#vedicism

In Vedic astrology, constellations are known as ‘nakshatras.’ One particular nakshatra that bears symbolism to the Eye is that of Ardra, which literally translates to ‘green’ and ‘moist.’ In western astrology, this sign corresponds to the right part of the Gemini constellation, which appears as the twins Castor and Pollux. However, this part of Gemini is perceived differently in Vedic astrology. Traditionally, Ardra appears in the form of a teardrop but at times has instead been interpreted as an eye. Its ruling deity is the storm god Rudra, who was the predecessor to the later Hindu god Shiva. This red-skinned god has a third eye in his forehead that is perpetually half-awake, lest it fully open and annihilate everything in the universe. He appears in many forms with many different names, and one of these is Pashupati, in where he adorns a horned headdress whilst sitting in a yogi posture, surrounded by wild beasts. This form of his was the earliest known form of the later horned Celtic god Cernunnos, who, whilst also seated in a yogi posture surrounded by wild animals, holds a serpent in his left hand. This creature was also associated with Rudra, along with the bull, wolf, dog, and various large cats as well as domesticated ones. Among his myriads of worshippers were a band of archaic berserker-warriors known as the Vrātyas (dog-priests) who were believed to be literal werewolves by donning wolf pelts over their heads and charged into battle. In this way, Rudra was seen as the proverbial Lord of Werewolves. These depictions of this entity were also extended to the familiar Norse god Odin who is one-eyed and dons a horned headdress whilst being surrounded and worshipped by wolf-men that howl, shriek, and scream in the throes of a raging storm. Several of Rudra’s other titles are ‘Supreme Ruler and Lord of the World’ and ‘Lord of Spirits.’ His dwelling abode is atop Mount Meru, where he awaits the eventual destruction of not only the world but the entire universe. When it finally comes, his third eye awakens and from a distance we may see a massive mountain with a large eye hovering above it, emanating nothing but destruction…in order to recreate.

In one of the most ancient religious texts known to man, the Rig Veda, the fire-priest god Agni is described as having many different forms that consist of fire. One such form is the volcano, and is known as Vāḍavāgni वाडवाग्नि, which literally translates to 'mare-fire.' Many hymns to him in the Rig laud his great destructive power, such as the following that demonstrates ancient knowledge of water existing beneath volcanoes:

As Saturn has either seven or eight main rings around it, made up of many smaller rings, and two swirling vortexes at both of its poles which give them the appearances of eyes that are ever-watchful, we should reflect on the possibility that it is indeed a metaphorical Lord of the Rings. Ancient people, as well as living people today, still live in fear of Saturn's "evil eye" and utilize magic charms and spells to ward off its influence, ultimately misunderstanding its purpose: to dish out appropriate karma according to the law of reincarnation.