tomb, as "a highly ornamented gold dagger with crystal knob."

Made of non-rusted, homogeneous metal, the finely manufactured blade features a decorated gold handle. It is completed by a gold sheath garnished with a floral lily motif on one side and with a feathers pattern on the other side, terminating with a jackal's head.

The dramatic technological improvements have allowed the researchers to determine the composition of the blade.

"Meteoric iron is clearly indicated by the presence of a high percentages of nickel," main author Daniela Comelli, at the department of Physics of Milan Polytechnic, told Discovery News.

Indeed, iron meteorites are mostly made of iron and nickel, with minor quantities of cobalt, phosphorus , sulfur and carbon.

While artifacts produced with iron ore quarrying display 4 percent of nickel at most, the iron blade of King Tut's dagger was found to contain nearly 11 percent of nickel. Further confirmation of the blade's meteoric origin came from cobalt traces.

"The nickel and cobalt ratio in the dagger blade is consistent with that of iron meteorites that have preserved the primitive chondritic ratio during planetary differentiation in the early solar system," Comelli said.

Comelli and colleagues also investigated the possible source of the iron blade.

"We took into consideration all meteorites found within an area of 2,000 km in radius centered in the Red Sea, and we ended up with 20 iron meteorites," Comelli said.

"Only one, named Kharga, turned out to have nickel and cobalt contents which are possibly consistent with the composition of the blade," she added.

The meteorite fragment was found in 2000 on a limestone plateau at Mersa Matruh, a seaport some 150 miles west of Alexandria.

Earlier, experts determined that the Ancient Egyptians used meteoric iron for beads as early as 5,000 years ago ... long before the Iron Age began. The EGYPTIAN SPACE BEADS have been the subject of intense study.

It has also been long known that the Ancient Egyptians used METEOR GLASS in their jewellery.

THE CONCEPTION OF ANTINOUS

February 27 is commemorated as the date of the conception of Antinous ... Antinous was born 27 November 111 AD. He is no myth. He truly was conceived. He truly was born. He lived. He died. The most powerful man in the world loved him so much that he declared Antinous to be a god ... the last Classical deity ... the ultimate Classical deity!  (Art by Priest Julien.)

27 de fevereiro é comemorado como a concepção de Antínous ... Antínous nasceu em 27 de novembro de 111 dC. Ele não é um mito. Ele realmente foi concebido. Ele realmente nasceu. Ele viveu. Ele morreu. O homem mais poderoso do mundo o amava tanto que ele declarou Antínous como um deus ... a última divindade clássica ... a última divindade clássica! 

El 27 de febrero se celebra como la concepción de Antinoo ... Antínoo nació el 27 de noviembre del año 111 DC. El no es un mito. Realmente fue concebido. Él realmente nació. El vivió. Él murió. El hombre más poderoso del mundo lo amaba tanto que declaró que Antínoo era un dios ... la última deidad clásica ... ¡la última deidad clásica!

ON THE FEAST DAY OF HYGEIA WE HONOR OUR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

THE 26th of February is the Feast Day of Hygeia. A Greek goddess, she is one of the daughters of Aesculapius (Aeskelapios), the god of healing. Her symbols are a water basin and a snake. Hygeia's name means "wholeness" and she is concerned with maintaining the wholeness of the body thus ensuring a long and healthy life. She is goddess of cleanliness, which give us the words "hygiene" and "hygienic". Later she became protectoress not only of the body, but also our environment, the way we live and keep our home clean to help ensure continued health. Offer her pure water and healing incenses such as white sage and lavender.

26 de fevereiro é o dia da festa de Hygeia . A deusa grega , ela é uma das filhas de Esculápio ( Aeskelapios ) , o deus da cura . Seus símbolos são uma bacia de água e uma cobra. O nome de Hygeia significa "totalidade " e ela está preocupada com a manutenção da integridade do corpo garantindo assim uma vida longa e saudável. Ela é a deusa da limpeza, que nos dão a palavra "higiene " . Mais tarde ela se tornou protetora não só do corpo, mas também o nosso ambiente , a nossa maneira de viver e manter nossa casa limpa para ajudar a garantir a saúde continuada. Oferecer-lhe água pura e cura incensa tais como sage branco e lavanda.

26 de febrero es el día de la Fiesta de Hygeia . Una diosa griega , que es una de las hijas de Esculapio ( Aeskelapios ) , el dios de la curación . Sus símbolos son un depósito de agua y una serpiente . El nombre de hygeia significa "totalidad " y que tiene que ver con el mantenimiento de la integridad del cuerpo garantizando así una vida larga y saludable . Ella es la diosa de la limpieza , que nos dan la palabra "higiene " . Más tarde se convirtió en protectora no sólo del cuerpo , sino también el medio ambiente , la forma en que vivimos y mantener nuestra casa limpia para ayudar a asegurar la salud continua . Ofrécele agua pura y la curación inciensos tales como salvia blanca y lavanda .

ANTONINUS PIUS, THE ROMAN EMPEROR WHO FULFILLED HADRIAN'S DREAMS

AT the end of February and beginning of March the Religion of Antinous marks Three Holy Days involving the Divine Antoninus Pius.

On February 25th we celebrate the Adoption of Antoninus Pius by Hadrian. And on March 7th we commemorate the Apotheosis of Antoninus Pius . Also on March th, we celebrate the Ascension of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.

After the death of Aelius Caesar, Hadrian adopted Antoninus, imposing on him the condition that he adopt two sons, Lucius Verus and Marcus Antoninus to be his successors. Antoninus supported the dying Hadrian for the remainder of his years, and obeyed his commands even after his death. For this Antoninus is called Pius.

As the Fates would have it, March 1st is the date when Antoninus Pius died in 161 AD after 23 years as Emperor. His rule is marked by an almost unbroken period of peace and tranquility. The golden era of Rome, known as the Age of the Antonines, takes its name from Antoninus, because every emperor afterward took up his name as an emblem of glory. Antoninus is the emperor most responsible for the perpetuation of the Religion of Antinous.

He had served as Proconsul of Asia Minor under Hadrian from 130 to 135, while the Religion of Antinous was being formed, and it was during his reign that construction of the Sacred City of Antinoopolis was completed.

The Senate deified Antoninus Pius shortly after his death. The base of the column erected in his honor, shows Antoninus Pius and his wife Faustina the elder, rising up to heaven. They are ascending upon the wings of an Aeon, with Mother Rome on one side, and a beautiful reclining male figure on the other who grasps an obelisk. We believe this figure to be Antinous, guardian spirit of the Age of the Antonines.

Upon the occasion of the Death and Apotheosis of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus became co-Emperors, both surnamed Antoninus, a name which the ancient Romans equate with inestimable glory.

Marcus being the elder and wiser, was given the title Augustus, while Lucius took the name Caesar. They remained cordial to one another though their vastly different characters were always a cause of discord, though never of rivalry or outright animosity. They were a harmonious and cooperative pair of rulers, the only example of effective imperial brotherhood in the long history of Rome.

ASTRO FORECAST: FEBRUARY 24th—MARCH 6th, 2022

Antinous is a Moon God. He is, of course, many other things and he wears many hats. But one of the ways he was worshiped in Antiquity was as ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD.

His worshipers looked skyward and saw His beautiful face perpetually turned towards the Earth. The Man in the Moon was actually the Blessed Boy in the Moon for the ancient priests and worshipers of Antinous. Swiftest and most youthful of all the Zodiacal deities, Antinous speeds through an entire year's worth of Astrological signs in just 28 days.

ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD represents our deepest personal needs, our basic habits and reactions, and our unconscious gay selves. Where Hadrian the Sun acts, Antinous the Moon REACTS. How do we instinctively react or respond to problems? What do we feel we need for a sense of security? Look to ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD for answers.

ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD is both our inner boy child and our inner lover. His ever changing phases, as he sweeps past all the other Planets in all the Signs, make us at turns responsive, receptive, and reflective. Eternally youthful, ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD represents our childlike spontaneous and instinctual reactions.

ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD beams down on us to make us imaginative, creative, intuitive, sentimental, adaptable, introspective, and protective. On the negative side, and depending on where he is in the Zodiac, he can make us moody, restless, and irrational.

Antinous Astrology Forecast

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FEBRUARY 24th to MARCH 6th, 2022

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THURS-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24th-25th, 2022

This week, both Venus and Mars create a magical moment when they both form a sextile aspect with dreamy Neptune. First of all, Mars sextile Neptune means it is possible now to take a balanced approach to conflict, problems and projects that require effort. This can combine both a gentle touch and firm action, sensitivity and forcefulness. Negotiation and interaction with others could be aggressive and determined now, but also balanced with sensitivity and style. Any expressions of anger, frustration or discontent are more likely to be tempered with fairness, moderation and composure. Then also, Venus sextile Neptune is a great time to take in an art exhibit, virtually if not in reality ... or to create art yourself ... Capricorn Venus is in a creative sextile with Pisces Neptune. Trust your intuition on all matters of money and love. And when you go online this week, you can expect romance because Pisces Neptune loves romance.

SAT-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th-27th, 2022

This weekend, vengeance and enmity ignite when Mercury and Uranus are in a 90-degree right angle to each other. People act impulsively without thinking of the consequences ... consequences they will surely regret.

MON-TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th-MARCH 1st, 2022

This week, your brain becomes filled with innovative ideas when Mercury aligns in perfect conjunction with Saturn in clear-thought Aquarius. You see clear solutions to any difficult situation.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2nd, 2022

On Wednesday, we come to the PISCES NEW MOON. In Antinous Moon Magic this is the lunar phase we call the DOG MOON of fidelity, friendship and faithfulness. The Spirit of the Dog Moon is loving and supportive friendship. This Spirit is loving and faithful, comforting you with familiarity when you see yourself reflected in this Spirit. It is the perfect combination of comfort and stimulus to grow and provides a wonderful companion that walks with you through life, helping you define and refine who you are and who you choose to be every day.

THURS-FRIDAY, MARCH 3rd-4th, 2022

This week, both Venus and Mars align in conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn against the background of the THE STAR OF ANTINOUS in Capricorn. This planetary configuration has not occurred for many centuries and certainly will not occur again during our lifetimes. This is the most explosive week of the year. There might literally be explosions or at least volcanic eruptions when the love goddess and the warrior god team up with the lord of the underworld. Pent-up anger bursts out into all-out armed conflict. This is a classic textbook recipe for rebellion, financial chaos and terrorist attacks. It definitely spells trouble for the world's hot spots and for reckless tyrants. The threat of assassination looms large, as does the danger of terrorism. You need to be on guard for outbursts of rage. The important thing is to be aware where your rage is coming from. Don't vent your rage on innocent victims. Instead, be consciously aware of the source of your anger so that you can harness the powerful energies of Mars/Pluto to carry out constructive projects you have been stalling on for way too long.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5th, 2022

This weekend, the Sun aligns with Jupiter in open-minded Aquarius to enhance your consciousness. This is your lucky day for a new start. Remember the birth of Dionysus! In Classical Mythology Zeus/Jupiter often visited mortals in disguise, for his radiance was too dazzling for mortals to behold ... rather like the Sun in conjunction with Jupiter. In the story of the birth of Dionysus, we see that Semele Princess of Thebes had been made pregnant by Jupiter in disguise. Semele later became curious about his true appearance. So, Semele decided to ask Zeus to grant her a wish, and he took an oath on the river Styx that he would give her anything. She asked that he appear to her in all his glory. Jupiter was forced to comply. However, mortals could not look upon Jupiter without bursting into flames, which is what happened to Semele. Jupiter managed to save the unborn baby by sewing it inside his thigh. A few months later, god Dionysus was born, who managed to save his mother from the Underworld and brought her to Mount Olympus, where she became the goddess Thyone. Antinous traditionally has been identified with Dionysus "Twice Born" of mortal woman and divine radiance. Antinous/Dionysus reminds you that you are HOMOTHEOSIS ... Gay Man Godliness Becoming the Same in Divine Radiance..

SUNDAY, MARCH 6th, 2022

This weekend, both Venus and Mars stride hand-in-hand out of Capricorn and into free-spirited Aquarius. First of all, when Mars is in rational, logical Aquarius the Warrior Planet Mars becomes First Officer Spock! Aquarius Mars carries out his "battles" on a highly cerebral level. This is the nerd gamer who loves 3-D chess and role-playing games. Mars in Aquarius signals a time when emotions are sublimated as people engage in mind games. That is not a bad thing — as long as people don't get so caught up in the chatter of their brains that they forget to listen to their hearts.

At the same time, Venus enters socially interactive Aquarius, so you may feel an irresistible urge to check your social network even before you get out of bed. The coming month is idea for exploring the vastness of cyber worlds in search of the ultimate interactive relationship. You sense a yearning for new and interesting places, things and friends as Aquarius Venus opens your heart to adventurous new ideas and people. It will be easy for you to overcome your shyness and meet new people. But you may get bored quickly and may have a hard time focusing on any one subject — or person.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK:

Another exciting week lies ahead between March 7th and 13th, 2022, when we come to the Gemini First Quarter moon ... the lunar phase we call the JACKAL MOON in Antinous Moon Magic. Each Lunar Phase represents a Divine Spirit or Archetype. The Spirit of the Jackal in Antinous oracular arts is the embodiment of cunning and skill and sleight-of-hand and being slightly dodgy and sneaky but also being incredibly adept and learned in the ways of the world. The Gemini First Quarter Moon is the March moon of the Trickster, who taunts and teases, who plays tricks, who leads the soul through dark and treacherous passages ... who is more treacherous than any Underworld foe ... but whose cunning enables him to bring his charges to their goal. Meditations and rituals carried out tonight are best suited for looking beyond the the veil of lies and deceit that others (or we ourselves) throw over our eyes to prevent us from seeing clearly. This is also a very good night for finding canny and cunning solutions to difficult problems ... strategies for out-smarting those who seek to pull the wool over our eyes ... More details next time ....

A TWIST (OR CURL) IN ART HISTORY: EXPERTS STUDY ANTINOUS' HAIR

ART historians study the hair of Antinous in detail. Incredibly, each and every curl of his hair has a special position and form. 

It seems apparent that Hadrian gave explicit instructions to the sculptors. 

Priest Julien, known for his ironic sense of humor, made plaster curls as modern relics.

Os historiadores de arte estudar o cabelo de Antinous em detalhe. Incrivelmente , cada cacho de seu cabelo tem uma posição especial e forma. Parece evidente que Adriano deu instruções explícitas para os escultores . Sacerdote Uendi , conhecida por seu senso de humor irônico , feito cachos de gesso como relíquias modernos.

Los historiadores del arte estudian el pelo de Antinoo en detalle. Increíblemente , todos y cada rizo de su cabello tiene una posición especial y la forma. Parece evidente que Adriano dio instrucciones explícitas a los escultores . Sacerdote Uendi , conocido por su sentido del humor irónico , hecha de yeso rizos como reliquias modernas .

SAGITTARIUS THIRD QUARTER THE ANTINOUS MOON OF STELLAR CLARITY THE SAGITTARIUS THIRD QUARTER MOON

TONIGHT Antinous the Moon God is at right angles to the Sun. This is the SAGITTARIUS THIRD QUARTER MOON, which we call the SACRED STAR phase in Antinous Moon Magic.

Each lunar phase represents a Divine Spirit or Archetype. The Spirit of the SACRED STAR lunar phase is the embodiment of clarity and insight.

In the midst of confusion and chaos, the Spirit of the Star touches the top of your head and conveys sudden and total clarity. This Spirit is never deceived by appearances.

It always sees clearly. It sees through every facade. It sees behind all barriers. It sees through the blackest darkness. It shines as a beacon, lighting the way ahead.

The Star of Antinous was named shortly after the death of Antinous, perhaps in the year 131, when the Nile flooded over the embankments and a new star appeared in the sky to announce the deification of the new god. 

Hadrian's Astrologers noticed the new star which appeared suddenly within the constellation now known as Aquila, the Eagle.

A new constellation was drawn within Aquila that was named Antinous, and officially recognized by Astronomers and Astrologers all around the world, as recently as the last century.

The Sagittarius Third Quarter Moon is concerned with getting clear on idealistic matters.

Meditations and rituals conducted during this lunar phase are ideal for discerning clarity in opaque situations, for clearing the mind of nebulous distractions and for seeing clearly into other worlds ... the perfect night for clairvoyance.

SAGITTARIUS THIRD QUARTER CRYSTALS TRY GREEN JADE FOR CLARITY TONIGHT By Our Crystal Meditation Advisor Martin Campbell

TO create/gain absolute clarity about the situation you are in, or striving for, use Jade (especially Green Jade) in meditations during tonight's Sagittarius Third Quarter Moon.

Jade helps you to channel passion into constructive approaches to situations with the people around you whether family, friends, colleagues or enemies.

It is not surprising, therefore, that Chinese people have held Green Jade as sacred for over a millennium.

Love and Light

MARTIN

To get more advice from Martin Campbell and to find out how to contact him CLICK HERE.

SET YOUR PERSONAL BOUNDARIIES DURING THE TERMINALIA FESTIVAL

THE 23rd of February is the Terminalia, the feast of the Roman God Terminus, god of boundaries who stops intruders while protecting everyone inside his boundaries. Terminus is associated with Zeus/Jupiter because he deified Jupiter by establishing his position atop Capitoline Hill. Thus, statues of Terminus/Jupiter (like this modern replica) symbolize devotion and steadfastness. Today is an appropriate day to create or renew a magical boundary around your home, to keep out psychic nasties and any negative energies. A simple way to do this is to walk the boundary of your home three times, as you do so imagine magical blue light springing up as you walk. You can also carry with you a bowl containing an offering for Terminus: grain, honey and wine are traditional, you can also include an egg as a "sacrifice." When you have walked three times around, dig a hole at the boundary and put your offering into it, then fill in the hole and put a marker stone on top. Another year you can carry a lit incense stick around the boundary and leave an offering of incense and flowers at your stone.

23 de fevereiro é o Terminalia, a festa do deus romano Terminus, deus dos limites que pára intrusos ao mesmo tempo proteger todos dentro de suas fronteiras. Terminus está associado a Zeus / Jupiter porque ele deificado Jupiter, estabelecendo sua posição no topo de Monte Capitolino. Assim, estátuas de Terminus / Jupiter (como esta réplica moderna) simbolizam devoção e firmeza. Hoje é um dia apropriado para criar ou renovar um limite mágico em torno de sua casa, para impedir a entrada de sujeiras psíquicos e quaisquer energias negativas. Uma maneira simples de fazer isso é andar a fronteira de sua casa três vezes, como você então imagine a luz azul mágico surgindo como você anda. Você também pode carregar com você uma tigela contendo uma oferta para Terminus: grãos, mel e vinho são tradicionais, você também pode incluir um ovo como um "sacrifício". Depois de ter caminhado três vezes ao redor, cavar um buraco na fronteira e colocar a sua oferta para ele, em seguida, preencher o buraco e colocar uma pedra marcador no topo. Mais um ano você pode levar uma vara de incenso aceso em torno do limite e deixar uma oferenda de incenso e flores em sua pedra.

23 de febrero es la Terminalia, la fiesta del dios Terminus romana, dios de los límites que se detiene a los intrusos al tiempo que protege todo el mundo dentro de su límites. Terminus está asociado con Zeus / Júpiter porque deificado Júpiter mediante el establecimiento de su posición al frente Colina Capitolina. Por lo tanto, las estatuas de Terminus / Júpiter (como esta réplica moderna) simbolizan la devoción y constancia. Hoy es un día apropiado para crear o renovar una frontera mágica alrededor de su casa, para mantener fuera desagradables psíquicos y todas las energías negativas. Una forma sencilla de hacerlo es caminar el límite de su casa tres veces, mientras lo hace imaginar la luz azul mágica que salte al caminar. También puede llevar consigo un recipiente que contiene una oferta para Terminus: cereales, miel y vino son tradicionales, también puede incluir un huevo como un "sacrificio". Cuando haya caminado tres veces alrededor, cavar un agujero en el límite y poner su oferta en él, a continuación, rellene el agujero y poner una piedra marcador en la parte superior. Otro año se puede llevar a una varilla de incienso encendida en torno al límite y dejar una ofrenda de incienso y flores a su piedra.

HADRIAN AT ABU SIMBEL

HADRIAN made his way south from Philae into what is called the Dodekaschoinos or the Land of the Twelve Measures, roughly equivalent to 72 miles, which the Greeks called Ethiopia.

First conquered Rameses II, it was later lost to the Egyptians and then later reconquered by the Ptolemies.  Shortly after Egypt was occupied by the Romans, the Queen of Kush named Candace invaded Egypt and sacked Syene.

Augustus sent Gaius Petronius with 10,000 men against her, they defeated her army of 30,000 and pursued them all the way to the capital city Meroe deep in modern Sudan, burning the city to the ground.

Rome made peace with the tribes and held the upper Nile from a fortress known as Primis, now called Qsar Ibrim, situated high on a cliff overlooking the Nile.

This was the furthest outpost of Rome  in the south and so Hadrian always wanting to see the limits of his Empire with his own eyes made the trip to see the southern boundary. He met with the tribal chieftains, distributing gifts and renewing peace, thereby securing stability for centuries to come.

Located about 30 miles further south from Primis is the Temple of Abu Simbel, built by Rameses II at the gateway of Egypt for the people of Nubia to behold the grandeur of Egyptian might.

The temple is aligned so that on February 22nd the first rays of dawn penetrate the inner chamber and illuminate the statues of the gods within.

It is likely that Hadrian, who is known for making arduous trips to witness celestial events and was in the area at the right time, would have made the journey to Abu Simbel to see the miraculous alignment.

Above the door of the temple is the god Re-Harakte, to whom Antinous addresses his prayers in the Obelisk text.

The sun appeared on the horizon aligned with the Constellation Aquila as Hadrian entered the temple corridor and witnessed the rays illuminating the gods upon their thrones deep within.

Hadrian became part of the alignment of the Clockwork of the Cosmos, as the sign of Aquarius comes to an end and the Eagle carries Ganymede into the heavens.

The spirit of Antinous stepped forth, away from the Saturnine Sphere and entered the great expanse of interstellar darkness beyond.  On that same day, Hadrian turned around and began the long trip back to Rome.  

AVE ANTINOUS!

ANTONIUS SUBIA AT ABU SIMBEL AS SUNRAYS ILLUMINATE INNER SANCTUARY

OUR spiritual leader ANTONIUS SUBIA witnessed one of the world's most spectacular cosmic events when, at the climax of his sacred pilgrimage to Egypt in February 2020, he saw the rays of the rising sun illuminate the inner sanctum of the main temple at Abu Simbel.

On two days, traditionally the anniversary of the birthday and coronation of pharaoh Ramses II, a shaft of sunlight pierces the gloom, illuminating statues of gods and the king in the temple's inner sanctum.

On February 22, a day celebrating the king's birthday and again on October 22, a day celebrating his coronation, sunlight illuminates seated statues of the sun gods Re-Horakhte and Amon-Re, as well as a statue of king Ramses II. 

The statues sit in the company of the Theban god of darkness, Ptah (who remains in the shadows all year).

The spectacle ... which has endured more than 3,200 years of Egyptian history ... draws thousands of tourists to Abu Simbel to watch this ancient tribute to a pharaoh whose name is still known up and down the Nile Valley for his military exploits and monumental building projects.

Ramses, who ruled Egypt for 66 years from 1270 to 1213 BC (about 50 years after the death of Tutankhamen, better known as King Tut) made a name for himself by battling the Hittites and the Syrians, Egypt's enemies to the north.

To celebrate his victories, Ramses erected monuments up and down the Nile with records of his achievements. 

He completed the hypostyle hall at Karnak (Thebes), and completed the funerary temple of his father, Seti I, at Luxor on the West Bank of the Nile.

The main temple at Abu Simbel, which Ramses ordered built near the border of Nubia and Upper Egypt, was dedicated to two sun gods, Amen-Re and Re-Horakhte. 

Standing 100 feet (33 meters) tall, the temple was carved into an already-standing sandstone mountain on the banks of the Nile.

Four colossal statues of Ramses, each 66 feet (22 meters) high, guard the entrance to the temple.

Rising to the pharaoh's knees are smaller statues of family members: his mother; favorite wife, Nefertari; and son, Prince Amonherkhepshef.

Inside the temple, three connected halls extend 185 feet (56 meters) into the mountain. 

Images of the king's life and many achievements adorn the walls. 

A second temple at Abu Simbel is dedicated to Nefartari, who appears to have been Ramses' favorite wife.

"Abu Simbel was one of, if not the largest, rock-cut temples in Egypt," says Bruce Williams of the Oriental Institute of Chicago, "The rock was sacred because the Egyptians believed the deity was living inside the mountain."

Rock-cut temples may have been especially significant in ancient Egypt because the bulge in the otherwise flat land may have signified the location where the gods emerged from the Earth, says Williams.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW:

ANTINOUS PRIESTS CONVENE WORLDWIDE TO CELEBRATE THE LUPERCALIA

ANTINOUS worshipers on both sides of the Atlantic tonight celebrated the Lupercalia.

Taking part via Zoom were priests and worshippers from North America, South America, Europe and Africa. They watched and participated as Flamen Antonius Subia officiated at ceremonies held in the Hollywood Temple of Antinous.

Hadrian and Antinous would not have known the precise origins of the Lupercalia  ... the ancient rite of spring when young nobles stripped off naked except for fur pelts and ran around the Palatine Hill flinging rawhide strips at females.

But Antinous might well have visited the cave-like grotto ... the Lupercale ... at the foot of the Palatine Hill. 

The cave-like structure was found a few years ago and experts are carrying out an extensive archaeological dig at a site which they believe is the ceremonial site of the Lupercale grotto where the caesars honored Romulus and Remus.

It is intriguing to think that Hadrian and Antinous took part in the rites in this subterranean chamber.

For centuries, the cave-like grotto was revered as the sacred site where the "She-Wolf" suckled the orphans Romulus and Remus. Young nobles called Luperci, taking their name from the place of the wolf (lupa), ran naked from the Lupercale grotto around the bounds of the Palatine, and used strips of hide to slap the hands or buttocks of girls and women lining the route ... reenacting a prank attributed to Romulus and Remus as randy teenagers.

Here is how Flamen Antonius Subia explains its significance for the Religion of Antinous:

"The Lupercalia is the festival of the wolf mother of Rome, and sacred festival of Antinous Master of Hounds.

"The Lupercalia remembers the she-wolf who raised Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Venus and Mars, who later founded the city of Rome.

"The wolf-like nature of the twins and of the Roman character was imparted through the milk of the wolf-mother.

"The spirit transferred through the loving milk of the ferocious mother is celebrated on this day, and is integral to the concept of Antinous the Hunter.

"Antinous took his place at Hadrian's feet, and accompanied him bravely and loyally through the forests and lived by the Emperor's side for seven years, which is equivalent to the life of a strong hunting dog."

In conclusion, Antonius says:

"The Canine nature of Antinous is celebrated on this day and is seen as an allegory for the Priesthood of the Religion of Antinous.

"This is a time of renewal and restoration, a time to set new forces loose in our lives, and let go of old faded energies. 
May Antinous flood our hearts with his power and presence and may the gods be with us!

Ave Antinous et Roma"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MINERVA

ON the 19th of February we celebrate the birthday of Minerva/Athena, goddess of wisdom, trade and commerce, arts and crafts, music, poetry, strategy and weaving.

She was said to have invented numbers and medicine and to have taught weaving. 

She knows war, being the goddess of strategy, but understands that there are both winners and losers, and rather than standing in triumph over her enemies, she empathises with them. 

Ovid called her "Goddess of a thousand works" and she can be approached in many ways. One of her symbols is the spider, as it weaves its web, she weaves the web of destiny, and into it the strands of magic. 

If you have been a victim of theft, then you can also appeal to Minerva for restitution. Image: Athena/Minerva by Chrisra.

19 de fevereiro é o aniversário de Minerva / Athena , deusa da sabedoria, comércio, artes e artesanato , música, poesia , estratégia e tecelagem. Ela foi dito ter números inventados e medicina e ter tecelagem ensinado. Ela sabe guerra, sendo a deusa da estratégia, mas entende que há vencedores e perdedores, e ao invés de em pé no triunfo sobre os seus inimigos , ela empathises com eles. Ovid a chamou de " Deusa de mil obras ", e ela pode ser abordada de várias maneiras. Um de seus símbolos é a aranha , uma vez que tece sua teia , ela tece a teia do destino , e nele os fios de magia. Se você tiver sido vítima de roubo, então você também pode apelar para Minerva de restituição .

19 de de febrero es el cumpleaños de Minerva / Athena , diosa de la sabiduría , el comercio y el comercio, artes y artesanías , la música , la poesía , la estrategia y el tejido. Ella se dice que tienen números inventados y medicina y tener tejer enseñado. Ella sabe que la guerra , siendo la diosa de la estrategia, pero entiende que existen ganadores y perdedores, y en lugar de pie en el triunfo sobre sus enemigos, empatiza con ellos . Ovidio la llamó " la diosa de un millar de obras " y que se puede abordar de muchas maneras . Uno de sus símbolos es la araña , mientras teje su tela, teje la red de destino, y en ella los hilos de magia. Si usted ha sido víctima de un robo , entonces también puede apelar a Minerva para la restitución.

WE HONOR MICHELANGELO AS A SAINT OF ANTINOUS

FEBRUARY 18th is the day when the Religion of Antinous honors Michelangelo, who died on this date.

Saint Michelangelo was the ultimate Renaissance Man, a painter/sculptor/architect/engineer, a man of art and science. A man torn between his passions and his religion. 

In the Renaissance, his voluptuous depictions of the male form were accepted as expressions of the Divine in art. 

It was the Victorians who went into denial over any hint that he may have been gay, despite the fact that he never married.

His male art is done with a passion for detail and obvious love of the male form. The only females he sculpted were maternal figures.

In 1532, he met a handsome young nobleman called Tommaso de Cavalieri. Michelangelo was struck by a romantic feeling that simply would not go away. He wrote sonnet after sonnet for the man as well as producing some rather "personal" sketches for his eyes only.

Michelangelo executed a number of exquisite ink sketches of Jove's Abduction of the beautiful youth Ganymede.

Michelangelo most certainly knew that Jove and Ganymede were synonymous with Hadrian and Antinous. As a man of art and science, all he had to do was look at the nighttime sky and see the Constellation of Antinous (formerly the Constellation of Ganymede).

An older man enthralled with a handsome youth. Our modern concept of "gayness" did not exist. But did he really have to spell it out to Tommaso any more clearly than that?

For thirty-odd years, the two were constant companions, but Michelangelo? s passions did not end there. During his relationship with Cavalieri, he also wrote about some deep feelings for other men in his life, including the 16-year-old Cecchino dei Bracci, for whom he wrote 48 funeral epigrams after his untimely death.

Here is an extract from one of his same-sex love sonnets:

"The love I speak of aspires to the heights; woman is too dissimilar, and it ill becomes a wise and manly heart to burn for her."

For his gentle genius and for his love of male beauty and for representing the best strivings of humanity, we proclaim Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni one of our Blessed Prophets of Homoeros.

Michelangelo reminds us that male beauty IS divine.

ASTRO FORECAST: FEBRUARY 17th—27th, 2022

Antinous is a Moon God. He is, of course, many other things and he wears many hats. But one of the ways he was worshiped in Antiquity was as ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD.

His worshipers looked skyward and saw His beautiful face perpetually turned towards the Earth. The Man in the Moon was actually the Blessed Boy in the Moon for the ancient priests and worshipers of Antinous. Swiftest and most youthful of all the Zodiacal deities, Antinous speeds through an entire year's worth of Astrological signs in just 28 days.

ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD represents our deepest personal needs, our basic habits and reactions, and our unconscious gay selves. Where Hadrian the Sun acts, Antinous the Moon REACTS. How do we instinctively react or respond to problems? What do we feel we need for a sense of security? Look to ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD for answers.

ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD is both our inner boy child and our inner lover. His ever changing phases, as he sweeps past all the other Planets in all the Signs, make us at turns responsive, receptive, and reflective. Eternally youthful, ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD represents our childlike spontaneous and instinctual reactions.

ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD beams down on us to make us imaginative, creative, intuitive, sentimental, adaptable, introspective, and protective. On the negative side, and depending on where he is in the Zodiac, he can make us moody, restless, and irrational.

Antinous Astrology Forecast

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FEBRUARY 17-27, 2022

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2022

Overnight Wednesday-Thursday, we come to the lunar phase we call the LION HUNT MOON, the LEO FULL MOON. It is a reminder that Antinous slew a man-eating lion in Egypt. Antinous peered out into the barren wilderness with all its deep and hidden dangers. He charged forth, his bridle-reins in one hand and an adamantine-tipped spear in the other, and he faced the beast unafraid. For Antinous knew he would triumph over death. The Spirit of the Lion Hunt is the bravery of Antinous the Lion Slayer.

FRI-TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th-22nd, 2022

This weekend, you can expect spontaneous fortune when lucky Jupiter forms a fortuitous sextile aspect with surprise-filled Uranus. Your inner-most secret dreams and wishes can instantaneously become reality — suddenly and without warning. It is as through someone swings open a magic doorway which opens onto a new reality — or which throws light on knowledge or information hitherto shrouded in obscurity and darkness from your eyes. Keep your eyes open ... for opportunity knocks but once at this door.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, 2022

On Wednesday, ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD is at right angles to the Sun. This is the SAGITTARIUS THIRD QUARTER MOON, which we call the SACRED STAR phase in Antinous Moon Magic. In the midst of confusion and chaos, the Spirit of the Star touches the top of your head and conveys sudden and total clarity. This Spirit is never deceived by appearances. Meditations and rituals conducted during this lunar phase are ideal for discerning clarity in opaque situations, for clearing the mind of nebulous distractions and for seeing clearly into other worlds ... the perfect night for clairvoyance.

THURS-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24th-25th, 2022

This week, both Venus and Mars create a magical moment when they both form a sextile aspect with dreamy Neptune. First of all, Mars sextile Neptune means it is possible now to take a balanced approach to conflict, problems and projects that require effort. This can combine both a gentle touch and firm action, sensitivity and forcefulness. Negotiation and interaction with others could be aggressive and determined now, but also balanced with sensitivity and style. Any expressions of anger, frustration or discontent are more likely to be tempered with fairness, moderation and composure. Then also, Venus sextile Neptune is a great time to take in an art exhibit, virtually if not in reality ... or to create art yourself ... Capricorn Venus is in a creative sextile with Pisces Neptune. Trust your intuition on all matters of money and love. And when you go online this week, you can expect romance because Pisces Neptune loves romance.

SAT-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th-27th, 2022

This weekend, vengeance and enmity ignite when Mercury and Uranus are in a 90-degree right angle to each other. People act impulsively without thinking of the consequences ... consequences they will surely regret.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK:

Another exciting week lies ahead between February 28th and March 6th, 2022, when we come to the PISCES NEW MOON. In Antinous Moon Magic this is the lunar phase we call the DOG MOON of fidelity, friendship and faithfulness. The Spirit of the Dog Moon is loving and supportive friendship. This Spirit is loving and faithful, comforting you with familiarity when you see yourself reflected in this Spirit. It is the perfect combination of comfort and stimulus to grow and provides a wonderful companion that walks with you through life, helping you define and refine who you are and who you choose to be every day ... More details next time ....

SUBIA IN ANTINOOPOLIS ANTONIUS SUBIA FIRST PRIEST OF ANTINOUS TO VISIT ANTINOOPOLIS IN 1,600 YEARS

EXACTLY two years ago, in February 2020, our spiritual leader Antonius Subia became the first priest of Antinous in 1,600 years to set foot in the sacred city of Antinoopolis, founded by Emperor Hadrian on the banks of the Nile in Egypt where Antinous died in the year 130 AD.

Below is his first-hand account, published on this blog then:

I went to Antinoopolis today, and it was wonderful ... everything I had hoped it would be and so much more!

The trip there was long and crazy but a wonderful adventure and I could tell that it has probably been years since any westerners have been there. The local people were so nice and fascinated. All the little kids along the way came out to see us and say hello. It was great.

First we went to Amarna, saw the tombs while accompanied by police with AK-47s ... that was a really cool start to our adventure.

Then as we left, the cops kept talking to our driver about where we were going. The driver needed directions, but then the cops said they needed to go with us, so one jumped in the van and off we went. 

I also wanted to go to Hermopolis but kept saying that was last on the list. They kept saying Sheikh Abada (Antinoopolis) was far and Al-Ashmunein (Hermopolis) was closer and that we should go there first ... as if I don't know where everything is around there.

But finally they agreed to take us to Sheikh Abada ... so off we went. I saw we were going towards the bridge that crosses the Nile, I saw a little road go north on the East bank which I knew leads to Antinoopolis ... but we kept driving past ... I got nervous, thinking they were taking us to Hermopolis regardless. But the driver said to relax, that it was shorter to go around ... so I was like okay fine what am I gonna do about it. 

So we went through the little town of El Minya, which may be little but it is packed full of people and the traffic is just as crazy as Cairo .... then we went into fields of sugar cane, then turned suddenly right towards the Nile, which I knew was away from Hermopolis so I was thinking ... we are headed the right way now ... but how are we going to get across the Nile. 

Then we pulled up to where the road ends on the Nile bank and right there across the water is what I thought was Antinoopolis, but in fact was just a little north. 

Then I realized that we were where the ferry was going to pick us up and carry us across. I could see the ferry on the other side further downstream. 

So I was thrilled!!! We were going to Antinoopolis by boat across the Nile! 

This man came out and asks us if we wanted to wait in his little riverside cafe while waited, so we did. Our friend Daniel had some hookah, I smoked cigarettes and drank Turkish coffee.

Meanwhile, the boat came. We said we needed to go but the policeman said take your time they will wait ... and they did. 

The driver pulled the car on top of the boat while we had our coffee and hookah and then we boarded with the locals. 

The people were totally fascinated by us. They asked where we were from and where we were going I told them "Antinoe" and they understood. 

When we reached the other bank there was a truck of armed cops waiting to escort us! They led the way through the village streets and then suddenly we stopped and There was the little Ramesseum temple which is SO BEAUTIFUL!

We explored it for a while and then I wanted to explore the streets of Antinoopolis, so off I went followed by the others, with about eight policemen following us. 

I very quickly found THE CARDO ... the main north-south street of the city ... it was just where the old French maps said it would be. 

I was astonished to see how much of it was left. You could clearly see it in sections, many of the flat well-worn smooth paving stones were intact. 

And on either side were the granite columns lying in broken fragments or still standing in broken stumps, the limestone curbs on both sides were still in place here and there. 

We found some beautifully carved acanthus leaf capitals here and there ... they had their own particular style which was Corinthian-like but not exactly. 

In the distance I could see some white marble columns which I thought might be the East-West street and I told the guards I wanted to go over there. 

They said they wanted to go by car because it was far, so we got into the vehicle and drove over there. 

It turned out to be the ruins of a Byzantine church ... but on the way we passed the recent excavation site.

At the Byzantine site, the guards chilled out and sat on the fallen columns, leaving me to explore the area around by myself. 

I climbed the top of an enormous ruined building from which I could see the whole city around me and I could see the Hippodrome in the distance (which is HUGE by the way) and realized that I was on the far north end of Antinoopolis near where the theater once was, though I'm sure I was not on it.

While I was alone, a took the time to pray and meditate and take the place in deeply, and feel the spirit of he city flow through me ... all I can say is that it was the most powerful experience of my life to stand there looking over the Enormous ruins of Antinoopolis ... The Holy City!

When I came down, the head policeman said that they were tired so I knew my visit was soon to be over, so we wouldn't be going to the Hippodrome unfortunately, which was too far away.

But I can say that even from the distance I could tell that it was enormous! 

There was a local man walking around by the entrance and, from his size, I could see that the remains were at least two stories tall and this is just the base without any of the limestone seats and arches that might have made it twice as big.

It was almost as large as the Circus Maximus in Rome and must have been able to seat 20,000-40,000 people.

I am the first Priest of Antinous to return to the holy city in over 1,600 years. I feel very blessed to have been able to go there. And from the way the authorities were acting and the reaction of the locals we are probably the only outsiders to have visited there in a long long time ... at least since the archaeological digs two years ago.

So, for our last stop on the way back, I asked to stop at the dig site, which was open and like everywhere in Egypt was full of garbage including goat bones, jaws with teeth and hips and leg bones here and there.

This is where they believe the Antinoeion once stood. There is the outline of a small temple with steps, a circular pit that looks like a cistern with the remains of spiral steps (much like the catacombs of Alexandria) and the opening of a subterranean passage with steps and a peaked stone ceiling that ended in mud. 

The area is surrounded by a pavement and a few broken columns with papyrus capitals.

Even though the guards were right there and the village children had gathered around, I took a moment to say my prayers to Antinous and place a specially made paper ivy leaf between the foundation stones on the Temple.

I took a little piece of the limestone from the Temple and gathered some sand from the foot of the steps.

The guards were totally cool with us taking things that we found on the ground.

I found a perfect little square of cut white marble with a rounded edge that was probably from some stairs and nearby I found a little piece of marble which on closer examination has the remnant of a curl of hair and some drill work which must have come from a broken statue of Hadrian or one of his successors.

I found it along the Cardo, so it might even be a little semi-lock of Antinous hair ... in any case to me it is a treasure. 

The entire site is full of broken pottery sherds. We found way more than we can carry and have no idea what we can bring through customs but we are going to try.

The important thing is that I have been to Antinoopolis ... one of the greatest dreams of my life, and it was so much more than I expected! 

First of all the boat ride across the Nile was an unexpected wonder ... my first trip on a boat on the Nile and it was to Antinoopolis ... and I loved being among the people, they are all so friendly and welcoming ... the police escort was also very cool I have to admit, made us feel very important ... I am after all the High Priest of Antinous.

Antinoopolis was way larger than I anticipated. I also did not anticipate for so much of it to be intact that I could find my way around based on what I have read ... I anticipated a wasteland ... but instead we found a forest of broken columns everywhere ... but all in line showing exactly what the major street must have been like.

I have been to Antinoopolis

If I die now my life is fulfilled

I have been to Antinoopolis.

When we were driving away from Antinoopolis I took one last look at the city which will live in my heart forever. I knew all about the neighboring towns. Our driver even said, "You know your way around. Were you born here?" I said, "Yes ... I am from here."

I am from Antinoopolis.

~ANTONIUS SUBIA

LEO FULL MOON CRYSTALS LABRADORITE FOR THE LION HUNT MOON By Our Crystal Meditation Advisor Martin Campbell

IF you are going to meditate using crystals at this Leo Full Moon, moon phase you can be assured that this practice has existed for thousands of years and is still influencing key spiritual teachers around the world now. 

I was surprised, recently, to have found some crystal advice that has come down to us from a 12th Century Christian Nun! 

Hildegard von Bingen was a nun worshipping Christ in part of what is now Germany. She composed the music and lyrics of beautiful hymns which have survived and are still used in convents today. 

In 1994 these were put against modern mood music by Angel Music (Vision The Music of Hildegard Von Bingen) to create a magical, ethereal sound. 

As an example of her crystal advice she advised the following for diamonds:

"...if a man is fanatical and choleric, he should keep this stone always in his mouth and by the power of this stone the evils will be turned away."

In modern day Brazil there is a spiritual teacher, guide and healer called John of God (João de Deus).

He is a follower of Christ but also recognises the power of crystals from surprising personal experience:

"Having been a gem miner, I have learned that in order for a precious stone to show its full beauty, it must first suffer tghe process of refinement, likewise, each child [person], a rare diamond of creation, must be polished in order to realise their full superior destination".

Knowing that I have such powerful voices speaking with me I am proud to offer the following crytsal meditation advice for this moon phase.

The Leo Full Moon is interpreted as the Lion Hunt Moon in the Antinous cycle of the year. The key focus of this period is the determination and courage to handle daunting situations along our physical and spiritual journey. To deal assertively with fear. 

I would recommend that you meditate using the following crystals:

LABRADORITE - These wonderful, irridescent stones (pictured at top of this blog entry) are a particular favourite of mine. Apart from being utterly beautiful they remove fear from this life and past lives. They also help you live your life with creative purpose and strong imagination.

JASPER - There are many different colours of Jasper all of which have differing strengths. Overall though the family of Jasper stones aid self realisation and imparts the determination to do anything you desire. It helps to calm your nerves. Jasper also brings you the courage to deal with problems assertively.

Light and Life,

MARTIN

To get more advice from Martin Campbell and to find out how to contact him CLICK HERE.