Tam Lin and Fair Janet

Myth of the Day:

Tam Lin



The woods of Carterhaugh are guarded by Tam Lin, a man who demands payment of all maidens who pass through, in the form of a belonging or their virginity. A maiden named Janet travels to Carterhaugh and picks a rose, causing Tam Lin to appear. He questions her presence, to which she relies that Carterhaugh is rightfully hers. She then travels to her fathers house where she exhibits the early signs of pregnancy, much to the concern of the household. She states that her lover is elven, and then returns to Carterhaugh, once again encountering Tam Lin. He reveals he is not elven, but a mortal captured by the queen of Faeries, and that he may be sacrificied to hell as part of the faerie tithe. He then details how she can save him to be her mate, if she will undergo a trial on Halloween night. She must pull him from his horse as the faeries process through the woods, and hold onto him as he is transformed into various beasts, then plunge him into a well when he turns into a brand of fire. When he regains his own naked shape she must cover him with her green mantle and he will be free. She does all of this, much to the anger of the watching Queen of faeries.





The Ballad of Tam Lin:



'O I forbid you, maidens a',

That wear gowd on your hair,

To come or gae by Carterhaugh,

For young Tam Lin is there.





For even about that knight's middle

O' siller bells are nine;

And nae maid comes to Carterhaugh

And a maid returns again.'





Fair Janet sat in her bonny bower,

Sewing her silken seam,

And wish'd to be in Carterhaugh

Amang the leaves sae green.





She's lat her seam fa' to her feet,

The needle to her tae,

And she's awa' to Carterhaugh

As fast as she could gae.





And she has kilted her green kirtle

A little abune her knee;

And she has braided her yellow hair

A little abune her bree;

And she has gaen for Carterbaugh

As fast as she can hie.





She hadna pu'd a rose, a rose,

A rose but barely ane,

When up and started young Tam Lin;

Says, ' Ladye, let alane.





What gars ye pu' the rose, Janet ?

What gars ye break the tree ?

What gars ye come to Carterhaugh

Without the leave o' me?'





Weel may I pu' the rose,' she says,

'And ask no leave at thee;

For Carterhaugh it is my ain,

My daddy gave it me.'





He's ta'en her by the milk-white hand,

And by the grass-green sleeve,

He's led her to the fairy ground

At her he askd nae leave.





Janet has kilted her green kirtle

A little abune her knee,

And she has snooded her yellow hair

A little abune her bree,

And she is to her father's ha'

As fast as she can hie.





But when she came to her father's ha',

She look'd sae wan and pale,

They thought the lady had gotten a fright,

Or with sickness she did ail.





Four and twenty ladies fair

Were playing at the ba',

And out then came fair Janet

Ance the flower amang them a'





Four and twenty ladies fair

Were playing at the chess,

And out then came fair Janet

As green as onie glass.





Out then spak' an au d grey knight

'Lay owre the Castle wa',

And says, ' Alas, fair Janet!

For thee we'll be blamed a'





'Hauld your tongue, ye auld-faced knight,

Some ill death may ye die!

Father my bairn on whom I will,

I'll father nanre on thee.





0 if my love were an earthly knight,

As he is an elfin gay,

I wadna gie my ain true-love

For nae laird that ye hae.





'The steed that my true-love rides on

Is fleeter nor the wind;

Wi` siller he is shod before,

Wi' buming gold behind'





Out then spak' her brither dear-

He meant to do her harm:

There grows an herb in Carterbaugh

Will twine you an' the bairn.'





Janet has kilted her green kirtle

A little abune her knee,

And she has snooded her yellow hair

A little abune her bree,

And she's awa' to Carterhaugh

As fast as she can hie.





She hadna pu'd a leaf, a leaf,

A leaf but only twae,

When up and started young Tam Lin,

Says, I Ladye, thou's pu' nae mae.





'How dar' ye pu' a leaf he says,

' How dar' ye break the tree,

How dar' ye scathe my babe,' he says,

That's between you and me?'





0 tell me, tell me, Tam,' she says,

' For His sake that died on tree,

If ye were ever in holy chapel

Or sain'd in Christentie?





The truth I'll tell to thee, Janet,

Ae word I winna lee;

A knight me got, and a lady me bore,

As well as they did thee.





Roxburgh he was my grandfather,

Took me with him to bide;

And ance it fell upon a day,

As hunting I did ride,





'There came a wind out o' the north,

A sharp wind an' a snell,

A dead sleep it came over me

And frae my horse I fell;

And the Queen o' Fairies she took me

In yon green hill to dwell.





And pleasant is the fairy land

For those that in it dwell,

But ay at end of seven years

They pay a teind to hell;

I am sae fair and fu' o' flesh

I'm fear'd 'twill be mysell.





'But the night is Halloween, Janet,

The morn is Hallowday ;

Then win me, win me, an ye will,

For weel I wat ye may.





'The night it is gude Hallowe'en,

The fairy folk do ride,

And they that wad their true-love win,

At Miles Cross they maun bide.'





But how should I you ken, Tam Lin,

How should I borrow you,

Amang a pack of uncouth knights

The like I never saw





You'll do you down to Miles Cross

Between twel' hours and ane,

And fill your hands o' the holy water

And cast your compass roun'.





'The first company that passes by,

Say na, and let them gae;

The neist company that passes by,

Say na, and do right sae;

The third company that passes by,

Then I'll be ane o' thae.





0 first let pass the black, ladye,

And syne let pass the brown;

But quickly run to the milk-white steed,

Pu' ye his rider down.





For some ride on the black, ladye,

And some ride on the brown;

But I ride on a milk-white steed,

A gowd star en my crown.

Because I was an earthly knight
<
br />They gie me that renown.





My right hand will be gloved, ladye,

My left hand wiII be bare,

And thae's the tokens I gie thee:

Nae doubt I will be there.





'Ye'll tak' my horse then by the head

And let the bridle fa';

The Queen o' Elfin she'll cry out

"True Tam Lin he's awa'!"



They'll turn me in your arms, ladye,

An aske but and a snake;

But hauld me fast, let me na gae,

To be your warldis make.





'They'll turn me in your arms, ladye,

But and a deer so wild ;

But hauld me fast, let me na gae,

The father o' your child.





They'll shape me in your arms, ladye,

A hot iron at the fire ;

But hauld me fast, let me na go,

To be your heart's desire.





'They'll shape me last in your arms, Janet,

A mother-naked man;

Cast your green mantle over me,

And sae will I be won.'





Janet has kilted her green kirtle

A little abune the knee;

And she has snooded her yellow hair

A little abune her bree,

And she is on to Miles Cross

As fast as she can hie.





About the dead hour o' the night

She heard the bridles ring;

And Janet was as glad at that

As any earthly thing.





And first gaed by the black, black steed,

And syne gaed by the brown;

But fast she gript the milk-white steed

And pu'd the rider down.





She's pu'd him frae the milk-white steed,

An' loot the bridle fa'

And up there rase an eldritch cry,

'True Tam Lin he's awa'!'





They shaped him in her arms twa

An aske but and a snake;

But aye she grips and hau'ds hint fast

To be her warldis make.





They shaped him in her arms twa

But and a deer sae wild;

But aye she grips and hau'ds him fast,

The father o' her child.





They shaped him in her arms twa

A hot iron at the fire;

But aye she grips and hau'ds him fast

To be her heart's desire.





They shaped him in her arms at last

A mother-naked man;

She cast her mantle over him,

And sae her love she wan.





Up then spak' the Queen o' Fairies,

Out o' a bush o' broom,

She that has borrow'd young Tam Lin

Has gotten a stately groom!





Out then spak' the Queen o' Fairies,

And an angry woman was she,

She's ta'en awa' the bonniest knight

In a' my companie!





But what I ken this night, Tam Lin,

Gin I had kerit yestreen,

I wad ta'en out thy heart o' flesh,

And put in a heart o' stane.





'And adieu, Tam Lin! But gin I had kent

A ladye wad borrow'd thee,

I wad ta'en out thy twa grey e'en

Put in twa e'en o' tree.





And had I the wit yestreen, yestreen,

That I have coft this day,

I'd paid my teind seven times to hell

Ere you had been won away!

Full Tarot Reading: cross and triangle

The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.



The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Eight of Cups (Indolence): Discontinuance of effort. Disappointment. Abandonment of previous plans. Shyness. Modesty. Abandoned success.



The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Queen of Swords: Quick-witted. Intensely perceptive. A subtle person. Possibly, a widow or a woman of sadness. Mourning. Privation. Absence. Loneliness. Separation. One who has savored great happiness but who presently knows the anxiety of misfortune and reversal.



The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Partial loss. Regret. Friendship without real meaning. Marriage without real love. Inheritance. Incomplete union or partnership.



The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. King of Cups: Responsibility and creativity. Learned person. Professional. Businessman. Lawyer. Religious person. Scientist. A considerate person, kind and reliable. Liberal manner. Artist. Interest in the arts and sciences. Generosity.



The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Strength. Courage. Conviction. Energy. Defiance. Action. Confidence. Zeal. Matter over mind or mind over matter.



At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed.



The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. King of Swords: An active and determined person. Experienced. Authoritative. Controlled. Commanding. A professional man. Highly analytical person. Justness. Force. Superiority. A person having many ideas, thoughts and designs.



The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Six of Clubs (Victory): Conquest. Triumph. Good news. Advancement. Expectation. Desires realized as a result of efforts.



The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Six of Coins (Success): Generosity. Philanthropy. Charity. Kindness. Gratification. Gifts. Material gain.



The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Falling Tower: Complete and sudden change. Breakdown of old beliefs. Abandonment of past relationships. Severing of a friendship. Changing one's opinion. Unexpected events. Bankruptcy. Downfall. Loss of stability. Loss of security.



detritus

opinion

Productivity

Yesterday, could get nothing done to save my life. Today I started off with swiftness and purpose. Had to go out due to a sippy cup replacement emergency, and ended up breakfasting at the bookstore with Sarah, while she practiced her newly acquired counting skills (although she's more interested in the sound pattern than learning the actual numbers.) Had a lovely cafe au lait and bought the Death :At Death's Door manga comic and a new Charles De Lint short story collection, Tapping The Dream Tree. Have some minor household chores to attend to and will finally be able to devote my attention to the "Music For A Faery Realm" compilation mix I've been promising Lizzie (sorry,Lizzie!) for almost a week now. Consider this to be a mood swing for the better, I guess. Hope everyone else is in similarly good spirits. Caffeine makes the world go round, it's a wonder that I lived so long without it.

william blake tarot reading of the day

Innocence: Something fresh and new on the horizon. A tangible risk needs to be faced. Trusting your instincts. A sense of adventure at hand. Confronting unknown factors. Dealing with folly or foolishness. Expect the unexpected.



Man of Science: Being submerged in thought. A time of intense mental focus. Perfectionism. Personal detachment and self-possession. Working on your own, or in isolation. In the creative process: Scrutinize and test every aspect of your work so as to refine and perfect it.



mythology

detritus

opinion

take back the whip

lash your own back if you want

find another jailor

it won't be me

words are words

just throw them away

just throw them away

slap on a bandaid and don't let him win

guess god finally finished with him

god's not done with you

all your heavens and all your hells

have no room for petulant angels

sing all your hymns on high

until your throat bleeds

I'll be here

on earth

With rain and candles

moonlight and dirt

worshipping the mother of the world

until there are no tommorrows to dread

Aint No Mountain High Enough...

Sometimes the answer to "how high can you climb?" Sometimes the answer to "why don't you jump?"

A Treasure Trove of Literary Geekdom

Just discovered The Literary Devices/Linguistic Phenomena Page, and am writhing with nerdish glee. Shall balance that with literary pilgrimages to The Official Dylan Thomas Site and the William Butler Yeats Quote Page.


I'm a little word pixie today. Making music mixes for a faery realm...

Notes on discontent

"I am sure that a number of mystics would have benefited from a regimen of antidepressants, however, we would all be the poorer."

- Louise Erdrich


Has occurred to me (as if I were the only one ever to have thought this) that humans need a certain amount of discontent in order to accomplish anything of worth. The trick is to balance it out. Have enough discontent to drive and motivate you and enough awareness of things of joy and beauty to placate yourself in the meantime. The ultimate human juggling act. Easy advice, hard to live by. I guess the key is to always have books and art and music within arm's reach as well as people who can make you laugh or smile or tell you when you're making an ass of yourself.

Gonzo Archaeology

Once again I steal from Neil:

This sort of thing just makes you proud to be Scottish, I guess. Testament to our mental superiority and scientific rigor as a people. Not.

Connectivity Weirdness

Keep getting knocked offline. WTF? Doesn't Cox know I'm trying to develop my pathetic little website? Don't they want me to suceed? Alas, I am thwarted. Can't play with FTP transfers today. In case you're wondering, I wrote this in Notepad whilst offline and if you're reading it I posted it later. Which means I've at least temporarily resumed a connection. Aarrgghhh! Petty ISP tyrants!

New Word Learned of the day

(Courtesy Neil Gaiman's blog)

"Zeugma"

Zeugma is a word for when you make a verb do several functions at the same time (eg. "I left in a foul mood and a black taxi").

Ooh, I like that. Both a word I didn't know and a technique I've been failing to employ. As in "Neil Gaiman has created a posting topic and a monster." Or something to that effect.

Pardon My sporadicness...

Been playing with my new website and then was briefly knocked off line. Content shall be forthcoming in the wake of style. Crafted a page or two of raw html of which I'm quite proud, simplistic though it may be. Just wrote it up on Notepad and ftp'd it without using any editing programs or anyhting. Made me feel like a badass, dumb as that may be.

Iona ~ Sacred Isle and home to my ancestors

Myth of the Day:

IONA - Island of the Druids

by Maia Christianne



Iona is one of several small islands off the western coast of Scotland. Historically, it is known as a ?sacred isle' because of its pagan and then Christian spiritual activity through the ages. With the arrival of St. Columba on its shores in 563 AD, Iona became a Christian sanctuary. It's Gaelic name, Innis-nam Druidbneach means ?Island of the Druids'. Forty-eight Scottish kings including Mac Beth and the Lords of the Isles were buried there.



The akashic records tell us that Iona was inhabited by a mystic community after the final cataclysms of Atlantis. The remnant Atlanteans had known of Iona, which they called Aberuk, or ?distant place of the heart', from the canticles of the Hyperboreans, who came to Atlantis from the North polar region long before that Atlantic continent's demise. The Hyperboreans, who were descendants of a Sirian star race, called the place Iuma, meaning ?bright land'. It was then part of the continent of Scotland before the event which sent Atlantis to the depths. By the time the post-Atlantean colony arrived, Iona was not much larger than it is today.



Iona is one of the group of islands known as the Inner Hebrides. Most of the Hebridean islands were at one time visited and inhabited by Hyperboreans, and then after Atlantis' demise, by the Hyperborean-Atlantean mixed race, the Rutans. The greatest priests and priestesses of Atlantis were the Rutans. As has been previously written upon in Temple Doors, the Isle of Ruta ascended into the inner-planes during the time implosion that destroyed the last portion of Atlantis. However not all Rutans were on the Isle at the time. Consequently, some found their way into what is now the Middle East and other regions of the world. One group consisting of seven males, three females and one child, established the Atlantean colony on Iona. They built a small library for sacred works dating back to Lemurian times. Around the library which they called their ?heart seed', they built a strong, almost fortress like Temple. In the eras that followed, this isle continued to be inhabited by those with spiritual preservation and education in mind.



For several centuries before and after Christ's birth, Iona was the center for a select gathering of priestesses who had been established there by a pre-Merlin Mage. He had been given revelations upon which were based the tenets and purpose of this priestess stronghold. The entire study of these revelations and the established Temple complex of the priestesses on Iona (who called themselves the Priestesses of Ank, or ?sacred well of life'), is not within the scope of this article. However, Tehuti (who's soul was one of the five layered souls that composed the identity of Merlin) states that the Ionian priestesses were the basis for the Celtic legends concerning sanctuaries of ?Lady of the Lake' type women who regenerated the male psyche and often his physical form as well.



Certainly Iona is alive with the mists of its past. In ?Magical and Mystic Sites' by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock, they write of Iona:



"The colors of sea and sky are pristine, the beaches are of white sand, and great patches of wild daffodils turn the island into a blaze of yellow each spring. At both ends of the island the lovely low hills with their score of secret glens and hollows must hide a thousand memories of age old ceremonials or gatherings under the moon. At dusk, even today, they seem to be haunted by spirits of long ago. The turf is chopped short everywhere by the ranging sheep, but the ground has probably never been uncovered to reveal the ancient treasures that must lie beneath.



"Iona feels old: the air, the ground, the contours of the land seem saturated with ancient memories. Possibly because of its remoteness (no cars are allowed on the island), the island seems to shun contemporary life. The air is fresh and energizing but has the sweet aroma of hidden secrets; the ground is often rutted as though hundreds of thousands of feet have traversed the same routes."



When the Ionian priestesses feared invasion by lesser magical elements, they brought into their sacred stronghold certain Druids who were aligned to their spiritual principles. The Druids remained on Iona after the priestess-hood had departed.



There were many different sects of Druids, some of which were quite bloodthirsty in nature, and others, like the Ionian Druids, who refused the tenets of sacrifice, wishing only to worship nature in her purest and undefiled form. These ?purists' were descended from the original Atlantean Dorrids, who were known in Atlantis as ?Priests and Priestesses of the Earth'. After the usurpation of the Melchizedekean Temples in Atlantis, some of the undefiled priests and priestesses fled to the sanctuaries of the Dorrids and were thus absorbed into their fold.



In ?Magical and Mystical Sites' we read:



"....the Anglo-American mystic Col. James Churchward, in The Lost Continent of Mu, speculated that the original Druids were descended from Egyptian priests who landed in Ireland and the west of England, bringing with them all their ancient beliefs in sun worship."



Certainly Egyptian beliefs were to be found within the Druid practice, but Egypt was originally a colony of Atlantis, the true source of the Druids. Iona's ancient body called the Atlanteans to its shore as if it sang a siren song to those who had suffered the loss of their sacred space. Iona's jeweled beaches bespoke the same olden rhyme of the Ancient Ones in the soft drumming of its surf and the circling cries of the gulls.



From the book ?Iona', by John L. Patterson, we read:



"The rocks of Iona are little older than the ocean from which they rise. The Reverend Edward Craig Trenholme in The Story of Iona (1909) has written: ?When our planet from a glowing mass of combustion like the sun, shriveled into a globe with a solid crust and the first oceans condensed in the hollows of its hot surface - then it was that the Archaean rocks, of which Iona and the Outer Hebrides consist, were formed on the sea bottom. They contain no fossils, for, as far as is known, no living creatures as yet existed in the desolate waste of waters or on the primeval land. They are hard, rugged and twisted, and in Iona as elsewhere marble had been developed by the vast heat and pressure they have undergone.'



"On Iona the rocks are always with you for they are only partly hidden by a thin veneer of turf and heather and you can sense their antiquity when your path is impeded by the presence of their implacable solidity. To fully appreciate the age of this part of the Earth's surface you must climb to the summit of Dun I and survey the surrounding terrain. That early settlers were prepared to live in this remote and primeval part of the world appears perverse but there is some evidence that ancient rocks possessed magical qualities for the old religions; and Iona, for this reason, may have been chosen as a centre by the Druids for their rituals. It is thought that Dun I may possibly have been used for their primitive rites and it is not difficult to imagine, when standing on such a commanding site, that it would have appeared to them to have been the centre of the world."



On Iona, the Priestesses of Ank welcomed individuals into their sanctuary for periods of instruction and often healing. Those brought to the island were selected through a process which included scrying. Scrying is the magical art of viewing events at a distance in time and space through a reflective element such as water, crystal or a polished surface. An astral initiation is giving spiritual initiation into inner-plane learning while in out-of-body experience. Many who came to Iona came not
in the physical body. The Ank Priestess-hood opened several layers of the etheric over this isle, some of which remains loosely formed to this day. Thus, there are many astral presences still moving upon the surface of the Island of the Druids.



Iona shares her sacred space of ocean with several other islands, one of which is the tiny Staffa. Uninhabited today, it harbors two enormous caves, whose current names are Mackinnon's and Fingal's. In the time of the Ank priestesses of Iona, these caves were magical enclaves for their oracle use.



In this age, Iona calls to many new seekers of Light who wander about her wind tossed hills, alert to any sign of communion with the past. Yet deep in the mother's bosom a child is sleeping, a king-child who will one day take up the gleaming sword of truth.

The Once and Future Corbidity Homepage...

http://www.angelfire.com/blog/corbid

Giftmas and Geekdom

Things I couldn't put on my Giftmas mixes (due to copyright restrictions and soforth):

"Snow,Glass,Apples" by Neil Gaiman

"Murder Mysteries" by Neil Gaiman

Various Cthulu and SF parody songs by Terence Chua


I suppose I have become an official girl geek. I now own a copy of the Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook and a full set of dragon dice. Probably only a matter time until someone drags me to a rapier practice if I don't watch my step :)

Coming soon...the story of...

A muse who thought they needed one

Failure to absorb both a vitamin and a friggin clue...

Apparently potassium deficiency can cause "muscle weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, weakness, heart disturbances, and problems in nerve conduction and muscle contraction," as well as palpitations, and some people "find they are not processing information quickly when potassium levels get very low." It can also be a trigger for depression and mimic the syptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. All of this is good to know. Seriously thought I was having heart attack or something last night, but it turns out I just needed a big glass of orange juice. Allright, that's a bit of a simplification. I've a tendency to be potassium deficient, but it takes a special degree of self neglect to reach that level of depletion. The catch 22 there being that vitamin deficiencies of this sort tend to keep you from thinking clearly, so it just doesn't occur to you that maybe eating a friggin tomato or something is the answer to all your problems. Am considering this to be a wakeup call and rearranging my priorities to include some sort of half assed stab at moderately adequate nutrition.

Friday Five

What are you most looking forward to . . .

1)Today? A nice, warm lunch.

2)Next week? "Giftmas" on Saturday, Maggie going back to school.

3)This year? Me going back to school if humanly possible.

4)The next five years? Getting off my slacker ass to find a purpose, so I can be a good role model for my girls.

5)The rest of your life?Never growing stagnant.

Arethusa the Nypmph

Myth of the Day:



Arethusa



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A nymph known in several different parts of Greece, usually the Pelopponnese and Sicily. She was one of the Nereids. The river-god Alpheus fell madly in love with her, but she fled to Sicily. There she was changed into a fountain (the Fonte Aretusa, in Syracuse) by Artemis. Apheus made his way beneath the sea, and united his waters with those of Arethusa.

On coins from Syracuse the head of Arethusa was often portrayed (ca. 500 BCE). This girls' head has often a net in her hair and is usually surrounded by fish.



"Where Alph the sacred river ran through caverns measureless to men and out to a sunless sea..."

- Coleridge

Full on New Year Ogham Reading As to Situation at Hand

The Past:

Reed

Knowledge and preservation



You have already taken steps to preserve things you value for the future- something many forget in the rush of everyday life. Perhaps you have also spent time studying in preparation for the future. These steps have given you a solid foundation from which to approach the current situation.



While not a tree in our modern definition, reed- the thirteenth of the Ogham trees- has a woody stem which fits an ancient definition of a tree. Reeds were used for many things in ancient times: pens, paper, measurement, roofing thatch, and floor coverings, among other uses. The reed, then, symbolizes knowledge and scholarship, and preservation in general- of physical goods, as a roof preserves the household, and of knowledge, as writing makes the words of those far from us available to us.



Color:

Grass green

Animals:

Dog, Stag, and Rat

Bird:

Goose



The Present:

Blackthorn

Strength in adversity



These are difficult times, and the situation is not an easy one. However, you do have the tools you need in this time of struggle. Persist in the struggle as long as is necessary- and then lay down your weapons and enjoy the end to strife.



The blackthorn or sloe tree has tough wood, long thorns, and small edible fruits. It is the fourteenth tree of the Ogham. It is used for walking sticks and shillelaghs, as a hedging plant, and its fruits can be used to flavor beverages. Blackthorn symbolizes both adversity, and the ability to be strong in it and to overcome it.



Color:

Bright purple

Animals:

Wolf, Toad, and Black Cat

Bird:

Thrush





The Future:

Birch

A new beginning



A new beginning will change the situation dramatically when it arrives. Much will be different then, so it would be wise to anticipate this by resolving old business, enabling you to truly begin anew.



The first of the Ogham trees, and traditionally the first to have Ogham carved upon it, birch symbolizes beginnings. As both a protector and a gateway to the Otherworld, it also indicates good fortune. There is some risk of hastiness and rashness as well; while good luck can compensate, foresight is also of benefit.



Color:

White

Animal:

Cow

Bird:

Pheasant









mythology

detritus

opinion

Happy New Year To All

Done marinating, now I'm ruminating. My goal is to be a bit wiser and slower to act this year. Don't know that I'd quite call it a resolution or anything.

Argue amongst yourselves

And who was she in some other incarnation?

Friend,lover,sister,mother or mortal enemy?

Seems strange still you haven't known each other lifetimes

Strange but true

And who

is she now?

Lifesucking vampire?

Bright,sweet muse?

Thorn in your precious side?

Nothing if not constant

Yours for the taking

Yet always out of reach

You say so much in silences

You say too much in silences

Say too much in words and the world falls down

A heart on a sleeve

is just another piece of meat

so fresh and bleeding and bittersweet

Serve it up with fillet of soul

on the heirloom china

with parsely butter and a wedge of lemon

Lay out the priceless silver and the fine linens

Coyote shall dine like a king tonight

Orville and Wilbur Wrong...

Thought this was a bit amusing. Perhaps the journalistic standards of the day were not so very high? And yes, I did shamelessly steal this link from Neil Gaiman's blog, but most likely none of you would have noticed, since you don't read it every day in spite of my ceaseless implorings.

Where's Corbid?

Tending to the sick and to unruly babies. Fear my posting may be anemic for a bit. I'm sure you're all awaiting my return with bated breath...

How did I know this would yield a plethora of links?

The results of a Google search for "Cthulu Christmas." Plus, alternate spelling.

Listening to They Might Be Giants and cleaning up my own Pit Of Chaos from my living room floor right now. Merry December 27th.

Words of 5 year old wisdom...

Maggie says:

Sarah is a good baby, who says "popcorn" all the time. Danny is fun to wrestle with. I love my Care Bears. Cheer Bear is my favorite. I love my Barbie pet shop. Goodbye.

Runes of the Day

Ehwaz is representative of the eight-legged horse ridden by the god Odin. As such, this is the rune of controlled movement and travel, including the pursuit of an objective or station in life. Since some older sources show Odin not as a man riding a horse but as a centaur-like being, this rune can also represent the union of man and nature, or the fusion of two entities in perfect harmony. As this rune is reversed, this could bode poorly for travel or for the vehicle involved. In the more spiritual sense, this rune could represent difficulties in self-improvement or other attempts at advancement. Finally, it may represent a splitting of two or the inability of two to act as one.

Raido means to ride. In this rune, the image is not so much the riding of a horse as in riding in a cart or as cargo. As such Raido may suggest a journey, but is much more indicative of communication. Alternate interpretations based on the use of Raido as a cognate in other words give it the meaning of council, judgment, and moral correctness. Therefore, this rune is the rune of wise advice and good leadership.

mythology

detritus

opinion

Hope your respective Christmases were happy, or at least failed to suck too terribly...

Happy Boxing Day!!!

Our Christmas was rather low key, but nice. Spent it with my husband's family mostly, and were fed and gifted well. Needless to say, all day my girls bounced off the walls in manic rapturous joy. In fine Day After Christmas tradition,Chaos does ensue. There are toys scattered to the four winds, Maggie is wrestling with her dog (telling him "Well, Danny, maybe you're a bad dog and maybe you're a good dog, and maybe you're a bad dog and maybe you're a good dog...yeah, I love you,Danny...") and Sarah is eating the first and last Oreo she will have for quite some time. It is now time for the traditional Ordering Of The Boxing Day Pizza and the Drinking Of Caffeine. I shall need fuel in order to clean up this mess and I still have some post Christmas gifts to make for the game night people. Cthulu Christmas Cards if I can get my printer to work. Otherwise, CD mixes for all. In light of this most stressful of holiday seasons, I am reminded of the year my sister announced she was celebrating Kwanzaa instead of Christmas, because it starts the day after Christmas and you make your own presents and she was feeling kind of cheap that year. My sister used to be really funny, but she's gotten kind of staid and conservative at the ripe old age of 25. May I never grow old, says the pigtailed thirty year old who's eating chocolate for breakfast. Even if I keep getting lumps of coal in my stocking. I shite you not, there were lumps of coal, well candy lumps of coal, anyway. But, alas, I have much to do today besides update my blog and watch the Care Bear Excercise video for the hundreth time this morning.

In the meantime, to assist in your post holiday letdown, here's some McSweeneys links to brighten your rainy day:

Vote "No" On Jesus For President

Postcards From James Joyce in Paris

How To Outsource Your Marriage Proposal

Chrismas

Merry Chrismas from Marauder's Girl and family!!!!!!!!!!!

merry

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Rune Of the Day

Enhaz=movement

Othila=separation

mythology

detritus

opinion

King Wenceslas

From Royaltu.NU:

"Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,

When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.

Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,

When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel."

You're probably familiar with this old Christmas carol. But did you know that Wenceslas was a real person? He was born into the royal Premysl or Przemyslid dynasty of Bohemia (located in what is now the Czech Republic).

According to legend, the original Premysl was a plowman who married a Bohemian princess named Libuse or Libussa during the 8th century. Their descendants eventually united the warring tribes of Bohemia into one duchy. The first known Premysl ruler was Wenceslas's grandfather, Duke Borivoy I, who made Prague Castle the family seat. He married a Slav princess named Ludmila, and both eventually became Christians. Borivoy and Ludmila tried to convert all of Bohemia to Christianity, but failed. When Borivoy died he was succeeded by his sons, Ratislav and Spythinev. Ratislav was Wenceslas's father.

Wenceslas was born around 907 in the castle of Stochov near Prague. The castle is gone now, but there is still an oak tree there that was supposedly planted by Ludmila when Wenceslas was born. His nannies watered the tree with his bath water, which supposedly made the tree strong. The church Wenceslas attended also exists today.

At first Wenceslas was raised by his grandmother, Ludmila. Then, when he was about 13 years old, his father died. Wenceslas succeeded him as duke. But because he was too young to rule, his mother, Drahomira, became regent. Drahomira was opposed to Christianity and used her new power to persecute followers of the religion. She refused to let Wenceslas see Ludmila because she was afraid they would scheme to overthrow her. Not long after Ratislav's death, Ludmila was murdered at Tetin Castle -- strangled, it is said, at Drahomira's command. After her death Ludmila was revered as a saint.

But the loss of his grandmother did not stop Wenceslas from seizing power. At the age of 18 he overthrew his mother's regency, just as she had feared, and began to rule for himself. A stern but fair monarch, he stopped the persecution of priests and tamed the rebellious nobility. He was known for his kindness to the poor, as depicted in later verses of the carol. He was especially charitable to children, helping young orphans and slaves.

Many of the Bohemian nobles resented Wenceslas's attempts to spread Christianity, and were displeased when he swore allegiance to the king of Germany, Henry I. The duke's most deadly enemy proved to be his own brother, Boleslav, who joined the nobles who were plotting his brother's assassination. He invited Wenceslas to a religious festival and then attacked him on his way to mass. As the two were struggling, Boleslav's supporters jumped in and murdered Wenceslas.

"Good King" Wenceslas died on September 20, 929. He was in his early twenties and had ruled Bohemia for five years. Today he is remembered as the patron saint of the Czech Republic.

The words to the carol "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neale and first published in 1853. The music is from a 13th century song called "Tempus Adest Floridum," or "Spring Has Unwrapped Her Flowers." The music was first published in written form in Finland in 1582 as part of a collection of songs called Piae Cantiones. It is also used for another carol, "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child." And in case you're wondering, the Feast of Stephen is celebrated on December 26 -- the day after Christmas.

This article was first published at Suite101.com.

� Copyright 2001-2003 by Cinderella.

All rights reserved.

It's Christmas Eve...

And the girls are very excited. For the rest of us, it's really sort of anticlimactic, I guess. The whole holiday season has been way too short this year.


Anyway, Merry Christmas to all and Happy Belated Solstice and Happy Hannukah if anyone ever reads this who celebrates Hannukah.

Forcing myself into the holiday spirit

Trying to get in some sort of mood for Christmas. Playing music and shopping and so forth. There's just been something really off about Christmas this year.

Review of this Christmas Season...

It was too short, everyone's in a crappy mood and overall it bites.

Mythic Historical Figure of the Day: Maud Gonne

Maud Gonne: Yeats' Cathleen N� Houlihan, Ireland's Joan of Arc:



How many loved your moments of glad grace,

And loved your beauty with love false or true;

But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

And loved the sorrows of your changing face.



-- From "When You Are Old," William Butler Yeats

Born during an age when women were expected to be nothing more than handsome window-dressing for their husbands, when women were expected to leave the rough and tumble world of politics to men, Maud Gonne rose above that prejudice to leave her mark on Ireland's history. Gonne refused to accept the assignment that society ascribed to women -- she wanted to be more than a helpless cork bobbing on the stream of history. Gonne was determined to be one of those people who helped to direct that current, and she succeeded.



Gonne was born on Dec. 20, 1865, in Aldershot, England; her father was a wealthy British army colonel of Irish descent and her mother was English. Her mother died in 1871 and Maud was educated in France by a governess before moving to Dublin in 1882, when her father was posted there. Maud's father died in 1886 leaving her financially independent. Moving back to France for health reasons after a tubercular hemorrhage, Gonne met and fell in love with French journalist Lucien Millevoye, editor of "La Patrie." The pair agreed to work for both Irish and French nationalist causes.



Maud had been introduced to Fenianism by John O'Leary, a Fenian and veteran of the 1848 Young Irelander uprising. Irish politician Tim Harrington of the National League recognized that this beautiful, intelligent young woman could be an

asset to the nationalist movement. He sent her to Donegal, where mass evictions were taking place. Gonne was successful in organizing the locals in protest against these actions. The fact that she soon had to leave for France to avoid arrest is probably a good measure her success there.



In 1889, John O'Leary would introduce Maud to a man whose infatuation with her would last most of his life: poet William Butler Yeats . Yeats would propose to Gonne in 1891, and be refused; largely through Maud's influence, Yeats would become involved with Irish nationalism, later joining the Irish Republican Brotherhood. In a quotation to which many a man through history might nod in agreement, Yeats would later refer to his meeting with Gonne, saying , "all the trouble of my life began" then.





Wrote Yeats, in his poem, "When You Are Old":



How many loved your movements of glad grace,

And loved your beauty with love false or true;

But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

And loved the sorrows of your changing face.



And bending down beside the glowing bars

Murmur, a little sadly, how love fled.

And paced upon the mountains overhead

And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.





William Butler Yeats , above right, "Willie" to Maud, found himself bewitched by Gonne's beauty, which one contemporary described as "like the sun when it leaps above the horizon." 'William Butler Yeats, Poet' by John Butler Yeats, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin



Gonne helped Yeats found the National Literary Society of London in 1891, the same year she refused his first marriage proposal; undaunted, Yeats would propose again in the future and even proposed to Maud's daughter by Millevoye, Iseult, also unsuccessfully. Returning to Paris, and to Millevoye, Maud

published a nationalist newsletter called "L'Irelande Libre." She worked tirelessly raising funds for the movement, traveling to the US, Scotland, and England. Gonne would end her relationship with Millevoye in the late 1890s, but not before she had two children by him, Iseult and another that died in infancy.



By now the name of Maud Gonne was well known among Irish nationalists. Returning to Ireland, Gonne co-founded the Transvaal Committee, which supported the Afrikaners in the Boer War, and on Easter Sunday 1900 she co-founded Inghinidhe na h�ireann (Daughters of Erin), a revolutionary women's society. Later she would write many political and feminist articles for the monthly journal of the Inghinidhe, Bean na h�ireann (Women of Erin). Somehow, while doing all this, she found time to star on stage in Yeats play, "Cathleen n� Houlihan," which Yeats had written for her.





Arthur Griffith



In 1900, in Paris, Irish politician Arthur Griffith introduced Maud to Major John MacBride , who had been second in command of the Irish Brigade that fought for the Afrikaner side in the Boer War. In 1903 Maud married MacBride. This marriage would produce a son, Se�n, but it would be short-lived. The couple separated, with MacBride moving to Dublin while Maud, afraid she might lose custody of her son if she returned to Ireland, remained in Paris. Gonne would continue to write political articles for Bean na h�ireann, and in 1910 she helped the Inghinidhe organize a scheme for feeding the poor children of Dublin. She also worked with the Red Cross in France during WWI. She would not return to Ireland until 1917. The Ireland she found on her return was in turmoil after the Easter Rising of 1916 and the execution of the leaders of that rising, including her estranged husband, John MacBride.





Countess Markievicz

Irish Museum, Dublin



Within a year she was jailed by the British for her part in the anti-conscription movement. This was part of the trumped up "German Plot" that the British used to discredit the Irish anti-conscription movement. Gonne was interned at Holloway Jail for six months along with Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, Kathleen Clarke, Countess Markievicz and others. After she was released, she worked for the White Cross for relief of Irish victims during the War of Independence.



When Ireland's Civil War came, Maud supported the anti-treaty side. She and Charlotte Depard founded the Women's Prisoners Defense League to help Republican prisoners and their families. In 1923, she once again found herself imprisoned, this time by the Irish Free State government, without charge. Along with 91 other women, Gonne immediately went on hunger strike. The Free State government had obviously learned a lesson from the actions of the British in similar situations -- she was released after 20 days. For the rest of her life Gonne would continue to support the Republican cause and work for the Women's Prisoners Defense League, which mobilized again in defense of Republican prisoners in 1935.



In 1938, she published "A Servant of the Queen," a biography of her life up to 1903. Gonne died on April 27, 1953, but her influence on Ireland and the world continued after her death through her son, Se�n MacBride. Maud's union with Maj. John MacBride was a short, unhappy one, but the son it produced may have soothed any regrets Gonne had about it. As a young man, Se�n fought on the Republican side in the Civil War and latercarried on his mother's crusade for the fair treatment of political prisoners, not just in Ireland, but all over the world. Se�n was one of the founders of Amnesty International. In 1974, her son was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Maud Gonne MacBride is buried in the Republican plot in Dublin's famous Glasnevin Cemetery, a fitting final tribute to the woman some called Ireland's Joan of Arc. T� s� ar shl� na firinne.

tarot of today

Ace of Cups: Great abundance. Fulfillment. Perfection. Joy. Fertility. Opulence. Productiveness. Beauty and pleasure. Goodness overflowing. Favorable outlook.





Strength: Strength. Courage. Conviction. Energy. Defiance. Action. Confidence. Zeal. Matter over mind or mind over matter.



mythology

detritus

opinion

Baking cookies and Christmas Shopping...

Falalalala...see you back here soon. Hope to make it to the movies too. I'm a busy little elf today.

tarot

Four of Science (Repose): Taking a break from mental activity. Letting go of weighty concerns. Don't fight against the current. In the creative process: Allow new insights to surface by becoming more fluid and letting go of mental demands and pressures.





Ten of Music (Sublimity): "Peace & Plenty & Domestic Happiness is the Source of Sublime Art". Gifts of love. Sharing your deepest feelings with others. Rewards of friendship and social involvements. Recognition of achievement. Finding happiness in hearth, home, and hospitality. Experiencing fulfillment in communal or community involvement. Resonating with others. In the creative process: Combine your efforts with others to create a unified whole greater than the sum of its parts.



mythology

detritus

opinion

Some of the best songwriters in my collection

Ten randomly pulled from the top of my head:

1)John Lennon

2)Townes van Zandt

3)The guy who wrote that "Some Rainy Day You're Down" song...

4)Elvis Costello

5)Lou Reed

6)Bob Dylan

7)Kurt Cobain

8)Shane MacGowan

9)David Bowie

10)Joe Pernice

Pernice Brothers

In case I haven't articulated it properly, Joe Pernice may well be the most eloquent songwriter since Elvis Costello.

Pernice Brothers Online.

Just exactly how subversive are you?

Take the test at The Political Compass for confirmation of what you probably already know to be your belief system. I fell in the quadrant of "Libertarian Left." Surpirse,surprise.

The wrath of Mighty Cthulu extends to the toybox...

If you're less than bookishly minded today, may I suggest a visit to "Tales of the Plush Cthulu," a sort of slide show starring H.P. Lovecraft's famous Cthulu, some fluffy bunnies and a blue stuffed dinosaur. Somewhat suspenseful in bits, but it has a happy ending.

More Silver Sea mixes

Including lots of Bowie, INXS, REM, Nick Cave, Pernice Brothers, and Pagan Holiday.
When I can sit at the computer for more than 10 minutes without being assaulted by an infant, I shall post them.

Courtesy of Mythography



Artemis in Greek Mythology



The goddess Artemis played an intriguing role in Greek mythology and religion. She was known as the "Mistress of Animals" and the protectress of children, but she was also a huntress and the goddess who could bring death with her arrows. Myths such as the one about Niobe show Artemis as a strong willed and powerful goddess, a female who could punish injustices against the gods with ferocious and deadly accuracy.

Artemis was the daughter of Leto and Zeus (the ruler of the Greek gods). Together with her twin brother Apollo she enjoyed the status and privileges of an Olympian. And as an Olympian goddess, Artemis was free to pursue her interests, and was often found frolicking in the forests, accompanied by a band of nymphs.







Myths of the Maiden Goddess



Myths and legends show that the goddess Artemis was aloof and free-spirited, and not constrained by husband or hearth. Her independent nature is further reinforced in a very important way, for in mythology and religion, the goddess remained eternally a virgin. Indeed, those who in some way compromised her strict requirements for chastity were severely punished by the maiden goddess.

There are several tales that describe the swift and terrible retribution of Artemis. One of the most revealing of these stories involves the youth Actaeon. In addition, Artemis was also responsible for punishing the nymph Callisto. In myth, Callisto was at one point a follower of the virgin goddess, but when she became involved in an affair with the god Zeus, Artemis had her revenge on the unfortunate nymph.







The Moon Goddess



In myth, Artemis is sometimes identified with Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon. Indeed, this association between Artemis and the moon is revealed in one of the epithets used to describe the goddess - Phoebe ("the bright one").

The goddess Artemis was known as Diana in Roman mythology.

Why you haven't heard of Jonathan Carroll and why that should be rectified immediately...

Another one for the authors list: Jonathan Carroll. A beautiful and eerie writer whose work is best described as being a darker version of the urban fantasy genre perpetuated by such writers as Charles De Lint and Terri Windling (bit link happy today, aren't I?)


Why have you never heard of him? Because his work is so very difficult to categorize. Deftly toes a line between fantasy and horror, but is far literary to be categorized as genre fiction. More like modern fiction with flexible boundaries. I suspect bookstores just have no idea where to shelve his stuff.


Anyway, if nothing else, read "The Marriage of Sticks", which is exquisitely written and most unnerving, and which I read in a single night when I discovered it a couple of years ago. One of those books that you can't put down at the time, but that does not lend itself well to rereading, as it sort of knocks the wind out of you the first time around.

Van Helsing's got nothing on Lambshead

More about Thackery Lambshead and his fabled guide...

Again, I've joined the Friday Five bandwagon

1. Do you enjoy the cold weather and snow for the holidays? Um, I live in Arizona

2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect? Just being in the same town as my relatives is nice. And I like to bake things, whether anybody eats them or not.

3. Do you do have any holiday traditions? Oranges at the bottom of the stocking for good luck, and the traditional setting off of the smoke alarm at the grandparents' house

4. Do you do anything to help the needy? I am the needy, Just kidding, I might do something if I can afford it.

5. What one gift would you like for yourself? The Thackery T. Lambshead Guide to Eccentric and Discredited Diseases. I keep saying this but no one believes me.

Fangirl gushes over Neil's succinct words of wisdom

From Neil Gaiman's blog, a response to the question "which is more important, the writing style or the content?":


"I think it's like asking which part of a song you like best, the words or the tune, to be honest. In a perfect world, you shouldn't be able to take them apart. I like different styles of writing (and I like writing in different styles), but if the writing's being used in order to tell a story, then I'd rather it didn't get in the way of reading the story. But then, I like to be able to hear the words of songs..."


Why do there need to even be other authors in the world when we already have Neil Gaiman? She says in fawning adoration. And yet I must confess to being a little bit bored with the 1602 comic. Having become accustomed to better. And wait in agony for the new novel, which may yet be a year or two away from publication. Sigh...

William Blake Tarot Cards of the Day

Energy: Invigorated with lust for life and abundance of vitality. Relying on your physical strength and endurance. Honoring your natural instincts. Looking to animal or totem forces as allies to help you. Multiple or multilingual modes of expression. Gentle guidance.



Two of Poetry (Individuality): "Every Mans Wisdom is peculiar to his own Individuality". Making choices based on personal perception. Evaluating the appearances of things. Exploring alternative ways of looking at a situation.. Searching for self-knowledge. Distinguish between the expression of your Self and the expression of your ego.

The Hydra

When Hercules/Herakles killed his family in an insane rage, the oracle of Delphi assigned him a series of labors under the control of Eurystheus his cousin and king of Mycen�. The second labor involved going to Lerna to kill the hideous monster named the Hydra of Lerna.



The Hydra, born of Typhon and Echidna, was an enormous serpent with nine heads. Its den was a marsh near Lerna in Peloponnese. It would issue forth to ravage the herds and crops, its breath moreover was so poisonous that whoever smelt it fell dead.



With the help of Athene/Pallas (goddess of wisdom and prudent warfare), Hercules located the monster's lair. Accompanied by Iolaus, son of his twin brother Iphicles, Hercules arrived at Lerna, found the monster near the spring of Amymone. and forced it to emerge from the marshes by means of flaming arrows.



Hercules struck it with his sword, but even as he parried, a giant crab (Cancer), sent by his enemy, Juno (the jealous and vindictive wife of Jupiter who was Hercules' father), scurried out of the marsh and attacked him, by nipping his feet. Quickly Hercules kicked the crab away and with one almighty blow of his club pounded it to pieces. Every time Hercules struck off one of the Hydra nine heads with his sword two grew in its place.



Iolaus set the neighboring forest on fire. It was Iolaus who suggested burning the stumps before they had a chance to grow back; and with the help of a red-hot brand (torch or club - depending on the version), Iolaus burnt the snake's heads, cauterizing each stump with hot iron torches just as soon as Hercules chopped off each head and before it had a chance to grow back.



With the blood flow stopped, the Hydra's heads ceased to multiply. Hercules cut off the final head and buried it under a rock which can be found to this day on the road from Lerna to Elaeus. Then he soaked his arrows in the Hydra's blood which made them poisonous and deadly. Even a grazing shot from one of those arrows would kill.



While one might be tempted to say "well done", Eurystheus, who had assigned these labors to Hercules, was not satisfied. Hercules had cheated, he said, since he had needed Iolaus' assistance. Upon completing this, which was his second labor, Hercules had acquired all of his famous armor with which he is usually depicted; the lion's skin; the poisoned arrows; and the club that he made from the tree trunk he had used to burn the Hydra's necks.

Coming soon to a downtown near you...

SILVER SEA

jewelry, scents, candles and more…



137 E Congress

Tucson, AZ 85701

(520)745-0417

(On Congress St between Hydra and The OscarWilde Playhouse,

And across from The Chicago Store)

Open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 7pm.

Elizabeth Mead, proprietress

Ogham Reading of the Day

Saille Willow (Intuition)



The situation arose because of many things, of which you know only a part. Perhaps you can see more of them, looking back now- particularly if you use your intuition as well as you conscious mind.



Willow, the Ogham's fourth tree, is closely connected to water, the unconscious, the moon, and thus the feminine. It is symbolic of intuition, the ability to make connections and gain understanding without knowing exactly how or why one knows.



Nuin Ash (Linkages



The situation is a part of a wider whole, and your life is a part of a larger pattern. Remember that your actions are a part of a larger pattern, and affect all the others within it- make your decisions with this in mind.



Ash is a tree of great traditional magical significance. Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is an ash, and the ash is the fifth Ogham tree. Ash symbolizes the connection- and movement- between very different places and aspects of reality.

Forgive my lack of postitivity

There were some technical issues as well as some babies sitting on the keyboard issues...

Courtly Love, Courtney Love, it's all the same...

Myth of the Day:

Famous Punk Rock Love Affairs...

Sid and Nancy

Kurt and Courtney

Fred and Patti Smith

Dante,Beatrice and the rules of Courtly Love

In courtly love, a man passionately devoted himself to a woman. Courtly love was chivalrous and beautiful, but was also about misery, rejection and denial. In the Middle Ages love and marriage didn?t necessarily go together. Marriages were usually political arrangements and love was an "extramarital emotion" (Knights). However, if a husband discovered his wife was cheating on him, he was expected to kill his wife and the man she was with. Therefore, men usually chose to admire the object of their affection as unattainable and considered it enough to "chase her with honor" (Knights). There were five main rules of courtly love and Dante seemed to obey them to a tee. The first rule is to suffer for love and worship until it hurts. Dante seemed to be in constant adoration of Beatrice, suffered without her and worshiped her in his poetry. Rule two states that "Marriage is no excuse for not loving someone else"(Knights). Dante was married, as was Beatrice, but this never stopped Dante from loving her. The adorer, according to rule three, is not to hesitate to grovel in song. Dante chose to grovel sorrowfully in poetry, which is a form of song. Rule four states that "Thou shalt in all things be courteous" (Knights). Dante believed that the mark of a true gentleman, other than courage and valor was courtesy. In a social setting it was understood a gentleman would converse "with the ladies in gallant fashion" (Barbi 8). The final rule stated that "Love made public rarely endures"(Knights). Dante wasn?t public with his love of Beatrice until after her death because, "love decreases?if a woman finds that her lover is foolish and indiscreet" (Knights). Dante showed the true meaning of courtly love and was a gentleman throughout his life.

Remebering John Lennon

It was 23 years ago today. Imagine if he'd lived. What would he think of what the world has failed to become?

The pastry recipe I've been meaning to post

"Pasta Frolla" or Kick Ass Italian pie dough

Ingredients:

2 Cups Flour

1/3 Cup Sugar

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Ground Anise

1 stick Butter cut into 8-12 pieces

2 Large Eggs, beaten

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract


1)Blend flour,sugar, salt and anise until thoroughly mixed.

2)Cut in butter with your fingers or a pastry blender, unless you have the luxury of a food processor or a heavy duty mixer.

3)Gradually blend in eggs and then vanilla.

4)LIghtly knead into a smooth ball.

5)Chill or set aside 30 minutes. If chilled, let reach room temperature beforerolling out.

6) Roll out to a uniform consistency.

7)Line pie plate with dough and bake as directed for recipe.


Makes a very sweet, tender dough that stands up to very heavy fillings or can be used as an all purpose default recipe. Pretty much foolproof.

Christmas silver sea mix

track list pending, but the Pogues are on there.

Interesting Night...

Most meaningless argument about the nature of god I have ever witnessed. Devolved into a battle of semantics.

Heloise & Abelard

Heloise & Abelard



The French poet Lamartine said that one does not tell the 12th century story of Heloise and Abelard, one sings it. It is a story of passion, revenge, steadfastness, and deep spirituality. Our knowledge of this very private love affair between a monk and a nun is based on their correspondence after many years of silence, triggered when Peter Abelard wrote a letter to console a troubled friend, telling the friend of his own calamitous life. Your problems, he claimed, are nothing compared with what I have suffered, yet God can turn the worst situations to serve His own good. By chance, Heloise saw what Abelard had written, and in the letter extracted here, asked why he did not write to console her as well. The story was hers too, and he had not told it as it really was.

Peter Abelard was born in 1079 in Brittany. Determined to study philosophy, he became a wandering scholar, seeking out teachers wherever he went. Sharp, self-confident, bristling with new ideas and methods, he soon clashed with the teachers he met and began to give classes of his own. Wherever he went, students crowded around to learn from him. In 1115, at the age of 36, his achievements were recognized when he was appointed Master at the great school of Notre Dame in Paris.

One of the canons of Notre Dame cathedral, Fulbert, had an attractive teenage niece named Heloise. She was an orphan who lived in his care and Fulbert took great pride in her. Because she was highly intelligent, he made a bargain with the new scholar of philosophy. Abelard could live at their house in exchange for giving Heloise private lessons. It was Abelard wrote,





"giving a newborn lamb into the care of a hungry wolf."



For Abelard, a cleric in minor orders, the young Heloise was irresistible. In spite of his moral scruples and religious vows, he seduced her and soon became obsessed with Heloise. Neglecting his studies of philosophy, he turned poet, and the songs that he wrote for her were sung throughout the streets of Paris. Heloise, in turn, abandoned herself to her growing love for her tutor, Abelard.

In 1118 she gave birth to a baby boy. Her uncle Fulbert was enraged, and in an effort to atone, Abelard said that he would marry Heloise--providing that it could be kept secret so as not to damage his career. It was not impossible for teachers of philosophy to marry, but it was unusual. Fulbert agreed to the arrangement, but Heloise would have nothing to do with it. She did not want Abelard to take on the burdens of marriage or to distract himself from study. Heloise was willing to make the sacrifice of loneliness and social disgrace for the sake of love, but Abelard insisted they marry. Eventually they were married in secret. Abelard went on teaching, and Heloise stayed at home with her uncle, who, in his anger, told people what had really happened. To save Heloise from further embarrassment, Abelard took her to the community of nuns at the convent at Argenteuil, outside Paris. Fulbert, thinking that Abelard was trying to abandon responsibility for his niece, looked for revenge by hiring some thugs to assault the young scholar. They brutally castrated him. Shamed and unable to face the world, Abelard sought refuge in the monastery of St. Denis.

The lovers, now monk and nun, began to reconstruct their separate lives. Heloise made her way toward becoming an abbess. Abelard resumed both teaching and writing, and proved as brilliant and controversial as ever. Two years later he founded his own religious community, the Paraclete--the Comforter--near Troyes, and began to teach there. Then, in 1125 he was elected abbot of a remote, unruly monastery in his native Brittany, and left the order he had founded. Five years later, he gave the convent of the Paraclete to Heloise and her community. It was soon after this, when his life was endangered by scheming Breton monks, that he wrote to console a troubled friend, reliving events from 16 years before. Seducing Heloise had brought disaster on the lovers, he explained, but out of disaster, God had brought a greater good. They both loved God and had been reconciled to following his will.

When Heloise, entirely by chance, saw his account of their life together--it is not known how it came into her hands--she wrote to Abelard. Perhaps he had willingly embraced a life of penance, she told him, but she had not. Her passionate desires remained painfully unabated. She felt that consolation could come only from Abelard, not from God. She explained in her letter,





"I have as yet done nothing for Him. I should certainly groan about what I have done, but I sigh rather over what I have lost."



In the same letter, she asked Abelard how she could ever learn to be satisfied with the religious life of a nun. Once more Abelard reviewed their past. Heloise had been the greater lover. He had tried to possess her, forcing first marriage and then convent life on her. But her love, though not possessive, was nevertheless misdirected. Earthly love, he argued, pales in the light of the love of God. That was where they must find the fullness of their own love, as man and woman, abbot and abbess, husband and wife. Catastrophe, he explained to her, had saved them from a higher love:





"See then my beloved, see how with the dragnets of his mercy the Lord has fished us up from the depths of the dangerous sea."



Was Heloise persuaded? It seems that she was at least reconciled to the inevitable. From "a grieving heart" she asked Abelard to do something that she knew would make use of his talents as a religious philosopher. She asked him to set down guidelines for herself and her nuns to live by. In considering convent life., Abelard was forced to picture Heloise's daily existence. At least she knew that for a period of time she was always in his thoughts.

In life, they never came together again; but in death they lay together at the convent of the Paraclete, as Abelard had wished. Legend claims that when Heloise was buried in 1164, 22 years after Abelard, he reached out from the grave to embrace her.

A dweeby Christmas elf am I...

Listening to the dorkiest music imaginable out of shameless nostalgia. John Denver Christmas music and Linda Ronstadt. I was making birthday mixes for my Mom out of the soundtrack of my childhood. And I got all wistful and stupid, but so what? I am not ashamed any longer. I am old enough that nostalgic geekdom is precious and not simply laughable. Right? C'mon, what'd you guys listen to at Christmas when you were about four. Bonus points to anyone who'll admit it:)

Runes of the Day

Thurisaz represents a thorn, the most basic of barriers to our boon or our bane. In the case of hedges, thorns protect our encampments from that which skulks towards us from the outlands. In the case of rosebushes, thorns keep us from beauty. Though thorns are passive and have no thoughts, they puncture, tear, and may even be poisonous. Hence, this rune may also represent irrational violence and anger.



Berkana, the birch tree, is representative of rebirth, fertility, and a positive outcome to ventures undertaken. It is also the rune of families. Here the rune is reversed, warning you to be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles.





mythology

detritus

opinion

Another word I didn't know...

And such a twistedly fitting one at that! Oh, how oft I have felt this way:


Manque

(adjective)

[mawnKAY]


1. having talents or ambitions that are unrealized or unfulfilled; (used postpositively -- placed after the word it qualifies): "Practical concerns diverted Yunee's talents to programming, but she remained a poet manque at heart."


Origin:

Approximately 1778; borrowed from French, from past participle of 'manquer': to fail; from Italian, 'mancare,' from 'manco': lacking, left-handed; from Latin, 'mancus': having a crippled hand, infirm, probably from 'manus': hand.

BlogReading...

That is sooo not true.. I read your blog :)

-Lizzie

Lovely Little Morning

Got up intending just to take Maggie to school and threw on a long sundress, a sweatshirt and boots. Put Sarah in shorts, rudolph sweatshirt and socks. Ah, but weren't we dressed to the nines?

Dawned on me that it was Thursday, and thus sesame bread day. Went to the bakery. Say a guy outside who looked like the secret love child of Tom Cruise and David Spade with wardrobe by Edgar Allen Poe. Morphed into a happy little bread fairy, basking in the elfin smiles of strangers.

Suddenly awake and rather giddy, I commence toward Trader Joe's but find it isn't open yet, so go next door for breakfast. Eat eggs while Sarah darts madly about the empty dining room. As we leave they offer her a cookie for being "so good and quiet." Next to Trader Joe's where the cutely balding, Dave Attelle-esque cashier guy shamelessly flirts with her and is amazed by the color of her baby eyes.

Also should mention I am freshly hennaed, so that next time I need to touch it up I can check when the last time was. Thus this post shall serve a purpose for a change.

Because, let's face it, nobody really ever reads my blog but me:)

Mandrake

Myth of the Day:

Mandrake Root



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The mandrake or mandragora has, in folklore and superstition, always been regarded as a plant with special powers. This idea is based on the shape of the root which is forked and roughly resembles the human figure. It was supposed to grow under the feet of a hanged man and could only be pulled from the ground after performing the necessary rituals. It was advisable to put wax in the ears before one attempted to do this: the mandrake would scream when pulled free and this could cause deafness.

The mandrake root was used for invulnerability, for discovering treasures, and as a charm for pregnancy. When properly prepared it could also be used as an aphrodisiac.



"Mandrake." Encyclopedia Mythica.

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mandrake.html

[Accessed December 04th, 2003.]

Rider Waite Tarot

King of Wands: The essence of fire behaving as air, such as lightning: A great and daring leader who inspires others to rise to challenges alongside him. An artist who can take hold of an idea and make it a reality through bold action. One who is forceful, charismatic, and honest, leading by example, but unafraid to invest authority in others. A dashing and magnetic personality, carrying authority naturally, and striking at the world with swiftness and grace.



Seven of Wands (Valor): Standing courageously for your beliefs in the face of adversity. Fear of failure overcome by the will to succeed. Great obstacles met with heroism and determination. Inner strength brought to bear at a critical moment.



mythology

detritus

opinion

Random opinionated detritus

DVD review of the week:
Rented "Songcatcher" and it was craptacular.

Quotes from "Last report on the miracles at Little No Horse" by Lousie Erdrich:
"Since the damage was done, she prayed to see her damage again."
"But it was that spirit who taught me that to laugh or to cry was all the same, and who gave me the strength to spit pain in the face and love the world in joy."
"I am sure that a number of mystics would have benefited from a regimen of antidepressants, however, we would all be the poorer."

--

The coolest thing ever...if you're me

Unbelievable to me that my favorite author is currently writing a novel and posting about it online. Giving some sort of insight into the process of writing. Allowing for brief glimpses, perhaps, of what is to come. Oh, dammit, why does there have to be any justification at all? It's just tremendously cool and that's all there is to it. Or perhaps I'm just a bit of an ubergeek.

Placards for the endomorphically endowed? Whatfrigginever.

The Bad Sex in Fiction Award for 2003 has been announced.

The answer is maybe

She said that once and it ruined everything

Said she was drowning

He listened, but didn't send help

He went down beneath the waves instead

to where she waited

and together they descended through the depths

breathless and slowly losing consciousness

sunk into the void

through fevered hallucination

until he awoke

thought better of the thing

and surfaced

as she stayed to drown alone

but stubbornly she

refused to die

and would not disappear

is treading water still

waits beneath the waves

for an answer to this dilemma

would offer her heart to the depths

in order to retrieve her soul

Lies shipwrecked and broken on the stones

but she is growing stronger

and one day yet will rise

From my bleeding heart to yours...

From Amnesty International:


Rebiya Kadeer founded and directed a large trading company in northwestern China, championed the rights of the Uighur ethnic group there, and became one of China's most prominent advocates of women's rights. All these activities came to an abrupt halt in August 1999. As she entered a hotel to discuss human rights with U.S. Congressional staff visiting China, she was arrested. The Chinese government charged Rebiya Kadeer in September 1999 with "providing secret information to foreigners." Authorities tried her in secret and sentenced her in March 2000 to eight years' imprisonment. Amnesty International considers Rebiya Kadeer to be a prisoner of conscience and has appealed for her immediate and unconditional release.Please send an email to your Representative TODAY urging her/him to sign a congressional letter on behalf of Rebiya Kadeer:

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=624826&l=7515


Thank you for your support.

Online Action Center

Amnesty International USA

Contemplations

Alas, but I am weary. Strange omens and portents abound. Its going to be an odd little winter indeed, I think.

William Blake Tarot

Ten of Painting (Delight): Your work or ideal takes on a life of it own. Financial prosperity. Achievement or promotion on the job. Inheriting something of tangible or permanent value. Family gatherings and traditions. Finding your roots. Active involvement in community and societal spheres.



Four of Poetry (Harmony): "Love and harmony combine / And around our souls entwine / While thy branches mix with mine / And our roots together join". Things are coming together beautifully. Giving thanks for an achievement or personal success. Celebrating a harvest, homecoming, or a job well done. Harmonious relationships with friends and family. Working together with a partner or sharing a special experience.



mythology

detritus

opinion

I've been browsing a database of Child Ballads at "The Contemplator" , a trove of traditional ballads, both familiar and obscure. Here's a sampling. For more, see the Myth of the Day


The Gypsy Laddie


This ballad is Child Ballad #200 (The Gypsy Laddie).


"An English lord came home one night,

Inquir-ring for his lady,

The servants said on every hand,

She's gone with the Gypsy Laddie.


Go saddle up my milk-white steed,

Go saddle me up my brownie

And I will ride both night and day,

Till I overtake my bonnie.


Oh he rode East and he rode West,

And at last he found her,

She was lying on the green, green grass,

And the Gypsy's arms all around her.


Oh, how can you leave your house and land?

How can you leave our money,

How can your leave your rich young lord,

To be a gypsy's bonnie.


How can you leave your house and land,

How can you leave your baby,

How can you leave your rich young lord,

To be a gypsy's lady.


Oh come go home with me, my dear,

Come home and be my lover,

I'll furnish you with a room so neat,

With a silken bed and covers.


I won't go home with you, kind sir,

Nor will I be your lover,

I care not for your rooms so neat,

Or your silken bed or your cover.


It's I can leave my house and land,

And I can leave my baby,

I'm a-goin' to roam this world around

And be a gypsy's lady.


Oh, soon this lady changed her mind,

Her clothes grew old and faded,

Her hose and shoes came off her feet,

And left them bare and naked.


Just what befell this lady now,

I think it worth relating,

Her gypsy found another lass,

And left her heart a-breaking."


Young Edwin in the Lowlands Low


This ballad was printed in England on numerous broadsides in the 1800s. Printers included J. Catnach who printed between 1813 and 1838. Copies of many of these can be found at the Bodleian Library. This version was collected by George Gardiner in Hampshire and published in 1909.


The name of the hero is variously Edwin, Edmund or Edward, and Emma is also known as Emily.


The ballad was also well-known in Ireland and America. It was collected in Missouri, Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Vermont, Michigan, North Carolan, Georgia, New York and Kentucky. It was also found in Nova Scotia.


"Come, all you wild, young people

And listen to the song

That I will sing concerning gold,

Which guides so many wrong.

Young Emma was a servant-maid

And loved a sailor bold,

He ploughed the main much gold to gain,

For his Love, as we've been told.


Young Emma she did daily mourn

Since Edwin first did roam;

When seven years were past and gone,

Then Edwin hailed his home.

He went unto young Emma's house

The store of gold to show,

Which he had gained upon the main

Above the Lowlands Low.


Her father kept a public inn,

It stood down by the sea.

Says Emma, 'You can enter in

And there this night can be.

I'll meet you in the morning,

Don't let my parents know,

Your name it is young Edwin

That ploughed the Lowlands Low.'


As Emma she lay sleeping

She had a frightful dream,

She dreamt her Love stood weeping,

His blood poured in a stream.

She rose up in the morning

And to her friends did go,

Because she loved him dearly;

That ploughed the Lowlands Low.


'Oh, mother, where's the stranger lad,

Came here last night to stay?'

'Oh, he is dead, no tales can tell;'

Her father he did say.

'Then father, cruel father,

You will die a public show

For murdering my Edwin,

That ploughed the Lowlands Low.


The fishes of the ocean

Swim o'er my lover's breast,

His body rolls in motion,

I hope his soul at rest,

How cruel were my parents

To prove his overthrow,

And take the gold from one so bold

That ploughed the Lowlands Low.''


The Twa Corbies


This ballad is a variant of The Three Ravens which dates back to 1611 where it appears in Melismata. Musicall Phansies Fitting the Court, Cittie, and Countrey Humours by T. Ravenscroft. Child names this a "cynical version" of the original ballad.


Corbie is another word for raven or crow.


This ballad is a variant of Child Ballad #26 (The Three Ravens).


"As I was walking all alane,

I heard twa corbies making a mane;

The tane unto the t'other say,

'Where sall we gang and dine to-day,

Where sall we gang and dine to-day?'


'In behint yon auld fail dyke,

I wot there lies a new slain knight;

And naebody kens that he lies there,

But his hawk, his honnd, and lady fair,

His hawk, his honnd, and lady fair.


'His hound is to the hunting gane,

His hawk to fetch the wild-fowl hame,

His lady 'a ta'en another mate,

So we may mak our dinner sweet,

We may mak our dinner sweet.


'Ye'll sit on his white hause-bane,

And I'll pike out his bonny blue een;

Wi ae lock o his gowden hair

We'll theek our nest when it grows bare,

We'll theek our nest when it grows bare.'


'Mony a one for him makes mane,

But nane sall ken where he is gane;

Oer his white banes, when they are bare,

The wind sail blaw for evennair,

The wind sail blaw for evennair.''

Willow Tree Ballad (American Version)

Myth of the Day:

The Willow Tree (American Version)



This ballad is an American variant of Child Ballad #4 (Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight or The Outlandish Knight). It is also known as The Lonely Willow Tree.



The ballad appears in several collections as May Colvin, the earliest of which is Herd's Ancient and Modern Scottish Songs (1776). The tune is much older. The McNeils (see reference below) place this version in 17th century America.



"There was a youth, a cruel youth,

Who lived beside the sea,

Six little maidens he drowned there

By the lonely willow tree.



As he walked o'er with Sally Brown,

As he walked o'er with she,

And evil thought came to him there,

By the lonely willow tree.



O turn you back to the water's side,

And face the willow tree,

Six little maidens I've drowned here,

And you the seventh shall be.



Take off, take off, your golden crown,

Take off your gown, cried he.

For though I am going to murder you

I would not spoil your finery.



Oh, turn around, you false young man,

Oh turn around, cried she,

For 'tis not meet that such a youth

A naked woman should you see.



He turned around, that false young man,

And faced the the willow tree,

And seizing him boldly in both her arms,

She threw him into the sea.



Lie there, lie there, you false young man,

Lie there, lie there, cried she,

Six little maidens you've drowned here,

Now keep them company!



He sank beneath the icy waves,

He sank down into the sea,

And no living thing wept a tear for him,

Save the lonely willow tree."

Willow Tree Ballad (Irish Version)

Myth of the Day:

The Willow Tree (Irish Version)



Sam Henry collected this in Ireland in 1939 in the Cloyfin district from a man who learned it from his mother who was a native of Ballymena.



that day month = the same day a month later



"The night was dark and the hour late,

Cold blew the winter air,

And as four farmers homeward walked

Down through Lifford Fair,

They thought they heard a cry,

Both sad and sharp it struck their ear,

Although the winds blew high.



They climbed the wall and searched the tombs

That thickly filled the ground,

And, spreading on a new-made grave,

A sorrowful youth they found:

His wild moans filled the chilly air,

For he looked pale and wild,

His loud cries would have pierced your heart,

For he wept like a child.



They roused him from the cold wet earth,

Inviting him away,

He says, Move me not from this sad spot,

For here I mean to stay;

This is my true-love's grassy bed,

And here all night I'll lie,

All by the side of my long-lost bride,

I will remain and die.



In early life we were both joined

In love both fond and true,

There's not a care but touched my heart

But touched my Fanny's too;

The times were bad and I was poor,

It was then I went away,

To make a fortune in strange lands,

I crossed the roaring sea.



Scarce before I went away,

In wedlock's bands we joined,

It was then I left my tender bride,

So lonely, young and fond;

For three long years I stayed away

And I won my fortune in strange lands,

I crossed the roaring sea.



But oh, alas, begins my grief,

My woe it then begun,

When I came home they had her wed

Unto another one,

And with false letters they imposed

All in her heartless ear,

And told her I had died abroad

All in a second year.



It being on a summer evening,

Calm and fragrant was the air

She sat before her father's door

And never looked more fair;

I stood before her suddenly

And when I caught her eye,

She clasped her hands before her face

And gave a piercing cry.



The sudden shock had reached her heart;

The story soon was told:

When I came home her father gave

His hands to ancient gold,

But all the gold that e'er was shown

Did fail to ease her mind,

And like a tender flower crushed,

Away she drooped and pined.



Mark what followed after this--

I need not stop to tell--

In that day month, sure I could hear

The tolling funeral bell.

Now I have done all with this earth,

And it has done with me:

My love lies dead in her cold clay bed

Beneath yon willow tree.



They stopped, but neither force nor word

Could raise him from the ground,

All night he lay on the cold clay,

And the next day was found,

And when they touched him he was dead

And where he lay he died;

They dug his grave and, side by side,

They laid him with his bride."

Willow Tree Ballad (English Version)

Myth of the Day:



The Willow Tree (English Version)



"O take me in your arms, love

For keen doth the wind blow

O take me in your arms, love

For bitter is my deep woe.



She hears me not, she heeds me not

Nor will she listen to me

While here I lie alone

To die beneath the willow tree.



My love hath wealth and beauty

Rich suitors attend her door

My love hath wealth and beauty

She slights me because I am poor.



The ribbon fair that bound her hair

Is all that is left to me

While here I lie alone

To die beneath the willow tree.



I once had gold and silver

I thought them without end

I once had gold and silver

I thought I had a true friend.



My wealth is lost, my friend is false

My love hath he stolen from me

While here I lie alone

To die beneath the willow tree."

Renaissance Tarot Cards Of The Day...

Eight of Cups (Indolence): A moment of surrender to external forces. Capitulation to inner promptings. Giving in to temptation. Giving oneself over to oblivion, to intoxication, to sleep.



Ace of Staves: Creativity. Change. Success in new undertakings. "A breath of fresh air." "New blood." The sanguine temperament of the Ace promotes experiment, reform and appreciation of beauty, both of people and of nature.





mythology

detritus

opinion

Track Listing - moody silver sea mix I

Jezebel - 10,000 Maniacs
Return Of The Grievious Angel - Cowboy Junkies
Sour Times - Portishead
Wild Horses - Mazzy Star
Blood Roses - Tori Amos
Jennifers Body - Hole
The Passenger - Siouxsie & the Banshees
Is that all there is - PJ Harvey
Bonny Swans - Loreena McKennitt
Plus profound - Hooverphonic
Tragic Kingdom - No Doubt
Persephone - Cocteau Twins
Haunted - Sinead O'Conner w/ the Pogues

Silver Sea on Congress

Is a lovely space indeed. Projected opening date 12/13/03. Be there one and all.

Ogham Reading of the Day

Aspen

Courage and endurance



You will be entering new territory soon, and this may make you nervous. You do have the courage and the tools you will need to thrive; even if things become difficult, persevere and you will benefit.



Aspen, the nineteenth Ogham tree, is (with the birch) one of the first trees to grow in a clearing. Its leaves shiver and tremble in the slightest breeze but the tree remains steadfast, and its wood was used for shields. The aspen, then, symbolizes courage in the face of fear and obstacles, and endurance when such is necessary.



Willow

Intuition



Your intuition will help you understand the situation and what is best to do. Give yourself the time and opportunity you need to allow your subconscious to communicate its knowledge to you.



Willow, the Ogham's fourth tree, is closely connected to water, the unconscious, the moon, and thus the feminine. It is symbolic of intuition, the ability to make connections and gain understanding without knowing exactly how or why one knows.mythology

detritus

opinion

Lord Saltoun and Auchanachie

Myth of the Day:

Child Ballad #239:



"Auchanachie Gordon is bonny and braw,

He would tempt any woman that he ever saw;

He would tempt any woman, so has he tempted me,

And I?ll die if I getna my love Auchanachie.?



In came her father, tripping on the floor,

Says, Jeanie, ye?re trying the tricks o? a whore;

Ye?re caring for them that cares little for thee;

Ye must marry Salton, leave Auchanachie.



Auchanachie Gordon, he is but a man;

Altho he be pretty, where lies his free land?

Salton?s lands they lie broad, his towers they stand hie,

Ye must marry Salton, leave Auchanachie.



......

......

?Salton will gar you wear-silk gowns fring?d to thy knee,

But ye?ll never wear that wi your love Auchanachie.?



Wi Auchanachie Gordon I would beg my bread

Before that wi Salton I?d wear gowd on my head,

Wear gowd on my head, or gowns fring?d to the knee;

And I?ll die if I getna my love Auchanachie.



?O Salton?s [a] valley lies low by the sea,

He?s bowed on the back, and thrawin on the knee;?

.....

.....



?O Salton?s a valley lies low by the sea;

Though he?s bowed on the back and thrawin on the knee,

Though he?s bowed on the back and thrawin on the knee,

The bonny rigs of Salton they?re nae thrawin tee?



?O you that are my parents to church may me bring,

But unto Salton I?ll never bear a son;

For son or for daughter, I?ll ne?er bow my knee,

And I?ll die if I getna my love Auchanachie.?



When Jeanie was married, from church was brought hame,

When she wi her maidens sae merry shoud hae been,

When she wi her maidens sae merry shoud hae been,

She?s called for a chamber, to weep there her lane.



?Come to your bed, Jeanie, my honey and my sweet,

For to stile you mistress I do not think it meet:?

?Mistress or Jeanie, it is a? ane to me,

It?s in your bed, Salton, I never will be.?



Then out spake her father, he spake wi reknown;

Some of you that are her maidens, ye?ll loose aff her gown;

Some of you that are her maidens, ye?ll loose aff her gown;

And I?ll mend the marriage wi ten thousand crowns.



Then ane of her maidens they loosed aff her gown,

But bonny Jeanie Gordon she fell in a swoon;

She fell in a swon low down by their knee;

Says, Look on, I die for my love Auchanachie!



That very same day Miss Jeanie did die,

And hame came Auchanachie, hame frae the sea;

Her father and mither welcomd him at the gate;

He said, Where?s Miss Jeanie, that she?s nae here yet?



Then forth came her maidens, all wringing their hands,

Saying, Alas for your staying sae lang frae the land!

Sae lang frae the land, and sae lang on the fleed!

They?ve wedded your Jeanie, and now she is dead.



?Some of you, her maidens, take me by the hand,

And show me the chamber Miss Jeanie died in;?

He kissed her cold lips, which were colder than stane,

And he died in the chamber that Jeanie died in."