You wouldn't think it but, JW Spiritism/Occult sources.
- C.Aamold
- Nov 1, 2024
- 20 min read
Updated: Aug 27
NOTE: I do not subscribe to any religion. I once believed in Masoretic Text translations until I dug deeper and came to a different conclusion during my search through Christian denominational teachings, their leaders, and the roots of how they started, while reading the Bible itself verse by verse a few times (many translations) or more to match up their beliefs to the spiritual book they claim to follow and believe in themselves. If you ask me what I believe, I would say what the scholarly census has agreed upon, even if the decision board doesn't agree with them because they're worried about the faith of humanity for what they were taught to believe despite it contradicting evidence. Anything I've studied, watched, read is added here to help you see how I got to this point to help others who are curious too.
THE TRANSLATION SOURCE JW's USE FOR JOHN 1:1
(talking to the spirit word)
Pg 15
The translation they used for their John 1:1 "and was a god", and the translators' own words on how he received his information to translate it. The spirit world.
And Matthew 27:52,53 with the tombs.
What they think about the guy that gave them their John 1:1 translation
To clarify its identity, the group, which came to form the Bible Student movement, formulated a body of historical doctrine, including a mythical self-history, which provided a comprehensive symbolic linkage with the past[7][8] but also fortified the movement's expectations for the future.[5]
33 Is such official Catholic teaching as the above an impenetrable defense against the invasion of spiritism? No! It is an invitation to spiritism, and the conditions in Roman Catholic lands, such as Peru, Costa Rica, Cuba and Haiti, show Roman Catholicism to be no bulwark against this spreading peril. In such lands the Catholic people, even up to 90 per cent, mix spiritism or voodooism right in with Roman Catholicism, practicing both at the same time with no objection or penalty by the priests. It comes as no surprise that one Johannes Greber, a former Catholic clergyman, has become a spiritualist and has published the book entitled “Communication with the Spirit World, Its laws and Its Purpose.” (1932, Macoy Publishing Company, New York) In its Foreword he makes the typical misstatement: “The most significant spiritualistic book is the Bible; for its principal contents hinge upon the messages of the beyond to those existing in the present.”
So, they knew this guy and who he was back in 1955, and still used his work? When it plainly says in the introduction in the very bible he made that he was into it way before his other book?
■ Why, in recent years, has The Watchtower not made use of the translation by the former Catholic priest, Johannes Greber?
This translation was used occasionally in support of renderings of Matthew 27:52, 53 and John 1:1, as given in the New World Translation and other authoritative Bible versions. But as indicated in a foreword to the 1980 edition of The New Testament by Johannes Greber, this translator relied on “God’s Spirit World” to clarify for him how he should translate difficult passages. It is stated: “His wife, a medium of God’s Spiritworld was often instrumental in conveying the correct answers from God’s Messengers to Pastor Greber.” The Watchtower has deemed it improper to make use of a translation that has such a close rapport with spiritism. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) The scholarship that forms the basis for the rendering of the above-cited texts in the New World Translation is sound and for this reason does not depend at all on Greber’s translation for authority. Nothing is lost, therefore, by ceasing to use his New Testament.
As far as I've seen, no other translation uses this. They obviously won't let go if they continue to use it as an argument. And what scholarship? They had no scholarship among them, and they demonize all others outside of JW.
Other book by the same guy
There is no "A" in the Greek. And it's perfectly reasonable to use "was God" and not believe in the trinity. The word was not the words of Christ from Jesus's own mouth all over in John, the word was the spirit in him, which is the spirit of God, the word being spirit, the same spirit in the old prophets 1Pe 1:11, therefore, the word was God dwelling in man, whose name is Jesus, making him the anointed/messiah/savior at that time. This is alright, because David, even Saul was the messiah/anointed for his time.
Winged sun disk
National god of Assyrians
On every book of the same set
Above their worship tree.
False gods in their artwork for no reason, and off subject.
False God on table stand. Either for racist reasons or they like that false god.
Cross and Crown
(what they consider is pagan)
Catholic and Freemasonry
JWs wore this symbol as a pin on their coats for awhile.
For years, the Bible Students wore a cross-and-crown pin as a badge of identification. This symbol was on the front cover of The Watch Tower for many years. By the early 1930’s, Jehovah’s Witnesses had abandoned the use of the cross-and-crown emblem.
Tarot Card Logo
(I will be highlighting the common JW message and what's spoken of through their teachings that sound similar in Tarot Card meanings)
The Tower Tarot card is a powerful and impactful card in the tarot deck. Its symbolism and imagery depict destruction, upheaval, and sudden change. When this card appears in a reading, it often signifies a breaking down of old structures and beliefs, leading to personal or collective transformation12.
Here are the key meanings associated with the Tower Tarot card:
Chaos: Expect the unexpected – massive change, upheaval, destruction, and chaos.
Sudden upheaval: It may be a divorce, death of a loved one, financial failure, health problems, natural disaster, job loss, or any event that shakes you to your core, affecting you spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Revelations: A lightning bolt of clarity and insight cuts through the lies and illusions you have been telling yourself, revealing the truth.
False foundations: You may have been building your life on unstable premises – false assumptions, mistruths, illusions, blatant lies, etc.
Personal transformation: While disorienting, over time, you’ll come to see that your original beliefs were built on a false understanding, and your new belief systems are more representative of reality.
Remember, even in times of disaster, there is always divine intervention, represented by the 22 flames surrounding the falling figures in the card1. So, embrace the chaos, allow the old structures to crumble, and trust that transformation awaits on the other side.
None Generic Tarot Reading within their articles and books.
(highlighting for the same reasons above)
The demons use various means to deceive people
MEANING
The Devil Tarot card holds profound symbolism and meaning within the realm of tarot. Let’s delve into its significance:
Description:
The Devil card depicts Baphomet, a creature that is half man, half goat. Originally, Baphomet represented the balance between good and evil, male and female, and human and animal. However, over time, it has become associated with the occult and considered a scapegoat for all things perceived as ‘evil.’
Baphomet has the wings of a vampire bat, symbolizing the draining effect of raw desires when indulged.
His hypnotic stare draws people in, entrancing them and bringing them under his power.
Above him, an inverted pentagram signifies the darker side of magic and occultism.
He raises his right hand in the Vulcan Salute, a Jewish blessing later popularized by the Star Trek series.
In his left hand, he holds a lit torch.
At his feet, a man and a woman stand naked and chained to the podium. Although seemingly held against their will, the loose chains around their necks suggest they could break free. They grow more like the devil the longer they remain there, with small horns on their heads and tails signifying animalistic tendencies and raw instincts.
Meaning:
Upright: The Devil card represents your shadow self, negative forces, and constraints that hinder you from becoming your best self. You might grapple with negative habits, dependencies, behaviors, thought patterns, relationships, and addictions. It’s akin to selling your soul to the devil, choosing instant gratification even if it harms your long-term well-being.
Reversed: When reversed, the Devil urges you to release limiting beliefs, explore dark thoughts, and detach from these negative forces.
Remember, the Devil card serves as a reminder that you possess the power to overcome these constraints and embrace your true potential.
The Hermit tarot card represents introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. Let’s delve into its symbolism and meanings:
Description:
The Hermit stands alone on the top of a mountain, symbolizing spiritual mastery, growth, and accomplishment.
In his right hand, he holds a lantern with a six-pointed star inside, known as the Seal of Solomon, representing wisdom.
The lantern illuminates only his next few steps, emphasizing that self-discovery unfolds gradually.
His left hand holds a long staff, signifying power and authority, which guides and balances him.
Upright Interpretation:
The Hermit invites you to take a break from everyday life and turn inward.
Seek answers within your soul, away from distractions.
Consider a retreat or pilgrimage for self-contemplation.
Tune in to your inner wisdom; it holds profound truths.
You’re at a pivotal point, reevaluating goals and priorities.
The desire to focus on your inner world, away from materialism, may arise.
Reversed Interpretation:
Isolation, loneliness, and withdrawal.
Be cautious not to retreat too far; seek balance.
Avoid excessive secrecy or fear-driven decisions.
Remember, The Hermit’s light guides you toward self-awareness. Shine it on your soul, step by step, and create your unique path.
The Death tarot card is often misunderstood and feared, but its symbolism goes beyond physical demise. Let’s explore its deeper meanings:
Description:
The Death card depicts the Messenger of Death, a skeleton clad in black armor, riding a white horse.
The skeleton represents the part of the body that persists long after life has departed.
The armor symbolizes invincibility, signifying that death is inevitable.
The dark color represents mourning and mystery, while the white horse embodies purity, strength, and power.
Death carries a black flag adorned with a white, five-petal rose, symbolizing beauty, purification, and immortality. The number five signifies change.
Together, these symbols reveal that death isn’t merely about life ending; it’s about endings and beginnings, transformation, and rebirth.
In the background, a boat drifts down the river, reminiscent of mythological vessels escorting the departed to the afterlife.
The sun sets between two towers on the horizon, akin to the cycle of dying each night and being reborn every morning.
Upright Meaning:
The Death card doesn’t necessarily portend physical death. Instead, it signifies:
Endings: A major phase or aspect of your life is concluding.
Transformation: Letting go of old patterns, situations, or beliefs.
New Beginnings: Making way for something more valuable and essential.
You must close one door to open another, embracing new opportunities.
While it may be challenging to release the past, doing so promises renewal and positive change.
Visualize new possibilities, allowing constructive patterns to emerge.
Reversed Meaning:
When reversed, the Death card suggests:
Resistance to Change: Clinging to the familiar, even when it no longer serves you.
Personal Transformation: An inner purging process.
Embrace change willingly to facilitate growth.
Remember, the Death card symbolizes the natural cycles of life—endings leading to new beginnings.
The Tower Tarot card is a powerful and impactful card in the tarot deck. Its symbolism and imagery depict destruction, upheaval, and sudden change. When this card appears in a reading, it often signifies a breaking down of old structures and beliefs, leading to personal or collective transformation12.
Here are the key meanings associated with the Tower Tarot card:
Chaos: Expect the unexpected – massive change, upheaval, destruction, and chaos.
Sudden upheaval: It may be a divorce, death of a loved one, financial failure, health problems, natural disaster, job loss, or any event that shakes you to your core, affecting you spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Revelations: A lightning bolt of clarity and insight cuts through the lies and illusions you have been telling yourself, revealing the truth.
False foundations: You may have been building your life on unstable premises – false assumptions, mistruths, illusions, blatant lies, etc.
Personal transformation: While disorienting, over time, you’ll come to see that your original beliefs were built on a false understanding, and your new belief systems are more representative of reality.
Remember, even in times of disaster, there is always divine intervention, represented by the 22 flames surrounding the falling figures in the card1. So, embrace the chaos, allow the old structures to crumble, and trust that transformation awaits on the other side.
MEANING
The Joker tarot card holds a fascinating place in the world of tarot. Let’s explore its symbolism and meanings:
Iconic and Recognizable:
The Joker, also known as the Fool, is one of the most iconic and recognizable cards in the tarot deck.
It is often associated with chaos, confusion, and even violence.
Beginning of a Journey:
Symbolically, the Joker card represents the beginning of a journey, a fresh chapter in life, or a new start.
It embodies qualities of innocence, spontaneity, and risk-taking.
When the Joker appears, it encourages you to trust your instincts and embrace the unknown.
It reminds you to let go of fears and doubts and have faith in yourself 12.
Multiple Interpretations:
The Joker can be seen as:
An agent of chaos, disrupting the status quo.
A symbol of laughter and joy.
A wild and anarchic force.
Its unique symbolism remains relevant throughout tarot history 3.
Interpreting the Joker Tarot Card:
When interpreting the Joker, consider the following:
Current Situation: Ask what it means for your present circumstances. It might reveal aspects that stand out.
Future Prediction: Use it to predict what lies ahead.
Remember that interpretations can vary, but the Joker often signifies unpredictability, transformation, and adaptation 34.
Expectations with The Joker Tarot Card:
If you draw the Joker, expect someone who is highly unpredictable and dangerous.
They may have great potential for success, but also carry the potential for great destruction 3.
In the realm of tarot, the Joker card invites you to embark on your own spiritual exploration, embracing the journey of self-discovery.
The High Priestess tarot card embodies mystery, intuition, and inner wisdom. She represents the divine feminine and our connection to dreams, feelings, and instincts. This card signifies the balance between the conscious and subconscious, the rational and irrational, and the interplay of light and darkness 1. Let’s delve deeper into its symbolism:
Veil and Pomegranates: The High Priestess sits before a thin veil adorned with pomegranates. The veil symbolizes the separation between conscious and subconscious realms, the seen and the unseen. Only the initiated may pass through. Pomegranates represent abundance, fertility, and the divine feminine. They are sacred to Persephone, who ate a pomegranate seed in the underworld and returned each year 2.
Two Pillars: On either side of The High Priestess stand two pillars. The black pillar bears the letter “B” (Boaz, meaning ‘in his strength’), while the white pillar has the letter “J” (Jachin, meaning ‘he will establish’). These pillars signify duality—masculine and feminine, darkness and light. Knowledge and acceptance of duality are prerequisites to enter this sacred space 2.
Blue Robe and Crescent Moon: The High Priestess wears a blue robe with a cross on her chest, representing divine knowledge and her status as a ruler. Her horned diadem signifies wisdom. In her lap, she holds a scroll with the letters “TORA,” signifying the Greater Law. The crescent moon at her feet symbolizes her connection with the divine feminine, intuition, and natural cycles 2.
Upright Meaning: The High Priestess guards the subconscious mind and imparts sacred knowledge. She effortlessly travels between realms, revealing hidden information. She represents spiritual enlightenment, inner illumination, and wisdom. When she appears, the veil between you and the underworld is thin, offering access to deep soul knowledge 2.
Remember, the High Priestess invites you to explore the depths within, where secrets and profound truths await. Trust your intuition and embrace the mysteries that lie beyond the material world.
The Magician tarot card is a powerful symbol associated with manifestation, resourcefulness, and inspired action. Let’s delve into its deeper meanings:
Description:
The Magician stands with one arm reaching upward toward the Universe and the other pointing down to the earth. This positioning represents the connection between spiritual realms and the material world.
His robe is white, symbolizing purity, while his cloak is red, representing worldly experience and knowledge.
On the table in front of him are the four symbols of the Tarot suits: a cup, pentacle, sword, and wand. Each symbolizes one of the four elements: water, earth, air, and fire.
Above his head is the infinity symbol, signifying unlimited potential.
Around his waist, a snake biting its own tail further emphasizes access to boundless energy.
The foreground features foliage and flowers, symbolizing the blossoming and fruition of ideas and aspirations.
Upright Meaning:
As a master manifestor, The Magician provides you with the tools, resources, and energy needed to make your dreams come true.
You possess the spiritual (fire), physical (earth), mental (air), and emotional (water) resources to manifest your desires.
Combining these elements synergistically allows you to become a manifestation powerhouse.
Now is the perfect time to move forward on an idea you recently conceived. The seed of potential has sprouted, and you are called to take action and bring your intention to fruition.
Establish a clear vision of what you will create, driven not just by ego (money, status, or fame) but by a soul connection to your goals.
Reversed Meaning:
When reversed, The Magician warns against manipulation and poor planning.
Untapped talents may remain dormant, and your intentions might not fully materialize.
Reflect on whether your actions align with your higher purpose and soul connection.
The Empress tarot card is a powerful symbol associated with femininity, abundance, and creativity. Let’s explore its meanings:
Upright Empress:
Femininity: The Empress embodies various aspects of femininity, including elegance, sensuality, fertility, creative expression, and nurturing. It emphasizes the importance of connecting with your feminine energy.
Abundance: You are surrounded by life’s pleasures and luxuries. Everything you’ve dreamed of is coming to fruition. Take a moment to appreciate the bounty in your life and express gratitude.
Mother Earth Connection: Venture into nature to ground your energy. Spend time in forests, by the beach, or near lakes. Breathe in the energy that surrounds you and marvel at the beauty of your surroundings1.
Reversed Empress:
Creative Block: You may be experiencing creative stagnation or dependence on others. Seek ways to overcome creative obstacles.
Imbalance: The reversed Empress suggests imbalances, insecurities, and disconnection from nature and nurturing aspects. Reconnect with your intuitive forces and find harmony within yourself2.
Remember, the Empress radiates abundant growth, fertile potential, and a deep connection with both nature and our nurturing instincts.
Pyramidology
For some 35 years, Pastor Russell thought that the Great Pyramid of Gizeh was God’s stone witness, corroborating Biblical time periods. (Isa. 19:19) But Jehovah’s Witnesses have abandoned the idea that an Egyptian pyramid has anything to do with true worship. (See “Watchtower” issues of November 15 and December 1, 1928)
Pyramid near his grave with the Freemason Cross and quotes on it. Removed in 2021 once people started investigating by JW.org
Pleiades constellation
(continuation of pyramids)
By C.R.
"It is interesting to note that at midnight of the autumnal equinox of the year 2140 B. C. these two lines were pointing directly towards the Pleiades. considered by 10me to be the center of the universe and the throne of God, while at the same time the Dragon Star, symbol of Satan, would be looking directly down the Descending Passage. Thus in two ways did the builder definitely give the date of the erection of the Pyramid"
…
"Then again, the position of the Pleiades at the time of the completion of the Great Pyramid
of Egypt, "God's Stone Witness," is a very prominent feature of that building in the midst
of the land of Egypt. For these and for other reasons Bible Students have good cause to believe that in the region of the Pleiades is located the throne of Jehovah God, the spiritual center of the universe; whence go forth the "sweet influences" of the Almighty to the Earth and to all other parts of the starry universe. "
Golden Age #131 Sept 24, 1924
JR continued with the belief in book Reconciliation pg. 13-15 saying it’s the place of Jehovah.
"The enlightened student of the Word of God knows, however, that the earth holds a place of importance in God's creation far greater than that of Betelgeuse or any other star or planet save alone the one which is the place of the throne of the Eternal God."
He goes on to say:
"The constellation of the seven stars forming the Pleiades appears to be the crowning center around which the known systems of the planets revolve even as our sun’s planets obey the sun and travel in their respective orbits. It has been suggested, and with much weight, that one of the stars of group is the dwelling-place of Jehovah and the place of the highest heavens; that it is the place to which the inspired writer referred when he said: 'Hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven' (2 Chron. 6 : 21); and that it is the place to which Job referred when under inspiration he wrote: 'Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades , or loose the bands of Orion?'-Job 33 : 31.
The constellation of the Pleiades is a small one compared with others which scientific instruments disclose to the wondering eyes of man. But the greatness in size of other stars or planets is small when compared with the Pleiades in importance, because the Pleiades is the place of the eternal throne of God. For a like reason the various groups of stars, greater in size than the planet earth, must in the eyes of Jehovah be of far less importance than the earth because of the close relationship between the earth and the throne of Jehovah. Concerning this relationship the prophet of God wrote: 'The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.' (Isa, 66: 1) Thus it is shown from his Word that there is a direct and intimate relationship between the throne of Jehovah and the earth."
Creation Book p95
"The face of the deep, of course, would he toward the Pleiades, which are claimed to be the habitation of Jehovah. 'The very next verse of this scripture reads: "Canst thou bind the' sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?" (Verse 31) The face of the deep, the scripture plainly says, was frozen, It would have the appearance of a stone, because ice looks like a stone. The hoar frost was there. By that we would understand that it was white frost, collected there for centuries ; otherwise it was great beds of snow and ice. The Lord had placed it there. It would furnish a sight of beauty beyond the description of words. It was one of the wonders of Goel's creation.
What they tell people on JW.org after their FOUNDERS used this for their doctrine foundation.
Some attribute striking qualities to these constellations or star groups and on the basis of such they then offer private interpretations of Job 38:31, 32 that amaze their hearers. Their views are not always sound from the standpoint of astronomy, and when viewed Scripturally they are completely without foundation. Why? Because we do not know which stars or groups of stars are being referred to in these Job 38 verses 31, 32. The names Pleiades, Orion and Arcturus are not the names given in the Bible. Some translations make Mazzaroth refer to the signs of the Zodiac. English translators have merely adopted these pagan names given to constellations or star groups and have inserted them in their translations in the place of the original names that appear in the Hebrew Scriptures, namely, Kimah, Kesil, Mazzaroth and ‘Ayish. To just what stars or star groups these names refer we do not know today. Hence it is useless to indulge in unprofitable speculations. Incidentally, Pleiades can no longer be considered the center of the universe and it would be unwise for us to try to fix God’s throne as being at a particular spot in the universe. Were we to think of the Pleiades as his throne we might improperly view with special veneration that cluster of stars.
Astrology
CR used astrology for his predictions (obviously from above as well).
"when Uranus and Jupiter meet in the humane sign of Aquarius in 1914, the long promised era will have made a fair start in the work of setting man free to work out his own salvation, and will insure the ultimate realization of dreams and ideals of all poets and sages in history"
(Watchtower, May 1, 1903, p. 130-131; p3184 Reprints)1903 Zion's Watch Tower : Watchtower Bible and Tract Society : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive (Right side)
Music
Their feelings on "New Age music"
Anyone can join this movement. There is no initiation rite or baptism. Nor do people have to give up their religious affiliations to belong to it. On the other hand, many resent being tagged with the “New Age” label simply because they believe in some of the concepts embraced by the New Age movement or enjoy some of the so-called New Age art or music.
Margot Adler, a New Age guru, explains that many of the women who join women’s New Age movements do it “for reasons that are very personal. . . . They hate their bodies, they hate themselves. They come into these groups which basically say to you, ‘You’re the Goddess, you’re wonderful.’”
Would you want an encounter with supernatural spirit forces that seek to control you? A practicer of yoga must be prepared for this possibility. Yes, in practicing yoga, you may be tangling with the occult. A former Western yoga practitioner said: “You think you are controlling other, hidden forces in the universe. But, frighteningly, I now believe they are actually controlling you.”
Now the song they stole
Made 2012 Eternal Flame audio machine.
Their 2016 convention start in 40 sec. no credits provided but their own.
2:40 sec they have a witness playing the violin as if they are playing.
Why use anything to do with "eternal flame" if they don’t believe that anyway? On a rez video when they believe dead is dead and no one is in eternal flame, but eternal life after rez, for only 144k. This band has rez songs.
The differences between them giving credit and not
Some credit.
Credit
Their own credit.
Credits
They're asking for free labor and donations to build a new audio-visual center (based on them creating everything in house)
Talking about the music
They also did this with the Jurassic Park theme song.
Devil's Advocate
Use of Masonic symbolism
Some have claimed that various symbols Russell employed in his published literature are Masonic in nature, and that such associations implied he engaged in occult activity. In later editions of the Studies in the Scriptures series a winged solar disk was stamped on the front cover, a symbol that is also associated with Freemasonry.[citation needed] However, Russell's use of the winged solar-disk originated from his understanding of Malachi 4:2, which denotes a sun with wings, as a symbol that Christ's millennial Kingdom had begun to emerge.[108]
Some critics also claim that the pyramid that stood near Russell's gravesite was Masonic[68][109][110][111] because of its shape and its use of the Cross and Crown symbol, although this remains disputed.[112][113] The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon has said that Russell was not a Freemason,[114][115] and notes that the symbols pre-date the fraternity.[116]
In June 1913, during a transcontinental speaking tour, Russell lectured in a Masonic hall in San Francisco, saying:
Although I have never been a Mason… Something I do seems to be the same as Masons do, I don't know what it is; but they often give me all kinds of grips and I give them back, then I tell them I don't know anything about it except just a few grips that have come to me naturally.[117]
Throughout his ministry he said that he believed Christian identity is incompatible with Freemasonry.[118] He described Freemasonry, Knights of Pythias, Theosophy, and other such groups as "grievous evils" and "unclean".[119][120]
You do not have to be recorded as a member, to be affiliated.
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