Ending the Christmas season is the celebration of the Epiphany. It marks the arrival of astrologers who followed a star to find the Christ. They believed that the rising of a new star marked a significant event, so they followed the star to find out what this event might be.
Our traditions for Epiphany have been filled with many things for which there’s no evidence. There were three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We don’t know how many astrologers there were. They were not kings. We depict them as men, but astrologers were also women. Did they ride camels? Maybe. Or donkeys. They likely came from areas that now make up Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Yemen. They were “foreigners” whose beliefs were rooted in astrology. That said, none of the details are actually very important.
What is important about the Epiphany is that it conveys a story of faith that led people to follow a star and encounter something unexpected in life. Biblical scholars like Raymond Brown believe these astrologers spent at least two years trying to discover where the star would lead them. Guided by their faith, they continued to make their way not knowing where they would go. But they went day after day, following nothing more than their faith in a star.
Did they believe the same things we do today? Of course not. Nor were they attempting to find Jesus, the way many preachers today suggest. Instead, they had the courage and conviction to follow along and see where their journey would take them. They trusted that they would not be disappointed.
What did they find? A humble family living on the edge of poverty. Was it what they expected? Probably not. But even though the child and family they found probably didn’t meet their expectations, they knew that it was the fulfillment of their journey.
The Epiphany marks the recognition that people outside of Judaism found something significant about the birth of the Christ. Led by a star, the astrologers encountered something Divine. Perhaps reflecting on their journey of faith can lead us to great trust in the journeys of our lives. Indeed, our own fulfillment in life will likely come in simple and ordinary ways.
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These are fascinating things, thank you for bringing it up! I love both the the best parts, in my opinion, of the christian tradition and similarly with astrology, and have begun thinking about how to use them both
“combined”(God is first). The fact of the “three wise men”some of the very first people to see the new born king is something that’s struck me too as
remarkable. I would like to share your text in a couple of serious astrology groups on FB, would that be OK?
Mathias:
I am complimented that you would want to share the posting. You are welcome to do so. Thanks for your interest. Best wishes! Lou
Thank you for this reframing of the old story of the three wise men. I never thought about the timing of their visit to the newborn Christ. I have a feeling now of Christ born in solitude, in a manger in a barn in the night with only his mother and Joseph to witness (and the animals) It’s a feeling of aloneness, light born in darkness, spirit manifesting in the space (like the Genesis story). Only days later do the astrologers (likely not poor people, astrology was an expensive study involving metal and crystal crafted tools, and a supply of writing materials.) Not kings, but practitioners, seekers – people who put their wealth into the search. And as you said, people willing to go where the journey led, without knowing what that discovery might be.
Thank you for offering these writings. As an un-churched Christian and as one who has taken refuge in the Dharma, I find these to be a profound comfort and a connection to the faith of my childhood – a connection that comes without judgement or fear of condemnation.
Jane: I appreciate knowing that my reflection on the Epiphany was helpful. It’s a story with rich depth and meaning. Best wishes! Lou