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 Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:28 am
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 Mythical Creatures - GorgonWritten by Arthela
A gorgon is one of the three daughters of Ceto and Phorcys. They are know as Euryale, Sthenno, and the most well known, Medusa. Medusa was the only one of the three sisters who happened to be mortal and was their leader. The gorgons had living snakes for hair, impenetrable scales covering their bodies, sharp fangs, and claws. Occasionally they are depicted with long tongues, often times their tongues are black, and wings. They are said to live in the far west, near the ocean, and guard the entrance to the underworld.
There are two stories regarding Medusa’s looks. She is said to have either been born as an ugly monster in a monstrous family or was cursed. She was said to be a beautiful maiden before the curse. It is said that Athena cursed Medusa after Poseidon seduced her in Athena’s temple.
Medusa was killed by Perseus so that he could use her head as a gift for King Polydectes. When she was beheaded two creatures came out of her body that were also the children of Poseidon. Pegasus is the winged horse that came out of her body and so was Chrysaor who later became the father of the monster Geryon.
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Sources:
Gorgons
Gorgons 2
Gorgons 3
Gorgons 4
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:30 am
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The 'Other Tarot'
Neo-pagan religions can be fun, but some pagans unfortunately go through a period of religious fanaticism. And fanaticism often limits an important part of your spirit: your sense of humor. It takes time to recover from fanaticism. Now there is a Tarot deck for recovering pagan religious fanatics.
Quote: The Neophyte - A priest and priestess stand facing one another, performing the Great Rite symbolically by plunging a dagger into a chalice. In the circle surrounding them, a neophyte covers her smiling mouth, trying to suppress a giggle. Divinatory Meaning - Innocence. A new beginning. There was a time when all of this was good-natured fun and not something you took so seriously. Reversed Meaning - Difficulty in expressing honest laughter. You're taking this all too seriously. Get a life.
Quote: The Magician - The magician stands outside his double-parked car in a jammed parking lot. He wears full ceremonial regalia and has an altar setup. In his hand is an open book entitled, "Incantations to Asphaltia to find parking spaces." Divinatory Meaning - You need to understand your own resources better. Don't use a sledgehammer to knock on a door. Reversed Meaning - You have lost sight that the map is not the territory.
Quote: The High Priestess - A Wiccan priestess stands, arms outstretched, wearing several pounds worth of pentacles, Celtic jewelry, astrological bracelets, and medallions. She looks ready to tip over. Divinatory Meaning - You may find yourself with sudden yearnings to join a Roman Catholic convent or seminary. Even if you're most definitely not Catholic. Don't scoff. Stranger things have happened. Reversed Meaning - You are ready to liberate yourself from the shackles of your old way of life and to put on the shackles of a new way of life.
Quote: The Nature Lover? - In the middle of the woods stands a pagan with her face caked in rouge and eye shadow and lipstick. She holds up a symbol of nature - a miniature plastic tree. Divinatory Meaning - Examine that what you claim is your passion is something that you're really passionate about. Reversed meaning - You are secretly a technocrat.
Quote: The Emporium - A pagan bookstore owner stands behind a counter in a bookstore jam-packed with books, pentacles, candles, Celtic jewelry, Tarot decks, etc. Behind him a sign reads, "Pagan Emporium Bookstore: Offering Ancient Wisdom Since 1995." Divinatory Meaning - Don't just settle for "Question authority." Question those who claim to be authority. Reversed Meaning - Question those authors who tell you to question authority, but then still want you to buy their books and follow their advice verbatim.
Quote: Grand High Muckety-Muck - A solemn Wiccan priest stands before an altar holding an athame. Hanging on the wall behind him is a certificate that reads, "Certified Wiccan initiate. Certificate granted by Walt's Wild Warehouse of Wicca." Divinatory Meaning - Don't get distracted by initiations, titles, special abilities, etc. Focus instead on what capabilities you really need to live your life. Reversed Meaning - You have an insatiable desire to get initiated. Consider joining either the Fraternal Order of the Hedgehogs or else the Order of the Co-Hedgehogs and get this whole initiation business out of your system.
Quote: The Lovers - A young couple are having a handfasting performed in a grove of oak trees on a sunny summer afternoon. Divinatory meaning - Don't get too cynical. You may be recovering from fanaticism, but keep in mind that good things can sometimes still happen in the religion. Reversed Meaning - All you really need is love. And if you don't want to follow that advice, well, then, hey, the song by the same name is still cool.
Quote: The Broom - A teenage Goth witch runs down the sidewalk attempting to ride a battered broomstick. A cleaning lady with a dustpan in one hand chases after her, hoping to retrieve her stolen broom. Divinatory Meaning - You need to develop a better relationship with what occultists begrudgingly refer to as "the Mundane World." Reversed Meaning - Maybe you really are a boring person after all. Time to clean up your act.
Quote: The Hungry Vegetarian - There's a long buffet table at a wedding banquet. Whole roast pig, roast duck, baked chicken, glazed turkey, and carved ham fill the buffet table. One teeny tiny carrot resides on the plate of the hungry vegetarian. She eyes the roast pig, perhaps wondering if it might be made out of tofu rather than meat. Divinatory meaning - Time to change your habits. Reversed Meaning - Go eat a hot dog on a Friday.
Quote: The Hermit - The Hermit wears a dark gray robe and has a dark gray beard. He holds a gnarled staff in one hand and a blazing lantern in the other hand. He is doing this however in a crowded movie theater, and the theater patrons scowl at him. Divinatory Meaning - Don't just trust yourself. Learn what part of yourself to trust. Reversed Meaning - It is better to have something you believe in rather than to just knock down what you don't believe in.
Quote: The Wheel Of Fortune - A pagan dressed in purple and yellow robes holds a stick of incense in one hand and a compass in the other hand. He glares at the compass. The needlepoint is spinning wildly, so that he can' tell which direction is east for quarter-calling. Divinatory Meaning - Don't just find a new direction - create a new direction. Reversed Meaning - When you think your life is moving somewhere, maybe you're just going in circles.
Quote: The Skeptic - A blindfolded man stands facing a full-length mirror. Divinatory Meaning - You may say that there is nothing of value in divinatory tools. But divinatory tools are nothing more than a means of looking at yourself. So perhaps you are saying that there is nothing of value in yourself. A man who swallows a placebo cannot deny his own mouth. Reversed Meaning - You will see through the illusions created by others. Be on guard against becoming snotty. Be careful that you do not forget that even illusions have their value. A man who imagines roses in the clouds can be inspired to become a gardener.
Quote: Temperance - In a candle lit room, a Hermeticist holds a rosy cross in his left hand and a pentacle in the right hand. To his left side is a host of symbols of crosses and grails. To his right side is a host of daggers and pentacles. Behind him, a window with the shades drawn is open a crack to reveal a hint of sunlight and the wide-open outdoors. Divinatory Meaning - You need to open yourself up to more than what you currently allow yourself to experience. Reversed Meaning - You are a freak. Perhaps you should spend more time secluded from others so that others do not discover this.
Quote: The Adversary - The scene is two booths set up at a psychic fair - each booth manned by a practitioner. The first booth has a big sign over it, "Pagan Shamanistic Journeying Counseling." The practitioner of this booth glares at the practitioner of the second booth. The sign over the second booth reads, "New Age Shamanistic Journeying Counseling." Divinatory Meaning - There are things that you dislike that are more similar to you than you care to admit. Reversed Meaning - Stock market analysts and weather forecasters often give pretty lousy predictions. Don't expect a fortune-teller to give perfect predictions, but don't look too harshly upon them either. They are trying to get you to understand yourself - and while they may be dead wrong on some of what they say, the need to understand yourself is real.
Quote: The Tower of Books - An armchair magician has a den jammed full of occult books. In one armchair is a huge stack of books almost up to the ceiling. He stands on a stool trying to add yet another book to the top of the stack, ignorant of the fact that the tower is about ready to topple over on him. Divinatory Meaning - You need to learn to put your ideas into action. Reversed Meaning - Clean your room.
Quote: The Celebrity - In an occult bookstore, a pagan celebrity sits at a book signing table, signing copies of her book, "Witchcrap for Morons." A few feet away from the table, a group of neo-pagans are scowling and turning their nose up at the author. Divinatory Meaning - It is far easier for you to condemn what others create than it is for you to create something that you find to be of value. But you really need to learn to trust your own creative projects more. Reversed Meaning - Quit spending so much time in occult bookstores.
Quote: The Moon - A pagan painter stands by a moonlit window as he paints a picture of the crescent moon. The depiction of the moon is very well crafted, but then the painter is going back in and adding some crudely designed pentacles on the moon, lest you forget that this is supposed to be pagan art. Behind him, his two dogs bark fiercely. Divinatory Meaning - If you can let go of your pretentiousness, your talents can blossom. Reversed Meaning - Don't forget to feed your dogs.
Quote: The Golden Apple - Three pagan women stand wrestling over who gets the Golden Apple. Behind them, unnoticed, stands a giggling Eris, who holds an entire basket of Golden Apples. Divinatory Meaning - Keep your perspective on what's really important. Reversed Meaning - In order to allow a god or goddess room into your heart, you must not be too full of yourself.
Quote: Judgment by Conspiracy Theorists - A fundamentalist minister rallies against a pagan group. The minister conjures up images of animal sacrifice and human sacrifice. Meanwhile, the pagan group in question is sitting around in a committee meeting eating vegan chili and tofu. Divinatory Meaning - You need to get on with your life and worry less about what other people think. Reversed Meaning - You need to get on with your life and worry less about what other people think. On the other hand, this doesn't give you license to be an a***hole.
Quote: The World in a Pack of Cards - A grungy prisoner in solitary confinement sits in a barren cell. No bed, no food, no sunlight, just a pack of Tarot cards in front of him. A 19th century occultist once said that a prisoner alone in a prison cell with nothing but a pack of Tarot cards would acquire all world knowledge. But, well, this prisoner could probably better use some food and some sunlight and a shower. Divinatory Meaning - Get a hobby. Reversed Meaning - No, really, get a hobby.
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Sources:
Tarot Humour
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:31 am
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This month, we’re featuring chants. Since I don’t know of any artists that specialize in chants, I’ll go about listing some well known chants for your entertainment and use.
First off is the Wiccan Goddess Chant, one of the most recognized chants, made famous by the band Inkubus Sukkubus. The chant is as follows:
Quote: Isis, Astarte, Diane, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna
(This song can be purchased from iTunes, under Inkubus Sukkubus’s page.)
Another well known chant is the Elements Chant. The lyrics are:
Quote: Air moves us, Fire transforms us, Water shapes us, Earth heals us And the balance of the wheel goes round and round, And the balance of the wheel goes round.
Lastly, we’ll end with a simple protection chant that many may have heard before.
Visualize a triple circle of purplish light around your body while chanting:
Quote: I am protected by your might, O gracious Goddess, day and night.
Another of the same type: visualize a triple circle and chant:
Quote: Thrice around the circle's bound, Evil sink into the ground.
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Sources:
Songs and Chants
Chants
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:32 am
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 Spells - Imbolc and LammasWritten by too2sweet
IMBOLC
Spell For Making a Much Needed Change
Purpose:
The purpose of this spell is to strengthen resolve and bring about much needed change. It was originally written to be used in conjunction with a New Year's Resolution, but is great for whenever you have a specific change or goal you are trying to reach. It can be done as a group ritual or solitary ritual. If being done as a group each person would need their own materials. Imbolc is a great time for new beginnings, so I thought it would be appropriate for this to be done at this time.
Items Needed:
* Gold Candle (small ones are fine)- to represent each person (Gold helps to increase understanding and knowledge, for harmonizing wills and emotions, for hope, healing, strength and success).
* Incense (chose one of the following, or if you have one you prefer that is fine as well): Frankincense (raising power), Sandalwood (grounding/centering)
* Oil (for anointing the candle…if you have it): peppermint (for encouraging change) You only need a small amount of the oil for each candle, if you want you can add something personal to the oil mixture that will help strengthen the bond to the person the candle represents - (such as a small drop of spit, blood, sweat, etc… )
* Small bowl (if mixing anything with your oil)
When to do the spell:
This spell was written to be done during the Waxing Moon, so that it would help to increase ones resolve to make a much needed change.
What to do:
* Cast a circle, call the Guardians, Elements, Corners, etc… and Invoke the God/ess - however you would normally do before a ritual.
* Take a few moments to ground and center. Meditate if you want on your goals and the changes you are looking to make in your life.
* At this point formally state your "resolution"...what your specific goal/change is. Say it aloud, clearly and firmly. If you are trying to quit smoking, lose weight, get a new job, etc...
* On your candle inscribe the goal you are trying to reach, or the change that you are trying to make. While you are doing this clearly see yourself reaching that goal/making that change, keep that visualization fixed in your mind as you inscribe the candle.
* Take a moment with your oil (or oil mix), hold the bowl in your hand and visualize all the things that you will need to do/change in order to achieve your goal. Fix the images clearly in your mind, then pour all those visualizations into the oil. Peppermint oil is great for encouraging change, so we want to charge it up with everything we can think of to help us over the coming months, as we work toward successfully reaching our goal.
* Anoint the candle with the oil. Continue to see yourself doing the things that you were visualizing in the previous step. When you are done, place the candles on the North side of your altar, so that you are starting from a strong foundation.
Take a moment to think about the "resolution" you are making, know that when you make it you will keep it, and you will be successful in reaching your goals. Take a deep cleansing breath and say the following:
A resolution
Made on this night
A needed change
Our goal's in sight
An extra boost
Is all we need
To find success
Our goals achieved
So added strength
Is what we ask
Lend us power
To stay the task
Successful change
Is what I see
So as I will
So mote it be
Allow the candle(s) to burn out on their own, as they burn your intentions are released into the universe so that they may manifest and allow you to be successful in keeping the resolution that you have made.
If you have any other things to do in your ritual circle, you can do them now, otherwise you can end your ritual. Be sure to thank the God/ess for their assistance, release the Guardians/elements, and banish the circle.
(source: I wrote this one myself)
LAMMAS
Apple Harvest Ritual:
Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- a basket of gourds or small pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, acorns, vines, grapes or blackberries. You'll also need a pair of orange candles to symbolize the harvest, a cup of cider or wine, and an apple. If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now. Light your harvest candles. Face the altar and hold the apple in both hands. If you can do this rite outside, raise the apple up to the sky, and feel the wisdom and energy of the gods coming to you.
Say:
Quote: The apple is sacred, a symbol of the gods, and holds the knowledge of the ancients inside. Tonight I ask the gods to bless me with their wisdom.
Slice the apple in half across the middle. Where the seeds are, you will see a five-pointed star. Place the two halves in the center of your altar.
Say:
Quote: Five points in a star, hidden inside. One for earth, one for air, one for fire, one for water, and the last for spirit.
Turn to the north, arms raised to the heavens, and say:
Quote: The world passes from light into darkness, and the golden fields of the earth bring the promise of food and nourishment through the winter.
Face east, and say:
Quote: I stand on the threshold of the darkness, and know that the summer breezes give way to autumn chill, which bring forth the blazes of color in the trees.
Next, turn to the south and say:
Quote: I call upon the wise ones, the ancient gods, as the sun moves away and fire fades, to be replaced with the chill of the night.
Finally, face west, and say:
Quote: I will reflect on the guidance of the gods, and let the cool autumn rains wash over me, cleansing my heart and soul.
Raise the cup of wine or cider to the sky, and toast the gods. Say:
Quote: The wild god returns this night to the belly of the Mother. The mother goddess tonight becomes the Crone. As the Wheel of the Year turns, the earth dies a bit each day. I willingly follow the old gods into the darkness, where they will watch over me, protect me, and keep me safe.
Sip from the cup, and as you drink your wine or cider, think about the power and energy of the Divine, in whatever aspect you choose to honor.
Extinguish one of the candles, and say:
Quote: The wild god has gone to rest in the Underworld. I look to the darkness for renewal and rebirth.
Extinguish the other candle, and say:
Quote: The mother goddess has entered her most powerful stage. She is the Crone, the wise one, and I ask for her blessing.
Stand in the darkness for a moment. Reflect upon all the changes that are to come, and those things that will stay constant. Feel the energy of the gods as you connect to them, and understand that even though winter is coming, the light will return again.
When you are ready, end the ritual.
Tips:
Leave the apples on your altar overnight, and the next morning, put them in your garden as an offering to the earth. Feel free to replace the wild god and mother goddess with the names of deities from your own tradition.
What You Need:
A pair of orange candles.
A cup of cider or wine.
An apple and something to cut it with.
SOURCE
| Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Beginner's Section | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | Elements | Gods and Goddesses | Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads | Febuary 2009 Feedback Thread | Newspaper Staff Applicatins (it pays!) | Book Review Discussion Thread | |
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:33 am
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:34 am
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This is the spot where you can advertise just about anything you want.
Want to advertise your quest? Do you want to advertise something you're trying to sell? Or maybe you're looking for a mentor.
Whatever it may be, this is the place to do it!
It's completely free. All you have to do is send a PM to me, Blessed_Scribe, with your ad and which months issue you'd like it to be in. It can be as many months as you'd like, not just one.
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captains bootie Social Outcasts is a guild about improving the lives of our members, and making a difference in the world.Humans praise their own differences from each other, yet they denounce others for their differences. Humans wish to change things, but are not willing to put forth the needed effort to produce that change. Humans voice their opinions, and wish to silence those who do not share their beliefs. There are some who have learned to accept other's differences, worked for the change they wish to see, and listened to opinions that are not their own. We are those people.
Help us grow and reach our potential,
one new member at a time.
Nessie Black Nessie Black (a.k.a. Rayna) is looking for a mentor in the basic teachings of Wicca. I'm new to the religion and would like some help on how to get started, such as creating a circle and just the basic necessities that are needed (I have limited supplies). I'm on gaia everyday (unless I lose internet connection) between 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST on weekdays during school, and then 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST on the weekends. Please, if you would like to be my mentor for the basic teachings of Wicca, then don't hesitate to PM me. Just state that you're from Blessings Be and that you'd be up for the job. As payment and to show my thanks, I'll do an art piece of your avi, or 1,000g per lesson. Your pick. (= Thank you very much, and have a wonderful day. Blessings Be!
shia chan13 I'm looking for a mentor with knowledge on auras, the various deities, and astronomy.
| Introduction | Guild Happenings | Members Section | Abilities | Animal Totems | Beginner's Section | Book Review | Crystals and Gemstones | Divination | Elements | Gods and Goddesses | Herb Garden | Imbolc | Kitchen Witches | Lammas | Mythical Creatures | Pagan Humor | Pagan Music | Spells | Game Room | Classified Ads | Febuary 2009 Feedback Thread | Newspaper Staff Applicatins (it pays!) | Book Review Discussion Thread | |
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Reply
