The Ancient Whispers Newsletter

Welcome to the Ancient Whispers Newsletter, a multi-cultural newsletter with a little something for everyone of any creed or religion. Here you will find inspiring quotes, irreverent jokes, crafts, and most importantly, historical and/or religious scholarship. Every Wednesday a new edition should appear on this website with reminder emails sent out the night before to those who have opted to join one of the many forums and mailing lists to which I subscribe. If you wish to share this newsletter with others, please keep it intact with the original authors' names on all the articles. Any articles or sections, to which an author or URL is not affixed, were written by Candace (with the exception of the various jokes found herein).

Questions, comments, and topical requests are encouraged and should be posted to the AskCandace open forum at yahoogroups. I'd like to start a help column for the newsletter, so if you'd like to have your problem featured in a newsletter, let me know when you post.

By our modern calendar, January first is the beginning of the New Year. It is a time filled with new possibilities. January’s guardian, the Roman god Janus, is the two faced divinity of endings and beginnings. He is the male equivalent of one among a host of versions of Juno. As the twin-faced Antevorta and Postvorta, she also looks frontward and back. Modern tradition would have us look forward only and forget the past year like a bad memory. I would advise those who follow this tradition to remember... That which is forgotten is soon repeated.

To the Irish, January is Eanáir or am Faoilleach, the ‘wolf month.’ The full moons of February and December are also sometimes referred to as Wolf Moon. The first Full Moon between Yule and the 25th of January is most often called Disting, and it shares the name Cold Moon with December. It may also be referred to as the Quiet or Chaste Moon, or the Moon of Little Winter.

Capricorn and Aquarius are the signs for January, Aquarius gaining power on or around January 20th. The flower for January is the white carnation. Garnet is the favored stone of this month, though Jacinth appears on some lists. Garnet, along with the ruby, is also the birthstone for Capricorn, while Aquarius lays claim to aquamarine. Other stones associated with Capricorn are amber, amethyst, carnelian, fire agate, green tourmaline, labradorite, peridot, and sapphire. Aquarius also holds sway over chrysoprase, garnet, labradorite, lapis lazuli, and opal.

The most popular Vietnamese holiday begins on the first day of the first full moon. This is the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year, called Tet Nguyen-Dan, “Fete of the First Day,” or Tet Tam Nguyen, “Fete of the Three Firsts” in Vietnam. It last three days. Artifacts associated with this celebration have been dated to an origin sometime around 500 BCE.
Above all else, it is a family celebration. Ancestor and household spirits are honored such as the god of the kitchen, the Craft Creator, and the spirits of the land. Mam Ngu Qua, the five-fruit-tray, is placed on the ancestral altar as a symbol of the admiration and gratitude of the Vietnamese to Heaven and Earth and their ancestors. According to one theory, the five fruits are symbolic of the five basic elements of oriental philosophy: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Others state that the five fruits are symbols of the five fingers of a man's hand. The simplest explanation is that the five fruits represent the blessings of Heaven and Earth. This is one of the general perceptions of life of the Vietnamese: "When taking fruit, you should think of the grower." Today, the tray may contain five or more fruits, traditionally in the form of a pyramid or some other shape. Peach, Apricot, and kumquat flowers are used for decoration as well as branches of mandarin oranges.
Long ago, humanity and devils cohabitated the earth, but the devils invaded the lands of humanity. Buddha said he would hang his robes on the top of a bamboo and wherever the shadow fell, that land would be given to men. The devils agreed, but were tricked. After planting the bamboo, Buddha flung his robe to the top and made the bamboo higher by means of magic. The whole land was overshadowed, and the devils were chased to the East Sea. They prayed to Buddha for permission to return to the mainland for a three day visit to their ancestors' tombs on the occasion of Tet Tam Nguyen, and for this reason, Neu is often planted at this time. It is a bamboo pole with green leaves, with an eight sign amulet and earthen bells hung from its top. Lime powder is scattered round its base to allow the painting of cross-bows and arrows to chase away the devils or keep them at bay.

The 15th day of the first moon is the 'Chunga Choepa' or the Tibetan Butter Lamp Festival, the climax of their New Year celebrations. Huge 'Tormas' are sculpted from butter in the form of various auspicious symbols and lamps. This was once the highlight of 'Monlam' in Lhasa, the Prayer Festival held from the 4th to the 11th day of the 1st lunar month. The Dalai Lamas would come to the Jokhang Temple and perform the great Buddhist service. The question and answer test for the highest-ranking monk of 'Lharampa Geshe' was held before the Dalai Lama during this festival. These events are now carried out in Dharamsala however where the Dalai Lama's government is in exile.

The Norse Midvintersblot, Midwinter's Offering, or the Old English Tiugunde Day ceremony is held twenty days after Yule (or on the 13th of January) to honor Tiu, the god of the New Year.

The first Monday after 12th Night is called Plough Monday. Field workers traditionally returned to work at this time and received their pay, definitely an incentive. Farm laborers performed sword dances around the plough. Ploughs were blessed and decorated and dragged around the parish by plough-boys, known as Plough Bullocks or Plough Stots, who demanded food, drink and money. Children would handsel for money and treats from the neighbors while villagers performed Mummers' plays, enacting ritual combat and symbolic death and revival.

The last Tuesday in January is Up Shally A' or Up Helly Aa. This is a Lerwick, Shetland fire festival. A full-sized Viking longboat, complete with shields and oars, is towed to the beach by a torch-bearing procession dressed as Viking warriors. Three cheers are given for the builders of the longship, and after a bugle call, the galley is set alight by 800 blazing torches.

Twelfth Night and Old Christmas day

According to Frazer, the time between Christmas and Epiphany is a witching time

Dezomeshiki

Joan of Arc

Wassailing

Feast of Ptah and Horus

feast of Sekhmet and Isis, ancient Egypt's New Year's Day

feast of Morrigan

Uzue-matsuri

St. Distaff’s Day, Rock-Day

Nana-kusa

Justitia

Galileo Galilee

Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers

Born Violet Mary Firth, Dion Fortune, also a member of the Golden Dawn, died today in 1946.

Festival of Isis, Birth of Aion

Dirge of Isis and Nephthys

Securitas

Geraint, the Blue Bard of Wales

Isis and Min

Carmentalia

Juturnalia

kagami biraki

Feast of Sokar

The Compitalia

Frigg or Freya

final Witchcraft laws in Austria were repealed

Festival of the Helping Hand

Makar Sankrati

Pongal - Bhogi-Pongal

Dondoyaki or

official admission of error issued by the jurors of the Salem Witch Trial

Sein-No-Hi - Adult's Day, Small New Year

The Second Festival of Carmentalia

Pongal - Surya-Pongal

Tattoos are more popular now than at any time in recorded history. Current estimates have one in seven or over 39 million people in North America who have at least one tattoo.

The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian "tatu" which means "to mark something". It is arguably claimed that tattooing has existed since 12,000 years BC. The purpose of tattooing has varies from culture to culture and its place on the time line. But there are commonalties that prevail form the earliest known tattoos to those being done on college students on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley.

Tattoos have always had an important role in ritual and tradition. In Borneo, women tattooed their symbols on their forearm indicating their particular skill. If a woman wore a symbol indicating she was a skilled weaver, her status as prime marriageable material was increased. Tattoos around the wrist and fingers were believed to ward away illness. Throughout history tattoos have signified membership in a clan or society. Even today groups like the Hells Angels tattoo their particular group symbol. TV and movies have used the idea of a tattoo indication membership in a secret society numerous times. It has been believed that the wearer of an image calls the spirit of that image. The ferocity of a tiger would belong to the tattooed person. That tradition holds true today shown by the proliferation of images of tigers, snakes, and bird of prey.

In recorded history, the earliest tattoos can be found in Egypt during the time of the construction of the great pyramids (It undoubtedly started much earlier). When the Egyptians expanded their empire, the art of tattooing spread as well. The civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia picked up and expanded the art form. Around 2000 BC tattooing spread to China.

The Greeks used tattooing for communication among spies. Markings identified the spies and showed their rank. Romans marked criminals and slaves. This practice is still carried on today. The Ainu people of western Asia used tattooing to show social status. Girls coming of age were marked to announce their place in society, as were the married women. The Ainu are noted for introducing tattoos to Japan where it developed into a religious and ceremonial rite. In Borneo, women were the tattooists. It was a cultural tradition. They produced designs indicating the owners station in life and the tribe he belonged to. Kayan women had delicate arm tattoos which looked like lacy gloves. Dayak warriors who had "taken a head" had tattoos on their hands. The tattoos garnered respect and assured the owners status for life. Polynesians developed tattoos to mark tribal communities, families, and rank. They brought their art to New Zealand and developed a facial style of tattooing called Moko which is still being used today. There is evidence that the Mayan, Incas, and Aztecs used tattooing in the rituals. Even the isolated tribes in Alaska practiced tattooing, their style indicating it was learned from the Ainu.

In the west, early Britons used tattoos in ceremonies. The Danes, Norse, and Saxons tattooed family crests (a tradition still practiced today). In 787 AD, Pope Hadrian banned tattooing. It still thrived in Britain until the Norman Invasion of 1066. The Normans disdained tattooing. It disappeared from Western culture from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

While tattooing diminished in the west, it thrived in Japan. At first, tattoos were used to mark criminals. First offenses were marked with a line across the forehead. A second crime was marked by adding an arch. A third offense was marked by another line. Together these marks formed the Japanese character for "dog". It appears this was the original "Three strikes your out" law. In time, the Japanese escalated the tattoo to an aesthetic art form. The Japanese body suit originated around 1700 as a reaction to strict laws concerning conspicuous consumption. Only royalty were allowed to wear ornate clothing. As a result of this, the middle class adorned themselves with elaborate full body tattoos. A highly tattooed person wearing only a loin cloth was considered well dressed, but only in the privacy of their own home.

William Dampher is responsible for re-introducing tattooing to the west. He was a sailor and explorer who traveled the South Seas. In 1691 he brought to London a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Prince Giolo, Known as the Painted Prince. He was put on exhibition , a money making attraction, and became the rage of London. It had been 600 years since tattoos had been seen in Europe and it would be another 100 years before tattooing would make it mark in the West.

In the late 1700s, Captain Cook made several trips to the South Pacific. The people of London welcomed his stories and were anxious to see the art and artifacts he brought back. Returning form one of this trips, he brought a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Omai. He was a sensation in London. Soon, the upper class were getting small tattoos in discreet places. For a short time tattooing became a fad.

What kept tattooing from becoming more widespread was its slow and painstaking procedure. Each puncture of the skin was done by hand the ink was applied. In 1891, Samuel O'Rtiely patented the first electric tattooing machine. It was based on Edison's electric pen which punctured paper with a needle point. The basic design with moving coils, a tube and a needle bar, are the components of today's tattoo gun. The electric tattoo machine allowed anyone to obtain a reasonably priced, and readily available tattoo. As the average person could easily get a tattoo, the upper classes turned away from it.

By the turn of the century, tattooing had lost a great deal of credibility. Tattooists worked the sleazier sections of town. Heavily tattooed people traveled with circuses and "freak Shows". Betty Brodbent traveled with Ringling Brothers Circus in the 1930s and was a star attraction for years.

The cultural view of tattooing was so poor for most of the century that tattooing went underground. Few were accepted into the secret society of artists and there were no schools to study the craft. There were no magazines or associations. Tattoo suppliers rarely advertised their products. One had to learn through the scuttlebutt where to go and who to see for quality tattoos.

The birthplace of the American style tattoo was Chatham Square in New York City. At the turn of the century it was a seaport and entertainment center attracting working-class people with money. Samuel O'Riely cam from Boston and set up shop there. He took on an apprentice named Charlie Wagner. After O'Reily's death in 1908, Wagner opened a supply business with Lew Alberts. Alberts had trained as a wallpaper designer and he transferred those skills to the design of tattoos. He is noted for redesigning a large portion of early tattoo flash art.

While tattooing was declining in popularity across the country, in Chatham Square in flourished. Husbands tattooed their wives with examples of their best work. They played the role of walking advertisements for their husbands' work. At this time, cosmetic tattooing became popular, blush for cheeks, coloured lips, and eyeliner. With world war I, the flash art images changed to those of bravery and wartime icons.

In the 1920s, with prohibition and then the depression, Chathma Square lost its appeal. The center for tattoo art moved to Coney Island. Across the country, tattooists opened shops in areas that would support them, namely cities with military bases close by, particularly naval bases. Tattoos were know as travel markers. You could tell where a person had been by their tattoos.

After world war II, tattoos became further denigrated by their associations with Marlon Brando type bikers and Juvenile delinquents. Tattooing had little respect in American culture. Then, in 1961 there was an outbreak of hepatitis and tattooing was sent reeling on its heels.

Though most tattoo shops had sterilization machines, few used them. Newspapers reported stories of blood poisoning, hepatitis, and other diseases. The general population held tattoo parlors in disrepute. At first, the New York City government gave the tattoos an opportunity to form an association and self- regulate, but tattooists are independent and they were not able to organize themselves. A health code violation went into effect and the tattoo shops at Times Square and Coney Island were shut down. For a time, it was difficult to get a tattoo in New York. It was illegal and tattoos had a terrible reputation. Few people wanted a tattoo. The better shops moved to Philadelphia and New Jersey where it was still legal.

In the late 1960s, the attitude towards tattooing changed. Much credit can be given to Lyle Tuttle. He is a handsome, charming, interesting and knows how to use the media. He tattooed celebrities, particularly women. Magazines and television went to Lyle to get information about this ancient art form.

Today, tattooing is making a strong comeback. It is more popular and accepted than it has ever been. All classes of people seek the best tattoo artists. This rise in popularity has placed tattoists in the category of "fine artist". The tattooist has garnered a respect not seen for over 100 years. Current artists combine the tradition of tattooing with their personal style creating unique and phenomenal body art. With the addition of new inks, tattooing has certainly reached a new plateau.

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Quote : George Bernard Shaw
Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.

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Craft of the Week: Mendhi

Henna tattooing is a temporary form of tattooing. Called Mendhi, it is a traditional form of body art in India, North Africa and the middle East. The hands, feet and other parts of the body are painted with a mud paste made from the henna plant (Lawsonia Inermis). The paste is traced onto the body in delicate patterns and left on to dry. It dyes the skin underneath lasting between 1 to 4 weeks. Mendhi is often used in religious rites and body decorations.

Henna has been known not only for its cosmetic use but also for its medicinal qualities. Some believe henna effectively treats certain types of cancer, muscle contractions, fungal infections, headaches, and has general antiseptic purposes. Aside from dying the skin, henna is also used to dye the hair.

Mendhi is used as part of the celebration in cultural ceremonies such as weddings and Islamic holidays of Eid. August is a holy month in India. The people fast, and the women and girls do Mendhi paintings on one another. The designs can take many hours to complete, and the painting itself is a form of meditation. Mendhi is applied for major celebrations such as the Hindu new year (Diwale), as well as before weddings. In India, the new bride is decorated with the body paintings and is exempt from housework until they fade. Traditionally only women wear Mendhi but at some very auspicious occasions young boys are also permitted to wear it. Mendhi designs are considered good luck. The belief is that the designs bring good luck, and the longer the designs last, the longer the luck will last.

In early Egypt Mendhi was used to stain the toes and fingers of the Pharohs proir to mummification. The use of Mendhi was taken to India by the Moghuls in the 12th century A.D. The Mendhi designs mirror the designs found in textiles, carpets, and carvings. Arabic patterns are traditionally large, floral patterns placed on the hands and feet, while the Indian patterns are traditionally fine line floral and paisley patterns covering entire hands and feet. The Sudanese traditionally used large, bold floral patterns with geometric angles, usually created in black.

For the modern Magickal community, henna art can be directly tailored to the rite and the individual. This can be used to augment healing rites where the design might be painted directly on the area meant to be healed, or to remove a bad habit, a healing spell could be cast to make the habit fade with the henna tattoo.

Basic Henna Recipe

• 1/8 c powdered henna
• 1/8 c very hot water (not boiling)
• 4-6 drops amber oil or other fragrant but not irritating essential oil (clove oil can help darken the design but some are sensitive)

It is best to boil the water, then add the lemon juice. Once the water has cooled some, mix the henna powder in. Mix the henna, water, and oil until you have a paste the consistency of icing. Set it aside for a least one hour, stirring occasionally. On cold days, wait slightly longer until an orangish liquid appears against the dark green paste.

Before using the henna, first cleanse the skin and then rub it with oil. (Use Henna oil if you can find it or a small amount of room temperature coconut or virgin olive oil if you cannot.)

The mixture should be a paste thick enough to remain where it is put and not dribble all over the place. It can be applied in a number of ways. By far the easiest and cleanest way is to put it in a tube with a thin tip, however the henna mixture may be put in any thing from which it can be squeezed in a thin line. You may place the henna in a baggie. Snip a small hole in the corner and slowly squeeze the henna out on the skin in the design that you have chosen, making sure that the paste stays in contact with the skin with no bridging or gaps. Traditionally the henna mixture was left in a bowl and put on the skin using either a finger for less intricate patters or a thin piece of wood for more detailed designs.

Let the pattern dry thoroughly (20 min. or so), then dab a mixture of one part lemon juice, one part sugar, and one part water over the design. Let dry again, and then repeat the dabbing process. The citric acid helps the dye absorb into the skin and the sugar coats the mud and stops it from flaking off. The dried henna should be left on the skin for at least two hours. Ideally the design should be wrapped with gauze bandages and left for twenty-four hours. The longer the henna paste is in contact with the skin, the darker the design will be. Old henna loses its potency.

You should avoid washing the area for up to 12 hours. The design can last from one to four weeks depending on how long the mud was left on initially and how often the area is washed. During the first week the design can range in color from dark orange to dark brown. Not only does the color difference rely on how long the mud was left on but also the natural color of the skin. Lighter skin tends to appear more orange than brown. As the design begins to fade the color will gradually lighten.

Some Links
http://www.hennamehndi.com/magicsymbols.htm
http://reverndbunny.sphosting.com/howmix.htm
http://www.naturalexpressions.org/paperstencils.html
http://www.mehndiskinart.com/
http://www.hennahante.com/

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Humor : The Most Sanctified Evocation of the Pizza Delivery Lad

Perform'd verily in great quantitie on the eves of Freyja's Day and Saturn's Day by Sgaileach Sidhe Know ye, of brite eyes and rumbling tummy, that yon ritual hast been performéd by thine ancestors since first man yearnéd for munchies. Prepareth, hence, for thy ritual by cleansing thy Desk area to preserve a sacred space for thy pizza, which shalt shortly be deliveréd unto ye by the hallowed messenger. Relinquish, thee, all papers and such which doth undoubtedly clutter thy sacred Desk until the time of pizza doth occur. And set ye out upon thy keyboard a mighty set of napkins, for the art of pizza ingestion ist a faulty process fraught with grease stains. Upon this sacred preparation, annoint ye now thy lips with Cola of thy deity's significance and prepare to petition the spirits of thy local and most favoréd patron deity of pizza. Be it called upon by the name of Domino, Our Little Caesar, Howie the Hungry, or Great Father Romano...ye shalt call upon thy deity for spirited release from the hunger pangs of thy tummy. Begin ye now the ritual. Take up the divination of thy telephone, and dial ye in thy pizza deity's sacred number, Qabalistic values thereof notwithstanding. Speak patiently and slowly thy hidden name and thy petition; take care to outline the detailings of thy contracted pizza lest the spirits deny ye a flavor ye hath not rememberéd. Upon thy departure from the telephonic spirit realm, the herald of thy pizza deity shalt impart unto thee the wisdom to know what tribute this day be for thy request, and lo! 'Tis then that ye shalt make thy way towards thine wallet and retrieve therein the sacred coins requiréd to placate the pizza delivery lad. Upon closure of thy sacred connection with the divinatory Telephone, hold ye up thy sacred coins and wait ye thrice ten minutes for the spirit to appear. If the spirit be late, thy sacred coins shalt lose their potency, and thou wilt receive thy pizza as a blessing free of charge. Else placate the messenger with thy coins upon his (or her) arrival, and ye shall gain thy petitioned pizza. As anchovie, so bacon. So meade it be. May thy workings be tasty and fattening.

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Who's Who in World Mythology : Azhi Dahaka
For past articles and the bibliography, please go to the
Who's Who Archive.

Azhi Dahaka was a Druj, an enemy of the asha or universal law. The name seems also to have been borne by a dynasty of serpent worshiping kings in Media. According to the Zoroastrian creation legend, Azhi Dahaka is the three-headed serpent demon-dragon that overthrew Yima, the first mortal by cutting him in two. One head was the embodiment of pain, one of anguish, and the last of death. Its wings were so large and dark they blotted out the stars.

Eventually, Atar, “fire,” caught Azhi Dahaka after a fight over land, air, and sea and chained it to a mountain. Ultimately, Azhi Dahaka became the symbol of falsehood and the servant of Ahriman. It was believed that Azhi Dahaka would break free of its chains at the end of time and ravage the lands once more. The hero Keresaspa would then hunt down and kill the monster.

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Quote: Mark Twain
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

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The Magi's Garden: Caraway
For past featured foliage and the bibliography, please go to the
The Magi's Garden Archive.

Caraway (Carum carvi)

Folk Names: Alcaravea (Spanish), Karawya (Arabic)

Description: Caraway is a biennial or perennial member of carrot family. It is an Eurasia and Africa that has become naturalized to North America and escaped cultivation elsewhere. Caraway prefers meadows, woods, and rocky areas. The hollowed and furrowed, branching stem is slender and angular, growing up to two feet tall in the second year. From a white carrot-shaped root (similar to parsnip, but smaller) spring feathery, opposite, olive gray-green leaves. These are bi- or tri-pinnate, deeply incised, leaves with an upper sheath-like petiole. The small white or yellow flowers appear from May to July and usually lack bracts, forming terminal compound umbels with rays of unequal length. The dark brown, two seeded fruits are long, flattened, and oblong. They are marked with five distinct, pale ridges. The fruit and leaves of the caraway plant give off a pleasant odor when bruised and have an agreeable taste.

Effects: strong
Planet: Mercury Zodiac: Gemini
Element: air
Associated Deities:

Traditions:
Caraway cakes, that is rolls coated with sugar crusted caraway seeds, were traditionally fed to farm workers after the last grains were sown to celebrate the planting. The name comes from ancient Arabic Karawya, a word still used in the East.

Magic:
Caraway is carried to protect against Lilith and all spirits, entities, and negativity. Fill a pouch with seeds and sew it shut with white thread. Hide it in your child's bed to protect from illness, evil spirits. Wrap seeds in a white handkerchief and carry for safe journeys.

Caraway has the gift of retention. Any object containing caraway seeds is theft proof, including livestock. Some pigeon trainers will still place some caraway dough in the loft to keep their flock. Since pigeons are particularly fond of caraway, this isn’t particularly a superstitious act. The seeds also encourage fidelity, guarding against the theft of your love as well as more material objects. It has been included in pastries and potions for love and lust, and added to sachets to attract a mate. Chew the seeds to gain the love of the one you desire. Caraway seeds are also known to strengthen the memory, perhaps by allowing you to retain more.

Known Combinations:
Throw caraway with rice at a wedded couple to ensure love and fertility.

Medical Indications: (Caution: Be careful not to confuse caraway with poisonous hemlock of same family. Some believe Caraway taken in sufficient dosages can damage the liver.) Parts Used: fruits (usually referred to as seeds)
Caraway is an antispasmodic, appetizer, carminative, emmenagoue, galactagogue, and stomachic. In women, it promotes menstruation, relieves uterine cramps, and promotes secretion of milk. It is useful for infants suffering from flatulent colic. If you are nauseous (from medication or otherwise), caraway is recommended to settle the stomach.

Folk medicine recommended a poultice of ground seeds and breadcrumbs moistened with alcohol for an earache. A poultice of seeds with vinegar was also suggested for bruises. Currently it is used mostly to make other medicines palatable.

Nutrition:
The young leaves, seeds, and roots of caraway are all edible. The taste is sharp and peppery with a stronger licorice flavor than anise. Caraway is used extensively in breads (rye) and desserts. It may be added to any and all apple dishes, cakes and cookies, and other deserts. Lightly crushed, caraway enhances salads, vegetables, and lentils. Hungarian goulash, game and meat dishes benefit from caraway (and it’s supposed ability to enhance bile production offset the fattiness of dishes, especially with pork or goose). In Germany, caraway is used to flavor cheese, cabbage, soups, and bread. In Norway and Sweden, they eat black, polenta-like caraway bread.

Caraway seed is used in flatulence causing dishes. The seeds may even be dipped in sugar and eaten. This is what is commonly referred to as a sugarplum. As a cooked green, the leaves are boiled ten to fifteen minutes, while the first year roots are cooked like parsnips. First time cooks should use caution, as caraway turns bitter with over cooking.

The oil extracted from caraway seeds is used in liquors, most notably Kummel. This is made chiefly by the Germans and Russians.

Mercantile Uses:
Caraway is added to potpourris, and in India, the oil is used in the manufacture of soap. Caraway is not an extensive cash crop. Holland is the largest exporter of the crop, and it is grown somewhat in Germany, Austria, France, and parts of Spain. Morocco also produces and exports a caraway crop, which finds its way mainly to American and English markets. Oil is distilled mainly from Dutch, Norwegian, and Russian seeds.

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Cartoon

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Poem : The Undead
Richard Wilbur (1949)

Even as children they were late sleepers,
Preferring their dreams, even when quick with monsters,
To the world with all its breakable toys,
It’s compacts with the dying;

From the stretched arms of withered trees
They turned, fearing contagion of the mortal,
And even under the plums of summer
Drifted like winter moons.

Secret, unfriendly, pale, possessed
Of the one wish, the thirst for mere survival,
They came, as all extremists do
In time, to a sort of grandeur:

Now, to their Balkan battlements
Above the vulgar town of their first lives,
They rise at the moon’s rising. Strange
That their utter self-concern

Should, in the end, have left them selfless:
Mirrors fail to perceive them as they float
Through the great hall and up the staircase;
Nor are the cobwebs broken.

Into the pallid night emerging,
Wrapped in their flapping capes, routinely maddened
By a wolf’s cry, they stand for a moment
Stoking the mind’s eye

With lewd thoughts of the pressed flowers
And bric-a-brac of rooms with something to lose, -
Of love-dismembered dolls, and children
Buried in quilted sleep.

Then they are off in a negative frenzy,
Their black shapes cropped into sudden bats
That swarm, burst, and are gone. Thinking
Of a thrush cold in the leaves

Who has sung his few summers truly,
Or an old scholar resting his eyes at last,
We cannot be much impressed with vampires,
Colorful though they are;

Nevertheless their pain is real,
And requires our pity. Think how sad it must be
To thirst always for a scorned elixir,
The salt quotidian blood

Which, if mistrusted, has no savor;
To prey on life forever and not possess it,
A rock-hollows, tide after tide,
Glassily strand the sea.

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Quote : Hubert Humphrey
Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left.

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The Power of Stones: Berlinite
For past articles and the bibliography, please go to the
Power of Stones Archive.

Image not available

Berlinite is gray to pink in color. It aids in extrication from entanglements, and it also assists if one should choose to bide their time instead. This stone enhances endurance by enhancing acceptance of the inevitable. It can also be used to stimulate independence through recognition of self-reliance.

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Humor : Nine Easy Rules to Becoming a Witch

In the 1980's it was fashionable to be interested in the New Age. This is now a dreadful faux pas within the alternative scene, and in order to be accepted in the 1990's metaphysical social set, one must have an interest in Witchcraft or Paganism. Of course, you don't have to actually belong to a coven in order to be thought of as a Witch, you can bluff your way into being accepted as a fully fledged Witch simply by knowing a few terms and dressing accordingly. This brings us to... Rule # 1: Image is Everything. After all, what's the good of being a Witch if nobody knows you are one? You must therefore wear black at all times. If possible, stay out of the sun until you become really pale, as this makes the effect even better. For women (and adventurous males) dark eyeliner and black nail polish can enhance this look. Also wear crystals and cheap occult paraphernalia at all times, and make sure that these are as gaudy and bizarre as possible, as this can only help your image. Wearing a pentacle around your neck is an absolutely necessary accessory - the bigger the better! Capes and cloaks are optional around town - it depends on how much of a visual impact you want to make, but either of these are also crucial apparel at any ritual or gathering that you may attend. Rule # 2: Name Dropping is Good. Every serious student of The Craft (and I'm talking here about the term for Witchcraft, not macramé) knows the name Gerald Gardner. This man revitalized Witchcraft in the mid 1900's with his book about the true history of The Old Religion (some have called this book pure fiction, but only those picky few who like books to be based on facts). Real Witches however, never let historical accuracy get in the way of their spiritual path, so in conversations with other witches, quote his name as often as possible (in tones of awe) and you will always be rewarded with smiles of acceptance. Rule # 3: Past Life Name Dropping is Even Better. Tell everyone about the past life memories that have been surfacing since you began studying the Black Arts. It is especially useful to remember a past lifetime as a Witch who was killed during the Inquisition, or at least recall a lifetime as a famous occultist. My past lives have included Aleister Crowley, Cagliostro, Mandrake the Magician, and most of the cast of "Bewitched". Rule # 4: Behave Strangely. Never forget why it was that you wanted to become a Witch - yes, so that you have an excuse for strange behavior. Previously labeled eccentric behavior patterns can now be accepted by others if they have a reason to explain it, even if that reason for howling at full moons while naked is simply, "He/she is a Witch, that's normal for them evidently." So, don't let your friends down, behave strangely, you can get away with it now. Rule # 5: Watch Occult Movies. Make sure that you watch the movie "Warlock" lots of times to perfect those soft landings after over-indulging with the flying ointments (read as mead and weed). Rule # 6: Ready Yourself for Sex, Money and Power. Wasn't this the other reason you were drawn to Witchcraft? In the past, adepts of the occult were known to possess charismatic, lusty and powerful personas - when people find out that you are a Witch, they may automatically assume (and therefore empower you) with these same qualities. This may sound pretty good, but unfortunately in today's world, another group of people have become even more established within the realms of kinky sex sessions and unlimited power - yes, the politicians! Beware of this elitist group of power-brokers... they don't want any competition to their manipulative monopoly over the gullible public - hence the laws against Witchcraft and divination that have remained unchanged for centuries. So, if calling yourself a High Priest doesn't lead you to unlimited sex, money and power - or if it does, but you then find yourself as the target of political and legal harassment - you may have to put aside your cloak and broomstick and pick up a pin-stripe suit and a back-bench in Parliament. If you can't beat them, try bribery, then if that doesn't work... join them! Rule # 7: Atmosphere is Essential. Your home must reflect your Witchy nature. Incense must burn continuously. It's important that visitors see clouds of incense smoke billowing from a spluttering censer in the corner of your dim, dank and dusty home, so dismantle the smoke detectors and start collecting strange little bottles of exotic looking ingredients (use your imagination and label them with names like powdered bat's eyes, or dried dragon's gonads). And if you don't like housework, you can explain that the layer of dust that covers your floors and furniture helps to neutralize the highly charged psychic energy that results from your magical spells, thereby protecting your home and possessions from electromagnetic disintegration. Rule # 8: Be Patronizing to Christians. In social discussions don't forget to make plenty of derogatory remarks about fundamentalist Christians, but remember to save your most biting comments for other Witches that you don't get along with. Rule # 9: Brag About Your Psychic Powers. Any self-respecting Witch will tell you that after their initiation to Witchcraft, their psychic powers awakened and their tarot cards (which they always carry with them) are now much easier to read (they now get something right once in a while). They will also tell you that they can now sense energy fields (in other words, they don't bump into things as often as they used to). Follow this example and brag about the rapid development of your psychic abilities since your initiation. If asked about your initiation ceremony, simply state that you were sworn to secrecy about it, then quickly change the subject by mentioning your newly awakened ability to detect Ley-lines, but try to remember that a Ley-line is not a queue for the after-ritual orgy! Now you know how to pass yourself off as a real Witch, so place that broomstick in a conspicuous corner (one that is not clouded by too much incense smoke); pull on those black clothes; give everyone that you meet a sinister look - and your social status will improve overnight. If you do all of this successfully, you may even find yourself with enough adoring acolytes so that you can start your own coven! Good luck and Blessed Be!

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A Dreamer's Guide : Morgue to Moss

For past articles and the bibliography, please go to the
Dreamer's Guide Archive.

If you visited a Morgue in search of someone, you will be shocked by news of the death of relative or friend. If you saw many corpses at a morgue, there will be much trouble and sorrow in your life. Take better care of your health if you envisioned yourself as a corpse in the morgue.

A clear Morning is an omen of approaching good fortune and pleasure. If it was cloudy, you will find profit. A rainy morning is a sign of many advantages, while a foggy new day is an admonishment to be confident. If you rose early in the morning, you will be very successful

If you or anyone else used Morphine, you should stop hesitating and make your move. Further delay could have disastrous results.

You will receive ample aid from unexpected sources if you saw Morocco.

Financial upheavals will put you in embarrassing positions after a dream of taking out a Mortgage. If others took out a mortgage, you have adequate wealth and it would be unwise to seek more. Reading or examining mortgages denotes great possibilities in love or money. Loss and worry are augured by the loss of a mortgage. If you paid one off, you are likely to be hit with unforeseen expenses.

If you were Morose in your dream, you can expect to find the cause upon waking. If others were depressed, you will be entangled in unpleasant occupations with unpleasant people.

Mortification over any misdeed is a sign that you will be placed in a bad position in front of those you hoped to impress. Your finances may suffer. Mortified flesh foretells disaster in love and business.

A Mosaic is a prediction of many ups and downs. If you worked on one, you will hear of a death. Buying one is an augury of small profits, while having one in the floor of your home is a promise of happiness.

Beware of ignorant people if you found a hidden Mosque. Good luck is coming your way if you worshiped at one alone, and if you were with others, you will have many friends. Abundance is predicted if you were with family.

You will strive in vain to defend yourself against the malicious attacks of designing people if you saw a Mosquito. Killing it predicts your eventual success in overcoming obstacles.

Many will depend upon you if you saw Moss growing, but if the soil was rich, you will be rewarded with honors. Someone is attracted to you if you were growing moss as a houseplant. Take special care of your correspondences if you saw moss in flower however. Discolored or dead moss indicates disenchantment.

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Quote : 1929 Herbert Hoover Committee on Recent Economic Changes
The survey has proved conclusively what has long been held theoretically to be true, that wants are almost insatiable; that one want satisfied makes way for another.

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