UNICORN A mythological investigation Robert Brown Jr.
VAMzzz
PUBLISHING
Unicorn A mythological investigation Author: Robert Brown Jr.
Original title: T he Unicorn (1881) Cover image: A Virgin with a Unicorn (c. 1604–05), Domenico Zampieri (1581 – 1641) Lay-out: www.burokd.nl ISBN 978-94-92355-07-2 © 2015 Revised publication by:
VAMzzz Publishing P.O. Box 3340 1001 AC Amsterdam The Netherlands www.vamzzz.com contactvamzzz@gmail.com
UNICORN A mythological investigation Robert Brown Jr.
VAMzzz
PUBLISHING
4
contents
Foreword 7
I
The heraldic Unicorn 9
II Opinions respecting the terrestrial existence of the Unicorn 17 III
The Unicorn in Archaic art 23
IV
Deus Lunus 43
V
The Lunar phases 47
VI
Hekatê 51
VII
Medousa the Gorgô 57
VIII
Inô and Melikertes 69
IX
The Three-legged Ass of the Bundahis 73
X
Aspects of the Moon 81
XI
The contest between the Lion and the Leopard 87
XII
The Lion and the Unicorn 93
Abbreviations 109 Index 110 Post Scriptum
5
‘Cry to the moon to sink her lingering horn In the dim seas, and let the day be born.’
6
Foreword
THIS LITTLE brochure is a contribution, however humble, to the science of psychology; not merely a notice of curious, still less of idle, fancies. The study of man to be successful must commence with his earlier, that is to say, simpler, phases. The ‘solar myth,’ vaguely so called, is often ridiculed but never by anyone who has carefully examined it; and the history of the Lion and the Unicorn exhibits one aspect of the ideas of Time and Kosmic Order as shown in the most obvious divisions of period—Day and Night. The indirect influence of our present civilization and the repetition of phenomena produce a sadly deadening effect upon the vast majority of minds as regards appreciation of the external world, and render it extremely difficult for us to place ourselves near the mental standpoint of primitive, or even of archaic, man. We do not wonder at the sun, or at the genius which has contrived by the use of only ten signs to express any number, or indeed at anything which, though marvellous in itself, is somewhat familiar to the senses and ordinary apprehension. Even scientific research often resolves itself into an anatomical dissection, which is equivalent to the knowledge of the way about a cathedral, combined with an appreciation of the principles of masonry, but accompanied by total ignorance of, or utter indifference to, the real forces which produced the building. 7
With respect to the evidence adduced in the particular case, its combined weight is specially to be considered; the various points are not links in a chain, the failure in any one of which is fatal, but items in a description. As, according to Prof. Ludwig NoirÊ, the discovery of the axe assured the triumph of the kingdom of man upon earth, so the idea of Time, solar (day), lunar (week-month), and sidereal (year), was a mighty mental axe with which Thought hewed its way to noble victories. I treat here merely of the Day and of that which by division makes it—the Night, and of but one mythic phase of these; yet, be it remembered, the idea of Day contained the germ of the idea of Eternity, so far as such a concept is possible to man; for Time is Division, a Day the primary division, and Eternity merely infinitely reduplicated Time. BARTON-UPON-HUMBER, Oct. 1, 1881
8
I
T he heraldic Unicorn
THE SCIENCE of Heraldry has faithfully preserved to modern times various phases of some of those remarkable legends, which, based upon a study of natural phenomena, exhibit the process whereby the greater part of mythology has come into existence. There we find the solar Gryphon, 1 the solar Phoenix, 2 ‘a demi-eagle displayed issuing from flames of fire,’ 3 the solar Lion, and the lunar Unicorn, which two latter noble creatures now harmoniously support the Royal Arms. I propose in the following pages to examine the myth of the Unicorn, the wild, white, fierce, chaste Moon, whose two horns, unlike those of mortal creatures, are indissolubly twisted into one; the creature that endlessly fights with the Lion to gain the crown (κορυφή) or summit of heaven which neither may retain, and whose brilliant horn drives away the darkness and evil of the night, even as we find in the myth that ‘venym is defended by the horn of an Vnicorne.’ 4 As the Moon rules the sea and water, 5 so the horn of the Unicorn is said to purify the streams and pools, and we are told that other animals will not drink until this purification is made; for the Unicorn ere he slakes his thirst, like the sinking Moon, dips his horn in water. As the Moon, Artemis-Selenê, is the ‘queen and huntress, chaste and fair,’ so is ‘the maiden Unicorne’ 6 ‘in the Classical and Middle Ages the emblem of chastity.’ 7 ‘Their inviolable attachment to 9
VAMzzz Publishing
Paper books VAMzzz Publishing is located in the very centre of old Amsterdam, in The Netherlands. Our publishing company creates high quality revised editions of five star occult, witchcraft, Gothic and esoteric classics, mostly written in the Fin de siècle-period and early 20th century. As a publisher, we deeply respect the writer of any book we choose, so we join our forces (top level graphic design & thirty years of occult studies) to produce enchanting volumes which maximize the reading pleasure and inform, often with extra added information. In contrast to the current trend of digital screen addiction, we think, this variety of literature needs to be presented on paper. No e-books, but real books! Apart from republications of valuable but forgotten books, we are also in the preparation of new publications on topics such as self-healing, magic, new astrology and more.
VAMzzz Publishing P.O. Box 3340 1001 AC Amsterdam The Netherlands contactvamzzz@gmail.com www.vamzzz.com 6
Previews of all books including a complete table of contents can be viewed on www.vamzzz.com. More books will be added to the list. VAMzzz Publishing strives to publish new volumes every month. Please visit our website regularly for the latest updates.
Recommended
Amazons - Two publications in one I. The Amazons by Guy Cadogan Rothery II. Religious Cults Associated With the Amazons by Florence Mary Bennett 104 pages, Paperback ISBN 978-94-92355-08-9
The Amazons (1910) by Guy Cadogan Rothery (1863-1940) and Religious Cults Associated with the Amazons (1912) by Prof. Florence Mary Bennett (1880–1954) are still two of the very few books ever published on these legendary female warriors. The world of the Amazons lies scattered between legend and historical fact. The Athenians in particular were most insistent about the historical reality of a nation consisting only of women warriors. The Amazons, whether legendary or real, were not confined to the Balkan-Black Sea regions bordering to ancient Greece. As Guy Cadogan Rothery points out, they were known on four different continents. Florence Mary Bennett examines the traditional Amazons, as mentioned in Greek sources, and relates them to several goddess cults of ancient Greece and Asia Minor. Among them the cult of the Great Mother, the Ephesian Artemis, Artemis Astrateia and Aphrodite. Bennet deals with historical facts in an outstanding piece of scholarly research, unveiling not just many historical data about this ancient warrior tribe, but also providing surprising insights into the image evolution of Greek Gods, the double axe symbol and more. 7
Taboo, Magic, Spirits A study of primitive elements in Roman religion by Eli Edward Burriss 200 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355034 In Ancient Rome Mana was the term used for a mysterious, magical medium, which could be helpful or harmful (Taboo). Just like the Chinese qi, it could empower the positive and the negative. Contents: Mana, Magic and Animism – Positive and Negative Mana (Taboo) – Miscellaneous Taboos – Magic Acts: The General Principles – Removing Evils by - Magic Acts – Incantation and Prayer– Naturalism and Animism.
Chaldean Magic It’s Origin and Development by François Lenormant 454 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355027 The essentials of magic in Chaldea are presented inside a context of comparison or contrast to Egyptian, Median, Turanian, Finno-Tartarian and Akkadian magic, mythologies, religion and speech. Interesting is the Chaldean demonology, with its incubus, succubus, vampire, nightmare and many Elemental spirits, most of them coalesced with the primal powers of nature.
Ophiolatreia Rites and Mysteries of Serpent Worship Author: Hargrave Jennings 186 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355126 An account of the rites and mysteries connected with the origin, rise and development of serpent worship in various parts of the world, enriched with interesting traditions, and a full description of the celebrated serpent mounds & temples, the whole forming an exposition of one of the phases of phallic, or sex worship. 8
Là-Bas A Journey into the Self by Joris-Karl Huysmans 378 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355058 The plot of Là-Bas concerns the novelist Durtal, who is disgusted by the emptiness and vulgarity of the modern world. He seeks relief by turning to the study of the Middle Ages. Through his contacts in Paris, Durtal discovers that Satanism is not a thing of the past but alive and kicking in turn of the century France. The novel culminates with a description of a black mass.
Devil-worship in France Or The Question of Lucifer by Arthur Edward Waite 240 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355065 In Devil-Worship in France, Waite attempts to discern what is genuine from what is fake in the evidence of 19th century Satanism. To get the answers he spends a great deal of time investigating the French Masonic echelon, debunking a “conspiracy of falsehood” and determining what should be understood by Satanism and what not. Huysmans’ diabolical novel Là-Bas (1891) inspired Waite to write this sceptical analysis.
Voodoos and Obeahs Phases of West India Witchcraft by Joseph J. Williams 374 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355119 This work goes into great depth concerning the New World-African connection and is highly recommended if you want a deep understanding of the dramatic historical background of Haitian and Jamaican magic and witchcraft, and the profound influence of imperialism, slavery and racism on its development. Williams includes numerous quotations from rare documents and books on the topic. 9
Fairy Mythology (Volume 1) Romance and Superstition of Various Countries 1 by Thomas Keightley 404 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355096 Fairy Mythology (Volume 2) Romance and Superstition of Various Countries 2 by Thomas Keightley 404 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355102 The term Fairy covers all kinds of nature spirits, not just the tiny sugar sweet creatures hovering around flowers. A unique and impressive book on this subject, published in a revised 2 volume-edition. No wiccan or pagan can afford to leave these books unopened. About Elves, Dwarfs, Kobolds, Trolls, Changelings, Meremaids, Nisses, Fairies, Brownies, Puck and other Elemental spirits all over the world.
Etruscan Magic & Occult Remedies (Two volumes in one book) Charles Godfrey Leland 628 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355003 Part One of the book offers complete and detailed insight in the Etruscan and Roman rooted pantheon of the Tuscan Streghe (witches). Part Two describes many of their spells, incantations, sorcery and several lost divination methods. Much information in this book, Leland received first hand from the Tuscan witches Maddalena and Marietta. 10
Testament of Solomon A First Century AD Grimoire 76 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355041 A first century AD grimoire, and therefore the oldest, and least known, of all grimoires (magical instruction books) in the occult tradition. The book describes health inflicting demons of zodiacal decans, summoned by King Solomon, and how he controlled them to use their forces to build his temple and more. Translated by F. C. Conybeare, appeared first in the Jewish Quarterly Review of October, 1898.
Aradia Gospel of the Witches by Charles Godfrey Leland 174 pages, Paperback, ISBN 9789492355010 This wonderful book describes the creation according to Italian witch-lore. We also read about the witch-meeting or sabbath (treguenda) and the book contains many original magical recipes, like spells for love and good fortune. Diana is further connected to the Moon and the fairy world.
11
VAMzzz
PUBLISHING
Unicorns in the sky In this rare and unique book, Unicorn – A Mythological Investigation, Robert Brown Junior (1844-1912) places the unicorn-phenomena in a context of comparative mythology, while hypothesizing on ancient astrological symbolism. Unicorn was published in the Autumn of 1881. A time when all mythological and folklore narratives were believed to be old astronomical metaphors. Brown believes the unicorn to be a lunar symbol, and draws on mythology from a wide range of sources all over the world to build his case. Brown Junior discusses the heraldic use of the unicorn, relates the creature to ancient goddesses like Astarte, Hecate en the Gorgon Medusa, and provides the reader with lost esoteric Moon-lore. Robert Brown Junior, FSA (Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries), MRAS (Member of the Royal Astronomical Society) was a writer on archaic religion, mythology, and pioneered in the research of Babylonian astronomy. He distinguished himself by investigating the influence of ancient Semitic cultures on Hellenic religious mythology and the origin of the extra-zodiacal constellations.
9 789492 355072