Ode 19: Milk and Breasts of the Father – The Feminine Aspect of the Divine Spirit

Ode 19: Milk and Breasts of the Father – The Feminine Aspect of the Divine Spirit

In this study, we will examine *Ode 19* and its rich symbolism, as it offers a profound depiction of spiritual nourishment, the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the Church as the Virgin who receives the Word. The symbols of milk, the cup, and the Holy Spirit all interconnect in a deeper theological context, alluding to the Eucharistic meal and the eternal relationship within the divine. The verses of *Ode 19* will be paired with commentary to unpack their meanings in light of esoteric theology and scriptural references.


**"A cup of milk was offered to me, and I drank it in the sweetness of the Lord's kindness."**


The milk is the *Logos*, the divine Word, which sustains and nourishes believers. The cup represents what it contains, and although the cup and thus the milk are identified with the Son, the milk actually comes from the Father allegorically. This imagery points to the understanding that the Son is derived from the Father. The Son is the vessel or instrument through which the divine will and nourishment are made known, yet its origin is the Father, the source of all. This dynamic relationship reflects the deep communion between the divine and humanity.


**"The Son is the cup, and the Father is He who was milked; and the Holy Spirit is She who milked Him."**


In this line, the Holy Spirit is depicted as the feminine principle who milks the Father, underscoring the symbolic role of the Spirit in facilitating the transmission of divine knowledge and wisdom. The Father is milked by the Spirit to produce the nourishing substance (the Logos), which is given to the Son, who in turn offers it to the world. The androgynous nature of the Father, as suggested in scriptures like **John 1:18** (“No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has made Him known”), highlights the inclusive, all-encompassing nature of the divine. The Father’s breasts refer to His generative, nurturing qualities.


**"Because His breasts were full, and it was undesirable that His milk should be ineffectually released."**


This line speaks to the fullness of the divine nature and the necessity for the milk to be properly conveyed to the world. The Father, being complete in Himself, does not withhold His fullness, but it is through the Holy Spirit that the divine essence is brought forth and communicated. The milk is not wasted but given in a purposeful, life-giving manner.


**"The Holy Spirit opened her bosom, and mixed the milk of the two breasts of the Father."**


The Holy Spirit’s role is that of a mediator, mixing the divine milk from the Father’s two breasts. This allegorical mixture of milk—representing the Logos and the Holy Spirit—illustrates the harmonious interaction between the Father’s Word and the Spirit’s power. In this context, the mixture is not just a blending of two elements but a symbol of the unity of the divine will, with the Spirit facilitating the passage of this will into the world.


**"Then She gave the mixture to the generation without their knowing, and those who have received it are in the perfection of the right hand."**


The Holy Spirit gives this mixture to the "generation" (or age), meaning those who are spiritually receptive. Though the recipients may not consciously recognize it, they are nourished by the divine Word and Spirit. The "right hand" is often symbolic of power and authority (as seen in **John 1:10**—"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him"). Those who receive the divine mixture enter into spiritual perfection and are aligned with the divine purpose.


**"The womb of the Virgin took it, and she received conception and gave birth."**


The "Virgin" in this passage is not Mary but rather the Church, as Paul’s letters express. In **2 Corinthians 11:2**, Paul says, “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ,” and in **Ephesians 5:27**, it speaks of the Church being presented as a glorious bride without blemish. The Church, as the Virgin, receives the divine milk (the Logos and the Spirit) and gives birth to spiritual life within its members.


**"So the Virgin became a mother with great mercies. And she labored and bore the Son but without pain, because it did not occur without purpose."**


The Virgin, symbolizing the Church, brings forth the Son, but unlike the physical birth of a child, this spiritual birthing happens without pain, signifying that the process is part of a divine plan. The Church gives birth to Christ's presence in the world through her members, laboring for the salvation of souls without the agony of earthly childbirth, as this divine conception is full of mercy and purpose.


**"And she did not require a midwife, because He caused her to give life."**


Unlike physical birth, where a midwife is necessary, the Virgin Church does not need such a helper. The Son (Christ) Himself causes the birth of life, pointing to His divine power and the direct influence He has in the spiritual rebirth of believers. This reference highlights that salvation and spiritual life originate from Christ alone.


**"She brought forth like a strong man with desire, and she bore according to the manifestation, and she acquired according to the Great Power."**


The "strong man" refers to the perfect man of **Ephesians 4:13**, representing the Mystical Body of Christ, the collective body of believers united in Christ. This "strong man" manifests the divine power (the "Great Power" or **El**), which is the manifestation of the Spirit, working through the Church to bring about redemption. This line signifies the strength of the Church, empowered by the divine will, as it bears witness to the truth of Christ.


**"And she loved with redemption, and guarded with kindness, and declared with grandeur."**


The Church, having received the Logos and the Spirit, operates in love, guarding her members with kindness and declaring the greatness of the divine message. The Church’s role is both nurturing and prophetic, as she guides believers in the way of redemption.


**"Hallelujah."**


The ode concludes with a resounding declaration of praise, acknowledging the divine work of redemption, spiritual nourishment, and the active role of the Church in bringing forth Christ into the world.

In conclusion, *Ode 19* presents a profound allegory of the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, focusing on the divine processes of nourishment and spiritual birth. The Holy Spirit’s feminine role is seen in her act of mediating the divine milk, which originates from the Father. The Church, as the Virgin, receives and brings forth the Son, not in a literal sense but symbolizing the spiritual birth of Christ in the hearts of believers. This ode does not teach a Trinity but rather emphasizes the distinct roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the economy of salvation. Through the Logos (the Word) and the Spirit, believers are nourished and brought to spiritual life, highlighting the individual functions of each divine aspect in the process of redemption and spiritual manifestation.