The Nature People

While reading The Mist-Filled Path by Frank MacEowen, I came upon an interesting quote that I wanted everyone else to be able to read. The quote comes from The Healing Wisdom of Africa by the Dagara (West African) shaman, Malidoma Some, in which he states:

Different cultures represent the profound influence of certain elements.
Take Western culture, for instance. Western culture is a Fire
culture. Its emphasis has been on fire-power. It is a culture that
has harnessed fire in ways never seen before, and sometimes in very destructive
ways. But a problem arises when a culture becomes imbalanced and does not
have equal parts water, mineral and nature to balance out the fire.
Witches, for instance, are Nature people in Dagara cosmology. The nature
people preserve the knowledge of nature and teach the knowledge of nature.
They are often the holders of the knowledge involving the healing power of
plants. The time of the witch burnings in Europe and America represents
the beginning of the imbalance in Western culture. It was the time when
fire was used to overpower nature and it has been the same every since.

Shaman Some made a very powerful statement in very few sentences.

Longing and the Celtic Spirit

It is said that the Celtic Spirit is one of strong Longing. In fact, a lot of the old Celtic Poems and Verses spoke of longing. Longing became its on entity in these poems and verses, so much so that it was always capitalized as if Longing was an actual person.

Tell me, men of learning, what is Longing made from?

What cloth was put in it that it does not wear out with me?

Gold wears out, silver wears out, velvet wears out, silk wears out,

every ample garment wears out - yet Longing does not wear out.

Great Longing, cruel Longing is breaking my heart every day;

when I sleep most sound at night Longing comes and wakes me.

~Excerpt from an old Cymric (Welsh) poem

Everyone knows the three basics - food, shelter, and water. If we have all three of these, we then move to a deeper more sensual/want or longing. What do you long for? Think about this and take some time. This is important. Everyone has a longing deep inside that means much more than fame and money. Something that goes deeper than the materialistic. Some may long to help the needy and in doing so achieve a deeper satisfaction on a higher plane. Others may long for a relationship or union with nature. While others may want to birth and raise a family. No one person's longing is more important than another's.

I can laugh and say "I long for a clean house." But honestly, my motto has always been that when I am on my deathbed, the last thing on my mind is going to be "Gee, I wish I would have cleaned more." That's the difference between a wish and a longing. What are you going to long for on your deathbed? Will you have achieved this longing before that point? If you haven't moved towards achieving what you long for, what is blocking you?

Knowing what your longing is may be something that is on the tip of your tongue, while others may need to meditate and really think on what their longing is. God knows in today's society are deep wants and longings are sometimes suppressed. For me, I know exactly what it is. I've known for a long time. I have moved towards it only to have it paused to raise a family. Now, I'm back to yearning for that longing. I want it so bad I can taste it. When I'm on my deathbed, I want to be able to proudly say that I had achieved my longing and that I spent most of my life working with it and not against it. I will hold off on revealing my longing this time because I don't want this blog to be about me. I want to hear what everyone else has to say?

Soul Theory and the Spirit Flight, Native American Mythology

The following is from the book Mother Earth, Father Sky, which is on loan to me right now by a good friend who just joined our site. In any case, I find this theory interesting.

Within the Native American cosmos there is no seperation between the spiritual
world and material, between the natural and the human, between life and death,
or between body and soul. Any single body is likely to house a variety of
spirits or souls - one that emerges during dreams or sickness, one that dies
with the body, one that joins the afterlife, and one that manifests itself as a
delinquent ghost.

There was a debate that I was active in once upon a time in which the topic was Soul vs. Spirit and the difference. I unbelievable got lost in the concept because I have not studied in depth reincarnation and the different stages. I know the basics but the soul vs. spirit topic was among one of the more difficult topics for me to embrace. If I had to guess, I think the point was that the soul was the wondering ghost and the spirit moved on. Although, in my mind I cannot separate them and I'm not sure I buy this theory.



In any case, as such in the Native American beliefs was that the cosmos contained many souls - benign and malignant. Shamans were skilled individual who could direct the flow of souls and in some case tame them. Of course, this was limited to a more experienced Shaman or 'Soul Doctor'. An apprentice Shaman would have to retreat to a quiet and lonely area in which fasting would take the Shaman on a journey of psychic battles with more aggressive, invasive souls. Once the shaman was practiced enough in battling these souls, they could then take flight to other regions of earth or even the moon.



A shaman was also responsible for retrieving lost souls. Individuals who were attacked by mental illness where thought to have been possessed by a malignant spirit and were diagnosed with 'soul loss' (which is a bit different in Celtic mythology and Shamanism). The shaman would then have to journey to where the lost soul resided and battle the malignant spirit guarding it. If the shaman won the battle, he then brought the lost soul home.

Traditional Witchcraft Forum

Recently, we at the Witches Cackle, The Non-Wiccan, Pagan, and Heathen Forum updated our look and bought our domain name. We are now officially http://www.witchescackle.com./

Currently, at 2011 posts we have grown quite rapidly. Especially considering we started this forum on November 26, 2008 and we are not yet searchable by the internet search engines and crawlers. I expect, in a few short months we will be.

Current topics in the public section include :

herbal recipes
various shamanism practices
the Celtic and Nordic path
traditional correspondences
traditional practices
ghosts, myths, and legends
musical, movie and book entertainment
the gay witch and androgynous shamanism
a green witch section
how to's on crafts such as witchballs, dreampillows, besoms, corn dollies, kissing balls, etc...
divination, dowsing, and tarot
etc, etc, etc....

That's just a hint of what's in the public section. Once you are approved into the full member area - it is so much bigger.

So, if your on a tradition witchcraft path - come join us! We'd love to see you! Give us a little taste of your traditions. We are here to learn from everyone. In fact, my favorite quote is:

"To be a witch is to know everything and nothing at all"

www.witchescackle.com

Decluttering and The Mist-Filled Path

I started a book called The Mist-Filled Path, Celtic Wisdom For Exiles, Wanderers, and Seekers by Frank MacEowen about a year ago. I was trying to share the book with my mom, which never works because she doesn't share well , when I finally had to go get my own copy. In any case, in the beginning of the book MacEowen brings up a very important point that I would like to discuss. He begins by discussing the 'sleep walkers' who are people who walk from day to day without substance. Night fades into day, day into night becoming a large blur. Sleep walkers are people who aren't 'alive' in the sense of living life with a purpose. Sleep walkers feed on 30 second soundbites and quicksilver images that promise them a much better and fulfilled life if we just had a Slider Station or some other 'convience' contraption. We slowly fill our homes and our sacred spaces up with these devices until we drown in our own clutter. Eventually, the clutter is cleared out and placed in yard sales, taken to the dump, or to Goodwill - giving the person a good feeling and a few moments of peace from all the clutter. But its quickly replaced with more clutter, more technology to make life easier because after all that's the 'good life' right? In the end all it is, is clutter. All these 'conviences' and must haves are not life. They don't deepen our existence, purpose, or wonderment. These objects weigh us down, forcing us out of our homes, our sanctuaries, to seek areas that are more simplistic in nature - a vacation from all the clutter.

Of course, I'm not stating that a person should live in an empty home. Some objects are objects of comfort such as a bookshelf, plant stand, an antique desk, our favorite coffee mug, etc... But one must realize the difference between objects of beauty that make us comfortable and objects we think deepen our lives but only add to clutter. A person can go out and buy themselves a meditation pillow and the CD's to go with it but if that's as far as they go to deepen themselves, then in actuality all they have done is to create clutter. It then becomes something else to throw in a closet, under a bed, or into the trash.

Its odd how an introduction to a book can really make you think. I've always been a woman of simplisty. In fact, most ever corner in every room of my house is clean because I've always felt clutter begins in the corners. But then again my family lives on a fixed budget and I have not been able to buy modern gadgets and 'as seen on tv' products. After some pondering on the intro to this book, I am more cautious what I bring in the house. My home is my sanctuary and as such my goal is to make sure clutter does not rule it. And of course, another goal is to make sure that objects don't become an obsession or social status in my life.

Apple Tree Wassailing, An Old English Tradition

Apple Tree Wassailing is an Old English tradition, dated back to the early 1500's (on record), in which family and friends get together to ensure a healthy apple crop for the year. Traditionally, this takes place on January 17th or the old "Twelfth Night" and entails Wassailing or chanting and singing to the apple trees. Although this tradition was recorded in the early 1500's, it is thought to have had pagan roots.

An example of an Apple Tree Wassail chant is :

From the South Hams of Devon, recorded 1871

Here's to thee, old apple tree,

Whence thou mayst bud And whence thou mayst blow!

And whence thou mayst bear apples enow!

Hats full! Caps full! Bushel--bushel--sacks full,

And my pockets full too! Huzza!

This year my family and friends decided to revive this old tradition. We started at my mother in law's farm, in which the King and Queen of the night had to be chosen. Before hand my mother in law baked 2 platters of applesauce muffins. On each platter, one of the muffins on the King's platter had beans hidden inside; while the Queen's platter contained one muffin with green peas hidden inside. This tradition of picking the Queen and King was derived directly from Robert Herrick's Poem.

Twelfth Night

or King and Queen

Now, now the mirth comes

With the cake full of plums,

Where Bean’s the King of the sport here;

Beside we must know

The Pea also

must revel, as Queen, in the Court here.

Begin then to choose,

(This night as ye use)

Who shall for the present delight here.

Be a King by the lot

And who shall not

Be Twelfth-day Queen for the night here.

Which known, let us make

Joy-sops with the cake;

And let not a man then be seen here,

Who unurg’d will not drink

To the base from the brink

A health to the King and the Queen here.

Next crown the bowl full

With gentle lambs-wool;

Add sugar, nutmeg and ginger,

With store of ale too;

And thus ye must do

To make the wassail a swinger.

Give then to the King

And Queen wassailing;

And though with ale ye be wet here;

Yet part ye from hence,

As free from offence

As when ye innocent met here.

~ Robert Herrick

After the King and Queen were chosen, the Wassailing began. The King and Queen were in charge of passing out the chants to a few chosen people at each farm. They also passed out song sheets to everyone. Each person was then given a small amount of apple cider in a cup. As the chants were read, a few people would walk up and toss their apple cider on the tree to help bless it. After all the chants were read, the whole group sang a few chosen verses from the song sheet.

We then moved on to 3 additional houses. Of course, each time we entered the person's house to socialize and warm up. It was definitely a chilly night. At the end of the night and the last house we all settled in with a warm bowl of beef stew and a bottle of hard cider and listened to a few members in the group sing folktale and Celtic songs, accompanied by a guitar or banjo. It was a fantastic night to say the least. And we all concurred that we believe the tradition was mainly created to get family and friends together during a cold, January evening and socialize. What else do you do during this season? Especially back then.

Fire Dragon ~ Druid Animal Oracle Part IV

Note ~ The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gromm is a tarot that works with the sacred animals of the Druid tradition. The Druids were very early psychologists whom used animal behavior to try and understand the human psyche. By understanding and making a connection with our animal brothers and sisters, we can use these animals as guides, and by doing so we can better understand ourselves.

I have broken the four Druid Dragons (which represent the elements of earth, fire, air, and water) into four blogs. It is much easier to digest these four elemental dragons one at a time. Although dragons can be divided into four elements, most partake in all four elements – originating from water, circling and living around the hills, flying through the air, and/or breathing fire.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is he who, blazing, seeks burial mounds,
He, the smooth, spiteful dragon that flies throught the night,
Enveloped in flame; all men fear him greatly
~Beowulf

Fire Dragon (Gaelic name ~ Draig-teine)
The name Pendragon brings to the imagination stories of heroic kings of Britain and probably the most famous of them all ~ King Arthur. My heart skips a beat at the mention of King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and Lady Gwenivere and the adventures my mind takes them on. The name Pendragon however did not start with King Arthur, it began with his father. Uther, the future king of sub-Roman Britain and the father of King Arthur, saw an image of a fire-breathing dragon in the sky (most believe the dragon to have been a fiery comet). Uther, in his excitement, immediately went to the Druid Merlin to decipher the meaning of the fire dragon he had witnessed. Merlin explained that the fire dragon was a two-fold symbol of his ill brother’s coming death, King Aurelius, and his own future kinghood. This symbol came at a time when Uther was trying to force Paschent and the Saxons out of Britain. **Backing up a bit, Paschent’s father, Vortigem, had previously taken the throne of Britain by murdering Uther’s brother Constans.** By this point in the story Uther and his other brother Aurelius had retaken the throne and killed Vortigem, but still had Paschent and the invading Saxon army to deal with. Uther did win the battle against Paschent and the Saxons at which point he assumed the name “Pendragon”, which literally means “Head of the Dragon”, and took the dragon as his totem beast. When returning to Britain he discovered his brother was poisoned by an assassin and immediately is crowned king. He then proceeded to have two dragon statues constructed, one of which becomes his insignia. He also secured Britain and stomped out the Saxon invasion. King Arthur and later kings continued the Pendragon name and the dragon symbol became a heraldic emblem to stand behind.

Story of the Wales Dragon

The legend of the dragon on the Welsh flag is a very interesting tale, one that dates back to the time when Vortigem had taken the throne after killing King Constans. Votigem was trying to build his fortress at Dinas Emrys, but failed due to the continual collapse of its foundation. A young boy named Emrys, whom would later become known as Merlin, was brought forth to use his ‘mystical visions’ to explain why the foundation was so unstable. Emrys explained that there were two dragons below the ground in a lake in an eternal struggle, one which shook the ground in which the foundation stood. One dragon was red and represented the Britons, the other was white and represented the Saxons. Vortigem did not believe this tale and immediately had the ground excavated. The two dragons were found and began fighting immeditately. The red dragon defeated the white dragon and became the emblem of Whales.

Nwyvre ~ The Dragon’s Fire
Each of the four dragons I have explained thus far ~ Earth, Air, Water, and Fire ~ represent power and energy. Each dragon mediates this power or energy in a different way and we must learn how to weave all 4 “dragon energies” into our being, the key being balance. The Druids believed that the Fire Dragon represented kingship, leadership, rulership and mastery. For this reason, Merlin was able to predict Uther’s vision, as well as, his future accurately.

As I noted above, the Druids were very early psychologists whom used animal behavior to try and understand the human psyche. The Druids believed the Fire Dragon guards the ‘Inner Fire’ that burns inside our being which is called Nwyvre in Druidry. While Earth Dragons are seen as passive - coiling around hillsides and lying dormant for the most part, the Fire Dragon in mythology is seen mostly as a malignant force destroying all that lies before it. But the Druids did not see the Fire Dragon as only malignant. They believed the Fire Dragon to be neutral or having a mirror effect - being malignant or benign based on how ready we are to take on the ‘Inner Fire’ of our being. The Fire Dragon reminds us that not all power is for everyone. The Fire Dragon only becomes malignant when we take on too much. When the energies we surround ourselves with consume us and send us into “burn-out” and nervous exhaustion. One such energy is anger. Anger can erupt without warning or remain scattered making every effort to succeed fail. Anger can cause exhaustion and keep us unmotivated, therefore the goal we strive for is never reached. As with anything balance is a must physically and psychologically. The Fire Dragon can also become malignant during drug abuse, which causes the mind to become muddled and in time permanently damaged - creating an imbalance. In this case the unity of Mind, Body, and Soul is completely broken – I know this from experience. Abusing your “Inner Fire” and the Fire Dragon’s power can only create a dangerous situation and can most certainly become fatal, creating a fierce and ‘fiery’ situation.

However, learning to befriend the Fire Dragon can promote vitality, enthusiasm, and courage that will help one overcome obstacles in life. By befriending the Fire Dragon, what I mean to say is that we learn where our limitations are and how to work around them or with these limitations creating a positive spin. Once we learn how to balance stressful situations the Fire Dragon begins to “fuel” our “Inner Fires” allowing us to master leadership situations and to accomplish objectives.

Air Dragon ~ Druid Animal Oracle Part III

Note ~ The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gromm is a tarot that works with the sacred animals of the Druid tradition. The Druids were very early psychologists whom used animal behavior to try and understand the human psyche. By understanding and making a connection with our animal brothers and sisters, we can use these animals as guides, and by doing so we can better understand ourselves.

I have broken the four Druid Dragons (which represent the elements of earth, fire, air, and water) into four blogs. It is much easier to digest these four elemental dragons one at a time. Although dragons can be divided into four elements, most partake in all four elements – originating from water, circling and living around the hills, flying through the air, and/or breathing fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The gaunt wolf and winged serpent held
Dominion o’er the vale ~ Polwhele

Air Dragon (Gaelic name ~ Draig–athar)

Air dragons have been sighted throughout the different regions of the United Kingdom. Some believe that the sightings were nothing more than the bright heads and dark forked tails of comets passing close to the earth. With enough imagination these comets might look like a flying dragon, breathing fire. Stories of dragons may have also arisen from misfits wanting to keep the locals away from their stolen and hidden treasures. Some stories may have even been created when exotic lizards from foreign regions escaped their owner and entered the city. I agree with the authors of the book, Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, there aren’t enough explanations that can ‘account for the universality of the dragon in the mythic and folkloric life of cultures all over the world’. At some point in time, as with all myths, one has to sit back and wander how so many cultures came up with a particular mythological creature or story. There has to be some basic truths in the myth somewhere that may not be able to be explained through science. As a science lover, even I have to succumb. In the Tradition of the Air Dragon, I will go into more detail on certain regions of the United Kingdom where dragons dwell.

The Tradition of the Air Dragon

Snowdonia, Whales is home to the ancient city of Emrys, also known as, Dinas Affaron to the locals, which translates as “City of the Higher Powers”. In this city lived the dragons of Beli. Beli Mawr (Beli the Great) is the Cymric and Gaulish God of Death, also known as, “Lord of the Kill” and “Lord of (battle) Death”. Beli Mawr, whom is celebrated at Beltane, is often depicted riding a horse drawn chariot across the sky. He is also worshipped on Dragon Hill, below the Uffington Horse. After reading the Earth Dragon mythology and understanding the link/controversy between the horse and dragon, one must wonder if the horse leading Beli Mawr across the sky was not meant to be a dragon instead. In any case, Taliesin a Welsh speaking bard or poet/scholar, described one of Beli's dragons in a poem called Protection of the Honey Isle in which he said, "A deep cavern opens before me, shadowed by great rocks. The dragon comes out and crawls toward the cups of song." Taliesin’s own mythological birth is interesting in its own.

There are stories of the Goddess Ceridwen riding across the skies with her chariot drawn by flying dragons. But most air dragons exist on their own and are seen flying across the countryside encumbered by no one. In Devon, England a dragon is said to fly every night across the Exe Valley between the hill-forts of Cadbury and Dolbury Hill, souly to guard his treasure. At Henham in Essex, England, a small dragon - eight or nine feet long with large eyes, fierce teeth and small wings was “sighted” several times before he finally flew into nearby woods. In Somerset a fire-breathing dragon flew from Curry Rivell to Aller regularly, scaring the villagers’ with “the hiss of its wing-beat”.

The flight patterns of the Air Dragon were thought to be much more than just the guarding of treasure. In fact, some believe that these regular patterns represented the “dragon-lines” or earth currents from sacred spot to sacred spot; that were referred to in the Earth Dragon blog. The Druids believed that they could control negative earth currents through geomantic art. Iron stakes were driven in the ground to divert the negative energy. Much like Chinese Feng-shui or Earth acupuncture.

Draig-Athar as Servant of the Sky God

The Air Dragon in Druid tradition is a sacred animal of the Sky God. The Air Dragon may have been born from the constellation Draco. As I noted above, Druids were early psychologist whom linked the sacred animals to the human psyche. The Air Dragon represents the descent of the spirit, a visitation from another world, and an invitation to soar to higher levels of consciousness. The Air Dragon can be fierce, striking all at once with thunder and lightning into the human psyche and intellect. One must learn to respect and work with the Air Dragon and all its ferocity; opening one’s mind to the “sudden flashes of illumination”. Befriending the Air Dragon, instead of closing your mind to him, can bring insight and clarity to thoughts and imagination. The Air Dragon’s arrival is a gift from the Sky God, one that should be embraced and not shunned. If the mind is closed to new ideas then it becomes in danger of adopting dogmatic practices. Only hatred and prejudice can be born from dogmatic ideals. But one must also stay steadfast and constantly be reality-checking. There is such a thing as too much faith in messages from the Otherworld. Remember, just because their dead – doesn’t mean they are right. Wisdom is born from many sources. As with all things balance is the key.

Earth Dragon ~ Druid Animal Oracle Part II

Note ~ The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gromm is a tarot that works with the sacred animals of the Druid tradition. The Druids were very early psychologists whom used animal behavior to try and understand the human psyche. By understanding and making a connection with our animal brothers and sisters, we can use these animals as guides, and by doing so we can better understand ourselves.

I have broken the four Druid Dragons (which represent the elements of earth, fire, air, and water) into four blogs. It is much easier to digest these four elemental dragons one at a time. Although dragons can be divided into four elements, most partake in all four elements – originating from water, circling and living around the hills, flying through the air, and/or breathing fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The dragon shall be in the tumulus, old, rich in treasures ~ Beowulf

Earth Dragon (Gaelic name ~ Draig-talamh)

The large chalk figure of the Uffington Horse, located in Oxfordshire, England, has long been thought to represent a dragon instead of a horse. Those who argue that the symbol is a dragon, maintain that St. George once slew a dragon, on a nearby hill called Dragon Hill, and the symbol is a portrait of the dragon. The dragon’s blood poisoned the ground where he was defeated and to this day grass still does not grow in this spot. Although there is still controversy surrounding the symbol, the dragon and the horse share the same symbol of earth energy and with the power of the land.

The Barrow Guardians

In ancient times such places as barrows and hills, stone circles as well as single standing stones were thought to have spiritual powers. When these barrows became a grave for a dead warrior or chieftain and were filled with riches and valuables, a guardian was needed to protect the spot from gravediggers. The Druids would invoke a spirit to guard the treasures. As mythology matured, these spirits became monstrous dragons driven with jealousy and who guarded the treasure with lethal means. Some popular dragon guarded barrows in the United Kingdom are the “Dragon’s Hoard”, in Oxfordshire, the Old Field barrows in Shropshire, the Drakelow barrows in Yorkshire, and a barrow in Walmsgate, where the bones of a slain dragon is said to be buried.

Buried Treasure and the Inner Search

Buried treasure guarded by dragons can also be found in hillsides. Some popular known places are Wormelow Trump in Herefordshire, England and Money Hill on Gunnarton Fell in Northumberland. A hoard of gold can be found in Sussex in the Iron Age hill-fort of Cissbury. The gold is said to be 2 miles inside an underground passage. No one has ever successfully found the gold because it is said to be guarded by two dragons that hide halfway down the tunnel. I wonder if my spelunking skills would help me find that gold. Hmmmm…..

Of all the dragons, earth dragons have minimal contact with human beings and are hunted far less. Earth dragons remain dormant and hidden until provoked. Once provoked they carry a potential threat. As I noted above, Druids were early psychologist whom linked the sacred animals to the human psyche. The Druids believed that each of us have a dragon guardian that protects our inner most “riches” or secrets. This guardian keeps all from violating our innermost self and can even keep our own conscious thoughts from entering. Think of just how dangerous this is and maybe the reason our primal thoughts when acted upon shocks and scares our conscious thoughts.

The earth dragon is not only found in the center of a barrow or hillside, but also wrapped around the hill as well representing a spiral. The spiral is a powerful symbol of spiritual quest and discovery, a representation of the journey of the soul in and out of incarnation. The spiral the dragon creates around the “hill” or around the “treasure” itself, represents aspects of our self. Both positions place the earth dragon as a Guardian of the Threshold. This ‘threshold’ should be respected but challenged as well and sometimes overcome. If we are able to stand up to the dragon-guardian, which is nothing more than an aspect of ourselves, and befriend him, we can then reach into the inner depths to unlock the treasure hidden within and at this point truly understand ourselves. With this understanding will come the power to understand what is in the hearts of those around us and in the Earth herself.

Water Dragon ~ Druid Animal Oracle Part I

Note ~ The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm is a tarot that works with the sacred animals of the Druid tradition. The Druids were very early psychologists whom used animal behavior to try and understand the human psyche. By understanding and making a connection with our animal brothers and sisters, we can use these animals as guides, and by doing so we can better understand ourselves.

I have broken the four Elemental Druid Dragons (which represent earth, fire, air, and water) into four blogs. It is much easier to digest these four elemental dragons one at a time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Sunday morning Lambton went
A-fishing in the Wear,
And catched a fish upon his hook
He thought looked verry queer,
But whatten a kind of fish it was
Young Lambton couldn’t tell;
He wouldn’t fash to carry it home,
So he hoyed it in a well
~From “The Lambton Worm”

Water Dragon (gaelic name – Draig-uisge)

The dragon began its life as a Worm – a large snake or eel-like creature, sometimes with horns, that lived in the wells, lochs, or the sea. During its mythological development, the Worm grew small wings and two feet and became known as the Wyvern. In its final development, into a mythological creature, the Worm became a Dragon with four feet, larger ribbed wings, and a barbed tail.

These dragons were said to sometimes leave the water and terrorize the hills and country they settled in. The ones that remained in the water were depicted as sea monsters, the most famous living in Loch Ness. The first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster tells of St. Columba saving a friend who was crossing Ness. The monster broke the water behind the swimmer and opened its mouth with a mighty roar. It was stopped when Columba declared, “Go thou no further nor touch the man. Go back at once.” The creature obeyed.

The water dragon has been sighted in the whirlpool of the River Taff at Cardiff, located in the capital city of Whales, and Llyn-y-Gader Lake in Snowdonia, located in the National Park of Whales. Legend states, that anyone whom is unlucky enough to fall into either body of water is quickly consumed by the water dragon leaving nothing but swirls of blood (EGAD).

Gateways to the Otherworld

In most all dragon stories, the dragon originates from a body of water whether it be river, well, pool, lake, marsh, bog, and/or sea. Water sources were considered sacred to the Druids whom believed it a gateway to the Underworld or Otherworld. The Otherworld is the Celtic version of heaven where the domain of the Celtic deities and mythological creatures such as the Fae Folk and Dragons exist. Since the dragon is an Otherworldly creature it is fitting that it would come from the water or gateway of the Otherworld.

As I noted above, Druids were early psychologist whom linked the sacred animals to the human psyche. Monsters of the sea and their emergence can represent the Unconscious realm of the human psyche. Breaking this down further, the sea represented unresolved desires, repressed and distorted drives that well up into awareness. The destructive water dragon symbolized the damaging nature of certain contents of the mind. To heal one’s self, these hidden drives must be brought to the light and dealt with. These hidden drives may at times overwhelm an individual with emotion, but in time the individual can achieve a sense of balance as the desire is integrated from the unconscious to the conscious. By doing this a metamorphosis of the psyche is required that can be seen as a symbolic death.

Earth and air dragons are rarely destructive if left undisturbed. But the elements of fire and water can be dangerous, the water dragon can overwhelm one with emotion and drown one is self-pity. If befriended the water dragon can invoke compassion, passion, depth of feeling and a connectedness with life. Basically, the Druid believed that instead of burying our hidden desires and allowing these desires to overcome us; we should confront them immediately and deal with the desire to create a balance. Further more, I believe this interpretation of the water dragon could be used in times of depression by making the water dragon a totem or spirit guide.

Introducing the Druid Animal Oracle

I would have to say that the Druid Animal Oracle is my favorite choice of divination. Basically, it is a tarot that works with the sacred animals of the Druid tradition. The Druids were early psychologists whom noticed connections between the human psyche and animal behavior. By understanding and using these animals as guides, we can better understand ourselves.

I am drawn to the Druid beliefs, because they stem from a wanting and a need to return to nature. Let me clarify - my wanting and need. The Druids believe that once human kind lets go of its superiority complex, we can open ourselves to the experience of living with the community of Nature. Thus being a part of it, not separate. We can be welcomed back to the circle of nature, which we never really left except in our delusions. I think this is fundamental and unless we begin to try to return to the circle, we may destroy ourselves. Just an opinion, I’m not quoting doom and gloom. Please read on, you may discover something fascinating about a very old religion.

There are 5 animals represented on the Celtic totem. These five animals are thought to be the oldest in the world according to Welsh tradition. All five of these animals are represented in the story of Culwch and Olwen, this is the earliest of tales to speak of King Arthur. At a later date in a different section of the forum King Arthur would be a fun thread but for now I want to focus on the five ancient animals. The totem in order from Blackbird to Salmon is a journey one takes on his/her way to the Otherworld; each animal becoming more ancient till reaching the Salmon who is the oldest and represents the sacred pool.

Blackbird – (Gaelic name – Druid Dhubh)

The Gaelic name literally means the Black Druid. These birds sing elegantly at night and into the late hours. For Druids this signifies a transition from one reality to the next. The singing represents going from daylight and consciousness to the moon-time and unconsciousness – or the Otherworld. The blackbird’s song represents the beauty and potential of the gateway. The blackbird is the first of the totems because he stands at the gateway calling us with his song.

Stag – (Gaelic name – Damh)

The Stag is one of natures most beautiful creatures with his antlers being is biggest virtue. The antlers begin growing in early summer and are mature by rutting season in autumn. Around Imbolic on February 1st, he sheds his antlers in time for his young to be born. In Britain, the ritual of dressing like a stag is more than 9,500 years old. This ritual took place to capture the power, dignity and connection with the Otherworld. The Lord of the Animals was depicted as a man with a set of antlers. This figure is seen many times in Celtic lore including in the legends of Herne the Hunter (Merlin) and in legends of Cernunnos (the god of hunting and fertility). The stag is seen as a messenger from the Otherworld and is associated with the festival of Samhain on October 31st – November 2nd, when the veil is set aside from this world to the next so that we can commune with our ancestors. During this time he brings power and knowledge as well as carrying the King of the Faery and Merlin on his back.

Owl – (Gaelic name – Cailleach-oidhch)

The owl in Druid tradition represents objectivity and detachment and symbolizes esoteric wisdom and secrecy. The owl is sacred to the goddess in her crone-aspect. The Cailleach is the goddess of death and the owl’s call was often an omen of death. The owl called for the soul, caught it and took it away. Since an owl can foresee death, the owl as a totem suggests clairvoyance and astral travel. Taking the owl as an ally, allows one to pierce the boundaries of time and space. The owl reminds us of the ever-present reality of death, since it stands on the threshold of the Otherworld.

Eagle – (Gaelic name – Iolair)

Legends claims that high in the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales is the secret burial place of King Arthur. He is guarded by two eagles, whom will allow no one to pass. The two eagles are said to be two Druids who have shape-shifted and remain as guards of the tomb. In Gaelic, the eagle was sometimes referred to as Suil-na-Greine or Eye of the Sun. The kings of Ireland and Scotland wore plumes of eagle feathers, as well as Scottish clan chiefs who wore 3 eagle feathers representing the Druid symbol of Awen (the 3 bars of solar light). Irish legend states that the eagle rejuvenates in a sacred lake. Symbolically the eagle represents the intellect, the super-ego, the conscious self, and the heights. The lake represents the emotion, the unconscious, and the depths. Thus to find renewal, periodically we must shed our intellect and plunge into the subconscious.

Salmon - (Gaelic name – Bradan)

The salmon swims in the well of wisdom at the source of all life. The well is called Conla’s Well or the Well of Segais in Irish mythology. This well is the source of the River Boyne, the sacred river that runs through the Boyne Valley where the ancient Druid temples of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth dwell. This sacred well has nine hazel trees growing around it, which nourish the salmon and give them their wisdom. It is described as a fountain with five streams flowing from it. These five streams represent the five senses. Knowledge is obtained through these five streams, but drinking from the well leads to inspiration. Druids believe that we must embrace the sensual world as well as infuse it with the spiritual world. Until we drink from the well – our lives are incomplete. The Druids believed that eating salmon, which in turn eat the magical nuts, would cause inspiration.

With all this being said, as I stated before the Oracle has become my choice of Tarot. Over the years, I have become close to the spirit that guides me with my deck. Interestingly enough it is the same spirit guide that has become a messenger totem for me as well - The Raven or Crow. Its the connection I have with The Raven that keeps me from even considering picking up another deck. Maybe in time, I will grow out of this connection or out of the Oracle. But for the time being...

Protection Bubble, An Energy Creating Exercise/Ritual

This is a fairly simple exercise or ritual I do to keep negative energy away. I do this everyday, usually in the morning when I light my spirit candle on my morning altar. I also believe that this is a good exercise to strengthen shielding.

First, I assume a comfortable position, light my spirit candle and desired incense, and clear my mind. Once I have reached the desired state, I imagine a bubble around myself. I then imagine positive energy emanating around my bubble. I see this as white light; others may imagine something completely different. I then chant "Positive in. Negative out." I increase intent as I chant until it becomes a firm demand. As I do this, I visualize white light continuing to enter the bubble. At the same time I imagine little, spiky black balls, which represents negative energy, being forced out. I continue the exercise until I feel a sort of cleansing or the protection that I am seeking. I then expand the bubble to include my home and my family, repeating the exercise.

If I have a friend, or myself, who needs healing or protection energies - I continue the ritual. This time I imagine a bubble around the person and I chant whatever energies they need. If it is healing energies, I visualize blue energy (once again others may imagine something completely different) washing over the person inside the bubble. When it’s been for myself, I can physically feel goose bumps starting at the top of my head and ending at my toes. If I am sending protection energies, I visualize green energy wrapping around the bubble of the person it is being sent too. Once again, I continue the exercise chanting the desired energy until I feel that the exercise or ritual is successful.

Once I have finished the exercise, I allow the spirit candle to burn for at least 1 hour.

Androgynous Shaman

To become a shaman, he or she on their journey must learn that there are multiple dimensions of existence. Just as most of us do not believe that magic is black or white or that there is good or evil - we can also say that the sexes cannot be divided simply into male or female. This perception and sometimes dogma is hard to break. Most often a shaman in the beginning of their journey will come across a spirit or guide that is ambiguous by nature which helps with their initiation into a train of thought that transcends the gender lines. Often times, but not always, in history shamans were bisexual and/or homosexual. This helps legitimize the fact that they were not trapped by gender and had reached a higher spiritual plane. Proving furthermore that they were shamans who could go between worlds and planes - to reach beyond to the spirit world.

According to the book Fire in the Head Shamanism and the Celtic Spirit by Tom Cowan, many Native American communities felt that transgender men were 'touched with some special magic, power, or wisdom that would be valuable to the community.' Their dreams and visions were encouraged and often they were elevated to a healer or spiritual leader status.

The same follows for lesbian shamans who have been found from the Artic Circle to the Amazon. They were recognized and celebrated as interpreters and 'go-betweens' for the Otherworld. Lesbian shamans were encouraged to dress like men and hunt. They were fierce warriors.

I find this topic extremely fascinating. At one point in time our ancestors celebrated our differences and furthermore valued these differences.

The Witches Cackle, The Non Wiccan Forum

I just started a new forum for NON WICCAN witches. I got tired of the way that forums operate, either not allowing you to post your views because you are "too witchy", not wiccan, or the moderators gang up on the members.This is different on my forum.

• Witches and Pagans of all walks of life are free to post just about anything, as long as it's not fluffy Wiccan topics.
• Moderators have the same code of rules as the members.
• We offer spells, charms, divination, witchy parenting, readings, Journals, politics, news, cooking, preparing herbs and potions, arts and crafts; you name it, we probably have it. If we don't, suggest it.
  

We just want the forums to be fun again, but at the same time be a learning experience for new commers of the craft as well as the well seasoned crafter.Come visit us. Introduce yourself. You won't be disappointed......

www.witchescackle.com