The Ancient Whispers Newsletter

Some Sites of Interest

SkyWatch
Weather working
Seawitch.org
Weather Working With Clouds
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This Pagan Week : June
Humor : New Virus
Article : Weather Magic
Quote : Henri-Frederic Amiel
Craft of the Week : Flower Fairies
Humor : Some true “proverbs”
Who's Who in World Mythology : Bachue
Quote : Buck Rogers
The Magi's Garden : Chicory
Cartoon
Poem : Earth Mother, Star Mother
Quote : George E. Woodberry
The Power of Stones : Bustamite
Humor : Baby
A Dreamer's Guide : Passage to Payment
Quote : Stanley Walker
Previous Newsletters

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Some Sites of Interest

The Pagan Month of June
can be found in its entirety Here. For more detailed entries, please visit the full calendar.

23RD

24TH

25TH

26TH

27TH

28TH

29TH

30TH

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Humor: New Virus

There is a new virus code named 'WORK'. If you receive WORK from your colleagues, your boss, via e-mail, or from anyone else, do not touch it under any circumstances. This virus wipes out your private life completely. If you should happen to come in contact with this virus, take two friends and go straight to the nearest bar. Order drinks immediately and after three rounds, you will find that WORK has been completely deleted from your system. Forward this virus warning immediately to at least five friends. Should you realize you do not have five friends, this means you are already infected by this virus and WORK already controls your life. If this is the case, go to the bar and stay until you make at least five friends. Then retry. I think I have five friends, but am not entirely positive so I'm headed for the bar anyway.....it never hurts to be safe.

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Article : Weather Magic
from PageWise
by Bobbi Jo Innamorato Williams

Weather has always held a fascination throughout human history. People need to know the weather to plan out their day, but rarely are able to thoroughly understand the different weather conditions. In the time before civilization, people were dependent on the colors of the day sky and the stars and moon of the night sky to judge coming weather events. Today, unless in an open area, the lights of the city thwart our vision of the stars, the brightness of the moon and the color of the dawn.

To our ancestors, the world and the weather was full of magic and mysticism. The phenomena of nNature held a fascination that could rarely be rivaled. The coming of rain and snow determined the growth of crops and feed for farmers. Hail storms could wipe out entire crops and heavy rains could flood farmland for miles. The weather was mysterious and all powerful.

In addition to the precipitation, there are the winds. They can come from the four directions of North, South, East and West. For most of us, we just notice if a day is windy or not, never realizing the direction the wind is blowing if only to avoid a hat from blowing off or our hair from flying into our faces. To our ancestors, wind was sometimes a demon, rising suddenly and fiercely, carrying off homes, destroying lives and leaving destruction in its path. Winds could occur with water spouts which would leave frogs or fish afterwards. Not only were these events beyond the control of primitive man, but also beyond his understanding.

Ancient humans saw frogs and fish from a water spout as warnings from the Gods. Dust storms were home to dangerous spirits and hot burning sand. Wind was not only powerful, but unpredictable, changing directions and speed randomly, reflecting anger or the displeasure of the early Gods.

Lightning was also unpredictable and very powerful. To some, lightening was a thunderbolt being cast down by the Gods, a symbol of destruction. However, there were some who saw lightning bolts as a way a soul could be set free and reborn. Many ancients relied on weather watchers to warn them of upcoming events and catastrophes, based on their beliefs of the Gods and what was known of the unpredictability of the weather.

The greatest of these divine weather watchers of ancient times were the Etruscans from Northern Italy. They were diviners who, from the state of the sky and weather conditions, could cast prophecies. The sooth sayers would sit upon a high mountain, near a magical oak tree, with a clear view of the sky and cast predictions based on the temperature, wind, bird flight patterns and the color of the horizon. They were called upon by early governments and the upper class to help in many important and financial decisions. The slight change of the wind direction, or a back to back clap of thunder with lightning could all predict disaster, or good fortune, depending on the way the diviners saw things.

Many people can look at the sky and predict weather for the next day. But not everyone can look at many nights of skies and predict the crops or population of the coming year. Shaman were one such group of sky watchers who could make accurate predictions of weather, helping their tribes to survive.

Magicians of Northern Europe claimed magical power over the winds. They would capture the winds in bags and tie them with ropes. They could control the winds depending on the tightness of the ropes, the number of knots and the way in which the bag was tied. This power might be used for evil or for good, since the power was said to be that of inducing the wind to do as the magician bid. Thus he could bring forth great destruction or take the winds away.

Early and primitive meteorologists used the position of stars and planets to determine the season and aid in predicting weather patterns. Individual Gods were associated with specific weather patterns, events and conditions. Offerings were given to the Gods in the hopes of appeasing them and having favorable weather which could directly affect the economy and class of living for an entire village.

In modern times, there are sophisticated computers to aid in the prediction of weather. We are able to know the weather for the next week, predict the type of winter and summer and know when a drought or flood could occur, yet we cannot control the Mother Nature. The weather magicians of the past have shown us what to look for without the radar.

Though the art of weather magic is practiced in remote areas, the concept is still prevalent into our modern times and cities. Watching the skies for the clouds, looking at the color of the setting sun and feeling the wind and moisture in the air are things we do almost subconsciously. We may not be weather magicians or Shaman, but we are the modern version of that primitive meteorologist.

You will need:
silk flowers
round wooden beads large enough to “thread” the base of the flower
colored paint
colored string

Detach the flower from the stem. Turn it upside down and attach a round wooden bead (suitable for the size of the flower) to the end that came off the stem. Paint closed eye lashes, round mouth and a little pink on the cheeks. Attach gold or silver string with a glue gun and pull the string thru the top of an upside down small petal cap.

Also makes wonderful Christmas tree decorations.

Bachue of the Chibcha people of Columbia is a water and agriculture goddess. She emerged from Lake Iguaque with a boy who later became her mate. They had four or six children or created the human race. When she was certain mortals could live without her, she and her mate returned to the lake as dragons. She is also known as Turachogue.

Description: Chicory is a perennial which prefers humidity and is related to the dandelion, endive, and sunflower. It is found cultivated or wild in England and Ireland, as well as America from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to the plains. They are a common sight along the roads here in Pennsylvania. The plant has a long, thick tap root, light yellow outside and white inside. This root is full of bitter, milky juice. The stiff, angular, branching stem springs from a basal rosette with leaves up to three feet. The lanceolate leaves are hairy and coarsely toothed near the bottom of the plant, becoming less so higher up. The flowers are light blue to violet-blue, or sometimes white or pink. Appearing from May to November, they are axillary or terminal with toothed rays. The flowers resemble the flowers of its cousin the dandelion and they have the curious habit of open the same time every day (time dependent upon latitude). All the blooms are closed by early afternoon, no matter how sunny the day is.

Effects: strong
Planet: Sun, Uranus
Element: Air
Associated Deities:

Traditions:
The name chicory is of Egyptian origin from Cichorium. It has been grown as a food plant since Greek and Roman times.

The Chicory plant was included in the floral clock planted by Swedish Botanist Carolus Linnaeus at Uppsala.

Due to the milkiness of chicory sap, it was once thought to help mothers who had trouble producing milk due through association.

Magic:
Carry chicory to remove all obstacles from your path. Anointing the body with chicory juice will allow you to win the favor of great people. It may be just the thing for any upcoming court cases. The root is also carried for luck as well as frugality. Chicory is healing of emotions, providing a more positive outlook on life and a sense of humor.

If you intend to use chicory in an invisibility spell, gather the plant in perfect silence at midnight or noon at Midsummer or July 25th. Use a gold knife to harvest the plant. This mode of harvesting also makes the plant suitable for open locks.

Known Combinations:
Use with Moonwort and Springwort to open locks.

Medical Indications: Parts Used: root, flowering herb
Chicory is a digestive, diuretic, and tonic. It is recommended for jaundice and spleen troubles, and juice from the leaves or tea made from the flowering plant promotes production of bile, release of gallstones and elimination of excess internal mucous. A decoction of roots benefits glandular organs and the digestive system. Chicory treats gastritis and digestive difficulties. The Romans used it to relieve liver ailments and ate it as a vegetable and in salads.

The boiled leaves and flowers, wrapped in cloth, may be applied to soothe inflammations.

Nutrition:
The root has been roasted and powdered as coffee substitute for centuries. Eat the young leaves (from the rosette) raw or added to soup as a potherb. The young leaves and root may be included in salad just as endive or dandelion greens are. Older leaves can be cooked, but have a bitter taste suitable only for inclusion in soups and stews. The root may be boiled and prepared like parsnips.

Mercantile Uses:
The plant itself may be used as livestock feed, while the bees enjoy the flowers. The leaves have been used to make a blue dye.

Earth mother, star mother,
You who are called by
a thousand names,
May all remember
we are cells in your body
and dance together.
You are the grain
and the loaf
That sustains us each day.
And as you are patient
with our struggles to learn
So shall we be patient
with ourselves and each other.
We are radiant light
and sacred dark
-the balance-
You are the embrace that heartens
And the freedom beyond fear.
Within you we are born
we grow, live, and die-
You bring us around the circle
to rebirth,
Within us you dance
Forever.

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Quote : George E. Woodberry
If you can't have faith in what is held up to you for faith, you must find things to believe in yourself, for a life without faith in something is too narrow a space to live.

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

Bustamite forms rounded crystals of pink and raspberry to brownish-red. Some specimens contain black manganese, and specimens from Brazil have been found in combination with Rhodonite. Bustamite stabilizes energy and removes blockages. Used in meditation, it is protective and harmonizing. It is also conducive to the dream state and lucid dreaming.

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Humor : Baby

Two women were sitting in the doctor's waiting room comparing notes on their various disorders. "I want a baby more than anything in the world," said the first, "but I guess it is impossible." "I used to feel just the same way," said the second. "But then everything changed. That's why I'm here. I'm going to have a baby in three months." "You must tell me what you did!" "I went to a faith healer." "But I've tried that. My husband and I went to one for nearly a year and it didn't help a bit." The other woman smiled and whispered, "Next time, dear, try going alone."

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A Dreamer's Guide : Passage to Paying

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

A narrow Passage means there is work ahead of you. If you were in a passage with others, you will be happy with your family. If you found something in a long passage, you will overcome great difficulties. Reading a passage in a book means some worthy person will attract your attention and friendship. You will avoid unhappiness if you booked passage on a boat, though taking passage on a plane means there will be obstacles in your path.

Easy success is the prognosis if you dreamt of being a Passenger in any wheeled vehicle. Being a passenger on any kind of ship, plane, boat, rocket, balloon, etc means you will escape from your worries and/or responsibility. Seeing passengers boarding predicts better circumstances, while seeing them disembark foretells an opportunity to acquire property. If passengers pass you with their luggage, your surroundings will improve.

Your own Passion is an omen of prosperity. A passionate woman foretells justification, while a passionate man indicates a passing fancy. A better future awaits you if you saw a passionate wife, while a passionate husband indicates fickleness.

Control your feelings if you dreamt of Passion Flower. You may come into an inheritance if you picked any, and a bouquet indicates many faithful friends. Smelling the flower is an omen of sacrifice and sorrow.

If you got your Passport, an opportunity approaches for profitable travel. Losing your passport is an omen of frustrating lack of progress due to hostile or unappreciative influences around you.

Some trouble will soon assail you, but you will have influential help in relieving it if you dreamt of a Password. If you gave away a password, you will endanger your reputation through a frivolous or illicit desire.

If you made Paste, you may soon get into an argument. Sad news will arrive if you were pasting papers together. Greedy people surround you if you pasted household things, while pasting material predicts happiness in days to come. Your enemies are smart if you pasted anything else. The loss of a friend is presaged if others used paste, unless it was an enemy, in which case you will succeed in your plans.

Pay more attention to your property withholdings if you dreamt of a Pastor. Take better care of your personal affairs if you spoke to one, while taking one’s advice means you may increase your possessions. Profit is foretold if you were one.

A Pastry is a symbol of some important decision or discussion in which you play a part. You love good things if you saw a pastry shop. You will discover something startling if you bought any, and selling them indicates relief from pain. If you saw people making pastries, beware of spending your money too freely, but if you were making them yourself, you may look forward to riches. Using plenty of butter predicts great satisfaction. If you ate pastries, you will fall in love with someone in business. Eating pastries containing almonds means you will be justified in your actions. Suffering is foretold by making a cake, while making a pie is an omen of troubles. You will discover a secret if you made cookies.

Success and happiness is augured by a Pasture, the larger the better. If there were cattle grazing there, you will have a long life. You are being deceived if you were aware that the pasture belonged to someone else, though owning it yourself is a presage of embarrassment. If you saw a wooded pasture or were in a pasture with others, it is an omen of profit. You will be disappointed in marriage if you were running around a pasture.

Patching your clothes foretells prosperity or wealth through inheritance. Decorative or colorful patchwork may indicate a time for speculation or gambling. If you did patchwork for others, you will hold the affection of your lover, and if others did patchwork for you, the love of others is sincere. A patch on new clothes may forebode trouble approaching at your happiest moment. If you saw someone with a patch over their eye, you may soon have an unusual sexual experience.

Applying for or receiving a Patent predicts a favorable time for risky ventures or games of chance. Your love life will be good if you made money from a patent. Buying a patent denotes a tiresome and fruitless journey.

A broad Path foretells a happy life and good friends, while a narrow one is a sign of struggle and deceit. If you lost your path, you will fail to achieve some work that you have tried to accomplish.

If you or someone else had cause to practice Patience in your dream, you won’t have much need of it in the waking world.

A pretty Patio is a portent of exciting new social contacts.

You will enjoy a contented life if you saw a Patriarch. Talking with one indicates publicity. If you thought you were one, you will have joy and prosperity.

Patriotism is an omen of abundance, while if you were not patriotic, there is danger ahead. You will endure much suffering if others were patriotic. A waste of family wealth is indicated if your relatives were patriotic.

You will lose something of little importance if you dreamt of a Patrol. Money you have lent will be returned to you if you watched a patrol, while being taken prisoner by a patrol foretells an increase of your publicity and popularity in society.

There is danger of war if you dreamt of a Patroness. You will have much contentment in life if you were one. There will be much trouble with little results if you argued with a patroness, and if she insulted you, people are saying slanderous things about you.

Any type of Pattern, for sewing, embroidery, or construction, is a warning from your subconscious to refrain from wandering into the unknown. Making patterns is an omen of small annoyances.

Something unpleasant may soon happen to you if you thought you were a Pauper. Someone may call upon your generosity if you saw paupers.

A new Pavement, or one in good condition, means you can expect your interests to run smoothly. A bumpy or damaged pavement is a warning that you are in danger of damaging your reputation unless you learn to control or hide your feelings of envy. The pavement in front of your own home is a presage of bad news. If you fell on pavement, there is danger ahead.

Animal Paw(s) are an omen of loss of status through bad manners or questionable companions. Friends far away are thinking of you if you saw the paws of dogs or cats.

A Pawnshop or pawnbroker is a presage of good luck and unexpected help. You will soon rise above any current troubles. If you were a pawnbroker, you will have trouble in your home. If a pawnbroker would not return your property, your sweetheart is unfaithful.

Paying a bill which is due predicts misery and poverty. If others paid a debt, you will gain financially. If others paid your debt, you will recover from an illness, but if you paid someone else’s debt, you are not in your right mind. If you had to make payments on a bill, your superiors do not favor you.

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Quote : Stanley Walker
Associate with well-mannered persons and your manners will improve. Run around with decent folk and your own decent instincts will be strengthened.

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