This is a rudimentary translation of articles from my book “Goddess Culture in Israel“. While it is far from ideal, it serves a purpose given the significance of the topic and the distinctiveness of the information contained. I have chosen to publish it in its current state, with the hope that a more refined translation will be available in the future.

living in a cave

Until about 11,000 years ago, humans resided in caves part of the time and roamed the earth during the rest. Few mammals seek shelter in caves, suggesting perhaps that Mother Earth intended to nurture humans within her own womb. The Great Mother ushered humanity into existence to be her progeny, attending to their basic needs: nourishment, attire, and shelter. She cultivated in them thought processes conducive to tool creation and disclosed her most guarded secret—the mastery of fire. When the time was right, she patiently imparted the gift of language, enabling humans to mirror her essence as intelligent beings capable of generating new life forms.

Mother Earth offspring’s began to learn walking, initially attempting to balance on two legs, falling and getting back up, stumbling until they managed to take their first steps, then a few more, until they walked upright, as if guided by the Great Mother’s hand. This evolution was a pivotal step towards becoming human, as standing on two legs freed the hands for making tools. Initially, they crafted simple stone implements, then wooden staffs, which could be shaped using stone. Primitive ropes allowed for tying stones to branches, or embedding them to create rudimentary spears for defense against larger animals when necessary.

The use of hands allowed humans to craft increasingly complex tools, with the mind orchestrating invention. Mother Earth guided her children in the art of striking stone against stone and rubbing wood against wood, creating sparks to ignite fire, marking a significant leap forward. Mastering fire symbolized control over nature’s forces, distinguishing humans from other animals and redirecting their gaze from the earth to the stars. Fire served a dual purpose: it created a sacred space that demanded respect and caution, while also fostering a protected and comfortable living environment in its vicinity.

Fire not only safeguarded the camp from predators and provided warmth during winter, but it also revolutionized human diet by allowing the cooking of food. This made digestion much easier and less energy-intensive, freeing up more blood to nourish other organs, particularly the brain, which in an adult consumes 20% of the body’s blood supply. Concurrently, the muscles of the face and mouth, as well as the vocal cords, evolved. This development primed humans for a significant leap in communication: the ability to express themselves.

Mother Earth nurtured various human species: Homo erectus, Australopithecus, Neanderthal, and others, until the emergence of her most accomplished creation – Homo sapiens. Initially, Homo sapiens might have seemed like a fragile, spoiled offspring compared to his robust siblings. However, his superiority soon became evident. Homo sapiens outshone his brothers with his intelligence, cunning, and talent for cooperation, forming alliances, and engaging in long-term strategic planning. The distinction between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals can be likened to the biblical contrast between Jacob, the favored son, and Esau, his older, ostensibly stronger brother.

For a period, the siblings coexisted peacefully; Jacob (Homo Sapiens) needed time to grow, mature, and hone his skills. This prolonged phase of development was a hallmark of the new arrival, requiring extensive nurturing not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. Eventually, Homo Sapiens advanced, mastering cooperation, crafting more complex tools, and devising strategies to navigate the world. They acquired the ability to communicate through speech, engage in laughter, employ irony, embed subtext in language, and interpret their environment with greater acuity. Most crucially, they learned to strategize, thinking far beyond the immediate, surpassing their counterparts—the other human species—in foresight and planning.

The precise events remain unclear, but ultimately, Homo Sapiens outlived all his human brethren, becoming the sole survivor among human species. These new humans continued to inhabit caves, as well as trees and bushes, cradled in the earth’s womb by the Great Mother. Each evening, they would return to the caves for shelter and warmth. Some large natural caves were particularly suited for human habitation. Although cave bears and cave lions (now extinct) also resided in caves, humans eventually displaced them, while other large mammals lived outside. Unlike other animals that used dens, humans occupied caves, making their homes in the vast chambers prepared by the Great Mother. They kindled fires within these caves, living there with their families. These caves were characterized by large, light-filled openings and deeper internal areas, sometimes housing water sources. For humans, some of the internal spaces deep within the earth were sacred, inner chambers where they could inscribe the walls with sacred symbols of the Goddess.

Dr. Michael Rappenglück posits that ancient humans regarded caves as symbolic wombs, with their external and internal features representing parts of the female reproductive system. Since the emergence of Cro-Magnon man around 40,000 BC, caves have been conceptualized as the womb of the great cosmic mother. Entry into a cave symbolized a transition between two states of existence: the external world, characterized by light and a certain sensation, and the cave’s interior, marked by darkness (or light filtering through openings) and a distinct sensation. These contrasting experiences were interpreted by ancient humans as the difference between the profane and the sacred, the natural and the magical, imbuing caves with cosmogenic and cosmological significance. Caves were seen as microcosms of the universe and the creative process, a symbolism that was later extended to temples and houses. Thus, dwelling in caves represented a crucial phase in the evolution of human religious thought and self-awareness.

It is crucial to recognize that the essence of humanity lies in its cognitive ability. Humans not only interpret external reality but also create their own internal reality. Their perception is a blend of the tangible world and the hidden aspects within it. This dual mode of perception gave rise to various facets of human civilization, including the arts, language, values, ideals, strategy, vision, and religion. Humans inherently sense the presence of a sacred, profound, and eternal reality beneath the surface of physical existence, and they strive to connect with or return to it. Mircea Eliade referred to this concept as the “myth of eternal return” and coined the term “homo religiosus.” Understanding humanity through this lens helps elucidate why caves were perceived as sacred spaces.

The Holy Fire

The fire at the heart of the cave, or later within the central hearth of the dwelling, served as a symbolic world center around which people congregated. It provided warmth, light, and a focal point for communal interaction and activities. However, its intense heat also enforced a boundary, preventing individuals from getting too close. Consequently, the space surrounding the Sacred fire was perceived to possess three distinct levels of significance:

The first level encompassed the immediate vicinity of the fire itself, representing a realm of transformation. Here, the alchemical properties of fire facilitated the metamorphosis of both material and spiritual elements, allowing food to cook, clay to harden into ceramic, limestone to calcify into lime, and copper ore to be refined into metal.

The second level extended outward from the fire, constituting a domain of vitality and containment. Within this zone, the heat and light generated by the fire fostered a supportive environment for human endeavors and activities.

The third level, situated farthest from the center, was characterized by a distant glow emanating from the fire, offering visibility without the direct benefits of warmth or illumination.

There exists an anthropological notion known as “otherness,” which delineates the human condition within the natural world. Rappengluk contends that with the advent of fire, humanity underwent a transformative shift, becoming “other,” and thereby diverging from the natural order. Consequently, humans began to perceive themselves as distinct from nature and to associate themselves with celestial bodies, viewing stars as distant fires in the heavens or as life-sustaining sources of light and warmth, akin to the sun.

Fire played a central role in human life, serving as both protector and provider while facilitating the transformation of matter. This significance led to the emergence of taboos surrounding sacred spaces. Symbolizing creation, fire was often associated with the cycles of birth and death [1], as well as the unity of the tribe. The location of the fire represented the womb or the site of birth, echoing the symbolism of the sun as the source of life and creation. Women, in particular, held a unique connection to fire, as seen in the domestic rituals they performed around the hearth [2]. Responsible for cooking, lighting, and sometimes gathering wood for the fire, women played a crucial role in maintaining the household, with the sacred fire serving as its focal point.

The fire served as a nexus for connecting with the tribe’s spirit and the ancestors’ spirits, often serving as a focal point for prophecy. Particularly, women would gaze into the flames, discerning future events or current trends [3]. Fire itself was generated through the union of opposites, with a rotating stick (male) against a wooden board (female). The column of smoke rising from the fire was perceived as a conduit linking different realms: the earth, the spirits of ancestors, and the sky.

Before dismissing these ideas as mere speculation, it’s important to acknowledge that ancient societies perceived the world differently, imbuing it with spiritual significance. Even today, “primitive” tribes maintain a similar worldview. Their rich use of imagery and, some argue, a deeper emotional complexity allowed them to view fire not just as a physical element, but as a divine wonder, a gift from the gods. This belief is echoed in myths like that of Prometheus, where fire symbolizes the very essence of human culture and distinction from other animals.

The Cave paintings

In the depths of the caves where early humans dwelled, there were inner galleries accessed through narrow, damp openings. Within these galleries, researchers have uncovered stunning wall paintings. Due to their location far from the cave entrance, scholars interpret these paintings as symbolic expressions of religious beliefs, likening these spaces to temples reminiscent of the womb. Despite variations in style and period (ranging from 30,000 BC to 9,000 BC), Mircea Eliade notes an “astonishing unity of artistic content” among these cave paintings.

The renowned cave paintings of the Lascaux cave in southern France, dating back 18,000 years, feature over 2,000 figures predominantly depicting bison and horses, alongside representations of humans and other animals such as deer. These paintings have spurred numerous interpretations, with some suggesting they symbolize star systems. Rappengluck proposes that clusters of dots in the artwork, combined with figurative images, depict constellations like Taurus, the Pleiades, and the Summer Triangle as they appeared at the time of creation. Conversely, other interpretations view the paintings allegorically, positing that the depicted bison crossing the river symbolize individuals undergoing initiation, with the number of antler branches on their heads reflecting the apprentice’s level [4].

André Leroi-Gourhan, a prominent French archaeologist, asserted that in cave art, such as that found in Lascaux, the bison symbolizes the female, while the horse represents the male. He proposed that when viewed through this symbolism, the cave reveals itself as a “wonderfully organized and meaningful world.” Leroi-Gourhan suggested the existence of an ideological system of cave religion that spread through connections between various peoples. He viewed the locations of the cave paintings as akin to temples.

One of the most renowned and spiritually significant cave paintings is the “Great Sorcerer” found in the Trois-Frères cave, dating back 15,000 years. This painting, measuring 75 cm in height, portrays a figure with a deer’s head and prominent horns, an owl’s face, wolf-like ears, a goat’s beard, arms ending in bear claws, and a horse’s tail. The figure is depicted in a dancing posture, with its lower body and genitals resembling those of a Human. It is believed to represent a shaman engaged in a trance dance.

In some cave galleries, alongside wall paintings, stone slabs bearing paintings and what appear to be altars have been discovered (including in Israel). Among these findings is a tablet unearthed in a cave in Lourdes, France, depicting a figure adorned in a deerskin with deer horns on the head and a horse’s tail. Archaeologist Margaret Murray proposed that prehistoric depictions of horned figures symbolize the fertility essence of nature, often referred to as “the horned God.” She was among the first to suggest the existence of a universal primitive nature religion, later associated with the Goddess. Notably, in Kapza Cave near Nazareth, the grave of a 14-year-old boy dating back 92,000 years was found, with fallow deer horns placed between his arms, possibly marking the earliest appearance of belief in the horned God worldwide. Similarly, at the prehistoric site of Ein Gev, a Human burial from 26,000 years ago was discovered in a contracted position, with deer antlers placed atop it.

“The Lord of the Beasts”, or “the horned God”, refers to shamanic trance rituals that were led by “sorcerers” such as the one discovered in the Trois Ferrer cave, or “witches” such as the one discovered in the witch cave in the Galilee (from 15,000 years ago). According to Eliade: “We cannot imagine a time when Humans did not have dreams and daydreams, when they did not have trance ceremonies, when loss of consciousness was not treated as the soul’s journey to transcend this world.” In the Stone Age, the spiritual space of Humans was dominated by the mystical relationship between Humans and animals. That’s why you find clusters of cave bear bones in caves, and especially skulls that have undergone treatment such as grinding of teeth that were placed in special places (rock shelves).

The most renowned painting in the lower gallery of the Lascaux Cave depicts a scene where a wounded bison faces a prone man, who appears lifeless but is undergoing initiation, as per Eliade’s interpretation. The man’s head morphs into a bird’s beak, with a bird perched nearby on a stick, while his weapon, equipped with a hook, rests on the animal’s abdomen. Professor Hörst Kirchner suggested that the image represents a shamanic ritual: the bird symbolizes the guardian spirit, the man is not deceased but rather in a trance, his soul traversing the spirit world (perhaps to petition animal spirits for hunting success), with adjacent sticks likely used for drumming. Kirchner proposed that ancient ceremonies in caves involved drumming and dancing to induce trance states, akin to contemporary Siberian shamans. Notably, European cave paintings feature 55 depictions of men clad in animal skins, often in dance postures.

The phenomenon of cave paintings, although widely accepted today, remains both surprising and fascinating. It marks a pivotal moment in human history when individuals began to depict figures and scenes from their surroundings, effectively creating a parallel magical and religious universe within the confines of their dwellings. Unlike animals, humans possess a unique religious and artistic genius that drove them to create these remarkable drawings, imitating the act of creation itself.

The paintings created by ancient cave dwellers are truly astonishing in their beauty and complexity, suggesting a remarkable level of naturalistic observation. As time progressed, symbolic representations of the world, animals, and humans emerged, including parallel or zigzag lines, body outlines, and rays of light. Similarly, in other artistic fields like sculpture, abstract forms began to emerge. These developments are evidence of the ancient human’s evolving abstract thinking abilities, laying the foundation for the eventual emergence of writing.

The Cave Symbolism

According to Rappengluck, ancient people believed that when stars and the moon disappeared in the morning, they descended into an underground cave system. Consequently, the underground world was perceived as a cosmos, a complete universe. In this concept, crystals in the caves represented stars, the cave’s ceiling symbolized the sky’s firmament, and the cave itself mirrored the outside world—it was perceived as the womb giving birth to it. According to this belief, the sun and moon first emerged from the cave before appearing in the sky.

Entering the cave, perceived as the archetype of the “Cave of the World,” led to a connection with another archetype known as the “Mount of the World” or “Axis Mundi,” which connects different planes of existence. The cave leads to spaces beneath the mountain where treasures, mystical creatures, and knowledge reside. It serves as a cosmic vessel, an alchemical furnace where one can encounter the primary material from which the universe was constructed.

In many caves, hand paintings adorn the walls, while in others, traces of scratching can be found, particularly on white walls. According to Rappengluck [5], this suggests that ancient people regarded touching the walls as significant, perceiving them as a membrane connecting different worlds. The researcher argues that this connection between worlds mirrored the firmament in the sky, explaining why representations of stars were painted on the walls. It’s as though the sun, stars, or spirituality were trapped within the rock, waiting to be released and recreated through touch or artwork.

The cave paintings are often found in side galleries, particularly in small rooms, around niches, vertical openings, fissures, and cracks in the walls. This placement allows the painted animals to emerge from the rock, following the contours of the natural formations and lending a three-dimensional effect to the artwork. Enhanced by artificial lighting, these creatures come to life, much like how the earth itself gives life. Some figures are intentionally left incomplete, inviting the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps, echoing the creative power of both the human mind and Mother Earth. Legends speak of people and animals emerging from the very walls where these paintings adorn. These artworks were periodically renewed throughout the year, often tied to astronomical events, underscoring the importance of synchronizing ritual actions with the rhythms of the universe.

Caves were often symbolically linked with water, evident in the presence of meandering patterns resembling rivers and zigzag motifs. Springs, pools, and flowing or dripping water were common features within Sacred caves, including those in Israel. The dripping water gave rise to stalactites and stalagmites, forming a mesmerizing and mystical realm of shapes with symbolic significance. Stalactites symbolized breasts, while stalagmites represented male genitalia. Their connection symbolized the union of male and female energies, creating a vertical axis linking the three worlds – the sky, the earth, and the underworld. The cave’s roof was perceived as the celestial dome, while internal pools and streams were likened to the sea, with the cave’s surface representing the terrestrial realm. Some caves were also associated with nearby or overhead mountains, further enhancing their symbolic significance.

Rappengluck suggests the existence of caves designated for childbirth. These gate-like caverns were viewed as sites of profound transitions—birth, death, rebirth, and initiation. Just as there exists a cave within the Mountain of the World, so too, metaphorically, there exists a cave of treasures within us—the heart. Descending into the earth was akin to embarking on a journey within one’s own psyche, a connection to the inner self. People associated the landscape with parts of the body, transforming the cave into both the womb and the heart of Mother Earth.

Throughout history, caves have held significant roles, including serving as sanctuaries for oracles, often female prophets like the Cumaean Sibyl. Some caves featured secret openings, resembling labyrinthine structures such as the legendary Minotaur’s lair in Crete. Additionally, caves were believed to harbor hidden treasures. These motifs trace back to the profound importance of caves to prehistoric humans. Over hundreds of thousands of years, caves were not only habitats but also sites of ritual and spiritual significance, leaving an indelible mark on the collective human subconscious.

Red Ochre

In cave paintings, the prevalent use of red pigment derived from a mixture known as “red ochre” is notable. This blend, consisting of clay, sand, and iron oxides, held symbolic significance for ancient peoples. Often associated with blood, the essence of life, red ochre likely represented aspects of the female cycle and the divine feminine. As a result, it was utilized not only in cave art but also in tombs, the floors of sacred spaces, and various other contexts. Red ochre’s widespread use across cultures can be attributed to its ease of production, aesthetic appeal, and profound symbolic meaning. Psychologically, the color red holds significance as it is the first distinct color perceived in the human visual process, known to invigorate and stimulate.

In addition to its use as a dye, ochre served various other purposes, including wound healing, skin rejuvenation, insect repellent, and sun protection. Ancient peoples frequently utilized red ochre to paint their bodies, clothing, living spaces, and more, as noted by Laroe Goran. According to Eliade, the belief in life after death finds expression in the earliest practices involving red ochre, which served as a ritual substitute for blood—the symbol of life itself. The widespread custom of scattering ochre powder in burial sites underscores its significance across different cultures worldwide.

In tombs across the globe, archaeologists have discovered layers of red ochre powder on the floors, sometimes reaching substantial thicknesses. This practice was also observed in sites like the witch’s cave dating back 15,000 years in Nahal Hilazon in the Galilee. Similarly, locations associated with childbirth huts—sacred sites during the era of the Goddess culture—such as Lepenski Vir on the Danube, also featured this distinctive use of red ochre.

The inception of cave paintings 40,000 years ago saw the utilization of red and yellow ochre alongside black as the primary colors. In Israel These ochres were sourced from natural deposits—red ochre rocks near Kibbutz Dafna in the north and yellow ochre in Wadi Zarqa Ma’in south of the Dead Sea on the Jordanian side. Interestingly, heating yellow ochre yields red ochre, broadening the color palette available to ancient artists.

Cro- Magnon Men

Scientists speculate that Homo sapiens, modern humans, emerged around 200,000 years ago in Africa, evolving from Homo erectus [6]. However, the exact process remains unclear, and some propose an even earlier emergence. Previously, it was believed that Homo sapiens appeared 200,000 years ago and began their global dispersal approximately 100,000 years ago. Yet, ongoing discoveries are swiftly reshaping this narrative.

Around 60,000 years ago, a significant shift occurred among Homo sapiens, likely linked to the acquisition of enhanced cognitive abilities. Foremost among these was improved communication skills, facilitated by language. This newfound ability enabled groups of these intelligent humans to communicate more effectively, allowing for strategic planning and foresight beyond immediate circumstances.

Around 60,000 years ago, a notable shift in cognition and communication emerged, possibly due to genetic mutations altering the internal structure of the brain, rather than its external morphology or size. It’s as if someone rewired our brains, enhancing our cognitive abilities. While mainstream science attributes this to coincidence, alternative theories suggest intentional intervention from external sources. This transformation brought about an increase in the brain’s information capacity and the complexity of newly acquired language, which now extended beyond societal and worldly matters to include abstract concepts. Consequently, this change fostered the creation of shared myths and deities, or perhaps we should say goddesses.

The evolution of language, likely building upon rudimentary forms of communication existing before, enabled larger groups of people to cooperate toward common objectives. It facilitated dialogue, strategic planning, information exchange among disparate groups, and more. This transformation is evident in the emergence of art and the evolution of religious beliefs, reflected in new burial customs. Many researchers of prehistory contend that humans at this stage were significantly more spiritually advanced than commonly believed, possessing some form of primitive religion and belief in the spirit world and the afterlife.

About 35,000 years ago, a more advanced variant of Homo sapiens, known as Cro-Magnon, emerged in Europe. This population exhibited a larger brain volume and is believed to have originated from the Pyrenees region and the Bay of Biscay, spreading to southwestern Europe, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean. Archaeological evidence suggests that Cro-Magnon individuals cared for the sick and wounded, demonstrated mutual aid and solidarity, and held religious beliefs reflected in their burial practices. They were skilled hunters, organized into groups, adept at crafting baskets, weaving linen clothing, using stone tools, constructing shelters, producing dyes, tools, and jewelry. Additionally, they likely possessed knowledge of lunar cycles and may have developed the first known figurines, depicting anthropomorphic representations of animals, such as combinations of humans and lions.

The Cro-Magnon people are renowned for their creation of the famous cave paintings found in Western Europe. These paintings reflect an advanced and sophisticated culture, demonstrating a remarkable understanding of anatomy. They depict a wide range of subjects, including bulls and other animals, as well as Human figures and abstract symbols. Notably, the bull held significant cultural and religious significance in various ancient civilizations, including Plato’s accounts of Atlantean religion, as well as in the civilizations of Crete and Egypt, where the bull was revered as a sacred symbol, as seen in the worship of Apis, the Sacred bull.

The Cro-Magnon people were part of the Aurignacian culture, named after a site in France. This cultural period marked significant advancements, including the emergence of what are believed to be ancient musical instruments, the beginnings of sculpture and art, the use of bone, horn, and bead jewelry, more refined tools, and the development of clothing and decoration. Additionally, the Aurignacian culture saw the utilization of resources like oysters, some of which were obtained from distant locations, as well as the production of red ochre using primitive methods. A local variant of this culture, known as the Ahmarian culture and named after the site of Arak el Ahmar in the northern Judean desert, emerged in Israel around 40,000 BC.

The first Goddess

Cro-Magnon man emerged in Europe over 35,000 years ago, embodying a fundamentally religious understanding, perception, and behavior. In our secular world, it can be challenging to comprehend, but belief in a power beyond ourselves and in the existence of hidden worlds is intrinsic to humanity, alongside artistic ability, reasoning, and emotional capacities. It stands as an important and central element in defining what it means to be human.

From ancient times, humans have embraced beliefs in realms of energy, forces, and entities, sensing a meaningful order in the universe. Religion isn’t a recent intellectual construct but a fundamental aspect of human existence. This universality explains why religion has been a constant companion to human societies across all eras, even among isolated groups like the Australian aborigines and the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest.

Eliade asserts that “experiencing the Sacred is one of the foundations in the structure of consciousness.” Human beings’ fundamental experiences involve traversing into other realms through dreaming, revealing glimpses of alternate realities. Consequently, belief in the existence of other worlds and an afterlife naturally emerges. The burial practices observed throughout human history attest to this belief in life after death, a universal concept across all human societies. Interestingly, in prehistory, faith tended towards purity, abstraction, and monotheism, albeit initially embodied in the form of a maternal deity rather than a celestial father.

During the Ice Age, numerous figurines depicting women (Goddesses) were unearthed on the living levels within ancient caves. These figurines, often crafted from mammoth bone, symbolized the Great Mother, with the mammoth itself being regarded as her embodiment. Interestingly, mammoth bone circles discovered in Russia around 20,000 years ago suggest early forms of stone circles. While some figurines were sculpted from stone (it’s likely that wooden representations existed but haven’t endured), these weren’t mere playthings but rather depictions of Mother Earth, revered for her protective embrace and blessings upon the tribe.

It’s noteworthy in this context that the perception of death and the transition to the world beyond were viewed as cyclical, intricately linked to rebirth, and therefore inherently connected to the domain of the Sacred feminine. In death, man returned to the nurturing womb of the Goddess, from whom he was originally born. The grave symbolized a womb, just as the cave represented the womb. Essentially, the creative and organizing energy of the universe was envisioned as feminine, entwined with the natural cycles of the moon and the sun (which were also deemed feminine due to their periodic disappearance and return). The success of man’s birth, life, abundance, rebirth, and continuation after death relied upon the benevolence of the Goddess.

As man transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settling down as permanent residents and farmers, the significance of the Sacred feminine became more pronounced and entrenched. Women, who were early practitioners of agriculture and gatherers with intimate knowledge of plants, likely initiated the domestication of wheat and other edible crops under the guidance and blessing of the Goddess. They held the “secret of vegetation.” The cycles of plant growth and decay, the emergence from soil and fruition of fruits and seeds, were interpreted as reflections of Human life and symbols of redemption. Inextricably linked with the Sacred feminine deity, they were flesh from the flesh of the Goddess.

The Sacred Journey

Life in the caves was not permanent but rather a pause within the “Sacred journey” that Humans embarked on throughout the year across the earth’s surface. During this journey, they had the chance to sanctify themselves at various locations according to the seasonal cycle. It was an opportunity to connect with feelings of appreciation, gratitude, and admiration for the beauty of creation in different settings, generating emotions that Mother Earth welcomed with joy.

Mother Earth was the embodiment of the Goddess principle, providing sustenance for humanity and offering shelter within her caves and landscapes. When individuals passed away and were laid to rest within her embrace, they hoped for her nurturing powers to facilitate their rebirth in the spiritual realm, a world they encountered daily in their dreams. Meanwhile, they cherished the intricate web of support and relationships nurtured under her guidance. Life unfolded as part of a magnificent tapestry where everything was interconnected, prompting people to embark on Sacred journeys across the expanse of Mother Earth. These journeys were not merely quests for sustenance or the observation of natural cycles; rather, they were perceived as Sacred pilgrimages to sites of connection with the mother, where rituals were performed in harmony with both human and natural cycles to receive her blessings and gifts.

In essence, the Religious brilliance of early Humans during their hunter-gatherer phase was intricately tied to their Sacred journeys across the earth, synchronized with the shifting seasons and their interactions with diverse flora and fauna. Living in small groups of around 25 individuals, they followed established routes, reaching sacred mountains or other revered sites at specific times of the year. While the journey served the practical purpose of securing sustenance, it was equally imbued with spiritual significance.

The Sacred journey, a practice that persists today among “primitive” societies like the Australian aborigines, was intertwined with the hunter-gatherer’s capacity to sense the energies of the earth and act as a conduit between the terrestrial realm and the universe, akin to an antenna receiving energies for the planet. Arriving at Sacred rocks in regions like Hermon, individuals would marvel at the surrounding landscape, immersing themselves in quiet reverence, thus fulfilling their role as agents generating profound emotions for the planet.

Only humans have the capacity to perch atop the Arbel cliffs, gaze upon the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley—especially during sunrise or sunset—and marvel at the sight, exclaiming, “how beautiful.” The cow simply sees the grass growing in the nearby field, while the wolf sees the cow. The Sacred journey aims to immerse individuals in this “beauty,” evoking profound feelings of gratitude, exaltation, and sublimity as a result of encountering special places on earth at specific times. From the outset, Mother Earth has supported the human race, aiding in its development so that humans could cultivate elevated emotions and sentiments within themselves, which serve as nourishment and support for her. While these feelings and emotions can be termed “religious,” they are in the sense of being part of something greater, rather than conforming to conventional religious practices.

The Sacred journey comprised a cyclical voyage across Mother Earth, wherein the ancients traversed various regions, pausing to sanctify creation in unique ways at specific times of the year. This journey also held practical purposes; for instance, during the peak of summer, they ascended to the Upper Galilee to gather ripe acorns for sustenance, while simultaneously witnessing the sunrise atop Mount Meron on the longest day of the year, sanctifying the moment. In the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee, where a different energy prevailed, they congregated during winter, precisely when fish were breeding, akin to bears hunting salmon during their seasonal migration to the Rivers. However, it’s essential to grasp that their wanderings were not solely out of necessity but were voluntary. Despite having the option to remain along the banks of the Sea of Galilee and subsist solely on fishing, they chose to migrate to the Galilee Mountains, the Golan Heights, and the coastal plain. This journey symbolized both their freedom and an inner calling—a spontaneous merging with the environment and a direct connection of intuition with the wisdom of nature—rather than a calculated decision based on pragmatic considerations.

The Sacred journey encompassed not only interactions with animals and plants but also with the inanimate elements of nature. Certain locations held significance for the ancients, who would gather specific types of stones for tool-making or the production of materials like red ochre, which they would transport to other sites. Additionally, they sought out flint stones for igniting fires and other necessities. Carrying essential equipment with them, they supplemented their needs by crafting items on-site or extracting resources from the land, sometimes leaving behind provisions for future visits. As part of this journey, they likely encountered places abundant with medicinal plants, hot springs, and other natural phenomena.

According to Eliade, ancient Humans experienced a profound connection with their environment that is challenging for us to grasp today. They perceived their birth as a result of contact with the womb of Mother Earth and felt a sense of belonging in water, crystals, stones, and trees. They possessed the ability to transcend their physical bodies through shamanic trance, often aided by intoxicating plants, and establish connections with the earth, plants, and animals. Humans were deeply rooted in a specific places, leading to the concept of God being referred to as “the place” in Judaism. Their existence was intertwined with the entirety of nature, and the earth itself was their home.

Men engaged in ceremonies aimed at ensuring successful hunts and appeasing the spirits of animals, seeking connection with them. These ceremonies likely involved circle dances while adorned in animal skins and masks, a practice reminiscent of modern folklore festivals in the Balkans and Europe. Through these rituals, they revered the “animal God,” often depicted as horned. Conversely, women conducted ceremonies to commune with the spirits of plants, seeking their assistance in nurturing mushrooms and bearing fruit. Plants were viewed as sentient beings with intelligence, particularly trees, believed to be interconnected and possessing the ability to communicate across time and space. Thus, plants were perceived as extensions of the earth and embodiments of the Goddess. Additionally, the moon and its associated time cycles represented another aspect of the Goddess, while the overarching spirit of the earth encompassed all existence, whether acknowledged or not.

Despite living in small groups as hunter-gatherers who moved from place to place, ancient people, until the advent of agriculture, often settled in caves for extended periods, sometimes several months each year, as seen in the Carmel caves. It’s crucial to recognize that these caves served not only as dwellings but also as Sacred sites. Some caves were associated with conception, while others were designated places for childbirth. Many of these caves possessed unique acoustic properties, serving as Sacred music venues akin to concert halls.

When not dwelling in caves, ancient people constructed camps and huts, some of which have miraculously survived to this day, dating back to 20,000 years ago near the Sea of Galilee. These remnants offer insight into their daily lives, revealing their deep connection with the earth and their bodies in ways that are challenging for us to comprehend in the modern era. For them, every location was their home.

[1] For this reason, there are fire places inside the temples of the birth in Lepenski Vir in Serbia.

[2]     There are remnants of this to this day in the Bektashi and Ismaili traditions that refer to the place of the hearth as the place of Fatima (Muhammad’s daughter and part of the Shia holy family).

[3] In the temple of Dionysus in Thrace they used to prophesy according to the smoke rising from a Sacred bonfire on which wine was poured.

[4]     So claims a spiritual teacher who worked in the first half of the 20th century named Gurdjieff

[5] ^[5] Rappenglück, Michael. “Cave and Cosmos, a Geotopic Model of the World in Ancient Cultures.” Lights and Shadows in Cultural Astronomy, MP Zedda and JA Belmonte, eds. Isili: Associazione Archeofila Sara (2005): 241-249.

[6] (Half a million years ago Neanderthal man evolved from Homo erectus.)