ASHERAH - THE CHRISTMAS TREE CUSTOM

BAAL & ASHERAH: THE SUN KING & HIS CONSORT

Asherah is known in Scripture as the "Queen of Heaven", and is called "Artemis" by the Ephesians in the book of Acts (chapter 19).

The word "Asherah" is found at least 40 times in the TaNaKh*, and refers to a wooden object used in worship of a consort of BAAL, known by the name of ASHERAH.

The image of Asherah was a tree used by the Pagan Canaanites and Phoenicians. One of these Pagan Phoenicians was "Jezebel" (Izebel), who married Ahab, king of Israel (Samaritan king).

When northern Israel was dispersed into the nations by the Assyrians in 722 BCE, they carried this "tree" custom with them. The lost tribes of dispersed Israel have preserved one of their most cherished Pagan customs among them: the Christmas tree. "Izebel" is also referred to at Rev. 2, and her "teachings".

Asherah was the "Queen of Heaven" (see Jer. chaps. 7 & 44). Now, read specifically how the Creator feels about it:

Deut 7:26:
" Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or YOU, like IT, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction." (Look at the verses around Rev. 2:20, again we see Izebel's influences)

Yahuah distinctly warned Israel to not erect an Asherah next to His altar, nor bring a "detestable thing" into your house. Even though YOU may not remember what it represented long ago, Yahuah hasn't forgotten at all. He does not change.

As some have said, the Asherah is a deal-breaker with Yahuah - He won't stand for it. He dispersed the northern tribes of Israel into the nations, and they have lived as Pagans for 2700+ years. They left Yahuah's Covenant, but they have held fast to the Asherim (plural of Asherah).

"ASHER" is a Hebrew term meaning "happy", and is a word used as a proper noun, the father of the tribe of Asher (alef-shin-resh). This term was modified, and became the word "ASHERAH", a proper name used by Pagans for the female consort of Baal (Celtic Bel). Baal/Asherah worship is clearly seen during the time of "Elijah" (ElYahu), when 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah assembled at Mt. Carmel, and ElYahu (Elijah) challenged them to decide whether Yahuah is Elohim, or Baal (and his consort, Asherah).

A sister asked the following questions regarding Asherim:

Having read and re-read The Scriptures over seven times..... I have read about the Asherah hundreds of times.

1. What is an asherah?

Answer: The adversary misled mankind with various fertility rites, and receives "worship" through these rites. Yahuah doesn't

provide us with the details of the heathen rites, but we know generally from Scripture they performed their rituals in forests or "groves".

The word "Asherah" is often translated as "groves". He mentions how the Israelites would bring "Asherim" and put them near His Hekal (Temple), behavior which we see inherited

as the "Christmas Tree". Most probably the trees used were date palms. Modern witchcraft and Satanism in general follow most closely to the worship of Asherah. The name is most likely directly related to Ishtar, and Artemis, worshipped by modern day witches as well as the ancient Ephesians (Acts 19:28). Stumps of trees found in groves were also used

as the altars of Asherah, which may be directly related to the fallen Nimrod, cut down by Shem (as tradition informs us).

2. What does she look like?

3. Where can I find pictures of her?

4. Why is it so difficult to do research on an asherah?

Answer: Images of Asherah vary, but you can see one photo of an image of this deity at http://www.teenwitch.com/DEITY/CANAAN/ASHERAH.HTM

Yahuah has not wanted His people to study this demonic worship, yet it persists today. The most insidious part is right out in the open, and not "occult" (hidden) at all: the Christmas tree object! A more secretive side is also growing in popularity. In fact, it is the most popular fad among teens and young adults today. The reason it is not very easy to learn about is mostly because it is "occult" (hidden); it has been so since

the patterns of worshipping the adversary went "underground" after the execution of Nimrod. They had once practiced their

rebellion openly, but then withdrew into secrecy to hide their worship behind symbolism, which could only be interpreted correctly by those

initiated in the occult. One dominant pattern found in occultic behavior is the matrilinear (mother-goddess) ideal. Rebellion against Yahuah is accentuated by this matrilinear focus, as opposed to the patrilinear - so we see the moon being used to represent the female astrologically.

People imagine "sin" lurking in men's hearts over many issues. Some even believe that celebrating Hanukkah might be "adding" to Torah, and therefore is sinful. In all of Scripture, Hanukkah is mentioned once (if one ignores Maccabees I & II), at Yn. 10:22. So, Hanukkah is found in Scripture,

yet "Christmas" is not. If a person shuns Christmas, and begins to celebrate Hanukkah, it will more often than not have consequences for them. Relatives and friends will shun or persecute them for it, thinking they have become influenced by radical ideas.

Christmas has been celebrated for 5000 years by Pagans, it simply has a new name and application. The Romans used "womb-wreaths" at Saturnalia, so what could these possibly have to do with Yahuah's people?

Although the original concept of Asherim worship has remained hidden from the general public, I feel that the acceptance of the solstice tree is drawn directly from the Pagan worship, transformed for public consumption.

The Asherim were considered altars in themselves also, where animals and humans were ritually sacrificed. This altar could take the form of a tree stump, with the trunk snapped-off, leaving jagged spike-like splinters. The Christmas tree phenomenon is also a type of altar, where gifts and offerings are placed. (Easter is a word derived from Ishtar, Astoreth, and Astarte. Tree worship is the most prominent feature, however the serpent gets involved also. It seems that the adversary has the tree and the serpent seared into "his" mind indelibly.

A serpent around a stump is one of the symbols we find used in ancient Pagan religions.

The Tree of Life (ets chayim) and the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil may be the sources this fallen being is borrowing from in the design of the false worship. But we know it is forbidden to worship Yahuah in any false or perverted manner.

Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and we certainly know that any involvement with asherim is witchcraft. Some have even suggested that the symbol of "the cross" may have been a style of Asherah pole used by certain Pagans, and that it was brought into the mixed worship of Christianity. Certainly, the Christmas tree is considered a "Christian" symbol, yet the common culture has no idea how it actually relates to anything associated with Yahuah, or "Santa Claus" for that matter!

"For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater -has any inheritance in the kingdom of (Mashiach) and of (Elohim). Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things (Eloah's) wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the (Master). Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the (Master). Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret . But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. Eph 5:5-14

BAAL & ASHERAH HAD A "SHOWDOWN" WITH YAHUAH, REMEMBER? 1 Kings 18:16-21:

So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?"

"I have not made trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned Yahuah’s commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."

So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said,

"How long will you waver between two opinions? If Yahuah is Elohim, follow Him; but if Baal is Elohim, follow him."

WREATH, ORNAMENTS, AND SCHEDULING OF MAIN PAGAN EVENTS:

The round wreath symbolized the sun, and at the same time the “womb”, both thought of as symbols of fertility to Pagans.

The sun was “male”, but “his” symbol was that of the female. The vertical tree was decorated with male symbols of fertility, testes (balls), yet was the image of the “female”, connecting the heavens to the Earth. This consort of Baal was worshipped as Asherah, Astarte, Artemis, Athena, Isis, Gaia, Nana, Austron, Ostara, Eastre, Easter, Aphrodite, Eostre, Astoreth, Ishtar, Diana, Ninurta, Cres, Nut, Venus, Indrani, Devaki, Tanit, and others. This "tree" was named Asherah in the Hebrew Scriptures, and her worship continued as we see recorded in the book of Acts, chapter 19. She is still worshipped today by Wiccans, and other Earth Mother cults.

The Vernal Equinox pointed to the impregnation of the Earth Mother, and the Winter Solstice pointed to the birth of Baal, the sun, showing the human gestation cycle of nine months. It was all about fertility, and sex. Even the custom of throwing rice at the newlyweds is a fertility-driven act, and you can only guess what the rice really represents.

The round ornaments represented the testes as mentioned, and have also come to be known as "witch balls". It would be interesting to see what a "theologian" might use as an excuse for all this, wouldn't it? Jer/YermeYahu 10:1-5:

Hear what Yahuah says to you, O house of Israel. This is what Yahuah says:

"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky,

though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless;

they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk.

Do not fear them; they can do no harm, nor can they do any good."

Deut 12:29-32:

"Yahuah your Elohim will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their elohim, saying, "How do these nations serve their elohim? We will do the same." You must not worship Yahuah your Elohim in their way, because in worshiping their elohim, they do all kinds of detestable things Yahuah hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their elohim."

Deut 16:21-22:

"Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to Yahuah your Elohim, and do not erect a sacred stone, for these Yahuah your Elohim hates."

Asherah poles are a deal-breaker with Yahuah. Learn NOT the ways of the heathen, and do not bring a detestable thing into your home!

Deut 7:26:
"Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction."

More details if you can bear them:

The tree, and the ornaments on the Asherah tree, have specific meanings to them. The tree is a "phallus", the male reproductive member. The little balls are testicles, and the "tinsel" represents the semen of the deity being worshipped. During the late middle ages, the little balls were interpreted by Christians to be "witch balls", borrowed from witchcraft, to attract, then capture "evil" spirits. Where, exactly, did Yahuah tell us to do that? The wreath was used to represent the male deity, the sun, yet was the "womb" symbol. So, the male deity's symbol incorporated the feminine features, while the female's sign incorporated the masculine features. Similarly, a "witch" is seen utilizing the male characteristics of the pointed hat and broomstick - both male features.

These "figures" were clear to the initiated, but to the uninitiated they meant nothing.

Now, the secrets are being shouted from the rooftops, eh? Christians went deeper and deeper into apostasy as they ADOPTED the Pagan customs from those around them. The green ivy and holly were common symbols of "Saturn", the Roman deity. Early believers thought that if they decorated their homes with these trappings, they would appear to be conforming to the Pagan culture as everyone around them was observing Saturnalia. Thus they would "blend-in", and they would suffer less persecution.

As time passed, the custom became part of the Christian world, and you will see the wreaths and Asherim trees in their assemblies and homes today.

If we don't "join-in" with the celebration, we're considered to be freaks, or "Scrooges" - bah! Humbug it all truly is! Now, many centuries later, the doctrinal offspring of those who might have been persecuted for avoiding these Pagan traditions, believe that we who do not adopt them are in a "cult".

It's not them, but Father Yahuah that we would not wish to offend. We know His heart, and He has called us to "Come out of her" (Rev. 18).

HOLLY, a plant "sacred" to the Roman deity "SATURN"

The word "PAGAN" comes from the Latin word, pagus, and referred to a person that was from the "rural" hinterlands. The more educated, erudite, urban-dwellers viewed those who were "pagus" as superstitious, illiterate imbeciles because they had quaint beliefs about the world, especially the unseen, spiritual world.

As the darkness of the world without the Torah of Yahuah became increased, those who thought themselves to be wise were themselves fools. "Pagan" became a label for anything that was outside the accepted religious practices of those in the majority who practiced the universalized state religion, which after Constantine was termed "Catholic", the Roman word for "universal".

As you see them decorating with the boughs, wreaths, trees, and holly, you might help them to repent of this behavior by explaining what these things actually are, or sending them this web page. The trappings themselves are set apart for destruction, and those who decorate with them are set apart for destruction as well. All of it together is witchcraft, and blatant idolatry.

When will Ephraim repent of this idolatry?

Matt. 24: the End of Days, and the times of the Gentiles (Ephraim is sown among the Gentiles)

The really powerful point I draw first from this whole text is that Yahushua is describing the extreme last days.

He begins by saying that the massive stones will be leveled, and this happened in 70 CE - but then He moves into more calamity that follows. Ultimately He describes how a great tribulation will occur which could only be compared with the time of creation itself.

He declares that if the days of this tribulation were not shortened, then

NO FLESH would survive at all. But, for the sake of the Elect (those qodeshim observing His Torah) who are still on Earth enduring to the end, He would shorten the days.

So, what He is indicating here is obviously the extreme end times, just prior to His return - which are the days we now live in.

In the midst of this, He orders us to pray that our flight will not be in winter or on a Sabbath day. So, the Sabbath is still in force in the extreme last days, not changed as most have been taught. But there is more to understand here.

The lost sheep scattered in 722 BCE are to come to their senses after 2730 years.

The prophecy at Ez. 4:4,5 concerning the exile of the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Samaritans driven into the nations in 722 BCE) shows us that 390 years was the original prescribed penalty for their Baal/Asherah worship.

Having not repented after 390 years in captivity, the northern tribes then had to endure the seven-fold increase of the 390-year penalty (see Lev. 26:27,28).

This means that 7 x 390 years from 722 BCE (2730 years), Israel's punishment will be lifted, and Ephraim will cry out to return to the Torah. (see YermeYahu 31).

About when is this cry to take place? They've been living among the Gentiles with their Asherim (Christmas trees) for 2730 years as of the Roman year 2008. The olive tree's blossoming will indicate that Yahushua's Return is imminent!

We are praying that our flight will not be in winter or on a Sabbath because of the hardship it will cause the weak among us.

The flight will be caused by a great distress that is apparently planet-wide, and may include nuclear fallout:

Matt 24:15-27

"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-let the reader understand- then let those who are in Yahudah flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Mashiach!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Mashiachim and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.

"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

Now consider Revelation, and the mentioning of Izebel and "sexual" immorality:

Rev 2:18-3:1

"To the messenger of the assembly in Thyatira write:

These are the words of the Son of Yahuah, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Izebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time (390 years?) to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways (read Ps. 80). I will strike her children dead. Then all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you). (Satan’s Deep secrets like womb-wreaths, phallus-trees, and the ornaments of the Asherim). Only hold on to what you have until I come.

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations- 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery'- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”

ASHERAH: THE CHRISTMAS TREE