Lux Mundi
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.
Some Sites of Interest
Pagan and Wiccan Ritual Clothing
Make Your Own Ritual Clothes
Original Magickal Designs
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This Pagan Week : December
Humor : Coffee Prayer
Article : Tools of the Trade: Part 11: The Clothes that Make the Witch
Quote : Albert Einstein
Craft of the Week : Making your own Talismans
Humor : Martha Stewart’s Yule Planner
Who's Who in World Mythology : Avalon
Quote : Willem de Kooning
The Magi's Garden : Calamint
Cartoon
Poem : Keeping Things Whole
Quote : Anonymous
The Power of Stones : Basalt
Humor : Loki Loves Me
A Dreamer's Guide : Mimicking to Minutes
Quote : Ralph Waldo Emerson
Previous Newsletters
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Some Sites of Interest
Pagan and Wiccan Ritual Clothing
http://mywitchshop.com/Pagan_Wiccan_Ritual_Clothing/index.shtml
Here are some wonderful handmade cloaks, capes, and hoods brought to you by “My Witch Shop.” Compared to some catalogs and sites I’ve seen, the prices are just spectacular.
Make Your Own Ritual Clothes
Make your own robes. http://village.fortunecity.com/bernhard/864/robes.html
Make your own Celtic Garb. http://www.gallica.co.uk/celts/clothing2.htm
Original Magickal Designs
http://www.originalmagick.com/jewelry10.html
If you are not inclined to make your own charms, you may choose to buy these reasonably priced amulets
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The Pagan Month of December
can be found in its entirety Here. For more detailed entries, please visit the full calendar.
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.
Lux Mundi
Bladder festival
Day of Bruma
Sada
Yuletide Lads visit
Bellisama Dydd
Little Yule/ Gwyl o Golau.
Fates, Benevolent Ones, Eumenides, Moerae, and Parcae
Kolo-hajime
Thoth's oath
Nostradamus
Soyal
Bruma
Geminids
Thoth sent Bast and Sekhmet to Egypt
Halcyone Days
Fortuna Redux
Nun in the Temple of Hapi
Sapienta or Sophia
Day of Ptah
first day of Saturnalia
Santerian festival of Babaluaiye
Netjers received Ra
second day of Saturnalia
Four Brothers Ziemassvetki
Seth went Forth
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| Humor: Coffee Prayer |
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| Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures: it leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses. It restoreth my buzz: it leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of Juan Valdez:
Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life:
|
Article : Tools of the Trade:
Part 11: The Clothes that Make the Witch
by Candace
Clothing is optional in some Pagan Traditions. If you are dedicated into one of these traditions, you may have been taught to practice "skyclad." Not belonging to such a tradition myself, nor having discussed this with anyone in such a tradition, I can only give my own ideas on why this might be a choice for you outside of these Paths.
First of all, going naked into a ritual can be a way to show your humility before your deities. I’m sure they won’t mind one way or another, though they might appreciate the gesture. Clothes can also be an encumbrance. The fabric, the cut, the way the clothes hang on your body, even the color can be a distraction during a ritual.
Certain types of fabric are not recommended for ritual use. The synthetic fabrics especially are said to interfere with the vibrations you may raise. Cotton and wool are the most suggested fabrics for ritual garb, but most ritual garb you can buy will be of synthetic fibers. Constrictive clothes also interfere with spellcasting and so loose gowns or robes (be careful of open flame) or no clothes at all are usually recommended. Color is another important aspect. Colors pose a very symbolic connection in magic. The proper color ought to be worn during the proper ritual, or at least neutral colors should be worn so as not to interfere with the rite.
If you wish to wear clothes during your spellcasting and rituals, they should be consecrated to only these uses and worn at no other time. It’s all right to occasionally work spells in non-magickal garb in a pinch, but having "special" garments lends an otherworldly feel. This can be a way to set up a certain mind frame to slip into for magickal work. For planned out rituals and normal spellwork, at least one set of robes in white or black or some other unobtrusive color should be considered.
Many traditions or paths have a "standard" wardrobe. This reflects the ethnic background of that Path. Scots may wear kilts, and Druids may wear hooded robes, etc. You may wish to embroider magickal symbols into your ritual clothing or "hide" small magickal items in the seams and hems to act as talismans for protection.
If you practice out of doors, clothing can really be a blessing no matter what your Tradition dictates. It keeps off the bugs and defends against too much exposure to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. It also keeps off the elements. A bad case of sun poison is just as life threatening as a nasty case of hypothermia. Both can put you in the hospital. Remember, the gods don’t suffer fools lightly, and they’re not going to protect you from the elements if you choose to expose yourself.
Finally, I’d like to mention personal talismans. Some people seem to feel the more the better. Others wear nothing at all in the way of personal talismans, though they may have a few hidden tattoos (I haven’t asked). You shouldn’t wear so many that they get in the way or they cause a clinking-clanking distraction. You should also be aware that, though they may be protective, too much could cause a garish clash of energies. If you’re not particularly sensitive to these energies, you won’t notice so much. But be sure that others who are sensitive will notice and may begin to avoid you. If they are able to see auras, you’ll stand out like a neon light to a migraine sufferer. For myself, it bothers me like a barely audible noise coupled with a certain physical sensation of air tension. Others may experience it in their own way.
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| Quote : Albert Einstein |
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| We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles, but no personality. |
Craft of the Week: Making your own Talismans
Most of us are not metal workers and are certainly not going to be able to make a talisman of metal. I for one am extremely sensitive to metals, and I also work better with organic components than mineral ones. If these reasons also apply to you, this craft may prove to be very useful indeed.
disc of wood (or shell, water-rounded stone, clay)
wood working tools, paints/stains
sealant
To begin, you will have to design your talisman. There are many kinds of symbols you can use, from Teutonic Runes, Ogham, or hieroglyphs to astrological squares, sigils, or simple pentagrams. The choice is yours and should be adapted to your purpose. If you choose to make a planetary talisman, you will want to try to match any colors you use and whatever material you use to its proper planet. To hang your charm, you may wish to drill a hole through it and string it along some twine (etc), or you may make a “net” around it.
If you choose to use wood for your talisman, cut the disc from a branch of a fruit-bearing tree and engrave or burn a symbol of protection onto it. As you do this, envisage what or who it is that you wish to protect. When the engraving is finished, sand the disc of wood until it is smooth as you wish. You may wish to stain, paint, or seal the wood as well. Give the charm time to dry, then enclose it in a box, a lightproof bag or wrap it in black cloth until you are ready to use it.
If it is more convenient, you may choose to use a shell, stone, or piece of clay for your talisman. A shell or stone may be painted in whatever symbols you choose, then sealed. If you decide to use clay, you can impress your symbols into it while it is still moist and then let it dry. You may also choose to paint it before sealing it.
Creating your charm does not necessarily mean it will work. Of course the symbol itself has some power, but your talisman will not truly be empowered until it has been consecrated and charged.
Some Symbols for your use
Oriental Planetary Yantras
Medieval Planetary Squares
Instructions for Planetary Sigils
Runes
Hieroglyphic converter (made for names, but simple phrases may be substituted
Ogham
Various symbols
Cultural symbols
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| Humor : Martha Stewart’s Yule Planner |
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| December 1: Bury turkey carcass from Thanksgiving under the Holy tree to thank the tree for the six bushels pruned to decorate the halls with. Draw pentagram in the dirt with silver dust to prevent pet She-Wolf from digging up the bones.
December 2: Order 20 cases of Irish whiskey to be left for the Good Folk on Yule. Re-bury turkey carcass, re-do pentagram in gold dust. December 3: Draw pentagram on each sheet of toliet paper using silver marker for that festive holiday touch. Have staff re-roll the paper onto Victorian "crackers" for that surprise element. Re-bury carcass, consecrate concrete block, spray paint with gold and use as planter for poinsetta. Place over carcass. December 4: Take She-Wolf to vet for eating poinsetta. Send out telepathic party invitations to 200 witches, shaman, and druids for Yule party. December 5: Ex-mother-in-law's birthday. Send Victoria Secret's nightgown rubbed with stinging nettle. Begin receiving telepathic RCVP's for Yule party. December 6: Hand dip 365 gold candles for Yule party. Consecrate using Sacred Lady Martha of the Steward Clan Yule Oil at a K-Mart near YOU! Have staff clean up the mess. Pick Up She-Wolf from vet. December 7: Harvest herbs for the garden and and crochet 200 herb pillows for guests. Stuff with the microwaved dried herbs. December 8: Have the staff get their arms tatooed with suns now, so there will be time for the redness to disapear in time for the party. Have staff decorate the Yule Tree. December 9: Repaint Nativity Scene so figures represent Isis, Osiris, and Osiris. Re-bury turkey. Take She-wolf to the pound. Buy new wolf pup. Hire dog trainer. December 10-11: Fly to Europe to grub for truffles. Pick up whiskey at the Irish distillery on the way back. December 12: Use dremmel tool to carve chalices out of quartz crystal balls for the party. Roll the hand dipped candles in the crystal dust to make them sparkle. December 13: Coven meeting! Get symbolically pregnant by the HP during symbolic Great Rite ritual. Give hand forged athames as gifts to coven members. December 14: Get six foot Yule Log from the local land co-op. Decorate with holly, ivy and hand dipped candles rolled in the crystal dust. December 15: See herbalist for private itching that has been going on since last coven meeting. Burn all undergarments. Have factory send new ones in red and green. December 16: Daughter home from college. Send her to herbalist, too. Invite local fauna to graze on the front lawn for decoration and hang wreaths over their necks. December 17: Climb great oak and cut mistletoe using golden sickle. Leave hand cast silver coins at base in thanks. Burn sage now to cleanse house so the smell will be gone in time for the party. Pick up golden robe at dry cleaners and pack in lavender. December 18: Appear on Oprah to show my support for her coming out of the broom closet. Bake chocolate moon pies with banana cream filling, symbolic of the return of the sun. Bake "stained glass" Pentacle cookies. December 19: Bake brownies laced with valerian and give to fundamentalist neighbor. Butcher, gut and pluck 150 pheasants from the backyard coop and marinate in consecrated wine. Harvest wild rice from the paddy out back. December 20: Yule party. Carve sliced carrot to resemble miniature suns. Put red dye in the men's toilet tanks, green in the women's toilet tanks. Have staff do the cooking while I dress in my ceremonial robe. When guests and TV crew arrive, assume meditative pose. December 21: At dawn, give birth to symbolic sun god on the dining room table as the guests and TV crew look on. After guests leave, collect empty whiskey bottles drunk by the Good Folk and recycle. Take a nap and dream of what I'll do for Imbolc. |
Who's Who in World Mythology : Avalon
For past articles and the bibliography, please go to the
Who's Who Archive.
Avalon translates literally as the “Isle of Apples.” It is also known as the “Fortunate Isle.” According to Arthurian myth, it was to Avalon that King Arthur was taken after his fatal battle with his son Modred. Avalon has been equated with other mythic lands such as the Irish Tir-na-Og (the ‘Land of Youth’). It may also be connected to the Apple festival of Allantide (Cornish Samhain).
Avalon is very much like the Welsh Annwn, the Underworld. Since prior to the medieval reinvention of the Arthurian legends, the tales were Welsh in origin, the connection is not too far a stretch of the imagination. Even the supposed physical site of Avalon, Glastonbury Tor, connects it to Annwn.
Earliest legend states that the island could only be reached through the intervention of the sea god Barinthus. Ten maidens co-rule the island. One of them, Morgen (no doubt the precursor of Morgan le Fay), is referred to as “the shape-changing mistress of therapy, music, and the arts.” Other sources stated the island is ruled by Bangon (about whom nothing is known).
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| Quote: Willem de Kooning |
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| The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time. |
The Magi's Garden: Calamint
For past featured foliage and the bibliography, please go to the
The Magi's Garden Archive.
Calamintha officinalis
Description: Calamint is found in dry earth in fields with chalky, gravelly, or sandy soils. It is small, bushy perennial, six to eight inches high. Calamint is slender and leafy, branching at the base. The short-stalked hairy leaves are egg-shaped and a fourth to a half inch long with prominent veins beneath. The half-inch flowers come into bloom from July to August, producing whorls of blooms from the leaf axils and the top of the plant. The corellas are bluish-purple and variegated with white on the lower lip in the middle of which is a purple spot. The calyx is two-lipped, and the lower lip bulges at the base with prominent ribs and bristly hairs. Hairiness varies greatly from plant to plant. It gives off a scent weaker, yet reminiscent of thyme.
Effects: strong
Planet: Mercury
Element: earth, fire
Associated Deities:
Traditions:
Like basil, calamint was said to drive off the basilisk.
Magic:
Calamint was a great favorite of the old herbalists. Gerard suggested twelve uses to which it could be put “without fear of failure.” According to him, it would not only cure the bite of a poisonous snake, it would also drive the serpent off if burned or scattered. Calamint would heal bruises received from a beating or blow, though Galen suggests it be used fresh rather than dried for this purpose. As a tea or bathing herb, it may be used to soothing away sorrows and recover from emotional pain. It is also suggested to sooth the nerves and strengthen the body in a bath. One drop of oil, put onto a wad of wool, will sooth a toothache according to the old herbalists. Placed by milk in a dairy, it will prevent the milk from being turned by thunder.
Known Combinations:
None noted
Medical Indications: Parts Used:
Nutrition:
Calamint may be used in salads and to season meat.
Mercantile Uses:
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Cartoon
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Poem : Keeping Things Whole
Mark Strand (1963)
In a field
I am the absence
of field.
This is
always the case.
Wherever I am
A am what is missing.
When I walk
I part the air
and always
the air moves in
to fill the spaces
where my body’s been.
We all have reasons
for moving.
I move
to keep things whole.
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| Quote : Anonymous |
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| The real measure of your wealth is how much you'd be worth if you lost all your money. |
The Power of Stones: Basalt
For past articles and the bibliography, please go to the
Power of Stones Archive.
Basalt is a hard, volcanic rock ranging in shades of gray to black. It is used as road stone aggregate and building, and as a source of iron ore, sapphires, and copper. This strong rock lends its strength and endurance to people as they try to continue in difficult times or deal with traumatic changes. According to one source, it is best cleansed and energized during the full and new moons.
Basinite is a very fine-grained basalt. In addition to the qualities ascribed to regular basalt, Basinite is said to sooth and ground emotional and intellectual upsets while providing creative impulses. It may be utilized in reaching an epiphany in self-realization. All aspects of integration are also enhanced. Some shamanic ceremonies use this stone in removing disease from the body.
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| Humor : Loki Loves Me
Sung to "Jesus Loves Me" |
|---|
| Loki loves me this I know,
For last night he told me so. Little minions march along, Drive you crazy with this song. Yes, Loki loves me
In the circle I did say
Monday morning, I woke up
Tuesday morning I arose
Wednesday when I went to work
Thursday morn, when I was gone
Friday when my grandma came
Saturday I went to lunch
Sunday morn, a peaceful dawn
|
A Dreamer's Guide : Mimicking to Minutes
For past articles and the bibliography, please go to the
Dreamer's Guide Archive.
If you dreamed of Mimicking someone, you are being warned against this person. If you did not know the identity of the person you aped, beware deceit in an important matter. Opposition from an unknown force is presaged if you watched others mimic someone.
Great joy is foretold by Mince Pies. You will have joy without profit if you made one during the holidays. If you made one at any other time, you have a vigorous mind. Good fortune is assured by eating a pie.
Wealth will eventually be yours through your own efforts if you dreamt of a Mine or mining. Trust only your proven friends if you descended into a mine, and coming up from one indicates an unfaithful lover. You will not lack for work in the future if you owned a mine. A catastrophe lies ahead if you closed a mine. A coalmine augurs plenty of work with little profit, and an iron mine means unhappiness. You will be guilty of foolishness if you dreamt of a gold mine. There is danger in love if you thought you were a miner.
Your present gloomy outlook will grow brighter if you dreamed of a Mineral.
Drinking Mineral Water foretells favorable times for your efforts.
A political or diplomatic Minister is a sign of increasing status or improving conditions. A religious minister is a forerunner of a need for comfort due to some disappointment in your future.
A living Mink is an augury of abundance, but the fur warns against a tendency toward selfishness and greed. There will be hard work and not much pay. Your spouse is deceiving you if you bought a mink coat, but if you received one as a gift, there will be a change in your life. Many minx denotes sly enemies to overcome, though if you killed one you will achieve your desire.
Using Minnows as bait denotes pleasing recognition from your colleagues, while catching them in your hands predicts success with the opposite sex.
The Mint plant augurs improvement of health for the sick and happiness for everyone else.
A Mint indicates a rise in status but only after an unexpected delay. You will have sorrow if you worked at a mint. A change of surroundings is foretold if you minted paper money, but enemies are seeking your ruin if you made coins. You will take a long trip if you made stamps.
A Minuet indicates domestic happiness, but if you danced with your spouse, you will be unhappy. Dancing with a friend foretells good fortune, and dancing with a happy man augurs money.
A happy future is indicated by the Minutes on a clock. You will have good results in business if you were counting the minutes.
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| Quote : Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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| What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say. |
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