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.

November took its name as the ninth month of the Roman calendar. As the first month of the winter quarter, November was the first month of the new year according to Celtic traditions, Samhain (La Samhna - Irish) being the first day of the new year. Cailleach had guardianship of this month.

Called Blotmonath, the month of sacrifice, by the Anglo-Saxons, the Franks called this month Herbistmanoth, " harvest month," and Fogmoon is the Asatru name. It was called Samhain or an t-Samhainn, summer's end, by the Irish, the month of the festival of Samhain.

The full moon of November is called the Beaver Moon. It is the Mourning or Frosty Moon, and it may also be referred to as the Moon When Deer Shed Antlers, the Fog Moon, or the Moon of Storms, a name it shares with February and March. Some call it the Dark Moon or Mad Moon.

Scorpio gives way to Sagittarius around November 22nd. Scorpios and other folk born in Those born to this month have the Chrysanthemum for their birth flower. November children have topaz for their stone, though one list mentions pearl as a stone for November, while the birthstone of Sagittarius is turquoise or lapis lazuli. Other stones associated with Scorpio are albite, aquamarine, emerald, garnet, green tourmaline, malachite, moonstone, obsidian, and ruby. Amethyst, azurite, labradorite, pink tourmaline, ruby, sodalite, and topaz are also linked to Sagittarius.

On the tenth day of the waning moon, Buddhists and Hindus of Nepal hold a day long festival in honor of the mother goddess Gujeswari. Devotees bring offerings to her temple built around a spring in the Katmandu Valley. They pray before a sacred water vessel made of red clay called a Kalash, and in the evening, they carry a copy of this vessel in a musical procession which winds through neighboring towns.

Paracelsus

Feast of Hathor and Sekhmet; Ma´at

festival of the sons of Saturn

strigoii

Andros

Oberon Zell

Decima, the middle Fate in charge of the present, presides over December, but the month may have received its name as the tenth month of the Roman calendar. Vesta, patroness of fire also laid claim to the month of December.

Called Aerra Geola, "the month before Yule," or Wintermonat, "winter month," by the Anglo-Saxons, the Franks called it Heilagmanoth, " holy month," and Wolfmoon is the Asatru name. Míí na Nollag or an Dubhlachd is December in Ireland, the dark season.

The first Full Moon is the Moon before Yule or the Long Nights Moon. It is the Oak Moon, Big Winter Moon, or the Moon of Popping Trees. The name, Wolf Moon, is shared with January and February, and the Cold Moon may also be found in January.

Sagittarius passes into Capricorn around December 22nd. The paper white is the birth flower for those born in December, and the birthstone is ruby, turquoise, chrysoprase, bloodstone, or lapis lazuli. Ruby or garnet is also the birthstone for Capricorns, while Sagittarius claims lapis lazuli. Amethyst, azurite, labradorite, pink tourmaline, ruby, sodalite, and topaz are also linked to Sagittarius, and other stones associated with Capricorn are amber, amethyst, carnelian, fire agate, green tourmaline, labradorite, peridot, and sapphire.

Poseidon

homage is paid to the world's oldest documented tree

feast day of Shiva

Gwyl o Rhiannon

Bona Dea

going forth of the Netjeru of Abydos

Pallas Athena

There are a few other tools included in some traditions. You may choose to use these if you wish. These include, but are not limited to, the bell, the cord, statues and idols, the censer, and whatever supplies you use in spellcasting. Your spellcraft supplies may include herbs and other organic materials, stones and crystals, sewing supplies, bowls, a mortar and pestle, and anything else you find of use.

The bell is a ritual tool to which much meaning is attached. Like the cauldron and chalice, the bell is considered a feminine symbol for its bowl-like shape. One would also assume the tone of a rung bell has something to do with its classification as a feminine symbol. Hung from a cord, the bell is said to symbolize the human soul suspended between heaven and earth. Gongs, wind chimes, even a child's toy xylophone can all be substituted for bells in ritual use. The tone is only important in how it appeals to you. There is no specific tone for which you should be striving.

Like many Sanskrit words used in meditation (Ohm springs to mind as an immediate example), the tone of a bell unleashes powerful vibrations. These vibrations are influenced by the volume, tone and construction of the bell. The sound of bells is a great stimulator of creative power. If rung pleasantly, it draws positive energies to any ritual. Some traditions ring a bell after invoking each Watchtower, while others use it to signify the end of one part of a ritual and the beginning of another. It is often used to invoke the goddess or call good fairies to an area. At the same time, it wards off evil spells, negativity, and malicious spirits. Conversely, some folklore indicates that Church Bells drive fairies to distraction. I would say this is only truth when the bells are rung in a clamor.

Another tool sometimes found in Witchcraft is a nine foot length of cord. This is often formed from natural fibers. It can be braided and occasionally has a knot at both ends. Many covens use silken cords that are easily accessible in most needlecraft supply stores, or you can braid or weave your own from wool or ribbon. Colors vary by tradition and many also vary by degree. The cord is kept about the waist in ritual, and its length is used to measure an outdoor circle. It is used to ground the person while in an altered state of consciousness. The cord is symbolic of our connection to the earth, and is similar to the "silver cord" spoken of by astral travelers. It can also be used for knot magick.

Statues and idols have long been used in religion to depict Gods and Goddesses. While many practitioners of Wicca may use simple black and white candles as stand-ins for the god and goddess, those who have many deities in their pantheon or have been chosen by gods from diverse pantheons may seek out specific representations of the gods. There are literally thousands of statues to choose from, so there is no need to settle for one. If you cannot find a suitable statuette, horns or antlers have sometimes been used for god images, and seashells are a good substitute for any goddess symbols. You can also use some item symbolic of a specific deity, for instance, the peacock is symbolic of Hera and a peacock feather might be used to represent her on your altar.

The incense burner, thurible, or censer is the final tool I will discuss here. If these are unavailable, you may use your cauldron (so long as it is heat resistant!) to burn incense. In a pinch, any shell, ceramic bowl, or bowl shaped item can be used as a censer so long as you first cover the bottom with a layer of kitty litter or sand. I personally do not use incense. I have a very sensitive nose and the incense is more likely to make me sick than have any practical use at dispelling negativity. This is a classic case of a tool really not being right for someone. Remember, you do not have to use any tools. Everything you need begins in the heart and extends to the hands.

For those who can and do use incense, like many other tools, it is used to help in the purification process of the circle. Censers are small metal chambers with cutouts where the smoke escapes. The censer may hang from as few as three and as many as twenty chains and can be swung in the hand for blessings or hung from a branch of a tree. It is placed to the east of the altar to represent air. Incenses have as many uses as the herbs from which they are refined. They may be used to summon or dispel spirits, for healing rituals, to increase prophetic ability, or for anything you can think of really. Incense is an enhancement to any ritual, but not a necessity.

The process of making herbal incense without the use of saltpeter, or even charcoal is actually quite easy. Perhaps the easiest way is by using a binder commonly called Makko. Makko not only serves as a water-soluble binder, but as a burning agent as well. Makko is a natural tree bark from an evergreen tree and contains no synthetic chemicals, charcoal, or saltpeter.

To make incense, simply mix the desired ingredients, in powdered form, with makko and add some warm water. Knead the incense-dough thoroughly and form into cones or sticks and let dry at room temperature for about twenty-four hours.

Sandalwood is common to almost every incense formula, and serves as a wonderful base aroma as well as a burning agent of it's own right. If you were making an incense of sandalwood alone, the amount of makko required may be as little as 10%. However, resins like Frankincense are more difficult to burn and must be used in much lower percentages to burning agents such as sandalwood or makko. Otherwise, your incense won't burn properly and may me too smoky or keep going out.

Here is an incense recipe you can use to get you started:
2 parts Makko
1 part Sandalwood powder
1 part Cassia powder
1/2 part Clove powder

Add a little warm water and knead dough completely. Form in small incense cones. Dry at room temperature for 24 hours.

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

In the Damascus creation myth of Babylon, Aus is the brother of Anu and Illinus. He and Dauce are the parents of Bel (or Belus –who is equated with Marduk and with Baal). Aus is sometimes equated with Osiris.

Description: Cabbage is related to mustard, kale, collards, rutabaga, turnip, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli, but it is the parent from which all other variations descended. Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, cabbages belong to the cruciferae family, so called because their flowers have four petals arranged as a cross. I do not think I need to describe cabbages any more than this as most people are familiar with them from their gardens or the supermarkets.

Effects: gentle
Planet: Moon
Element: water
Associated Deities:

Traditions:
Russian and Irish immigrants introduced the cabbage to the eastern shores of America, while Chinese immigrants brought it to its Pacific shores. Cabbages and other fleshy leaved plants are said to be sacred to the moon. If a cabbage stump is left in the ground after harvest, small cabbages will grow from it. Brussels sprouts grow in a neat clockwise helix, apparently following the path of the sun and moon like vines. By this, Culpeper connected cabbages with vines, saying that the two will not grow in the same garden.

The man on the moon was supposedly sent there because he stole a cabbage from his neighbor on Christmas Eve. A child surprised him and said, “Since you will steal on this holy night, let you and your cabbage go to the moon.”

In the story of Rapunzel, the Witch claimed Rapunzel because her mother had insisted the father steal cabbages from the Witch’s garden to feed her cravings.

In some areas of New England, Cabbage Night is celebrated instead of Halloween in honor of pranksters who smeared cabbage stumps over windows.

Magic:
Cabbage should be the first thing planted in a new garden after marriage for luck both in the marriage and in the garden. A dream of cabbage means a loved one will become ill however or there will be a financial loss.

Ancient Romans and Egyptians ate raw cabbage seasoned with vinegar eaten before a meal to stay sober. Eating boiled cabbage in vinegar was believed to cure a hangover. Culpeper also claimed the juice added to wine would help ease the poison of a snakebite.

Known Combinations:
None noted

Medical Indications: (Caution:) Parts used:
None noted aside from the health benefit of the vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants found naturally in cabbage, especially the red.

Nutrition:
The most popular cabbage preparation in the United States is coleslaw. As often as it is used raw in salad preparations, it is also cooked. It may be fried, pickled, and made into casseroles. It is added to soups and who can forget corned beef and cabbage. The Irish are nearly as famous for their cabbage dishes as potatoes.

Mercantile Uses:
Cabbage is a significant food crop throughout the world.

My soul stands at the window of my room,
And I ten thousand miles away;
My days are filled with Ocean’s sound of doom,
Salt and cloud and the bitter spray.
Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.

My selfish youth, my books with gilded edge,
Knowledge and all gaze down the street;
The potted plants upon the window ledge
Gaze down with selfish lives and sweet.
Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.

My night is now her day, my day her night,
So I lie down, and so I rise;
The sun burns close, the star is losing height,
The clock is hunted down the skies.
Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.

Truly the pin can make the memory bleed,
A word explode the inward mind
And turn the skulls and flowers never freed
Into the air, no longer blind.
Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.

Laughter and grief join hands. Always the heart
Clumps in the breast with heavy stride;
The face grows lined and wrinkled like a chart,
The eyes bloodshot with tears and tide.
Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.

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Quote : Albert Einstein
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.

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

Baculites are fossilized cephalopods. This stone is used to wake you up to this life’s potential. It may be used to consciously eliminate guilt, self-deception, and other emotionally or psychologically destructive behavior. Baculites help you identify and reject negative thinking.

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Humor : Crossing the River

Three Pagan priestesses were on a hiking trip when they reached a river. The eldest priestess didn’t even pause, but confidently walked across the river. The second priestess, a bit younger, looked at the river and thought, "If she can do it, I can do it," and also walked across. The third and youngest of the three looked at the river and thought, "If they can do it, I can do it," and promptly fell into the river. As she paddled to the other side, the second priestess said to the first, "You think we should have told her about the stepping stones?" To which the first priestess replied, "What stepping stones?"

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A Dreamer's Guide : Mercury to Meteor

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

A dream of Mercury (the metal) foretells money on its way to you, especially if you walked in it. Friends will disgust you if you took mercury with your medicine. Other people will hold you in high esteem if you handled it in any way. Mercury poisoning indicates desertion and separation from family.

Mercury (the god) predicts good news.

Mercury (the planet) augurs a sudden rise in status.

Unexpected fortune is yours after a dream of Merit given for your accomplishments. A child given merit indicates profit. If anyone received undeserved merit however, you face a loss of money.

A Mermaid is a sign of misfortune in love, especially if she graced the bow of a boat. A lover will deceive you if she graced the bow of a sailing ship.

Merriment augurs difficulties at home, and if you were making merry, you will suffer through your own foolishness. Troubles are foretold if others were making merry.

Riding or observing a Merry-go-round presages improvements to your life. If you rode it alone or saw one at rest without anyone on it, you are entering a temporary period of discouragement.

Your trust will be betrayed if you dreamt of being Mesmerized, but triumph over your enemies is presaged if you hypnotized others. You will find new interest in your surroundings if you saw others being hypnotized.

Entanglement in a Mesh or net denotes enemies who will seek to oppress you in a time of prosperity.

A Mess is a sign that you hold money in too high a regard. If you made a mess, there will be mutual interest between you and someone unexpected. An inheritance may be yours if you saw children making a mess.

Good fortune in business is foretold by a sailors Mess Hall.

A better position will be yours after dreaming of a Message. If you received one, your business is secure, while sending one is a sign of some unexpected circumstance. Sending a message to relatives indicates danger through a secret, while receiving one from a relative presages important and beneficial events. Beware rivals if you sent a message to your love, and if you received one from your sweetheart, a big catastrophe looms ahead of you.

Acting as a Messenger is an augur of a lucrative, but somewhat shady, deal coming your way.

Metals are a symbol of riches. If you bought some, money approaches, and selling them is a sign of abundance. Melting metals is an omen of insurmountable obstacles.

Any kind of Metamorphosis is prelude to a trip. An animal which changes its form is a warning of gossip, and changing plants predict a change of residence. Present conditions will improve if a human was changed to an animal.

A Meteor streaming across the sky is a promise of sudden success which will be very exciting, though short lived. Enjoy it while it lasts.

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Quote : E W Howe
A thief believes everybody steals.

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