I. N. R. I.

The letters I N R I might be well known to many of the readers of this page. But I will wager that few visitors here have an understanding of the extent and reach that these letters possess. The scope of I N R I and the various spheres that it holds influence in was nothing short of fascinating to me. I hope that I might pass on some of this wonder.

Most educated Christians will recognize INRI as:

I Iesus
N Nazarenus
R Rex
I Iudeaurum

Jesus, the Nazarene, King of the Jews

We find this phrase John 19:19. Similar comments are made in the other Gospels, but John is the only one to note "the Nazarene" or "of Nazareth" depending upon your translation.

In the case INRI is the label, the symbol of the crucifixion, second only to the cross itself. As the cross is a far older symbol than Christianity, INRI is essentially the symbol of the Christ's sacrifice.

A second representation, not unknown, but then, not well known is:

I Igni
N Natura
R Renevator
I Integra

By Fire all Nature is Renewed Completely.

This is an Alchemical phrase, favored in a few early Rosicrucian texts. This is obviously a step toward alluding to a connection or bridge between the material translation of a lower or older matter into the higher or newer matter common of Alchemy, and the spiritual translation of the of the Christ from material death to spiritual resurrection.

To further entice you, and to complicate the matter even more, we have:

I Imenin
N Nor
R Ruach
I Iepsca

Which are the Hebrew for the base elements: Water, Fire, Air and Earth

More on this at a later date...

And yet another:

Like the last, this will have to wait for another installment...

Correspondences between the usages, origins, further variations; all of this is yet to come. This work is a study in progress that I've decided to share with you. I will continue to post this information, a little at a time. If you feel the need to write, comment or discuss, please feel free. My email is available from any of the main pages in this set.