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A Amulets, Talismans, Charms
Angel/Angels
Amulets
The usage
of amulets seems universal stemming from the human desire for protection.
The existence seems to extend from the cave dwellers to the present. As
objects they come and go with fashion, taking on different designs and shapes,
but their purpose remains the same. No matter how civilized a culture may
be, the amulets are present.
An amulet is a small object with the power to protect the wearer against misfortune. It is usually worn around the neck. Objects used to make amulets are thought to have special abilities and include part of the human or animal body, roots, seeds, precious stones and metals, coins, or religious symbols. Most often a stone or piece of metal is used, usually with an inscription or figures engraved on it. Popular amulets are the four-leaf clover and the cross. A talisman stimulates the positive, while the amulet protects against the negative.
A different kind of amulet is the written amulet. The holy word or sentence is powerful when spoken, but also when written. In some cases even more powerful because it works automatically and permanently. It was generally believed that the more mysterious the writing (i.e. obscure symbols, strange languages) the more powerful the amulet was supposed to be. The bindrune is another popular form of amulet, in which several runes were brought together into one "super-rune", which was supposed to have much greater magic powers than the runes separately.
The use of amulets is very old. The ancients Egyptians wore them, and so did the Greeks, where it was called phylakterion. In primitive and ancient cultures, the amulet was thought to be protection against both natural and unnatural misfortunes like diseases, snake-bites, the evil eye, demons, wizardry, etc. The popularity of amulets was great amongst Christians. So great even, that in 721 the Christian church forbade the making and wearing of them completely. Throughout the Middle East the practice of wearing amulets is almost universal.
The term amulet is derived from either the Latin word amuletum
or the old atin term amoletum which means, "means of defense."
Pliny, the Roman naturalist, described three types of amulets: those which
offered protection against trouble and adversity; those which provided a
medical or prophylatic treatment; and substances used as medicine.
Among ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Arabs,
and Hebrews great importance was placed on the use of amulets. The Egyptians
employed them everywhere. The frog protected fertility; ankhs symbolized
everlasting life and generation; the udjat, or eye, was for good
health, comfort, and protection against evil; the scarab beetle was for
resurrection after death and protection against evil magic. One of the most notable amulets of ancient Egypt is
the Eye of Horus.
Cylinder seals were used as amulets by the Assyrians and Babylonians. Within
them were embedded semiprecious and precious stones; each stone supposedly
possessed its own unique magical powers. There were various animal shaped
amulets; such as, the ram for virility; and the bull for virility and strength.
The Arabs, too, had amulets protecting them against evil. Small sacks containing
dust from tombs were worn. They also wore pieces of paper on which were
written prayers, spells, magical names or the powerful attributes of God
such as "the compassionate" and "the forgiver."
The Hebrews wore crescent moons to ward off the evil eye and they attached
bells to their garments to ward off evil spirits.
In Africa the natives were discovered having amulets too which the Western
explorers and missionaries called fetishes. The fetish symbolized
protection to the natives.
Historically the two most universal symbols of amulets have been the eye
and the phallic symbols. Eyes are thought to protect against evil spirits
and are found on tombs, walls, utensils, and jewelry. The phallic symbol,
represented by horns and hands, is protection against the evil eye.
The names of God and magical words and numbers have generally been thought
to provide protection and fashioned into amulets. These methods of gaining
protection extend back to antiquity and were extremely popular during the
Renaissance to the early 19th century. Accompanying these were the grimoires,
books of magical instruction written for and by magicians. In magic, using
the name of a deity is the same as drawing down divine power. This is the
reason why portions of grimoires resemble prayer books.
The Tetragrammation, the Hebrew personal name for God- -YHWH and pronounced
Yahweh"- - , is believed to be very powerful in magic operations and
has been fashioned into amulets by different spellings. It is believed to
help magicians in conjuring up demons and give him protections from negative
spirits.
The SATOR square (see Magic Squares) has also been fashioned into amulets. Throughout the
centuries attempts have been made to decipher the squire but it still remains
unintelligible. It was discovered on walls and vassals of ancient Rome.
In amulet form it is considered to be protection against sorcery, poisonous
air, colic, pestilence, and for protecting cow's milk against witchcraft.
Most all cultures hold the belief that sacred religious books such as the
Koran, Torah, and Bible possess protective powers. Bits of parchment containing
quotes from these books are carried in leather pouches, silver boxes, or
like containers as amulets. Ancient pagans wore figurines of their gods
as amulets. The remnant of this custom is still seen in the Catholic religion
where some members still wear scapulars and medals of the saints.
Many pagans and witches presently wear jewelry fashioned in amuletic designs
with their protective purpose in mind.
Sources: 4.
9.
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Angel/Angels
An immortal being who lives in the spirit world and serves as an intermediary between God and humanity. The word "angel" is derived from the Greek angelos and the Latin angelus, which means "messenger." In religion angels belong to the class of beings known as demons; they may be either friendly or hostile to humankind.
Sources: 9.
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C
Candles, Colors and Magickal Uses
Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Celtic Trees
Chakra/Chakras
Channeling
Chinese Art Symbols
Candles, Colors and Magickal Uses
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Celtic Gods and Goddesses
AGRICULTURE
Brigit, White Lady, Epona, Lugh,
Bel, The Horned God, Ameathon.
ANIMALS
Epona, Rhiannon, Brigantia,
Cerridwen, Cernunnos, Bel, Herne, Bran the Blessed,The Horned
God, Nuada, Anu, Manannan mac Lir.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Brigit, Cerridwen, the Dagda,
Lugh, Ogma, Taliesin, Merlin, Bran the Blessed, Manannan mac
Lir.
BEAUTY
Arianrhod, Branwyn, Creiddylad,
Nuada, Angus mac Og.
BLESSINGS
CALM
Rhiannon, Branwyn, Creiddylad,
Arianrhod, Anu.
CREATOR GOD/DESS
Arianrhod, Dan, the Dagda.
CRONE ASPECT
Morgan Le Fay, Cerridwen, Macha.
DEATH
Morrigu, Creiddylad, Cerridwen,
White Lady, Arawn, Gwynn ap Nudd, the Dagda, Ogma, Pwyll, Anu,
Caillech, Don, Macha.
DIVINATION
Brigit, Taliesin, Merlin.
EARTH GOD/DESS
Cerridwen, Blodeuwedd, Creiddylad,
the Dagda, Cernunnos, Anu, Tailtiu.
ENCHANTMENTS
Brigit, Cerridwen, Morrigu,
Rhiannon, Banba, Gwydion, Math Mathonwy, Merlin, Taliesin, Nuada.
FERTILITY
Arianrhod, Brigit, Cerridwen,
Brigantia, Macha, Herne, Cernunnos, Bel, Epona, Manannan mac Lir, the
Horned God, Anu, Rhiannon.
FIRE
Brigit, Merlin, the Dagda, Bel.
GREAT GOD/DESS
Cerridwen, Danu, Macha, Morrigu,
Brigit, Anu, Bel, Rhiannon, the Dagda, Badb.
HEALING
Brigit, Cernunnos, Bel, Lugh,
Merlin, Taliesin, Gwydion, the Dagda, Nuada, Epona.
HORSES
Epona, Rhiannon, Manannan mac
Lir.
HUNTER/HUNTRESS
Morrigu, Cernunnos, Herne the
Hunter, Epona, Nicneven.
KNOWLEDGE
Brigit, the Dagda, Taliesin,
Merlin, Cerridwen, Taranis.
LOVE
Branwyn, Brigit, Mab, Creiddylad,
Angus mac Og.
MAGIC
Morrigu, Rhiannon, Cerridwen,
Brigit, Danu, Banba, Lugh, the Dagda, Gwydion, Ogma, Manannan mac
Lir, Math Mathonwy, Taliesin, Merlin, Nuada, Taranis.
MOON
Morrigu, Danu, Brigit, Mab,
Blodeuwedd, Cerridwen, Cernunnos, Herne, Arianrhod, Nimue.
MOTHER GODDESS
MOTHERHOOD
MUSIC
Rhiannon, Curnunnos, Lugh, Ogma,
Taliesin, the Dagda, Bran the Blessed, Nuada.
PSYCHIC ABILITIES
Brigit, Morrigu, Merlin, Taliesin,
Cerridwen, Cernunnos, the Dagda.
REINCARNATION
The Dagda, Manannan mac Lir,
Cernunnos, Ogma, Arianrhod, Cerridwen.
SORCERER/SORCERESS
Danu, Gwydion, Manannan mac
Lir, Math Mathonwy, Nuada, Merlin, Taliesin, Lugh, Cerridwen.
SPELLS
Brigit, Merlin, Nuada, Ogma,
Gwydion, Taliesin, Cerridwen.
SUN
Bel, the Dagda, Lugh, Bran the
Blessed.
THE UNDERWORLD
Arawn, Pwyll, Gwynn ap Nudd,
Don, the White Lady, Cerridwen, Llyr, Rhiannon.
WITCHCRAFT
Morrigu, Brigit, Nicneven, Cerridwen
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Celtic Trees
Find your birthday and then find your tree. Somewhat accurate, also in line with Celtic astrology.
Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir TreeJan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm TreeJan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress TreeFeb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar TreeFeb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar TreeFeb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine TreeMar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow TreeMar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime TreeMar 21 - Oak TreeMar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut TreeApr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan TreeApr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple TreeApr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut TreeMay 01 to May 14 - Poplar TreeMay 15 to May 24 - Chestnut TreeMay 25 to Jun 03 - Ash TreeJun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam TreeJun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig TreeJun 24 - Birch TreeJun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple TreeJul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir TreeJul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm TreeJul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress TreeAug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar TreeAug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar TreeAug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine TreeSep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow TreeSep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime TreeSep 23 - Olive TreeSep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut TreeOct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan TreeOct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple TreeOct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut TreeNov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut TreeNov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash TreeDec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam TreeDec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig TreeDec 22 - Beech TreeDec 23 to Dec 31 - Apple Tree
APPLE TREE (the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a
carefree philosopher with imagination.
ASH TREE (the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.
BEECH TREE (the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports,etc.)
BIRCH TREE (the inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.
CEDAR TREE (the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.
CHESTNUT TREE (the Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily
and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.
CYPRESS TREE (the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.
ELM TREE (the Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.
FIG TREE (the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
FIR TREE (the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity,sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends toegoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, veryambitious, talented, industrious, uncontented lover, many friends,many foes, very reliable. HAZELNUT TREE (the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding,very understanding, knows how to make an impression, activefighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover,honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment. HORNBEAM TREE (the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for itslooks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life ascomfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life,looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner,dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings,mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, veryconscientious. LIME TREE (the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in acomposed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes lazinessand idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, manytalents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, oftenwailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.
MAPLE TREE (Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full ofimagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud,self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous,has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicatedlove life, wants to impress. OAK TREE (the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong,unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps itsfeet on the ground, person of action. OLIVE TREE (the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings,reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant,cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive,empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company ofsophisticated people. PINE TREE (the Particular) - loves agreeable company, veryrobust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural,good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but itspassion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everythingdisappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical. POPLAR TREE (the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not veryself-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwilland pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, greatanimosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean towardphilosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously. ROWAN TREE (the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.
WALNUT TREE (the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.
WEEPING WILLOW (the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.
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Chakra/Chakras
In yoga vortices that penetrate the body and the body's aura, through which various energies, including the universal life force, are received, transformed and distributed. Chakras are believed to play a vital role in physical, mental and emotional health and in spiritual development. They are invisible to ordinary sight but may be perceived clairvoyantly. Some people say they can activate the chakras to whirl faster and can direct the flow of energy through them.
Chakras is Sanskrit for "wheel." Chakras are said to be shaped like multicolored lotus petals or spoked wheels that whirl at various speeds at they process energy.
The seven major etheric chakras are:
The Root
The Sacral
The Solar Plexus
The Heart
The Throat
The Brow
The Crown
The Root:
Located at the base of the spine and is the seat of Kundalini.
The Sacral:
Lies near the genitals and governs sexuality and reproduction. It has six spokes and is primarily red.
The Solar Plexus:
Rests just above the navel. It has ten spokes and is predominantly green and light red. It is associated with emotions and is the point where astral energy enters the etheric field.
The Heart (Anahata):
Has twelve glowing golden petals and is located midway between the shoulder blades, in the center of the chest. It governs the thymus gland and influences immunity to disease. It is linked to higher consciousness and unconditional love.
The Throat (Visuddha):
Is a sixteen-spoke wheel of silvery blue that is associated with creativity and self-expression and the search for truth. It is prominent in musicians, singers, composers and public speakers.
The Brow (Ajna):
Located between the eyebrows, is called the third eye for its influence over psychic sense and spiritual enlightenment. It has ninety-six spokes, half of which radiate a yellow-rose color and half of which radiate blue and purple. This chakras is associated with the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, intelligence, intuition and psychic powers called Siddhis in Hindu yoga.
The Crown (Sahasrara):
Which just above the top of the head. Its 972 spokes radiate a glowing purple, the most spiritual of colors. It is not associated with any glands, but reveals the individual's level of conscious evolution. The crown cannot be activated until all the other chakras are refined and balanced.
Sources: 9.
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Channeling
A form of mediumship in which information is communicated from a source perceived to be different from the conscious self. Sources are identified variously as nonphysical beings, angels, nature spirits, totem or guardian spirits, deities, demons, extraterrestrials, spirits of the dead and the Higher Self. Channeling is done is a dissociated or altered state of consciousness. As mediumship it has existed in virtually all cultures throughout history and has gone through cycles of acceptance and rejection.
Sources: 9.
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Chinese Art Symbols
Although many diverse cultures have carved jade, it is really the Chinese who have raised it to the level of an art. Most pieces follow classical patterns and motifs; we list some of the more common symbols and a brief summary of meaning.
- Apple (apple blossom): feminine beauty. A basket of apples symbolizes peace.
- Apricot: emblem of the 'fair sex'
- Almond: see apricot
- Archer's ring: scholarship and prestige
- Axe: symbolic of the marriage go-between
- Bamboo: longevity, hardiness, durability
- Bat: good fortune
- Bear: bravery and strength; a potent charm against robbers
- Bee: industry and thrift
- Bell: respect, veneration and obedience to one's superiors
- Broom: insight, wisdom; the 'sweeping away' of worries
- Buddha Hand (citron plant): wealth, or its acquisition
- Butterfly: immortality
- Carp: perseverance; also, as "dragon of the sea", watchfulness
- Cat: protector against evil spirits of the night. (Double cats are symbolic of conjugal bliss.)
- Chrysanthemum: joviality; a life of ease after retirement
- Cicada: immortality and resurrection; conductor to the next life
- Coin: prosperity, wealth
- Conch shell: a prosperous voyage; a symbol of royalty
- Crane: longevity and old age; conveyor of souls to the heavens
- Cricket: emblematic of courage; a symbol of summer
- Crow: red or golden: filial piety; black (raven) is an omen of evil
- Cherry: as a tree: hardiness; as a fruit: feminine beauty
- Deer: long life (and a homonym for "payment")
- Dog: fidelity
- Dog of "Fo" (actually a form of lion): energy and valor; protector
- Dove (or pigeon): faithfulness, filial duty; impartiality
- Dragon: emperor; strength; yang principal; lord of aquatic creatures
- Duck: felicity; conjugal fidelity (also double duck: connubial bliss)
- Eagle, Falcon: boldness, keen vision; authority
- Eight trigrams: forces of nature (I Ching)
- Elephant: strength, sagacity and wisdom
- Fire: danger, speed, anger and ferocity
- Fish: abundance, fertility; (Double fish: connubial bliss, harmony)
- Flywhisk: leadership, mercy
- Fox: craftiness, cunning, "mischief" in love affairs
- Frog: good fortune in gambling or money-making. The Three-Legged Frog symbolizes 'magic' or the 'unattainable'.
- Fungus (or mushroom): longevity or immortality
- Goat (also sheep): emblem of a retired life
- Gourd: magic
- Heart: one of the five centers of emotional feelings; cycle of love
- Horse: speed and perseverance
- Hydra (or split-tailed dragons): young dragons; playfulness
- Ju-I: a "scepter" symbolic of Buddhist principals; a guide
- Key pattern (meander): thunder and clouds
- Kwan Yin or Quan Yin(Lady of Mercy): mercy, compassion
- Knot: longevity, true love, "wheel" of life
- Leaf: emblem of felicity
- Lion: valor and energy (see "Dog of Fo")
- Lotus: purity, enlightenment
- Lohan: Buddhist ascetic
- Lute: one of the four signs of a scholar; a symbol of marital happiness
- Monkey: trickery; warder off of evil spirits
- Moon: darkness, yin principal
- Ox (cow): spring; agriculture
- Palm: retired life
- Peach: longevity
- Pear: wise and benevolent government
- Pearl: purity, feminine beauty
- Pi (perforated disc): power and authority; early pagan symbol of sun
- Pig: protector of wealth
- Pine: longevity, hardiness
- Phoenix empress; the yang principle
- Plum (prunus): longevity, hardiness. Pine, prunus and bamboo are known as the "three friends" because they stay green in the winter. Often shown together, all three symbolize longevity and vitality.
- Pomegranate: fertility
- Quail: courage, pugnacity
- Rat: industry and prosperity
- Rice grains: fecundity; good harvest
- Sheep: emblem of a retired life
- Stork (usually depicted with pine): longevity
- Spider: protector against evil spirits
- Sun: essence of the male principal in nature
- Tael: Chinese unit of gold weight; symbolic of wealth or its aquisition
- Tiger: courage, dignity, military power (lord of all land creatures)
- Tortoise: longevity, strength, endurance
- Umbrella: dignity, high rank
- Unicorn: grandeur, illustrious offspring, wise government, longevity
- Willow: meekness, spring; maidenhood
- Yin-yang: the Chinese principal of cosmic duality
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Gryphons- The Gryphon is a composite creature, made up of the Eagle (the King of the Sky) and the Lion (the King of Beasts). Gryphons appear in the mythology of many ancient cultures, as well as being a popular charge in European heraldry. Often, the gryphon is a symbol of strength and pride. One legend tells us that Alexander the Great once tried to ride to the edge of the sky on the backs of gryphons. There are many alternate spellings for gryphon. Griffin and griphon are two of the most common.
Unicorns- The Unicorn has long captured the imagination as a symbol of purity and chastity. In Medieval times, it was also called the Monoceros. The Unicorn is attracted to a virgin by her purity and scent. It can be caught when it lays its head in her lap. Unicorn horns were worth their weight in gold since they could reverse the effects of poison. When a Unicorn finds a poisoned well or fountain, he purifies it by dipping his horn in it, or by making the sign of the Cross above the water with his horn.
Mermaids- The mermaid has the upper half of a young woman's body, yet her hindquarters are those of a fish. She is an animal, in no way human, and she has no soul. She is vain, and can often be found combing her hair while gazing at herself in a glass. The Mermaid embodies feminine vice.
Gargoyles- Since medieval times, gargoyles have leered down from the rooftops of the great cathedrals. Their faces are sometimes fierce, sometimes comical, but these stone demons were never simply decorative. In fact, gargoyles served a dual purpose. Channels were cut into the stone, providing a spout for rain to drain through. Frequently, the gargoyles were carved so that the rain drained from their open mouths. The words (gargle+ and (gurgle+ both derive from the same roots as the word (gargoyle+. The gargoyles second function was to drive away evil spirits with their hideous visages, protecting the building and all who entered therein.
Stag- Stags never become feverish, and eating a Stag's marrow will cure a fever. Some say that eating venison will ensure immortality. When a Stag become ill, he kills a serpent and eats it, because the poison is healing to them. Burning a stag's horn will keep snakes away.
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L
Labrys
Lambda
Labrys
The labrys is a double-sided hatchet or axe commonly used in ancient European, African, and Asian matriarchical societies as both a weapon and a harvesting tool. Greek artwork depicts the amazon armies of Europe wielding labrys weapons. Amazons ruled with a dual-queen system in which one queen was in charge of the army and battle, and the other queen stayed behind to administer the conquered cities. Amazons were known to be ferocious and merciless in battle, but once victorious they ruled with justice. Today, the labrys is a lesbian and feminist symbol of strength and self-sufficiency.
In addition, the labrys also played a part in ancient mythology. Demeter, the goddess of the earth, used a labrys as her sceptor.
Sources: 2.
Lambda
The lambda symbol seems to be one of the most controversial of symbols in regards to its meaning. There are several differing opinions as to why the lambda was chosen as a gay symbol and what it really means. However, most sources agree on a few things:
The lambda was first chosen as a gay symbol when it was adopted in 1970 by the New York Gay Activists Alliance. It became the symbol of their growing movement of gay liberation.
In 1974, the lambda was subsequently adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress held in Edinburgh, Scotland. As their symbol for lesbian and gay rights, the lambda became internationally popular.
But where history ends, speculation begins. No one seems to have a definitive answer why the lambda was originally chosen as a gay symbol. Some suggest that it is simply the Greek lower-case letter i for liberation. Others disagree, citing the use of lambda in physics to denote energy (the energy we have when we work in concert) or wavelength (are gays and lesbians on a different wavelength?).
Lambda may also denote the synergy of the gay movement, the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The lambda also may represent scales and balance, and the constant force that keeps opposing sides from overcoming each other -- the hook at the bottom of the right leg signifies the action needed to reach and maintain balance.
The ancient Greek Spartans regarded the lambda to mean unity, while the Romans considered it "the light of knowledge shed into the darkness of ignorance." Reportedly, Ancient Greeks placed the lambda on shields of Spartan warriors, who were often paired off with younger men in battle. (There was a theory that warriors would fight more feircely knowing that their lovers were both watching and fighting alongside them)
Sources: 2.
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M
Magic
Magic Squares
Magick
Mirror
Magic
The ability to effect change in accordance with one's will and by invoking the supernatural. The change is accomplished through ritual, in which cosmos powers, supernatural forces, deities or other non-physical beings, or the forces of nature are invoked and made subservient to the will of the magician. Magic has existed universally since ancient times. The forms of magic range from low sorcery, or spell casting, to high or ceremonial magic, which is a Western mystical path to God. All forms of magic traditionally are secret arts taught only to initiates.
The term "magic" derives from the Greek megus, meaning "great." Magic is often called "white," "black," or "gray," for good, evil, or neutral; yet magic itself is amoral - it is the magician's intent that is good or evil.
Sources: 9.
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Magic Squares
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Magick
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Mirror
A gateway to magic, the supernatural, the soul and the mysteries of the universe. Since ancient times, mirrors - as well as all smooth, reflective surfaces - have been used for divination, magic and repelling evil; they have also been greatly feared for their power to steal the soul. In recent times mirrors have been used as tools in psychic development and to increase clairvoyance and gain knowledge of so-called past lives.
The precursor to the mirror is the body of still water in a lake, pond, pool or bowl. The ancient Romans believed mirrors originated in Persia, where they were used by the magi for divination. The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians used mirrors made of bronze or silver; the Chinese and Hindu also used metals. Glass mirrors were introduced in the thirteenth century in Venice, but metal mirrors and polished surfaces have continued to be used throughout the centuries.
Divination with mirrors is called crystallomancy, catoptromancy and scrying. The ancient witches of Thessaly are said to have written their oracles upon mirrors with human blood.
Sources: 9.
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P
Psychometry
Psychometry
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R Runes - Magical Uses and Divinatory Meanings
Runes
Divinatory Meanings and Magical Uses of the Runes:
ALGIZ: Protection
Divinatory Meanings: Protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, an ethical dilema.
Magical Uses: For protection
ANSUZ: Odin
Divinatory Meanings: Authority figure, transformer, entering a new phase in one's life, leader, mind and body balalnce, justice, shaman, clairvoyant.
Magical Uses: For wise decisions, success, leadership, to help in divination and magic
BERKANA: Birch
Divinatory Meanings: Fertility, health, new beginnings, growth, conception, plenty clearance.
Magical Uses: Healing, achieving conception, making a fresh start
DAGAZ: Day
Divinatory Meanings: Happiness, polarity, success, activity, a fulfilling lifestyle, satisfaction.
Magical Uses: To bring a positive outcome.
EHWAZ: Horse
Divinatory Meanings: Transportation, transition, motion, assistance, energy, power, communication, will, recklessness.
Magical Uses: Power, aiding in communication, transporation; to 'send' a spell.
EIHWAZ: Yew
Divinatory Meanings: Change, initiation, defense, confrontation of fears, turning point, death, transformation.
Magical Uses: To bring about profound change, to ease a life transition.
FEHU: Cattle
Divinatory Meanings: Prosperity, money, fulfillment, wealth, concern with physical and financial needs, goals, promotion, self-esteem, centeredness, karma.
Magical Uses: For money, business, promotion, finding a job, achieving a goal, starting new enterprises.
GEBO: Gift
Divinatory Meanings: Gift, offering, relationship, love, marriage, partnership, generosity, unexpected good fortune
Magical Uses: To find or strengthen a relationship, for fertility, to mark a gift or offering, to bring luck.
Gebo is a rune of connection, particularly between people. Up until now our journey has been a solitary one. Represents places where our path intersects with others and allows us to begin to form conscious relationships.
HAGALAZ: Hail
Divinatory Meanings: Sudden loss, ordeal, destruction, disaster, clearance, testing, karmic lesson, drastic change.
Magical Uses: Removing unwanted influences, breaking destructive patterns.
INGWAZ/INGUZ: Fertility
Divinatory Meanings: Work, productivity, new beginnings, bounty, groundedness, balance, connection with the land..
Magical Uses: Fertility, farming, growth, general health, balance.
ISA: Ice
Divinatory Meanings: Inactivity, blockage, initiation, stagnation, potential, patience, reflection, withdrawal, rest.
Magical Uses: To stop a process, to represent primal form
JERA: Year, Harvest
Divinatory Meanings: Change, cycle turning, fruition, reward, motion, productivity, inevitable development.
Magical Uses: To bring change, for fertility and growth.
KANO/KENAZ: Torch
Divinatory Meanings: Wisdom, insight, opening, solution to a problem, creativity, inspiration, enlightenment..
Magical Uses: For creative inspiration, aid in study, dispelling anxiety and fear.
In modern usage, the Scottish 'ken' means to know or understand and this is the sense in which the rune should be interpreted.
LAGUZ: Water
Divinatory Meanings: Emotions, fears, life, energy, unconscious mind, things hidden, revelation, intuition, counseling.
Magical Uses: Enhancing psychic abilities, confronting fears, stabilizing mental or emotional disorders, uncovering hidden things.
MANNAZ: Man, Humankind
Divinatory Meanings: Significator, self, brotherhood, family, community, relationships, social concerns.
Magical Uses: To represent a specific person or group of people, to establish social relationships.
NAUTHIZ/NAUPIZ: Need, necessity
Divinatory Meanings: Poverty, hardship, responsibility, discontent, obstacle, frustration.
Magical Uses: To represent a need to be filled.
ODIN: Unknown
Divinatory Meanings: the non-knowable nature, the black hole of knowledge, zero by anything is still zero and it sometimes represents the darkest fears of us because it represents the nothingness we may come from and may return to.
Magical Uses: Use meditation on this concept to confront your darkest fears of our reality.
OTHILA: Property
Divinatory Meanings: Property, land, acquisition, benefits, inheritance, home, permanence, legacy, sense of belonging.
Magical Uses: For acquiring land or property, to complete a project, to strengthen family ties
PERTHRO: Things Unexplainable
Divinatory Meanings: Rebirth, mystery, magic, divination, fertility, sexuality, new beginning, prophecy
Magical Uses: Fertility, easing childbirth, to aid in divination and magic, enhancing psychic abilities.
RAIDO: Journey
Divinatory Meanings: Journey, communication, pilgrimage, change, destiny, quest, progress, life lessons.
Magical Uses: Protection for travelers, to ease or bring about change, to reconnect.
SOWELO/SOWULO: Sun
Divinatory Meanings: Protection, assistance, life goal, victory, success, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma.
Magical Uses: For protection.
TEIWAZ: Tyr
Divinatory Meanings: Duty, discipline, balance, power, responsibility, self-sacrifice, conflict, strength, a wound, physicality, the warrior path
Magical Uses: Protection, victory, strength, strengthening the will, healing a wound.
THURISAZ/PURISAZ: Giant
Divinatory Meanings: Hardship, painful event, discipline, knowledge, introspection, focus
Magical Uses: Aid in study and meditation, self-discipline, clearing out a bad situation.
URUZ: Aurochs
Divinatory Meanings: Energy, growth, strength, passion, vitality, instinct, wildness, sexuality, fertility, the unconscious, primitive mind, irrationality, shamanic experience, rite of passage.
Magical Uses: To strengthen the will, increase sexual potency and energy.
WUNJO: Glory
Divinatory Meanings: Success, recognition of achievements, rewards, joy, bliss, achievement of goals, contentment.
Magical Uses: For success in any endeavor, to motivate, to complete a task.
The last rune of the first aett, and thus represents both the end of one cycle and preparation for the next. It is a very positive, stable rune and is another place where people tend to get stalled along their journey. Like the wealth of Fehu, the glory of Wunjo is only an illusion. We have achieved success on one level only and there are many more lessons to be learned.
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Tetragrammation
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1. Heath, Maya.
Handbook of Incense,Oils and Candles.
Merlyn Press, 1996.
2. Jase P. Wells, Rainbow Icon Archive, Copyright 1996-2000
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4. Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft. New York: Facts On File, 1989.
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9. Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience. New York: Harper Collins, 1991.
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