Leviathan Cross: What Does It Really Represent?
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When we say Leviathan, we tend to think of a sea monster or a political behemoth. But there’s also a graphic symbol that represents the concept of Leviathan. This is called the Leviathan Cross. Also known as the Cross of Satan or the Brimstone Symbol, it’s associated with alchemy, Satanism, and more recently, atheism. It’s a meaningful and yet controversial symbol. Let’s take a deeper look at what the Leviathan Cross means.
What is the Leviathan Cross?
The Leviathan Cross features a sideways infinity symbol with a double-barred cross located at the midpoint.
The connection between Leviathan, brimstone (an archaic word for sulfur) and Satanists likely springs from the symbol of the double-barred cross. In alchemy, the double-barred cross represents sulfur or “brimstone”.
Sulfur is one of the three essential natural elements and is associated with fire and brimstone – the supposed torments of hell. Thus, the Leviathan Cross symbolizes Hell and its torments, and Satan, the devil himself.
In recent years, the Leviathan Cross was adopted by the Church of Satan, along with the Petrine Cross to represent their anti-thiestic views.
What Does the Leviathan Cross Symbolize?
The Leviathan Cross features the infinity symbol, which represents eternity and the eternal universe, and the double-barred cross, which symbolizes balance, harmony, and protection. But apart from this, it also holds specific meanings depending on the tradition.
- Alchemy: The alchemical origins of the Leviathan Cross symbolize a process of transformation and purification. Sulfur was an important element in alchemy and represented the purification of the soul and the refinement of matter.
- Satanism: Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, adopted the Leviathan Cross as a quasi-religious symbol in the 20th century. For LaVeyan Satanists, it stands not for worship of an external deity but as an emblem of personal power, freedom, and humanistic values. The name “Leviathan” itself refers to a monstrous sea creature mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, which in some interpretations is a symbol of chaos and defiance against divine order.
- Atheism: The symbol has been embraced by some atheist groups as an antithesis to traditionally religious symbols, representing skepticism and secularism.
- Occultism: In certain esoteric circles, the Leviathan Cross is viewed as a powerful talisman or a symbol of deeper spiritual truths.
What Does the Leviathan Cross Represent Today?
Today, the Leviathan Cross is not just a representation of ancient practices or specific beliefs but has been embraced as a broader symbol of personal empowerment and resistance against dogmatic structures. In other words, it’s a symbol of defiance and personal freedom.
Those who choose to wear the Leviathan Cross symbol in jewelry, tattoos, and artwork reflect a desire to align with its transformative and rebellious connotations.
However, the symbol has also sparked controversy. Because of its association with Satanism and atheism, it’s often misunderstood or maligned by more conservative religious groups. For some, it evokes fear or distrust, while for others, it’s a profound representation of personal conviction.
Wrapping Up
The Leviathan Cross is a symbol full of history, meaning, and a certain mystique. Although it began its origins in ancient alchemical traditions, today it continues to be a symbol that resonates with many in the modern world. It’s a complex and controversial symbol that holds both negative and positive connotations, depending on the tradition it’s viewed within.
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