Chilling Out with the Real da Vinci Code

Sorry to be away a while folks. After a month and a week, I've been set free from the Temp Job From Hell, (three weeks earlier than I dreamed possible!) and it's taken three days to recover from the stress-induced chest pains. But that's another blog.

There's been a lot of hoopla around the best-seller The daVinci Code. Friends are recommending it; one of my kids bought a copy since the library waiting list is months long. I've told my agency NOT to call me for at least a week. Maybe this might be a good way to unwind.

So what is so fascinating about this book? I heard a round table discussion on CBC. Most interesting was a part of the discussion of whether or not something that is fiction should be more forthcoming about it. Some of the panelists were offended that the writer seemed to consciously strive for a level of reality that would blur the idea that dVC was a book of fiction. These same people were more than a little dismayed that most people were NOT offended at this blurring, that they WANTED to believe such a concoction of legend and innuendo. People love to feel they are getting the inside scoop on things. It was a good program and I will try to find a link. CBC's search engine is a little rusty, but their customer service line is terrific. TBPL! (to be posted later . . . )

In the mean time there's no lack of material about the da Vinci Code on the web. Most seem to go off on the whole "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" thing, forgetting that these esoteric secrets are just that. Any sort of mystical secret worth finding out will be wrapped in riddles, puns in many languages ancient and modern (and who's modern?). After all, there were adepts in many cultures and spanning many centuries. To be sure there will be obstacles placed in the way of those seeking these secrets to weed out those who's motives are not of the highest order. The subject seems a lot more complex than one religion trying to keep a lock on its position in current society.

Here is an article by Laura Knight-Jadczyk discussing some of the deeper symbolism surrounding Leonardo's famous painting. A lot of historical background is offered to put this symbolism in context. These forays into medieval astronomy, languages, history, and politics offer many jumping off points for personal inquiry. It would be especially interesting for those interested in alchemy, past and present. Apparently the legendary master Fulcanelli was more intimately involved in the mysteries brought up by this work of da Vinci than many would suspect.

Happy reading and researching,

Blue Ibis