THE OCCULT : A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Babylonia

One of the most interesting features of the religion of Babylonia is its conservative element. The deities kept traces of the primitive demoniac characters even once they reached the most superior stage of their development, and magic and religion remained intertwined.

The religion's most recognised gods were Ea, Anu and Enlil, the eider Bel. Ea became a god of the deep, Anu of the sky and Enlil of the Earth, they shared attributes and remained connected by overlaps in their traits. For example Ea was an Earth lord known as Enki, and Aa had solar attributes but also a role as a lunar deity.

Demon groups accompany each of the deities. The spirits of diseased were the "beloved sons of Bel", whilst Anu's seven daughters were the fates, and Ea's brood were the seven storm demons. Ea had huge powers over the forces of nature, and magical rituals were performed to secure his influence. Ea could be conjured in reed huts, and his temple at Eridu was a place of worship, which was thought to have been one of the oldest holy sites.

Babylonia believed that if the dead were not buried properly their spirits wandered the streets in search of food and drink. They were capable of harming the living and they sometimes appeared to small children and scared them to death. The taunted the sad and waylaid those on journeys. Babylonia also held a common belief that spirits could be raised to reveal truths. Priests of the religion wore special garments, which they believed gave them inspiration, and Ea wore the skin of a fish. According to Babylonia, the dead were not admitted to heaven, but the deities secured their admittance by drinking the water of life and eating the food of life.

THE OCCULT : A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z



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