Originally posted by cking
Satan really doesn't have a name. we name him stuff, because we really don't know who is real name is.
The story of Satan began with early Egyptians history and called him "The Great Serpent Sata, Son of the Earth." He was immortal and regenerated every day in the Goddess's womb. A person could become immortal, like him by repeating prayers. like "I am the serpent Sata, whose years are infinite, I lay down dead, I am born daily, I am the serpent Sata . The dweller in the uttermost parts of the earth...etc.."
Sata seems to be connected to Horus, Ra an underground aspect of the sun. and Apollos underground serpent form Python, whom the Jews called Appollyon, spirit of the pit.
The snakes communion with life giving fountains of the deep was an important image. The serpent was often a symbol of the sun god's alter ego, the Black Sun, spirit of night of death.
Thus Apollo=Python, Anu-Aciel, Baal-Yamm...etc.
The Hebrews word satan was used in the same way...adversary or judge...one who tested the faith of another...by asking questions or posing problems to be solved.