Babylonian Magickal Practices

The History of Marduk and Ea

The History of Marduk and Ea in Babylonian Magickal Practices

Marduk and Ea (Enki) are central deities in Babylonian mythology, representing order and wisdom respectively. Marduk, the supreme god, symbolizes power and stability, while Ea, the god of wisdom and fresh water, embodies knowledge and the sustaining forces of life. In wealth rituals, Marduk's favor is sought through offerings and incantations, symbolizing the creation of order from chaos. Ea's wisdom is invoked through water libations and prayers, aiming to unlock hidden knowledge and ensure the flow of prosperity. Both deities play key roles in crafting protective talismans and performing divinations to guide financial decisions.

Enuma Elish: The History and Myth

The Enuma Elish is an ancient Babylonian creation myth detailing the rise of Marduk as the supreme deity. The myth begins with primordial beings Apsu and Tiamat, whose chaotic forces are subdued by Marduk. After defeating Tiamat, Marduk creates the heavens and earth from her body and establishes order in the cosmos. He creates humanity from the blood of Tiamat’s champion, Kingu, to serve the gods. The myth reinforces the themes of creation from chaos, divine authority, and the human role in maintaining cosmic order. It was recited during the Akitu festival to reaffirm the king's divine mandate and Marduk's supremacy.

Correlations with Modern Banking and Usury

Ancient symbols like dragons and griffins, as well as themes of order from chaos and divine authority, have parallels in modern financial systems:

• City of London: Features dragons and griffins in its architecture, symbolizing protection and vigilance.

• Financial Stability: Like Marduk's battle against Tiamat, modern financial institutions aim to create stability from economic volatility through risk management and regulatory frameworks.

• Divine Right and Authority: Central banks are seen as ultimate authorities in monetary policy, akin to Marduk’s divine rule.

• Trust and Faith: The role of divine favor in ancient times parallels public trust and confidence in modern financial institutions.

The History of Marduk and Ea in Babylonian Magickal Practices

Marduk: The Supreme God of Babylon

Origins and Rise to Prominence: Marduk was originally a local deity of the city of Babylon. Over time, as Babylon grew in power and influence, Marduk's status elevated to that of the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon. His ascension is detailed in the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation epic, where he defeats the primordial chaos dragon Tiamat and is subsequently granted supremacy over the other gods.

Attributes and Symbolism: Marduk is often depicted with a spade, symbolizing his association with agriculture and fertility. He is also linked to justice, healing, and magic. His primary symbol is the dragon, and he is frequently portrayed alongside his animal companions, the mushussu dragon and a horse.

Role in Wealth Rituals: As a god of creation and order, Marduk's favor is sought to ensure prosperity and stability. Wealth rituals dedicated to Marduk involve elaborate ceremonies invoking his power to bless the land with fertility and abundance. These rituals often include offerings of precious metals, grains, and incense, symbolizing wealth and gratitude.

Ea (Enki): The God of Wisdom and Waters

Origins and Attributes: Ea, also known as Enki in Sumerian mythology, is one of the oldest and most significant deities in Mesopotamian religion. He is the god of wisdom, magic, and fresh water. Ea resides in the subterranean freshwater ocean called the Apsu, from which he governs the earth's waters and bestows knowledge.

Role in Knowledge and Magic: Ea is a patron of artisans, craftsmen, and magicians. He is credited with creating the Me, divine decrees that govern all aspects of civilization and cosmic order. His wisdom and magical prowess make him a key figure in rituals seeking divine insight and guidance.

Role in Wealth Rituals: Ea's association with fresh water symbolizes life and abundance, essential elements for wealth. Rituals invoking Ea often involve water libations and recitations of incantations that appeal to his wisdom and benevolence. These rituals aim to unlock hidden knowledge and ensure the flow of prosperity.

Magickal Practices Involving Marduk and Ea

Wealth Rituals

1. Invoking Marduk:

   • Preparation: The ritual space is cleansed and adorned with symbols of Marduk, such as spades and dragon figurines.

   • Offerings: Participants present offerings of gold, silver, grains, and incense.

   • Incantations: Sacred hymns and prayers are recited to call upon Marduk’s favor.

   • Invocation: The ritual leader invokes Marduk’s name, requesting his blessing for prosperity and protection of wealth.

2. Invoking Ea:

   • Preparation: A bowl of fresh water, symbolizing the Apsu, is placed at the center of the ritual space.

   • Offerings: Participants offer fish, clay tablets (symbolizing wisdom), and sweet-smelling oils.

   • Incantations: Chants and prayers are recited to honor Ea and seek his wisdom.

   • Libation: Water is poured out in a ceremonial manner, symbolizing the flow of abundance and knowledge.

Talismans and Amulets

1. Crafting with Marduk’s Blessing:

   • Materials: Talismans are made from precious metals and stones.

   • Symbols: Engraved with images of the spade, dragon, and other Mardukian symbols.

   • Enchanting: Rituals involve the burning of incense and recitation of spells to imbue the talisman with Marduk’s protective and wealth-attracting powers.

2. Enchanting with Ea’s Wisdom:

   • Materials: Amulets crafted from clay, freshwater pearls, and other natural elements.

   • Symbols: Inscribed with symbols of water, fish, and ancient cuneiform representing wisdom and prosperity.

   • Enchanting: Rituals involve water purification and incantations to invoke Ea’s blessings, ensuring the amulet attracts wealth and protects from financial misfortune.

Divination

1. Astrology (Marduk):

   • Celestial Observations: Marduk, associated with Jupiter, is invoked during the observation of celestial bodies.

   • Rituals: Involves drawing star charts and performing calculations to determine auspicious times for financial decisions.

   • Interpretation: Priests interpret the movements and positions of stars and planets to provide guidance on market trends and economic ventures.

2. Haruspicy (Ea):

   • Preparation: The liver of a sacrificed animal is used for divination.

   • Rituals: Involves chanting invocations to Ea, seeking his wisdom to interpret the omens.

   • Interpretation: The shape, color, and marks on the liver are analyzed to predict market trends and guide financial decisions, believed to be messages from Ea.

The magickal practices involving Marduk and Ea are deeply rooted in Babylonian tradition, reflecting the intertwining of economic pursuits and spiritual beliefs. By invoking the favor and wisdom of these powerful deities, practitioners aim to harness divine energies for wealth, protection, and guidance, ensuring prosperity and stability in their lives.

The Enuma Elish, often referred to as the Babylonian creation myth, is one of the oldest known stories of creation, dating back to the late second millennium BCE. This ancient Mesopotamian text provides a fascinating insight into the cosmology, theology, and societal values of the Babylonians.

Overview and Structure

The Enuma Elish is composed of seven tablets, each detailing different aspects of the creation of the world and the rise of Marduk to supremacy. The title "Enuma Elish" translates to "When on high," which are the opening words of the text.

Key Characters and Deities

1. Apsu: The primordial freshwater ocean, representing the male principle.

2. Tiamat: The primordial saltwater ocean, representing the female principle and chaos.

3. Ea (Enki): God of wisdom and freshwater, who plays a crucial role in the early parts of the myth.

4. Marduk: The hero of the story, who eventually becomes the supreme god.

5. Kingu: Tiamat's chosen champion, given command of her forces in the battle against Marduk.

The Story

Tablet I:

• The myth begins with the primordial deities Apsu and Tiamat, whose mingling waters give rise to younger gods.

• The younger gods are noisy, disturbing Apsu, who wishes to destroy them.

• Ea, the god of wisdom, learns of Apsu's plan and kills him, establishing his supremacy among the gods.

Tablet II:

• Tiamat, enraged by Apsu's death, creates an army of monsters and appoints Kingu as their leader to wage war against the younger gods.

• The gods are terrified and seek a champion to lead them.

Tablet III-IV:

• Marduk steps forward, promising to defeat Tiamat and her army if he is granted supreme authority over the gods.

• The gods agree, and Marduk prepares for battle, arming himself with powerful weapons.

Tablet V:

• Marduk confronts Tiamat and defeats her in an epic battle. He splits her body in two, creating the heavens and the earth from her remains.

• Marduk then organizes the cosmos, establishing the sun, moon, and stars, and assigning roles to various deities.

Tablet VI:

• Marduk creates humanity from the blood of Kingu, Tiamat’s champion, to serve the gods and maintain the order of the world.

• This tablet also details the building of Babylon and the Esagila, Marduk’s temple.

Tablet VII:

• The final tablet is a hymn of praise to Marduk, listing his fifty names and attributes, underscoring his supreme status among the gods.

Themes and Significance

1. Creation from Chaos:

   • The Enuma Elish portrays the world as emerging from primordial chaos, represented by Tiamat. Marduk's victory over Tiamat symbolizes the triumph of order over chaos.

2. Divine Kingship:

   • The myth justifies Marduk's supreme position among the gods, reflecting the political supremacy of Babylon. It reinforces the idea of divine right and the god-king relationship, paralleling the human king's rule over Babylon.

3. Humanity's Role:

   • Humans are created to serve the gods, reflecting the Babylonian view of the human-divine relationship. This service includes maintaining temples and performing rituals to sustain the cosmic order.

4. Cosmic Order:

   • Marduk's organization of the cosmos underscores the importance of order, structure, and hierarchy in Babylonian society and religion.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Enuma Elish was recited during the Akitu festival, the Babylonian New Year celebration, which reaffirmed the king's divine mandate and Marduk's supremacy. This myth also influenced later Mesopotamian literature and other creation myths in the region, including the Hebrew Bible.

The Enuma Elish is not just a creation myth but a complex narrative that weaves together themes of divine legitimacy, cosmic order, and the role of humanity. It provides invaluable insights into the religious and cultural psyche of ancient Mesopotamia and the central role of Marduk in Babylonian theology.

Ancient Symbols in Modern Banking

1. Dragons and Griffins:

• City of London: The City of London, a major financial district, prominently features dragons and griffins. These creatures are often depicted on the City’s coat of arms and various architectural features.

  • Dragons: In the context of Marduk and Tiamat, dragons symbolize power, protection, and control over chaos. The City of London's dragons, often seen guarding the entrances, symbolize the guardianship of the financial district and the protection of its wealth and stability.

  • Griffins: Traditionally, griffins, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolize guardianship and vigilance. They are protectors of treasures and are often associated with strength and vigilance in protecting wealth.

2. Symbols of Wealth and Prosperity:

• Marduk’s Spade: Marduk's spade symbolizes cultivation and the creation of order and prosperity from chaos. In modern banking, similar themes are found in the cultivation of wealth through investment and financial planning.

• Ea’s Water Symbol: Water, representing life and sustenance, can be seen in the symbolism used by banks that emphasize the flow of capital and liquidity, essential for economic health.

Thematic Correlations

1. Creation and Order from Chaos:

• Financial Stability: Just as Marduk creates order from the chaotic forces of Tiamat, financial institutions aim to create stability from economic volatility. Central banks and financial regulations can be seen as modern mechanisms that impose order on the financial markets.

• Risk Management: The ancient battle between order and chaos can be likened to modern practices of risk management in banking, where strategies are developed to mitigate financial risks and ensure stability.

2. Divine Right and Authority:

• Monetary Authority: The Enuma Elish justifies Marduk’s supreme authority, paralleling the way central banks, like the Federal Reserve or the Bank of England, are seen as ultimate authorities in monetary policy and financial stability.

• Trust and Faith: The role of divine favor in ancient times is akin to the trust and confidence that modern societies place in financial institutions. Just as ancient rituals sought the favor of gods like Marduk and Ea for prosperity, contemporary financial systems rely on public confidence and trust.

Examples in Banking and Usury

1. Iconography:

• Bank Logos and Architecture: Many banks use classical imagery in their logos and building designs. For example, the Federal Reserve Bank buildings often feature Roman columns and classical motifs, invoking a sense of stability, permanence, and authority.

• Coins and Currency: Historical and modern currency often features imagery of power and stability, such as eagles (similar to griffins) on US coins and banknotes.

2. Philosophical Underpinnings:

• Moral Justifications for Usury: Historically, usury (charging interest on loans) was morally contentious. However, the development of banking practices often used philosophical and sometimes theological justifications to explain the necessity of interest for economic growth, similar to invoking divine order and blessing in ancient times.

• Financial Ceremonies: Modern financial ceremonies, like the ringing of the New York Stock Exchange bell, echo ancient rituals that marked significant economic activities with formalized procedures to ensure success and prosperity.

Conclusion

The use of ancient symbols like dragons and griffins in modern financial centers such as the City of London highlights the continuity of themes related to power, protection, and prosperity. These symbols, rooted in mythological traditions like those found in the Enuma Elish, continue to convey messages of stability, authority, and vigilance in the context of banking and finance. The parallels between ancient and modern practices underscore how deeply ingrained these motifs are in our collective consciousness and their enduring relevance in the world of finance.

Sigils, Servitors and Egregores