Since Anat had a consort and a son, it's unlikely that the title means "the Virgin Anat" - more likely "the young woman Anat".
Not really up on my ancient texts, but looking at modern beliefs and practices, is it perhaps possible that "the Virgin Anat" means exactly what it says on the tin, and people were (are?) worshipping Anat as she was before the consort and the son?
Analogy time: Some pagans call upon the Maiden, even believing that as the wheel of the year turns She becomes the Mother and then the Crone. Does anyone dispute the meaning of "Maiden" in this context, just because She doesn't remain a Maiden forever?
Some Christians venerate the baby Jesus too. Must we redefine "baby" (to "son" or "young man" perhaps?) just because it's pretty clear that Jesus grew up?
Everyone starts that way...
Date: 2007-06-19 10:52 pm (UTC)Not really up on my ancient texts, but looking at modern beliefs and practices, is it perhaps possible that "the Virgin Anat" means exactly what it says on the tin, and people were (are?) worshipping Anat as she was before the consort and the son?
Analogy time: Some pagans call upon the Maiden, even believing that as the wheel of the year turns She becomes the Mother and then the Crone. Does anyone dispute the meaning of "Maiden" in this context, just because She doesn't remain a Maiden forever?
Some Christians venerate the baby Jesus too. Must we redefine "baby" (to "son" or "young man" perhaps?) just because it's pretty clear that Jesus grew up?