The Bible says that 'Christ is all and in all'. Did the early Christians and Gnostics understand man's relationship with the hidden forces of the larger universe?

The questions of whether early man understood and utilised the effects of cyclic patterns, electromagnetic forces and the closeness of his nature with plants and animals may be answered in the signs of the reverence he paid to these elements; his worship and ritualistic behaviour surrounding some of these basic and fundamental parts of the 'supernature'.

Cyclic patterns and rhythms dominate our lives, from the day to night patterns to the seasonal changes and their effects upon us. If we look at a few of the cycles, which have become important to man we can see how we are affected by them.

The daily cycle of night and day are different all over the world. Some have longer nights and shorter days, for example, and their nature has adapted accordingly. Seasonal Affective Disorder is purely the result of long nights and weeks. On the equator, where the sun is stronger and is out for longer periods, SAD does not exist and is indeed refuted.

In certain parts of the world we have four seasons. Elsewhere, the seasons are different. Tropical regions have two seasons: wet and dry. Monsoon areas have three: cold, hot and rainy. In Polar Regions, the temperature change from summer to winter is abrupt.

Man, animal and plant life have adapted remarkably well to the different seasons they experience. We have seen previously how the pineal gland actually measures the seasons and length of day. This is how we adapt to the various seasons around the globe. Many species, including some types of bird, can accurately predict the weather to help them plan migratory patterns. The Orange Ladybird insect in the UK has never been wrong in its long-term winter predictions.

The moon plays an important part in all the religions of the world. Lunar cycles and human experience are intrinsically linked. The tidal flow of the world's oceans corresponds to the waxing and waning of the moon, as does the menstrual cycle, which has had a profound effect upon our early and later religious beliefs.

Menstruation occurs only during the fertile years and had symbolic meaning amongst early cultures. The menstrual blood of women is considered with awe and fear and may have much to do with the use of Red Ochre by ancient man. This blood is also derided and called unclean, a poisoning of woman for her sins by the great gods, although this appeared to be a much later addition as a result of the subtle battle of the religious sexes.

Menstruating women were often kept away from the other members of their tribe or village. This may be why the witches’ Sabbath took place specifically on the day when the moon took rest, and was associated with evil.