News From the Oracle Vol. 2 Issue 4 by 13SistersOfDelphi

News From the Oracle Volume 2 Issue 4

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3 April 2022

Astral Travel Hathor Istar History of Easter Bunny

13 Sisters of Delphi ElderHighPriestess RavensThornMorrigan ElderHighPriestess

Gloriana Danu

High Priestess

Bee

High Priestess in Training

Britannica Lady Gaea Sekmet

Mawu Cardea Thalassadorite WingsofTiamat Morningstar Khaos

Members

Lady Artemis Iria Lima Terra Gaea Amphritrite Lady Atira Freya Gloid RhiannonMoon BellaBloodmoon 2

13 Sisters of Delphi

Feature Story Continued Shared By : High Priestess, R avensThorn Morrigan As tra l t ravel i s s ome t hi n g ever yo n e exper i ences whi le as leep. B ut to g o o n a tr ip to o t h er realms co n s ci o us ly is pos s i b le. I n your d rea ms, many t i m es yo u wou ld h ave s een you rself f ly i n g o r visitin g s t ra ng e land s. O f ten t h e s ens at i o n feels s o real th at yo u wa ke up feeli n g s li g ht ly lost, a s i f yo u have been ‘ b ea m ed back ’ to yo ur cur re nt li fe. I n many b o o ks a b o ut famo us yo gi s a nd g uru s, a re i n ci d ent s that sh ow t h at t h ey have v i s i ted t hei r d evotees wh i le i n realit y t h ey were litera lly h un d red s o f miles away. B oth t h es e a re rea l; while d rea m i n g you exp er i enced as tral t ravel wi t h o ut inten d i n g to, t he

13 Sisters of Delphi

yo gi se nt fo r t h h i s o t h e r se l f to co nve r se w i t h h i s d i sc i p l e. Wi t h o u t e ve n re al i si n g i t yo u h ave t rave l l e d to t h e ast ral p l an e n u m e ro u s t i m e s. Ast ral p ro j e c t i o n o cc u r s by i t se l f w i t h o u t yo u e ve n re al i si n g i t i s h ap p e n i n g. At n i g ht, w h i l e yo u sl e e p, yo u r ast ral b o d y f l o at s away p ar t i al l y o r so m e t i m e s e ve n co m p l e te l y f ro m yo u r p hysi c al b o d y. I t co m e s b ac k t h e sam e way j u st b e fo re yo u wak e u p. S o m e t i m e o r t h e o t h e r, al l o f u s h ave fe l t r u d e l y, b u t i n ex p l i c ab l y sh ak e n f ro m sl e e p.

Haveyouwokenupstartled from a half asleep state? Th i s h ap p e n s w h e n yo u r ast ral b o d y co m e s h o m e f ast an d j o i n s w i t h yo u r p hysi c al o n e.

J u st l i k e i n l uc id d re am i n g, consc ious ast ral t ravel c a n be p rac t i ce d. The travel ag e nt i s your sel f. D u r i n g an out- ofb o d y ex p e r ience while being co n sc i o u s, the a stra l p l an e fe e l s sol id. B u t yo u w il l find i t c h an g e abl e a nd am o r p h o u s. Tim e w i l l fe e l distor ted an d e ve n ex tended. A my r i ad num ber of re al i t i e s, pl a nes a nd re al m s ex ist in the ast ral d i m ension. I t i s n o t e asy, h owe ve r, to rea c h t h e se w i t hout e f fo r t, e spec ia l l y for i n i t i ate s i n the a r t o f ast ral projec tion. E x p e r i e n ce is the b e st te ac her a nd l e ar n i n g how to t rave l ac ross va r ious l e ve l s i s b est l ea r ned by d o i n g i t your sel f. Th e ast ral travel l er ’s f i r st t ask i s to co n q u e r fe a r. Astra l

Feature Story: Astral Traveling projec t i o n i s a phenomen o n t h at occu rs nat ura lly while yo u a re a s leep. I t is im p o r t a nt t hat the nov i ce wo r ks o n remov i ng t h e fea r of the unk nown, s ince t h i s wi ll h ave a d etr im ent a l ef fec t on the mi nd. Hence, i t i s m o s t impor t a nt t hat yo ur phys i ca l b o d y a nd you r a s t ra l fo r m a re both p ro tec ted d ur i ng projec t i o n. As t ra l projec t i o n d o n e und er t h e i nf luen ce of alco h o l o r d rug s is d an g ero us, a n d can even lea d to tempo ra r y i ns a ni t y. B efore yo u b egi n, med it ate fo r a wh i le. Fill your mi nd s lowly wi t h p o s i t i ve thou g ht s a b o ut you rself, yo ur f r i en d s and yo ur i mmi nent as tral t ravel exper i en ce. I t is sup p o s ed t h at the as t ra l t raveller only e n co unters whate ver he h i ms elf

p ro j e c t s i nto t h e ast ral p l an e. B e fo re yo u b e gi n yo u r j o u r n e y to t h e o t h e r p l an e s, v i su al i se a p ro te c t i ve c i rc l e aro u n d yo u r se l f. I m agi n e a w h i te l i g ht aro u n d yo u. I m agi n e t wo l arg e w h i te h an d s e m e rgi n g, w h i c h g e nt l y c l e an se s yo u r au ra t h at e nve l o p s h e ad to to e, re m ov i n g al l n e g at i v i t y. Yo u m ay e n co u nte r b e i n g s i n t h e ast ral re al m s t h at are n o t al ways p o si t i ve. R e m e m b e r t h at as l o n g as yo u are a p o si t i ve an d sp i r i te d p e r so n , n e g at i ve fo rce s wo u l d n o t b e ab l e to p e n e t rate yo u r au ra. To st ar t, f i n d a co m fo r t ab l e p o si t i o n i n a q u i e t p l ace w h e re yo u w i l l n o t b e i nte r r u p te d. S i t t i n g u p r i g ht i n a c h ai r i s re co m m e n d e d as yo u m ay f al l asl e e p w h i l e p ro st rate. Le t m e d i t at i o n al m u si c f l o at al l aro u n d yo u, re m ov i n g d i st rac t i n g

so u n d s f rom your sp h e re o f attention. Th e n , b an ish a l l ran d o m t h oughts. I m agi n e t h em f l ow i n g o u t into a e ar t h e n p ot w hic h yo u t h e n brea k . Fo c u s o n your b re at h i n g. I nha l e t h ro u g h your nose, an d ex h al e through yo u r m o u th. Vi su al i se your sel f b re at h i n g in a n at m o sp h e re of pea ce, ex p e l l i n g disha r m ony w i t h e ac h exha l ation. Li k e i n m e ditation, fo c u s o n e a c h pa r t of yo u r b o d y sta r ting w i t h yo u r feet a nd e n d i n g at your hea d. As yo u ex ha l e, tel l yo u r se l f i n the m i n d, ‘M y body i s re l ax i n g’. Wh e n yo u feel ve r y re l axe d, sta r t c h ant i n g s il entl y to yo u r se l f, ‘I fl y, I f l o at, I r i se’ re p e ate d l y. When yo u r m i n d sta r ts d r i f t i n g to other

13 Sisters of Delphi

Feature Story Continued thing s, wi ll i t ret ur n to your ma nt ra . At s om e p o i nt, you w i ll s ud d en ly realise t h at yo u h ave entered a h ei g htened s tate o f awa renes s. You r i n ner s elf feels light, at t he s a me time i t i s s up remely aware wi t h yo ur s ens e o f hea r i ng havin g b eco m e ver y acute. At the s a me t i me, you r b o d y feels ver y h eav y a nd relaxed. I t i s n ow time to b egi n yo ur jou r ney o ut wa rd. Keep rep eat i ng t h e phras e yo u h ave us ed to rea ch yo ur heightened s t ate. Banis h a ll t h o ug ht s from wi t h i n wh i le chanti n g over a n d over ag a i n , ‘ I f ly, I float, I r i s e’. I n t h e firs t few i ns t a nces, nothi ng may ha p p en but as yo u keep prac ti ci n g, s o o n er o r later yo u wi ll leave you r p hys i ca l b o d y.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Th e n ov i ce s te n d to b e co m e d i sap p o i nte d : e ve n w h e n t h e y h ave p ro j e c te d t h e i r ast ral b o d i e s, t h e re al i sat i o n i t se l f j o l t s t h e m b ac k to t h e i r b o d i e s. I t t ak e s p e r si ste n ce an d e n d u ran ce to l e ave t h e b o d y p e r fe c t l y. As yo u b e gi n to l e ave yo u r b o d y, t h e ex p e r i e n ce i s ak i n to t rave l l i n g i n a m ov i n g ve h i c l e. Th i s i s si m p l y yo u r ast ral b o d y st ar t i n g to se p arate f ro m yo u r p hysi c al b o d y. Wh e n an ab u n d an ce o f l i g ht s an d co l o u r s ap p e ar i n f ro nt o f yo u r e ye s, yo u h ave re ac h e d t h e ast ral p l an e. E x p l o re t h e re al m by u si n g yo u r t h o u g ht s to m ove aro u n d.

S l ow l y, b egin co u nt i n g from 1 to 1 0 , w h i l e foc using o n e ac h p ar t of your b o d y. B e gin to m ove e ac h sl ow l y, one by o n e. D o n o t b e in a h u r r y, fo r you m ay h ave b e e n sitting p hysi c al l y m otionl ess fo r a l o n g tim e. O p e n yo u r eyes, a nd k e e p a d i ar y of your ex p e r i e n ces. Th e b e gi n ner is ad v i se d to seek p ro fe ssi o n a l guida nce f ro m a m editation ex p e r t b e fore sta r ting o u t, fo r, f a il ure to do so m ay h ar m m enta l e q u i l i b r i u m ser iousl y. https://www.newindianexpress. com/lifest yle/ spir itualit y/2013/may/12/ The -amateur-Astral-travelguide -476418.html

Wh e n i t i s t i m e fo r yo u to re t u r n , j u st m ak e t h e d e c i si o n to co m e b ac k to yo u r p hysi c al b o d y, an d v i su al i se yo u r se l f b ac k i n yo u r b o d y.

Power Items Animal-

Bear

p owe r s. I n t h i s p o st, yo u’ l l l e ar n ab o u t b e ar sy m b o l i sm , b e ar sp i r i t u al m e an i n g s, t h e b e ar i n c u l t u ral my t h o l o g y an d fo l k l o re, an d m o re. What does a bear symbolize?

B ear mea ni n g a nd s ymbo li s m i nclud e s treng t h , co ura g e a nd prote c t i o n , no b i li t y, patien ce, p lay f uln es s, and o t h er a d m i ra b le traits. N at i ve to ever y co nt i nent o n Ear th excep t Af r i ca , Aus tra li a , a nd Antarc t i ca , b ea rs have f a s ci n ated people fo r a s lo n g a s they ’ve b een h ere. I n fac t, b ea rs h ave been t h e s ub j ec t s of s tor i es a n d mytholo g y o f p eo p le aroun d t h e wo r ld fo r thou s a nd s o f yea rs. Fu r th er m o re, t he bear sp i r i t a n i ma l i s an im p o r t a nt to tem to many p eo p le becau s e o f t hei r many awe -i n s p i r i ng

• • • • • • •

St re n g t h Pro te c t i o n an d Co u rag e Fe ro c i t y Nobility Pat i e n ce Pl ay f u l n e ss an d Cu r i o si t y Cu d d l i n e ss

Detailed Bear Symbols and Meanings Strength

B e ar s exe m p l i f y w h at i t m e an s to b e st ro n g an d p owe r f u l. I n ad d i t i o n to b e i n g st ro n g, b e ar s c an b e qu i te f ast, d e sp i te t h e i r l arg e si ze. S o m e sp e c i e s, i n c l u d i n g b l ac k an d b row n b e ar s, c an re ac h sp e e d s o f 3 0 m i l e s p e r h o u r. Wh i l e t h i s i s n o t as f ast as wo l ve s, w h o c an r u n u p to 4 0 m i l e s p e r h o u r, i t ’s st i l l q u i te f ast co n si d e r i n g t h e b e ar ’s si ze.

H owe ve r, bea r s we re n o t n ecessa r il y b u i l t fo r speed, says b i o l o gist Bl a ire Van Val k e n burgh. R at h e r, t h e y a re buil t fo r st re n g th a nd m o b i l i t y. B ea r s c a n m ove q u i ck l y a nd t h e i r l i m bs c a n em it i n c re d i b l e force, fa r m o re t h an the l o n g e r l i m bs of l ions an d wo l ve s. B e ar s u se the co m b i n at i on of t h e i r st re n gth a nd d ex te r i t y to fora ge fo r fo o d, c l im b trees, d i g t h e i r dens, a nd h u nt an d fish. I n ad d i t i o n , they c a n u se t h e i r power ful l i m b s to defend t h e m se l ve s. B ea r s re l y o n t h e ir br ute fo rce an d intel l igence to su r v i ve in t h e w i l d. Yo u are st ronger tha n yo u re al i ze. The bea r sp i r i t an i m a l rem inds yo u to f i n d your i n n e r re se r ves of st re n g t h a nd power. Yo u m ay not a l ways re al i ze yo u have it, b u t yo u d o!

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items AnimalThe b ea r s p i r i t anima ls a ls o tea ches you that t h ere are ti m es when d iploma c y a nd compro m i s e may no lon g er wo r k . S ome t i mes yo u n eed to exe r t t h e a lm i g ht y power o f yo ur f ree will to cha rg e t h o ug h and g et t hi n g s d o ne. I n ad di t i o n , t he bear m ay b e here to rem i nd yo u to claim yo ur p ower, to no t a cq ui es ce, to establi s h yo ur mi g ht y I-am- h ere p res ence.

Useyourpowerfulgiftsasa forceforgoodintheworld. The b ea r a ls o remin d s yo u t h at s treng t h ca n b e us ed in a va r i et y o f ways. Are yo u us i ng a ll o f you r s t reng t hs a n d gif ts to b e a fo rce fo r g ood i n t h e wo r ld, o r are you us i ng yo ur energy i n a ng er to ag gre s s i vely g et you r way ? The b ea r p ower anima l tea ches yo u

Bear

to “ac t as i f.” Eve n i f yo u are fe ar f u l o r n e r vo u s i n si d e, ac t as i f yo u are m i g ht y an d yo u w i l l b e m i g ht y. I f yo u are te r r i f i e d, ac t as i f yo u are b rave an d yo u w i l l b e b rave. I f yo u fe e l sm al l an d i n si gn i f i c ant, re m i n d yo u r se l f t h at yo u are h e re to d o g o o d wo r k an d f u l f i l l yo u r so u l ’s p u r p o se h e re o n E ar t h – an d t h i s p u r p o se i s f ar l arg e r t h an yo u i m agi n e i t to b e.

Stand tall and stand up for others. Wh i l e b e ar s g e n e ral l y g e t aro u n d o n al l fo u r s, t h e y c an e asi l y st an d o n t wo l e g s j u st as p e o p l e c an . An d su d d e n l y t h e y h u g e an d e ve n m o re i m p o si n g. Th e b e ar sp i r i t g u i d e te l l s yo u to st an d t al l, e ve n w h e n yo u fe e l sm al l. Yo u h ave t h e c ap ac i t y to st an d t al l, to b e au t h o r i t at i ve an d al l - p owe r f u l, e ve n i f t h e wo r l d i s u se d to se e i n g yo u c raw l.

N o m at te r how dow n an d d e fe ated you m ay fe e l, the bea r p owe r an i m a l tel l s yo u to r i se up. Protection and Courage

We’ve al l hea rd of t h e m am a bea r or p ap a b e ar a rc het ype. Th e se te r m s com e f ro m h ow ex trem el y p ro te c t i ve bea r s c a n b e. A m o t h er bea r w i l l g o to a ny l ength to p ro te c t her c ubs. An d a m al e bea r w il l f i g ht to t he death to p ro te c t t h at w hic h i s h i s. Co u ra ge a nd p ro te c t i ve ness is in their DNA.

Protectthoseandallthat you hold dear. Th e b e ar s pir it an i m al re m inds you to exe r t ex trem e p ro te c t i ve ness of t h o se yo u l ove a nd t h at w h i c h you hol d d e ar. Th o se you l ove m ay b e your fa m il y m e m b e r s, c l ose f r i e n d s, o r even a gro u p o f peopl e w ho are su f fe r i ng under ab u se o f power. The b e ar al so rem inds

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalyou to p ro tec t yo ur convi c t i o ns, yo ur id eals, a nd yo ur vision fo r the fu t ure. The bear sp i r i t a n i ma l is the q ui ntes s ent i a l prote c to r a n d g uardi a n .

Protectyourpersonalspace. Contra r y to p o p ula r belief, b ea rs a re no t ac tua lly ter r i to r i a l in the way t hat wolve s o r p r i m ates are. Whi le f a m i li es of wo lves a nd pr imates wi ll have a geogra p hi ca l ter r ito r y t hat t h ey cons i d er t hei r own, bears a re k n own to s hare h o m e ra ng es with o t her b ea rs, even t h o s e who a re not in t h ei r f a mi ly and wi t h wh o m t h ey compete fo r fo o d. At the s a me t i me, bears a re ex t remely prote c t i ve o f t h ei r close p ers o na l s p a ce. They d o n’t li ke being crowd ed.

Bear

Remember that spontaneity is fun.

D i f fe re nt sp e c i e s o f b e ar s h ave a d i f fe re nt se n se o f c r i t i c al sp ace. B l ac k b e ar s, fo r ex am p l e, are m o re to l e rant o f p e o p l e an d b e i n g i n p rox i m i t y w i t h o t h e r b l ac k b e ar s. Gr i zzl y b e ar s, o n t h e o t h e r h an d, p re fe r to st ay f u r t h e r away f ro m p e o p l e. Th e y are m o re l i k e l y to d e fe n d t h e m se l ve s w h e n t h re ate n e d, w h i l e a b l ac k b e ar i s m o re l i k e l y to re t re at.

B e ar s d o n ot l ik e su r p r i se s. They are k n ow n to be ex t re m e l y foc used w h e n t h e y a re p u r su i n g things, su c h as f i nding food, to t h e p o i nt that t h e y c an be o b l i v i o u s to their su r ro u n d i n gs. Th e re fo re, it ’s fa ir l y e asy to sn ea k up o n a b e ar w ithout i nte n d i n g to, w hic h c an m ak e them ve r y gr u mpy.

Th e b e ar sp i r i t an i m al re m i n d s yo u t h at i t ’s o k to sh are an d b e f r i e n d l y – u p to a p o i nt. H owe ve r, i f so m e o n e g e t s to o c l o se to yo u i n a way t h at i s u n co m fo r t ab l e o r t h re ate n i n g, yo u c an i ssu e a war n i n g. I f t h at war n i n g i s n o t h e e d e d, t h e n yo u h ave e ve r y r i g ht to l e t o u t yo u r i n n e r gr i zzl y an d p ro te c t yo u r se l f, t h o se yo u l ove, an d t h at w h i c h yo u h o l d d e ar – w i t h o u t m e rc y.

Th e b e ar s pir it an i m al m ay be ask i n g yo u if you’re b e i n g to o sur l y. I s so m e o n e in your l i fe t r y i n g to be fun an d sp o nta neous, b u t yo u’re being gr u m py about it an d d am p ening t h e i r sp i r i t? There are t i m e s the bea r sp i r i t m ay be there to re m i n d you to l i g hte n u p a l ittl e an d “d o n’t be suc h a b e ar.” I t ’s n o t by h ap p e n st a nce that

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalthe bea r i s us ed to d escr i b e a n at t i t ud e that the s to ck ma r ket or a p a r t i cula r s tock i s g o i ng to g o d own . I f yo u’re bear is h, yo u’re bracing yo urs elf fo r a d ow nt ur n vs. b ei n g bullish , whi ch mea ns you’re ch a rgi ng in, rea d y to b uy. S eein g a b ea r i n rea l life, the med i a , o r elsew h ere ca n b e a s ign to yo u cover you r b a s es o r g et read y to p ro tec t you r a s s et s. Bear Symbolism: Patience

B ears s p en d mo s t o f their wa k i ng h o urs look in g fo r fo o d. While gr i z z ly b ea rs and p o la r b ea rs a re capab le o f t a k i ng d own la rg e p rey, s uch as elk o r ca r i b o u, more o f ten t h ey h unt s maller a n i ma ls, s uch as rodent s o r s a lm o n. As apex p red ato rs, bears a re ex t remely patient hunters. A polar b ea r ca n s wi m for d ays i n p urs ui t o f

Bear

fo o d o r wai t p at i e nt l y fo r h o u r s by an i ce h o l e u nt i l a se al p o p s h i s h e ad u p to g e t a b re at h o f ai r.

Patienceandtenacitywin the day. Th e b e ar sp i r i t an i m al re m i n d s yo u t h at n o m at te r h ow m u c h yo u want to ac h i e ve a g o al, o f te n i t ’s p at i e n ce an d te n ac i t y t h at w i l l g e t yo u w h at yo u want. Fu r t h e r m o re, yo u m u st h o n e yo u r sk i l l s, w h i c h re qu i re s t i m e an d p rac t i ce. Trying New Things Wh i l e b e ar s are k n ow n as t h e l arg e st c ar n i vo re s o n l an d, t h e y are ac t u al l y o m n i vo re s. I n t h e c ase o f t h e gi ant p an d a, p hysi o l o gi c al l y t h e y are c ar n i vo re s an d t h e y are k n ow n to e at sm al l ro d e nt s o r c ar r i o n . H owe ve r, 9 9 p e rce nt o f t h e i r d i e t i s p l ant s, an d m ai n l y b am b o o. B row n an d b l ac k b e ar s are k n ow n to

e at grasses, fungi, ro o t s, h e r bs, b e r r i e s, an d nuts. Th e y w i l l a l so eat i n se c t s and c a r r ion. E sse nt i al l y, bea r s a re o p p o r t u n i stic eater s. Th e b e ar s pir it an i m al h as som ething to te ac h u s a bout e at i n g. Panda s have e vo l ve d over m il l ions o f ye ar s f rom being m e at e ate r s to being n e ar l y 1 0 0 percent ve g an . Li ke gor il l a s an d e l e p h a nts, they p rove t h at you don’t h ave to e at m eat to b e b i g, h e a l thy, an d st ro n g.

Alwaysbehungryfornew ideasandexperiences. B e ar sy m bol ism a l so re m i n d s us to be o p e n m i n ded. I t ’s i m p o r t ant to tr y n e w t h i n gs a nd to se i ze o p p or tunities w h e n t h e y com e. B e ar s are both p rac t i c al eater s an d i n qu i s itive g o u r m an ds. I f t h e b e ar power an i m al re sonates

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalwith yo u, i t co uld mean t hat i t ’s t i me for yo u to b ra nch ou t, m ay b e t r y s o m e new fo o d s t hat wi ll make yo u hea lt h i er and s t ro ng er, o r s impl y to g et o ut o f you r co m fo r t zo n e in oth er a rea s o f you r li fe. Th e b ea r s pir it g ui d e may a ls o be tel li n g yo u t h at if you’re eat i ng to o much , li ke t he p a nd a d id, it m ay b e t i me to includ e mo re p la nt s into yo ur d i et !

Bear

ag gre ssi ve an i m al s, t h e i r n at u re i s al so to b e c u r i o u s an d p l ay f u l. I f t h e b e ar sp i r i t an i m al m ak e s h i m o r h e r se l f k n ow n to yo u, t h e y m ay b e re m i n d i n g yo u t h at yo u p o sse ss an i n n ate c u r i o si t y an d a p l ay f u l n at u re. Li fe i sn’t j u st ab o u t wo r k an d p u t t i n g b re ad o n t h e t ab l e. Tak e t i m e to ex p l o re t h e wo r l d an d ex p e r i e n ce w h at ’s g o i n g o n b e yo n d yo u r i m m e d i ate p u r v i e w. B e fe ar l e ss ab o u t t r y i n g n e w t h i n g s.

PlayfulnessandCuriosity Cuddliness

L ik e ca ni n es, b ea rs are hi g h ly i ntelli g ent and t h i s i ntelli g en ce manifes t s i n a n innate cur i o s i t y. B ears li ke to s mell thing s, o f ten s tand i ng o n t h ei r hind leg s to g et more o f a s cent. I n ad d iti o n , t hey li ke to ins pec t new o b j ec t s in the i r env i ro nm ent. Even t ho ug h b ea rs can b e ver y s er i o us and s o m et i mes

As p owe r f u l an d fe ro c i o u s as t h e y c an b e, l e t ’s n o t fo rg e t t h at b e ar s are c u d d l y to o. H ow e l se co u l d t h e Te d d y b e ar b e co m e su c h a b e l ove d an d i co n i c co m fo r t toy to so m any, g e n e rat i o n af te r g e n e rat i o n ? B e ar m e an i n g c an al so b e a re m i n d e r to yo u to b e af fe c t i o n ate, c u d d l y, an d g e nt l e. Yo u d o n’t h ave to b e to u g h an d gr u f f al l t h e t i m e.

Taking Time Out Wh e n yo u think o f an i m al s that h i b e r n ate, bea r s are u su al l y the fir st an i m al t h at com es to m i n d. H owever, b e ar s ac t u a l l y go i nto a st ate c a l l ed to r p o r i n whic h t h e y c an ea sil y be wo k e n u p. Whil e in t h i s st ate, they do wak e u p occ a siona l l y to fo rag e for food b e fo re g o ing ba c k to sl e e p. I f t h e b e ar is your sp i r i t an i m a l, you are a p e r son w ho n e e d s yo ur deep sl e e p. Yo u m ay e ve n b e grouc hy if yo u’re wo k en before yo u’re re a dy. S o, it ’s i m p o r t ant for you to p ro te c t your r ight to sl e e p.

Retreat, Rest, and Recharge Yo u m ay a l so be a p e r so n w ho n e e d s t i m e to go i nto re t re at so yo u c an re c ha rge. I t ’s i m p o r ta nt for

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalbear m en a nd b ea r wome n to h ave their res p ec t i ve man caves a nd s he s hed s – s a nc t ua r i es where t hey ca n g o to res t, ref lec t, and re ch a rg e. The bear sp i r i t a n i ma l remin d s yo u to n o t to let yo ur en erg y g et too d ra i n ed. Fi n d ways t h at yo u ca n g et away f ro m i t a ll, prote c t yo urs elf f ro m inter rup t i o ns, a nd explore yo ur d rea m s in tranq ui li t y. Bear Spirit Animal

B ears p ut energ y into t h e p hys i ca l wor ld j us t a s we d o. I f yo u have a s pecia l co nnec t i o n to bea rs, i t ’s wo r t h und ers t a n d i n g t h em better, a s t hey wi ll help yo u un d ers t a nd you r own exi s tence more d eep ly. Animals a re ea r t hly manifes t at i o ns o f s omet hi n g greater in the U ni vers e, jus t a s we a re. They can tea ch us a n d

Bear

g u i d e u s. I n ad d i t i o n , t h e y c an h e l p u s o n o u r l i fe p at h , al o n g o u r so u l ’s j o u r n e y. I t ’s j u st a m at te r o f p ay i n g at te nt i o n an d t r y i n g to u n d e r st an d t h e m b e t te r. Acco rd i n g to N at i ve Am e r i c an t rad i t i o n s, yo u d o n’t c h o o se yo u r sp i r i t an i m al s. R at h e r, t h e y c h o o se yo u. I f a b e ar m ak e s h i m se l f o r h e r se l f k n ow n to yo u, w h e t h e r i n re al l i fe o r t h ro u g h ar t, t h e m e d i a, o r e l se w h e re – p ay at te nt i o n . Th e re are n o co i n c i d e n ce s. Spiritual Meaning of the Bear

I n m any c u l t u re s, b e ar s are sp i r i t u al b e i n g s. Th e b e ar sp i r i t an i m al i s a p owe r f u l fo rce i n t h e l i ve s o f t h o se w h o are c h o se n by t h i s sp e c i al b e i n g. O n a sp i r i t u al l e ve l, t h e b e ar re p re se nt s t h e co u rag e to e vo l ve an d t h e ab i l i t y to b e o p e n m i n d e d. I n ad d i t i o n , t h e b e ar re m i n d s u s to t r u st o u r i n st i n c t s an d to b e p ro te c t i ve o f o u r f ai t h .

Pe o p l e l ove bea r s. B e ar s o u t matc h us i n si ze an d strength an d t h e y ca n ea sil y k i l l u s. Ye t, m a ny of u s ad o re bea r s a nd are d raw n to them . Ch i l d re n l ove their Te d d y b e a r s a nd Pooh b e ar s, an d indeed “ Po o h b e ar ” is an o f te n - used ter m o f e n d e ar m ent. I n ad d i t i o n , peopl e n am e t h e ir dogs af te r b e ar s, a s in K o d y, O so, or sim pl y, B e ar. An d bea r s have st ar re d i n m a ny sto r i e s an d l egends t h ro u g h o u t the a ges, sy m b o l i zi n g a w ide ran g e o f mea nings to u s. M any o f us have not h ad t h e o ppor tunit y to se e a b e a r in the w i l d, o r p er ha ps we h ave se e n them in w i l d l i fe sanc tua r ies o r e ve n t he zoo ( w h i c h c an be g o o d o r h or r ibl e, d e p e n d i n g on the zo o. ) Eve n so, we c an st i l l expl ore our d e e p co n nec tion to b e ar s by getting to k n ow t hem t h ro u g h t h e wor k of

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalwild li fe b i o lo gi s t s, filmm a kers, a r t i s t s, and b ea r p ro tec t i o n organ i z at i o n s who can help us to und ers t a n d them b et ter. I f you a re a b ea r pers o n , yo u p ro b a b ly alread y k n ow i t. I n the Nat i ve Amer i ca n trad iti o n , yo ur s p i r i t anima ls ch o o s e yo u throug h a v i s i o n quest, a li fe - ch a n gi n g exper i ence, o r a profoun d k i ns h i p that sp a ns li fet i mes. I f you’re cur i o us abou t o t her a ni ma ls who m i g ht b e yo ur s pir it a n i ma ls, yo u can take U n i G ui d e’s s pir it a n i ma l tes t and rea d mo re a b o ut s pir it a n i ma ls i n my over v i ew p o s t. Bear Power Animal

As the na me i mp li es, a power a ni ma l ca n ins pire yo u wi t h t h ei r most d y n a mi c t ra i t s. S o, if yo u wa nt to transfo r m a n a rea o f you r li fe, med i ate on th e at t r i b utes

Bear

t h at t h e p owe r an i m al re p re se nt s. S u m m o n t h e b e ar p owe r an i m al w h e n yo u :

p ro te c t i o n in your l i fe. I n ad dition, t h e b e ar totem is a h e l p f u l sy m bol to re m i n d your sel f that are l ovab l e, c uddl y, an d c ar i n g.

•

Bear Dream Meanings

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Fe e l yo u n e e d to p ro te c t yo u r b o u n d ar i e s b e t te r, whether they b e i nte l l e c t u al, e m o t i o n al, p hysi c al, sp i r i t u al, o r e ve n f i n an c i al. O r i f yo u fe e l t h at t h o se yo u l ove n e e d m o re p ro te c t i o n , H ave b e e n fe e l i n g gr u m py an d p u sh i n g p e o p l e away, b u t k n ow yo u n e e d to t ap i nto yo u r c u d d l y an d l ov i n g n at u re ag ai n . Fe e l we ak an d n e e d to su m m o n st re n g t h an d co u rag e e ve n t h o u g h yo u d o n’t t h i n k yo u h ave i t.

Bear Totem I n N at i ve Am e r i c an c u l t u re s, an i m al to te m s h o l d t h e p ro te c t i ve p owe r s o f t h e an i m al t h e y re p re se nt. Th u s, t h e b e ar to te m i s a h e l p f u l sy m b o l fo r m an i fe st i n g m o re co u rag e, st re n g t h , an d

B e c au se drea m s a re so p e r so n a l to the d re am e r, I find it h ard to appl y spec ific m e t ap h o r s ever y tim e a p e r so n drea m s of a b e ar. H owever, I d o sh are the bel ief h e l d by m a ny N ative Am e r i c an tr ibes that b e ar d re am s a re m e ssag e s from your su p e r co n sc iousness an d t h at t hey a re wo r t h st u dying. Fo r t h e N ative Am e r i c an s, drea m ing o f a b e ar wa s a m e ssag e from your an ce sto r s. I do b e l i e ve t h at our sp i r i t g u i des a re st an d i n g by to hel p u s. I t ’s j u st a m atter o f p ay i n g attention. Th e y d o n’t wa nt to g e t i n t h e way of our f re e w i l l, however, if we ask fo r their hel p, t h e y are wil l ing to d o so.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items AnimalWhat ’s i m p o r t a nt is to co n s i d er wh en analyz i n g yo ur bear drea m i s t he emoti o n s yo u felt i n the d rea m, wh et her it was fea r, a n g er, anxiet y, etc. For in s t a nce, b ea rs can b e f r i g hteni n g to s ome p eo p le whi le cud d ly a n d p ro tec t i ve to oth ers. Yo ur feeling s wi ll help yo u to u n d ers t a nd t h e natu re o f a m at ter that yo u need to ad d re s s when i n you r wa kef ul, cons ci o us s t ate. Bear Symbolism in Cultural Mythology and Folklore

There a re ei g ht s pecies o f b ea rs in the wo r ld, a nd they a re nat i ve to ever y co nt i nent o n Ear th excep t Af r i ca , Aus tra li a , a nd Antarc t i ca . ( Whi le a speci es o f b rown bear c a lled t h e Atlas b ea r wa s once i n Af r i ca a nd is now ex t i n c t, they were li kely

Bear

b ro u g ht to Af r i c a by t h e S p an i sh o r R o m an s. ) Th e tow n o f B e r n , Sw i t ze r l an d, t h e st ate o f Cal i fo r n i a, an d Ru ssi a h ave p ro u d l y c h o se n t h e b e ar as t h e sy m b o l fo r t h e i r g e o grap h i c al h o m e s. I n ad d i t i o n , b e ar si gn s ap p e are d i n t h e sy m b o l i sm an d fo l k l o re o f an c i e nt c u l t u re s. H e re are so m e o f t h o se sto r i e s: Bear Meaning in Greek and Roman Mythology

Th e co n ste l l at i o n s B i g B e ar an d Li t t l e B e ar, al so k n ow n as U r sa M aj o r an d U r sa M i n o r, are t h e i n sp i rat i o n b e h i n d t h e Gre e k my t h ab o u t Cal l i sto, o f w h i c h , t h e re i s al so a R o m an e qu i val e nt. I n t h e sto r y, Cal l i sto i s a ny m p h an d t h e d au g hte r o f K i n g Lyc ao n . S h e i s al so a co m p an i o n to t h e h u nte r g o d d e ss Ar te m i s. As was t h e way o f t h e ny m p h s, Cal l i sto h ad

vowe d to a l ways re m ai n a virgin. H owe ve r, lust y Zeus saw Cal l i sto a nd d e c i d e d t h at he ha d to h ave h e r. Thus, he t ran sfo r m ed him sel f i nto Ar te m is to tr ic k Cal l i sto i nto fa l l ing i nto h i s e mbra ce. As t h i n g s g o, soon a f ter Cal l i sto found her sel f p re gn ant. E nra ged by t h e i n decenc y, Ar te m i s k i c k ed Cal l i sto o ut of her gro u p o f nym phs. Late r, Cal l isto gave b i r t h to a son na m ed Arc as. Th i s wa s w hen H e ra, Ze u s’ w ife ste p p e d i n . E nra ged by h e r h u sba nd ’s i n f i d e l i t y, a s so of ten h ap p e n s, i nstea d of i n f l i c t i n g her revenge o n h e r c h e ating sp o u se, H era bl a m ed Cal l i sto, a nd thus t u r n e d h e r into a b e ar. S i x te e n yea r s l ater, n ow a te e n a ger an d a h u nter, Arc a s h ap p e n e d upon a b e ar i n t h e forest an d was about to k i l l h e r, n ot k now ing

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalhis ta rg et wa s hi s own m o t her. S ens i ng the cat a s t ro p h e, Zeu s d eci d ed to r ight hi s wro n g s, s o, he tur ned Ca lli s to and Arca s i nto t h e cons tellat i o ns B i g B ear a nd L i t t le B ea r. Bear Symbolism in Celtic and Anglo Saxon Folklore

B ears a p p ea r i n a nu mb er o f a nci ent Celtic a n d Ang lo S axon s to r i es. Fo r exam p le, t he Celt i c g od d e s s Ar t i o was k nown a s a bear go d d es s. Accord i n g to Jud i t h Shaw i n t h e b lo g Femin i s m a nd R eligi o n, fo r t he Celts, Ar t i o wa s t he g od d e s s o f wi ld li fe, transfo r m at i o n , a n d abunda nce. Ar t i o i s s omet i mes d ep i c ted as a b ea r o r a s a g od d e s s wi t h a b ea r, as she i s i n t h e s t at ue pic tured a b ove. The s t at ue wa s d iscovered i n B er n , Switzer la n d i n 1832

Bear

an d i s n ow i n t h e H i sto r i c al M u se u m of Bern. Great Kings Descended from Bears

Fo l k l o re ex p e r t s al so sp e c u l ate t h at K i n g Ar t h u r ’s n am e was i n sp i re d by t h e R o m an o - Ce l t i c g o d M e rc u r i u s Ar t ai u s, w h o was p o ssi b l y a b e ar g o d. B e ar s we re co n si d e re d t h e k i n g s o f al l an i m al s; t h u s m any gre at k i n g s we re t h o u g ht to b e d e sce n d e d f ro m b e ar s. Th e An g l o - S axo n h e ro B e ow u l f m ay h ave al so b e e n n am e d af te r a b e ar. H i s n am e i s so m e t i m e s t ran sl ate d to “ b e e wo l f ” – m e an i n g a b e ar t h at at t ac k s b e e s to g e t t h e i r h o n e y. Fu r t h e r m o re, B e ow u l f was t h e i n sp i rat i o n fo r t h e c h arac te r i n Th e H o b b i t n am e d B e o r n w h o sh ap e sh i f t s i nto a b e ar. Bear Meaning in Nordic Mythology

Th e te r m “ b e r se r k ” was i n sp i re d by n o n e

o t h e r t h an bea r s. I n t h e an c i e nt N or se l an g u ag e, ber ser k er s we re war r ior s w ho we nt i nto battl e we ar i n g b ea r sk ins, o r “ b e ar coats,” an d fo u g ht in a t ran ce - l i k e fur y. Th e g o d Th or is a l so asso c i ate d w ith a b e ar, an d his m other was co n si dered to b e t h e m other of E ar t h . B e a r s a re o f te n d e p ic ted as p ro te c tor s in N o r se fo l k l ore – sy m b o l i zi n g fem a l es w h o are c al m an d st ro n g, but if p u sh e d, wil l becom e ex t re m e l y a ggressive. As i n Ce l t ic a nd An g l o S axon fol k l ore, i n N o rd i c s tor ies, the l e g e n d ar y k ing of D e n m ar k , K nuut I I t h e Gre at, wa s sa id to h ave d escended f ro m a b e ar. Sami Bear Rituals

An o t h e r Nordic c u l t u re, t he S a m i, re ve re d t h e bea r an d b e l i e ved, a s the N at i ve Am er ic a ns did o f wo l ve s a nd ow l s,

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalthat th e b ea r wa s capab le o f mov i ng bet ween t h e mater i a l and s p i r i t ua l wo r ld s. While t he a nci ent S ami revered t he bear, t hey wo uld s till h unt, k i ll, a n d eat bea rs, a s well as we a r t h e b ea r ’s head a nd f ur i n cerem o ni es. The S ami h a d a co m p lex r itual a ro un d k i lli n g bears, wh i ch t h ey believed wo uld h elp to appea s e t he b ea r ’s s pir it a f ter h e o r s h e was k i lled. Bear Meaning and Symbolism in Finnish Culture

I n Finla n d, b ea rs were a n d s t i ll a re revere d. The a n ci ent s Finns b eli eved that bea rs wo uld reinca r n ate t hro ug h wome n. Fo r t h i s reas o n , wo m en were war ned to s t ay away from t h e b o d y o f a d ead b ea r. I n Finni s h my t ho lo g y, the great b ea r n a med O tso wa s nurs ed by

Bear

a wo o d l an d s g o d d e ss i n a c rad l e t h at was sw u n g by b an d s o f g o l d b e t we e n t h e b ran c h e s o f b u d d i n g f i r t re e s. O t so was n o t su p p o se d to e ve r u se h i s te e t h an d c l aws, b u t as t h i n g s g o, h e e n d e d u p u si n g t h e m . Th u s, t h i s g ave t h e an c i e nt Fi n n s an exc u se to h u nt b e ar s. The Honey Eater Wi n n i e t h e Po o h i s c l e ar l y n o t t h e o n l y b e ar w h o was o b se sse d w i t h h o n e y. Th e Fi n n s h ad m any n i c k n am e s fo r O t so, i n c l u d i n g Th e H o n e y E ate r, H o n e y Paw o f t h e M o u nt ai n s, an d o t h e r af fe c t i o n ate n am e s l i k e Th e Fo re st Ap p l e, Th e Fu r R o b e d Fr i e n d, an d Th e Pr i d e o f t h e Th i c k e t. Bears in Slavic Culture and Folklore

Th e an c i e nt S l avs wo r sh i p p e d b e ar s. Th e y asso c i ate d b e ar s w i t h t h e g o d Vo l o s, w h o was t h e p at ro n o f d o m e st i c ate d an i m al s. H owe ve r, l i k e t h e S am i , t h e S l avs h ad a co m p l ex re l at i o n sh i p w i t h b e ar s

– b o t h re ver ing t h e m an d k il l ing a nd e at i n g t h em . The Nivkh and Bears

Th e N i v k h peopl e, al so c al l e d the Gi l yak , are a n I n d i g e n o us ethnic gro u p t h at l ive in e aste r n Russia a nd S ak h al i n Is l a nd, w h i c h i s off the co ast o f Russia , n o r t h o f J a pa n. Th e N i v k h woul d c ap t u re b e a r c ubs an d rai se them a s t h e y wo u l d a h u m an c h il d. H owe ve r, af ter a few ye ar s, t h e y woul d p re p are an el a borate ce re m o ny that i nvo l ve d dressing t h e b e ar i n a fa nc y co st u m e a nd then k i l l i n g t h e bea r an d e at i n g. Th e ce re mony was ove r seen by a sh am an . The N i v k h b e l ieved the ce re m o ny woul d c al m t h e bea r ’s sp i r i t, w h ic h woul d re t u r n to the god of t h e m o u nta ins.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items AnimalThe Legend of St. Seraphim

The leg en d o f St. S erap h i m i s a b o ut a n ord ain ed h i ero mo n k who l i ved i n t h e late 1700s. Th e m o nk withdrew to a fo res t her mi t a g e o ut s i d e o f S arov, R us s i a i n o rd er to pray a n d b e m o re in tune wi t h n at ure. The as cet i c m o nk s oon at t ra c ted wi ld anima ls, i nclud i n g bears, wo lves, rabbit s, foxes, a nd bird s, wh o wo uld peacef ully v i s i t h i m at his hut. D u r ing o n e s uch v i s i t, M atrona Ples cheeva , an eldres s at t he Diveevo M o na s ter y, witne s s ed St. S erap h i m feed i ng a wild b ea r by hand. As he fed the bea r, M at ro na Ples cheeva d es cr i b ed the mo n k ’s f a ce a s being “j oyo us a nd br ight, a s t hat o f an an g el.” Bear Symbolism in Asia

I n anci ent C h i n a , when Xua ny ua n

Bear

H u an g d i , al so re fe r re d to as t h e Ye l l ow E m p e ro r, r u l e d t h e co u nt r y st ar t i n g i n 2 6 9 7 B. C. , h e b u i l t h i s c ap i t al i n X i n zh e n g. Ap p are nt l y t h e re we re m any b e ar s i n t h e are a at t h e t i m e. I n f ac t, Xu any u an H u an g d i h ad b e ar s i n h i s p al ace, an d was t h u s n i c k n am e d “ Yo u X i o n g sh i ” o r “ B e ar E m p e ro r.” The Story of Shan Hai Ching

Li k e t h e S am i an d t h e N i v k h , t h e an c i e nt Ch i n e se saw b e ar s as b e i n g co n n e c te d to t h e d i v i n e. I n t h e my t h S h an H ai Ch i n g (Cl assi c o f M o u nt ai n s an d S e as) , w h i c h d ate s b ac k to t h e 4 t h ce nt u r y B. C. , t h e re was a m o u nt ai n c al l e d B e ar M o u nt ai n t h at h ad m any c ave s. B e ar s l i ve d i n t h e se c ave s an d i t was b e l i e ve d t h at g o d s an d sp i r i t s wo u l d p l ay w i t h t h e b e ar s t h e re. I n t h e su m m e r, t h e d o o r s o f t h e c ave s wo u l d b e o p e n . Th e n , i n t h e

w i nte r, t h ey woul d c l o se. H owever, if t h e d o o r s of the c ave s we re opened in w i nte r, i t woul d m ea n i m p e n d i n g doom . D u r i n g t h e Ha n D y n ast y ( 2 0 6 B.C .– A. D. 9 ) , b e a r s were p o p u l ar with peopl e, as m any d iscovered ar t i f ac t s depic ting b e ar s at tests. H owe ve r, bea r s were al so u se d a s sources o f e nte r t a inm ent, i n c l u d i n g in bl oody b at t l e s w i th o t h e r an i m a l s. Bear Meaning in Feng Shui

I n Fe n g S hui, bea r sy m b o l s are used to p ro te c t t h e hom e, p ar t i c u l ar l y w hen p l ace d n e a r the m ai n e nt ra nce. B ea r s sy m b o l i ze m a sc ul ine e n e rg y i n Feng Shui. Bears in Chinese Medicine

A p e r ve r se a spec t o f h ow to o m a ny Ch i n e se v iew bea r s e ve n to t his day is h ow b e ar pa r ts a re u se d i n Ch inese m e d i c i n e to tr ic k p e o p l e i nto think ing

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalthat co n s um i n g bear org a n s wi ll s omehow ma ke t h em more v i r i le. This dep raved way of thi nk i n g i s a lo n g the li n es o f a h unter k illing a wi ld a n i ma l, tak ing p ho to s wi t h the ca rca s s, p o s t i n g the pho to s o n s o ci a l med ia , a nd n a i li n g the d ea d a n i ma l ’s head o r s k i n to a wall. I n ei t her ca s e, the behav i o r o nly reveals h ow i ns ecure and wea k t h e p ers o n feels i ns i d e, a n d t h e ac tivi t y d o es no t hi n g to make t h em mo re phys i ca lly v i t a l. Not the Answer to Male Virility

M en wh o a re cons umi ng b ea r b i le, r hino h o r n , a n d o t h er anima l p a r t s to feel more m a s culi n e mus t pay clo s er at tent i o n to real s ci en ce. Fo r exam p le, m en wh o are suf fer i ng f ro m erec ti le d ys f unc t i o n (ED) s ho uld k now that i n t h e va s t major i t y o f ca s es,

Bear

t h e c au se o f E D i s h e ar t d i se ase o r c l o g g e d ar te r i e s, b o t h o f w h i c h are c au se d f ro m e at i n g an i m al p ro d u c t s. St u d i e s sh ow t h at ve g an m e n h ave l e ss h e ar t d i se ase an d E D. Fu r t h e r m o re, a st u d y p u b l i sh e d i n t h e B r i t i sh J o u r n al o f Can ce r fo u n d t h at ve g an m e n h ave 1 3 p e rce nt h i g h e r te sto ste ro n e co n ce nt rat i o n s t h an m e n w h o e at m e at, an d 8 p e rce nt h i g h e r te sto ste ro n e co n ce nt rat i o n s t h an ve g e t ar i an s w h o e at d ai r y an d e g g s. I n o t h e r wo rd s, i f yo u want to t r u l y b e v i r i l e, d o n’t e at b e ar s o r o t h e r an i m al s! Bears to the Ainu of Japan

Th e Ai n u, an I n d i g e n o u s p e o p l e w h o l i ve i n so m e o f t h e i sl an d s o f f t h e co ast o f J ap an , re fe r to b e ar s as “ k am u y,” w h i c h t ran sl ate s to “g o d.” Th e Ai n u se e o t h e r an i m al s as g o d s, b u t b e ar s are t h e k i n g s o f al l g o d s.

Th e an c i e nt Ainu b e l i e ve d that w hen g o d s v i si te d the wo r l d o f m en, t h e y to o k on the ap p e aran ce of bea r s. Li k e t h e S a m i a nd t h e N i v k h , the Ainu re ve re d b ea r s but al so ate t h em . I n ad d i t i o n, l ik e the S am i , t h e Ainu woul d c ap t u re b e a r c ubs an d rai se them , even t re at i n g t hem w ith b e t te r c are tha n their ow n h u m a n c hil dren. Ye t, w h e n c a ptured b e ar s re ached the ag e o f 2 to 3 yea r s o l d, t h e Ainu wo u l d sac r ifice a nd e at t h e m . Bear Meaning in the Bible

I n t h e B i b l e, bea r s are u se d a s both p o si t i ve an d negative sy m b o l s. I n I I Kings 2: 23-24, a g an g o f youths a re m o c k i n g one of G od ’s p ro p h e t s, w hic h is t h e e q u i val ent to m o c k i n g the word o f G o d. To tea c h the yo u t h s a l esson, G od se n d s t wo she - bea r s to m au l t hem .

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items AnimalI n this ca s e, t he bears a re a n ex tens i o n o f G od ’s wi ll. I n 1 S a m uel 17: 34, bears a re t reated i n the s a m e way t h at wolve s a re i n s o m e par ts o f t h e B i b le: as sym b o ls o f ev i l or the d ev i l b eca us e they t hreaten t h e flock , who rep res ent the pa r i s hi o n ers. While G o d a nd Jes us are sy m b o li zed by the s h ep herd s who prote c t t h e f lo ck . At oth er t i m es i n t h e Bible, b ea rs a re s een as fierce p ro tec to rs. I n 2 S a m uel 17: 8, Hu s hai s ays, “ Yo u k now yo ur f at h er and h i s men , t hat they a re m i g ht y men an d t h ey a re fierce, li ke a b ea r robbed o f h er cub s in the f i eld. An d you r f at h er i s a n exper t i n wa r f a re, and wi ll n o t s p end the ni g ht wi t h the peo p le.”

Bear

Bears in Native American Culture

As t h e y h e l d gre at re sp e c t fo r al l l i v i n g b e i n g s, N at i ve Am e r i c an s al so re ve re d b e ar s. Bear Medicine Wh i l e e ve r y N at i ve Am e r i c an t r i b e h as u n i qu e b e l i e fs, i n g e n e ral b e ar s are co n si d e re d to b e p owe r f u l m e d i c i n e b e i n g s b e stowe d w i t h sp e c i al w i sd o m . B e c au se b e ar s co nt i n u e to f i g ht e ve n af te r t h e y are grave l y wo u n d e d, t h e N at i ve Am e r i c an s b e l i e ve d t h e y h ad sp e c i al h e al i n g p owe r s. Th u s, so m e N at i ve Am e r i c an t r i b e s wo u l d i n c l u d e a b e ar ’s c l aw i n t h e i r m e d i c i n e b u n d l e s, an d war r i o r s wo re b e ar c l aw n e c k l ace s fo r p owe r an d st re n g t h . The Protector of the People

Fo r t h e M i wo k t r i b e, w h o l i ve d i n t h e are as t h at are n ow n o r t h e r n an d ce nt ral Cal i fo r n i a,

b e ar s we re co n si d e re d t h e p ro te c tor s of t h e p e o p l e. Fo r t h e I n u it, bea r s are a p ower ful totem an i m al. Th e I nuit b e l i e ve t h at if a h u nte r i s k il l ed a nd e ate n by a bea r, he or sh e w i l l reinc a r nate as a sh am a n w ho c ar r i e s t h e power of t h e b e ar s pir it w i t h i n t h em . Fo r t h e Pu ebl o N ative Am e r i c an s, bea r s a re o n e o f si x direc tiona l g u ard i an s, w hic h m e ant t h e y were p ro te c to r s a nd m aste r s o f the m e d i c i n e for a n i m p o r t ant region. Th e Zu n i s, a nother t r i b e o f t h e Am er ic a n so u t hwe st, c a r ved sto n e b e ar fetishes fo r p ro te c tion a nd good luck. M any t r i b e s hunted b e ar s, ate their m eat, an d u se d their other p ar t s fo r c l othing a nd j e we l r y an d in their ce re m o n i es. Yet, m ost t r i b e s sh ared ta boos aro u n d w hen bea r s

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animal-

Bear

were h unted a nd k illed. Fo r exa mp le, it was ver b o ten to k ill a m o t her b ea r with cub s. S o me tr ibes co n s i d ered it d is res p ec t f ul a n d even d a ng ero us to insult b ea rs or me nt i o n t h ei r name s o ut s i d e o f cerem o n i a l co ntex t s.

h ave b e ar d an ce s t h at g e n e ral l y ce l e b rate t h e t ran si t i o n f ro m w i nte r, w h e n b e ar s are i n h i b e r n at i o n an d co n si d e re d to b e i n co m m u n i c at i o n w i t h sp i r i t s, to sp r i n g w h e n b e ar s co m e b ac k to t h e m ate r i al wo r l d an d t h e E ar t h awak e n s o r i s re b o r n .

The Bear Dance The U te Nat i ve Amer i ca ns o f Colora d o have b een celeb rat i n g b ea r d ance s fo r cent ur i es. Spani s h exp lo rers record ed s eei n g them p er fo r m b ea r d ance s a s f a r b a ck as the 15t h cent ur y. The b ea r d a n ce i s per fo r med i n s p r i ng, when b ea rs co m e o ut of hib er n at i o n . I t ’s a celeb rat i o n o f li fe, much i n t h e s a me way ot her cult ures celeb rate t he a r r i va l of s pr i ng.

Bear Clans Th e N at i ve Am e r i c an c l an syste m i s o rg an i ze d aro u n d f am i l y gro u p s b ase d o n t h e m ate r n al l i n e. Th e c l an s se r ve as a syste m o f co m m u n i t y o rg an i zat i o n , d i v i si o n o f l ab o r, an d so m e h i sto r i an s su r m i se t h at t h e y h e l p e d to k e e p g e n e p o o l s h e al t hy by p re ve nt i n g c l o se re l at i ve s f ro m m ar r y i n g. G e n e ral l y, c l an s h ave an i m al s t h at are asso c i ate d w i t h t h e m , an d a n u m b e r o f N at i ve Am e r i c an t r i b e s h ave b e ar c l an s.

O ther t r i b es, includ i n g t h e Cad do, Len a p e, and I ro q uo i s, a ls o

Tr i b e s t h at h ave b e ar c l e an s i n c l u d e t h e Cre e k , w h o se b e ar c l an i s c al l e d N o k o sal gi

o r N o k o sv l k e; the Ch i p p e wa , w hose b e ar c l an a nd totem are c al l e d N ook e; the Al g o n qu i an tr ibes, su c h as t h e M i ’k m a q an d M e n o m inee; the H u ro n an d I roq uois t r i b e s; t h e Pl a ins t r i b e s, i n c l uding the Cad d o an d Osa ge; t h e H o p i , w hose b e ar c l an is c a l l ed H o n n g yam or Hona w u n g wa; the N ava jo an d Pu e b l o; a nd the n o r t hwe ster n coa sta l t r i b e s i n c luding the Tl i n gi t, Tsi m shia n, N i sg aa- Gi tk sa n, an d S al i sha n. Modern Bear Symbolism

Wh i l e b e ar s have h e l d a var iet y of m e an i n g s to a nc ient c u l t u re s t h roughout h i sto r y, i t ’s i m p o r t ant to m ention a b e ar sy mbol in our m o d e r n wor l d. Polar Bears and Climate Change

S ad l y, p o l ar bea r s h ave b e com e a sy m b o l around the wo r l d fo r cl im ate c h an g e. As the E a r th h e at s u p bec a use of h u m an ac tivities,

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Animalpolar b ea rs a re literally s eei ng t h ei r native ha b i t at melt away. At t h e en d o f this po s t, t here i s infor m at i o n o n h ow you c a n h elp keep t hes e majest i c b ei ng s. Bear Tattoo A bea r t at to o ca n b e a pos i t i ve s y m b o l that tells t he wo r ld that yo u a re a cou rag eo us a nd protec t i ve p ers o n who go es by yo ur own i ns t i nc t s.

Bear

Protecting Bears I t ’s a sad f ac t i n o u r m o d e r n wo r l d t h at the l e g e n d ar y sy m b o l o f co u rag e an d p ro tec tion now n e e d s o u r p ro te c t i o n . I f t h e b e ar sp i r i t a nim a l re so n ate d w i t h yo u, i t m ay m e an t h at you a re h e re to h e l p save b e ar s. I n f ac t, si x o f the eight sp e c i e s o f b e ar s i n t h e wo r l d are t h re atened w i t h ex t i n c t i o n . I f yo u c are ab o u t b e ar s, pl ea se d o w h at yo u c an to p ro te c t t h e m . Yo u c a n rea d m o re i n my p o st ab o u t w h i c h b e ar sp e c ies a re e n d an g e re d. I t al so l i st s o rg an i zat i o n s that a re h e l p i n g to p ro te c t t h e se n o b l e an i m als.

May the bear spirit guide and protect you. https://w w w.uniguide.com/bear-meaning-symbolism-spir it-animalguide/

I t can a ls o d emons t rate t h at you are lova b le a n d cud d ly wi t h t h o s e you love. Whi le tattoos a re p ers o n a l to each i nd i v i d ua l, und ers t a nd i n g t h e his tor i c a ni ma l s ymbo li s m a p p li ed to the b ea r, a n d well as the b ea r s p i r i t anima l, ca n hopefully i mb ue you r t at to o wi t h greate r m ea n i n g.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Bird-Hawk •

When yo u h ave t h e hawk a s a s p i r i t anima l, yo u may have a n i ncli nat i o n toward s us i n g t h e power o f v i s i o n a nd intuiti o n i n yo ur d aily li fe. The h awk to tem provid es wi s d o m abou t s eei n g s ituati o n s f ro m a hig he r p ers p ec t i ve, us ing t he p ower o f obser vat i o n , a n d focus i n g o n t h e t a s k at han d. I t ’s a g o o d compa ni o n to d evelo p s pir it ua l awa ren es s. Hawk Totem Meaning

The h awk s p i r i t anima l o r to tem h a s s evera l at t r i b utes a n d meani n g s :

13 Sisters of Delphi

H aw k i s t h e m e sse n g e r o f t h e sp i r i t wo r l d • Use t h e p owe r o f fo c u s • Tak e t h e l e ad w h e n t h e t i m e i s r i g ht • Powe r to se e, c l e ar v i si o n • St ro n g co n n e c t i o n w i t h sp i r i t, i n c re ase d sp i r i t u al aware n e ss H aw k sp i r i t an i m al s b e l o n g to t h e re al m o f b i rd m e d i c i n e. I t c ar r i e s t h e sy m b o l i sm t h at co m e s w i t h t h e ab i l i t y to f l y an d re ac h t h e sk i e s. Main meaning of hawk totems and the power of focus

H aw k sp i r i t an i m al s i nv i te u s to b e fo c u se d i n o u r d ai l y u n d e r t ak i n g s. Wh e n yo u fe e l t h e p re se n ce o f t h e h aw k to te m , avo i d d i st rac t i o n s an d fo c u s o n t h e t ask at h an d. At t h e sam e t i m e, h aw k s c an so ar an d f l y h i g h i n t h e sk y. Th i s an i m al h as t h e p owe r to p rov i d e su p p o r t i n g ai n i n g a h i g h e r l e ve l

p e r sp e c t i ve on a ny i ssu e o r p rojec t you u n d e r t ak e. When the h aw k ap p ea r s in your l i fe, i t ’s p er ha ps t i m e to b e l ess d i st rac te d by the d e t ai l s an d foc us o n t h e h i gher p e r sp e c t i ve. R e l y i n g o n the haw k p owe r, yo u c a n se e w h at ’s a hea d c l e ar l y an d defy a ny o b st ac l e s that m ay b e o n yo ur way. A sp e c i f i c way the haw k g u i d an ce wor k s is to u se a h i g h l evel a nd ye t c l e ar a nd foc used v i si o n to guide yo u r ac t i on. Hawk spirit animals and taking the lead when the time is right

Th e h aw k is a l so a b i rd o f p re y. Having t h i s an i m a l a s a spir it g u i d e e m pha sizes yo u r ab i l i t y to l ea d an d i n f l u e nce other s. Wh e n t h e haw k is p re se nt i n your l ife, i t co u l d si gnify that i t ’s t i m e to ta k e m o re i n i t i ative a nd b e i n g ac t i ve.

Power Items Bird-Hawk Hawks s y m b o li ze the p ower o f obser vat i o n. Th i s s pir it a n i ma l ’s g uid an ce may a ls o ind ic ate t hat yo u have t h e o p p o r t uni t y to stu d y a s i t uat i o n before t a k i ng a c t i o n . O bs er ve t he s i t uat i o n and t h en a c t wh en the ti m e i s r i g ht. Hawk spirit animal and power to see

The hawk s p i r i t anima l i s a s s o ci ated with t he p ower of visi o n . I f yo u have t h e h awk a s a totem , yo u have o r are develo p i ng t h e abilit y to s ee clea r ly and h ave s t ro ng visions. Per h a p s, yo u even us e cla i r voya nt s k ills to s up p o r t yo ur g oals i n li fe a n d comm uni cat i o n with o t hers. Ju s t li ke t h e h awk can s ee i n great d etai l at great d istan ces, yo u may b e able to p ercei ve wh at others d o no t. Yo u may have a n a f f i n i t y with p i erci n g li fe

gre at myste r i e s an d d i v i n at i o n i n o n e fo r m o r an o t h e r. The hawk and connection with the spiritual realms

Wh e n yo u h ave t h e h aw k as a sp i r i t an i m al, yo u m ay h ave a n at u ral i n c l i n at i o n to re ce i ve v i si o n s, e i t h e r i n d re am s o r awak e. Yo u r ex t ra se n so r y ab i l i t i e s an d i nt u i t i o n are su p p o r te d by t h e p owe r o f t h i s an i m al. Th e h aw k to te m i s st ro n g l y co n n e c te d to t h e sp i r i t u al re al m s. Wh e n i t sh ows u p i n yo u r l i fe, yo u m ay b e c al l e d to p ay at te nt i o n an d ex p e r i e n ce rap i d sp i r i t u al d e ve l o p m e nt. As yo u d e ve l o p yo u r re l at i o n sh i p w i t h yo u r to te m , yo u m ay b e i n sp i re d to fe e l yo u r co n n e c t i o n w i t h sp i r i t m o re f u l l y. Hawk symbolism in ancient traditions

I n n u m e ro u s t rad i t i o n s, t h e h aw k h as a st ro n g re l at i o n sh i p w i t h t h e wo r l d o f t h e g o d s. S o m e

o f t h i s sy mbol ism ha s p e r si ste d in m oder n my t h o l o g y a nd b e l i e fs. I n Anc ient Eg y p t, t h e bel ief was t h at a haw kh e ad e d spir it c a l l ed “ b a” wo u l d fl y off a m u m my to com e ba c k am o n g t h e l iving a s a h aw k o r swa l l ow. Th e h aw k sym bol ized a p ar t o f the soul t h at wo u l d be freed u p af te r death a nd co m e b ac k to the wo r l d o f the l iving i n t h e sh ape of a b i rd. I t wa s a l so the an i m al o f c hoice for t h e g o d Hor us, god o f t h e sk y, w ho wa s re p re se nte d w ith a h i e ro g l y p h depic ting a f al co n or haw k . Th e p o p u la r bel ief i n m o re m oder n t i m e s t h at birds l ik e h aw k s o r ow l s a re an n o u n ce r of death m ay b e ro oted in t h i s my t h . For the Gre e k s, t h e haw k an d t h e e agl e were asso c i ate d w ith the g o d J u p i ter, k ing of t h e g o d s.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Bird-Hawk The b i rd i s s t ro ng ly co n n e c te d w i t h t h e re al m o f t h e g o d s. Dreaming About The Hawk

Hawks a re mes s en g ers a n d d re am i n g ab o u t a h aw k m ay si gn i f y that s ome t hi n g o r s o meo n e i s t r y i n g to se n d yo u a m e ssag e !

Are you listening? Are you paying attention? As the h awk g li d es t hro u g h t h e ai r h i g h i n t h e sk y, i t re m i n d s you to see thing s f ro m a h i g h er p er sp e c t i ve.

Can you connect to the magic of life? Are you accessing your intuition? The hawk i s a ls o a s y m b o l o f l e ad e r sh i p. I t was b e l i e ve d t h at i f you followed t h e h awk , yo u wo u l d b e t rave l i n g o n t h e r ight p at h.

https://w w w.spir itanimal.info/hawk-spir it-animal/

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Stone-Diamond

What is Diamond?

Diam o nd i s a 60th An ni vers a r y g emsto ne a nd a preci o us g ems to ne. Diamond Associations

Chak ra s - Crown Bir thsto n e - Ap r i l Zod ia c - Ar i es, Tauru s, Leo Planet - Venus Nu mer i ca l Vi b rat i o n - M as ter Numb er 33 Typica l co lo urs clear wh i te, yellow, blue, p i n k , b la ck Healing with Diamond

• • • • •

Pu r i t y Har m o ny Love Abund a n ce Pro s p er i t y

A symb o l o f p ur i t y, the D i a mo n d ’s p ure white li g ht help s

to b r i n g o u r l i ve s i nto a co h e si ve w h o l e. I t b r i n g s l ove an d c l ar i t y i nto p ar t n e r sh i p s, b o n d i n g re l at i o n sh i p s.

fo r t i t u d e. I t c l ea r s e m o t i o n al a nd m enta l p ai n , re d uc ing fea r an d b r i n ging a bout n e w b e gi nnings.

D i am o n d i s a si gn o f co m m i t m e nt an d f i d e l i t y, an d i n st i l l s t r u st to re l at i o n sh i p s an d si t u at i o n s. I t i n sp i re s t h e fo rce s o f acc u m u l at i o n , at t rac t i n g t h e m an i fe st at i o n o f ab u n d an ce. D i am o n d i s an e n e rg y am p l i f i e r.

St i m u l ate s c reativit y, i nve nt i ve ness, i m agi n at i on a nd i n g e n u i t y. I t br ings c l ar i t y o f mind a nd ai d s e n l i g htenm ent.

I t i s a sto n e t h at n e ve r re qu i re s re c h argi n g. I t w i l l b r i n g st re n g t h an d e n d u ran ce to al l e n e rgi e s an d w i l l e n h an ce t h e p owe r o f o t h e r c r yst al s. H owe ve r, b e ware, as t h i s m e an s i t w i l l i n c re ase n e g at i ve e n e rg y as we l l as p o si t i ve ! E xce l l e nt fo r b l o c k i n g e l e c t ro m agn e t i c st re ss an d fo r p ro te c t i o n ag ai n st ce l l p h o n e e m an at i o n s. D i am o n d i m p ar t s fe ar l e ssn e ss, i nv i n c i b i l i t y an d

D i am o n d al l ows the so u l l i g ht to shine o u t. I t ai ds spir itua l e vo l u t i o n a nd re m i n d s you of your so u l ’s asp i rations. D i am o n d pur ifies an d d e tox ifies a l l of t h e b o d y ’s system s, re b al an c i ng the m e t ab o l i sm , a nd b u i l d i n g up sta m ina , st re n g t h a nd treating al l e rgi e s a nd c h ro n i c conditions. I t al so h e l ps g l au co m a a nd c l ea r s si g ht. D i a m ond e f fe c t i ve l y treats d i zzi n e ss a nd ver tigo, an d b e n e fits the b rai n . Co u ntera c ts p o i so n i n g.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Colour Healing with Diamond

Stone-Diamond

I n ad di t i o n to Diamon d g en er i c proper t i es, s p eci f i c colours h ave ad d iti o n a l at t r i b utes :

Yellow Diamond Chak ra s - S o la r Plexus M ak es us m o re cons i d erate a nd thou g ht f ul.

Blue Diamond Chak ra s - Thro at Stren g t hens willpower a n d ins pires us to tak e b et ter ca re o f ou r h ea lt h .

Pink Diamond Chak ra s - H ea r t Used fo r creat i ve expres s i o n.

Black Diamond Chak ra s - B a s e G ives us co ura g e to look wi t hi n wi t ho ut illu s ion.

A l e g e n d c l ai m s t h e G o d o f M i n e s c al l e d h i s co u r t i e r s to b r i n g to g e t h e r al l t h e wo r l d ’s k n ow n g e m s: Ru b i e s, S ap p h i re s, E m e ral d s, e tc. e tc. , an d h e fo u n d t h e m to b e o f al l t i nt s an d co l o r s an d var y i n g h ard n e sse s. H e to o k o n e o f e ac h an d c r u sh e d t h e m ; h e co m p o u n d e d t h e m to g e t h e r, an d d e c l are d,

“Letthisbesomethingthatwill combinethebeautyofall.” H e sp o k e, an d l o, t h e D i am o n d was b o r n … p u re as a d e wd ro p an d i nv i n c i b l e i n h ard n e ss. Ye t w h e n i t s ray i s re so l ve d i n t h e sp e c t r u m , i t d i sp l ays al l t h e co l o r s o f t h e g e m s f ro m w h i c h i t was m ad e.

I t i s a sp i r itua l sto n e, a sym bol o f p e r fe c tion a nd i l l u m i n at i on, ac t i vat i n g the Crow n an d Et h e r i c C ha k ra s. I t e n h an ce s i n n e r v i si on a nd st i m u l ate s c reativit y, i m agi n at i on, a nd i n g e n u i t y, opening t h e m i n d to t h e “n e w ” an d “p o ssi bl e.” Pl ace d o n the Third Eye, a D i am ond e n co u rag es psyc hic d e ve l o p m ent, an d i s a va l ua bl e to o l fo r rem ote v i e w i n g, tel epathic co m m u n i cation a nd c l ai r voyan ce.

[Kunz, 3 25][M elody, 243] [M egemont, 78][Ahsian, 135136]

[Kunz, 325-326]

Th o u g h i t i s a g e m o f w i nte r, t h e co l o r o f i ce, D i am o n d i s a c r yst al o f Li g ht ; i t s h i g h f re qu e n c y e n e rg y i s d i sp e r se d i nto f l ash i n g p r i sm s o f b r i l l i ant “ f i re” t h at t y p i f i e s t h e su n .

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Stone-Diamond I n ad di t i o n to i t s s pir it ua l p ower, Diamon d h a s a n unconq uera b le hard n es s a nd has been k n own s ince a nt i q ui t y as a “Sto ne o f I nvinc i b i li t y,” br ingi ng v i c to r y, s uper i o r s t ren g t h, for tit ud e a n d co ura g e to its wea rer. I t is as s o ci ated with li g ht n i n g a nd fear les s nes s, a nd for its p ro p er t i es of protec t i o n . I t i s a symb o l o f wea lt h and ma ni fes t i ng abunda nce i n o n e’s life, an a m p li f i er of energi es, g o a ls and intent, a nd i s hig hl y ef fec t i ve in magni f y i ng t h e vibrati o n s o f o t h er cr ys tals fo r h ea li ng. I t is pa r t i cula r ly benefi ci a l s et i n g o ld and wo r n o n t h e lef t ar m.

[Kunz, 70-71][Gienger, 33] [Fer nie, 66, 69][Hall, 122-123]

The D i a mo n d, i n i t s rar it y a nd b ea ut y, i s a symb o l o f p ur i t y

an d i n n o ce n ce, o f l ove an d f i d e l i t y, an d e m b race s st re n g t h o f c h arac te r, e t h i c s, an d f ai t h f u l n e ss to o n e se l f an d o t h e r s. I t i s i n d i c at i ve o f t h e l ov i n g an d o p e n n at u re w i t h w h i c h o n e c am e i nto t h e p hysi c al re al m , an d e n co u rag e s t h e asp e c t o f t r u t h an d t r u st. I t i s a l ove - b e ar i n g c r yst al, re g ard e d i n ant i q u i t y as d e p e n d ab l e in its virtues only when re ce i ve d as a gi f t. To d ay t h e e n g ag e m e nt r i n g, we d d i n g r i n g, an d o t h e r ar t i c l e s o f j e we l r y sy m b o l i ze t h e gi f t o f p e r so n s i n l ove.

[Gienger, 33][Ahsian, 136][Melody, 243][Kunz, 73][M ella, 84]

Pe r fe c t i n st r u c t u re, D i am o n d i s re fe r re d to as t h e “ k i n g o f g e m s,” u n i q u e i n i t s p owe r s o f l i g ht re f l e c t i o n an d d i sp e r si o n , an d t h e h ard e st n at u ral su b st an ce k n ow n . Co m p o se d o f p u re c ar b o n , t h e

fo u n d at i o n a l el em ent o f l i fe, i t i s the one an d o n l y “1 0 ” on t h e h ard n e ss sc a l e, c r yst al l i ze d deep in t h e e ar t h’s m a ntl e u n d e r i nte nse heat an d p re ssure. I t s n am e i s der ived f ro m t h e G reek ad am as, mea ning “i n d o m i t a bl e,” “u n b re ak a bl e,” or “u nt am ab l e,” a nd d i ap h an u s, m ea ning “ t ran sp arent.”

[www.mindat.org][www.gemdat. org][Fer nie, 64-65][M ella, 82] [M egemont, 77]

D i am o n d ’s c r ysta l sy m m e t r y is c ubic, fo r m i n g i n a va r iet y o f o c t ah e drons, t r i an g l e s, c ubes an d am o r phous sh ap e s, and m ay b e t ran sp arent, t ran sl u ce nt or o p aqu e, with a gre asy l u s ter a nd p e r fe c t c l e ava ge. D i am o n d i s m ost o f te n t h o ught of a s co l o r l e ss, though i t al so fo r m s in w h i te, b l ac k , a nd

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Stone-Diamond var io us s h a d es of yel low, b rown, blue, green , p i n k , red, cha mp a gn e tan, co gna c -b rown, and ver y ra rely, lilac. Wh i le q ua li t y Diam o nd s a re carefully cut i nto g ems a nd us ed in jewelr y, les s er Diam o nd s a re us ed i n i nd us t r i a l appli cat i o n s, espec i a lly fo r cut t i ng and p o li s h i n g. For met a p hys i ca l us e, Diam o nd cr ys t a ls are prefer red to cut Diam o nd s b eca us e the nat ura l s ha p e ac ts to s t ren g t hen and h a r m o ni ze t h e energi es mov i ng throug h t h em .

[w w w.mindat.org][Simmons, 134-135]

Diamond Emotional Healing Energy

While D i a m o nd s d o not wo r k d i rec t ly on th e emo t i o na l bod y, t hei r i ntens e energy ca n a m p li f y the p ower o f a ny emot i o na l s t ate, f ro m bliss to d es p a i r, a n d

sh o u l d b e wo r n w i t h v i gi l an ce. I t m ay e ve n b e n e ce ssar y to re m ove them if one is in a p ar t i c u l ar l y b ad f ram e o f m i n d. H owe ve r, D i am o n d s i n f u se al l l e ve l s o f t h e e n e rg e t i c se l f w i t h Li g ht an d m ay b e u se d t h e rap e u t i c al l y to i nte n si f y an d “ b u r n t h ro u g h” u n d e r l y i n g e m o t i o n al i ssu e s, al l ow i n g o n e to fe e l l i g hte r, m o re j oy f u l, an d m o re al i gn e d w i t h S p i r i t.

[Simmons, 135][Ahsian, 136]

Diamond Spiritual Energy

Fo r anyo n e w h o h as l o st t h e i r i d e nt i t y o r se l f -wo r t h , i s co n f u se d, re l u c t ant o r u n ab l e to ste p i nto t h e i r sp i r i t u al d e st i ny i n t h i s l i fe, t h e D i am o n d b r i n g s a se n se o f rad i an ce, a l ov i n g e n e rg y t h at c l e ar s t h e au ra an d f i l l s t h e e m p t i n e ss w i t h p u r i t y an d Li g ht.

m an i fe st s w ithin the h e ar t, i t all ows the so u l ’s l i g ht to shine o u t an d b e sha red w i t h o t h e r s.

[Eason, 136][Ahsian, 135] [M elody, 243-244][Hall, 123]

D i am o n d al so e n co u rag es one to l o o k at t h e str uggl es an d h ard ships of l ife an d se e i f the l essons an d grow th they ’ve p rov i d e d c a n be used i n a p o si t ive way. Th e D i am ond l ends st re n g t h i n dea l ing w i t h h i g h -pressure si t u at i o n s a nd a ssists i n re sp o n ding w ith grace. I t ask s us to b e a m odel of fo r t i t u d e in tim es of ad ve r si t y, a nd hel ps o n e u n d e rsta nd it i s i n t h e se diffic ul t t i m e s o u r behavior re ve al s o ur tr ue i n n e r b e au t y a nd our so u l ’s k n ow l edge.

[Ahsian, 135]

I t l i n k s w i t h t h e D i v i n e, an d as t h e e vo l u t i o n an d re q u i re d grow t h

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Flower- Daisy

B ellis p eren ni s o r Chr ysa nt h em um leu cant h em um Discus s i ng t h e comm o n d a i s y i s a b i t problemat i c b eca us e there a re s o ma ny plant s t h at fo lks comm o n ly refer to as d ai s i es. Th e n a me d aisy s eems to b e a gen era l mo n i ker for any rayed f lower with lo ng, whi te ex ter n a l p et a ls s ur round i n g a yellow d i s c. Varieties B ellis p eren ni s, ak a the E ng li s h d aisy, lawn d a i s y, bru isewo r t o r wou nd wo r t i s per ha p s t h e quintes s ent i a l d a i s y and p ro b a b ly t h e o n e the an ci ent /hi s to r i ca l Eu rop ea n wr i ters a re

re fe r r i n g to. B e c au se i t i s qu i te sh o r t an d h as to u g h r h i zo m e s, i t e n j oys h an gi n g o u t i n l aw n s d e sp i te m ow i n g s an d so i s co n si d e re d a we e d i n m any p l ace s. Th e f l owe r s are ab o u t 1 i n c h i n d i am e te r an d so m e t i m e s sh ow a b i t o f re d at t h e t i p s. Le u c ant h e m u m v u l g are ak a Ch r ysant h e m u m l e u c ant h e m u m i s t h e “Am e r i c an” D ai sy ( t h o u g h i t was i nt ro d u ce d to t h e Am e r i c as f ro m Eu ro p e ) , co m m o n l y k n ow n as t h e ox- e ye d ai sy, d o g d ai sy o r m o o n d ai sy. Th e f l owe r s are ab o u t 2 i n c h e s i n d i am e te r an d ap p e ar al l su m m e r at t h e e n d o f a si n g l e st al k sh o o t i n g u p to t wo fe e t f ro m t h e b asal ro se t te.

Ch r ysant h e m u m m ax i m u m t h e S h ast a d ai sy was c re ate d t h ro u g h se l e c t i ve b re e d i n g sp e c i f i c al l y fo r t h e g ard e n i n g i n d u st r y. I t i s si m i l ar to i t s an ce sto r, t h e ox- e ye d d ai sy b u t i s f l owe r s are

l arg e r an d the stem s are l o n g e r. I t is a l so l e ss i nvasi ve tha n t h e ox- e ye d da isy b u t o t h e r w ise grows si m i l ar l y. I t enjoys f u l l su n an d sprea ds by r h i zo m es. Cultivation of Daisies

Le u c ant h em um v u l g are i s a popul a r g ard e n p l ant a nd c a n b e fo u n d in m a ny g ard e n ce nter s the wo r l d ove r. However, i t c an e asi l y esc a pe c u l t i vat i o n if the co n d i t i o n s a re r ight an d i s l i sted a s a n ox i o u s weed in so m e are a s. Th e se are a s m ay have i ssu e d a ba n on the sal e o r i m por t of the f l owe r. I f this is the c ase i n your a rea , c h an ce s are you c a n f i n d i t grow ing w il d i n m e ad ows a nd p ast u re s s o c hec k yo u r l o c al pa r k or d ai r y f ar m in ea r l y to l ate su m m er. Ch r ysant h em um m ax i m u m is not a s

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Flower- Daisy invas i ve a n d i s m o re popu la r wi t h t h e averag e g a rd en er becau s e i t h a s b i g g er flowers a nd i s m o re read il y ava i la b le at you r lo ca l nurs er y. B ellis p eren ni s ca n als o b e i nva s i ve All of t hes e d a i s i es are ea s i ly grown from r hi zo m es o r from s eed a n d a re d ifficult to remove if even a t i ny b i t o f r hizome i s lef t wi t h you di g i t up. They li ke a s unny s pot and es p eci a lly enjoy b ei ng p a r t o f a prai r i e/ m ea d ow t ype g a rd en. B elli s peren n i s ca n b e us ed as a gro un d cover i n toug h s p o t s. H is tor y a nd Fo lk lo re The wo rd d a i s y comes f ro m “d ay ’s eye”. B elli s p erenni s closes up at n i g ht and o p en s up d ur i n g the d ay, li ke a lo ng las hed eye.

13 Sisters of Delphi

B e l l i s p e re n n i s sy m b o l i ze s i n n o ce n ce an d c h i l d h o o d. Culinary Uses for Daisies

Th e u n o p e n e d b u d s o f Le u c ant h e m u m v u l g are f l owe r s c an b e m ar i n ate d o r p i c k l e d an d u se d o n sal ad s, si m i l ar to c ap e r s. Th e yo u n g l e ave s o f B e l l i s p e re n n i s c an b e e ate n raw o r co o k e d an d t h e p e t al s c an b e u se d raw i n sal ad s o r sp r i n k l e d ato p a so u p o r o t h e r d i sh as an at t rac t i ve g ar n i sh . Daisies for Herbal Medicine

Th e j u i ce B e l l i s p e re n n i s was o n ce u se d to t re at b an d ag e s u se d to d re ss wo u n d s to sp e e d h e al i n g an d p re ve nt i n fe c t i o n . Daisies in Magick

D ai si e s are m o st co m m o n l y k n ow n fo r t h e i r d i v i n ato r y “ h e l ove s m e, h e l ove s m e n o t ” sp e l l p rac t i ce d by yo u n g gi r l s t h e E n g l i sh - sp e ak i n g

wo r l d ove r. Da isies are fe m i n ine in n at u re an d resonate w i t h t h e e nergy of Ve n u s o r per ha ps the S u n an d t h e el em ent o f Wate r. D ai si e s are suita bl e o f fe r i n g s to a ny G o d d e ss a nd they m ak e wo n der ful w re at h s for we ar i n g i n the ha ir o n B e l t an e o r M i d su m m er. Toxicity

Le u c ant h em um v u l g are c an c a used co nt ac t d e r m atitis i n so m e p e opl e. Al so t h e re a re som e re p o r t s t h at c attl e w i l l n o t e at this p l ant an d fol k l ore says t h at i f they d o, t h e i r mil k w il l b e b i t te r. https://witchipedia.com/ book- of-shadows/her blore/ daisy/

Power Items Flower- Sweet Pea

f ragran ce, d e sc r i b e d as a b l e n d o f h o n e y, o ran g e an d j asm i n e sce nt s. Swe e t p e as h ave sl i g ht l y fo l d e d p e t al s t h at re se m b l e a b u t te r f l y ’s w i n g s. What is the Sweet Pea?

The s ci ent i f i c n a me of the s weet p ea i s L athy rus o d o rat us, which mea ns f ra gra nt and at t ra c t i ve. Th es e are pe r fec t ter ms to d escr i b e t he f lower! Sweet p ea s a re t he fragrant f lowers o f the Fab a cea e f a m i ly. Discovered i n t h e late 17t h cent ur y, i t ’s native to S i ci ly a n d the M ed i ter ra n ea n region. The s weet p ea s hould n’t b e co n f us ed with t h e ever la s t i n g pea (Lat hy rus latifo li us ) t hat looks s i mi la r to i t. The s weet p ea i s a n annua l p la nt, whi le the ever la s t i ng p ea i s a pere n ni a l. Sweet p ea s a re us ually grown fo r their b ea ut y a nd

I n l ate sp r i n g o r e ar l y su m m e r, t h e y b l o o m i n c l u ste r s i n a ran g e o f e n c h ant i n g co l o r s i n c l u d i n g re d, p i n k , p u r p l e, o ran g e an d w h i te. O f te n t rai n e d u p o n b am b o o st ak e s, t h e se c l i m b i n g v i n e s c an st re tc h u p to 8 fe e t t al l. Wh i l e t h e y ’re a p ar t o f t h e l e g u m e f am i l y an d c al l e d swe e t p e as, t h e y ’re p o i so n o u s an d sh o u l d n’t b e i n g e ste d.

•

Th e f l owe r was ve r y p o p u l ar d u r i n g t h e 1 8 0 0 s an d was o f te n re fe r re d to i n p o e t r y an d p ro se. Meaning and Symbolism of Sweet Peas

Swe e t p e as are gre at fo r sh ar i n g m e an i n g f u l exc h an g e s w i t h so m e o n e sp e c i al. H e re are so m e o f t h e sy m b o l i c m e an i n g s o f swe e t p e as:

•

B l i ssf u l Pl e asu re – Th e se bl oom s are b e autiful, e n c h anting a nd v i b rant, m a k ing t h e m a per fec t sy m b o l ism of b e au t y, del ight a nd p l e asu re. D e p ar t ures an d G o odbyes – D o you k now swe e t pea is a c re at i ve way to say g o o d bye? These b l o o m s sim pl y say, “ Th an k you for a l ove l y tim e.” Th i s m ak es them an excel l ent c hoice to gi ve to a l oved o n e d e pa r ting. Grat i t u de a nd Loyal t y – I t ’s t h o u g ht that the swe e t pea c a n at t rac t peopl e an d e n coura ge n e w f r i e ndships. Th e y h ave becom e asso c i ated w ith grat i t u de a nd l oyal t y, w hic h are k e ys to g o o d, l asting re l at i o nships. I n so m e co ntex ts, sweet

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Flower- Sweet Pea pea s rep res ent chas t i t y, s treng t h a nd trut h, d ue to i t s as s o ci at i o n wi t h cer t a i n fo lk lo re and s up ers t i t i o ns. Back i n t h e d ay, the f lower wa s wo r n fo r s t reng t h, as well a s to revea l t he t rut h. I t was b eli eved to b e a go o d o men fo r br i d es i n Fra nce. Sweet p ea s ca n b e s een i n a r ray o f s of t pa s tel hues and b len d ed co lo rs, br ingi ng li fe a n d s ymbo li s m s to f lower ar rang em ent s. I n t h e langua g e o f f lower, here are t h e co mmo n mean i ng s o f t h e bloom b a s ed o n i t s color : • Wh i te – Thes e flowers a re com mo n ly as s o ci ated wi t h inno cen ce a nd pur i t y, wh i ch is w hy t h ey ’re favo red fo r wed d i ng s. Whi te s weet p ea s a re com mo n ly ca lled

13 Sisters of Delphi

•

Cl o t te d Cre am , Wh i te Fr i l l s, an d D o ro t hy Ec k fo rd. O ran g e – O ran g e co l o re d swe e t p e a f l owe r s sy m b o l i ze e nt h u si asm an d exc i te m e nt. Red – Red is co m m o n l y u se d to re p re se nt l ove, p assi o n an d d e si re. Pi n k – Th e se f l owe r s are o f te n l i n k e d w i t h b e au t y an d yo u t h . S o m e o f t h e p i n kco l o re d swe e t p e as are k n ow n as Fi re an d Ice w i t h d e e p p i n k an d w h i te h u e s; Gwe n d o l i n e w i t h m ag e nt a p i n k p e t al s; an d M o l l i e R i l sto n e w i t h so f t p i n k b l o o m s. Pu r p l e – Pu r p l e swe e t p e as re p re se nt royal t y an d p r i d e. Th e t wo m o st co m m o n p u r p l e var i e t i e s o f swe e t p e a i n c l u d e Cu p an i an d M at u c an a w i t h v i o l e t an d d e e p c r i m so n b l o o m s.

a b e au t i f u l fl ower u se d i n ae sthetic s but h ave al so been u se d i n a va r iet y of o t h e r ways. In Magic and Superstitions

I n so m e c ul tures, the swe e t p e a is bel ieved to h ave m a gic a l p ro p e r t i e s that w il l d e e p e n o ne’s w isdom an d p rov i de spir itua l st re n g t h . I t wa s of ten p l ante d i n ya rds in h o p e s o f br inging joy, l ove an d pea ce. As an Ornamental Flower

D u r i n g t h e Vic tor ia n e ra, swe e t pea s b e c am e a fl ora l se n sat i o n . Vic tor ia ns l ove d t h e bl oom for i t s d e l i c ate scent an d l ove l y col or s. Eve nt u al l y, it wa s u se d as a fl ora l e m b l e m dur ing the Ed ward i an era . Th e f l owe r wa s the h i g h l i g ht in fl ora l ar ran g e m ents, e sp e c i al l y at d i n n e r p ar ties a nd gran d we ddings. In Perfume

Uses of Sweet Peas throughout History

Swe e t p e as are n o t o n l y

Swe e t p e as were u se d i n t h e pa st a s

Power Items a natura l p er f um e. People co uld a d d fragran ce to clo t hes by car r y i n g t h e flower i n a p o cket or bu t to n ho le. Whi le there’s n o b o t t led per fume t hat ca n per fec t ly m atch i t s s cent, m a ny luxur y per fume ho us es feature t h e f lo ra l notes o f s weet p ea . In Medicine

While t he ent i re plant i s p o i s o n o us, it has great contr i b ut i o ns i n t h e field of m ed i ci n e. The Fat h er o f M od er n G enet i cs, G reg o r M end el, us ed the flower i n h i s ex ten s i ve s t ud y i n g eneti cs b eca us e o f its abi li t y to s elf pollinate. The Sweet Pea Flower in Use Today

These d eli cate blooms d es er ve a spo t i n s un ny bord ers, b ut t hey ca n als o gi ve a co t t a g e feel to a ny g a rd en . They ca n a ls o b e grown i n p o t s, hangi ng b a s ket s, o r

Flower- Sweet Pea

al o n g t h e fe n ce fo r a b e au t i f u l d i sp l ay. Swe e t p e as are i d e al p l ace d i n vase s to f i l l t h e ro o m w i t h f ragran ce. Th e y are al so e asy to grow an d e n co u rag e b e i n g c u t, as t h e m o re yo u c u t t h e m , t h e m o re f l owe r s yo u c an g e t. Swe e t p e as are ro m ant i c, f ragrant an d co l o r f u l, so i t ’s n o t su r p r i si n g t h e y ’re a co m m o n c h o i ce fo r we d d i n g s, fe at u re d i n b o u qu e t s an d f l owe r ar ran g e m e nt s. Wh i l e t h e y ’re o f te n u se d as f i l l e r f l owe r, swe e t p e as i n b r i g ht sh ad e s l o o k st r i k i n g i n ce nte r p i e ce s, b e i n g t h e u l t i m ate ste l l ar d e co rat i o n fo r yo u r re ce p t i o n t ab l e s. Th e swe e t p e a i s al so a co m m o n l y c h o se n f l o ral m o t i f fo r t at to o s, as t h e y si gn i f y re m e m b ran ce o f a l ove d in – whether in re l at i o n to grat i t u d e o r g o o d bye s.

g e st u re to som eone se t t i n g o f f on a j o u r n e y. Al so, it ’s the b i r t h f l ower of Apr il, m ak i n g i t a per fec t b i r t h d ay present for yo u r f r i e n ds a nd f am i l y b o r n in Apr il. Swe e t p e as a re a l so a l ove l y t ha nkyo u f l owe r to give to anyo n e w ho ha s h e l p e d you, show ing yo u r grat i tude an d ap p re c iation toward s t h e per son. I f yo u want to m a k e so m e o n e’s day sp e c i al, a ba sk et of t h e se f l ower s sim pl y says, “ I t h i nk a nd c are ab o ut you”. As a sy m b ol of b l i ssf u l p l ea sure, g o o d bye s a nd tha nk yo u s, t h e se fl ower s su i t a var i et y of o cc asi o n s, saying a l o t w i t h o u t a word. https://symbolsage.com/ sweet-peas-flower-meaning/

When to Give Sweet Peas

A b o u q u e t o f swe e t p e as c an b e a t h o u g ht f u l

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Herb-Dragon’s Blood

What is Dragon’s Blood?

Drago n’s B lo o d i s ac tua lly a res i n, which i s ha r ves ted from a va r i et y o f d ifferent p la nt s pecies. Th e b r i g ht red pi gm ent i s wh at lend s i t t he n a me Drago n’s B lo o d. The p ro d uc t s which a re cur rent ly mar ke ted a nd s o ld to mod er n Pa g a ns are no t p reci s ely t h e s ame a s wh at a nci ent cultu res refer red to as Drag o n’s B lo o d. Maud Grieve’s Modern Herbal says,

“Theberriesareaboutthesize ofacherry,andpointed.When ripetheyarecoveredwitha reddish,resinoussubstance whichisseparatedinseveral

ways,themostsatisfactorybeing by steaming,or by shaking or rubbingincoarse,canvasbags.An inferiorkindisobtainedbyboiling thefruitstoobtainadecoction aftertheyhaveundergonethe secondprocess.Theproductmay cometomarketinbeads,joinedas ifforminganecklace,andcovered withleaves...orinsmall,round sticksabout18incheslong,packed inleavesandstripsofcane.Other varietiesarefoundinirregular lumps,orinareddishpowder. Theyareknownaslump,stick, reed, tear, or saucer Dragon’s Blood.” Th e R o m an s, Gre e k s, an d o t h e r s u se d a by p ro d u c t o f D rac ae n a c i n n ab ar i , t h e c i n n ab ar t re e, fo u n d o n an i sl an d i n t h e I n d i an O ce an . Th e t re e’s g u m re si n h as a n u m b e r o f u se s, i n c l u d i n g as an ab o r t i f ac i e nt an d as a d ye — i t ’s e ve n fo u n d as a co l o rant i n l i p st i c k . S o m e p rac t i t i o n e r s u se a p owd e re d ve r si o n o f D rag o n’s B l o o d as i n ce n se. I f yo u’d l i k e to

t r y t h i s, i t tends to wo r k b e st if you m ix i t i n w i t h other dr ied i te m s, an d then bur n i t o n a c h arcoa l disc. D e p e n d i n g on w hic h m agi c al p ath you m ay fo l l ow, there are a var i e t y of uses fo r D rag o n’s Bl ood. Cat Yro nwoode of Lu c k y m o j o points out t h at i n m a ny Hoodoo an d fo l k t ra ditions, t h i s i te m i s used for p ro te c t i o n , power an d g o o d for tune. I t m ay e ve n be tur ned i nto an i n k to w r ite o u t sp e l l s. She says,

“Dragon’sBloodpowder isalsousedbywomenwho wishtoreceiveanofferof

Marriage.Theywritetheir lover’s Name on a small squareofbrownpaper,cross itwiththeirownname,fold Dragon’sBloodpowderinto theName-Paper,andthrow thepacketontoglowing charcoalalongwithLove MeIncensewhilesaying their prayer.”

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items How Dragon’s Blood Is Used

Herb-Dragon’s Blood

I n som e Wi cca n trad iti o n s o f magic, D ra g o n’s Blood i s us ed fo r healin g, p ro tec t i o n, and b a ni s hi n g. M any Pa g a n p at h s believe t h at a d d i n g Drago n’s B lo o d to any ot her i ncen s e or her b b lend wi ll increa s e t h e p o tenc y of the o r i gi n a l m i x. Drago n’s B lo o d a ls o come s i n h a n d y when i t co mes to clean s i ng a s p a ce. I f the p rev i o us occu p a nt o f t h e locat i o n lef t b eh i n d s ome d o d g y energ y, bur n D ra g o n’s B lo o d incen s e, o r s p r i nk le the p owd er a ro un d the p er i m eter to bani s h away neg ati v i t y. Blend i t wi t h d r ied s a g e o r s weetgra s s fo r ex tra met a p hys i ca l prote c t i o n . As you ca n p ro b a b ly g uess, D ra g o n’s

B l o o d i s asso c i ate d w i t h t h e e l e m e nt o f f i re, so yo u c an u se i t o n yo u r al t ar to re p re se nt f i re i n t h e ab se n ce o f a c an d l e, o r u se i t i n r i t u al s t h at i nvo l ve f l am e s, t h e su n , h e at, o r p owe r. I n so m e t rad i t i o n s o f fo l k m agi c, t h e re si n i s b l e n d e d i nto an o i l. Use D rag o n’s B l o o d o i l to an o i nt c an d l e s o r to d ab o n yo u r w r i st s to e n h an ce yo u r p e r so n al p owe r. Cre ate a m o n e y d raw i n g o i l by ad d i n g b i t s o f l o d e sto n e i nto D rag o n’s B l o o d o i l, o r ad d c i n n am o n an d p i e ce s o f ro se q u ar t z to c re ate a l ove o i l. Fo r p u r i f i c at i o n m agi c, ad d a fe w p i e ce s o f h e m at i te o r o ny x , al o n g w i t h ro se m ar y o r sag e, i nto yo u r o i l, an d u se i t to an o i nt yo u r d o o r s an d w i n d ows; t h i s w i l l h e l p k e e p n e g at i ve e n e rg y o u t si d e o f yo u r h o m e.

5 Ways to Use Dragon’s Blood in Magic

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Ad d i t to a n her ba l b l e n d of incense, to gi ve your m a gic an ex t ra boost. Use D ra gon’s B l o o d i n k in sp e l l wor k that i nvo l ve s w r iting t h i n g s dow n, suc h as n am es or your i nte nt i on. An o i nt your sel f w i t h D ra gon’s B l o o d oil for e m p ower m ent a nd p ro te c tion w hen yo u’re doing a ny so r t o f drea m j o u r n e ys or a stra l t rave l. S o m e t ra ditions u se D ragon’s Bl ood i n l ove spel l s, p ar t i c u l a r l y if you h o p e to receive a m ar r i age proposa l. Use i t i n a n her ba l sac h e t for hea l ing m agi c rel ated to b l e e ding, e sp e c i a l l y i nvo l v i n g wom en’s re p ro d u c tive i ssu e s.

https://w w w.lear nreligions. com/what-is- dragonsblood-2562517

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Witch Tools-Singing Bowl Pl ay i n g t hese bow l s h as al so been sa id to c au se t he l ef t a nd r i g ht si d e s of the b rai n to sync hronize to g e t h e r, c reating a p e ace an d c a l m d u r i n g m e ditation.

You’veheardthehuman body is about 60% water, right? Then i t s t a n d s to reas o n t h at s o m e of the ways we manip ulate water, cou ld a ls o have effec ts o n o ur b o d i es. Singin g b owls, id ioph o nes o r i gi n a lly create d i n a nci ent M es o p o t a m i a , d o jus t t h at. An id i o p ho ne i s a mus ic a l i ns t rum ent, which wh en s t ruck , s hak en o r s cra p ed, prod uces a s o und throug h v i b rat i o n .

13 Sisters of Delphi

Th i n k o f a b e l l o r a g o n g : i d i o p h o n e s! J u st l i k e t h e si n gi n g b ow l. Th e si n gi n g b ow l i s a m e t al b ow l, st r u c k by a m al l e t, o f te n u se d i n sp i r i t u al o r re l i gi o u s se t t i n g s to i nvo k e m e d i t at i o n o r re l ax at i o n t h ro u g h t h e re so u n d i n g v i b rat i o n s an d p l e asant so u n d s i t e m an ate s w h e n p l aye d. Th e y c an al so b e u se d i n so u n d t h e rapy to i n d u ce h e al i n g an d t re at var i o u s i l l n e sse s. Th e so u n d s t h e si n gi n g b ow l s p ro d u ce are sai d to c re ate a k i n d o f e n e rg y t h at m ay ce nte r t h e f re qu e n c i e s o f t h e b o d y, m i n d an d so u l.

Co n si d e r h ow water re ac t s to vibrations: d an c i n g, a nd m oving i n c h o re o gra phed a nd o f te n sy m m etr ic a l, co n ce nt r i c for m s. The si n gi n g b ow l util izes t h e se ac t s of physic s to af fe c t t he physic a l b o d y, an d in tur n the m i n d an d soul. We n ow h ave co m p u te r tec hnol ogy to b e ab l e to sl ow d ow n an d obser ve h ow t h e singing bow l sp e c i f i c al l y a ffec ts wate r i n si de it. We c an st u d y how the so u n d v i brations m ay b e sh if ting t h e wate r el em ents i n o u r b o dies into c re at i ve p atter ns. Singing Bowl Origins

Th e o r i gi n s of t h e si n gi ng bow l are so m e w hat

Power Items Witch Tools-Singing Bowl ambi g uo us, a s m uch of anci ent cult ure or igin s ca n b e. There i s a n ecd o t a l evid ence to s ug g es t they a re t he mo s t ancient a r t i s a n cra f t in hum a n exi s tence, with t he met a lwo r k k nowled g e b ei ng pas s ed f ro m g enerat i o n to g enerat i o n fo r thou s a nd s of yea rs. Singi ng b owls or igin ated i n M es o p o t a m i a over 5, 000 yea rs ag o, a nd ma d e their way to t h e region s o f Ti b et, Nepa l a n d I n d i a which a ll h ave s ingi n g b owls i n their h i s to r y a n d cultu re d at i ng back s o me 2,000 yea rs. Tod ay, s i n gi ng b owls are st i ll p ro d uced in the s e a rea s o f the wo r ld, a nd b o t h the cra f t s m a n s h i p and t h e s p i r i t ua l compo nent s a re

c l o se l y t i e d to c u l t u re an d t rad i t i o n . O r i gi n al l y m ad e o f p u re co p p e r i n t h e an c i e nt wo r l d fo r m e d i c i n al p u r p o se s, t h e y are n ow m ad e m o st o f te n o f b ro n ze ( a co m b i n at i o n

o f co p p e r, t i n an d zi n c ) o r a se ve n - m e t al m e d l e y o f co p p e r, t i n , zi n c, i ro n , l e ad, g o l d an d si l ve r— se ve n e ar t h m e t al s fo r t h e se ve n c h ak ras.

Singing Bowl Production

Th e ar t i sans p ro d u c i n g singing b ow l s i n pa r tner ship w i t h Te n Thousa nd Vi l l ag e s h ave l ea r ned t h e sk i l l o f singing b ow l c raf tsm a nship f ro m re l atives a nd ap p re nt i ce ships, an d s ha re the p ro ce ss of si n gi ng bow l c ast i ng w ith u s. O ur a r tisa n p ar t n er s in N e p al heat the m e t a l to redh o t m a l l ea bil it y. Th e n , they ’l l e i t h e r sa ndc ast or ha m m er, m o l d, then p o l i s h the bow l b e fo re it m ay b e e tc hed in d e si gns. I t ta k es gre at sk il l, p at i ence a nd co l l aboration b e t we e n m ul tipl e ar t i san s with d i f fe re nt sk il l s to co m p l e te a singl e si n gi n g b ow l. U n fo r t u n atel y, si n gi n g b ow l s have fo u n d t h e ir way into

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Witch Tools-Singing Bowl mas s p ro d uc t i o n in many p la ces i n the Wes t a nd t h ere has been s o m e d ebate a b o ut t he appro p r i at i o n o f Eas ter n cult ure i n s o d o i n g.

Should Westerners without any Tibetan, Nepali or East Indian heritageprofitfromthesale oftheseculturalpieces? I t is pro b lem at i c fo r Weste r n p eo p le to pick and cho o s e t he element s o f E a s ter n cultu re t h at may appeal to t hem , while o f ten contin ui ng to ac t fro m a p la ce of pre j ud i ce a nd inter na li zed ra ci s m toward t ho s e s ame cult ures. There’s n o d o ub t that the b en ef i t s o f the s i ngi ng b owl and t h e r i ch cult ure inherent i n t h em s hould b e s ha red f a r and wi d e, however, that c ult ure s ho uld

13 Sisters of Delphi

b e ex p e r i e nced w i t h re ve rence a nd ap p re c i at ion, not ap p ro p r i ation. We are grateful to t h e N e p al i a r tisa ns we p ar t n e r w ith for c h o o si n g to sha re t h e i r r i c h c ul ture w i t h u s. O ur a r tisa n p ar t n e r s are a l ways p ai d f ai r wa ges for t h e i r wo r k w ith up f ro nt f i n anc ing. Fo u n d to day in yo g a st u dios, so u n d t h era py sp ace s, m a ssa ge t h e rapy ce nter s, te m p l e s, h om e feng sh u i , g ardens a nd any w h e re w here p e o p l e d o center ing wo r k , si n ging bow l s c an b e an inc redibl e ad d i t i o n to a p e r so n’s wel l ness ro u t i n e s. J u st re m e mber to sh o p w i t h intention an d c h o o s e the fa ir t rad e o p t i on. https://w w w. tenthousandvillages.com/ mosaic/singing-bowls/

Power Items Tree- Pine

B eing a n evergreen tree, i t i s a s y mb o l of imm o r t a li t y a nd eter ni t y. I n a d d i t i o n to thi s i mp o r t a nt mean i ng, co m m o n to all co ni fers, t hi s tree als o s y m b o li zes mar ita l ha p p i nes s and fe r t i li t y d ue to the need les j o i n ed in pai rs a n d gra f ted onto s h o r t t wi g s called b ra chy b la s t s. Spiritual Meaning of Pine Tree

The p i n es i n G reece were co n s ecrated to R hea , wh i ch repres ented to t a li t y and co nt a i n ed p a i rs of opp o s i tes wi t hi n , configur i ng i t s elf a s the an d ro g y ne from whi ch t h e creati o n s p ra n g. This e vergreen t ree is the s y mb o l o f

i m m o r t al i t y, so m u c h so t h at i t s re si n was u se d to p u r i f y, ste r i l i ze, e m b al m t h i n g s t h at o n e wante d to p re se r ve ove r t i m e. I t s re si n was al so u se d i n ce n se r s to p u r i f y t h e sac re d sp ace o f t h e te m p l e, to e vo k e t h e e te r n al. Th e t re e s, w h i c h are r i c h i n re si n , we re u se d as f u n e rar y o r Ch r i st m as t re e s. Th e re si n te ar s o f t h i s t re e are t h e b l o o d o f At t i s, acco rd i n g to a Gre e k my t h . A b e au t i f u l yo u n g m an w h o m Cy b e l e fe l l i n l ove w i t h an d b e c am e a p r i e st o f h i s te m p l e w i t h a vow o f c h ast i t y. B u t S an g ar i d e, a se d u c t i ve ny m p h , l e d At t i s to b re ak t h e vow. Cy b e l e d rove At t i s m ad as re ve n g e o u t o f j e al o u sy. H e ran to t h e m o u nt ai n s w h e re h e sto p p e d at a t h e t re e an d c ast rate d h i m se l f. At t i s b l e d to d e at h b u t J u p i te r to o k p i t y o n h i m an d t u r n e d h i m i nto t h e i m m o r t al p i n e. S at u r n b e c am e i t s p ro te c to r.

D r. B ac h uses its f l owe r s fo r those w ho te n d to se l f- destr uc t b e c au se of their guil t fe e l i n g s, who feel g u i l t y o f brea k ing a r u l e o r a vote. Attis / p i n e c an tea c h t h at re p e nta nce a nd fo rgi ve n e ss c a n be re b o r n as pure a nd f ragrant a s it is. Th e re are at l ea st se ve nt y spec ies of p i n e, so b er, l ongl i ve d p l ants that are co nte nt w ith p o o r so i l s. Fro m t h e needl es an d g e m s, we g e t h e r b al tea s, e sse nt i al oil s w ith b al sam i c, a ntiseptic, ex p e c to ra nt, a ntii n f l am m ator y, an d e n e rgiz ing q u al i t i e s, w hic h f i n d ap p l i c ations i n d i se ase s of the re sp i rato r y a nd ar t i c u l ar a ppa ratus. I t was an e l em ent of t h e D i o nys ia n thyr sus t h at sy m bol ized f r u i t f u l n e s s,

13 Sisters of Delphi

Power Items Tree- Pine res ur rec t i o n, a n d immor t a li t y – i t was u s ed i n t h e celeb rat i o n s o f the mys ter i es o f Dionys us at E leus i s, at the fea s t s d ed icated to t h e G reat M o t her and H er m es. I n the E a s t, t h e Taois t I m m o r t a ls feed o n res i n and n eed les. I t i s s aid t hat res i n , penet rated i nto the s ub s o i l a f ter a thous a n d yea rs prod uces f u-li ng, a mu s h ro o m t h at gives eter n a l li fe. I n Japan , p i newo o d i s us ed to b ui ld S h i nto temp les a n d r i t ua l tools. I n we d d i ng cerem o n i es, i t repre s ent s t h e cons t a n c y o f conjug a l love. D u r in g t h ei r New Year, t h e Ja p a nes e place t wo t rees o f the s a m e s i ze o n each s i d e o f t h ei r d oors to ho no r t h e

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K am i , t h e m any S h i nto d e i t i e s t h at g ove r n t h e v i si b l e sp h e re s an d t rad i t i o n al l y l i ve i n si d e t h e p i n e s. I n Ch i n a, t h i s t re e i s d e p i c te d at t h e d o o r s o f I m m o r t al i t y an d co m p o se s t h e t r i ad o f Lo n g e v i t y to g e t h e r w i t h t h e m u sh ro o m an d a c ran e, o r w i t h b am b o o an d p l u m . I n t h e f i r st ce nt u r i e s o f Ch r i st i an i t y, i t was co n si d e re d a m al e f i c p l ant b e c au se i t was asso c i ate d w i t h p ag an d e i t i e s ( Pan , D i o nysu s, an d At t i s) . I t s re si n c an b e b u r n e d i n al l ce l e b rat i o n s t h at i nvo l ve t h e awak e n i n g o f l i g ht, ve g e t at i o n , an d t h e S p i r i t. O n t h e n i g ht o f “Cal e n d i m ag gi o”, t h e f i r st d ay o f M ay, t ak e a sm al l b ag o f gre e n co t to n an d p l ace i n si d e : t h re e sp r i g s o f t hy m e, a gre e n ag ate, t h re e l au re l l e ave s an d t h re e sco t s o f p i n e.

Cl o se w i t h a r ibbon o f t h e sam e col or an d t h i n k a bout w h i c h p rojec ts you wo u l d l i k e to rea l ize. Th i s am u l et w il l hel p yo u m ak e them . Keep i t at h o m e. Fu n f ac t : pine n u t s are used in e n c h ant m ents to at t rac t e conom ic p ro sp e r i t y. The R o m an s ate them to i n c re ase their st re n g t h a nd p hysi c al v igor. I n the E ast, i t i s a tra dition to co n su me them to p ro te c t t h e bonds of l ove an d fr iendship. Pine Christmas Symbolism

Th e m o st popul a r an d w i d e s prea d sp i r i t u al sym bol is t h at o f t h e Ch r i st m as tree. Th e re are m a ny l e g e n d s about the o r i gi n o f the use of p i n e as a Chr istm a s t re e b u t t h e tr ue o r i gi n o f this t rad i t i o n i s not c l ea r.

Power Items Tree- Pine Accord i n g to Chr is t i a n t ra d i t i o n , St. B oni f a ce b ro ug ht d own a gi a nt a s h tree, t h e Yg g d ra s i l, which h eld a ll levels of the wo r ld f ro m heave n to h ell. I ns tea d, h e p la nted it as a s y m b o l o f G od ’s eter na l love and fi lled t h em wi t h cand l es s y mb o li z i ng the pur i f i cat i o n a nd light o f C hr i s t. Anoth er leg en d s ays that S a i nt B o ni f a ce k nock ed d own a hu g e o a k t ree t h at took w i t h h i m a ll t he trees t hat s ur ro un d ed him excep t a s m a ll tree, wh i ch h e ca lled “ tree o f t h e C hi ld G od ”, s y m b o li z i n g its tr i a ng ula r s ha p e of the H o ly Tr i ni t y. The tree h a s a ls o been li nked to t h e apple t ree o f Ad a m and Eve, ha n gi n g red app les o n t h e Chr is t m a s t ree s ymbo li z i n g t h e exit o f t he Pa ra d i s e

o f Ad am an d Eve an d p l ac i n g a st ar o n t h e t i p o f t h e t re e as a sy m b o l o f f ai t h . Th e b l u e Ch r i st m as o r n am e nt s sy m b o l i ze re p e nt an ce, t h e si l ve r o n e s re p re se nt grat i t u d e, t h e g o l d e n o n e s p rai se an d re d o n e s t h e re q u e st. Th e Ch r i st m as t re e b e g an to b e u se d i n Eu ro p e i n t h e 1 6 t h ce nt u r y, sp e c i f i c al l y i n G e r m any. I t was n o t u nt i l 1 8 4 1 t h at Pr i n ce Al b e r t an d h i s w i fe, Q u e e n Vi c to r i a, f i r st u se d t h e Ch r i st m as t re e at Wi n d so r Cast l e, so t h at i t s u se i n E n g l an d was t h e n i nt ro d u ce d an d p o p u l ar i ze d ac ro ss Eu ro p e. I t was t h e G e r m an se t t l e r s w h o i nt ro d u ce d i t to t h e U n i te d St ate s at t h e b e gi n n i n g o f t h e 1 9 t h ce nt u r y d u r i n g t h e Ci v i l War. Pine Symbolism in the World of Magic

I n m agi c, i t s co n e s are

u se d to p rom ote fe r t i l i t y, whil e n e e d l e s mixed w ith re si n are u sed to ward o f f evil a nd l ow sp i r i t s. Th e y al so repel i nvo i ce s and c ur ses to t h e c l i e nt. U n fo r t u n atel y, it is o f te n u se d in bl a c k m agi c r i t u a l s to i n f u se p ai n an d i n j u r y. Th e p u l ve r ized a nd b u r nt b ar k m ixed w i t h f ran k incense was u se d to pur ify t h e ro o m s of the sic k o r af te r d i sputes. B e c au se i t is a n e ve rgre e n tree, it al so e m b odies the e te r n al l i fe of t h e so u l. I n n at u ral m a gic is u se d to i nvok e the sp i r i t s o f woods an d n at u re. Th e re si n c a n be m i xe d w i t h sa ge an d m i nt or l em on to p u r i f y our sel ves

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Power Items Tree- Pine before o r a f ter a r i t ua l, bu t al so to p u r i f y p l ace s. I t was a sy m b ol of protec t i o n a nd i m m o r t a l i t y fo r Ce l t i c p e o p l e, i t was re ve re d as the tree of life a nd t h e mo t h er, t h e re fo re i t sy m b o l i ze d t h e wo m an i n h er fru itful p ha s e. The p i ne co n e i n ma gi c s y m b o l i ze s re g e n e rat i o n i n l i fe as we l l as phys i ca l a n d p s ych o lo gi c al wo u n d s. Fo r t h e M aso n s, i t was a sy m bol of enlightenm ent, res ur rec t i o n , e te r n al l i fe, an d re g e n e rat i o n . Celtic p eo p le us ed to fo r m m agi c p ro te c t i o n c i rc l e s w i t h co n e s in openair r itua ls. I t wa s a ls o o f te n u se d i n t h e m agi c o f l ove and in r i tes t h at f avo r co n ce p t i o n . I n m o st i m p o r t ant t rad i t i o n s, c ul t and s a cred f i g ures held a st i c k w i t h a p i n e co n e o n i t s to p to sy mbol ize the hi g h a nd ma cro co s m u n i o n w i t h t h e m i c ro co sm an d the fe mi ni n e wi t h ma s cu l i n e. I t sign i f i es t he p i nea l g lan d, al so e so te r i c al l y c al l e d t h e ab o d e of the s pir it, wh ereby t h e t h i rd e ye, t h e awak e n i n g, an d o p e n i n g o f t his chak ra , elevates us to o n e o f t h e hig he s t levels. https://magick alspot.com/pine -tree -symbolism-meaning/

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Power Items Tree- Hazel

O f all t he my t hs a n d legen d s o f nat ure’s gif ts th at creep t h ei r ways i nto o ur li ves, the vi v i d s to r y o f the ma gi ca l H a zel tree is o ne t h at i s most celeb rated. When we lo o k to the anci ent s to r i es of Cel t i c lo re, we hear t a les o f h ow t h e Hazel i s a s s o ci ated with wi s d o m a n d ins pirat i o n. This sa cred t ree i s s aid to b e clo a ked in a p ower f ul ma gi c which ca n i m b ue those wh o eat i t s fru it. N ine m a gi ca l H a zel trees were s a i d to

o n ce l i n e t h e b o rd e r s b e t we e n t h e h u m an wo r l d an d t h e re al m o f t h e g o d s; t h e se H aze l t re e s b o re b ran c h e s l ad e n h e av y with fruit an d t h e i r n u t s wo u l d o f te n f al l i nto a n e ar by st re am , w h e re t h e y wo u l d b e co n su m e d by t h e sal m o n . Af te r e at i n g t h e h aze l n u t s, t h e f i sh wo u l d g ai n al l t h e k n ow l e d g e o f t h e wo r l d an d we re k n ow n as t h e S al m o n o f Wi sd o m ! B r i g ht, g l i ste n i n g sp o t s ap p e are d o n t h e si d e s o f t h e sal m o n to sh ow t h at t h e y h ad b e e n b l e sse d by t h e M agi c al H aze l t re e s. Th o se w h o ate t h e h aze l n u t s ( o r t h e f i sh ) we re sai d to g ai n p ro p h e t i c ab i l i t i e s an d l i ve a l i fe f u l l o f w i sd o m !

Th e Ce l t i c word for n u t s i s ‘c n o’, a nd t h e wo rd for w isdom i s ‘c n o c ac h’, w hic h are ve r y sim il a r, so e ve n to d ay the stor y o f t h e H azel a nd t h e Wi se S a l m on l i ve s o n ! I n Gre e k mythol ogy, H e r m e s ( messenger o f t h e g o ds a nd h i m se l f t he god of b o rd e r c rossings) was sai d to c a r r y a st af f m ad e from a H aze l t re e to a id him i n h i s t ravel s through t h e h u m an a nd sp i r i t re al m s! H e r m e s’s R om a n e q u i val e nt, M erc ur y, al so c ar r i ed a H aze l st aff w hic h b e stowe d him w ith gre at w i sdom . Th e se m agic a l stor ies are so m e of the m a ny re aso n s w hy so m a ny p e o p l e e n joy the H aze l ’s gi f ts to t h i s d ay ! https://thepresenttree.com/ blogs/tree -meanings/hazeltree -meaning

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Power Items Symbol- Unalome

The una lo me s y mb o l, one o f t he mo s t i s or igin a lly a H i n d u repres ent at i o n that gra p h i ca lly remin i s cences S hi va’s third eye. Th i s s ymbo l a ls o emb o d i es wisd o m a n d a p at h to excellen ce. What Is the Pronunciation of Unalome?

Unalo me s y lla b le is u nalo -m e (I s eparated t h e s yllab les wi t h d as he s ). U – uh, yoo, oo, ů N – nuh A – æ, ā, a h , ā -uh, uh L – lu h , ul O – a h , ō, uh, oo, ů M – m uh . The E – eh, ee is sile nt. Different Meanings of Unalome in Hinduism and Buddhism

When p eo p le t a lk abou t H i nd u a n d

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B u d d h i st sy m b o l s, t h e f i r st o n e t h at co m e s to m i n d i s t h e u n al o m e sy m b o l. I t s g l o b al acce p t an ce co m e s f ro m i t s ar t i st i c sh ap e.

k n o t s o r i ginating f ro m t h e s pira l g o i n g u p represents t h e d i f fe rent sp i r i t u al m il estones o f yo u r l i fe.

1. Hinduism I n t h e H i n d u re l i gi o n , t h e u n al o m e sy m b o l c h arac te r i ze s t h e Th i rd Eye o f Lo rd S h i va — t h e h i g h e st H i n d u G o d. Lo rd S h i va i s al so re fe r re d to as t h e D e st roye r b e c au se h e i s re sp o n si b l e fo r re m ov i n g al l o b st ac l e s i n p e o p l e’s l i ve s an d f u r t h e r. H e si t s o n to p o f t h e h i e rarc hy, f ro m w h e re h e watc h e s ove r t h e u n i ve r se an d t ran sfo r m s e ve r y t h i n g i n i t as h e w i sh e s.

Th e k n o t s signify l e sso n s t h at you h ave to l e a r n a nd ove rco m e in l ife a s yo u p u r sue your path to re ac h t he top, w h i c h h as the l o t u s f l ower.

Th e u n al o m e sy m b o l h as se ve ral p at te r n s, e ac h o f w h i c h h as a sp e c i al m e an i n g. Fo r i n st an ce, t h e sp i ral at t h e b o t to m si gn i f i e s t h e e ye an d t h e l i fe, w h i c h i s gi ve n to yo u w i t h o u t any v i si b l e d i re c t i o n . Th i s m e an s t h at yo u are t h e o n e w h o h as to d i scove r yo u r way. Th e l i n e w i t h

Th i s f l ower re p re se nt s p e r fe c t i o n . I n H i n d u i sm , the fl ower re p re se nt s M ok sha ( e n l i g hte n m ent). Pu t si m p l y, the l otus f l owe r m e a ns that w h e n yo u rea c h the to p an d o pen your sp i r i t u al l otus, you f re e yo u r sel f from t h e c i rc l e of bir th an d d e at h, a s wel l as re b i r t h . 2. Buddhism Al t h o u g h the m e an i n g of una l om e sy m b o l i s the sa m e i n t h e B u ddhist re l i gi o n , i t l ook s

Power Items Symbol-Unalome a bit d i f ferent. For in s t a nce, t he Bud d hi s t una lo me has a s eated B ud d h a at the b o t to m . I t also h a s a h a lf moon over t he s eated Bud d ha’s hea d, which i nd i cates enlightenm ent i n t h e d ar k . Ab ove t he h a lf moon i s a s p i ra l wi t h a line o f k no t s t hat g o up towa rd the un i vers e. Bud d ha wa s a philo s o p h er, med it ato r, mend i ca nt, reli gi o us lead e r, a n d s p i r i t ua l teacher wh o li ved i n Nepal, I nd i a . He wa s t h e fo un d er of Bud d hi s m , a n d t h e word B ud d h a m ea n s the “awa kened one” o r t h e “enlig htened one”. Th e wo rd als o rep res ent s a pers o n wh o i s f ree o f ignora n ce and o b s t a cles.

I n B u d d h i sm , t h e u n al o m e sy m b o l re p re se nt s t h e p at h to e n l i g hte n m e nt. Th e sp i ral c h arac te r i ze s t h e c row n o r h e ad o f B u d d h a. I t i s al so t h e b e gi n n i n g o f t h e u n al o m e. As yo u p ro gre ss t h ro u g h l i fe’s p at h , t h e t w i st s an d t u r n s an d u p s an d d ow n s i n t h e p at te r n si gn i f y t h e st r u g g l e s o f l i fe. Th e sy m b o l exe m p l i f i e s t h e ex i ste n ce o f h u m an b e i n g s o n t h i s e ar t h l y p l an e an d n u r t u re s p e o p l e’s aware n e ss o f t h e i r ro l e s i n l i fe. Acco rd i n g to B u d d h a, t h e u n al o m e sy m b o l i s ab o u t sc r u t i n i zi n g yo u r ac t i o n s an d l e ar n i n g f ro m t h e m . B y d o i n g so, yo u w i l l b e ab l e to re al i ze t h e m e an i n g o f m agn an i m i t y. Male and Female Unalome Symbols

I f yo u are co nte m p l at i n g g e t t i n g a u n al o m e t at to o, i t i s i m p o r t ant to u n d e r st an d

w h at t h e sym bol m e an s as wel l a s its l ate st var i ations. M o st i m p or ta ntl y, yo u n e e d to be awa re o f w h at t he sym bol re p re se nt s for both m al e s an d fem a l es. Th e t r u t h is that t h e u n al o me sym bol c an re p re sent both m asc u l i n e a nd fe m i n i n e energy d e p e n d i n g on i t s p l ace m ent. Fo r i n st an ce, if t h e sp i ral is at the b o t to m o f the sym bol an d f ac i n g r ight, it i s co n si d e red m asc u l i n e in the B u d d h i st rel igion. An d i f t h e spira l i s f ac i n g l ef t a nd i nward s, i t is fe m i n i n e. Today, p e o p l e are ta k ing so m e e l e ments of t h e sy m b ol that they l i k e to c reate a fina l d e si gn t h at they a re p l e ase d to wea r a s a t at to o.

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Power Items Symbol-Unalome Unalome Tattoo Designs

Previ o us ly, unalome t at to o s were d es i gned as stand a lo n e tatto o s wi t h o ut any m o d i f i cat i o n s. But s i nce t at to o ar tis t s h ave a lways end eavo red to b rea k away f ro m t he n o r m and t r y s o met h i n g d ifferent, mo s t o f them h ave s t a r ted to integrate t hei r own i d ea s i nto t he unalome s y mb o l. S ome a re even creati n g n ew a nd d istinc t i ve un a lo me d esigns t hat lo o k completely d i f ferent from t he or igin a l o n e. Lotus Flower Tattoos

M any t at to o a r t i s t s are co mi ng up wi t h new va r i a nt s o f t he lotus f lower whi le others a re a d d i n g d ifferent s y mb o ls lik e t r i a ng les, d o t s, lines, a n d a r rows to it. S o met i m es yo u will co m e a cro s s d ifferent t y p es o f

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u n al o m e t at to o s w i t h e ye s. Th e se e ye s h ave d i f fe re nt m e an i n g s depending on their p l ace m e nt, st y l e, an d t h e ow n e r o f t h e t at to o. Fo r ex am p l e, t h e e ye s co u l d m e an v i si o n , c l ar i t y, Ch r i st i an i t y, p ro te c t i o n , so u l, i nte l l i g e n ce, fo c u s, l i fe, g u ard i an sh i p, p ro p h e c y, o r d e ce p t i o n . Th e re are m any o t h e r sy m b o l s t h at p e o p l e c h o o se to i nte grate i nto t h e i r u n al o m e t at to o s, including the Om si gn , w h i c h i s a sac re d sy l l ab l e d e si gn e d to si gn i f y t h e co re o f t h e u n i ve r se an d t h e Ce l t i c sy m b o l t h at re p re se nt s p owe r, st re n g t h , an d w i sd o m . Different Body Placements of Unalome Tattoos

U n al o m e t at to o s c an b e p l ace d o n d i f fe re nt p ar t s o f t h e b o d y, d e p e n d i n g o n a p e r so n’s p re fe re n ce an d i t s m e an i n g. Fo r i n st an ce, m o st wo m e n p re fe r to p l ace t h i s t at to o i n

t h e m i d d l e of the b re ast area . For this p ar t o f t h e body, t h e u n al o me tattoo sh o u l d b e big enough to f i l l t h e spa ce. Al te r n at i vel y, your u n al o m e tattoo c a n b e p l ace d w ithin a l arg e r t at too. O t h e r co m m on l o c at i o n s a re the w r i st, b ac k of the n e c k , b e t ween sh o u l d e r bl a des, b ac k o f t h e ea r, a nd fo re ar m . Una l om e t at to o s i n these are as o f te n consist o f ex te n si ve designs an d ad d i t i ona l fe at u re s l ik e a l otus f l owe r, an eye, a h al f - m o o n, a nd o t h e r var i ations. H owe ve r, most B u d d h i st s a nd H i n d u s are a ga inst t h e i d e a of pl a c ing u n al o m e tattoos on t h e fe e t b ec a use t h e y co n sider the fe e t to b e dir t y a nd u n h o l y. Therefore, i f yo u want to f u l l y e m b ra ce the

Power Items Symbol-Unalome s pir it ua l m ea n i n g o f the un a lo me s y mb o l and up ho ld i t s s acre d n es s, n ever p ut it on yo ur feet.

t h e h u m an st ate : e ve n w h e n t h e ro o t s are i n d i r t y wate r s, t h e p l ant co nt i n u e s to p ro d u ce b e au t i f u l f l owe r s.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Summary I h o p e t h at t h i s ar t i c l e h as h e l p e d yo u to u n d e r st an d t h e m e an i n g o f t h e u n al o m e sy m b o l an d h ow yo u c an we ar i t as a t at to o. I al so h o p e t h at yo u h ave l e ar n e d t h e d i f fe re nt d e si gn s o f u n al o m e t at to o s an d t h e i r p e r fe c t b o d y p l ace m e nt s.

Isunalometattoooffensive? I t is n o t o f fen s i ve to have a t at to o o f the un a lo me s y mb o l. Howe ver, i t ca n b e cons i d ered o f fen s i ve by s o me p eo p le i f you pla ce i t o n s o m e par ts o f t h e b o d y li ke the fe et. B eca us e o f the s a cred n es s o f t he s ymb o l, i t s h o uld not b e p la ced o n t h e feet beca us e t hey are co ns i d ered to b e always d i r t y.

Whatdoesanunalome lotus flower mean? The Lo t us f lower is cons i d ered i n d ifferent cult ures, espec i a lly i n H i nd u and B ud d hi s t religi o ns, a s a s i gn of clea n li n es s, enlightenm ent, s elf reg en erat i o n, a n d renais s a n ce. I t s features res em b le

d i st rac t you. Use a re l i ab l e e s say w r iting se r v i ce to save tim e. H i re a qu al ified c h e ap e ssay w r iter to g e t t h e i n spiration yo u m i g ht l a c k . https://w w w.dailyr x.com/ unalome/

R e m e m b e r t h at t h e t at to o yo u are g o i n g to m ak e w i l l p ro b ab l y st ay w i t h yo u fo r t h e re st o f yo u r l i fe. U n l e ss, o f co u r se, yo u d e c i d e to t ran sfo r m i t i nto so m e t h i n g e l se at so m e p o i nt. Th e re fo re, t h i n k c are f u l l y an d m ak e su re t h at t h e sy m b o l yo u c h o o se re f l e c t s yo u r p e r so n al i t y an d b e l i e fs. Wh i l e yo u are co n si d e r i n g t h e p o ssi b l e o p t i o n s, d o n o t l e t h o m e wo r k assi gn m e nt s

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Power Items Color- Gold c r i m i n al c ase, t u c k a b i t o f g o l d p ap e r i nto yo u r sh o e b e fo re yo u g o i nto t h e co u r t ro o m .

https://w w w.lear nreligions. com/color-magic -magicalcor respondences-4105405

G old i s a s s o ci ated, a s you m i g ht i ma gi n e, with f i n a n ci a l g ain, b us i n es s end eavo rs, a nd s olar co nnec t i o n s. Hang g o ld co lo rs aroun d yo ur d o o r way to d raw mo n ey i nto you r li fe, o r li g ht a gold ca nd le fo r wor k i ng s d es i gn ed to enh a nce yo ur bus ines s s ucces s. I f you ho p e to gi ve you r ca reer a li t t le magic a l b o o s t, wea r g old j ewelr y o r car r y a p i ece i n yo ur pock et. G o ld i s a ls o us efu l i n mat ters relate d to t he law, cou r tro o m s, a n d t h e jus tice s ys tem ; i f yo u happe n to b e wa i t i ng for a jud gm ent i n a civil s ui t o r a

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Th e co l o r g o l d i s t h e co l o r o f ex t ravag an ce, we al t h , r i c h e s, an d exce ss, an d sh are s se ve ral o f t h e sam e at t r i b u te s o f t h e co l o r ye l l ow. Th e co l o r g o l d i s a war m co l o r t h at c an b e e i t h e r b r i g ht an d c h e e r f u l o r so m b e r an d t rad i t i o n al.

an n i ve r sar y gif t a nd b ro n ze as the offic ia l e i g ht h we dding an n i ve r sar y gif t. G o l d g e m s tones a re b e l i e ve d to inc rea se p e r so n al w isdom an d p owe r, a id in h e al t h an d wel l ness, c re ate su ccess a nd p ro sp e r i t y, a nd i l l u m i n ate the path toward yo ur goa l. Other meanings associated with the color gold:

Th e co l o r g o l d i s co u si n to t h e co l o r ye l l ow an d t h e co l o r b row n , an d i s al so asso c i ate d w i t h i l l u m i n at i o n , l ove, co m p assi o n , co u rag e, p assi o n , m agi c, an d w i sd o m .

Th e te r m “ fool ’s g o l d ” re fe r s to any t h i n g mista k en for g o l d, o r som ething t h at i s wo r thl ess. Th e p h rase “gol d st ar ” i s u se d to si gn i f y p raise, acco m p l i s hm ent, a nd co m m e n d ation.

G o l d i s a p re c i o u s m e t al t h at i s asso c i ate d w i t h we al t h , gran d e u r, an d p ro sp e r i t y, as we l l as sp ar k l e, g l i t z, an d g l am o u r. G o l d i s t h e o f f i c i al f i f t i e t h we d d i n g an n i ve r sar y gi f t, w i t h co p p e r as t h e o f f i c i al se ve nt h we d d i n g

Th e say i n g “sol id g o l d ” re fe r s to su p e r i o r, h igh- q ua l it y, o u t st an d i n g, a nd best o f t h e b e s t. Th e te r m “gol d st an d ard ” is a m e asu re of the b e st, q u al it y, a nd exce l l e n ce.

Power Items Color- Gold The p hra s e “g o ld b r i ck ” is u se d i n re fe re n ce to a t r i c k , c h e at, o r ac tion s o f d ecei t. The p hra s e “g o o d a s g o ld ” m e an s t h at so m e t h i n g i s val u ab l e or pos i t i ve . The exp res s i o n “g o ld en c h i l d ” re fe r s to a favored p ers o n. The exp res s i o n “g o ld d i gg e r ” d e sc r i b e s so m e o n e w h o i s o n l y af ter a pers o n’s mo n ey. Ad d iti o na l wo rd s t hat re p re se nt d i f fe re nt sh ad e s, t i nt s, an d values of the co lo r g o ld : g o ld enro d, ye l l ow g o l d, h o n e y, b ro n ze, co p p e r. https://w w w.bour ncreative.com/meaning- of-the - color- gold/

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Magical Poetry High Priestess, R avensThorn Morrigan

Teleportation E.J. Kuhl

Teleportation may be available soon If ever it is, I’ll make a trip to the moon I could meet you there, if you’re interested It’s one of the many places I’ve never visited I hear the views are spectacular Peaceful seas of tranquility granular Silvery deserts and lunar delights Majestic, unfiltered, heavenly sights Or if you’d rather, a Mediterranean stay Shadowing ourselves in subterranean play Hindered only by the rules we make Setting mutually beneficial stakes Floating on favorable seas’ breezes Caught in time slowed evening freezes Thawed by body heat built by fiery embraces Upon silken sand, blushing afterglow traces Or perhaps instead, the Ecuadorian coast Amid mystical and mysterious mangroves Absorb the wisdom of flora and fauna Cleansed by Earth’s equatorial sauna Watching torched sunset before sunrise To sleep beneath immaculate starry skies Dreaming of each other’s dreams Blurring lines in between reality’s seams

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Magical Poetry High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

The Dancing Bear by James Russell Lowell

Far over Elf-land poets stretch their sway, And win their dearest crowns beyond the goal Of their own conscious purpose; they control With gossamer threads wide-flown our fancy’s play, And so our action. On my walk to-day, A wallowing bear begged clumsily his toll, When straight a vision rose of Atta Troll, And scenes ideal witched mine eyes away. ‘Merci, Mossieu!’ the astonished bear-ward cried, Grateful for thrice his hope to me, the slave Of partial memory, seeing at his side A bear immortal. The glad dole I gave Was none of mine; poor Heine o’er the wide Atlantic welter stretched it from his grave.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By :Brittanica

To a Marsh Hawk in Spring by Henr y David Thoreau

There is health in thy gray wing, Health of nature’s furnishing. Say, thou modern-winged antique, Was thy mistress ever sick? In each heaving of thy wing Thou dost health and leisure bring, Thou dost waive disease and pain And resume new life again.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry High Priestess, R avensThorn Morrigan

Hathor Of Dendera: A Litany Pete Crowther

Hathor of Dendera, great is your name Lady of the Universe, the power is yours Lady of the Sky, perfect in grace Mistress of the West, source of all pleasures Mistress of the East, fount of delight Red Hair, Bright Hair, hear our prayer Daughter of Re, raise up our hearts Mansion of Horus, send us your blessings Lady of Byblos, come and be with us Lady of the Sacred Land, come to us Lady of the Southern Sycamore, come to our call Lady of the Headland of Manu, come and refresh us Lady of the House of Jubilation, fill us with joy You from Khemmis, may you be near us You from the Land of Silence, bring us peace Mistress of Turquoise, show us your beauty Eye of Re, look down on us, shine on us Storm in the Sky, send us your light Great Wild Cow of the Marshes, may you sustain us Twin Sister of Sekhmet the Lioness, be lenient, spare us Mistress of Nubia, may we rejoice in you HathortheGolden,LadyofHeaven,greatisyourbeauty,greatis your name. 52

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

The Temple Of Vishnu by Harriet Monroe

Grand Cañon of Arizona Vishnu, the gods of eld are dead. Long dead Are Zeus, Astarte, and that lotus-flower, Isis of Egypt. Unto each his hour. Yet thou, silent within thy temple dread, Locked against prayers, mounted above the tread Of climbing feet, thou from thy purple tower Contemplatest the stern inscrutable power Whence all things come and whither all are led. The day in splendor of lilac and clear blue Visits thy mighty seat. The sapphire night Broods in the abyss with darkness, and the rain Veils thee with clouds, hails thee and bids adieu In thunder. Steadfast on thy terraced height Thou seest bold time besiege thy throne in vain. 13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared by : Brittanica

Romulus and Remus Rudyard Kipling

Oh, little did the Wolf-Child care-When first he planned his home, What City should arise and bear The weight and state of Rome. A shiftless, westward-wandering tramp, Checked by the Tiber flood, He reared a wall around his camp Of uninspired mud. But when his brother leaped the Wall And mocked its height and make, He guessed the future of it all And slew him for its sake. Swift was the blow--swift as the thought Which showed him in that hour How unbelief may bring to naught The early steps of Power. Foreseeing Time’s imperilled hopes Of Glory, Grace, and Love-- All singers, Caesars, artists, Popes-Would fail if Remus throve, He sent his brother to the Gods, And, when the fit was o’er, Went on collecting turves and clods To build the Wall once more!

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared by : High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

Ishtar Majid Gaggi

Ishtar, goddess of love and beauty Where Are you and where did the traveler land you? Where did you lose love, friendliness and beauty? And there were only wars and fighting. Why did you leave the land of blackness. It became dismembered and dismembered. it became dry land and the remains of ruins After it was said by its beauty, proverbs Two years later, she was struck by the beauty of Proverbs. A star who got away with it and got sick. It’s true what Gilgamesh said about you You are a palace in which heroes break down. A deep, deep well where hope is lost. Weren’t you in the world of humans so wandered? Looking for the victims to take away their money. And then you leave them humiliated in hell. Didn’t you seduce the shepherd? He lost all his sheep and fall in love with you You went down to the underworld fast and fast. To see your dead lover, July to relax your mind. Come back to us and July, to long live the generations. Green and blooming plains, valleys and mountains Oh goddess of love, life and beauty

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : High Priestess, R avensThorn Morrigan

Dragon Oropher Tîwele

He was on his way to see the one true love. Ashecamearoundthecurvybend,hecameuponaroadblock. Big, Red, Fierce and Mean as he appeared to be He gave a fierce roar…. Every time he thought of the one he adores The thoughts of her would calm him down….. Trying to think how he could get back on track to his love or Trytofindtherightroad,hewouldnotwillowabouthislove. He took another road this one was not where his love was. He wondered if this was what was meant to be, or was there another route that he hadn’t seen. Wasthisroadblockthereforanotherreasonhewasn’tsureofit. Had this been the way it was suppose to end for him. Was he to stand still at the curvy bend.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

The wandering dryad Unk nown Author

I met a dryad Who came and went as he pleased Through the forest, through the grasses, through the trees. I slowly got to know him Because he seldom talked. As a dryad, He mostly drifted solemnly in the breeze. My favorite times were when we could sit or stand or walk And enjoy each other’s company without Twittering birds or buzzing insects bothering either of us. We didn’t have to talk. No, not always. Because dryads are mostly quiet. They like to listen to music they find. And this dryad shared his with me. But now the dryad is vanished. Where is the wandering dryad? My friend who liked a good story or song? He has wandered. He has grown past me and wandered on. So now I must hurry and grow up To catch up with the wandering dryad Because I know we’ll meet again. When? Who knows? My friend comes and goes as he pleases. But when we’ve both grown a little more I know I’ll see my friend, the wandering dryad, again. 13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : High Priestess, R avensThorn Morrigan

Siren Song Unk nown Author

As the sun sinks deep in the west and darkness Descends to cover and change the landscape , The sea grows calm like a mirror of glass, And silence fills the air like a curtain drape. A song can be heard low and sweet, Quiet in its inception and slowly rising to meet, The silence of the night and for ears to hear, Those that do are smitten from the first, Filling the senses with a longing like thirst, To reach out and touch the songs source, As if in a mystical trance led by unseen force. An uncontrollable urge to seek the singers of the song, Whales that hear reply in kind their voices long, Deep within the furthest ocean they swim , Creatures blessed with longevity and fin. The Siren song draws love lorn in Forever to dwell within the watery depths, Drawn by the beauty of mer kind. And their eerie,haunting song enshrined. 58

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

Spirits of the Dead by Edgar Allan Poe

Thy soul shall find itself alone‘Mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone -Not one, of all the crowd, to pry Into thine hour of secrecy: Be silent in that solitude Which is not loneliness -- for then The spirits of the dead who stood In life before thee are again In death around thee -- and their will Shall then overshadow thee: be still. For the night -- tho’clear -- shall frown -- And the stars shall look not down, From their high thrones in the Heaven, With light like Hope to mortals given -- But their red orbs, without beam, To thy weariness shall seem As a burning and a fever Which would cling to thee for ever : Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish -Now are visions ne’er to vanish -From thy spirit shall they pass No more -- like dew-drop from the grass: The breeze -- the breath of God -- is still -And the mist upon the hill Shadowy -- shadowy -- yet unbroken, Is a symbol and a token -How it hangs upon the trees, A mystery of mysteries! -13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared by Brittanica

“Come By The Hills” Loreena McKinnett

Come by the hills to the land Where fancy is free And stand where the peaks meet the sky And the rocks reach the sea Where the rivers run clear and the bracken Is gold in the sun And cares of tomorrow must wait Till this day is done. Come by the hills to the land Where life is a song And sing while the birds fill the air With their joy all day long Where the trees sway in time, and even The wind sings in tune And cares of tomorrow must wait Till this day is done. Come by the hills to the land Where fancy is free And stand where the peaks meet the sky And the rocks reach the sea Where the rivers run clear and the bracken Is gold in the sun And cares of tomorrow must wait Till this day is done. 60

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : High Priestess, R avensThorn Morrigan

“Catch Another Butterfly” John Denver

Doyourememberdaysnotsoverylongago,whentheworldwasrunbypeopletwiceyoursize? And the days were full of laughter and the nights were full of stars, and when you grew tired you could close your eyes. Yes, the stars were there for wishing and the wind was there for kites, and the morning sun was there for rise and shine. And even if the sniffles kept you home from school in bed, you couldn’t hardly stay there after nine And I wonder if the smell of morning’s faded, what happened to the robin’s song that sparkled in the sky? Where’sallthewatergonethattumbleddownthestream?WillIevercatchanotherbutterfly? Doyouremembercampoutsrightinyourownbackyardwonderinghowairplanescouldfly? And the hours spent just playing with a funny rock you found with crystal specks as blue as all the sky. And I wonder if the smell of morning’s faded, what happened to the robin’s song that sparkled in the sky? Where’sallthewatergonethattumbleddownthestream?WillIevercatchanotherbutterfly? Now I watch my son, he’s playing with his toys, he’s happy, I give him all I can. ButIcan’thelpfeelingjustalittletinglyinsidewhenIhearhimsayhewantstobeaman. And I wonder if the smell of morning’s faded, what happened to the robin’s song that sparkled in the sky? Where’sallthewatergonethattumbleddownthestream?WillIevercatchanotherbutterfly?

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

Northern Sky Nick Drake

I never felt magic crazy as this I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea I never held emotion in the palm of my hand Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree But now you’re here Brighten my northern sky I’ve been a long time that I’m waiting Been a long time that I’m blown I’ve been a long time that I’ve wandered Through the people I have known Oh, if you would and you could Straighten my new mind’s eye Would you love me for my money Would you love me for my head Would you love me through the winter Would you love me ‘til I’m dead Oh, if you would and you could Come blow your horn on high I never felt magic crazy as this I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea I never held emotion in the palm of my hand Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree But now you’re here Brighten my northern sky

13 Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry Shared By : Brittanica

“Summer Day Reflection Song” Donovan

Cat’s a-sleeping in the sun, Eyes take heed the colours call. Sunlight patterns touch the wall, Red kerchiefs sail and fall, Cat’s a sleeping in the sun. Dragon kite in the sky, Wheel and turns, spin and fly, Attacked by rooks and never fail To cry the sound of fairy tales. The cat is walkin’ in the sun. All the pebbles I have seen, Precious stones for Colleen. Every minute I pass through With the grooves spent with you. The cat is yawning in the sun. Jewelled castles I have built With freak feelings of guilt. And the words stab to the hilt, Pick the flower and it will wilt, Cat’s a-shifting in the sun. Marionette dangles death Insensitivity is fed. By the TV wizard’s wand Once in the spell you’re conned, Cat’s a-smiling in the sun. Cat’s a-smiling in the sun, Eyes take heed the colours call. Sunlight patterns touch the wall, Red kerchiefs sail and fall, Cat’s a-smiling in to me.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Recipes Panakam Panak am i s a ls o k nown a s p an ag am o r p an ak a. p re p ar i n g p an ak am is s uper ea s y a nd ma d e wi t h l e m o n j u i ce, j ag g e r y, gi n g e r p owd e r, c a rda m om powd er a nd b la ck p ep p er. Yo u c an c h i l l t h e d r i n k i n t h e f r i d g e i f ser ving to your f a mi ly o r f r i end s. I f p re p ar i n g fo r R am N avam i o r fo r any festiva l, then yo u ca n a d d s o m e t u l si l e ave s ( h o l y b asi l l e ave s) i n t h e p ana k a m . 1. I n a b owl, t a ke ½ cup c h o p p e d j ag g e r y an d 2 c u p s wate r. Yo u c a n a dd water a s req ui red. 2. M ix ver y well a n d let t h e j ag g e r y so ak i n wate r fo r 3 0 to 4 0 m i nutes or till all o f i t i s d i s s o lved. I f t h e re are i m p u r i t i e s i n t h e j ag g e r y sy r up, then filter t h e s o lut i o n. 3. Then a d d 2 t a b les p o o ns l e m o n j u i ce o r j u i ce o f 1 m e d i u m si zed l em on. 4. Nex t a d d ¼ tea s p o o n dr y gi n g e r p owd e r ( sau nt h ) 5. Then a d d 1/3 to ½ tea s p o o n c ard am o m p owd e r. 6. Ad d a p i nch o f ed i b le c am p h o r. I f o f fe r i n g p an ak am to d e i t i e s then you can ad d ed i b le ca mp h o r. Ed i b l e c am p h o r i s o p t i o n al an d c an b e sk ipped. 7. Then a d d 1/8 tea s p o o n b l ac k p e p p e r p owd e r. 8. Ad d a p i nch o f s a lt. 9. M ix ver y well. 10. O ffer p a n a k a m to t he d e i t i e s. w h i l e o f fe r i n g to t h e d e i t i e s, you c a n ad d a few h o ly b a s i l leave s ( t u l si l e ave s) i n t h e p an ak am . I f se r v ing to you r fa mi ly a nd f r i en d s, yo u c an re f r i g e rate o r ad d so m e i ce c u bes in the pa na k a m.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Recipes M ain I ngred i ent s Fo r K o s a m b ar i R e c i p e • ¼ c up mo o n g d a l • eno ug h water fo r s o a k i n g m o o n g d al • 1.5 cup s f i nely cho p p ed c u c u m b e r • 3 ta b les p o o ns grated co co n u t • 1 green chi li , ch o p p ed • 2 ta b les p o o ns ch o p p ed co r i an d e r l e ave s • ½ tea s p o o n lemo n j ui ce o r ad d as re q u i re d • s alt a s req ui red For Tem p er i ng K o s a mb a r i S al ad • 2 te a s p o o ns o i l • ½ tea s p o o n mus t a rd s e e d s ( rai ) • 1 pi n ch a s a fo et i d a (h i n g ) • 5 to 6 cur r y leaves (k a di p at t a) - c h o p p e d o r k e p t w h o l e Instructions

M ak ing K o s a m b a r i S a la d • Firs t ly r i n s e ¼ cup mo on g l e nt i l s a co u p l e o f t i m e s i n wate r. Then soa k the lent i ls fo r 1 to 2 h o u r s. I f i n a h u r r y, t h e n yo u c an so ak m oong lenti ls i n h o t water fo r 3 0 m i n u te s. • L ate r d ra i n a ll t h e wate r ve r y we l l an d ad d t h e so ak e d m o o n g l entil s in a bowl. • Ad d 1. 5 f i n ely cho p p ed c u c u m b e r, 3 t ab l e sp o o n s f re sh grate d coconut, 2 ta b les p o o ns co r i a n d e r l e ave s an d 1 gre e n c h i l i ( c h o p p e d ) . I nstea d of green chi li es, yo u ca n u se b l ac k p e p p e r p owd e r. • S queeze s o m e lemo n j u i ce. Yo u c an ad d l e m o n j u i ce l e ss o r m ore a s per you r req ui rement s. • M ix ever y t hi n g ver y we l l. For Tem p er i ng K o s a mb a r i S al ad • Heat 2 tea s p o o n o i l i n a sm al l p an an d t h e n ad d ½ te asp o o n m usta rd s eed s. Let t h e mus t a rd se e d s c rac k l e. K e e p t h e f l am e to a l ow. You c a n als o a d d red ch i li i n t h e te m p e r i n g. • O nce t he mus t a rd s eed s c rac k l e, ad d 5 to 6 c u r r y l e ave s an d a pinc h of as afo et i d a . St i r a n d t h e n sw i tc h o f f t h e f l am e. • Pou r t h e tem p er i ng mi x t u re i n t h e sal ad. M i x ve r y we l l. I f m ak ing for fami ly, yo u ca n ref r i g erate t h e sal ad an d t h e n se r ve l ate r. Ad d sa l t befo re s er v i ng a s i f a d de d e ar l i e r, t h e c u c u m b e r re l e ase s water. • Ad d s a lt a s req ui red. M i x ve r y we l l. • S er ve ko s a m b a r i s a la d as a si d e sal ad w i t h yo u r m e al s.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Recipes Neer Mor 1. Tak e 1 cup curd i n a b le n d e r o r gr i n d e r j ar. 2. Ad d 1 tea s p o o n ro ug hly c h o p p e d gi n g e r, 1 gre e n c h i l i ( c h o p p ed) a nd 6 to 7 cur r y leaves. I n s tead o f gre e n c h i l i e s, yo u c an ad d ¼ te aspoon black p ep p er p owd er. 3. Ad d s a lt a s req ui red. 4. Ad d 1 cup water. 5. blen d t i ll s m o o t h. A b i t o f b u t te r g e t t i n g c h u r n e d af te r t h e b l ending and flo at i n g o n to p i s f i n e an d d o e s t aste s g o o d. 6. then a d d 2 t a b les p o o ns f i n e l y co r i an d e r l e ave s. M i x ve r y we l l. D o chop th e co r i a n d er leaves ve r y f i n e l y. M i x we l l. At t h i s ste p yo u c a n a l so roas ted cum i n p owd er. 7. Now p o ur t h e s p i ced b u t te r m i l k i n a b ow l o r p an . Ch e c k t h e t aste and co ns i s tenc y. Fo r a more t h i n n e r co n si ste n c y, yo u c an ad d som e m ore water. Ad d s a lt i f yo u feel i t s l e ss. Tempe r i ng n eer mo ru 8. Heat 1 tea s p o o n o i l i n a sm al l p an . Ad d ¼ te asp o o n m u st ard seeds a nd let the m cra ck le. K eep t he f l am e to a l ow. 9. O nce t h e mus t a rd s eed s c rac k l e, t h e n ad d a sm al l p i n c h o f asafoetida (hing ). St i r a n d t h en q ui ck l y sw i tc h o f f t h e f l am e. 10. Po ur t he ent i re tem p e r i n g m i x t u re i n t h e sp i ce d b u t te r m i l k . m ix ver y well. 11. You ca n n ow a d d s o m e i ce c u b e s an d S e r ve n e e r m o r u o r yo u c a n refr igerate a nd s er ve n eer m o r u l ate r. i f o f fe r i n g to d e i t i e s o r p re pa r ing for R am N ava m i , t h en ref rai n f ro m t ast i n g.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Recipes Sabudana Kheer 1. R inse s a b ud a na fo r few t i m e s i n r u n n i n g wate r u nt i l t h e wate r r uns clear of s t a rch . S o a k s a b ud an a i n f re sh c l e an wate r fo r 1 5 to 2 0 minutes in a th i ck b o t to med p a n or a sau ce p an . M y m e t h o d i s ex t re m e l y hel pful and han d y i f yo u h ave fo rg o t te n to so ak sab u d an a. 2. Place t h i s p a n o n yo ur s tove - to p an d al l ow to co o k sab u d an a until you see a ll o f t hem s t a r t i n g to f l o at o n to p. Th e y l o o se t h e i r d e n seness and beco m e li g ht. Th e o paq u e n e ss i n t h e t ap i o c a p e ar l s gi ve s way to translucen c y a nd t h ey s t ar t swe l l i n g u p. Th i s t ak e s ab o u t 5 to 6 m inutes on low to med i um heat. 3. Nex t a d d mi lk a nd t h e c ard am o m p owd e r an d st i r. 4. Ad d s ug a r. 5. Cont i n ue to s i m m er unti l t h e sab u d an a h as so f te n e d we l l an d the s abud a na k heer h a s t h i cke n e d. Ab o u t 2 0 to 2 5 m i n u te s o n a l ow to med ium f la m e. St i r o f ten so t h at t h e k h e e r o r sab u d an a d o e s n o t stic k to the b o t to m o f t he p a n. S o m e o f t h e t ap i o c a p e ar l s wo u l d b re a k too and als o h elp i n t h e t h i cke n i n g o f sab u d an a k h e e r. Th e se sag o pea r l s a re plain st a rch a nd t h i s h elp s i n t h e t h i c k e n i n g. Sw i tc h o f f t h e h e at a nd a dd cas hews a nd ra i s i n s. 6. S er ve t h e crea my S a b udan a k h e e r h o t o r war m o r c h i l l e d. I f you want then yo u ca n g a r ni s h sab u d an a k h e e r w i t h saf f ro n st ran d s or som e chopp ed ca s h ews. This is a crea my a n d s m o o t h k h e e r. J u st re m e m b e r to co o k sab u da na ver y well. On ce co o ked, t h ey s h o u l d n o t gi ve yo u any re si st an ce w h e n you bite into th es e s a g o p ea r ls – m e an i n g t h e y sh o u l d n o t fe e l h ard o r d e nse to you r teet h . S a b ud a na k he e r n at u ral l y t h i c k e n s af te r co o l i n g, so k eep in mind th e co n s i s tenc y yo u want i n c ase yo u want to se r ve i t co l d. I f the k heer b eco mes ver y t hi ck , so yo u c an ad d so m e m i l k to i t w h i l e ser ving. S abu d a na k heer i s ea s y to d i g e st to o.

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Spells & Potions Let the Light In First, as you would with any r itual, ground yourself and make sure you have the supplies you want to use near by! I like to star t the whole process by lighting a black or white candle (whichever you prefer for clear ing) and placing it somewhere near the center of the home. Nex t, I like to open my windows and put a large pot of water on the stove. Br ing to a boil and add in a few handfuls of dr ied or fresh her bs associated with joy, Spr ingtime, or clear ing. S ome of my favor ites are sea salt, chamomile, any k ind of mint, garden sage, lavender, and rose. You can even add a gem essence like S elenite or P yr ite for ex tra oomph! As the mix ture steeps, stir clock wise four times, saying or think ing:

“I welcome freshness, I welcome light, I protect my joy with all my might.” Once your “ te a” is letting off plent y of aromatic steam, strain out the her bs and let the water cool. Once the water is cool enough to touch, use a clean cloth or scrub brush and wipe down the frames and sills of all your windows with this enchanted wash. When you’re done, dump the dir t y water down the toilet or drain and imagine all the stagnant or nast y energy in your haus going with it! When you’re done with this, give your window panes a good cleaning with your cleaner of choice. Now comes the fun/creative par t! G et to ador ning your window(s) with char ms to br ing color, light, and joy E VERY time you see them! I f you want to focus on one window, pick one in a room where you spend a lot of time or one that is central in the haus, like your bedroom or front door. You want to make sure you’re reminded as of ten as possible of your intentions! Switching out (or dying) your cur tains to a color that stimulates war m, joyful feelings like sunny gold or sof t peach is another way to wor k some ser ious window magic! Her bs aren’t JUST for mak ing an her bal floor/window wash! You can line your windowsill with cut flowers or pots of her bs that match your intentions as well! R oses, sunflowers, and tulips are a few personal favor ites for this k ind of Spell peek , but choose flowers/colors that feel most joyful/magical to you for the most potent spell! You can also hang bundles of her bs from the top of your window for the same pur pose. B eyond that, there are infinite ways to add some char ms to your windows: add some joyful or clar ifying cr ystals like Car nelian, G olden Calcite, Tour malinated Q uar tz, or Citr ine along your window sill! You could draw some magical sigils on with window mar kers, or add streamers in pink , yellow, and green to the window! Like I said, get creative, but make at least ONE window in your haus a wor k of ar t. You’ll be creating a por tal for joy and Spr ingtime refreshment to access any time!

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Spells & Potions Cherry Blossom Festival Blossom Love Spell The blo s s o ms o f M a rch a n d e ar l y Ap r i l al ways st r u g g l e to st ay o n the trees dur i n g t h e g a les o f Ap r i l. I f yo u h ave a l ove t h at yo u d e si re to com e to you, t h en d o t hi s s p ell. Co l l e c t so m e f al l e n b l o sso m s w h i c h l i e on the ground (a cup f ul wi ll d o). Pl ace al l o f t h e b l o sso m s o n a f l at su r fa ce, s uch a s a t a b le a nd li g ht a p i n k c an d l e. Th e n w i t h yo u r i n d ex f i n ger, w r ite the ini t i a l o f yo ur i ntend e d i n t h e b l o sso m w h i l e say i n g t h i s sp e l l :

Blossom fair blossom breeze, Grant my love come to me, Before the blossom fall from trees, An it harm none so mote it be.

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Spells & Potions St. George’s Day Dragon Gold Spell The s to r y o f G eo rg e a n d th e d rag o n i s an an c i e nt t al e o f a l o n g lost time. Leg en d tells us t h at d rag o n s l ove d t wo t h i n g s: v i rgi n s an d gol d. They loved g o ld a s m uch as t h e n ex t k i n g, an d wo u l d h o ard t h e i r gol d in great c aves a nd caver n s – wo e b e t i d e t h e b rave b u t an n oy i n g k n ight w ho ventured n ea r i t to s tea l i t ! St G eorg e’s D ay o n Ap r i l 2 4 t h i s a g o o d d ay to c h an n e l t h e e n e rgy of d ragon s i nto o ur mo n ey a n d p o sse ssi o n s. B u r n a re d c an d l e an d have a piece of O b s i d i a n o r S ep tar i an n e ar t h e c an d l e, an d say t h e wo rds:

Mighty dragons lovers of gold, Your strength and powers of old. Help me in my quest, Fill me with your power and zest. Grant the wealth of your yellow metal, Sweep through the centuries to me, An it harm none so mote it be. I f the f la mes f li ckers t h ey h ave h e ard yo u r re qu e st, d o n o t b e f r i ghtened jus t em b ra ce t h ei r m a gi c. K e e p t h e p i e ce o f o b si d i an o r S e p t ar i a n in your purse o r wa llet. O b s i d i a n i s st i l l c al l e d by so m e ‘d rag o n sto n e’, a s it was forg ed i n vo lca n o es, an d S e p t ar i an i s l i n k e d to d rag o n s as i t ha s the appeara n ce o f s ca les.

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Spells & Potions Flower Moon Sweet William Friendship Spell We of ten t a ke o ur f r i end s fo r grante d an d we m i ss o u t o n so m u c h w ith wor k an d f a m i ly t a k i ng ove r o u r l i ve s. I t i s i m p o r t ant to k e e p i n touc h with yo ur f r i end s, es p eci a l l y o n e s yo u h ave k n ow n si n ce c h i l d h ood. At times, f r i en d s d o n o t te l l u s h ow m u c h t h e y are su f fe r i n g o r going throug h . I f yo u ca nno t b e t h e re w i t h t h e m b u t yo u fe e l so m e t h i n g is wrong, s ay t hi s li t t le s p ell. Fl owe r s are wo n d e r f u l re so u rce s to u se for s pells a nd h ere i s o ne, es pe c i al l y fo r f r i e n d s. Tr y to g et a p la nt, o r b un c h o f Swe e t Wi l l i am f l owe r s ( w h i c h i s a flower wi t h a h a p py li t t le f ace, an d i t i s u se d i n m any h e al i n g s pells o r to cheer f r i en d s u p) . S ay t h e se wo rd s as yo u l o o k at t h e flower s a nd t h i n k o f yo ur f r i e n d w h o i s i n n e e d :

Sweet William with friendly face, Fill my friend’s life with grace. Show him/her how wonderful they are, In this world, they are a unique star.

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Spells & Potions Oak Apple Day Prosperity Spell Althoug h t h i s p a r t i cula r fe st i val i s f ai r l y n e w, i t b e g an w i t h Ch ar l es I I and th e res to rat i o n o f t he m o n arc hy. H o u se s we re d e co rate d w i th oa k branch es i n co mmemo rat i o n o f Ch ar l e s II’s e sc ap e f ro m t h e R o u ndhea ds by hid i n g i n a n o a k t ree i n 1 6 5 1 . Pe o p l e al so wo re a sp r i g o f o ak on this d ay and i f p eo p le d i d no t t h e y h ad t h e i r b u m p i n c h e d ! Yet d es p i te i t b ei n g a rat h e r n e w fe st i val, t h i s d ay h i d e s a t rad i t ion of tree -wo rs hi p t hat i s ver y m u c h o l d e r. O ak t re e s are ve r y sac re d a nd acor ns a re us ed i n ma ny p ro sp e r i t y sp e l l s an d so are ap p l e s. I n their centre, a p p les co nt a i n t h e m o st sac re d sy m b o l o f w i tc h c raf t ; the pent a gra m . Cut the a p p le i n h a lf to ex p o se t h e p e nt agram , t h e f i ve - p o i nte d sta r. Then thinly cut a s li ce o f t h e a p p l e, k e e p i n g t h e p e nt agram . Le t t h i s piece of apple d r y o ut over a co upl e o f d ays u nt i l t h e y g o b row n an d l e ather y. The hold t he s li ce i n yo ur h an d an d say t h e se wo rd s b e fo re p u t t ing it in you r p urs e:

Prosperity, prosperity, Flow to me. Money, money, money, Flow to me.

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Spells & Potions The Candle and Seed Spell What Yo u Wi ll N eed : • Sma ll S li p o f Pa p er a n d a Pe n c i l • Can d le a n d li g hter/ m atc h e s • S ee d (s ) • I tem s to rep res ent a i r, e ar t h , f i re, wate r. • I tem s to rep res ent yo u r al l i e s ( h e r b s, l i ve p l ant s, sto n e s, st at u es, etc ). • Sma ll p o t wi t h s o i l. • A sm a ll b owl o f water. Spell I ns t ruc t i o n s : • S et up yo ur a lt a r o r s p e l l c ast i n g are a w i t h re p re se nt at i o n s o f the element s a nd s p i r i t a lli e s. • Place t he ca n d le, s eed ( s) b ow l o f wate r, an d a sm al l p o t i n f ront of you. • Use t he p a p er a nd p en c i l to w r i te d ow n yo u r i nte nt i o n . • G round a nd Center. • Cast a ci rcle o r us e t he sac re d sm o k e o f c h o i ce to c re ate a sp el l c a sting/ r itua l s p a ce. • I nvi te t he element s a nd al l i e s to j o i n yo u an d l e n d t h e i r p ower to your s pell. • R ead yo ur i ntent i o n. S p e ak t h e wo rd s al o u d. Th i n k ab o u t t h e m . Foc us in th e way wh i ch s er ve s yo u b e st. • L ight t he ca n d le wh i le sp e ak i n g t h e wo rd s o f yo u r i nte nt i o n . • Plant t h e s eed i n t h e s m al l p o t f i l l e d w i t h so i l w h i l e sp e ak i n g the word s o f yo ur i ntent i o n . • Pou r t h e water f ro m t h e b ow l ove r t h e so i l w h i l e sp e ak i n g t h e words of you r i ntent i o n. • Fold t he p a p er a nd p la ce i t u n d e r t h e so i l ( away f ro m t h e se e ds) whi le s p ea k i ng t h e wo rd s o f yo u r i nte nt i o n . • Tha nk t h e element s a nd al l i e s fo r j o i n i n g an d assi st i n g yo u i n the spel l. • R ele a s e t h e ci rcle, s a cre d sp ace. Al l ow t h e c an d l e to b u r n u ntil it ex ti n g ui s h es. • Let t h e s eed p o t ho ld s p ace o n t h e al t ar, t h e n m ove to w h e re grow th can o ccur.

So mote it be.

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Spells & Potions Salt to Salt: Protection for Spring S alt is t he p ures t o f a wi tc h’s i n gre d i e nt s. S e a sal t, b l ac k sal t, p i n k sa l t— each po s s es s es a s li g ht ly d i f fe re nt ab i l i t y, b u t al l p ro m i se to p rotec t their us er however i t i s us ed. I f yo u want to p ro te c t yo u r se l f u si n g t h e energy of the S p r i n g Eq ui nox, co n si d e r m ak i n g a sal t b ow l ! S al t b ow l s are a combinat i o n o f va r i o us h e r b s an d e n e rgi e s t h at c an b e p l ace d any w here in you r li v i ng s p a ce to p ro te c t yo u r e n e rg y. Wh at yo u’ l l n e e d fo r t h is s pell i s : • • • • • • • • •

A w hi te o r b la ck ca n d le S ea s a lt Black s a lt O re g a no o r d i ll fo r luck an d p ro te c t i o n L avend er fo r p ro tec t i o n S age o r cha mo mi le fo r p ro sp e r i t y I ns t a nt Co f fee to b eckon t h i s g o o d e n e rg y qu i c k l y A bowl o r cha li ce S om et h i n g to s t i r t he h e r b s w i t h

G ather a ll yo ur n eed ed m ate r i al s. I n t h e b ow l, f i r st p o u r yo u r salts, enou g h to ma ke s ure t he b ow l d o e sn’t ove r f l ow b u t i t i s al so d e ep enough to hold t h e o t h er h er b s. Sp r i n k l e i n yo u r h e r b s o n e at a t i m e, sp ea k ing their na me a n d p ur p o s e a s yo u d o. St i r t h e h e r b s i nto t h e sal t t h ree tim es clock wi s e to a c t i vate t h ei r ab i l i t i e s. N ow, sp r i n k l e i n yo u r i n st ant coffee and s t i r t h ree t i m es clo ck w i se ag ai n . With yo ur her b s i n co r p o rate d, n ow yo u c an p l ace yo u r c an d l e i n the center. There s ho uld b e en o u g h sal t t h at t h e c an d l e c an st an d without falling. L i g ht t he ca n d le w h e n e ve r yo u w i sh to ac t i vate t h e b ow l — I us ually li g ht i t at t h e en d o f t h e d ay w h i l e I w i n d d ow n ! Wh e n you w ish to, snu f f t h e ca n d le to s ave t h e re st o f i t fo r an o t h e r d ay. Yo u c a n rel ight this sp ell wh enever yo u w i sh !

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Mythology The Story of Anahita

Shared by : High Priestess Gloriana Danu

was t h e d e i t y assi gn e d to wate r, as we l l as fe r t i l i t y an d p ro sp e r i t y. An ah i t a i s a Pro te c to r o f Wo m e n . Th e Lad y o f t h e Wate r s an d t h e Lad y w h o r i d e s fo u r h o r se s n am e d w i n d, rai n , c l o u d s, an d sl e e t i n h e r c h ar i o t. Anahi t a wa s p re Islami c I ra n’s most i m p o r t a nt g od d e s s. H er s t at us was u n r i va led by any ot her I ra n i a n g od d e s s t hro ug h o ut the co urs e o f t hree s ucces s i ve I ra n i a n empires over a p er i o d of a tho us a n d yea rs, s temmi ng f ro m her roots a s a n a nci ent I nd o - Euro p ea n water d ei t y. She wa s a ls o t he prote c to r o f t h e r ighteo us k i n g s, a tradi t i o n t h at d ated b a ck to t h e Achae men i a n emp i re and la s ted unt i l the en d o f t h e S asani a n d y n a s t y. I n Pers i a , Ana h i t a

H e r f u l l n am e i s Are d v i S u ra An ah i t a w h i c h m e an s m o i st, st ro n g, an d p u re. D e sc r i b e d as a b e au t i f u l m ai d e n , st ro n g, t al l an d p u re, sh e i s d e p i c te d as we ar i n g a m ant l e e m b ro i d e re d w i t h g o l d an d h o l d i n g t h e b are sm a ( sac re d p l ant ) i n h e r h an d. H e r h o l y an i m al s are t h e d ove an d t h e p e aco c k . An ah i t a i s so m e t i m e s co n si d e re d as M i t h ra’s co n so r t. An ah i t a i s t h e so l e g o d d e ss w h o se n am e h as b e e n i m m o r t al i ze d i n Pe r si an my t h o l o g y, al o n g si d e Ah u ra M azd a an d M i t h ra, t h e t wo ove rarc h i n g Zo ro ast r i an d e i t i e s. I n sc r i p t i o n s

f ro m t h e four th ce nt u r y B CE in S u sa an d H a m a da n p rov i d e t he fir st w r i t te n e v idence. An ah i t a m ost l ik el y ex i ste d i n som e for m p r i o r to t he third m i l l e n n i u m BC E, w h e n an c i ent Per sia n re l i gi o n f l our ished i n t h e Gre ater I ran re gi o n (the Cau c asu s, Centra l Asi a, S o u th Asia , an d We st Asia ) An ah i t a wa s wel l l i k e d an d is one o f t h e n u m erous m an i fe st ations of the ‘Gre at G o ddess’ se e n i n m any an c i e nt e a ster n f ai t h s ( su c h a s the Sy r i an / Ph oenic ia n G o d d e ss Anath). S h e was bor n in B aby l o n and sprea d ac ro ss Asi a M inor, I n d i a, an d Egypt, w h e re sh e wa s p o r t raye d a s a n ar m e d an d r iding G o d d e ss. Ana hita was l i n k e d to At h e n a, Aphrodite,

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Mythology The Story of Anahita Continued and p o s s i b ly Ar temi s by th e G reeks. I n the M i d d le E a s t, s he wa s a s s o ci ated with Anat. Th e cult o f An a h i t a s prea d to Ar men i a , Pers ia, a nd va r i o us par ts o f Wes ter n As ia. Wh en Pers i a conquered B a by lo n (in th e 6t h cent ur y B.C.E. ), An a h i t a began to s how s o m e s imila r i t i es to t h e g od des s I s ht a r. S h e was id ent i f i ed wi t h the pla n et Ven us, which s hows t h at s he proba b ly d es cend ed from I s ht a r, t h e ma i n g od des s o f t he regi o n in the p re -I nd o Eu rop ea n era .

to 6 2 8 ) . Th e k i n g re ce i ve s t h e r i n g o f k ingship f ro m M i t h ra. O n t h e l e f t, ap p are nt l y sa nc tifying t h e i nve st i t u re, st an d s a fe m al e f i g u re genera l l y assu m e d to b e An ah i t a.

“GreatLadyAnahita,gloryandlife-giverofournation, mother of sobriety, and benefactor of humanity,” Ar m e n i an s c al l e d o u t to An ah i t a. M o d e r n ac ad e m i c s b e l i e ve An ah i t a was al so re vered i n K an g avar, Q ad am g ah , an d B i sh ap u r, w here san c t u ar i e s t h at m ay b e re co gn i ze d as wate r te m p l e s h ave b e e n d i scove re d. https://ar keonews.net/persian-water- goddess-anahita/

M any tem p les were built i n H er ho no r d ur in g t he rei gn of K ing Ar t a xer xes (436- 358 B C E ) i n S ou s a , Ecb at a n a , and B a by lo n. Taq- e B o s t a n hig h- reli ef o f t he inves t i t ure o f K hos row I I (r. 590

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Venus Shared By : High Priestess R avensThorn Morrigan c ast rate d h i s f at h e r U ran u s (O u ran o s) an d h i s b l o o d fe l l to t h e se a. Th i s l at te r ex p l an at i o n ap p e ar s to b e m o re a p o p u l ar t h e o r y d u e to t h e co u nt l e ss ar t wo r k s d e p i c t i n g Ve n u s r i si n g f ro m t h e se a i n a c l am . Divine Lovers & Children

I n R om a n my t ho lo g y, Venus wa s t he g od d e s s o f love, s ex, beau t y, a n d fer t i li t y. She wa s t he R oman co unter p a r t to the G reek g od d e s s Ap hro d i te. Howe ver, R o ma n Venus ha d m a ny abiliti es b eyo nd t h e G reek Ap h ro d i te; s he wa s a g o d d es s o f vic tor y, fer t i li t y, a nd even p ro s t i t ut i o n. Accord i ng to G reek mytholo g y, a s pres ented i n H es i o d ’s Theog o ny, Ap hro d i te was bo r n o f t he fo a m from t h e s ea a f ter S atu r n (Cro nus )

Ve n u s h ad t wo m ai n d i v i n e l ove r s: h e r h u sb an d Vu l c an ( H e p h ai sto s) an d M ar s (Are s) . Th e re i s a my t h co n ce r n i n g Ve n u s’ an d M ar s’ l ove af f ai r an d h ow Vu l c an c u n n i n g l y t rap p e d t h e m i n b e d w i t h a n e t. Th e re fo re, Vu l c an an d Ve n u s h ad a l ove l e ss m ar r i ag e an d n o c h i l d re n . Al b e i t, t h e g o d d e ss o f l ove an d sex was n o t b ar re n ; sh e h ad m any c h i l d re n f ro m d i f fe re nt g o d s. Wi t h M ar s, sh e g ave b i r t h to Ti m o r ( Ph o b o s) t h e p e r so n i f i c at i o n o f fe ar w h o acco m p an i e d h i s

f at h e r i nto battl e, his t w i n M e t us (D eim os) t h e p e r so n ific ation o f te r ro r, Concordia ( H ar m o n i a) the g o d d e ss of ha r m ony an d co n cord, a nd the Cu p i d s ( E rotes) w ho we re a co ll ec tion of w i n g e d l ove deities w h o re p resented the d i f fe re nt a spec ts o f l ove. Th e R o m an poet O v i d re co unts that Ap h ro d i te bore H e r m ap h roditos by H e r m e s, w ho was t h e e pitom e o f e f fe m i na c y a nd an d ro g y ny. She a l so b o re w i t h either H e r m e s o r Zeus, Fo r t u n a ( Tyc he) w h o was the p e r so n i f i c ation of l u c k an d f ate w ithin R o m an re ligion. Ve n u s i s a sc r ibed as t h e m o ther o f t h e m i n or d e i t y Pr i apus (a fe r t i l i t y g od of ten c h arac te r ized

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Venus with a n a b s urd ly larg e p ha llus ) by Bacchus. Acco rd i n g to Paus a n i a s, t he G race s were t ho ug ht to be t he o f fs p r i n g o f Venus a n d B a cch us, but mo re co m m o nly their b i r t h i s cred ited to Jup i ter and Eur y no m e.

O v i d ’s M e t am o r p h o se s ( B o o k X ) re co u nt s h ow Ve n u s fe l l i n l ove w i t h t h e m o r t al Ad o n i s ( e i t h e r d u e to h i s b e au t y o r Cu p i d ’s ar row ) an d b e so u g ht Pro se r p i n a ( Pe r se p h o n e ) to c are fo r h i m u nt i l sh e c am e fo r h i m .

Howe ver, t h e G ra ces were p a r t o f Venus’ retinu e a lo n g wi t h the Cup i d s a n d Suad ela , t h e g o d d es s of per s ua s i o n i n t h e realm s o f ro ma nce, love, a n d s ed uc t i o n.

Th e t wo g o d d e sse s b o t h gre w e n am o re d w i t h t h e m o r t al, so t h e y fo u g ht u nt i l Ze u s d e c i d e d t h at Ad o n i s wo u l d sp e n d o n e - t h i rd t h e ye ar w i t h e ac h o f t h e m an d a t h i rd w h e re ve r h e p l e ase d. U l t i m ate l y, h e sp e nt h i s t i m e w i t h Ve n u s u nt i l h e was k i l l e d by a b o ar.

Mortal Lovers, Children, & Descendants

Venus ha d s evera l mor ta l lovers a s well. The t wo m o s t f a mo us wou ld b e Anch i s es and Ad o n i s, b ut s he was als o t h e lover of the S i ci li a n k i ng Butes a n d mo t h er to their s o n E r y x, a n d s he al s o ha d a son wi t h Phaeth o n, As t y n o us.

Acco rd i n g to t h e H o m e r i c H y m n to Ap h ro d i te, An c h i se s, a p r i n ce f ro m D ard an i a an d al l y to Troy, was se d u ce d by Ve n u s. S h e d i sg u i se d h e r se l f as a Ph r ygi an p r i n ce ss an d se d u ce d h i m ; i t was o n l y n i n e m o nt h s l ate r t h at sh e re ve al e d h e r d i v i n e i d e nt i t y.

S h e p re se nted An c h i se s with their so n Ae n e as. Venus war n e d Anc hises n e ve r to bra g a bout t h e i r af f ai r l est he be st r u c k by J upiter. U n fo r t u n atel y, An c h i se s did bra g an d was c r ippl ed by J u p i te r ’s bol t. Th e Tro j an Aenea s, acco rd i n g to Virgil ’s Ae n e i d, wa s fated to fo u n d R o me guided by h i s d i v i ne m o t h e r Venus. Ae n e as’ son Asc a nius o r Iu l u s, a k ing of Al b a Lo n ga , wa s c re d i te d, by Virgil, to b e t h e an cestor of the fo u n d e r s of R om e: R o m u l u s and R em us al o n g w i t h the G ens ( f am i l y ) J u l ia . The G e n s J u l i a wa s the f am i l y t h at inc l uded J u l i u s Caesa r, Au g u st u s (O c tavia n) Cae sar, an d his d e sce n d ants.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Venus Temples, Cults, & Festival in Ancient Rome

The fi rs t a p p ea ra n ce of a tem p le to Venus wa s i n 295 BCE. I t wa s to Venus O b s eq uen s (O bed i ent Venus ) on the Avent i ne H ill by Q. Fa b i us G urg es. H owever, t h i s temple wa s d i f f us ed with G reek a s p ec t s (Aphro d i te’s cult s ) and wa s no t a new c reat i o n. I n 217 B C E, t he Sibylli ne o ra cle s ug g es ted t h at i f R ome (at t hat t i m e losing t he S eco nd Pu nic Wa r) co uld pers ua d e Ven us Er ycin a ( Venus o f Er yx) to cha n g e h er allegi a nce f ro m t he Car tha gi n i a n S i li ci a n allies to t he R omans, t h e wa r wou ld b e wo n . R ome la i d s i eg e to Er y x, o f fered the g o d d es s a magni f i cent tem p le, and too k h er i m a g e back to R o me.

I t was t h i s fo re i gn i m ag e t h at e ve nt u al l y b e c am e R o m e’s Ve n u s G e n e t r i x ( Ve n u s t h e M o t h e r ) . Th e c u l t fo r m i n g aro u n d Ve n u s G e n e t r i x o n t h e Cap i to l i n e H i l l was re se r ve d fo r t h e h i g h e r c l asse s, b u t i n 1 8 1 B CE an d 1 1 4 B CE, t h e te m p l e s an d c u l t o f Ve n u s E r yc i n a an d Ve n u s Ve r t i co rd i a ( Ve n u s t h e c h an g e r o f h e ar t s) we re e st ab l i sh e d fo r t h e p l e b e i an s. Ve n u s’ m o nt h was Ap r i l ( t h e b e gi n n i n g o f sp r i n g an d fe r t i l i t y ) w h e n m o st o f h e r fe st i val s we re h e l d. O n 1 Ap r i l a fe st i val was h e l d i n h o n o r o f Ve n u s Ve r t i co rd i a c al l e d Ve n e ral i a. O n t h e 2 3 rd, Vi n al i a U r b an a was h e l d w h i c h was a w i n e fe st i val b e l o n gi n g to b o t h Ve n u s ( g o d d e ss o f p ro f an e w i n e ) an d J u p i te r. Vi n al i a Ru st i c i a was h e l d o n 1 0 Au g u st. I t was Ve n u s’ o l d e st fe st i val an d asso c i ate d w i t h h e r fo r m as Ve n u s

O b se qu e n s. 2 6 S e p te m b e r wa s the d ate fo r t h e festiva l o f Ve n u s G enetr ix, t h e m o t h er a nd p ro te c to r of R om e. Venus & Politics

At t h e c l o s e of the R o m an R e publ ic, so m e R o m a ns l a id c l ai m to Venus’ favor an d co m p eted for i t, su c h as Sul l a ( ad o p t i n g the n am e Fe l i x, L atin fo r l u c k y, a nd acc re d i t i ng Venus Fe l i x to h i s divine f avo r ) , Po m pey ( w h o d e d i c ated, in 5 5 B CE, a tem pl e to Ve n u s Vic tr ix Ve n u s o f Vic tor y), J u l i u s Caesa r ( w h o c l ai med f avo r w i t h Venus Vi c t r i x an d Venus G e n e t r i x ) , a nd H ad r i an ( w ho, in 1 3 9 CE, d e dic ated a te m p l e to Venus an d R o m a Aeter na - Ete r n al R om e m ak i n g Venus the p ro te c t i ve m other of the R o m an st ate).

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Venus Venus & The Evening Star

I n Virgi l ’s Aenei d, t h e Tro j an h e ro Ae n e as i s l e d to Lat i u m by h i s m other in her celes t i a l fo r m: t h e e ve n i n g st ar. I t i s t h i s sam e st ar w h i c h Virgil accou nt s li f t s Juli us Ca es ar ’s so u l to t h e h e ave n s. This is a ls o t he s eco nd a r y n am e fo r t h e p l an e t Ve n u s b e c au se i t so br ight a n d d i s cer ni b le i n t h e n i g ht ’s sk y. Art & Appearance

I mages o f Venus h ave b e e n fo u n d i n co u nt l e ss fo r m s f ro m sc u l ptures to mosai cs to s h r i n es a n d e ve n d o m e st i c m u ral s and fres co. Venus, d ue to h er n at ura l b e au t y an d sex u al n at u re, was o f te n depic ted nu d e. M o s t s culp t ures o f Ve n u s re se m b l e d a c l o se si m i l ar i t y to the Aphrod i te o f Cn i d us a n d t h e Ve n u s d e M i l o. Howe ver, t here a re ma ny f i n e wal l p ai nt i n g s f ro m Po m p e i i t h at depic t Venus i n d i f ferent fo r m s. Ve n u s co nt i n u e d to b e a p o p u l ar su b j e c t m atter for ar t i s t s t hro ug h a nt i q u i t y an d t h e R e n ai ssan ce e ve n i nto t h e 2 0 th centur y.

https://w w w.wor ldhistor y.org/venus/

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar Shared by Brittanica

Ishtar (I n a n na i n Sumer i a n s o urces ) is a p r i m a r y M es o p o t a m i a n g od des s clo s ely as s oc i ated wi t h love a n d wa r. This power f ul M es o p o t a m i a n g od des s i s t he firs t k n own d ei t y for wh i ch we have wr itte n ev i d ence. While la rg ely unk n own i n t h e mod e r n d ay, t h i s power f ul a nci ent d eit y ha d a co m p lex and i nf luent i a l ro le in the reli gi o n s and cult ures o f t h e Ancie nt Nea r E a s t. I n the a n ci ent wor ld, i t i s d i f f i cult to overs t ate t h e impor t a nce o f

I n an n a/ Isht ar. As t h e m o st f am o u s M e so p o t am i an g o d d e ss, h e r su b st ant i al i n f l u e n ce was e m b e d d e d i n m any asp e c t s o f h e r wo r sh i p p e r s’ l i ve s, an d sh e was re ve re d ac ro ss t h e b ro ad g e o grap h i c al re ac h o f t h e An c i e nt N e ar E ast fo r a p e r i o d o f h i sto r y sp an n i n g t h o u san d s o f ye ar s. Isht ar co m e s f ro m a ve r y e ar l y t i m e i n t h e h i sto r y o f co m p l ex c i v i l i sat i o n s, w i t h h e r c u l t at te ste d at U r u k as e ar l y as t h e l ate 4 t h m i l l e n n i u m B CE. I m p o r t an ce Ev i d e n ce fo r Isht ar co m e s f ro m M e so p o t am i a, an are a o f t h e An c i e nt N e ar E ast g e n e ral l y co n si d e re d to b e p l ace d g e o grap h i c al l y b e t we e n t h e Ti gr i s an d Eu p h rate s r i ve r s. Al t h o u g h t h e re i s m u c h d e b ate ab o u t M e so p o t am i a’s ex ac t te r r i to r i al ex te nt, i t i s co n si d e re d to ro u g h l y co r re sp o n d w i t h m o d e r n - d ay

I raq, Ku wa it a nd p ar t s o f Syr ia , I ran , an d Tur k ey. M e so p o t amia wa s h o m e to m a ny of the wo r l d ’s f i rst great e m p i re s, i nc l uding t h e Ak k adia n, B aby l o n i a n a nd Assy r i an Em pires. Isht ar h ad a si gn i f i c ant im pa c t o n t h e i m a ges a nd c u l t s o f m a ny l ater g o d d e sse s, inc l uding t h e f am o us Greek g o d d e ss of l ove, Ap h ro d i te, a nd o t h e r we l l- k now n g o d d e sse s suc h as Ast ar te. M any g o d desses from t h e Cl assi ca l per iod, su c h as Aphrodite, Ar te m i s, and Athena , h ave co nt inued to f u n c t i o n as im por ta nt c u l t u ral sym bol s. Isht ar, co m pa rativel y, h as n o t e njoyed si m i l ar l o ngevit y to h e r i m age. From b e i n g am ong the m o st co m m onl y at te ste d of a nc ient

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar M es opo t a m i a n d eities, s he h a s fallen i nto a lm o s t complete o b s cur i t y. Ishtar ’s s li d e into m o d er n - d ay anony mi t y li kely res ulted f ro m a var iet y o f ca us es b ut can be m o s t p la us i b ly conne c ted to t h e d isapp ea ra nce o f the cun ei fo r m wr itin g s ys tem . For over 3, 000 yea rs, cunei fo r m wa s t h e pr imar y m ea n s o f comm un i cat i o n throug h o ut t he Ancie nt Nea r E a s t and into p a r t s o f t he M ed iter ra nea n . I t fell f ro m us e by aro und 400 CE, al t h o ug h t h e proces s es i nvo lved in this ch a n g e remai n en i gm at i c. Ishtar ’s i n f luen ce i n the anci ent wo r ld s ubs ided a lo n g s i d e the s cr i p t us ed to record her my t hs and p ro p heci es.

I n an n a/ Isht ar i s f re qu e nt l y p re se nte d ant h ro p o m o r p h i c al l y i n my t h s. I n S u m e r i an l ove p o e t r y, sh e i s d e p i c te d as a yo u n g wo m an w h o l i ve s at h o m e w i t h h e r m o t h e r, N i n g al, an d h e r f at h e r, N an n a ( t h e M e so p o t am i an m o o n g o d, S i n ) . H e r t w i n b ro t h e r i s U t u ( S e m i t i c S h am ash ) , t h e so l ar d e i t y, w h o i s co n n e c te d to t h e co n ce p t o f j u st i ce. Isht ar h e r se l f i s al so asso c i ate d w i t h a ce l e st i al b o d y : Ve n u s, t h e m o r n i n g an d e ve n i n g st ar. Th e g o d d e ss’s co u r t i n g p ar t n e r i s D u m u zi ( S e m i t i c Tam m u z) , w h o ap p e ar s i n my t h s as a sh e p h e rd k i n g. D u m u zi ’s m o t h e r i s t h e g o d d e ss D u t t u r, an d h i s si ste r i s G e sht i n an n a. Th e an c i e nt so u rce s fo r Isht ar, w h i l e ex te n si ve, are f ragm e nt ar y, i n co m p l e te, an d d i f f i c u l t to co ntex t u al i se. Th e p ro b l e m at i c n at u re o f t h e e v i d e n ce fo r Isht ar i s su r p r i si n g w h e n

co n si d e re d in l ight of t h e g o d d ess’ el evated st at u s, an d her e n d u r i n g infl uence i n t h e an c ient wor l d. Th e d i f f i c u l ties w ith t h e e v i d e n ce c a n be co n si d e re d l a rgel y ( al t h o u g h not exc l u si ve l y) the re su l t o f the goddess’ ant i q u i t y. Am ong t h e an c i e nt l itera r y so u rce s, t he goddess i s b e st k n ow n for h e r ap p e ara nce in t wo o f t h e m ost f am o u s myths from M e so p o t amia : the E p i c o f Gi l ga m esh, an d Isht ar ’s D escent to t h e N e ther wor l d. The Epic of Gilgamesh

Th e E p i c of Gi l g am e sh is one of t h e wo r l d ’s ea r l iest k n ow n wor k s of epic l i te rat u re, sur viving i n n u m e rous ve r si o n s. The stor y te l l s o f t h e jour ney o f t h e yo u ng hero Gi l g am e sh , sem id i v i n e k i n g of the c i t y o f U r u k . I n the St an d ard Ba byl onia n

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar Vers ion o f t he Epic o f G i lg a mes h, Ishtar a p p ea rs m o s t promi n ent ly i n Ta b let VI. Here, G i lg a mes h is d es cr i b ed b at h i n g and clea ni n g h i s weapon s a f ter d o i ng battle wi t h t h e Fo res t G uardi a n , H umb a b a , at an ea r li er p o i nt i n the nar rat i ve. I s ht a r s ees th e yo ung k i ng’s beau t y a nd lo o ks at him coveto us ly. S he propo s es ma r r i a g e and o f fers s o m e nice i n d ucement s to sweeten t h e d eal. G i lg a m es h , it seem s, d o es no t want to ma r r y I s ht a r, and he ma kes t he quest i o na b le ch o i ce of rejec t i ng h er i n hars h ly unf lat ter i n g ter ms. I n his ref us a l o f Ishtar ’s p ro p o s a l, G ilgam es h co mp a res the g o d d es s to a d raf t y b a ck d o o r, a fau lt y b at ter i n g ram, an d a s ho e which b i tes t h e feet of its owner. Th i s las t in s ult m ay b e

v i e we d as o m i n o u s, as i n an c i e nt d i v i n at i o n , an ab rasi o n f ro m an i l l - f i t t i n g san d al was co n si d e re d to b e a p o r te nt w i t h p o te nt i al l y f at al co n se qu e n ce s. Isht ar i s sh ow n as gre at l y d i st re sse d by Gi l g am e sh’s c r u e l re j e c t i o n . S h e t rave l s to t h e h e ave n s to v i si t t h e sk y d e i t y, An u. Th ro u g h t h e u se o f t h re at s an d e m o t i o n al b l ac k m ai l, t h e g o d d e ss p e r su ad e s t h e e l d e r g o d to l o an h e r t h e B u l l o f H e ave n . H e r p l an i s to u se t h e m i g ht y b ov i n e war r i o r to se e k re ve n g e o n Gi l g am e sh . Wh e n An u e ve nt u al l y agre e s, Isht ar l e ad s t h e B u l l b ac k to e ar t h . Th e co sm i c B u l l ( asso c i ate d w i t h t h e co n ste l l at i o n , Tau r u s) b at t l e s ag ai n st Gi l g am e sh an d h i s co m p an i o n , E n k i d u. Th e t wo h e ro e s are ab l e to k i l l t h e gre at b e ast, an d Isht ar m o u r n s ove r i t s b o d y w i t h t h e wo m e n o f t h e c i t y.

Isht ar an d her sh e p h e rd husba nd, Tam m u z ( Sum er ia n I n an n a an d D u m u zi ) , are the d i v i n e p rota gonists o f o n e o f the wor l d ’s o l d e st k n ow n l ove sto r i es. D e sp i te h aving a n i nt i m ate and l oving re l at i o n ship in S u m e r i an poetr y, the ro m an ce does not e n d i n l asting h ap p i n e ss for the p ai r. O n ce I shta r an d Tam muz have u n i te d, t h ey a re so o n se p arated by d i sl oyal t y, death, an d so m e u n d e r wo r l d dem ons. Th e my t h of I shta r ’s D e sce nt to the N e t h e r wo r l d tel l s t h e sto r y of the g o d d e ss’s jour ney to t h e u n der wor l d, t h e h o m e of her si ste r, E re s hk iga l. Wh i l e n u m erous re aso n s h ave been su g g e ste d for I shta r ’s j o u r n e y, i t seem s m o st l i k e l y that she i s m o t i vated by the

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar ambiti o us d es i re to increa s e her own powers. The g o d d es s travels t h ro ug h the s even g ates o f the und er wo r ld, remov i ng a n i tem of clo t h i n g at ea ch g ate. I s ht a r f i na lly ar r ives na ked b efo re her s i s ter, E res h k i g a l, who is t h e Q ueen o f the N et her wo r ld, a nd is k ill ed. The d eat h o f t he g od d e s s o f love leaves h er t ra p p ed in the und er wo r ld and re q ui r i ng res cue. Wi t h t h e as s ist a n ce o f her faithful co mp a ni o n , N inshub ur, I s ht a r i s revived t h ro ug h t h e clever p lo t t i ng o f t he g od o f wi s d o m, E a (Su mer i a n E nk i ). Ishtar ’s p la ce i n t h e und er wo r ld ca n no t be lef t emp t y, a n d the d ei t y r i s es a lo n g with a gro up o f d emons to s ea rch for a rep la cement. Followi ng a lo n g s earch, her co ns o r t, Tamm uz , i s s ent to

t h e u n d e r wo r l d i n h e r p l ace. Other Myths

B e yo n d t h e D e sce nt my t h an d Gi l g am e sh l i e s a we al t h o f f u r t h e r tex t u al e v i d e n ce fo r t h e d e i t y. I n an n a/ Isht ar ap p e ar s i n royal hy m n s, se ve ral my t h s, p ro p h e t i c tex t s, m agi c sp e l l s, an d e ve n p rove r b s. Th e e ar l i e st p o e m s to I n an n a/ Isht ar we re w r i t te n by E n h e d u an n a, t h e wo r l d ’s f i r st k n ow n au t h o r to b e i n d i v i d u al l y i d e nt i f i e d. E n h e d u an n a ( c i rc a 2 3 0 0 B CE ) i s g e n e ral l y co n si d e re d to h ave b e e n a h i sto r i c al f i g u re l i v i n g i n U r, o n e o f t h e wo r l d ’s o l d e st u r b an ce nt re s. S h e was a p r i e ste ss o f t h e m o o n g o d an d t h e d au g hte r o f S arg o n o f Ak k ad ( “ S arg o n t h e Gre at ”, 2 3 3 4 - 2 2 7 9 B CE ) . M any o f t h e l e sse r k n ow n my t h s i nvo l v i n g I n an n a h ave o n l y b e e n p u b l i sh e d i n t h e l ast 5 0 ye ar s o r so. I t was o n l y as re ce nt l y as 1 9 8 3 CE,

w i t h t h e publ ic ation o f I n an n a, Q ueen o f H e ave n a nd E a r th, t h at t h e g oddess b e g an to becom e m o re w i d e l y k n ow n o u tside of sc h o l ar l y circ l es. Representation in Art

I n ar t i st i c wor k s, t h e i m ag er y of t h e g o d d ess is a d o m i n ant m otif of grave g o ods, a nd she ap p e ar s alongside k i n g s i n roya l i co n o graphy. Ba r rett h as co nv i nc ingl y arg u e d t h at the f am o u s B ur ney R el ief, w i t h i t s d epic tion o f t h e n u de, w inged g o d d e ss, represents an “u n d e r wor l d fo r m” o f Ishta r. S e ve ral fe atures of t h e R e l i e f indic ate t h at t h e g oddess i s b e i n g p resented i n t h e co ntex t of h e r v i si t to the u n d e r wo r l d. The d e i t y h o l ds the ro d an d r i ng of l e ad e r sh i p, a tur ba n an d a n e c k l a ce, a nd i s p o ssi b l y wea r ing

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar a wig. Th e d o ub le row o f ova l-li ke s hape s at t h e b a s e o f the R eli ef rep res ent mou nt a i n s, whi ch have a s s o ci at i o n s with d eat h, a s d o t he owls. Wh i le no t a par t of t h e my t h, t he positi o ni n g o f the fi g ure o n t h e back o f t wo li o ns s treng t h ens t he conne c t i o n to I s ht a r, as d oes t h e f i g ure’s frontal p res ent at i o n. The g o d d es s’ nud i t y s ug g es t s t he s t a g e in the my t h o f t he D es ce nt where s he is clos e to d eat h — per ha p s o n h er way back f ro m t h e rea lm of the d ea d. Th e talon s a n d wi ng s o f the fi g ure may s how the g o d d es s ret ur n i n g from t he N et her wo r ld in pu rs ui t o f veng ea n ce — lea d i n g to the d eat h o f her lover, Ta mmuz . I n many my t h s, t he g od d e s s i s clo s ely as s oc i ated wi t h veng ea n ce, j us t i ce,

an d t h e m ai nte n an ce o f co sm i c o rd e r. Isht ar i n p o r t rai t u re m ay b e acco m p an i e d by h e r e m b l e m at i c an i m al, t h e l i o n , an d sh e o f te n c ar r i e s we ap o n s. S u m e r i an I n an n a, i n p ar t i c u l ar, i s o f te n re p re se nte d w i t h a l i o n o r st an d i n g o n to p o f a l i o n . S h e al so ap p e ar s i n i co n o grap hy i n h e r ce l e st i al asp e c t, as an e i g ht- p o i nte d st ar, an d i s asso c i ate d i n v i su al so u rce s w i t h ro se t te s. Isht ar ’s st ar i s o f te n d e p i c te d al o n g si d e a su n - d i sk an d a c re sce ntsh ap e d m o o n sy m b o l, re p re se nt i n g h e r b ro t h e r, t h e so l ar d e i t y S h am ash ( S u m e r i an U t u ) , an d h e r f at h e r, the moon deity Sin ( S u m e r i an N an n a) . Isht ar ’s asso c i at i o n w i t h t h e ast ral e m b l e m o f an e i g ht- p o i nte d st ar i s fo u n d o n c y l i n d e r se al s f ro m t h e E ar l y D y n ast i c Pe r i o d ( 2 9 0 0 2 3 0 0 B CE ) an d re m ai n s c l o se l y l i n k e d to t h e d e i t y t h ro u g h

t h o u san d s of yea r s o f M e so p ota m ia n h i sto r y, u p to t h e N e o - Ba byl onia n p e r i o d. Th e g o d d ess is at t i m e s p re sented al o n g si d e scor pion i m ag e r y, suc h a s on B aby l o n i a n c yl inder se al s. Th i s a r tistic co n n e c t i o n to sco r p i o n s c a n a l so b e se e n i n l itera r y so u rce s, where I n an n a b attl es a gi ant sco r pion in a S u m e r i a n myth d e p i c t i n g her u su r p at i o n of the g o d o f h e aven, An ( S e m i t i c Anu). Isht ar m ay be p i c t u re d al ongside t h e M e so pota m ia n k i n g, an d she is sh ow n t ak ing pa r t i n re l i gi o u s r itua l s o r ce re m onies. This t y p e o f scene is f am o u sl y presented o n t h e Wa r k a Va se, a c ar ve d al a ba ster ve sse l d i scovered i n I n an n a’s tem pl e co m p l ex i n U r uk .

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar The va s e s h ows t h e g od des s s t a n d i n g at the d o o r way o f t h e temp le, recei v i ng a proces s i o n , a n d is one o f t h e o ld es t k nown exa mp les of nar rat i ve reli ef s culp t ure, d at i ng aroun d 3000 B C E. Kingship & Legacy

Ishtar h a d a s p eci a l relati o ns h i p wi t h the huma n rulers of M es o p o t a m i a . I n her a s s o ci at i o n with M es o p o t a mi a n k ings, I s ht a r/ I n a n na is repres ented as spo us e, lover, s ister, a nd mo t h er— s ome t i mes a ll wi t hi n a sing le co mp o s i t i o n. Althoug h h er ro le s hows f lexi b i li t y, the tex t ua l ev i d en ce is the mat i ca lly linked t hro ug h a n emph a s i s o n t h e g od des s’ p hys i ca li t y, espec i a lly h er femin i n e fo r m. The a f fec t i o n s o f the g o d d es s h eld a legiti mi s i ng f unc t i o n for k i ng s, wi t h t h e

co n ce p t o f “ k i n g by l ove o f I n an n a” ab l e to b e t race d b ac k to t h e e ar l i e st o r i gi n s o f p o l i t i c al h i e rarc hy. T H E GO D D E S S’ AFFE C T IO N S W E RE D E E M E D TO P R OT E C T T H O S E S H E C A RE D FO R, B IN D IN G TO GE T H E R FAM ILIE S , CO M M U N IT IE S , & E M P IRE S IN P O W E RFU L T IE S T H AT P E RS E VE RE D E VE N B E YO N D D E AT H . Isht ar i s n o t we l l k n ow n i n t h e m o d e r n d ay, an d w h at re m ai n s o f h e r i m ag e h as b e e n f re qu e nt l y o b sc u re d by h i sto r i o grap h i c al b i ase s. Th e co nt rove r sy aro u n d Isht ar ’s m o d e r n i m ag e c an b e m o st ove r t l y se e n i n t h e d i sto r te d f i x at i o n o n t h e g o d d e ss’s sex u al i t y fo u n d i n m u c h 2 0 t h ce nt u r y CE sc h o l ar sh i p. Wh i l e Isht ar ’s sex u al i t y i s a v i t al asp e c t o f h e r i m ag e, t h e e m p h asi s o n h e r e ro t i c si d e h as ove r sh ad owe d m any o f

t h e o t h e r im por ta nt e l e m e nt s of the d e i t y ’s i m a ge, suc h as h e r co nnec tion to war f are a nd the d i sp e n si n g of justice, h e r asso c i ation w i t h m u si c, joy, a nd ab u n d an ce, a nd her re l i gi o u s ties to d e at h an d vengea nce. Th e o b sc ur it y of the g o d d e ss’ myths in t h e p re se nt day ha s, g e n e ral l y spea k ing, re su l te d i n her i m ag e b e i ng found p r i m ar i l y in wor k s w i t h p ar t i c ul a r l y st ro n g mythic a l i n p u t, p ar tic ul a r l y t h e g e n re s of sc ience f i c t i o n an d fa nta sy. Gl i m p se s of the an c i e nt d eit y m ay b e found in te l e v i si o n ser ies su c h as St a rgate, S G- 1 , H e rc ul es, t h e Le g e n da r y J o u r n e ys, a nd Buffy t h e Vam p ire Sl ayer. M y t h s o f I shta r al so ap p e a r in the w r i t te n wor k s of N eil G ai m an , R ic ha rd

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Ishtar Ad ams, a nd R o b er t A. Hei nlei n . I n the p res ent d ay, one o f t h e wo r ld ’s most a nci ent k nown d eities ha s b een reimagi ned a s a chara c ter i n mo d er n comics. I n a n na appeared i n co mi cs for th e f i rs t t i m e i n M ar vel ’s 1974 C E comic, Co na n t h e Bar ba r i a n #40, “ Th e Fiend f ro m t he Forg o t ten Ci t y.” I n the co m i c, t he bar bar i a n h ero Conan i s a s s i s ted by the g o d d es s wh i le fighti n g a g a i ns t looters i n a n a nci ent “forgo t ten ci t y.” M ar vel ’s I na n na hold s s i mi la r p owers to her my t hi ca l cou nter p a r t, includ i n g t h e a b i li t y to hea l. I s ht a r h a s als o a p p ea red i n DC Comi cs, a lo ng with her h us b a n d, Tammuz . I n M a d a m e Xanad u S p eci a l #1. 1 (1981 C E ), t h e

an c i e nt l ove r s are re su r re c te d — b u t o n l y te m p o rar i l y. Love & Social Connections

Isht ar, t h e wo r l d ’s f i r st k n ow n g o d d e ss o f l ove, i s co n n e c te d to m any fo r m s o f e m o t i o n al i nt i m ac y. Wh i l e t h i s asso c i at i o n ce r t ai n l y i n c l u d e s sex u al l ove, i t e n co m p asse s a var i e t y o f o t h e r t y p e s o f l ov i n g b o n d s. Th e g o d d e ss h as c ar i n g re l at i o n sh i p s w i t h h e r d i v i n e f am i l y, an d h e r m ai d se r vant, N i n sh u b u r. Love co n n e c te d t h e g o d d e ss to t h e h i sto r i c al M e so p o t am i an k i n g, i n a u n i q u e b o n d t h at b l e n d e d t h e ro l e s o f m o t h e r, w i fe, an d si ste r. Th e g o d d e ss’ af fe c t i o n s we re d e e m e d to p ro te c t t h o se sh e c are d fo r, b i n d i n g to g e t h e r f am i l i e s, co m m u n i t i e s, an d e m p i re s i n p owe r f u l t i e s t h at p e r se ve re d e ve n b e yo n d d e at h . I n my t h s, Isht ar u se s h e r st at u s as t h e g o d d e ss o f l ove an d h e r ex t rao rd i n ar y sk i l l s fo r

so c i al n e t wor k ing to e n h an ce her power. Wh i l e n o t genera l l y l i ste d am ong the m o st d o m ina nt of gre at M e sopota m ia n g o d s ( at different t i m e s, t h e se wo u l d b e m ore l i k e l y E n l i l, E a , M ard u k , Assur, o r An u ) , Ishta r ’s co m p e te n ce in using so c i al co n nec tions i n t h e se r v ice of her am b i t i o n s gave her a d i st i n c t i ve rol e in t h e p ant h eon. I n d e e d, t h e deit y ’s re m ar k ab l e c a pa c it y fo r so c i al net wor k ing i s o n e o f the m ost co n st ant a spec ts o f h e r i m a ge. Isht ar ’s i d e ntit y a s a p owe r f ul fem a l e d e i t y, al o n gside her m aste r y o f soc ia l n e t wo r k i n g, m a k es t h e ap p re c iation of t h i s an c i e nt goddess p ar t i c u l ar l y topic a l fo r m o d e r n day au d i e n ce s. https://www.worldhistor y.org/ ishtar/

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Vishnu Shared by High Priestess, Gloriana Danu st at u s, B rah m a i s, i n so m e acco u nt s, co n si d e re d to h ave b e e n b o r n f ro m a l o t u s f l owe r w h i c h gre w f ro m Vi sh n u’s n aval.

Vishn u i s o ne o f the m o s t i mp o r t a nt g od s i n t h e H i nd u panth eo n a nd cons i d ered a member o f t h e h o ly tr init y (t r i mur t i ) of H in d ui s m with B ra h m a a n d Shiva. Vi s h nu i s the Pres er ver a nd g uardi a n o f m en, he pro tec t s t he ord er o f t hi n g s (d har m a ) a nd h e appears o n ea r t h i n var iou s i n ca r nat i o n s (avatars ) to fight d emo n s and to ma i nt a i n cosmi c ha r m o ny. Vishn u i s t he mo s t impor t a nt g o d o f Vaish na i s m, t h e larg est H i n d u s ec t. I nd ee d, to i llus t rate Vishn u’s s up er i o r

Vi sh n u was m ar r i e d to Lak sh m i ( t h e g o d d e ss o f g o o d fo r t u n e ) , S arawat i ( t h e g o d d e ss o f w i sd o m ) an d G an g a ( t h e g o d d e ss w h o i s t h e p e r so n i f i c at i o n o f t h e R i ve r G an g e s) . H owe ve r, u n ab l e to l i ve w i t h t h e qu ar re l s b e t we e n h i s t h re e w i ve s, Vi sh n u e ve nt u al l y se nt G an g a to S h i va an d S arawat i to B rah m a. I n so m e acco u nt s, an o t h e r w i fe o f Vi sh n u’s i s B h u m i D e v i ( g o d d e ss o f t h e E ar t h ) . H e i s co n si d e re d to l i ve i n t h e c i t y o f Vai k u nt h a o n M t. M e r u, w h e re e ve r y t h i n g i s m ad e o f sh i n i n g g o l d an d f ab u l o u s j e we l s an d w h e re t h e re are l ak e s re sp l e n d e nt w i t h l o t u s f l owe r s.

The 10 Avatars of Vishnu

Vi sh n u h as ten avat ar s o r wor l dl y ap p e aran ces, w hic h are p e o p l e, a nim a l s o r a m i x of both. Vi sh n u’s ten avat ar s are : • Buddha • K r i sh n a (the h e ro) • R am a ( the hero) • Parash u ra m a (the h e ro) • N ara- S i m ha or N arasi mba (the m an - l i on) • Vam an a (the d war f ) • M at sya (the fish) • Ku r m a ( the to r to i se ) • Varah a (the boa r ) • K al k i ( who w il l ap p e ar w hen t h e wo r l d ends, r i d i n g a w hite h o r se a nd h e ral d i n g the st ar t o f a new g o l d e n a ge) Li k e any ma jor god, Vi sh n u i s invol ved in a n u m b e r of col our ful sto r i e s w hic h i l l u st rate h is vir tues

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Vishnu Continued as the p ro tec to r o f cosmi c o rd er. As Varah a , t h e gi g a nt i c boar, he d efeated t he giant D a i t ya a f ter H iranya ks h a ha d misch i evo us ly t a ken the Ea r t h (B humi d evi) to t he b o t to m of the s ea . The in cred i b le f i g ht bet ween t h e t wo las ted fo r a t h o us a n d years b ut Vi s h nu prevai led a nd f i na lly rais ed t h e E a r t h from t he water y d epth s, ca r r y i n g i t on his t us k . Vishnu in Mythology

I n the B ha g avat a Pu ran a , a n ep i c p o em that co llec t s to g et her many Va i s hnav i te s tor ie s, Vi s hnu i s a ls o cred ited wi t h gi v i ng all the o t h er g o d s t h e gif t of i mmo r t a li t y. The s to r y g o es t h at the g o d s wa nted to chu r n up t h e o cea n of mil k i n o rd er to create t h e n ec t a r (amr it a ) wh i ch g ave i t s d r i nker eter na l li fe.

To m i x t h e o ce an t h e y d e c i d e d to u se t h e h o l y M t. M an d ara w i t h t h e gi ant se r p e nt Vasu k i ( o r An ant a) as a t u r n i n g ro p e ; o n e e n d to b e p u l l e d by D e m o n s an d t h e o t h e r by t h e g o d s. H owe ve r, n e i t h e r gro u p co u l d h an d l e su c h a we i g ht an d t h e y c al l e d fo r Vi sh n u to h o l d i t. Th i s h e d i d i n t h e fo r m o f Ku r m a, t h e gi ant to r to i se, su p p o r t i n g t h e m o u nt ai n o n h i s sh e l l. Th e n e c t ar was d u l y c re ate d f ro m t h e fo am i n g se a b u t t h e D e m o n s, t r u e to c h arac te r, t r i e d to m ak e o f f w i t h i t. Fo r t u n ate l y, Vi sh n u i nte rce d e d i n t h e fo r m o f t h e b e au t i f u l M aya ( t h e p e r so n i f i c at i o n o f I l l u si o n ) an d, su i t ab l y d i st rac te d, t h e D e m o n s re l i n qu i sh e d t h e n e c t ar w h i c h Vi sh n u grac i o u sl y g ave to t h e g o d s, al l ow i n g t h e m t h e p o ssi b i l i t y o f i m m o r t al i t y.

Vi sh n u ap pea r s a s an o t h e r avata r in t h e fo r m of the fish M at sya. M a nu, the sag e an d s on of Vi vsavat- Sun, wa s wash i n g i n a r iver o n e d ay when a sm a l l f i sh su d d enl y jum ped i nto h i s h and. Ab o u t to throw t h e f i sh b ac k into t h e wate r, he wa s sto p p e d by the p l e ad i n g s of the fish, w h o was a fra id of the m o n ste r s that m ight e at h i m . M an u, t h e refore, k ept t h e f i sh i n a sm a l l b ow l b u t, over night, t h e f i sh grew bigger an d so h ad to be m ove d to a ja r. St i l l t h e f i sh k ept grow i n g and so M a nu t h re w i t i nto a l a k e. H owe ve r, the fish co nt i n u e d to grow an d re ac h ed suc h a p ro d i gi o us size that M an u was obl iged to p u t i t i nto the sea .

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythology The Story of Vishnu Continued The fi s h t h en ma d e a prop h ec y t h at i n s even d ays t here wou ld b e a great flood b ut M a nu wa s not to wo r r y a b o ut this c at a s t ro p h e a s the fi s h wo uld s end him a la rg e b o at s o that h e mi g ht escap e un ha r med. The fi s h i ns t ruc ted M anu to f i ll t he b o at with p a i rs o f a ll the creat ures o f t he wor ld a n d s eed s o f all the p la nt s a nd, d ur ing t h e f lo o d, to tie his b o at to t h e fish by us i ng a gi a nt s nak e - Va s uk i . Af ter s o m e t i m e, jus t a s t h e f i s h had p red i c ted, t h e ocean s lowly a nd relentles s ly ro s e up an d f lo o d ed t h e wor ld. Vi s h nu t hen reapp ea red o n t h e s cene a s t he gi g a nt i c fish, thi s t i m e wi t h g old e n s ca les a n d a sing le ho r n , a n d car r yi ng t h e p ro mi s ed s hip fo r M a nu.

Th e sag e p ro m p t l y b o ard e d w i t h h i s vast co l l e c t i o n o f an i m al s an d so, by su r v i v i n g t h e f l o o d, b e c am e t h e fo u n d e r o f t h e h u m an race. Th e t h re e p re v i o u sl y m e nt i o n e d avat ar s o f Vi sh n u al l ap p e are d i n t h e f i r st c re at i o n st ag e o f t h e k al p a - o r wo r l d l y c yc l e, o f w h i c h e ac h b re at h o f t h e g o d i s o n e c yc l e. Th e n ex t st ag e i nvo l ve d t h e b at t l e w i t h d e m o n s fo r co nt ro l o f t h e wo r l d. H e re Vi sh n u ap p e are d as b o t h t h e h e ro R am a, w h o h ad m any ad ve nt u re s f i g ht i n g rak sh asas an d as t h e axe -w i e l d i n g m o n k , Parasu ram a, w h o fo u g ht t h e k sh at r i yas. The Legend of the Three Steps

O n e o f t h e m o re f am o u s e p i so d e s i nvo l v i n g t h e g o d i n t h i s se co n d p h ase o f t h e wo r l d i s t h e Le g e n d o f t h e Th re e Ste p s. I n t h e b at t l e b e t we e n g o d s an d

gi ant s fo r control of t h e wo r l d, the l atter we re g ai n ing the u p p e r h and. H owe ve r, Vishnu was p e r sua ded by t h e g o d s to inter r upt h i s m e d i t ations an d co n f ront the gi ant war r ior Ba l i, w h i c h h e did in the fo r m o f a dwa r f B rah m an ( or pr iest) c al l e d Vama na . Vi sh n u o f fered a co m p ro m ise: if the f i g ht i n g stopped, the g o d s wo u ld settl e fo r a sm al l ter r itor y cove re d by three of Vam an a’s s teps a nd t h e gi ant s coul d have t h e re st o f t h e u n i ve r se. Lo o k i n g at the tiny l e g s o f t h e dwa r f, t h i s se e m ed a good b arg ai n an d so Ba l i agre e d. Th e dwa r f was re al l y of cour se a gre at g od though an d w i t h h is fir st ste p h e c l e a red the sk y, w i t h the second t h e E ar t h a nd, w ith h i s f i n al step, the

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Mythology The Story of Vishnu Continued Und er wo r ld, t h us leavin g no t hi n g fo r the p o o r gi a nt s. For th i s rea s o n, Vishn u i s o f ten a ls o called Tr i v i k ra m a , mean i ng ‘o f t h e three s tep s’. The s to r y may als o rep res ent t he three movement s of the s un: r i s e, zenit h a nd s et t i n g. Cer ta i n ly, Vi s hnu wa s as s oc i ated wi t h t h e s un, as o n e o f hi s other na mes s ug g es t s - Su r ya N a raya n a . As a wa r n i n g to unbeli evers, Vi s hnu appeared a s t h e man- li o n N a ra -S i mh a when H i ra nya K as ipu (K i ng o f t he As uras o r D emo n s ) not o n ly i m p i o us ly called fo r p eo p le to wors hi p hi m a s a g o d but a ls o fo o li s hly challe ng ed Vi s h nu to show h i ms elf there a nd t h en i f the g o d rea lly were o mn i p res ent.

Lo an d b e h o l d, Vi sh n u i m m e d i ate l y l e ap t f ro m a n e ar by co l u m n an d, i n t h e fo r m o f a fe ro c i o u s l i o n , r i p p e d t h e u n b e l i e ve r to p i e ce s w i t h h i s c l aws an d m ad e a fe ar so m e n e c k l ace o f h i s e nt rai l s. Co m p e l l i n g e v i d e n ce i n d e e d, o f t h e d an g e r s o f i m p i e t y. I n t h e t h i rd p h ase o f t h e k al p a, Vi sh n u ap p e are d as B u d d h a an d K r i sh n a, b o t h i m p o r t ant f i g u re s i n t h e i r ow n r i g ht. K r i sh n a, o r t h e ‘ B l ac k Pr i n ce’, was re are d i n t h e fo re st s by cow h e rd s af te r h i s m o t h e r, D e vak i , fe are d fo r t h e safe t y o f h e r e i g ht h c h i l d af te r h i s u n c l e K am sa h ad re ce i ve d a p ro p h e sy t h at h e wo u l d b e k i l l e d by h i s e i g ht h n e p h e w. B ro u g ht u p by t h e sh e p h e rd N an d a an d h i s w i fe, t h e yo u n g K r i sh n a al re ad y d i sp l aye d h i s d i v i n e c ap ab i l i t i e s by p e r fo r m i n g p ro d i gi o u s fe at s o f st re n g t h an d h e al so k i l l e d m any d e m o n s an d m o n ste r s.

H e was, p e r ha ps u n su r p r i singl y, a l so gre at l y adm ired by t h e l adies of t h e fo re st. H owe ve r, this idyl l ic ex i ste n ce c a m e to a n ab r u p t e n d w hen his m o t h e r c ur sed her so n fo r n ot having i nte r ve n e d in the gre at b at tl e bet ween t h e war r i ng fa m il ies o f t h e Ku r us a nd Pan d u s ( al though K r i sh n a wa s, i n f ac t, p re sent at t h e B at tl e o f Ku r u k sh etra i n t h e fo r m of Pr i n ce Ar j una’s c h ar i o te e r, a s to l d i n Th e B h ag avad - Gita ). Co n se q u e ntl y, w h i l e p e aceful l y m e d i t at i n g one day, h e was st ruc k by a way ward ar row from a h ap l e ss hunter a nd al as t h e ar row hit h i s o n e we a k spot h i s h e e l. I t wa s sa id t h at to m ar k suc h a sad e n d to suc h a p o p u l ar f i gure, even

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Mythology The Story of Vishnu Continued the s un i t s elf d i ed wi t h h i m . I n H in d u a r t Vi s h nu i s var i o u sl y p o r t raye d d e p e n d i n g o n sp e c i f ic cultu res i n S o ut h As i a a n d S o u t h e ast Asi a - I n d i an , Cam b o d i an , Javan es e etc. but he i s m o s t of ten d ep i c ted co lo ured b l u e an d so m e t i m e s r i d e s G ar u d a, a giga ntic half-m a n, ha lf -b i rd creat u re w h i c h d e vo u r s sn ak e s. O n occa s i o n h e s leep s o n t h e gi ant sn ak e S e sh a ( o r An ant a) , whos e s even h ea d s fo r m a c an o py ove r t h e g o d. H i s we ap o n i s the Sud ars a n a ca k ra o r d i s cus ( c h ak ra) , p e r h ap s re p re se nt at i ve o f h is as s oc i at i o n wi t h t h e s un b u t al so, w i t h i t s t h o u san d sp o k e s, sy mbol ic of the wheel o f t i me. He of ten h o ld s va r i o us ot h e r o b j e c t s i n h i s ( u su al l y ) fo u r h an d s suc h as a co n ch s hell t rum p et w h i c h so u n d s t h e Cre at i o n , a m ace ( g a da ) or a swo rd whi ch rep res ents st re n g t h , an d a l o t u s, re p re se nt i n g f reedom and t h e b ea ut y o f li fe. https://w w w.wor ldhistor y.org/Vishnu/

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Mythology The Story of Romulus Shared By : High Priestess Gloriana Danu fo u n d by a sh e -wo l f. Th e wo l f c are d fo r t h e m an d p ro te c te d t h e m f ro m o t h e r w i l d an i m al s.

R omu lus a n d R em us are the my t ho lo gi ca l t win bro t hers who founded t h e ci t y of R om e. H ere i s their s to r y. Twins are Born R omu lus a n d R em us were t wi n b oys b o r n to a p r i nces s n a med R hea S i lv i a . Thei r father wa s t h e f i erce R oman g o d o f wa r, M ars. The k i ng wh ere the boys li ved wa s s cared t h at s o m ed ay R omu lus a n d R em us wou ld over t hrow h i m and take h i s t h ro ne. S o he h a d t he b oys lef t in a b a s ket o n the Ti b er R i ver. H e figure d t h ey wo uld s oon d i e. R a i s ed by a Wolf Th e b oys were

A f r i e n d l y wo o d p e c k e r h e l p e d to f i n d t h e m fo o d. Eve nt u al l y so m e sh e p h e rd s h ap p e n e d ac ro ss t h e t w i n s. O n e sh e p h e rd to o k t h e b oys h o m e an d rai se d t h e m as h i s ow n c h i l d re n . Growing Up As t h e b oys gre w o l d e r t h e y b e c am e n at u ral l e ad e r s. O n e d ay R e m u s was c ap t u re d an d t ak e n to t h e k i n g. H e d i scove re d h i s t r u e i d e nt i t y. R o m u l u s g at h e re d so m e sh e p h e rd s to re sc u e h i s b ro t h e r. Th e y e n d e d u p k i l l i n g t h e k i n g. Wh e n t h e c i t y l e ar n e d w h o t h e b oys we re, t h e y o f fe re d to c row n t h e m as j o i nt k i n g s. Th e y co u l d b e r u l e r s o f t h e i r h o m e l an d. H owe ve r, t h e y t u r n e d

d ow n t h e c row ns b e c au se t hey wa nted to fo u n d their ow n c i t y. Th e t w ins l ef t an d se t o u t to find t h e p e r fe c t spot for t h e i r c i t y. Founding a New City

Th e t w i n s eventua l l y c am e to t he pl a ce w h e re R o me is l o c ate d today. Th e y b o t h l ik ed t h e g e n e ra l a rea , b u t e ac h wa nted to p l ace t h e c it y on a d i f fe re nt hil l. R o m u l u s wa nted the c i t y to b e on top of Pal at i n e H il l w hil e R e m u s p refer red Ave nt i n e H il l. They agre e d to wa it for a si gn f ro m the gods, c al l e d an augur y, to d e te r m i n e w hic h hil l to u se. R e m u s saw the sign o f si x v u l t ures fir st, b u t R o m u lus saw t we l ve. E a c h c l a im ed to h ave won.

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Mythology The Story of Romulus continued Remus is Killed R omu lus went a h ea d and s t a r ted b ui ld i n g a wall a ro und Palant i n e H i ll. Howe ver, R emus wa s jealous a n d b eg a n to make f un o f R o mulus’ wall. At o n e p o i nt R emu s j ump ed over the wa ll to s h ow how ea s y i t wa s to cros s. R o mulus becam e a n gr y a nd k illed R em us. Rome is Founded With R em us d ea d, R omu lus co nt i nued to wor k o n h i s ci t y. H e officially fo un d ed t h e cit y o n Ap r i l 21, 753 BC, m a k i ng h i ms elf k ing, a nd n a mi ng i t R ome a f ter h i ms elf. From t h ere h e b eg a n to org a n i ze t h e ci t y. He d iv i d ed h i s a r my into legi o ns o f 3,300 m en. He called h i s 100 most no b le men t h e Patr ici a n s a n d t h e eld ers o f R o me t he S enate. Th e ci t y grew and p ro s p ered.

Fo r ove r 1 , 0 0 0 ye ar s R o m e wo u l d b e o n e o f t h e m o st p owe r f u l c i t i e s i n t h e wo r l d. Interesting Facts about Romulus and Remus

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Th e b oys we re d e sce n d e nt s o f t h e Tro j an p r i n ce an d gre at war r i o r Ae n e as m ad e f am o u s f ro m Vi rgi l ’s e p i c p o e m t h e Ae n e i d.

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o n ce w rote that R o m u l u s wa s t u r n e d into a god n am e d Q uir inus an d we nt to l ive o n M o u nt Ol ym pus w i t h h i s father M ar s. https://w w w.ducksters. com/histor y/ancient_rome/ romulus_and_remus.php

I n an o t h e r ve r si o n o f t h e sto r y t h e f at h e r o f t h e b oys i s t h e h e ro H e rc u l e s. O ve r t i m e, t h e c i t y o f R o m e ex p an d e d to cove r t h e se ve n su r ro u n d i n g h i l l s o f Ave nt i n e H i l l, Cae l i an H i l l, Cap i to l i n e H i l l, E sq u i l i n e H i l l, Pal at i n e H i l l, Q u i r i n al H i l l, an d Vi m i n al H i l l. Romulus died when h e myste r i o u sl y d i sap p e are d i n a w h i r l w i n d. Th e p o e t O v i d

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Shared By : High Priestess R avensThorn Morrigan an d t h e g o d d e ss M a’at w h o p e r so n i f i e d t h i s p r i n c i p l e ( an d w h o was so m e t i m e s se e n as h i s w i fe ) .

Thoth i s t he Eg y p t i a n g od o f wr i t i ng, magic, wi s d o m , a n d the mo o n . H e wa s one o f t he mo s t impor t a nt g o d s of anc i ent Eg y p t alter n ately s a i d to b e s elf- created o r b o r n of the s eed o f H o rus from t h e fo rehea d of S et. As t he s o n of thes e t wo d ei t i es (repre s ent i ng ord er a n d cha o s res pec t i vely ) h e was als o g o d of equ i li b r i um. I n this reg a rd, h e was als o a s s o ci ated closel y wi t h b o t h t h e pr inci p le o f ma’at (d ivin e b a la nce)

An o t h e r o f h i s co n so r t s was t h e g o d d e ss N e h e m e t aw y ( ‘ S h e Wh o E m b race s Th o se I n N e e d ” ) a p ro te c to r g o d d e ss. I n h i s fo r m as A’an , Th o t h p re si d e d ove r t h e j u d gm e nt o f t h e d e ad w i t h O si r i s i n t h e H al l o f Tr u t h an d t h o se so u l s w h o fe are d t h e y m i g ht n o t p ass t h ro u g h t h e j u d gm e nt safe l y we re e n co u rag e d to c al l u p o n Th o t h fo r h e l p. Th e co n so r t m o st o f te n asso c i ate d w i t h Th o t h was S e sh at, g o d d e ss o f w r i t i n g, t h e k e e p e r o f b o o k s, an d p at ro n g o d d e ss o f l i b rar i e s an d l i b rar i an s w h o was al te r n ate l y h i s w i fe o r d au g hte r. Wo r sh i p o f Th o t h b e g an i n Lowe r Eg y p t m o st l i k e l y i n t h e Pre D y n ast i c Pe r i o d an d co nt i n u e d t h ro u g h t h e P to l e m ai c Pe r i o d, t h e

l ast d y n astic era of Eg y p t i an h istor y, m ar k i n g Thoth’s ve n e rat i o n a s a m ong t h e l o n g e s t of the Eg y p t i an gods or any d e i t y from a ny c i v i l i zat i o n. H is n am e was of ten t ak e n by the k ings o f Eg y p t ( exa m pl e, Tu t h m o se s - “ B or n o f Th o t h” ) , sc r ibes, an d p r i e sts. H e i s m o st com m onl y d e p i c te d a s a m a n w i t h t h e h ea d of an i b i s o r a seated b ab o o n w ith or w i t h o u t a l una r disc ab ove h i s hea d. He was t h e p atron god o f sc r i b e s a nd it wa s sai d t h at s c r ibes wo u l d p o u r out one d ro p o f t h eir ink in Th o t h’s h onor before t h e y b e g a n their d ai l y wo r k . Name & Origin Th o t h’s Egyptia n n am e was D jehut y ( al so d hw t y) m e an i n g “ He Who i s Li k e t h e I bis”.

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Continued The ibi s wa s a s a cred bird in a nci ent Eg y p t as we ll a s a p o p ula r pet an d a s s o ci ated with wi s d o m. O ther fo r m s o f h i s name a re Jehut i , Tahu t i , Tehut i , Zehut i , Techu, Tetu, a nd Lo rd of the K h em enu (the l ater ci t y o f Her mo p o li s ) whi ch was h i s m a j o r cult center. Her mo p o li s wa s s o named b eca us e o f t h e G reek a s s o ci at i o n o f Thoth wi t h t h ei r g o d Her mes a n d to t h e G reek s Tho t h b eca m e Her mes Tr i m egi s t us ( Thot h t he Thr i ce G reat o f ten gi ven as “ Three Ti mes G reat, G reat ”). H e was als o k n own a s “Lord o f M a’at ”, “Lord o f D i v i n e Word s”, “S cr i b e of M a’at i n t h e Compa ny o f t h e G od s”, a n d a s a jus t a n d incor r up t i b le j ud g e.

THOTH WAS ALSO KNOWN AS THE “LORD OF DIVINE WORDS” & AS A JUST AND INCORRUPTIBLE JUDGE. Acco rd i n g to o n e sto r y, Th o t h was b o r n “ f ro m t h e l i p s o f R a” at t h e b e gi n n i n g o f c re at i o n an d was k n ow n as t h e “g o d w i t h o u t a m o t h e r ”. I n an o t h e r t al e, Th o t h i s se l f - c re ate d at t h e b e gi n n i n g o f t i m e an d, as an i b i s, l ays t h e co sm i c e g g w h i c h h o l d s al l o f c re at i o n . H e was al ways c l o se l y asso c i ate d w i t h R a an d t h e co n ce p t o f d i v i n e o rd e r an d j u st i ce. I n a t h i rd sto r y, Th e Co nte n d i n g s o f H o r u s an d S e t, w h e n H o r u s an d S e t are f i g ht i n g fo r t h e r i g ht to r u l e, Th o t h i s sai d to h ave b e e n c re ate d f ro m t h e se m e n o f H o r u s w h i c h was acc i d e nt al l y swal l owe d by S e t d u r i n g t h e st r u g g l e.

Th o t h was bor n from S e t ’s fo re h ea d a nd, in so m e ve r s ions, then m e d i ate d the str uggl e b e t we e n the gods ( i n o t h e r ver sions t h e b at t l e bet ween H o r u s an d S et is re so l ve d by N eith an d, i n o t h er s, by Isi s) . I n e ve r y ver sion, Th o t h i s t he sc r ibe w h o re co rds the e ve nt s o f the contest an d o f fe r s a dvice to t h e g o d s. He hea l s b o t h H o r u s a nd S et at d i f fe re nt tim es in t h e i r b at t le in order to m ak e su re that b o t h si d e s a re eq ua l l y c ap ab l e and none c an g ai n adva nta ge ove r t h e other so t h at t h e contest w il l b e f ai r. I n this sa m e way, Th o t h presided ove r j u st i ce on e ar t h am ong hum a n b e i n g s. Egyptol ogist G e ral d i n e Pinc h w r i te s:

Thothsetadivineexample as a just judge and an incorruptibleofficial.He

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Continued liftedMa’at,thegoddess ofjustice,toherfather,Ra. Thothwasresponsiblefor framingandenforcingthe laws of ma’at. In this role hecouldbeeitheragracious peacemaker or a merciless executioner. As Tho t h wa s cred ited wi t h t h e creati o n o f a numb er of bran ch es o f k nowled g e (law, magic, p hi lo s o p hy, religio n , s ci en ce, and wr i t i n g ) h e was tho ug ht to b e an inf a lli b le j ud g e capab le o f ren d er i ng completely j us t d ecis i o ns. The G reeks a d mi red him so great ly t h at they cred i ted h i m a s the or i gi n ato r o f a ll k nowled g e o n ea r t h and in t he h eavens. He wa s s o i mp o r t a nt to the g o d s, a n d espec i a lly to R a , that h e wa s t h e g o d chos en to ret r i eve R a’s da ug hter f ro m

t h e d i st ant l an d s sh e so m e t i m e s f l e d to. Thoth & The Distant Goddess

Th e m o t i f o f Th e D i st ant G o d d e ss ap p e ar s i n a n u m b e r o f Eg y p t i an my t h s b u t al ways h as t h e sam e m e an i n g n o m at te r w h o t h e sp e c i f i c g o d d e ss i s o r w h e re sh e h as g o n e : R a’s d au g hte r d i sagre e s w i t h h i m o n so m e m at te r an d l e ave s h i m to van i sh i nto so m e f ar o f f l an d an d so m e o n e h as to b e se nt to b r i n g h e r b ac k ; u p o n h e r re t u r n sh e b r i n g s so m e so r t o f t ran sfo r m at i o n to t h e p e o p l e. Th e D i st ant G o d d e ss sto r y al so al ways i nvo l ve d t h e Eye o f R a, t h e al l - se e i n g e ye, which Ra needed on a d ai l y b asi s; i t was t h e re fo re i m p e rat i ve t h at t h e g o d d e ss b e b ro u g ht b ac k qu i c k l y an d t h e e ye re t u r n e d b u t sh e was to o p owe r f u l to b e fo rce d an d t h e t ask c al l e d fo r su b t l e t y.

G e ral d i n e Pinc h w r i te s:

RachoseThothtofetchthis DistantGoddessbackfrom aremotedesert.Disguised as a baboon or monkey, Thothaccomplishedhistask throughhumility,cunning, andperseverance.According tooneaccounthehadtoask thegoddesstocomehome 1,077 times. As a re ward for his se r v i ce s, Thoth wa s gi ve n t h e goddess N e h e mt aw y a s his co n so r t w ho, Pinc h c l ai m s, wa s “a p ac i f i e d ver sion o f t h e D i sta nt G o d d e ss”. Th o t h was a l so i n st r u m e nta l in the b i r t h o f t h e or igina l f i ve g o d s of Egypt. Wh e n N u t bec a m e p re gn ant by G eb at t h e b e gi n ning of t h e wo r l d, R a (a l so k n ow n as Atum ) was so an gr y he d e c re e d she woul d n o t gi ve bir th on any d ay o f the yea r.

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Continued Thoth g a m b led wi t h Iah, th e m o o n g o d, for five d ays’ wo r t h of mo o nli g ht. H e won the g a m b le and d i v i d ed I a h’s moon li g ht i nto f i ve d ays of s un li g ht which were no t par t of t he yea r a s d ecreed by R a . Nu t wa s t hen a b le to give bi r t h to ea ch o f her ch i ld ren (O s i r i s, Isis, S et, N ep ht hys, and H o rus ) o n ea ch of the d ays. Even t h o ug h R a ha d been a n gr y wi t h h i s d aug hter, N ut, h e relented a nd h o no red Thoth fo r h i s p a r t i n g etting a ro un d R a’s d ecree. Th o t h wa s given a s eat o f ho no r in the s k y b o at wh i ch cros s ed t he h eavens by d ay a n d, by n i g ht, Thoth h elp ed to d r i ve away t he s er p ent Apophi s wh o s o ug ht to d es t roy t h e s un g od. H i s p a r t i ci p at i o n in the over t h rowi n g of Apo p hi s li nked him to t h e c ycle o f

d ay an d n i g ht an d so i nt i m ate l y to t h e l i ve s o f h u m an b e i n g s. Thoth & the Written Word

Th o t h c re ate d t h e w r i t te n wo rd p e o p l e u se d to re co rd t h e i r h i sto r y an d k e e p t rac k o f t h e i r d ai l y l i ve s. Acco rd i n g to so m e sto r i e s, Th o t h i nve nte d t h e wo rd an d g ave i t to h u m an i t y w h i l e, i n o t h e r s, Th o t h was t h e c re ato r an d h i s co n so r t S e sh at g ave wo rd s to t h e p e o p l e. I n st i l l o t h e r var i at i o n s, Th o t h was t h e c re ato r b u t O si r i s o r Isi s g ave wo rd s to h u m an i t y. I n e ve r y c ase, Th o t h i s t h e c re ato r o f w r i t te n l an g u ag e an d t h e l i te rar y ar t s b o t h fo r h u m an s an d t h e g o d s. G e ral d i n e Pi n c h w r i te s:

Thoth, the “excellent of understanding”,observedand wrotedowneverythingthat happenedandreportedittoRa everymorning.Astherecord keeperofthegodshewaspaired withthelibrarianSeshat.Thoth

andSeshatknewthefuture as well as the past. They inscribedaperson’sfateon thebricksonwhichtheir mothergavebirthandthe lengthofaking’sreignonthe leaves of the ished tree. Th o t h was therefore l i n k e d w i t h the co n ce p t o f fate e ve n t h o ugh this re sp o n si b i l it y wa s sh are d, i n different var i at i o n s of the my t h s f ro m different e ras, w i t h the S e ve n H athor s or o t h e r d e i ties. As t h e re cord k eeper o f t h e g o ds, Thoth al so k e p t a ccount of t h e d ays of hum a n b e i n g s. H e is seen in a n u m b e r of im a ges k e e p i n g t ra c k of the d ays an d n um ber ing t h e ye ar s by w hic h t h e Eg y p t i a n sc r ibes we re ab l e to record t h e co u nt r y ’s histor y. S c r i b e s, n atura l l y, c l ai m e d Th oth a s t h e i r p at ron a nd b e g an e ach day

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Continued honor i ng h i m. A s tatu e f ro m t he 18t h D ynas t y s hows Th o t h as a b a b o o n wi t h the lun a r d i s c o n h i s head s eated a b ove a wor k i ng s cr i b e at h i s wr itin g d es k . The wo r k o f these s cr i b es wa s, hopefully, a p p roved of by Tho t h wh o t h en g ave leave to S es h at to ho us e t h em i n her im m o r t a l li b ra r y and p ro tec t t h em i n ear thly o nes. The co n cep t o f wr itin g ma k i n g t h e autho r i mmo r t a l wa s well res p ec ted i n Eg ypt a s a s cr i b e’s wor k li ved o n a f ter his d e at h t h ro ug h the wr i t ten wo rd s in boo ks b ut wa s als o k n own by t he g od s a s S es h at kep t the wo rd s i n h er heave n ly b o o ks as we ll. S cr ibe s ha d ever y reas o n to b eli eve they wo uld b e welcomed wa r mly

af te r d e at h i n t h e H al l o f Tr u t h an d p ass o n to p arad i se i n t h e Fi e l d o f R e e d s.

h e l p t h e m a ga inst the d e m o n s who woul d p re ve nt t hem from re ac h i n g pa ra dise.

Thoth in the Afterlife

H i s m agi c wa s a l so i n st r u m e nta l in the re v i t al i zation of the so u l w h i c h brought t h e d e ad ba c k to l ife i n t h e u n der wor l d. Th e asso c i ation of w r i t i n g w i th m a gic g ave r i se to the b e l i e f t h at Thoth h ad w r i t te n m a gic a l t re at i se s ba sed on al l h e k n e w of the h e ave n s, the ea r th, an d t h e af ter l ife, a nd t h at t h e se book s were h i d d e n away to be fo u n d by the initiates o f l ate r g e nerations. Pi n c h w r i tes:

Th o t h ap p e ar s re g u l ar l y at t h e si d e o f O si r i s an d An u b i s i n t h e H al l o f Tr u t h as t h e sc r i b e w h o h as k e p t acco u nt s o f t h e l i fe o f t h e so u l o f t h e d e ce ase d an d w h o re co rd s t h e o u tco m e o f t h e we i g h i n g o f t h e h e ar t ag ai n st t h e fe at h e r o f t r u t h . S c h o l ar R i c h ard H . Wi l k i n so n co m m e nt s:

InvignettesoftheBookofthe Dead[Thoth]standsbefore thescaleswhichweightheheart ofthedeceasedandrecordthe verdict.ThisrolegaveThotha reputationfortruthandintegrity and is seen in the common assertion that a person had conductedhislifeinamanner “straightandtruelikeThoth”. His home in the af te r l i fe, k n ow n as t h e M an si o n o f Th o t h , p rov i d e d a safe p l ace fo r so u l s to re st an d re ce i ve m agi c sp e l l s to

All funerary spells could be regarded as works of Thoth. A tradition grew upthatThothhadwritten forty-twobookscontaining alltheknowledgeneeded byhumanity.Someofthis wasoccultknowledgetobe revealedonlytoinitiateswho wouldnotmisusethepower

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Continued it gave them.The Greeks identifiedThothwiththeir messengergod,Hermes. Thebodyofliteratureknown astheHermeticaclaimed topreservetheteachings of Hermes Trismegistus (ThoththeThriceGreat). HermesTrismegistuswas eventuallyreinterpretedasa greatthinkerwhohadlived thousands of years in the past. This c la i m reg a rd i ng Thoth a nd t h e 42 books wa s f i rs t mad e by t h e church father C lem ent o f Alexan d r i a who record ed i n h i s Stromat a t h at t h ey were wr i t ten by the g o d H er m es. Her mes t he g o d wa s later u n d ers to o d a s Her mes t he wi s e m a n and in la rg ely t h i s mann er t h e B o o k o f Thoth h a s co me into m o d er n d ay und ers t a nd i n g.

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Fi c t i o n al re p re se nt at i o n s o f t h e B o o k o f Th o t h - w r i t te n e i t h e r by t h e Eg y p t i an g o d, t h e Gre e k g o d, o r t h e Gre e k sag e - h ave ap p e are d i n b o o k s an d f i l m s t h ro u g h o u t t h e p ast ce nt u r y. Th e co nt i n u e d f asc i n at i o n w i t h Th o t h an d h i s f ar- ran gi n g k n ow l e d g e i s a te st am e nt to h i s e n d u r i n g p o p u l ar i t y. Worship of Thoth & Legacy

Th o t h’s m ai n ce nte r o f wo r sh i p was at Hermopolis but he was w i d e l y ve n e rate d t h ro u g h o u t t h e l an d o f Eg y p t. As w i t h o t h e r g o d s, h i s te m p l e s an d sh r i n e s wo u l d h ave se r ve d as a fo c al p o i nt fo r t h e co m m u n i t y an d a re so u rce fo r co u n se l, sp i r i t u al ad v i ce, an d g e n e ral ai d i n p ro c u r i n g fo o d o r m e d i c al at te nt i o n . Th e p r i e st s o f Th o t h we re h i g h l y e d u c ate d sc r i b e s an d h i s c u l t was c l o se l y asso c i ate d w i t h t h e r u l i n g c l ass. I t was n o t o n l y t h e m o n arc hy

o r t h e e d u c ated e l i te w h o a dm ired Th o t h , h owever, a s Wi l k i n so n points out:

Thoth’s appearance in thenamesofseveralNew Kingdommonarchsshows importantroyalacceptance andpatronageofthegod’s cult,butearlierreferences toofferingsmadeinprivate tombs on the festival of Thoth also show the importanceofthisgodto non-royalindividualsand hisworshipappearstohave always had a wide base amongancientEgyptians... Amuletsofthegodasan ibisoranibis-headedmansometimesholdingthedivine wedjateyeoccur,though thosedepictinghimasa baboonweremorecommon. Theseamuletswereworn inlife,manypresumbably byscribes.Thewisdonand magicalpowersascribedto Thothmeantthathewas naturallyinvokedinmany

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Mythology The Story of Thoth Continued spellsutilizedinpopular magic and religion.

h ave b e e n fo u n d f ro m d i f fe re nt t i m e per iods t h ro u g h o u t Eg y p t ’s h i sto r y.

H is cu lt center at Her mo p o li s wa s ex trem ely p o p ula r. M ummi f i ed i b i s es a nd baboons were s o ld to pilgr i m s co m i n g to the fe s t i va l a s vo t i ve offer i n g s to t he g o d s.

Eve n to d ay, Th o t h i s re co gn i ze d as an im por ta nt sp i r i t u al e nt i t y. Asi d e f ro m t h o se i n t h e N ew Ag e, Wi cc an , o r N e o - Pag an co m m u n i t i es w ho re ve re t h e g o d, h e i s o n e o f t h e b e t te r k n ow n Eg y p t i an d e i t i e s i n popul a r c u l t u re.

Excavat i o ns o f t h e near by necro p o li s of Tuna el- G eb el revealed t h o us a n d s of thes e m ummi f i ed anima ls. Wi lk i ns o n wr ites, “An o t her larg e b ur i a l ground fo r i b i s es and b a b o o n s was located at S aqqara a n d these cat a co m b s well i llus t rate the co nt i nued wid es p rea d popu la r i t y o f Thoth i n t h e religio n o f t he later per i o d s.

Th e U n i ve r si t y o f Cai ro fe at u re s Th o t h on h i s t h ro n e as t h e i r l o g o an d st at u ar y of t h e g o d re m ai n s o n e o f t h e m o st p o p u l a r an d re co gn i zab l e, af te r i m ag e s o f K i n g Tu t an k h am u n , Q u e e n N e fe r t i t i , an d t h e goddess B aste t, i n t h e m o d e r n wo r l d. https://w w w.wor ldhistor y.org/Thoth/

Thoth’s en d ur i n g venerat i o n i s a ls o recogni zed t h ro ug h the nu mb er o f amulet s to hi m whi ch

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Classifieds

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History of April The mo nt h o f Ap r i l g ets i t s na me f ro m the L at i n wo rd aper io, m ea n i n g “ to open [b ud ],” becau s e p la nt s rea lly begin to grow n ow. Another exp la n at i o n for th e et y m o lo g y of Apr i l g o es b a ck to Aph ro d i te, t he G reek g o d d es s o f love, b ea ut y, a n d procreat i o n. Th e Etru s ca n s k new h er as Apru. S i nce t h e R omans i n her i ted many Et rus ca n cus toms a nd my t hs, they celeb rated the s a me g o d d es s in Apr i l. What Is April Fool’s Day?

O n Apr i l 1, p eo p le in count r i es a ll over the wo r ld li ke to play p ra nks o n o t h er people. D ep end i n g on the cult ure, t he vic tim o f s uch a j o ke is k nown a s a fo o l or a fi s h (p o i s s o n d ’avr i l). I t is n o t clea r when the tra d i t i o n s t a r ted,

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Shared By :High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

an d t h e re are co u nt l e ss t h e o r i e s.

Th e l i k e l y an swe r w hy we p l ay h o axe s o n e ac h o t h e r i n Ap r i l i s b e c au se t h e w i nte r i s ove r : M arc h an d Ap r i l end the long time of w i nte r i n t h e N o r t h e r n H e m i sp h e re an d b r i n g n e w l i fe. I n m any c u l t u re s, t h i s was ce l e b rate d w i t h co l o r f u l fe st i v i t i e s, d an c i n g, an d m ak i n g f u n o f e ac h o t h e r. Astronomical Events in April 2022

E ar t h sh i n e N i g ht s: Th e u n l i t p ar t o f t h e M o o n so m e t i m e s b e co m e s v i si b l e aro u n d N e w M o o n . Th e b e st t i m e i n 2 0 2 2 to se e t h i s p h e n o m e n o n k n ow n as e ar t h sh i n e o r D a Vi n c i Gl ow i s o n Ap r i l 4 / 5 an d Ap r i l 2 6 / 2 7 . Pi n k M o o n : Ap r i l ’s Fu l l M o o n i s t rad i t i o n al l y k n ow n as t h e Pi n k M o o n b e c au se o f t h e p i n k f l owe r s ( Ph l ox su b u l at a) t h at b l o o m

i n N o r t h Am er ic a d u r i n g t h i s tim e o f ye ar. B l ac k M o on: Apr il 2 0 2 2 h as t wo N ew M o o n s: t h e fir st on Ap r i l 1 , t he second o n Ap r i l 3 0 , 2 0 2 2 . Th e se co nd N ew M o o n i n a singl e c al e n d ar m onth is k n ow n as a Bl a c k M o o n , j u st a s the se co n d Fu l l M oon in a m o nt h i s k now n a s a B l u e M o on. Ly r i d M e teor Shower : Th e m e te or shower i s n am e d af ter t h e co n ste l l ation Ly ra. Th e s hower i s ex p e c te d to pea k aro u n d Apr il 2 2 an d 2 3 . Par t i al S o l a r Ec l ipse: Th e f i r st e c l ipse of 2 0 2 2 i s t h e pa r tia l so l ar e c l i pse on Apr il 3 0 , 2 0 2 2 . I t is visibl e f ro m so u t h er n S outh Am e r i c a, pa r ts of Ant arc t i c a, a nd over t h e Pac i f i c a nd the At l ant i c O cea n.

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History of April Continued History of April I n the o ld R o m a n calend a r, Ap r i l wa s called m ens a p r i li s and in i t i a lly ha d 30 d ays. When J a n ua r y was int ro d uced i nto the ca lend a r, Ap r i l was c ut d own to 29 d ays.

Zodiac Signs in April

I n the yea r 46 BCE, J uli us Ca es a r introd uced a new calend a r s ys tem— t h e Ju lian ca len d a r. H e ad d ed ten d ays to t he year and i nt ro d uced the lea p d ay. I n t h e new J uli a n ca len d a r, Apr il wa s exp a n d ed to 30 d ays.

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April Birthstone and Birth Flowers

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Accord i n g to trad iti o n , t he bir ths to ne fo r Ap r i l is the d i a m o nd, repres ent i ng innocen ce. I t s bir th f lowers a re the d a i s y (B elli s peren n i s ) a n d t h e s weet p ea (L at hy rus od orat us ).

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Ar i e s ( R am ) : M arc h 2 1 – Ap r i l 1 9 Tau r u s ( B u l l ) : Ap r i l 2 0 – M ay 1 9 https://w w w.timeanddate.com/ calendar/months/apr il.html “Just for Fun” Days

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Ap r. 1 : Swe e t Po t ato Day Ap r. 6 : I nte r n at i o n al Pi l l ow Fi g ht D ay Ap r. 7 : N at i o n al N o H o u se wo r k D ay Ap r. 1 0 : G o p h e r To r to i se D ay Ap r. 1 7 : B l ah , B l ah , B l ah D ay Ap r. 2 1 : G o Fl y a K i te Day Ap r. 2 6 : N at i o n al R i c hte r S c al e D ay Ap r. 2 7 : N at i o n al S e n se o f S m e l l D ay

April Birthstone & Birth Flower

B i r t h sto n e : Dia m ond. B i r t h Fl ower s: Da isy an d Swe e t Pea .

Aprilcoldwithdrippingrain Willowsandlilacsbringsagain, Thewhistleofreturningbirds, Andtrumpet-lowingoftheherds. R alph Waldo Emerson Oh,howfreshthewindisblowing! See! The sky is bright an clear, Oh,howgreenthegrassisgrowing! April! April! Are you here?

Dora R. Goodale

“AcoldAprilthebarnwillfill.” Th i s m o nt h b r i n g s u s so m e c ap r i c i o u s we at h e r ! Ap r i l rai n s b r i n g ve rd ant p ast u re s, b u t al so u m b re l l as an d rai n b o o t s!

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History of The Easter Bunny fo r fe r t i l i t y d u e to t h e i r h i g h re p ro d u c t i o n rate s.

I t may b e a h ea d s cratc h er why exa c t ly a rabb i t b eca m e a promi nent p a r t o f one o f C hr i s t i a n i t y ’s most i m p o r t a nt celeb rat i o n s o f rebir t h a nd ren ewa l. O ne theo r y, i s t h at the s y mb o l o f t h e rabbit s tem s f ro m the an ci ent p a g a n trad iti o n o n wh i ch many o f o ur E a s ter trad iti o n s a re b a s ed — the fes t i va l of Éos t re, wh i ch honored t he g o d d es s of fer t i li t y and s p r i ng. The g o d d es s’s a n i ma l s ymbo l wa s a ra b b i t, which h ave lo n g trad iti o n a lly s to o d

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As fo r h ow t h e c h arac te r o f t h e E aste r B u n ny m ad e i t s way to Am e r i c a, H i sto r y. co m re p o r t s t h at i t was f i r st i nt ro d u ce d i n t h e 1 7 0 0 s by G e r m an i m m i grant s to Pe n n sy l van i a, w h o re p o r te d l y b ro u g ht ove r t h e i r t rad i t i o n o f an e g g - l ay i n g h are n am e d “O ste r h ase” o r “O sc hte r H aws” f ro m t h e O l d Co u nt r y. Le g e n d h as i t, t h e rab b i t wo u l d l ay co l o r f u l e g g s as gi f t s to c h i l d re n w h o we re g o o d, so k i d s wo u l d m ak e n e st s i n w h i c h t h e b u n ny co u l d l e ave h i s e g g s an d e ve n so m e t i m e s se t o u t c ar ro t s i n c ase t h e h are g o t h u n gr y. R e m i n d yo u o f any o t h e r h o l i d ay t rad i t i o n s? Eve nt u al l y, t h e c u sto m sp re ad ac ro ss Am e r i c a u nt i l i t was a w i d e sp re ad E aste r t rad i t i o n . O ve r t i m e,

Shared By : Mawa Cardea t h e f ab l e d bunny ’s d e l i ve r y expa nded f ro m j u st e ggs to i n c l u d e o ther treats su c h as c hocol ate an d toys.

E aste r b as k ets have o n l y g o t ten m ore a nd m o re e l aborate over t h e ye ar s, a s one tr ip to t h e sto re this yea r w i l l te l l you. S i n ce rab bits a re m am m al s (a nd gi ve b i r t h to l ive yo u n g ) , i t m ight se e m l i k e a c a se of m i st ak e n biol ogy to say t h e E aster B u n ny l ays eggs on t h e h o l i d ay. Ad d i n g an other m i rac l e to the fe st i v i t i e s, per ha ps? Th e an swer m ay l i e i n co m bining i co n o graphy. Eggs, j u st l i k e t he ra bbit, h ave l o n g been co n si d e re d a n a nc ient sy m b o l o f fer til it y, re b i r t h an d new l i fe, al l assoc iated w i t h t h e s pr ingtim e

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History of The Easter Bunny celeb rat i o n o f E a s ter! From a C h r i s t i a n pers p ec t i ve, E a s ter egg s rep res ent Jes us’ res ur rec t i o n and h i s emerg ence from t he to m b. Accord i n g to H i s to r y. com, t he t ra d i t i o n of d eco rat i n g eg g s for Ea s ter m ay d ate back to t he 13t h centur y, when eg g s were t ra d i t i o na lly cons i d ered a for bidd en fo o d d ur ing t he Lent s ea s o n . That ’s why p eo p le d ecorated t hem a s the fa s t i n g p er i o d came to a n en d, to make eat i ng them a n even mo re celeb rato r y way to feas t o n Eas ter S un d ay. D es pi te t he prevalen ce o f t he bunny, i t ’s no t a lways a rabb i t t hat b r i n g s the Ea s ter eg g s i n cou nt r i es o ut s i d e o f the U. S . I n Aus t ra li a , for exa mp le, t h e

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sp r i n g h o l i d ay i s gre e te d w i t h t h e E aste r B i l by, an e n d an g e re d rab b i t- l i k e m ar su p i al n at i ve to t h at co u nt r y. O t h e r gi f t- b e ar i n g an i m al s i n c l u d e t h e E aste r Cu c k o o i n Sw i t ze r l an d an d, i n so m e p ar t s o f G e r m any, t h e E aste r Fox o r t h e E aste r R o o ste r ! Th e E aste r B u n ny ( al so c al l e d t h e E aste r R ab b i t o r E aste r H are ) i s a fo l k l o r i c f i g u re an d sy m b o l o f E aste r, d e p i c te d as a rab b i t— so m e t i m e s d re sse d w i t h c l o t h e s— b r i n gi n g E aste r e g g s. O r i gi n at i n g am o n g G e r m an Lu t h e ran s, t h e “ E aste r H are” o r i gi n al l y p l aye d t h e ro l e o f a j u d g e, e val u at i n g w h e t h e r c h i l d re n we re g o o d o r d i so b e d i e nt i n b e h av i o r at t h e st ar t o f t h e se aso n o f E aste r t i d e, si m i l ar to t h e “n au g ht y o r n i ce” l i st m ad e by S ant a Cl au s.

As p ar t o f the l egend, t h e c re at u re c a r r ies co l o re d e ggs in its b ask e t, as wel l a s c an d y, an d som etim es toys, to t he hom es o f c h i l d re n. As su c h , t he E a ster B u n ny ag ain shows si m i l ar i t i e s to S a nta ( o r t h e Chr istk ind) an d Ch r i stm a s by b r i n gi n g gif ts to c h i l d re n on the night b e fo re a hol iday. Th e c u sto m wa s f i r st m e ntioned in G e o rg Franc k von Fran c k e n au’s D e ovis p asc h al i b u s (‘About E aste r e g gs’) in 1 6 8 2 , re fe r r ing to a G e r m an tra dition o f an E aster Ha re b r i n gi n g eggs for t h e c h i l d re n. E aste r i n pa ga n t i m e s: E aster fir st st ar te d o ut a s a ce l e b rat i on of the sp r i n g e q uinox: a t i m e w h e n a l l of n at u re i s awa k ened f ro m t h e s l um ber of w i nte r an d the c yc l e

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History of The Easter Bunny of ren ewa l b egi n s. Ang lo -S a xo n p a g a n s celebrated t h i s t i m e of reb i r t h by i nvo k i ng Éos tre o r O s t a ra , t he g od d e s s o f s p r i n g, the d awn , a n d the fe r t i li t y. Eas ter a ls o m ay h ave s tar te d o ut a s a S ex R itu al, a nd i t a ll g o es back to a nci ent Pa g a n trad iti o n. I n a nci ent times, fer t i li t y wa s o f s ing ula r i m p o r t a n ce to ensure t he s ur v i va l of a sp eci es o r gro up of peop le (a f ter all, if yo u d i d n’t g et it o n, t here wou ld b e n o f ut ure g enerat i o n s ). To cel eb rate nat ure’s “rebir t h ,” t h e ancient s wo uld h o ld fes tiva ls i n Ap r i l to honor t h e G o d d es s, which mo s t li kely includ ed lav i s h s ex r ituals, a n d even full- o n o rgi es. Ancie nt t r i b a l p eo p le were no s t ra n g ers to sex r i t ua ls : wors h i p p ers o f

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D i o nysu s, t h e Gre e k g o d o f w i n e, fe r t i l i t y, an d m ad n e ss, wo u l d h o l d o rgi e s i n o rd e r to ce l e b rate an d e vo k e t h e e c st at i c st ate o f t h e so n o f Ze u s. U l t i m ate l y, i n t h e an c i e nt t rad i t i o n s, sex d i d n’t h ave t h e sam e sh am e f u l t ab o o s as i t d o e s to d ay. Ch r i st i an i t y sp re ad ac ro ss t h e wo r l d an d su b su m e d p ag an r i t u al s. Co n st ant i n e co nve r te d f ro m p ag an i sm to Ch r i st i an i t y i n 3 1 2 AD, an d f i n al l y b ro u g ht an e n d to t h e p e r se c u t i o n o f Ch r i st i an s.

al to g e t h e r, R om a n r u l e r s sl ow l y co nve r te d them into Ch r i st i an r itua l s. Ch r i st i an i t y ’s ra pid sp re ad ac ross the We ste r n Wor l d e ve nt u al l y envel oped an c i e nt Ce l tic pa ga n t rad i t i o n s, too – i n c l u d i n g the r itua l s o f Éo st re. B y 3 9 1 AD, t h e wo r sh ip of a ny g o d s o u t side of the G o d o f Abra ha m wa s m ad e i l l e ga l in R om e. I k n e w i t and it is so sad… . .

B e fo re t h at t i m e, t h e m aj o r i t y o f R o m an s we re Pag an an d h e l d f ast to t h e i r o l d t rad i t i o n s, te ac h i n g s, an d r i t u al s. Co n st ant i n e Th e Gre at, as we l l as t h e R o m an l e ad e r s af te r h i m , k n e w i t wo u l d b e a c h al l e n g e to g e t e ve r yo n e to co nve r t to Ch r i st i an i t y ove r n i g ht. I n ste ad o f e l i m i n at i n g t h e sp r i n g e q u i n ox / p ag an ce l e b rat i o n s

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Tarot of the Month Hermit h o l d s a l ante r n w i t h a si x- p o i nte d st ar i n si d e ; i t i s t h e S e al o f S o l o m o n , a sy m b o l o f w i sd o m .

Keywords UPRIG H T: S o uls earchi n g, intros p ec t i o n , b ei n g alone, i n ner g ui d a nce RE VER S E D : Isolat i o n , lo neli n es s, withdrawa l DESCRIPTION The H er m i t s t a nd s alone o n t h e to p of a m o unt a i n . The s now- ca p p ed ra n g e s ymbo li zes h i s s pir itua l ma s ter y, growth , a n d accom p li s h m ent. H e has ch o s en t h i s p at h of s el f - d i s cover y and, as a res ult, h a s reach ed a h ei g htened s tate o f awa ren es s. I n his r i g ht ha n d, he

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As Th e H e r m i t wal k s h i s p at h , t h e l am p l i g ht s h i s way – b u t i t o n l y i l l u m i n ate s h i s n ex t fe w ste p s rat h e r t h an t h e f u l l j o u r n e y. H e m u st ste p fo r ward to se e w h e re to g o n ex t, k n ow i n g t h at n o t e ve r y t h i n g w i l l b e re ve al e d at o n ce. I n h i s l e f t h an d, t h e si d e o f t h e su b co n sc i o u s m i n d, Th e H e r m i t h o l d s a l o n g st af f ( a si gn o f h i s p owe r an d au t h o r i t y ) , w h i c h h e u se s to g u i d e an d b al an ce h i m . Upright Th e H e r m i t sh ows t h at yo u are t ak i n g a b re ak f ro m e ve r yd ay l i fe to d raw yo u r e n e rg y an d at te nt i o n i nward an d f i n d t h e an swe r s yo u se e k , d e e p w i t h i n yo u r so u l. Yo u re al i ze t h at yo u r m o st p ro fo u n d se n se o f t r u t h an d k n ow l e d g e i s w i t h i n yo u r se l f an d n o t i n t h e

d i st rac t i o ns of the o u t si d e wor l d. Yo u l e ave behind t h e m u n d ane to set o f f o n a j our ney of se l f - d i scover y, l ed o n l y by your inner w i sd o m an d guiding l i g ht. N ow is the p e r fe c t t i me to go on a we e k e n d retreat or sac re d p i l gr im a ge, any t h i n g i n w hic h yo u c an contem pl ate yo u r m o t i vations, p e r so n al va l ues an d p r i n c ipl es, a nd g e t c l o se r to your au t h e nt i c sel f. Th e H e r m i t invites yo u to re t reat into yo u r p r i vate wor l d an d ex p e r ience a d e e p se nse of se c l u si o n a nd i nt ro sp e c tion. You k n ow t h at you need to t ak e t h i s jour ney al o n e o r with a sm al l, i nt i m ate gro u p o f spir itua l l y m i n d e d p eopl e. Wh e n yo u a l l ow yo u r se l f to tune in to yo u r i n n e r, guiding l i g ht, yo u w il l hea r

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Tarot of the Month the an s wers yo u need a nd grow wi s e beyon d yo ur yea rs. Find yo ur li g ht, s h i n e it on yo ur s o ul a nd create yo ur uni q ue path. Yo u wi ll s ee what li es a h ea d o f you – n o t mi les up o n miles, b ut eno ug h to k now wh ere to s tep nex t. Fro m t h ere, tak e o n e s tep at a time. The H er mi t o f ten appears wh en yo u are at a p i vo t a l point i n yo ur li fe and co n s i d er i ng a new d i rec t i o n . Throug h med i t at i o n , contem p lat i o n , a n d s elf- exa mi nat i o n , you m ay b egi n to re - eva luate yo ur pers o n a l g o a ls and cha n g e yo ur overa ll co urs e. Yo u will lo o k at yo ur life wi t h a d eep er, more s p i r i t ua l und ers t a n d i n g a nd a few of yo ur pr ior i t i es wi ll cha n g e as a res ult. The H er mi t a ls o repres ent s t h e d es i re to tur n away f ro m a cons um er i s t o r mater i a li s t i c s o ci et y

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to fo c u s o n yo u r i n n e r wo r l d.

Haveyoueverseen(orread) Into the Wild? Af te r grad u at i n g f ro m u n i ve r si t y, to p st u d e nt an d at h l e te Ch r i sto p h e r M c Can d l e ss ab an d o n s h i s p o sse ssi o n s, gi ve s h i s e nt i re $ 2 4 , 0 0 0 sav i n g s acco u nt to c h ar i t y an d h i tc h h i k e s to Al ask a to l i ve i n t h e w i l d e r n e ss al o n e. Wh i l st h i s sto r y h as a t ragi c e n d i n g, h i s j o u r n e y i nto t h e w i l d was l i k e t h at o f Th e H e r m i t, w h o se e k s an swe r s w i t h i n an d k n ows t h e y w i l l co m e o n l y w i t h q u i e t an d so l i t u d e. Fi n al l y, Th e H e r m i t m ay ap p e ar i n yo u r l i fe as a sp i r i t u al m e nto r h e re to rai se yo u r v i b rat i o n an d e n h an ce yo u r co n sc i o u sn e ss. Th e b e au t y o f t h i s m e nto r i s t h at, w h i l e h e m ay b e an ex p e r t i n h i s ow n r i g ht, h e w i l l te ac h yo u h ow to f i n d yo u r an swe r s w i t h i n yo u. Reversed Th e H e r m i t R e ve r se d c an g o o n e o f t wo ways:

yo u are n ot ta k ing e n o u g h t i me for p e r so n al refl ec tion, o r yo u are ta k ing to o m u c h . I f yo u st r uggl e to co n n e c t with your sp i r i t u al s el f, The H e r m i t R e ver sed e n co u rag es you to c re ate m ore spa ce to m e d i t ate a nd re f l e c t. I t is tim e to g o d e e per into yo u r i n n e r being an d re d i scover your gre ate r p u r pose on t h i s e ar t h . Yo u m ay have been so b u sy d ea l ing w i t h t h e day- to - day i ssu e s t h at you have fo rg o t te n to l isten to yo u r i n n e r voice. The H e r m i t ask s you to se arc h d e ep w ithin yo u r so u l to hel p yo u f i n d your way ag ai n an d foc us on re b u i l d i n g your sel f o n a sp i r i tua l l evel. I f yo u h ave a l rea dy b e e n sp e n ding a l ot o f t i m e re fl ec ting on yo u r i n n e r sel f, then Th e H e r m i t R ever sed m ay su g g e st that you m ay b e t ak ing this i so l at i o n thing too

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Tarot of the Month far. Are yo u b eco m i n g a litera l h er m i t a n d cuttin g yo urs elf o f f from ot h ers ? D o not und eres t i m ate the value o f s t ay i ng conne c ted wi t h others, even wh i le you are g o i n g throug h yo ur s pir itu a l j o ur ney. B e mind f ul, to o, o f other p eo p le’s need s. You do no t wa nt to become s o a b s o r b ed in you rs elf a n d you r p ers o na l d ilem m a s t h at yo u s hu t o ut yo ur f a mi ly and fr i en d s.

d au nt i n g an d u n ap p e al i n g at t h i s t i m e that you d o e ve r y t h i n g i n yo u r p owe r to st ay together. D e sp i te t h e re l at i o n sh i p ‘s c h al l e n g e s, neither o n e o f yo u want s to b e ap ar t f ro m e ach other. I t i s al m o st to o so o n to b e ap ar t an d yo u stil l both want to wo r k t h i n g s o u t to g e t h e r. I f you have se p arate d, t h e n Th e H e r m i t R e ve r se d may show t h at yo u are re ad y to ex p l o re a re co n nec tion. https://w w w.biddytarot.com/tarot- card-meanings/major-arcana/ her mit/

I n a re lat i o ns h i p read in g, Th e H er m i t R evers ed ca n i nd i cate unwel co m e i s o lat i o n. For exa mp le, o n e pers o n may wa nt to be alo n e o r wi t h d raw from th e relat i o ns h i p, while t h e o t h er wants to d eep en the co nnec t i o n . You w i ll need to resp ec t ea ch other ’s req ues t fo r s pace b ut a ls o b e there to s up p o r t as appro p r i ate. Alter n at i vely, t he id ea of b ei n g o n you r own i s s o

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Oracle of the Month The Fairy Ring Oracle The Card: The p i c t ure s h ows a hear th f i re b la z i ng in the grate. H o rs e brass es a re h un g o n the fi rep la ce fo r luck , and ca nd les b ur n o n the ma nt lep i ece. A s mall d ra g o n, ca lled a fire d ra ke, b a s ks i n the wa r mt h . The Fairy: I n Celt i c a nd G er ma n i c lo re, f i re d rak es a re d ra g o n li ke creatures wi t h s inuo us necks, b at wing s, a nd ma s s i ve jaws. They a re f i re element a ls a k i n to s alama nd ers. Th ey canno t s ee well, b ut have a g o o d s ens e of s mell. They are cu n ni n g a nd malic i o us, b reat h e fire fro m t h ei r mou th s, a n d g uard t rea s ure. Vu lcans o r s alama nd ers were d esign ated elem ent a l s pir it s o f f i re. They are u s ua lly p o r t rayed as the newt s o f t h e s ame n a me o r s m a ll d rago n s. Acco rd i ng

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“as d i f fe rent from t h e su b st a nces we k n ow as the we b o f a s pider is d i f fe re nt from o u r l i n e n .” Divinitory Meanings:

to Parace l su s, w h i l e sy l p h s an d u n d i n e s are k i n d l y d i sp o se d toward h u m an s, sal am an d e r s an d f i re e l e m e nt al s c an n e i t h e r b e ap p ro ac h e d o r ap p ro ac h h u m an s t h e m se l ve s. H e d e c l are d t h at w h i l e h u m an s are m ad e o f t h re e su b st an ce s- - - t h e sp i r i t u al, t h e ast ral, an d t h e te r re st r i al - - an d ex i st i n al l t h re e, e l e m e nt al s l i ve exc l u si ve l y i n o n l y o n e o f t h e e l e m e nt s. Th e y o cc u py a p o si t i o n b e t we e n h u m an s an d p u re sp i r i t s; t h e y l i ve i n d we l l i i n g s t h at are m ad e o f sp e c i al m ate r i al s

Th e f i re d ra k e ap p e ar i n g in a sprea d i n d i c ate s a tim e of re st l e ss e nergy a nd d e si re fo r c ha nge. H e m ay h era l d new o p p o r t u n i ties, new ve nt u re s, a nd a c yc l e o f gre at c reative e n e rg y, i n novation, i nve nt i o n ,inspiration, d y n am i sm a nd p assi o n . Reversed Meanings:

Th e ap p e ara nce o f t h e Fi re Dra k e re ve r se d i n your c ard s i n d i c ates a n u nw i l l i n gness to ac t, vac i l l ation, i n co n si ste nc y, f al se st ar ts, or p ro j e c t s conc ieved b u t n o t p u r sued. Th e c ard m ay a l so re p re se nt im potenc y, b ar re n n e s s, f r u st rat i o n , a nd p ro b l e m s w ith the o p p o si te sex.

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Witchy DIY Floral Incense Sticks Step 1: Choosing Herbs and Flowers

When s elec t i n g h er b s a n d f l owe r s fo r yo u r i n ce n se wan d s, co n sider the followi n g :

M inimal Pesticides

The o nly s uref i re way to g u arante e p e st i c i d e - f re e i n ce n se f l o ra l sm udge s ticks i s to grow t h e i ngre d i e nt s yo u r se l f. Th at sai d, fo o d - grad e her bs from t he gro cer y s to re o r w i l d f l owe r s g at h e re d f ro m a re m o te area g enera lly ma ke a p ret t y h i g h - qu al i t y wan d.

Toxicit y

S ome h er b s, li ke n i g ht s h ad e an d j i m so n we e d, are tox i c w h e n bur ned. Check to ma ke s ure yo ur h e r b s an d f l owe r s are safe to b u r n .

B eaut y

Flowers a d d co lo r a nd f la re to yo u r wan d s. Ch o o se o n e s t h at l ook prett y d r i ed.

M etaphysical Proper ties

Finally, wh en s elec t i n g h e r b s an d f l owe r s ( an d e ve n sp i ce s, l i k e cinnam o n) fo r yo ur f lo ral i n ce n se wan d s, co n si d e r t h e i r m e t ap hysic a l proper t i es a n d t r y to m atc h t h e m to t h e i r i nte n d e d u se. Fo r ex am pl e, if you pla n to us e i t i n a love sp e l l, t r y ro se, c i n n am o n an d Q u e e n Anne’s lace. O r, i f yo u wa nt a wa n d to c l e ar n e g at i ve e n e rg y i n yo u r h om e, a dd lemon p eel o r mi nt.

Step 2: Binding the herbs.

G ather yo ur h er b s a nd f l owe r s ro u g h l y i n t h e ar ran g e m e nt yo u wa nt them . U nwi nd s o m e n at u ral j u te t w i n e, an d p l ace yo u r b u n d l e on top. D o NOT us e s y nt h et i c ro pe o r t h re ad, w h i c h p ro d u ce s tox i c f u mes w hen bur ned. (A 100% co t to n se w i n g t h re ad al so wo r k s f i n e, b u t t h e t wine gi ves i t a p lea s i n g, r u st i c l o o k s) .

Step 3: Tie a firm knot at the top.

Tie a s i mp le, f i r m k no t a n i n c h o r t wo d ow n f ro m t h e to p o f t h e fl ora l s mud g e s t i ck . Yo u wa nt l e ave so m e l o o se at t h e to p so t h at t h ey w il l “ breat h e” when yo u b ur n i t.

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Witchy DIY Floral Incense Sticks Cont... Step 4: Wind the twine.

Fir mly ho ld i n g t h e t wi n e w i t h yo u r t h u m b as yo u g o, w i n d i t around the bundle, m ov i n g d own i n a sp i ral, an d t h e n d o u b l i n g b ac k .

Step 5: Tying off the bundle

O nce yo u s ecure t h e b un d l e w i t h t w i n e, l o o p t h e e n d o f t h e t w i ne rope und er n eat h a nd p ull t i g ht. Allow t h e b und le to d r y fo r 2 - 3 we e k s ( o r l o n g e r i f yo u l i ve i n a hu mid cli m ate). The lo n g e r t h e d r y t i m e, t h e b e t te r i t w i l l b u r n .

Pro Tip: Nat ura lly a i r d r y i n g t h e b u n d l e y i e l d s t h e b e st re su l t s. But if you d o n’t have t i m e to wai t, yo u c an p l ace t h e b u n d l e i n t h e oven at 200 d egrees Fa hrenhei t fo r 1 0 m i n u te s. D o N OT l e ave i t i n t he oven un at ten d ed. Step 6: Anointing with essential oils.

This pa r t i s o p t i o na l, b ut i t m ak e s a h u g e d i f fe re n ce. O n ce t h e bundl e is com p letely d r i ed, co nsi d e r ad d i n g a fe w d ro p s o f co m p l i m e nta r y ess ent i a l o i ls. E xp er i m ent w i t h d i f fe re nt co m b i n at i o n s an d e n j oy the creati ve p urs ui t !

Burning the floral incense wands. To bur n, s i m p ly li g ht t he t i p an d b l ow o n i t g e nt l y u nt i l i t b e gi n s to s mok e. I f yo u a re hav i n g t ro u b l e g e t t i n g i t to b u r n , i t p ro b ab l y isn’t dr y enou g h yet. J us t ex t i ng u i sh i t co m p l e te an d gi ve i t a fe w m o re days

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Witchy DIY Moon Salts for Lunar Rituals and Magic Ritual Salts and the Moon

A staple i n mo d er n wi tch c raf t, r i t u al sal t s sy m b o l i ze t h e e l e m e nts of Ear th & Water. Th e f ull m o o n i s a gre at t i m e to wo r k w i t h r i t u al sa l ts, and in p a r t i cula r, s ea s a lt b ase d r i t u al sal t s, b e c au se o f t h e assoc iation of the m o o n wi t h t h e o ce an t i d e s.

Here are some clever ideas for using your salts: • • • • •

- Gi ve away j a rs o f mo on sal t s d u r i n g yo u r n ex t m o o n c i rc l e a s a ma gi ca l p a r t y f avo r. -Sp r i nk le t h em a ro un d t h e p e r i m e te r o f yo u r h o m e af te r a d i ffic ul t per i o d (d i vo rce, ch i ld m ov i n g o u t ) to re se t yo u r h o m e’s e n e rgy. -Use t h em to ma r k t he p e r i m e te r o f yo u r sac re d c i rc l e. -S cat ter t hem o n yo ur b e d ro o m f l o o r af te r a n i g ht m are o r p er iod of ins o mn i a . Va cuum o r swe e p t h e m u p an d d i sc ard t h e m so m e w here fa r away f ro m yo ur h o m e to c l e ar n e g at i ve v i b e s. -M a ke a b atch wi t h you r k i d s ( ce l e b rat i n g t h e f u l l m o o n w i t h chi ld ren i s s o m uch f u n ! ) an d m ak e m o o n sal t s p ar t o f yo u r nig ht t i m e r i t ua l. Yo u c an e n co u rag e t h e m to su r ro u n d a c an dl e w ith mo o n s a lt s a nd t h en li g ht i t d u r i n g sto r y t i m e. O f co u r se, b l ow it out befo re t h ey f a ll a s leep!

Meaning of the Ingredients

Choose i ngred i ent s wi t h t rad i t i o n al l u n ar asso c i at i o n s fo r t h i s projec t. These s a lt s i nclud e!

Cedar

Ced ar creates a s a cred s pace any w h e re i t s wo o d sy sce nt p e r m e ates. This lunar i ngred i ent clea rs ne g at i ve e nt i t i e s, we l co m e s t h e wo o d l and spir its and d raws t he mo o n’s en e rg y c l o se to yo u r sac re d c i rc l e.

Seashells

With s o ma ny ways to us e se ash e l l s i n w i tc h c raf t, t h e re’s n o re a son not to make t h e mo s t o f yo ur fo rag e d co l l e c t i o n . As n o te d ab ove, t he ocea n tid es t h at b r i n g s ea s hells f ro m t h e wate r to t h e sh o re are p owe r ful l y conne c ted to t he mo o n’s e n e rg y.

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Witchy DIY Moon Salts for Lunar Rituals and Magic Continued Lavender

The no to r i o us ly ca lm i n g sp i r i t o f l ave n d e r re sto re s t ran q u i l i t y a nd revit a li zes t h e s o ul. Us e i t h e re fo r i t s d e e p b l u e - p u r p l e co l o r to symb o li ze t he n i g ht s k y an d p ro m o te h e al i n g, p syc h i c co n n e c tion a nd intu i t i o n d ur i n g yo ur f u l l m o o n r i t u al s.

Sea Salt

S ea s a lt i n p a r t i cula r em p h asi ze s t h e e n e rg y o f t h e o ce an . Th e c yc l es, tid es a nd wave p at ter ns o f t h e se a are d e e p l y co n n e c te d to t h e l una r c ycle. S o, co m b i n i n g t h e e n e rg y o f r i t u al sal t w i t h t h e m agi c of the moo n j us t m a kes s ens e.

Things You Will Need • • • • •

* 1/2 cup s ea s a lt (f i ne o r co ar se ) * 20 d ro p s ced a r wo o d e sse nt i al o i l * 12 d ro p s lavend er e sse nt i al o i l * Crus hed o r ver y s m al l se ash e l l s * O p t i o na l: Ced a r wo o d sh av i n g s o r d r i e d l ave n d e r f l owe r to “g a r ni s h.”

Com b i ne a ll i ngred i ent s i n a c l e an g l ass j ar. B l e n d we l l, t h e n top with ex t ra s ea s hells a n d ( o p t i o n al ) w h o l e d r i e d l ave n d e r o r ced ar wo o d s h av i n g s. Leave und er t h e f ull moo n ove r n i g ht. O u t si d e i s b e st. B u t i f i t l ook s lik e ra i n i s co m i n g, o n a w i n d owsi l l w i l l d o i n a p i n c h !

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Celebrations Easter

Shared By : Mawa Cardea E aste r i n p ag an t i m e s: E aste r f i r st sta r ted o u t as a ce l e b rat i o n o f t h e sp r i n g eq uinox: a t i m e w h e n al l o f n at u re i s awak ened f ro m t h e sl u m b e r o f w i nte r an d the c yc l e o f re n e wal b e gi n s. An g l o - S axo n pa ga ns ce l e b rate d t h i s t i m e o f re b i r t h by invok ing Éo st re o r O st ara, t h e g o d d e ss o f spr ing, t h e d aw n , an d t h e fe r t i l i t y. E aste r al so m ay h ave st ar te d o u t a s a S ex R i t u al, an d i t al l g o e s b ac k to an c i e nt Pag an t rad i t i o n . I n an c i e nt tim es, fe r t i l i t y was o f si n g u l ar i m p o r t ance to e n su re t h e su r v i val o f a sp e c i e s or group o f p e o p l e ( af te r al l, i f yo u d i d n’t g e t i t o n , t h e re wo u l d b e n o f u t u re g enerat i o n s ). To celeb rate n at u re’s “re b i r t h ,” t h e an c i e nt s wo u l d hold fes t i va ls i n Ap r i l to h o n o r t h e G o d d e ss, w h i c h m o st l i k e l y inc l uded lavis h s ex r i t ua ls, a n d eve n f u l l - o n o rgi e s. An c i e nt t r i b al p e o p l e were no st ra ng ers to s ex r i t ual s: wo r sh i p p e r s o f D i o nysu s, t h e Gre e k god of wine, fer t i li t y, a nd ma d n e ss, wo u l d h o l d o rgi e s i n o rd e r to ce l e brate a nd evoke t he ecs t at i c s t ate o f t h e so n o f Ze u s. U l t i m ate l y, i n t h e anc ient trad iti o ns, s ex d i d n’t have t h e sam e sh am e f u l t ab o o s as i t d o e s today. Chr is t i a n i t y s p rea d a cro s s t h e wo r l d an d su b su m e d p ag an r i t u al s. Cons t a nt i ne co nver ted f ro m p ag an i sm to Ch r i st i an i t y i n 3 1 2 A D, a nd finally b ro ug ht a n en d to t h e p e r se c u t i o n o f Ch r i st i an s. B e fo re that time, t he ma j o r i t y o f R o m an s we re Pag an an d h e l d f ast to t h e i r ol d trad iti o ns, tea ch i n g s, a n d r i t u al s. Co n st ant i n e Th e Gre at, as we l l a s the R oman lea d ers a f ter hi m , k n e w i t wo u l d b e a c h al l e n g e to g e t ever yone to conver t to C h r i s t i a n i t y ove r n i g ht. I ns tea d o f eli mi nat i n g t h e sp r i n g e qu i n ox / p ag an ce l e b rat i o n s al together, R oman rulers s lowly co nve r te d t h e m i nto Ch r i st i an r i t u al s. Ch r istia nit y ’s rapid s p rea d a cro s s t h e We ste r n Wo r l d e ve nt u al l y e nve l o p e d an c ient Celtic p a g a n t ra d i t i o ns, to o – i n c l u d i n g t h e r i t u al s o f Éo st re. B y 3 9 1 AD, th e wo rs hi p o f a ny g o d s o u t si d e o f t h e G o d o f Ab rah am was m a de illeg a l i n R o me. I k n ew i t an d i t i s so sad… . .

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Celebrations Rama Navami au sp i c i o u s t i m e as i t h e ral d s a 9 - d ay wo r sh i p o f D u rg a. N av rat r i , o r t h e 9 d ay an d n i g ht s, i s o n e o f t h e l o n g e st H i n d u fe st i val s.

R ama Nava m i i s Pu ja, v rat a (f a s t ) and fe a s t i ng. R a m a was bo r n o n t h e ninth d ay o f t he lunar mo nt h C ha i t ra (M arch –Ap r i l), a d ay celeb rated a cro s s I nd ia a s R a m Nava m i . This co i nci d es wi t h one o f t h e fo ur Navarat r i o n t h e H ind u ca lend a r, i n the s p r i n g s ea s o n, namely t h e Va s a nt h a Navarat r. R a ma Navam i co i n ci d es with S p r i ng Eq ui nox becau s e i t i s a H i n d u celebrat i o n a nd i s t he firs t n i n e luna r d ays neare s t to b o t h t h e Ver na l a n d Aut um na l equ in oxes. B o t h t h es e times a re s a cred a s the Nava rat r i s. I t mar ks t he s p r i n g equ in ox a n d ver y

13 Sisters of Delphi

E aste r h as te ste d t h e p at i e n ce o f i t s b e l i e ve r s, al m o st to t h e l i m i t. Th e fe st i val sh i f t s i r re g u l ar l y i n t h e co m p ass o f 3 5 d ays, ran gi n g f ro m M arc h 2 2 to Ap r i l 2 5 . B u t t h i s sh i f t i s n o t ak i n to t h at o f a H i n d u fe st i val, say H o l i o r R am N avam i . Al l H i n d u fe st i val s fo l l ow a p e n d u l u m - l i k e t raj e c to r y w h i l e sh i f t i n g as p e r t h e l u n ar t i t h i ye ar- o n -ye ar. E aste r i s re c k o n e d acco rd i n g to 3 f ac to r s – S p r i n g Equ i n ox ( M arc h 2 1 ) , f u l l m o o n an d d ay o f t h e we e k ( S u n d ay ) . I t i s t h e p r i n c i p al m ovab l e fe ast i n t h e Ch r i st i an l i t u rgi c al c al e n d ar. N o t w i t h st an d i n g i t s i r re g u l ar i t y, f u t u re E aste r d ate s co u l d b e

Shared By : Mawa Cardea p re d i c te d hundreds o f ye ar s i n a dva nce, al g o r i t h m ic a l l y. H owe ve r, deter m ining i t s p l ace m ent ha s b e e n su b j e c t to m a jor co nt rove r s y in the p ast. I ro n i c a l l y, it was t h i s controver sy t h at t r i g g ered the re fo r m o f the J ul ia n c al e n d ar i n 1 5 8 2 by Po p e Gre gor y XI I I . An d t h i s coinc ides w i t h Ch ai tra Shuk l a p rat i p ad a – L itera l l y m e an s t h e fir st day af te r t h e n ew m oon, i n t h e m o nth of Ch ai t ra as per t h e I n d i an H i n d u Al ma na c. Fi r st d ay of the wax i n g p ha se ( S h u k l a) m a r k ing t h e b e gi n ning of the sp r i n g h ar vest a nd ex t re m e l y a uspic ious t i m e fo r a new yea r to b e gi n . A new ye ar w h i c h sets the to n e fo r t h e rest of t h e ye ar, a s per the Vi k ram S amvat yea r.

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Celebrations Rama Navami

Vik ram S a mvat i s bas ed o n t h e d ay when Vi k ra ma d i t ya d efeated S a k a s a n d invad ed U j j a i n. As tro no m ers fo r m ed new c a len d a r b a s ed on lu n i -s o la r s ys tem that wa s ver y much near to a ccura c y, i s s till fo llowed i n t h e Nor th er n regi o ns of I ndi a a nd s o m e weste r n p a r t s o f the co unt r y. Yet t h e H ind u s celeb rate t h e firs t n i n e luna r d ays neare s t to b o t h t h e Ver na l a n d Aut um na l equ in oxes. B o t h these t i m es are sa cred a s the Nava rat r i s. M os t a n ci ent cult ures had fes t i va ls b a s ed on ast ro n o m i ca l event s, es p eci a lly t he Sun o r M o o n . Let us tak e t h e S un. There are fo ur la nd m a r ks in the S un’s j o ur n ey in the heavens. Ver na l eq ui n ox, Autu m na l Eq ui n ox, Summ er S o ls t i ce a n d Winter S o ls t i ce.

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S o, to t i e al l t h i s to g e t h e r, we h ave S p r i n g S e aso n , Ti m e o f re n e wal an d re b i r t h . S i n ce t h e b e gi n n i n g o f S p r i n g m e an s t h e e n d o f t h e w i nte r se aso n , p e o p l e aro u n d t h e wo r l d ce l e b rate t h e fe st i val i n t h e i r ow n ways an d st y l e s. S e aso n s are an i nte gral p ar t o f l i fe o n E ar t h . Acco rd i n g to t h e m o o n su n H i n d u c al e n d ar, t h e re are si x se aso n s i n t h e ye ar. H i n d u s h ave u se d t h i s c al e n d ar to st r u c t u re t h e i r l i ve s aro u n d t h e se aso n o f t h e ye ar. St i l l u se d to d ay fo r i m p o r t ant fe st i val s an d re l i gi o u s o cc asi o n s. E ac h se aso n i s ab o u t 2 m o nt h s l o n g, an d sp e c i al ce l e b rat i o n s an d e ve nt s o cc u r d u r i n g e ac h o f t h e m . Springtime is the se aso n o f n e w l i fe, re j u ve n at i o n , an d re b i r t h – c al l e d Vasant R i t u i n I n d i a, i s co n si d e re d t h e k i n g o f

se aso n s for its m il d, p l e asant weather ac ro ss m uc h of I ndia . D e p e n d i n g on ea c h ye ar, Vasant R itu b e gi n s around m idFe b r u ar y a nd ends aro u n d m id-Apr il. Th e H i n d u m onths of Ch ai t ra and Ba isa k h co i n c i d e w ith this se aso n an d its is al so t i m e for som e i m p o r t ant H indu fe st i val s one of them b e i n g R ama N ava m i. Th e e q u i n ox, w hic h m ar k s t h e beginning o f sp r i n g i n I ndia an d t h e rest of the n o r t h e r n hem isphere an d au t u mn in the so u t h e r n hem isphere, o cc u r s at the m i d p o i nt of Va nsa nt. I t i s t h e se a son o f m ar r i ages a nd fe ast s. I t i s dur ing t h i s se ason that this e ar t h was honored by t h e b i r t h of Shr i R a m Ch an d ra.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Celebrations Rama Navami

I t was a g a i n i n s p r i n g t h at t h e co ro n at i o n o f R am to o k p l ace. H ence the s pr ing may b e ca lled t he K i n g o f S e aso n s. Spr ing i s a s ea s o n over f low i n g w i t h sy m b o l i sm . I t i s a t ran si t i o na l tim e of year, when t h e co ld a n d d ar k d i sap p e ar, an d t h e rai n s o f re b i r th fa l l upon t he E a r t h . The li g ht b e gi n s to sh i n e b r i g ht l y o n ce m o re, anim a l s emerg e o nce a g a i n, a n d pl ant s an d f l owe r s “sp r i n g” i nto b l o o m . At thi s t i m e o f yea r, ever y t h i n g e nte r s a st ate o f re n e wal. S o, o n a d eepe r level, s p r i n g i s a t i m e fo r u s to e m b ar k o n n e w j o u r n e ys a nd star t n ew p ro j ec t s wi t h fre sh i d e as. H ap py S p r i n g ! ! !

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Mythological Creature Dragon Shared By : High Priestess Gloriana Danu

t h e f l o o r, b u t i t ’s to o l ate. Th e w rat h o f t h e d rag o n i s u p o n yo u. What is a Dragon?

You r eyes wi d en in sur p r i s e a s t h e light f ro m yo ur torch b r i g htens t he d ar k c aver n . Yo u’re s ur roun d ed by a treasure t rove o f lo s t ar tifac t s a n d p reci o us metals. Yo u p i ck up a hand f ul o f rub i es a nd d iamon d s, s h ov i n g them i nto yo ur b a g. As you t ur n to leave, you gra b a s i lver mir ro r i n la i d wi t h var iou s s to n es. B efore yo u rea ch t h e entran ce however, a low hi s s res o nates i n the caver n . You tur n yo ur h ea d i n hor ror a s yo u rea li ze that th i s i s a d ra g o n’s lair. Fra nt i ca lly, yo u begin to t h row yo ur ill- go t ten g a i n s to

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As o n e o f t h e m o st p o p u l ar my t h o l o gi c al c re at u re s i n m o d e r n d ay, t h e d rag o n i s n o myste r y. I t d o e s, h owe ve r, h ave a l e n g t hy h i sto r y t h at m any p e o p l e are u n aware o f. Wh e n m o st p e o p l e e nv i si o n a d rag o n , t h e y t h i n k o f a l arg e re p t i l e - l i k e c re at u re w i t h e n o r m o u s w i n g s t h at b re at h e s f i re an d at t ac k s c ast l e s. H owe ve r, l i k e al l c re at u re s o f an c i e nt l o re, t h e d rag o n h ad m o re h u m b l e b e gi n n i n g s. D rag o n my t h o l o g y h as ex i ste d al m o st as l o n g as p e o p l e h ave. I n f ac t, m any o f t h e e ar l y M e so p o t am i an c u l t u re s an d o t h e r an c i e nt s i n t h e N e ar E ast h ave r i c h o ral

h i sto r i e s that tel l of m i g ht y stor m gods sav i n g t h e peopl e f ro m e v i l gia nt se r p e nt s. These se r p e nt s of ten ha d m any te r r ifying fe at u re s, ra nging f ro m f l u o rescent sk i n to t h e a bil it y to b re at h e f i re a nd fl y. Th e se my ths were t h e fo u n d ation of the m o d e r n p er spec tive o n d rag o n s.

Sohowcanoneaccurately describethefearsomedragon? Fo r st ar te r s, it seem s t h at a d ragon is ac t u al l y any for m o f se r p e nt that h as an e spec ia l l y fe ar so m e nature. Th i s i s i n dic ated by t h e wo rd ‘dra k on’ t h at t h e E ngl ish wo rd ‘d ragon’ was d e r i ve d f rom . ‘ D rak o n’ mea ns ‘ l arg e se r pent ’ o r ‘se a se r pent.’ Ad d i t i o n a l l y, m o st d ragons a re d e sc r i b e d a s being

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythological Creature Dragon evil in n at ure. Th i s is not a lways t he cas e, however, a s evid enced by Chine s e my t h o lo g y. There a re t i m es that dra g o n s a re als o s hown a s benevo lent a n d k nowled g ea b le creatures. The Evolution of the Dragon

I n ear ly cult ures, the d ra g o n s were of ten s een a s m i g ht y s er pe nt s a nd b ea s t s that were ei t h er ex trem ely b en evo lent or fears o me a n d d ifficult to k i ll. The b eli efs o f a region a re o f ten influen ced by g eogra p hi ca l locati o n . E a s ter n cultu res o f ten s aw d ra g o ns a s a k nowled g ea b le d ei t y that h a d p ower over s tor m s a n d water. Ad d iti o n a lly, t h ey als o s aw t h e d ra g o n as a p ower f ul a nd

13 Sisters of Delphi

b e n e vo l e nt c re at u re t h at co u l d ward o f f e v i l. We ste r n c u l t u re s h ad a ve r y d i f fe re nt p e r sp e c t i ve. Th e y o f te n saw d rag o n s as e v i l b e ast s t h at re ve l e d i n k i l l i n g an d c h ao s. M any d rag o n s are d e p i c te d as l i v i n g i n d ar k an d d an g e ro u s p l ace s t h at we re o f te n p e r i l o u s fo r m e n i n an c i e nt t i m e s. Ad d i t i o n al l y, t h e y we re o f te n t h o u g ht to g u ard h o ard s o f t re asu re. I n b o t h c u l t u re s, d rag o n s we re l arg e l y t h o u g ht to b e w i n g l e ss b e fo re t h e M e d i e val Ag e s. D u r i n g t h i s t i m e, t h e We ste r n c u l t u re s b e g an to t ran sfo r m t h e i r d rag o n p o r t rayal s, w h i l e t h e E aste r n c u l t u re s co nt i n u e d w i t h t h e i r t rad i t i o n s. Myths Associated with Dragons

Wh i l e m any p e o p l e k n ow t h at d rag o n s are t h o u g ht to g u ard h o ard s o f t re asu re, t h e re are

al so o t h e r myths t h at st i l l sur round t h e c re at u re. O n e su c h myth is that d rag o n’s bl ood hel d sp e c i al p roper ties t h at g ave a nyone w i t h acce ss to it u n i qu e o ppor tunities. I f, fo r ex am pl e, a p e r so n was to dip a swo rd o r k nife into d rag o n b l ood a nd st ab so m eone w ith it, t h e i r wo u n d woul d n e ve r h e a l. H owe ve r, n ot a l l t h i n g s ass oc iated w i t h d rag on bl ood are b ad. I t is a l so t h o u g ht t h at dra gon b l o o d gi ve s a per son t h e ab i l i t y to see into t h e f u t u re. I t i s al so thought t h at d rag ons from t h e E aste r n wor l d h ave t h e abil it y to c h an g e size an d sh ap e. I n f ac t, m ost of the d rag o n s f rom E a ster n l e g e n d s h ave the

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Mythological Creature Dragon abilit y to cha n g e i nto hu ma n fo r m at wi ll. Early Dragons in Ancient Cultures

I n ear ly cult ures, there a re ma ny t a les of ben evo lent s to r m g od s t hat d efeated giant s ea s er p ent s in order to s ave m a n k i n d. There a re ma ny vers ion s o f t h i s t a le – one o f t h e mo s t popu la r i n mo d er n d ay b ei n g Ya hweh’s pred i c ted b at t le with t he mi g ht y Leviat h a n . Th es e tales gi ve i ns i g ht to the found at i o n s o f many cult ures t hat exis t i n mo d er n d ay. Mushussu The m us hus s u (more p o p ula r ly k nown a s t he s ir rus h d ue to a mistra n s lat i o n), was an a nci ent d rago n o f t he M es o p o t a m i a n regi o n that wa s t h o ug ht to be an at tend a nt to the g o d s.

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Th i s c re at u re was t h o u g ht to ac t u al l y l i ve i n t h e B aby l o n i an p al ace s – u nt i l su p p o se d l y m e e t i n g i t s e n d at t h e h an d s o f t h e b i b l i c al p ro p h e t D an i e l. Th e sto r y g o e s t h at t h e B aby l o n i an p r i e st s to o k D an i e l to t h e te m p l e o f B e l ( N e b u c h ad n e zzar ’s g o d ) an d sh owe d h i m a gre at d rag o n t h at m any b e l i e ve to b e t h e m u sh u ssu. U p o n se e i n g t h e c re at u re, t h e y c h al l e n g e d h i m to m atc h h i s i nv i si b l e g o d ( Yahwe h ) ag ai n st t h e i r l i v i n g g o d. Eve nt u al l y, D an i e l p o i so n e d t h e m u sh u ssu. Apep Ap e p was co n si d e re d to b e a gi ant se r p e nt t h at was t h e gre ate st e n e my o f t h e su n g o d, R a. Th e re are m any depictions of him in Eg y p t i an my t h o l o g y an d an c i e nt Eg y p t i an R e l i gi o n b e c au se o f

h i s gre at i nfl uence. Wh i l e k n ow n to be an e v i l d e i t y that e m b o d i e d c ha os a nd d e st r u c t i on, he wa s al so o n e of the m ost i m p o r t ant sym bol s in t h e i r c u l t ure. Tal e s o f Apep d e sc r i b e h im a s a b e i n g o f i m pressive si ze – so m e sources c l ai m t h at he st re tc h e d to nea r l y 1 6 yard s i n l ength ( 4 8 fe e t ) . Tal e s f ro m a nc ient so u rce s tel l us that Ap e p was a ssoc iated w i t h t h e u nder wor l d. I t was t h ought that t h e su n set at night an d ro se i n the m o r n i n g to signify t h e t i m e s dur ing w h i c h R a ( the sun g o d ) m u st descend i nto t h e under wor l d an d b at t l e w ith Ap e p to protec t the p e o p l e above. Th e re are a l so ta l es t h at su g g e st that t h u n d e r stor m s were c au se d by Apep’s

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Mythological Creature Dragon battle s wi t h S et (god o f s to r ms, violen ce, etc. ). Vritra Vr itra i s a gi a nt d rago n t h at co mes from ea r ly Ved i c religio n . H e i s thou g ht to b e a n evil ent i t y a n d i s k nown to b e t he pers o ni f i cat i o n of d ro ug ht. S ome s o urces a ls o tell u s t h at h e wa s the fi rs t b o r n o f t he d rago n s. H e i s a n enemy o f I nd ra – t h e benevo lent d ei t y that wa s s een a s a protec t i ve g o d. Vr itra wa s k nown to block t he co urs e o f the r i vers t hat were vital to t h e p eo p le o f these la n d s. H e h eld these waters ho s t a g e until h e wa s d efeated and s la i n by t he might y I n d ra . Leviathan Leviat h a n i s one o f t he mo s t popu la r s er p ent s

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i n my t h o l o g y o f m o d e r n d ay d u e to t h e l arg e i n f l u e n ce o f Ch r i st i an i t y. Lo re te l l s u s t h at Le v i at h an i s a te r r i b l e se r p e nt t h at m ay st re tc h 3 0 0 m i l e s in length. H e h as d o u b l e ar m o re d sc al e s t h at are f i t te d so t i g ht l y to g e t h e r t h at n o ai r c an g e t t h ro u g h . Le v i at h an i s al so k n ow n to h ave g l ow i n g e ye s an d sk i n , as we l l as t h e ab i l i t y to b re at h e f i re. At o n e p o i nt i n t i m e, t h e re we re su p p o se d l y t wo Le v i at h an s – o n e m al e an d o n e fe m al e. H owe ve r, t h e y we re co r r u p te d sh o r t l y af te r t h e i r c re at i o n an d e ve nt u al l y t h e fe m al e h ad to b e k i l l e d so t h at t h e i r sp aw n wo u l d n o t d e vo u r t h e wo r l d. Le g e n d te l l s u s t h at Yahwe h w i l l d e sce n d to t h e e ar t h at t h e e n d o f d ays an d d e fe at t h i s gre at se r p e nt o n ce an d fo r al l.

Typhon, Hydra, and other Greek Serpent Monsters

Wh i l e al l cul tures h ave my t h ol ogy that i s h e av i l y infl uenced by se r p e nts a nd d rag o n s, Greek my t h o l o g y is per ha ps t h e m o st wel l k now n i n m o d e r n day. Two o f t h e m o st fa m ous sto r i e s co n cer n Ty p h o n an d H ydra . Ty p h o n was a ser pent m o n ste r t h at wa s c re ate d by Zeus’ m o t h e r b ec a use she fe l t t h at h e ha d been at f au l t fo r the way h e h ad over throw n h i s f at h e r. Ty p h o n rose up a nd te r ro r i ze d the gods t h at l i ve d on M ount O l y m p u s. He wa s al m o st u n stoppa bl e – b u t Ze u s wa s a bl e to ove rco me the m o n ste r w ith the h e l p o f a few of h i s si b l i n gs. H yd ra was a m ul tih e ad e d ser pent that was sai d to l ive in t h e l ak e o f Ler na .

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Mythological Creature Dragon At the t i m e, Ler n a was co n s i d ered to b e the ent ra n ce to t he und er wo r ld. H yd ra was th o ug ht to b e und efeat a b le b eca us e ever y t i me o ne o f i t s head s wa s cut o f f, t wo grew b a ck i n its place. I n ad di t i o n to t hi s, one o f t h e h ea d s o f H yd ra wa s i mmo r t a l. The d ra g o n wa s event ua lly overco m e by He rcules, who k illed i t b ut cut t i ng off its h ea d s a nd caute r i z i n g t h e wou nd. H e t h en to o k the im mo r t a l h ea d and b ur i ed it u ndergro und. The Dragon is Modernized by the Middle Ages

I n the M ed i eva l times, t a les o f d rago ns f ro m s evera l cultu res i n clud i n g G raeco -R o ma n wr itin g s, B i b li ca l tales, a nd Wes ter n Eu rop ea n leg en d s. The res ult wa s the d ra g o n t h at i s

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m o st o f te n t h o u g ht o f i n m o d e r n d ay. Th i s t ran sfo r m at i o n to o k p l ace d u r i n g a 3 0 0 ye ar t i m e sp an f ro m t h e 1 1 t h ce nt u r y to t h e 1 3 t h ce nt u r y. O n e o f t h e m o st f am o u s d rag o n t al e s to ar i se f ro m t h i s t i m e was t h e o n e t h at wo u l d gi ve r i se to t h e c h i l d p ro p h e t M e r l i n . I t i s sai d t h at i n t h e 1 2 t h ce nt u r y a war l o rd by t h e n am e o f Vo r t i g e r n was t r y i n g to b u i l d a towe r o n M o u nt S n owd o n as p ro te c t i o n ag ai n st t h e An g l o - S axo n s. H e was u n su cce ssf u l i n h i s e f fo r t s h owe ve r, b e c au se e ac h t i m e t h e towe r was co n st r u c te d i t was swal l owe d u p by t h e gro u n d. Th e c h i l d p ro p h e t M e r l i n i n fo r m e d t h e war l o rd t h at h i s towe r wo u l d n’t st an d b e c au se t h e re was an u n d e rgro u n d p o o l d i re c t l y b e l ow h i s fo u n d at i o n .

I n i t l ay t wo sl eeping d rag o n s – one w h i te an d one red. Vo r t i g e r n ha d the p o o l d rai ned a nd t h e t wo d ra gons e m e rg e d. As soon a s t h e y we re exposed to t h e su r fa ce, they b e g an f i g hting. M e r l i n p rophesized t h at t h e w hite d rag o n woul d p re vai l over the red d rag o n , sym bol iz ing E n g l an d ’s conq uest o f Wal e s. However, h e al so te ll s that the re d d rag o n woul d e ve nt u al l y retur n an d d e fe at the w hite d rag o n . Th e w hite d rag o n won, a s p ro p h e si zed. Legends of Dragons in Many Cultures

Th ro u g h o u t histor y, m any c u l t ures b o t h e m b ra ced a nd ab h o r re d dra gons an d t h e d a nger s that acco m p an ied them . Th e re are hundreds o f sto r i e s of heroes w h o ro se up to co n q u e ro r dra gons,

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Mythological Creature Dragon as we ll a s t a les o f d rago n s t hat h elp ed hu ma n i t y i n t h ei r time o f need. Thakane – DragonSlaying Princess

The tale o f Th a k a n e comes f ro m S o ut h Afr ica n my t ho lo g y. I t tell s o f a yo un g pr inces s na med Thak a n e. S he wa s t h e d aug hter o f a great and p ower f ul ch i ef. Unfor t unately, her father a nd mo t h er pas s ed away b efo re s he an d h er b ro t h ers were f ully grown . This l ef t her wi t h the re s p o n s i b i li t y of rais i ng t h em to be great wa r r i o rs as we ll. Th i s led to her tak i n g ca re o f all the i r need s a n d think i n g a ro un d their la z y a nd pr id ef ul tend enci es. When t h ey were o f ag e, Tha k a n e to o k her t wo b ro t hers to a war r i o r t ra i ni n g s choo l up i n t h e mou nt a i n s. Af ter

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m o nt h s o f t rai n i n g t h e y we re re ad y to grad u ate – b u t t h e re was so o n an i ssu e. I t was t h e c u sto m o f Th ak an e’s p e o p l e to gi ve a grad u at i n g war r i o r a g ar m e nt s an d a sh i e l d m ad e o f t h e sk i n s o f an i m al s k i l l e d by t h e i r f at h e r s. Th ak an e h ad p re p are d t h e sk i n s o f gre at b e ast s ( l i k e l i o n s an d o t h e r p re d ato r s) fo r t h i s p u r p o se, b u t h e r p r i d e f u l b ro t h e r s d i d n’t t h i n k t h e se sk i n s we re g o o d e n o u g h . I n ste ad, t h e y wante d a n an ab o l e l e sk i n . A n an ab o l e l e i s a wate rd we l l i n g d rag o n t h at co m e s f ro m B aso t h o my t h o l o g y. Th e y we re fe ar so m e c re at u re s t h at we re k n ow n to gi ve o f f a f l u o re sce nt l i g ht i n t h e d ar k an d we re al ways su r ro u n d e d by a c l o u d o f re d sm o k e w h e n t h e y ar r i ve d. Th e y we re ex t re m e l y d i f f i c u l t to k i l l – g o i n g af te r a n an ab o l e l e was o f te n co n si d e re d to b e

a su i c i d e mission. H owe ve r, Tha k a ne was d e te r m ined to u p h o l d h er fa m il y ’s h o n o r an d sta r ted l o o k i n g for wa r r ior s to acco m pa ny her for h e r j o u r n e y. Th ak an e eventua l l y fo u n d t h e l a ir of the n an ab o l e l e’s a nd sl aye d t h e biggest b e ast sh e coul d f i n d w h e n they fel l asl e e p. Th e ol d wo m an g ave her a m agi c al p e bbl e that wo u l d p rotec t her an d t h e o ther hunter s f ro m t h e s ur viving n an ab o l e l es a nd Th ak an e re tur ned h o m e a h ero. She h ad t h e p roper grad u at i o n gif ts m ad e fo r her younger b ro t h e r s a nd uphel d h e r f am i l y honor. Saint George & The Dragon

O n e o f t h e m ost p o p u l ar accounts in Eu ro p e o f dra gon my t h o l o g y is the t al e o f S ai nt G eorge an d t h e d ra gon. This

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Mythological Creature Dragon s tor y b egi ns wi t h t h e plight o f t h e ci t y o f Silene, L i bya . Th e cit y o f S i lene wa s plag ued by a d ra g o n that wa s feed i n g o f f of thei r s heep h erd s. They fo ug ht a g a i n s t the b ea s t unt i l it k ill ed a yo un g s heph erd. At t hi s point, t h e ci t y d ecid ed t hat i t wo uld be eas i er to leave t wo s h eep by t h e lake e a ch mo r n i n g s o that t h e d ra g o n’s hu nger wo uld be s at i s f i ed. Event ua lly, however, the d ra g o n ate a ll of the s h eep a nd the vi lla g ers were forced to s a cr i f i ce their own chi ld ren to the creat ure. Th i s was do n e t h ro ug h a rand o m lo t ter y. O ne day, t he K i ng’s d aug hter wa s chos en . D i s t ra ug ht, he pl ea d ed fo r t h e merc y a n d a s ked t hat a d ifferent s a cr i f i ce be ma d e. H i s cr i es

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we re i gn o re d, h owe ve r, an d t h e yo u n g gi r l was c h ai n e d to t h e ro c k by t h e l ak e fo r t h e d rag o n . Lu c k i l y fo r t h e K i n g, S ai nt G e o rg e h ap p e n e d to wan d e r i nto t h e i r p rov i n ce an d saw t h e yo u n g gi r l by t h e l ak e i n t h e e ar l y h o u r s o f t h e m o r n i n g. H e wai te d fo r t h e d rag o n to ap p e ar, an d w h e n i t t r i e d to e at t h e yo u n g gi r l h e st ab b e d i t w i t h i t s l an ce. H e t h e n t am e d i t by m ak i n g t h e si gn o f t h e c ro ss an d u si n g t h e p r i n ce ss’ gi rd l e as a l e ad fo r t h e b e ast. St. G e o rg e an d t h e p r i n ce ss l e d t h e n ow d o c i l e c re at u re i nto tow n an d p ro m i se d to k i l l t h e d rag o n i f t h e p e o p l e co nve r te d to Ch r i st i an i t y. Th e y agre e d an d h e sl aye d t h e b e ast. La Gargouille – The First Gargoyle

I n e ar l y Fran ce, a d rag o n by t h e n am e o f La G arg o u i l l e was te r ro r i zi n g t h e p e o p l e w h o l i ve d by t h e

r i ve r S e i n e. I t wa s c re at i n g te r r ibl e f l o o d s t h at r uined c ro p s an d k il l ed p e o p l e. I t a l so sa nk sh i p s, re su l ting in t h e l o ss o f wea l th an d l i fe. D e sp e rate, the p e o p l e o f R ouen d e c i d e d to m a k e a h u m an sacr ifice to t h e d rag o n once a ye ar to appea se its h u n g e r and save t h e i r c i t y. This wa s d o n e fo r severa l ye ar s b e fore a pr iest n am e d R o m a nus h ap p e n e d upon t h e i r tow n . R o m an u s wa s t rave l i n g when he sto p p e d i n the c it y o f R o u e n and hea rd t h e p l i g ht of the p e o p l e. H e tol d t h e m t h at if they b u i l t a c h urc h in t h e i r c i t y he woul d sl ay t h e d ra gon. Th e y agre ed a nd b u i l t h i m a c hurc h. Wh e n i t h a d been f i n i sh e d, he went out

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Mythological Creature Dragon to face t h e ter r i b le L a G arg o ui lle. Af ter a strug g le, h e s layed the d ra g o n. H e t h en s evere d t he h ea d of the b ea s t a n d mou nted i t to t he walls o f t he ci t y. This is how t h e f i rs t g arg oy le wa s created. The Midgard Serpent

I t is th o ug ht t h at t h e M id g a rd S er p ent wa s one o f t he chi ld ren of the gi a nt, Lo k i , in No rs e my t h o lo g y. This e v i l water s er pe nt i s k n own to fight wi t h Th o r – i n the en d d ays i t i s fated t h at t h ey wi ll battle to t he d eat h . The M i d g a rd S er p ent is k nown to b e s o larg e t hat i t ca n wrap i t s elf a ro un d the full len g t h o f t he wor ld a n d gra s p i t s tail be t ween i t s teet h (hence i t s na me). I t is th o ug ht t h at t h e end of t he wo r ld wi ll come wh en t h e b ea s t d ecid es to let g o o f its tai l.

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Th e Vi k i n g s to o k m u c h i n sp i rat i o n f ro m t h e t al e o f t h e M i d g ard S e r p e nt. B e c au se o f t h e c re at u re, t h e Vi k i n g s we re i n sp i re d to c ar ve d rag o n h e ad s o nto t h e f ro nt o f t h e i r l o n g sh i p s. Th e se sh i p s we re c al l e d ‘d rak k ar ’ ( d rag o n sh i p s) an d we re u se d to st r i k e fe ar i nto t h e h e ar t s o f t h e i r e n e m i e s w h e n t h e y we re se e n ap p ro ac h i n g i n t h e d i st an ce. Chinese Legends Al t h o u g h m any c u l t u re s h ave a d e e p - ro o te d fe ar fo r t h e d rag o n an d o t h e r se r p e ntl i k e c re at u re s, Ch i n e se my t h o l o g y h as a ve r y d i f fe re nt p e r sp e c t i ve. Th e y b e l i e ve t h at t h e d rag o n i s re sp o n si b l e fo r m any b e n e vo l e nt gi f t s su c h as g o o d rai n s t h at i n t u r n b r i n g g o o d h ar ve st s – an d p e r h ap s e ve n l i fe i t se l f. Th e re are se ve ral t al e s t h at su g g e st t h at t h e d rag o n i s t h e m o st i m p o r t ant my t h o l o gi c al

c re at u re of a l l. I n f ac t, t h i s creature i s so re sp e c ted in t h e Ch i n e s e c ul ture t h at fo r m a ny yea r s o n l y e m p e ror s were al l owe d to have a ny i te m t h at represented o r was assoc iated w i t h t h e dra gon. The Dragon Kings of China

Th e D rag on K ings we re t h o ught to be gre at an d power ful d e i t i e s t h at l ived i n m agi c al c r ysta l p al ace s u n der neath t h e se a. M any p e o pl e t h o u g ht t h ese c a stl es we re p ar t of the U n d e r wo r l d, a nd as su c h coul d onl y b e re ac h e d through se c re t e nt ra nces an d c ave s. Th e re we re thought to b e f i ve Dra gon K i n g s. Th ey co nt ro l l e d the rai n s an d r ul ed ove r t h e water s.

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Mythological Creature Dragon Four o f t he f i ve k i ng s were p o s i t i o n ed at the ca rd i na l p o i nt s (Nor th , S o ut h, Eas t, Wes t ) a nd ru led over t hei r own s ec tio n o f s ea . The chief D ra g o n K i ng lived i n t h e mi d d le o f these fo ur k i ng s. I t was t h o ug ht t hat the Dra g o n K i n g s were d ei f i ed fo rces of nat ure. When t h e Water D ra g o n s ro s e to the s ur f a ce o f t he ocean , i t wa s t ho ug ht that th ey ca us ed t yphoo n s. When t hey flew, t here wa s h eav y rain a nd s o m et i mes hu r r ic a n es. Dongfu – the Great Dragon Trainer

Leg en d tells us t hat there o nce li ved a man who h a d a great love fo r d ra g o n s even t ho ug h h e wa s not pa r t o f t h e royal f a m i ly. He wa s b o r n wi t h the uni q ue gi f t to und ers t a nd t h e will o f t he d ra g o ns – which i n t ur n

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al l owe d h i m to rai se t h e se b e ast s to b e g o o d an d n o b l e c re at u re s. Wh e n E m p e ro r S h i n b e c am e aware o f h i s ab i l i t i e s, h e i nv i te d t h e m an to l i ve i n t h e royal p al ace so t h at h e m ay t rai n d rag o n s. H e e ve n g ave D o n g f u a n e w n am e t h at was n o r m al l y re se r ve d fo r t h e royal f am i l y – ‘ H u an l o n g.’ Th i s n e w n am e ( H u an l o n g ) m e ant ‘d rag o n rai se r.’ Th u s, H u an l o n g we nt o n to l i ve a l o n g an d p ro sp e ro u s l i fe. Miao Creation Legend

An an c i e nt M i ao l e g e n d te l l s u s t h at d rag o n s m ay b e re sp o n si b l e fo r t h e ex i ste n ce o f h u m an k i n d. Acco rd i n g to t h e i r t rad i t i o n s, t h e f i r st p e o p l e h ad t h e i r o r i gi n s as m o n k e ys. Th e re was a Gre at D rag o n t h at l i ve d i n a c ave. Th e re we re al so m o n k e ys t h at c am e i n si d e h i s c ave to p l ay.

O n e d ay, the Great D rag o n b reathed o nto t h e se m onk eys an d t h u s, the fir st m e n an d wom en we re c re ated. Origin of the Dragon Myth

Th e re are severa l t h e o r i e s as to w h e re t h e dra gon my t h co u l d have co m e f ro m . These t h e o r i e s s pa n from i n sp i rat i o n from ex i st i n g c reatures to u n d i scovered l i fe fo r m s a nd fo ssi l re m a ins. S o m e al so bel ieve t h at t h e se gia nt se r p e nt s were c re ate d as a way of d e m o n st rating the p owe r o f cer ta in re l i gi o u s deities. Existing Creatures Inspired Dragon Myths

O n e o f t h e m ost o bv i o u s an swer s to w h at i nspired t h e d rag o n myth is si m p l y t h at existing c re at u re s inspired t h e sto r i e s.

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Mythological Creature Dragon This theo r y i s a lik ely ca n d i d ate – esp eci a lly when look in g at s to r i es lik e ‘ Th a k a n e, t he Pr inces s D ra g o n Slaye r.’ I t is ap p a rent to most wh o s t ud y t hi s s tor y t hat t h e water d rago n i n q ues t i o n i s ac tua lly a cro co d i le. O ther creat ures wh o are th o ug ht to h ave ins pired va r i o us s tor ie s i nclud e s nak es, eels, a n d moni to r li z a rd s. There a re a ls o t ho s e who beli eve t h at the in s p i rat i o n may have co me f ro m a n und is covered s p eci es of rep t i le. While ma ny a re d ou b t f ul t hat a s peci es o f s uch a larg e s i ze co uld h ave s ur vived to m o d er n d ay wi t h o ut b ei n g noticed, i t i s s t i ll a n accepted t heo r y.

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Fossil Remains Inspired Dragon Myths

Th e re are al so t h o se w h o b e l i e ve o u r an ce sto r s m ay h ave b e e n i n sp i re d by t h e fo ssi l re m ai n s o f d i n o sau r s an d o t h e r m e g af au n a w h e n t h e y c re ate d t h e i r t al e s. Th i s i s an o t h e r p o p u l ar t h e o r y, e sp e c i al l y si n ce m any o f t h e c u l t u re s w i t h d rag o n t al e s are i n are as w h e re m any fo ssi l s h ave b e e n d i scove re d. Religion Inspired Dragon Myths

An o t h e r t h e o r y i s t h at re l i gi o n co u l d h ave i n sp i re d t h e d rag o n my t h s. Th i s i s p ar t i al l y b e c au se i t was so co m m o n fo r M e so p o t am i an an d N e ar E aste r n c u l t u re s to h ave sto r i e s o f sto r m g o d s ove rco m i n g m i g ht y se r p e nt b e ast s.

b at t l e w i t h Le v i at h an . Fear Inspired Dragon Myths

Last, b u t cer ta inl y n o t l e ast, it is a l so p o ssi b l e t h at our ow n fe ar and pr im a l i n st i n c t s i nspired t h e l e g e n ds. M any sc i e ntists hy p o t h e si ze that h u m an s m ay have a p re - p ro gra m ed fea r i n st i n c t towa rds sn ak e s an d other re p t i l e s. This theor y, co m b i n e d w ith the p l ace s t h at dra gons we re sai d to exist ( o ce an s, l ak es, d ar k c ave s, a nd o t h e r p e r il ous l o c at i o n s) coul d su g g e st t hat dra gon my t h s we re c reated as a c au t i ona r y ta l e to m an . https://mythology.net/ mythical- creatures/dragon/

O n e o f t h e m o st p o p u l ar o f t h e se my t h s to su r v i ve i n m o d e r n d ay i s t h e t al e o f Yahwe h an d h i s p ro p h e si ze d

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Mythological Creature Dryad I n the G reek wor ld, ny mp h s were ever y wh ere. They were n at ure g od d e s s es a nd, even i f t h ey were rarely ever s een by hu ma ns, t hey co uld be fou n d i n a ll t h e places t hat t rees grew, water ra n , wind b lew, a ni ma ls flou r i s hed, a n d mou nt a i n s s o a red. L ik e m o s t ny mp h s, the d r ya d s were beau t i f ul yo ung wome n wh o ins pired great love amon g mo r t a ls a n d g od s a li ke. U nli ke most o t h er ny mp h s, thou g h, yo u d i d no t have to b e b o r n a d r yad to b eco m e a s pir it o f t h e t rees. The d r ya d s were s ome o f t he mo s t famou s ny mp h s o f G reek my t ho lo g y. They were wi ves, lovers, m o t hers, compa n i o n s, a n d caretakers to g o d s and men a li ke.

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Shared By : High Priestess Gloriana Danu The Dryad Nymphs

Th e ny m p h s we re m i n o r g o d d e sse s, u su al l y t i e d to a sp e c i f i c p l ace. Th e y re p re se nte d n at u ral fe at u re s l i k e b o d i e s o f wate r, i sl an d s, o r m o u nt ai n s. Al m o st e ve r y t h i n g i n t h e l an d sc ap e co u l d h ave a l i v i n g g o d d e ss at t ac h e d to i t. As g o d d e sse s, m o st ny m p h s h ad so m e su p e r n at u ral ab i l i t i e s an d t h e i r l i fe sp an s, w h i l e n o t al ways i m m o r t al, we re f ar l o n g e r t h an t h o se o f h u m an s. Th e i r p owe r s we re m o re l i m i te d, t h o u g h , t h an t h o se o f t h e m o re m aj o r g o d s. Am o n g t h e se, t h e d r yad s we re sp e c i f i c al l y t h e ny m p h s o f t h e t re e s. Th e Gre e k wo rd d r ys m e ant “o ak ” an d t h e te r m d r yad i n i t i al l y o n l y ap p l i e d to t h o se ny m p h s w h o we re sp i r i t s o f o ak t re e s. I n t i m e, h owe ve r, t h e wo rd b e c am e a te r m fo r al l t re e ny m p h s

re g ard l e ss o f t h e t y pe of tree t h e y i n h abited. N y m p h s were t h o u g ht to occ ur t h ro u g h o u t the n at u ral wor l d, but t h e y o f te n hid from h u m an s. When they we re se e n they we re d e sc r ibed a s b e au t i f u l young m ai d e n s w ho we re graceful, but o cc asi o n al l y a b i t w i l d. N y m p h s did not b e l o n g to the c u l t u re d cities of the Gre e k wo r l d. They we re sp i r i ts of t h e w i l d e r ness. Gre e k c u l ture e n su re d t h at the d r yad s we re fa r re m ove d from m ost asp e c t s o f da il y l ife. Cu l t i vat i o n ha d c l e are d t he forests i n t h e val leys a nd p l ai n s o f Greece, m o st fo re stsrem a ined o n l y o n t he r ugged m o u nt ai n sides.

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Mythological Creature Dryad As sp i r i t s who were far rem oved f ro m intera c t i o n wi t h mo s t people, d r ya d s were of ten s hy. Thei r wild nat ure s h owed, howe ver, wh en s o m e of them j o i n ed i n the re velr i es of Dionys us. Th e d r yads a nd o t h er nymp h s were k nown to b e fo n d o f d anci ng, b ut never came o ut to d o s o unles s t hey k n ew t h e coast wa s clea r. Their ma le cou nter p a r t s were the ru s t i c g o d s s uch a s Pa n a nd t h e s at yrs. The fema le nymp h s were mo re refined a n d gra cef ul than t h e wi ld, b es t i a l male s p i r i t s b ut o f ten joined t h em i n t h ei r wild exp lo i t s. The t wo gro up s o f d eities were o f ten linked to g et h er, both cult ura lly a n d romant i ca lly. At other t i mes, h owever, the ru s t i c g o d s posed a t hreat to t h e

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p hysi c al safe t y o f t h e d r yad s an d o t h e r ny m p h s. The Companions of Artemis

N y m p h s, e sp e c i al l y d r yad s, we re h ard to f i n d i n t h e an c i e nt wo r l d. Al t h o u g h t h e y ex i ste d e ve r y w h e re i n n at u re, t h e y p re fe r re d to st ay away f ro m h u m an s. Th e y al so avo i d e d m o st o f t h e g o d s. Gre e k my t h o l o g y i s f u l l o f sto r i e s o f ny m p h s b e i n g c h ase d an d at t ac k e d by l u st f u l g o d s, so t h e y o f te n p re fe r re d to st ay o u t o f si g ht.

Theonemajorexceptiontothis was Artemis. Th e g o d d e ss o f h u nt i n g, Ar te m i s was a gre at f r i e n d to t h e ny m p h s. H e r e nt i re re t i n u e was m ad e u p o f ny m p h s w h o, l i k e h e r, p re fe r re d r u n n i n g t h ro u g h t h e fo re st to t h e r u l e s an d l i m i t at i o n s o f l i fe o n M o u nt O l y m p u s. As an avowe d v i rgi n , Ar te m i s al so u se d h e r st re n g t h as an O l y m p i an to

p ro te c t t h e wea k er ny m p h s f rom u nwante d a dva nces by b o t h h u m a ns an d g o d s. M o st o f h er co m p an i o ns took a si m i l ar vow of ce l i b ac y, al though a fe w o f t he dr ya ds an d n ai ad s w ith her l e f t to g e t m a r r ied. Th e d r yads were her c l o se st com pa nions, j o i n i n g h er in her h u nt s an d l iving h ap p i l y i n the forest. Th e i r p ro tec tive g o d d e ss kept them safe r, w h i le they p rov i d e d her w ith co m p an i o nship that was m o re to her l i k e l y t h an that o f t h e o t h er O l y m p i an goddesses. Becoming a Dryad

I n ad d i t i o n to the ny m p h s w ho were b o r n as t h e spir its o f t re e s, t here wa s an o t h e r group of d r yad s. Th ese were u su al l y nym phs a s we l l, al t h ough they

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Mythological Creature Dryad d id no t b egi n t h ei r lives b o un d to veg et at i o n .

t ran sfo r m e d t h e m i nto a grove o f p o p l ar t re e s to e n d t h e i r gr i e f.

M any ny mp h s i n G reek my t ho lo g y were t ur n ed i nto trees a n d, t hus, transfo r m ed i nto d r yads. Thi s wa s of ten d o n e at t he nymp h’s req ues t, us ually t hro ug h t h e powers o f G a i a .

M o st, h owe ve r, we re t ran sfo r m e d as a m e an s o f e sc ap e. N o t al l ny m p h s o f t h e fo re st we re p ro te c te d by Ar te m i s. S o m e fo u n d t h e m se l ve s r u n n i n g f ro m t h e ad van ce s o f am o ro u s g o d s an d men with little hope o f e sc ap e. Th e y we re t u r n e d i nto t re e s to sp are t h e m t h e sh am e an d p ai n o f b e i n g c au g ht by t h e se m e n .

The M o t h er E a r t h was pro tec t i ve o f her chi ld ren , a n d a s g od des s es who were conne c ted to nat ure the ny mp h s ha d a par tic ula r ly clo s e bond wi t h h er. A few ny mp h s und er went t he transfo r m at i o n i nto d r yads to s p a re t hem from hea r t a ch e o r emot i o na l p a i n. The H eli a d es, fo r exam p le, were d aug hters o f t h e s un g od H eli o s. Th ey were s o overco me with gr i ef when t h ei r you nger b ro t h er was k i lled t hat G a i a

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O n e o f t h e m o st f am o u s o f t h e se t ran sfo r m at i o n s was t h at o f D ap h n e. S h e b e c am e a l au re l t re e w h e n Ap o l l o, as a re su l t o f a t r i c k p l aye d by E ro s, we nt m ad w i t h l ove fo r h e r.

I t wasn’t just nym phs an d Ti t an esses w ho co u l d b e tur ned into d r yad s. The stor y of D r yo p e was one of a h u m an w ho wa s t ran sfo r m ed by the d r yad s sh e h ad b e f r i ended. D r yo p e h a d b e f r i e n d e d the ny m p h s w hil e sh e te n d e d to her f at h e r ’s f l oc k s. Th e f r i e n dship ha d e ar n e d t h e attention o f Ap o l l o, a nd she g ave b i r t h to his son. Wh e n h e r son wa s grow n an d bec a m e k i n g, t h e dr ya ds she h ad k n ow n in her yo u t h c am e to her in t h e fo re st a ga in. Dr yo p e was c hang ed from m o r t al to N y mphe. Amphis s os,

Pi t ys b e c am e a p i n e t re e w h i l e f l e e i n g f ro m o n e o f t h e r u st i c g o d s. Syce u s, a Ti t an e ss, was t ran sfo r m e d i nto t h e f i r st f i g t re e to e sc ap e u nwante d at te nt i o n f ro m Ze u s.

in ho no ur o f t he favou r s hown to his m o t her, s et u p a s hr ine to t he N y m p hai and was the f ir st to inaugurate a footrace t here. To this day loca l p eo p le m aint ain this race. I t is no t ho ly fo r women to be p resent t here becau s e s ome m aidens to ld loca l people that

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Mythological Creature Dryad D r yop e h a d be e n s n atch e d away by N y m ph a i . Th e N y m p h a i were a ngr y at t h is a n d t u r n ed t h e ma idens into p in es.

-Antoninus Liberalis, Metamorphoses (trans. Celoria)

I n the s to r y o f Dr yop es, t he transfo r mat i o n f ro m hu ma n to d r ya d wa s a great gi f t. Fo r t he gir ls w h o s p rea d fals e s to r i es a b o ut her, h owever, i t wa s a pu n i s hm ent. For th o s e who were tu r ned i nto d r ya d s, their t ra n s fo r mat i o n into a t ree kep t t hem s afe. Wh et her f ro m their own s uf fer i ng or from d a n g ero us men, t he d r ya d s were s afe as t rees.

•

The Classes of the Tree Nymphs

While t he ter m D r ya d g enera lly a p p li es to tree ny mp h s, t here were a c t ua lly s evera l t ypes of thes e. •

The M eli a e were as h t ree ny mp h s.

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•

Th e y m ar r i e d m e n o f t h e S i l ve r Ag e, b e fo re t h e f i r st wo m an was c re ate d, an d b e c am e t h e m ate r n al an ce sto r s o f al l o f m an k i n d. Th e O re ad s we re t h e sp i r i t s o f m o u nt ai n co n i fe r s. I n ad d i t i o n to t h e i r t re e s, t h e y c am e to re p re se nt t h e m o u nt ai n s t h e m se l ve s. Th e H am ad r yad s we re o ak an d p o p l ar t re e s U n l i k e so m e o f t h e o t h e r c l asse s o f d r yad s, t h e y we re u su al l y co n n e c te d to t h e i r t re e an d ro o te d i n p l ace. Th e M e l i ad e s we re b o t h f r u i t t re e g o d d e sse s an d p ro te c to r s o f sh e e p, as t h e Gre e k wo rd m e l as m e ant b o t h “sh e e p” an d “ap p l e.” Th e H e sp e r i d e s w h o g u ard e d t h e g o l d e n ap p l e s o f H e ra we re M e l i ad e s. D ap h n ae i we re l au re l t re e d r yad s. Th e y to o k t h e i r n am e f ro m D ap h n e, t h e f i r st o f

•

t h e i r k i nd. Am p e l oi were grap e v i ne g o d d e sses. They we re p ar tic ul a r l y i m p o r t ant in the w i n e - grow ing re gi o n s of the M e d i te r ra nea n.

M any sp e cific t ypes o f sp e c i e s of trees h ad t h e i r ow n c l a ss o f d r yad s. They te n d e d, l i ke the trees t h e y re p resented, to co n gre g ate in groups o f a si m i l ar t ype. Sacred Trees and the Dryads

Th e H am adr ya ds we re t h e most n u m e ro u s a nd we l l - k n own of t h e t re e nym phs. Th e sp i r i t s of oa k an d p o p l a r trees, t h e y we re found t h ro u g h o u t Greece. Th e o ak s i n p ar t i c u l ar were m ore l i k e l y to grow away f ro m o t h e r s of their k i n d. B o t h they a nd t h e p o p l ar s were o f te n fo u nd c l oser

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Mythological Creature Dryad to huma ns a n d o n the ed g es o f r i vers. The H a ma d r ya d s were n o tewo r t hy fo r the fa c t t hat, un li ke many o f t he o t h er nymp h s, t h ei r li ves were b o und to a n ind iv i d ua l t ree. O ther d r ya d s watch ed over t h e trees t hat grew i n a par tic ula r grove o r area. When o ne tree fell, t h ere were others nea r by. The s olitar y H a m a d r ya d s of the o a k t rees, howe ver, d i d n o t have t h at s ecur i t y. I f their t ree wa s k i lled or cu t d own , t hei r own li fe wo uld en d. B ecaus e o f t h i s, the g o d s i n f li c ted hars h p uni s hm ent on anyo ne wh o cut d own o r o t her wi s e end an g ered a s a cred tree. To fell a n oak that h o us ed a Hamad r ya d wa s no t only a v i o lat i o n o f the g o d s’ laws, b ut i t was als o a fo r m of murd er.

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O f co u r se, i t wasn’t j u st h u m an s t h at p o se d a r i sk to t h e H am ad r yad s. Ch r yso p e l e i a was an o ak ny m p h w h o se t re e gre w by a f ast- m ov i n g r i ve r. Wh e n t h e r i ve r f l o o d e d, h e r t re e was i n d an g e r o f b e i n g u p ro o te d an d d e st roye d.

Th e y we re a sh tree ny m p h s, al though H e si o d i m pl ied that t h e wo rd coul d be u se d fo r any tree sp i r i t. U n l ik e m a ny o f t h e i r fe l l ow d r yad s, h owever, t h e y we re not bor n f ro m t h e l esser gods.

Th e h u nte r Arc as saw t h e d an g e r an d sp ran g i nto ac t i o n . H e re ro u te d t h e r i ve r an d q u i c k l y b u i l t a d am to p ro te c t t h e sac re d o ak f ro m t h e r i si n g wate r. Ch r yso p e l e i a was so i m p re sse d by t h e h u nte r ’s qu i c k ac t i o n o n h e r b e h al f t h at sh e fe l l i n l ove w i t h h i m an d h ad t wo so n s. Arc as h i m se l f l ate r b e c am e K i n g Arc as, t h e fo u n d e r o f Arc ad i a.

Th e M e l i ae were d au g hte r s of G a ia h e r se l f. Af ter her h u sb an d, U ra nus, ha d b e e n c ast rated G a ia u se d h i s bl ood to gi ve b i r t h to the fir st t re e ny m phs. Af ter Ch ro n o s took power as t h e k i n g of the Ti t an s, R h e a a sk ed t h e M e l i ae for t h e i r ai d.

The Nurses of the King

Th e d r yad s we re k n ow n to b e c ar i n g, m o t h e r l y b e i n g s. Th e y we re g e n e ral l y k i n d, p ar t i c u l ar l y to t h o se i n n e e d. O n e o f t h e m o st we l l - k n ow n ex am p l e s o f t h e c ar i n g n at u re o f d r yad s i s M e l i ae.

Ch ro n o s h a d been e at i n g e ac h of R h e a’s c h i l dren m o m e nt s a f ter bir th, d r i ve n by fea r of a p ro p h e c y that sa id h e wo u l d one day be ove r t h rown by one of h i s ow n sons. R h e a an d G a ia ha d d e v i se d a pl a n to d e l i ve r h er six th

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Mythological Creature Dryad child i n s ecret, b ut they wo uld n eed s omeo n e to fo s ter the ba by. When Zeus wa s b o r n, the M eli a e to o k h i m in. They h i d hi m i n the mo unt a i n s o f Crete, feed i ng h i m g oat ’s m i lk a n d h o ney until h e grew s t ro ng enou g h to cha llen g e his fat her. The M eli a e were no t jus t m ater na l towa rd their fo s ter s o n . Accord i ng to s o m e s ou rces, t h ey went o n to be t he a nces to rs o f the men wh o lived d ur i n g t h e Bronze Ag e. The Agency of the Dryads

The G reeks b eli eved that th e ny mp h s were a lmo s t i nf i n i te in numb er. Th ere were t ho us a n d s o f wood la nd d ei t i es that watch ed over ever y p a r t o f t he natu ra l wo r ld.

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Th e d r yad s, l i k e m o st o t h e r ny m p h s, we re re g ard e d as l e sse r g o d d e sse s. Th e i r p owe r s we re l i m i te d an d t h e y we re b o u n d to o n e p l ace o n t h e p hysi c al e ar t h . Th e y b e l i e ve d, h owe ve r, t h e t h e d r yad s we re ac t u al l y ve r y p owe r f u l i n t h e i r ow n way. Wh i l e t h e d r yad s co u l d n o t w i e l d gre at we ap o n s o r p e r fo r m am azi n g fe at s o f m agi c an d st re n g t h , t h e y to u c h e d t h e l i ve s o f t h e Gre e k p e o p l e i n a ve r y i m p o r t ant way. Th e awe t h at p e o p l e fe l t w h e n t h e y l o o k e d at n at u re was n o t, to t h e Gre e k s, a p ro d u c t o f t h e h u m an m i n d i t se l f. Th e p e ace t h at c am e f ro m si t t i n g b e n e at h a t re e o n a p l e asant af te r n o o n an d e ve n t h e te r ro r fe l t i n a d ar k fo re st at n i g ht we re al so n o t ran d o m e m o t i o n s. Th e ab i l i t y to i n sp i re st ro n g e m o t i o n swas t h e gi f t o f t h e d r yad s.

Eve r y w h e re they a nd t h e i r fe l l ow nym phs ex i ste d, t h ey were ab l e to to uc h hum a ns w i t h t h i s gif t. Th e st ro n g em otions i nvo k e d by nature co u l d b e da ngerous, as m any nym phs l e ar n e d w hen m e n an d gods t u r n e d v i ol ent a nd p o sse ssi ve towa rd t h e m . B u t the dr ya ds co u l d al so inspire fe e l i n g s o f pea ce, j oy, wo n d e r m ent, an d awe. To su m m ar ise, the d r yad s we re tree ny m p h s t h at of ten h i d t h e m sel ves away f ro m m e n a nd gods. Th e y co u l d be bor n as ny m p h s or be t ran sfo r m ed into t h e m , b u t the m a ny t y p e s o f dr ya ds m ad e t h e forest a sac re d p l ace that i n sp i re d e m otions i n m an k i n d. https://mythologysource.com/ dr yads- greek-nymphs/

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Mythological Creature Spriggan Shared By : High Priestess Gloriana Danu

an d f u l l o f m al i ce, d i re c te d at h u m an s i n t h e fo r m o f e v i l t r i c k s.

Spr igg a ns i s t h e name gi ven to a family o f f a i r i es i n Cor ni s h fo lk lo re, they a re t he clo s ely relate d to t he Pis k ies, b ut were g enera lly b eli eved to be d a r ker a nd mo re d angero us t h a n t h ei r misch i evo us co us i n s. Where a s Pi s k i es a re g enera lly d es cr i b ed as bei n g cheer f ul a n d fun lov i ng, S p r i g g a n s are m o re s p i tef ul

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I t was b e l i e ve d t h at t h e S p r i g g an s h au nte d t h e l o n e l y p l ace s su c h as c ast l e r u i n s, b ar rows, ce r t ai n st an d i n g sto n e s an d w i n d swe p t c rag s. S p r i g g an s we re t h o u g ht to b e t h e so u rce o f su c h m i sfo r t u n e s as b l i g hte d c ro p s, b ad we at h e r an d i l l n e ss, e sp e c i al l y i n a t i m e w h e n t h e m e c h an i c s o f su c h t h i n g s we re n o t f u l l y u n d e r sto o d. Th e y we re al so want to ste al sm al l c h i l d re n an d re p l ace t h e m w i t h t h e i r ow n k i n d, a co m m o n t rai t i n m any o f t h e f ai r y race s o f fo l k l o re. I n ap p e aran ce t h e S p r i g g an s are d e sc r i b e d as gro te sq u e l y u g l y w i t h w i ze n e d fe at u re s an d c ro o k e d sk i n ny b o d i e s. Th e y fo r m p ar t o f t h e

f ai r y b o d ygua rd a s d e sc r i b e d by B ottrel l an d H u nt, rea dy to d i sh o u t s um m a r y j u st i ce to those w ho wo u l d h ar m their o t h e r wo r l dl y cousins. I n t h i s d e fensive re sp e c t t hey coul d ex p an d f rom their d i m i n u t i ve stature to gi ant si zed p ro p o r t i o n s. S om e p e o p l e e ven bel ieved t h e m to b e the ghosts o f gi ant s, w hic h were o n ce t h o ught to have ro am e d Cor nwa l l in t h e t i m e before tim e. O n e o f t h eir com m on t rai t s was to l ea d l o n e l y t ravel l er s i nto swam ps or nea r to d an g e rous a nd c r u m b l i n g c l iffs, a f ac to r t h e y sha re in co m m o n with the Wi l l o’ t h e Wisp a nd t h e Pi sk i e s. Al though t h e Pi sk i e s woul d n o t l e ad peopl e to d an g e ro u s pl a ces. https://www.mysteriousbritain. co.uk/folk lore/the -spr iggans/

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Folk Lore Hulder Shared By :High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

A huld ra i s a s ed u c t i ve fo res t creature fo un d in S ca n d i n av i a n folk lore. The huld er is a s t un ni n g ly beau t i f ul na ked woman wi t h lo n g hair, an d h a s a n anima l ’s t a i l. I n No r way, s he h a s a cow ’s t a i l, a nd i n Swed en s he may have one th at o f a cow o r fox. Fur t h er i n t h e nor th o f Swed en , t he tail can b e ent i rely omitted i n f avo r o f her hollow o r b a r kcovered b a ck . As s oc i ated wi t h Chr is t i a n i t y, a t a le recou nt s h ow a

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wo m an h ad wash e d o n l y h al f o f h e r c h i l d re n w h e n G o d c am e to h e r co t t ag e ; ash am e d o f t h e d i r t y o n e s, sh e h i d t h e m . G o d d e c re e d t h at t h o se sh e h ad h i d d e n f ro m h i m wo u l d b e h i d d e n f ro m m an k i n d ; t h e y b e c am e t h e h u l d re r. Th e h u l d e r h as l o n g b e e n asso c i ate d w i t h h u nt i n g ; sh e m i g ht b l ow d ow n t h e b ar re l o f a h u nt sm an’s r i f l e, c au si n g i t n e ve r t h e re af te r to m i ss a sh o t. S o m e m e n are n o t so l u c k y, o r p e r h ap s sk i l l e d, an d e sc ap e h e r o n l y af te r su r re n d e r i n g t h e i r san i t y. Relations With Humans

A h u l d e r, al t h o u g h m o st l y m al e vo l e nt, c an b e k i n d i f t re ate d w i t h re sp e c t. A b oy i n Ti ve d e n we nt f i sh i n g, b u t h e h ad n o l u c k . Th e n h e m e t a b e au t i f u l l ad y, an d sh e was so st u n n i n g t h at

h e fe l t h e ha d to c atc h h i s breath. But, t h e n h e rea l ised w ho sh e was, bec a use he co u l d se e a fox ’s ta il st i c k i n g out bel ow t h e sk i r t. As he k new t h at i t was for bidden to co m m e nt on the t ai l to t h e l a dy of t h e fo re st, if it were n o t d o n e in the m ost p o l i te m an ner, he b owe d d e epl y a nd sai d w i t h his sof test vo i ce, “M i l a dy, I se e t h at your p e t t i co at s hows b e l ow yo u r sk ir t ”. Th e l ad y tha nk ed him grace f u l l y a nd hid her t ai l u n d e r her sk ir t, te l l i n g t h e boy to fish o n t h e o t her side of t h e l ak e. That day, t h e b oy h ad great l uc k w i t h h i s f i shing a nd h e c au g ht a fish ever y t i m e h e t h rew out t h e l i n e. This wa s the h u l d e r ’s re cognition o f h i s p o l i teness. H u l d e r s are sa id to k i d n ap m en a nd l u re t h e m into the u n d e r wo r l d. I n som e

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Folk Lore Hulder trad iti o n s, t hey s ed u ce m en i nto t h e fores t to en g a g e i n lus t a nd k i ll t h e o n es that do n o t s at i s f y them, o r rewa rd t h em if they d o. She so met i m es s teals huma n infant s a nd rep la ces them wi t h h er own ug ly h uld reb a r n (chan g eli n g hu ld re ch i ld ren ). I n som e ca s es, t h e hu ld ers fo rce men to mar r y t h em , a n d s omet i mes rep res ent their uni ntend ed child t hey had to g et her. Stor ies o f s uch relati o ns h i p s were comm o n i n N o r way a long ti m e — a n eld er ly man f ro m Va ld res claim ed h e h a d a child a mo n g t h e hu ld er p eo p le on No r wegi a n R ad io B ro a d ca s t i n g. I n som e s to r i es, t he hu ld ra ma r r i es a local f a r m b oy, b ut

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w h e n t h i s h ap p e n s, h e r b e au t y i s l o st w h e n t h e p r i e st l ays h i s h an d o n h e r, o r w h e n sh e e nte r s t h e c h u rc h . S o u rce s st ate t h at m ar r i ag e to a Ch r i st i an m an w i l l c au se h e r to l o se h e r t ai l, b u t n o t h e r l o o k s. H owe ve r i f sh e i s t re ate d b ad l y by t h e h u sb an d, sh e w i l l re m i n d h i m t h at sh e i s f ar f ro m we ak , o f te n by st rai g hte n i n g o u t a h o r se sh o e w i t h h e r b are h an d s, so m e t i m e s w h i l e i t i s st i l l g l ow i n g h o t f ro m t h e fo rg e o r e ve n l i f t u p a t re e t r u n k .

h e r cow ’s ta il. He l o st h i s h ea r ing a nd h i s w i t s for the rest o f h i s l i fe. https:// fuck yeahnorsemythology. tumblr.com/ post/98459766943/hulder

I f b e t raye d, a h u l d e r c an p u n i sh t h e m an se ve re l y, as i n o n e c ase f ro m S i g d al, w h e n sh e ave n g e d h e r p r i d e o n a yo u n g b rag g ar t sh e h ad swo r n to m ar r y, o n t h e p ro m i se t h at h e wo u l d n o t te l l any b o d y o f t h e i r se c re t re l at i o n sh i p. Th e b oy i n ste ad b rag g e d ab o u t h i s b r i d e fo r a ye ar, an d w h e n t h e y m e t ag ai n , sh e b e at h i m aro u n d t h e e ar s w i t h

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Ancient Legends Ghillie Dhu By : High Priestess Gloriana Danu

Etymology Gh i l l i e i s an E n g l i sh e qu i val e nt o f t h e S co t t i sh G ae l i c wo rd gi l l e ; Ed ward D we l l y, a S co t t i sh l ex i co grap h e r, l i st s gi l l e as a “ l ad ”, “ yo u t h” o r “ b oy ” w i t h d u b h t ran sl at i n g as “d ar k ” o r “d ar k- h ai re d ”. I n S co t t i s h fo lk lo re the G h i lli e D hu o r G ille D ub h wa s a s olitar y ma le f a i r y. He wa s k i nd ly and re t i cent, yet s omet i mes wi ld i n charac ter. H e ha d a g entle d evo t i o n to chi ld ren. Dar k-h a i red a nd clothe d i n leaves a nd moss, h e li ved i n a birch wo o d wi t hi n the G a i r lo ch a nd Lo ch a Drui ng a rea o f t h e nor th -wes t H i g hla n d s of S cot la n d. G h i lli e Dhu is t h e ep o ny m for th e g hi lli e s ui t.

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Folk beliefs D e sc r i p t i o n an d co m m o n at t r i b u te s Acco rd i n g to fo l k l o r i st an d sc h o l ar K at h ar i n e B r i g g s t h e Gh i l l i e D h u was a g e nt l e an d k i n d h e ar te d m o u nt ai n sp i r i t, o r a “rat h e r u n u su al n at u re f ai r y.” Th e Gh i l l i e D h u was an i n d i v i d u al m al e m o d e r n d ay f ai r y d e sc r i b e d by O sg o o d M ac k e n zi e, a S co t t i sh l an d ow n e r an d h o r t i c u l t u r i st, i n h i s m e m o i r s t h at we re p u b l i sh e d i n 1 9 2 1 . Th e f ai r y was g e n e ral l y t i m i d, ye t h e co u l d al so b e “ w i l d ”.

R e si d i n g i n the birc h wo o d s n e ar Loc h a D r u i n g, i n the nor thwe st H i g h l a nd a rea o f G ai r l o c h , he wa s m ai n l y se en in the l at te r p ar t of the 1 9 t h ce nt u r y. Th e wo o d s a re in a d i p al o n g side a hil l y are a aro u n d 2 m il es f ro m w h e re Rua R e i d h Li g hthouse wa s l ate r b u i l t. O n e su m m er evening a l o c al c h il d na m ed J e ssi e M acra e wan d e re d into the wo o d s an d bec a m e l o st. J e ssi e wa s fo u n d by the Ghil l ie D h u w h o look ed a f ter h e r u nt i l the nex t m o r n i n g when he to o k h e r h om e. O ve r a p e r iod of four d e c ad e s t h e fa ir y was f re q u e ntl y seen by m any peopl e but J e ssi e was the onl y p e r so n h e conver sed w i t h . G e n era l l y o f a d i sh e vel l ed ap p e aran ce, he used

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Ancient Legends Ghillie Dhu green mo s s a n d leaves t a ken f ro m trees a s clo t hi n g. As imp li ed by hi s name, h e h a d b la ck hair ; h e wa s o f a s mall s t at ure. H i s fond n es s o f chi ld ren is sim i la r to t h at d isplayed by t he little k nown H y ter s pr ite o f E ng li s h mytho lo g y. Attempted hunt Shor t ly a f ter t h e G ille D h u res cued Jes s ie, a gro up of M a ckenz i e d igni t a r i es were invite d by t h e land owner, S i r Hec tor M a cken z i e of G ai r lo ch, to g et tog eth er to h unt and ca p t ure t h e G hilli e D hu. The tea m o f f i ve hu nte rs co n greg ated at the ho m e o f o ne of M a ckenz i e’s tenant s wh ere t h ey were p rov i d ed wi t h a com p li ment a r y eveni n g mea l b efo re s etting o f f o n t h ei r miss i o n to s ho o t t h e

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c h i l d - re sc u i n g, k i n d Gh i l l i e D h u. D e sp i te se arc h i n g ex te n si ve l y t h ro u g h o u t t h e n i g ht, t h e h u nte r s co u l d n o t f i n d t h e i r p re y ; acco rd i n g to Pat r i c i a M o n ag h an , a w r i te r o n Ce l t i c my t h o l o g y, t h e Gh i l l i e D h u was n e ve r se e n ag ai n .

t h an su p e r natura l, ex p l an at i on. https://en.wik ipedia.org/ wik i/Ghillie_Dhu

Origins Af te r re se arc h i n g fo l k l o re t rad i t i o n s g at h e re d p r i m ar i l y f ro m G ae l i c are as o f S co t l an d, an au t h o r i t y o n co n g e n i t al d i so rd e r s, S u san S c h o o n E b e r l y, h as sp e c u l ate d t h e t al e o f t h e Gh i l l i e D h u m ay h ave a b asi s i n a h u m an b e i n g w i t h a m e d i c al co n d i t i o n ; o t h e r ac ad e m i c s, su c h as Caro l e G. S i l ve r, Pro fe sso r o f E n g l i sh at Ste r n Co l l e g e fo r Wo m e n , agre e an d su g g e st h e was a d war f. E b e r l y m ai nt ai n e d se ve ral o t h e r so l i t ar y o r i n d i v i d u al f ai r i e s, i n c l u d i n g t h e B row n i e an d t h e M an x Fe n o d y re e, co u l d al so h ave a m e d i c al, rat h e r

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Mythological Demons Ala/Hala Shared By : High Priestess Gloriana Danu

I n the B ulg a r i a n folk lore, m a ny d emon s a n d ev i l s pir it s a re p res ent who h ave b een as s oc i ated wi t h the d es t ruc t i o n of ma nk i n d a nd mater i a l p res ent o n the ear t h t h ro ug h their a ng er a nd magic a l p owers. Hala i s a fema le mytholo gi ca l d emo n pres ent i n t h e folk lore o f B ulg a r i a which co n s i d ers her to be t h e d es t royer of the cro p s a nd the s y mb o l o f t h e hail sto r m a nd thunders to r ms over the fi eld o f the fa r m ers.

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Origin of Hala Wh i l e so m e f an c i f u l c re at u re s are re g u l ar to al l S l av i c e t h n i c g at h e r i n g s, b re w ap p e ar s to b e se l e c t i ve to B u l g ar i an , M ace d o n i an , an d S e r b l e g e n d s. Al l t h i n g s co n si d e re d, o t h e r S l av i c g at h e r i n g s ad d i t i o n al l y h ad e v i l p re se n ce s o f aw f u l c l i m ate.

a p ro to - S l avic e te r n al i t y or evil sp i r i t c al l ed B ab a, re l ated to te r r i b l e weather.

Am o n g E ast S l avs, t h i s w i tc h was c al l e d B ab a Yag a, an d was e nv i si o n e d as a l ad y o f co l o ssal h e i g ht w i t h a m aj o r n o se, i ro n te e t h , an d d i ste n d i n g j aw ; i t was acce p te d t h at sh e ate k i d s, an d h e r q u al i t y b ro u g ht rai n sto r m s an d c h i l l y c l i m ate.

B ro u g ht to the B al k an s f rom the o l d co u nt r y, these co nv i c t i o ns joined w i t h t h o se of the l o c al p o p ul a ces, i n e v i t ab l y for m ing i nto t h e p er sona ge o f Al aa.

Th e te r m b ab a i s avai l ab l e i n c u sto m s, co nv i c t i o n s, an d to p o ny m s o f e ve r y S l av i c g at h e r i n g, g e n e ral l y as a re p re se nt at i o n o f w i n d, o b sc u r i t y, an d d ow n p o u r. Th i s l e ad s a fe w re se arc h e r s to acce p t t h e re was

H i nt s o f convic tions i n t h at d e vil a re save d am ong S outh S l avs i n ar tic ul ations fo r t h e te r r ibl e c l i m ate re gul a r in l ate -w i nter.

Th e p re - S l avic Ba l k a n we l l sp r i n g of Al a i s i d e nt i f i e d w ith t h e v u l va, fem a l e e v i l p re se n ce of a te r r i b l e c l im ate of t h e Vl ac h s of S er bia , w h o, si m i la r to l a ger, d r i ve n h ail m ists ove r h ar ve sts to d e st roy t h em , a nd re m ov i n g trees.

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Mythological Demons Ala/Hala A Greek fema le d ev i l L amia m ay li kewi s e have co nt r i b uted to the im p rovem ent o f her. M uch t h e s a me as bre w, s h e eat s k id s an d i s ca lled greedy. I n s o ut h er n S er bia a n d N o r t h M aced o ni a , la mn j a , a word g o t f ro m la m i a , is ad di t i o na lly a n equ iva lent fo r her. Etymology The ev i l p res ence’s name i n t h e s t a n d a rd S er bia n , Ala a , or igin ates f ro m tongues wh i ch lo s t the vela r f r i cat i ve, while H a la i s record ed i n a S er b i a n ver na cula r whi ch h a s held th i s s o un d a nd in Bu lg a r i a n . I t is accep ted t hat the fi rs t na me ha d a n und er ly i n g h -s o und, a real i t y t h at h a s d r iven S er b i a n res earcher L j ub i nko R ad enkov i c to d ismi s s t h e h i s to r i ca l und er p i n ni n g s given by a few wo rd refere nces.

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Th i s i n c l u d e d t h at o f t h e S e r b i an Ac ad e my o f S c i e n ce s an d Ar t s, by w h i c h t h e e v i l sp i r i t ’s n am e o r i gi n ate s f ro m t h e Tu r k i sh wo rd ‘Al a’ as t h at wo rd co m e s u p sh o r t o n t h e h - so u n d. Th e n am e m ay rat h e r co m e f ro m t h e Gre e k wo rd fo r h ai l, χά λα ζα ; sp e l l e d o u t. Th i s d e r i vat i o n i s p ro p o se d by B u l g ar i an re se arc h e r I van i c h k a G e o rgi e va, an d u p h e l d by B u l g ar i an re se arc h e r R ac h k o Po p ov an d S e r b i an re se arc h e r s S l o b o d an Ze če v i ć, an d S re te n Pe t rov i ć. Acco rd i n g to S e r b i an re se arc h e r M ar t a B j e l e t i ć, Al a an d H al a o r i gi n ate f ro m t h e t h i n g x Al a i n Pro to S o u t h - S l av i c, t h e to n g u e o f Pro to - S l av i c f ro m w h i c h S o u t h S l av i c d i al e c t s ro se. Th at t h i n g was g o t te n f ro m t h e Pro to - S l av i c ro o t x al - , si gn i f y i n g t h e w rat h o f t h e e l e m e nt s. A p o te nt i al re l ate d

i n t h e K as hubia n l an g u ag e m ay be ha ł a – “an e n o r m ous an i m al o r thing”. Appearance of Ala

M y t h i c al bea st o r sn ak e - l ik e evil p re se n ce a ssoc iated w i t h t h e breeze, an d te m p e st a nd h ai l m i st s. I t wa s h ad co n f i dence in t h e G aza distr ic t of fo c al S e r bia that sh e i s u n detec ta bl e, ye t t h at she c a n be h e ard — her groundb re ak i n g m ur m ur ing re ve r b e rated before t h e d i m h ail c l ouds. I n B u l g ar i a , ra nc her s saw a g h a stl y Al a w i t h t re m endous w i n g s an d bl a de l i k e t h i c k ta il in t h e sh ap e s of a fo re b o d i n g sha dow. At t h e p o i nt w hen a n Al a– c l o u d sur pa ssed t h e tow n , residents l o o k e d i nto the sk y p l an n i n g to see a su p re m e haw k r i si n g t h e re.

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythological Demons Ala/Hala They a ccep ted that the p ower f ul feathered creat ure with a cro s s o n i t s back co uld o us t Ala – clou d f ro m t h e field s. I n ea s ter n Bulg a r i a , he s howed up no t i n mi s t s, however i n s to r ms and wh i r lwi n d s. I n d ifferent lo ca les of Bulg a r i a , s h e was seen ei t her as a “ b ull wi t h treme nd o us h o r ns, a d ar k clo ud, d i m haze o r a s n a ke lik e b ea s t wi t h s ix wi n g s a n d t welve t a i ls”. She is t h o ug ht to occ upy f a r o f f mou nt a i n regi o n s o r caver ns, i n wh i ch s he k eep s awf ul climate. I n B ulg a r i a n cus tom , temp es t s and h a i l mi s t s were d ecip h ered a s a f i g ht bet ween t h e great mythi ca l b ea s t o r falcon a nd ev i l Ala . S er bs i n K o s ovo accepted t hat s he

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b r i n g s h e r t ai l d ow n to t h e gro u n d an d sh ro u d s h e r m i n d i n an o t h e r p l ace. Any i n d i v i d u al w h o saw h e r h e ad t u r n e d o u t to b e i n a f l ash c raz y. In a high help cut ove r a w i n d ow o f t h e Vi so k i D e č an i c l o i ste r ’s co n gre g at i o n , a f al co n gr i p s a sn ak e l i k e Al a w h i l e an e ag l e t looks on. Acco rd i n g to a p o r t rayal f ro m e aste r n S e r b i a, h e i s an exce p t i o n al l y e n o r m o u s an i m al w i t h a sn ak e’s b o d y an d a p o ny ’s h e ad. A t y p i c al fe e l i n g i s t h at h e i s t h e si ste r o f t h e my t h i c al b e ast, an d l o o k s p re t t y m u c h l i k e h i m . I n a sp e l l f ro m e aste r n S e r b i a, Al a i s d e p i c te d as a t h re e h e ad e d sn ak e. Effects on Humans B re w p r i n c i p al l y p u l ve r i ze c ro p s i n f i e l d s, grap e p l ant at i o n s, an d p l ant at i o n s by d r i v i n g h ai l sto r m m i st s

ove r h e ad, t ypic a l l y d u r i n g t h e pr im a r y p o r t i o n o f the l ate sp r i n g w h en gra in c ro p s ag e. Th e b re w i s ad d i t i o n all y a ccepted to “d r i n k t he y i e l d s”, o r hol d o nto t h e ha r vests of a tow n an d tra nspor t t h e m to som ew here e l se i n t h eir e n o r m o u s ea r s, a l ong t h e se l i n e s m a k ing a fe w tow n s poor, a nd o t h e r s r i c h. Th i s was h el d a s t h e m o t i vation b e h i n d w hy the Al e k san d rova c a rea i n fo c al S e r bia wa s so p ro d u c tive: it wa s t h e p l ace beer m oved t h e i r p l u n der. Th e i n d i v i dua l s of K o p ao n i k m ounta in acce p te d the n e i g h b o r h ood that he sh i e l d e d the ha r vests o f t h e re gion from an o t h e r b rew. On t h e o f f c h ance that h ai l o b l i te rated t h e y i e l d s, it wa s

13 Sisters of Delphi

Mythological Demons Hala felt th at s h e, f ro m anoth er zo ne h a d cru s h ed n ea r by Ala and “p la s tered the ha r ves t s”. L ag er ca n li kewi s e s prea d t h em s elves over fi eld s a nd d efeat t he mat ur i ng of the ha r ves t s, o r more regret t a b le, expen d t h e f i eld ’s r ipenes s, a nd d r ink t h e mi lk f ro m s heep, p a r t i cula r ly when i t ro a rs. Brew a d d i t i o na lly has ex t ra o rd i na r y qualit y ; wh en a tempes t rem oved trees, t he i nd i v i d ua ls accepted t hat a n Ala had d o n e i t. This bro ug ht a b o ut a colloq ui a li s m fo r a tou g h ma n: j a k K ao Ala , “a s s o li d as an Ala”. Connection with Baba Yaga

Look i n g at s o ci et y s tor ie s, t h ere a re s imili t ud es b et ween him an d t h e R us s i a n Baba Ya g a .

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Th e p re v i o u sl y m e nt i o n e d t h e m e o f a ste p d au g hte r g o i n g to an Al a’s h o m e i n a wo o d s i s re co rd e d am o n g Ru ssi an s as we l l – t h e re a ste p d au g hte r co m e s to B ab a Yag a’s h o m e an d fe e d s h e r “an i m al s”. Co m p arat i ve i s l i k e w i se t h e t h e m e s o f an Al a an d B ab a Yag a t u r n i n g o u t to b e b ac k u p p are nt s to k i d s w h o m t h e y l ate r e at b e c au se t h e yo u n g ste r s f i n d t h e i r myste r y.

wo r k . Th i s dem on i s b e l i e ve d to ta k e m any fo r m s a nd is o f te n co n s idered to b e a r u t h l e ss a nd f u l l o f an ger dem on w h o i s f am ous for u si n g h e r power a nd m agi c al spel l s for the d e st r u c t i on of hum a n b e i n g s an d the m ate r i al whic h they grow o r h ar vest. https://wik ireligions.com/ala/

I n t h e S e r b i an m o d e l, t h e m o t h e r o f an Al a’s g o d c h i l d t al k s w i t h h i m , an d i n t h e Ru ssi an , t h e g o d c h i l d t al k s w i t h B ab a Yag a. Conclusion Al a i s a fe m al e d e m o n f ro m t h e B u l g ar i an my t h o l o g y w h o i s co n si d e re d to b e t h e o n e to b r i n g u p o n t h e h ai l an d t h u n d e r sto r m s on the fields of the f ar m e r s an d d e st roy al l t h e c ro p s w h i c h t h e y h ave grow n w i t h h ard

13 Sisters of Delphi

Historical Witch Trials Great Scottish Witch Hunt 1597 Shared By : High Priestess, Lady Gloriana

B et we en M a rch and O c to b er 1597, S cotla nd wa s gr i p p ed by wi tch cra f t hys ter i a . Aro und 400 people were t r i ed fo r witch cra f t a n d 200 are be li eved to have been executed. The numb er o f people a ccus ed wa s d ou ble t h at o f t ho s e unfor t un ates wh o were a ccus ed d ur i n g the in f a m o us S a lem witch t r i a ls o f 16921693, i m m o r t a li s ed in Ar th ur M i ller ’s The Cruci b le. These t r i a ls m a r ked the begi nni n g o f t he larg e -s ca le wi tch hu nt p heno m eno n in S co t la n d, p av i n g the way fo r a f ur t h er

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t h re e ‘gre at ’ w i tc h h u nt s. Am o n g st t h e m , t h e t r i al s o f 1 6 6 1 1662 in which 660 p e o p l e we re acc u se d o f w i tc h c raf t. I t i s e st i m ate d t h at 4 , 0 0 0 S co t s we re exe c u te d fo r t h e ‘c r i m e’ o f w i tc h c raf t. M o st we re h o r r i f i c al l y to r t u re d to se c u re co n fe ssi o n s. Th e t r i al s o f 1 5 9 7 we re m ar k e d l y d i f fe re nt f ro m t h o se t h at h ad p re ce d e d t h e m i n 1 5 9 0 . Th e 1590 ‘North Berwick’ t r i al s i m p l i c ate d ove r 7 0 p e o p l e i n t h e E ast Lo t h i an are a an d we re p e r so n al l y ove r se e n by K i n g J am e s VI. Th e se t r i al s m ar k e d t h e st i r r i n g s o f an ant i -w i tc h m ove m e nt i n S co t l an d, b u t t h e Gre at Wi tc h H u nt o f 1 5 9 7 , w h i c h fo l l owe d t h e p u b l i c at i o n o f t h e K i n g’s ant i -w i tc h c raf t b o o k D ae m o n o l o gi e t h e p re v i o u s ye ar, u sh e re d i n an e ra o f re g u l ar w i tc h t r i al s ac ro ss m any co m m u n i t i e s.

Th e p o l i t i c a l confl ic t b e t we e n the K ing an d t h e Presbyter ia n c h u rc h , al ongside o u t b re ak s of pl a gue an d f am i n e, m ay h ave b e e n the c at al yst s for the w i tc h h u nts. H i sto r i an Jul ia n G o o d are h a s revea l ed t h at m any S cottish p e o p l e b el ieved that, by c ar r y i n g out w i tc h t r i al s, they wo u l d e ar n G od ’s f avo u r an d fa c il itate an e n d to fa m ine an d p l ag u e. O n e d o c u m ented c a se f ro m Ab e rdeenshire i s o f Iso b e l Sk uddie. S h e was acc used of g at h e r i n g hum a n b o n e s to create l ove c h ar m s. Convic ted of w i tc h c raf t, she wa s su b se qu e ntl y bur ned at t h e st ake. Th e t r i al of M a rga ret Ai t k e n i s of ten c ited i n d i sc u ssi ons of the 1 5 9 7 t r i al s. N a m ed t h e Gre at Witc h of B al we ar i e, she wa s

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Historical Witch Trials Great Scottish Witch Hunt 1597 ar res ted i n Fi fe i n Apr il o f 1597. U nd er tor tu re, s h e p led g uilt y to t h e cha rg es of wi tchcra f t b ut manag ed to s ave her life by s wea r i n g h er abilit y to reco gni s e other wi tch es. Acco rd i n g ly, s h e aid ed t he co ur t s i n id ent i f y i n g n umero us ‘ witch es’. Th e witch t r i a ls were a mean s o f co nt ro lli ng wome n a nd r i d d i ng the co m m un i t i es of unf avo ura b le or rebelli o us chara c ters. The t ra gi c ca s e o f M arga ret Ai t ken, force d to s ea l t h e fate o f o t h er a ccus ed peop le, revea ls the leng t hs wo m en were d r i ven to i n ord er to s ur v i ve t h i s d angero us p er i o d i n S cott i s h h i s to r y. https://w w w.scottishlegal. com/ar ticles/our-legalher itage -the - great-scottishwitch-hunt- of-1597

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Wouldyouhavestoodupto a witch-hunt? I n 1 5 9 7 , a Gl asg ow wo m an c al l e d M ar i o n Wal k e r d i d j u st t h at, t ak i n g o n t h e m o st p owe r f u l an d ve n g e f u l m e n i n t h e l an d. M ar i o n Wal k e r u se d t h e methods of the modern d ay w h i st l e b l owe r. S h e o b t ai n e d, co p i e d an d l e ak e d d o c u m e nt s. S h e wante d t h e g u i l t y h e l d to acco u nt fo r t h e h o r ro r s o f t h e Gl asg ow w i tc h - h u nt, a sh o c k i n g m i sc ar r i ag e o f j u st i ce e ve n by t h e st an d ard s o f t h e d ay. We k n ow m o re ab o u t h e r t h an k s to D r D an i e l M ac Le o d o f t h e U n i ve r si t y o f M an i to b a. H e c am e ac ro ss M ar i o n

as h e re se a rc hed t h e n e t wor k s of re si st an ce of the c i t y ’s Cat h ol ic s. “ S h e’s a c l ea r a nd ac t i ve re sister of t h e n e w Protesta nt re l i gi o n over t h re e d e c a des,” Dr M ac Le o d s ays. “ S h e’s a w idow, sh e’s n o t wea l thy b u t sh e’s got a n ab i l i t y to b e h e ard.” M ar i o n was not af rai d to ta k e on any fo o l h ardy m i n i ste r w ho da red to u p b rai d her. H e r Gl asg ow wa sn’t l i k e Gl asg ow today. Fo r o n e t hing, says D r M ac Le od, it wa s t i ny, “m ay be even h al f t h e si ze of m o d e r n d ay Fo r t Wi l l i a m”. Ye t i t b e c a m e the st ag e fo r one of the wo r st excesses of the S co t t i sh w itc h- hunt. I n n o ce nt peopl e we re b e i n g fa l sel y acc u se d by a n utter l y b o g u s w i tc h- finder

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Historical Witch Trials Great Scottish Witch Hunt 1597 and p ut to d eat h . The witch -f i n d er wa s a ls o a wom a n - t he s o called “G reat Wi tch of Balwea r i e”, M arga ret Ai t ken.

gre at w i tc h t u r n e d w i tc h - f i n d e r f ai l e d to re co gn i se t h e m , co n d e m n i n g an d exo n e rat i n g a d i f fe re nt se l e c t i o n .

She’d b een a r res ted for wi tchcra f t i n Fi fe and t r i ed to s ave her s k i n by cla i mi ng s he could i d ent i f y other wi tch es j us t by look in g i n t h ei r eyes.

I t d aw n e d o n t h e m i n i ste r s an d m agi st rate s t h at w h at t h e y re al l y h ad was a h o r r i f y i n g f rau d. Th e y ’d k i l l e d p e o p l e fo r n o t h i n g. Th e y ran fo r cove r.

The a ut ho r i t i es, includ i n g K i n g Ja mes VI, saw h er a s a new s uper-wea p o n i n the wa r o n S at a n , and s o o n ter r i f i ed G las wegi a n s were being led o ut i n front o f t h i s d esperate i n d i v i d ua l. People were b ei n g s trangled a n d b ur n ed at the s t a ke b eca us e of her ev i d ence. Then a s t he wi tchhu nt went o n, s omeo ne h a d a b r i g ht id ea. Ta ke t he p eo p le M arga ret co nd em ned one d ay a nd b r i n g them b a ck t h e n ex t i n d ifferent clo t h es a n d a d ifferent o rd er. Th e

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An d t h i s i s w h e re M ar i o n ste p p e d u p. S h e wasn’t g o i n g to l e t t h e m i n i ste r s g e t away w i t h t h i s, p ar t i c u l ar l y n o t J o h n Cow p e r, t h e Gre at Wi tc h’s m o st ze al o u s p ro m o te r. Cow p e r was a t h i n - sk i n n e d ve n g e f u l i n d i v i d u al.

“ H e was n ot ver y p o p u l ar ” s ays Dr M ac Le o d. “ But I t h i n k h e did a l ot o f i t to h i msel f.” M ar i o n wanted to t ak e h i m d ow n . Th rough h e r n e t wor k s of re si st an ce she m an ag e d to get h e r h an d s on the m o st i n c r im inating d o c u m e nt of a l l, t h e f i n al confession o f t h e Great Witc h h e r se l f w here she p o i nte d h e r finger at Cow p e r and bl a m ed h i m fo r al l that he h ad d o n e. Th e c h u rc h wa nted to h u sh i t up - so M ar i o n c i rc ul ated it. Cow p e r wa s l ivid. Th an k s to M a r ion, t h e co n fe ssion wa s p assi n g h a nd- to h an d, m ak ing sure Gl aswe gi ans k new ex ac t l y w ho to bl a m e fo r t h e d e aths of t h e i r i n n ocent fr iends an d re l at i ves. To st r i k e ba c k at h e r, h e m obil ised his

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Historical Witch Trials Great Scottish Witch Hunt 1597 fellow m i n i s ters to back hi m up. Accord i n g to D r M acLeo d : “ Th e pres by ter y pas s ed t h i s a c t threaten i n g t h e branks fo r a ny who bla m ed t h e minist r y o f t h e cit y for p ut t i ng to d eath t he p ers o ns lately executed for wi tchcra f t.” The b ra n ks were literally a g a g - t he s cold ’s b r i d le - wi t h a met a l ca g e fo r t he head a n d o f ten wi t h a prong to s to p t h e mou t h. B ut i n t h e end they b a cked o f f. They d i d n’t d a re g ag M a r i o n.

“ I t wo u l d g o o n al m o st a c yc l e,” sai d D r M ac Le o d. “M ar i o n wo u l d ‘sl an d e r ’ Cow p e r, h e wo u l d c al l h e r b e fo re t h e p re sby te r y an d i t wo u l d g o o n l i k e t h at, b u t t h e ro o t o f i t was t h i s co n fe ssi o n an d h e r ro l e i n p assi n g i t aro u n d.”

Butwasn’tMarionputting herselfindangerofbeing prosecuted as a witch? D r M ac Le o d t h i n k s p e o p l e we re a b i t m o re so p h i st i c ate d t h an t h at. “ Th e y k n e w sh e wasn’t a w i tc h b u t a d e fe n d e r o f w ro n g f u l l y- acc u se d wo m e n ,” h e sai d. M ar i o n l i ve d to f i g ht an o t h e r d ay ag ai n st t h e Pro te st ant m i n i st r y.

I n t h e fe vered re l i gi o u s a nd c ra z y e nv i ro n m ent of the t i m e, i t took coura ge to h ar b o ur a h u nte d m an. D r M ac Le od sa id: “A l o t o f t i m es w hen we t h i n k about wo m e n i n the ea r l y m o d e r n re l igious co ntex t we think o f t h i s qu i et, m eek k i n d o f d e votion b u t t h at i s not M ar i o n Wa l k er.” https://www.bbc.com/news/ukscotland-glasgow-west-50330147

S h e b e c am e a p ro m i n e nt su p p o r te r o f t h e J e su i t, J o h n O gi l v y, w h o was e ve nt u al l y m ar t y re d, b u t d e sp i te b e i n g l i n k e d to h i m by m u l t i p l e w i t n e sse s sh e su r v i ve d t h at to o.

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Zodiac Signs Aries Shared by : High Priestess, Lady Gloriana

Ar ies, t he R a m. Ar i es is the f i rs t s i gn o f the Zo d i a c, m a r k i n g the begi nni n g o f t he as trol o gi ca l yea r a n d repres ent i ng t h o s e bor n b et ween M a rch 21 an d Ap r i l 19. Ar ies i n M y t h o lo g y K ing At ha ma s o f B oeot i a ma r r i ed t he nymp h N ep hele at Hera’s co mma nd. She wa s a ny mp h mad e f ro m a clo ud i n Hera’s i m a g e to t ra p the cent a ur, I xi o n . The co up le had t wo chi ld ren ; a s on n a m ed Ph r i xus and a d a ug hter name d H elle. Af ter a while, At h a ma s grew tired o f Nep hele a nd lef t h er. Athama s t hen remar r i ed, a nd

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h i s se co n d w i fe was I n o, t h e d au g hte r o f Cad m u s. S h e al so g ave h i m c h i l d re n - - t wo so n s n am e d Le arc h e s an d M e l i ce r te s. N e p h e l e was an gr y an d ask e d H e ra to assi st i n ave n gi n g At h am as’ d e se r t i o n . Wh i l e t h i s was g o i n g o n , Ze u s ask e d I n o an d At h am as to c are fo r D i o nysu s, as h e wante d to k e e p h i m a se c re t f ro m H e ra. H e ra e ve nt u al l y p u n i sh e d t h e m fo r t h i s by m ak i n g t h e m g o m ad. I n o was te r r i b l y j e al o u s o f At h am as an d N e p h e l e’s c h i l d re n an d p l o t te d t h e i r d e at h s. Aries saves Phrixus

I n o t r i c k e d At h am as i nto at te m p t i n g to sac r i f i ce Ph r i x u s, b u t h e was save d by H e rac l e s w h o se nt a g o l d e n ram (Ar i e s) to c ar r y h i m to Co l c h i s. H e l l e grab b e d h o l d o f t h e w i n g e d ram , b u t fe l l to h e r d e at h b e t we e n t h e M e d i te r ran e an an d B l ac k S e a w h e n sh e

l o st h e r h ol d. The st rai t, to this day, i s n am e d af ter her - - t h e H e l lespont ( D ard an e l les). The constellation of Aries

U p o n re aching Co l c h i s, Phr ixus sac r i f i ce d the gol den ram to Ze u s, w ho in t u r n p l aced the ra m’s i m ag e am ong the st ar s i n h onor o f i t ’s h e roism a s t h e co n ste l l ation o f Ar i e s. Aries in Astrology

Ar i e s i s a s un sign an d t rai t s of those b o r n u n d er the sign i n c l u d e l e a der ship an d asse r tiveness.

https://w w w.greek mythology. com/M yths/Zodiac/Ar ies/ ar ies.html

Ar i e s b e l ongs to fire si gn s i n as trol ogy a nd i s r u l e d by the pl a net of f i re M ar s. Ar ies peopl e are pioneers, energized, stubborn and individual so u l s. Ar i e s sea son is o cc u r r i n g from M a rc h 2 1 st to Apr il 2 0 th.

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Zodiac Signs Aries I n ast ro no my, Ar i es is a co ns tellat i o n a nd belon g s to t he Zo d i a c family o f co ns tellat i o n along with 11 others. All of them a re li n ked to as trol o g y a nd k nown a s 12 Zod i a c s i gns. Characteristics of Aries Zodiac sign

Ar ies a re k nown a s natu ra l lea d ers, wi t h the ab i li t y to ch a r m ever yo n e! Th ey are pas s i o n ate a nd confident i n d i v i d ua ls, mostly or iented toward themselves. Th ey a re adventurous, out-going, and a lways lo o k i n g fo r new op p o r t un i t i es i n their li ves. Ar ies i s k n own a s o ne of the fea r les s f i re Zod ia c s i gns – t h ey a re bold an d g o a l- o r i ented thank s to i t s ruler M ars a nd i t s m o t i vat i ng energy. Th es e p eo p le are known as ver y sexual ones, and you can’t miss to see o r feel their en erg y. Ar ies i s d rawn to challe ng es a n d i s a n amazing athlete, runner

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o r b o d y b u i l d e r. Ac t i o n i s their favourite world in the w h o l e wo r l d ! They are sometimes selfish an d are n’t ab l e to se e t h e o t h e r p e r so n . Th e re aso n fo r t h at l i e s i n t h e f ac t t h at t h e y we re rai se d to su r v i ve an d we re al ways linked to themselves while grow i n g u p. Th e b e st j o b fo r t h e m i s re l ate d to sp o r t, b u si n e ss, o rg an i zat i o n o r p r i vate b u si n e ss. Th e y are t h e au t h o r i t y an d t h e y l i k e d o i n g t h i n g s o n t h e i r ow n . St u b b o r n , co l d - h e ar te d an d m o t i vate d by p assi o n – t h at i s t h e l o o k o f t h e i r t r u e st e n e rg y ! Origin of Aries constellation

B o t h Gre e k an d Eg y p t i an my t h o l o g y are f am i l i ar w i t h t h e sto r y o f Ar i e s. I n an c i e nt Eg y p t Ar i e s was asso c i ate d w i t h t h e g o d Am o n - R a – i n t h e an c i e nt i m ag e s, h e was p o r t raye d as a m an w i t h a ram’s h e ad. Ram’s head in that time was a symbol of creativit y, will, an d fe r t i l i t y – a n e w l i fe.

Th e sy m b ol wa s a n i n d i c ato r of the a nnua l re b i r t h o f the sun that was especially visible in t h e sp r i n g. Acco rd i n g to Greek mythology, on the other hand, Aries was a golden ram t h at s aved Phr ixus f ro m a h o r r ibl e death. Ph r i x u s wa s the son o f At h am as, the k ing o f B o e o t i a , a nd t w in b ro t h e r o f Hel l e. H i s m o t h er wa s N e p h e l e, the goddess o f t h e c l o uds. Once his f at h e r g o t rem a r r ied, b o t h h e and his new w i fe h ate d the t w ins. She hated them so much t h at sh e t hought a bout a d e v i o u s pl a n to get r i d o f t h e m once for a l l. S h e wante d to c reate st ar vat i o n in B oeotia an d b r i b e d fa r m er s a nd e ve r yo n e el se that the o n l y way to stop this is to sac r i f i ce Phr ixus an d H e l l e. Th e i r m o t her found out ab o u t t h e s e l ies a nd wanted to save her boys by se n d i n g a gol den ram to t h e resc ue. The

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Zodiac Signs Aries anima l s aved b o t h b ro t he r s, b u t H e l l e fe l l o f f i n a se a d u r i n g t h e re sc ue m ission and t h e s ea wa s rena med i n his ho no ur. The ra m b ro ug ht Phr i xus to Co l c h i s w h e re k i n g Ae ë te s acce p te d h im a nd even decided to gave him his daughter Chalciope’s hand. As a thank you for accepting him when no one wanted, Phixus offered the ram to Zeus and gave the golden hair to Aeëtes. Ar ies stars lie along the Zodiac and you can see it across the sk y dur ing the year, but it s a i d to b e t he mo s t v i si b l e in Novem b er. https://star registration.net/zodiacs/a r ies-zodiac.html

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Thank You

Thank you wonderful ladies for your help in working on this magazine!!!

Elder High Priestess, RavensThorn Elder High Priestess, Lady Glorianna Britannica Mawu Cardea amphritrite Khaos 152

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