Avatars are Nonsectarian

Across cultures, avatar-deities—divine beings incarnated in human or semi-human form—have shaped spiritual narratives, embodying themes of salvation, renewal, and cosmic order. The stories of the following six avatars have so much in common, I can only conclude that, historical-regional-cultural differences aside, they are all telling the same archetypal, allegorical story of the spirit’s “descent” to the physical realm (incarnation), death, resurrection and “ascent,” or return to the spirit realm. They are all examples of what Philip Cousineau called "the monomyth, a meta myth, a philosophical reading of the unity of mankind's spiritual history, the Story behind the story." Here are six of them.

Horus (Egypt, 3000 BC)

Horus, the falcon-headed Egyptian god of kingship and the sky, was born on December 25 to the virgin goddess Isis, who conceived him miraculously after resurrecting her slain husband, Osiris. A star in the east heralded his birth, and three kings adorned him, recognizing his divine status. At age 12, Horus was a teacher, displaying wisdom beyond his years. Baptized at 30, he began a ministry, perhaps accompanied by disciples, symbolizing cosmic order. Signs associated with Horus include the Eye of Horus, representing protection, and the falcon, embodying divine authority. His battle with Set, where he lost an eye but triumphed, underscores his role as a restorer of Ma’at (order), celebrated during the winter solstice.

Attis (Greece, 1200 BC)

Attis, the Phrygian god of vegetation and rebirth, was born on December 25 to the virgin goddess Nana, who conceived him after eating a fruit from a tree linked to the god Agdistis. His life culminated in a tragic crucifixion on a pine tree, where he died and remained dead for three days before being resurrected by Cybele. Signs include the pine tree, symbolizing eternal life, and the taurobolium, a bull sacrifice tied to purification. Attis’s death and resurrection, celebrated in spring during the Hilaria, reflect themes of fertility and renewal, aligning his cult with seasonal cycles.

Mithra (Persia, 1200 BC)

Mithra, the Persian god of light and truth, revered in Roman Mithraism, was born on December 25 from a virgin rock (petra genetrix). Accompanied by 12 disciples, representing the zodiac, Mithra performed miracles, such as controlling cosmic forces. He was dead for three days before his resurrection, symbolizing victory over death. Signs include the bull, linked to his cosmic slaying that fertilized the earth, and the sun, as Mithra was Sol Invictus. His birth, celebrated at the winter solstice, and his shared meal with the sun god highlight his role as a mediator of light and truth. He finally ascended into heaven.

Krishna (India, 900 BC)

Krishna, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, was born to the virgin Devaki under a star in the east signaling his divine arrival. His birth in a prison cell, divinely protected from King Kamsa, was miraculous. Krishna performed miracles, such as slaying demons like Putana, and was resurrected after death, affirming his divine nature. Signs include the flute, symbolizing divine love, and the peacock feather, representing wisdom. His life, celebrated during Janmashtami, encompasses childhood feats, his role as a cowherd, and his guidance in the Bhagavad Gita, embodying dharma (duty) and bhakti (devotion).

Dionysus (Greece, 500 BC)

Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and ecstasy, was born on December 25 to the virgin Semele, with Zeus as his divine father. After Semele’s death, he was gestated in Zeus’s thigh. Dionysus performed miracles, such as turning water into wine, and was called “King of Kings” and “Alpha and Omega,” reflecting his divine sovereignty. Key events include his wanderings, spreading viticulture. He was resurrected by Zeus after being torn apart by Titans in some myths, symbolizing renewal. Signs include the vine, thyrsus, and leopard, representing fertility and wildness. His festivals, like the Dionysia, reflect themes of liberation and divine communion. His mystery cult, promising afterlife salvation, underscore his transformative power.

Jesus Christ (Palestine, AD 0)

Jesus Christ was born on December 25 to the Virgin Mary through divine conception by the Holy Spirit. His birth was heralded by a star in the east that guided three kings to Bethlehem, and angelic announcements to shepherds. He began teaching at age 12, but was baptized and began his ministry accompanied by 12 disciples, at age 30. Jesus performed miracles, including healing and walking on water. He was crucified, remained dead for three days, and was resurrected, celebrated at Easter. Signs include the cross, symbolizing sacrifice, and the dove, representing the Holy Spirit. His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, and his fulfillment of prophecies emphasize his role as humanity’s savior.

Virgin births on December 25 unite Horus, Attis, Mithra, Dionysus, and Jesus, while Krishna’s virgin birth aligns with this motif. Stars in the east mark the births of Horus, Krishna, and Jesus, signaling divine significance. Twelve disciples appear in the narratives of Horus, Mithra, and Jesus, symbolizing cosmic or spiritual completeness. Miracles are performed by Mithra, Krishna, Dionysus, and Jesus, affirming their divine power. Crucifixion is explicit for Attis and Jesus, while death and resurrection, often after three days, is a shared theme for Attis, Mithra, Krishna, Dionysus, and Jesus, with Horus’s triumph over Set symbolizing a metaphorical rebirth. Seasonal ties link their births to the winter solstice (Horus, Mithra, Dionysus, Jesus) or festivals like Janmashtami (Krishna) and Hilaria (Attis). Their signs and events, from Horus’s Eye to Jesus’s cross, anchor them in their cultural contexts, while their shared motifs illustrate a universal realization that the material, mortal life is a manifestation in spacetime of the timeless spiritual reality.