Tag: Heathen

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Candles and Magic

Candles and Magic by W1tchsbrew

Be sure to check her Etsy shop Wood ov Wyrd

Candles have a long and interesting history in religious worship, magic, and folklore. They light the way to the sacred, dispel the forces of darkness, and are associated with ghosts and the dead. 

Many believe that the act of burning a candle is an ideal way to forge a connection between the spiritual realm and the world in which we live. 

Candles and fire have been vastly utilized in spiritual practices, rituals and divination. Each practice has its own, in depth meaning. This practice, for example, is also known as lychnomancy when it involves three identical candles laid out in a triangle. A variant that seeks divine meaning from the flames of an oil lamp or torch is called lampadomancy. Pyromancy is the act of attempting to tell the future using fire, in which case candles may be used but are not required. It is even believed that ancient Greeks performed pyromancy.

Fire in itself is a source of inspiration and power that has inspired awe and wonder from ancient man, even in the early years of our development. Fire, not only kept the cave man warm and cooked his food, but also frightened away animals for their security. It has been an ever-present force in human history, from prehistory on-wards, across all cultures and continents.

The origin of candles is not known, but there is evidence that beeswax candles were used in Egypt and Crete as early as 3000 B.C.E. Other early candles consisted of tapers made of a fibrous material, such as rushes, saturated with tallow.

Candles have been used as tools in spiritual ceremonies since the Stone Age, and are utilized by countless theologies to this day.

WHAT IS CANDLE MAGIC?

Candle magic can be traced back to Paleolithic times. 

Fire changes everything it interacts with, whether it’s turning a love letter into ashes or boiling water on the stove. This transformational energy is what is channeled in candle magic, encouraging and accelerating changes.

Candle magic is an ancient form of manifesting, wish fulfillment, empowering intentions and bringing focus to goals. 

Different candles may be used in various ways based upon the goals and intentions of the practitioner. The creative nature of candles is influenced by an individual’s intention, the practices and behaviors the individual engages in to meet the intention, as well as the physical characteristics inherent within the candle.

PRACTICING CANDLE MAGIC

The practice of candle magic requires more than the mere presence of candles; it requires the involvement of the practitioner and an understanding of the significance the practice holds.

Different candle rituals will yield different results. Additionally, when practicing candle magic, the practitioner must be fully learned in the craft – not only to ensure success, but to be aware of the subtle signs and details that make ALL the difference in ensuring a clear and comprehensive ritual. 

For example, black smoke or white smoke indicates negative influences or spiritual influences. Your candle may even speak to you. The crackles and the pops usually indicate something along the lines of someone trying to “spark” conversation, pun intended — you’re receiving messages. 

High flames and low flames mean different things. Candle magic is simple, but very in depth. 

This ritual practice is an easy, effective way to cast spells for just about anything. A candle ceremony is a powerful method of focusing your intent to achieve specific goals and manifest certain outcomes.

The Witch of Enchantment

RITUAL CANDLE OPTIONS

Candles are a staple item in any magical tool kit. They’re used to amplify and release energy, and they can either be left (unlit) around your home to promote positive vibes or used (lit) in rituals(spells).

What kind of candles are appropriate for candle magic? The answer – whatever you feel works for you. 

You might use chime candles—colorful, skinny candles that are easily accessible, inexpensive online and in just about any metaphysical shop you come across. 

Other candle styles you might choose to use are tapered candles, pillar candles, votives, tealights, and even candles of intricate shapes that hold special meanings.

Important considerations for those selecting candles include the following:

  • How fast the candle burns
  • The length of time the candle will burn
  • The quantity of smoke the candle emits
  • The movement of flames as the candle burns

CANDLE COLORS

The color of a candle is an important attribute for those who seek deeper divine or spiritual meanings from candles, whether they are lit or unlit. 

Various colors reflect different energy forces (meaning that each color possesses, stores, and emits different variations of energy).

White:

Because white is somewhat of a blank canvas, these candles are also universal when it comes to spell-work.

However, this color is known for its power in new beginnings, cleansing and purification. White also sometimes represents the Crown chakra and can help provide insight and clarity. 

Black:

Black will be the candle you reach for when it comes to endings, healing and loss, protection charms or to dispel negative energy. Black is also typically used when practicing baneful candle magic.

Red:

As the color of the fire element and representing the Root chakra, red candles can be used for spells that have anything to do with protection, strength, courage, energy and stamina. Red also represents passion, libido and sex, as well as power. 

Blue:

Representing the Throat chakra and the element of water, blue has everything to do with healing, tranquility, and peace. Dark blue will also represent honesty and truth. This color can help with self expression, communication and mental stimulation.

Yellow:

Yellow candles will represent the element of air, as well as the Solar Plexus chakra, and can be utilized for spells related to intellect or focus. It also represents courage, success, determination and joy.

Brown:

The color of the natural element of earth, brown candles can be used for any spells dealing with matters of the home, any and all material things, as well as animals or when working a spell for pets.

Green:

Green is all about finances, prosperity, success and luck. Green also represents the Heart chakra, growth and may be used for spells dealing with fertility, setting new intentions, and health. 

Pink:

Pink candles are all about love and tenderness. A pink candle can invite in compassion, self-love, or self-acceptance. This is also the ideal color for spells involving friendships, family and connection.

Orange:

Orange is the color of the Sacral chakra, reconciliation, productivity, and attraction. You’ll also want to reach for an orange candle when in need of a bit of creativity or confidence.

Purple:

As the Third Eye chakra color and representing the divine feminine, purple candles can be used for a number of spells working with justice, mediation, independence, psychic power and clarity. This color also attracts enlightenment and wisdom.

Silver:

Silver embodies the energy of the moon. You’ll use a silver candle when it comes to spells related to intuition, purification, self reflection or physiological realizations. 

Gold:

Gold is the color of the divine masculine and represents the Sun’s energy. You can also use a gold candle when it comes to spells dealing with prosperity, ambition, business and success.

The definitive guide to candle magic, written by a leading authority with over 30 years of experience making magical candles and creating candle spells.

Author Jacki Smith, founder of Coventry Creations (currently among the largest and most successful magical supply companies), shares her magical secrets with readers, enabling them to empower themselves through successful spell casting. Her book explains the nature of magic spells and provides examples for a wide variety of purposes including love, money, healing, and protection, liberally punctuated with tips from “Aunt Jacki,” deriving from her many years of experience.

The Big Book of Candle Magic shows: How to create your own candles
The basics of crafting your own spells
How to use basic supplies for everyday magic

SETTING THE SCENE

Before diving in to any sort of ritual or magic, it is imperative that the practitioner be in the right headspace. 

Cleansing your physical space is as equally important. There are countless ways to cleanse the energy of a room or an object. You may choose to cleanse with smoke, aromatic mists, or even sound.

You may sprinkle some herbs in the bathtub or shower to bathe and ritually cleanse yourself to prepare for your magical work. (Cleansing prior to any ritual, candle or otherwise, is always highly encouraged.)

“Dressing” your ritual candle(s) is another recommended practice prior to performing a candle spell. 

This involves rubbing the candle with oil such as almond, coconut, or jojoba, with added essential oils if preferred. 

Rub the candle from top to bottom to draw things to you or from bottom to top to send things away. 

As you rub the candle with oil, focus on your goal and mentally *pour* that vision into the candle. 

Herbs are another wonderful addition to any ritual and will easily stick to an oil-dressed candle. Depending on what spell or intention you’re wanting to manifest with your candle spell, you can incorporate corresponding herbs as a boost (basil for abundance, rose petals for love, rosemary for healing, etc’.)

Additionally, when preparing a space for candle magick, (be it an altar, porch table etc’) including other herbs, crystals or incense is a very common practice as it can strengthen the ritual energy.

Always make sure to set your candle on a fire-proof surface, ensure there isn’t anything above or near your candle that could easily catch fire, and keep pets and children away from your candle setup. Finally, never leave a candle burning in your home unattended.

THE BEST TIMES FOR CANDLE MAGICK

Most spell casting is done at night, because the ambiguity of darkness leaves room for transformation.

Through experience, you’ll learn when your most powerful time is. For some, they’re at their best around dusk, while others prefer midnight, while still some others swear by the pre-dawn hours. 

Regardless, candle magic is especially suited for darkness so that you may better study the flame. 

Many candle magic practitioners will recommend aligning your candle workings with the cycles of nature.

This is believed to add an immense dose of power to the spell. 

The Moon cycle each month provides a steady structure around which you can craft your candle ritual. 

New Moons, for instance, mark the beginning of a new cycle and are excellent times to cast spells to attract new desires, planting seeds for the cycle to come. 

Full Moons, marking the end of a lunar cycle, are great times for banishing that which no longer serves you. It is a time for closure, resolution and completion of goals.

The two weeks following the New Moon is a time marked for beginnings, while the two weeks following the Full Moon is a time marked for endings. Schedule your spell accordingly. 

PREFORMING A CANDLE RITUAL

Once your space has been cleansed, your colors chosen, and your ritual area prepared, you’re now ready to cast your candle spell intention. 

Hold your candle in your hands and visualize your goal. The more clear and focused your intention is, the more likely that your manifestation will occur. 

You may even choose to write your intention(s) down on a small piece of paper to later burn during your ritual. Another option is to etch your intention(s) into the candle wax.

It is also acceptable to simply speak the intention(s) aloud – as you’re lighting your candle. The choice is entirely personal. 

Once the intention is set, it’s time to light your candle. 

During your candle’s burn, you may chant your intentions, or simply meditate for a time and then leave the candle to burn out on its own accord. However, should an abrupt or unexpected need arise, it is perfectly acceptable to put out your candle’s flame. 

There is a common belief (amongst less experienced magic practitioners) that one must never blow the candle out, lest the intention be “lost” – this is a misconception. 

You can simply relight your candle and reset the intention whenever you feel the time is best. The true power of any spell lies within the intention – not the medium or materials alone.

If you consciously will your intention away as you blow out your candle – that’s exactly what will happen. Whereas if you simply blow out your candle while planning to relight it, with your intention still consciously set – you’re good to go.

It’s as simple as that.

Once your candle has been charged with your intention, you may even perform a daily ritual where you re-light your candle while repeating your intention, until the candle is fully burned down. Alternatively, you may decide to use your ritual space to perform a spell in one session. 

During a candle ritual, it is important to focus on the manifestation taking place throughout the candle spell. 

Act with full confidence that the outcome is now inevitable. If you continue dwelling on the original problem, you will suffocate the magic before it has the chance to initiate change. However, by projecting confidence, you’ll insure your candle spell has the space to work its magic successfully. 

Candle magic allows individuals to have interactions with elemental energies, the world surrounding them, the broader universe, and their powers within.

With self-reflection, focus and sound judgment, candle magic can be used to transform yourself, your life and even your future.

This simple yet profound tool can make powerful magic. Whether you want to call in abundance, success, love or protection – a little candle magic is all you need.

Further Resources

Featuring authentic candle magic that anyone can do, this joyous book encourages you to dance in the moonlight and rekindle your spark of magic with a little wick, wax, and flame. Renowned practitioner Madame Pamita guides you every step of the way as you perform spells and gain the confidence to create your own. The Book of Candle Magic empowers you to manifest more happiness, love, prosperity, and fulfillment. Learn to make candles from scratch, do candle readings, start your personal grimoire, add some pizzazz to your rituals, and much more. It’s time to reclaim your birthright of using fire to reach your magical goals―this irresistible book shows you how.

Candle Magic for Beginners: Spells for Abundance, Love, and Healing

Candle Magick – Different Forms

Candle Magic – Colors, Rituals and Meanings

Everything You Need to Know About Candle Magic

Candles, Roman, 500 BCE

The History of Candle Making: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Day

6 Interesting Facts About the History of Candles

Tradition, History & Development of Candles

A Brief History of Candle Making

A History of Candle Use

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The Magic of the Moon

The Magic of the Moon by W1tchsbrew

Be sure to check her Etsy shop Wood ov Wyrd

Witches in Greek and Roman literature, particularly those from Thessaly, were regularly accused of “drawing down the Moon” by use of a magic spell. 

In ancient indigenous cultures, the moon has always held a special place and was worshiped for its rhythms of life and the universe. Just as we move through different phases in life, so does the moon – every month. No matter if the moon can be seen or not, it is always with us.

The moon, like the sun and the five planets visible to the naked eye, was wrapped into the mythology of many ancient cultures, and considered a deity by some. 

To the Egyptians, it was Thoth, to the Greeks, Artemis, and to the Hindus, Chandra.

However, the Moon is still very much recognized for its power in modern day science as well.

One power source already in operation relies on the moon’s gravitational pull to spin its generators. Tidal power plants arranged like hydroelectric dams have been around for decades. They trap water during high tide and then, during low tide, release it through turbines.

HOW DOES THE MOON AFFECT US?

There is undeniably a natural rhythm to the universe, whether it’s the seasons or something more cosmic…such as the phases of the Moon. 

We know the Moon’s gravitational pull causes predictable rises and falls in sea levels. And with our bodies being primarily made up of water, it makes sense that we can also benefit from the phases of the Moon on a much smaller scale.

It’s long been believed that the moon can affect your mood. It’s certainly true that environmental factors can play a part in a person’s mood swings and act as a trigger for anxiety and depression.

There is a belief common to many cultures that working rituals at the time of different phases of the moon can bring about physical or psychological change or transformation. 

The Moon and the lunar cycle are associated, mainly, with the emotions (even madness), the subconscious and dreams, fertility, transformation, manifestation and repeating or ending cycles.

Different moon phases can impact people in different ways. 

Some may experience dramatic mood swings – from passionate or creative to combative or anxious. 

Additionally, you may find that some moon cycles seem to benefit your energy more than others. For example, while getting to your ideal REM state wasn’t an issue during the new moon, you may experience restlessness during the full moon – or vice versa.

Everyone is different and your connection to the moon is entirely personal. While some sort of affect, (anything, from one’s mood – to appetite or sleep changes) is more than typical, what specific differences you may notice depend entirely on your own energy and your own current state of being. 

Whether or not the lunar cycle affects you in a negative or positive way very much relates to whether or not you are connecting with its energy, or combating it.

This is why many people engage in monthly “Moon rituals” to get in alignment with the cycles of nature in order to gain perspective and reconnect with themselves.

Moon rituals are an ancient practice that is still done today. They originated in places like Egypt and Babylonia in cultures that worshiped the moon. Today, moon rituals create a sacred space for you to focus inward, set intentions, spread love, and feel empowered.

This video has been very, very, very long in the making and I am so excited to finally be getting it out to you all! One of the most important magickal connections we have as witch’s is the moon. It’s influence can be seen in almost all areas of life and thus it can be a powerful partner in spellwork! In this video I covered each phase including the new moon, the waxing moon, the full moon, the waning moon, and the dark moon as well as more information on the general workings with and of the moon!

CONNECTING WITH MOON ENERGY:

Astrologers, witches, and mystics alike can all agree on the power of the Moon. It’s one of the two luminaries in our sky (alongside the Sun) and an incredibly potent tool for manifestation and magic.

Tapping into the Moon’s energy cycles means connecting to the energy of openness, healing, renewal, intuition and wisdom. It can bring awareness to rhythms and patterns within our your body, mind, heart, and spirit.

The Moon’s entire cycle is around 29+ days, in which it goes from a new Moon to a full Moon and back again. These changes in phases indicate a change in energy.

Waxing Moon Energy:

When the Moon is waxing (growing), it is said to be an ideal time to manifest what you want.

Waning Moon Energy:

When it is waning (shrinking), it is the ideal time of the month for letting go and cleansing.

Full Moon Energy:

Cosmically speaking, the full Moon is the time of the month where energy peaks and then releases, like a “cosmic sigh.”

The Moon rules over the subtle, subconscious, and intuitive aspects of the self, and its wax and wane reflect our own.

Connecting with the phases of the Moon as an implementation to one’s self-care routine has been claimed to aid in delving into emotions and intuition. 

When we align ourselves with the energy of the moon, we’re tapping into an ancient energy current. One simple way to do this is by practicing moon rituals. 

 From meditation to setting intentions, there are many different moon rituals and practices – some of which are still very commonly practiced by modern day witches and mystics. 

From new moons and eclipses to blue moons and the super moon, there are ample opportunities for the moon to influence our emotions and thoughts. Many believe our emotional potency is heightened during a super moon, while a new moon can bring change and new perspectives. Knowing when and how to use that power is key.

In Moon Magic, you’ll learn how the lunar phases influence our emotions and well-being differently and how to harness that power for healing, emotional strength, and physical and mental wellness. Third-generation intuitive Diane Ahlquist helps guide those new to the power of the moon through lunar recipes and simple exercises, such as intention setting and moon meditation to help you capitalize on the moon’s inherent power and channel the moon’s energy whenever you need it most.

Manifesting intentions:

It is believed that just after the new Moon cycle, when the Moon’s crescent works back towards the full Moon, is the best time to set an intention. 

Some good advice is to start small, like a ripple on the surface of the ocean, and carry it forward everyday incrementally.

Meditate on your goals or write out your dreams and desires. The New Moon is an auspicious time to do this because of what appears to be the “empty” nature of the darkened sky can be filled with the light of your intentions.

You can keep your writings in a book to reflect on, or write them on something biodegradable (such as a bay leaf) and bury it under the moon.

Making Moon Water:

You can create Moon water by leaving water outdoors to charge under moonlight, or even by setting it on your windowsill (obviously opening any curtains so as to allow the moonlight in).

Because the Moon affects the ocean’s tides, there’s already an energetic connection between the element of water and the Moon. When you add intention (and maybe a crystal or two) you can create a tool that can be used for everything from watering your plants or adding it to your ritual bath, to cleansing your home or workspace (simply put some of your moon water in a small spray bottle, or dampen a light cloth, and you’re good to go).

Grounding:

The time leading up to a full Moon can often make people moody, sensitive, and fatigued. It is helpful to use this time to pause and ask yourself how you are feeling physically and mentally.

Are you eating as much as you should? Are you getting enough sleep? 

How are your relationships and/or career? 

Being in tune with your feelings will help you stay grounded and help you efficiently make positive changes. The full Moon is the perfect time to look inward and re-calibrate.

Meditation and reflection:

Meditation offers the perfect opportunity to sit with your thoughts and reflect. Use the energy of the full Moon, when emotions often come to the surface, for some meditative introspection. 

There are many guided meditations online you can tune in to for some guidance if needed and it can take as little as 5 minutes of your time to meditate – by far, worth it.

Harness the power of the magical, mystical, glorious Moon with more than 100 spells, chants, and rituals, along with Esbat celebrations for the Full Moon.
The Moon is one of our most prominent and ancient symbols. It has shaped how we understand and track time, its movement controls the tides, and its rise into the sky signals the coming of night. The distinct phases of the lunar cycle have associations with different states of being. These states mirror a kind of spiritual quest which, like our search for ourselves, never ends. When we observe the Moon, we see reflections of the grand pattern of life that is birth, death, and rebirth.
With this invaluable handbook filled with enchantingly beautiful illustrations, follow the Moon as she traverses each sign of the zodiac and discover how each astrological phase affects magic—and how your personal Moon sign affects your magical work. The discussions include the influence of the seldom-discussed energies of the Blue Moon, the Black Moon, and lunar eclipses.

Energy cleansing:

Cleaning your physical space helps to clear out any negative energy, making room for what you are asking to come in. Clear your home of any trash, clutter or things that no longer bring you joy. 

Open the windows to let fresh air in. Wipe down surfaces, put on clean bed sheets or water your plants. 

Some people will also perform a smudging ceremony cleanse the negative energy in the air.

It is sometimes recommended to preform these cleanses during or just after the new Moon in order to prepare for the manifesting, waxing-moon phase.

Giving thanks:

Celebrating and being thankful is amplified with moon energy and can have positive effects on your body, mindset, and can help you to manifest your future wants and dreams.

Giving thanks to the Moon can be as simple as speaking your thanks aloud, under the night sky. Another option is to write your thanks down in your journal to reflect on, or onto something that you can bury outside, such as a bay leaf.

Giving thanks does not require a specific moon cycle. However, it’s often set as a new moon or full moon ritual as these lunar phases are all about fresh cycles, continuing positive cycles, and releasing that which no longer serves us.

Leaving offerings:

Deities of many cultures are often left offerings under the light of the full or new moon. These offerings vary, from certain foods, herbs, and mead to feathers, candles or hair, depending on which deity you’re offering to. In order to fully learn which types of offerings would be considered appropriate for your deity, you would certainly have to get to know the deity themselves in depth, to understand their preferences.

The Fae (fairies) are often left similar offerings during major moon cycles as a token of friendship or as a trade for a wish.

A few of the many deities who are commonly associated with moon offerings are:

(Greek)

  • Hecate
  • Artemis
  • Selene
  • Nyx

(Celtic)

  • The Morrigan 
  • Ceridwen 

(Egyptian)

  • Thoth 
  • Iah
  • Khonsu

(Roman)

  • Diana
  • Luna

(Sami)

  • Mano

(Hindu)

  • Chandra 

(Tibetan)

  • Mawu 

(Slavic)

  • Devana 

Charging crystals:

Bathe your crystals in the light of the moon. Each phase of the moon will bring a different energy to the charging of your crystals. 

For example, during the waning phase of the moon, you can expect an energy of release, as the moon is changing from its full moon phase to new moon phase (shrinking).

Similarly, charging your crystals under the full moon doesn’t mean they will work “better” – it simply means that the energy from the full moon (energy such as inner alignment, passion, etc’) will influence your crystal(s) in a slightly different way. As it is a common misconception, it’s important to notate that there is no rule, requirement or need to put crystals out under the full moon. Any moon phase will do just fine and is simply dependent on what type of energy you’re wanting to charge your crystals with. 

IN SHORT:

The Moon’s energy is potent and powerful – just as we are, if we choose to believe it. It can be used as a way to connect more deeply with ourselves, our feelings and our intuition. 

Some believe that moon magic is one of the most holistic ways to keep your body in good health. 

Each Moon phase presents us with an opportunity to either manifest, reflect, take action or rest. Living in tune with the Moon is completely natural, allows us to be more mindful and helps us to harness the energy of it’s phases.

Often with the frantic pace of our modern-day lives, it’s hard to find the time to connect with nature. That’s why turning to the Moon phases can help you connect to something deeper and sometimes give you a new outlook.

“Only in darkness can we glimpse the fullest light our soul carries for us.” 

~ Angie Weiland-Crosby

Further Resources:

Today we are talking about lunar witchcraft and working magic with the moon – for spiritual people, witchcraft practitioners, and even magical skeptics.

The Universe: Mind-Boggling Mysteries of the Moon

Moon Mysteries

The Moon Power Boxed Set: Featuring: Moon Spells and Moon Magic

21st Century Atlas of the Moon

The Book of the Moon: A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor

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Myrkrúnar: The Dark Runes

In my personal practice of divination and spiritual magick I have studied all the variants of Runes for many years even going beyond the Elder Futhark such as the Svartrúnar, Venedské Písmo (Vendic/Slavic Runes), Dvergadylgjur and more. I find them extremely fascinating and am always drawn to learn more in order to evolve myself regarding them and my personal practice. Years ago I came across an amazing book which I simply had to get and fortunately was able to even though all editions of it are out of print. The book is called Myrkþursablót: Nightside of The Old Norse Mythology by Niðafjöll & Wilthijaz Yggr. Within the amazing contents of this book are the Myrkrúnar (The Dark Runes). The simplest way I can describe these Runes are that they are the yin to the yang of the Elder Futhark. In other words the “Left hand path” of Runic divination and could be considered a part of the “Dark” Runes of divination such as the Svartrúnar, Tröllaletur, Úlfurrúnar and a few others I study and use. Today’s blog post I will cover in detail the Myrkrúnar in hopes to give those interested a better understanding of them.

Before I begin I want to add this note. I understand that there are PDF copies of this book in its three editions available free to download online but I will not be including said links on this post. However if you wish on your own time to search for them then by all means have at it.

This is my personal copy of the Myrkþursablót Second Edition I fortunately was able to acquire years ago.

Directly from the Myrkþursablót

When it comes to runic magic and meditation, the Uþark row as coined by philologist Sigurd Agrell is the main system used within Myrkþursablót. The Uþark row represents death through primordial darkness (Uruz) and the glorious reward of spiritual rebirth (Fehu). The Uþark row is seen as a journey from dark to light as you travel from each rune to reach the end of the row. After great extensive study, meditation and ritual, the Uþark row grants its wisdom to those
who are willing to begin walking its path and learn its secrets for it is a dark and misty dirt road into unknown wilderness which offers no guide.

For more information on the rune system, one would be wise to read the volumes Die spätantike Alphabet-Mystik und die Runenreihe (“The Alphabet- Mysticism of Late Antiquity and the Sequence of the Runes”) by Sigurd Angrell, or Uthark: Nightside of the Runes by Thomas Karlsson.


The following is my personal understanding of the Uþark row, within the
Myrkþursablót tradition as used from the basis of the Elder Fuþark.

Myrkþursablót
My personal copy of the Myrkþursablót Limited Third Edition
Only 90 copies of this edition were published and I am fortunate to own one.

Uruz // The rune of Ginnungagap. Represents the birth of creation and the
original state of being. Symbolizes the womb of which all is born. The beginning
of the cycle and the start of one’s journey

Thurisaz // The rune of the Þurs. Represents the marriage between fire and
ice. The Thorn that bites. Symbolizes the two realms before creation, Múspellsheimr
and Niflheimr. The rune of the two primal elemental forces. The antithesis
of Ansuz, the rune of untamed chaos.

Ansuz // The rune of the Æsir. Represents the divine energy of natural balance
within existence. Wisdom and Initiation. The ascent into the practitioner’s spirit-
being. As mentioned by Thomas Karlsson in the book “Uthark – Nightside
of the Runes” Ansuz is the third rune of the Uþark row. Three is the divine number,
making Ansuz the most prominent rune within the row.

Raido // The rune of order. Represents the sun-wheel (sauvastika). The journey.
Pursuit of self mastery. Symbolizes the traveler and the route of progression in
ones life. The wheels of universal movement.

Kenaz // The rune of Loki. The fire rune, or the torch rune. Represents the spiritual
fire within. Also represents Jörmungandr. The immense energy of the sun.
Belongs to Múspellsheimr. Symbolizes both the scoring fires, the luminous eternal
light, but also burning destruction.

Gebo // The rune of sacrifice. Represents the aspects of oneself that must be
destroyed to achieve enlightenment. Symbolizes the exchange of life between
man and the gods. A divine gift.

Wunjo // The rune of happiness. Represents the energy of life and divine essence
of nature. Symbolizes good fortune and luck. The granting of boons.

Hagalaz // The rune of Hel. Represents death and the hidden path; the initiation
into the runes. The battering storm. Trials and tribulations. Belongs to Niflheimr.
Hagal is the mother rune. The cold bite of storms.

Nauðiz // The rune of secrets. Represents the descent into the hidden path of
the runes. The crossing of paths. The forge on which all is tempered or broken.
Symbolizes the Norns who spin the threads of destiny for all mankind.

Isa // The rune of Ice. Represents Gullveig and the primordial cold. Symbolizes
meditation/trance, focus and concentration. The rune of hibernation, and the
cooling of the senses. The still waters are clearest. Belongs to Niflheimr.

Jera // The rune of nature. Represents the cycle of the seasons and the rebirth
of oneself. Cycles within cycles. The ages, Yugas and the eternal turn of the
wheel. Symbolizes the year span. It is connected to the harvest.

Perþro // The rune of Mímisbrunnr. Represents the underworld and the womb
of death. Initiation and rebirth through sacrifice.

Eihwaz // The rune of Fenrisúlfr. Represents the wild hunt and the untamed
holy fire of the wolf spirit. The transformation into the feral self. Corresponds
to the yew tree, and symbolizes the world tree Yggdrasill.

Algiz // The rune of life. When inverted represents death and the dark powers.
Polarity. Creation and un-creation. Life and Death. Being and Unbeing. Symbolizes
the Elk for its upper lines correspond to the Elk’s antlers. It represents protection.

Sowilo // The rune of the Sun/Surtr. Sowilo is the purest of light and the most
power of radiant energy. Can be seen as Baldr’s rune. Also represents the destruction
of the world and the fire-sword Lævateinn. Symbolizes the most powerful
aspects of the sun. Belongs to Múspellsheimr.

Tiwaz // The rune of victory. Represents the courage to achieve wisdom within
oneself to overthrow fear. The blood spilled in bravery. Belongs to the war god
Tyr. Symbolizes courage and justice as well as self-sacrifice. Seen as the masculine,
phallic rune of man.

Berkano // The rune of birth. Represents seiðr and the balancing point of life
and death. Erotic magick. The beginning of new things. Symbolizes fertility and
witchcraft. Seen as the rune of birth and as the feminine womb of woman.

Ehwaz // The rune of Sleipnir/Heldrasill. The rune of the horse. Represents
the journey into darkness to seek the hidden wisdom. This rune symbolizes the
cooperation between man and animal, as the Horse is the magical animal in
Nordic tradition.

Mannaz // The rune of Man, the rune of self. Represents one’s being and the
realization of one’s power. Symbolizes the bond between man and woman, for
the rune can be seen as two people holding each other.

Laguz // The rune of Élivágar. Represents the waters of Niflheimr. Also represents
Jörmungandr. Dark, lunar force. Shakti and the willful side of the feminine.
The devouring face of mother earth. Symbolizes blood and menstruation. Connected
to dreams of the moon. Belongs to Niflheimr.

Ingwaz // The rune of fertility. Represents the proto-cosmic womb and the beginning
of time. Axis of opposites. Symbolizes the masculine seed of man, or
the feminine womb of woman. The rune of potential.

Oþala // The rune of Óðinn. Represents the dark aspect of oneself in order to
ascend into light. Sacrifice for initiation. The opening of the eye of
Óðinn/Shiva/Lucifer. Symbolizes the act of inheritance and the rune of one’s
clan/family. Is seen as the rune of historical value of ancestry.

Dagaz // The rune of Day and awakening. Represents the illumination of one’s
inner fire. Symbolizes the clarity and the cycle of time. Dagaz corresponds to
the beginning of all that is new. It is the highest point of the year and symbolizes
the Summer Solstice.

Fehu // The rune of completion. Symbolizes the wealth and reap of rewards of
one’s adventures. Represents the spiritual wealth of one’s journey to obtain the
hidden wisdom. The return and departure. Universe B. The ending of the journey
and the end of the cycle.

As you have seen with these Runes there are absolute differences in their meanings when comparing them to the Elder Futhark and should not be taken lightly when working with. I have seen the Myrkrúnar misused quite a few times so this is partly why I felt doing this blog post is important for giving proper education regarding them. As I said in the beginning of this post all three editions of Myrkþursablót: Nightside of The Old Norse Mythology are out of print but on occasion you can find a copy for sale like HERE.

Also I highly recommend listening to this two part series regarding the book and one of its authors.

On this episode of Strange Dominions, Octavion talks with author and musician Niðafjöll about his book Myrkþursablót: Nightside of the Old Norse Mythology. The two talk paganism, occultism, spirituality, music and even the paranormal.

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The Picts and Who They Were

Being someone who really enjoys learning about ancient civilizations, culture and the people who lived through those times I truly find fascinating. Whether it is the Hittites who fought the ancient Egyptians, The “Sea People” of the Mediterranean or the Tartessians, they all had a hand in forging modern society. Today I want to share with you the still in many regards mysterious people of Scotland known as The Picts.

Origins of The Picts

By the fourth century AD, the predominant race in northern Scotland were the Picts, the name was coined by the Romans who referred to them as ‘Picti’ meaning ‘painted ones’, which referred to the Pictish custom of either tattooing their bodies or covering themselves with warpaint. The Irish referred to them as Cruithni, meaning “the people of the designs”. What they called themselves has gone unrecorded.

The Picts were descendants of the Iron Age people of northern Scotland, believed to have originated in Iberia as hunter-gatherers, they moved through lower Britain and entered Scotland around 7000BC. Recent DNA tests have proven the Picts were closely related to the Basques of northern Spain. The connections between northern Britain and Celtic Spain are supported by many myths and legends. The dolmens, standing stones and the trail of “cup and ring” designs carved on stones by the prehistoric people of Iberia make their way from Spain and Portugal and northern France to Ireland and Scotland and represent the earliest evidence of the movement of prehistoric man from Iberia to Britain. SOURCE

The Picts is a survey of the historical and cultural developments in northern Britain between AD 300 and AD 900. Discarding the popular view of the Picts as savages, they are revealed to have been politically successful and culturally adaptive members of the medieval European world.

Who Were The Picts?

From the accounts of Britain made by the classical authors, we know that by the fourth century AD, the predominant people in northern Scotland were referred to as “Picts”.

Throughout history, these Picts have been shadowy, enigmatic figures.

From the outset, they were regarded as savage warriors but by the time the Norsemen were compiling their sagas and histories, the memory of the Picts had degenerated into a semi-mythical race of fairies.

Theories abound, although these days it is generally accepted that the Picts were not, as was once believed, a new race, but were simply the descendants of the indigenous Iron Age people of northern Scotland.

The cloud of uncertainty that surrounds the Picts is simply because they left no written records.

Because of this, we have no clear insight into how they lived, their beliefs or society. All we know of them is from second-hand anecdotal evidence, lifted from the various historical writers who recorded their own, possibly biased, impressions of the Pictish people.

The earliest surviving mention of the Picts dates from AD 297.

In a poem praising the Roman emperor Constantius Chlorus, the orator Eumenius wrote that the Britons were already accustomed to the semi-naked “Picti and Hiberni (Irish) as their enemies.“

From Emenius’ statement, we can see that the Picts were already a major thorn in the Roman Empire’s side. And they continued to be a problem for their neighbors – continually harassing them for centuries after the Roman legions abandoned Britain. But who were they? Continue reading HERE.

The Picts were a people of northern Scotland who are defined as a “confederation of tribal units whose political motivations derived from a need to ally against common enemies.” They were not a single tribe, nor necessarily a single people, although it is thought that they came originally from Scandinavia as a cohesive group. Since they left no written record of their history, what is known of them comes from later Roman and Scottish writers and from images the Picts themselves carved on stones.

Conflict with the Romans

The Romans referred to Scotland as Caledonia, a name derived from the Pictish tribe Caledonii. By AD 80 the Romans had succeeded in subduing the tribes of Britons which occupied the area south of the Forth and Clyde, but those to the north proved harder to conquer.

The Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus recorded ‘ …the Picts, divided into two tribes called Dicalydones and Verturiones. are roving at large and causing great devastation. In the early-600s, the Spanish bishop and encyclopaedist, Isidore of Seville wrote of them:-‘the Picts, whose name is taken from their bodies, because an artisan, with the tiny point of a pin and the juice squeezed from a native plant, tricks them out with scars to serve as identifying marks, and their nobility are distinguished by their tattooed limbs.’

Gnaeus Julius Agricola advanced to the River Tay, constructing a legionary fortress at Inchtuthil, north of Perth. The Picts, under the leadership of Calgacus (‘the Swordsman’), met the Romans under Julius Agricola, at the Battle of Mons Graupius in 84 A.D. when the Romans marched on their main granaries. Prior to this, the Picts had avoided open battle, preferring to carry out guerilla-style raids. Tacitus records a speech which he claims to have been made by Calgacus before the battle in which he describes the Romans as: “Robbers of the world, having by their universal plunder exhausted the land, they rifle the deep. If the enemy be rich, they are rapacious; if he be poor, they lust for dominion; neither the east nor the west has been able to satisfy them. Alone among men they covet with equal eagerness poverty and riches. To robbery, slaughter, plunder, they give the lying name of empire; they make a solitude and call it peace. Continue reading HERE.

Pictish Carvings

The Aberlemno I roadside symbol stone, Class I Pictish stone with Pictish symbols, showing (top to bottom) the serpent, the double disc and Z-rod and the mirror and comb.
This film begins where Symbols and Signs ends and traces attempts to explain the meaning of the Pictish symbols through the translation of Ogham and Latin inscriptions on a small number of the symbol stones. The film focuses on a number of key Pictish stones including those at St Vigeans, Auchenblae and Aberlemno. The film asks whether a Pictish ‘Rosetta Stone’ has been discovered which reveals the meaning of the symbols.

The Picts left no written records but instead their legacy comes down to us in the carved stones that can be found around Scotland. See our guide to the ten best places to see Pictish and Celtic carvings in Scotland. Researchers continue to explore the meaning of the carvings found on Pictish stones, which often feature symbols, animals and people.

The occasional new find such as the imprint of the hand of a Pictish copper smith continue to build on our knowledge, whilst projects such as the Northern Picts Project carry out award-winning research into the Picts and their landscape. SOURCE

The Picts have fascinated for centuries. They emerged c. ad 300 to defy the might of the Roman empire only to disappear at the end of the first millennium ad, yet they left major legacies. They laid the foundations for the medieval Scottish kingdom and their captivating carved stones are some of the most eye-catching yet enigmatic monuments in Europe. Until recently the Picts have been difficult to trace due to limited archaeological investigation and documentary sources, but innovative new research has produced critical new insights into the culture of a highly sophisticated society which defied the might of the Roman Empire and forged a powerful realm dominating much of northern Britain.

This is the first dedicated book on the Picts that covers in detail both their archaeology and their history. It examines their kingdoms, culture, beliefs and everyday lives from their origins to their end, not only incorporating current thinking on the subject, but also offering innovative perspectives that transform our understanding of the early history of Scotland.
Picts: History and Heritage provides an overview of some of the key developments in the evolution of the Pictish kingdom between the 5th and 9th centuries. Using recent studies on the political centralisation of Pictland and its external relations with neighbouring kingdoms, the film traces some of the key developments in the history of Fortiu until the Gaelic takeover at the end of the 9th century.

Timeline of the Picts: Key Figures and Events

When the Angles of Bernicia overran the British kingdoms, one of which was the Anglian kingdom of Deira, they became the most powerful kingdom in Britain. Deira and Bernicia together were called Northumbria.

It is believed the Picts were probably a tributary to Northumbria until the reign of Brideimac Beli in 685 AD. The Anglicans suffered a severe defeat at the Battle of Dun Nectain that stopped their northward expansion. The Picts sent the Angles back south to Britain.

By the mid-9th century, Vikings had destroyed the kingdoms of Dal Riata and Northumbria, greatly diminished the power of the Kingdoms of Strathclyde and founded the Kingdom of York. During a major battle in 839 AD, the Vikings killed the King of Fortriu, Eogan man Oengusa.

Sometime in the 840s AD, Cinaed mac Alpin (Kenneth MacAlpin) became the king of the Picts. He united the Picts and the Scots, and together these tribes formed the new Kingdom of Scotland. At this time, they routed out the Vikings. SOURCE

What Happened to The Picts?

It is believed that, over several decades, the Picts merged with the Gaels. Pictland, also called Pictavia, gradually merged with the Gaelic kingdom of Dal Riata to form the Kingdom of Alba, which eventually came to be called Scotland.

Alba expanded, absorbing the Brythonic kingdom of Strathclyde and Bernician Lothian. By the 11th century, historians believe the Pictish people and their identity had been subsumed into the “Scots” conglomeration of people.

During the Dark Ages, the Pictish language did not suddenly disappear, but a process of Gaelicisation (which may have begun generations earlier) was clearly underway during the reign of Kenneth MacAlpin. Eventually, the inhabitants of Alba became fully Gaelicised Scots, and the Pict identity was forgotten. Later in British Isles history, the idea of the Picts as a Celtic tribe was revived in myth and legend. SOURCE

Further Resources

DNA Unravels Origin of Ancient Picts

The Picts: 13 Amazing Facts about the ancient people that protected Scotland from the Roman Empire

Land of the Picts: New excavations reveal the truth behind the legend of these fearsome northern warriors

The Kingdom of the Picts

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The Lesser Known Runes of Europe

Most Pagans, Heathens, Witches and those who study Scandinavian history are familiar with the Elder Futhark Runes and other variants of them that evolved during and after the Viking Age. However there are many other types of Runes that can be found throughout Europe and even stretching into Siberia. I have been studying Runes for many years and find some very interesting commonalities between all of these different types of Runes which at some point I will share. But for now I want to share with you all some very interesting Runes you may have never heard of which are the Polskie/slowiańskie runy (Polish Runes), Venedské Písmo (Vendic/Slavic Runes), Székely-Hungarian Rovás (Hungarian Runes) and the Finnish Script (suomalainen kirjaimisto).

Polskie/slowiańskie runy (Polish Runes)

Most people dealing with runes have probably heard of the Scandinavian futhark runes. These are probably the most popular runes, also used in magic and runic tarot. However, they do not illustrate the complete alphabet, there are many sounds missing, not to mention Polish ones, such as “Ą”, “Ę”, “CZ”, “SZ”, “DZ”, etc. Therefore, it is impossible to write with them. in the Polish language. It is true that I found pages about how to write a name in futhark, but it is very shallow and simplified, where one rune should be assigned many different sounds, such as the rune Kenaz is assigned the sound “K”, as well as “C”. Probably because the Kenaz rune looks like the Latin “C”, and this letter is missing in the futhark. However, this is incorrect thinking, as “C” is pronounced completely differently than “K”. “C” is dental and “K” is pharyngeal.

As Winicjusz Kossakowski proves in his study “Polish runes have spoken”, each rune has its origin. Namely, the rune illustrates which speech organs should be used to pronounce a given sound. And so, reading the letter by sound, the word was pronounced. This means that the runes were not a predetermined script. The most important thing was to draw the organs of speech so that another person could read them. Therefore, the set of runes could be different, the signs assigned to the same letter could be rotated, slanted or vertical, as well as completely different from each other, but as long as the main rule was adhered to, it did not cause major problems. SOURCE

Venedské Písmo (Vendic/Slavic Runes)

Before the arrival of Cyril and Methodius, in pre-Christian times, our ancestors, like many other European nations, used the runic script. The old Germans called this script vendic runic. Among the ancient Slavs, runic inscriptions were preserved primarily on idols and objects of religious significance. The most significant archaeological discovery in this area was made on the territory of today’s Germany (where an advanced Old Slavic culture once resided) in the area of the city of Retra. On the found statue of Perún, the prayer “Percun Devve i ne ruse i v neman” is engraved with ancient Slavic runes, which in translation means “By steam, God, heaven to no one”, on the statue of Belboga is engraved “Licjevajam tim Bilbocg” which means “I represent herewith Belboga”, the words “Radegast” and “Rjetra” are on the top of the statue of Radegast, “Podaga” is written on Podaga’s sacrificial plate, and “Cernebog” is written on Chernobog’s sacrificial bowl.

A very interesting hypothesis regarding Slavic runes was elaborated by Antonín Horák in his work “About the Slavs completely different”, where he expressed the assumption that the Old Slavic runic inscriptions carved into the rock on the Velestúr hill are thousands of years old, come from the period of oppression of the Slavic population by Asian nomads and are alleged evidence autochthony of the Slavs in Europe and a clue pointing to their “dove” agricultural way of life (the effort to portray the nobility as descendants of Asian killers and the proletariat as descendants of peaceful Slavs was probably appropriate at the time). The work is certainly interesting in many ways and worth reading, although many of the claims need further investigation. SOURCE

One thing that rarely gets mentioned is that these Runes can and are used for divination magick but the use of these are always over shadowed by the Futhark. If this is something you want to explore further I recommend the following resources.

What does Slavic runes mean and their decoding

Slavic runes: meaning and scope

Székely-Hungarian Rovás (Hungarian Runes)

The Old Hungarian script (in Hungarian rovásírás) is the earliest known writing system amongst the Uralic languages. As early as the 6th century, Chinese accounts noted the Hungarian custom of writing with incised marks on small wooden tablets. The script may be derived from Old Turkic writing.

There is some discussion regarding the direction of writing; it appears that Old Hungarian was written both from right to left and from left to right. In very early times, when the script was written on wooden sticks, the stick was turned as each line was written so that the text appeared in boustrophedon style. The boustrophedon style was not used for writing larger texts on walls or manuscripts, which tended to be written from right to left. Significant discussion has centered around this issue in the context of encoding the script for use on computers. Academic preference used to be generally for a left to right directionality, but modern users are more likely to write it from right to left, and that is now regarded as the default.

There are 45 basic letters in the script, which are able to represent all the sounds of Hungarian. That is not to say the orthography was phonemic; vowels were only written where it was ambiguous to omit them. Letters could be combined to form numerous ligatures. Historically, ligatures were not standardized, but used freely and inconsistently throughout handwritten texts. The same sequence of sounds could optionally be written with multiple signs or with a ligature. The script employed a single case, although the first letter of proper nouns was sometimes written slightly larger than the rest. There were also some non-alphabetic symbols, the functions of which seem to be unclear. SOURCE

The Hungarian language is so foreign to its Indo-European-speaking neighbors that the distantly related languages of English, Russian, and Sinhalese (the majority language of Sri Lanka) share more in common grammatically and in word cognates with each other than Hungarian does with any Indo-European languages! Hungarian is a Ural-Altaic language spoken by about 13-15 million people worldwide. Most speakers are located in Central Europe, within the Carpathian Basin, a natural confluence point between the Balkan Peninsula, the Alps, and the Great European Plain.

Finnish Script (suomalainen kirjaimisto)

The Finnish script was invented by Sascha Mücke in an effort to create a writing system for Finnish that reflects the language’s phonological simplicity and clarity with its perfectly symmetric vowel harmony.

Notable features

  • Type of writing system: alphabet
  • Direction of writing: left to right
  • There is a one-to-one correspondence between its letters and the Latin letters of the Finnish alphabet currently in use. The symbols have some featural characteristics of their corresponding sounds, most notably:
    • High vowels (ä and ö, y) have a curve at the top while their corresponding low vowels (a, o, u) have a curve at the bottom; the neutral vowels e and i are not curved
    • The weak consonants v, j and h are smaller than strong consonants, e.g. p or k
    • Liquids (r and l) are longer at the bottom while (voiceless) fricatives (s, f) are longer at the top
    • letters that typically only appear in loanwords (b, c, g, w and å) are considered variations of similar sounding letters and marked with a dot (analogously to b and g also d is marked as a variation of t, though it appears considerably more often than the former two)
    • some other letters that typically only appear in loanwords (q, x, z, š and ž) are written as multiple letters (kv, ks, ts, sh and tsh)

Within a word the letters are placed directly adjacent to and connecting to each other, continuing lines should ideally be written with a single stroke (e.g. when writing no the diagonal lines of n and o should be written as one stroke). Words are separated by spaces, punctuation marks are the same as in the Latin script, optionally centered vertically (as in the example below). Also the script uses Arabic numbers. SOURCE

Further Resources:

Székely-Hungarian Rovás

Rovás, The Székely – Hungarian Alphabet

Unknown Polish/Lechite Alphabet?

Runic Inscriptions in Poland

Slavic Runes in the Research of Polish Scholars in the 19th Century


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The Magic of Coastal Plants

The Magic of Coastal Plants by W1tchsbrew

Be sure to check her Etsy shop Wood ov Wyrd

Coastal Plant Life

There are many well-known plants throughout the world that have been documented for their esthetic,  medicinal uses and spiritual properties. From trees and grasses to soils, stones and flowers; the nature of this planet we inhabit has always been, not only beautiful, but extremely useful. 

One of the lesser explored subjects regarding vegetation, is that of coastal plant life. 

Naturally occurring coastal plants have adapted to their harsh environment by developing strategies such as fleshy, tough leaves to conserve moisture and withstand salty wind. 

Although the species variety of coastal plant life is vast, there are a few that stand out, not only for their medicinal uses, but their spiritual impact as well.

Sea Thrift

What is it?

Sea Thrift or “Armeria Maritima” is one of the many plants that might be found in coastal salt marshes, pastures and maritime cliffs. 

This colorful flower can be found near coasts all over the world and thrives in dry, sandy turf as well as somewhat acidic soils. Sea Thrift tolerates and processes salt but doesn’t necessarily need saline soils as habitat. Occasionally, it can also be found in dry woods or in gaunt meadows. In comparison to its tolerance of drought and maritime exposure, Sea Thrift does not do well in shade and prefers a more direct subjection to sunlight. This plant blooms mainly in the late spring and early summer seasons and is pollinated by a variety of insects including bees, flies, beetles and Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 

Medicinal Uses:

This dried flowering plant can be made into an antibiotic and has been used in the treatment of obesity, some nervous disorders and urinary infections. However, it cannot be used externally due to causing dermatitis or local irritation.

Metephysical Uses:

Sea Thrift is an excellent plant to aid in staying well-grounded and maintaining a core equilibrium or inner harmony – no matter how erratic the environment. 

This flower is also believed to help free the circulation of mental, physical and spiritual energy for a more balanced state of being. Just hanging around these plants will impart this.

Sea Kale

What is it?

Sea Kale, also known as “Crambe Maritima”, grows wild along the coasts of Europe, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. As a relative of cabbage, Sea Kale was first cultivated as a vegetable in Britain around the turn of the 18th century. The blanched stems are eaten and became more popular in the mid-19th century. Known by a variety of names, including sea-colewort and scurvy-grass, this plant was often pickled for long sea voyages to prevent scurvy. 

Sea Kale can be grown even in completely landlocked regions so long as it falls within a cool, moist climate.

Medicinal Uses:

Sea kale is an excellent source of vitamin C and also contains some calcium, vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese.

It even contains anti-cancer properties as well as antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and purifying properties. Historically, Sea Kale leaves were used in healing wounds, the seed juice for gastritis and the fruits for removing worms.

It also boosts the immune system, improves metabolism and can help with weight gain.

Metaphysical Uses:

Sea Kale is mainly used in spiritual practices for its ability to bring about prosperity and abundance. Whether attracting wealth, promoting growth or cultivating healing energies, Sea Kale is the perfect go to.

This beautifully illustrated book introduces readers to 125 frequently encountered wildflowers and other plants that grow in coastal habitats from Massachusetts to central Florida. Drawn from the authors’ many years of studying, photographing, and teaching others about plants and their habitats, this handy guide will appeal to everyone from the budding naturalist out to enjoy a day at the beach to the professional scientist seeking accurate, current information about coastal plants.

Seaweed

What is it?

Seaweed has a history of thriving in oceans, lakes and rivers and is part of the algae family or “singular alga”. There are over 10,000 species of seaweed, but they are all categorized into three main types (brown, green and red).

For more about this coastal plant be sure to check out my other post All About Seaweed.

Medicinal Uses:

The health benefits of seaweed have been utilized for hundreds of years. It has been used for dietary purposes such as metabolism or promoting good gut bacteria and has been included in skin care treatment for some diseases including rheumatism. 

Metaphysical Uses:

Seaweed is believed to be very useful for its banishing powers and is commonly used as a sort of “negative energy repellent”. It is also thought to aid in recovering from trauma, reducing stress, balancing emotion, attracting prosperity and cleansing one’s aura. Are you a Sea Witch? This is the plant for you.

Common Gorse 

What is it?

Common Gorse, scientifically known as “Ulex europaeus”, is a large, evergreen shrub, covered in needle-like leaves and distinctive, coconut-perfumed, yellow flowers. This plant can be seen along the coast growing in grasslands, wetlands, near beaches and in neighboring towns. It generally flowers from January to June, although it may flower sporadically throughout the year. It provides shelter and food for many insects and birds, such as Dartford warblers, stonechats and yellowhammers. Traditionally, Common Gorse was regularly collected from common-land for a number of purposes including fuel for firing bread ovens, fodder for livestock and was even bound to make floor and chimney brushes. 

Medicinal Uses:

In Irish folk medicine, Common Gorse was widely used to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, tuberculosis, asthma, heartburn, hiccups, jaundice, heart problems, dermatitis, ringworm, swellings, and as a general tonic. 

This plant can even be strained as a tea, made into an essential oil, or used in skin care. In cosmetics, organic gorse extract helps to address the signs of ageing due to its skin firming and tightening effect. 

Metaphysical Uses:

Traditionally, Common Gorse was sometimes used as a boundary between fields. It is often used in spirituality, not only for setting boundaries, but as protection and an aid in restoration as well. Manifesting prosperity and gathering strength are also very common uses for this plant in spiritual workings. Common Gorse can be used in money spells and is believed to attract good fortune. 

This easy-to-use field guide features 794 species of plants commonly found along the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatic plants, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens. PLANTS OF COASTAL BRITISH COLUMBIA covers the entire length of the British Columbia coast, from shoreline to alpine. Includes: * 1100 color photographs * More than 1000 line drawings and silhouettes * Clear species descriptions and keys to groups * Descriptions of each plant’s habitat and range * 794 new color range maps. * Rich and engaging notes on each species describe aboriginal and other local uses of plants for food, medicine and implements, along with unique characteristics of the plants and the origins of their names. For both amateurs and professionals, this is the best, most accessible, most up-to-date guide of its kind.

Seagrass

What is it?

Seagrasses are the only flowering plants which grow in marine environments. Most species of seagrass are perennials (being recurrent and having a life span of two years or more) and are visible throughout the year.

Seagrasses grow in salty and brackish waters (semi salty) around the world, typically along gently sloping, protected coastlines. Because they depend on light for photosynthesis, they are most commonly found in shallow depths where light levels are high. In some places, seagrasses are made into useful objects such as rugs and even roofing. These marine plants are very important nurseries for sea life of all sorts.

Medicinal Uses:

Seagrass meadows can reduce disease causing bacterial pathogens by >50%, to the benefit of humans and adjacent coral reefs alike.

In folk medicine, seagrasses have been used for a variety of remedial purposes such as the treatment of fever and skin diseases, muscle pains, wounds, stomach problems, and as a remedy against the stings of different kinds of rays.

Metaphysical Uses:

If you have the patience, you can dry out and ‘weave’ a ball of seagrass and hang it up in your home to provide protection. But, aside from the home and hearth, seagrass can be utilized in all sorts of protection spells, knot magic, and as a tool for attracting abundance. Do you think the sailors of history may have perhaps used seagrass in knot magic as a way to work with their ocean deities? So do I.

Sea Oats

What are they?

Sea Oats, also known as “Uniola paniculata”, is considered an important plant in terms of its integral role in sand dune formation and stabilization. So much so that it has been given special protected status by the state of Florida where is illegal to destroy or remove without a permit. Sea Oats is a perennial grass and is long lived, slow growing, and is commonly associated with the upper dunes along beach fronts. It produces a large seed head, or panicle, during summer months. Sea Oats are very drought tolerant and produce a massive root system. It withstands salt water spray and thrives in areas with blowing sand, which promotes the plant’s growth and helps it spread. 

Medicinal Uses:

In the past, Sea Oats have been cooked and eaten as a cereal. Although it isn’t traditionally known for medicinal purposes, the dried stocks of these plants were sometimes used for wound care, as a method to help dry out the wound.

Metaphysical Uses: 

Sea Oats are believed to be quite useful in spirituality when manifesting protection or abundance. The seeds can be used as an offering when working with Oceanic deities and are seen as an excellent “exchange gift” when asking for guidance, protection or blessings of any kind. Sea Oats can also be used to aid in grounding, growth, and endurance. Now that’s a breakfast of champions. 

Seaside Daisy 

What is it?

Seaside Daisy, scientifically “Erigeron glaucus”, is a wildflower native to the coastline of Oregon and California where it grows on beaches, coastal bluffs and sand dunes. Its flowering seasons are Winter, Spring and Summer. This flower supports several insect species  including butterflies, moths, bees and caterpillars. Seaside Daisies prefer full sun exposure but will tolerate a small amount of shade. It is also extremely resilient in the cold, withstanding temperatures from 15F*. Seaside Daisies can tolerate frost, wind, salt soils and heat, making it an all-around tough little flower.

Erigeron is Greek for “an old man in the spring,” referring to the Seaside Daisy’s early flowering and fluffy white seed heads. 

Medicinal Uses:

Seaside Daisy can be made into tea for coughs, bronchitis, disorders of the liver and kidneys, and swelling or inflammation. It can also be used as a drying agent (astringent) and as a “blood purifier.” Some people take homeopathic wild daisy for preventing problems during childbirth, pain and soreness, and minor bleeding.

Metaphysical Uses:

Seaside Daisy flowers hold deep symbolic and spiritual significance. The ancient Greeks believed that the Daisy flower was a symbol of purity, and used it in wreaths to crown their athletic heroes. In medieval times, it was connected with innocence, victory, purity, and was frequently used in art and literature. Seaside Daisies can be associated with loyalty, new beginnings, purity, love, and are believed to encourage positive energy and good fortune. This plant can also be used in healing rituals or protection spells. Having been spiritually and symbolically utilized for hundreds of years, the Seaside Daisy is one of the most special plants you’ll find near the coast.

From fearsome sharks to lowly urchins, 90 percent of marine creatures live in coastal waters. Protecting these habitats is a battle humanity must win.
“An incredibly thorough guide for identifying, harvesting, and utilizing medicinal plants.” —Dr. Deborah Frances RN, ND Naturopathic physician, herbalist, author, and lecturer

In Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants, Scott Kloos is your trusted guide to finding, identifying, harvesting, and using 120 of the region’s most powerful wild plants. You’ll learn how to safely and ethically forage, and how to use wild plants in herbal medicines including teas, tinctures, and salves. Plant profiles include clear, color photographs, identification tips, medicinal uses and herbal preparations, and harvesting suggestions. Lists of what to forage for each season makes the guide useful year-round. Thorough, comprehensive, and safe, this is a must-have for foragers, naturalists, and herbalists in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and northern California.
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The Slavic Mother Goddess Mokosh

The Gods and Goddesses of the Slavic pantheon are ones I feel connected to and have studied for years. maybe due to having Slavic blood running through me or perhaps how they resonate with my beliefs and spiritual path. Either way I want to begin featuring each of the Slavic pantheon with posts on my blog here and I have decided to begin with the most important Goddess which is Mokosh (Mokoš). She is such an important Goddess among the Slavic pantheon that she is still revered to this day as she deserves.So let us get into all there is known about this Mother Goddess.

Getting to know Mokosh

There are seven primordial gods in Slavic mythology, and only one of them is female: Mokosh. In the pantheon in the Kievan Rus’ state, she is the only goddess at all, and so her specific role in Slavic mythology is vast and varied, and, more aptly perhaps, foggy and damp. Mother earth and house spirit, tender of sheep and spinner of fate, Mokosh is the supreme Slavic goddess. 

In Slavic mythology, Mokosh, sometimes transliterated as Mokoš and meaning “Friday,” is Moist Mother Earth and thus the most important (or sometimes only) goddess in the religion. As a creator, she is said to have been discovered sleeping in a cave by a flowering spring by the spring god Jarilo, with whom she created the fruits of the earth. She is also the protector of spinning, tending sheep, and wool, patron of merchants and fishermen, who protects cattle from plague and people from drought, disease, drowning, and unclean spirits. 

The origins of Mokosh as mother earth may date to pre-Indo-European times (Cuceteni or Tripolye culture, 6th–5th millennia BCE) when a near-global woman-centered religion is thought to have been in place. Some scholars suggest she may be a version of Finno-Ugric sun goddess Jumala.

In 980 CE, Kievan Rus emperor Vladimir I (died 1015) erected six idols to Slavic gods and included Mokosh in 980 CE, although he took them down when he converted to Christianity. Nestor the Chronicler (11th century CE), a monk at the Monastery of the Caves in Kyiv, mentions her as the only female in his list of seven gods of the Slavs. Versions of her are included in the tales of many different Slavic countries. SOURCE

Mokosh, also called Mokoš, was worshiped by the ancient Slavs as the Goddess of the Earth and fertility. Mokosh is the Goddess who gives and takes life, spinner of the thread of life, giver of the water of life, fertility, and health in marriage. She is most likely a later and more strongly personified variant of the Slavs’ elder earth Goddess: The Damp Mother Earth Goddess.

Appearance and Reputation

Surviving images of Mokosh are rare—although there were stone monuments to her beginning at least as long ago as the 7th century. A wooden cult figure in a wooded area in the Czech Republic is said to be a figure of her. Historical references say she had a large head and long arms, a reference to her connection with spiders and spinning. Symbols associated with her include spindles and cloth, the rhombus, and the Sacred Tree or Pillar.

Some Slavic peasants felt it was wrong to spit on the earth or beat it. During the Spring, practitioners considered the earth pregnant: before March 25 (“Lady Day”), they would neither construct a building or a fence, drive a stake into the ground or sow seed. When peasant women gathered herbs they first lay prone and prayed to Mother Earth to bless any medicinal herbs. SOURCE

Key Takeaways: Mokosh

  • Associated Deities: Tellus, Ziva (Siva), Rusalki (water nixies), Lada 
  • Equivalents: St. Paraskeva Pianitsa (Christian Orthodox); loosely comparable to the Greek Titan Gaia, Hera (Greek), Juno (Roman), Astarte (Semitic)
  • Epithets: Goddess Who Spins Wool, Mother Moist Earth, Flax Woman
  • Culture/Country: Slavonic Culture, Eastern and Central Europe
  • Primary Sources: Nestor Chronicle (a.k.a. Primary Chronicle), Christian-recorded Slavic tales
  • Realms and Powers: Power over the earth, water, and death. Protector of spinning, fertility, grain, cattle, sheep, and wool; fisherman and merchants. 
  • Family: Wife to Perun, lover to Veles and Jarilo
Modern wooden statue of Mother Goddess Mokosh in the Czech Republic

October – The month of Mykosh

Home, calmness, softness, gratitude, feminine grace and creativity are the quiet feelings that permeate the month of Vinotok – October. This is the women’s month, ruled by the East Slavic goddess Mokosh, the great mother, the only goddess in Vladimir of Kiev pantheon, who watches over women. We meet her all over “Slavija” on traditional embroideries, where she is usually depicted as a female creature with birds (symbol of passage), carrying another creature. She is a protector of predicates, women’s affairs, midwives. Her holiday is the last Friday of October month. At that time she is already in the last trimester of pregnancy, when at the winter solstice – she gives birth to a “new sun”.

Mokoš leads us to tune in to ourselves in the fall. All the weaving and sewing of the new future can be successful in the long run only if we know how to look deeply and analytically into the past, learn from mistakes and then resolutely clean up with everything that no longer serves us now. Above all, it is also a time of women’s deepening, where it is important for a man to stand by her side. In the old days, people expressed their love by having a boy carry her spinning wheel home after finishing with spinning together with other girls. Continue reading HERE.

Slavic mysticism is mostly obscure folklore, which is a shame because some mythologies, like Egyptian, Indian, and Greek, have much-written information about them. Some myths came from Slavic lands before Christianity, while others came from complicated Christian bias. So, here is a list of gods and goddesses from Slavic cultures. By reading this book, you can find out about many Slavic goddesses such as Mokosh, Zorya, Lada, Vesna, Marzanna and Many More.

Mokosh, like Brigid, is associated with wells, springs and moisture; the name Mokosh comes from the root ‘mol’ meaning ‘moisture’, and is connected with the Slavic words mokry and moknut (‘wet’ and ‘to get wet’) . Mokosh brings the water of life and protects the life-giving waters on which human and animal existence depend. In this way Mokosh gives life to plants and animals, and is often portrayed with them. She is an important Slavic Mother Goddess, embodying fertility, femininity, prosperity, protection, health, good luck, abundance, and a successful future.

Mokosh is also a warrior goddess, in her fierce aspect as a goddess of protection. One of her epithets is ‘She who strikes with her wings’. The fact that she is a winged Goddess indicates her power and that which she grants to her priestesses and devotees, to travel between the worlds in trance, dream, and vision, for blessing and for healing on behalf of the community and all who are in need. Mokosh is also connected to butterflies, symbols of transformation, and bees, symbols of priestesses in antiquity. Continue reading HERE.

The symbol of Mother Goddess Mokosh

Why is Mokosh still important?

Today, Mokosh is popular as a powerful life-giving force and protector of women. She has a big following amongst Rodnovery women.

They often make small idols out of stone for prayer. The stones are called Mokosh-stones or breast-shaped boulders, and it’s believed that they hold power.

As mentioned above, many places can be found bearing the name of Mokosh, or a similar name. In Eastern Europe, we can find even more villages named after her, and stories that depict her as a woman with uplifted hands.

Mokosh is celebrated in the Rodnovery tradition twice per year, once in Spring around the first or second Friday of May, and once in Fall on the last Friday of October. SOURCE


Meet Mother Mokosh, the Slavic goddess of earth, fertility, love and growth. She is truly amazing, as not much is known about her origins – according to legends, she just appeared out of the blue. She is a creature of emotions – a lover, temptress, mother protecting her children. And her children can be found anywhere, as she was one of the gods who created humankind in Slavic mythology. The most important festivity when this Slavic deity is cherished is Kupala night. It takes place on the day of summer solstice and is an opportunity to find eternal love and a soulmate.

What is associated with Mokosh

  • Spinning yarn
  • Weaving
  • Shearing
  • Protection
  • Childbirth
  • Spell casting
  • Fate
  • Fertility
  • Horses
  • Earth
  • Water
  • Rain
  • Tending Sheep
  • Wool
  • Matron of merchants and fishermen, who protects cattle from plague and people from drought, disease, drowning, and unclean spirits.

Further Resources:

Mokosz/Mokosh – Slavic Great Mother and Protector of Women

The Ancient Earth Mother

Slavic Traditions & Mythology

Slavic Mythology

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Seahorses: Folklore, Symbolism and More

Seahorses are certainly a unique aquatic animal of the oceans and has fascinating unique qualities that make them really stand out. I have always enjoyed watching these beautiful marine animals and even have one tattooed as a part of my left sleeve dedicated to the sea. What molts people may not know is that there are 57 species of Seahorses, including seadragons and pipefish. Also Seahorses can be found in mythology and folklore around the world anywhere there is land meeting the oceans. They also can be one’s spirit animal and have amazing symbolism which I will cover as well in this post.

Until you see one for yourself, it’s easy to believe that seahorses are pure make-believe. So curious, so magical, they seem to have wandered straight out of a book of fairy tales. Even a dead, dried seahorse washed up on a beach keeps its otherworldly shape, encased in its enduring bony armour, waiting for someone to come along, pick it up and wonder what it might be. A miniature dragon? An enchanted serpent? It’s no wonder seahorses have been puzzling people around the world for centuries, inspiring them to tell stories, pass on myths and legends, and find mystical uses for these most charming sea creatures.

Some of the oldest seahorse stories tell of the Greek sea god Poseidon galloping through the oceans on a golden chariot pulled by hippocampus, the beast that was half horse and half fish (today, the seahorses’ scientific name also happens to be Hippocampus). It’s thought ancient Greek fishermen believed the real seahorses they sometimes found tangled in their nets were the offspring of Poseidon’s mighty steeds.

All sorts of ancient Mediterranean art and objects depict the hippocampus. Phoenicians and Etruscans often painted these watery horses on the walls of burial chambers, accompanying the dead on their voyage across the seas and into the afterlife. There’s even a single hippocampus from ancient Egypt painted on a mummy’s coffin.

Many other legends tell stories of watery spirits that take the form of horses. Scottish lochs are said to be haunted by “kelpies”. They come onto dry land and graze with other, normal horses but if you mount and ride one you’ll be dragged underwater as your steed tries to drown and eat you. Similar malevolent beasts were called “tangies” in the Orkney Isles and “shoopiltrees” in the Shetlands. Scandinavian legends tell of the “havhest”, a huge sea serpent, half horse and half fish like hippocampus, that could breathe fire and sink ships. Continue reading HERE.

Absolutely captivating creatures, seahorses seem like a product of myth and imagination rather than of nature. They are small, elusive, and are named for their heads, which are shaped like miniature ponies with tiny snouts. They swim slowly upright by rapidly fanning their delicate dorsal fin, coil their tails to anchor themselves in a drift, and spend days in a dancing courtship. Afterward, it is the male who carries the female’s eggs in his pouch and hatches the young. Seahorses are found worldwide, and they are highly sensitive to environmental destruction and disturbance, making them the flagship species for shallow-water habitat conservation. They are as ecologically important as they are beautiful.

Seahorses celebrates the remarkable variety of seahorse species as well as their exquisiteness. 57 species, including seadragons and pipefish, are presented in lush, life-size photographs alongside descriptive drawings, and each entry includes detailed and up-to-date information on natural history and conservation. Sara Lourie, a foremost expert on seahorse taxonomy, presents captivating stories of species that range from less than an inch to over a foot in height, while highlighting recent discoveries and ecological concerns. Accessibly written, but comprehensive in scope, this book will be a stunning and invaluable reference on seahorse evolution, biology, habitat, and behavior.

Masters of camouflage and rarely seen, seahorses continue to be a fascinating subject of active research. This visually rich and informative book is certain to become the authoritative guide to these charming and unusual wonders of the sea, beloved at aquariums the world over.

In Roman mythology, seahorses were the steeds of Neptune, deity of the Upper Waters. As attributes of Neptune, they represented cosmic forces and the rhythm of the waves. They were also the steeds of Poseidon, a Greek sea god. Daily, Poseidon rode through the ocean on a chariot pulled by seahorses.

Seahorses represented the lunar and humid element of the sea and chaos. Seahorses also carried the dead safely to the underworld. Because of their unique form, the Chinese regarded seahorses as the lesser sons of dragons. In Norse myth, they symbolized the power of water. SOURCE

These animals aren’t like any other living creatures on Earth, they look like they came from some other planet. Biologically speaking, they are quite different from all other terrestrial beings, which has put them in the spotlight a long time ago. At the same time, they look very funny, especially when dancing in the water. The offspring of these creatures are born not by females, as usual, but by males, which sets them apart from all other terrestrial beings. The smallest species of these creatures are only 2 centimeters long, and the largest are up to 30. Their body is covered with spikes. They serve both as camouflage and protection from predators because they don’t know how to defend themselves.

Seahorse Spirit Animal

The Seahorse teaches balance in parenting, how to get in touch with the Masculine Divine, and to get through difficult periods with greater ease. Delve deeply in Seahorse symbolism and meaning to find out how this animal spirit guide can support, assist, and inspire you.

Many ancient cultures connected the Seahorse with various Divine beings.

In Rome and Greece, for example, the Seahorse was sacred to Poseidon and Neptune, potent sea gods. As a result, one of the keynote meanings for Seahorse is one of power and authority, particularly in matters of emotion and intuition because of the Water Element involved.

A rather lovely story from Greco-Roman times indicates that the Seahorse is a guide to drown sailors.

This creature safely guides them through the spiritual vortex until they reach their ordained fate in the afterlife (is it any wonder that sailors used seahorse images as luck charms?). SOURCE

Seahorse Symbolism

  • Water Elemental
  • The Afterlife
  • Power
  • Luck
  • Alchemy
  • Safety
  • Kindness
  • Perception
  • Kindness
  • Manners
  • Pacing
  • Tenacity
  • Progress
  • Ingenuity
  • Stealth
  • Authority
  • Fatherhood
  • Partnership
Frederick Stuart Church’s The Mermaid, 1887

Further Resources:

10 Seahorse Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal

Seahorses in Myth, Legend & Art

What are the links between seahorses, folklore and Newcastle upon Tyne?

Seahorse Symbolism & Meaning & the Seahorse Spirit Animal

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The Druids: History and More

Being someone who is spiritual and has a passion for history one area that has fascinated me are the tales of the ancient Druids. From accounts by those of the Roman empire into the Renaissance age and even to this day where modern Druidism still exists. Druids existed in the religious practices of the ancient Celtic cultures and it is said even held sort of position as judges. The ancient Druids are still shrouded in mystery but enough is known to enable me to provide my readers with a ton of excellent resources which I hope will be enjoyed.

A Long History

About 2500 years ago, and possibly long before that, at each end of the Indo-European arc, tribal spiritualities emerged that would eventually grow to become flourishing modern movements, with adherents all over the world. While the earliest versions of what would later become the Hindu and Jain religions emerged in the Indus valley, in western Europe at about the same time, writers began to record the existence of Druidism.

Its practice was first noted in two Greek works over two thousand years ago in around 200 BCE although both works were since lost. In 50 BCE Julius Caesar wrote that Druidism originated in Britain, and although some claim that Druids could be found across much of Europe, from Ireland in the west to Anatolia (now Turkey) in the east, scholars now believe this is unlikely. Instead Druids were probably native just to the British Isles, Ireland and western Gaul (now France).

Although written accounts seem to have begun 2,200 years ago, Druidry was probably in existence for a good deal of time before then, and it seems likely that as a type of religion or magical practice it evolved out of earlier pre-Druidic cult practices. Continue reading HERE.

The Druids by Peter Berresford Ellis

In this compelling and highly reliable study of the Druids, respected Celtic scholar Peter Berresford Ellis sifts through the historical evidence and, with reference to the latest archaeological and etymological findings, gives the first authentic account of who the mysterious Druids were and what role they played in Celtic society.
The Druids emerge as the intellectual caste of ancient Celtic society. They were the doctors, the lawyers, the ambassadors, the advisers to kings. They also had a religious function. Ellis describes the special Druidic training, their philosophy, their belief in auguries, and their intriguing origins. He also shows that the current “New Age” image of the Druids as benevolent wizards comes from a woefully inadequate interpretation of the facts.

“By the bright circle of the golden sun,
By the bright courses of the errant moon,
By the dread potency of every star,
In the mysterious Zodiac’s burning girth,
By each and all of these supernal signs,
We do adjure thee, with this trusty blade
To guard yon central oak, whose holy stem,
Involves the spirit of high Taranis:
Be this thy charge.”-MASON

THE
THE VEIL OF ISIS;
OR,
MYSTERIES OF THE DRUIDS
BY
W. WINWOOD READE.
(1861)

In simple terms, the Druids were the priests of the Celtic tribes in Britain. But to state that fact does not convey the breadth of their influence in Celtic society. The Druids were a sort of super-class of priests, political advisors, teachers, healers, and arbitrators among the Celtic tribes.

They had their own universities, where traditional knowledge was passed on by rote (i.e. memorized). Druids had the right to speak ahead of the king in council, and may in some situations have held more authority than the king. They acted as ambassadors in time of war, they composed verse and upheld the law. They were a sort of glue holding together Celtic culture.

We know that the Druids used both animal and human sacrifice, and that many of their observances centred on oak groves and water. The Isle of Anglesey, in present-day Wales, was a centre of Druidic practice. SOURCE

Using ancient and medieval sources, alongside comparative analysis, the identity and beliefs of the druids take shape, from their organizational practices, to their philosophy and spiritual beliefs.

“The Druids officiate at the worship of the gods, regulate at public and private sacrifice, and rule on all religious questions. Large numbers of young men flock to them for instruction, and they are held in great honour by the people.”

Julius Caesar (Gallic Wars, VI:13)

A Complete History Of The Druids: Their Origin, Manners, Customs, Powers, Temples, Rites, And Superstition, With An Inquiry Into Their Religion (1810) by T. G. Lomax. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Theology

Since Druidry is a spiritual path – a religion to some, a way of life to others – Druids share a belief in the fundamentally spiritual nature of life. Some will favour a particular way of understanding the source of this spiritual nature, and may feel themselves to be animists, pantheists, polytheists, monotheists or duotheists. Others will avoid choosing any one conception of Deity, believing that by its very nature this is unknowable by the mind.

Monotheistic druids believe there is one Deity: either a Goddess or God, or a Being who is better named Spirit or Great Spirit, to remove misleading associations to gender. But other druids are duo-theists, believing that Deity exists as a pair of forces or beings, which they often characterize as the God and Goddess.

Polytheistic Druids believe that many gods and goddesses exist, while animists and pantheists believe that Deity does not exist as one or more personal gods, but is instead present in all things, and is everything. Continue reading HERE.

Two Druids, 19th-century engraving based on a 1719 illustration by Bernard de Montfaucon, who said that he was reproducing a bas-relief found at Autun, Burgundy. SOURCE

Caesar’s Account of the Druids

According to Caesar, who had encountered druids in Gaul, they were an essential class of the Gallic society. The Druids recognized a single leader who ruled the group until his death. They met at a sacred place in Gaul every year, while Britain remained the center of druidic studies. Caesar notes that the Druids who wished to undertake further druidic education often made pilgrimages to Britain to improve their knowledge which sometimes lasted over twenty years. 

The Druids did not take part in war and were exempt from military taxes and enlistment. Instead, they studied lore, medicine, astrology, and philosophy, among many other subjects. According to Caesar, they did not record their practices, but they did make use of the Greek alphabet in different spheres of their public and private accounts. Caesar’s most disturbing recording is the practice of human sacrifice, for which the Druids used criminals. The victim would be sacrificed through burning in a wicker man. 

The wicker man was a large wicker effigy in which the body was placed. Yet archaeology has not provided any evidence of this practice nor of its associations with the Druids. Indeed it is not unlikely that Caesar exaggerated specific claims to exemplify Gaul and Britain’s conquest. Caesar depicted the Druids as both learned and barbaric. But just how much of this account is exaggerated, we will probably never know. SOURCE

In this edition of “Ancient World History”, we are going to take you through a journey where you can learn about the rise and fall of the druids i.e., find out all about the history of druids.

Further Resources:

The Druids and Romanization

Who were the Druids?

Who were the Druids? A history of Druidism in Britain

The Buried Mysteries Of Wale’s Ancient Druids | Time Team | Odyssey

The Druid’s Book of Ceremonies, Prayers and Songs

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Bilskirnir – The Great Hall of Thor

When it comes to the Norse Gods and Goddesses we see a lot of information and vast popularity with Valhalla and Freyja’s great hall of Sessrúmnir. Unfortunately it seems in my observation that most neglect or are unaware that many of the other Norse Gods and Goddesses have their own great halls such as Fensalir, the great hall of Frigga; Himinbjorg, the great hall of Heimdallr or even my matron Goddess Rán has Ránsalir plus many more. But today I want to cover the great hall of Thor known as Bilskirnir.

The largest hall in Asgard and one of the largest single-owner hall in all the nine worlds, is Thor’s hall called Bilskirnir. This single hall is larger than Valhalla and all the houses around it, including the walls. Bilskirnir is the equivalent of a small city. This hall has six hundred and forty rooms, not only filled with people from Valhalla but also with those who died in battle and were sworn to Thor. In it Thor’s guests also live there for a while, the servants of Thor and also Sif’s servants, even Loki dwelt there for a time. The walls of this huge hall are made of brick and stone and all the rooms are high-ceilinged and each room has windows that are constantly open to let the air in, even when it is raining.

Unlike what we are used to hear or see about Thor in out modern world perspective, Thor is the champion of Asgard, he is the god of the common people such as farmers, he is the protector of mankind and often wanders in the world of mortals and has mortals as guests in his own hall. Thor isn’t blond, he is red-haired and has a red-beard.

In this great hall also lives Meile, which most don’t know who this figure is, and in truth he doesn’t want to be known or be famous, but he is one of Thor’s younger brothers who seldom is at Bilskirnir, but can be found there once in a while.

There are two other denizens of this great hall, two other of great renown a part from Sif herself, the wife of Thor. These two are Roskva and Thjalfi or Thjalfr. They are the children of Egil Skytten, the midgard mortal, it is said that he had an affair with Groa, the giant sorceress wife of Aurvandil who is the first husband of Sif, and together they had a son, the god Ullr. So it is said that Roskva and Thjalfi are the sons of Egil the mortal and of Groa, which makes them Half-human.

There are many tales of how Roskva and Thjalfi came to live with Thor, the most heard one (summarizing) is that when Thor and Loki were traveling together, they came to a farm where they found this human family with two children. They all sat and had dinner together, they ate one of Thor’s goats but all had been warned not to break any bones. The children did it and as a payment for their disobedience, Thor took them to his hall to work there.

Another tale, not so often heard, is that Groa and Aurvandil were good friends of Thor and after raising the two children, they sent them to be fostered at Bilskirnir. Thjalfi became Thor’s page, accompanying him in many journeys.

Thjalfi is also the messenger of Bilskirnir and a guide for those who are wandering about Asgard and lost. Roskva helps in Bilskirnir and she is also a guide there, for this great hall is a confusing labyrinth.

Behind Thor’s hall there is a small hall (small compared with Bilskirnir itself) that belongs to Thor’s daughter Thrud, the sister of Magni and Modi. The land where Thor’s hall was built is called Thrudheim, in honor of Thor’s daughter and to show the love and pride he has for her. SOURCE

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more.

“The land is holy | that lies hard by
The gods and the elves together;
And Thor shall ever | in Thrudheim dwell,
Till the gods to destruction go.” ~ Grimnismal

Bilskirnir (Old Norse “lightning-crack”) is the hall of the thunder-god Þórr in Norse mythology. Here he lives with his wife Sif and their children. According to Grímnismál, the hall is the greatest of buildings and contains 540 rooms, located in Ásgarðr, as are all the dwellings of the gods, in the kingdom of Þrúðheimr (or Þrúðvangar according to Gylfaginning and Ynglinga saga). SOURCE

The name Bilskirnir only appears twice in Snorri’s Edda. There he quotes the verse from Grímnismál and later in Skáldskaparmál quotes a skaldic kenning containing the name.

Gylfaginning 21:

Þá mælti Gangleri: “Hver eru nöfn annarra ásanna, eða hvat hafast þeir at, eða hvat hafa þeir gert til frama?”

Hárr segir: “Þórr er þeira framast, sá er kallaðr er Ása-Þórr eða Öku-Þórr. Hann er sterkastr allra goðanna ok manna. Hann á þar ríki, er Þrúðvangar heita, en höll hans heitir Bilskirrnir. Í þeim sal eru fimm hundruð gólfa ok fjórir tigir. Þat er hús mest, svá at menn viti. Svá segir í Grímnismálum:

Fimm hundruð golfa

ok umb fjórum tögum,

svá hygg ek Bilskirrni með bugum;

ranna þeira,

er ek reft vita,

míns veit ek mest magar.

XXI. Then said Gangleri: “What are the names of the other Æsir, or what is their office, or what deeds of renown have they done?”

Hárr answered: “Thor is the foremost of them, he that is called Thor of the Æsir, or Öku-Thor; he is strongest of all the gods and men. He has his realm in the place called Thrúdvangar, and his hall is called Bilskirnir (“From the flashing of light”); in that hall are five hundred rooms and forty. That is the greatest house that men know of; It is thus said in Grímnismál:

Five hundred floors | and more than forty,

So reckon I Bilskirnir with bending ways;

Of those houses | that I know of hall-roofed,

My son’s I know the most. SOURCE

Bilskirnir is the hall of the god Thor in Norse mythology. Here he lives with his wife Sif and their children. According to Grímnismál, the hall is the greatest of buildings and contains 540 rooms, located in Asgard, as are all the dwellings of the gods, in the kingdom of Þrúðheimr.

Further Resources:

Where Thor Hangs His Hammer

Thor of the Aesir

The Great Halls Of The Gods