News From the Oracle Volume 2 Issue 12

Feature Story La Befana

Shared By: High Priestess, RavensThorn Morrigan

to Krampus from other European countries. Befana is a folklore tradition attached to a January holiday, but has some unusual characteristics that go along with it.

all the land due to her habit of sweeping the houses of the children she visits before she leaves.

Italy is a historically Catholic culture with many holidays, traditions and beliefs coming from biblical and religious roots. They celebrate many more national holidays from the Christian religion than some other countries and therefore have more traditions for the holidays.

In the Western world we have Santa Claus and Italians also believe in Old Saint Nick during Christmas. However, there’s another holiday they celebrate that has a similar concept of Santa with some similarities

Befana is said to be an old woman and many refer to her as a witch, who visits all the children in Italy on the eve of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. She fills the children’s stockings full of either candy or coal, depending on their behaviour the year before.

Sound familiar so far?

In some poor parts of Italy, the children receive a stick in their stocking instead of coal if they’ve been naughty. Befana is portrayed as a hooded old hag, similar to the type of witches we see during Halloween, covered in soot (she enters homes through the chimney) and rides a broom.

She carries a bag full of candy and is said to be the best house keeper in

The children are told that she will give them a swift thump from her broomstick if they try to see her when she arrives, but the tradition could just be to keep kids in their beds.

To be gracious and thankful hosts, families leave her a glass of wine and a bit of their traditional local food to refuel her for the rest of her journey. So, Santa gets fat and jolly from all the sweets families leave for him and Befana drunkenly rides her broom from house to house leaving candy.

If the legend didn’t date back so far, it would seem like the Italians just mixed western Halloween and Christmas traditions to create their own January celebration.

While encompassing early Christian and Roman traditions and

Feature Story La Befana

celebrations, many of which we still celebrate today such as Christmas gift giving and New Year’s celebrations, some anthropologists have also tied some aspects of tradition of Befana to some pre-Christian elements of the Neolithic period and some Celtic aspects as well. There are a few different legends of how Befana started.

One story says the Three Wise Men from the Bible stopped to ask her for directions a few days before the birth of baby Jesus. She did not know and although she couldn’t help them, she did offer them food and shelter for the night.

She had such a pleasant and tidy home and the Three Wise Men were so pleased, they invited her to accompany them on their journey to find baby Jesus. She declined as she had much housework to do, but later had a change of heart.

It was too late, so she left on her own search looking for them and baby Jesus, leaving candy or fruit for

the good children and coal, onions or garlic for naughty children.

A variation of this story also says that she saw a light in the sky and went to follow it thinking it would lead her to the infant. She continues to look and even though she hasn’t found him, she still leaves gifts for all the children, because the goodness and innocence of Jesus can be found in every child.

Another Christian story that takes a darker turn says Befana was an ordinary mother who was suffering from the loss of her child. She went crazy with grief and when she heard about the birth of Jesus, she went to find him in the delusion that he was her son. She eventually met Jesus and presented gifts to make him happy. He was overcome with joy and gave her a gift in return, to be the mother of every child in Italy.

The modern day Befana is now celebrated throughout Italy. Some regions where the

religious holiday of the Epiphany is held in a higher regard, such as Umbria, Le Marche, and Latium, have big festivals and markets, and many people like to dress in costume as Befana.

Every child is naughty at least some of the time, so it has become normal that each child gets a little lump of “coal”, rock candy made with black caramel colouring in their stocking among the other candy.

Feature Story

La Befana

Some places celebrate Befana more than others such as Piazza Novana in Rome, where you can find some candies and mini coal candy on sale during the Christmas and Epiphany market where lore says she shows herself in a window at midnight, bringing a crowd to “see” Befana every year at midnight in early January. It is an annual tradition for many families to wait in the piazza at midnight and pretend to spy Befana up in a high window, fooling the kids.

Traditions are part of what make each culture unique, and this Christmas and Halloween hybrid is definitely unique to Italy. House cleaning witches on brooms, candy or coal in stockings, and all in the name of the biblical holiday of the Epiphany. Befana is an interesting folk tradition in Italy that keeps the children behaving and something to look forward to after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

https://theculturetrip.com/italy/articles/the-story-of-befana-the-italian-santa-claus/

Spotlight On: Iria Lima

pendulums and candle magick. As a young child, I was rather lost. My connection to the Divine source was a comforting “home” feeling, and I wanted to learn more and more. I would begin trying to speak with Spirit while I was with my friends.

They say, “everything happens for a reason” or “you meet everyone for a lesson” and I truly believe this to be true. I actually NEVER believed either of these notions until I met her.

For as long as I could remember, I have been drawn to the Mystical. I recall walking home from school at around the age of 9 or 10 and dragging my friends into the Metaphysical shops. I was always pulled directly to the Crystal Singing Bowls (funny as I write this, I hear them singing in my ear) , They just spoke such magic to me.

My friends would be over smelling the lovely oils and I was enchanted with the bowls. As time progressed and I grew older, my interests began to turn to divination tools such as Tarot cards,

We would use Tarot to answer questions, and although we had no bloody idea what we were doing, it still felt like home. The years went by, and I met a woman who studied the Bible. She took me under her wing and began teaching me that the mystical, and harnessing our own power was demonic work.

I started becoming terrified of my own power. I began suppressing what felt so whole to me. I spent 20+ years pushing down my own power and ignoring Spirit, because I was deathly afraid. Fast forward to 2 years ago when I met whom I believe to be one of my soul mates.

Her name was Tania. One evening while talking and learning about one another, she asked me the most common “really getting to know each other” questions. She said “what do you believe happens when you die and what is your religious stance?” Immediately, I was worried to answer. I told her that I felt once we die, our soul dies and that’s it. She said “would you like to know what I believe?” And I did something I have NEVER DONE!! I SAID YES!

I was a little bit worried, but as she told me about her beliefs, it’s almost as if Spirit opened my eyes and my heart in that exact moment. I have been faced with this conversation many times, and my instant response is always “I don’t want to hear it, I don’t

Spotlight On: Iria Lima

want to talk about it, please don’t tell me because it will open the door to demons in my home.” Tania came to open my eyes, my soul and my heart to what was deeply ingrained in me this whole time. This was the reason for her coming into my life at the time she did. I was eager to learn, and began reading, watching videos, and feeling so complete within my soul.

Tania and I are no longer together, but I will forever be thankful for what she brought into my life. She came at the right time and was delicate with my soul in a way that only a soul mate could. A couple months after continuing to talk, learn, research, etc. I reached out to my beautiful mystical Aunt for a Tarot reading.

The reading happened to fall on my Grandma’s birthday, and I truly believe it was her blessing this new doorway being opened to me. Ever since then, I have been totally engulfed in the mystical, magical and divine. I

immediately ordered my own Tarot deck and started learning. I had friends come over and let me give them readings, so that I could learn and get feedback. I joined groups for more insight and to see if I could read the cards that others would share within the group. In the last 2 years, I have taken classes, gotten readings and become very educated where my soul draws me at that time.

The readings I have gotten have let me now that I am Clairvoyant, Clairaudience, Clairsentient and I have the gift of Mediumship. The gift of Mediumship is not ready to be presented to me for quite some time, and I am okay with that. In the time that I’ve started this journey, I’ve learned how to set boundaries with Spirit, I know when Spirit is communicating with me when my left ear gets hot, and I hear songs when connecting as well. I have to continue practicing, but this is now part of my life forever and nobody will ever take it away again.

My life has been chaos, but since I have opened my eyes-it’s like a beautiful chaos. It’s one where my soul knows I came into this being to experience all emotions that humans feel in this realm, and it truly grounds me and makes me feel so thankful that I am here able to experience it all. Finding my light with Spirit has continued to be one of the things that keeps me at peace and able to grasp my pain and emotion. I absolutely love educating others on what I have learned, and I have never felt so connected and in tune with myself.

I have taken my power back! And SHE’S here to stay!

Power Items Animal- Panda

Panda has a singleminded strength derived from keeping four paws planted deep on the Earth. Panda Bear Energy teaches seekers about the importance of personal territory. Everyone needs a haven–a place and space safe and comfortable. The key to keeping your sanctuary is maintaining a holistic spiritual, physical, and emotional balance.

Are you working on manifestinggoodfortune into your life?

Do you need a better work/life balance?

Is it time to adopt a more peaceful path?

Panda, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help! Panda Bear teaches you how to see opportunities on the horizon and to find harmony within.

The sweet-spirited Panda looks like a teddy bear, but its spiritual attributes aren’t fuzzy and soft.

Eastern cultures regard Panda as a symbol of peace and luck. When Panda appears, you may find your outlook on life becoming brighter. The Panda Spirit works on the Heart Chakra to help you show love, including toward yourself. Panda’s mantra could well be, “Your feelings matter. Don’t dismiss them.”

In nature, Panda uses natural awareness to remain tuned into its surroundings. It does not like chaos, so when you work with Panda Energy, find calm center. Being aware of the surrounding vibrations is different from surrendering to them.

When people enter your space and cause a disturbance, Panda counsels: “Clear out the negative vibrations polluting your environment and reclaim your sacred terrain.” Guests who overstay their welcome impact your aura, and you have every right to stand your ground. Remember, your needs are important. You must continue to nurture your soul with the same gentle love and support you offer to others.

Panda Bear Spirit Animal

When Panda shows up as your Spirit Animal, it is time to stop and count your blessings. Look at those things offering sustenance. Live with the “attitude of gratitude” daily. Panda Bears a message of equilibrium.

Is one part of your life overtaking another?

If so, reassess your priorities and get things back into balance.

Panda Spirit Animal may be a harbinger of a

Power Items Animal- Panda

coming time of liberating abundance. However, remember the wisdom of pacing. Don’t squander your prosperity all on “wants” –Think of needs!

Another reason Panda often appears is when something or someone is stretching your boundaries. You don’t feel safe, and Panda is here to support your return to the protection of sacred space. Your safe space might be your entire home or smaller ritual space. Listen to Panda’s guidance and see where it takes you.

As a special note, many friends who have been contemplating joining peacekeeping or goodwill groups have often reported Pandas popping up in their awareness.

Are you seeing Pandas or find yourself drawn toward videos, looking at pictures, and reading about their habits and habitats?

If so, you might receive a calling to get involved with a charitable organization or start one of your own!

Panda Bear Totem Animal People born with Panda as their Totem Animal have a natural affinity with nature. They enjoy having alone time in a personal space like home. Such time is necessary for relaxing and keeping their life in balance.

Panda Bear, as a Totem Animal, belongs to folks who do not wish to fight. Panda People will, instead rely on inner wisdom and serious contemplation for problem-solving. When all else fails, Panda moves up the trees, hiding and staying put until the issue passes; Panda People, do likewise, always striving for peaceful resolutions or to avoid conflict entirely.

If Panda is your Totem Animal, remember to surround yourself with supportive people. Such individuals need not be huge in numbers–just a few select souls who can see your talents and potential.

Panda Bear Power Animal Seek Panda Bear Energy for help when you feel like your spirit languishes or is out of balance. Panda, as a Power Animal, supports you in finding ways to nourish your soul. If you want to grow and change, then Panda makes a suitable helpmate.

Panda Medicine often includes making the best use of times of solitude. If you’re over-exposed, Panda encourages retreat and meditative thoughtfulness. Downtime can help your spiritual progress. Some of the best things in life take time. Partnering with Panda keeps you slow and steady, while you strive to find a harmonious balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Panda Bear Dreams Dreams about Panda Bear nibbling leaves imply you need some nourishment. Your dream begs the question,

What has your diet been?

Are you eating healthy, well-rounded meals?

Power Items Animal- Panda

Even more importantly,

How have you fed your soul lately?

Perhaps you are not feeding your mind or spirit adequately.

A Panda Bear cuddling with another Panda represents your gentle, caring personality. You have found a reasonable balance between your boundaries and intimate relationships. Your dream portends luck and communication improvements between yourself, your family, and friends.

Far Eastern Panda Bear Symbolic Meanings

China is the home to Panda Bear. Much of Panda’s history begins in China, where it is an auspicious symbol of peace, harmony, and friendship. Throughout Chinese history, Panda plays an integral role. Scribes wrote of Panda as being durable and as having special Medicine. Pandas often became gifts to royalty.

The black and white markings of the Panda Bear give it associations with the harmony of Yin and Yang Energy. The calm demeanor didn’t go unnoticed either. In your dream, if someone holds up the image of a Panda, it’s a sign of an upcoming truce with someone, however brief.

Panda Bear Symbolic Meanings Key

• Opposites, Balance, & Equilibrium

• Discretion & Scrutiny

• Thankfulness

• Peace-Keeping & Docility

• Slow & Steady Action

• Privacy

• Flexibility

• Global-Mindedness

• Earth Element (particularly plants)

• Subtle Strength, Resolve & Determination

https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/mammals/ panda-bear-symbolism-meaning/

Power Items Bird-Cardinal

Cardinal means pivot or hinge. These Birds are named for the Cardinals of the Catholic church, with their brilliant red robes.

Missing a beloved family member or friend?

Need the confidence to be your most magnificent self?

Cardinal, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help!

The bright red color of this member of the Finch family, along with its sharp song, add to the symbolism and meaning behind Cardinal. The Bird is particularly focused on in Christian tradition where it represent the eternal nature of our soul and the sacrifice of Christ. It’s interesting that the Latin term for

Cardinals, in nature, mate for life. They’re also homebodies staying close to home throughout the year. This gives them strong ties to devotion, nurturing, and love. As Cardinals are ‘yearround’ Birds, their Numerology association is Number 12 – the number of perfection and completion. Seeing Cardinals is considered particularly fortunate for relationships because we want those we love to be with us through all seasons or ‘year-round’

Only the male of the species bears the intense red with which these creatures have become associated. Interestingly enough, the brighter the red in Cardinal Spirit’s feathers, the more apt he is to capture the lady of his dreams and mate. Who would have known that Cardinal is such a Romeo!

Beyond being Mr. Romance, the male Red Cardinal shows pluck in defending his home and what they consider personal “space.” Do not mess with this guy in his territory. Considering the symbolic value and Bird Medicine here, Cardinal becomes a fierce Guardian Spirit Animal.

The Cardinal song is delightfully varied. Bird watchers tell us they hear certain whistles that sound like the word “cheer.” What a wonderful message to spread throughout the woods and regions where Cardinal dwells – be of good cheer; this is an energetic, life-loving song that boosts any weary soul.

Cardinal couples sing together, as well as singing songs to each other. If you are in a relationship, this symbolizes both unity and diversity – the things so important to a healthy, loving balance. Sing together, particularly in difficult times. Sing to each other of your feelings, desires, and

Power Items Bird-Cardinal

dreams. Remain faithful and attentive, and your relationship has a great future.

Lightworkers describe the Red Cardinal as a Bird with an objective. This Animal Spirit Guide reminds us to watch for the opportunity and think deeply about our purpose in the greater scheme of things.

Red Cardinals, in particular, are considered feminine in nature, focusing our attention on the vivid side of the Goddess, the Sacred Feminine, and life-giving blood at the time of birth. Cardinals also represent the intuitive and inventive nature that we may otherwise overlook.

Cardinal Spirit Animal

When the Cardinal Spirit Animal wings its way into your life, you may be on the event horizon of a new relationship complete with romance and some sensual overtones. There’s music in this partnership, so tend it joyfully. Alternatively, Cardinal may show up at the

beginning of pregnancy as a guardian and guide to handling your new role as a parent effectively.

As with other Birds, Cardinals teach us about the wind and where it takes us. There are times to fly and times to stay firm; wisdom comes in knowing the difference.

The distinctiveness of Cardinal’s song also brings lessons about finding your own distinctive voice and keeping it true to self.

Another lesson of the Cardinal Spirit Animal is about recognizing your power and place. Cardinal is a blessing to those struggling with insecurity and those striving for self-empowerment.

Cardinal shows you how to fight the good fight until you reach your goal.

Finally, because of the Red Cardinal’s symbolic meaning of ‘blood ties’ when this animal ally appears to you in person, dreams, movies, TV, songs, books, magazines, or even in conversations with others, it could

absolutely be a visitation from a loved one who’s crossed over.

Cardinal Totem Animal

Those born with Cardinal as a Totem Animal have the Medicine of uniqueness. There is no way Cardinal people can hide in a crowd. Either they dress festively with a love of bright colors, or their voice is so distinctive you cannot ignore a word.

If you have Cardinal as an Animal Totem, you have a strong sense of honor and know how to pick yourself up after setbacks. You have a natural aptitude toward innovation and determination. Whatever “it” is – you stick things out until the very end.

Power Items Bird-Cardinal

Like the Cardinal Spirit, you love your home. You have little patience for anyone who abuses your hospitality or overstays a welcome. Anyone deemed dangerous to your territory is NOT welcome. Cardinal people have both fortitude and courage to back up their song with actions. You are generally happy, and other people enjoy your upbeat attitude.

Cardinal Power Animal There is any number of great reasons for calling upon Cardinal as a Power Animal. People just settling into a new home or workspace find that Cardinal an excellent Animal Spirit Guide for traversing and protecting their territory effectively.

If you are someone who struggles with seasonal emotional swings, Cardinal is a year-round helpmate that helps you adjust to the ebb and flow in both weather and life. The Cardinal Power Animal assists with other matters of health and vitality too.

Those who find themselves hesitant to speak to potential partners can reach out to Cardinal for both confidence and the right song for wooing (or minimally getting one foot in the door).

Other goals for which Cardinal Power Animal lends energy include clarity, joy, uniqueness, improved communication, dutifulness, and preparedness.

Native American Cardinal Symbolic Meanings

Among Native Americans, most Birds have strong ties to other realms and, as such, become messengers from the Great Spirit or the Ancestors. Cardinal in Native Lore represents loving relationships and devotion. The southeastern tribes associate Cardinal with the Sun and good fortune. And some tribes tell us that Cardinal is the harbinger of rain.

Cardinal Dreams

When Cardinal appears in dreams, it’s usually

regarded as a positive message, one that urges you to follow your dreams and passions. Something good is on the horizon. Some dream experts also feel Cardinal may represent a loved one who has passed over sending you a message.

Far Eastern Cardinal Symbolic Meanings

In the Far East, particularly China and Japan, the “Red Bird” appears as the mythical Phoenix, the Bird of Fire, Transformation, Rebirth, Fidelity, and Integrity.

Power Items Bird-Cardinal

The Red Bird heralds the coming of new horizons, be it the end of a war or the anointing of an honorable ruler. In China, specifically, Cardinal (Red Bird) guards the southern quarter of creation where it stands watch over evil influences.

Cardinal Symbolic Meanings Key

• Good Cheer

• Pride

• Hopefulness

• Bold Energy

• Powerful

• Supportive

• Brilliance

• Root Chakra

• Magnificence!

• Strong Family Ties

https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/birds/cardinal-symbolism-meaning/

Power Items Stone-Turquoise

Turquoise Meaning: Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Healing Properties

Turquoise Meaning Plunge right into soft still sky-blue waters and cleansing calm energy as you say yes to all that Turquoise has to bring to the table. This beautiful blue stone simmers with all the shades of the ocean, connecting to the throat chakra so you can speak your truth, and ensuring that your inner critic stays shushed.

With natural shades as pale and clear as the milky way, this sacred stone is dipped in shades of sacred blue-green to bring an extra layer of spiritual cleansing. Blue is the color that calms

the soul, that reminds us of the flow of water, the cleansing energy of the earth, and the surge of energy that can come from deep within. With a name from the old French that means Turkish, perhaps in reference to its rich Persian history, the blue Turquoise stone is all about cleansing negative energy and bringing good fortune.

This stone comes from as far as the winter corners of Nova Scotia to the parched dunes of Namibia, and it brings with it a low humming vibration. Turquoise of a greener hue is also found in the mountainous lands of Tibet.

It’s been discovered in the wide and open Mojave desert in California, and in other areas of the USA where Apache mines invited the watery stone to flow out of the earth and into people’s hands.

Turquoise is one of the oldest healing stones in history. For centuries it has served as a healing tool for whole

civilizations. It was one of the first gemstones to ever be mined and dates back to 6000 BC in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The ancient Egyptians would bury their dead with Turquoise and even over in Iran and other Persian shores, this stone was known to have great spiritual value.

In Mexico, the Aztecs too saw something special in the Turquoise gemstone and often used it when handcrafting beautiful masks. In our more modern world, Turquoise is synonymous with Native American culture, and the Navajo and Zuni people often use it to curate beautiful amulets, talismans, pendants, rings, bracelets, and even belt buckles.

For those who want to make the most of this clear-headed cleansing stone, here’s how to turn to Turquoise for deep healing every single day.

If Turquoise doesn’t tempt you, take a look at our Essential Crystal Guide here and find a stone that

Power Items Stone-Turquoise

speaks directly to your soul.

Turquoise Healing Properties

Turquoise ring on table Bringing many benefits to all those who love and wear Turquoise Howlite, this special crystal feels the most at home when enticing you to let your true voice flow. It’s a stone that brings good luck, heals old wounds, and generally weaves more life affirming fortune into your world. Here are a few more benefits of bringing the calm essence of blue into your life…

Physical Healing Properties Being a Throat Chakra stone, Turquoise helps to heal all issues in that area. If you have a sore throat, respiratory issues, allergies, migraines, and other physical ailments that run through the ears, nose, throat, and lungs, then Turquoise is ever keen to lend a hand.

This stone is deeply connected to the breath and as it brings a soothing cool water touch, it can help the

breath and lungs find a deeper flow meaning that everything from bronchial issues to panic attacks are well and truly kept at bay. Overall, Turquoise works best as a strengthening stone and is full of antiinflammatory properties which can help rheumatism and other issues.

This stone is all about upping your immune system, helping you to soak up those nutrients, clearing acidic anxiety out to solve mood swings, and totally rebalancing your physical body and soul so that you feel fresh, cleansed, and clear-headed in this muddy world.

Mental & Emotional Healing Properties

Turquoise works wonders on your well-being across the board, but as a healing stone for your emotional and mental health is where it shimmers and shines the most. It’s healing energy is all about serenity and peace – just like stepping out into the cooling hues of calm waters on

a hot day. For those who are feeling burnt out or like their spirit is being weighed down, this stone knows how to effectively heal those life traps, so you can shake free and step into your own space rather than trying to cram all your feelings into a box.

Turquoise is a soft and gentle truth seeker. It invites you to plunge beneath the surface and to figure out what is working for you and what isn’t. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed as it doesn’t do this in a pushy way but rather eases you in by giving you courage, strength, and a calmness of mind. It is a stone of communication, both with others and with our own selves.

Power Items Stone-Turquoise

When we are aligned with our vital tools of communication and feel like we are being heard, this lays space for compassion to grow. Turquoise Howlite has a soft and radiant nature, inviting compassion to ebb outwards, but also to turn inwards. Sometimes, our inner critic is given too much space, but this stone brings wise words and ideas to pass without the threat of our own judgement.

Metaphysical Properties

There’s no denying that Turquoise is a tonic for the spirit. It works closely with our throat chakra which is the core of our communication and feeling heard – both of which add to our sense of self-worth.

A blocked throat chakra can lead to many problems both within the way we speak to ourselves and how we communicate with the world. If you struggle to open your throat chakra you may have trouble being heard and valued, you may find it tricky to keep your

boundaries clear, and you may feel like your peoplepleasing is holding you in place. As a stone that connects with the throat chakra and invites it to flow, Turquoise Howlite is all about bringing your truth bubbling to the surface.

If you are looking to leap higher, then Turquoise Howlite once more lends a hand. It’s a stone that has been known to crack open minds and to aid in spiritual transformation no matter which stage of your journey you find yourself at.

Zodiac Birthstone

When it comes to connections to Zodiac’s who use Turquoise, those who fall under the sign of Sagittarius will fall hard for the bright blue coloring. Sagittarians are often positive and optimistic and full of curiosity. They love to dream big and reach high and they can be a lot of fun to be around.

With all this abundance comes a quick moving pace and this can

sometimes lead to Sagittarians not being so great with their communication. This fast and frenetic star sign can be a little too direct and blunt for some people which does lead to a level of strife. As Turquoise is a wise old stone that leans heavily on calmness and communication, this could be just the tool to balance you out.

Using Turquoise

From wearing gemstone jewelry as a close companion to bringing it into your home, there are tons of benefits of using Turquoise on a daily basis. Fortunately, Turquoise is such a pretty and decorative stone that it looks beautiful both on the body and when used in Feng Shui practice.

Power Items Stone-Turquoise

Each Turquoise is unique and comes with its own iridescent and playful hues. Some Turquoise gemstones will be flecked with veins of dark brown or even black, patterned with spiders webs. From green to blue and all the ocean shades in-between, Turquoise brings instant vacation vibes to the table. A gentle stone that knows how to soothe and encourage higher thinking and heavenly communication, here’s how you use Turquoise Howlite as a spirit guide…

Home & Office

Welcome Turquoise into your home and let its water energy flow into every corner. In Feng Shui, Turquoise is known for attracting wealth and energy meaning that it’s great to place it in the office if you want to up your game. It’s also a stone for communication, so for those who battle around the dinner table with heated debates, the calming influence could help everyone be heard.

If you struggle with sleep then simply place a piece of Turquoise Howlite beneath your pillow and let the sweetness of slumber carry you away just like sleeping beauty. Thanks to its calming properties, this stone is known as a remedy against insomnia.

Have your Turquoise Howlite close by when you feel the need to express yourself to someone. If you often shy away from sharing your thoughts and holding court in difficult conversations, then practice a little mindfulness with this throat chakra stone first. Holding it in your hand while you speak can be a huge comfort and send that flow of energy exactly where it is needed.

Jewelry Pick a piece of Turquoise jewelry and bring the tools of compassion and communication wherever you go. A necklace places the stone at the centre of the throat chakra, whereas a Turquoise

Bracelet keeps those low and lovely vibrations thrumming against your pulse. Having the stone directly against the skin is the best way to make its power bloom into being. Those looking for the finest healing vibes will find that healing gemstones against the skin will bring the most benefit into your world.

Stones that make a good match for Turquoise include all those lovely third eye chakra stones and all those that come with cleansing water energy. Lapis Lazuli and Labradorite are both stones that suit the moods of Turquoise well. Lapis Lazuli is known for being a stone of deep wisdom and truth.

Power Items Stone-Turquoise

Labradorite is famed for imparting strength and perseverance. Malachite is another good match for the Turkish named Turquoise as it a stone of deep transformation and knows all about abundance.

Obsidian too loves to spend time with Turquoise as it’s another truthseeking stone and with its deep dark cloak and properties of protection, you can stand true and strong knowing you aren’t exposed. Choose any of these stones to pair with your Turquoise and you truly amp up its power and welcome a glut of glorious healing energy to seep into your life.

How to Cleanse Turquoise three turquoise stones

Even though it’s a water stone that doesn’t mean that Turquoise won’t benefit from being kept clean and charged whenever possible. As with all gemstone jewelry, if you want to keep them working within the fullest spectrum of their powers, it is important to care for them.

After particularly deep healing sessions or tough days, your gemstones may need a little flush to keep their vibrations flowing with sweetness and grace. Turquoise loves to be cleansed gently with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush if you have one spare.

Always make sure to rinse thoroughly and be certain to dry as soon as possible to keep your Turquoise gleaming in gorgeousness. If you want to charge up your Turquoise then it loves to be smudged with sage or any other of your favorite herbs.

It also loves to sit beneath the moon for a night so it can soak up all these luminous lunar vibes. If you want to keep the shimmering high shades of your Turquoise dressed in green and blue then avoid leaving in direct sunlight as this can cause the coloring to fade.

Final Thoughts on Turquoise Turquoise makes a glorious daily companion

especially for those who just want to walk through the world feeling cleansed and pure and with the free flow of communication. This is a stone that sends energy that ebbs and flows and keeps you from feeling stagnant. It provides strength, vitality, and vibrations that never cease to bring ripples of good vibes directly to your soul. It centers our energy both in the spiritual and the physical side of existence. For those who crave wisdom, intuition, joy, serenity, and the freedom to speak their own mind –Turquoise is just the stone you need.

special thanks to Tiny Blogs

Power Items Flower-Poinsetta

The story of the poinsettia is one that spans hundreds of years and contains countless twists and turns as it wound its way into our holiday canon. Although it doesn’t pre-date Christianity like its Christmas counterparts, the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without the reds and greens of the poinsettia.

of Teotihuacan because the plants could not grow at the high altitude.

However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that Cuetlaxochitl, now an established decorative plant in Mexican tradition, began its journey into Christmas traditions.

There are certain plants that play important and often mysterious roles in holiday traditions and celebrations all over the world. From the Egyptians who decorated trees during the winter solstice, to the Pagans and Druids who used mistletoe in their winter customs, stories of ritualized plant use span continents and history and have become infused into the mythologies that span generations.

The poinsettia’s story is just as unique as the rest. Despite this celebrated plant’s prominence during the holiday season, its story remains largely unknown — until now.

Cuetlaxochitl: the origin of the Poinsettia

For us to begin, we have to go all the way back to 14th-century Mexico. The plant had a long history of medicinal use. It was said that its milky white sap, called latex, could be used to reduce fever symptoms.

The plant was so highly prized in Aztec culture that “Cuetlaxochitl,” as the plant was known, was also used to create red and purple dyes for clothing and textiles.

It is said that Montezuma, the last of the Aztec emperors, was so captivated by the plant that he would have caravans of poinsettias shipped to the capital city

This part of the journey began in the small town of Taxco de Alarcon, Mexico where Franciscan monks began using the shrub in their Nativity processions. Coincidentally, it is also around this time that the Mexican legend of Pepita and the “Flowers of the Holy Night” began, forever tying the red and green shrub to Christmas folklore.

Pepita and the Poinsettia

As legend has it, a young girl named Pepita was traveling to her village to visit the Nativity scene at the chapel. Pepita did not have enough money to buy a present to give the baby Jesus at the services, so she gathered a bundle of roadside weeds and formed a bouquet.

Power Items Flower-Poinsetta

She was upset that she didn’t have more to offer, but she was reminded by her cousin that “even the most humble gift, given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes.” Upon entering the chapel and presenting her bouquet to the Nativity Jesus, the bouquet of roadside weeds miraculously turned into a bouquet of beautiful red flowers that the locals knew as Cuetlaxochitl.

The namesake of the Poinsettia

During this time, the poinsettia’s association with Christmas was almost entirely confined to small Mexican towns and their local folklore.

It remained in relative obscurity for almost two hundred years before a man by the name of Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced it to the United States. This introduction forever changed the way we decorate for the holidays.

Joel Roberts Poinsett was a man of many talents. He was not only the first person to introduce the

poinsettia to the United States, but he was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and was also a skilled and passionate botanist who co-founded the institution that we now call the Smithsonian Institute.

In the winter of 1828, Poinsett took a diplomatic trip to Mexico on behalf of President John Quincy Adams. He visited the Taxco area where he wandered the beautiful countryside and became enchanted by the brilliant red leaves of an unfamiliar plant.

Poinsett kept a greenhouse on his property in South Carolina and began shipping the blooms back to his home. There, he studied and carefully cultivated the plants.

It wasn’t long before he began sharing the plants among his friends and colleagues around Christmas time. This was when the upper leaves of the shrub would turn red. The reputation of the enchanting Christmas plants spread and soon a

Pennsylvania nurseryman by the name of Robert Buist began to cultivate poinsettias. Buist would be the first to sell the plant to the public under its botanical name of Euphorbia Pulcherrima. He also played a large role in helping to establish the plant’s Christmas reputation.

It wasn’t until about 1836 that the plant formally attained its popular name of “Poinsettia” after the man who first brought the plant to the United States and ignited a holiday tradition that continues to this day.

Power Items Flower-Poinsetta

A national phenomenon

In the early 1900s, the poinsettia began to gain popularity. Paul Ecke Sr. developed the first poinsettia plants that could be grown indoors in grow pots. He began selling them at roadside stands in Hollywood, California. In 1923, he founded the Ecke Ranch which today provides nearly 80 percent of the plants that are bought and sold in the country.

Today, the poinsettia is the most popular plant sold during the holidays and the best-selling potted plant in the United States. Within a six-week period leading up to Christmas, there are about 35 million poinsettias sold and nearly $250 million in poinsettia sales accounted for.

In July of 2002, the United States Congress named December 12th National Poinsettia Day. The day would honor the late Joel Roberts Poinsett who played a crucial role in making the poinsettia into the holiday fixture that it is today.

https://www.ambius.com/blog/the-long-strange-tale-of-the-poinsettia-in-christmas-lore/

Power Items Herb-Mint

thriving in sun and shade all over North America. Since mint can be vigorous spreaders, you simply have to be careful where you plant it.

Mint is a perennial herb with very fragrant, toothed leaves and tiny purple, pink, or white flowers. There arel many varieties of mintall fragrant, whether shiny or fuzzy, smooth or crinkled, bright green or variegated. However, youl can always tell a member of the mint family by Its square stem. Rolling it between your fingers scent and think of candy, sweet teas, or maybe even mint juleps.

As well as kitchen companions, mints are used as garden accents, ground covers, air fresheners, and herbal medicines. They’re as beautiful as they are functional, and they’re foolproof to grow,

History of mint: one of the oldest surviving medical texts in the world, the ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus from 1550 BC. cites mint as a digestive and a tool to soothe flatulence. In ancient Greece and Rome, the sweet smell of mint was used in funerary rites and to scent the body.

Mint originated in the Meditarrian and was later introduced to Britain and eventually America. It dates back to Ovid. In the mythological story of Baucus and Philemon Ovid notes that the two lovers placing mint on eating surfaces underneath the food for the gods because of its attractive smell.

Dried peppermint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 b.c. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued it as a stomach soother.

Fast-forward 400 years, and this appreciation of the use of mint in our daily lives continues, so much so that in 2018 the United States produced enough peppermint oil to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool-5,38 million pounds. Primarily cultivated in California, Idaho, Indiana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin peppermint crops contribute approximately $100 million to the U.S. export trade.

Mint goes hand in hand with the feeling of a clean mouth. From toothpaste to mouthwash to chewing gum, the flavor of mint has become synonymous with oral hygiene. This use, though, is not a recent phenomenon. As far back as the early 1620s, physicians recommended rinsing the mouth with mint bolled in white wine and some vinegar, along with rubbing the gums with dry mint powder, as “a good lotion for the teeth and mouth and rottennesse of the gummes.”

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PLANTING

• Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in light soil with good drainage.

• Ideally, they prefer a moist but well-drained site, something like their native habitat along stream banks.

• Most will grow in sun or partial shade: the variegated types mav require some protection from direct sun.

• For growing outdoors, plant one or two purchased plants (or one or two cuttings from a friend) ahout 2 feet apart in moist soil. One or two plants will easilv cover the ground. Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall

• Mint is a vigarous grower and needs to be contained or it will send out its runners and spread all over your garden. The key is to contain the plants roots. Whether its in the ground or above ground, plant mint in a pot. We suggest each mint is planted in a 10-inch pot that has drainage holes. You can then sink this pot into the grourd or another larger container of soil.

• If you fine with mint becoming a ground cover and understand that it may become invasive, plant in its own raised bed or separate area.

• In the garden, plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes in pots, again, in order to prevent it from spreading and stealing nutrients from your crops!

https://dally.istor.cro/plant-of-the-month-mint/ https://www.almanac.com/plant/mint

Power Items Futhark Runes-Ansuz

A gentle method of getting to know the rune is through breathing meditation. Ansuz is the very life force of breath. It is sometimes called the container and the contained which makes sense if you consider that air is all around us as well as circulating within us. Think also on the words inspiration and aspiration.

knowledge and wisdom to wield it.

Traditional meaning: God, mouth, river mouth

For a rune of communication Ansuz does not lend itself to straight forward explanation. Looking to the nature of its patron deity Odin, may help to explain why. God of the High Seat, Trickster, Shaman, Wanderer, Poet – he is ever shifting, ever changing, yet ever Odin.

Ansuz speaks of the rush of the wind, of feathers that catch it and harness it. Ansuz is a powerful aid to voice work and can help you when chanting other runes as well as its own sounds. It is also a rune of listening, of being open to the creation and reception of sound in all its forms.

Sisters of Delphi

The term ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ most decidedly does NOT apply to Ansuz.

This is a rune that is all about the power of words and sound. It is particularly associated with Galdr which has qualities similar to the Japanese Kotodama and the satirical power of the Irish Druids who were said to be able to ‘rime a man to death’

Legends throughout world religions which speak of the power of sound to create and destroy. Ansuz is the power of that sound, and the means by which we acquire the

Old English: ōs meaning mouth, deity, estuary. The phonetic value and shape of the stave changed in the Old English Rune row, making the consistency in meaning between the rune poems (five in all) particularly significant.

Deity/mouth is the origin of every language, Wisdom’s support and counsellor’s consolation

And to any warrior gladnessandconfidence.

Translation by Plowright, The Rune Primer

Present significance: Through its connections with Odin and divine ecstasy Ansuz has come to signify communication and inspiration (the latter being considered a form of sacred communication) .Breath, language, poetry and the conscious part of the self are all signified by Ansuz.

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Futhark Runes-Ansuz

Pollington associates the word ‘wðz’ with this rune, explaining that it is ‘the battle-madness which affects berserks and also the ‘altered perceptual state’ experienced by the diviner, the seer and the poet’

Pollington indicates that some experts ascribe a primary meaning of ‘binder’ to the rune –referring to Odin’s ability to bind his enemies into paralysis and panic (Rudiments of Runelore) .

Key terms: Inspiration, communication, language, conscious mind, enthusiasm Pronunciation: ahn-sooz

Number: 4

Gods: Odin, Bragi, the Aesir

Colour: Dark blue, indigo

Elements: Air is the obvious element for Ansuz, the swirling

wind of inspiration, the divine breath of Odin, the frenzied cry of the trance worker and the warrior.

Hour: 15:30-16:30

Half month (Sunna’s Chariot in Ansuz): August 13th-August 29th

Individuals with the Sun in Ansuz are eloquent, persuasive and rational. They have a flare for understanding, and working within, the complex rules of big organisations and society.

They are more interested in what power can do than in holding it for its own sake. They are versatile and reference to the rest of their birth chart will be helpful in determining where their undoubted talents, interests and desires might take them.

Plants: Ash, oak, fly agaric

Body: Throat, mouth (throat chakra and power of speech)

Animal: Wolf, raven

Mineral: Emerald Aroma: Cedar, clove

Object of power: Spear https://www.maginrose.com/runes/ exploring-the-runes/ansuz/

Power Items Tree-Cedar Power Items

Ecology:

Cedrus, common English name cedar, is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae (subfamily Abietoideae) .

They are native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region, occurring at altitudes of 1,500–3,200 m in the Himalayas and 1,000–2,200 m in the Mediterranean.

Cedars share a very similar cone structure with the firs (Abies) and were traditionally thought to be most closely related to them, but molecular evidence supports a basal position in the family.

Cedars are adapted to mountainous climates; in the Mediterranean, they receive winter precipitation, mainly as snow, and summer drought, while in the western Himalaya, they receive primarily summer monsoon rainfall and occasional winter snowfall. While no members of the Cedrus are native to the Americas, members of Juniperus and Cupressaceae are native and called by the common name of “cedar”

Cedars are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including pine processionary and turnip moth.

Want to make your own baskets?

The roots of the cedar tree can be harvested, dried, and braided to make some fantastic baskets. When braided well enough, the baskets can be made waterproof as well as heat proof.

These properties make these baskets great for cooking and boiling water.

Cedar wood essential oil is one of my favorite oils because of its fresh forest scent, and its crazy amount of uses. Some of its well-known uses include aromatherapy, healing ailments of the body, insect control, and adding a nice smell to the homemade cleaning and body care products. Cedar oil is very strong, so it is highly recommended that you properly dilute it with some type of carrier oil before using it.

Cedar has been used as a medicine for both the body and the spirit. A few Native American NW tribes have used red cedar for such things as a cough remedy, cold treatment, stomach pain relief, tuberculosis, fever reducer, arthritis, and many other medicinal purposes.

Some native tribes have also used cedar for spiritual medicine through a ritual known as smudging

Power Items Tree-Cedar

in order to purify and cleanse their spirits of negative energy. According to the University of British Columbia, Yellow Cedar bark contains antiinflammatory properties and was used to dress wounds. Certain layers from the bark of cedar can be used to make rope or cordage.

The fiber for making rope is found in the inner layer of cedar bark. It comes off in long strips, which are then dried and carefully braided to make strong rope. Handy to know if you ever need to make rope.

The inner bark of the cedar tree can also be used to weave and create hats as well. The ancestors of the Samish Indian Nation located in NW America used to make hats out of cedar to protect their heads from the rain and sun. Hats are still woven today for ceremonial purposes by the Samish Nation to honor their ancestors.

Cedar trees exist all over the world and

they have way more uses than just the information mentioned above. It is very important to know that when purchasing or harvesting cedar, you should try to ensure that it comes from a sustainable source only. By purchasing sustainable sourced cedar or cedar products, you are helping to prevent the over utilization of the cedar tree and deforestation.

Basmati.com Wikipedia.org Google.com

Power Items Tree-Pine

to make disinfectant spray.

The pine trees are considered evergreens because they keep their needles for approximately 2 years. When old needles fall, new needles quickly take their place. Pine tree needles can range in length from 1 inch to 11 inches. Both male and female pine trees produce woody cones.

lived is the Great Basin bristlecone pine (P. longaeva).

One individual of this species, dubbed “Methuselah”, is one of the world’s oldest living organisms at around 4,800 years old.

Pine Tree Uses and Benefits

• Providing Shelter for Local Wildlife. Local wildlife has come to rely on pine trees for shelter. ...

• Pine Trees Provide Animals with Food. ...

• Pine Trees Have Medicinal Uses.

• Pine trees provide shade. ...

• Pines can make good windbreaks. ...

• Pine trees can create a privacy screen. ...

• Pines protect your soil from erosion. ...

• Pine needles add scent and can be an air freshener. ...

• Pine needles and bark make good fire starters and firewood. ...

• Pine oil can be used

Pine trees are known to purify the air around us. Even their scent is helpful in reducing inflammation for people with asthma or allergies.

There are a large variety of pines that can survive in extreme weather (deserts, rainforests) and it is unlikely you will see pines south of the equator that are native. Although they can survive in these environments, they prefer a mountainous region with fairly steady rainfall and favorable soils.

Pines are long lived and typically reach ages of 100–1,000 years, some even more. The longest-

That fresh pine scent comes mostly from chemical compounds called terpenes. These terpenes are plentiful in conifer resin, and these include alpha pinene and beta-pinene, alongside limonene and bornyl acetate which all contribute to the smell of pine, spruce or fir trees.

The medicinal side to Pine is that they can provide us with yearround medicine, even in the darkest and coldest of winter months. They also offer seasonal medicines, such as pollen, in the spring. Pine can be made into teas, salves, vinegars, infused honey, tincture and much more.

Keep in mind that pine is highly resinous, so tinctures should be made with high proof alcohol

Power Items Tree-Pine

(at least 151 proof). Pine needles are highest in Vit C and make an excellent winter tonic or cold remedy.

Hot pine needle tea: Decoct (boil plant material in water) the needles for 15 to 30 min. Use 1 part needle to 3 parts water, boil until half the liquid remains.

For a milder tea, use 1-part needles to 2 parts water and boil for 15min. Drink hot tea for daily dose of vit C or during colds, flus, or bronchitis to help loosen mucous and encourage productive coughing, while soothing the throat and lungs. The vitamin content and antibacterial action also help your body fight colds.

Pine needle hand cleaner: Need to disinfect your hands in a pinch? Rub fresh pine needles between your hands! It is better than alcohol hand cleaners, smells nicer and won’t dry out your hands.

Pine Vinegar: A mild balsamic-like vinegar that’s perfect

for fighting or warding off colds. Add fresh pine needles to apple cider vinegar in a glass jar.

Use a plastic lid or place a cloth or towel over the jar before covering it with a metallic lid to prevent corrosion. Let the vinegar sit for at least 3 weeks before straining and using. Add honey to create a tasty oxymel or infuse with other coldfighting herbs such as Elderberry. Pine vinegar can be used as a balsamic substitute or taken as a winter-time tonic.

Resin: Harvesting Pine resin (or sap) is available yearround! Be careful when harvesting the resin. Pines use resin to heal wounded areas, seal out diseases, and to prevent further damage to the tree. Never harvest all the resin from a particular location on a tree.

Always leave enough behind for the tree to continue to heal itself. Avoid cutting, tapping, or scoring the bark of a tree. Doing this leaves the tree vulnerable to infection or

pests, which could harm or even kill the tree.

Always look for naturally occurring resin deposits. Collect resin in a glass jar, as it will adhere to plastics. Use oil to clean your hands or tools after harvesting resin. The oil removes the stickiness quickly!

Pine resin is highly antimicrobial and can be used to heal wounds or draw out foreign objects from the skin. It can be used internally as tincture to fight respiratory infections or colds. Pine resin oil or salve is safe for all ages and can be applied as a chest rub for respiratory colds.

Power Items Tree-Pine

Pine is preferable for children, as eucalyptus and peppermint can be too intense. The resin can also be applied directly to wounds, cuts, cold sores, blisters, etc to aid healing.

Pine can be used as chewing gum too. Use it to clean your teeth and freshen your breath with pine resin. You can chew on fresh resin straight from the tree or warm it and combine with honey and a bit of beeswax to make a natural chewing gum substitute. It’s safe if swallowed and much better for you and your mouth.

Resin Oil: Gently warm resin and oil together in a double boiler until the resin is completely liquefied. Strain out any bits of bark or debris. As little as 1/4 part resin to 1 part oil may be used. Pine resin oil is warming and can be applied to sore muscles, cold extremities, painful joints, or as a soothing chest rub. It can also be used to make healing or drawing salves and deodorants.

Sisters of Delphi

Cough drops: gently melt pine resin with honey in a double boiler, taking care not to boil or overheat the honey. Once the resin is liquefied, strain any bark or debris.

Other herbs, such as Elderberry, Echinacea, Licorice or Rosemary may be infused into the honey as well or added to the mixture in tincture or powder form. Use a spoon to make lozenge sized drops on a piece of wax paper. Allow lozenges to cool.

Pollen: Pollen can be harvested in Spring from March to June, depending on location. Only Male pine trees have pollen. Females bear fruit (cones) .

Pollen cones are yellow to orange in color and grow in bunches at the tips of branches. They give off a fine and brightly colored pollen. Collect pollen by placing a paper bag over the pollen cones and shaking them inside the bag.

The whole pollen cones can also be carefully clipped into a paper bag.

Uses:

Pine pollen is high in testosterone, vitamins and minerals. It can be used by both men and women alike as a hormone balancer, libido booster and nutritive tonic. The most effective way to take pine pollen is tincture, by adding the pollen to alcohol and allowing it to infuse for at least 4 weeks.

The pollen may also be taken as a dietary supplement.

Power Items Tree-Pine

Bark:

Harvesting bark is available year-round! The easiest way to harvest pine bark is by collecting fresh stems or branches. Never belt (remove the bark around the circumference of the trunk) a tree, as this will kill it.

Uses: The white inner bark can be used as food and the stems of small branches may be added to teas, tinctures or other preparations. The white inner bark is the part that can be eaten, but it must be cooked. Raw bark is too fibrous to be palatable. It can be roasted, pan fried, or boiled and pounded into a starch.

Cones: Harvesting both mature and immature cones can be harvested. Cones mature at varying times, though primarily in mid to late summer or early fall.

All pinecones contain seeds (or pine nuts) which are edible.

Northern pine species

generally have small pine nuts that aren’t often used by humans.

The pine nuts sold in stores may be from Asian, European, or Southern North American pine species, which have larger seeds, such as Stone Pine (P. pinea) or Pinon Pine (P. edulis, P. monophyla)

Uses: Pinecones are high in resin and may be added to other pine preparations such as teas or tinctures. The pine nuts can be eaten, but Northern species have seeds that are too small to be worth the work.

https://www.thebowerstudio.com/blog/pine-a-year-round-medicinal

Power Items Symbol-Triple Horn of Odin

culture. Most stories about the Vikings were written only during the 12th and 13th century, providing a partial scope of their beliefs and traditions.

The Norse and Vikings used many symbols, which held great significance in their culture. One such symbol is the Horn of Odin, also called the Triple Crescent Moon, which is often depicted as three interlocked drinking horns.

Origins of the Triple Horn of Odin

The Triple Horn of Odin can be traced back to Norse mythology, even before the Viking Age. The Vikings dominated Northern Europe (now known as Germanic Europe or Scandinavia) for 300 years from the late 8th century, but they left no written records of their

One of the most important texts about their pagan mythology, The Prose of Edda, contains the The Mead of Poetry. Odin is the father of Norse gods and rules over all the world. He’s also referred to as Wodan, Raven God, All-Father, and Father of the Slain.

According to myth, Odin sought the magical mead, a mythical beverage which rendered anyone who drank it a scholar, or skald. The Triple Horn of Odin represents the vats which held the mead. Here’s how the myth goes:

According to mythology, the gods Aesir of Asgard and Vanir of Vanaheim decided to end their conflict in a peaceful way. To make the treaty official, both spat into one communal vat, which formed into a divine being named Kvasir, who became the wisest man.

Unfortunately, two dwarfs had killed him and drained his blood to create a magical mead. The dwarfs blended honey with the blood. Anyone who drank it had the gift of poetry or wisdom. They placed the magical mead in two vats (called Son and Bodn) and a kettle (named Odrerir) .

Odin, the chief of the gods, was unstoppable in his pursuit of wisdom, so he searched for the mead. When he found the magical mead, he drank the whole kettle and emptied the two vats. In a form of an eagle, Odin flew off towards Asgard to escape.

The myth gave rise to the popularity of mead, an alcoholic drink made of fermented honey and water, as well as the drinking horns, which were used by the Vikings for drinking and traditional toasting rituals. The Triple Horn of Odin also became strongly associated with the drinking of the mead to acquire wisdom and poetry.

Power Items Power Items Symbol-Triple Horn of Odin

Symbolic Meaning of Triple Horn of Odin

The Norse and Vikings had a long oral history, but this gave rise to many interpretations. The exact symbolism of the Triple Horn of Odin remains under debate. Here are some interpretations about the symbol:

A Symbol of Wisdom –Many associate the Triple Horn of Odin with the Mead of Poetry and what is obtained from it: wisdom and poetic inspiration. In the myth, whoever drinks the magic mead would be able to compose brilliant verse since poetry was associated with wisdom.

Some also associate the symbol with the sacrifice needed to acquire wisdom, just as how Odin gave his time and energy for the sake of finding knowledge and understanding.

A Symbol of Ásatrú Faith–

The Triple Horn of Odin has significance in Ásatrú faith, a religious movement that practices the ancient polytheistic traditions, worshipping

Odin, Thor, Freya, and other gods in Norse religion.

In fact, they use a drinking horn filled with mead, wine, or beer in their rituals to honor their gods, in which the symbol emphasizes their connection with the Norse god Odin and to each other during communal gatherings.

Triple Horn of Odin in Modern Times

Over the years, many cultures have adopted the symbol to show appreciation for Norse culture—and as a form of fashion statement. The Triple Horn of Odin can now be seen in tattoos and fashion items, from clothing to athletic wear.

In jewelry, it’s a popular motif on stud earrings, necklace pendants, and signet rings. Some designs are made of precious metals, while others are crafted from brass or stainless steel. Also, the horns can have minimal or intricate detailing, and are sometimes combined with other Viking symbols.

In Brief

The Triple Horn of Odin had a long history as a symbol of wisdom and poetic inspiration in Norse culture. This gives it universality, transcending its original culture and religious beliefs. Today, the Triple Horn of Odin is a popular symbol in fashion, tattoos and artwork.

https://symbolsage.com/triple-horn-ofodin-history-and-meaning/

Power Items Color-Silver

instance, darker silvers are a sign of destruction and shame.

Indicative of Wealth

Best known for its dazzling sheen and metallic elements, silver is a hue unlike any other. Much like gold, the color silver is most commonly associated with affluence.

Symbolic of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, the color silver relates to success. Those who wear silver are thought to be dressed in the trappings of royalty. Silver prevails as one of the most powerful shades, making it a prominent member of the color wheel.

Biblical Meaning

Silver plays a large role in religious contexts. Throughout the Bible, there are many references to this shiny shade. From beauty and old age to death and weakness, the color silver holds many connotations. However, most of these meanings are steeped in sorrow. For

Sisters of Delphi

In Hinduism, silver is held in much higher esteem. Hindus subscribe to the notion that silver embodies spiritual enlightenment, eloquence, and encouragement. Those who want to be their higher selves are urged to connect with the color silver.

A Modern Marvel

If cutting-edge technology were to be described as a color, it would be silver. Silver is sleek and stylish, making it the perfect representation of presentday advancements.

It’s also inherently masculine. You’ll find a lot of silver in men’s hair products and toolboxes. Unfortunately, this means that women don’t resonate with silver as strongly as their male counterparts do.

Global Interpretations

Latin Americans are quite fond of the color silver. Used to depict strength and riches, silver is synonymous with everything that they

covet. Across Europe, silver represents expert craftsmanship. If you work with silver, you’re thought to be a highly trained professional. Meanwhile, Germans maintain that silver signifies sophistication. In other words, they regard silver as a sharp and elegant hue.

A Conniving Color

Though silver has its admirable qualities, it’s not as innocent as it would like us to believe. In fact, this smoothtalking shade often has corrupt intentions. This is where the term silver tongue derives from. If you’re particularly gullible, silver will capitalize on your trusting disposition. Denounced as a cheater and a liar, the color silver has a sullied reputation.

Provides Emotional Clarity

As a color wheel powerhouse, silver excels at delivering peace of mind. If your head and heart are perpetually at odds, allow the color silver to intervene. Silver effortlessly resolves conflict, which bodes

Magical Poetry Power Items Color-Silver

well for optimal wellbeing. Best of all, silver eases physical discomfort. With its calming presence and healing powers, the color silver can diminish both emotional and physical pain.

Bright silver opens up for new ideas and intuitiveness.

Dark silver/gray can mean that negativity/fear is accumulating in the body.

How the Color Silver Affects You

You are considered to be gentle, kind and sensitive if you like silver. White and silver are colors associated with the higher self and spirituality. Where gold is masculine, silver is considered as feminine energy.

It is associated with the moon as well as the ebb and flow of tides. Silver color is considered as ‘cleansing, illuminating and showing the way forward’.

People who like silver tend to be introspective and often lost in their

own world. They are highly artistic, creative and imaginative, making them good poets and writers.

It is believed that success comes easily to those who like this color. This may be due to the fact that such people are more open to new ideas and possibilities while being resourceful.

On the downside, silver loving people can be moody, as their moods are reflected by the changes in the lunar cycle. Often they live in a delusional world of fantasies.

What Your Silver Car Says About You

• You want to appear cool and elegant

• You like the futuristic look

• You are a calm and confident person

Popular Phrases That Include the Color Silver

• Silver lining – a good outcome from something bad

• Born with a silver spoon in the mouth –used to having riches and wealth

• Silver screen – refers to the movie industry and the screen at the cinema

• On a silver platter – you are giving something away too easily

• Silver surfer – an elderly person who browses the internet

• Silver bullet – action that cuts through complexity and fixes a problem fast

Summary: Silver Color Meaning

A delicate blend of helpful and harmful, the color silver can be used for good and evil. In the wrong hands, silver can cause utter chaos and disruption. However, it can also provide refreshing transparency. Silver’s inconsistencies make it somewhat mysterious, but this only amplifies its overall allure.

https://www.color-meanings.com/silvercolor-meaning-the-color-silver/

Magical Poetry

Shared by High Priestess, RavensThorn Morrigan

LA BEFANA (An Italian Legend)

Author

Unknown

“Old woman, we travel to Bethlehem, the new-born child to see.”

“’Tis an easy sign I give you, follow that bright star, Sirs three.”

“Wilt thou come with us, old woman and help us find the way?” “Nay, Sirs, I thank thee, but methinks I have much to do today.”

Since then, ‘tis said, at Epiphany she searches every year, for that child around Italy, among children there and here.

She hovers her flying broomstick, above the houses where they live, seeking chimneys down which to drop the gifts she has to give.

Candies for those who have been good; a lump of coal for those who have not; remembering each child on her list of gifts careful that none has been forgot.

Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry

Shared by Bella Bloodmoon

The Panda

by Sapher Wolf

Panda! Panda! quiet yet quick Eating away on his bamboo stick What dances do you do at night When all the animals are tucked in tight? What forest, jungle or prairie field Will you protect with your shield? In which tree would you rather dine? Where you can relax and rest your mind? With which eye and with which paw Will you tell us what you saw? And when your story is done and told All the mysteries, will they unfold? What’s the dance? When’s the show? In which forest will you go? And when your done, dare we clap? Or will you hit us on the back? Man is coming! Look out! Look out! Or he’ll hit you on the snout! Did you know your on the brink? That you’re on the verge of being extinct?

Panda! Panda! quiet yet quick Eating away on his bamboo stick What dances do you do at night When all the animals are tucked in tight?

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess Brittanica Aoibhean

Promises Promises

by Paul Muldoon

I am stretched out under the lean-to Of an old tobacco-shed

On a farm in North Carolina.

A cardinal sings from the dogwood

For the love of marijuana. His song goes over my head. There is such splendour in the grass I might be the picture of happiness.

Yet I am utterly bereft Of the low hills, the open-ended sky, The wave upon wave of pasture Rolling in, and just as surely Falling short of my bare feet.

Whatever is passing is passing me by.

I am with Raleigh, near the Atlantic, Where we have built a stockade Around our little colony.

Give him his scallop-shell of quiet, His staff of faith to walk upon, His scrip of joy, immortal diet— We are some eighty souls

On whom Raleigh will hoist his sails. He will return, years afterwards, To wonder where and why We might have altogether disappeared, Only to glimpse us here and there

Sisters of Delphi

As one fair strand in her braid, The blue in an Indian girl’s dead eye.

I am stretched out under the lean-to Of an old tobacco-shed

On a farm in North Carolina, When someone or other, warm, naked, Stirs within my own skeleton

And stands on tip-toe to look out

Over the horizon, Through the zones, across the Ocean.

The cardinal sings from a redbud For the love of one slender and shy, The flight after flight of stairs

To her room in Bayswater, The damson freckle on her throat That I kissed when we kissed Goodbye.

Magical Poetry

Shared by High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

Turquoise Dreams

by Paula Glenn

I dream of an exotic island, In the middle of the sea, I would get there by boat, As if I were deserted, And I’d drink coconut juice, My skin melting under the hot, hot sun, And I’d bathe in the ocean, Swimming underwater with the fishes, Feeling so encumbered and free, Floating gently on the waves, Staring up at the clear, sunny sky, For this is paradise, This is what a turquoise dream is, And all I’d feel is exotic bliss, Because this is what life should be about. There would be no hassle or stress, And everyday would be a holiday, No hustle or bustle or the smog of a city’s air, Only peace, quiet and contentment. I dream this for myself, But then I open my eyes, and I am back: Back in my central city flat, And it’s raining again, I wonder where my dream went: It seemed so real, almost as if, There were sand under my feet, But now I face a day of anger and deceit, My job a means to an end, Giving me the money to lie in bed, And dream turquoise dreams, And I wonder if dreams can come true, So it is night again, and I am on my own, To dream blissfully of a place I call heaven, An island in paradise, no pain there, Just lapping waves and clear, scented air.

Magical Poetry

Shared By High Priestess, RavensThorn Morrigan

Flame-Heart

by Claude McKay

So much have I forgotten in ten years, So much in ten brief years; I have forgot What time the purple apples come to juice And what month brings the shy forget-me-not; Forgotten is the special, startling season Of some beloved tree’s flowering and fruiting, What time of year the ground doves brown the fields And fill the noonday with their curious fluting: I have forgotten much, but still remember The poinsettia’s red, blood-red in warm December.

I still recall the honey-fever grass, But I cannot bring back to mind just when We rooted them out of the ping-wing path

To stop the mad bees in the rabbit pen. I often try to think in what sweet month The languid painted ladies used to dapple The yellow bye road mazing from the main, Sweet with the golden threads of the rose-apple: I have forgotten, strange, but quite remember The poinsettia’s red, blood-red in warm December.

What weeks, what months, what time o’ the mild year We cheated school to have our fling at tops? What days our wine-thrilled bodies pulsed with joy Feasting upon blackberries in the copse? Oh, some I know! I have embalmed the days, Even the sacred moments, when we played, All innocent of passion uncorrupt. At noon and evening in the flame-heart’s shade: We were so happy, happy,—I remember Beneath the poinsettia’s red in warm December.

Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry

Shared by: Bella Bloodmoon

Mint

by Seamus Heaney

It looked like a clump of small dusty nettles Growing wild at the gable of the house Beyond where we dumped our refuse and old bottles: Unverdant ever, almost beneath notice.

But, to be fair, it also spelled promise And newness in the back yard of our life

As if something callow yet tenacious Sauntered in green alleys and grew rife.

The snip of scissor blades, the light of Sunday Mornings when the mint was cut and loved: My last things will be first things slipping from me. Yet let all things go free that have survived.

Let the smells of mint go heady and defenceless Like inmates liberated in that yard. Like the disregarded ones we turned against Because we’d failed them by our disregard.

Magical Poetry

Shared by: High Priestess, Brittanica Aoibhean

The Cailleach Wakes In Finland

By Gerry Stewart

Samhain’s drum rattles me from my stone sleep. Gone are my cauldron and plaid, yet a deep-cast cloak of snow crunches beneath my boots. Old Hag.

I could be at home here, welcome the bite of cold air, cracking my icy joints on the bones of it. Veiled One.

The sand-dry snow tears my skin. My heroes have vanished, our stories unknown. I am wandering, fateless, banished. Queen of Winter.

Even my blessed deer differ here, herded and tamed to pull sledges, not wandering free. Turning their furred noses from my protection, they run to the slaughter. Grey Eyebrows.

Sisters of Delphi

My slachdan could carve out my beloved lochs and bens from this unfamiliar flat bog, but I cannot disrespect this land’s gods, watching me through Otso’s reproachful eyes. Mother of Mountains.

They do not welcome me, whispering their birch language. These giants have no respect for strong women, they try to rewrite me as a petty witch. Old Wife of Thunder. I scratch long trails of mourning into the night sky, tears of lights. If I cannot return home, they will fear the tempest I stir from this empty darkness. Storm Crone.

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

Nephele

by Víctor Manuel Serna

You were my Nephele, When all else seemed so unreal, You were there to set in steel, Everything you made me feel.

Like each cloud up in the sky, Your soul resided oh so high, And when came time to say goodbye, My heart could not resist to cry.

Yet why “Goodbye” I never said, I wonder each night, lying in bed, And even still, inside my head, I can’t make out if now I’m dead.

For if you’re here, then here I’ll be, But if you’re there, I might soon see, And if not either, then quite surely, To another nirvana, we can flee.

Or hold to you, and we will float, On the wind, like a sky boat, And past our castle’s rain-made moat, Inside our palace of clouds, remote.

It’s hard to say that I still feel, But once again, it’s set in steel, That all of this that’s so surreal, Came when you were my Nephele.

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess, Ravensthorn Morrighan

A Time Has Come

By Michaela Macha

A time has come now for us to remember to walk the blissful ways of Yule. Through the snowflakes´ whirling flight Wandering, wandering, through the silent winter night.

Under the ice slumber brooklets and lakes, and the woods are dreaming a deeper dream. Through the world all wrapped in white Wandering, wandering, through the silent winter night.

From the high heavens a luminous silence is filling all our hearts with joy.

In the starry, gleaming light Wandering, wandering, through the silent winter night.

The days grow shorter and darker, the light of the Gods is growing in our hearts. Round the Yulefire, side by side, singing all, singing all, singing all the long winter´s night.

The year is ending, a new one begins, and the Aesir always walk with us. Round the Yuletree shining bright celebrate, celebrate, the return of warmth and light.

Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess, Bella Bloodmoon

A Yule Poem

By Alexa Duir

This is the night of darkness; this is the night of cold. This is the night of short light when gods themselves grow old.

This is the night the ice worm below the soil lays hold. This is the night his grasp tight grips earth, and hearth, and soul.

But on this night the fire bright is set alight again. And knowing his chill rule is doomed the worm curses all men.

He never sees the starlight, he never sees the sun; But still he knows what we ignite spells all his will undone.

He loathes the light of hearthfire, He loathes the flame of doom. His fear is all we hold so dear for spring will him entomb.

And so he grips yet tighter in hope the earth will freeze and so it will, for two months still but then his hold will ease.

And on this eve we toast the worm whose death brings frith and joy; and light the fire to be his pyre and winter to destroy.

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess, Brittanica Aoibheann

Do Not Forget

By Johnny Whitebread

“Is that the sound of wind-blown trees, Or the swish of Skadhi’s wooden skis? Do I hear the song of winter sing Or the hum of Ullr’s tautened string? Is the wolf devouring the sun? Is Fimbulwinter finally come?”

The Heathen mind mulled these thoughts As the days grew cold and ever short, “Is there grain enough to see us through? Will our neighbours need to share our food? Will the North winds chill us to the bone? Will the menfolk beat the ice back home?”

Today these thoughts affect us not, Today we’re fed, our houses hot, The grocery store a mile away And winter but another day. Today we fight not for our lives

As the cold wind cuts like sharpened knives, Today survival guaranteed And comfortable indeed.

Do not forget that life or death Was fought for with each passing breath That winter was itself a war That families readied year long for. Be grateful for the warmth of house, Be grateful for the food in mouth, The price of death was tenfold paid So we might have this life today….

Hail the Ancestors!

Magical Poetry

Shared by High Priestess Gloriana Danu

Season of Skinny Candles

by Marge Piercy

A row of tall skinny candles burns quickly into the night air, the shames raised over the rest for its hard work.

Darkness rushes in after the sun sinks like a bright plug pulled. Our eyes drown in night thick as ink pudding.

When even the moon starves to a sliver of quicksilver the little candles poke holes in the blackness.

A time to eat fat and oil, a time to gamble for pennies and gambol

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess, RavensThorn Morrigan

Miracles

by Walt Whitman

Why, who makes much of a miracle? As to me I know of nothing else but miracles, Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan, Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky, Or wade with naked feet along the beach just in the edge of the water, Or stand under trees in the woods, Or talk by day with any one I love, or sleep in the bed at night with any one I love,

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest, Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car, Or watch honey-bees busy around the hive of a summer forenoon, Or animals feeding in the fields, Or birds, or the wonderfulness of insects in the air, Or the wonderfulness of the sundown, or of stars shining so quiet and bright, Or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring; These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles, The whole referring, yet each distinct and in its place.

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, Every cubic inch of space is a miracle, Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same, Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

To me the sea is a continual miracle, The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves—the ships with men in them, What stranger miracles are there?

Sisters of Delphi

Magical Poetry

Shared By: High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

Light the Festive Candles

by Aileen Lucia Fisher

Light the first of eight tonight— the farthest candle to the right.

Light the first and second, too, when tomorrow’s day is through.

Then light three, and then light four— every dusk one candle more

Till all eight burn bright and high, honoring a day gone by

When the Temple was restored, rescued from the Syrian lord,

And an eight-day feast proclaimed— The Festival of Lights—well named

To celebrate the joyous day when we regained the right to pray to our one God in our own way.

Recipes

Yule Log Cake

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

• 4 tbsp. salted butter, melted, plus more for the pan

• 6 large eggs, separated

• 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

• 3/4 c. granulated sugar

• 3/4 c. all-purpose flour

• 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 c. strong brewed coffee, at room temperature

• 1/4 c. powdered sugar

FOR THE FILLING:

• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

• 1/2 c. powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 c. heavy cream

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 3/4 c. heavy cream

• 1 tbsp. light corn syrup

• Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds, for garnish

cup granulated sugar and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 2 minutes.

3. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine the egg yolks, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the vanilla. Beat on high speed until thick and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the melted butter and coffee until combined.

4. Add the flour mixture to the yolk mixture and beat on low speed until well combined. Fold a spoonful of the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until combined.

5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, gently nudging the batter so it fills the corners. Give the pan a little shimmy to even it out. Bake until the top just starts to spring back when gently pressed, 10 to 12 minutes (the top might still feel a little tacky) . Do not overbake or the cake will crack.

6. Place a clean dish towel on a large wire rack. Dust with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. While the cake is still hot, loosen the edges from the pan, then turn out the cake onto the towel; carefully remove the parchment. Dust the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

Directions

For the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚. Butter a 12-by17- inch rimmed baking sheet. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter the parchment.

2. Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until frothy. Add 1/4

7. Starting at one of the long sides, use the towel to tightly roll up the cake with the towel inside. Position the cake seam-side down and let cool about 1 hour.

8. For the filling: Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer on low speed until just smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the heavy cream 1/4 cup at a time, making sure the mixture is smooth before adding more cream. Increase the speed to medium high and

Recipes

beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for a few more seconds, just to combine.

9. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread evenly with the filling, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch border on all sides. Re -roll the cake, using the towel to help you. Cover the cake roll with parchment paper and then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Meanwhile, for the frosting: Put the chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a simmer in a saucepan, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let thicken at room temperature until spreadable, about 2 hours.

Unwrap the cake on a cutting board. Cut off one-fourth of the cake on a sharp diagonal for the branch. Position the branch against the remaining cake roll on a platter. Cover the cake with the frosting using an offset spatula, then drag a fork through the frosting to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds.

Recipes

Traditional Hanukkah Potato Latkes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds potatoes

• 2 onions, peeled

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup canola oil, for frying

• Applesauce, or sour cream, for garnish

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Line a platter or plate with paper towels and set aside.

3. Peel the potatoes. Place them in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover them, so they won’t turn brown. When ready to prepare the latkes, drain the potatoes.

4. Place potatoes and onions in a food processor fitted with a knife blade (also known as the s-blade) . Pulse until smooth. Drain the mixture well.

5. Pour the potato mixture into a large bowl. Add the beaten eggs, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

6. Add enough flour so that the mixture holds together.

7. Pour the oil into a large, deep frying pan for shallow frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.

8. Carefully drop 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Flatten the pancake slightly so the center will cook. Repeat with additional batter, taking care not to crowd the pan.

9. Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

10. Transfer to the paper towel-lined platter to drain, and continue frying the remaining latke batter in batches. Serve immediately with applesauce or sour cream if desired.

Mythology The Story of Ullr

Spend enough time in Whistler in the winter and you’re bound to hear someone say “praise Ullr” or “pray to Ullr”, depending on the snow conditions. Pronounced “ool-er”, we wouldn’t blame you for wondering if we’ve been at après for too long. But, we are in fact making sense, Ullr is a Norse god, son of Sefi and stepson of Thor.

This mysterious, turned notorious, deity is iconic in ski towns across North America, inspiring ski and snowboard topsheets, gear names, festivals, competitions and rituals in his honour.

Ullr is a Norse god often associated with winter, skiing and snow sports. Many people refer to him as the God of snow or God of skiing, but according to the Prose Edda, a historical text used by scholars of Norse mythology, Ullr was never given a “God of” title for anything.

However, he is recognized for being a skilled skier and hunter, and he is often depicted on skis with his bow. It is even said that the aurora borealis, which dance across night skies in the Northern hemispheres, are the spray from his skis. So, it’s easy to see how some skiers, who may have in fact been at après for too long, came to inflate his status.

But, this is not to say he was unimportant. In 2007, an ancient shrine to Ullr made up of 65 rings, was found in Sweden and further proved a theory that he was a god

who would watch over a vow. Oaths were made by swearing over a ring. Ullr translates to glory or splendor and he was called upon for good luck in combat, hunting, fishing and any kind of winter sport competition. Some say he may also be called on for safety in the snow and while climbing mountains.

Through a historical poem, a Danish historian uncovered that Ullr was once left in charge of the other gods while Odin was in exile. So, while we can safely assume he had some status, experts struggle to find much on him. If he was a more prominent god, the texts that survived the ages do not show it. One paper I read on Ullr referred to him as “a god on the edge of memory” ; perhaps that is why it was so easy for North Americans to appropriate him into their own ski culture, making of him what they wanted.

Along with skis and bows, Ullr is often depicted with a shield that has been referenced as a “ski

So, who exactly is Ullr and how did a Norse god get here?

Mythology The Story of Ullr

board.” He may not be the God of skiing, but could he have been the original snowboarder?

Is There a God of Skiing? There is no known God of Skiing in Norse mythology, but there is a Goddess! Enter Skaði (pronounced skahdee) , who is referenced as the “ski-goddess” in The Story of Odin.

She is said to rule over winter and mountains, and not unlike the skiers and snowboarders of today, refused to conform to societal standards. Skaði was a giantess who lived “where the snow never melts” and became a goddess after storming Asgard to avenge the death of her father.

As a peace offering, Odin offered her a god to marry, but she had to choose her beau by only looking at their feet. A practical giantess, she chose the guy with the best boots and thus became married to Njord, who ruled the sea. She hated being on the water and away

from the mountains, so she eventually divorced him and returned to land where she may or may not have married Ullr. Or Odin. It’s unclear.

But like Ullr, she is often depicted skiing or snowshoeing with a bow and was also a skilled huntress. So, perhaps they bonded over common interests, or he learned all he knew from her.

Some believe it was Skaði who taught people how to make skis. Because of the location of Skaði’s cult in the Northern province of Hålogaland (a region where Scandinavian and Sami people lived in close proximity to one another) and the characteristics she possesses, there are scholars who think she is a link between the Nordic and Sami mythologies.

This would make sense as the Sami are credited with the invention of skiing in Europe (early evidence of skiing has also been found in Russia and Northwestern China, it’s not agreed upon whether skiing

has a single origin or was developed independently in several places) . The Sami are the Indigenous Peoples of a region encompassing what are now parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. They have one of the oldest living cultures on earth.

Skaði’s name means harm or shadow – she doesn’t sound like someone you’d want to be on the bad side of. However, that’s probably where we are now for not crediting her as the rightful deity of skiing. It’s tough to say why “worship” of Ullr began in North America instead of Skaði.

Mythology The Story of Ullr

Skiing was a maledominated sport, in a patriarchal society at the time it all began here, so maybe a male icon was preferred by the majority of skiers. Or, it all got lost in translation –probably at après.

How Did Ullr Get to North America?

Breckenridge, Colorado has been throwing Ullr Fest since 1964. Their website states, “Shortly after Breckenridge Ski Resort was founded, local legends, Sigurd Rockne and Trygve Berge, created the first Ullr Dag festival.

The festival came about because the majority of the ski school instructors were Norwegian and had a long tradition of celebrating Ullr, the Norwegian god of snow.” (You hear that Skaði? You can blame Breckenridge!) It’s likely that it spread to other ski resorts from there, as skiers resort hopped and shared superstitions for appeasing Ullr during periods of poor snowfall.

Breckenridge’s credit to Norwegian instructors had me reach out to a friend who is an avid skier in Norway, she said she’d never even heard of Ullr, even though many of their races celebrate and honour their legends. She was surprised to hear of his popularity in North America and pointed out he may hold less prominence in Scandinavia because their history of skiing is older. It would be easy for a god, who is not actually the god of skiing, to get lost among all of the chronicles and characters.

Ullr in Whistler

Although the Whistler Museum’s donation-based collection on Ullr is slim, a board member recalls the first event held in the name of Ullr being in 1974. At The Keg, a person dressed up as Ullr went around the tables to greet and entertain diners. Around the same time, the Whistler ski community started a tradition of burning old or busted up skis as a sacrifice to Ullr.

The museum recently put a call out on Facebook in hopes of nailing down a more detailed timeline, but it mostly resulted in locals reminiscing about good times had at the ski burning parties.

Why all of the burning? Well, other than the fact we love a good fire, Ullr is one of the gods a sacrifice called a “blót” was made to during Winter Nights (the first three days of winter in medieval Scandinavia) Sacrifices could be made outdoors or at a temple and traditionally would have included things like ale, mead and animals.

Mythology The Story of Ullr

Modern day pagan worship of Ullr in Northern Europe is largely tied to the Feast of Ullr, which is focused on the blessing of hunting weapons and one last big hunt before winter. With the coldest and darkest days of winter on the way, Skaði is often honoured at the feast as well.

I don’t know who decided Ullr would want wrecked skis instead of a nice meal, but thankfully the tradition in Whistler ended when the negative environmental impact was pointed out.

Over the years, celebrations have included the Whistler Blackcomb Ullr Party, which ran for a few years and had fireworks, fire dancers and a series of after-parties, Nordic sport seasonal kick-offs at Whistler Olympic Park and an ironically named If Ullr was a Girl ski and snowboard contest.

This year, Whistler artists are competing to design and develop a throne for Ullr that will become a public art piece in

Creekside. State of the Art and Capital Zed are the organizers of the project and they estimate the final piece will be revealed at the start of the 2021/22 winter season.

There’s a tale that Ullr crossed the sea using only his shield. By shield or by ski instructors, he certainly made his way here to become an icon, bond skiers and boarders during good snowfall and bad, and offer a connection to something larger than ourselves. Like many of us, maybe he needed to leave his homeland to find a sense of belonging. Either way, next time you pour out a shot, offer prey, praise or party in Ullr’s honour, include Skaði too, will ya?

https://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2020/02/18/ullr-in-whistler/

Mythology The Story of Ded Moroz

surprise. Nonetheless, Ded Moroz has a few distinctly Russian qualities, above and beyond the color of his coat.

Now, you might think that Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) is just your familiar Santa Claus in a blue coat, but in fact he is a powerful pagan god who just softened up a bit over the years.

Santa Claus and Ded Moroz have several superficial similarities: they’re old white men with long white beards, wearing heavy coats with white trim, giving out presents to the good little children (and often impersonated by the children’s parents) .

Given how much Russian New Year’s traditions have borrowed from the Western concept of Christmas, this apparent similarity comes as no

Unholy origins: Centuries ago, Ded Moroz went by the name Morozko, a powerful and cruel god of frost and ice, married to the equally unforgiving Winter. He could freeze people and landscapes at will, including entire invading armies.

In some tellings, he was capricious and unpredictable, and the newly established Russian Orthodox Church attempted to brand him as a demon, along with the other pagan gods. However, his more lasting image was of a wise and impartial old man, someone who would give everyone a second change and only freeze them if they persisted in their ways.

Family matters:

Santa Claus has his Mrs. Claus; Ded Moroz has a granddaughter, Snegurochka (from

sneg, ‘snow’) . As far as we know, Mrs. Claus is flesh and blood, but Snegurochka is made of snow, with predictable consequences. Before her association with Ded Moroz, she appeared in several Russian fairy tales, each of which ended with her melting.

Attire:

As mentioned above, Ded Moroz can sometimes appear in blue, or even white. But that’s not the main difference. In his clothing Ded Moroz is meant to look like a Russian nobleman from before Russia’s Westernization. His coat is not just trimmed in white: it is often richly embroidered with white or gold designs. A traditional fur-trimmed cap and felt boots complete the picture –don’t expect to see Ded Moroz in a Santa hat.

Housekeeping:

While we all know that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, we don’t know exactly where: every country that borders the Arctic Ocean claims a location or postal address

Mythology

The Story of Ded Moroz

for Santa’s workshop. Ded Moroz, on the other hand, is very easy to locate: his house is located in Velikiy Ustyug, a few hours north of Moscow.

Transportation: You may be asking, where are the reindeer?

Like a real Russian aristocrat, Ded Moroz rides in a troika – a sleigh pulled by a trio of three white horses representing the three months of winter. Not only do Russian children not have to rattle off the names of all 12 of Santa’s reindeer, their task of remembering the names of Ded Moroz’s horses was made easy for them by a popular children’s song.

https://russianlife.com/the-russia-file/grandfather-frost-more-than-just-santa-claus/

Mythology The Story of Itztlacoliuhqui

Venus, known to the Mesoamericans as a bright star. Venus was especially important in the religious and agricultural calendar with its average 584-day cycle being carefully observed and precisely calculated.

Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, ‘Dawn Lord,’ was a Mesoamerican god who represented a menacing aspect of Venus, the morning star, and was one of the four gods which held up the sky.

The people of the ancient Americas believed his rays could damage people, crops, and water sources. Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli played a key role in the Aztec creation myth and was 12th of the 13 Lords of the Day in the Aztec calendar.

Venus, the Morning Star Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli (also spelt Tlauixcalpantecuhtli) represented the dual aspect of the planet

Even the architectural layout of cities, notably at Teotihuacan, Toltec Tollan, Maya Uxmal, and Chichen Itza, were built and aligned in accordance with the appearance of Venus at particular moments during its cycle. Mesoamerican astronomers recorded that the planet appears for 236 days as the morning star in the east, then sinks below the horizon for 90 days, and reappears for 250 days as the evening star in the west before disappearing again for 8 days before restarting the cycle over again.

In actual fact, Venus can be seen with the naked eye for approximately 263 days in each spell, and it is not known quite why or how the ancient astronomers had arrived at their particular calculations.

Each aspect of Venusmorning and evening - was manifested in the form of two ancient Mesoamerican gods: the feathered-serpent Quetzalcoatl and his canine companion Xolotl. Quetzalcoatl represented Venus as the morning star, and Xolotl represented it as the evening star.

In typical Mesoamerican duality, Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli was imagined as both and as the twin brother of Xolotl, and thus, above all, he represented the morning star aspect of Venus, which was considered a menacing one. Mesoamerican peoples considered the morning star particularly dangerous when it first appeared above the horizon each year (its heliacal rising)

The rays, imagined in the form of atl-atl darts, were thought harmful to certain classes of people and to have a negative effect on maize and water

The Skybearer

For ancient Mesoamericans,

Mythology

The Story of Itztlacoliuhqui

Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli was one of the four Skybearers, the gods who held up the sky. Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli was, thus, associated with the direction East and the year date Acatl.

The Skybearers may have helped the cosmos by holding it up, but they had another, less charitable aspect during eclipses and the Aztec New Fire ceremony to renew the sun each 52 years. Then they joined the Tzitzimime, star demons which could descend, eat up humanity and destroy the world if the sun did not return.

The Aztec Creation Myth

In the Aztec creation myth Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, both as himself and as an avatar of Quetzalcoatl, plays a crucial role.

When the twin brothers Nanahuatzin and Tecuciztecatl sacrificed themselves at Teotihuacan to create the sun and moon of the 5th and last epoch of the Aztec cosmos they needed something or someone to kick-start themselves into motion

and set off on their respective orbits.

Nanahuatizin called for a blood sacrifice, but Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli was having none of it and, instead, threw an atl-atl dart at the sun. The throw missed, and Nanahuatzin returned the favour with more accuracy, striking Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli smack on the forehead, instantly turning him into stone. In this state, he is known as Itztlacoliuhqui, the god of cold, snow, and ice. The rest of the gods saw that only a sacrifice would set the sun and moon in motion, and so Quetzalcoatl removed their hearts for that purpose. The offering worked, and the 5th and final cosmos began.

Art & Architecture Venus was often symbolised by a skull, and so too, representations of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli depict him as a feathered serpent with a skull face. As the god was also closely associated with Mixcoatl, he sometimes wears the markings of that star god – white spots around a black field.

Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli usually has five white spots representing stars, one on each cheek, and one on his forehead, nose and chin. One of the earliest examples of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli in art is a rock painting at Ixtapantongo from around the 10th century CE.

Besides influencing the general town planning of many Mesoamerican cities, several specific buildings were aligned to the rise of Venus. Notable amongst these is the 24-room House of the Governors at Uxmal, constructed in the 10th century CE. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Caracol astronomical observatory at Chichen Itza which was constructed c. 800 CE.

https://www.worldhistory.org/ Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli/

Mythology The Story of Nephele

Centaurus or Imbrus. Nephele was later wed to Athamas, the King of Boeotia, and with him bore the mortal twinsPhrixus and Helle.

Stories

Nephele was a cloud nymph and the goddess of hospitality, generosity, loyalty, peace and shyness, who also served as a Queen of Boeotia in Greek Mythology. Nephele was a prominent character in the myths of Hera and Ixion and Phrixus and Helle.

Genealogy and Family Depending on the accounts, Nephele was formed by Zeus, originally as a cloud or born to either the Titan couple, Oceanus and Tethys or Aether, the God of the bright upper sky-alone.

By the mortal, Ixion, who ravished her, she is the mother of the Centaurs,

Nephele appears in the story of the mortal Ixion. After Ixion, a mortal son or grandson of Zeus had been invited to Mount Olympus to feast with the gods, he became lustful towards with the Goddess Hera and began to flirt with her, thus violating the guest-host relations.

This prompted Zeus, to shape a cloud- really the cloud nymph, Nephele into a Hera look-alike to see Ixion’s reaction. Ixion responded to this by thrusting himself upon the Hera look-alike and having intercourse with the cloud- causing the birth of the Centaur race.

Zeus, enraged by his violation, then decided to punish Ixion for his impudence, by binding him to a winged fiery wheel in Tartarus, where he would be condemned to suffer for all eternity.

Nephele was also an important character in the myth of Phrixus and Helle. In which she was married to King Athamas of Boeotia, and became mother of the twins, Phrixus and Helle.

Athamas however went on to divorce and abandon Nephele to marry Ino, a princess of Thebes. Ino, was an evil stepmother to Phrixus and Helle, and plotted to kill them, by burning a field of crops causing a local famine to occur, then bribing a local oracle to claim that this famine could be ended with the sacrifices of Phrixus and Helleallowing the land to prosper again.

Upon the insistence of Athamas’ subjects, Phrixus and Helle were prepared for execution- but were rescued and carried away by a flying golden ram sent by Nephele, that was intended to take them to safety, along the journey however, Helle swooned and fell off the ram into the Hellespont sea- where she drowned, but within some accounts, she was revived by Poseidon,who

Mythology

The Story of Nephele

turned her into a marine goddess, and later lover, baring him a son, the giant- Almops. Phrixus, on the other hand luckily landed in the land of Colchis, meeting King Aeetes, who had seen him arrive on the flying golden ram.

Phrixus was taken in by King Aeetes, who gave him the hand of his daughter Princess Chalciope and in return for his kindness, Phrixus gave the king- the fleece of the golden ram- which King Aeetes kept hung in a tree within his kingdom. This “Golden Fleece” would later be collected by the hero, Jason and his argonauts.

Personality Nephele is a little sensitive. When she cries rain falls harshly, when she’s compassionate blessing rain falls. She is happy that she can put a good use to her immortal life.

Appearance

Not much is known about Nephele’s appearance as she was not described much in Greek Mythology.

She is known however to at least have two forms one of a cloud and one of an attractive, youthful woman. In art, she is often depicted as a beautiful lady surrounded by clouds.

Trivia Nephele resembles Ariel from the play written by Shakespeare, the Tempest. Iris had an involvement in that movie, while Ariel can shape-shift, and can ride on clouds and serves his/her master, Prospero.

Cesare Pavese’s rendition of the myth was adapted for the screen by the filmmaking duo Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet (otherwise known as StraubHuillet) as part of their 1979 film Dalla nube alla resistenza, starring Olimpia Carlisi as Nephele and Guido Lombardi as Ixion.

Animals as Leaders released a progressive metal song named “Nephele” on their 2014 album The Joy of Motion.

https://greekgoddesses.fandom.com/wiki/Nephele

Mythology The Story of Poli’ahu

We tend to think of Hawaii as a group of islands bathed in tropical warmth and sunshine. Hawaii is, after all, known for its stunning beaches and clear, blue water. So it may surprise mainlanders to know that, in ancient Hawaiian folklore, there were stories of Poli’ahu, the Hawaiian goddess of snow.

And it would be even more surprising to learn that one of the prominent tales about Poli’ahu involved a Hawaiian sledding competition. The legend of Poli’ahu serves as a reminder that the volcanic islands were formed from fire and ice.

Poli’ahu was the Pretty Sister One of the most wellknown of all the Hawaiian goddesses is Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes who is associated with Mount Kilauea. But Pele is just one of several daughters born to the Earth goddess, Haumea, and the god of the sky and heavens, Kane Milohai. Pele’s older sister, Poli’ahu, was the most beautiful of all the sisters. Pele, known for her fiery temper, was often jealous of Poli’ahu and her beauty.

Pele and Poli’ahu Battled Over Mount Kilauea According to Hawaiian folk tales, Poli’ahu made her home in the snowcapped summit of Mount Kilauea, but Pele claimed the whole mountain for herself. Because Mount Kilauea is a volcano, Pele believed that it fell under her control. But big sis Poli’ahu disagreed. This was a sore spot between the sisters.

Poli’ahu Loved to Sled

We don’t often associate Hawaii with sledding, but Holua sledding was actually a favorite sport

of Hawaiian nobility…and a dangerous one. Racing down the hardened lava on the icy slopes of Mount Kilauea was one of the Poli’ahu’s favorite pastimes. Sledders could reach speeds of fifty miles per hour over rocky, unpredictable terrain.

Pele Challenged Poli’ahu to a Sled Race

According to the Hawaiian stories, Poli’Ahu and three of her friends, Lilinoe, the mist of the mountain, Ka Houpo o Kane, freshwater springs, and Waiau, the underground reservoir under the volcano, were enjoying a day of holua sledding when a stranger approached them.

The stranger asked to join their race but did not have her own sled. Poli’ahu graciously loaned her one of her own sleds. Poli’ahu easily won the race, but the stranger complained that it was because she had the better sled. So Poli’ahu swapped sleds with her and offered a rematch.

Mythology The Story of Poli’ahu

Poli’ahu won the Second Race Again the snow goddess, Poli’ahu was the fastest sledder and won the second race. The stranger was furious and reacted with an explosive temper.

She then revealed herself to be Poli’ahu’s younger sister, Pele, in disguise. Pele was known for her great temper. After losing the sled race, she caused the ground to shake and smoke poured out of the cracks in the earth.

Pele’s Anger Caused Mount Kilauea to Erupt

The furious Pele was so angry at her sister, Poli’ahu, that she made Mount Kilauea erupt, sending fire, smoke, and lava hurling down the mountain. Pol’ahu and her three friends joined forces to fight Pele.

The combination of snow, mist, and water that was used in the battle ended up forming the glaciers on the mountain. Poli’ahu threw snow on Pele’s lava flows, instantly freezing them on the southern end of the island.

In the end, Poli’ahu allowed Pele to control the southern part of the island but kept control of the northern part for herself.

The Hawaiian Landscape Shows the Scars of the Battle

The epic battles fought between the Hawaiian snow goddess, Poli’ahu, and her sister, Pele, the goddess of fire and lava, have forever scarred the landscape of Hawaii. Hawaiian legends contend that the interplay of lava and ice causes the shape of the coastlines and the growth of the mountains.

https://historydaily.org/hawaiis-goddess-of-snow-poliahu/8

Mythology The Story of Cailleach

of the tales involving her sounds much like the Morrigan’s.

her connection to the underworld and ancestral realms, of death but ultimately also of rebirth.

The Cailleach is the celtic goddess of winter. She was honoured throughout the British Isles as the winter crone. She brings the long, cold nights of winter. And is known as an old hag, witch, seer, prophetess and goddess. She has many faces.

In Scottish folklore the Cailleach Bheaur (the blue hag of winter) arises every Samhain and is responsible for bringing cold, snow and treacherous weather before turning to stone every Imbolc.

In Ireland she is known as The Cailleach Beara and seen as a crone goddess associated with weather and the mountains. One

In celtic legend it is said, that where an old hag near a river asks a hero of battle to make love to her, and he accepts her request, she turns into a beautiful woman and the hero is handsomely rewarded. She was seen as the land and the bringer of winter, an ancient goddess.

On the Isle of Man she is the Cailleach ny Groamagh ‘the old gloomy woman’ Bringing the winter. She sometimes takes the form of a giant bird.

As the Cailleach Bheare or Beara in Ireland, she is associated with the Beara peninsula and the Sliabh na Caillech ‘mountain of the Cailleach’ in County Meath. She is said to be responsible for raising the mountains and hills and placing the cairns and barrow mounds upon them.

Her association with stone and the building of barrow mounds reveals

The owl or ‘Cailleach oidhche’ is sacred to her and is also associated with death, the underworld, magick and the ability to see spirits. She is both feared and respected in British and Irish folklore.

She is intimately connected to witches in their old role of midwives and layers out of the dead. It is believed that she is also the bringer of spring.

It is she that decides when winter is over and when spring begins. On the eve of February the first (Brigid’s day) , the Cailleach retreats to and hides in her mountains, she then decides if it is time for spring or if the winter shall last longer.

Much like the Welsh Goddess Cerridwen, The Cailleach is said to endlessly chase her son/ lover, the god of youth. Here her role as initiator is revealed, as she

Mythology The Story of Cailleach

remains the constant throughout the triple cycle of life/ death/rebirth.

Once the Cailleach was known as a triple goddess, her sisters/other sides are the Cailleach Bolus and the Cailleach Corca Duibhne.

In some tales the Cailleach Beara is the wife of the sun god Lugh, but she is said to outlive many husbands, whilst remaining youthful herself, and mothering many children.

Here we see an example of the earth goddess’s fruitfulness enduring whilst her lover rises and falls throughout the solar year.

The Cailleach’s great age signifies her position as keeper of the mysteries, and as gateway to the infinite. She serves as midwife for the dying year as tenderly as she holds the seeds of the new, warm and safe in her lap beneath the earth, whilst her cauldron bubbles, hinting of the new life that will

eventually come, after the long sleep that is the winter.

The Cailleach is (unsurprisingly) honoured at winter and spring festivals and even asociated with Beltane and Samhain. She is also associated with the earth, particularly mountains, winter, storms

copied from Moonwitch

History Of December

Shared By: High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

The month of December originally consisted of 30 days. When January and February were added to the calendar, December was shortened to 29 days. Then, in the subsequent Julian calendar, two days were added to December, making it 31 days long.

December Calendar

• December 17 is Wright Brothers Day.

• December 18 marks the beginning of Hanukkah.

The month of December brings many holidays, feasts, and happenings!

December is the 12th month (and last month) in our modern-day Gregorian calendar (as it was in the preceding Julian calendar).

However, it was originally the 10th month of the Roman calendar. Hence, “December” comes from the Latin word decem, meaning “ten.”

Back in Roman times, the calendar only had ten months and began with March! The winter period was not even assigned months because it was not an active time for military, agriculture, or civil life.

• December 6 is Saint Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, inspires traditions around the world from hunts for presents to stockings or shoes filled with sweets.

• December 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

• December 13 is St. Lucia’s Day, which has long been associated with festivals of light. Before the Gregorian calendar reform in 1752, her feast day occurred on the shortest day of the year (hence the saying “Lucy light, Lucy light, shortest day and longest night”).

• December 15 is Bill of Rights Day.

• December 21 is the Winter Solstice— the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

• December 25 is Christmas Day, a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

• December 26 is Boxing Day (Canada, UK) and the first day of Kwanzaa.

• On the last evening of the year, December 31, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing!

for Fun” Holidays

Celebrate these fun holidays this month:

• Dec. 11: International Mountain Day

• Dec. 13: National Violin Day

“Just

Did you know that December is National Pear Month?

History Of December

• Dec. 13: National Day of the Horse

• Dec. 16: Underdog Day

• Dec. 26: National Candy Cane Day

December Moon & Astronomy

Winter Solstice

The month of December brings the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day of the year (the day with the least amount of daylight).

In 2022, the solstice occurs on Wednesday, December 21.

Full Cold Moon December’s full Moon, the full Cold Moon, appears on Wednesday, December 7, reaching peak illumination at 11:09 P.M. EST.

Geminid Meteor Shower Look skyward on the night of December 13 after 9 P.M. for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Geminid meteors. The Geminid meteor shower is the most active shower of the year.

This year, the peak of the meteor shower meets a

waning gibbous Moon, meaning that the sky will still be affected somewhat by the light of the Moon.

If the sky is clear and temperatures aren’t too chilly, it’s still worth venturing outside to try to see the Geminids.

If

If

Gardening

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to prepare your garden for winter.

As houseplants are growing more slowly in December light, cut down on watering by half until active growth resumes in the spring. Hold off on fertilizing as well.

December Birthstone December’s traditional

birthstone is turquoise. It is considered a symbol of good fortune and success. Zircon and tanzanite are also considered to be December birthstones.

December Birth Flower December’s birth flowers are the holly (Ilex aquifolium) and the paperwhite Narcissus (Euphorbia pulcherrima) —a relative of the daffodil with lovely white blooms.

The Zodiac December’s Zodiac signs are:

• Sagittarius: November 23–December 21

• Capricorn: December 22–January 19

Folklore for the Season Know the weather before you head off to that Christmas event or travel to grandmother’s house.

• December changeable and mild, the whole winter will remain a child.

• Thunder in December presages fine weather.

• Frost on the shortest day is said to indicate a severe winter.

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat, Please put a penny in the old man’s hat;

you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do,

you haven’t got a ha’penny, God bless you! —Beggar’s rhyme.

History Of December

• December cold, with snow, brings rye everywhere.

Odd Moments This Month in History

December 14, 1807: Space Invader

At 6:30 a.m. on this day in 1807, residents from Vermont to Connecticut looked up at the sky and saw a red fireball. About two-thirds the size of a full Moon, it raced across the heavens, broke apart, and fell to earth in at least six areas of Weston (now Easton) , Trumbull, and Fairfield, Connecticut. Whizzing sounds were heard close to the impact sites, and three sonic booms were heard as far as 40 miles away. The entire event took about 30 seconds.

Upon hearing the news a few days later, Yale professor Benjamin Silliman, accompanied by his colleague, professor James Kingsley, traveled to the impact area to talk to witnesses, examine impact sites, and collect specimens (including some that enterprising townsfolk were selling

as souvenirs) . Silliman confirmed that it had been a meteorite—the first officially recorded in the New World.

Meteorites, rocks that fell from space, were a concept slowly gaining acceptance in Europe, but their study was still a relatively new science. In an article in the Connecticut Herald published on December 29, Silliman and Kingsley described the Weston event.

The news rapidly spread to other newspapers, and accounts were published in literary and philosophical journals. Later, Silliman performed a chemical analysis of the rocks and published a revised report. The findings were discussed by notable scientific organizations in Philadelphia, London, and Paris.

Still, there were skeptics about the idea of meteorites, including U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, who was said to have remarked, “It is easier to believe that

two Yankee professors could lie than to admit that stones could fall from heaven.”

Fun Fact: Silliman’s and Kingsley’s Weston meteorite fragments were the first cataloged items in the Yale meteorite collection, which is the oldest in the United States.

https://www.almanac.com/content/ month-of-december-holidays-factsfolklore

History Of Hanging Stockings

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

–AVisitFromSaintNicholas

As far back as 1823, when Clement Clarke Moore (or possibly Henry Livingston Jr.) wrote “A Visit From Saint Nicholas,” stockings were hung near the fireplace, awaiting a visit from Santa Claus. At the end of the poem, St. Nick “fill’d all the stockings; then turn’d with a jerk,/And laying his finger aside of his nose/And giving a nod, up the chimney

he rose.” Stockings have been an essential part of the Christmas tradition for centuries (except, briefly, in the mid1800s, when the New York Times wrote that Christmas trees almost completely supplanted them as the tradition of choice) . The most popular legend about why stockings are hung at Christmas goes something like this: A recently widowed man and father of three girls was having a tough time making ends meet. Even though his daughters were beautiful, he worried that their impoverished status would make it impossible for them to marry. St. Nicholas was wandering through the town where the man lived and heard villagers discussing that family’s plight. He wanted to help but knew the man would refuse any kind of charity directly. Instead, one night, he slid down the chimney of the family’s house and filled the girls’ recently laundered stockings, which happened to be drying by the fire, with gold coins. And then he disappeared.

The girls awoke in the morning, overjoyed upon discovering the bounty. Because of St. Nick’s generosity, the daughters were now eligible to wed and their father could rest easy that they wouldn’t fall into lonely despair. Whew! While obviously far-fetched, this tale of unknown origin and date is most widely referenced when it comes to the history of the Christmas stocking. Oranges tend to wind up in Christmas stockings, right? Ever wonder why? Some say it’s from a time when fresh fruit was more difficult to come by and finding an orange in your stocking was a huge treat. But a different version of that beautiful-daughtersdistraught-father legend swaps the gold coins left by St. Nick with three gold balls left in each stocking. Understandably, the solid gold balls tradition isn’t so easy to replicate; that’s why their citrus look-alikes have found their way into stockings alongside tchotchkes and baubles, but hopefully not coal!

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/artsculture/the-legend-of-the-christmasstocking-160854441/

Legend Of the Holly and Oak Kings

In many Celticbased traditions of neopaganism, there is the enduring legend of the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. These two mighty rulers fight for supremacy as the Wheel of the Year turns each season.

At the Winter Solstice, or Yule, the Oak King conquers the Holly King, and then reigns until Midsummer, or Litha.

Once the Summer Solstice arrives, the Holly King returns to do battle with the old king, and defeats him. In the legends of some belief systems, the dates of these events are shifted; the battle takes place at the Equinoxes, so that the Oak King is

at his strongest during Midsummer, or Litha, and the Holly King is dominant during Yule. From a folkloric and agricultural standpoint, this interpretation seems to make more sense.

In some Wiccan traditions, the Oak King and the Holly King are seen as dual aspects of the Horned God.

Each of these twin aspects rules for half the year, battles for the favor of the Goddess, and then retires to nurse his wounds for the next six months, until it is time for him to reign once more.

Franco over at WitchVox says that the Oak and Holly Kings represent the light and the darkness throughout the year. At the winter solstice we mark “the rebirth of the Sun or the Oak King. On this day the light is reborn and we celebrate the renewal of the light of the year. Oops! Are we not forgetting someone? Why do we deck the halls with boughs of Holly?

This day is the Holly King’s day — the Dark Lord reigns. He is the god of transformation and one who brings us to birth new ways. Why do you think we make “New Year’s Resolutions”? We want to shed our old ways and give way to the new!”

Often, these two entities are portrayed in familiar ways— the Holly King frequently appears as a woodsy version of Santa Claus. He dresses in red, wears a sprig of holly in his tangled hair, and

Legend Of the Holly and Oak Kings

is sometimes depicted driving a team of eight stags. The Oak King is portrayed as a fertility god, and occasionally appears as the Green Man or other lord of the forest.

Holly vs. Ivy

The symbolism of the holly and the ivy is something that has appeared for centuries; in particular, their roles as representations of opposite seasons has been recognized for a long time. In Green Groweth the Holly, King Henry VIII of England wrote: Green groweth the holly, so doth the ivy. Though winter blasts blow never so high, green groweth the holly.

As the holly groweth green and never changeth hue, So I am, ever hath been, unto my lady true. As the holly groweth green with ivy all alone Whenflowerscannotbeseen and greenwood leaves be gone

Of course, The Holly and the Ivy is one of the best known Christmas carols, which states, “The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.”

The Battle of Two Kings in Myth and Folklore

Both Robert Graves and Sir James George Frazer wrote about this battle.

Graves said in his work The White Goddess that the conflict between the Oak and Holly Kings echoes that of a number of other archetypical pairings.

For instance, the fights between Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and between Lugh and Balor in Celtic legend, are similar in type, in which one figure must die for the other to triumph.

Frazer wrote, in The Golden Bough, of the killing of the King of the Wood, or the tree spirit. He says,

“His life must therefore have been held very precious by his worshippers, and was probably hedged in by a system of elaborate precautions or taboos like those by which, in so many places, the life of the man-god has been guarded against the malignant influence of demons and sorcerers.

But we have seen that the very value attached to the life of the mangod necessitates his violent death as the only means of preserving it from the inevitable decay of age. The same reasoning would apply to the King of the Wood; he, too, had to be killed in order that the divine spirit, incarnate in him, might be transferred in its integrity to his successor.”

He went on to say that as long as the King could maintain his position, it might be inferred that he

Legend Of the Holly and Oak Kings

was in power; the eventual defeat indicated that his strength was beginning to fail, and it was time for someone newer, younger, and more vigorous to take over.

Ultimately, while these two beings do battle all year long, they are two essential parts of a whole. Despite being enemies, without one, the other would no longer exist.

https://www.learnreligions.com/holly-king-and-the-oak-king-2562991

Keywords

UPRIGHT: Hope, faith, purpose, renewal, spirituality

REVERSED: Lack of faith, despair, self-trust, disconnection

DESCRIPTION

The Star card shows a naked woman kneeling at the edge of a small pool. She holds two containers of water: one in her left hand (the subconscious) and one in her right (the conscious) . She pours the water out to nourish the earth and to continue

Tarot The Star

the cycle of fertility, represented by the lush greenery around her.

The other container pours the water onto dry land in five rivulets, representing the five senses. The woman has one foot on the ground, representing her practical abilities and good common sense, and the other foot in the water, representing her intuition and inner resources and listening to her inner voice.

She is naked, representing her vulnerability and purity under the vastness of the starry night sky. Behind her shines one large star, representing her core essences, and seven smaller stars, representing the chakras.

Upright

As The Star follows The Tower card in Tarot, it comes as a welcome reprieve after a period of destruction and turmoil. You have endured many challenges and stripped yourself bare of any limiting beliefs that have previously held you back.

You are realizing your core essence, who you are beneath all the layers. No matter what life throws your way, you know that you are always connected to the Divine and pure loving energy. You hold a new sense of self, a new appreciation for the core of your Being.

The Star brings renewed hope and faith, and a sense that you are truly blessed by the Universe. You are entering a peaceful, loving phase in your life, filled with calm energy, mental stability and more indepth understanding of both yourself and others around you.

This is a time of significant personal growth and development as you are now ready to receive the many blessings of the Universe. With The Star card, anything is possible and the magic is flowing around you.

Your heart is full of hope, and your soul is being uplifted to the highest of highs as you realize that your dreams really can

come true. Allow yourself to dream, to aspire, to elevate in any way possible so you can reach the stars. They are right here waiting for you.

You may also want to find or rediscover a sense of meaning, inspiration, or purpose in your life. You are making some significant changes in your life, transforming yourself from the old you to the new you and, in doing so, you are bringing about a fresh perspective: “Out with the old and in with the new!”

You are choosing the highest version of yourself. This is a profound spiritual journey that will bring greater meaning and purpose into your life and will renew your inner energy. Strip back any limiting beliefs, facades, or deceptions, and live in your authentic nature. Be open to new ideas and growth, and listen to the still voice within.

The Star also suggests a generous spirit. You want to give or share your wealth with others to

Tarot The Star

help transform their lives. Yours is an open heart, and you now want to give back the blessings you received so that others may benefit.

Reversed

The Star Reversed can mean that you’ve lost faith and hope in the Universe. You may be feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges right now and questioning why you are being put through this. You know life throws curveballs, but really? Why this, and why now?!

You may be desperately calling out to the Universe to give you some reprieve but struggling to see how the Divine is on your side. Look harder, and you will see it. The Divine is always there. Take a moment to ask yourself what the deeper life lesson is, and how this is a blessing, not a punishment.

Often, The Star Reversed is a test of faith. When confronted with a challenging situation, you can either crumble like The Tower or stand firm in your conviction that

the Divine is everywhere. You will also learn how to trust not only in the Universe but also in yourself. You are a vessel for the Divine, and when you have faith and confidence in yourself, you allow the Divine to shine through.

The Star Reversed also shows that you are disengaged and uninspired with life or components of your life (for example, work, hobbies, relationships, personal projects, etc.) . Perhaps you started out with great vision and enthusiasm, but you are now finding yourself overwhelmed by dayto-day routines that are boring and dreary.

Tarot The Star

This card is particularly relevant for career readings when you feel disconnected from the work you do and wonder if it’s time to move on or make a change. Reconnect to what is truly important to you and your soul’s purpose for this lifetime. Align your daily life with this purpose, and you will find new sources of inspiration.

The Star Reversed urges you to take time out for self-care and nourishment on a deeply personal and spiritual level. Your energy reserves may be well and truly depleted, so rather than pushing yourself even further, make time just for you. Book a massage, reconnect to your daily spiritual practices, take a warm bath – whatever it takes to nurture your spirit and reconnect with your inner essence. Being near water or engaging in a purification ritual will help to nourish you on a deeper level.

https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-cardmeanings/major-arcana/star/

Oracle The Shamans Dream

every single aspect of your life—is perfect in its imperfection. Not good or bad; neither in-flow nor blocked, this nor that. See your life as a series of opportunities rather than an obstacle course.

It is written in the sky that you have a destiny. You are being invited to explore certain aspects of life unique to you and you alone.

That does not mean that your path will be easy, paved with gold and littered with diamonds. Nor does this predict that your journey will be treacherous.

It is just your path, with parts that cannot be changed and must be radically accepted as they are.

In this way, whatever you are faced with—

Once you master the skill of nonjudgment, you open to the power of curiosity, unencumbered by the burdens of yesterday’s fear, as you look ahead into the potential of the future.

Yes, you still need to be brave. Right now you are facing a critical moment in time, with an opportunity to meet your fate: a choice point where you expand your influence and your capacity for abundance, love, and purposeful action.

Now is the moment to leap into it—whether it be a heart connection, a call to creativity, or a new identity in your work or another area of life—with all your heart and soul. Your success is surely written in the stars.

In order to bring your destiny to fruition, you must jump into the adventure with both feet and do your part.

Oracle Wisdom of the Oracle

belonging, of family, and of purpose that comes from working together for the greater fulfillment of all. Perhaps you are part of a spiritual community, or an artistic one. Perhaps you are in a learning community where you share your love of education. Regardless of its form or focus, you will feel good about your community. You will be inspired by it and want to contribute to it. Your contribution may be as small as showing up or as large as becoming its leader. No matter your position in the tribe, your presence is needed.

Essential meanings: Community; belonging; being seen and understood by others; like-minded connections; a sense of family and friendship; knowing your place in the world.

The Oracle’s Message: This card signals that a new group of like-minded people is entering your life now. Humans are social creatures, and we need to know we are useful to our families and communities. In a community, everyone has an important function and feels “I matter.” Membership in the group provides a sense of

Relationship message: You’re in a place of discovering the essential aspects that you share with another—and perhaps also those you don’t share. There are times when you follow and the other person leads, and times when you lead and the other follows. The appearance of this card points to the importance of learning the proper “dance” between you and another. Accepting the truth that everyone has flaws is part of that dance. Yet you are also being asked you to be aware of the dynamics that you don’t want to repeat. You’re in the perfect place to make changes in order to experience the best version of who you are together.

Prosperity message: Whenever you’re in a community of like-minded others, there is a powerful opportunity to reap great abundance. It’s essential to ask, What can I contribute? rather than What can I get from this? Find a need and look to fill it. Something meaningful will manifest. Even if what manifests is small, it is a sign that the doors of opportunity will swing open wider. There is also another meaning of this card to consider: Don’t try to be all things to all people. Choose your role and be true to it, and serve from a sense of authenticity. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than knowing you have purpose.

Oracle The Spirit Animal Oracle

your safe nest so wisdom can offer you clarity and guide you on managing the flow.

Take a break to ground yourself in the reality of your everyday senses. Go for a walk in nature; perhaps you can stop to lie on the ground or hug a tree, or just stroll down the street beneath the soothing sky so that you can regroup and clear your energy field.

Your wisdom and ability to make sense of all you are feeling and experiencing will return as Owl Spirit reminds you of your need to get clear.

Protection Message:

Are you feeling overwhelmed and overpowered by all that you are sensing?

Are you highly sensitive right now and in information overload, feeling too much and taking in too much stimulation?

The antidote for overwhelm is to become grounded and return to

Witchy DIY Clay Moon Ornaments

To start, you’ll need:

• White clay (I chose air-dry, but baking clay will also work)

• A rolling pin

• Two glasses: one with a large rim and one with a smaller rim

• A cutting board

• A knife

• A toothpick or straw

Instructions

1. Roll out your clay until it’s about 1/4th inch thick. Use your larger glass (I used a wine glass) to create circles in the clay; I found it helpful to press all the way into the clay and then turn a little, to keep the circle from staying in the glass.

2. You can use the smaller glass and the knife to cut your moon phases. I placed the smaller glass inside a larger circle to create the empty “new moon” ornament.

3. For the others, I used the knife to cut approximate moon phase shapes.

4. Next, use a toothpick to create a little hole in each ornament that you can hang the string through later. You can also use a straw to create more uniform holes, though it may become tricky with the thinner moons.

5. I let the moons air dry for about a day. If you chose oven clay, bake your ornaments in the oven until they’ve hardened.

6. Next, take string or ribbon and thread your ornaments. I made my loops fairly large because our tree branches are pretty big, so smaller loops prevent the ornaments from hanging well.

Witchy DIY

Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments

Ingredients

• Straight sticks or cinnamon sticks, 6-inch

• Ribbons

• Hot glue gun

• Twine

• Scissors

Instructions

1. After gathering supplies, invite kids to tie the scraps of ribbon down the twig or cinnamon stick.

2. For best results, bunch the ribbons close together. The ribbons will bend and slightly overlap. Gently tug them into place until you are satisfied with their placement.

3. Use sharp scissors to trim the ribbon scraps into the shape of a Christmas tree.

4. If desired, melt the edges of the ribbons with a match so the ribbon doesn’t fray.

5. Hot glue or tie a loop of twine to the top of the tree.

6. If desired, top the tree with a wooden star, yellow button, or primitive metal star.

7. Your Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornament is complete!

Witchy DIY Mason Jar Oil Lamp

Supplies

• Pint Mason Jars

• Olive Oil

• Dried Orange Slices - How to Dry Orange Slices

• Cinnamon Sticks

• Small Pine Cones

• Floating Wicks

• Essential Oils (rosemary, sweet orange, cinnamon) You can use whatever you prefer. You can also use fragrance oils.

1. Start by filling the mason jar with botanicals. You can see I’ve used cranberries, dried orange slices, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and some fresh cedar from the yard. Don’t stuff them too full. You need to leave some room for the floating wick.

2. Using a wooden skewer, an old pencil would work too, position the plant material where it looks best.

3. Add some essential oils to your oil. I used light olive oil because it is the least scented, and cheaper than extra virgin. For essential oils, I used rosemary, sweet orange, and lemon. Cinnamon and peppermint oil would be great for a holiday candle too. Or you could use lavender essential oil or rose oil if you have a preference for a floral scent. And, you could also choose a good quality fragrance oil.

4. Just know that adding essential oils probably won’t compare to a scented wax candle.

5. Fill the jar with oil, then add your floating wick.

Mason Jar Oil Candle Tips: Fill the jar well and use a skewer or old pencil to push the natural materials into place, leaving plenty of room at the top for the oil and the wick to burn.

As the oil burns, you can add some water, which will make the oil rise, and allow you to burn the candle longer. However, if the candle goes unused for several days the water will turn and bacteria may start to grow making the candle cloudy. It’s best to just add more oil to raise the level above the botanicals.

You can also use a piece of an old candle’s wick for a replacement when the original one burns up.

Celebrations Yule

Shared By: High Priestess RavensThorne

Yule was similar to Passover in Jerusalem before the Temple was destroyed. For Passover, the Jewish people would bring lambs, birds, and other animals for sacrifice. The blood would be offered on the altar and the meat cooked for the Passover meal.

“greatest mirth and joy among men.”

This was also a time of oath-making. Business deals and marriages were brokered. The godi (priest, judge, chieftan) who was in charge of the hof wore a great gold ring around his neck.

Yule comes from the old Norse jól and Old English géohol which was a season of hunting after the harvest was done. This fell in what we now call December so it eventually became associated with the Christmas Holiday.

The first recorded use of the noun Yuletide, according to Wikipedia, was in 1475. The Yuletide season lasted from the end of November to the beginning weeks of January but the feast of Yule lasted three days over the Winter Solstice and marked the beginning of the new year.

According to Norse historian and saga translator Lee M. Hollander every nine years Germanic (Norse) farmers were compelled to come to the temple hof and make sacrifices and feasts over a prescribed period of time during yuletide.

Yule was celebrated in Germanic countries with animal sacrifices where the sanctified blood was then used to paint the altar, temple posts, and the supplicant himself as part of the ritual.

He was literally “washed in the blood”. This was followed by feasts, storytelling and drinking around a large communal fire. In Grettis Saga Yule is described as a time of

The people who would swear an oath, laid their hands on this ring and made their pledge in front of witnesses. Just such a ring was found at an excavation of an 11th century chieftain’s residence on the outskirts of Tissø, Denmark

The most famous hof was uncovered at Uppsala, Sweden. The same temple is mention in the Heimskringla, by Snorri Sturluson and in Adam of Bremen’s 11th century travel journal.

It is described as housing three statues on three thrones, one for Thor, one for Wodan (Odin) and one for Fricco (Freyr) .

There was a great gold chain around the

Celebrations Yule

building, draping from the gables that flashed in the sunlight from afar. Other traveler’s accounts also mention this chain.

In the Ynglinga Saga by Snorri Sturluson, Uppsala was the site where King Domalde was sacrificed in the Autumn after three years of famine, for the sake of his people, and prosperity returned. The first day of Yule falls on the last day of Autumn.

In the Saga of Hákon the Good, Haakon I of Norway changed the date of Yule from the days surrounding Midwinter to the date that Christmas was observed in the rest of Europe. Though the sacrifices and religious practices of Yule were abandoned, many Yuletide customs continued.

Yule Log

Eventually many Yule customs were absorbed into Christmas celebrations as Christianity overtook Northern Europe. The oldest was the tradition of the Yule log which echoed with sacrificial significance. Originally

it was a whole tree or a large tree trunk that was carefully chosen, felled and hauled to the long house with great ceremony.

Then the end of the trunk was laid on the hearth and lit with a brand from the previous year’s yule fire as the rest of the tree stuck out of the hearth into the room. The tree trunk was pushed into the hearth as it burned, which it did continuously for 12 days from Christmas Eve to Epiphany.

At the end, the unburned part of the tree was extinguished and saved to start the fire next year. In Holland, they believed that storing the leftovers of the Yule log under a bed would protect the home from lightning strikes. No doubt a nod to Thor.

The Bûche de Noël is a French tradition that celebrates the Yule Log in the form of a fancy dessert made of thin sheets of sponge cake spread with buttercream frosting then rolled to form a log.

The Bûche de Noël is then decorated with chocolate frosting bark, candy holly leaves, and meringue mushrooms.

The Yule Goat Thor was said to have a chariot that was pulled across the sky by two goat bucks. During Yule they would either bring gifts to well behaved children or demand gifts on behalf of Thor. Over time the julbock became jultomte who was a combination Yule Goat/Santa Claus/ Father Christmas who would bring gifts and drive a sleigh pulled by reindeer, not goats.

Celebrations Yule

The Yule Ham

Just as the goat was associated with Thor, the boar was associated with Freyr. Pigs and wild boar were sacrificed to Freyr to grant a bountiful harvest or to bless marriages and children.

After the sacrifices were made during a Norse Yule, the meat was boiled and eaten at the feast. In the middle ages, the boar’s head was considered the best part and it was served to the head table with an apple in its mouth. Today the vestiges of this tradition are found in the Christmas Ham and the Boar’s Head Carol.

Wassail translates as “Good Health” as in “I drink to your good health”, but it was also the alcohol punch made with spices and fruit juice that was used to make the toast. The word toast comes from the toasted bread served with the brew. If it also contained eggs, milk or cream it was called nog.

To go a-wassailing was like trick-or-treat for grown-ups. They would go

from house to house and beg for wassail and other treats, like figgy pudding. The tradition originated before Christianity as an orchard blessing ritual.

The people believed that the fruit trees went into hibernation when the nights grew longer. So they would gather in the orchards after Mid-winter and make as much noise as they could to wake up the trees.

Let every man take off his hat

And shout out to th’old apple tree

Old apple tree we wassail thee

And hoping thou will bear.

Over time it became an excuse for drunken revellers to wander the streets singing loudly. The modern tradition of caroling for hot chocolate and eggnog is all that remains of this old Yuletide tradition.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe was greatly revered by the Ancient Druids and the Norse people believed it was magical. It stayed green all year round even though the host tree would drop its leaves and look dead.

It drew in nutrients without any roots in the earth. It was always found high up in oak and apple trees.

If found in a sacred oak tree, it was cut down with a gold sickle during a special ceremony and caught in a white cloak before it hit the ground. Then the magical mistletoe was divided and a piece was given to every home in the village to ward off evil for the next year.

Celebrations Yule

Thus hanging mistletoe over the door became a New Year’s tradition. The Norse goddess of love was Frigga. Frigga had two sons, one of which was blind. The evil figure of Loki made an arrow out of mistletoe wood and shot Frigga’s blind son with the mistletoe arrow.

The blind son died, and the goddess’ tears became the mistletoe’s white berries. When Frigga’s blind son came back to life later, the Nordic goddess decided to turn mistletoes in Scandinavia into a symbol of love and fertility, requiring a kiss between humans meeting beneath the mistletoe.

https://stores.renstore.com/history-and-traditions/yule-history-and-origins

Celebrations Hanukah

Shared By: High Priestess Gloriana danu

Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

History of Hanukkah

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Hanukkah 2022 begins on the evening of Sunday, December 18 and ends on the evening of Monday, December 26.

The events that inspired the Hanukkah holiday took place during a particularly turbulent phase of Jewish history. Around 200 B.C., Judea— also known as the Land of Israel—came under the control of Antiochus III, the Seleucid king of Syria, who allowed the Jews who lived there to continue practicing their religion.

His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent: Ancient sources recount that he outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C., his soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and desecrating the city’s holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.

Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, a largescale rebellion broke out against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy. When Matthathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, known as Judah Maccabee (“the Hammer”) , took the helm; within two years the Jews had successfully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem, relying largely on guerilla warfare tactics.

Judah called on his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild its altar and light its menorah—the gold candelabrum whose seven branches represented knowledge and creation and were meant to be kept burning every night.

The Hanukkah ‘Miracle’

According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most central texts, Judah Maccabee and the other Jews who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep

Celebrations Hanukah

the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply.

This wondrous event inspired the Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival. (The first Book of the Maccabees tells another version of the story, describing an eight-day celebration that followed the rededication but making no reference to the miracle of the oil.)

Other Interpretations of the Hanukkah Story

Some modern historians offer a radically different interpretation of the Hanukkah tale. In their view, Jerusalem under Antiochus IV had erupted into civil war between two camps of Jews: those who had assimilated into the dominant culture that surrounded them, adopting Greek and Syrian customs; and those who were determined to impose Jewish laws and traditions, even if by force.

The traditionalists won out in the end, with the Hasmonean dynasty—led by Judah Maccabee’s brother and his descendants— wresting control of the Land of Israel from the Seleucids and maintaining an independent Jewish kingdom for more than a century.

Jewish scholars have also suggested that the first Hanukkah may have been a belated celebration of Sukkot, which the Jews had not had the chance to observe during the Maccabean Revolt. One of the Jewish religion’s most important holidays, Sukkot consists of seven days of feasting, prayer and festivities.

Hanukkah Decorations and Traditions

The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a ninebranched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah.

On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called

the shamash (“helper”) , is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday. In another allusion to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular in many Jewish households.

Other Hanukkah customs include playing with foursided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. In recent decades, particularly in North America, Hanukkah has exploded into a major commercial phenomenon, largely because it falls near or overlaps with Christmas. From a religious perspective, however, it remains a relatively minor holiday that places no restrictions on working, attending school or other activities.

https://www.history.com/topics/ holidays/hanukkah

Mythical Creature Mari Lwyd

Shared By: High Priestess Ravensthorne morrighan

What is Mari Lwyd?

Mari Lwyd is a tradition in which a horse skull is draped in bells, ruins and coloured ribbons. Each year the Mari Lwyd would be taken from house to house asking for entry via song. The Mari Lwyd would be accompanied by it’s merrymen who would join in song and play fiddles, this was normally accompanied by a Punch and Judy show.

Mari Lwyd is a tradition that appears around December to mid January - Welsh old new year -surrounding an ancient horse ritual. As this tradition evolves into the 21st century, the importanceof keeping the original message of old true has become an important part of Welsh education.

With generational storytelling and many potential origins, the story continues to be a mystery butbrings joy and optimism for the future every year.

Similarities can be drawn between the styling of the travelling Mari Lwyd and a hobby horse. The old tradition uses real horse skulls which communities find from their local farmers.

More modern approaches with the inclusion of children have now resulted in depictions of the Mari Lwyd made from cardboard and paper.

A simple white sheet is used for the body, whilst the decorations vary from community to village to individual approaches. No two Mari Lwyd’s are the same and they’re added to each

Sisters of Delphi

year with more decorative embellishments.

What does Mari Lwyd do?

The Mari Lwyd would try and gain entry to houses via song. The merrymen would explain why they needed to enter and the occupant of the house would sing why they can’t be let in.

This would go back and forth until the occupant didn’t have any more reasons to not let them in. When inside, Mari Lwyd and the Merrymen would eat food and drink ale. When leaving the Mari Lwyd would wish everyone a happy new year.

To see the Mari Lwyd approaching a home, Inn or pub is to be seen already as good luck. Many owners still welcome the tradition, even though they initially have to deny her entry. It’s seen as a blessing to witness the movement and to be a part of the songs. She brings an air of optimism for a positive and fortuitous new year.

Mythical Creature Mari Lwyd

What does Mari Lwyd mean and where did it originate from?

The name Mari Lwyd translates to Grey Mare, Grey Mane or Grey Mary. Thought to have originated from Celtic Mythology, the pale horse is thought to be able to pass to the underworld.

The underlying thoughts for if Mari Lwyd was Grey Mary, is pre-Christian or Pagan. Supposedly, the horse was in foal and moved out of the stables to allow Mary and Joseph to have shelter. This horse then spent days trying to find somewhere safe to give birth. Potentially this is where the looming fear emanates from, a mother trying to protect her foal.

It’s more literal interpretation of Grey Mare or Grey Mane both are directly associated to it’s colouring. Often horses of pale, white coats are referred to as ‘greys’. Most commonly born with brown or black coats, some horses colouring changes over time and gradually turns white. Not only a colour that appears ethereal in

a ghostly shape, but also one that shows a sign of age. Seen as a sign of hope through the darkest Welsh months, the colouring is also a visual portrayal of Mari Lwyd’s wisdom.

What is the symbolism of Mari Lwyd?

The symbolism of Mari Lwyd remains of great importance. When reinventing the tradition, intriguing variations occur, but the symbolism remains the same.

Horse’s skulls are painted with ancient runic symbols from Celtic past. Sometimes the horse’s eyes are filled with baubles and the mane is plaited with ribbons or made from evergreen plants. A white cloth covers the actor who animates the elaborate and often mischievous character.

The first known written documentation of Mari Lwyd was in 1800 by J’ Evans, in his book ‘A Tour Through Part of North Wales’. The origin of the tradition remains a mystery. Links have been

made to other British customs in which the poor were using hooded animal characters to make entertainment to try and raise money. Between the 1930’s and 1960’s the tradition started to disappear, however it was revived by Llantrisant Folk Club later in the century and a family in Llangwynyd have reached their third generation of hosting the Mari Lwyd at their Inn.

https://rhinwedd.cymru/blogs/news/ the-story-of-mari-lwyd

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

Shared By: Khaos Branwen

Rather than imagining a jolly bearded man in red and white, the Santas of Iceland are thirteen filthy trolls led by their mother, a child-eating giantess named Gryla.

Christmas: a time for bright lights, warm hearths, presents, family, delicious food, and… abject terror? Perhaps not around most of the world, but Iceland is not like most of the world. Then again, most of the world does not have Gryla or the Yule Lads, sometimes referred to as the Christmas Trolls.

Perhaps terror is a slight exaggeration, but the concept of Santa in Iceland, in terms of Icelandic folklore, is very different to the one we know and love in most western cultures.

Throughout the majority of the year, these twisted versions of Santa are thought by many to hide in the daunting lava fortress of Dimmuborgir, located in the Myvatn area of north Iceland. Others believe they simply live in an unidentified mountainous area.

From the 11th of December to the 24th, however, they depart one by one to engage in thirteen days of mischief. Each has different antics, ranging from mischievous to horrifying, which they indulge in across the country until the end of the Christmas Season.

The Yule Lads are as much a part of the country’s festive tradition as the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood and eating smoked lamb.

Today, their image has largely been sanitized. Rather than being depicted as trolls defined by extreme deformities, they now often wear the traditional red and white clothes, fluffy beards and wide smiles.

Rather than pulling pranks, they simply leave presents in the shoe that children place on their windowsills, a bit like the stockings on fireplaces in other cultures. In place of a piece of coal, naughty Icelandic children will simply find a potato in their shoe in the morning.

Even though they’ve undergone somewhat of a transformation since the 19th century, the Yule Lads’ original looks and behavior tell a wealth of information about Icelandic history, culture, and folklore, and they are a great example of how festive traditions differ around the world.

Gryla | Mother of the Icelandic Yule Lads

The Yule Lads may have become more friendly throughout the years,

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

but their mother Gryla is still a frightening troll and remains one of the longest standing Christmas tradition in Iceland.

This giantess is one of the most evil figures of Icelandic folklore and horror stories about her are still told to children over the festive season. Throughout the year, it is said that she collects whispers about children around the island misbehaving, and when winter sets in, she sets out to gather them.

Her appetite for the flesh of naughty youths is insatiable, and each year, she finds no shortage of her favorite crop. Collecting them up in a sack, she then cooks them in a pot and turns them into a giant stew that will sustain her until the next winter.

Gryla would be terrible enough if she worked alone, but sadly for Icelandic children, she does not. She shares her mountain cave in north Iceland with an enormous black feline called the

Christmas Cat, which also has an appetite for human flesh.

The Christmas Cat, however, does not just seek out those who have misbehaved. It happily preys on any child that did not get new clothes to wear for Christmas.

Gryla also lives with her latest husband, a troll named Leppaludi. The least threatening member of her family, he is browbeaten to the point of pathetic. Perhaps out of fear of what happened to Gryla’s previous partners, who Gryla is said to have eaten, he exerts no influence over her evil tendencies.

The traditions surrounding Gryla say a lot about Icelandic folklore. The fact she was a child-eater who sought out children over the festive season sends a similar message to kids as Santa bearing coal, just with a little less finesse. The message to children is loud and clear: Be on your best behaviour during Christmas!

The more brutal delivery of this message is perhaps due to the fact that winters in Iceland were incredibly dangerous, and many disobedient children who went out in the dark and snow never returned home. There was also a lot of work that needed to get done before the darkest months set in, requiring extra diligence and effort from all members of the family.

On this note, the story that the Christmas Cat ate children who did not get clothes as a gift was likely created to ensure that everyone finished their weaving, knitting and sewing by the dead of winter.

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

The relationship between Gryla and Leppaludi is also a classic trope in Icelandic folklore. Many villainous couples in sagas and legends were composed of a cruel and bloodthirsty woman with a pathetic, spineless husband.

Gryla was such a terrifying image to children that in the 18th century, the parliament of Iceland outlawed the use of her legend as a scare tactic. Children were no longer threatened with being devoured, and were instead given rotten potatoes in their shoes if they misbehaved.

Today, statues of Gryla can be found around the country, such as in the Akureyri Christmas house and by Fossatun, due to her integral role in Icelandic Christmas traditions. Her home is believed by many to be in Dimmuborgir, which is visited on many tours from Akureyri, the capital of north Iceland, and it is a stop on the popular Diamond Circle sightseeing route.

The Thirteen Icelandic Yule Lads

In modern culture, when the season arrives, the thirteen Yule Lads descend from the mountains to attend celebrations around the country, playing with children and entertaining revelers. They help make Iceland at Christmas even more of a delight. This, however, is a more family-friendly version of the old Icelandic folklore from where the Yule Lads originate.

Though they did not inherit cannibalism from their mother, the Icelandic Christmas Trolls were still widely feared by children for their creepy and revolting behavior. Even adults in Iceland, before industrialization, largely believed in trolls, so many would have been cautious that there was truth to the tales of these Christmas cretins.

Though each Yule Lad had their own quirks, all shared the features of trolls. They were enormous, filthy, unintelligent creatures,

humanoid and bestial in equal measure, who could only operate in the hours of the night, should the sun cast them into stone.

Stekkjastaur | Sheep Cote Clod

The first of the Yule Lads to leave the mountains to stir up trouble across Iceland was Stekkjastaur, or ‘Sheep-Cote Clod.’

From the 12th of December until the 26th, his modus operandi was to harass the sheep of any household he came across.

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

Icelanders would usually keep their sheep underground in the winter months, so when the sounds of their tormented bleating would echo up into the house, it was a sign Stekkjastaur had found them.

Such a sound, though common in the winter months with storms regularly harassing the flock, became even more ominous, particularly considering that sheep were the lifeblood of every farmstead.

In spite of being a fearsome troll, Stekkjastaur, like many of his brothers, was limited by a deformity. His stiff legs impaired his ability to move, so the best thing to do, when hearing him rile up your animals, was to wait it out; he’d have to move on to your neighbor soon enough, in order to terrorize as many Icelandic homes as possible by sunrise.

Giljagaur | Gully Gawk

Giljagaur, or ‘Gully Gawk,’ was the second Icelandic Yule Lad to arrive in human

settlements. Hiding in the gullies around a house, waiting until its residents have fallen asleep, his method of troublemaking was to break into the cowshed to steal any milk available.

In doing so, he robbed families of the key ingredient in the sauces meant to be enjoyed over the festive season, not to mention the traditional Skyr.

Although only wealthier Icelanders owned cows, most poorer people historically lived on the farmsteads of the rich, meaning all were affected by this troll’s antics.

Stufur | Stubby

The third Yule Lad, Stufur or ‘Stubby,’ became a nuisance throughout Iceland at Christmas by stealing the household pans for the delicious crust that remained on them. From the 14th to the 26th of December, his appetite was insatiable.

While this may not seem like a terrible crime, historically, pots and pans were incredibly valuable

in Iceland. The country had no iron reserves or a mining industry of its own, and such goods had to be imported and were very expensive. For some impoverished families, they were the only possessions worth anything that they had.

Thvorusleikir | Spoon-Licker

Thvorusleikir, the fourth Yule Lad, is known in English as ‘Spoon-Licker.’ This Christmas troll set out on his nationwide tour of mischief on the fifteenth of December each year, to break into the homes of Icelanders and lick the spoons of households in the hope of a morsel to eat.

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

Thvorusleikir’s behavior was a result of his strange deformity. He was grotesquely thin from malnutrition, unusual amongst trolls who were most often depicted as overweight and muscular beasts.

The lesson to be learned from Spoon-Licker’s behavior is less apparent than with many of the other Yule Lads, although it was perhaps as simple as ensuring children cleaned their cutlery.

Pottaskefill | Pot-Scraper Pottaskefill, known in English as ‘PotScraper,’ is like many of his brothers in that his Christmas hi-jinks are gluttonous. Breaking into one home after another, he seeks out pots of sauce, chunks of roast meat left on the tray, saucepans of seasonal vegetables, and scours off anything leftover to eat.

Pottaskefill was no doubt created to encourage children to finish their meals. Leftovers may bring him sniffing at the door. As foodstuffs were meant to be preserved to

last throughout the long winter months, any waste was greatly frowned upon. This was because no one dared a fishing trip onto the tumultuous seas in this season, or wanted to slaughter an animal that could otherwise help them sustain their livelihoods in summer.

Askasleikir | Bowl-Licker Gully-Gawk is out stealing milk, Stubby is munching on the crust of pans, PotScraper is scoffing down leftovers and skinny Spoon-Licker is doing exactly what his name suggests. Also on the hunt for an easy morsel was the sixth brother, Askasleikir, although his antics were perhaps the creepiest thus far.

Askasleikir’s name in English is ‘Bowl-Licker.’ He has a reputation for slurping the remains of whatever is left in bowls, or rather of an “askur”, which is an Icelandic type of carved bowl with a lid. But the way he does so is rather nightmarish.

Each night, Askasleikir would quite literally lay beneath a child’s bed,

waiting for them to finish their nighttime soup or pudding. When they are satisfied, he will readily snatch up the remaining food to guzzle down himself. Perhaps created to get children to go to sleep when asked, or not to indulge in a midnight snack, he epitomizes the trope of the monster under the bed.

Hurdaskellir | Door-Slammer

Gully-Gawk is out stealing milk, Stubby is munching on the crust of pans, PotScraper is scoffing down leftovers and skinny Spoon-Licker is doing exactly what his name suggests. Also on the hunt for an easy morsel was the sixth brother, Askasleikir, although his antics were perhaps the creepiest thus far.

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

Askasleikir’s name in English is ‘Bowl-Licker.’

He has a reputation for slurping the remains of whatever is left in bowls, or rather of an “askur”, which is an Icelandic type of carved bowl with a lid. But the way he does so is rather nightmarish.

Each night, Askasleikir would quite literally lay beneath a child’s bed, waiting for them to finish their nighttime soup or pudding. When they are satisfied, he will readily snatch up the remaining food to guzzle down himself. Perhaps created to get children to go to sleep when asked, or not to indulge in a midnight snack, he epitomizes the trope of the monster under the bed.

Hurdaskellir | Door-Slammer

Hurdaskellir has a modus operandi he learned from another of the oldest of horror tropes. In English, his name is ‘DoorSlammer,’ and as this Yule Lad embarks on his thirteen-day journey over the festive season, it is all he intends to do.

Until the end of the month, he would sneak from home to home, reaching the furthest ends of the Westfjords to the bustling center of Reykjavík, to break in and bang as many doors as he could in order to wake those sleeping inside.

It is doubtless that with the high winds of Iceland’s winter and the makeshift design of many turf houses in Iceland that many a child was kept wide awake in terror over the Christmas season, fully believing that Hurðaskellir was making his rounds through their home.

Skyrgamur | Skyr-Gobbler

The meals leading up to Christmas are, without a doubt, some of the best of the year. One can indulge in perfectly cooked poultry, nut roasts, mince pies, gingerbread men, cinnamon rolls and all manner of other treats. This season in Iceland, however, one dish deserves an extra special mention: the delicious and creamy Skyr.

This healthy, tasty, traditional dairy product can fairly be described as one of Iceland’s true delicacies, especially when compared to dishes such as ‘hakarl’, (fermented shark) and ‘hrutspungar’ (ram’s testicles’).

While a delight the whole year round, Skyr is a particular treat over Christmas, serving as a refreshment from the number of huge roast meals that usually accompany the holidays.

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

In terms of Icelandic Christmas folklore, however, people were not the only ones craving Skyr at this time of year. It was also the favourite meal of the eighth Icelandic Yule Lad, Skyrgamur, or ‘Skyr-Gobbler.’

From the 18th until the 30th, this national delight - a compliment to both sweet and savory disheswas under careful watch should it fall into the hands of this nefarious troll.

Bjugnakraekir | SausageSnatcher

Smoking meat is one of the favorite cooking methods in Iceland. Smoked fish and lamb are popular throughout the year, as well as smoked sausages known in Icelandic as ‘bjuga’.

From the night of the 20th, however, vigilance was required when preparing the bjuga. It was the only piece of food that the ninth Yule Lad, Bjugnakraekir, or ‘Sausage-Snatcher,’ wanted to get his grubby hands on.

Bjugnakraekir had a perfect way of stealing this Icelandic delicacy. It was said that he would break into homes and hide in the rafters, waiting for dinner to be cooked before swooping from above to snatch them.

Gluggagaegir | WindowPeeper

The tenth Yule Lad to descend from over the festive season was perhaps the creepiest of all: Gluggagægir, or ‘Window-Peeper.’

Considering the darkness of Iceland’s winters, where there are only four hours of sunlight a day around Christmas, it takes little imagination to picture the fear children must have felt passing the windows of their homes on Christmas nights, terrified that this fearsome troll was looking in upon them.

Like several of the other characters mentioned above, it seems like Gluggagaegir’s chilling behavior was designed as a way to scare children from going outside in the dark winters. It was

also a reminder that the child-eating Gryla had eyes across the country, looking out for miscreants.

Gattathefur | Doorway-Sniffer

Gattathefur, or ‘Doorway-Sniffer,’ may have come into folklore due to the whistling breaths of the wind creeping through Iceland’s draughty turf houses. Similar to Window-Peeper and Door-Slammer, the idea of him creeping into a home to cause mayhem haunted the nightmares of Iceland’s children.

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

This was exacerbated by the fact that Gattathefur was renowned for his enormous nose, massive even for his kind. The reason for his sniffing was also nefarious: he was forever seeking out his favorite meal, the Icelandic delicacy of laufabraud (‘leaf-bread’) .

This delicious treat is only baked during Christmas time, and making it is often a cherished family affair, especially in the North. It is notable for being round, very thin, fried, and decorated with intricate patterns, usually leaves.

Those renowned for detailed designs had particular umbrage with Gattathefur, as he would often steal their laufabraud before they could impress a single guest with it.

Ketkrokur | Meat-Hook

Christmas culinary traditions vary significantly between families, but there is one common central feature to most festive

feasts, and that’s the meat. In Icelandic folklore, however, this was the target of thievery from the twelfth and penultimate Yule Lad, Ketkrókur, or ‘Meat-Hook.’

Lurking wherever he had access to a kitchen (behind doors, under tables, in cupboards, outside open windows) , he would lay in wait for the meat of any dish to be slapped onto the counter. As soon as he could avoid capture, he’d pull out his long hook and snag himself the centerpiece of a family meal.

Unlike his brother, Bjugnakraekir, who only sought smoked sausages, Ketkrókur was indiscriminate in his tastes and was would wait until the whole family fell asleep before swooping in and stealing whatever meat was hanging around.

Kertasnikir | Candle-Stealer

The final Yule Lad is Kertasnikir, whose name translates to ‘CandleStealer’ or ‘CandleBeggar’. He emerges on Christmas Eve in Iceland. Like his twelve brothers, his name is self-explanatory, although the consequences of his hi-jinks were more troublesome them they may appear.

In the past, candles were incredibly valuable in Iceland, providing light throughout the winter darkness; as noted, this lasts about twenty hours a day over Christmas.

Candles were also the only available tool for Icelanders to enjoy their historically favorite pastime of reading, and over Christmas in Iceland, everyone getting

Mythical Creature Gryla Lutins

together to read is an old tradition. This custom makes Kertasnikir’s antics all the more troublesome. His intent was not even to use the candles to enjoy novels and poetry. Instead, he sought only to munch on the tallow that the candles were made from.

To get as much of this tallow as possible, he made sure he took it from the easiest targets in a household, the children, by following them to their bedrooms or reading nooks and robbing straight from their hands.

Kertasnikir was, without a doubt, one of the most intrusive Yule Lads, and one of the most upsetting to kids. All, however, could take solace in the fact that he was the last, and in thirteen days, he (along with his brothers, mother, and her cat) would be back in the caves in north Iceland, laying dormant until the next Yuletide.

Today, now that the Yule Lads are more family-friendly and tend to give more than they steal, Kertasnikir is the last Yule Lad to give presents to Icelandic children before Christmas and his gift to well-behaved children today is most often a candle.

https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/the-icelandic-yule-lads-and-gryla

Mythical Creature Krampus

Shared By: High Priestess Gloriana danu

like Belsnickle and Knecht Ruprecht who dole out punishment. Krampus is one such character who comes from folklore in Austria’s Alpine region, where he’s been frightening children and amusing adults for hundreds of years.

Every year in early December, children in Austria get ready for St. Nicholas to visit them. If they’ve been good, he’ll reward them with presents and treats. But if they’ve been bad, they’ll get a lot more than a lump of coal—they’ll have to face Krampus.

Who’s Krampus, you ask?

He’s the half-man, halfgoat who comes around every year to chase naughty children and maybe even drag them to hell. European versions of St. Nicholas have long had scary counterparts

Krampus and St. Nick’s other bad boys have their origins in pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. Later, they became part of Christian traditions in which St. Nicholas visited children to reward them on December 5 or 6.

Around that time, his menacing partner would also visit kids to punish them. In Alpine Austria and some parts of Germany, this day was known as Krampusnacht, or “Krampus night,” when adults might dress up as Krampus to frighten children at their homes.

Children might have also seen Krampus running through the street during a Krampuslauf—literally, a “Krampus run.” If Krampusnacht was a

way to scare kids into behaving themselves, the Krampuslauf, which isn’t tied to a specific day, was a way for grown men to blow off steam while probably still scaring kids. Austrian men would get drunk and run through the streets dressed as the fearsome creature. Like Krampusnacht, the Krampuslauf tradition continues to the present day.

The introduction of mass visual media couldn’t help but sweep the charismatic Krampus up in its wave. When the postcard industry experienced a boom in Germany and Austria in the 1890s, it opened the way for Krampuskarten.

These holiday cards weren’t mean to make you feel warm and fuzzy. Ones marked “Gruss vom Krampus” (“Greetings from Krampus”) showed Krampus stuffing a distressed child into his satchel or preparing to hit one with his bundle of birch sticks. Many of these postcards depicted

Mythical Creature Krampus

Krampus going after children with his sticks, leading them away in chains, or carrying them off in his bag.

There were also cards that were a little more…adult. Krampus cards in the early 20th century show him punishing children, yes, but also proposing to women. In some cards, Krampus is portrayed as a large woman whipping tiny men with her birch sticks and carrying them off in her satchel.

In another, a smiling woman dangles a defeated-looking Krampus in the air, holding his bundle of birch sticks behind her back. You can draw your own conclusions about the gender politics in these.

For over a century, most Americans probably never saw a Krampus card or even knew who Krampus was. That changed in 2004, when art director and graphic designer Monte Beauchamp published a book of Krampus cards and helped organize an art show inspired by the cards.

Whether or not Beauchamp is primarily responsible for introducing Krampus cards to the U.S., Krampus has since become a sort of ironic icon in America. Etsy has a whole section of items inspired by classic Krampus cards. And if you don’t have time to send cards, you can buy an ugly Krampus sweater to wear to your local Krampus party or Krampuslauf. Krampus’ popularity in the U.S. arguably peaked with the 2015 feature film Krampus, which shouldn’t be confused with the many other low-budget Krampus movies.

Although Krampus is relatively new to the U.S., this alpine legend is the original bad Santa.

https://www.history.com/news/krampus-christmas-legend-origin

Folk Lore Christmas Elves

Shared By:High Priestess, Gloriana Danu

the power to influence the things you see, do and experience. It’s believed that Santa’s elves help to keep the workshop hidden from ordinary human eyes!

What is the history of Christmas elves?

The history of Christmas elves, and elves in general, has its roots in Germanic, Scandinavian and British folklore.

During the mid-1800s, various Scandinavian writers helped to paint the picture of what we perceive elves as today. Elaborate Christmas festivals were slowly regaining popularity, and Scandinavian story writers portrayed elves as mischievous fairies who helped out Santa Claus.

Christmas elves, sometimes shortened to just ‘elves’, are tiny, dwarf-like creatures with pointed ears. They live with Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) at the North Pole and help Santa with his workshop.

What are Christmas elves?

Christmas elves, sometimes shortened to just ‘elves’, are tiny, dwarf-like creatures with pointed ears. They live with Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) at the North Pole and help Santa with his workshop.

Christmas elves are often perceived as immortal, but with a youthful appearance. They have

In Germanic paganism, elves were believed to be creatures of light who lived in the heavens. They were later referred to as living underground, as well as in forests, springs and wells.

In Scandinavian folklore, elves were house gnomes with magical powers to protect homes from evil spirits. They also used their magical powers to pull pranks on bad people - such as giving them hiccups and bad dreams. It was also believed that if you placed a bowl of porridge in front of your door at night, you’d avoid being the victim of the elves’ pranks.

It was also becoming more popular to refer to the creatures as ‘elves’ or ‘Christmas elves’ rather than house gnomes.

Louisa May Alcott, an American writer, wrote a book called ‘Christmas Elves’ in 1856, though it was never published. The image of Christmas elves, with their pointed ears and hats similar to Santa’s, was popularised from an illustration on the front cover of the American magazine ‘Godey’s Lady Book’, for its 1873 Christmas issue.

Is Santa a Christmas Elf?

Folk Lore Christmas Elves

How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?

He must be a magical creature like a Christmas elf himself, mustn’t he?

In fact, in the classic Christmas poem ‘A Visit from St Nicholas’ (more commonly known as ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’) , Santa is described as a ‘right jolly old elf’.

The figure of Saint Nicholas also became merged with Tomten from Nordic folklore, described as an elfish guardian and having a long white beard, as well as sometimes wearing a red hat. While we’ll never know for sure what Santa’s elfish heritage may be, it’s clear he has some connection with the history of Christmas elves.

Where do Santa and the Christmas Elves live? It’s generally believed that Santa and his

Christmas elves live in the North Pole in Santa’s village; however, it was discovered that there were, in fact, no reindeer living in the North Pole.

How can Santa’s sleigh fly with no reindeer?

This has led many to believe that Santa and his Christmas elves actually live in Lapland, Finland.

This area is home to plenty of reindeer that Santa could have recruited his team from. Nobody has seen Santa’s secret village and its location is only known to Santa and his crew of elves.

Christmas Elves’ Duties Christmas elves working at Santa’s workshop have lots of duties and responsibilities. For example, they:

• take care of Santa’s reindeer;

• guard the secret location of Santa’s village and workshop;

• make sure that Santa’s sleigh is in working order;

• help Santa keep his Naughty or Nice List in order;

• make toys and organise

them onto Santa’s sleigh;

• keep an eye on children’s behaviour and report back to Santa.

Different Kinds of Christmas Elves

Traditionally, there are six named elves that help out Santa at his workshop.

Alabaster Snowball

Alabaster Snowball helps out Santa with the Naughty or Nice List. He regularly updates it so that Santa knows exactly how children are behaving around the world.

Legends Folk Lore Christmas Elves

Bushy Evergreen

Bushy Evergreen is the inventor of the magic toy-making machine. He is the Head Toy Maker and makes sure that the children’s demands for toys are met!

Pepper Minstix

Pepper Minstix guards the secret location of Santa’s workshop and village. He has a tough job, making sure that no children (or adults!) find out exactly where Santa and all his Christmas elves are hard at work.

Shinny Upatree

Shinny Upatree is Santa’s oldest friend and cofounder of Santa’s village. He’s the leader of the elves and completely dedicated to Santa and his mission.

Sugarplum Mary

Sugarplum Mary is the Head of Sweet Treats and the assistant to Mrs Claus herself. She loves cooking sweet treats to share.

Wunorse Openslae

Wunorse Openslae designed Santa’s sleigh and is responsible for keeping it in top

condition. He takes care of the reindeer too.

Christmas Elves Around the World

In old Icelandic tales, the Christmas elves are named:

• Askasleikir

• Bjugnakraekir

• Faldafeykir

• Stekkjarstaur

• Gattathefur

• Giljagaur

• Gluggagaegir

• Ketkrokur

• og Kertasnikir

• Pottasleikir

• Skyrjarmur

• Stufur

• Thvorusleikir

These are mischievous tricksters, collectively known as Yule-Lads. They visit homes from December 12 - 24th to leave presents and play pranks.

In Germany, elves are called Knecht Ruprecht, while in Luxembourg, they’re called the Hoesecker. In Nordic countries, elves are nisses, not elves. Unlike elves, they wear all-red outfits.

https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/ christmas-elves

Legends Legend of Jack Frost

Shared By: High Priestess gloriana danu

during the American Civil War. It was captioned— Our New Major-General!

At the time, there had been outbreaks of Cholera hindering the war efforts and people were looking forward to the cold weather with the hopes that it would kill the infection.

No matter where you hail from, there is a legend about the origins of winter weather. In Russia, it is represented in Father Frost, a blacksmith who binds water to earth with heavy chains.

In Germany, she is an old woman who causes snow by shaking white feathers from her bed. In the United States and Britain, Old Man Winter is responsible for nipping the noses of lovers and the toes of young children.

In Norse mythology, he is a minor demi-god called Jokul Frosti meaning “icicle frost.”

Jack Frost is traditionally held responsible for the frosty fern-like patterns found on windows on cold winter mornings. However, window frost has become much less prevalent since the modern introduction of double-glazed and insulated glass in windows and doors.

The first illustration of Jack Frost is largely thought to be, of all things, a political cartoon published in 1861 in Harper’s Weekly.

Drawn by Thomas Nast, it depicted Jack Frost as a general freezing out the malaria that spread

With no real origin to speak of, it’s thought that Jack Frost doesn’t have any roots in mythology or marketing. His beginnings might actually come from something far more simple—spoken language. In England, from the 1500s onward, ‘Jack’ was a common slang for a man, usually a funny or clever fellow.

Astute readers will recognize phrases such as ‘jackanape’ as a chap who is a cheeky monkey, ‘jack-o-lantern’ as a man with a light, or ‘jack tar’ as sailors. There are also countless ‘Jacks’ in fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and folk tales.

https://www.abedoors.com/ blog/1/2019/12/Origins-of-Jack-Frost.

Witch Trials

Wiesensteig Witches

Shared By: High Priestess, Lady Gloriana Danu

The trial

In the mid-16th century, Wiesensteig suffered from religious turmoil, war, severe hail storms and epidemics. The ruler of the city, Count Ulrich von Helfenstein, started to blame the misfortunes of the city on witches.

The Wiesensteig witch trial took place in Wiesensteig in Germany in 1562–1563. It led to the execution of 67 women for sorcery.

This has been described as the first of the great witch trials of Germany and the starting point of the continuing European witch hunt. The trial inspired to the popular book : Of the tricks of Demons, which were printed in six expanded editions in Latin between 1562 and 1583 and translated to French in 1565. It was recorded in 1563 in a pamphlet called “True and Horrifying Deeds of 63 Witches”.

On August 3, 1562, a severe hailstorm hit the city and the damages were extensive. Within a couple of days, Helfenstein had several women arrested and accused of witchcraft, an action which appears to have been met with approval. Six of the arrested women were executed as witches.

They were made to confess to sorcery through torture. A number of these claimed to have seen citizens of Esslingen at their Sabbath.

Three people were arrested in Esslingen, but later released.

Helfenstein was appalled at the lenience in Esslingen. He executed another forty-one women from Wiesensteig.

On December 2, 1562, he approved the additional execution of 20 more. This amounted to the total reported in a sensational pamphlet of 1563, which described as: the true and terrible acts and deeds of the sixty-three witches and sorceresses who were burned at Wiesensteig.

There have been debates of the religious convictions of Ulrich von Helfensten in regards to the witch hunt: he was originally Catholic, a Lutheran during the trial and converted to Catholicism in 1567, which thereby also turned the religion of the city.

Wiesensteig experienced more witch trials in 1583 (25 dead) , 1605 (14 dead) , 1611 (5 dead) .

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/ Wiesensteig_witch_trial

Zodiac Sign Sagittarius

by: High Priestess, Lady Gloriana

hydra blood and was forced to leave his home on Mount Pelion in order to gain eternal life.

As he wandered across Greece searching for immortality, he crossed paths with Zeus himself who offered him a place in the stars as the constellation Sagittarius.

Sagittarius, the centaur, is the ninth sign in the Zodiac and represents those born between Nov. 22 and Dec. 21.

Sagittarius in Mythology

The story of Sagittarius originates from Greek mythology, specifically that of Chiron, an immortal centaur who acted as teacher to many ancient Greek heroes.

He was kind and taught medicine, hunting, music and prophecy. He was a wonderful teacher to many great heroes, such as Jason and Achilles, and a friend to Heracles.

In one version of his story, he was accidentally poisoned with Heracles’

Sagittarius is often associated with the Greek god Apollo, who is also represented as a centaur.

In some stories, Apollo is said to have turned himself into a Sagittarius in order to escape from the advances of Diana, another hunting goddess with whom he was vying for attention.

The constellation of Sagittarius Chiron was allowed to die and Zeus placed his image among the stars as reward of his noble character. Sagittarius is a constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere.

It was one of the 48 constellations listed

by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy, and remains one of the 88 modern constellations today. Sagittarius is commonly represented as a centaur drawing a bow.

The constellation of Sagittarius can be seen in the night sky from late autumn to early spring.

It is located in the Milky Way and contains many interesting deep sky objects, including several star clusters and nebulae.

One of the most notable features of Sagittarius is the Lagoon Nebula, a giant cloud of interstellar gas and dust where new stars are being born.

Sagittarius in Astrology Saggitarius Ruling Planet and Sign Sagittarius is a fire sign known for their adventurous and outgoing nature, Saggitarius individuals are guided by their ruling planet, Jupiter, which gives them a sense of optimism and enthusiasm for life.

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Zodiac Sign Sagittarius

Saggitarius Personality Traits

Personality-wise, Saggitarius people are typically friendly, gregarious, and openminded. They enjoy being around others, and they thrive in social situations where they can learn something new or share their own knowledge with others. At the same time, however, Saggitarius individuals can be impulsive and impatient at times, looking for constant stimulation from new experiences.

https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Zodiac/Sagittarius/sagittarius.html