Welcome to Gaia! ::

Allure smiled, holding a large book entitled "Rainbows" across the front cover. It was quite massive, as compared to the usual small books that Allure was used to reading. Even the ones that she used to teach Rune how to read weren't as big as this one.

It was a book full of legends, mythology, symbolism, stories, everything. She thought it would be a good idea to show how important rainbows and spectrums were to everyone throughout Gaia, and the world, to Rune. She wanted Rune to feel important, and that her gift was an amazing one.

Lifting a finger to her lips, she licked the very tip, and brought her hand down to the top corner of the page. The thin, tanned piece of paper bent easily underneath the will of her fingers, and slowly bent halfway. It curled, folded, and finally fell upon the force of gravity, joinin the other previously read pages.

A smile curled upon her lips, as she expressed to Allure how beautiful the following photograph was, without any words at all.

Rune was perched upon Allure's shoulder, like always. It seemed like such a convinent placement for her ... easy for her to see everything that Allure was peering at, and she could whisper into Allure's ear, laugh, giggle, or cry - although she would never admit to crying. Anyhow, the little Wethkin bounced eagerly in response - those multicolored bubbles that surrounded her couldn't help but follow the same suit.

"Can you read this, Rune?" Allure dragged her finger downwards, and started to have it follow a line of words .. which seemed more like faintly recognizable jibberish to Rune. With a stupidly large smile, Rune squeaked at Allure .. "I wanna~ hear you read it~" She chimed, causing Allure to laugh.

"Heh, alright alright.." She raised her outstretched fingers into the air, signalling that she would continue. "Let's see here...

Iris
According to one source I found, the Rainbow is a symbol of Goddess in general. But more specifically, it seems to refer to the Greek goddess Iris, who was the wife of Zeus, and messenger to Hera.
Barbara Walker says that Iris was "more important in archaic religion than in classical Olympian legends." She goes on to suggest that Iris probably began as a form of the pre-Vedic mistress of the "rainbow veils" of perceptible reality, Kali-Maya.

Kali-Maya also became the Greek Maia, who was the virgin mother of the god Hermes just as Maya was the virgin mother of the god Buddha. Her name was synonymous with "midwife."

I don't know my Greek mythology, so this area needs further research. As I understand it, though, the Iris flower also symbolizes the goddess, and I did find one source that said the Iris flower was named for the goddess Iris. Even before that, I was lead to equate Rainbows with Irises. Not a bad match, when you think about it. No wonder I've always loved this flower! And they certainly come in a rainbow of colors!

Ganesha
I've been told the name Ganesha means Lord of Hosts, which gives it an interesting biblical connection. I've also heard him referred to as the one who "destroys all obstacles," and as the God of Wisdom.
I've recently learned that Ganesha is also said to have impregnated the Virgin Goddess Maya, who subsequently gave birth to Buddha. (See also Iris for more on this.) The same Virgin Goddess is found in China as Moye, mother of the primal culture hero Fu-Hi or Fu-Hsi. There the white elephant god impregnated her by surrounding her with a magic rainbow as she walked near a river.

Footnote: In ancient India, elephants were considered symbols of powerful sexual energy. Is it any wonder, then, that Ganesha, an elephant-headed being, was Christianized as the elephant-headed demon Behemoth, still representing sexual energy?

Goddess of Creation
In several cultures, the Rainbow has symbolized, or had connections with a Goddess of Creation. Among Australian Aborigines, she is called the Rainbow Serpent Mother. They say she "made the world and gave birth to its people."
A similar Rainbow Goddess appears to be widely found throughout Africa. Her Yoruban name is Oya, and under that appellation, she is said to have first created the elements of the universe. She journeyed to the western hemisphere with the African slaves where she became the Rainbow Goddess:

Olla of Cuba & Puerto Rico
Yansa of Brazil
Maman Brigette or Damballah of Haitian vodoo

Polynesian Rainbow Serpent
Here again we see a world creator, and an association to pregnancy. We also see it expanded in some parts of the region where it is said that the serpent lives underground and will ultimately become the destroyer of the world. I wonder if this has reference to the volcanoes and earthquakes prominent in that region and elsewhere.
The Rainbow Serpent is also called the Celestial Serpent and "is of great importance in the myths. It is the Water Spirit who gave the people the first water by urinating, otherwise all would have died of drought and thirst. She also showed them how to dig for food and how to breathe; she shapes babies inside their mothers. Also the Old Woman came from the sea in the form of a serpent and gave birth to the Ancestors.

"The Rainbow Serpent is a creator, a sky hero, associated with the Dream Journey and Dream Time ceremonies. It varies in different parts of Australia, being either bi-sexual, masculine, or the Old Woman. The name Ungad is sometimes used. In Maori lore the serpent represents earthly wisdom, it is a swamp worker connected with irrigation and growth. . . ."

This same source also discusses Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed or Feathered Serpent of the Aztecs and Toltecs. God of wisdom, fertility and the wine, "it also accompanies all rain and wind gods and is an intermediary between gods and men. . . . The Feathered Serpent also signifies the Evening Star which dies but is born again as the Morning Star."

Quetzalcoatl isn't exactly Rainbow symbolism, but loosely related, and quite interesting, I think.

Norse, Babylonian, & Egyptian Myths
Norse
These myths also consider the Rainbow as a heavenly bridge called Bifrost. It was also known as Brisingamen, the jeweled necklace of Freya.

Babylonian
In Babylon the Rainbow was the necklace of Ishtar, although sometimes seen as her seven different-colored veils, which figured in the dance of her priestess Salome in the Bible.

Egyptian
The colored veils in Babylon, were called here, the Seven Stoles of Isis.

Imagination
According to Tom Chetwynd, the Rainbow is a symbol of "Imagination itself, a many coloured raiment both covering and revealing the pure light. . . ." He also mentions the bridge it makes between sky and earth and observes that it takes imagination to "unite the opposites of above and below."
So does the rainbow symbolize our efforts to bridge and unite the left and right hemispheres of the brain? Or might it serve as a connection with our subconscious?

Chakras & Crystals
When I think of Rainbow Colors, I often think of the Chakras and the colors associated with each of them:

Red --- Base/Root
Orange --- Navel
Yellow --- Solar Plexus
Green --- Heart
Blue --- Throat
Indigo --- Third Eye
Violet --- Crown
And that can take me into considering which stones or crystals to add to the associations.
It surprised me to learn that historically gems and crystals were much admired and regarded as Goddess essence -- largely on account of their rainbow iridescence. But then I think of crystals I care for, and how drawn I am to those who have rainbows in their depths. Then I'm surprised I didn't make the connection sooner.

Interestingly, it was also sometimes thought that all things were based on the rainbow. Seemingly, a close inspection of skin, hair, plant materials, or stones in strong sunlight would reveal millions of tiny rainbows. Some crystals and water drops? Yes, I've seen them there. Clean shiny hair? Sometimes. My skin? Not that I've ever noticed!

Speaking of the seven colors of the rainbow. . . . they have apparently often been equated to many magical and mystical sevens. Often those connections have been to Goddess worship, but there have been male deity associations as well."

Rune continued to flutter upon Allure's shoulder, clinging tightly to every single word that escaped from her mouth. The spectrum that made up Rune's tail started to glow brightly, and the bubbles began to change colors, and bounce off of one another. She seemed genuinely entertained and eager to learn more from the stories that were held within the book. Allure tried not to make it obvious that she noticed Rune's eager excitement, but she certianly enjoyed every moment of it.

"Perhaps we can read more later, hm?" Allure smirked. "I think it's time for some fruit punch."

"Yaaaaaaaaa~aaay!" Rune squeaked, fluttering towards the kitchen.
Rainbow legends are (c) here.

Allure awoke with a startle. She blinked and looked around, momentarily not knowing where she was. Her heart began to race.

Beat, Beat, Beat, Beat.

She lifted a hand and placed it over her chest, a vain attempt to make it slow - for she felt the ringing of it within her ears, in her throat, in her mouth. In her mind, the entire room echoed with the sound. Shock and alarm sizzled through her body. She was desperate for answers.

It was only her dream that confused her. She dreampt about being sent off to a far, unknown land. Surrounded with strangers .. They were helpful, friendly, but still were strangers. Little Rune was at her side ..

Suddenly, she heard a sound. Not really one sound, but many. A tune. A song. It was familiar .. something that she recalled from her childhood.

Soon she would come to realize ...

That she had fallen asleep on the couch. With the TV on. Oh no, that was never a good thing. When this happened last time, Rune had stayed up the entire night - and happened to learn FRENCH along the way! A smirk curled along Allure's lips .. but still .. that sound .. It was real. It was not a dream, what was it?

She could start to make out the words .. the voice sounded like Rune's .. it went something like ....



Allure lifted that hand to her forehead, smacking it lightly. She grumbled to herself ... "I must have left 'The Wizard of Oz' on..."

Rune giggled.

Allure set her journal down upon her dresser, and walked towards the Televisoin. A hand was lifted towards her chin, as she curled her figers upon it, giving a thoughtful twist of her lips.

"Hmm.." She whispered softly, narrowing her eyes at the square buzzing screen.

A set of participants were placed behind large box shaped stands, lit with blue screens. Numbers were scattered all across. Each had a small beeper within their hand.

"I wonder if Rune will learn anything from Jeopardy? ... Maybe they would let her onto the show..? .." She smirked, "But I bet they have rules saying human participants only.."

That hand moved downwards, and she pressed an extended index finger against the elongated button. It clicked off, causing the room to darken significantly. A small lamp which was placed next to her bed illuminated a relatively faint area. She stretched her arms upwards, letting them reach as far out as possible, and a slow yawn followed.

Soon, a brightly lit spectrum of light burst into the room, humming an oh-so-familiar tune. Allure smiled, but continued on her way to the bed. She reached out, lifting some of the covers, and she slipped her way in.

"Ahh.." She expressed, the comfort almost too much to keep to herself. Her back hurt somewhat because of how akwardly she slept on the couch the prior night. She left herself sink into the wonderful pillow topped mattress, and it seemed to fold and embrace her form, she smiled still.

Rune squeaked and fluttered in front of Allure, landing upon the blankets that covered her chest. "Allure!" Rune giggled, pointing towards the book that was propped up next to the lamp. "C'mon .... pweeease?" She whimpered, giving a pouty look.

"What, Rune?" Allure blinked, glancing to the side. "Oh, you want me to read you a story?" She questioned. Rune responded with an eager nod.

"Alright, alright ... " Allure sighed with a smile, and she reached for the book. It felt quite heavy tonight, perhaps that was due to her tired mindset.

"Just one story... and then we go to sleep. Okay?" Allure grinned, opening up the book and letting the pages fall over eachother .. almost letting the book find the perfect story for the night.

"Ah here we go .. How about the legend of Irish Faeries and Rainbows? They kind of remind me of Leprechauns .. but I'll have to tell you about those later." Rune nodded still, waiting for Allure to continue.

"Alright.." She took a deep breath, and began,

"The elemental kingdoms throughout the world are magical places filled with beauties and a few mischievous beasts. Ireland is no exception; in fact, the fairies and leprechauns of Ireland are better known around the world than those of other lands. The Irish word for fairies is Sidhe (pronounced she).


Long, long ago in a legendary time now steeped in mists and memories, there was a mythical race of divine gods and goddesses known as the Tuatha De Danann, or the Tribe of Dana. They were the beings of light, known to have descended to earth from the sun, and have been called the Shining Ones, the Shimmering Ones and the Ancient Ones. They are also known as the immortals. There are few places on earth today with as much fairy energy as Ireland, and most specifically the fairy hills and mounds in the vicinity of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, where the mighty gods of the ancient ones lived in luxury and ruled their earthly possessions. Tir no N'Og is the land of eternal youth, and is a place the fairies are well familiar with; perhaps it explains their youth and immortality.


Now, if you haven't already heard, the number three is filled with magic and power. Triple spirals abound in the so called tombs of this area, as well as there being three hills. Spirals are interdimensional symbols capable of parting time from space and allowing us to venture into other worlds and dimensions. Brigit, goddess of the fire and home hearth, is also the triple goddess. " Third time lucky," is a phrase well known even in our modern, western society.

Finbarr is the High King of Fairy Land, and his High Queen is Oonagh. Their subjects are to be found throughout the land, living in fairy mounds, tree circles, stone circles and within the lakes. Old timers know it is unwise to anger a fairy or break any of the many unspoken fairy rules and laws. For instance, you should never cut off the top of a tree on your property. This can bring bad luck and great calamity to everyone in the house.

One of the best known goddesses of Ireland is Aine, who is exceedingly friendly to men and worshipped for her powers of bestowing fertility, abundance and prosperity. She is said to have mated with several humans, having created a magical fairy/human race. An Irish Earl once stole Aine's cloak while she swam in a river, and would not return it to her until she agreed to marry him. Their son was known as the Magician, and Aine told the Earl never to be surprised at anything he could do. The Earl could not help himself in showing surprise when his son performed a wonderful superhuman deed, and this set Aine free to return to the fairies. Her son lives inside Lough Fur in County Limerick, waiting for the time he will expel all foreigners from Ireland. Every seven years he rides around the entire circumference of the lake, and will continue to do so until his horse's silver shoes are worn out.

Leprechauns know where fortunes are hidden, and make shoes and other necessities for the fairies. They are more like the Menehunes of Hawaii or the Trolls of Scandinavia, and much coarser and earthier than the gossamer-winged, sparkling fairies of light. Leprechauns are known to have short tempers and delight in mischievous pranks, and it is strongly advised not to awaken this side of a leprechaun if you come across one. They are often to be found where the rainbow ends, since this is the spot where full abundance can be manifested. While they appear to be the hoarders of the elfen world, often pictured huddled over a pot of gold, they have an uncanny way of making us release attachments to material possessions, treasure and gold. They can make it appear or disappear in the blink of an eye, and usually accompanied by a hearty laugh. A Pooka is likely to lead a traveler astray, and is not unlike the essence of the trickster Coyote in the Native American world.

Fairies can cast spells, steal mortal children and live in fabulous wealth and splendor; they love dancing, singing and merry making. They create fairy money, which is an illusion and returns to soil or moss after the spell wears off. They tend the green lands of the world, and it is to them Ireland can be thankful for the dozens of magnificent shades of green.

If you wish to play with the Irish Fairies and invite them to bring treasures into your life, call on those who are less inclined to play pranks. Be careful about asking for riches, since this is likely to bring an abrupt and possibly painful lesson. Remember, most treasures are more ethereal in nature - love, good health, happiness, etc. Keep love in your heart and leave your serious nature aside, since encounters with the fairy folk are usually light hearted and leave you feeling childlike and happy."

"I wish to play with the Irish Fairies!!" Rune giggled and grinned, bouncing up and down on the bed, causing the book to wobble. Allure smirked.

"Alright well .. if you're a good little Wethkin, I'll see what I can do about that, alright?" Allure brought the book over to the lamp again, and set it down next to it. With a nod and a wink, she pulled the chain on the lamp, letting the light expell and vanish. Rune merely squeaked, as silence followed. Sleep ensued.Irish Fairie & Rainbow Story (C) here.

[ Message temporarily off-line ]

"Uh huh?"

Allure was resting back against her pillow-topped bed, which was currently decorated in overly large, plushie candy canes and reindeer. A crisp, yet thin black cellphone, adorned with edges of silver was pressed lightly against the side of her cheek, propped up by her shoulder. Her knees were drawn closely against her chest, almost so much that her chin was touching against the very tops of her knees. A small bottle, holding bright red liquid was clutched tightly in her left hand, and a small brush, dipped in the said concoction, was held skillfully between dainty fingers. She seemed to be paying much more attention to her toenails, continuing on with this weekly routine, than whomever, or whatever was on the telephone.

Rune was buzzing around Allure's room happily. Allure had given her permission earlier that day to go completely wild with her walls - she felt as though she needed a change. Slowly bringing the tip of her tail up to her mouth, Rune scratched lightly away at her orange fuzz in thought. Tilting her head to the side, she stared at one last blank wall. The others were splashed with amazing saturations of colors - blues and purples, oranges and bright pinks, and a black wall with vibrant green, yellow and magenta stripes. It was quite ... interesting, to say the least, to anyone that wasn't constantly within this humble bungalow abode, but it was relatively normal to Allure and Rune.

Anyways, the little Wethkin continued to ponder ... much of her past work had always been splashes, splotches, and simple lines. Perhaps it was time for her to do something rather .. realistic? Artistic thoughts were surging through the Wethkin, she could feel the tingle of magic and the essence of nature within her. It was so cold lately .. she was really not used to it. It reminded her of the very rare instances in which she encountered colder-typed Wethkins. Allure had talked to her about this time .. what was it called again..

"Winter?"

Rune whispered to herself, but she shrugged it off, she would have to learn about it later. Today was Friday, and it was a day to rest, relax and have fun! She didn't need to worry about her studies. A quick glance was sent in Allure's direction, she definately seemed to be deep within her conversation. Rune didn't understand the telephone really, nor cellphones .. she did not have any use or reason to use them, so why should she care? Although, she did miss the Wethkin shoppe .. and she did miss interacting with the others. Maybe she would find out how to use that cell thing one day, and call up the shop .. or Avenorell, and Calli! Or others? Hmm.

She floated her way out of Allure's room, and into the equally bright living room. The television was still on, although the sound was turned down a bit. Rune made her way to the front of the screen, and saw it was on an art station. A man with a large paintbrush was making amazing scenery portraits, he brushed his tool quickly and lightly against the canvas, and although it seemed like he was doing everything in a mesy, care-free manner, it all seemed to turn out just right.

"I wanna' be like thaa~at.."

Rune squeaked happily, and scurried back to Allure's room to portray her newfound inspiration.

The only question that was left ...

How was Allure going to react?

Dear Journal,

I've been teaching Rune a lot of Christmas Carols lately, so that we can sing together on Christmas. And we did! Here were a few of her favorites!

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavely hosts sing alleluia;
Christ the Saviour, is born!
Christ the Saviour, is born!

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh,
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way.
Bells on bob-tails ring, making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

Chorus
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright, was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank, misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank and we got upsot

(Chorus)

A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by, in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away

(Chorus)

Now the ground is white, go it while you're young
Take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bob-tailed bay, two-forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh and crack! you'll take the lead

(Chorus)

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose,
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic in that
Old silk hat they found.
For when they placed it on his head,
He began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman
Was alive as he could be,
And the children say he could laugh
And play just the same as you and me.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew
The sun was hot that day,
So he said, "Let's run and
we'll have some fun
now before I melt away."
Down to the village,
With a broomstick in his hand,
Running here and there all
Around the square saying,
Catch me if you can.
He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop.
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler "Stop!"

For Frosty the snowman
Had to hurry on his way,
But he waved goodbye saying,
"Don't you cry,
I'll be back again some day."
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.

Oh and Rune absolutely ADORES this one! She sings it so well ~!

Here We Come A-Wassailing

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We are not daily beggers
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children
Whom you have seen before
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

Good master and good mistress,
As you sit beside the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who wander in the mire.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a cheese,
And of your Christmas loaf.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

God bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We had a great Christmas. I got Rune some little clothes that I made from the fabric I got from the store. I should really take a picture of it sometime and show you. We dressed up the Christmas tree together ... and Rune decided to make it a different color every day! She is simply adorable.

Talk to you later Journal,

Allure.

It was misting rather heavily outside that day. The presence of January was really beginning to be felt. It started to rain, and Allure and Rune stared out through the window in Allure's bedroom.

"~Alluuuurrreee.." Rune sang out sadly, as she rubbed her rainbow tail against the glass, hoping that perhaps the light blue streak that it left behind would influence the sky to transform and adjust to that tone. She held her breath for a few moments, hoping so hard, and so deep, that it would happen. She dotted the tip of her tail against the glass, leaving a glowing orange and yellow sphere. It glowed and illuminated in a warm essence, but eventually it all faded away as the clouds through the glass transformed from light gray to a darkened charcoal. She exhaled sadly, and tilted her head down.

"I'm sorry, Rune.." Allure sighed, and patted her softly on the head.

But suddenly ... for a few strange moments, the skies above parted, and showed a hint of hope. A light blue patch in the sky, there it was! AH! The sun was beginning to show! Lovely rays of light transcended downwards, and with them, was a large rainbow that plastered across the sky.

Both Allure and Rune gasped happily! Allure turned around, and grabbed her camera, and took a fast photo.

"Beautiful.." Allure whispered, as the polaroid camera unveiled the image of the rainbow.

"Booo-tifull!" Rune agreed, nodding eagerly.