tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82027927671598808412024-03-13T12:58:07.796-07:00Wicket IconsJourney through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-8672778197619569432015-01-25T13:06:00.004-08:002015-01-25T13:06:53.293-08:00This blog is kinda sorta really dead. If you want to keep up with me, or with the Hekate's Many Names project, I can be found over at <a href="http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/">http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com </a><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/post/87604951156/hekates-many-names-part-1-of-3">Hekate's Many Names Project </a>is updated on that page as well, along with several <a href="http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/post/69499377806/30-days-of-devotion-to-hekate-ive-decided-to">other</a> <a href="http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/post/69499377806/30-days-of-devotion-to-hekate-ive-decided-to">Hekatean </a><a href="http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/post/89289231866/hekatean-faq-part-2">projects</a>.<br />
<br />
For my artistic endeavors:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wicketicons">Facebook</a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wicketicons">Red Bubble</a><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wicketicons">Etsy</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Have a good one, and may Hekate's torches lead you always!Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-13729595504997037472013-12-12T10:08:00.001-08:002013-12-12T10:08:39.452-08:00Tumblr Blog and a Hekatean ProjectI have a tumblr which is where I usually post things that are less associated with my Wicket Icons work and more about my nerdiness. But for now, it's also hosting a series of posts about Hekate which might be of interest to my followers here.<br />
<br />
You'll find the masterlist of the posts here.<br /><a href="http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/tagged/30-days-of-devotion">http://nehetisingsforhekate.tumblr.com/tagged/30-days-of-devotion</a>Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-61565647715033867512013-04-07T21:05:00.001-07:002013-04-07T21:05:15.500-07:00Hekate's Many Names pt. 3 (3 of 3)<br />
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Epithets with little to no evidence of any variety that I've
found thus far. I suspect this list will change extensively. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFCGHuWqYl8/UWJBysS44HI/AAAAAAAAAK0/VrDT1yAskcM/s1600/kleidouchos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFCGHuWqYl8/UWJBysS44HI/AAAAAAAAAK0/VrDT1yAskcM/s1600/kleidouchos.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidery for Hekate - by me, 2011.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Androphonos: Killer of Men<br />
Antania: Enemy of Mankind<br />
Arkaia: misinterpreted as associated with a bear, but what little I have found
implies an association with age. </div>
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Bolos: of questionable meaning but possibly as Far-Thrower. Bolos variously
suggests an earthy stone, but forms a root word for the epithet Deer-shooting
as well as the word for catching fish. Bolos can imply taking possession of
something. <br /></div>
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Chrysosandeimopichthonia: Supposedly means "Goddess of the Underworld Who
wears Golden Sandals and Drinks Blood": No evidence that the epithet
exists historically. <br /></div>
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Drakaina: She-Snake: The Greek word for female dragon or serpent, but it has no
connection with Hekate. <br /></div>
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Eranne: Lovely<br /></div>
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Helike: revolving, seems to get mistranslated as Willow: Helike was a polis on
the Gulf of Corinth, and the name of a star in the sky. There is no connection
with Hekate. Theoi.com says the word for Willow was Itea. <br />
Hersechthonia: Speaking from Below<br />
Hexacheira: of six-ways, of six hands<br />
Hipparete: Horse-speaker: The name of the wife of Alcibiades. No relation to
Hekate. <br /></div>
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Kalkaea: Wearer of High Boots: The word
seems to have no relation to boots of any sort, nor to be of Greek origin. <br /></div>
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Lochais: Midwife: I've thus far only found it referenced in blogs. The word
'Lochai' is found in John Scarborough's <i>Facets
of Hellenic Life</i> but I have not had a chance to read the book. <br /></div>
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Mageus: One who Kneads, potentially has roots in the word 'Magi.' <br />
Meisopomenos: Laborer of the Moon<br />
Moira: A Share, Fate: Connections
between Hekate and the Moirae seem to be largely speculative with no definitive historical evidence. <br /></div>
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Oxythymia: Quick to Anger?: Aristarchus says that oxythymia are gallows trees.
See <i>Groaning Tears: Ethical and Dramatic
Aspects of Suicide in Greek Tragedy</i> by Elise P. Garrison, Brill Press. <br /></div>
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Panopaea: All-seeing, panorama: The name of a Nereid. <br />
Prothegetis: Leader<br /></div>
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Rhododaktylos: Rosy-fingered:
Traditionally an epithet of Eos. Though Eos and Hekate share the epithet
saffron-cloaked, there is no evidence that Hekate bore the name thus far. <br /></div>
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Tymborychos: Gravedigger</div>
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<!--[endif]--></span>Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-69516387007829230672013-04-03T11:34:00.004-07:002013-04-03T11:36:44.734-07:00Hekate's Many Names Pt 2 (2 of 3) <br />
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Epithets without Historical Precedence I've found concerning Hekate, but whose title seems
appropriate given other epithets and characteristics associated with the Goddess. Please contact me with information that
affirms that Hekate had these titles historically if there is such to be had. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gEmJXKXYIk/UVx2GG9otjI/AAAAAAAAAKk/aHSnyfsD-hw/s1600/HekateOphiothrixnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gEmJXKXYIk/UVx2GG9otjI/AAAAAAAAAKk/aHSnyfsD-hw/s1600/HekateOphiothrixnet.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hekate Ophiothrix - by Sara Croft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A</div>
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Adamantaea: Unconquerable, Untamable Goddess: The name of
one of the Nymphs that nursed Zeus. The meaning of the name certainly applies
to Hekate. <br />
Agrotera: Huntress: Epithet for Artemis. Likely applied to Hekate through
modern conflation. <br />
Aidonaea: Of the Underworld: Certainly applicable. Confusion may arise due to
the spelling Adonaea, which technically applies to gardens dedicated to Adonis.
Aidonia is also a site in Mycenae that is famous for a large number of tombs. <br />
Amaimaketos: Unconquerable, raging, invincible, uncontrollable: Associated with
the Chimera and with the Sea, see <i>Homer:
The Poetry of the Past</i> by Andrew Ford (footnote no. 52 on p. 90) and <i>Man, Myth, and Magic: an illustrated
encyclopedia of the supernatural, vol. 1</i> by Richard Cavendish, 1971. <br />
Anassa Eneroi: Queen of the Dead: A title which is perfectly appropriate,
though historically was most often applied to Persephone. <br />
Antaia: Angry: Antaia was a Goddess in
her own right as well as an epithet applied to Demeter. <br />
Apanchomene: The Hanged One: An epithet associated with Artemis. </div>
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B</div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Booporos:
Ox-Herder: As Hekate was historically
called Ox-Herder (Bookolos), the title fits.</span> </div>
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C</div>
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D</div>
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E</div>
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Epaine: Awe-inspiring, glorious, sublime: Historically applied to Persephone. Yet the
meaning of this epithet certainly applies to Hekate. <br />
Ephoros: Guardian, overseer: Possibly
derived from the name Ephesos. No evidence of connection to Hekate, though it
seems appropriate. <br />
Epi-tymbidia: sepulchral: Closely associated with Aphrodite. </div>
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F</div>
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G</div>
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Genetyllis: Birth-helper:
The Goddess of Childbirth whose name came to be a title of Artemis and
Aphrodite. A class of goddesses of midwifery, the Genetillides. See <i>A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography
and Mythology</i> by William Smith, 1873. Pausanias also highlights the
similarities between Hekate and Genetyllis. </div>
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H</div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13;">Hiera: Holy
One: Applies to the Gods certainly. </span></div>
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I</div>
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<br /></div>
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J</div>
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<br /></div>
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K</div>
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Kalliste: Fairest: The name of one of Artemis' nymphs, as
well as an epithet that applied to Herself. See Euripides' <i>Iphigenia</i>. <br />
Kyno: Bitch, female dog: Though I've not found a connection to Hekate, her
relationship to canines makes this epithet potentially applicable. </div>
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L</div>
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Limenoskopos: of the Threshold, Watcher of Havens, On the
Harbor, Watching the Harbor: A title that applied to Zeus and Artemis. Fits too
well to Hekate's nature to overlook as applicable. </div>
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M</div>
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Melainis: Black: An epithet of Aphrodite. <br />
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N</div>
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<br /></div>
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Noctiluca: Light of the Night, Night Shiner: A Latin epithet
of Luna. <br />
<span style="background-color: #274e13; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nyktipolos:
Night-wandering: <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>uncertain
source.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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O</div>
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Oistrophaneia: Manifester of Madness: This name is of
uncertain origin. Hekate was certainly described as a Goddess who could bring
or cure madness. <br />
Ophiothrix: Serpent-haired: created by me for the purposes of describing
Hekate's snake-haired figure which is found in various texts. </div>
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P</div>
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Pasiphaessa: Wide-Shining: An epithet of Aphrodite. <br />
Polyboteira: Generous Giver of Nourishment: I've yet to find evidence of this
specific epithet, though Kerenyi describes Hekate as Nourishing. <br />
Potnia Theron: Mistress of Animals, Lady of Wild Beasts: a title first found in
Minoan society, and applied to various Goddesses. Rabinowitz in his book on
Hekate hints at scholarly debate over the application of this epithet to
Hekate. <br />
Prokathegetis: She who goes down before: Kathegetis means teacher or guide.
Hekate certainly fits. <br />
Prytania: misunderstood to translate as "Invincible Queen of the
Dead" but it is more likely a connection to the Council Chamber, the
Prytania.: See <i>The Symbolical Language of
Ancient Art and Mythology: An Inquiry</i> by Richard Payne Knight, p. 26 for a
discussion of the Prytania. The modern (mis)understanding as Invincible Queen
of the Dead fits well. <br />
Purphoros: Fire-bearer: Applied to a wide range of deities, though as of yet I
haven't found a direct reference to Hekate Purphoros. Yet, the name fits
suitably with Hekate Dadophoros. </div>
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R</div>
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S</div>
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T</div>
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U</div>
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V</div>
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W</div>
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X</div>
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Y</div>
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Z<br />
<br />
I readily admit that my research is in the early stages, and will happily accept the opportunity to improve it. Already Part 1 has had several additions! :) Florian Schlie has been an immense help, and Georgi Michev has pointed me in new directions. All my gratitude. </div>
Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-78047471295074884982013-04-01T20:27:00.001-07:002013-04-03T11:27:32.939-07:00Hekate's Many Names (Part 1 of 3) This has been long in the working... Several months ago I was asked by Sorita D'Este to research Hekate's Epithets, as many of those that are commonly listed are... well, detached from reality.<br />
<br />
This initial post is a list of those Titles which have a clear history with Hekate. It is by far the longest list, with a diverse selection of sources. I have tried my best to clarify any confusion over translations. Highlighting indicates that I am unhappy with the evidence I have thus far found, even if it is a decent second or tertiary source.<br />
<br />
If you have a better source for an Epithet, please let me know!<br />
<br />
Part 2 will share epithets that while having history, have little to no connection to Hekate, but which seem appropriate to Her in some way.<br />
Part 3 will be, perhaps, be the most difficult to accept, as it will be a list of those epithets that have no basis in reality. <br />
<br />
The reason this is being shared here is so that I can continue to fine tune the list. So please, give voice to your own sources and the like.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gFFwc2cIlE/UVpOFpBjjCI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3fbcgNl1RqA/s1600/thousand+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gFFwc2cIlE/UVpOFpBjjCI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3fbcgNl1RqA/s1600/thousand+lights.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Thousand Lights for Hekate</i> by Sara Croft (me), 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Epithets with
Historical Precedence (Epithet: Meaning: Source and Notes if Applicable) </div>
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?: Subduer of All: Greek Magical Papyri Hymn IV 2714-83<br />
?: Fawn-slayer: Hymn to Selene-Hekate-Artemis, Greek Magical Papyri IV 2714-83.<br />
?: Greatest Overseer: Hymn to Selene-Hekate-Artemis, Greek Magical Papyri IV
2714-83.<br />
?: Untamed: Hymn to Selene-Hekate-Artemis, Greek Magical Papyri IV 2714-83.<br />
?: Who Pours Forth Arrows: Hymn to Selene-Hekate-Artemis, Greek Magical Papyri
IV 2714-83.</div>
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A</div>
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Agriope : Wild-eyed, Fierce-faced, Savage-watcher, wild-voiced : A name
associated with Eurydice, Orpheus' wife, likely came to be attached to Hekate
when the two were conflated. From <i>Orpheus
and His Lute: Poetry and the Renewal of Life</i> by Elisabeth Henry, SIU Press,
1992 p. 3. Also, Maass' <i>Opheus</i>, 1895.
<br />
Aktiophis: of unknown meaning: various hymns to Selene and Hekate in the Greek
Magical Papyri. <br />
Alexeatis: Averter of Evil: A 5th c. BCE
inscription to Enodia mentioned by Sarah Iles Johnston in <i>Restless Dead.</i><br />
Ameibousa: One that transforms: Oracle Table from Pergamon dedicated to Hekate.
(Special thanks to Florian Schlie for the information.) <br />
Amphiprosopos: Double-faced: The Chaldean Oracles, also <i>Reading Plotinus: A Practical Introduction to Neoplatonism</i> by Kevin
Corrigan. <br />
Anassa: Queen: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate.
<br />
Angelos: Messenger: The Chaldean Oracles. Associated with numerous Gods. Karl
Kerenyi discusses the shared role of Angelos between Hermes and Hekate in <i>Hermes: Guide of Souls.</i><br />
Aphrattos: Unnamed One: In
"Taranto" by Enzo Lippolis, Salvatore Garraffo, Massimo Nafissi by
the Instituto per la Storia e l'Archeologia della Magna Grecia, 1995, p. 194-5.
<br />
Apotropaios: Averting, Averter: Supplementum epigraphicum Graecum (SEG) 42
1816. <br />
Atala: Tender, delicate: Hesiod's Hymn to Demeter. <br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Atala
Phroneousa: Gay-Spirited: The Homeric Hymn to Demeter. </span></span><br />
Azostos: Ungirt, without a belt: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
<br />
B</div>
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Basileia: Queen, Princess: The Orphic
Hymn to Hekate. Also, Farnell's <i>Cults of
the Greek States vol. 2,</i> p. 507. <br />
Borborophorba: Eater of Filth: Greek Magical Papyri, 1402, 1406. <br />
Boukolos: Ox-Herder: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Brimo: Angry One, The Terrifying, of Crackling Flames : Apollonios Rhodios
3.861-63, 1246. Also applied to Persephone, Demeter, and Cybele. </div>
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C</div>
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Chrysosandalos: of Golden Sandals: The Hymn of Hekate-Erechkigal, Greek Magical
Papyri LXX. <br />
Chthonian: of the Earth: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. </div>
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<br /></div>
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D</div>
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<span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Dadophoros:
Torchbearer: Well-attested in sculpture
and coins.</span><span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;"> <br />
</span>Daeira: The Knowing One, Teacher: A nymph and lover of Hermes who was
sometimes conflated with Persephone and Hekate, according to the Perseus
Project. <span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /><span style="background-color: #274e13;">
Despoina: Mistress: An Arkadian Goddess
of Fertility and daughter of Demeter. Identified with Persephone, Artemis, and
Hekate.</span></span><br />
Dione: The Goddess: Dione is a Goddess in her own right that came to be conflated with Hekate. From the Oracle Table of Pergamom. Source: <i>Hekate die dunkle Gottin</i> by Thomas Lautwein.<br />
<br /></div>
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E</div>
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<span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Eileithyia:
nurse of Childbirth: Goddess of midwives, conflated with Artemis and Hekate.</span><br />
Einalian: of the Sea: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Empylios: at the Gate: See the Orphic
Argonautika 902, as well as an inscription in a museum associated with the
Temple of Zeus in Nemea. <br />
Enodia: of the Path: Pausanias'
Description of Greece 3.14.9,
Hippocrates <i>Of Sacred Disease, </i>and
The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Ephodia: travelling expenses... of
uncertain appelation with Hekate.
Inscription in a museum associated with the Temple of Zeus in Nemea. <br />
Epiphanestate Thea: the Most Manifest Goddess:
"The Priviledges of Free Nontributary States" by Sulla, 81
BCE. <br />
Epipurgidia: on the Tower: Pausanias's
description of Athens. <br />
Eukoline: Good tempered: grave stele in
Athens. Additionally Kallimachos refers to Hekate Eukoline. Additionally, could
be applied to Eileithyia. <br />
Eurippa: Horse-finder: Robert Brown, <i>Semitic Influence in Hellenic Mythology, </i>Williams
and Norgate, 1898. </div>
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G</div>
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<br /></div>
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H</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hecatoncheires : Hundred-handed: The Chaldean Oracles <br />
Hegemonen: Guide: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. </div>
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I</div>
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J</div>
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K</div>
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Kleidoukhos: Keeper of the Keys: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Kore: Maiden: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Kourotrophos: Child's nurse, nurse of youths: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. Shared
with Artemis and Eilytheia. <br />
Kratais: The Strong One, of the Rocks: Apollonius of Rhodes' <i>Argonautika</i>.<br />
Krokopeplos: Saffron-cloaked: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. </div>
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L</div>
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Laginitis: of Lagina, possibly: The city of Idrias had a
temple to Hekate Laginitis. : See <i>A
History of Discoveries at Halicarnassus, Cnidus, and Branchidae, vol. 2</i> by
Charles T. Newton, R.P. Pullan, 1863. <br />
Lampadephoros: Lamp-bearer, torch-bearer, who warns of nighttime attack. :
Associated with the Mysteries of Phrygia.
<i>The Cities and Bishoprics of
Phrygia</i> by William Ramsay. Suidas
describes a statue dedicated to Hekate the Torchbearer for saving the city of
Byzantium from Philip of Macedon. <br />
Leaina: the Lioness: Porphyry, <i>Fragmenta III</i>, 18. See also Kraus'
Hekate, p. 32-33. <br />
Liparokredemnos: of the bright-headband, Bright-coiffed: The Homeric Hymn to
Hekate. </div>
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M</div>
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Maera: Shining: In
Ovid's Metamorphoses connects the story of a woman Maera turned into a dog with
Hekate. <br />
Megiste: Greatest: Sarah Iles Johnston
mentions this Hellenistic Carian epithet in <i>Restless
Dead</i>, p. 206. <br />
Monogenes: Only Child: Hesiod's
Theogony, 11.404-452. <br />
Munychia: of unknown meaning, possibly of the village Munychia. An epithet of
Artemis associated with the Attic military port of the same name. See <i>Women of Classical Mythology</i> by Robert
Bell, Oxford, p.312. Also Farnell, p. 473.</div>
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N</div>
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Nykteria: of the Night: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nykti:
of the Night: From the Oracle Table of Pergamom. Source: <i>Hekate die dunkle Gottin</i> by Thomas Lautwein.</span></span><br />
Nymphen: Bride: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate.</div>
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O</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Opaon:
Follower: The Homeric Hymn to Hekate. </span></span></div>
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Ourania: Celestial, Heavenly: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Ouresiphoites: Wanderer in the Mountains: the Orphic Hymn to Hekate. </div>
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<br /></div>
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P</div>
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<br /></div>
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Pandina: possibly something about whirling or rotating, but
largely unknown. : See <i>The Numismatic
Circular and Catalogue of Coins, Tokens, Commemorative and War Medals, Books
and Cabinets, vol. 16</i>, Spink & Son, 1908, p. 10308<br />
Pantos Kosmou Kleidokhos: Keeper of Keys of the Kosmos: The Orphic Hymn to
Hekate. <br />Parthenos: Virgin: The Chaldean Oracles.<br />Patrogenes: Father-begotten: The Chaldean Oracles.<br />
Perseian: daughter of Perseus: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
<span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Pheraea: of Pheraea, daughter
of Zeus and Pheraea (daughter of Aeolus): theoi.com/cult/hekatecult.html</span>
</span><br />
Phileremos: Lover of Solitude: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate.<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Phoebe:
Bright: From the Oracle Table of Pergamom. The epithet is also associated with
Artemis and Apollo. Source: <i>Hekate die
dunkle Gottin</i> by Thomas Lautwein.</span></span><br />
Phoinikopeza: Ruddy-footed: Pindar's Paean 2. Also applied to Demeter. <br />
Phosphoros: Light-bearer: Artemidoros. See also Euripides <i>Helen</i>, 569. <br />
Phroune: She-toad: JGR Forlong's <i>Encyclopedia of Religions or Faiths of Man
pt. 1</i> p. 269. This is also one of the sources of the idea that Hekate and
Heqet might share common origins. <br />
Physis: Nature: The Chaldean Oracles. <br />
Prodomos: Of the Vestibule, literally Before the House: Aristophanes' Fragment
388. <br />
Propolos: She Who Leads, Guide, Companion: see archimedes.fas.harvard.edu 's
entry on the term Propolos. <br />
Propylaia: One before the Gate: See <i>Tooke's Pantheon of the Heathen Gods and
Illustrious Heroes</i> by Francois Pomey, 1823, p. 178. <br />
Prothyraea: Before the Gate: The Orphic Hymn to Prothyraea doesn't explicitly
use Hekate's name, but carries many of Her traits, and it uses the names of Diana and Eileithyia,
both of who were conflated with Hekate. <br />
Psychopompe: Soul-Guide: a psychopomp is
a class of beings with the responsibility of guiding souls into the afterlife,
rather than an epithet. Hekate certainly qualifies. </div>
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R</div>
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Rexichthon: Earth-cleaver: Hymn to Selene-Hekate-Artemis,
Greek Magical Papyri IV 2714-83.</div>
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S</div>
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Skotia: of the Dark, of the Gloom: Diodorus I describes Hekate Scotia as
worshiped in Egypt. The title was also associated with Aphrodite in Egypt. <i>The Day
of Yahweh</i> by William Arthur Heidel, 1929, p. 516. <br />
Skylakitin: Lady of the Dogs: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Soteira: Savior: see <i>Hekate Soteira</i>
by Sarah Iles Johnston for a great exegesis. This epithet has been given to
many different Gods and Goddesses. <br />
Speirodrakontozonos: Girt in Serpent Coils: See Michael Italicus' <i>Letter 17</i>, as quoted in Stephen Ronan's <i>The Goddess Hekate</i>. </div>
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T</div>
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Tauropolos: Bull-herder: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate<br />
Tergeminus: of Triple-Birth: <i>An
Elementary Latin Dictionary</i> by Charlton T. Lewis, American Book Co. 1890. <br />
Thea Deinos: The Dread Goddess: Apollonius Rhodius <i>Argonautica 3.1194</i><br />
Therobromon: Roaring like a Wild Beast, of the City of the Beast: The Orphic
Hymn to Hekate. <br />
Triaucheros: with Three Necks: Lycophron's <i>Alexandra</i>
1186.<br />
Triceps: Three-formed: Ovid's <i>Metamorphoses</i>
7.194. <br />
Trikephalos: Three-headed: numerous sources, coins, and statuary. <br />
Trimorphos: Three-formed: numerous sources, coins, and statuary. <br />
Trioditis: Of the Three Roads: Athenaeus. <br />
Trivia: Of the Three Ways: The name for the Roman Goddess of the Three Roads.<br />
Tymbidian: sepulchral: The Orphic Hymn to Hekate. </div>
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U</div>
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W</div>
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X</div>
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Y</div>
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Z</div>
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Zerynthia: of Mount Zerynthia: See Gimbutas' <i>Old Europe</i>, p. 197. Likely named after
Zerynthos in Lagina. <br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Zonodrakontos:
Covered in Snakes, Intertwined with snakes: The Chaldean Oracles. <br />
Zootrophos: Nourisher of Life: The Chaldean Oracles.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><br />
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Expect Part 2 sometime in the next few days. :)<br />
<br />
ETA: Five Epithets were added, thanks to Florian Schlie! You are awesome, my friend. </div>
Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-39938571392570151492013-01-09T13:45:00.001-08:002013-01-09T13:45:41.953-08:00Losing Momentum and Finding It AnewSometimes, for some unknown reason, we fall away from our spiritual lives for a time. When we look up from whatever has been distracting us from our relationships with the Gods, it feels as though everything has withdrawn from us. I call those moments "Fallow" periods.<br /><br />
I have them every few years. Suddenly other matters take far more importance. Whether it be a job, one's family, or one's own health, life shifts perspectives. It's part of growth, even if it feels awfully imbalanced at times.<br />
<br />
I've been fallow for a few months now, off and on. I even considered becoming an Atheist.<br />
<br />
But now Imbolc is almost upon us, and I find myself coming back up for the oh-so-divine Air. I went through my books on Paganism, Magic and all that, and cleaned up my collection. I'll clean up, give away, and donate a good portion of my things before Imbolc is over. Yet, somehow it seems we always have Too Much Stuff! (and I do this twice a year.)<br />
<br />
But that leans too far away from what all these words are supposed to be highlighting.<br />
<br />
One of the great benefits of working through one's home and giving away some of what you find, is the absolute gems that you may discover in the process.<br />
<br />
Today I found some notes on Hekate from 2006, when I was first finding Her Presence in my life. Reading one of the hymns I wrote in those notes, I immediately felt the surge of Presence and Being that has been missing.<br />
<br />
It probably didn't hurt that in order to find these notes, I had to disassemble and reassemble my bedroom Shrine to Hekate. I won't discount the importance of a good altar-cleansing.<br />
<br />
But I thought I'd share these very rough early musings on the Goddess of Earth, Sea, and Sky.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Hail Hekate! </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Bright-coiffed</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Torches held high to give light to the Night!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Guide me beyond the mire of today.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Help me to see the traps that I lay.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Send me your hounds.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Show me the way. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">For you are the Keybearer of all Sacred Ways. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Hail Hekate! </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">With your triple-formed frame!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Show me the devotions to be done in your name.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Give me the visions.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Give me the sight. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Guide me, O Goddess, through the night of my life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Too many choices</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Or else too few.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Show me the way which I should choose.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Hail Hekate! </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Leader of the Pack!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Guide me</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Guard me</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Teach me the Paths.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
There's enough there that I would change these days that I see there to recognize my growth. I would never ask Hekate to choose for me now. She has taught me that the Choice is mine and will always be mine, and that my courage to face the consequences and to accept responsibility is central to how to live in this world.<br />
<br />
And recognizing that I've grown and become a better person as a direct result of Her influence in my life might just be what did the trick.<br />
<br />
Khaire, Hekate!Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-11773159198054477862012-11-09T13:37:00.001-08:002012-11-09T13:37:27.665-08:00B is for Bast (a case for serious inquiry into the Gods)Last night I went out with some of my girlfriends, and we were happily plowing through a bookstore. I came across <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Gods-Egyptian-Temples-Metropolitan/dp/0300124082/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352494722&sr=1-1">"Gift for the Gods: Images from Egyptian Temples"</a> for 8 bucks! I love getting like-new books for next to nothing.<br />
<br />
I'm overjoyed with it. Each item in the text is presented from multiple perspectives, particularly a bronze of Set and a gold statuette of Amun that I have been in love with for years.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP9FvdCWn7Q/UJ13YZKsfGI/AAAAAAAAAKA/lEuIRSTJH70/s1600/Cougar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP9FvdCWn7Q/UJ13YZKsfGI/AAAAAAAAAKA/lEuIRSTJH70/s1600/Cougar.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cougar" by Neheti, 2010 - Cats and Bast, what can I say?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The one figure I didn't see in the book that I'd hoped for was the Goddess Bast.<br />
<br />
Bast has been classed as a Goddess of so many things, most of which are erroneous. People ramble that She's the Goddess of Marijuana for goodness sake. *eyeroll* (Hint: She isn't.)<br />
<br />
And there we get to a perfect example of one of my least favorite habits that people fall into when it comes to studying the Gods.<br />
<br />
I guess the culprit is the structure of most books on mythology. So many of them are structured like so:<br />
<br />
<b>Bast (Egyptian)</b>: Goddess of Gobbledy-gook.<br />
<br />
Well, something like that.<br />
<br />
The reality of Gods, of any culture, is that they aren't so easily pigeon-holed.<br />
<br />
Bast is one of the Eyes of Ra, a class of Goddesses of ancient Egypt, who serves to protect the world from isfet (uncreation) in the service of Ma'at (order.) She is also associated with perfumes, as evidenced by her hieroglyphics, which includes a perfume jar (bas).<br />
<br />
A lot of people make the mistake of writing her name Bastet. The 't' on the end of the name Bast, indicates the fact that She's a Goddess, and with Kemetic words that end in 'et,' that 'et' serves the same purpose. In a way, using the word Bastet is saying The Goddess of the Bas Jar who is a Woman. It's redundant.<br />
<br />
Most modern people associate Bast with the domesticated cat, but a lot of her earlier images show her as a Lioness (which causes a lot of confusion with other Goddesses who have lion forms, like Sekhmet and Mafdet.) But Bast evolved a lot over the span of time of the early Dynasties and the Hellenistic era.<br />
<br />
A Goddess with distinct solar attributes (after all She's the Eye of Ra - who is the Sun), by time of the Ptolemies, She was being conflated with Artemis and Selene, and had taken on lunar attributes. She was originally an independent and protective Goddess, but towards the decline of Ancient Egypt, she had come to be known as a Goddess of frivolity and joy. Herodotus shares an unlikely story that the women stand on the banks of the Nile and flash the passersby in Her name.<br />
<br />
The complexity of a God doesn't fit easily in any one story or anecdote, and it certainly doesn't fit into a soundbite like what one finds in a dictionary of mythology. Yet that's how people tend to talk about the Gods. Artemis becomes boiled down to the Goddess of the Hunt (which She is, but She's MORE than that.) Bast gets limited down to Her cat features.<br />
<br />
Think of learning about a God like learning about a person. It takes time and effort. In the case of a God, it means, for most of us, a lot of studying about the culture that gave birth to them.<br />
<br />
If you or I don't fit into a one-line dictionary style definition, how in the world is a deity with thousands of years of history and His or Her own characteristics and personality every supposed to fit into a simple formulaic statement. If hoping for a good relationship with a deity, the least one can do is learn all we can about them.<br />
<br />
For more information on Bast, check out the following links:<br />
http://www.per-bast.org/bast/historical.html<br />
http://www.touregypt.net/godsofegypt/bast2.htmJourney through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-14817512642161202012012-10-31T11:00:00.002-07:002012-10-31T11:00:44.260-07:00A is for Ancestors<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lqZ7-eCjaU/UJFnDzCm06I/AAAAAAAAAJo/ORtPqQjJ_Ac/s1600/fmfeb2012+002b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lqZ7-eCjaU/UJFnDzCm06I/AAAAAAAAAJo/ORtPqQjJ_Ac/s1600/fmfeb2012+002b.jpg" height="197" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadowe, 16 years old and spunky... but dying from Cancer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week, I say goodbye to a very busy year. Between saying goodbye to my 16 year old cat, Shadowe, to almost losing my father-in-law, to my very own medical situation, a lot has changed.<br /><br /><div>
This time last year, I was waiting for surgery on my knee, and basically banished from walking without a brace and a cane. Now, three times a week, I'm walking dogs for over an hour. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's a lot to talk about with my Beloved Dead this Samhain. Ancestor worship never used to be a big deal with me, when I was younger. I didn't care about them, really, but over the past few years, my ancestors have become a larger and larger part of my practice, and the list of their names, sadly, has been growing steadily over the past few years. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I suspect that I looked on death as one of those things that would never happen to me, or to those I loved. Or perhaps, in fact, even romanticized it. Probably a bit of both. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm sure some will think I am still looking on it through a special sort of lens. I'm okay with that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjrhrDn2o78/UJFmc68lsNI/AAAAAAAAAJg/rlm3izW7ElQ/s1600/samhain+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjrhrDn2o78/UJFmc68lsNI/AAAAAAAAAJg/rlm3izW7ElQ/s1600/samhain+022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancestor box waiting to be unpacked for Samhain 2010.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
On my path, ancestors are worked with only rarely, but thought of, and even given gifts, often. I maintain a box that I designed just for their things. I keep the gifts I have given them, their photos, and obituaries in it. It also holds the centerpiece of my Samhain rite, my litany of names. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been maintaining one for four or five years now, and each years list is in the box, waiting for this year's contribution. When I feel the veil between this world and the next thinning, as it does each autumn, I sit down and work through each name, preparing a new list. The first year, I included all the various Pagans who've died that I felt needed remembered, and that list is monstrously long. Nowadays, I focus on those who've contributed directly to my being. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the date of the astronomical quarter, November 7th, I will cast my circle, and remember them. Some of them are just names, but others are ever-present, and remain living in my heart every day. It is that memory, that reconnection with those who gave me my very existence or who have made it wondrous for the years that we shared, that makes Samhain my favorite holiday. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thus it is that my Litany of Names always begins with a quote from Helen Keller: </div>
<div>
"What we once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
May your Ancestors smile with pride at the life you are living. </div>
Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-30270218524392310642012-08-23T09:05:00.000-07:002012-08-23T09:05:17.576-07:00Volatility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-De94Mb6V_O0/UDZRthQ-9HI/AAAAAAAAAJA/f00QM--P9s4/s1600/bedroom+nov+noumenia+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-De94Mb6V_O0/UDZRthQ-9HI/AAAAAAAAAJA/f00QM--P9s4/s320/bedroom+nov+noumenia+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I have this thing I do every New Moon at my bedroom altar. I take one of my oracle decks (Earth Magic) and I pull a card that will characterize the next month.<br />
<br />
My first warning about last month should've been that I drew the Volcano: Volatility card.<br />
<br />
Since then, I got confirmation that I have <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001408/">PCOS</a>, we had a week where our A/C died and we ended up crashing at a friend's house, and I've been on two road trips (one good, one that started good and ended nightmarish.)<br />
<br />
I've had to start medication, change my diet, and educate the heck of out myself.<br />
<br />
But at the same time, I have answers to questions that have plagued me since I was nine, and now I have something I can do to fix it, or at least, mitigate it.<br />
<br />
Ultimately though, the whole mess has left me feeling tender and exhausted. I have more questions than answers about the things that have happened to me around the last month or so, some of which will never be answered.<br />
<br />
I've also learned who my real friends are, and that is a precious thing.<br />
<br />
So what's my card for this month? Meadow: Vulnerability.<br />
<br />
I love it... and hate it... when cards speak so honestly.<br />
<br />
I'm also teaching a casual discussion course on magic that's meeting once a month and talking online about all sorts of topics. Our first getting together class was a discussion of the Earth Element. I pulled out almost all my stones (realized after they left just how many I forgot.) I think it went really well.<br />
<br />
After everyone was gone and the only thing left to pick up was my monolithic rock collection, I built an altar to the Earth and simply sat with it for a while. I might take the time today to do it again, and include the stones I forgot last time. I'm very much looking forward to the next get-together.<br />
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<br />Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-74382701195700738152012-07-22T09:22:00.000-07:002012-07-22T09:23:33.472-07:00Ordinary Genius 1<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago, I picked up Kim Addonizio's <i>Ordinary Genius. </i>It's a series of discussions on poetry, awareness, and writing. I was writing poetry long before I ever had a pencil or paintbrush in my hand. The earliest poems were typical teenaged drivel about love and about how unfair life seemed to be. (Visit Kim Addonizio and check out her books <a href="http://www.kimaddonizio.com/Site/Site/_welcome.html">here.</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were a few jewels. I read one about a friend who died from cocaine overdose at a poetry reading when I was 18 or so, and it went over well with the audience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But when poetry, and fiction writing comes into the fore, my paintings and drawings fall back. And visa versa. I can only create so much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm in the middle of painting a Shoebill, and alternately thinking he's finished and think I should paint over him and start over. And that was when I found myself picking up Addonizio's book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first few chapters were absorbed in a flash, and I found myself itching to write poetry. The last time that I wrote poetry, we had just come home from visiting my mother, who has been slowly fading and who had been sick. I had to do something with those feelings of helplessness and pain. One of my favorite pieces came from that period. </span><br />
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<h1 style="font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grey Leather (2011)</span></h1>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><small>by ~<a class="u" href="http://neheti.deviantart.com/" style="zoom: 1;">Neheti</a></small><br /><br />I wrap my arms around this leather sack<br />The bones click beneath the embrace<br />Blades of the shoulders carving me open<br />The grey sack smiles with grey eyes<br />That used to be black as night<br />And I peel away afraid,<br />Heartbroken.<br /><br />I wrap my arms around this leather sack<br />of wasted flesh and lengthy years<br />and shards of femur and ulna scrape<br />leaving scars of pink and drops of blood<br />The grey sack shifts against me<br />worn down by time and poverty.<br />overcome, I want to flee<br />to deny what this has become.<br /><br />I wrap my arms around this leather sack<br />the smell of old cigarettes and rot fills my nose with nausea<br />The jaw bones clack and snap with lazy abandon<br />So heavy in my heart<br />My tears get swallowed back<br />and I fear<br />I hear my mother's voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure that it needs further refining, and I've reworked it a few times since. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now, now I'm writing purely for enjoyment, as opposed to catharsis. There's certainly some pain in some of what has come out, but there's also humor, and joy. </span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">On Turning 99</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No one will care if a careless fuck slips from my toothless mouth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll still dance and sing and rant and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bring my best flirtations</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to make my beloved smile. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll lift my shirt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and remind him how much</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we made each other</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">smile</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">laugh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">love.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my chair, I'll rule my roost with impunity (but fairly)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">run off those young'uns in their sixties and seventies</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">unless they're cute.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll sing along in spit of my deafness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and embarrass my nieces and nephews. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No one will know what to do with me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">as I stomp and shimmy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my way to the end. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be glorious</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and beautiful</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">right to that mysterious</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">five seconds after</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my beloved finds his doom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I follow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It needs a smidge of edits, but it's not a bad start. It made my husband smile, and made us both tear up, which is exactly what I was going for. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I'm planning on continuing to share some of these poems as I go, so I guess this is a whole new blog type. ;) )</span></div>
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<br /></div>Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-45315913870455111772012-07-15T10:01:00.002-07:002012-07-15T10:01:23.141-07:00Dreaming the Gods<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dreams are funny things. Sometimes you can wander through
them and point out just where each bit came from in your daytime world.
"Oh, hey that's from watching such and such on TV!" you think. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there are the other dreams. Sometimes they're haunting,
visions of the past, of ghosts. And sometimes, just sometimes, the Gods
themselves figure prominently. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was younger, I didn't dream often at all, and if I
did, they faded promptly upon opening my eyes. Or I had nightmares. If I
remembered a dream, it was because it was a True Dream, one that would someday
come true (and those are nothing like storybooks describe them to be - the real
deal is deadly boring. I mean really, who wants to dream about listening to a
class lecture that you're one day going to attend? Or about looking around a
house?) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I keep a dream journal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there are dreams that are the thing of legend. Epic,
exciting, and practically made for being turned into a book. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I dreamt such a thing last
night. I am sharing it with you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYp3YKtkU7c/UAL2lS95N1I/AAAAAAAAAI0/SE7CjWilcRo/s1600/zeus+meilikkios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYp3YKtkU7c/UAL2lS95N1I/AAAAAAAAAI0/SE7CjWilcRo/s320/zeus+meilikkios.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeus Meilikkos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Gods of Olympus</b> looked down upon the mortals. Zeus, the
Bringer of Rain, Most High, looked out and did not like what he saw, and it
made his heart ache, for it would seem that the people of the Earth had forgot
the laws which he had given them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gathered the pantheon together, considering us. The way
that we dishonor the gifts that the Gods have given us. How we dishonor each
other. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And he was heartbroken. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now many years ago, Zeus had chanced upon a beautiful woman
when he was wondering upon the lands of men. As should not surprise you, my
friends, he seduced her, and in time, she was with child. Her son, handsome and
strong, grew to be a man that Zeus loved very much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But with the troubles that now plagued the earth, Zeus
feared that it would be necessary to end the age of Iron, the age of men. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until now, when the Gods had to discuss how to best confront
the mortals. Would it be a war? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zeus' son somehow learned of the possibility of what the
Gods were speaking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He came unto his father, and begged, argued, cajoled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then he sacrificed his own divine spark, his
demi-godhood, becoming one of the mortals that Zeus would have to end, in hopes
that the Giver of Good would not have the heart to follow through with his
slaughter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Gods held their wrath back, and the son of Zeus returned
to the world below, with hope that the troubles that mortalkind had wrought
could be healed, and that the Gods would grant them but a little more time to
do so. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take it as you will. Or don't. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is as a dreamed it, rendered poorly in my own words. In
the dream, I was a witness, and nothing more. So I share it with you. </div>Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-36042998560191048332012-02-29T10:38:00.001-08:002012-02-29T10:39:03.998-08:00Leaping into a Spa DaySince mid-January life around here has been defined by one word: STRESSFUL. <br />
<br />
We found out our cat has cancer, and various family crises have left all of us feeling utterly incapacitated. <br />
<br />
Today, I decided to make all about relaxation. <br />
<br />
Starting with a hot bath. And recipes for a new revitalized sense of self. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
Honey Milk Bath</b><br />
<br />
1/2 cup powdered milk<br />
1/2 cup warm honey (heat up a saucepan of water and let the opened honey jar warm in the water at a low heat. Check on it regularly.) <br />
2 teaspoons olive oil<br />
<br />
Add to your bathwater and relax. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Oatmeal Spice Honey Mask</b><br />
1/2 cup warm honey<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
1 tablespoon nutmeg<br />
1 tablespoon brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup oatmeal<br />
1 teaspoon lemon juice<br />
<br />
Mix well in a bowl. Pull your hair back out of your face. Apply on your face (I do it with my hands because I use this stuff while I soak in my milk bath, but you can also use a spoon or baking spatula.) Allow to sit on your face for 15-30 minutes and wash off with warm water. Then apply moisturizer. <br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy! I know I'm going to.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-55938866714493193982012-02-02T10:09:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:25:24.470-08:00Old Charges<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPKfGZ8YiEs/TyrTdHyei9I/AAAAAAAAAIs/JwAVQ3nTiy8/s1600/jannewmoon%2B040.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPKfGZ8YiEs/TyrTdHyei9I/AAAAAAAAAIs/JwAVQ3nTiy8/s200/jannewmoon%2B040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704604375278586834" /></a><br />I'm deep into my Imbolc tradition of sorting through every drawer, nook and cranny and purging what isn't necessary. Sometimes I find treasures I could never part with, and sometimes there's a pile of donations and trash that might suggest that I'm battling some deep issues. <br /><br />Every once in a while I find something really good from my spiritual path that I feel compelled to record or tweak or otherwise do what I can to preserve it. This time I thought I'd share. <br /><br />What follows is a pair of re-written Charges based on the <a href="http://annwnshounds.net/temple/lessons.html">lessons written by Jet for the Dragon's Wheel Witchcraft classes</a>. They're way more gender-balanced than my practice is today (I'm not much into dichotomy today, really... and polarity doesn't work for me at all anymore. Spectra are much better for me today.) In spite of that, I see some jewels shining here, enough that I felt compelled to share. <br /><br />This is pre-Hekate, and pre-Kemetic... so likely about 2002ish? Not sure really. <br /><br />Without further delay... <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Charge of the Ineffable Goddess</span><br /><br />By flame, by thorn and bloom<br />by ocean, by glade and desert<br />by blood, by pain and pleasure<br />I speak the wisdom of the Ages<br /><br />The ages pass and are but moments for me<br />Yet I hear each word you speak<br />Long have I stood and watched you march<br />the progress of your days. <br /><br />I am the spark that changes,<br />the flesh that calls your need,<br />the death that is a door<br />the cry of the newborn freed<br /><br />pound frustrations in my presence<br />sing dirges in my sight<br />tell me of your romance<br />whisper hoarsely of your pains<br /><br />I am the mother of creation<br />the devourer of worlds<br />the child you long to see<br />the lover's kiss upon you<br /><br />My beloved here beside me<br />I have taught you how to sing<br />to dance and move with grace<br />and honor as your guide<br /><br />cherish the gifts around you<br />embrace the days you see<br />Give thanks for every shadow<br />for they allow you to see<br /><br />I am the marrow and the blood,<br />the heart of all creation<br />Embrace me in light and dark<br />sense my presence at your side<br /><br />Along the path of choice<br />only you may ride<br />act not in hubris<br />but pursue your truest Will<br /><br />For though these words be truthful<br />know the awful fact,<br />though I am known, <br />I am ineffable and free. <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Charge of the Ineffable God</span><br /><br />By horn, by blade and hoof<br />By forest, by field and glade<br />by blood, bone and spirit<br />I speak the wisdom of the ages<br /><br />Ageless I am<br />I was young and ancient<br />when humanity first saw me<br /><br />I am the leaping fire <br />of hearth and soul<br />the dancing of the ages<br />the march of time<br />the martial drum<br />the whisper of sages<br /><br />Tell me of your sorrows<br />bring to me your joys<br />sing to me your rages<br />and shout to me your fears<br /><br />I am the father of your spirit<br />the child of your past<br />the son you lost to illness<br />the daughter never come to pass<br /><br />my lady love beside me<br />I challenge you to stand<br />strong in Will and honor<br />to travel your own path<br /><br />Beauty shall you cherish<br />and thanks shall fill your heart<br />compassion be your guidance<br />and the warrior in your soul<br /><br />Never shall we part<br />for I am within every soul<br />Hunt me in the darkness<br />perceive me in the light<br />Sense my aegis and my love<br />but do not swell too far with pride<br /><br />For though these words be spoke in truth<br />they are too small and frail<br />a simple of my nature<br />I am ineffable and free.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-43546399985740183182011-12-16T11:17:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:48:17.923-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 40-somethingMagical Recipe: <br /><br />All my recipes are magical. Ha! <br /><br />I don't lightly share my recipes. And I don't draw lines between my mundane and magical recipes. So do I share a recipe for hair oil? or incense? or my infamous pumpkin muffins? <br /><br /><br />My incense for Hekate: <br /><br />Make on the night of the Full Moon. <br /><br />2 parts dried rose petals (I use roses from my beloved husband.)<br />1 part lemon balm<br />3 strands of saffron<br />3 bits of dragon's blood<br />1 part beeswax<br />1 part mint<br />1 part white oak bark<br />1 part myrrh gum <br />9 drops of honey<br /><br />In a mortar and pestle, grind all but the beeswax and honey together. Add the wax, grind again. Lastly, place the honey in the mix and grind carefully. <br /><br />Allow it to marry until the New Moon before using it.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-88235946095438186212011-12-13T12:34:00.000-08:002011-12-13T12:43:39.233-08:0044 Days of Witchery 42<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Akt68uWQZDA/Tue4njQludI/AAAAAAAAAIg/5u4MXZb2dcI/s1600/angel-tree-charleston%2Bsc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Akt68uWQZDA/Tue4njQludI/AAAAAAAAAIg/5u4MXZb2dcI/s200/angel-tree-charleston%2Bsc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685716044197771730" /></a>*<br />A favorite Nature Spirit: <br /><br />I'm big on Trees. :) <br /><br />There's an awesome ancient Oak tree on the campus on my local university. He's huge and his branches are so heavy that they're slowly growing towards the earth. <br /><br />As a spirit, he's sweet and graceful. And slow, but most Oaks are. <br /><br />----<br /><br />There's also the Spirit of a spring near here. Legend has it that a Spanish Saint created it to bring water to the people that were there. When we first moved here, I left an offering there to the spirits of the city to introduce myself. It remains a favorite place to commune. <br /><br /><br />Note: the oak tree in the photo is not the tree in question. That's the Angel Tree in the Carolinas. Sadly the surroundings of the tree on campus don't make for the best photos.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-90307831048743104152011-12-09T19:32:00.000-08:002011-12-09T20:18:34.589-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 41<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUoffKE2euU/TuLb7Nv5UjI/AAAAAAAAAIU/l2zOiEsA0Co/s1600/autumn09%2B059.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUoffKE2euU/TuLb7Nv5UjI/AAAAAAAAAIU/l2zOiEsA0Co/s200/autumn09%2B059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684347490044301874" /></a><br />A spell I've cast. <br /><br />I generally don't share my spells with others so much, since I take the whole "To Keep Silent" thing fairly seriously... but here goes. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Spell for Confidence</span><br /><br />Preparation: <br />Tools: A Strength Card, a candle, a sheet of paper and pen. <br />Any awards or other momentos that bring up pride or feelings of accomplishment. <br /><br />It is extremely important that you take a bath with your favorite scents and soaps, and take the time to fix your hair and clothes. You want to look and feel your best, or as close to it as you can get. Even if you don't feel like it, just do it. <br /><br />Establish your space according to your tradition. <br /><br />Charge the candle with your favorite perfume. <br /><br />Take several deep slow breaths, and find your center. When you are able to speak from your heart, continue. <br /><br />Talk about what's making you feel like less than you are. Try to get to the bottom of the situation. Don't hide from the feelings or bury them. Follow them and see where they're coming from. <br /><br />If you need to cry or be angry, roll with it. <br /><br />Then take up the momentos of your successes, and start writing what you love about yourself and your life. Write your gratitude for the things you have accomplished on the paper, list out your best and brightest moments. <br /><br />When you can't think of anything more, fold the paper and set it under the candle. <br /><br />Light the candle, and meditate on the Strength card. <br /><br /><br />This spell is not a quick fix, but a means of finding one's confidence and a method of understanding the ways that you are undermining yourself. As such, it might take more than one casting before you really feel the changes it can bring about. <br /><br />And of course, if you hold back, aren't honest with yourself, or otherwise don't fulfill the real work of the spell... well, you get what you put into these sorts of things. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If you think you can't find anything to celebrate or momentos or awards that you've received, look again. Everyone has accomplishments. Even you. If you can't sit back and acknowledge the good things in life then the spell has no real chance of working. <br /><br />And last disclaimer, if you are depressed or struggling to cope with life, the best thing you can do is to seek out help. Find a good therapist, talk to a support line, and generally get help. You don't have to suffer alone. <br /></span>Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-76674045745913607092011-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:002011-12-08T09:22:57.609-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 40My Altar. <br /><br />I've developed a habit of photographing my altar as I change it. I have dozens of shrines here and there around the home. The kitchen has Dionysos, Helios and The Green Man. The bathroom hosts one to Bast and Amun. My bedroom and living room has Hekate, Artemis, and Demeter. <br /><br />Admittedly Hekate's are the largest and most elaborate. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGk4S5I5H6k/TuDx_Wn4aGI/AAAAAAAAAII/29qF2k9D1W0/s1600/hekate%2B002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGk4S5I5H6k/TuDx_Wn4aGI/AAAAAAAAAII/29qF2k9D1W0/s200/hekate%2B002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683808800448473186" /></a><br />This one is from a ritual I did about three years ago.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-37315744544730642772011-12-05T12:39:00.000-08:002011-12-05T12:45:43.345-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 39Inspirations: <br /><br />I am inspired by time outside, amidst the trees. <br />By the beauty of human creativity. <br />By my loved ones and all that they've survived and accomplished. <br />By the compassion one can find in the world, if one has eyes to see. <br /><br /><br /><br />The power of imagination makes us infinite. - John MuirJourney through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-80413519601604598882011-11-28T20:38:00.000-08:002011-11-28T20:40:52.190-08:00End of LineUntil I can write again. <br /><br />I'll be back soon, and likely have quite a bit to share when I return. Hope everyone has a great time of it while I'm elsewise engaged. <br /><br />Only a few posts left of the 44 Days of Witchery meme.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-50124450178559789602011-11-25T22:09:00.000-08:002011-11-25T22:16:11.522-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 37Cauldrons: <br /><br />My cauldron is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dutch_Oven_-McClures_Magazine.jpg">dutch oven</a>. It has three legs, and is made of good cast iron. <br /><br />I don't use it much, I admit. My fireplace isn't large enough for it really. It is a bit too heavy to take camping when one of my campgrounds requires a bit of hiking. <br /><br />So, it is much neglected. Right now I'm storing river stones in it. <br /><br />.... <br /><br />So, blogger has forgot all the blogs I've been following. >.< Grrr... <br /><br />I'll be taking a break from blogging for at least a week starting Monday. Hope you all have a beautiful week! :DJourney through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-37931195495648968722011-11-23T20:53:00.000-08:002011-11-23T21:01:32.054-08:00And sometimes... Life shifts its balance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMCstY0jASM/Ts3PjaR8zKI/AAAAAAAAAH8/H-KTTUuqfdU/s1600/foxy%2B014.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMCstY0jASM/Ts3PjaR8zKI/AAAAAAAAAH8/H-KTTUuqfdU/s200/foxy%2B014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678422912441044130" /></a><br />No matter how close you feel to the Gods, to your True Will, and to your goals in life, sometimes life changes. <br /><br />You have to skip a ritual that you love. <br />A planned outing gets cancelled. <br /><br />It happens. <br /><br />And coming to terms with that, and forgiving yourself for that is part of the journey. <br /><br />Recognizing boundaries and priorities is important. <br /><br />I didn't get to do what I wanted on the 16th for Hekate, and my New Moon ceremony for this month is not going to happen either. But I'm glad. <br /><br />What I will get in return for this break is well worth the cost. But don't worry! <br /><br />I plan on continuing my blog posts, though they're going to be a little bit more erratic. <br /><br />To my fellow Americans, Happy Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for, starting with apples, hot tea, cats and dogs, and paint and pencil, and ending somewhere around zoology. I sincerely hope, no matter where you live, that you can take a moment to give thanks for the good things in life.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-91634286854366947802011-11-21T08:23:00.000-08:002011-11-21T08:39:14.775-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 36A famous witch... <br /><br />Truth be told, I tend to read what the popular Pagan authors write and then go my own way. <br /><br />In terms of who I most look up to... <br /><br /><a href="http://www.thorncoyle.com/">T. Thorn Coyle</a> is big on my list. <br />As is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deepening-Witchcraft-Advancing-Skills-Knowledge/dp/1550224956">Grey Cat</a>. <br />In podcasting, I have a lot of affection for Mojo and Sparrow of the <a href="http://thewigglianway.ca/">Wigglian Way</a>. <br /><br />I'd like to go back and ask <a href="http://www.geraldgardner.com/">Gerald Gardner</a> and <a href="http://www.controverscial.com/Aleister%20Crowley.htm">Aleister Crowley</a> some questions. And then again, if I could time travel, I'd love to talk to Pythagoras and Paracelsus and Hesiod. To talk to Medea and Kirke would be divine. <br /><br />I'm not sure that the traits that make a person capable of attaining any sort of fame are those that I want in someone that I learn from. I don't really think of any of the Pagans above as famous really. Fame connotes a wide following, and even our most well-known contemporaries are really only known in our community... or in their local community. <br /><br />I mean, does the average Californian know who <a href="http://www.starhawk.org/starhawk/bio.html">Starhawk</a> is? I'm pretty sure Salemites know <a href="http://www.lauriecabot.com/">Laurie Cabot</a>, but that's a smaller town and she's a loud person. <br /><br />Anyway, I admire some Pagans for what they've written. But they're still people, with all the flaws and fun that that entails. They don't necessarily have the key that fits the lock of my path of mysteries. <br /><br />Still, if I could I'd love to study under T. Thorn Coyle, <a href="http://sorita.co.uk/">Sorita D'Este</a>, Grey Cat, and the Wigglians. It isn't happening anytime soon, and I'm sure if it did happen, I'd question some of the lessons pretty harshly. <br /><br />Ultimately we each have to walk our own way, and that means being willing to admit that being famous or published doesn't mean that the Gods whisper in their ears. I'm always a little skeptical of fame. I admit it. Fame seems a fickle beast. <br /><br />Better to listen to the wisdom of what's actually being said, and weed the garden of what doesn't' work for you.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-14436267031913951102011-11-20T16:11:00.001-08:002011-11-20T16:14:30.752-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 35<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PD8-YBKi_Ms/TsmXZCixOHI/AAAAAAAAAHw/ax_t5icIJb4/s1600/lemonbalmflower.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PD8-YBKi_Ms/TsmXZCixOHI/AAAAAAAAAHw/ax_t5icIJb4/s200/lemonbalmflower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677235261712447602" /></a><br />Lemon Balm: Melissa Officianalis<br />Origins: Mediterranean World<br />Astrological Associations: Jupiter and Cancer (according to Culpepper.) Moon (Candace Hunter.) <br /><br />For the Greeks, the honeybee was considered associated with several Gods and Goddesses. Bees attended the birth of Zeus, and several Bee Nymphs were among his nurses. The priestesses of Cybele and Rhea were called Melissae, which means bee. Even the human soul was associated with the bee. <br /><br />Of all the blossoms that were beloved by bees, the lemon balm was understood as most prized, according to Pliny the Elder. It was traditional to plant lemon balm near hives to encourage them to stay and be happy. <br /><br />The flowers of lemon balm are tiny, delicate, and lovely. Charlesmagne found the plant so lovely that he is said to have insisted that it be a part of all monastery gardens. In fact it was a main ingredient in Carmelite Water, which was a popular tonic in the nineteenth century and earlier.<br /><br />It is also included in the liquor Chartreuse and Benedictine, both of which are medieval recipes for tonics. Paracelsus said that Lemon Balm is an herb in the elixir of life. <br /><br />Shakespeare uses lemon balm as a symbol of sympathy in King Richard II, King Henry IV, and King Lear, where he describes it being used to anoint the kings. His plays also describe using lemon balm as furniture polish. The British colonies in North America use lemon balm in beverages, food, medicine, cosmetics and around the home. <br /><br />It was believed in the 17th century to be a balm against baldness, mental degradation, and depression. In Polish folklore, new mothers are refreshed by a tonic of lemon balm or chamomile. It even has some reputation of extending the recipient's life. <br /><br />In magic, Lemon Balm is very soothing and kind. It grows with a sense of resiliency and strength in spite of its delicate appearance. Melissae Officianalis is also known as encouraging joy and peace and self-nurturing. It is a relaxing presence. Some flower languages list lemon balm as bringing merriment and relieving stress.<br /><br />If you lightly rub the leaves, a light lemon scent fills the air and your hands. <br /><br />In modern medicine, studies show it can be useful for insomnia, anxiety, cold sores, antibiotic effect, and indigestion. <br /><br />Sources: <br />Shatoiya De la Tour, "Earth Mother Herbal: Remedies, Recipes, Lotions, and Potions from Mother Nature's Healing Plants" <br />Liebreich, Wagner and Wendland, "The Family Kitchen Garden"<br />Deborah Anders Silverman, "Polish-American Folklore" <br />A Modern Herbal: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/balm--02.html<br />University of Maryland's Herbal Database: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lemon-balm-000261.htm<br />Mountain Rose Herbs' entry on Lemon Balm: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/lemon_balm.php<br />The Practical Herbalist: http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/component/content/article/53-magical-herbs/275-lemon-balm-myth-and-magic.html<br />Herbal Legacy's entry: http://www.herballegacy.com/Morrison_History.htmlJourney through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-74659263349600788412011-11-19T11:36:00.000-08:002011-11-19T11:53:29.854-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 34<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFopaebyEEQ/TsgJBT2OFDI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-ptwT8BLNIw/s1600/j.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFopaebyEEQ/TsgJBT2OFDI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-ptwT8BLNIw/s200/j.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676797248412718130" /></a><br />Something I think people who don't know much about Paganism/Witchcraft should know. <br /><br /><br />I think I'd like to bring forward the idea, as put forward by Michael York, that we shouldn't be talking about Paganism, so much as Paganisms. <br /><br />The sheer diversity that our community possesses means that there are always exceptions. One can only talk about their own beliefs and experiences and use the lens of other's experiences and history to test what has happened to you. <br /><br />When a Wiccan talks about the Threefold Law or Law of Return or the Rede, that only applies to Wiccans, and different traditions deal with them in their own ways. And there's a lot more out there than Wiccan witchcraft. <br /><br />It all seems to delineate along certain lines though: <br />Eclecticism vs. Cultural Specificity<br />Historically based vs. Inspirational<br />Gods-centered vs. Magic-centered<br />God is One vs. Gods are Many <br /><br />Really it isn't a clear distinction however, as each category is really more of a spectrum. <br />For example, I lean slightly towards eclecticism, but don't cross the line of approaching Gods from multiple pantheons in the same ritual. While I may maintain certain devotions to Bast-Mut and Amun, I don't do those things in the same rite as one to Hekate. The rituals are even different based upon their cultures. <br /><br />To know what needs to change for the rituals, I look to history, but I also listen to my intuition and when I am inspired to think of something new, I try it out. If it works, I may keep it. If it doesn't, I toss it. <br /><br />I fall pretty far towards being focused on my relationship with the Gods rather than working a lot of magic. Magic happens, sure, but it usually has a lot to do with something I'm doing for the Gods. I don't cast spells for parking spaces or the like. I do cast healing and love into my cooking, and maintain some basic magic for my home and sanity, but really my work is about learning about myself and how to become a better devotee to the Gods in my life. <br /><br />When it comes to the last bit I'm a blend. I believe that the Gods are unique parts of one greater whole. Just like I'm part of humanity but am independent. Or the way that we're all part of Earth's ecosystem without losing our individuality. <br /><br />... <br />The important part to consider is that other Pagans would fall in a completely different pattern than I. Some of us are conservatives politically, and some of us are assholes. Some of us are big ol' hippies and others aren't at all. <br /><br />And some, like me, may cast spells and do divination, while holding great affection for the world of Science.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202792767159880841.post-9940696627958429032011-11-18T21:04:00.000-08:002011-11-18T21:18:37.965-08:0044 Days of Witchery: Day 33<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89gRvDolGBA/Tsc5nEce3_I/AAAAAAAAAHY/fy66HYBxfG0/s1600/hagalaz.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89gRvDolGBA/Tsc5nEce3_I/AAAAAAAAAHY/fy66HYBxfG0/s200/hagalaz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676569198694686706" /></a><br />Rune of my Choice: Hagalaz<br /><br />Not a rune that I suspect many people would choose. I don't really work with the runes much, though I have a set that I made and blooded myself. If I need divination done, I tend to go to Tarot, Oracles, or my pendulum. <br /><br />That said, a few runes have special places in my heart, and Hagalaz is the most loved by me. <br /><br />Hagalaz is generally understood as "Hail" - it denotes wrath, storms, destructive forces unleashed upon one's life or psyche. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.ragweedforge.com/poems.html">Old Icelandic poem</a> for it is: <br />"Hail<br />cold grain<br />and shower of sleet<br />and sickness of serpents." <br /><br />So, why do I value it? <br />Really, it isn't my story to tell. Suffice to say the first real gift that my husband gave me was a glass pendant he made, and, totally by accident, one side of that necklace had the rune Hagalaz on it. <br /><br />It suited my life at the time, and when he made it the rune fit that time of his life as well. <br /><br />I keep that necklace in a special place today, as it really can't be worn any longer without risking damage to it. <br /><br />For me, when I see that pendant, I am reminded that I weathered the storm, and out of it I was born renewed. My life today, for all its occasional headaches and issues (and who doesn't have those!), is amazing and I love it with all my heart. Without that storm, I never would have been able to grow and change into who I am today. <br /><br />So, in spite of its ill tidings, Hagalaz fills me gratitude. It may not be a very traditional understanding, but it works for me. With thanksgiving just around the corner, this actually makes for a very appropriate post. I love how that works out.Journey through the Wickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07558861207429015003noreply@blogger.com0