#MasonicEducation | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

nightsky-wonderer · 5 years ago

Text

Observations and Coincidences

In praise of Varian’s Star Part 2

Continuing from my first post. Below are a few more observations and interpretations to coincidences that may/may not come to play.

The interpretation and theory may not be in line with yet-to-be seen canon material as the story continues, but I hope in the end it would serve as additional content for generating AU Ideas.

1.) The Pentagram - star-shaped symbol with greater meaning

The stars we a major source of wonder and inspiration for cultures around the world through time. Each one even implemented a star with a few or multiple points to it, each with their specific meaning. There is one symbol in particular I would like to focus on. You may remember seeing this symbol within the book from the episode “Curses!”

The upper right corner of the right page displays the moon, a 5-pointed star, and a sun. This star is known as a Pentagram, a symbol associated with perfect union, balance, and protection. It may not be a literal star in the sky, but it has a history of being associated with magic, philosophy, religion, and alchemy.

In one way, the pentagram served as a bit foreshadowing to what Lord Demanitus was describing in “Lost and Found”, where combining the Sundrop and the Moonstone is the key to having access to what is known as the “Ultimate Power”.

Looking through some research, the Pentagram was used by many cultures throughout history and was interpreted differently. Its creation was believed to be from ancient Mesopotamia, tracing the orbital pattern of the planet Venus, the “morning and evening star” throughout the night sky. When implemented by the Pythagoreans in Ancient Greece, it was a viewed as a symbol of mankind, health, and “marriage of heaven and earth”. Each point was associated with parts of the human body and the elements that were believed to have made them: air, water, earth, fire, and ‘quintessence’ (can be psyche, spirit, or aether). The belief combined with its mathematical purity makes this also viewed as a symbol of perfection. The Chinese and taoists interpreted a similar view when implementing with their medicine, with the element, Wood, replacing the spirit.

The pentagram made its way to be implemented in alchemy, adopting a view similar to the pythagoreans. As each point was associated with the elements, seasons, five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and other properties, it can be associated with the makings of the “Alchemical Great Work” that produces a Philosopher’s stone.

The 5 elements is also used in Wicca Culture’s view of the pentagram.

The symbol was also used to construct a symbol associated with King Solomon, known as Solomon’s pentagram. Solomon in Jerusalem Culture was known for his great knowledge and wisdom. It was believed that the pentagram can be perfectly made if used the correct ingredients: Gold and Silver, metals associated with the Sun and the Moon in alchemy. When placing another symbol, the Seal of Solomon, on the back of the pentagram, this creates a key object of great knowledge, and brings a being closer to cosmic perfection.

From the involvement of the pentagram representing unity and perfection, and its uses in magic and alchemy, this appears to be a star-shaped symbol that can indicate Varian’s involvement and association.

1.1) Zhan Tiri and the Inverse Pentagram

(Based on voice actor confirmation, I will refer to Zhan Tiri as “her”)

Despite the pentagram’s usages for positive purposes, the symbol over time eventually became implemented into a much darker image. If we were to invert the star, we will have a symbol normally associated with black magic and Satonists. Sometimes the representation involves a goat’s head within the star. The normal pentagram has its tip pointing to heaven, while the inverse symbol is pointed to the ground towards hell. The symbol, therefore, can be seen as both good and bad.

You may recall a post made by @david-yells-about-cartoons that talks about the star representing the 5 elements mentioned above and Zhan Tiri. They identified something physically similar between warlock and her disciples and the symbol. Zhan Tiri’s torso was shaped like a pentagon, reflecting the center of the pentagram, while the body of her disciple, Sugracha, was more triangular shaped in proportion (most notably her head and hair). In addition, their theory revisited post notes Tromus (aka Matthews) displaying triangular body portions, and the potential associations with the five elements. Sugracha was closely related to earth, as her plan was “rigid”, requiring absolute perfection in the paintings in order to be successful. Tromus’s House Of Yesterday’s Tomorrow was in a shell-shaped house, he had many back-up plans that were in-store and flexible, it happened to be a rainy night when he meets the Rapunzel and friends, and had a plan involving a mirror (reflectivity being a characteristic of water).

The theory continues with the possibility of her arch enemy, Lord Demanitus being a former disciple, given the triangle-shaped eye patch, representing the element of air. However, this was later debunked from the airing of “Lost and Found”, revealing a silhouette figure shaped similarly to Mother Gothel. Looking at Gothel, her triangle can be found in her hair.

Whether or not there is more to Zhan Tiri and Demanitus’s story is yet to be seen, and if there are two more additional beings/objects connected to her that may be associated with other elements

Other than trees, which Zhan Tiri is heavily associated with, it can be seen as a possibility that the warlock’s magic is connected to nature itself. In “Queen for a Day,” she was portrayed drawing energy from a mountain to cast her snowstorm spell in Xavier’s legend.

With Varian’s involvement with alchemy, which in this universe is like combining magic and science, his battle alongside Rapunzel against Zhan Tiri could parallel the warlock’s previous conflict with Lord Demanitus. The dynamic appears to exist: Adira’s tale in “Rapunzel and the Great Tree” portray Zhan Tiri in the traditional Disney Villian Green, and Demanitus with its complementary (opposite) colour: Red. @animemoonprincess has identified an association of red and pinkish red with Varian throughout the series, being more prominent in season 3.

For the sense of the pentagram observations: Varian could represent the upright Pentagram, and Zhan Tiri, the inverse pentagram. Might also serve as a small detail for the growing Mom!Tiri theory.

2.) The Star as a guide and navigator

Other than useful symbols, stars were used as nightly tools to help people navigate their way through the night. The pole star for example was always in the North direction. In religion, The Star of Bethlehem helped the Wise Men and Shepherds meet the new born Jesus Christ.

As far as symbolism goes, the stars can be seen as destiny signs that allowed people to achieve their dreams, goals, and sometimes find their way.

Now leads to a puzzle: Varian didn’t literally instruct Rapunzel to touch the black rocks and send her on her journey outside Corona...or...

Rapunzel’s final nightmare in “The Alchemist Returns” portrays Varian appearing behind her with a cryptic message: “Face your destiny, or all you hold in your heart will be in grave danger.”

Flash forward to the Varian conflict, She recalls that moment from her nightmare, which prompted her to finally touch the rocks, defeat the real Varian, and create the path that led her to the dark kingdom.

it is interesting to note that in some dream interpretations, that seeing dull or red stars foreshadows trouble up ahead, or be prepared for sorrows, possibly alluding to the events of “Secret of the Sundrop”. Rapunzel appears in vibrant colour, while Varian was dull along with his surroundings.

Beyond “Be Very Afraid”, with Varian translating the Graphtic Scroll, Rapunzel and her friends will need his instruction and guidance to finally unify the Sundrop and Moonstone.

3.) “to "Touch a Star" is a metaphor which means that we have realized our Dream, Achieved our ambition, and safely and successfully arrived at the end of our latest adventure.” - Joseph Panek (2009)

There were some portions of this interpretation that appeared poetic, mostly in regards to the ending of “Rapunzel’s Return”. To break it down to parts in the context of the ending of season 1 and throughout season 2:

Dream (in terms of S1-S2): Experience the world beyond the Corona Walls

Ambition (or Goal): Follow the Black Rocks and realize her destiny (though arguably failed due to Cassandra’s Betrayal)

Dream!Varian tells her to “face her destiny”, leading to events of SOTSD and Rapunzel’s adventure in Season 2. She returns home to find it overtaken by Saporians. She then reconciles with Varian, and together, reclaims her kingdom. Her final task involves her using the Reverse Incantation to finally free Quirin, which she also succeeds. She embraces Varian, and he gets a happy ending with his Dad. From there, Rapunzel finally settles in Corona to begin filling in the role of ruler for her amnesic parents. Her embrace with Varian marks the ‘end’ of her adventure beyond the Corona Walls.

For thought: Something similar but different could play again when Varian is needed again to unify the Sundrop and Moonstone, defeat Zhan Tiri, and ending the adventure of the series.

*4.) Fun: Real-life shooting star coincidences

From modern science, shooting stars appear in many colours due to their chemical composition. Varian’s exposure to Green and Pink/red/pinkish light and objects appears similar to spectrum live photos of the famous Perseids meteors. Starting from pink, then to green towards the tail. The meteors portrayed in the show seem to appear pinkish.

*fun coincidence

Sources:

https://www.originalbotanica.com/blog/pentagram-pentacle-meaning-origin/

http://www.lakeharrietlodge.org/lhl277/MainMenu/Home/MasonicEducation/TheSymbolismofthePentagram/tabid/413/Default.aspx

http://symboldictionary.net/?p=1893

http://www.omega-magick.com/2012/01/pentragam-of-solomon.html

http://www.alchemygothic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:pentagram-reference&catid=48:alchemy-encyclopedia

https://dreamastromeanings.com/spiritual-meaning-of-stars/

http://dreamingfordreams.com/meaning/watching-the-stars/

https://www.whats-your-sign.com/ancient-alchemy-symbols.html

http://opsopaus.com/OM/BA/PP/index.html

http://www.aseekersthoughts.com/2009/05/star-as-symbol.html

Extra:

https://blog.world-mysteries.com/ancient-writings/alchemy-ancient-writings/four-elements-alchemy/

https://sciencestruck.com/list-of-alchemy-symbols-their-meanings

https://thehouseoftwigs.com/2018/09/25/applying-alchemical-symbolism-to-magical-practice/

https://exemplore.com/dreams/Dream-Interpretation-Symbolic-Star-Meaning-1

http://www.aseekersthoughts.com/2009/11/shooting-star-symbol-and-myth.html

#personal analysis #opinion #food for thought #au ideas #varian tangled #tangled the series

7 notes · View notes