The Phallus and its emblems were representative of the gods Bacchus,
Priapus, Hercules, Siva, Osiris, Baal, and Asher, who were all Phallic
deities. The symbols were used as signs of the great creative energy or
operating power of God from no sense of mere animal appetite, but in the
highest reverence. Payne Knight, describing the emblems, says:—
“Forms and ceremonials of a religion are not always to be understood in
their direct and obvious sense, but are to be considered as symbolical
representations of some hidden meaning extremely wise and just, though
the symbols themselves, to those who know not their true signification,
may appear in the highest degree absurd and extravagant. It has often
happened that avarice and superstition have continued these symbolical
representations for ages after their original meaning has been lost and
forgotten; they must, of course, appear nonsensical and ridiculous, if
not impious and extravagant. Such is the case with the rite now under
consideration, than which nothing can be more monstrous and indecent, if
considered in its plain and obvious meaning, or as part of the Christian
worship; but which will be found to be a very natural symbol of a very
natural and philosophical system of religion, if considered according to
its original use and intention.”
The natural emblems were those which from their character were most
suitable representatives; such as poles, pillars, stones, which were
sacred to Hindu, Egyptian, and Jewish divinities.
Blavalsky gives an account of the Bimlang Stone, to be found at Narmada
and other places, which is sacred to the Hindu deity Siva; these emblem
stones were anointed, like the stone consecrated by the Patriarch Jacob.
Blavalsky further says that these stones are “identical in shape,
meaning, and purpose with the ‘pillars’ set up by the several patriarchs
to mark their adoration of the Lord God. In fact, one of these
patriarchal lithoi might even now be carried in the Sivaitic processions
of Calcutta without its Hebrew derivation being suspected.”