News From the Oracle Issue #1
3 July 2021
Featured Article: More articles:
& much more
The Story of Delphi The Story of Dionysis History of Scottish Witchcraft The Legend of the Phoenix
13 Sisters of Delphi Elder High Priestess
RavensThorn
Elder High Priestess
Lady Gloriana
High Priestess
Androulla
High Priestesses in Training Lady Athena
Nyx
MorningStar
Wings of Tiamat
Iria Lima
Lady Nephthys
Lady Daphne
Lady Flidais
Night Star
Lady Eleos 2
Table of Contents
Feature: The Story of Delphi 4-5 The Oracle Says...
6
Power Items 7-11 Spells & Potions
12-13
Mythology: The Story of Dionysis 14-15 Classifieds
History of: Scottish Witches
16 17-18
Tarot Cards 19-20 Oracle Cards 21 Celebrations 22 Mythical Creatures: Legend of the Phoenix 23-25 Mythical Creatures: Legend of La LLorna 26 Congratulations
27 3
The Story of Delphi
By: RavensThorn
S
ince I can remember the oracle of Delphi has called to me. I remember going to a psychic and she told me that I was an Oracle in Delphi in one of my Past Life Times. So from that time on, I was called to the oracle and all that she represented. So I began my research of the temple and how she came to be. Delphi was an important ancient Greek religious sanctuary sacred to the God Apollo. It was located on Mt. Parnassus near the Gulf of Corinth. It was home to the famous Oracle of Apollo which gave cryptic predictions and guidance to both city and states and individuals.
In addition , Delphi was also home to the panhellenic Pythian games. Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So lets begin with the Pythia. The name Pythia is derived from Pytho, which in mythology is the original name of Delphi. Etymologically: the Greeks derived this place from the verb {puthein} “to rot”, which refers to the sickly sweet smell of the decomposition of the body of the monstrous Python after she was slain by Apollo.
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The Pythia was established at the latest in the 8th century BC though some estimates date the shrine to as early as 1400 BC. She was widely credited for her prophecies uttered under divine possession (enthusiasmos) by Apollo. The Pythian Priestess emerged preeminent by the end of the 7th century BC and continued to be consulted until the late 4th century AD.
So when my sister and I Decided to start a coven it seemed only natural that Delphi came to be our name, we call ourselves the 13 Sisters of Delphi.
During this period, the Delphic Oracle was the most prestigious and authoritative oracle among the Greeks, and she was among the most powerful women of the classical Greeks. The ruins of the Temple of Delphi visible today date from the 4th century BC, and are of a peripteral Doric building . it was erected on the remains of an earlier temple, dated to the 6th century BC which itself was erected on the site of a 7th century BC construction attributed to the architects Trophonios and Agamedes. 5
The Oracle Says.......
Dear Oracle,
I’ve recently rediscovered my heritage and found who I really am. I’m a hereditary witch. The problem with that is I can’t be open about who I am because I live in a really Christian based community. People here associate witch with the devil. How can I convince them that I’m not evil? How can I be true to who I really am while living in a community that condemns who I am? My husband and his family are very devout Christians and I love him very much. He says he supports me, but doesn’t want his family to know I’m a witch because of the conflict it will cause. Please help!! _____Confused in Florida
Dear confused in Florida
I have been exactly where you are in regards to family members not understanding who you are. People fear what they do not understand and because of their programing they may never be open to You being a Witch. How ever at least your husband seems to be beside you on your path, to an extent. My advise to you is to learn as much as you can, find a group of like minded women , search your local Pagan society and live your best life and be the best person and witch that you can. You don’t need anyone’s approval to walk in your Power !!! So don’t worry about those around you approving o f your Spiritual practices, this is your journey . Be who you came here to be .. Blessed Be Sister -----The Oracle 6
Power Items
Power Animal
messengers. Their names were Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory).
Odin was known to shapeshift into a raven himself. This reflects the idea of a raven being a messenger of the great spiritual realm.
The Raven Keynotes:
magic, shapeshifting, and creation
Cycle of power: winter solstice The raven is one of those birds that has a tremendous amount of lore and mythology surrounding it and it is often contradictory. It is a bird of birth, death, mysticism, and magic. In the near East, the raven was considered unclean because it is a scavenger. It Is one of the foods listed as forbidden in the bible, as well as one of the birds that Noah sent out after the floods, but it did not return to the ark . On the other hand, also In Biblical lore is the tale of how a raven fed the prophet Elijah when hiding from king Ahab. In Scandinavian lore, the raven played a significant role. The Norse god Odin had a pair of ravens who were his
The raven has a long history of being an omen. During the middle ages the croak of the raven was believed to foretell a death or the out come of a battle. It was even thought to the common folk in Christian communities that wicked priests became ravens when they died. Even today , some old timers tell how you can expect hot weather when a raven is seen facing a clouded sun. The raven is a member of the corvid family, in which crows and magpies and other such birds belong. The raven has a wealth of myth and lore surrounding it. In many ways it is comparable to the coyote tales of the plains Indians, the bushman tales of the mantis, and the other societies in which an animal plays both a significant and yet confusing role. The coyote was both the trickster and the wise being---fool and wise one. When I think of the raven it reminds me of the walker between the worlds, the shape shifter, and the keeper of secrets. 7
My Star in Heaven--Author Unknown Illustration by: Nickolas Maez 8
Power Items
Flower
This transformed into dent-de-lion in French, and then became Dandelion in Middle English. The Dandelion didn’t merit a mention in the Victorian language of flowers. That didn’t stop Medieval peasants and modern spiritualists from considering it a symbolic flower.
The Dandelion
The common Dandelion has a number of different meanings.
• •Healing from emotional pain and physical injury • •Intelligence, especially in an emotional and spiritual sense • •The warmth and power of the rising sun • •Surviving all challenges and difficulties • •Long lasting happiness and joy • •Getting your wishes fulfilled • Since the Dandelion can thrive in difficult conditions, it symbolizes the ability to rise above life’s challenges. The Dandelion name first developed in the 15th century. It was derived from the Medieval Latin phrase dens lionis, which refers to the jagged shape of the leaves by calling them a lion’s tooth.
Most modern admirers consider it a symbol of fighting through the challenges of life and emerging victorious on the other side. Others use it as a visual reminder of the sun’s power, especially when depression or grief makes it hard to stay sunny. There is a folk belief that blowing out the white puffball of seeds that the flowers turn into will grant you one wish. Others use it as a reminder to use intelligence in dealing with every kind of situation. Special Uses for Dandelion Flowers
Gather up a small informal bouquet of Dandelions from your yard for uses such as:
• •Celebrating the return of summer • •Overcoming an obstacle • •To connect with the sun and its power • •Celebrating any event that brings joy and the energy of youth into your life The Dandelion Flower ’s Message Is…
The Dandelion flower ’s message is do not give up, even if those around you keep trying to get rid of you. Stick it out and remember the cheerfulness of a sunny summer ’s day when things seem bleak or dark . 9
Power Items Labradorite
chakra correspondences:
higher heart (thymus). Throat, third eye, soma; purifies, aligns , and protects all chakras.
Physiological correspondences :
eyes, brain, neurotransmitters, spleen, stomach, liver, adrenal glands, gallbladder, blood pressure, metabolic and hormonal symptoms.
Legendary power:
Labradorite is a stone of exceptional spiritual power. Helping to prepare the physical body for the expansion process, it anchors the light body in place and connects to the highest energies in the universe as it opens spiritual vision . standing in the vibrational junction of spirit and matter , protective Labradorite creates an interface that facilitates metaphysical working. It enables you to monitor what Is going on in another energy field without taking on conditions from that field or entering it.
Healing power:
Place labradorite on your third eye to heal eye diseases and migraines that arise from blocked psychic power. At a physical level , Labradorite laid in the hollow in the back of the skull may regulate metabolism and hormonal balance and relieve PMS. Worn over the heart chakra , it protects against colds and may lower blood pressure. Labradorite acts as a witness during distant radionic treatment.
Transformational power:
This powerful stone opens spiritual pathways and attunes you to yours souls purpose in incarnating. Labradorite connects you with the greater part of your soul that is outside incarnation so you receive guidance from source. 10
Power Items
Herb
Indications :
California Poppy has the reputation of being a nonaddictive alternative to the Opium Poppy, though it is less powerful. It has been used as a sedative and hypnotic for children, where there is over excitability and sleeplessness. It can be used wherever an antispasmodic remedy is required. The Native Americans used it for colic pains, and it may be useful in the treatment of gallbladder colic.
Preparation And Dosage:
Infusion : pour a cup of boiling water into 1-2 teaspoons full of dried herbs and leave it to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink a cup before bedtime to promote restful sleep.
California Poppy PAPAVERACEAE Part used:
Dried aerial parts.
Collection:
the aerial are collected at the time of flowering, which is between June and September. They should be dried in the shade.
Constituents:
Alkaloids similar to Opium Poppy; flavone glycosides.
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Spells & Potions
Clairvoyance Tea
The Giving Tree
In Celtic lore they were called wishing trees, and Taoists referred to them as money trees. Plant one in your yard or in a pot in your home. Choose from among these magical trees or trust your intuition in the arboreal matters. Cherry for romance Peach for love magic Willow for healing and broken hearts Apple for divination and spell work Oak for strength and lust Olive for peace Aspen for sensitivity Eucalyptus for purification
1 tsp Mugwort 1 tsp Thyme 1 tsp Rosemary or Yarrow 1 tsp Black Tea (optional)
Have fun conjuring and casting …
Relaxation Tea
1 tbsp English Breakfast 1 tsp Chamomile 1 tsp Elder Flower 2 tsp Hops 2 tsp Rose Hips 1 tsp Valerian For all teas, boil water. Put in herbs and let set 3-5 minutes then strain. Do not drink more than 4 cups per day 12
Spells & Potions
Room Cleansing Spell
Dis-Spelling Fear
Before a job interview , performance , or the moment when you ask the boss for a raise, you can turn to a success crystal as your lucky touchstone, such as peridot , jade , or citrine. Sit on the floor, legs crossed , and breath deeply nine times. Take the touchstone into your hands and chant.
Perform During:
That which came from the sky, Enter into me. As was the moon full , so am I now. And so I go , with this light . Full and bright. So mote it be..
Waning moon, Day of Saturn, Hour of Mars
Materials:
tray with: 1 sprig white heather, 1 lit white candle in a holder, lit frankensence in a holder, & bowl of blessed water
Spell Casting:
Have fun conjuring and casting ..
Take the candle and incense and walk around interior of the room. Say:
By fire & flame, by smoke & scent; I drive from this room all chaos & dissent.
Asperge the room using the sprig & water, sprinkling baseboards, walls, corners, & floor. Say: By water & salt, by herb & flower; Peace & contentment return in this hour.
Take the tray outside. Say:
Follow the light, follow the scent. nto the Earth & into the Air, Energies gathered here I now vent.
Blow out candle, bury it & the incense, lay the spring over this and pour the water on top 13
Mythology
Other Names:
By: Lady Gloriana
The Story of Dionysis
D
Dionysos, Iacchus, Zagreus, & Bacchus ionysus was the god of fertility, the arts, and wine. He had a double personality; on one hand, he was joy and divine ecstasy; but on the other, he was brutal and blinding rage. Dionysus was and Semele, the mortal parent. Semele at night, human eyes, be felt as a Semele was lover of a god, did not know
the son of Zeus only god with a Zeus went to invisible to but he could godly presence. proud to be the although she which one.
Word got Semele and guessed responsible. Semele in convinced her see her lover was. When Zeus again, she made the River Styx grant her one madly in love,
around about Hera quickly who was She went to disguise and she needed to as he really visited her him swear on that he would wish. Zeus was so he agreed.
She then asked him to show her his true form. Zeus was unhappy knowing what was about to happen, but bound by his oath, he had no choice. He appeared in his true form and Semele was instantly burned to a crisp by the sight of his glory. Zeus managed to rescue the still unborn Dionysus and stitched him into his thigh until he was ready to be born. His birth from Zeus gave him immortality. Hera was still jealous of Zeus’ infidelity and the fact that Dionysus was alive, so she arranged for the Titans to kill him. The Titans ripped him to pieces. His grandmother, Rhea brought him back to life. After this happened, Zeus arranged for his protection and sent him to the nymphs to be raised. 14
While living with the mountain nymphs, Dionysus saw Ariadne wandering on the coast of the island of Naxos (where Theseus abandoned her after killing the Minotaur ). He immediately fell in love with her and married her. They had a happy marriage and Ariadne bore him several children. Dionysus wandered the world actively spreading his cult. He was accompanied by the Maenads, who were wild women, flush with wine, shoulders draped with a fawn skin, carrying rods tipped with pinecones. While other gods had temples to be worshipped at, the followers of Dionysus worshipped him in the woods. There, they might go into a state of ecstasy and madness, ripping apart and eating any animal they might come upon. Dionysus was also one of the very few Gods able to bring a dead person back from the underworld. Even though he had never seen his mother, Semele, he was very concerned about her. Eventually, he journeyed into the underworld to find her. There he faced down Thanatos and brought her back to Mount Olympus. Unlike other gods, Dionysus was not just a god to be worshipped, he was also present with his followers. The festival for Dionysus was held in the spring when vines would start bearing leaves. It soon became one of the most important events of the year with its primary focus the theater. Most of the great Greek plays were initially written to be performed at the feast of Dionysus.
Source: https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Dionysus/dionysus.html
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Classifieds
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Scottish Witches
By: Lady Gloriana
What would you do if the eggs in your fridge spoiled after just collecting them, or a seemingly healthy new shrub suddenly withered and died? Would you blame one of your neighbors, getting them arrested and then watching as they were strangled and burnt at the stake?
T
his is what
Scots and 1736. On 4 of the Scottish ‘Anentis made it a for anyone to seek the use of Sorceries and
pretty much happened to almost 4,000 between 1563 June 1563 an Act Parliament, Witchcraftis’, capital offense practice or ‘ Witchcrafts, Necromancy ’.
The witch within five (1590-91, 1597, and 1661-62). cases in which is known, two in execution, so reason to doubt 2,500 suspected executed during
hunt occurred major ‘ panics’ 1628-30, 1649 Of the 300 or so the outcome thirds resulted there is little that at least witches were this period.
This figure doesn’t include witches killed at the hands of the mob, such as Janet Cornfoot, accused of witchcraft in 1704. She was strung up and pelted with stones and sticks before being cut down, buried under a heavy door covered in rocks and pressed to death. The type of people who were accused of being witches followed the general pattern of the rest of the world. Most were women, and ¾ of these were poor and aged 30-60. Of these were cunning folk or healers. They would employ folk remedies to heal, or magical charms to bring luck or ward off evil spirits. Many women claimed that their powers had been given to them by fairies. 17
The first of the major witch panics, centered around a plot to assassinate King James VI and his new bride by creating a storm to sink their ship in 1591. Some 70 people were implicated in the plot. In 1597 Christian Stewart confessed to killing Patrick Ruthven by bewitching him ‘with ane blak clout’. And when infants fell ill or died, witches were often blamed, accused of either giving them the evil eye or shooting them with elf-shot (magical projectiles in the form of arrows or darts).
The finger of blame was pointed at witches when livestock died or when butter failed to churn, beer refused to ferment or a whole crop failed. The North behind the plot VI confessed to in 1591: ‘His his nose was eagle, his hands with claws upon like the griffon’ a ‘rough, deep
Berwick witches to assassinate James meeting the Devil face was terrible, like the beak of an and legs were hairy, his hands and feet and he spoke with voice’.
By far the confessions Gowdie, in that her coven change into the stole milk from met with the However, it about her with the Devil century Scottish
most extraordinary were those of Isobel 1662. She claimed of 13 witches could shape of animals; cows, and often Queen of Faeries. was her revelations carnal dealings that shocked 17thsociety.
It was also believed that once a witch had made a pact with the Devil, she received the Devil’s mark – a teat or mole from which he would suck her blood. Local ministers, or more usually professional witch-prickers, were employed to discover the mark . The last execution for witchcraft in Scotland took place in the 1720s, while the Scottish Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1736. Perhaps witchcraft is alive and well in Scotland today. We know Scottish witches were not old cackling crones in long pointy hats riding broomsticks with black cats perched on the end, or stooped over a boiling cauldron, throwing eye of newt and tongue of frog into a bubbling, green distilment. We also know that they were generally accused of relatively harmless crimes. 18
Tarot of the Month Upright:
The Fool’s Journey
Beginnings, innocence,
spontaneity, a free spirit.
Holding back ,
recklessness, risk-taking.
Reversed: Quotes:
“There are two make along the Not going all the starting.”
mistakes one can road to truth…. way, and not --- Buddha
Description
The Fool is numbered 0 – potential)- and so does not the sequence of the Tarot are often considered the life and as such, he is ever needs no number.
(the number of unlimited have a specific place in cards. The Major Arcana Fools journey through present and therefore
On the Fools Tarot card, a young man stands on the edge of a cliff, without a care in the world, as he sets out on a new adventure. He is gazing upwards towards the sky (and the universe) and is seemingly unaware that he is about to skip off a precipice into the unknown. Over his shoulder rests his knapsack containing everything he needs- which isn’t much (let’s say he’s a minimalist). The white rose in his hand represents his purity and innocence. And at his feet is a small white dog, representing loyalty and protection, that encourages him to charge and learn the lessons he came here to learn. The mountains behind the Fool symbolize the challenges yet to come. They are forever present, but the Fool doesn’t care about them right now; he’s more focused on starting his expedition.
General
The Fool is a card of new beginnings, opportunity, and potential. Just like the young man, you are at the onset of your journey. Standing at the cliffs edge, and are about to take your first step into the unknown. Even though you don’t know exactly where you are going, you are being called to commit yourself and follow your heart, no matter how crazy this leap of faith might seem to you. Now is the time when you need to trust the Universe is taking care of you.
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As you take on the Fool you to have curious mind of excitement. to the wind to embrace leaving behind or anxiety may or may
this journey, encourages an open, and and a sense Throw caution and be ready the unknown, any fear, worry about what not happen.
This is about new experiences, personal growth, development, and adventure. The time is NOW! Take the leap of faith, even if you do not feel 100% ready or equipped for what is coming. Seriously, what are you waiting for ? You don’t need to wait for someone to give you the green light or hold off until you have all of the skills, tools and resources you think you might need. You are ready! If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it! This is a time of great potential and opportunity for your right now. The world is your oyster, and anything can happen. Use your creative mind with a dash of spontaneity to make the most of this magical time and bring forth your new ideas in powerful ways. The Fool is your invitation to relax, play, and have fun. The Fool is an excellent card to meditate on if your struggling with dread, worry or self-doubt.
Personality Types
The Fool personality is carefree, curious, adventurous, unconventional, fun and playful. He is a risk-taker and is exciting to be around, even if a little unpredictable. The Fool can also represent someone who is naïve, gullible, and even child-like in their way of thinking. He is a dreamer, someone who lives in their own happy world and may be oblivious to the tougher realities of life. The Fool can signify a new relationship, when you are getting to know each other and being more vulnerable , you may not be ready for a commitment just yet, even though others are it of you. Maybe you are still sowing your wild oats and having to much fun mingling with multiple love interests. So you are feeling more drawn to a single lifestyle. 20
Oracle of the Month Wild Violet
building blocks under the relationship and then keep building. Even if you aren’t currently in a relationship with another person, you can treat yourself by creating a space in your home to pamper yourself. Romance isn’t just for some, it’s for all. It’s about a pretty tablecloth and flowers in a vase.....soft music to relax to or a nice glass of wine to drink before a warm fire. You are worth the effort.
How can you put more romance into your life?
It may be time to perk up a current love affair or to welcome a new one into your life. Think of all the romantic things you can do! We always hear about the fairy tale romance, but as fairies will tell you, it doesn’t happen without some effort. A relationship should be based on mutual respect, honesty, and love. Small things go a long ways in perking up a relationship. There is the small kiss on the cheek , just for nothing..... or the hug at the door.
Chant Oh Great goddess of light, bring romance into my life. Cast about me an attraction spell. Pull it from a wishing well. make it strong and make it true For this i send my gratitude to you. So be it!
Write yourself a love letter!!
Really listening to your partner is vital to any relationship.Get the basic 21
July Celebration’s Full Moon: 24 July 2021
By: RavensThorn
You can add anything to your full moon altar that you like, I just try to keep it simple. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself.
Moon stone mirror magic ( full moon is optional)
Moonstone is a psychic mirror, especially for females.
I like to begin my day of the full moon regardless of which full moon it is, with a cup of jasmine tea. Jasmine is a flower that is associated with the moon and is very lovely to smell and to drink . Then I like to prepare my altar with fresh white cloth and a fire proof bowl, for burning what ever I want to release during my ritual. Also I like to clear my crystals that I will be working with by simply running cool water over them with the intention of clearing and releasing any energy ’s that they may have absorbed since the last time they were used.
Wise women of ancient India were the first to figure this out. If you are feeling out- of -sorts or off center, turn to this lovely stone, sacred to the shining orb in our night sky. Under moonlight, gaze first at the moon and then at your smooth, round moonstone and look for the answer to your personal mystery. A message will come to you in the form of a dream this night. Keep a journal by your bed side to record this moonlit message.
A full moon chant (count your blessings)
Great goddess, giver of all the fruits of this earth, Of all bounty, beauty, and well being, bless these gifts. I am made of sacred earth, purest water, sacred fire, and the wildest wind. Blessings upon me. Blessings upon thee. Mother earth and sister sky. So mote it be.
Then I make sure that I have white candles, fresh flowers and my full moon incense.
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Mythological Creature The Phoenix
T
By Lady Gloriana
he legendary Phoenix was believed by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians to hold great power. The bird had a beautiful golden aura. It was viewed as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The ancient people believed that each Phoenix lived for 500 years and only one lived at a time. Just before its time was up, it would build itself a nest and set itself on fire. A new Phoenix would arise from the ashes. The Phoenix is associated with the sun. In one myth, the Phoenix flew west into the mortal world because it was necessary to come to leave Paradise and enter our world so that the creature could be reborn. It flew west until it reached the spice groves that grew in Arabia. It stopped there to collect only the finest herbs and spices (especially cinnamon) before continuing its journey to Phoenicia. Once the Phoenix reached Phoenicia, it built a nest of the herbs and spices it had gathered and waited for the sun to rise. The next morning, Apollo, began to across the sky, turn east to face rose above the then sing one of the haunting melodies perfect that even pause and listen When the Phoenix song, the sun god and continued his sky. This caused a the sky and ignite and the Phoenix in flames. All that was left was a tiny worm.
when the sun god, drag his chariot the Phoenix would him as the sun horizon. It would most beautiful and known to man – so the sun god had to to the sweet notes. finished its farewell readied his chariots journey across the spark to fall from the nest of herbs
This, however, was not the end of the cycle. After three days, a new Phoenix would rise from the ashes (transformed from the worm) and begin the next cycle of 500 years. It would carry the remaining ashes of its parent to the great Heliopolis and then return to Paradise until its cycle came to an end. 23
Mythological Creature The Phoenix continued......
Other myths state that instead of flying to Phoenicia, the Phoenix flew to Heliopolis and gave itself to the fires of the sun city. The new Phoenix then emerges and flies back to the land of Paradise. Then the new Phoenix begins its life by first creating a cremation egg to place its predecessor ’s remains inside. To do this, the Phoenix flies off and begins to gather the finest myrrh it can find to form into a ball. It gathers as much as it can carry and then flies back to the nest it emerged from.
Once back at its nest, the Phoenix begins to hollow out the egg of myrrh and creates a small opening on the side so that it can begin to put its predecessor ’s ashes inside. Once it has gathered all the ashes and put them inside the egg, it seals the opening in the cremation egg with myrrh and carries the remains back to Heliopolis. It leaves the remains on top of an alter in the temple of Ra and then begins its new life by flying back to the land of Paradise.
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Mythological Creature The Phoenix continued......
It was considered good luck in many cultures to spot a Phoenix. It was said to signify that a good leader who was very wise had been given ruling power. It was also considered to be the sign of a new era. The tears of the bird are also thought to have regenerative abilities that can be harnessed by humans. the Phoenix is known to have a different diet than the birds of this world. Instead of eating fruits and nuts, the Phoenix was said to have consumed frankincense and aromatic gums. While the Phoenix is mostly associated with Greek mythology, there were several other cultures that hold references to similar ‘solar birds’ or ‘ fire birds’ that have often been compared to the Phoenix itself. The most common connected bird is the goddess ‘Bennu’ from Egyptian mythology who is almost identical to the Greek Phoenix. However, there are also similarities that can be found in Russian, Indian, and Native American. Jewish mythology also makes references to a creature that is believed to be the Phoenix. In their version, the Phoenix is known as the Milcham. In Native American mythology, the Thunderbird is also thought to have loose connections to the Phoenix. Similarly, to Garuda, who is the Hindu version, the Thunderbird is known to guard against the evil serpent figure and is thought of as a protector. The early Christians used the Phoenix to represent the terms of Christs death and resurrection. This connection can clearly be seen in the death of the deity (Christ or the Phoenix) followed by a period of three days, during which a rebirth occurred. After the third day, the new life cycle began. The two ideas are so closely related that the Phoenix was used on early Christian tombstones to help symbolize the connection between the two figures. The images also serve as a reminder that death is not the end – it is simply a new beginning (Geller, 2018). Geller, P. (2018, September 29). Phoenix. Retrieved from mythology.net: https://mythology.net/mythicalcreatures/phoenix/
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Mythological Creature la llorona
By: Lady Nephthys
her sacrifice had been for not, she spent her life on the waters edge morning her children. If children got too close to her, she would mistake them for her own and drag them into the water.
I
grew up listening to tales of La Llorona. I now know there are many versions, but the one I grew up with on the frontier of Deep South Texas and Mexico went like this:
A woman was happily married and had two children, a son, and a daughter. Her husband died one day, and she was thrust into poverty. She met a new man, but he wanted nothing to do with her children. He told her if she sent them away to live with her in-laws, they could be together. They could have more children that were his. Knowing her in-laws could not take the children she took them to the river and drowned them. The man disgusted by her actions abandoned her. Devastated that
After killing several children, she had mistaken as hers, she herself was drowned by vengeful parents. Ever since then it is said her ghost roams the water ways of South Texas and Mexico looking for her children and grabbing and drowning those who get too close to her. In most traditions, the ghost of La Llorona is to be feared. She is said to be vengeful and seize other ’s children to drown in place of her own. By other traditions, she is a warning and those who hear her wails will soon face death themselves. Sometimes she is seen as a disciplinary figure and appears to children who are unkind to their parents. One of the most popular versions, depicts a beautiful young Maria. Maria was poor and married a wealthy man and bore his children. They lived happily until he lost interest in her and began having an affair with a younger woman. One day while Maria and her children were walking by the river the husband rode by in his carriage accompanied by the new young woman. In a fit of rage, Maria flung her two children into the river and drowned them both.
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Mythological Creature la llorona Continued.....
Once she realized what she had done, she succumbed to such profound grief that she spent the rest of her days wailing by the river in search of her children. Another version has the regretful Maria flinging herself into the river where she drowns as well. Yet another has a drunk maria coming home, drowning her children, and then being cursed for her neglectfulness to search for them for all of eternity. Whatever the version she is always in white and always wailing. The origins of the legend are uncertain, but it has been presented as having pre-Hispanic roots. La Llorona is thought to be one of ten omens foretelling the
Conquest of Mexico and has also been linked to two Aztec goddesses who could be linked to La Llorona. The first is Ciuacoatl (Snake-woman), described as ‘a savage beast and an evil omen’ who ‘appeared in white’ and who would walk at night ‘weeping and wailing ’. She is also described as an ‘omen of war ’. This goddess could also be linked to the sixth of ten omens that are recorded in the Aztec codex as having foretold the Conquest: the voice of a woman heard wailing at night, crying about the fate of her children.
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Mythological Creature la llorona Continued.....
Yet in order to hit all the elements of La Llorona, we must also look at another Aztec Goddess, Chalchiuhtlicue. In her we find the links to water and infanticide. According to the Florentine Codex, Chalchiuhtlicue (the Jade-skirted one) was the goddess of the waters and wife of the rain god, Tlaloc. She is described as ‘ feared’ and ‘caused terror ’. She was said to drown people and overturn boats. Ceremonies in honor of the rain gods, including Chalchiuhtlicue, involved the sacrifice of children. These sacrificial victims were bought from their mothers and the more the children cried, the more successful the sacrifice was thought to have be. It appears overall, that La Llorona may be an amalgamation of the two Goddesses. Some believe hearing the wailing of La Llorona is a warning of death or war, in the tradition of the omens the Aztecs had to the coming conquest and there distruction.
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