# 449 - Decapitation Symbolism: The Glory of Losing Your Head

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-symbolic-world-1141216/449-decapitation-symbolism-the-glory-of-losing-your-head
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-symbolic-world-1141216/449-decapitation-symbolism-the-glory-of-losing-your-head.md
Podcast: [The Symbolic World](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-symbolic-world-1141216)
Published: 2026-05-08T17:03:37+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/449-decapitation-symbolism-the-glory-of-losing-your-head--71926810
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71926810/2026_05_decapitation_final_8may2026_11am_01.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-symbolic-world-1141216/episodes/449-decapitation-symbolism-the-glory-of-losing-your-head
Duration seconds: 1393

## Resource

In this video, I explore the symbolism of decapitation in the Bible and Christian tradition. Beginning with Joseph’s interpretation of the baker and cupbearer in Genesis, we trace a pattern of “lifting up the head” through Scripture, martyrdom, the Eucharist, and ultimately the crucifixion and ascension of Christ. Along the way, we encounter Saint John the Baptist, the mystery of sacrifice, and the astonishing story of Saint Denis of Paris, who carried his own head while preaching after his martyrdom. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/uwRsUj30URk Join us at the Symbolic World Summit | May 14-16 | Ohio | Keynote speakers: Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Mary Harrington, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin, Kale Zelden, Annie Crawford, and Heather Pollington Buy your tickets: https://symbolicworldsummit.com/ Virtual tickets are now also for sale, and Involved+ patrons can get 10% off: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/virtual-summit-2026 🔓 Become a patron to support us and unlock exclusive monthly symbolism content: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

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## Transcript

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