Category: Daily Posts

The Study of Pagan Gods and Goddesses: Vidar c. 2018

Vidar

Vidar (Old Norse Víðarr), his name might mean “Wide Ruler” he is the son of the all-father Odin and the giantess Gríðr. Yes, you read that correctly, some of the Æsir have previously been together with the Jotuns, also known as giants. Some of the giants were so beautiful that even the Gods could not resist their beauty.

Vidar is the second strongest of the Æsir only Thor is stronger than him, Vidar might have inherited some of his strength from the giant side of the family. Vidar lives in Asgard in a great hall called Vidi, it’s a peaceful home and the inside looks like a garden.

Vidar is known for being very silent he loves being at peace with nature. Vidar sometimes sits for hours in his garden working on a special shoe.
This special shoe is the strongest of all the shoes and is being made from all bits and pieces of leather that shoemakers throw in the trash when making new shoes in Midgard. Vidar will use this special shoe to revenge his father’s death Odin at Ragnarok (Ragnarök).

This is when Vidar will fight the fearsome Fenris wolf, by placing one foot on Fenris’s lower jaw and pressing his hands on the upper jaw until Fenris’s mouth will be pulled apart. Ragnarok is the doom of the Gods and the end of the world. But from death, there also comes life, and Vidar is one of the few Gods who will survive Ragnarok and rebuilt the new world

—————————————

Hymn to Vidarr

Vidar1Hail to the Silent God
Who sees much and speaks little,
Who waits patiently for the moment
Of injustice that needs to be equalized.
Hail to the God called upon
When cruelty has gone so far
That there is no making things right,
Hail to the God of cold vengeance
Who does what is necessary
To even up the debt,
To bring Fate’s balance true
Quicker than entropy would allow.
Hail to the God of the Thick-Soled Shoe
Whose steps are silent
So that he might approach from behind.
Hail to you, son of Grid the Wise
And Odin the Powerful,
May I know to call upon you
Only as a last resort.

— Seawalker, Author

————————————————–

Vidar

It is said that Odin had an affair with the warrior goddess Grid, and that she bore him a son named Vidarr, who took after his father and became one of the honored Aesir Gods. He is one of the two Gods of Vengeance – the other being his half-brother Váli, as it seems that in ancient Norse culture one deity of vengeance was not enough.

Vidarr’s name may originally have meant “widely ruling”. He is known as “the Silent God”, meaning that he does not flaunt his vengeance; Vidarr is said to speak little, but be a fierce warrior when the moment is needed. It is also said that he is almost as strong as Thor, and that the Gods depend upon him in times of trouble. Some scholars theorize that his “silent God” appellation may have something to do with ancient rituals of vengeance; it may be that individuals who were preparing for a vengeance battle refrained from speaking as part of a ritual purification.

He is also known as the God of the Thick Shoe, as he is constantly in the process of building up the soles of his shoes. This is done so that if Ragnarok comes and he faces Fenrir, he will be able to put his foot on Fenrir’s enormous jaws and strike his heart through his throat. Traditionally, shoemakers (and before that, people who made their own shoes) were encouraged to dedicate the little scraps of leather they trimmed off of their new shoe soles to Vidarr, who would collect them and add them slowly to his own soles.

In the saga Grímnismál, Odin describes the halls of many Gods, including that of his son Vidarr:

Brushwood grows and high grass
widely in Vidar’s land
and there the son proclaims on his horse’s back
that he’s keen to avenge his father.

This latter point is a harbinger of the prophecy that if Ragnarok comes, Fenrir will be loosed and will slay Odin, but he will be slain in turn by Vidarr. Both brothers are said to survive Ragnarok and help to rebuild a new world after Surt’s fires have burnt down. To make an offering to Vidarr, give him a weapon – throw it into icy water, or a bog, or bury it in ice.

 

Reference

Norse Mythology

Odin’s Family Tribe of Asgard

Goddess Of The Day: VENUS c. 2011

Venus

 

 

Lupercalia (Rome)
Themes: Love; Passion; Romance; Sexuality
Symbols: Doves; Flowers; Berries; Trees; Pine Cones
About Venus: Venus was originally an Italic goddess of blossoms; hearts and flowers have slowly become attributed to her loving, passionate energies. In fact, her name became the root for the word to venerate – to lift up, worship, or esteem. So it is that Venus greets prespring efforts for uplifting our hearts with positive relationships.
To Do Today: During Lupercalia, an ancient predecessor of Valentine’s Day, single girls put their names in a box, and unmarried men drew lots to see with whom they would be paired off for the coming year. To be more modern-minded, try pinning five bay leaves to your pillow instead to dream of future loves. If you’re married or otherwise involved, steep the bay leaves in water and drink the resulting tea to strengthen the love in your relationship.
To encourage balance in a relationship, bind together Venus’s symbols, a pine cone and a flower, and put them somewhere in your home. Or, to spice up a passionate moment, feed fresh berries to each others and drink a berry beverage from one cup (symbolizing united goals and destinies).
In Roman tradition, anywhere there’s a large stone adjacent to a tall tree, Venus is also there. Should you know of such a place, go there today and commune with her warm, lusty energy.

 

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By Patricia Telesco

Daily OM – Working with Angels c. 2012

Graceful Guidance

by Madisyn Taylor

Our angels are here to help us and by calling on them for assistance they are able to do their job.

 

At some point in our lives, we are likely to find ourselves asking for help, perhaps from no one in particular, and without knowing where help could possibly come from. We may have raised our eyes skyward or whispered our need under our breath only to find that somehow we were heard, and the help we needed arrived. It might have come in the form of a person who appeared at the right time, or perhaps it came in the form of luck, chance, or divine intervention. However assistance appears, these are times when we can be sure that there are angels watching over us.
We may find ourselves asking for their help with simple things—like finding a parking spot or to watch over loved ones—but then we forgot to call on them when we found ourselves alone or in pain. We don’t need to be aware of them to receive their assistance, but there is comfort in the knowledge that they are there for us when we need them. And when we remain open to their presence, we can call on them whenever we need them to connect and be nurtured by their ethereal and heavenly energy.
As symbols of grace and gentle encouragement, they can offer us comfort as they enfold us in their wings or lift our spirit as they take flight. We may be warmed by their glow, guided by their gentle nudges or inspired by their whispers in our ears. We may hear the name of our angel and feel a personal connection, but it isn’t necessary. All they need is to be heard, to see us benefit from their guidance and perhaps to hear a word of thanks sent their way every now and then. Whether they appear in the guise of a helpful stranger, or as a thought that suddenly occurs to us, angels are our loving guides from the spiritual realm, who with a brush of their angelic wings help us to make the most of our human experience by balancing it with the spiritual awareness that all things are possible and that we are not alone.

Magick Symbols – SQUARE c. 2018

SQUARE

In contrast to the circle which often symbolizes the sacred and spiritual (including the sacred earth), the square represents the physical world. Like the quartered circle, it points pagans to the four compass directions: north, east, south and west. While the circle and “spiral” symbolize female sexuality in many earth-centered cultures, the square represents male qualities.

Since It Is Almost Planting Time, Plants and Herbs for Your Zodiac Sign c. 2019 Printable

Plants and Herbs for Your Zodiac Sign

An astrological guide to the benefits of Mother Nature

By Tarot.com Staff
Astrology, Health, Spring, Summer, Wellness, Zodiac

Which plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables are most helpful to YOUR zodiac sign? Each of the 12 signs can benefit from the properties of certain plants, which help to heal, grow, balance, and inspire. Look up your sign below and thrive by filling your garden, refrigerator, and home with these brilliant gifts from Mother Nature!

Aries is a Fire sign ruled by the planet Mars. Plants associated with this element and planet usually have thorns or prickles. They are also spicy or bitter in flavor or are red in color. Because Aries rules the head, eyes and face, the best plants for Aries are those that purify the blood, stimulate the adrenal glands, or are high in iron (Mars rules the mineral iron).

Fruits and Vegetables: Chinese cabbage, mustard, horseradish, onion, garlic, leeks, red pepper, rhubarb, chives, radishes

Flowers: Calendula, geranium, anise hyssop, poppies, red roses, tulips, amaryllis, hollyhock, cowslip, tiger lily, impatiens

Herbs: Nettles, burdock root, cayenne, red clover, yellow dock, yarrow, St. John’s wort, hops, marjoram, milk thistle, wormwood, gentian, sarsaparilla, tarragon, ginger, coriander

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus is an Earth sign ruled by the planet Venus. Venus is the planet that represents desire and beauty, so Taurus plants often have gorgeous flowers and enticing fragrances. Because Taurus rules the throat and ears, the best plants for the Bull are often soothing to the throat, or may calm the digestive system after overindulging in the finest foods.

Fruits and Vegetables: Spinach, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gourds, artichoke, olive, grape, apple, fig, apricot, pomegranate, strawberry

Flowers: Daisies, lilac, aster, lily of the valley, sweet pea, lilies, larkspur, columbine, violet, foxglove, rose, sweet William, daisy, geranium

Herbs: Licorice, fenugreek, slippery Elm, anise hyssop (Venus), mallow, lavender, dandelion, marshmallow, sage, vervain, feverfew, thyme, angelica, yarrow

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Ruled by the planet Mercury, Gemini is an Air sign that rules the lungs, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Gemini’s plants usually feature finely divided leaves or stems (like the bronchi of lungs), hairy or fuzzy leaves (related to the cilia in the lungs), or subtle odors. Plants associated with Gemini help to strengthen the lungs and respiratory system, or relax the nervous system.

Fruits and Vegetables: Endive, carrots, parsnips, oats

Flowers: Orchid, chrysanthemum, lilac, azalea, daffodil, Lily-of-the-valley, honeysuckle

Herbs: Mullein, hyssop, lemon balm, lobelia, elecampane, vervain, woodbine, yarrow, meadowsweet, dill, fennel, skullcap, lavender, fenugreek, licorice, valerian

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Because Cancer is a Water sign and is ruled by the Moon, Cancer’s plants generally have soft or Moon-shaped leaves, contain a lot of moisture, or are found near water. Oftentimes they are white in color, or have white or pale yellow flowers. Cancer rules the stomach, breasts, diaphragm, and liver, so plants that aid digestion or affect the subconscious are associated with the sign of the Crab.

Fruits and Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, endive, kale, lettuce, watercress, kohlrabi, mushroom, turnip, sweet potato, cantaloupe, cucumber, gourds, watermelon, pumpkin, squash, seaweed, mango, banana, apple, pear

Flowers: Daisy, water lilies, jasmine, hyssop, morning glory, geranium, lily, lotus, white roses, opium poppy

Herbs: Peppermint, spearmint, papaya leaf, agrimony, lemon balm, parsley, verbena, chickweed

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Naturally, Leo is a Fire sign ruled by the brilliant Sun. The part of the body ruled by Leo the Lion is the heart. Leo’s plants are usually large and gold or orange in color, or have heart-shaped leaves or a radiating shape. Plants that regulate blood pressure and have an uplifting effect on the spirit are most beneficial to Leo.

Fruits and Vegetables: Chinese cabbage, corn, collards, mustard, Swiss chard, okra, peppers, pineapple, orange, grapefruit, olive, coconut

Flowers: Marigolds, anise hyssop, sunflower, dahlia, larkspur, aster, passion flower, heliotrope, poppy, peony, calendula, crocus

Herbs: Borage, hawthorn, motherwort, rosemary, celandine, mint, lavender, parsley, dill, fennel, chamomile, St. John’s wort, angelica, eyebright, anise, ginger, saffron

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Virgo is an Earth sign ruled by the planet Mercury. Virgo is traditionally the Goddess of the Grain, and is associated with autumn. Her plants often have finely divided leaves or stems, subtle odors, or small, brightly-colored flowers. The most beneficial plants for Virgo are high in potassium and help to calm the nerves.

Fruits, Vegetables and Grains: Endive, carrots, parsnips, barley, oats, rye, wheat, millet

Flowers: Narcissus, chrysanthemum, aster, violet, all brightly colored small flowers (particularly blue or yellow)

Herbs: Dill, fennel, blackberry (leaves and root), plantain, St. John’s wort, skullcap, woodbine, valerian, lavender, marjoram, licorice, parsley, fenugreek, dill

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Libra is an Air sign, and is ruled by the planet Venus. Because Venus is the planet of beauty and love, Libra’s plants often have light, lovely flowers and gorgeous scents. Libra rules the kidneys and the adrenals, so her plants help to bring balance to these areas of the body.

Fruits and Vegetables: Broccoli, eggplant, spinach, peas, sweet potato, artichoke, watercress, pomegranate, apricot, apple, fig, plum, grape, strawberry, olive

Flowers: Orchid, gardenia, tea roses, tuberose, freesia, gladiolus, aster, hydrangea, daisy, nasturtium, rose, violet, primrose, pansy, columbine

Herbs: Parsley, cleavers, juniper, corn silk, uva ursi, mint, thyme, yarrow, angelica, vervain

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

A Water sign ruled by both Mars and Pluto, Scorpio’s plants are often found in remote places or underground. They will likely have thorns, be red in color, and grow under adversity. The reproductive organs are ruled by Scorpio, so plants that balance the hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, or help with childbirth and pregnancy are very beneficial to Scorpio.

Fruits and Vegetables: Mushroom, peppers, rhubarb, leek, onions, chives, pepper, garlic, horseradish, radish, mustard

Flowers: Calendula, rhododendron, geranium, holly, black-eyed Susan, scarlet monkey flower, anemone, heather, gardenia, honey-suckle, peony, hibiscus

Herbs: Aloe vera, ginseng, pennyroyal, raspberry leaf, saw palmetto, cramp bark, basil, gentian, wormwood, ginger, coriander

Sagittarius (Nov.  22 – Dec.  21)

Sagittarius is a Fire sign that is ruled by the planet large and optimistic planet Jupiter. So the Archer’s plants tend to be large in size and fairly conspicuous, with a pleasant odor. The best plants for Sagittarius will support the liver, are high in the mineral silica, and promote a positive frame of mind.

Fruits and Vegetables: Asparagus, endive, rhubarb, beets, tomato, turnip, watercress, olive

Flowers: Red roses, calendula, anise hyssop, pinks, carnations, clematis, peony, crocus, jasmine

Herbs: Dandelion, horsetail, Oregon grape root, wild yam, sage, feverfew, sage, anise, nutmeg, mint

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

As an Earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn, Capricorn’s plants usually have few flowers, are knobby or woody, and may have an unpleasant smell or taste. Saturn rules plants with long lives and slow growth, so plants with annual rings are also associated with the Goat. And because Capricorn rules the knees, joints, bones, and teeth, plants that are high in calcium can be very beneficial.

Fruits and Vegetables: Spinach, mushroom, beets, parsnips, barley, rye

Flowers: Calendula, black poppy, henbane, nightshade, African violet, snowdrop, jasmine, love-lies-bleeding, pansy, baby’s breath

Herbs: Comfrey, sarsaparilla, rue, kava kava, mullein, thyme, horsetail, shepherd’s purse

Aquarius the Water Bearer (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Aquarius is an Air sign ruled by odd-ball Uranus, so the Water-bearer’s plants will often grow in unusual places and may vary in appearance. The most healing and beneficial plants for Aquarius are ones that help circulation, relax the nervous system, or promote inspiration.

Fruits and Vegetables: Spinach, beets, rye, barley, parsnip

Flowers: Bird of paradise, orchid, gladiolus, trillium

Herbs: Chamomile, catnip, skullcap, passion flower, valerian, hops, aloe, myrrh, frankincense, spikenard, kava kava, comfrey, cinnamon, cloves

Pisces the Fish (Feb. 19 – March 20)

As a Water sign ruled by both Jupiter and Neptune, Pisces plants are often large but hard to find, and may grow near the ocean. The most healing plants for Pisces are those that strengthen the immune system or have an antibacterial effect. Pisces plants may also catalyze expanded states of awareness and be helpful in dream work.

Fruits and Vegetables: Asparagus, endive, mushroom, rhubarb, beets, tomato, seaweed, watercress, olive

Flowers: Calendula, anise hyssop, jasmine, lilac, narcissus, water lily, poppy, clematis, wisteria, lilac, orchid

Herbs: Golden seal, Echinacea, chaparral, eyebright, mugwort, kava kava, yarrow, skullcap, oatstraw, nutmeg, anise

Tarot.com is Part of Zappallas USA © 2019

26 March 2023 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positio

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

This local time is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

26 March 2023
06:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:05 Aries 49
Moon:09 Gemini 12
Mercury:15 Aries 11
Venus:11 Taurus 46
Mars:00 Cancer 37
Jupiter:17 Aries 52
Saturn:02 Pisces 10
Uranus:16 Taurus 33
Neptune:25 Pisces 31
Pluto:00 Aquarius 03

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 18
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 43 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 39

Chiron:15 Aries 16
Ceres:29 Virgo 11 Rx
Pallas:16 Cancer 47
Juno:08 Taurus 38
Vesta:20 Aries 56

Eris:24 Aries 22

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

Southern Hemisphere

This local time is in Cape Town, South Africa

26 March 2023
03:00 pm GMT 5:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:05 Aries 41
Moon:07 Gemini 37
Mercury:14 Aries 56
Venus:11 Taurus 37
Mars:00 Cancer 33
Jupiter:17 Aries 50
Saturn:02 Pisces 09
Uranus:16 Taurus 32
Neptune:25 Pisces 31
Pluto:00 Aquarius 03

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 18
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 43 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 38

Chiron:15 Aries 16
Ceres:29 Virgo 12 Rx
Pallas:16 Cancer 45
Juno:08 Taurus 33
Vesta:20 Aries 52

Eris:24 Aries 22

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

Southwestern Hemisphere

This local time is in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

26 March 2023
04:00 am GMT 3:00 PM AEDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:05 Aries 14
Moon:01 Gemini 46
Mercury:14 Aries 02
Venus:11 Taurus 04
Mars:00 Cancer 20
Jupiter:17 Aries 43
Saturn:02 Pisces 07
Uranus:16 Taurus 31
Neptune:25 Pisces 30
Pluto:00 Aquarius 03

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 17
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 45 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 35

Chiron:15 Aries 14
Ceres:29 Virgo 19 Rx
Pallas:16 Cancer 37
Juno:08 Taurus 18
Vesta:20 Aries 40

Eris:24 Aries 22

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

A Thought for Today

Laugh for Today

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Saturday – Printable

Hello Our Wonderful WOTC Family – 10 of the Best Poems about Magic and the Supernatural

Click on the hyperlinks to read the rest on the poems on interestingliterature.com

Poetry and magic share a curious history, since shamans and priests of ancient times would chant verses and incantations as part of their rituals designed to heal the sick, influence the weather, or appeal to the gods. So we might even say there is something peculiarly ‘magical’ about poetry.

Below, we introduce ten of the very best poems about magic and the supernatural, featuring witches, black magic, fairies, ghosts, and much else.

1. William Shakespeare, from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire!
I do wander everywhere,
Swifter than the moon’s sphere;
And I serve the Fairy Queen,
To dew her orbs upon the green;
The cowslips tall her pensioners be;
In their gold coats spots you see;
Those be rubies, fairy favours;
In those freckles live their savours;
I must go seek some dewdrops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.

2. John Donne, ‘The Apparition’.

3. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, ‘The Magic Net’.

Important Summertime Time Zone For Our European WOTC Families – SPRING A HEAD

In this part of the world when clocks go forward 1 hour they refer to this time period as Summertime rather than Daylight Savings time as we do in the USA and Canada.

A Laugh for Today

I have a t-shirt that says

“I’m not clumsy

It’s just the floor hates me,

The table and 

Chairs are bullies.

and The Walls get in the way”

First I rolled my desk chair back to pet Cleo and I caught my right big toe in it. Next I was trying to weed whack in the front yard and somehow pulled my shoulder muscle. Last but not least I some how got a big bruise on my left thigh, probably during the weed whacking problems. Add to that the fibromyalgia and arthritis flares from our normal temperature swings with rain and/or snow and I had a wonderful day. This is why some of the regular posts are missing. The rest of this week might not have as many daily posts are usual but I will do my best to get information to you.

Please no bubble wrap comments. A friend of mine of Facebook sent me a picture of a woman dressed in a bubble wrap type rain suit. You are welcome to laugh with me as much as you want to. 🤣😂😅😁

Goddess Of The Day: Chihnu

Chihnu

Phra Buddha Bat Fair (Thailand)

  Themes: Arts; Creativity; Tradition; Excellence

Symbols: Woven Items; Thread or Yarn; Home Crafts; Lyres

About Chihnu: In China and surrounding regions, Chihnu’s name means “weaving woman.” According to myths, Chihnu’s talents in this art are so great that she can weave seamless garments for the gods. From her heavenly domain in the constellation Lyre, she acts like a refreshing spring wind to inspire excellence in our inherited arts and crafts.

 To Do Today: This annual Thai festival features folk dancing and traditional handicrafts in honor of Buddha’s footprint, which is enshrined nearby. Generally, it is a time to rejoice in Thai tradition, so if you have a Thai restaurant in the neighborhood, by all means indulge yourself, saying a brief prayer of thanks to the provider of your feast-Chihnu.

 To make a Chihnu-inspired creativity charm, take three strands of yellow thread or yarn (yellow is the color of inventiveness). Braid these together so that the strands cross four rimes, saying,

 One, Chihnu’s power absorbs;

two, inside the magic’s stored;

three, the magic’s alive in me;

four, bear Chihnu’s creativity!

 Carry this when you need more ingenious energy, or leave it near your artistic endeavors so they can absorb Chihnu’s compelling excellence.

 Finally, wear woven or handmade items to honor Chihnu’s talents today.

 .By Patricia Telesco ~ From “365 Goddess”  (FMP) and GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast

c. 2011

Witchcraft Symbols, Terms and Definitions – Iron

Iron Spell: Spoken Word

The power of iron is so strong that even if you don’t have any, just shouting out the word “iron” allegedly routs evil spirits.

c. 2011

Flower Meaning, Symbol and Spiritual Meaning – Aster

Aster Flower Meaning, Symbolism, and Mythology from uniguide.com

Aster flower meaning and symbolism includes hope, optimism, new beginnings, innocence, fun, affection, and other lovely attributes.

There are over  32,000 species of aster flowers, which comprise the Asteraceae family of flowers, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Because of their popularity and wide distribution, many people are curious about what they symbolize. In fact, many cultures around the world have myths and folktales that involve asters.

In this post, we’ll explore all aspects of aster flower symbolism and meanings. And if you’re curious about one of the most well-known flowers in the aster family, be sure to check out my dedicated post on sunflower meaning and symbolism.

Good Day SIsters and Brothers and Honored Guest – The Old Dark Horse

Author’s Notes: “The Old Dark House” is a narrative poem that I had co-authored in collaboration and direct coordination with my colleagues and dear friends, Anne-Lise Andresen and Liam McDaid. (This poem was completed on September 7, 2016.) The fictional-fantasy story behind this particular poem speaks for itself. It follows the same fantasy-horror theme genre similar to the narrative poem that all three of us collaborated on last month: “The Demon’s Shrill Cry of Dread and Horror.” I guess that you, the reader, can consider both of these poems as early contributions from all three of us for Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve) 2016, which is nearly now upon us. This write, like our last one from August, delves into the “psychology of the mind” when its confronted at the subconscious-level by the true force of evil and bad intentions from Lucifer. This is also in line with the historical and biblical role traditionally that has been attributed to Lucifer as the “ultimate tempter of mankind.” In a fantasy-metaphysical-ethereal sense, we likened “The Old Dark House” to an “evil dream” at the subconscious-level which can be easily conjured by the innocent and uninformed (in this case principally children) as the month of October approaches with the advent of All Hallows’ Eve on October 31. I know that Anne-Lise, Liam, and I think that you shall find this particular theme and narrative story to be of interest. I know also that all three of us were quite pleased with how the final version of our narrative poem turned out here. And so, “Happy Halloween” from Anne-Lise, Liam, and me! (And Remember: “Dare not to be one of the innocent and uninformed who conjureth The Old Dark House in your dreams.” “If so, the Demons of Hell shall come for your very soul!”) (Gary Bateman – September 9, 2016) (Narrative)

A Special Note for Arthur Vaso: “The Brothers and Sister Grimm have struck again!!” BOO!! BOO!! 

Categories: dark, dream, evil, fantasy, god, metaphor, and symbolism. 

The Old Dark House This tale of “The Old Dark House” is one that’s replete with a most horrid sense of pure evil and macabre, and is worth being retold each year during the deep-dark hours of All Hallows’ Eve before the chime of midnight, when the thin veil separating the land of the living and the dead momentarily dissolves, bringing both worlds together until the break of dawn. Beware of this house’s mythical and ethereal presence in the shadow dreams of the innocent, and be forewarned to never conjure its image in your unconscious mind. If so conjured, The Old Dark House shall become an unending reality to the innocent and uninformed, and on All Hallows’ Eve, the evil “Demons of Hell” shall come for your very soul! The Old Dark House is one that is bathed and cursed in utter hellfire and damnation by Lucifer himself. It’s one that creeps a chill and frozen reminder into the very frame of its nasty, putrid structure. It shall guarantee you the worst possible nightmares as your very soul cries in agony and pleads unrelentingly for mercy! Your nightmares are, in turn, amplified and born into the very structure of this house with ivy creeping as you palpably sense the wretched ice-cold fingers of Hell opening the doors to the cavernous basement were evil shadows of goblins, ghosts, ghouls, vampires, and werewolves parade openly from past lives. Everyone suffering the curse of the damned was captured here when they visited, becoming prisoners to the darkness of true evil, far away from the light, goodness, and eternal mercy of Almighty God Himself. Six generations of my family actually dwelled beneath the rafters of The Old Dark House where demonic forces were constantly in play—as hot sparks burned the tongues of lost souls who cried in agony, and their world would enter the vortex of darkness whilst blood-curdling screams could be distinctly heard during the night on All Hallows’ Eve. Ghostly images would appear out of nowhere supported by the frightening ferocity of Lucifer who is the true dark presence and ultimate tempter of mankind! The horror I felt as a young boy trapped in this existence is truly unimaginable. The image of The Old Dark House still haunts … Click here to read the rest of The Old Dark Horse on poetrysoup.com

Rune Meanings By Lucius Nothing

Rune meanings have been handed down through the mists of time since their ancient beginnings in approximately the 1st Century AD.

The Norse runes are part of an ancient Pro-Germanic tradition and the runic alphabet consists of 24 rune symbols – with the addition of one notably blank rune to allow space for cosmic chance – typically engraved on stones, seashells or pieces of wood.

Throughout their early history, the runes were in a constant state of development – with the subtraction and addition of runes undertaking by those who used the runes for divination, protection and other forms of magic.

The runes best known and most widely used today are the Elder Futhark Runes, a version of the runic alphabet completed and taken into use in the 5th Century AD. A set of Younger Futhark Runes also exists, but they are not in widespread use today, perhaps because more uncertainty exists around the proper interpretation of the Younger Futhark runic inscriptions. It is speculated that they are at least partly inspired by the Latin alphabet as it spread through Northern Europe, but not enough is know about this to confirm or deny the connection.

Since their beginnings, the runes have been steeped in history, mythology and meaning. They were considered to be a gift from the gods – specifically from the king of the gods, Odin, the allfather, and for this reason, they were venerated and cast with extreme caution and respect for their metaphysical qualities and divine origin.

Today, the runes are used similarly to Tarot cards, Oracle cards and other divination tools – as a means of tapping into your own inner reservoir of intuition, wisdom and ability to pick up on certain subtle clues in the present that may enable you to foretell the future with some accuracy. A crucial difference, of course, is that the runes are much older than any Tarot or oracle deck of cards.

Would you like to learn more about the runes, their meanings, and how to cast and interpret them? Then keep reading.

What Are Runes/Norse Runes/Elder Futhark Runes?

The runes, the Norse runes, and the Elder Futhark runes are all one and the same. Many variations of runes exist, but the Elder Futhark stones comprise the standard runes and rune meanings used to day.

The runic alphabet typically consists of 24 runes, each inscribed with its own magical symbol, and one blank rune called Odin’s rune. The blank rune symbolises that which cannot or must not be known about the future, and when it comes up in rune readings it is the equivalent of drawing a blank. It means that there are certain cosmic curtains behind which you should not look – or maybe it is not yet the right time for looking. When the blank rune comes up, it is important to respect its message, rather than trying to circumvent it by drawing more runes in a desperate bid to wring out an answer.

The runic alphabet divides into three parts – or suits, for those of you who are familiar with Tarot terminology – each consisting of eight runes. These divisions are called Aetts, the Ancient Norse word for families. And so we have Freyr’s Aett, Heimdall’s Aett and Tyr’s Aett. Each of the three Aetts addresses a different stage of life.

The first set of runes: Freyr’s Aett

The first eight runes of the runic alphabet belong to Freyr’s Aett. According to Norse mythology, Freyr was the god of rain, sun, fertility and peace. Thes runes belonging to his Aett deal with the physical plane and with discovering and learning how to master all of the tangible and necessary aspects of life.

The runes belonging to Freyr’s Aett are associated with the formative years of childhood and youth, the stage of life where we are very much still finding our feet in the world and deciding who we are.

The second set of runes: Heimdall’s Aett

The following eight runes belong to Heimdall’s Aett. In Norse mythology, Heimdall was the watchman of the gods.

The runes belonging to Heimdall’s Aett deal with a developing sense of maturity and personal growth, as well as with themes of maturation, harvest, obstacles and fate.

The third set of runes: Tyr’s Aett

The final set of runes belong to Tyr’s Aett. Try was the Norse sky god, and was also responsible for ward and justice.

These eight runes deal with spiritual development as well as legacy, inheritance, community and intuition.

The origin story of the Runes

As befits their ancient nature and metaphysical properties, the runes have an origin story steeped in myth and magic.

It is said that it was Odin, the king of the Ancient Nordic gods, who discovered the runes. Note that he did not invent them – the runes were a revelation and a gift, not an invention.

To obtain the gift of cosmic wisdom, Odin hung himself upside down from the branches of the world tree, Yggdrasil, for a nine days and nine nights. The runes were his reward.

Each rune symbol has a unique energy and meaning

Each Elder Futhark Rune is inscribed with a particular and unique magical symbol. Because the runes are so old and shrouded in mystery, each rune is ascribed a variety of potential meanings, rather than one that is clear and static.

Nevertheless, each rune holds a core meaning, a core cosmic truth, which the individual intuitive rune reader is able to interpret and expand on according to the context of the rune reading.

The runes’ names are all based on the ancient Anglo Saxon rune poem, a poem written ostensibly for the purpose of transmitting the rune lore in a convenient and easyp-to-grasp manner.

Rune divination

Runes have been used for divination since their beginnings, and divination is still their primary use today.

A rune casting can be done in a number of ways, but most commonly, it involves the person having the reading drawing runes from the bag in which the rune stones are kept. The number of runes used for the reading can vary from just one or just a few to a handful.

An easy-to-approach rune reading if you are new to the runes consists of just three rune positions: Past, present and future. But just as the case is with the Tarot cards, you can assign the runes any pre-ordained positions you like.

Rune magic

Throughout their very long history, the runes have been used for much more than divination. The runes are inextricably linked to seidr, a type of magic practiced in Ancient Norse society by both male and female practitioners. Not much is known about the original practice of weird, but it is believed and speculated that it was a form of magic which concerned itself with both the foretelling and shaping of the future.

According to Norse mythology it was Odin, the king of the gods, who discovered the runes and imparted the knowledge of them to humanity. As well as being the wise all-father a the ruler of the gods, Odin was also the god of sorcery (as well as poetry and war).

The runes are still use for magic today, by practitioners all over the world. Rune magic encompasses everything from rune readings to spells and hexes. Runic inscriptions can also be used in sigil magic, and in the creation of potent amulets for protection, prosperity, love and more.

It is interesting to note that the modern-day sigil magic is based on inscribed symbols that are then charged with magical energy and intention, with the purpose of affecting or shaping the future. Although no clear connection has been established between sigil magic and rune magic, it is very likely that the former draws its inspiration from the latter, or at the very least that the two share some interesting similarities and purposes.

Runic Symbols And Their Meanings …

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A Laugh for Today

Whatever you do, don’t upset Sophia!

It’s pretty clear that robots are not perfect. Still, they’re not going anywhere. After all, they’re here to serve us, right? Take Sophia, a social humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics. She/it has the face of an attractive woman and the ability to hold a conversation, much like Apple’s Siri, making her/it eerily human-like. When CEO David Hanson and Sophia appeared on CNBC’s The Pulse, he himself asked the AI what was clearly on the mind of many people in that studio: “Sophia, do you want to destroy humans?” Without hesitation, Sophia—smiling a tad too broadly for our taste—responded, “OK, I will destroy humans.”

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Thursday

From gypsywolf.weebly.com

Thursday is the fifth day of the week.   In the Norse languages this day is called Torsdag, honoring Thor, the god of strength, fertility, thunder, the protector and defender in war, and son of Odin.  Thor is the counterpart of Zeus (Greek), and Jupiter or Jove (Roman).  Thor, the most beloved of the great gods of northern mythology, is the only god who cannot cross from earth to heaven across the rainbow bridge, for he is so heavy and powerful that the gods fear it will break under his weight.  It was said that whenever his hammer Mjollnir, was thrown, it would produce a thunderbolt and when struck against stone, it would create lightning.

Thursday

Latin: Dies Jovis (“Jove’s Day”), after Jove or Jupiter, the almighty Roman God.
French: jeudi
Italian: giovedi
Spanish: el jueves
German: Donnerstag
Dutch: donderdag

Rules: Expansion, wealth, prosperity, political power, legal matters, spirituality, meditation.
Colors: Purple, Deep Blue
Planet: Jupiter
Metal: Tin, associated with the thunderbolt of Jupiter (Zeus in Greek myth)
Stones: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite
Herbs: Anise, Cinquefoil, Clove, Honeysuckle, Hyssop, Maple, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Star Anise
Zodiac: Sagittarius

From plentifulearth.com

Thursday Magickal Correspondences

  • Planet: Jupiter
  • Element: Earth
  • Gender: Masculine
  • Deities: Juno, Jupiter, Thor, Zeus
  • Colors: Blue, Green, Purple, Rich Royal Colors
  • Crystals: Aventurine, Amethyst, Brown Jasper, Green Lodestone, Green Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Peridot, Tin, Turquoise
  • Herbs & Plants: Anise, Borage, Cinquefoil, Clove, Dandelion, Dill, Fig, Honeysuckle, Hyssop, Maple, Meadowsweet, Mint, Nutmeg, Oak, Patchouli, Sage, Star Anise
  • Incenses: Cinnamon, Clove, Jupiter Oil, Musk, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Sage
  • Energies & Associations: Abundance, Career, Employment, Energetic Increase, Expansion, Generosity, Growth, Happiness, Healing, Harvesting, Honest Leadership, Honor, Leadership, Legal Matters, Loyalty, Luck, Male Fertility, Material Opportunities, Money, Optimism, Power, Prosperity, Protection, Riches, Wealth

A Thought for Today