Introduction to the Devil Comet

There are numerous allusions to the name 'Devil Comet' in ancient texts and myths, pointing to a significant celestial event that has shaped human understanding and mythology. The seminal work, Worlds in Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky, captures the essence of this mysterious object, which has been described in various ways across cultures. Velikovsky’s book was not just a bestseller, but also a historically important piece of work that brought to light ancient tales and legends.

The Background of Worlds in Collision

Velikovsky's Worlds in Collision was published in the 1950s and became a bestseller that lasted into the 1970s. It presents a unique perspective on ancient texts, weaving through them a narrative that suggests a common cosmic event, one that many civilizations found significant enough to etch into the annals of history and mythology.

Velikovsky's Discovery and Theories

Velikovsky posited that an incoming comet-like object made numerous close passes in close succession. He theorized that this object was not Venus as we know it now, but rather a protoplanetary form. He noted that many ancient records pointed to a "newly born" object, a fiery entity that was named and revered or feared across different cultures.

Interpretations of the Entity

From the Babylonians to the Egyptians, and as far back as the Hebrews, the object was named and described differently by each culture. The Babylonians noted a flaming star-like object appearing suddenly, and people were in terror. The names and descriptions vary widely, but they all point to a powerful and perhaps dangerous entity.

Ancient Descriptions and Names

Some of the names given to this fiery visitor include:

Rahab - Hebrew dragon Phaeton - blazing star Ishtar - one with hair clothed with fire Minerva Pallas Athene Selshmet - circling star Chaska - wavy-haired Astarte with horns Vishnu - pervader Tiamat - dragon Noga - Naga snake, god or comet Quetzal-cohuatl - feathered serpent Anat, Baal

The mythic and religious references are also varied, often involving battles and transformations, such as the one between Zeus and Typhon or Marduk and Tiamat, Isis and Seth, and Vishnu and the serpent Krishna.

Strabo's Account

Strabo, in his writings, provided a vivid account of the Arimi Aramaeans or Syrians witnessing the battle of Zeus with Typhon. This description adds another layer to the stories, indicating a global consensus on the significance of this event.

Modern Misconceptions and Scientific Truth

Even today, the myth of the Devil Comet continues, albeit in a distorted form. Modern interpretations often confuse the ancient observations with contemporary scientific understanding. For instance, the greenhouse effect on Venus is a current topic, but it is not what the ancients meant when they described Venus as a fiery entity. Velikovsky’s work suggests that Venus was still cooling down from what he viewed as its recent formation, and its retrograde rotation and nearly circular orbit are unique in the solar system.

Conclusion

The Devil Comet, as seen through the lens of ancient texts and myths, was a powerful and awe-inspiring entity that inspired fear and reverence. Velikovsky's work offers a new perspective on these ancient records, suggesting that the scientific and mythological are not as far apart as we might think. As we continue to explore the cosmos, it is essential to revisit these ancient accounts for new insights and understandings.