Tag: Christianity

The Chaldean Magi: Their Spiritual Role in Jesus’ Life

by Weam Namou, posted in chaldeans, community, Consciousness, Iraqi American, Spirituality

It’s a cold April day, after yesterday’s unexpected heat. The fireplace crackles softly as I cuddle under the covers, laptop set on the hearth. Earlier, I watched Miss Potter, a warm and nostalgic film that perfectly matched the comfort of the moment. Inspired by the quiet reflection of the day, I thought I’d share something I wrote about this morning for my upcoming book—about the Chaldean Magi, their connection to Jesus, and the profound mystery that surrounds their story.

The Magi are often shrouded in a sense of wonder. Described in the Gospel of Matthew as the “wise men from the East,” they followed the star to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the newborn Christ. But their story doesn’t end there. Tradition and history link the Magi to the Chaldeans, an ancient priestly class known for their wisdom in astrology, divination, and spiritual practices.

The Magi and Their Role in Jesus’s Story

The Magi’s connection to Jesus is both spiritual and deeply symbolic. After visiting the Christ child, they were warned in a dream not to return to King Herod. Herod, furious at being deceived by the Magi, ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two—a tragic event remembered as the Feast of the Holy Innocents. By taking another route home, the Magi not only defied Herod’s evil plans but also played a role in safeguarding Jesus during his vulnerable early years.

But how did the Magi, coming from a non-Christian tradition, recognize the significance of Jesus’s birth? The answer lies in their spiritual heritage.

The Chaldean Magi: Guardians of Ancient Wisdom

The Magi were often associated with the Chaldeans, a people renowned for their mastery of the stars and their ability to interpret divine messages. The Chaldeans’ reputation as wise men and astrologers was so enduring that their name became synonymous with knowledge and mysticism in many ancient texts.

The Magian religion, tied to Zoroastrianism, emphasized the battle between light and darkness—a theme that resonates deeply with the Christian story of salvation. The Magi tended sacred fires, interpreted dreams, and acted as mediators between the divine and the earthly. These roles made them uniquely attuned to the signs in the heavens, such as the star that heralded Jesus’s birth.

Tradition even suggests that after their visit to Bethlehem, the Magi passed through Chaldean villages, celebrating the miraculous birth and planting seeds of faith. Centuries later, these seeds would bloom as Christianity spread to the region.

The Enduring Legacy of the Magi

The story of the Magi is not just a tale of three wise men bringing gifts; it is a profound reminder of how faith and wisdom transcend boundaries. These ancient sages recognized Jesus as the light of the world long before Christianity had fully developed. Their journey symbolizes the universal call to seek truth and to honor the divine, no matter one’s background or tradition.

Writers throughout history, from the priest Berossus to Helena Blavatsky, have marveled at the Magi’s connection to the Chaldeans. Blavatsky, for instance, described the Chaldeans as guardians of mystical and occult sciences, linking them to the broader tradition of the Magi. Their knowledge of the stars and their role as interpreters of divine will gave them a unique place in history as bearers of wisdom and truth.

A Path Illuminated

As I reflect on the story of the Chaldean Magi, I’m struck by their courage and faith. They risked everything to follow a star and honor a child they knew to be extraordinary. Their defiance of Herod’s orders reminds us of the power of choosing righteousness over fear. And their role in protecting Jesus reminds us of the interconnectedness of faiths, traditions, and history.

On this quiet April day, I’m reminded that the Magi’s story is not just about the past. It’s about the ongoing journey we all take to seek light, wisdom, and truth in our lives.

So as the fire crackles and the rain begins to fall outside, I leave you with this thought: What stars are we following today, and how might the wisdom of the past guide us on our own journeys?

Palm Sunday at the Chaldean Church

by Weam Namou, posted in chaldeans, Communication, community, Consciousness, Iraqi American

Today, I attended Palm Sunday at a Chaldean church, a community that traces its roots back to one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. The church was alive with devotion and joy, its walls echoing with ancient prayers and hymns sung in Aramaic, the language Jesus himself spoke. It was a moving experience, immersing myself in the faith and culture of a community with such a profound connection to history.

One of the most striking parts of the ceremony was the procession. Members of the congregation walked down the aisle holding palm branches, waving them high in the air as a symbol of reverence and celebration. The atmosphere was electric as women released traditional Middle Eastern mirth sounds—ululations—made during happy occasions like weddings or other festivities, added a layer of cultural depth to the ritual, blending faith and heritage in a powerful way.

At the end of the celebration, everyone received a palm branch to take home. Holding that simple branch in my hand, I couldn’t help but wonder—what does this symbol truly mean? Was there a deeper story behind it?

When I returned home, after having a late brunch with my family, walking the dog, then taking a nap, I decided to do a bit of research. What I found was fascinating, connecting the palm branch not only to Christianity but to a much older legacy: the traditions and beliefs of ancient Mesopotamia.

Here’s a TikTok clip of the Christian communities celebrating in Iraq. You can follow me there for more colorful clips!
https://www.tiktok.com/@weamnamou/video/7492845930249522478

The Deeper Meaning of the Palm Branch

Palm branches are central to the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday, symbolizing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They represent victory, peace, and eternal life. But their significance goes back much further in history, to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia.

In Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilization and the land that gave rise to the ancestors of today’s Chaldeans—the palm tree was a powerful symbol. It represented life, fertility, and prosperity in a region where agriculture depended on the rivers and the lush vegetation they supported. The palm was sacred, appearing in religious rituals, art, and even mythology.

Palm branches were often associated with deities like Ishtar, the goddess of fertility and love, and Shamash, the sun god. They were depicted in carvings and reliefs, sometimes as part of sacred trees or in scenes of divine blessing. The palm’s connection to life and renewal made it a potent emblem, one that resonated deeply with the spiritual beliefs of the time.

As Christianity emerged and spread throughout the region, it absorbed and reinterpreted some of these older symbols. The palm branch, once a sign of prosperity and divine favor in Mesopotamian culture, became a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and sin. On Palm Sunday, Christians around the world carry these branches as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the promise of eternal life.

Imagine, the palm branch I brought home today carries that history.

The Cross: From Chaldea to Christianity

by Weam Namou, posted in chaldeans, Communication, community, Consciousness, Spirituality

While working on the second book in my series, The Magical Museum, which explores the faith and Church history of the Chaldeans, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact: the sacred symbol of the cross, central to Christian culture, significantly predates Western religion. As a Chaldean, I find it remarkable that this symbol, so integral to my faith, also holds deep historical roots in my ancestors’ culture. The 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica puts it plainly: “The cross has been used both as a religious symbol and as an ornament from the dawn of man’s civilization.” This symbol appeared across ancient cultures—from Scandinavia to Egypt—and played a particularly prominent role in the spiritual culture of Chaldea, a civilization that flourished from 612 to 539 B.C.

The Cross in Chaldea

Ancient Chaldea, located in what is now southern Iraq and Kuwait, was one of the central cultural and spiritual hubs of the Middle Eastern world. Under the Chaldean Dynasty, rulers such as Nebuchadnezzar II rebuilt Babylon into a cultural and religious center. It was in this rich environment that the cross emerged as a symbol of spiritual significance.

The Chaldean cross began as a circular sun symbol, representing the rays of the sun—a source of life and renewal. Over time, two beams crossed the circle, symbolizing the sun’s rays and marking one of the earliest recorded uses of a two-beamed cross. Eventually, the Chaldeans removed the circle, leaving only the intersecting beams. This design evolved to represent the four cardinal points of the sky, a concept deeply tied to Chaldean cosmology.

Historian G. Maspero, in History of Egypt: Chaldea, Syria, Babylonia and Assyria, speculates that the two-beamed cross may have also symbolized a man standing upright with arms outstretched. This imagery, with rounded protrusions at the ends resembling fingers, suggests that the cross was not only a cosmological symbol but also a representation of humanity’s connection to the divine.

A Symbol of Rebirth

In Chaldea, the cross was closely associated with Tammuz, the sun god and husband of the goddess Ishtar. Tammuz was celebrated as a deity of fertility, renewal, and life. The Chaldeans honored him with a six-day festival at the start of the summer solstice, marking a time of rebirth and abundance. Interestingly, Tammuz’s name lives on today as the month of July in Iraqi Arabic, Levantine Arabic, the Chaldean calendar, and the Jewish calendar. Tammuz is the month of the sin of the golden calf, which resulted in Moses breaking the tablets of the Ten Commandments. References to Tammuz even appear in Arabic literature from the 9th to 11th centuries AD.

This theme of rebirth resonates strongly with Christian beliefs. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ transformed the cross from an instrument of suffering into a symbol of redemption and eternal life. Both ancient Chaldean practices and Christian theology highlight the cross as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, representing renewal, transformation, and hope.

The Cross’s Evolution and Legacy

The cross’s journey from Chaldea to Christianity reflects the way symbols can evolve while retaining their spiritual essence. By the time of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century A.D., the cross had become a central symbol of the Christian faith. While it had once been an instrument of execution, Constantine’s vision of the cross as a sign of victory transformed its meaning.

This shift mirrors the overarching narrative of Christianity: the power of God to redeem what is broken and bring forth new life. The cross, rooted in ancient history, became a unifying symbol for believers, transcending time and culture.

Embracing the Cross’s History

As a Chaldean, I feel a profound connection to the journey of the cross. Its ancient origins in the culture of my ancestors remind me that faith is a thread woven through the tapestry of history, uniting humanity with the divine across time and place. Acknowledging these origins deepens our understanding of the cross’s significance in Christianity, showing how God’s presence has always transcended cultural and historical boundaries.

The spiritual practices of ancient civilizations highlight a universal longing for connection with the divine—a longing beautifully fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By exploring these historical roots, we gain a richer appreciation of the cross not only as a symbol of faith but also as a testament to God’s eternal love and grace.

Conclusion

The cross has traveled an incredible journey, from its origins in ancient Chaldea as a sun symbol to its central role in Christianity as a sign of hope and redemption. Its history is a testament to humanity’s enduring relationship with the spiritual realm and our shared desire for renewal and connection with the divine.

Exploring the cross’s history allows us to embrace it as part of God’s grand narrative. The cross is not just a relic of the past but a living symbol that continues to inspire faith, hope, and love in the present.

If you’d like to dive into the first book of The Magical Museum series before the second installment is released, it’s the perfect time to embark on this journey through Chaldean faith and history. Stay tuned for more fascinating discoveries in the upcoming book!

Empowering Each Other Through Storytelling

by Weam Namou, posted in Books, chaldeans, Communication, community, Consciousness, film, Iraqi American, Pomegranate, Spirituality, TV Interviews, writing

Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed by Daniel Rosenstein of Ultimate Energy Coach. It was a powerful conversation that delved deeply into topics close to my heart: my film Pomegranate, my Native American teachings, my journey of healing through shamanism, and the empowerment of women through film.

I believe that healing is important because once you heal certain tramas, you naturally become a healer to others—simply by being yourself. This truth resonates deeply with me, as healing runs through my lineage. My ancestors—my father, grandfather, and my great-grandmother Maria—were all healers. It’s a calling that has been passed down through the generations, and I feel privileged to walk this path.

Interestingly, our connection came through a mutual friend, and we discovered a fascinating coincidence: Daniel’s mother was born in Iraq and left during the 1948 Jewish Exodus. I was born in Iraq as a Chaldean (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic) and my family left due to the country’s unsettling and oppressive ways. This shared understanding of exile and roots created a deeper connection.

Seven Generations Back, Seven Generations Forward

One of the most profound topics discussed was the importance of honoring both the past and the future. Like Native American teachings, our culture emphasizes doing things “seven generations back and seven generations forward.” The blessings we experience today are the result of our ancestors’ actions, and what we do now will shape the lives of our descendants. This perspective has always been a guiding force in my life and my work.

Pomegranate and the Power of Story

During the interview, I reflected on my recent trip to Los Angeles for the premiere of Pomegranate. While driving through areas like Hollywood, I learned from Uber drivers about the diversity of these neighborhoods—home to significant Jewish, Persian, and Armenian populations. It struck me how the Jewish community is often said to “rule Hollywood,” and I thought: that’s not a bad thing. They understand the power of storytelling.

I often question why our own community doesn’t invest in storytelling. Why don’t we support the art of telling our stories, of humanizing ourselves through authentic narratives? Creative expression is healing, while destruction only leads to pain. And it’s not like we lack talent—while casting for Pomegranate, we received thousands of portfolios from incredibly talented Middle Eastern actors.

Pomegranate

Breaking Labels and Finding Balance

Another key part of the discussion was about not putting labels on things. For example, shamanism is often misunderstood, yet it brought me closer to my Christian roots. After all, wasn’t Jesus a mystic, a healer, and someone who said, “You will do things greater than I”?

I also spoke about the importance of the men in my life who helped bring this project to life—my husband, who gave me the space to follow my dream, and incredible collaborators like Sam Sako, Scott Rosenfelt, Jamal Adams, Kevin Hewitt, and others. They stuck with this project and gave me strength when I felt like giving up.

This ties into one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from energy teachings: the importance of balancing the feminine and the masculine. Both energies are essential, and finding harmony between them is a cornerstone of healing.

Healing Through Creativity

Ultimately, our conversation came full circle to the idea that healing is inherently creative. By embracing creativity, we can transform not only ourselves but also the world around us. This is the heart of storytelling—connecting, humanizing, and healing.

I invite you to watch the full interview with Daniel Rosenstein here. Together, we explored the power of heritage, healing, and storytelling in ways that I hope will inspire you as much as they inspired me.

Chaldean – Kabbalah Connection

by Weam Namou, posted in Uncategorized

Good autumn morning,

I’m watching the tree leaves and metal chimes dance to the wind as I sit at my computer and begin my next book. My children are off to school, my husband is at work, and my dog is still sleeping. The house is quiet, and the tea is hot. I normally drink coffee but I’ve got a sore throat that needs some healing.

It has been a while since I wrote in my blog, and I miss it. It’s wonderful to be busy with wonderful things, but it can also be exhausting. So, I will try to slow down and spend more time writing in my blog as I listen to the leaves and metal chimes dance to the wind.

I’m remembering my teacher, Lynn V. Andrews, who passed away in 2022, and how her spirit recently interacted with me. Someone from Lynn’s four-year Mystery School reached out to me about participating in a summit called “From Silence to Mastery” which takes from November 14 to 20 (the information for this free event is below)

The summit is led by Daniel Rosenstein, a life-coach and healer. When I met with him, I learned that his Jewish mother was born in Baghdad and had to leave Iraq during the 1948 forced deportation. I was born in Baghdad, and we had to leave the country in 1980 for political and religious reasons. Daniel and I quickly realized that Divine Providence had brought us together.

Daniel had learned about the Chaldeans from Kabbalism. For instance, Chaldean and Kabbalistic numerology are ancient systems of divination and self-exploration that offer profound insights and the potential to reveal hidden truths about ourselves and the universe.

Noblewoman Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, in her “Theosophical Glossary” entry for “Kabalist” explains that Kabala is an unwritten or oral tradition and that the kabalist is a student of “secret science,” identical with that of the Chaldeans, and includes at the same time much of the Persian wisdom, or “magic” . . . Some show it as coming from the Biblical Patriarchs, Abraham, and even Seth; others from Egypt, others again from Chaldea.”

In “The Secret Doctrine Dialogues” (p. 498) she says “In the Chaldean Kabbalah, in the Book of Numbers, you have the wisdom of the Hebrew initiates . . . The Chaldean Kabbalah, moreover, the Book of Numbers, agrees perfectly with the eastern arrangement, and disagrees with the present orthodox Kabbalah in its diagrams. . . . I had a rabbi who had the real Book of Numbers – and there is another; I have only seen two in my life, and I don’t think there exist more. He had fragments of the Chaldean Kabbalah.”

“We have asked of the secret doctrines of the Chaldeans, of the Egyptians, of the Hebrews, the secrets of the transfiguration of dogmas.” In his ” Histoire de la Magie,” p. 5, Eliphas Levi writes also : ” The key of knowledge has been abandoned to children, and as was to be expected, this key is mislaid and as good as lost.”

Daniel and I talked about the Tree of Life, its powerful symbol found in various religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions, and how we’re all from the same source, but use different terms to describe the same thing; ie, Energy, God, Universe, Spirit. People demonize what they don’t understand and spend so much time arguing and fighting about things when we’re all from the same Source.

Please use this link to register for From Silenced to Self-Mastery” Virtual Summit: Click here to Register for the Free Summit

You can catch my Interview on November 14th.

From Silence to Self-Mastery Summit, happening from November 14th to November 20th. This event is a unique opportunity to dive deep into powerful insights, tools, and strategies from some incredible experts to help you unlock your true potential and embrace self-mastery.

Each day of the summit, you’ll receive access to 4 new video interviews featuring inspiring speakers, each sharing their transformative journeys and personal tools for growth. And each speaker is offering a special free gift exclusively for summit attendees!

Watch Pomegranate Online Sunday – La Femme Independent Film Festival (Paris, France)

by Weam Namou, posted in film, Uncategorized

Pomegranate was chosen as an Official Selection by La Femme Independent Film Festival (Paris, France). At 7 pm PDT, they will screen it worldwide (online) on Sunday, August 20 at 7 pm PST. Viewers vote for films they like most and the winner is then screened in person in Paris, France later this year.

Click here for tickets: https://filmfreeway.com/LaFemmeIndependentFilmFestival/tickets?welcome=true

Their trusted platform Magica Cinémathèque  is an international platform and art house for the independent films based in London, Paris and Hollywood. Their audiences from all over the world, ” Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan, Korea, and MENA

To date, the film has had the following awards / selections (of course, we all know there’s more to come ☺❤

* New York International Women Festival – Winner of all Categories for Best Feature Film Directed by a Woman

* Luleå International Film Festival (Sweden) (Winner – will screen in December)

* Birsamunda International Film Awards (India)- Winner for Best Actress – Sam Rahmani

* Birsamunda International Film Awards (India) – Winner for Best Feature Film on Women

*San Diego International Film Awards (Semi-Finalist)

* San Jose Independent Film Festival (Semi-Finalist)

* La Femme Independent Film Festival (Paris, France) (Official selection)

* Castle Film & Media Award (Rome, Italy) (Official Selection)