Tag: Apollo

Let’s Talk Witch – The Gods

wiccan in the woods

The Gods

 

Witchy practices often focus on the goddess, especially during lunar rituals such as full moon and new moon. But let us not forget her consort, the god, the masculine half of the deity. Like the goddess, the god comes in many different forms, with many different names, and he changes shape throughout the course of the year.

We draw on the same mythological pantheons for the names we call the gods as we do for our goddesses. Greek and Roman gods are often well known (Neptune, Saturn, Pluto, Mars, and Mercury… now where have I heard those before?), as are some Celtic, Norse, and Egyptian gods (among others). Even the names of the days of the week come from the names of Norse gods, such as Thor (Thor’s day became Thursday) and Woden (Wednesday).

Zeus was the father of the Greek gods and ruled from high atop Mount Olympus. (And when they say he was the father of the gods, they aren’t kidding-the guy seriously got around.) The modern-day Olympics are based on a Greek festival that was held in his honor.

Jupiter was Zeus’s Roman counterpart, and like Zeus, he was known for throwing thunderbolts bolts at those who pissed him off. This was true of Thor as well, who was a god of justice. I guess you can figure out what happened to those who didn’t play nice … (ouch, sizzle).

Many Witches like to call on gods from the Celtic pantheon, especially Cernunnos and Herne, both of whom were usually depicted as the figure of a man with stag’s antlers. It is likely that these gods were the origin, at least in part, of the Green Man and Horned God that play such an important part in Pagan worship. We also call on the sun god Lugh, especially on Lugh- nasadh, the holiday we celebrate in his honor.

Apollo was the Greek sun god who was also a god of healing. Traditionally, the sun tended to be the domain of the gods, while the moon fell under the influence of the goddess. This may explain why the god dies during the darkest time of the year and then is reborn at Yule, when the light is beginning to return.

As with the goddess, some Witches call the god by one particular name, or many, or simply use “the god.” It is worth taking the time to explore the many myths and stories surrounding the Pagan gods. Not only are the stories interesting in their own right, but you never know when some god will pop out and call your name, informing you that from that time on, you may call him-and he will answer.

 

–Deborah Blake, Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft

 

Your Charm for Friday, January 24th is The Caduceus

Your Charm for Today

The Caduceus

Today’s Meaning:

You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:

The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm for prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

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Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – St. Vincent’s Day/Festival of Apollo

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year

St. Vincent’s Day/Festival of Apollo

St. Vincent, deacon and first Spanish martyr, was widely venerated during the Middle Ages. This day has long served to watch the weather and the legs, which are ruled by Aquarius.

Remember on St. Vincent’s day,

If that the Sun his beams display.

For ‘tis a token, bright and clear,

Of prosperous weather all the year.

In ancient Greece this day was dedicated to Apollo, the Sun God of light, poetry, and oracles. It was believed that if one carried his emblem good luck, light and truth would follow. Hesperides wrote “To Apollo: A Short Hymne” (1648) to honor Apollo on this day:

Thou mighty Lord, and master of the lyre,

Unshorn Apollo, come and re-inspire,

My fingers so, the Lyrick-strings to move

That I may play, and sing a Hymne of Love.

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Your Charm for December 30th is The Caduceus

Your Charm for Today

The Caduceus

Today’s Meaning:

You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:  

The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm of prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

Your Charm for November 26th is The Caduceus

Your Charm for Today

The Caduceus

Today’s Meaning:

You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:  

The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm for prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

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.

Your Charm for Thursday, Oct. 17th is The Caduceus

 Your Charm for Today

The Caduceus Today’s Meaning:

You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:

The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm of prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

 

Calendar of the Moon for September 18th

Calendar of the Moon

18 Muin/Boedromion

Greater Mysteries Day 4: Day of Aesclepias

Colors: White and light blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of light blue place a chalice of white wine, a glass cup of oil scented with myrrh, three light blue candles, and all the medical equipment in the House.
Offerings: Donate medical equipment to a worthy organization, or give medical care to someone who needs it.
Daily Meal: Fasting until Mesembria of the next day.

Invocation to Aesclepias

I begin to sing of Aesclepias,
Son of Apollo and healer of sicknesses.
Born on the Dotian plain
By fair Coronis, daughter of King Phlegyas,
A joy to men,
A soother of great pangs,
And so hail to thee my lord,
In our songs we make prayer to thee.
Greatest of doctors,
Taught by the skilled hands of Athena,
Father of Hygeia, Lady of Cleanliness,
Father of Akeso, Lady of the Curing Process,
Father of Panakaia, Lady of Cures,
Father of Telesphoros, Lord of Convalescence,
Father of Iaso, Lady of Recovery,
Your healing hands were so skilled
That Hades himself was angered
At seeing you snatch so many
From his soot-covered hands.
Yet even when your very skill laid low your body,
You were raised to be the divine surgeon,
The healer to the Gods and all below.
Hail Aesclepias, who cares for our bodies.
May you grant us all the healing that we need.

(Those who have need of healing of the body should come forth and kneel before the altar, and one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual shall anoint them with the blessed oil. Then the white wine shall be poured out as a libation. The medical equipment, thus blessed, should be returned to its place.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for October 7

Calendar of the Moon

 

7 Muin/ Boedromion

Boedromia Colors: Red and Gold
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of red and gold place a fiery sun, two crossed spears, and three torches.
Offerings: Song and music.
Daily Meal: Food of yellow and red.

Boedromia Invocation

Hail Apollo, Lord of the Sun!
We must remember and be mindful of
Great Apollo who shoots from afar.
As he goes through the house of Zeus,
All spring up as he bends his bow.
All high headlands of lofty hills
Are your delight, great Phoebus,
And the whole range of song is fallen to you.
O God of the golden bow,
Who walketh on craggy Cynthus,
Be favorable to us below.
Leto’s all-glorious son from wave-swept Delos,
Wooer in the fields of love,
Chariot-driver of the sky
With your fiery horses,
God of the oracle that speaks
The twisting tongue of truth,
Star of noonday, flashing fire,
Lord of the Nine Muses,
Brighten our lives with your inspiration
And clear our clouded minds
Like the dawning light of the Sun.

(All shall then sing forth whatever song or chant is preferred, for Apollo takes joy in many songs.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for September 18

Calendar of the Moon

18 Muin/Boedromion

Greater Mysteries Day 4: Day of Aesclepias

Colors: White and light blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of light blue place a chalice of white wine, a glass cup of oil scented with myrrh, three light blue candles, and all the medical equipment in the House.
Offerings: Donate medical equipment to a worthy organization, or give medical care to someone who needs it.
Daily Meal: Fasting until Mesembria of the next day.

Invocation to Aesclepias

I begin to sing of Aesclepias,
Son of Apollo and healer of sicknesses.
Born on the Dotian plain
By fair Coronis, daughter of King Phlegyas,
A joy to men,
A soother of great pangs,
And so hail to thee my lord,
In our songs we make prayer to thee.
Greatest of doctors,
Taught by the skilled hands of Athena,
Father of Hygeia, Lady of Cleanliness,
Father of Akeso, Lady of the Curing Process,
Father of Panakaia, Lady of Cures,
Father of Telesphoros, Lord of Convalescence,
Father of Iaso, Lady of Recovery,
Your healing hands were so skilled
That Hades himself was angered
At seeing you snatch so many
From his soot-covered hands.
Yet even when your very skill laid low your body,
You were raised to be the divine surgeon,
The healer to the Gods and all below.
Hail Aesclepias, who cares for our bodies.
May you grant us all the healing that we need.

(Those who have need of healing of the body should come forth and kneel before the altar, and one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual shall anoint them with the blessed oil. Then the white wine shall be poured out as a libation. The medical equipment, thus blessed, should be returned to its place.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Apple Blossoms

Apple Blossoms

From

Patti Wigington

In the English ballad “Thomas the Rhymer,” young Thomas is cautioned against eating the Fairy Queen’s apples, because to eat the food of the dead would prevent him from ever returning to the land of the living.

For the ancients, the apple was considered a symbol of immortality. Interestingly, it’s also seen as a food for the dead, which is why Samhain is sometimes referred to as the Feast of Apples. In Celtic myth, an apple branch bearing grown fruit, flowers, and unopened bud was a magical key to the land of the Underworld. It’s also a symbol of the harvest, and is frequently found on altars during Mabon celebrations.

The apple is often found as a component in love magic, and the blossoms may be added to incenses and brews. In traditional folklore, apples are used as part of love divination — peel the apple in a continuous length, and when the first strip of peel falls off, it will form the initial of the person you are to marry. Cut an apple in half and count the seeds — an even number means marriage is coming, an uneven number indicates that you’ll remain single for a while.

Other names: Silver Bough, Tree of Love, Fruit of the Gods

Gender: Feminine Element: Water Deity Connections: Venus, Aphrodite, Diana, Apollo, Zeus

The Wicca Book of Days for August 10 – Star of the Sky

The Wicca Book of Days for August 10

Star of the Sky

 

As the ruler of the zodiacal sign of Leo, as well as the maker of Summer (of which it is the ultimate symbol), the Sun’s influence over us is now at its height, and you may currently be basking in its warming light or blocking out its burning rays. the “planet” associated with authority, individuality, consciousness, the ego, and ambition, according to astrological tradition, the Sun is represented by a circle with a dot in its center, which may in turn denote embryonic potential. In mythology, the sun is typically equated with male deities, such as the Greco-Roman Helios, Apollo, and Sol Invictus.

 

Solidified Sunshine

The metal that corresponds to the sun is gold, which is easily worn next to the skin in the form of jewelry. So if you wish to absorb something of the sun’s energies today, place a golden ring on your finger or fasten a golden chain around your neck as soon as you rise.

Magickal Correspondence for Summer Solstice 2012

Your Magickal Correspondence for Summer Solstice 2012

Incense – Frankincense, myrrh, rose, pine, vanilla, lemon

Herbs and plants – Lavender, carnation, chamomile, mugwort, honeysuckle, oak, fern, yarrow, wild thyme, daisy, sage, mint, heather, St. John’s Wort, pine, rose

Gemstones – Lapis Lazuli, diamonds, all green gemstones, especially emeralds

Traditional foods – Seasonal fruits and vegetables, corn cakes, honey cakes, honey. Other foods depend on a person’s tradition or individual tastes.

Deities – Mother aspect of the Goddess such as Isis, Athena, Brigid, Epona, Juno, Freya and Hestia.  Consort aspect of the God such as Mercury, Thor, Ra, Zeus and Apollo.

Colors – Yellow, gold, orange, blue, green and red

Deity of the Day for June 14 – Apollo

Greek all-rounder. The son of ZEUS and LETO, he has his Godly fingers in every pie.

Sun God. Music God. Archery God. Poetry God. Painting God. Prophecy God. Plagues and Healing God. Animal Welfare God. God of Radiance. God of Ploughing. And much much more!

Send for free brochure with no obligation. See him conduct the Holy Choir of MUSES, tickets available at the box office. Book now for Apollo Space Mission.

 
Also, he has undiminished Beauty and Virility. You name it, he has it. Thoroughly sickening to us mere mortals.

 
But he is not entirely the Mr Nice Guy he would have us believe. There are women he pursued who won’t talk due to transformation or worse. Daphne is now a laurel tree and Clytia is a sunflower.

 
Sudden deaths are not uncommon when he is around — and don’t try to compete with him musically. It’s all very well to be played alive but not flayed alive like poor old Marsyas. Or to be given the ears of an ass like poor old King Midas. CASSANDRA never got another chance either, nor was he very pleasant to the SIBYL-OF-CUMAE, granting her immortality but leaving out the age clause.

 

His son ASCLEPIUS was the result of another unfortunate lapse. Having had an affair with the mortal daughter of a king, APOLLO was consumed with jealousy when he discovered she had another suitor, and, out of control, he killed her. In a fit of remorse he was just in time to rescue her unborn child and have him brought up with the best education to be ASCLEPIUS, the Deity Doctor.

He met his match in ZEUS, and a tussle for power earned him a period in exile; but as ZEUS had zapped his son ASCLEPIUS, zapping the Cyclope thunderbolt makers seems justifiable. It can be very tough at the top and all in all APOLLO handles it very well what with ZEUS being his dad, having ARTEMIS for a twin sister, etc.

Your Horoscope Helpers

By Annie B. Bond

Every sun sign has spirit-helpers that include ancient gods and goddesses,  mythic figures from many different cultures–including Celtic, Hindu, and Ancient  Greek–angels, saints, and much more.

Find out who your horoscope helpers are, so you can begin a more conscious  relationship with them. This is rich, fascinating, and very helpful information!

Aries, March 21-April 19:  Khamael, Samuel (angels); Huitzilopochtli  (Aztrec); Nergal (Babylonian); Belacadros, Brigantia, Cernunnus, Cocideus,  Morrigan, Teutates (Celtic); St. Barbara, St. Peter (Christian); Amun, Khnum,  Neith (Egyptian); Laran (Etruscan); Ares, Achilles, Amazons, Athena, Dione,  Jason, Hercules, Nike, Phrixus and Helle (greek); Indrea, Agni, Durga (Hindu);  Odin, Tyr, Wodan (Nordic); Mars, Pallas, Minerva, Bellona (Roman); Emperor,  Tower (Tarot).

Taurus, April 20-May 21:  Anaele (Angel); Coatlicue (Aztec); Aine (Celtic);  St. Simon (Christian); Bastet, Geb (Egyptian); Aphrodite, Ariadne, Astarte,  Daedalus, Dionysus, Europa, Hephaestus, Minotaur, Theseus (Greek); Brahma,  Ganesh, Kubera, Lakshmi, Uma (Hindu); Freya (Nordic); Venus, Mithra, Vulcan  (Roman); Ki (Sumerian); Hierophant, Empress (Tarot).

Gemini, May 22-June 20:  Raphael, Ongkanon (Angels); Nabu (Babylonian); St.  Christopher, St. Nicholas, St. Anthony of Pauda (Christian); Anubis, Thoth  (Egyptian); Turms (Etruscan); Hermes, Castor and Pollux, Meti (Greek);  Sarasvati, Hanuman (Hindu); Mercury, Apollo, Romulus and Remus (Roman);  Magician, Lovers (Tarot).

Cancer, June 21-July 22:  Gabriel (Angel); Sin (Babylonian); Arianrhod,  Ceridwen (Celtic); Mary, St. Andrew (Christian); Kwan Yin, Shing-Moo (China);  Isis, Khonsu, Thoth (Egyptian); Losna (Etruscan); Artemis, Atlante, Astarte,  Hecate, Selena (Greek); Parvati, Soma, Subhadra, Tara, Kali (Hindu); Susa-No-O  (Japan); Itzamna (Maya); Freyr, Hurukan, Mani, Nanna (Nordic); Lebhana-Leukothea  (Persian); Diana, Lucina, Ops (Roman); Nanna (Sumerian); High Priestess, Chariot  (Tarot).

Leo, July 23- Aug 22:  Michael (Angel); Quetzalcoatl, Tonatiuh,  Huitzilopochtli (Aztec); Shamash (Babylonian); Belanus, Lugh (Celtic); Jesus,  St. Jerome. St. Mark (Christian); Ammon, Aton, Helius, Mendes, Osiris, Ra,  Sekhmet (Egyptian); Cautha (Etruscan); Asclepios, Apollo, Dianus, Dionysus,  Helios, Heracles, Hyperion, Teia (Greek); Balarama, Indrea, Pushan, Savitri,  Surya, Vishnu, Varuna, Brahma (Hindu); Inti (Inca); Amaterasu (Japan); Itzamna  (Maya); Thor (Nordic); Mithras, Zoroaster (Persian); Apollo, Hercules, Jupiter,  Aesculapius, Sol (Roman); Strength, Sun (Tarot).

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22:  Raphael (Angel); Nidaba (Babylonian); St, Anthony of  Egypt, Virgin Mary (Christian); Asclepios, Hermes, Astraea, Demeter, Hestia,  Chiron (Greek); Ganga (Hindu); Mercury, Ceres, Vesta, Aesculapius (Roman);  Hermit (Tarot).

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22:  Anaele, Lucipher (Angels); Quetzalcoatl (Aztec);  Ishtar (Babylonian); St. Mary Magdalen (Christian); Isis, Maat (Egyptian); Turan  (Etruscan); Aphrodite, Hera, Athena, Adonis, Themis (Greek); Krishna, Shakti,  Lakshmi (Hindu); Freya (Nordic); Venus, Juno, Pallas, Vulcan (Roman); Justice  (Tarot).

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21:  Azrael (Angel); Mitlontecutli, Mictlancihuatl,  Tezcatlipoca, Tlazolteotl (Aztec); Ereshkigal (Babyonian); Don, Epona, Gwydion  (Celtic); St. Thomas, St. Martin (Christian); Anubis, Hosiris, Selket  (Egyptian); Alpanu, Matus (Etruscan); Hades, Hecate, Persephone, Orion, Orpheus  (Greek); Shiva, Kali, Kama, Bali, Yama (Hindu); Yima (Persian); Pluto, Mars,  Vulcan (Roman); Death, Judgement (Tarot).

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21:  Sachiel (Angel); Marduk (Babylonian);  Bussumarus, Dagda (Celtic); St. James, St. Sebastian (Christia); Tina  (Etruscan); Zeus, Chiron, Ixion, Themis, Artemis (Greek); Ganesha, Indra  (Hindu); Thor, Donar (Nordic); Jupiter, Fortuna, Diana (Roman); Wheel of  Fortune, Temperance (Tarot).

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19:  Kassiel (Angel); Ninurta (Babylonian); St. Matthew  (Christian); Consentes, Min (Egyptian); Cronus, Medusa, Pan, Amalthea, Atlas,  Rhea (Greek); Kali, Shiva (Hindu); Saturn, Janus, Vesta (Roman); World (Tarot).

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18:  Uriel (Angel); Taddheus, St. Francis of Assisi, St.  John the Baptist (Christian); Horus, Nut (Egyptian); Uranus, Deucalion, Hebe,  Ganymede, Hephaestus (Greek); Varuna (Hindu); Itzamma (Maya); Dionysus, Juno  (Roman); Fool, Star (Tarot).

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20:  Asariel (Angel); Bridget, Rhiannon (Celtic); Kwan  Yin, Nu Kwa (China); Matthias, Jonah, St. Brendan the Navigator, St. Joseph of  Cupertino (Christian); Isis, Bes (Egyptian); Nethuns (Etruscan); Poseidon,  Atagartis, Cassiopeia (Greek); Varuna (Hindu); Susanowo (Japanese); Aesgir,  Njord (Nordic); Neptune, Cosus, Dionysus (Roman); Ea (Sumerian); Hanged Man,  Moon (Tarot).