The Super Bowl Halftime show is the most viewed event of the year, and in this 50th year we saw a presentation of many sacred symbols that begged for a more spiritual analysis. As with all spiritual matters and symbols, interpretations are extremely personal and this article is mere speculation on our part. These symbols and the influence they convey depends just as much on the receiver as they do on the giver of this information. What seems most relevant to one might be a totally different message for another.
During “Viva La Vida,” Chris Martin enters the field with a crowd of kids and then to the stage with “I used to rule the world…” The lyrics of this song tell the story of a king-like ruler, once powerful and on top of the world, with enemies quivering in fear. But this illusion is now gone, outlived by a world that took itself back and brought him to his knees. Could this symbolize the fall of patriarchy?
To progress spiritually, both individually and as a community, we are often forced to let go of the authoritative grip we have over ourselves. In the global sense, this could mean letting go of force and authoritative control and moving to cooperation, acceptance, and tolerance. The symbol of a king brought to his knees in humility is a powerful one, and is found in nearly all spiritual texts.
He comes onto the stage onto a massive, bright flower of life. The ancient symbol is not only featured on their latest album cover, it is also found on each of the band members and wherever else it might be squeezed in. Also on stage we have a prominent bell next to the drummer. It is a special bell known as the Ghanta. This is a bell you ring coming into a temple that is made to sound like an extended “Om.”
Throughout this song the camera looks straight down as the geometry begins to come alive, spinning and radiating into the viewer’s mind. This symbol is believed to represent the sacred path into life from the universal void. It is a pattern deeply embedded in the core of our existence, as well as the existence of all life forms that we humans know of. It can be seen anywhere if you look for it, but to be the focus of the world’s most popular broadcast has brought this symbol, knowingly or unknowingly, much deeper into our collective consciousness.
As Martin sings the vortex begins to open underneath him into the sacred geometry. As the performance begins its first transition, Martin leans down to the crowd and addresses the camera, “Whoever you are, wherever you are, we’re in this together. Let’s go!” Here he reveals what clearly appears to be the intention behind this aspect of the Coldplay performance: the unification of the global community.
Immediately after this, the message changes. The performance explodes into its next song Paradise. The visuals change into an exploding sun, a blast of bright energy surrounded by butterflies. This is an all-important symbol of metamorphosis and rebirth. A new dawn? A new paradise perhaps? You might have also noticed the not-so-subtle “Global Citizen” around his arm and heart-shaped multi-colored light in his shirt over his heart. One World?
Elsewhere on the field, a small army of green fairies have taken over the field with flower umbrellas. These expressions reinforce the celebration of color, of diversity, of spirit and oneness, all reminiscent of the colors of the Holi festival and depicted in the “Hymn for a Weekend” video. As the flowers in the field align, the seed of life and the fruit of life appear on either side of the stage for just a moment.
It is a spectacular scene, but it is important to keep in mind that these movements and patterns are extremely deliberate. This year, a 30 second commercial cost $5,000,000, which comes to $166,666 per second. It is with great and deliberate intention that these images, symbols, and messages are published. The symbols that are presented at this level have the power to affect the entire human race, and they will to be sure.
Alistair Jordan & Forest Sage
