theology
Shapeshifting Transformation
Form-mutability as a constitutional property of divine and preternatural beings — gods, heroes, spirits, and their human practitioners possessing inherent capacity to alter form across human, animal, plant, or elemental states. Loki and Odin's transformations in Norse, Math's pigs and Blodeuwedd's owl-shape and Pwyll's exchange with Arawn in the Mabinogion, the Greek Proteus, the Indian dasavatara, Vainamoinen's bird-flight in the Kalevala, Ovid's metamorphoses, the shamanic and witch's capacity for ritual form-change. Distinct from anthropomorphism (divine taking specific human form, single embodiment) in that anthropomorphism establishes a stable form whereas this concept establishes form's plurality and instability.
220 passages · 10 traditions
native_american63
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter V-c
“Our people have always claimed that the stone arrows which are found so generally throughout the country are the ones that the first man used in his battle with the animals.
It is not recorded in our traditions, much less is it within the…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter V-d
“The young man and his Teacher made a birch-bark canoe, which floated upon the surface of the flood, while of the animals there were saved only a few, who had found a foothold upon the highest peaks.
The youth had now passed triumphantly th…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter V-e
“There are some curious traditions of young men and maidens who transgressed this law unknowingly, being seduced and deceived by a magnificent buck deer, perhaps, or a graceful doe, and whose fall was punished with death.
The animal totems…”
Myths of the Cherokee | Myth 3a
“KANA′TĬ AND SELU: THE ORIGIN OF GAME AND CORN When I was a boy this is what the old men told me they had heard when they were boys.
Long years ago, soon after the world was made, a hunter and his wife lived at Pilot knob with their only ch…”
Myths of the Cherokee | Myth 3b
“The wind blew the down from his shoulder, and it fell in the woods, when the Wild Boy took his right shape again and went back and told his brother what he had seen.
Keeping out of sight of their father, they followed him up the mountain u…”
Myths of the Cherokee | Myth 3c
““There is no meat,” said Selu, “but wait a little while and I’ll get you something.” So she took a basket and started out to the storehouse.
This storehouse was built upon poles high up from the ground, to keep it out of the reach of anima…”
Myths of the Cherokee | Myth 3d
“When the Wolf chief asked him his business, he said: “I have two bad boys at home, and I want you to go in seven days from now and play ball against them.” Although Kana′tĭ spoke as though he wanted them to play a game of ball, the Wolves k…”
Myths of the Cherokee | Myth 3e
“He rolled it to the south and to the north, and each time the wheel came back to him, and they knew their father was not there.
Then he rolled it toward the Sunland, and it did not return.
“Our father is there,” said the Wild Boy, “let us…”
Show all 63 →finnic55
The Kalevala | Rune II-b
“Wainamoinen, old and trusty, Thought awhile, and well considered, How to kill the mighty oak-tree, First created for his pleasure, How to fell the tree majestic, How to lop its hundred branches.
Sad the lives of man and hero, Sad the homes…”
The Kalevala | Rune III-a
“AND YOUKAHAINEN.
Wainamoinen, ancient minstrel, Passed his years in full contentment, On the meadows of Wainola, On the plains of Kalevala, Singing ever wondrous legends, Songs of ancient wit and wisdom, Chanting one day, then a second, Si…”
The Kalevala | Rune III-d
“Thou wert never seen or heard of When the earth was first created, When were made the ether-spaces, When the air was crystal-pillared, When the Moon was placed in orbit, When the silver Sun was planted, When the Bear was firmly stationed, W…”
The Kalevala | Rune III-e
“Now it was that Youkahainen Comprehended but too clearly What his folly, what the end was, Of the journey he had ventured, Vainly he had undertaken For the glory of a contest With the grand, old Wainamoinen.
When at last young Youkahainen,…”
The Kalevala | Rune IV-d
“Thus the tearful maiden answered: Therefore do I weep and sorrow, Wretched maiden all my life long, Since poor Aino, thou hast given, Since thy daughter thou hast promised To the aged Wainamoinen, Comfort to his years declining Prop to stay…”
The Kalevala | Rune IV-e
“Weeping Aino, now disrobing, Lays aside with care her garments, Hangs her silk robes on the alders, Drops her gold-cross on the sea-shore, On the aspen hangs her ribbons, On the rocks her silken stockings, On the grass her shoes of deer-ski…”
The Kalevala | Rune IV-g
“As the tear-drops fall and mingle, Form they streamlets three in number, And their source, the mother's eyelids, Streamlets formed from pearly tear-drops, Flowing on like little rivers, And each streamlet larger growing, Soon becomes a rush…”
The Kalevala | Rune V-a
“'S LAMENTATION.
Far and wide the tidings travelled, Far away men heard the story Of the flight and death of Aino, Sister dear of Youkahainen, Fairest daughter of creation.
Wainamoinen, brave and truthful, Straightway fell to bitter weepin…”
Show all 55 →celtic47
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN-l
““My lord Arthur,” said Gwalchmai, “here is Owain, who has vanquished me, and will not take my arms.” “My lord,” said Owain, “it is he that has vanquished me, and he will not take my sword.” “Give me your swords,” said Arthur, “and then neit…”
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN-q
“And we were thrown into a state of stupor, and while we were thus, the demon who owns this Castle slew all our husbands, and took from us our horses, and our raiment, and our gold, and our silver; and the corpses of our husbands are still i…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWC-s
“Thou seest the many lovely maidens that there are in this Court; thou shalt have her whom thou best likest for the lady of thy love.” “Lady, I came not hither from my country to woo; but match yourselves as it liketh you with the comely you…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWC-ac
“And he destroys the branches of the best trees in the forest, and he kills every animal that he meets with therein; and those that he doth not slay perish of hunger.
And what is worse than that, he comes every night, and drinks up the fish…”
The Mabinogion | Tale KILHWCH AND OLWEN-b
“Then said she unto him, “I declare to thee, that it is thy destiny not to be suited with a wife until thou obtain Olwen, the daughter of Yspaddaden Penkawr.” And the youth blushed, and the love of the maiden diffused itself through all his…”
The Mabinogion | Tale KILHWCH AND OLWEN-h
“Garanwyn the son of Kai, and Amren the son of Bedwyr, and Ely Amyr, and Rheu Rhwyd Dyrys, and Rhun Rhudwern, and Eli, and Trachmyr (Arthur’s chief huntsmen).
And Llwyddeu the son of Kelcoed, and Hunabwy the son of Gwryon, and Gwynn Godyvro…”
The Mabinogion | Tale KILHWCH AND OLWEN-i
“Uchtryd Varyf Draws (who spread his red untrimmed beard over the eight-and-forty rafters which were in Arthur’s Hall).
Elidyr Gyvarwydd.
Yskyrdav and Yscudydd (two attendants of Gwenhwyvar were they.
Their feet were swift as their though…”
The Mabinogion | Tale KILHWCH AND OLWEN-j
“Gwenllian Deg the majestic maiden.
Creiddylad the daughter of Lludd Llaw Ereint.
(She was the most splendid maiden in the three Islands of the mighty, and in the three Islands adjacent, and for her Gwythyr the son of Greidawl and Gwynn th…”
Show all 47 →western_esoteric27
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 53
“§ 2. Concerning the Forms of Infernal Spirits in their Manifestations Having regard to the nature and antecedents of the Intelligences with which Black Magic professes to be concerned, it must be highly important that the operator should kn…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 55
“Click to view THE SEAL OF BAAL I. BAAL, a king ruling in the East, who imparts invisibility and wisdom. He appears with a human head, or with that of a toad or cat, but sometimes with all at once. He speaks with a hoarse voice. Click to vie…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 56
“Click to view THE SEAL OF BUER Click to view THE SEAL OF GUSION X. BUER, a great president, who appears when the sun is in Sagittarius and teaches philosophy, logic, the virtues of herbs, &c. He heals all diseases and gives good familiars.…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 58
“Click to view THE SEAL OF FORAS XXXI. FORAS, a great president, who appears in the form of a strong man and teaches the virtues of all herbs and precious stones, as well as logic and ethics; he makes men invisible, imparts wit, wisdom and e…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 59 (part 1)
“Click to view THE SEAL OF MALPAS XXXIX.
MALPAS, a powerful president, appears at first like a crow, but afterwards, when so commanded, assumes a human form, speaking with a hoarse voice.
He brings artificers swiftly from all parts of the…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 59 (part 2)
“HAGENTI, a great president, appears in the shape of a gigantic bull with the wings of a griffin, but will duly put on human form.
He gives wisdom, transmutes all metals into gold and turns wine into water.
Click to view THE SEAL OF PROCEL…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 60
“Click to view THE SEAL OF ALLOCEN Click to view THE SEAL OF CAIM LII. ALLOCEN, a strong duke, appears in the form of a soldier, mounted on a great horse, his face like that of a lion, exceedingly red, his eyes flaming fire, his speech hoars…”
The Book of Ceremonial Magic (A.E. Waite) | Page 61 (part 1)
“Click to view THE SEAL OF VAPULA LX.
VAPULA, a strong duke, comes in the form of a lion with griffin's wings.
He gives skill not only in manual professions but also in philosophy and the sciences contained in books--I suppose, as distingu…”
Show all 27 →gnosticism8
The Secret Writing According to John (Apocryphon of John), Codex II, 1 | The Savior Appears
“Immediately, [as I was musing on these matters], lo, the [heavens were opened, and] the [entire] creation underneath heaven glowed, and [the world] was shaken. [II, 2] [I grew fearful, and lo, I] saw inside the [light a child standing] near…”
The Secret Writing According to John (Apocryphon of John), Codex II, 1 | Yaltabaoth-b
“The first <is> Athoth – he has the face of a sheep;
the second is Eloaiou – he has the face of a donkey;
the third is Astaphaios – he has the face of a [hyena];
the fourth is Yao – he has the face of a seven-headed [dragon];
the fifth is Sa…”
The Secret Writing According to John (Apocryphon of John), Codex II, 1 | The Chief Archon Pollutes Eve
“I appeared in the shape of an eagle on the tree of knowledge, which is Reflection of Providence of Pure Light, so that I could instruct them and rouse them out of their deep sleep, because both of them were in a fallen condition, and they w…”
The Secret Writing According to John (Apocryphon of John), Codex II, 1 | The Vile Spirit
“I, however, asked: “Lord, where did the vile spirit originate?”
He then said to me: “The Mother- Father, who is abundant in mercy, the holy Spirit in every mode, the one who is merciful and [II, 28] who shows compassion for all of you – th…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRST-e
“And having come, coming unto the World I came unto the midst of the Rulers of the Sphere, I was the likeness of Gabriel the angel of the Aeons, and knew me not the Rulers of the Aeons.
But they were thinking that I am Gabriel the angel.
I…”
Pistis Sophia | Document SECOND-e
“And the Self-willed dispatched out of the Height in the thirteenth Aeon, he dispatched another great power of light, it came down unto the Chaos as an [125 ] arrow flying, that he should help his emanations, and take away the lights of the…”
Pistis Sophia | Document THIRD-ac
“And the tenth chamber there are many Rulers in it seven heads of dragon to each of them in their original face, and he who is over them all they are wont to call his name in their Place, Xarmarokh.
And eleventh chamber, there are many Rule…”
Pistis Sophia | Document THIRD-am
“These (commands) are those which are wont the Rulers of the great Destiny of the Aeons they are wont to deliver them (him, MS ) to the counterfeit spirit: and are wont the Rulers, they are wont to call the Ministers of the Aeons amounting t…”
norse6
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1b
“Hail to the giver!
| a guest has come; Where shall the stranger sit?
Swift shall he be who, | with swords shall try The proof of his might to make.
[1.
This stanza is quoted by Snorri, the second line being omitted in most of the Prose…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1h
“In a brother's slayer, | if thou meet him abroad, In a half-burned house, | in a horse full swift-- One leg is hurt | and the horse is useless-- None had ever such faith | as to trust in them all.
89.
Hope not too surely | for early harve…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1i
“50 Foul scorn was my meed | from the crafty maid, And nought from the woman I won.
* * * 103.
Though glad at home, | and merry with guests, A man shall be wary and wise; The sage and shrewd, | wide wisdom seeking, Must see that his speech…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1o
“A sixth I know, | if harm one seeks With a sapling's roots to send me; The hero himself | who wreaks his hate Shall taste the ill ere I.
153.
A seventh I know, | if I see in flames The hall o'er my comrades' heads; It burns not so wide |…”
The Poetic Edda: Voluspo | Section 1f
“Lothur : apparently an older name for Loki, the treacherous but ingenious son of Laufey, whose divinity Snorri regards as somewhat doubtful.
He was adopted by Othin, who subsequently had good reason to regret it.
Loki probably represents…”
The Poetic Edda: Voluspo | Section 1i
“On all sides saw I | Valkyries assemble, Ready to ride | to the ranks of the gods; Skuld bore the shield, | and Skogul rode next, Guth, Hild, Gondul, | and Geirskogul.
Of Herjan's maidens | the list have ye heard, Valkyries ready | to ride…”
theosophy6
The Secret Doctrine | Page 7 (part 6)
“"In the beginning, before Mother became Father-Mother, the fiery Dragon moved in the infinitudes alone" ( Book of Sarparajni.
) The Aitareya Brahmana calls the Earth Sarparajni, "the Serpent Queen," and "the Mother of all that moves." Befo…”
The Secret Doctrine | Page 10 (part 3)
“Crookes, F.R.S ., to admit that Science is yet a thousand leagues from the knowledge of the compound nature of the simplest molecule.
From him we learn that such a thing as a really simple [[Footnote continued on next page]] [[Vol.
1, Pag…”
The Secret Doctrine | Page 12 (part 6)
“" The Dhyanis ( Pitris ) are those who have evolved their BHUTA ( doubles ) from themselves , which RUPA ( form ) has become the vehicle of monads ( seventh and sixth principles ) that had completed their cycle of transmigration in the thre…”
The Secret Doctrine | Page 14 (part 4)
“I am merged in Sekten." This last sentence gives the corroboration of, and repeats the doctrine of, esoteric Buddhism, for it alludes directly to the fifth principle (Manas), or the most spiritual part of its essence rather, which merges in…”
The Secret Doctrine | Page 31 (part 1)
“The Secret Doctrine by H.
P.
Blavatsky -- Vol.
1 [[Vol.
1, Page]] 470 [[This page continued from previous section ]] § XV.
ON KWAN-SHI-YIN AND KWAN-YIN.
L IKE Avalokiteshwara, Kwan-shi-yin has passed through several transformations, b…”
The Secret Doctrine | Page 97 (part 8)
“The Laplanders call their corpses to this day manee, ( Voyage de Renard en Laponie I., 184).
Mannus is the ancestor of the German race; the Hindu Manu, the thinking being, from man; the Egyptian Menes ; and Minos, the King of Crete, judge…”
renaissance_hermeticism4
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter XXIX — What Things Are Under the Power of Mercury, and Are Called Mercurial | Chapter XXIX, Section 1
“CHAPTER XXIX. What Things Are Under the Power of Mercury, and Are Called Mercurial . Things under Mercury are these: Amongst Elements, water, though it moves all things indistinctly. Amongst humors, those especially which are mixed, as also…”
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter XXXVI — Of the Union of Mixed Things, and the Introduction of a More Noble Form and the Senses of Life | Chapter XXXVI, Section 1
“CHAPTER XXXVI. Of the Union of Mixed Things, and the Introduction of a More Noble Form and the Senses of Life . Moreover , we must know, that by how much the more noble the form of anything is, by so much the more prone and apt it is to rec…”
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter XLI — XLI. Of Sorceries, and Their Power | Chapter XLI, Section 1
“CHAPTER XLI. Of Sorceries, and Their Power . The force of sorceries is reported to be so great that they are believed to be able to subvert, consume and change all inferior things, according to Virgil's muse: Mœris for me these herbs in Pon…”
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter XLV — Of Collyries, Unctions, Love-Medicines, and Their Virtues | Chapter XLV, Section 1b
“Also by divers rites, observations, ceremonies, religions and superstitions; all which shall be handled in their places.
And not only by these kind of arts are passions, apparitions and images induced, but also things themselves, which are…”
hinduism3
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XI, Section 1a
“CHAPTER XI.
Ar g una said: In consequence of the excellent and mysterious words concerning the relation of the supreme and individual soul,, which you have spoken for my welfare, this delusion of mine is gone away.
O you whose eyes are li…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XI, Section 1b
“Some being afraid are praying with joined hands, and the groups of great sages and Siddhas are saying 'Welfare !' and praising you with abundant (hymns) of praise.
The Rudras, and Âdityas, the Vasus, the Sâdhyas, the Vi s vas, the two A s…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XI, Section 1c
“O infinite lord of gods!
O you pervading the universe!
you are the indestructible, that which is, that which is not, and what is beyond them .
You are the primal god, the ancient being, you are the highest support of this universe .
You…”
mesopotamian1
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet VI — Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven | Tablet VI, Section 1b
“(Sooth), thou shalt vouch (?) for the truth (?) of (this) list—Thy maidenhood's consort, Tammuz, each year dost make him the cause of Wailing , (then cometh Next) the bird Roller gay-feather’d thou lovedst, and (yet) thou didst smite him 50…”