Month: November 2013

Anthropomancy

Anthropomancy

Divination of human entrails. This horrid form of divination is very ancient. Herodotus wrote that Menelaus practiced it when detained in Egypt because of contrary winds. Because of his barbarous curiosity he sacrificed two country children in order to discover his destiny.

Also, Heligabalus practiced anthropomancy.


Julian the Apostate incorporated anthropomancy in his magical operations. He had large numbers of children killed so he could read their entrails. During his last experiment at Carra, in Mesopotamia, he enclosed himself within the Temple of the Moon, and having performed all manner of evil within, he had the Temple doors sealed and placed a guard there so no one would enter until his return. However, he was killed in battle with the Persians. When men of Julian’s successor entered the Temple at Carra they discovered a woman hanging by her hair with her liver torn out.


It is speculated that the infamous Gilles De Laval also performed such hideous species of this divination.

Amulets

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.
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 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.

Amniomancy

Amniomancy

A form of divination practiced by using a caul, or membrane which sometimes envelopes a child’s head at birth. From inspecting the caul wise women would foretell the future of the baby. If its color is red then happy days or good fortune were ahead for the child, but if it is lead-colored then misfortune laid in the child’s path.

Alomancy

Alomancy

 

A form of divination by using salt. The diviner interprets future events by analyzing the patterns in which the grains fall, or travel through the air when thrown. Probably such practices gave rise to the beliefs that spilling salt is unlucky, and throwing a little salt over one’s left shoulder wards off misfortune.

Aleuromancy

Aleuromancy

An ancient divinatory practice which utilized flour. Sentences were written on pieces of paper, each of which was rolled up in a little ball of flour The balls of flour were thoroughly mixed up nine times and then divided amongst the curious, who anxiously waited to learn their fate. The custom lingered in remote areas into the nineteenth century.


Apollo, who supposedly presided over this divination form, was surnamed Aleuromantis.

Alectromancy (or Alectryomancy)

Alectromancy (or Alectryomancy)

An ancient divinatory for that utilized a cock. When practicing this divination a circle which was divided into as many parts as there were in the alphabet was drawn in a closed place. Then a wheat-corn was placed in each section beginning with the first letter, or A. Whoever placed the corn must recite a certain incantation while doing it. The time for this divination is when the sun or moon is in Aries or Leo.


The cock must be young and white. When his claws are cut off he is forced to swallow both of them together with a small roll of parchment made of lambskin upon which have been previously written words. Now the diviner holding the cock must repeat a certain incantation or conjuration. Next, when putting the cock with the circle, he must recite two verses of the Psalms, which are exactly the midmost of the seventy-two verses in the entry on Onimancy, and it should be noted on the authority of an ancient Rabbi that there is not anything within these seventy-two verses which is not of some use within Kabbalism.


The cock, being in the circle, is observed to see from which of the letters he peck the grains, and upon these others must be quickly placed because frequently some words often contain the same letter two or three times. The letters should be written down and assembled, for they will infallibly reveal the name of the person concerning whom the inquiry was made.


A story of doubt concerns the magician Iamblicus who used this divination to discover the successor of Valens Caesar in the Roman Empire. . However, the bird just pecked four grains that spelled “T h e o.” This left a great uncertainty. The letters could stand for “Theodosius,” “Theodotus,” “Theodorus,” or “Theodectes.” When Valens heard of this divination he had several persons murdered whose names began with these letters. The magician to escape his known fate drank a draught of poison.
This form of divination resembles the use of a planchette or ouija board.
Another form of Alectromacy is sometimes practiced when a cock crows or is heard crowing.


Another version of the above divinatory incident was related by Ammanius Marcellinus in the fourth century AD. In this version the ritual is described somewhat differently. Sorcerers begun by placing a basin made of different metals on the ground and drawing around it at equal distances the letters of the alphabet. Then the sorcerer possessing the deepest occult knowledge would come forth, enveloped in a long veil, holding in his hands branches of vervain, and letting forth dreadful cries which were accompanied by hideous convulsions. Eventually, almost immediately, he would stop before the basin where he became rigid and motionless. He, then, struck with the branch in his hand upon a letter several times, and then proceeded doing likewise on other letters until the sufficient amount was selected to form a heroic verse which was then given out to the assembly.


Wnen the Emperor Valens was informed of this divinatory ritual, he was so appalled that the infernal powers had been consulted concerning his destiny that he ordered that not only the sorcerers but all the philosophers in Rome be severely punished that many lost their lives.


Details of the performance of Alectryomancy are exactly and curiously described in the fourth song of the Caquet Bonbec, written by the 14th century poet Jonquieres.

Aeromancy

Aeromancy

A form of divination of foretelling future events by observing atmospheric phenomena such as when a death of a great man is foretold by the appearance of a comet.


Francois la Tour Blanche stated that aeromancy is the art of fortune-telling by spectres which are made to appear in the air, or the representation by the aid of demons which are projected on the clouds as if by a magic lantern. “As for the thunder and lightening,” he added, “these are concerned with the auguries, and the aspect of the sky and of the planets belong to the science of astrology.”


Within Christianity an act of aeromancy might be thought of as the phenomena of the star over Bethlehem when Christ was born.

A Little Humor for Your Day – A Bridge to Hawaii

A Bridge to Hawaii

A man was walking along a California beach and stumbled across an old lamp. He picked it up and rubbed it and out popped a genie!

The genie said, “OK. You released me from the lamp, blah, blah blah. This is the fourth time this month and I’m getting a little sick of these wishes. So you can forget about getting three wishes. You only get one wish.

The man sat down on the beach and thought about it for awhile. Then he said, “I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii; but I’m scared to fly and I get very seasick. Could you build me a bridge to Hawaii so that I can drive over there to visit?”

The genie laughed and said, “That’s impossible! Think of the logistics of that! How would the supports ever reach the bottom of the Pacific? Think of how much concrete… how much steel…! No. Think of another wish.”

The man tried to think of another wish. Finally, he said, “I’ve been married and divorced several times. My wives always said that I don’t care and that I’m insensitive. So I wish that I could understand women… know how they feel inside and what they’re thinking when they give me the silent treatment…know why they’re crying…know what they really want when they say, ‘Nothing’…know how to make them truly happy….”

The genie said, “You want that bridge two lanes or four?”

Daily Feng Shui News for Nov. 22 – ‘Go for a Ride Day’

On ‘Go For A Ride Day’ I thought that I might share some ‘Car Shui.’ Never leave garbage inside your car. Feng Shui considers this ‘car clutter’ that creates a negative and distracting environment. If you want to lift the car’s energies and keep yourself alert, put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball so that it can release its subtle scent inside the car. And always listen to music that you enjoy. This will keep your journeys enjoyable while also making your rides rock.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Animal Spirit for Nov. 22nd is Raven

Your Animal Spirit for Today
November 22, 2013

Raven

Raven has long been known as the magical bird—the one who carries our messages and our prayers to spirit. Raven has been called a shape-shifter, and his message to you today is one of change—expect the unexpected, but know that Raven is flying close and will help you transform life’s challenges into life’s greatest blessings.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Nov. 22nd is The Cat

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Cat

The Cat represents the need for stealth and the freedom to act without restrictions. Acting stealthily in no way implies the need for underhanded behavior. Instead the suggestion here is to move quietly towards your goals and reach out for them when they are within range. It also denotes a need to free yourself from restrictions imposed by others.

As a daily card, The Cat suggests that the opportunity to attain your goals is very strong at the moment. However, you need to keep your intentions to yourself and shed whatever limitations have been put on you by others.

Today’s Tarot Card for Nov. 22 is The Hierophant

The Hierophant

Friday, Nov 22nd, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally known as the Hierophant, this card refers to a Master and the learning of practical lessons from the study of Natural Law. This energy of this card points to some agent or resource that can reveal the secrets of life, the cycles of the moon and tides, the links between human beings and the heavens.

Because monasteries were the only places a person could learn to read and write in the middle ages, a Hierophant was one to whom a student would petition for entry. He was the one to set the curriculum for the neophyte’s course of study.

Often pictured with the right hand raised in blessing, the Hierophant is linked with the ancient lineage of Melchezidek, initiator of the Hebrew priestly tradition, the one who passes on the teachings. All shamans of any tradition draw upon this archetype.

Pick Up Lines By The Signs

Pick Up Lines By The Signs

_____________________________________________________

Aries I’m on fire. Can I run through your sprinkler?

Taurus I just had to come talk with you. Sweetness is my weakness.

Gemini Do you have any overdue library books? ‘Cause you’ve got the word “fine” written all over.

Cancer Can I borrow a quarter? I want to call my mom and tell her I just met the person I’m going to marry.

Leo Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

Virgo Baby, you must be a broom, ’cause you just swept me off my feet.

Libra If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I’d be walking through my garden forever.

Scorpio Your place or mine?

Sagittarius Hi, I’m writing a term paper on the finer things in life. Can I interview you?

Capricorn Have you always been this cute, or did you have to work at it?

Aquarius You’re hot. You must be the reason for global warming.

Pisces Are you as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside?

The Daily Horoscopes for Friday, November 22

Although the days might be cooling off, our enthusiasm is firing up. We’re more optimistic about the future now that the radiant Sun is traveling through confident Sagittarius. We want to take care of those we love since the Moon is in nurturing Cancer, and her shift into generous Leo at 6:56 pm EST warms our hearts. Although good news may have us looking up, paying attention to feelings that lurk in the shadows further enriches our lives.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The current shift in your awareness is noticeable today as the Sun begins its visit to your 9th House of Adventure. The thought of doing something exciting makes you smile, although you may not be able to turn your most exotic ideas into a concrete plan. Ultimately, you need to find new ways to express your freedom, so don’t be too eager now to surrender it without gaining something in return.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Relationships grow more complicated as the Sun makes its way through your 8th House of Deep Sharing. You want real intimacy now, and may not be as willing to remain with someone just because it’s safe. Even if security is important to you, don’t take the easy way out. It’s not worth sacrificing your needs just so you can be with someone. Being true to yourself now will make you a better partner in the long run.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may be more willing to open up your heart and share your feelings with a special friend now that the warming rays of the Sun are shining in your 7th House of Partners. Thankfully, others will be quite receptive to your overtures these days. You could be pleasantly surprised that you can find happiness once you remember to express yourself freely without worry or fear of what anyone else might think.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might have withdrawn a bit over the past couple of days, yet your interactions with others may become much more interesting now. Although your feelings could trigger childhood memories, it’s still important to distinguish what happened in your past from the current situation. Allow yourself the chance to connect emotionally with someone you trust to help you through the process. Experiencing give and take in the present moment can greatly enrich your journey.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You are stepping into a fun-filled phase when your life lightens up and you want to express yourself in a more playful manner. Even if it’s challenging to find the satisfaction you’re seeking, you still might be willing to move forward with anticipation now, rather than close down in fear. It’s certainly more pleasurable to be with those you love than spending your time alone wishing for company. Take a chance and invite someone to join you for a memorable experience.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are not all that interested in overdoing anything, for self-discipline typically comes easily to you. However, today you may need to manage a new set of issues around your current responsibilities and your desire to spend time with your family. Even if you wish you could let your work slide, you still must follow through on what you started prior to partaking in any relaxation or recreation. Meeting your obligations first allows you to have guilt-free playtime later on.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You don’t mind being so busy now, but it isn’t a smart idea to equate too much activity with happiness. It’s challenging to know what is enough or when to stop, and you could exhaust yourself before realizing that you can’t keep up with all that you started. Even if your weekend calendar is already set, don’t be afraid to cut back on your schedule. It’s better to have more free time than not have enough time to do what you want. There’s a healthy balance between pleasing others and pleasing yourself.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You have had some intense experiences recently and thankfully are at the threshold of a more relaxing phase now. Instead of continuing to dig deeper into your feelings, today is a good day to stabilize a current situation. Fortunately, this change of attitude can also be a relief to the people closest to you. Your newfound confidence could have you spending too much money these days, so keep an eye on your resources to make sure you’re using them wisely.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It’s a smart idea to consciously make use of your birthday month by taking the time to do those things you have set aside because responsibilities called you elsewhere. The bright beams of the Sun shifted into your sign last night, bringing you good luck, new opportunities and exciting adventures. Do what you do best; inspire others by living your life to the fullest.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Concentrating on your work is nearly impossible today because your thoughts are already focusing on the weekend once the Sun shifts into your 12th House of Imagination, encouraging your fantasies to take flight. Your mind is bouncing around all over the place and there doesn’t seem to be much you can do to stop it. Instead of resisting the temptation or denying your intuition, give yourself permission to follow your daydreams and see where they lead.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may receive much-needed support now that the Sun is pushing through your 11th House of Friends. Nevertheless, the dramatic Leo Moon reminds you of just how bored you become if you can’t break free from your everyday routine. You are more interested in pursuing creative activities now than showing up for your regular tasks. Be thankful that others are there for you, but don’t expect them to help you escape from whatever responsibilities that could be holding you back. If you must show your rebellious nature, be prepared to pursue your dreams on your own.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You could stir up all kinds of trouble today, especially if you start more projects than you can possibly finish. Your smartest approach is to avoid overload and pare back your commitments as much as possible. Don’t wait until others have become fully dependent upon you, for it will be more difficult to make changes once they do. However, there’s no reason to eliminate all pleasurable activities or you will likely have regrets later on. Find a way to have some fun without turning your life upside down.

Your Weekend Love Horosopes for Nov. 22 – 24

Weekend Love Horoscopes

November 22-24: Showcase Your Heart

Maria DeSimone Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

This weekend’s magnanimous Leo Moon will have you ready to party hearty! Leo is all about romance and entertainment: This sign wants to live and love out loud. You’ll surely have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the very best of this weekend when it comes to social and romantic fun. In fact, you might be ready to send a grand gesture to someone special, leaving them with no doubt they hold your heart in their hands.

On Saturday, committed partnership is also supported, thanks to a positive link between Venus and Saturn. Isn’t it wonderful when you know you can truly rely on your mate? That’s what you’ll feel on Saturday, for sure. If you’ve recently started to date someone and realize that the love match has potential, it’s possible this weekend you’ll decide to make it an exclusive relationship.

The only potential rub in what will otherwise be a fabulous weekend is that on Sunday the Sun will square off with Neptune. Ladies, especially — you might not see the men in your lives very clearly. Is he up on a pedestal with halos all around him? Well … just make sure he deserves this sainthood status you’ve endowed him with.

Happy Birthday, Sagittarius!

Happy Birthday, Sagittarius!

Let’s hear it for the zodiac’s adventurous Archer

Maria DeSimone   Maria DeSimone on the topics of sagittarius, birthdays, astrology

It’s your birthday and you’re ready to shout it from the rooftops! It’s not that you’re looking for adoration or a bunch of gifts — nah, that’s not your style. You, Sagittarius, are simply so darned happy and grateful to be on this planet and you want to celebrate the fact that you have another year of adventures to look forward to. For you, life is, has and always will be about the journey. With each birthday comes the opportunity to make that journey even more phenomenal.

A progressive party

Exploring your intellectual, physical and spiritual horizons are what make life worth living in your eyes. As a result, you’re always seeking a new way to grow whether through travel, study or a pie in the sky adventure. In addition, you tend to eagerly pursue insight the way other signs go after fame or riches. On your birthday you will most appreciate words of wisdom from a mentor you respect.

You’re zealous, optimistic and brutally honest.  You may be short on tact however — especially when someone asks your opinion … or gets you a birthday gift you don’t like. You’re not one to sugarcoat the truth, and for some, that pill is hard to swallow! You might also have a self-righteous streak if you believe unflinchingly in one of your ideologies. Remember that everyone is allowed to have an opinion, and if it’s not in line with yours, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s wrong. On the bright side, you’re filled with faith and a happy go lucky attitude. You know things will always work out and that no matter what life throws at you, you’ll always land on your feet.

Daily Cosmic Calenda for Novemer 22nd

The cosmic good news is that the Sun is just beginning its 30-day march through adventurous, enthusiastic and goal-oriented Sagittarius. The challenging news is that the lunar orb — while prominent in its natural abode of Cancer — is carrying the extra weight of being in void mode, pointing you more toward understanding past karma than in initiating bold, new actions.  Research and in-depth studies are recommended as the Sun forms a parallel to Pluto (6:48AM). Consider a parallel — where both celestial bodies are the same number of degrees north or south of the Celestial Equator — to be similar to a conjunction in the zodiac. Do your best to stay serene around the time-period this Sun-Pluto connection is influential as it does have a shadow component where extreme actions can boomerang with nasty results.  Once the Moon leaves void mode in Cancer by entering Leo (3:58PM), let your inner-child roam free for a change of pace. Be a creative whirlwind as the Moon forms a harmonious trine with the Sun in fire signs (5:50PM). Games of strategy are in play tonight when Pallas forms a 45-degree tie with fun-loving Jupiter (8:45PM). You can tweak this somewhat frictional aspect away from mental fatigue and toward enjoyment as a problem-solver and high-achiever. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Current Moon Phase for Nov. 22 is Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /68% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.