Mythology of True Blood and the Sookie Books

Lafayette's Prayer
By Aslinn Dhan

"I think over again my small adventures, my fears, These small ones that seemed so big. For all the vital things I had to get and to reach. And yet there is only one great thing, The only thing. To live to see the great day that dawns And the light that fills the world."

It comes from an Innu Song

Near Death Experience By Aslinn Dhan
The possibility of an existence after death fascinates us. I mean that is what fascinates up about Vampires, that they cheat death. So, what is a near death experience.

The NDE interest was sparked by a theosophist and writer Raymond Moody. He wrote that the soul is a thing that can migrate between two world, the conscious and the unconscious. Jiving with Edgar Cayce's thought, he believed there are times when we are faced with the hereafter and we can chose to either go on from this plane of existence or come back.

Some people who have this experience have total recall of the event. They reported similar experiences where they say they rise up and go through a tunnel where they see a great light and they are greeted by beings in the light. Sometimes this takes the shape of loved ones who have already made the journey, others claim they have seen angels and still others have claimed to have seen hell. Whatever it is, they come back with a sense of revelation, that death is not the end or in the case of some who see the final punishment they have time to repair their spiritual lives and have the chance to redeem the soul they nearly lost.

The Medical community, however, believes NDE to be a reaction to various chemicals released to the body after trauma. They say a mixture of endorphins, insulin and various other factors create a near death experience. The similarities of the story they say is because of shared culture or thought about the hereafter, that though a person my declare they do not believe in any religion, they have heard enough stories that have stored themselves int he collective consciousness and they emerge during times of stress.

The Spirit Book by Raymond Buckland

The Water of Life By Aslinn Dhan

Sookie met Claudine in S3 E7 and she is handed a glass of water. Water is symbolic of renewal, healing, cleansing and sanctification. It is also the portal or boundary to the other world, either to the world of death or to the magikal worlds. All world religions have a special relationship with water.

I Celtic and Norse cultures, water, springs, and wells are sacred. Certain wells contain particular gifts and are visited by seekers. Some empower the user to great gifts of reason or wisdom, some heal, some go to receive beauty others are reserved for love, some are for fertility and strength, still others are for memory. To drink or bathe in certain waters is to ensure eternal life, like the Fountain of Youth. Tir Nan Og, for example is the land of Eternal Youth and Beauty and is found under the sea.

The Greeks and Romans believed in the river Styx, the river that delineates the land of the living from the land of the dead.

Ancient Hebrews connected Godliness with cleanliness and Orthodox Jews still take ritual baths called a mikvah. God caused the wicked world to be swallowed up by water save the inhabitants of the ark. (Every world religion has a story of the great flood) Moses was give power over water to help the Hebrews escape the Egyptians.

Christians also use water symbolically. Jesus was baptized int he waters of the Jordan. He turned water into wine, he was seen walking on water and water and blood mixed together comes out of his wounds.

Later, in more modern times, we have events like the Visitation at Lourdes. The Blessed Virgin appears to Bernadette Soubirous and caused a healing well to spring up and many hundreds of thousands are cured.

In Judeo-Christian prophesy, visions of heaven include the river of life. Voices of the martyrs are thought to sound like the rushing of many waters and when the apocalypse happens, the seas will be burned away by a great star called Worm Wood.

The Element of Water is one of the four elements: Earth, Air, fire and water. and associated with the four directions, north, south, east and west. West is associated with water. Water is gender feminine and sees to many of the concerns of women like love, fertility, cleansing and healing. It associated with the color blue and the elementals called undines *. It is associated with death and rebirth and initiation. It is associated in Christian magik with Gabriel thus is the element of knowledge.

In the Tarot, it is associated with the suit of Cups and the season of fall.

Every religion has a version of holy water. Sea water is considered natural holy water. Priests and Priestesses wash their hands before rituals in holy water and bless and cleanse ritual tools and sacred spaces with it.

The Holy Bible KJV, The Witch Book by Raymond Buckland, and Faeries by Brian Froud.

*Undines are fae associated with water: Neirids, Oceanides, Nymphs and Mer people

What are the Druids By Aslinn Dhan

Since Denis O'Hare has told us Russell Edgington is a Celt and an Ancient Druid, I thought I would add this bit of information.

As you read about magick and the mystical arts and the Craft, you will read about the Druids. What are the Druids and how do they relate to us, the modern witches and covens of today. No one is really sure about who the Druids are. There are some who say they were some sort of ruling class, some where after the chief or king but above the ordinary citizenry. They were the wise men and women who formed the basic legal system, made decisions about crime and punishment, advised kings when and when not to make war, alliances, marry and crown heirs. They functioned also as the leaders of religion, presiding over marriages, divorces, births, funerals, coronations and religious feasts, sports, and rites.

We know this very small bit not from Druids themselves, but from the invaders of Europe, namely the Romans under people like Julius Caesar. In Julius Caesar's Commentaries, he wrote that the Druids were blood thirsty, savage men( ignoring of course the roles of women in the Druidic culture) who sacrificed humans in large quantities and ate human flesh and burned people alive in their wickerman festivals before Samhain. And following largely in this same vein, writers like Pliny the elder spoke of some elements of Druid religion, like the veneration of trees and the worship of the moon and the sun and the use of mistletoe and some meanings of the varying woods. But this is all we really know, and we should have some skepticism about histories that were not written by the people themselves either through art or written language.

Did the Druids write their own history? I'm afraid the Druids themselves wrote very little about their work and their religion or their knowledge. Most of the Druid's knowledge was oral history, told from one Druid to another, taught from generation to generation and handed down as legacy of sorts. It is thought, because no one really knows for sure, they were a culture who believed in leading strenuous lives of hard work and play. If things were written down, then no one need learn things and memorize them, they could look it up anytime. So just as there were people who did wondrous athletic feats, so too were there people who memorized millions of words of poetry and formulas and spells. This is fantastic in and of themselves, but imagine now, the death of the group of people! It would be the death of all that learning.

And that is what happened, and just all invaders do, they bring their pantheons of Gods and Goddesses to replace the native Gods. Now, does that mean the Druid religion and their magical practices are lost forever? No, but you can never call it "Druid" again. There were people who remembered little bits, a spell here, a practice there, maybe even a ritual or two and keep it in their hearts, teaching their family, celebrating with others, adding to the parts they have forgotten with some new bit they thought would enhance the rite and make it respectful and memorable for them in their time. And over time, the faith system of the conquerors become absorbed by the conquered, that is why we see Greek and Roman spirits and imagery of European Wicca and Native American imagery in North America and we are now seeing Christian and Pagan imagery in the Craft, as we have come to call it.

Commentaries by Julius Ceasar and Histories by Pliny the Elder and History of the Druids by Padraig Colm and How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill.

Celtic Astrology
By Aslinn Dhan

Dec 23- Jan 1 (June 25-Jul 4) Apple Tree- Thin, charming, pleasant, flirty, adventurous, sensitive, loving, generous, scientific, philosophic, imaginative.

Jan 2-Jan 11 (July5- July 14) Fir Tree- taste, dignity, sophistication, loves beauty, moody, stubborn, modest, ambitious, talented, industrious, reliable.

Jan 12- Jan 24 (July 15-July 25) Elm Tree- pleasant shape- tasteful clothes, modest demands, unforgiving, cheerful, loves to lead, practical, noble minded, generous, humorous.

Jan 25-Feb 3 (Jul 26-Aug 4) Cypress Tree- strong, adaptable, content, optimistic, hates loneliness, faithful, quick tempered, unruly, pedantic, careless.

Feb 4-Feb 8 (May 1- May 14/ Aug 5- Aug 13) Poplar Tree- decorative, unconfident, courageous when they have to be, needs good will, pleasant surroundings, choosy, artistic, organized, and philosophical.

Feb 9- Feb 18 (Aug 14- Aug 23) Cedar Tree- of rare beauty, adaptable, enjoys good health, not shy, a bit snobby, self confident, determined, impatient, impressive, talented, industrious, and optimistic.

Feb 19-Feb 28 (Aug 24- Sept 2) Pine Tree- loves good company, robust, comfortable, active, natural, standoffish, falls in and out of love, gives up

Mar 1- Mar 10 ( Sept 3-Sept 12) Weeping Willow- beautiful, melancholy, attractive, empathetic, loves beauty and travel, big dreamer, restless, honest, demanding, good intuition.

Mar 11- Mar 20 (Sept 13- Sept 22) Lime Tree- accepts what life dishes out, loyal, jealous, hates fighting, stress and work, dislikes laziness in others, soft, relenting, makes sacrifices, talented.

March 21- Oak Tree- robust, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, stable, a person of action.

Mar 22- Mar 31 (Sept24- Oct 3)- Hazelnut Tree- charming, undemanding, understanding, makes an impression, agent for change, popular, moody, and excellent sense of judgment.

April 1-April 10 (Oct 4-Oct 13)- Rowan Tree- full of charm, cheerful, gifted, loves attention, life, motion, unrest, and complications, both independent and dependent, artistic, passionate.

April 11-April 20 (Oct 14- Oct 23)- Maple Tree- no ordinary person, imaginative, shy, reserved, ambitious, proud, confident, loves new experiences, nervous, complex, good memory.

April 21-April 30 (Oct 24- Nov 11)- Walnut Tree- unrelenting, strange, full of opposites, egoistic, aggressive, noble, looking for the next horizon, unexpected reaction, spontaneous, limited, ambitious, inflexible, difficult, admired, jealous.

May 15- May 24 (Nov 12- Nov 21)- Chestnut Tree- beautiful, modest, seeks justice, vivacious, diplomatic, irritable, sensitive, low confidence, loves only once.

May 25-June 3 (Nov 22- Dec 1)- Ash Tree- attractive, vivacious, demanding, hates criticism, ambitious, intelligent, egotistical, reliable, trustworthy, faithful, prudent, and serious in love.

June 4- June 13 (Dec 2- Dec 11) Hornbeam Tree- cool beauty, takes care, good taste, makes life comfortable, reasonable, disciplined, kind, cautious, and conscientious.

June 14- June 23 (Dec 12- Dec 21) Fig Tree- strong, willful, independent, doesn’t argue, loves life, family, children, animals, social occasions. Humorous, lazy but talented.

June 24- Birch Tree- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, nothing in excess, hates vulgarity, loves nature, imaginative, but unambitious, calm and content.

September 23- Olive Tree- warmth, kindness, reasonable, balanced, loves the sun, avoids aggression, calm, just, tolerant, cheerful, free of jealousy, loves to read, and being in the company of intellectuals.

Dec 22- Beech Tree- good taste, concerned with appearance, materialistic, organized, economical, leader, no risks, friend for life, and avid health nut.

Dream Walking By Aslinn Dhan

Bill calls his sojourn into Faery a dream state and Lafayette and Jesus take a dream walk under the influence of V. But what is dream walking and were our friends on that voyage?

Have you ever had a dream that didn't feel like it was your own? A dream that was full of strange elements that didn't make sense to you or in which you found yourself doing things that were out of character? Or what about a dream that was full of people and places that you didn't recognize? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have been dream walking.

Dream walking, simply put, is the ability to enter the dreams of others or to share an experience outside the real world and in another. It is not as strange or weird as it may sound. To think of it another way it is like channel surfing in your sleep. Except that instead of changing channels on you television, you are actually hopping from dream to dream visiting the thoughts of other people as they sleep. You may be saying to yourself that if this is possible, then other people could enter my dreams. Yes that is absolutely true. They can and they do. It happens to us all of the time. It is a perfectly natural phenomenon. It is because of the simple fact that we fail to remember the majority of our dreams that most people don't realize it is happening.

The Dreaming Prophet, our friend, Edgar Cayce, believed that we lead independent lives as a spirit form in our sleep and there is no reason we can or be a part of other people's dream lives as we go on our earthbound voyages. He also believed we entered other worlds, the basic concept of altered realities and other planes of existence, entered through portals in time and space, the principals of time travel and interdimensional travel.

Shamans and witches often use the ritual of dream walking to understand and gather wisdom, to divine the future and commune with the gods and masters of their own traditions, now ascended. Using intoxicants are a small part of this ritual. Some new ritualists put far too much emphasis on the use of peyote, marijuana, or other mind altering drugs. For the ancients, the use of these gate keys was a practice that was carefully done, by only the wisest of shamans and under the strictest rules and guidelines.

Other experiences too could open the door. Sexual practitioners of Tantra and Kundilini used sex and the euphoria of arousal and climax to open the mind to other planes of existence. Sessions of sexual ritual could last for hours and allowed the shaman to disconnect form the physical world by the sensations of sexual activity and the heightened physical condition to allow the mind to roam in other planes and gain a more centered consciousness. But again, the new practitioners have distilled it to simply sex for the sake of the sexual experience and not for the deeper meanings of the voyage beyond the physical self.

Bill and Lafayette and Jesus access these other planes through the ingestion of the blood. Bill drank a lot of Sookie's blood, making him more human and fae than he otherwise might be, sort of tricking the door of Faery to open and admit him into the world of magik. Lafayette and Jesus used Vampire Blood to link them together for their shared alter state and allowed Jesus to guide Lafayette into the past and see where his magikal roots began and his connection to the supernatural world.

Have you ever had a dream that felt like someone was intruding into it? That felt like someone didn't belong or that you were being threatened or attacked? If so then you may have been experiencing someone walking through your dream. This is a common form of telepathy. It is similar to the subconscious telepathy that we experience on a daily basis while we are awake.

Sookie does this on a regular basis. She is a telepath and automatically feels the the emotions and thoughts of others in her mind. She also has the connection of blood with both Eric and Bill and she is open to their influence because of their blood ties with her. But she is not just connected to them, they are also connected to her.

Whether we realize it or not, all of our minds are constantly communicating on a subconscious level. Jung called this the collective unconscious. It is like an interlacing network of ideas and thought forms. Sometimes, when we are asleep and dreaming, we simply bump into one another's thoughts and this can be experienced as dream walking.

It is possible to do this on a conscious level. Though it is somewhat rude to do this without the other person's permission. If you meditate before going to sleep at night and summon enough will power while concentrating on the image of the person whose dreams you are wanting to enter, it is possible to visit their dreams. You can also visualize yourself entering their dreams. This is a very tricky thing to do because it can be difficult to tell whether you actually dream walked or just dreamt about dream walking. It has to be something that you strongly desire to do and it really helps to have the other person's permission. Some people are very good at guarding their thoughts even on a subconscious level and will block you at every attempt.

This is a useful skill if you encounter psychic Vampires. A psychic Vampire is one who feeds on your emotional energy rather than your blood. If you develop the ability to block yourself from the invasion of the Vampire into your energy or chi, then you can protect yourself from their psychic draining.

Because this is such a difficult thing to do with any accuracy or even a way of verifying success, it can take years of practice to master this ability. The amount of effort and will it requires also makes it difficult. As with anything else, the ability to dream walk comes more easily to some than it does for others. It helps to have a partner who is willing to practice with you. If you both keep an accurate dream journal, this can supply you with the feedback that you need to actually hone your dream walking ability.

Dream walking and astral travelling are very similar. Astral travelling tends to be something you do alone, where dream walking is a more conscious experience where you can choose who goes with you.
It is good to set your intentions when going to sleep. You can ask your Higher Self for help with a problem or you can consciously choose to go on an adventure, using your powers of visualization and imagination.

Understanding the mystical alignments of the body such as the chakras can help you relax your body, redirect your energies and focus on your intentions to dream walk. Have a clearly defined goal in mind and whatever wisdom you may be seeking.

When bedtime comes, go to bed in a relaxed and happy way and if you feel any tension in your body, just spend a few minutes releasing that consciously, becoming aware of the different parts of your body.
Breathe into these areas and relax and expand your consciousness. Feel the more subtle aspects of the physical body.

Sources: The Sleeping Prophet by Edgar Cayce, Dreaming Metaphysically by Hans Holzer, The Draming Time of the Aborigines of the Americas and Australia by John David Storm Horse

The Wiccan Rede: The Witch's Code of Ethics
By Aslinn Dhan

Some people would be shocked to know that witches of all trads have a code of ethics they must follow when wielding their powers. There are consequences to every action taken in the magikal or mundane world. Some people call it kismet or karma or simply payback.

The witch believes that everything they send out into the universe by way of magik is repaid times three. Every good or evil done is rewarded/punished. And witches have a set of rules called The Rede.

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

The last line of the Rede is the rule of thumb. You may cast any spell or any other magikal working you desire so long as you do no harm, and that means to yourself or others.

The notion that witches would give women abortions was a part of anti-witch propaganda used by the Inquisition. All life being sacred to a witch would never have given a woman an abortion. There are herbs that can induce abortions but this knowledge is for precaution, to help women avoid these herbs during pregnancy. And because the rede clearly states "harm none" this was include a growing fetus.

Another facet of witch practice is the use of the blade or athame. All tools of the witch used to direct energy or to invoke the gods is sacred. A wand, a staff, a sword or a blade is purified and dedicated. The old legends that witches routinely used daggers and swords to perform human or animal sacrifices is again a myth used by the Inquisition. The athame and sword are "virgin" blades and would not have been used to draw blood, even a small amount.

Blood in rituals is a reality. Sealing spells, using blood to send spells on behalf of the blood supplier creates the most perfect bond of a spell. But it is not paramount. It simply signifies the personal nature of the spell and the commitment of the sender to the ritual.

The Wiccan Rede by Mark Ventimiglia and Wiccan Ethics by Shelley TSivia Rabinovitch and Meredith Macdonald

Black Cohosh and the Use of Herbs by Witches
By Aolani

2 weeks ago we saw Holly offer Sam some Black Cohosh for his temper. This week we saw Holly making a decoction made from herbs for Arlene to help end her pregnancy.

I truly have to preface this by saying that I don’t know of any witch who is going to start a job, and as a new hire, watch her boss flip out like that and then casually walk up to him and say : Hi! I am a Wiccan and here is some Black Cohosh to help with your temper problem! That would never happen. Most people don’t even know what a Wiccan is. You may as well say you are a Martian. Not to mention the fact that even Sam thought it was something else. The perception is that you are nothing better than a drug dealer. That isn’t true, but you can see how it can be perceived. What a way to start your new job!

The use of herbs to heal is nothing new. It has been done since before we can remember. It is how modern medicine evolved. By the year 1521 Nostradamus began studying herbal medicine for 8 years before deciding to go on to medical school. It was the beginnings of the use of modern medicine. It has evolved for as long as we can remember, a little at a time, until today we make huge leaps and bounds and use more synthetic sources. Back then however, it was how things were done. Synthetics didn’t exist and so they had to use what was available. They learned which plants did what and how they could be used and words like decoctions and tinctures and poultices were created to describe the process.
Today there is a huge resurgence in the use of going back to using natural herbs to treat problems or to ensure good health. We see that in over the counter supplements and the use of Naturopaths. Naturopathic medicine is a modern manifestation of the field of naturopathy, a 19th-century health movement espousing "the healing power of nature."

Centuries ago physicians were hard to find. They were educated and usually lived in larger cities. People in smaller towns or in the country had to rely on the same things from their local wise women. Sometimes men too, but usually women. They learned from their elders and the knowledge was passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. People would freely come to be seen and every household had enough knowledge to take care of basic needs. Then came the Witch Trials and it began to be seen as witchcraft since it could not be easily explained. What was in high demand from a doctor became a crime from a local. It had nothing to do with religion. It had to do with the ability to control life and death. There were many other aspects to the Witch Trials, but we will concentrate on this, for this article.

One might be inclined to think it had died out as we advanced and modern medicine advanced. There has always been a section of the population that has never forgotten and still depends on it today. Not just the so called witches either. Any rural area where doctors are scarce or where people need to know how to survive away from modern conveniences they can still be found. Poorer areas abound with this knowledge and with the advent of the internet it became easier for that folklore and knowledge to be passed.

The Witches DO know about herbs. We know which ones are good for certain things and which ones to avoid. What a lot of Witches don’t know however is how much to give or with what restrictions. Most Witches won’t prescribe herbs. They know that you should be seen by a Naturopath if you want to go that route. We can do the simple stuff, like using Mugwort or Rosemary to heal a bruise and more. We just won’t go a lot further. Why? We know that people can die from its misuse and not only is it against our Laws to do harm, but it can be a crime if someone dies from it. We use herbs for incenses and teas to cure a cold or to calm us and the like. We won’t go out to the garden and harvest our foxglove to help you with your heart issues. You might feel better, but then again you might die too.

So how about Holly offering Sam Black Cohosh?

Well, Black Cohosh is known as a women’s herb. It comes from the buttercup family and it is generally used for symptoms of PMS! It has a wide variety of uses including hot flashes, arthritis, muscle pain, sore throat, cough and indigestion. The juice of the plant was used as an insect repellent and was made into a salve and applied to snake bites. Today, Black Cohosh is used primarily as a nutritional supplement for hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms that can occur during menopause, as well as for menstrual cramps and bloating. It usually has warnings such as do not use Black Cohosh during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. Black Cohosh is a sedative and not to be taken in large amounts.

I highly doubt that Sam would have experienced a decrease in temper by using this. More than likely he might have noticed some sedation, if given too much he might expect indigestion, headache, nausea, perspiration, vomiting, heaviness in the legs, weight gain, and low blood pressure. There are far more desirable herbs to use to create the same effect for a man!

Excessive doses of Black Cohosh may cause seizures, visual disturbances and slow or irregular heartbeat. There have been a number of cases of liver damage suspected to be associated with Black Cohosh use. In most of the cases, there were other medical problems present and other medications used that may have contributed to the liver damage. Also, the quality and purity of the Black Cohosh products used isn't known.

Yes, this is serious stuff! Not just this herb, but any herb has the potential to be dangerous if not used properly. Which brings me to the next point, Holly did not ask Sam if he had any preexisting conditions. Holly followed the same lack of concern for Arlene as well.

People with allergies to plants in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family should avoid Black Cohosh. Black Cohosh contains small amounts of salicylic acid, so people with allergies to aspirin or salicylates should avoid Black Cohosh. People with a history of blood clots or stroke, seizures, liver disease and those who are taking medications for high blood pressure should not use Black Cohosh. Because it may act like the hormone estrogen in the body, Black Cohosh could interfere with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives. Black Cohosh may interfere with the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Theoretically, Black Cohosh may interfere with the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives. These are but a few of the warnings that come with using Black Cohosh.

All herbs have the potential to be of great use to help heal and to do good, but they can also, like any medicine do harm. Make no mistake, herbs are medicines. Even when you go to your doctor today he will ask to see a list of your current medications and any over the counter supplements you may be taking.

I think it is more than likely that the herb Holly gave Arlene to induce her miscarriage was Black Cohosh. She said she was making a decoction. A decoction is created by mashing, straining and boiling the herb of choice. There is a process, but it is using the plant and as much of it as possible to make it stronger or weaker as desired. Holly told Arlene to make sure she took the decoction 4 times a day for 5 days. If she strengthened the herb, and with that dosage and length of time, a miscarriage would be induced using Black Cohosh.

Alan Ball took some creative liberties as always with his use of specific herbs. As usual he didn’t get it quite right. If you take it in the spirit of a neat story then it does no harm. The harm comes when people begin to stop seeing the use of herbs as medicine and dabble in it. Even I, as a Witch with medical conditions don’t take herbs without the consultation and advice of my doctor and Naturopath.

As with most things, anything can be good or bad it is our intention and knowledge about them that determines if it is good or evil.

The information I give to you is the way I learned it and what I know from my teachings. I have studied and also learned from word of mouth. I am not an expert. I am not an herbalist or a Naturopath, but the information I give to you can easily be verified by simply googling the words “Black Cohosh” or “Black Cohosh-Pagan”.

Here are a few sources you can reference right away tho if you like:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/blackcohosh/a/blackcohosh.htm
https://www.silverenchantments.com/Herbs/blackcohosh.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturopathy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostradamus

From Aslinn Dhan

Thanks Aolani for the information on Black Cohosh and the use of herbs in Witchcraft......

As with any herbal information on this thread, consult a trained herbalist on the use and contraindications of any herb or root.....These were and still are medicine, some of the oldest medicine in the world and can be as dangerous as any pharmaceutical......

Sympathetic Magick and Voodoo Dolls and Poppet’s
By Aolani

Sympathetic magick is one of the oldest and most basic forms of magick. It has been verified to have existed since men first drew pictures of animals on cave walls to ensure a good hunt or danced around a fire in furs. The words basically mean that like attracts like.

Definitions of Sympathetic magic on the Web:

• Sympathetic magic, also known as imitative magic, is a type of magic based on imitation or correspondence.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_magic

• Magic, sometimes known as sorcery, is the practice of consciousness manipulation and/or autosuggestion to achieve a desired result, usually by techniques described in various conceptual systems. The practice is often influenced by ideas of religion, mysticism, occultism, science, and psychology.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_Magic

• The belief and practice that objects which have something in common with each other (eg, same shape or texture) have some supernatural connection with each other.

www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415485395/glossary.asp

• any ritual action through which one attempts to control or influence the behavior of an animal, deity, person or the outcome of a situation by imitating the likeness, character or movement of the entity(s) involved. See also Contagious Magic.

staff.jccc.net/Thoare/gl%20q%20to%20z.htm

• Magic predicated on the belief that one thing or event can affect another at a distance as a consequence of some spiritual connection between them. Early art indicates the belief in the power of man-made images to work through sympathetic magic. ...

www.studiocodex.com/vocabulary07.html

We have all used sympathetic magick at some time, including going to Church and praying to a figure on a wooden cross. We all know that the figure is NOT Jesus or God but a representation, but yet thousands go to pray before the figure in their local church and swear their prayers are answered. Who is to say they are not?

Sympathetic magick is often used with candles, such as birthdays. We put the number of candles on a cake representing the number of years celebrated, or a numbered candle. We wish them love and happiness and joy, thus setting our intention. The candle is then burned sending our intentions to the Universe to be carried out.

There have been studies done on water and the power of sympathetic magick. Water from the most polluted areas of China was used and examined under a microscope. Monks then prayed over the water. The water was reexamined under the microscope again and found to have undergone a cellular change. The cells went from being disorganized and broken to orderly and very beautifully structured. You could say this is a testament to prayer, but it is also a testament to sympathetic magick. The monks were very peaceful and loving and put that intention into the water. They prayed for health as well. As a result the cells themselves reformed to create the intention.

These are examples of how we use sympathetic magick without conscious thought and for good purposes.

You see sympathetic magick used in homeopathic recipes such as Bach Remedies. These are flower essences made with the live flower or plant and water and alcohol. The living flower or plant is never killed but set into the water in a particular way. The essence of the flower or plant has an effect on the water that lets it take the benefit. It is then preserved and consumed thus transferring the benefit of the plant to the person taking it. If you have never heard of Bach Remedies, I highly recommend googling it. It is a fascinating process that many swear by.

Another form of sympathetic magick more often thought of is the use of voodoo dolls or poppet’s. We picture a dark skin man dressed in painted face and feathers with a doll sticking pins in it. Again, the doll itself is not dark or light magick. It is the intention. A voodoo doll can be used to do harm, but also to heal or protect. In Northern Europe and North America these dolls are often called poppets. It is basically a cutout of a human form in cloth material or corn husks or some other material. Color can be used to signify the intention or not as desired. The doll can be filled with any material desired, but often it will contain corresponding oils and / or herbs to also set the intention. The use of color, scent, herbs, oils and even form are all sympathetic magick. The doll may have a face painted or drawn on it, or even a picture of the intended taped to it. Personal items such as the intended’s hair or nail clippings or a personal item may be included in the stuffing or not as available or desired. The person constructing the doll would think about what they wanted to accomplish being as specific as possible. This is intention and helps set the sympathetic magick into place. One could use a pin to draw out a pain or cause a pain. One might draw X’s or circles to designate a particular spot. One could place it into a pattern of candles or pictures and pray or do spell work over it for protection or healing. There are millions of ways, some serious, some not so serious.

Traditions often get handed down without even knowing where they came from. I remember many years ago my grandmother made and gave to me a Damnit Doll. Now I had never heard of such a thing, but when I received it I couldn’t help but giggle. One day I was really frustrated and mad and I grabbed that doll and used it. To my delight, the anger was gone and laughter took its place. I didn’t expect that to happen, having no thought beforehand of what it would or wouldn’t do.

I would like to share with all of you, how to make a Damnit Doll of your own. It is a simple bit of harmless magick that is fun and easy to do.

The basic design and directions can be found at http://www.craftbits.com/project/dammit-doll .

I am sure you are already kind of smiling or grinning looking at the poem that goes with it. When making the doll, focus on laughter. Laugh as you make it, to yourself or out loud. Imagine how silly you or the intended person will look smacking the stuffing out of the doll. Think of happy times and all that you have to be grateful for. Just take your time thinking about it and really focus as you make it.
The next time you are mad, use the doll. Smack its little head or body against a counter or desk hard! Just whack that sucker until you feel better! I bet you can’t do it without laughing after a while, no matter how mad you are. That is sympathetic magick and the use of poppets.

What is a Brujo?
By Aolani
Brujería is the Spanish word for witchcraft. Brujeria also refers to a mystical sect of male witches in the southernmost part of Argentina. Both men and women can be witches, brujos and brujas respectively.

Brujos is the plural term that can mean either a group of male witches or both male and female witches.
The brujería of Hispanophone America is a combination of Spanish and the indigenous people of those regions (predominantly Mesoamerican and other South American indigenous regions), so it is heavily influenced by ancient paganism.

Further south of that region, brujería is diverse, from a similar mix of indigenous and Spanish culture, to the European styles found in Argentina and Uruguay. In these latter countries, brujería often takes on Christian, specifically Catholic, influences.

However, the term bruja/o has just as many negative connotations as does its English counterpart 'witch'. To refer to somebody as a bruja/o is often to label them an 'evil doer'. So most South Americans of European descent refrain from using it in reference to themselves. Some of these people have adopted the term curandero (shaman), a family reference, or simply no term at all. In Spain and European descendant South Americans, the witch is considered by many to be fictional. In contrast, brujos from Central America or the north of South America are usually respected members of the community. They are sought for their powers of healing, divination and spellwork, and can often be found selling amulets and such curios openly on the street.

Curanderismo is also a practice that is totally distinctive from witchcraft, in that they do not use spells or divination but rather, work as psycho-spiritual healers doing such things as soul retrievals.

The brujos from Spain are either Christian or pagan-witches. The first group use folk magic and combine it with Catholic ritual and beliefs. This group includes priests and nuns. This group usually informs the person that they are performing a hex or, that they are responsible for the consequences of said spell. The latter group are not Christian and either practice secretly or veil their practices under Catholic ones. Non-Christian brujería from Spain is predominantly influenced by the ancients, either Greco-Roman, Celtic, Phoenician or a combination. This latter group does not tend to use folk magic, but instead practices what is commonly known to English people as traditional witchcraft.

With the large Hispanic emigration into North America, brujería has naturally gone there as well. The brujos of America are either traditionalist, combine brujería with vudú, or have reconstructed a modern style where one does not have to be of Spanish descent.

So essentially there are three distinct forms: ancient pre-Christian form, Christian or modern form, and a contemporary reconstruction.

Beliefs vary between traditional and modern brujos. Traditional brujos hold core beliefs that are similar to or identical to the witchery around the world. Modern brujos are diverse and can resemble faith healers, be shamanic, spiritualists, or pagan.

Practices are greatly diverse and are dependent upon the locale and the form of brujería. Ancient forms tend to reflect the religions of the indigenous cultures, whilst modern forms tend to be syncretic and use the current dominant religion (usually Catholic).

The most well known practices are similar to English witchcraft: spells (hechizos), charms, amulets, divination, and use of plants (usually herbs). Other practices might include phenomena similar with traditional English witchcraft; namely shapeshifting, glamoury and hedgeriding of the hedgewitch, including use of entheogens. Brujos paganos (pagan-witches) might participate in ritual or ceremonial ecstacies.

Among certain Hispanic and Native American cultures of the Southwest, the practice of brujería is feared as a manifestation of evil. Those who use rituals, spells, incantations, potions, and powders to work ill against others are known as brujas (witches), who are primarily female in number (the male witch is known as a brujo). All the negative facets of witchcraft feared by people throughout the world are practiced by the brujas: manifesting the evil eye, casting spells to cause physical or mental illness, bringing about bad luck, even death. The brujas create dolls in which they insert bits of the victim's hair, fingernail clippings, or pieces of clothing and focus their evil intent upon the miniature representative of the person to be cursed. If an Anglo doctor with modern medical techniques cannot cure someone who has fallen suddenly ill, a bruja is suspected as being the cause of the problem.

Brujas are also thought to be accomplished shapeshifters, possessing the supernatural ability to transform themselves into owls, coyotes, or cats. In the form of an animal, they may spy upon potential victims and may even administer a potion into their unsuspecting quarry's food or water or hide a bad-luck charm on his or her premises. There are certain amulets or rituals that offer some protection from the brujas, but the only sure way to rid oneself of their evil deeds is to employ the services of a curandero. Sometimes the curandero is able to contact the bruja through supernatural means and demand that the curse or spell be removed. In more severe cases, the curandero may have to direct a spell toward the bruja and defeat her on the spiritual level in order to force her to remove the evil directed toward the victim.

A curandero (or curandera for a female) is a traditional folk healer or shaman in Hispanic America, who is dedicated to curing physical or spiritual illnesses. The role of a curandero or curandera can also incorporate the roles of psychiatrist along with that of doctor and healer. Many curanderos use Catholic elements, such as holy water and saint pictures. The use of Catholic prayers and other borrowings and lendings is often found alongside native religious elements.

They are often respected members of the community, being highly religious and spiritual. Literally translated as "healer" from Spanish. Their powers are considered supernatural, as it is commonly believed that many illnesses are caused by lost malevolent spirits, a lesson from God, or a curse.

There are different types of curanderos. “Yerberos” are primarily herbalists. “Hueseros and Sobaderos” are bone/muscle therapists who emphasize physical ailments. "Parteras" are midwives.
The Moche people of ancient Peru often depicted curanderos in their ceramics.

Souces:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brujer%C3%ADa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curandero

Wands By Aslinn Dhan

In the 2nd Sookie Book our heroine runs into the Maenad Callisto. She is scratched by the Maenad's wand, called a thrysis. So what exactly is a wand and how is it used?

A wand is one of the most ancient tools of magik, more so than any other tool. The wand is used to pull and direct energy. Everyone has one. The first wand anyone ever uses is their pointing finger.

Pointing is the first form of casting. To direct someone's gaze with the finger, to get their attention by pointing, to make a statement more powerful, simply point. That is why it is considered impolite to point at someone. People considered it a form of casting and it is.

The biggest thing about magik is intent. If you have a clear notion of what you wish to happen and you see it happening, that is the major ingredient in magik. To then direct that intent with your finger or wand is to focus that energy in the thing you wish to use to create change, such as a talisman or potion or person. Yes, it is that easy.

Even Sookie does it. In Book Six, Sookie and Barry are dancing. Eric becomes angry and confronts Sookie about her shaking her money maker. Sookie in a fit of rage turns around and points her finger at Eric. Her intent is to do several things: Assert her self ownership, make herself plainly understood, and to chase Eric away from her. And she does. Eric of course doesn't like it, but he bends to her will, the power of her intention and the directional energy of her wand..which is of course her finger.

Wands as we think of them, though, are usually made of wood. Different witches and trads and even intentions may require a different wood. The only wood we are asked to leave alone is the wood of the elder tree (despite the use of an elder wand by Albus Dumbledore). Elder is sacred to the earth and if you follow a Pagan Path, it is sacred to the Goddess.

Metals can be used as well. Metals are noted for conductivity. Copper and iron are useful. Be careful though, if you are using Faerie assistance, they will not appreciate your wand if it is iron.

Some wands are highly decorated and some are plain. Crystals can be affixed to your wand and symbols can be carved or burned into it and ribbons can be affixed.

The rule of thumb, the wand should be about the length of your arm from elbow to the tip of your middle finger. And please keep in mind that if you go harvesting wood for your wand, you should leave something behind to thank the tree. Bird seeds, a bit of natural fertilizer, some other token should be left to thank the tree and the earth for its gifts.

The Witch Book by Raymond Buckland, Grimoire for the Apprentice Witch by Zell-Oberon, and Wand Work by Deborah Lipp

By Aslinn Dhan


http://listverse.com/2010/07/01/top-10-gruesome-fairy-tale-origins/


Interesting look at the original fairy tales

Thor's Hammer By Aslinn Dhan

In this season of True Blood, we saw some of Eric's life when he was human. One of the things I noticed was Eric is wearing a Thor's Hammer...So what is Thor's Hammer and what would it mean to Eric? In Norse mythology, Mjǫllnir (also spelled Mjöllnir or Mjölner, pronounced /ˈmjɔːlnɪər/ or /ˈmjɔːlnər/ in English) is the hammer of Thor, a major god associated with thunder in Norse mythology. Distinctively shaped, Mjöllnir is depicted in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome weapons, capable of leveling mountains. Though generally recognized and depicted as a hammer, Mjöllnir is sometimes referred to as an axe or club. In the 13th century Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson relates that the Svartálfar Sindri and Brokkr made Mjöllnir at the command of Loki. The Prose Edda gives a summary of Mjöllnir's special qualities in that, with Mjöllnir, Thor: ... would be able to strike as firmly as he wanted, whatever his aim, and the hammer would never fail, and if he threw it at something, it would never miss and never fly so far from his hand that it would not find its way back, and when he wanted, it would be so small that it could be carried inside his tunic. The most popular version of the creation of Mjöllnir myth, found in Skáldskaparmál from Snorri's Edda,is as follows. In one story Loki sends up to the dwarves called the Sons of Ivaldi that create precious items for the gods: Odin's spear Gungnir, and Freyr's foldable boat Skíðblaðnir. Then Loki bets his head that Sindri (or Eitri) and his brother Brokkr would never succeed in making items more beautiful than those of Ivaldi's sons. The bet is accepted and the two brothers begin working. Thus Eitri puts a pig's skin in the forge and tells his brother (Brokkr) never to stop blowing until he comes and takes out what he put in. Loki, in disguise as a fly, comes and bites Brokkr on the arm but he continues to blow. Then Eitri takes out Gullinbursti which is Freyr's boar with shining bristles. Then Eitri puts some gold in the furnace and gives Brokkr the same order. Loki in the fly guise comes again and bites Brokkr's neck twice as hard. But as before nothing happens and Eitri takes out Draupnir, Odin's ring, having duplicates falling from itself every ninth night. Drawing of hammer depicted on runic inscription Sö 86 located in Åby, Uppland, Sweden. Eitri then puts iron in the forge and tells Brokkr to never stop blowing. Loki comes again and bites Brokkr on the eyelid much harder than before and the blood makes him stop blowing for a short while. When Eitri comes and takes out Mjöllnir, the handle is a bit short (making it one handed). Yet Eitri and Brokkr win the bet which was Loki's head, but the bet cannot be honoured since they need to cut the neck as well, which was not part of the deal. So Brokkr sews Loki's mouth to teach him a lesson. Poetic Edda Thor possessed a formidable chariot, which is drawn by two goats, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. A belt, Megingjörð, and iron gloves, Járngreipr, were used to lift Mjöllnir. Mjöllnir is the focal point of some of Thor's adventures. This is clearly illustrated in a poem found in the Poetic Edda titled Þrymskviða. The myth relates that the giant, Þrymr, steals Mjöllnir from Thor and then demands the goddess Freyja in exchange. Loki, the god notorious for his duplicity, conspires with the other Æsir to recover Mjöllnir by disguising Thor as Freyja and presenting him as the "goddess" to Þrymr. At a banquet Þrymr holds in honor of the impending union, Þrymr takes the bait. Unable to contain his passion for his new maiden with long, blond locks (and broad shoulders), as Þrymr approaches the bride by placing Mjöllnir on "her" lap, Thor rips off his disguise and destroys Þrymr and his giant cohorts. Archaeological record Myths, artifacts, and institutions revolving around Thor indicate his prominent place in the mind of medieval Scandinavians. His following ranged in influence, but the Viking warrior aristocracy were particularly inspired by Thor's ferocity in battle. Emblematic of their devotion were the appearance of miniature replicas of Mjöllnir, widely popular in Scandinavia. Many of these replicas were also found in graves and tended to be furnished with a loop, allowing them to be worn. Mjöllnir amulets were most widely discovered in areas with a strong Christian influence including southern Norway, south-eastern Sweden, and Denmark. Due to the similarity of equal-armed, square crosses featuring figures of Christ on them at around the same time, the wearing of Thor's hammers as pendants may have come into fashion in defiance of the square amulets worn by newly converted Christians in the regions. The shape taken by these pendants varied by region. The Icelandic variant was cross-shaped, while Swedish and Norwegian variants tended to be arrow or T-shaped. About 50 specimens of such hammers were found widely dispersed throughout Scandinavia, dating from the 9th to 11th centuries. A few such examples were also found in England. An iron Thor's hammer pendant excavated in Yorkshire, dating to ca. AD 1000 bears an unical inscription preceded and followed by a cross, interpreted as indicating a Christian owner syncretizing pagan and Christian symbolism. A 10th century soapstone mold found at Trendgården, Jutland, Denmark is notable for allowing the casting of both crucifix and Thor's hammer pendants. A silver specimen found near Fossi, Iceland (now in the National Museum of Iceland) can be interpreted as either a Christian cross or a Thor's hammer. Unusually, the elongated limb of the cross ends in a beast's (perhaps a wolf's) head. A precedent of these Viking Age Thor's hammer amulets are recorded for the migration period Alemanni, who took to wearing Roman "Hercules' Clubs" as symbols of Donar.[8] A possible remnant of these Donar amulets Alpine paganism was recorded in 1897, as a custom of Unterinn (South Tyrolian Alps) of incising a T-shape above front doors for protection against evils of all kinds, especially storms. Stones The Stenkvista runestone in Södermanland, Sweden, shows Thor's hammer instead of a cross. Some image stones and runestones found in Denmark and southern Sweden bear an inscription of a hammer. Runestones depicting Thor's hammer include runestones U 1161 in Altuna (Altuna Runestone), Dr 331 in Gårdstånga, Sö 86 in Åby, Sö 111 in Stenkvista (Stenkvista runestone), Sö 140 in Jursta, Öl 1 in Karlevi (Karlevi Runestone), Dr 26 in Laeborg, and Dr 119 in Spentrup. Other runestones included an inscription calling for Thor to safeguard the stone. For example, the stone of Virring in Denmark had the inscription þur uiki þisi kuml, which translates into English as "May Thor hallow this memorial." There are several examples of a similar inscription, each one asking for Thor to "hallow" or protect the specific artifact. Such inscriptions may have been in response to the Christians, who would ask for God's protection over their dead. According to some scholars, the swastika shape may have been a variant popular in Anglo-Saxon England prior to Christianization, especially in East Anglia and Kent. While the swastika had been "vulgarly called in Scandinavia the hammer of Thor", the symbol properly so called had a Y or T shape. Modern usage Many practitioners of Germanic Neopagan faiths wear Mjöllnir pendants as a symbol of that faith worldwide. Renditions of Mjöllnir are designed, crafted and sold by some Germanic Neopagan groups and individuals. Some controversy has occurred concerning the potential recognition of the symbol as a religious symbol by the United States government. Outside of Germanic Neopaganism, depictions of Mjöllnir are used in Scandinavian logos and iconography, such as the Mjöllnir logo of the Bornholm Museum in Denmark and the coat of arms for Torsås Municipality, Sweden. Mjöllnir pendants are popular in general in Scandinavia and can be seen elsewhere in heavy metal (especially Black metal and Viking metal) and "Dark" subcultures, and, to a lesser extent, among Rockers and biker subcultures. Andy Orchard- Norse Myth and Legend

Astrology-Roman By Aslinn Dhan
Mythology and Astrology

Eric tells us he is a Virgo....so here is something on all of the signs of the zodiac

Whether astrology is a science or an art, or both, is an ongoing debate within the astrological community. But that discussion, important as it is, is beyond the scope of this column. However there are some indisputable facets to astrology: namely that it is both ancient and contemporary; and that astrology is a symbolic language, comparable to how mathematics is also a symbolic language. When we think astrologically, we use a systematic, descriptive, diagnostic, symbolic language. And the language of astrology is not arbitrary -- it relates to the cosmos, to mythology, to our solar system, to mathematical relationships between heavenly bodies, and to facets of human nature, human experience, and historical phenomenon. Natal astrology can also be seen as the progenitor of 20th and 21st century psychology.

But both astrology and psychology have an even more ancient lineage, and that is mythology. Jungian analyst and writer, Robert Johnson, author of popular books such as We, He, and She, wrote his autobiography Balancing Heaven and Earth in 1999. In it he tells the story of how he inadvertently became a Jungian psychotherapist. When a young man, Johnson asked his first therapist how he could learn about human nature. Johnson says that his analyst, Dr. Kunkel, provided a wonderful answer. Dr Kunkel said: "There are three ways: one way is to read all the ancient Greek mythology, because it is all right there. A second way is to read the collected works of Carl Jung. And the third way is to wait and watch -- that is really the best way."

Of course, as astrologers we know that we would add a fourth way, and that is to study astrology. As students of natal astrology, we are acute observers of human action and human nature. Astrology is able to accurately describe,diagnose and delineate how very complex we humans are, both in our individual uniqueness and our collective nature.

You cannot simply translate the use of mythology into astrology, or into archetypal psychology. The astronomical planet is one entity, the mythological predecessor or archetype of god or goddess is another being, and the astrological planets as used in the horoscope represent yet again another system of knowledge or logos. It is very important to make distinctions -- you cannot just transpose one kind of presence or energy onto the other. But, you can use the knowledge of mythology to help you understand and become more fluent in the language of astrology.

The roman horoscope is the precursor to contemporary western astrology.

Founded on the principles evolved from the Hellenistic astrology, the Roman horoscope was also a pagan religion. Once the Italians conquered the Greeks they advanced the school of thought on their theory that God equals sky.

The roman elite considered astronomy an acceptable form of science. Where the Romans advanced their thinking was, they introduced the concept of astrology as it pertained to astronomy. Astronomy predicted the movement of the heavens and astrology interpreted those movements. If a solar eclipse were predicted (astronomy); then famine and bad omens would result (astrology). The roman horoscope became the indicator of daily life for the Romans. The Roman emperor would contact the astrologer up wakening and have them review the daily chart. Is it a good day for visitors? Would travel be safe today? Do the stars foretell war?

Unexpected astronomical events such as shooting stars or eclipses could mean the difference between life and death for individuals depending in the interpretations from the stars. The astrologers held immense power over the political, social and spiritual lives of the Romans.

This uncontrolled power that the astrologers held led some Roman emperors to cast aside the use of Roman horoscopes as slight of hand technique to keep the emperors under their fist. The roman horoscope’s reputation became soiled and followers became known as Chaldeans; the charlatan’s of their age.

The philosophers of Rome included astrology into their theories. Ptolemy viewed astrology as part of the philosophy that all of nature is absolute. The stars and planets were placed in their patterns as in intentional message for the observer. This philosophy agreed with the interpretations of the Roman horoscope.

Religious holidays were honored during events cast by astronomy such as celebrating the solstice, the wavering of the moon. The Romans felt by honoring these astronomical occasions, they would be able to persuade the gods to look down upon them favorably.

The Roman horoscope interpretation of an astronomical event was not founded in a hard science. From studying the stars, twelve deities were determined from the constellations. These twelve deities later became the twelve signs of the zodiac. The Romans believed that a child born under a certain constellation was directly tied to the God that represented them. The child took on the spirit of the god. This was the inception of horoscopes astrology rather than a mythic horoscope. The locations of the planets determined the personality of the individual at the time of their birth.

The roman horoscope involved charting from a birth wheel, determining the location of the houses at the time of birth and predicting the nature of the child born with those characteristics. The differences between the Roman horoscope and contemporary horoscope is that the Roman’s also viewed direct control from the gods on the child; a puppet string was attached from the child to the stars controlling their every thought and move, yet without the influence of the Roman horoscope, western astrology would have not have evolved as it is today.

Along with literature, painting and sculpture, the art of astrology reached new heights in the rebirth of classical culture in the European Renaissance of 1450-1700. The Renaissance philosopher and astrologer Marsilio Ficino, writing in 1492, proclaimed, "This century, like a golden age, has restored to light the liberal arts, which were almost extinct: grammar, poetry, rhetoric, painting, sculpture, architecture, music...this century appears to have perfected [astrology]." Quoted in Peter & Linda Murray, The Art of the Renaissance (London, Thames & Hudson, 1963) page 7.
Several contrasting trends were manifest in Renaissance astrology. There was a tendency towards the adoption of Hellenistic astrological techniques and a new emphasis on the Greek astrologer Ptolemy, alongside a continuation of medieval astrology largely derived from Islam. There were also efforts to rationalize and improve the accuracy of astrology, although many astrologers persisted in their accustomed ways. Astrology also became more popular than ever with the adoption of printing and the dissemination of almanacs, yet it increasingly came under fire as the Renaissance gave way to the Enlightenment.



The zodiac consists of twelve Sun signs or zodiac signs, each having their own distinct characteristics. The Sun’s position in the zodiac is important because it determines the core of one's personality. The Sun sign represents a person's true colors that are displayed to the world on a daily basis. Use the following guide to determine your general disposition and the core of your personality based on your zodiac sign.

Aries Zodiac Sign
March 21 – April 19
Element: Fire
Quality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: Ram
Keywords: Assertive, Competitive, Independent, Energetic, Impulsive

Aries people are direct and never shy away from a challenge. This person is excellent at getting things started, however, he or she sometimes lacks the follow-through to complete projects. Aries people prefer to lead, rather than being told what to do. The tendency to be impulsive often prevents this zodiac sign from thinking a situation through before taking action. In a relationship, Aries people love the challenge as well as the chase, and are attracted to people who play hard to get. The Aries individual tends to have a sharp temper, however, he or she rarely holds a grudge.

Taurus Zodiac Sign
April 20 - May 20
Element: Earth
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: Bull
Keywords: Stable, Sensual, Determined, Stubborn, Affectionate

The Taurus individual is patient and determined. Generally easygoing, their placid demeanor rarely shows upset or anger. However, when he or she has been pushed to the limit or provoked – watch out! Taurus people are cautious and dislike change, preferring to stick with what is familiar and comfortable. There is a tendency to be materialistic and the Taurus person is sometimes too concerned with money and material possessions. The tendency to overindulge and dislike of exercise often causes the Taurus person to put on weight. In a relationship, Taurus tends to be affectionate and dependable.

Gemini Zodiac Sign
May 21 - June 21
Element: Air
Quality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: Twins
Keywords: Communicative, Intelligent, Fickle, Restless, Curious

Communication is important to the Gemini person. Geminis like to talk and have a quick, curious mind. Gemini rules the mind and these people may think too much or over-analyze situations. The Gemini person enjoys companionship and dislikes being alone. He or she needs constant excitement and stimulation and a has a tendency to become bored easily.

Witty and charming, Geminis make friends easily. Gemini enjoys flirtation and is attracted to people who are interesting and easy to talk to. Mental attraction is extremely important to the Gemini person.

Cancer Zodiac Sign
June 22 - July 22
Element: Water
Quality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: Crab
Keywords: Shy, Cautious, Homebody, Protective, Moody

The Cancer person tends to be extremely protective of his or her own feelings and retreats at the first sign of rejection. Cancers are attuned to the past and may hold on to feelings and reminders of the past which prevent him or her from moving forward in life.

Extremely family-oriented, this zodiac sign feels the most secure when they are surrounded by family and loved ones. The Cancer person also tends to be a homebody, preferring to stay at home and read a book rather than party. Cancers need a partner who is demonstrative and devoted.

Leo Zodiac Sign
July 23 - August 22
Element: Fire
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Sun
Symbol: Lion
Keywords: Warm, Generous, Ostentatious, Exuberant, Self-Centered

The Leo person is confident and somewhat self-centered. Leos need adoration and attention and enjoy being in the spotlight. This person has a magnetic personality and a sunny disposition and he or she tends to attract friends easily.

Leos have a tendency to be dramatic about everything and their emotional displays are often quite impressive. The Leo individual loves to show off and can be somewhat arrogant. Leos are romantic and need a partner who showers him or her with attention and tokens of love.

Virgo Zodiac Sign
August 23 - September 22
Element: Earth
Quality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: Virgin
Keywords: Critical, Methodical, Helpful, Modest, Diligent

Virgo possesses a critical, modest nature. The Virgo person is extremely hardworking and conscientious and has a tendency towards perfectionism. These unassuming people are content to live in the background and may prefer a job where they work in a behind-the-scenes capacity.

They have a tendency to want to “fix” people and are often critical of loved ones. There is also a tendency to worry too much and this zodiac sign is prone to stress-related illnesses. The Virgo person expresses affection by doing things for others, rather than actual physical displays of affection.

Libra Zodiac Sign
September 23 - October 22
Element: Air
Quality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: Scales
Keywords: Sociable, Pleasant, Superficial, Fair, Refined

Libras need balance and harmony. The Libra person is extremely sensitive to his or her environment and does not function properly when surrounded by chaos and disorder. These people are charming and pleasant, possessing a strong disliking for confrontation.

Libras often refrain from speaking their mind and have a tendency to say what people want to hear in order to avoid conflict. A dispassionate, detached demeanor is characteristic of this sign. Libra needs a partner who has good manners, good tastes and a romantic nature.

Scorpio Zodiac Sign
October 23 - November 21
Element: Water
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Pluto
Symbol: Scorpion
Keywords: Intense, Focused, Penetrating, Secretive, Possessive

The Scorpio person has a tendency to be possessive and secretive. This person is an expert at getting others to reveal their secrets, although he or she rarely opens up to anyone. Scorpios devote 100% of their energy to everything they do and rarely give up. The Scorpio person is critical and demanding towards loved ones and expects complete loyalty and devotion from a partner.

A lot of energy is focused on the pursuit of sex and power. The Scorpio individual needs a partner who is as passionate and willful as he or she is and finds it difficult to respect a person who is weak-willed or passive.

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign
November 22 - December 21
Element: Fire
Quality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Symbol: Archer
Keywords: Adventurous, Enthusiastic, Freedom-Loving, Outgoing, Spontaneous

Gregarious and enthusiastic, Sagittarius enjoys interacting with people and making friends. Sagittarians do need their freedom, however, which is especially apparent in love relationships. There is a tendency to be blunt, which can sometimes come across as rudeness.

Their blunt nature does not come from malice or spite, however; this person simply has a strong need to tell it like it is. Sagittarius needs a partner who is as fun-loving and adventurous as he or she.

Capricorn Zodiac Sign
December 22 - January 19
Element: Earth
Quality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: Sea Goat
Keywords: Serious, Cautious, Ambitious, Disciplined, Conservative

Capricorns have a serious, cautious nature. The Capricorn person is aloof and detached and may have difficulty opening up to others. These people are ambitious and status-conscious and they tend to devote a lot of energy to their career.

Capricorns have a tendency to choose friends and partners based on status or material wealth rather than compatibility. Once the Capricorn person does open up to someone, he or she is extremely loyal and devoted. The Capricorn person is attracted to people who are mature and goal-oriented.

Aquarius Zodiac Sign
January 20 - February 18
Element: Air
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Symbol: Waterbearer
Keywords: Eccentric, Intellectual, Aloof, Progressive, Friendly

Unconventional and outspoken, Aquarius is the rebel of the zodiac. Aquarians tend to be eccentric in their speech and behavior, often drawing attention to themselves. Equality, freedom and fairness are important to this individual and he or she has a genuine interest in humankind. An aloof and detached nature is characteristic of this sign and he or she feels most comfortable relating to people on a mental level. Aquarius needs a partner who is her or her intellectual equal and who is willing to provide freedom and space.

Pisces Zodiac Sign
February 19 - March 20
Element: Water
Quality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Neptune
Symbol: Fish
Keywords: Sensitive, Romantic, Gullible, Idealistic, Compassionate

Pisces people tend to be dreamers and often fail to see reality. Self-confidence may be lacking in this individual and he or she may suffer from an inferiority complex. Pisces individuals are extremely receptive and can sense the feelings of those around them. Pisceans are considered the psychic sponge of the zodiac, picking up on and assimilating the feelings and emotions of others. For this reason, he or she tends to be moody. This zodiac sign is extremely kind-hearted and tolerant of others. The Pisces person is attracted to a partner who is romantic, sensitive and gentle.


Johanna Wolffolk The Only Astrology Book You will ever Need

Purgatory By Aslinn Dhan

This is one of the most complex parts of Catholic doctrine and often the bone of contention between Catholic and Protestant brethren. But why I should I put in an essay about Purgatory? Because after much thought about Godric and his role in Eric's actions over the last season and the question of the soul of Vampires and some discussion with my priest, I have come to a theory about Godric and the souls of people we might think of as Vampires.

To begin, let's define Purgatory.

Purgatory is a state of temporary exile from the pleasures of heaven in order to rid oneself of temporal or simple sins. The Catholic Church splits sin into two categories: Mortal sin wherein the sinner has committed such sins as to permanently separate themselves from God. Then there is Venial or Temporal sin which are minor sins that may have kept the person from full spiritual fulfillment with God but not serious enough to condemn one to hell.

This is a concept that is quite ancient. Buddhist scholars even suggest Purgatory is form of basic reincarnation theology because it believes in the transcendence of the soul and the transformation of the person from one of faults and apathy to one joined in the Universal One the achievement of enlightenment and their acceptance into Nirvana through repetitions of lives allowing them to access the divine until reincarnation is no longer needed.

Biblical Authority for Purgatory

Purgatory has been described through out the Bible. In the times before the New Testament, Jews believed in a place called "Abraham's Bosom" the place of rest for the faithful until the day of judgment. Jesus mentions this story in Luke 6:22.

It is also closely associated with Jewish belief in Gehenna and Sheol...Sheol being a place of suffering but eventual salvation and Gehenna which was the place of eternal punishment and damnation (Where we get our belief of hell).

Some Protestant brethren believe in a state called "Sleeping in Christ" which is a state of spiritual suspended animation similar to the beliefs of Muslim believers who believe the beloved dead simply wait in the peace of the grave for the last judgment.

There is also the concept found in 2Corinthians 12:2 of the Second Heaven, the place of peace for the righteous dead who await the last judgment.

How does one get out of Purgatory?

Following the concept of Abraham's Bosom, we are told in Christ's parable of Lazarus and the Rich man. Lazarus was a pauper who begged before the Rich Man's house and his sores were licked by dogs while in the house, Rich Man ate well and knew no want. The two die on the same day and Lazarus goes to the Bosom of Abraham and the Rich Man goes to Gehenna. The Rich Man can see Lazarus, glorified and uplifted in the Bosom of Abraham and the Rich Man calls up to him to beg that Abraham allow Lazarus to dip his finger in a bowl of water so he may lean down and give him a drop of water for his tongue. Sadly, this cannot be done. So the Rich Man says..Send Lazarus then to my kin so he can warn them of the torments of hell so they may be righteous when they die and join Lazarus in the Bosom of Abraham. Abraham says they must listen to the prophets and the Bible and find their salvation there.

Prayer is the way to get out of Purgatory. But this is a sticking point between Catholics and their Protestant brethren. This is because there was a time when this belief was abused for personal financial gain. Well, that was just one of 96 sticking points nailed on the church house door in Germany by Martin Luther.

Who prays for the dead? Well, we do. We pray for the peace and comfort of the dead and they in turn pray for us.

So what does this have to do with Godric?

One of the things that intrigues me and it may be solely unintentional is the feeling of if Godric has a soul, he is in the in between place of heaven and hell. He is neither in peace nor in torment and he longs to be untied from this earth but feels his duty still on earth to "reform" his child, Eric. He is in a state of melancholy and will only know peace or final rest or release from this level of existence if he can re-educate Eric and make him give up his vicious unforgiving ways. A Vampire earning his wings sort of scenario.

My pastor, a patient funny guy who likes True Blood chatted with me VIA email about this:

He said that the legend of the Vampire being souless is Christian influence on the mythology. There is no other literature which says the Vampire has no soul other than Christian thinking and writing on the myth. God simply would not allow a souless creature to live on earth, even the Devil has a soul...To say that Godric or any of the Vampire characters have no soul defeats the point of their character feeling emotions. Even Dracula had emotions.

Simply put, they may have a soul, but it is not the same as a human soul. That is not to say they have the innocent soul of an animal, but they have the soul of something that is neither here nor there, capable of evil or good, love or hate, wisdom or ignorance. Nor are they the souls of the mad, though there were Vampire characters who are quite insane. But even the soul of the mad can be redeemed and is valuable to the Creator.

Sources: In the Arms of Abraham: The Belief in Purgatory by Walter Davis and The King James Edition of the Bible and The Complete Soul: Essays in the Eternal State of All Life by Sister Abagail Martin and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Queen Mab By Aslinn Dhan

Since she may figure in the adventures next season (much to our dismay) I am including some things here about her.

First off, the character of Queen Mab begins her life with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, so she does not exist in more ancient literature but facets of her personality does....

Queen Mab is a fairy referred to in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. She also appears in other 17th century literature, and in various guises in later poetry, drama and cinema. In the play her activity is described in a famous speech by Mercutio. She is described as a miniature creature who drives her chariot into the noses and into the brains of sleeping people to compel them to experience dreams of wish-fulfillment. She would also bring the plague in some occasions. She is also described as a midwife to help sleepers 'give birth' to their dreams.

"O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you.
She is the fairies’ midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate-stone
On the fore-finger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies
Athwart men's noses as they lie asleep;
Her wagon-spokes made of long spinners’ legs,
The cover of the wings of grasshoppers,
The traces of the smallest spider's web,
The collars of the moonshine's wat'ry beams,
Her whip of cricket's bone; the lash of film;
Her waggoner a small grey-coated gnat,
Not half so big as a round little worm
Pricked from the lazy finger of a maid:
Her chariot is an empty hazelnut
Made by the joiner squirrel or old grub,
Time out o’ mind the fairies’ coachmakers.
And in this state she gallops night by night
Through lovers’ brains, and then they dream of love;
O’er courtiers’ knees, that dream on court'sies straight,
O’er lawyers’ fingers, who straight dream on fees,
O’er ladies ‘ lips, who straight on kisses dream,
Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues,
Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are:
Sometime she gallops o’er a courtier's nose,
And then dreams he of smelling out a suit;
And sometime comes she with a tithe-pig's tail
Tickling a parson's nose as a’ lies asleep,
Then dreams, he of another benefice:
Sometime she driveth o’er a soldier's neck,
And then dreams he of cutting foreign throats,
Of breaches, ambuscadoes, Spanish blades,
Of healths five-fathom deep; and then anon
Drums in his ear, at which he starts and wakes,
And being thus frighted swears a prayer or two
And sleeps again. This is that very Mab
That plaits the manes of horses in the night,
And bakes the elflocks in foul sluttish hairs,
Which once untangled, much misfortune bodes:
This is the hag, when maids lie on their backs,
That presses them and learns them first to bear,
Making them women of good carriage:
This is she—"

After her literary debut in Romeo and Juliet, she appears in works of seventeenth-century poetry, notably Ben Jonson's "The Entertainment at Althorp" and Michael Drayton's "Nymphidia". In Poole's work Parnassus, Mab is described as the Queen of the Fairies and consort to Oberon, Emperor of the Fairies.

In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, the sexually deceptive Willoughby gives his prey, Marianne, a horse named Queen Mab, a symbol for Marianne's over-eager expectations of marriage in the travelling, womanizing Willoughby.

American philosopher George Santayana wrote a short piece entitled "Queen Mab" which appeared in his 1922 book Soliloquies in England and Later Soliloquies. This particular soliloquy considers English literature as an indirect form of self-expression in which the English writer "will dream of what Queen Mab makes other people dream" rather than revealing him or herself.

"El velo de la reina Mab" ("The Veil of Queen Mab") is a short story by the Nicaraguan modernist Rubén Darío that explores the artist's relationship with the world, as well as the beauty of artistic creation. The story climaxes with Queen Mab enveloping the four artists in her veil, "el velo de los sueños, de los dulces sueños, que hacen ver la vida del color de rosa" ("the veil of dreams, of sweet dreams, that make the world appear rose-colored"). In this way, Queen Mab alleviates the artists' sadness, giving them hope and allowing them to continue their creative endeavors.

Queen Mab also appears as a pivotal character in two Elizabeth Bear fantasy novels, Ink and Steel and Hell and Earth. In these historical fantasy works, Queen Mab is ruler of Faerie in the sixteenth century, co-existing alongside Elizabeth I. Morgan Le Fay, William Shakespeare, Thomas Walsingham, Christopher Marlowe and other historical personages appear in this novel. Mab's rule is linked supernaturally to that of Elizabeth I, her sister queen.

The Dictionary of Shakespeare by Stanley Wells and Shakespeare's Influences by Jonothan Pyle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLu-Y2lAmnE&feature=fvst

Vampires the Dark Mirror of Christianity By Aslinn Dhan


This was a scholarly bit of writing on the Vampire Mythos...There are other examples of comparisons of Christianity and Vampirism in the Mythology Thread....

From The Salt Lake Tribune

Mythic Vampire Seen by some religions to be the mirror of Christianity

By Peggy Fletcher Stack
Friday, November 12, 2010; 8:11 PM

It takes more than a theological stake to the heart to kill the vampire legend.

From Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" books and films to the HBO saga, "True Blood," fascination with these so-called creatures of the night permeates contemporary life.

So why is this mythic figure so long-lived and potent?

Sigmund Freud said that vampires represent our repressed sexuality and aggression, while Carl Jung argued that they are a universal type of "shadow," or dark side of the human personality. They embody aspects of ourselves that we reject, hide or are ashamed to confront.

Many religious scholars see the vampire as a mirror of Christianity.

He is Christ's evil twin, stealing ideas and imagery from the faith's miraculous tale and twisting them into a sinister parable.

Jesus told his disciples to "eat[] my flesh and drink[] my blood" (John 6:54) as evidence of their devotion to him and his mission. Jesus's words were controversial even among his audience and later Romans and other pagans accused the early Christians of cannibalism, said John Morehead of the Western Institute for Intercultural Studies, a Christian think tank in Salt Lake City.

Beyond blood, both Jesus and vampires offer immortality, admittedly through different paths.

"We can read the vampire - and his status as having been alive, then dead and now undead - as related to the Christian idea of resurrection from the dead," Morehead said.
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These days, though, items such as the crucifix and holy water no longer repel the demon, he said. The church is "just as powerless in the face of the vampire as any other institution."

We think we've outgrown superstition, but vampires still frighten - and attract - us.

No one knows for certain the origins of vampires, but most scholars trace the roots to 16th-century Slavic nations, where townsfolk believed in a cosmic battle between good and evil gods - one associated with light, the other with darkness. Like villagers everywhere, they were wary of strangers and outsiders.

When the Eastern Orthodox Church came into power, it was threatened by pagans and heretics. Eventually, these Christians would identify many non-Christians - including pagans and Jews - as "vampires." Both outsider groups were accused of drinking blood because of their ritual animal sacrifices, said Joseph Laycock, who teaches a class on vampires at Tufts University in Boston. "The only blood they were supposed to drink was Christ's."

Any unexplained illness, injury or death often was blamed on the dead returning to harm the living. Vampires became the region's scapegoats.

Britain's Lord Byron traveled to Greece and Turkey and came back to write macabre poems. By 1816, he produced the first modern vampire story. In his telling, the vampire was not a rotting corpse. Still evil, but rich and sexy.

The vampire he drew, Laycock said, resembled Byron - a womanizer and an embarrassment to the family.

That marked the beginning of the seductive, but sympathetic, vampire who is the father of the television show, "Dark Shadows," in the 1960s, followed by Anne Rice's "Interview With the Vampire," and finally, Meyer's Edward Cullen.

Cullen, a desirable and tortured protagonist, created by Meyer, a Mormon and graduate of Brigham Young University, is a far cry from Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Ironically, a century ago Mormon missionaries were pictured more like Dracula than Cullen.

In 1911, about 15 years after Stoker wrote his tale of the blood-sucking Transylvanian count, British writer Winifred Graham published "The Love Story of a Mormon," which later was made into the silent flick, "Trapped by the Mormons." The lurid tale featured a Utah Mormon missionary who arrives in England to win converts to his clan. He uses superhuman powers to persuade a young woman to join his church and leave her fiance. As evidence of his power, he supposedly raises a person from the dead. It all fit within the anti-Mormonism of the era, said James D'Arc, curator of Brigham Young University's arts and communications archive.
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"A common trait in Victorian-era anti-Mormon literature was 'the sexual magnetism of the Mormon male, and the hypnotized passivity of his innocent victim,' " D'Arc wrote in an article reprinted on the Web site patheos.com.

When Dracula kissed his victims, he literally sucked the lifeblood out of them. The transfer of blood changed their identities and personalities, he wrote. Graham believed Latter-day Saints missionaries did the same to their female converts.

Like early Mormons, Dracula was polygamous, moving from woman to woman, and both vampires and Latter-day Saints promised eternal life.

In a Romanian village or a British suburb, lives were relatively simple and prescribed by circumstance. The vampire offered a cautionary tale of what would happen to those who dabbled in forbidden relationships. Such stories kept people in check.

Contemporary vampire tales reflect a different reality, said Laycock, author of "Vampires Today: The Truth About Modern Vampirism."

"We have existential questions, ancient people never had," Laycock said. "We have more choices but our choices are isolating. We all feel like outcasts sometimes, too."

Vampire stories, Morehead said, can serve as a vehicle for the exploration of the imagination, a discussion of good and evil, and a playful chance to "wrestle with religious and spiritual questions."

- The Salt Lake Tribune

Elion/Elyon
By Aslinn Dhan

Okay, I was curious about something. You know when Bill tells Sookie what she is and he rattles off a bunch of names? One of those words/names is Elion or Elyon...there is not precise spelling...so I went and looked up the word and this is what I found.

There are two sources for this word and they have two very different meanings but they relate to a supernatural state or being....The first source is Hebrew. Elion means Most High. It is thought of as either a name for God, as he has multiple names or the name of a spirit in nature, a supernatural being having to do with a single verse in the Bible.

In Genesis 6:2 "That the Sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the Sons of God came into the daughters of man and they bare children unto them which were men of renown and giants.

Now, in the world of the occult, this verse has a connection with one of the lost books of the Bible...these books are not in the Bible because the scholars, for multiple reasons, some political, some religious and others scholarly, thought these books had an unreliable Biblical connection, was a part of Judaic mythology and not "Inspired" from the mind of God or was simple fiction...One of these books is the so called Book of Enoch.

Enoch is mentioned in Genesis. It says Enoch was a righteous man and walked with God and he was not, for God took him. The Book of Enoch is attributed to him.

The Book of Enoch goes on to tell the story that the Sons of God taught the Daughters of Men the secret arts. That is mysticism and magik. And that was how people, especially women learned the magikal way and the supernatural...

Now the other meaning is from the Syrian stories of the One Behind or Beneath. It goes sort of with the same story as the Daughters of Men/Sons of God story from the Hebrew esoteric tradition except the offspring are some class of demi-god...but it also sort of echoes the old legend of the origin of the fae that I wrote in am earlier post about the Lord seeing Eve washing her children. Eve had gotten some of her children bathed and some were not and she was embarrassed, so she hid the dirty ones in the bushes..the Lord asks her: Eve are these all your children and she lies and says yes...Angered Eve lied to God, God tells her, those in the open will always be in the open and those hidden will always be hidden.

So, as I so often do, I reached out to a Rabbi friend of mine and I told him a little about the show and the story line and he said the choice of word is interesting because in Judaica, in their folk lore and mythology, the Elion are the bright ones, their Jewish equivalent of the fae. They are endowed with mystical powers and are the children of that other Eve...that's right, our old friend Lilith who has been thought of as a possible source of the Vampire myth, among others, because of her connection with incubus and succubus....

So, whether the writers were aware of the mythos or not, they have connected Sookie with Vampires in two ways...both in her love life and her bloodline....wonder where that will take us?

The Catholic Edition Douay Rheims Bible, The King James Bible, The Book of Enoch, and the Gospel of Arcadia, and Dr. Rabbi Marc Wutcher via email.

From Aolani:

Most fascinating! Ok, so question time!!

Ok, so I did my research on some of the things I didnt understand. Between Wikepedia and my darling hubby, I get the part of Elohim.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elohim

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Elyon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_of_Endor

Ok, so I read all of that.

Here is where I got lost. Lilith....

Ok, so I get the legend about the hidden, and I get about the vampire connection. Somewhere between the first and the second, I lost the connection tho. My brain frazzled I think. It short circuited.


in Judaica, in their folk lore and mythology, the Elion are the bright ones, their Jewish equivalent of the fae. They are endowed with mystical powers and are the children of that other Eve...that's right, our old friend Lilith who has been thought of as a possible source of the Vampire myth, among others, because of her connection with incubus and succubus....

Hubby has gone to ponder it a bit. I shall be curious as to what he has to say, but in the meantime, help??

Ok, so my poor brain is thinking here...So the first one is Hebrew. The second Judaic. Huge distinction in words altho often simiiarly used I beleive. So the Jewish thinking or story is that Elion is a part of what happened with Lilith after she left the Garden of Eden? I have heard that the witches were Liliths children of course. So I wonder how the Sons of God and the story of Lilith tie in , if at all? After all, I often think that the same stories are often presented differently depending on which side of the fence you live on.

This is quite fascinating and since I think it will play a huge part in the next season, I would really like to hear more on this if possible!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith


From Aslinn Dhan:

The word is Elion...or Elyon...and yes, this is when Lilith is cast out of the garden for not obeying Adam...If you recall the Jewish myth of Lilith is that she was made of earth like Adam and she felt that she should be equal to Adam in all things, including sex and she wanted to be on top of Adam from time to time when they coupled. Adam was against this and he complained to God he had to hold her down to have to sex with her. God decided that since Lilith did not obey Adam that he would cast her out of eden and cursed her to live always in darkness, that is the night. She swore vengeance against Adam and his children that she would feed on them...

Now, the first is Hebrew and the second is Syrian. Rabbi Wutcher said the Syrian lore is the one that is tied up in the Lilith mythos. The Syrians followed a religious path that was an amalgam of religious paths adapting parts of tribal religious systems that were brought through slavery and travels and intermarriage of the people...So that is the tie in with Lilith... But what is interesting is that Lilith plays a big role in the religions of surrounding tribes, and she is sometimes known by her other name Lamia.

Final thoughts on the Last post concerning the words Elion....

In a sense , it is almost like the fae are from the more "godly" aspect, while the vampires are from the more demonic and so once again it is almost a battle of good vs evil on another playing field and that it may explain the vampires attraction since they are drawn instinctively to a battle that was not of their making.

The way the rabbi explained it was that G-d does not create things or allow things into existence without some purpose, even the things we call demons serve the purpose of heaven...but then there was a caveat he put in. The creatures of evil are not evil in of themselves...they can chose...that is why we have mythologies and tales throughout the ancient of world of things like Witches and "monsters" which would include our Vampires and Weres being good or endowed with the ability to be compassionate....
But all creatures all have free will, that is why there are evil creatures among the fae and good creatures among the "monsters"

And the Rabbi thinks of them in more of the spiritual sense, but he also says that their must have been beings like the fae and the Vampires if there are persistent stories of them and perhaps they are extinct...he says this because of the universality. It does make sense, fae, shifters, Vampires, they are all a part of world mythology in some form....

Talking to Rabbi Wutcher today is always a treat so when I called him to get some clarification, this is what he said to me in parting: He feels that for every legend, there was a true and real being who for whatever reason no longer exists but their existence left such an impression they have immortality in our stories...so, as long as people tell stories of the fairies and the Vampires and the werewolves and demons, they will always exist, even if they only exist in the stories....

I have written about all this stuff in the other posts in this thread....So don't hesitate to go back and peruse....

In a time of Plague
By Aslinn Dhan

One of the things I noticed as I perused Season Three during the encore showings is in Episode Three, Bill dreams of going back to Bon Temp to see about his family. He steps onto his porch and he sees a table with a candle and a bowl with a sponge and he leans over it and sniffs it and puts his fingers in it. There is a reason for this and I give many thanks to Aolani for all her help looking this up.

Plagues of all sorts are well documented in history, whether it is the bubonic/pnuemonic type of the plague or a plague of small pox, or yellow fever (malaria) or influenza. Many times, bouts of severe illness coincided with years of famine where nutrition was poor or was a yearly scourge. We certainly know this as well as each fall we are encouraged to get the newest flu shot or we get advice on how to treat the biggest bug.

And to be perfectly honest, people simply did not bathe as often as modern people with all the soaps and cleansers and usually the greatest cleaning aid was simple hot water.

But because of the times of plague, we learned what works and what doesn't. Keep in mind that throughout time, medicine was a catch as one can proposition and your local doctor was the man or woman who knew just a little more about herbs than your regular person. Most of the time, their cures worked because they were about getting nutrition into the body and inducing sleep or helping respiration. Sometimes their cures did no good simply because they did no good. Superstition also sprang up around the notions of health and wellness and curing.

When Europeans first began to have plagues, the current thought was that illness was brought on by marauding spirits who sought to destroy the person afflicted. Their understanding of germs and bacteria were limited. They did things like keep the rooms very hot and closed off, creating a perfect environment for disease. They also rarely bathed, even washing their hands, and so spread disease not only to themselves but the rest of the family.

Daniel Defoe wrote a record of the plague times. Though this book post dates the great London Plague by about fifty years, he culls information from eyewitnesses and sources like Pepys (pronounced Peeps) Diary and created a fictionalized account of the plague. He talks about one physician in particular, a Quaker, who believed firmly in the adage "Cleanliness is next to Godliness". After seeing so many of his patients dying after following traditional courses for treatment, he decided to go the sanitary route. He began to scrub the sick rooms, boil the sheets in strong lye soap, bathe the patients daily and putting them out in the sun to dry out their lungs and their skin, usually covered in boils. People who nursed and cared for the sick were told to wash their hands, to burn any dressings, and to change their aprons every few hours to keep them from getting sick.

And this was true of people who managed to be open for business as well. If you went to the butcher, he gave your your purchases and he asked you to drop your money, back then coin, into a jar of vinegar to clean the coin before he touched it. Visitors to plague hospitals were given the same directives.

Private homes where the sick were being treated and hospitals set out a posset bowl. In the posset were any number of herbs and salt and vinegar or white wine vipers, what I imagine was very likely white wine vinegar. The visitors washed their hands and were told to breath in the fumes to cleanse their own lungs to both protect the visitor and the patient.

Later, commercially prepared cleansers were made and sold to people to use in their house. These cleansers consisted of things like sulphur, salt, raw chlorine or vinegar. They were sold under brand names like Condy Water, which contained potassium permanganate. Everything touched by the patient was cleaned in this water.

But, poor people still fell back on what they knew and what they had on hand. They would mix up vinegar and wine, perhaps even salt and whiskey and would wash everything including the patient and set out a hospitality bowl of sorts to visitors to encourage them to breath the fumes and wash their hands as they come and go from the house.


So thanks bunches to Aolani who sent me these websites http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2295844/pdf/brmedj04575-0005.pdf and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_permanganate#History and http://books.google.com/books?id=Vc8AAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA44&lpg=PA44&dq=sulphur+fumigation+for+typhoid+fever&source=bl&ots=sKf4wrnpjl&sig=mUicx0vp6lmuRnHO6Une_C5G8J0&hl=en&ei=seEkTbG5IoG0sAPB-rGIAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CDsQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=sulphur%20fumigation%20for%20typhoid%20fever&f=false


And Daniel DaFoe's A Journal of the Plague Year.....

Good job Aolani...Thanks for helping with the swicking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5aPhGQ0L9Q

Is there a season of the witch? There are eight actually

By Aslinn Dhan and Aolani

The Wheel of the Year / the Sabbats

Historically a "sabbat" was a midnight assembly of witches at which they renewed their vows to Satan, and we've unfortunately adopted it through the myth of the Old Religion, which was the theoretical target of the historical witch hunts.) It comes from the same root word as "sabbath", which is a biblical period of rest, specifically among Jews, and I suspect this term became connected with witches the same way that witch gatherings were sometimes described as synagogues. (That is to say, witches were frequently the only thing less popular in a medieval community than Jews.)

The cycle of Wiccan Sabbats is commonly referred to as the Wheel of the Year. Time to us is cyclical, just as we view life as being cyclical. The Sabbats are solar festivals following the solar year, and so their mythology emphasizes the life cycle of the God, whom we associate with the sun.
The Wheel is not historical. The Sabbats take their names and some of their purposes from a variety of pagan holidays from a variety of cultures - the major Sabbats are more Celtic-based, while the minor Sabbats are more Germanic-based (Anglo / Saxon / Norse). This may explain some of the duplication of significances between adjoining major and minor Sabbats. As the sources are varied and independent, the neatly defined life cycle of God and Goddess throughout the year is a strictly Wiccan concept.

The Wheel is split into two halves for summer and winter, with the divisions occurring at Samhain and Beltaine. The two halves are ruled by a Light God and a Dark God, or the Goddess and God. Generally it is the God who rules winter, which is the period where historical people were more dependent upon hunting for survival, while the Goddess rules summer, which is the time of agriculture. I have seen this assignment reversed, however, as the God in young in winter while being older, wiser, and more mature in summer. I shall keep to the arrangement of God in winter and Goddess in summer.
Some traditions speak of the Holly and Oak Kings as the two rulers, with the split occurring at Yule and Litha. These two figures have no other real place in Wiccan mythology, so their addition when discussing the seasonal year seems to me to overly complicate things. So far as I can tell, they are in no way historical, but were suggested by Sir James Frazer, who influenced people like Margaret Murray and Robert Graves, the latter of which seems to have fleshed the two kings out. For these reasons I avoid them altogether.

The Wheel is composed of the four equinoxes and solstices as minor Sabbats, and the cross-quarter days as major Sabbats. Books frequently list specific dates for the major Sabbats, but there is also an astronomical method, which puts the cross-quarter days more closely in-between the minor Sabbats The strict assignment of major Sabbats to specific days is probably modern. Samhain, for example, was a celebration of the end of the harvest. The harvest wasn't completed on the same day every year. Some years the crops took longer to mature than others, or fewer hands were available to assist in the harvesting.

Those unfamiliar with Wicca will almost certainly notice the similarity between Wiccan and Christian holidays. This is because both religions were heavily influenced by the same pagan sources.
Our days start at sundown on the previous day. Therefore, "November 1" is actually the night of October 31 through the day of November 1. Also, the dates given here are only applicable in the northern hemisphere. For the southern hemisphere, Sabbats are generally celebrated 6 months off from the traditional dates.

Samhain

Samhain (pronounced Sow-ain) is considered by most Wiccans to be the most important of the four 'greater Sabbats'. It is generally observed on October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere, starting at sundown. Samhain is considered by some as a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. In some rituals the spirits of the departed are invited to attend the festivities. It is seen as a festival of darkness, which is balanced at the opposite point of the wheel by the spring festival of Beltane, which is celebrated as a festival of light and fertility.

The Wiccan Samhain doesn't attempt to reconstruct a historical Celtic festival. In actuality it was also widely believed that on October 31, the veil between this world and the afterlife is at its thinnest point of the whole year.

It was linked to festivals held around the same time in other Celtic cultures, and was popularized as the "Celtic New Year" from the late 19th century, following John Rhys and James Frazer.[2] The date of Samhain was associated with the Catholic All Saints' Day (and later All Souls' Day) from at least the 8th century, and both the secular Gaelic and the Catholic liturgical festival have influenced the secular customs now connected with Halloween.

The medieval Irish festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest, the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half". It was celebrated over the course of several days and had some elements of a festival of the dead. Bonfires played a large part in the festivities. People and their livestock would often walk between two bonfires as a cleansing ritual, and the bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into its flames.

Samhain (sow' en) - Major Sabbat
15 degrees of Scorpio, or November 1
Wiccan mythology: The death of the God

Samhain is the Wiccan New Year and the Feast of the Dead. It is a time to honor and to say goodbye to loved ones who have passed on, especially if their deaths have occurred within the last year. Samhain is also a time for reflecting upon the last year, making plans for the upcoming one, and especially for banishing weaknesses or other undesired qualities within us.

How is it we start the year with a festival revolving around death? Death is necessary for rebirth, and the two frequently happen simultaneously. In many pagan cultures, the new year was celebrated with chaotic festivities bringing on a symbolic end of the world. The Roman Saturnalia is one example.
The Goddess enters her Dark phase as she mourns her son and consort, and the Dark God takes up the rulership of Winter, leading the Wild Hunt of the Fey upon the earth.

Aolani’s Remarks:

Samhain, or Halloween, is the death festival, marking the descent of Winter. The leaves are falling from the trees in drifts, and life is drawn away from the surface of the earth, and descends deep into the earth. Life is now in the roots and bulbs of plants which rest over the Winter. The Horned God who was Lord of Life and the Wild Greenwood has now truly taken His throne as Lord of the Underworld, the dread Lord of Shadows, the comforter of souls.

The earth prepares for sleep and draws energy inwards. This is a time for introspection, as we too draw our energy within and prepare for the Winter. The Earth is becoming cold, and barren, and we see Her as the Cailleach, the Crone, the Wise One. She is the Dark Mother who devours the God that She may give birth to Him again. Her womb is also the tomb, and the Underworld, and the Horned God thus resides within Her womb over the Winter months.

Samhain is a time of transformation and inner work. It is also a somber time of remembrance, when we remember and honor those who have died. The veil is thinnest between the worlds and we call on the spirits of the dead and invite them to feast with us on this, the feast of death. We call upon our ancestors and contact the ancient wisdom. It is a time of endings, but also a time of beginnings, as Samhain is a Celtic New Year's Eve festival. Thus we give up the past and look to the future, and it is also a good time for skrying.

It is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. Samhain is a good time for banishings, and for sorting out unfinished business. At Samhain we look back and take stock of the past year and contemplate what we have learned. Samhain is also the time to face our shadow, the dark side of ourselves.

We find no wild flowers blooming, yet the colors of nature are rich and warm. Samhain is also a harvest festival, but a harvest of flesh. The livestock would be killed at this time so that there would be meat throughout the bleak Winter. The wind blows, Jack Frost makes patterns on our windows and the mists rise. It is no wonder this season is one of mystery.


For Christian Witches Practicing The Craft

Samhain is the witches new year. During this celebration, we cast off old regrets, remember those who have passed from this life into the next and look forward to renewal and rebirth. We long for the revelation of hope in this season that just as there is the rebirth of the earth, so shall we be reborn to eternal life in heaven. Primitive man, not unlike modern man today, feared the mystery of death. To contemplate mortality was to try to penetrate the mind of God. We observe the simple violence of nature. Creatures eat and are eaten; wars in miniature are fought over valuable hunting and living space. So it is with man. We struggle to find meaning in the violence of nature. We die, sometimes by our own hand, by accidents, by war, by crime, and by disease. We ask like Job why this is so and God answers ―Where were you when I created the earth? Later, God answers our questions of suffering and death with the life and death of Christ so that if we embrace the teachings of Jesus we will understand the will of God. Death need not terrify us. Death becomes the passage way through which we travel to the ultimate blessings of heaven. The dead become one with the celestial being of God. As God speaks to every one of us, so we are spoken to by the dead in the form of dreams, visitations and memories. We celebrate this oneness by recognizing the relationship between the dying back of the earth and in our physical mortality.

During the feast of Samhain we invite those who have gone before us to come and celebrate with friends and family and to bear witness to us that those who die wait their own time of rebirth. We forget about the pain, struggles and sadness of the year before and we embrace the promise of the season to come. We promise God and our beloved dead that we shall remember them and the lessons they taught us. We look to the future. We divine the symbols of dreams and portents and visions and rituals to understand what the future holds. Not just for ourselves but the future of the earth and her children. There is no fate. Fate is unavoidable, written in stone. Instead we have the future, mutable, changing and free to be acted upon. This is the purpose of the feast of Samhain.


Midwinter- Yule

In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. The method of gathering for this sabbat varies by group or individual practitioner. Some have private ceremonies at home while others hold coven celebrations.

Christmas, celebrated on the 25th of December, continues a pre-Christian festival, and was adopted by the Church to commemorate the birth of Jesus although there is no reliable information as to the actual date of this event.

Yule or Yule-tide ("Yule-time") is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic people as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into, and equated with, the Christian festival of Christmas. The festival was originally celebrated from late December to early January on a date determined by the lunar Germanic calendar. The festival was placed on December 25 when the Christian calendar (Julian calendar) was adopted. Scholars have connected the celebration to the Wild Hunt.

Terms with an etymological equivalent to "Yule" are still used in the Nordic Countries for the Christian Christmas, but also for other religious holidays of the season. In modern times this has gradually led to a more secular tradition under the same name as Christmas. Yule is also used to a lesser extent in English-speaking countries to refer to Christmas. Customs such as the Yule log, Yule goat, Yule boar, Yule singing, and others stem from Yule. In modern times, Yule is observed as a cultural festival and also with religious rites by some Christians and by some Neopagans.

Yule - Minor Sabbat
Also know as Midwinter
Winter solstice (around December 22)
Wiccan mythology: The birth of the God

Yule is a celebration of life emerging from darkness and is honored with the exchange of presents. Evergreens, holly, ivy and mistletoe can be symbolic of the God, still living and green in the dead of winter.

Aolani’s Remarks:

Yule is the time we celebrate the return of the waxing sun. Light and life can be seen to be returning and conquering death. Yule is a turning point, a point of change, where the tides of the year turn and begin to flow in the opposite direction. It is the darkest time of the year, the time of the longest night, but there is the promise of the return of light.

We encourage the sun to rise and to grow in power, and we remember the seasons of plenty. Magickally we bring back the season of plenty, and we feast on rich foods and drinks. The fir tree represents life amidst death, it is evergreen, representing everlasting life, and lasting friendship.
Holly and Mistletoe bear berries at this time, symbolizing fertility. Mistletoe berries are white, representing the semen of the Horned God, the Holly berries are blood red, symbolizing both the menstrual blood of the Goddess and the sacrifice of the God. Evergreen trees also represent youth and freshness, and are symbols of the promise of spring. A Yule custom, still practiced at Christmas is to dress an evergreen tree, and make offerings.

We honor the spirit of the tree, and what it represents. It is sad that a custom of honoring the living tree has been replaced by the meaningless decoration of ghastly plastic or tinsel trees, or the cutting down of thousands of living trees so that people can have them in their living rooms for a couple of weeks, and then dump them, causing environmental damage. It is far better to honor a living tree, outdoors.
The tree may be decorated with appropriate offerings, fruit, decorated pine cones, jewelry, symbols of the sun, symbols of fertility, birds, animals, etc. At Yule we say goodbye to the dying sun, and wait through the long, cold night for the sun's rebirth. The night belongs to the Goddess, and is a night of waiting, through her pregnancy, for the Child of Promise.

In the morning we greet the new sun and celebrate the waxing year. The rising sun brings the promise of the spring and the gifts that will bring. It is still a long time before the sun will be strong, but we hope and we trust. The sun is now the Child of Promise, the young hero God. It is a time of making wishes and hopes for the coming year, and of setting resolutions. From the darkness comes light.

For Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Yule For primitive man wintertime was a desolate time of darkness and cold. It was a time when the nights were longer, the temperatures were lower and food was scarce if the primitive man had not prepared himself sufficiently. But primitive man knew that spring would come and bring with it the season of plenty. To assure himself and to prove his faith in the seasons that God had created, he made a great feast celebrating the coming of salvation from the cold, the dark and from hunger.

Spiritually, this was a time to contemplate the soul, to figure out man’s relationship with God. If a man had no particular religious faith, then he walked a time of darkness in his soul. If he was at peace with his soul’s wanderings and knew what he believed and had faith in that, then the feast of Yule was just another way to celebrate the promise of rebirth of the seasons in spring and to rejoice that he had with him his family and his people.

For those who are Christians, or became Christians, the Yule season was a time for expectation, waiting for the recreation of the birth of the Christ Child. When a man felt that his soul was dark, he could recall the light of a blazing star and the three Magi who followed this celestial herald to a cave where a small child, the light of the world, was lying in both glory and poverty in a stable, with straw underneath him in his manger cradle. The star had told the Magi that the child was the redeemer, who would die for the sins of man and free all men who accepted his gift from the darkness of the soul.

We imitate these far away magi in the giving of gifts. Though in modern times, Christmas, or Yule, has been made an obscene commercialized thing, we should remember who it is we imitate when we give a gift, who the receiver is to us. When we give a gift at Christmas, we tell the person we give it to that we recognize the Divine Christ residing in their own hearts. Even when we give a gift to a person of another religion or creed, we are telling them we see the Sacred Spirit in their soul and we honor them. We also celebrate the season with the colors we so desperately miss, by bringing aromatic evergreens and holy and smilax and mistletoe into the house. We buy poinsettia plants and red and green candles and decorate with tinsel representing the treasures fit for a king. We set up our crèche and remember the babe born to bring the light of the world and the magikal strangers who saw his beacon in the dark night. We gather with friends and family to go to church or come together in the home and feast and celebrate and remember that the winter is not so long after all.

Imbolc

Imbolc (or Candlemas) is one of four "fire festivals" of the Wheel of the Year. Among Dianic Wiccans, Imbolc is the traditional time for initiations.

Among Reclaiming-style Witches, Imbolc is considered a traditional time for rededication and pledges for the coming year.

Imbolc (also Imbolg or Oimelc), or St Brigid’s Day (Scots Gaelic Là Fhèill Brìghde, Irish Lá Fhéile Bríde, the feast day of St. Brigid), is an Irish festival marking the beginning of spring, set on 2 February.

The festival was observed in Gaelic Ireland during the Middle Ages. Reference to Imbolc is made in Irish mythology, in the Tochmarc Emire of the Ulster Cycle. Imbolc was one of the four cross-quarter days referred to in Irish mythology, the others being Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. It has been suggested that it was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid, who was later Christianized as St. Brigid.

In the 20th century, Imbolc was resurrected as a religious festival in Neopaganism, specifically in Wicca, Neo-druidry and Celtic reconstructionism

Imbolc (im' molc) or (im' bolc) - Major Sabbat
15 degrees of Aquarius, or February 1
Wiccan mythology: Goddess recovers from childbirth, becomes Maiden.

Imbolc is the beginning of Spring. The child God continues to mature, as can be witnessed in the lengthening days, and celebrations frequently center around light. The Crone Goddess of Winter makes way for the Maiden, who has recovered from childbirth and prepares the earth to begin its growth cycle once more. Imbolc is therefore also a holiday of purification, a stripping away of the old in anticipation of the new.

Historically, Imbolc was an Irish holiday specifically dedicated to Brigid or Bride, goddess of creativity, smithing, and healing.

Aolani’s Remarks:

The Festival of Imbolc or Bride, is celebrated around 2nd February by Pagans, and by Christians who call it Candlemas. Imbolc is Irish- Gaelic, translated variously as "in the belly" and "ewe's milk", and represents the quickening of Light and Life.

The first stirrings of the coming of Spring can be seen, as the first flowers (snowdrops and winter aconite) begin to appear. Seeds which have lain dormant within the Earth over the cold Winter months begin to stir with life, as yet unseen. At Imbolc we celebrate the Waking Light of the soul. Our spirits begin to quicken as we anticipate the rebirth of Nature. In Wicca it is the traditional time for initiation. Now is the time for the banishing of Winter and the welcoming of Spring. We welcome the Goddess Who is renewed, reborn as the Flower Maiden. She has passed through Her phase as the Hag, Crone or Wise One, and is a Maiden again. Bride or Brigid is a three-fold Celtic Goddess who has been Christianized into St. Brigid, whose day is celebrated on 1st February.

In Ireland, St. Brigid's cross is made of rushes and straw, and goes back to pre-Christian times, representing the Sun Wheel or Fire Wheel. It may also be linked to an ancient ceremony connected with the preparation of the grain for sowing in the Spring. It was believed that the Spirit of the Grain, or the Goddess Herself, resided in the last grain harvested, and the last grain from the Harvest Festival was ritually brought into the house at Imbolc, blessed and planted as the first seed of the next harvest.

The grain may also be made into a female figure, the Brideog (little Brighde) and dressed. Bride's bed is made, and She is welcomed in. The Goddess is seen in Her three aspects at Imbolc, as the new-born Flower Maiden; the Mother, or bride of fertility, awaiting the fertilizing Sun God, and the Dark Crone of the dark half of the year. The sun is growing in strength, the Child of Promise, re-born at Yule, is now the Conquering Child.

What was born at the Solstice begins to manifest, and this is the time for individuation, as we each light our own light and set ourselves tasks and challenges. We nurture and kindle our resolutions and begin to look outwards again, do outer activity, although first we look deep within to discover what potential lies there waiting to be fulfilled.

Through the weeks ahead the days grow gradually longer, but we are still in the dark half of the year (until Beltaine) and this is the time to develop non-physical skills, such as psychometry, clairvoyance and precognition.

For those Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Imbolc- We celebrate the feast of Imbolc in February. Imbolc was known as the milk feast as the new spring lambs are born in the darkness of the late winter nights. It is appropriate that this feast should be represented with the lamb as this is the time to contemplate the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. In Christianity, Imbolc occurs very near to the Mardi Gras/ Lenten period of the Church calendar. The Christian Witch can, therefore, use the feast of Imbolc to prepare for the greater feast of Ostara or Easter.

Vernal Equinox- Ostara

The vernal equinox, sometimes called Ostara, is celebrated in the Northern hemisphere around March 21 and in the Southern hemisphere around September 23, depending upon the specific timing of the equinox. Among the Wiccan sabbats, it is preceded by Candlemas and followed by Beltane.

The name Ostara is from ôstarâ, the Old High German for "Easter". It has been connected to the putative Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre by Jacob Grimm in his Deutsche Mythologie..

In terms of Wiccan ditheism, this festival is characterized by the rejoining of the Mother Goddess and her lover-consort-son, who spent the winter months in death. Other variations include the young God regaining strength in his youth after being born at Yule, and the Goddess returning to her Maiden aspect.
Old English Ēostre (also Ēastre) and Old High German Ôstarâ are the names of a putative Germanic goddess whose Anglo-Saxon month, Ēostur-monath, has given its name to the festival of Easter. Eostre is attested only by Bede, in his 8th century work De temporum ratione, where he states that Ēostur-monath was the equivalent to the month of April, and that feasts held in her honour during Ēostur-monath had died out by the time of his writing, replaced by the "Paschal month". The possibility of a Common Germanic goddess called *Austrōn- was examined in detail in 19th century Germanic philology, by Jacob Grimm and others, without coming to a definite conclusion.

Linguists have identified the goddess as a Germanic form of the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European goddess of the dawn, *Hausos, some scholars have debated whether or not Eostra is an invention of Bede's, and theories connecting Eostre with records of Germanic Easter customs (including hares and eggs)

Eostara (os tar' a) - Minor Sabbat
Vernal equinox (around March 22)
Wiccan mythology: Sexual union of the Goddess and God (sometimes)

Eostara is a celebration of fertility, conception and regeneration as the earth recovers from winter and begins to bloom. It is also a triumph of light over dark as from now until Litha days will be longer than the nights.

In former days, Eostara was a time of sowing and planting. Today, Eostara is a time for putting plans into motion, sowing the seeds of ideas that may not reach fruition for many months.

The name Eostara is a misnomer. It's named for the goddess Eostre, but her festival wasn't associated with the equinox. In fact, there may never have been a festival called Eostara at all.

The union of Goddess and God varies by tradition. A few date it as early as Imbolc. Some attribute it to Eostara, others to Beltaine. Eostara has the benefit of being 9 months prior to Yule, when the Goddess gives birth.

Aolani’s Remarks:

This festival is named after the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostre or Eastre, also known in Old German as Ostara. Little is known about this Goddess, except that her festival was celebrated at the Spring Equinox, and became Easter, and that She was a Goddess of fertility, and was connected with hares and eggs.

She may also be connected with the Greek Eos and the Roman Aurora, both Dawn Goddesses, and with the Babylonian Ishtar and Phoenician Astarte, both love Goddesses.

The Anglo-Saxon lunar month, which became April, was called Eastermonath. The equinox is a time both of fertility and new life, and of balance and harmony. Light and dark are here in balance, but the light is growing stronger. It is a time of birth, and of manifestation. Daffodils, tulips and crocuses are all in full bloom, blossom appears on trees and catkins can be found on the hazel and willow. Rites are best performed at dawn or dusk, (but better at Dawn) that time between light and dark.

The days grow lighter and the earth grows warmer. As at Imbolc, seeds may be blessed and planted. Seeds of wisdom, understanding, and magickal skills may also be planted. Eggs may be used for the creation of talismans, or ritually eaten. The egg is a symbol of rebirth, and its yolk represents the sun, its white, the Goddess. Egg production in hens is stimulated when the bird's retina is stimulated by more than 12 hours of light, thus more eggs are produced after the equinox.

This is a time both of growth and of balance, and we may work on balancing ourselves and the subtle energies within us, such as our chakras, the inner masculine and feminine qualities, the light and dark aspects, etc. The equinox is also the time of Persephone's return from the underworld, to re-unite with Her mother Demeter, making the earth green again.

This is the time of spring's return, the joyful time, the seed time, when life bursts forth from the earth and the chains of winter are broken. It is a time of balance when all the elements within must be brought into new harmony. The Prince of the Sun reaches out His hand, and the Kore, the maiden, returns from the dark underworld. Where they dance, wild flowers appear, sorrow turns to joy, and scarcity turns to abundance.

For those Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Christians prepare for Easter by examining their lives, confessing sins and other short comings, and repairing relationships or preparing for new ones. It is also a time of letting go of regrets and setting goals for the coming year and cleaning out not just their homes but their spiritual selves. Fasting, prayer and celebration of the season and letting go of negativity energize us, helps us refocus and prepares us for the rebirth of nature.

For the Christian Witch this is a time that we can rededicate old tools, dedicate new ones, look at the past year of workings and sorting out or herb closets and our Book of Shadows for good spells, so –so spells and rituals that simply don’t work for us. It is also a time when initiates prepare for final tests and prepare for their initiations. They may also take this time to gather their basic tools of chalice, wand, athame, cauldron and broom. They may also buy their first hard bound Book of Shadows and decorate it to prepare for the writing if their own spells and lore.

Ostara or Easter is the feast of rebirth and resurrection. It is also the time for initiates to become a part of the Church and take steps into the ways of the wise. While initiations can take place anytime during their year and a day of study the tradition is to complete the full year and a day and it is a good rule. It is a period of collecting your basic knowledge and tools and it forces you to invest in the act of learning. It makes you anticipate the moment that you have invested in to become entitled to be a witch. During this feast, we rejoice and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the dawning age of salvation and righteousness.

We consider the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection and the faith, and even the lack of faith, of his disciples as they waited to see if prophecy would be fulfilled or were they to wait for some other. Christ is God made flesh and his life, from birth, to youth, to ministry to trial to death and finally to resurrection mirrors the passage of time. He is the great seed, planted and expended and reflowering and with this feast we celebrate the promise of life everlasting and the power to do all things in his name. We are his Brothers and Sisters, filled with the spirit of God and able to do all wonders. We are taught by his example that all things may pass away only to be reborn.

Beltane

Beltane is one of the four "fire festivals" or "greater sabbats". Although the holiday may use features of the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire, it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as maypole dancing). Some Wiccans celebrate 'High Beltaine' by enacting a ritual union of the May Lord and Lady.

The Horned God is one of the two primary deities found in the Neopagan religion of Wicca. He is often given various names and epithets, and represents the male part of the religion's duotheistic theological system, the other part being the female Triple Goddess. In common Wiccan belief, he is associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, hunting and the life cycle. Whilst depictions of the deity vary, he is always shown with either horns or antlers upon his head, often depicted as being theriocephalic, in this way emphasising "the union of the divine and the animal", the latter of which includes humanity.

The term Horned God itself predates Wicca, and is an early 20th century syncretic term for a horned or antlered anthropomorphic god with pseudohistorical origins who, according to Margaret Murray's 1921 The Witch-Cult in Western Europe, was the deity worshipped by a pan-European witchcraft-based cult, and was demonised into the form of the Devil by the Mediaeval Church.

The Horned God has been explored within several psychological theories, and it has also become a recurrent theme in fantasy literature since the 20th Century.

Beltaine - Major Sabbat
15 degrees of Taurus, or May 1
Wiccan mythology: Sexual union and/or marriage of the Goddess and God

Beltaine, the start of Summer, is the most important Sabbat after Samhain. It is another fertility celebration, but mostly it is a celebration of joy and life. Named for the Celtic fire god Bel, the lighting of fires is a frequent component of Beltaine events. It's association with fire also makes Beltaine a holiday of purification.

It must be remembered that even our modern interpretations of these holidays are based on older holidays celebrated at a time when the year was marked by seasonal changes, not a calendar on the wall. On the continent, where Eostre was worshipped, the earth has generally returned to life by the vernal equinox. However, in Celtic Britain, the ground is still cold in March, and so Beltaine becomes the great festival of life, when Goddess and God have matured to unite as one.

On Beltaine, the Light God has matured to the age of rulership and takes over from the Dark God. The pregnant Goddess becomes Mother.

Wiccan weddings are frequently held on or around Beltaine.

Aolani’s Remarks:

"This is the time when sweet desire weds wild delight. The Maiden of Spring and the Lord of the Waxing Year meet in the greening fields and rejoice together under the warm Sun. The shaft of life is twined in the spiral web and all of nature is renewed. We meet in the time of flowering, to dance the dance of Life" ýÓ Starhawk,

The Spiral Dance Beltaine (also spelled Bealteinne, Bealtaine and various other ways) is the beginning of the Celtic Summer, the light season of the year. Like Samhain, it is a time when the veil is thin between the worlds, a time to communicate with spirits, particularly at this time nature spirits. In Irish Gaelic, Bealtaine is the name of the month of May.

In Scottish Gaelic Bealtuinn means May Day. The word originally meant "Bel Fire", and Beltane is associated with the Celtic God Bel, also known as Balor or Belenus. Bel is a God of Light and Fire and has been equated with the Greek Apollo, and associated with the Sun, although He is not specifically a Sun God. Fires were traditionally built at Beltane, and people would jump over the fire. Young, unmarried people would leap the bonfire and wish for a husband or wife, young women would leap it to ensure their fertility and couples leap it to strengthen a bond.

Cattle were driven through the ashes or between two Beltane fires to ensure a good milk yield. The maypole, still used in Mayday festivities, represents both the phallus and the Goddess. It is also the World Tree connecting the three Worlds, its root in the Underworld, its branches in the Heavens. The shaman`s spirit may travel between the realms via the World Tree, and the phallus is also connected with life, love and death.

The phallus and the World Tree may be seen as two aspects of the God in His relationship to the Goddess in His cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The May Queen is still elected in many village May Day festivals, although the May King is largely left out these days (apart from in Pagan circles). The May King is the Green Man, and was often covered entirely with leaves.

The mating of the Green Man with the Goddess as Queen of May was a magickal act considered necessary for the fertility of the Earth. Beltane is a time of fertility and is also an excellent time for Handfastings, the couple enacting the HeirosýÓgamos, or sacred marriage. The Hawthorn tree (also called the May tree) blossoms at this time, and we are in the Hawthorn month. The blossoms can be gathered, and a delicious wine made from them, to be drunk the following Beltane. Celebrate Beltane by taking pleasure in life and enjoying the gifts of the Goddess.

For those Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Beltane is the feast of the mother: Mother Earth, our birth Mothers, the Mothers of our Craft and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. We crown her with flowers and show her honor and respect promised her by the angels and by her cousin Elizabeth when she was recognized as the mother of Christ. We remember that Mary was the first Christian, accepting Christ in the most personal and intimate way. She is the true royal blood line which gives Christ his noble human ancestry tied with his divine being.

We also celebrate the fertility of women and of Mother Earth. We acknowledge that the earth is primed for sowing that intimate act of readying the ground for planting. We relearn the first command God to Father Adam and that was to care for his Garden of Eden and to care for the plants and herbs and creatures who lived in it. It is also a time to show respect and gratitude to the women who imitated Mother Eve and Mother Mary and gave us life. There are human complications, of course, not all of us were blessed with loving and caring mothers as I was, but even if this is the case for you, you can give this same love and respect to the women who treated us as their own, who cared for us and gave us love and support though they did not physically give birth to us.

Beltane is also the time when we celebrate the women of the Craft who taught us the ways of the wise and guided us in understanding herbs and spells and charms and talismans, who preserved the knowledge from antiquity and gave it to us with the love of any mother for her child.

Midsummer

Midsummer is one of the four solar holidays, and is considered the turning point at which summer reaches its height and the sun shines longest. Among the Wiccan sabbats, Midsummer is preceded by Beltane, and followed by Lammas or Lughnasadh.

Some traditions call the festival "Litha", a name occurring in Bede's "Reckoning of Time" (De Temporum Ratione, 7th century), which preserves a list of the (then-obsolete) Anglo-Saxon names for the twelve months. Ærra Liða ('first' or 'preceding' Liða) roughly corresponds to June in our calendar, and Æfterra Liða ('following' Liða) to July. Bede writes that "Litha means 'gentle' or 'navigable', because in both these months the calm breezes are gentle and they were wont to sail upon the smooth sea."

As forms of Neopaganism can be quite different and have very different origins, these representations can vary considerably, despite the shared name. Some celebrate in a manner as close as possible to how they believe the Ancient Pagans observed the tradition, while others observe the holiday with rituals culled from numerous other unrelated sources, the Germanic culture being just one of the sources used. In Neo-druidism, the term Alban Hefin is used for the summer solstice. The name was invented by the late-18th century Welsh Romantic author and prolific literary forgerer Iolo Morganwg.

Litha - Minor Sabbat
Also known as Midsummer
Summer solstice (around June 22)
Wiccan mythology: Apex of the God's life

Celebrating the God's life, Litha is another fire festival. It is a holiday of transition, when the God transforms from young warrior to aging sage. It is a time for rejoicing, but also of introspection, making sure plans are still on track and correcting negative aspects of one's life.

Litha is a modern name for this Sabbat There is no historical record of the name as a holiday. It might be derived from the Anglo-Saxon term Lida or Litha which referenced the time period of early summer.

Aolani’s Remarks:

At the Summer Solstice the sun is at its highest and brightest and the day is at its longest. The Lord of Light has fought the powers of darkness, and is triumphant, ensuring fertility in the land. But in so doing so, He sows the seeds of His own death. The Wheel turns and the Dark God (the Holly King) begins to wax in power as the Light God (Oak King) wanes.

The Goddess shows Her Death- in-Life aspect, the Earth is fertile, and all is in bloom, the Goddess reaches out to the fertilizing Sun God at the height of His powers. At the same time She presides over the death of the God. The Goddess dances Her dance of Life and Death, the Sun God loves Her, and dies of His love. The Summer Solstice is a time of fulfillment of love.

Flowers are in bloom everywhere, i.e. in sexual maturity, ready for pollination, fertilization, yet once fertilized they die that the seeds and fruits may develop. At the same time, summer fruits appear, for a short but delicious season.

June was considered by some to be the luckiest month to be married in, and is the time of the mead moon, or honey moon. A tradition was for newlyweds to drink mead daily for a month after their wedding, hence the post wedding holiday being named the honeymoon. Although the days begin to grow shorter after the Summer Solstice, the time of greatest abundance is still to come. The promises of the Goddess and God are still to be fulfilled.

This is a time of beauty, love, strength, energy, rejoicing in the warmth of the sun, and the promise of the fruitfulness to come. It seems a carefree time, yet in the knowledge of life, is the knowledge of death, and beauty is but transitory. We celebrate life, and the triumph of light, but acknowledge death, and the power of the Dark Lord which now begins to grow stronger.

At this time of year, our physical energy is generally at its peak, and we are active and strong. Games involving a show of strength, such as tug of war, wrestling, etc. are appropriate here, and are often staged at summer fairs. This can be considered a remnant of pagan customs involving the battle between the light and dark Gods.

For those Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Litha is the feast of the fathers. We honor God the Father, creator of the heavens and the earth and who gave us life in our mother’s wombs. He adopted us into the royal blood line of Christ who called us all brothers and sisters. We also celebrate our earthly fathers. These may be our biological fathers or they may be men who stepped up and loved and cared for us.

There are men who are fathers and then there are sperm donors, that is a sad fact, that it why it is important to celebrate these men who are real men and real fathers. There are also the fathers of the Craft. These are men who joined female witches and learned the way of the wise. Though this wisdom was not limited to women, it took a long time for men to realize that they could benefit from the knowledge women had known for centuries. Because the Craft and the Craft culture is female centric, when men came into the Craft it began to balance the female centeredness of the Craft with the male centeredness of religion and society.

As Christian Witches we embrace this balance of male and female through God the Father and Mary the celestial spouse. We draw energy from this balance and learn to combine both energies

Lammas

Lammas or Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-nah-SAHD) is the first of the three autumn harvest festivals, the other two being the Autumn equinox (or Mabon) and Samhain. Some Wiccans mark the holiday by baking a figure of the god in bread, and then symbolically sacrificing and eating it. These celebrations are not based on Celtic culture, despite common use of a Celtic name Lughnasadh. This name seems to have been a late adoption among Wiccans, since in early versions of Wiccan literature the festival is merely referred to as "August Eve".

The name Lammas implies it is an agrarian-based festival and feast of thanksgiving for grain and bread, which symbolizes the first fruits of the harvest. Eclectic Neopagan rituals may incorporate elements from either festival.

In some English-speaking countries in the Northern Hemisphere, August 1 is Lammas Day (loaf-mass day), the festival of the wheat harvest, and is the first harvest festival of the year. On this day it was customary to bring to church a loaf made from the new crop. In many parts of England, tenants were bound to present freshly harvested wheat to their landlords on or before the first day of August. In the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, where it is referred to regularly, it is called "the feast of first fruits". The blessing of new fruits was performed annually in both the Eastern and Western Churches on the first or the sixth of August (the latter being the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ). The Sacramentary of Pope Gregory I (died 604) specifies the sixth.

In medieval times the feast was known as the "Gule of August", but the meaning of "gule" is unclear. Ronald Hutton suggests that it may be an Anglicization of Gŵyl Awst, the Welsh name for August 1 meaning "feast of August", but this is perhaps an overly-complicated extraction. Most etymological dictionaries give it an origin similar to gullet; from O.Fr. goulet, dim. of goule "throat, neck," from L. gula "throat,". One can see why Hutton feels differently as this Welsh derivation would point to a pre-Christian origin for Lammas among the Anglo-Saxons and a link to the Gaelic festival of Lughnasadh. 'Gule' could also come from 'Geohhol' (Old English form of 'jule') and thus Lammas Day was the 'Jule of August'.

There are several historical references to it being known as Lambess eve, such as 'Publications of the Scottish Historical Society' 1964 and this alternate name is the origin of the Lambess surname, just as Hallowmass and Christmas were also adopted as familial titles.

Lughnasadh (loo' na sah) or (loon' sah) - Major Sabbat
Also known as Lammas
15 degrees of Leo, or August 1
Wiccan mythology: Aging God

Lughnasadh is the start of Autumn and was the time of the first harvest, and so this is a holiday of fruition and also of preparation for the oncoming winter, as well as the God's impending death. The Goddess enters her phase as Crone. It is a time of giving thanks for all that we have, all that we will have, and all that others have sacrificed for us.

Aolani’s Remarks:

Lughnasadh or Lammas is celebrated on August eve or August 1st and is the festival of the first of the harvests. Lammas is the Anglo-Saxon name for the festival, meaning Loaf mass. Lughnasadh is the festival of Lugh, a Celtic God of Light and Fire and God of crafts and skills. His Welsh form is Llew Law Gyffes, and in the Mabinogion story of Blodeuwidd and Llew, the theme of Llew as the sacrificed God can be seen (we need of course to consider the pre-Christian origins of the story).

Gronw can be seen as the Dark God of the Waning year, and Llew as the Bright Lord of the Waxing year, Blodeuwidd represents the Goddess in Her Flower Maiden aspect. Lammas or Lughnasadh then has the theme of the sacrificed God of the harvest, but he is sacrificed and transformed, rather than descending into the underworld to become Lord of Death, which comes later in the year.

Lammas is a time of the fullness of Life, and a celebration of the bountiful earth. It is a time of the sacrificial mating of Goddess and God, where the Corn King, given life by the Goddess and tasting of Her love is sacrificed and transformed into bread and ale which feeds us. The main themes of Lammas may therefore be seen as thanksgiving to the Goddess for Her bountiful harvest, stating our hopes for what we wish to harvest (for Lammas is the very beginning of the harvest), sacrifice, transformation, and a sharing of the energy of the Corn King.

For Those Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Lammas Harvest begins in the late summer with the gathering of the first fruits of the harvest. Early grains, gourds, squashes, grapes come as the promise of even greater abundance at Mabon and Samhain. We honor the plentiful bounty of the first fruits and thank God for his love and care. It is also the time to begin counting your blessings. Not just from your garden but the blessings of life. Think of the health of your family and friends, your work, even your struggles are blessings and you grow and learn and gain wisdom.

This notion of gratitude is lost on modern men and women. Our self-centeredness and greed makes us forget about gratitude. We forget that our lives are intertwined and we depend on each other and God. Many countries and cultures have a day of gratitude or thanksgiving. These three feasts of Lammas, Mabon and Samhain are the periods of thanksgiving when we show our gratitude to God, the earth and the ancestors and each other.

Autumnal Equinox- Mabon

The holiday of Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Mabon, the Feast of the Ingathering, Meán Fómhair or Alban Elfed (in Neo-Druidic traditions), is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the winter months. The name Mabon was coined by Aidan Kelly around 1970 as a reference to Mabon ap Modron, a character from Welsh mythology. In the northern hemisphere this equinox occurs anywhere from September 21 to 24. In the southern hemisphere, the autumn equinox occurs anywhere from March 20-23. Among the sabbats, it is the second of the three harvest festivals, preceded by Lammas/Lughnasadh and followed by Samhain.

Mabon ap Modron is a figure of Welsh mythology, the son of Modron. Both he and his mother were likely deities in origin, descending from a divine mother–son pair. His name is related to the Romano-British god Maponos, whose name means "divine son"; Modron, in turn, is likely related to the Gaulish goddess Dea Matrona.

Mabon was a common name in medieval Wales, and it is difficult to determine whether the various references to Mabons in poetry and the Triads are to the same character. The most important appearance of Mabon ap Modron is in the prose tale Culhwch and Olwen, associated with the Mabinogion and perhaps authored around 1100. King Arthur's men must recruit Mabon to fulfill the demands of Ysbaddaden the giant before he will allow his daughter Olwen marry the protagonist Culhwch. Mabon is the only one who can hunt with the dog Drudwyn, in turn the only dog who can track the great boar Twrch Trwyth. However, Mabon has been missing since he was three nights old, when unknown intruders stole him from between his mother and the wall. Arthur determines that he and his men will find and rescue Mabon. Mabon's whereabouts are unknown even to Britain's oldest and wisest animals, but finally Arthur's followers are led to the Salmon of Llyn Llyw, the oldest animal of all. The enormous salmon carries Arthur's men Cei and Bedwyr downstream to Mabon's prison in Gloucester; they hear him through the walls, singing a lamentation for his fate. The rest of Arthur's men launch an assault on the front of the prison, while Cei and Bedwyr sneak in the back and rescue Mabon. Mabon subsequently participates in the hunt for the Twrch Trwyth.

Mabon is mentioned in the 10th century poem Pa Gur yv y Porthaur in a list of Arthur's companions, and is named as a servant of Uther Pendragon's. He reappears in Breuddwyd Rhonabwy, in which he is referred to as one of Arthur's chief advisers.

Mabon - Minor Sabbat
Autumnal equinox (around September 22)
Wiccan mythology: Decline of the God

Mabon was the second harvest, and as such becomes another holiday of thanksgiving. It is also the day when darkness once more overtakes light, and so it is a day of planning, reflection, and the contemplation of mysteries.

While a minor Sabbat, Mabon is named after a Celtic, not Germanic, god who was imprisoned only to return at a later date. The name does not appear to have been historically attributed to any festival.

Aolani’s Remarks:

The two equinoxes are times of equilibrium. Day and night are equal and the tide of the year flows steadily, but whilst the Spring Equinox manifests the equilibrium before action, the Autumnal Equinox represents the repose after action, the time to take satisfaction in the work of the summer and reap its benefits.

The Autumnal Equinox is celebrated on 21st September, and is the second harvest festival, with the fruit being gathered in. We celebrate the abundance of the earth, and make wine from the excess fruit, to preserve the richness of the fruits of the earth to give us joy throughout the year.

This is the time of the Vine. The God, who was Lord of the Greenwood in the summer and the Corn King at Lughnasadh now dances His last dance upon the earth, as Dionysus, God of wine, music and dance, before making his descent to the underworld to take up his role as Dread Lord of Shadows. The Lord of Light, the Sun King, His power waning, exists briefly in balance with the Dark Lord before giving way to the growing power of darkness, but the power of the sun is encapsulated in the grape and the fruits of the earth.

The wine will remind us of his power throughout the year. The leaves falling from the trees and rotting into the earth are a reflection of the Horned God's journey from the Greenwood to the underworld, deep into the womb of the Mother, where He will reside until He begins to emerge with the new green shoots in the spring. The Autumnal Equinox marks the completion of the harvest, and thanksgiving, with the emphasis on the future return of that abundance.

The Eleusinian mysteries took place at this time, during which the initiate was said to have been shown a single ear of grain with the words "In silence is the seed of wisdom gained". The themes then of the Autumnal Equinox are the completion of the harvest, the balance of light and dark, and of male and female, and an acknowledgement of the waning power of the sun and the waxing power of the Dark Lord.

For those Christian Witches Practicing the Craft

Mabon Mabon is the second feast of gratitude. It is also a time of self examination. This is not only for your blessings but for your failings in life as they are lessons we learn to be better people and better Christians and better witches.

Since we follow not only the Golden Rule but the Witches’ Rede we must consider our lives and how we impact each other. Have we done all that we can to protect, honor and respect each other? Have we served God and the Craft? Do we harbor hatred and pettiness against others? Have we reached all of our goals? Have we honored ourselves with rest, good healthy food, and work and play in equal parts?
Mabon is that time to find balance, seek guidance, forgive others and ourselves and to ask for forgiveness, resolve conflicts, and dedicate ourselves to improving our lives for others as well as for ourselves. Remember, Harm None applies to all of us, even ourselves. Do not burden your soul with negativity.

Source: Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk’s Christian Book of Shadows, Raymond Buckland’s The Complete Book of Witchcraft, The Wheel of the Year by Ashleen O’ Gaia, The Ritual of the Solitary Witch By Deborah Linn and The Witch and Wizards Grimoire by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, Wiccan Sabbats: The Wheel of the Year by David Rankine & Sorita

Karma, Sacrifice, and Magic


In Season 3 episode 10 we see Holly in a magic Circle with Arlene as she prepares a decoction for Arlene to end her pregnancy. At one point, she holds up her athame and asks Arlene to hold out her hand and draws a drop of blood which she puts in the decoction. When Arlene asks Holly why they need to do that, Holly tells her that the Gods demand a sacrifice and that nothing is free.

This part was wrong on many levels. There are many types of witchcraft and many ways to practice Paganism, but since Holly presents herself as a Wiccan this is pretty specific, so we shall address this.
First off, an athame is a directional tool. It is used to direct energy, much as a finger would or a wand, or bunch of sage or anything else. A Wiccan that practices would know that their tools are dedicated to their deity or Gods with the intention of carrying out their wishes and harming none.

Blood would never be allowed to touch an athame and in fact is not used at all. Blood does have power, to be sure, but Wiccans live under the Rede of “Do As Ye Will, An It Harm None”. Drawing blood is in fact causing harm and with the awareness now of blood and the dangers that can be found with it, it is especially reviled. There are all sorts of diseases that are possible, as well as risks of infection and more. One could argue that it was her own blood and so she was not ingesting anything that wasn’t already there, but it still does not negate the harm, even by cutting. Wiccans do NOT use blood in any ritual or spell they might ever do. They certainly would not defile their working tools with such a thing. It is an insult to the Gods and Goddess themselves and very disrespectful. Our thought is that the Lord and Lady created us and gave us the body to be healthy and happy with and to do such a thing is to negate their gift or to make light of it and use it for a purpose that it was never intended for.

This is not to say that there isn’t sacrifice in any spell. There is always something demanded and something given and it must be expected by the person doing the spell or the person receiving the benefit. For example, if I were to do a spell for quick money (and I have, trust me!) then I might use a green candle and cinnamon. I would state my wish and intention and be as specific as possible (I would not want to do a spell that would accidently harm someone else, now would I?). Now it usually comes to pass that it does create a nice little influx of cash but at what expense? If I am working, it will usually mean more overtime for me, and if I am not then my husband would suddenly be swamped with work. Well, what did you expect? Free money? Nothing in life is free!

In Arlene’s case, the sacrifice is in having to deal with her lies to Terry and her own unresolved issues with her mother and belief that abortion is a Sin. These are the issues that this will bring up and that either will need to be dealt with or they will haunt her potentially for the rest of her life.

Karma comes in to play when you think that the actions Arlene is taking can result in harm to another (the baby itself) and therefore the karma she has is the worry and fear she has over anyone finding out what she has done and knowing she has gone against her core principles. Is she right considering it might be Rene’s baby? Only time will tell, but either way, it won’t be easy for Arlene to deal with as she goes along in her pregnancy.

When you take an action, you have to be prepared for the consequences. I have done healing rituals for loved ones or people who requested it. When I was less experienced, it caused a chain reaction that I did not expect. One would be healed but then someone closer to me, or even I myself, would become seriously ill, sometimes even worse than the original person was sick. There is good reason to caution any novice thinking to play with such things.

Wicca has a lot to offer the current and upcoming plotline, but I fear that there is a perpetuation of the myth and misunderstanding of it once again. It glamorizes it in a way that it shouldn’t be, while ignoring the benefits and risks associated.


Sourced from years of my own teachings and from teachers before me.

Godric had a band of runes tattooed on his arm. I can only see the back clearly enough to attempt to read it. I am always interested in the details the writers and costumers put in their work. So I took the time to try to figure out the symbols on that band and give you some little but of insight about what the band might mean.

The Norse and Pictish people of this time period did tattoo, though I am not sure they would have done this sort of tattooing, that is, tattoo the runes on one’s skin. It is very possible they did. For the Norse, the runes were as much a divining tool as they were an alphabet and while each symbol had a sound and value as a part of written language, they also had a divinatory value and some say an astrological value. And this makes sense. The Norse, like the people of the Middle East and Southern Europe used the stars to navigate the world.

So what I did was get the clearest picture I could of the runes. These runes are clearest on the back part of his arm and there are two bands of writing. The first row is the first band and the second row is the second band.

The band, or sentence tells us: You will understand your destiny and your path and you will determine the way you will go. You will be met with challenges and grievances. You shall know victory and justice and through inner peace you will be considered honorable. All around you are forces beyond your control, a wrath, whirling against you but it will eventually lead to your completion and you will find inner peace. You will experience resurrection, and eventually take your own life, but have a deeper connection to the deities and be protected from all harm….

The second band or sentence tells us: You will face your fears in a journey of endurance. But you will know loss and death. You will travel and evolve. But around you , you will see delusions and manipulations of others. You will experience boredom, apathy. Your greatest trials are to come and honor and justice will come to you at last.

So what does that mean to Godric? Were the gods of his time and people telling his future? Did it suggest the end of both his human life and his Vampire life? Does it predict his struggles to find harmony with Vampire and humans? Did Godric find “god” as he met the sun? Is the boredom and apathy he has what drives him to be disappointed in his own kind, and somewhat in Eric, who is still the way Vampires have always been? Will Godric ever be content with the way things are for his kind and will he ever approve of his child and find the peace he died to seek?

The Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland, Norseways By Steff Grav, Divintations by Arthur Burke