1. SWASTIKA REVISITED
Four stylized M´s compose this swastika-like cross (mind you, not to compare with the Nazi version) and each has been assigned a particular color. However only two of these M´s has a symbol similar to the trigram attached to it. This is called the trigram of Li which of the eight symbols of the Bagua (see I Ching). It is equivalent to the element of fire, rapid movement and radiance.
LI is the Trigram of Fire. The light that gives all things their brilliance. It signifies attachment and passion. It symbolizes glory, fame and high capacity, also war, arms and drought. Its organ is the eye. Li is the middle daughter of Earth and Heaven. The trigram appears two times possibly highlighting MM and duality, which has been a long time obsession of Manson.
Fire is both destructive but it also makes way for new things to be born. Death and rebirth is a well known concept observed in many cultures, even in modern religions.
Casually, it is believed that the origin of the swastika goes way back to Prehistoric Europe when it was compared with the "sun wheel":
Also the cross represents the number 4, as in the four sacred elements, such as earth, wind, fire and water.
This new MM cross bears similarities with the Slavic symbol named The Hands Of God or kolovrat which comes from mythology and created in honor of the Sun God Svarog. To the Slavs this swastika was meant to be a magic sign manifesting the power of the sun and fire.
Where these symbols meant for evil and hatred? Hell no.
2. THE NUMBER FOUR.
Consider that this number has several meanings. The most common that come to mind are earth, wind, fire and water, the four cardinal points (north, south, east, west), the four elements that compose life (CHON or Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen), four seasons, the four phases of the moon, yet we could also take a look at the spiritual meaning.
In astrology and other forms of divination 4 represents stability, balance, security, determination and construction.
In Tarot the 4 is given to The Emperor Card:
What is interesting however is that the opposite meaning of this card is being stubborn, too practical, closed minded, archaic.
In numerology, Manson´s own birth date can be easily reduced to 4:
January 5 1969 or:
1, 5, 1969
1 + 5 + 1+ 9 + 6 + 9 = 31
3 + 1 = 4
Currently there are also four members in the band: Marilyn Manson, Jeordie White, Fred Sablan and Chris Vrenna.
The number can also be found on this current year:
2011,
2 + 0 + 1 + 1 = 4
The other four that are being represented are CMYK.
3. CMYK
When hovering over the black and white version of the cross it looks like this:
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| Black, monochromatic version |
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| CMYK version |
To designers and photographers and related CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is the terminology used for color composition in printing, opposed to the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) which compose all the colors in nature and video screens.
CMYK is also used as an anagram, as seen in a portion of Marilyn Manson´s journal:
Christianity
Manufactures
Yesterday´s
Killers
As a side note RGB is natural, CMYK is man made, colors that have been manufactured for you, colors suggest feelings so you might as well associate with any forms of artificial entertainment, conformity, conservatism, moral and artistic repression.
If these four elements represent modern society then the trigram of Li which represents fire could well be the force that ignites creativity.
A Tarot Card which stands for this force is The King Of Wands:
Many of the elements that compose The King Of Wands are related to fire, including his crown which resembles flames, its red robe and the salamanders, which were once believed to have the ability to walk on fire. The salamanders that are biting their own tail represent infinity and the never ending need to overcome all obstacles in order to become the people we want.
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| Illustration of a salamander from The Story of Alchemy and the Beginnings of Chemistry |
4. INTERPRETATIONS:
While we are still on the lookout for an explanation for this new era symbol some thoughts come to mind:
- Marilyn Manson has always challenged society in order to open minds and make way for new ways of thinking which clearly defines him as a modern philosopher whose teachings rest in his art and music.
- Art has also broken the rules for creativity and free thinking (i.e. the avant garde movements) and serves well as tool for the expression of the mind and soul, the triumph of art over a stale and obsolete society.
- In order to achieve this change one must not work alone but as a group and start a revolution, one that should always be willing to materialize new ideas and avoid falling into decadence and corruption of the soul.
- It´s the manifesto of a new era which main purpose is to reinvent society and tear down stigmas such as the swastika, among other things.
