Tag: Life in The Craft Magazine

Divination Journal

Tarot Card

The Lovers

Keywords: choice, decision, love, communication, inspiration (ideas from above)!

Astrological Correspondence: Gemini

The Lovers card is representative not only of crucial life choices, but also of lovers, couples, and other partnerships, like business partners, siblings, and friends. The angel between a woman and a man, depicted on this card, symbolizes the struggle of deciding to follow one’s heart versus one’s temptation or obligation. The Lovers card symbolizes the choices that must be made to progress toward higher self-awareness; choices also reflect emotional values, indecisiveness, hesitation, and our fears about making wrong choices. This applies not only to love relationships – it is applicable to any relationship in which people are drawn together, even a casual one. It’s the card of uncertainty!

Rune

Hagalaz

“Hag-all-az” – Literally: “Hail” or “Hailstone” – Esoteric: Crisis or Radical Change

Key Concepts: hailstones, crisis and catastrophe, disruption, radical change, destructive elements of nature, severe weather, the uncontrollable, unavoidable unpleasantness, Jungian shadow, psychoanalysis, regression, acceptance of the unalterable

Psi: disruption, change, personal past

Energy: power beyond human ability to harness, perfect pattern, seed formation, objective confrontation, destructive natural forces, chaos

Mundane: bad weather, obstacles, surprises, shelter

Divinations: Change according to ideals, changes for the long-term good, controlled crisis, corrections, completion, inner harmony; or catastrophe, crisis, stagnation, loss of power, loss of property, short-term disappointment, victim-consciousness, obsession with the past, blame.

Governs:
Completeness and balance of power, integration of unconscious shadow elements
The inevitability of Fate, Wyrd, Orlog
Evolutionary progress and operations of becoming
The outworking of a perfect pattern
Protection through banishing or exorcising disharmonious patterns, protection
Awareness of the unconscious ideas for eventual processing
Causing discomfort in others by awakening their own subconscious ‘garbage’

 

Daily Influences

 

Tarot Influence

Six of Coins

Material gain, charity and justice are at the forefront. That which is earned will be given.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Gemini Reversed

Gemini reversed denotes vacillation. Decisions are not made, because all side of the issue pull with the same strength.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Air

Air denotes freedom and the ability to transcent the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animal Spirit

Characteristics of the Coyote as a Spirit Guide

 

Advice from the Coyote

Witches Rune

Source: otherworldlyoracle.com

Crossroads

decisions, blocked paths, opportunities, the space between, spirits

The crossroads as a symbol and as an actual place are powerful. When we reach a crossroads in our lives, we have to make a decision. There may be a new path presented to us or our paths might be blocked. This could also indicate a spirit of the crossroads calling us.

Ogham

I Ching

Numerology

Angel Number

Crack the Cookie

 

The Words of Confucius

 

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

(One Person’s View) Casting The Runes c. 2018

Casting The Runes

Each individual will eventually devise his or her own way of casting the runes. What follows are some
suggestions, all following a similar path, but they are by no means fixed rules.

 

It is important to remember that your runes are your own, and are special. You have created a link
with them and that is important. Never lend your runes, unless you feel comfortable doing this. I
personally would never lend runes, Tarot cards or crystals to anyone else. If you are unsure, maybe
you should try drawing a rune from your pouch and seeing what you get as an answer. It is suggested
that an upright rune gives a Yes answer, and an inverted one a No answer. However, those runes
which look the same either way may prove a problem!

 

A traditional way of casting the runes is to mix them in a pouch and cast them on a cloth, usually
velvet. I keep my runes in such a pouch and use them in this way. It usually happens that the runes I
am intended to use find their way into my hand or between my fingers as I mix them in the pouch. I
usually draw nine runes.

 

Others have suggested drawing three runes at a time, three times, with a break in between each set of
three.

 

Old Nordic tales suggest that throwing runes at a person was a means of casting a magical spell.
Likewise spells are said to have been cast by writing certain runic inscriptions on a piece of paper and
passing it to the unsuspecting intended victim.

 

All these things may belong in folklore, and have no bearing on the modern usage for runes; it is up to
the individual to decide. One runemaster I know draws three runes which represent current
circumstances. Having looked at these three runes, he returns them to the pouch and draws three
more. The second set of three represents courses of action or possible outcomes. The second set is
then also returned to the pouch and a final single rune drawn, which indicates influences likely to have
a bearing on the problem as a whole.

 

Tradition suggests that Odin’s number was 5. For this reason, some runemasters work with only five
runes. Those interested in numerology will note that the runes total 25 if you include the blank rune.
This all adds up to 7, which is a powerful and spiritual number, and for this reason, perhaps, some
runemasters draw seven runes when casting.

 

Another means of casting the runes is to ‘shuffle them’ and leave them to their own devices for a while
(15 minutes is usually suggested), and then draw 12, laying them on a runic chart especially
prepared for the purpose.

(One Person’s View) Ways Of Casting The Runes c. 2018

Ways Of Casting The Runes

 

There are probably hundreds of different ways to lay the runes for a casting. What is given here is
only a selection. It is by no means exhaustive.

I would suggest that you try some of these, going for the ones with which you feel comfortable before
trying your own ideas out. The reasons for this are many, not least of which it is important to
familiarise yourself with the runes and how they are read as a group before progressing.

It should also be remembered that you may have some personal thoughts on the meanings of the runes
at the time you are carrying out the casting, which you should not dismiss out of hand. The meanings
given here are basic, and again by no means exhaustive. You may for example wish to use all
the reverse meanings given, even though some runes look the same either way up. Experience is the
best teacher, and you must always do what you feel comfortable doing. Don’t go along with something
just because others do – make up your own mind.

Another means of casting the runes consists of five runes, called Odin’s casting. Again these are laid
down from right to left, with the third rune slightly raised from the remainder. I read these as being
two pages within a book with the third rune being that which is either holding the pages together, or
conversely, stopping them from being turned. I use a similar layout in Tarot readings.

Similar layout could be used with seven runes.

You could also consider using a 12 rune casting, linking each rune either with a month or with a sign
of the zodiac. This is usually laid out in a circle, as in Figure 7.3, although I have seen many
variations of this.

Yet another suggestion would be what is sometimes called the rune-cast method. Basically, you ‘shuffle’ the runes within their pouch, and having formed a circle of string on the floor, empty the pouch into it.

Those runes nearest to you have the greatest meaning. Should any have fallen outside the string circle,
these can be ignored; likewise if they fall on the string or have fallen face downwards.

There are many more ways of casting the runes, and no doubt you will find one suitable for you.
Experiment and practise.

Some of Corresponding Colors for Use with Candles, in Spells and Rituals

Source: lightwarriorslegion.com

Color

Magickal Correspondence

Some of Corresponding Colors for Use in all Aspects of Witchcraft for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Some of Corresponding Colors for Use in all Aspects of Witchcraft for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Thursday 

Purple,

Deep Blue,

Green,

Turquoise,

Metallic,

Royal Blue,

Rich Royal Colors

Friday

Pink,

White,

Aqua,

Green,

Rose,

Coral,

Blue,

Copper,

Light Blue

 

Saturday

Black,

Maroon,

Dark Purple,

Gray,

Red,

Brown,

Blue,

White,

Dark Shades

Some of Corresponding Colors for Use in all Aspects of Witchcraft – Sunday and Monday

Some of Corresponding Colors for Use in all Aspects of Witchcraft

SUNDAY

Gold,

Yellow,

Orange,

Amber,

MONDAY

Silver,

Pearl,

White,

Grey,

Lavender,

Blue,

Ivory,

Light Blue,

Let’s Have Some Fun – Another Coloring Page

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Saturday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Friday Source: plentifulearth.com

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth, Fire

Gender: Female

Deities: Cronos, Fates, Hecate, Loki, Saturn

Colors: Purple, Black, Maroon, Dark Colors, Indigo

Crystals: Apache Tear, Black Onyx, Coal, Coral, Hematite, Jet, Lead, Obsidian, Pewter, Salt, Serpentine, Smoky Quartz, Tourmaline

Herbs & Plants: Amaranth, Beet, Belladonna, Boneset, Comfrey, Cypress, Hellebore, Hemlock, Hemp, Ivy, Mimosa, Morning Glory, Mullein, Quince, Skullcap, Slippery Elm, Thyme

Incenses: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli, Saturn Oil

Energies & Associations: Agriculture, Apprehension, Banishment, Binding, Boundaries, Caution, Cleansing, Creativity, Cursing, Destruction of All that Does Not Serve, Elderly Care, Endings, Exorcism, Fortune, Freedom, Hexing, Hidden Matters, Hope, Limitations, Locating Lost Items or People, Longevity, Meditation, Overcoming Obstacles, Protection, Psychic Defense, Revealing Truth, Self-Discipline, Spiritual Communication

Friday Source: amagickalpath.co.uk

Planet – Saturn

Spells/Magic – binding, debts, discovery, justice, karma, protection, longevity, endings, home

Magical aspects: longevity, exorcism, endings, apprehension, austerity, caution, and limitations.

Oils – Black Orchid, Hyacinth, Iris, Juniper,

Plants and trees – black helleborn,garden nightshade,blackthorn tree,cypress tree,hedge bindweed,hemlock.ivy,morning glory,mullein,snowdrop,marigold,Rosemarry,Rue,Rowan tree, yew tree, holly tree.

Stones – Obsidian, onyx,black pearl

Colours – black, grey, red, white, brown, blue

Metal -Lead

Energy Type – Female

Dieties – dedicated to the shadowy Anglo-Saxon god Saetere, the equivalent to the Roman Saturn, and the Greek Cronos. It is also associated with the Norns, the Norse equivalent of the Three Fates, and the Trickster-god, Loki.

Saturday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Binding, Patience, Stability, Neutralization, Material Gain, Protection, Karma, Death, Manifestation, Structure’s, Reality, Laws of society, Limits, Obstacles, Tests, Handwork, Real Estate, Dentists, Bones, Teeth, Farm Workers, Sacrifice, Separation, Stalkers, Murderers, Criminals, Civil Servants, Justice, Math’s, Plumbing, Joint Money Matters, Wills, Debts, Financing, Real Estate, Discoveries, Transformation and Relations with Older People.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for the Last Quarter Moon

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

LAST QUARTER Source: thehoodwitch.com

Moon rises at midnight and sets at noon; best effects between these times

Moon is 7-10 1/2 days after the full moon.

Workings: Addictions, divorce, endings, health and healing (banishing), stress, protection, and ancestors.

Purpose: Absolute destruction

Pagan Holiday: Fall Equinox

Goddess Name: The Morrigan’s Moon

Goddess Energy: harvest goddesses

Offering: Incense

Theme: Banishing

Tarot Trump: Judgement

(One Person’s View Point) Why Light a Candle

Light A Candle

In many different traditions lighting candles is a sacred action.
It expresses more than words can express.
It has to do with gratefulness.
From time immemorial, people have lit candles in sacred places. Why should cyberspace not be sacred?

You may want to begin or end your day by the sacred ritual of lighting a candle or in memory of a loved one … to send healing thoughts … in prayer … it’s all about your intent.
Just follow link below ~

Love & Blessings xxx

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=AMP

(One Person’s View) List of the Most Used Gods in Witchcraft

Adonis: Greek – consort of Aphrodite

Anubis: Egyptian – Jackal-headed God responsible for conducting souls to the underworld. 

Apollo: Greek & Roman – God of the Sun, twin brother of Artemis 

Cernunnos/Kernunnos: Celtic – The Horned God, consort of the Lady.

Dionysus: Greek – God of wine, fertility, and vegetation. 

Eros: Greek – God of love and passion.

Herne: Celtic/Saxon – see Cernunnos.

Horus (the elder): Egyptian – God of the all-seeing eye. Has the head of a falcon and the body of a man.

Hymen: Greek – God of marriage and wedding feasts. 

Lucifer: Italian – God of light, brother of Diana.

Mithra: Persian – God of the Sun and of victory in war

Odin: Scandinavian – God of the dead and of war. Consort of Freya.

Osiris: Egyptian – Fertility God, brother and consort of Isis.

Pan: Greek – God of nature and of woodland.

Poseidon: Greek – God of the sea.

Ra: Egyptian – God of the Sun. Father of Hathor by Nut.

Shiva: Hindu – God of the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. Consort of Kali.

Thor: Scandinavian – God of the sky and of thunder. Son of Odin

Thoth: Greek – God of wisdom and of writing.

Zeus: Greek – Supreme God. Brother of Demeter.

(One Person’s View) Crystals for the Beginner Witch

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

List of crystals that every witch should have in their witch toolbox…

Hematite: this is good to use for grounding, protection, and scrying

Rose Quartz: this is good for promoting love and helps fight anxiety and depression.

Clear Quartz: this is good for protection, healing, and clarity.

Selenite: Prevents bad dreams and great for clarity.

Amethyst: Used for protection and helps to rebut effects you don’t want.

These stones will help every witch out there in everyday life and for use during rituals or really anything and everything in your life.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Wednesday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Wednesday Source: thewitchandwand.com

Wednesday aligns with the planet Mercury. This day is associated with intellectual pursuits, travel, communication, and memory.

Metal: Mercury

Colors: Orange, Yellow, Periwinkle

Gems and Stones: Aventurine, Moss Agate

Botanicals: Fern, Dill, Sweet Pea, Periwinkle, Eucalyptus, Aspen, Lily, Lavender

Spellwork: Communication, Divination, Luck, Travel, Knowledge, Memory

Wednesday Source: otherworldlyoracle.com

Wednesday is also a day that acquired its name from an old Norse god – Odin. In the Germanic, in particular Saxon tribes, he was also called Woten or Wodin, hence Wednes-day or Woden’s day. Odin is the All-Father in the Norse pantheon and rules wisdom, mischief, poetry, quests and the runes (among many other things). Wednesday is ruled by the planet Mercury, which rules communication and more. So, if you cast on Wednesday, it should be for one of the following intentions: communication (verbal and written), technology, cars/transportation, wisdom, clarity, spiritual growth or enlightenment, travel, psychic abilities, courage, divination (particularly the runes), and power.

Wednesday’s Magical Correspondences:

Magical Intentions: divination, wisdom, knowledge, education, traveling, communication, spiritual enlightenment, courage, mischief

Crystals: Agate, citrine, aventurine, sodalite, lapis, hematite, emerald

Herbs: lavender, rosemary, fern, cherry, licorice, poppy, mugwort, plantain, apple, fennel, chervil

Gods/Goddesses: Odin, Mercury, Hermes

Flower Meaning, Symbolizes, and Spiritual Meaning – Sunflowers

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Sunflower Meaning, Symbolism, and Mythology

Sunflower meanings include happiness, optimism, honesty, longevity, peace, admiration, and devotion. The sunflower possibly surpasses all others in terms of its universal power to bring joy to people. With a round face and bright yellow petals resembling rays of sunshine, the sunflower has important cultural and spiritual significance to people around the world. In this post, you’ll learn about sunflower symbols and meanings, the sunflower in cultural mythology, and the spiritual significance of the sunflower.

Table of Contents

Meaning of Some Types of Flowers c. 2015

Flowers have always been a big feature at weddings, too. As an example, look to the royal flower bouquet in the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Ducchess of Cambridge). Her flowers had very special meaning.

The groom, too, wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his button-hole. This stems from the Medieval tradition of wearing his Lady’s colors, as a declaration of his love.

One fun idea is to have a garden gathering and have each person bring a flower that has meaning to them. Or, paint tiles on a kitchen island with a flower that represents each of your loved ones.

There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
–The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

Please tell us which flowers have meaning to you! If we are missing one of your favorites, please tell us which one and its meaning.

Wish to grow a flower that has meaning to you or a loved one? Click on the linked plant names for free planting and growing guides.

Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Trees
Aloe Healing, protection, affection
Angelica Inspiration
Arborvitae Unchanging friendship
Bachelor’s button Single blessedness
Basil Good wishes
Bay Glory
Black-eyed Susan Justice
Carnation Alas for my poor heart
Chamomile Patience
Chives Usefulness
Chrysanthemum Cheerfulness
Clover, white Think of me
Coriander Hidden worth
Crocus, spring Youthful gladness
Cumin Fidelity
Daffodil Regard
Daisy Innocence, hope
Dill Powerful against evil
Edelweiss Courage, devotion
Fennel Flattery
Fern Sincerity
Forget-me-not Forget-me-not
Geranium, oak-leaved True friendship
Goldenrod Encouragement
Heliotrope Eternal love
Holly Hope
Hollyhock Ambition
Honeysuckle Bonds of love
Horehound Health
Hyacinth Constancy of love, fertility
Hyssop Sacrifice, cleanliness
Iris A message
Ivy Friendship, continuity
Jasmine, white Sweet love
Lady’s-mantle Comforting
Lavender Devotion, virtue
Lemon balm Sympathy
Lilac Joy of youth
Lily-of-the-valley Sweetness
Marjoram Joy and happiness
Mint Virtue
Morning glory Affection
Myrtle The emblem of marriage, true love
Nasturtium Patriotism
Oak Strength
Oregano Substance
Pansy Thoughts
Parsley Festivity
Pine Humility
Poppy, red Consolation
Rose, red Love, desire
Rosemary Remembrance
Rue Grace, clear vision
Sage Wisdom, immortality
Salvia, blue I think of you
Salvia, red Forever mine
Savory Spice, interest
Sorrel Affection
Southernwood Constancy, jest
Sweet pea Pleasures
Sweet William Gallantry
Sweet woodruff Humility
Tansy Hostile thoughts
Tarragon Lasting interest
Thyme Courage, strength
Tulip, red Declaration of love
Valerian Readiness
Violet Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness
Willow Sadness
Yarrow Everlasting love
Zinnia Thoughts of absent friends

Credit: KafeKafe

Related Articles

Spell – Strength and Hope Candle Dressing

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Strength and Hope Candle Dressing

Evergreens of all kinds are brought indoors for decorations during the winter months because they are symbols of hope and reminder that growth will prevail. Trees like pine, cedar and spruce stand strong and sturdy even in the harshest climates, displaying resilience and an amazing ability to survive in the face of adversity. This candle dressing can be incorporated into winter rituals or used on its own for spells for strength and endurance during difficult times. YOu might be able to find all the plant materials of this recipe in your own area.

You will need

For Anointing:

1 drop pine oil

1 drop peppermint oil

Than mix together

1 teaspoon dried pine needles

1 teaspoon dried cedar leaves

1 teaspoon dried crushed pinecone pieces

As you mix the dried plants, focus on the resilient toughness of a giant pine tree standing tall and strong despite all that works against it. Imagine yourself possessing the same majestic qualities. Anoint and dress a white, red or green candle.

Source: Kate Freuler Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2023 page 37

 

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondences for Saturday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Saturday
Magickal Intentions:
Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, Boundries, Time and Death		 Incense:
Black Poppy Seed
Myrrh
Planet:
Saturn		 Sign:
Capricorn
Aquarius		 Angel:
Cassiel
Colors:
Black
Grey
Indigo		 Herbs/Plants:
Myrrh
Moss
Hemlock
Wolfsbane
Coltsfoot
Nightshade
Fir		 Stones:
Jet
Smokey Quartz
Amethyst
Black Onyx
Snowflake Obsidian
Lava
Pumice

Celtic Tree Month of the Alder March 18 – April 14

From learnreligions.com

At the time of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, the Alder is flourishing on riverbanks, roots in the water, bridging that magical space between both heaven and earth. The Alder month, called Fearn by the Celts, and pronounced fairin, is a time for making spiritual decisions, magic relating to prophecy and divination, and getting in touch with your own intuitive processes and abilities. Alder flowers and twigs are known as charms to be used in Faerie magic. Whistles were once made out of Alder shoots to call upon Air spirits, so it’s an ideal wood for making a pipe or flute if you’re musically inclined.

One Type of Irish Alder Tree

From ireland-calling.com

Alder tree in Celtic mythology – balanced between male and female

In Celtic mythology, the alder tree was symbolic of a balance between female and male principles since it possesses both female and male catkins on the same branch.

Alder tree in Celtic mythology

Fearn, F – The alder represents the third letter of the ogham alphabet ‘Fearn’ and the fourth month in the Celtic tree calendar.

The alder is a member of the birch family generally found near streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. It is known for creating a fertile, lush environment for surrounding animal and plant life.

Tree of fairies for the ancient druids

The druids also associated the tree with courage and the evolving spirit, and linked it with death and resurrection. This belief was shared in Austria too, where the wood of the alder was thought to make the dead come back to life.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language.

In Irish mythology the first human man was made from the alder tree which is considered a tree of the fairies, protected by the water fairy-folk but also representing fire and earth.

In parts of old Ireland it was considered a crime to cut down an alder tree because the tree spirit would get angry and burn down houses in revenge.

This possibly came about because when felled, the wood of the alder turns from white to an unnerving blood red due to its bright red-orange sap.

Alder wood good for building

The sap, leaves and bark of the alder were all used to make dyes; green from the leaves, red from the sap and brown from the bark. The dyes were often used to tan leather. Wood of the alder is flexible and resistant to the rotting effects of water.

Fearn, F – The alder represents the third letter of the ogham alphabet ‘Fearn’ and the fourth month in the Celtic tree calendar.

Due to these qualities it was often used to build bridges, pipes, milk pales and pilings for causeways across marshlands. Parts of Venice were built on alder pilings.

In medicine, the alder leaves and bark, which contain tannins, were used as an antiseptic and an astringent to treat skin wounds, rashes and swollen glands.

According to the Woodland League of Ireland, the value of the alder to the Irish in the past was for making clogs, masts of ships and shields. Alder wood was particularly impressive as a shield.

It is so hard that if an opponent buried his axe in the shield, he would find it almost impossible to withdraw it. This would render him defenceless and an easier target to attack.

The alder supports more than 70 different insects, many of them specific to the alder, meaning they can’t survive on another tree.

Discover more about the alder in this video from the Irish Woodland League.

The Alder Tree, the Shield of the Irish

March Full Moon Correspondences

Most common name is the Worm Moon

Jupiter Roman King of the Gods

Jupiter

Roman King of the Gods

In terms of Roman mythology, the god Jupiter is the king. In fact, he is often referred to as the king of the gods. He may not be the original creator of the MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES that dominated tales and lore; that distinction belongs to his father Saturn. But Jupiter is the main man, a la ZEUS in Greek mythology.

Mythology dominated religious culture in Rome up until the point in which Christianity took over. Until that happened, Jupiter was the main deity. He was the god of the sky and, along with the help of the kings of the time, established principles of the Roman religion.

His similarities with Zeus and the GREEK MYTHS didn’t stop with their connections with the sky and thunderbolts. Jupiter was brother to two other gods: Neptune and Pluto. Like the Greeks, each of these three gods controlled one realm of existence: the sky (Jupiter), the sea (Neptune), and the underworld (Pluto), with Jupiter being the most powerful.

Click here to read more about the Roman God Jupiter (Jove) from greekgodsandgoddesses.net