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| SYMBOLS - STEPS Ascension: the symbolic steps up to an altar or throne. American Indian: The months are the “steps of the year.” Buddhist: The seven steps of Buddha represent the mounting of the seven cosmic stages, the seven planetary heavens, which is to transcend time and space, also to attain the center in the 7th heaven, the highest state. Egyptian: Osiris is “god of the stairs” leading to heaven. Hindu: The 3 steps, or strides, of Vishnu denote the three manifestations of light; the sun, lightning, fire; also the rising zenith and setting sun; the earth, air and heaven; the three steps which gained control of the universe. The 7 steps of different metals, corresponding to the major planets, are the seven grades of ascension of the initiate. |