Arianrhod the Silver Wheel

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Introduction:

The Mabinogion is one of the most translated bodies of Cymric, (Welsh) myth. According to celt.org the Mabinogion is the pre-Christian Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs, and on early medieval historical traditions. While some details may hark back to older Iron Age traditions, each of these tales is the product of a highly developed Welsh narrative tradition, both oral and written. Lady Charlotte Guest first translated them into English in the mid 19th century

Notice that they are listed as a compendium of pre-and post Christian mythology. The sections that we are most interested in are the original Four Branches. These are most definitely of pre-Christian origin.

We meet Arianrhod ( ari – an- rod) in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion under questionable circumstances. After Gwydyon (ge-dee-on) and Gilvaethwy (gil-vay-tin) conspired to “take” Goewin, (and were punished most effectively – read the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion for more information) Arianrhod is brought to Math and requested to show her virgin nature by jumping over his Staff. This being done, two children came out of her. The first was Dylan, who became Lord of the Sea and the second, a small dark child, was spirited away by Gwydyon before any could see him.

Arianrhod returns to Caer Arianrhod, (The seat of Understanding) and Dylan passes out of the story. The second son is secreted away and later through a series of trials becomes Llew.

Each interaction between Arianrhod and Gwydyon and her son Llew gives an interesting insight.

The first thing to look at is that she first tells Gwydyon that he will have no other name than the one she gives him, no other armor than the armor she gives him, and no earthly bride. At first this seems a real short changing of a child that did nothing wrong accept to be born. This is not the case. In Iron Age cultures it was the role of the mother as the manifestation of the Mother Goddess to name and prepare their son for the future. Each child’s name was carefully chosen based upon the mother’s understanding intuitively of the child. The mother also gave armor, or “that which was necessary for a child to become a man or women”.

As to the last statement, no earthly bride, that is actually a prophecy that can be seen working out in the later part of the Fourth Branch, and will not be discussed in this article.

What significance does the child’s name Llew which means Sun King, (llew) also spelled Llew which actually means lion, a difference in pre and post Christian translations, have? Notice in the myth that Arianrhod is watching the disguised child and Gwydyon making shoes and the boy shooting a wren’s foot, which is a skill shot.

The wren is a bird of the Goddess Rhiannon (here-ree-an-non) and the Heroine Branwen (bran-win) and represents a Light from the Otherworld, or Celtic spirit realms. It is also the Celtic King of all Birds and was seen as the symbol of wit and keen insight. Like many other birds, the Wren was considered to be the messenger between the terrestrial world and the Otherworld.

According to the legend of the Wren, when all the birds competed for supremacy, the Wren answered the challenge of the Eagle: the one bird that flies closer to the Sun will be declared King of the Birds. When the Eagle could fly no higher, the Wren, that had taken shelter within the Eagle’s feathers, jumped up and flew an extra few inches higher, thus proclaiming itself King.

This is also giving us a hint for later in the Branch when Lug turns himself into an eagle.

So, we see that Llew “masters’ the king of birds and later becomes one.

The second action, “armor” is granted him only after Arianrhod is again seems to be tricked into giving it to him.

While a cursory reading of this branch shows that she seems to be easily fooled. In the next part we will take a look at other information on Arianrhod who after all is the Goddess of the Silver Wheel.

According to most sources, Arianrhod and her Silver Wheel is a common motif in Celtic mythology. It represents the wheel of the year and the wheel of birth and rebirth. It is my contention that to understand the behavior of this Goddess in the Mabinogion is to examine her Goddess form. Once one has completed this one can incorporate these lessons into one’s spiritual path the lesson and essence of the Silver Wheel.

Arachne and Lunar Astrology

One natural creature stands out as creator of a silver wheel: The Spider. Yes, this strange creature who is not an insect, with 8 legs and a unique ability to spin webs. Most of these webs are circular, and last for one night to trap its prey. As is nature’s way, the spider traps the insects, eats them, and uses the energy to create more spiders. Another wheel of life.

In astrology, there are actually 13 signs. There are the common 12 and the Sign of Arachne or Ophiuchus which is no longer used in the zodiac. Yet prior to the 5th century, (Anonymous 379) this constellation was used. The arcane knowledge indicates that individuals who were born under this star had a proclivity to be healer or scholars.

According to Patricia Crowther in her work, Covensense, recognition of this 13th zodiac sign is one of the special practices of the Craft of the Wise.

Arianrhod – The Goddess

She is the Goddess of the Silver Wheel, and her very name in Welsh is Silver (arian) wheel (rhod) .

Therefore, we can say that she IS the Silver Wheel. Other cultures represent the Silver Wheel as the Moon in its full stage. In Welsh traditions, she is the Goddess of the Otherworld tower of Initiation, (Caer Sidi) , where each bard went to learn the great wisdom, (understanding) and where the dead go between their incarnations. She is the Goddess of childbirth, the moon, fertility, and fate. For some Welsh family traditions, she is the full moon, and her home is Caer Arianrhod, the Corona Borealis, or Northern Lights.

What exactly is the significance of death and rebirth? We know in old Path beliefs and religions that have an agricultural root, that death and rebirth are related to the agricultural cycle. Each year, the earth “dies” (winter) , and is “reborn”, (spring) . Even in non-agricultural societies, new animals were born in the spring and summer months.

Therefore, she has become associated with the spider, the wheel of life, and the wheel of the year.

The Mabinogion and Silver Wheel Explained

Now let us return to the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion. Arianrhod, a “virgin”, gave birth to the twin sons, Llew, and Dylan. Dylan became the God of the Sea, and Llew, was burdened with a taboo, from Arianrhod to never have a name, armor, or wife of earthly kind. Using our understanding of the Silver Wheel, let us examine this myth.

At first, Arianrhod said she was a virgin. What exactly IS a ‘virgin’?

Judeo Christian theology would have us believe that it is a woman who never had sex. However, according to dictionary.com it can also be said that a virgin is an unmarried girl or woman or saint.

What is a ‘saint’? Again from the same source a saint is a person of great holiness, virtue, or benevolence. So, putting both of these together we get a new definition of a virgin.

A virgin is an unmarried female who shows great holiness, virtue and benevolence. Sounds like a good definition of a Goddess to me.

When Math used his magick and the two children appeared from Arianrhod, it shows that he impinged upon her honor. She was rightly upset, as she WAS unmarried. Math for his part, devoted Dylan to the Goddess and the God, and he, (Dylan) , became a God himself. As to the second, dark, small, son, he was spirited away and neither Math, nor Arianrhod had an opportunity to see or name him.

We do see that Arianrhod, (who had no intention of acknowledging this son) , can be associated very easily as the Goddess of Childbirth and Fertility.

Next, as she is “tricked” into giving her unacknowledged son, a name, and armor, it is not unexpected that she would be associated with fate as well. Again, let us examine the definition of the word fate.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ‘fate’ is defined as the will or principle or determining cause by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do. Remember that the last taboo from Arianrhod was that her son Llew would have no earthly bride.

Math and Gwydion made him a wife out of flowers. This wife purportedly betrays her husband (a later article) , which leads to an entire series of events resulting in the symbolic death and rebirth of her son. Therefore, we see that Arianrhod is related to death and rebirth as well.

Lastly, we need to examine how she comes to be the Goddess of Bards, or true knowledge. For this we only need to objectively examine the entire story. She grants this knowledge to her son with each of her actions as discussed above. She gives him a name, and armor, and indirectly, all participants learn a valuable lesson in the later events. Truly, Llew ends up without an earthly wife, while becoming a true warrior of spirit.

Therefore, it is fitting that Arianrhod the Silver Wheel, is the Goddess of death, rebirth, childbirth, and bardic knowledge.

For more information on Arianrhod click here to obtain my book

Manifesting True Desires: Learning from Arianrhod and the Tree of Life

Mantras How and Why they Work

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Mantras work. They work because they utilize several aspects of the physical and metaphysical world. These aspects have been used within the Hindu structure (though this is not what they call themselves) , for well over 3000 years. As always when East meets West, there have been scoffers, disbelievers, and outrage from traditional western medical, ethical, and religious sources.

On the other hand, many individuals who classify themselves as, esoteric, metaphysical, Wiccan, and eclectic find that mantras work well for them as tools to become more centered, balanced, and to reach the altered state of consciousness that is indicative of connection with Higher Power, Inner Power, Nature, or Deity.

This article examines the how and why. At the end of this article are several mantras that you can try for yourself.

The Basics

According to Webster-Merriam Dictionary, the most basic one is Aum, which in Hinduism is known as the “pranava mantra, ” the source of all mantras. The Hindu philosophy behind this is the idea of nama-rupa (name-form) , which supposes that all things, ideas or entities in existence, within the phenomenological cosmos, have name and form of some sort. The most basic name and form is the primordial vibration of Aum, as it is the first manifested nama-rupa of Brahman, the unmanifest reality/unreality. Essentially, before existence and beyond existence is only One reality, Brahman, and the first manifestation of Brahman in existence is Aum. For this reason, Aum is considered to be the most fundamental and powerful word, and thus is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu prayers. While some may invoke individual Gods or principles, the most fundamental, like ‘Aum, ‘ the ‘Shanti, ‘ the ‘Gayatri’ and others all ultimately focus on the One reality.

According to this tradition, the highest source (para) brought the world into being through the Word (Shabda) . This is the same concept in the Judeo-Christian Bible, which states that the creator breathed the WORD, and the universe came into being. Hinduism states that the word is ongoing and that the entire universe consists of vibrations at various frequencies and amplitudes giving rise to the phenomena of the world. The purest vibrations are the var.na, the imperishable letters that are revealed to us, imperfectly as the audible sounds and visible forms.

Again from the above cited article:

Varnas are the atoms of sound. A complex symbolic association was built up between letters and the elements, gods, signs of the zodiac, parts of the body — letters became rich in these associations. For example in the Aitrareya-aranya-Upanishad we find:

“The mute consonants represent the earth, the sibilants the sky, the vowels heaven. The mute consonants represent fire, the sibilants air, the vowels the sun? The mute consonants represent the eye, the sibilants the ear, the vowels the mind”

In the Judeo-Christian structure, the “Loshon HaKodesh”, or language of God, Ancient Hebrew, each letter represents energy intelligence. These energy intelligences can be utilized and drawn down by the appropriate mind set, intonation, and connection with the divine, or God. Each letter represents, an element, aspect of God, and part of the body, just like the Var.nas.

Types

There are three types of Mantras:

* Prayer. A way of communing with the Highest Source.

* Guru. Represents the essence of prayer, and anchors us in Highest Source, the Atma and the Supreme Self.

* Bija. Represents the essence of the Guru Mantra. It is the vibration and the “call” of the soul. Its effects develop more readily in deep meditation.

Components

They always include the following components:

* The word Aum; this is the first sound of creation.

* They are written in Sanskrit, one of the earliest languages.

* They awaken the Chakras.

How

Choose carefully. Know what you desire and find one that works for this desire. There is one that I suggest that will assist with all of your deepest desires. This is the Gayatri. This mantra is called the “mother of mantras” because it speaks to the unification of the person with the divine. Here is the (short) text.

Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam.Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.

In English:

O Supreme Creator, Thou art the giver of life, the remover of pain and sorrow and the bestower of happiness; O Creator of the Universe, may we receive Thy supreme disconnection-destroying light; may Thou guide our intellect in the direction of enlightenment.

Gayatri is the mother of the universe, the Shakti itself. There is nothing She cannot do. Her mantra purifies the mind, destroys pain, sin and ignorance, brings liberation, and bestows health, beauty, strength, vitality, power intelligence and magnetic aura. Mahatma Gandhi believed that It protects both your body as well as soul.

In order for a mantra to work, one needs to internalize the mantra. According to Hinduism there are five stages to this internalization. They are:

* Likhita – through writing

* Vaikhari – through speaking

* Upamshu – through whispering

* Manasa – through thinking

* Ajapa – through uninterrupted inner repetition

Notice that just saying it over and over again, (Ajapa) is not sufficient. I have found that for individuals who I have worked with, and who do not wish to take the time to learn Sanskrit, that stages 2 through 5 are sufficient to obtain the desired results.

Once you have chosen, say it (Ajapa) at least 27 times a day. Many people, (myself included) have a circle of prayer beads, (Yes, this is like the rosary that our Catholic brothers and sisters use) to help keep count. This way one is not consciously counting and upon reaching the first bead again, one knows one is finished.

Why

Each individual in the creation, whether 2-footed, 4-footed, scaly, crawly, furred, or finned has some ability to make sound, and as stated above sound is the essence of the creation. The continuous practice of mantra purifies the Consciousness and the mind.

According to Metaphysics, the God/Buddha/Christ/Goddess/Universal consciousness resides in part within each of us. Therefore, our affinity for SOUND as a tool for relaxation, meditation, and connection with everything is part of our essence.

Sounds, or mantras, play an important role in establishing the positive vibrations within oneself in order to manifest and attract that which we desire. While I do not prescribe to the western prevalence of “money” spells or incantations, I do prescribe to the essential character of vibrating positively one’s desires to obtain peace, prosperity, relationships, and connection to divine in all its manifestations.

A further word about “money” or “love” spells or manifestations: These are very small and self-serving desires. One must be careful on the intent of what one is doing. Think about the “used car salesperson” who exudes an energy/vibration of ‘buy now’. It is not a pleasant experience. The same goes for “love”. Just be a good-looking person in a bar one night and someone with an uncomfortable energy will approach. See how that feels.

However, prosperity and connection manifestation work WITH the essence of the Universal Consciousness and brings about the desired results while taking into account the desires of the other individual.

Conclusion

The mantra is a prayer; it is a way to connect our desires to the Universe in an appropriate way utilizing the essential Agape, (Unconditional Love) , that was used to create the Universe. It is our highest, most deeply rooted desire: to be one with all of creation.

Listen to mantras. You can find them on the net easily. See which one resonates the most with you and choose that one. Once you have chosen, find a good translation and say it in the original language several times (preferably 27 x) a day. That’s empowerment to you. I recommend that you start with the ‘Gayatri’ mantra.

And have FUN! Why do anything if you aren’t enjoying yourself?

In Memorial – Ryver KayLynn Ryelie Angell Rest in Peace dear Child

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For You Ryver Kaylnn Ryelie Angell In Memorial, I never met you but I feel close to you. I know your Grandmother Erica and have laughed and cried with her over your amazing life. Though it was short, your perseverance, your smile, the love for your entire family has been an inspiration to hundreds.

 

Please give generously below to help the family.

100 % of these funds will go the Rhiannon, Drew, and Akiva to help them in this difficult time




 

I have felt you through remembering your life when I felt most down on myself and the world around me. You have been part of my strength to carry on with my own life as I watched your poise and joy through pictures as you battled with humility, grace, and power the Big C that you fought.

I know the amazing strength you gave your grandmother through personal interaction and with the rest of your family through listening, feeling, and watching from afar.

Rest well dear little inspiration, my hearts desire is that you remain a light in the darkness for us all!

May one day I be fortunate enough to meet you in person in the Otherworld.

Rest in Peace and Love and Light

Blessed Be

Please give generously below to help the family.

100 % of these funds will go the Rhiannon, Drew, and Akiva to help them in this difficult time




The Warrior Goddess and You

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The Warrior Goddess and you. What can it be?
Every person is a Warrior. I do not mean a soldier. I mean a warrior. Yes, there is a difference. In my course  The Warrior Within students learn the difference. Every culture has a Warrior Goddess dispite that in some cultures she has fallen out of favor. Let’s examine some of them. Greek Culture has Artemis, strong, determined, and full of her own balance and sense of duty. She is the daugter of Zeus and Leto. She is the goddess of the Amazon, female warriors who according to myth fought and protected their land in the area between Sarmatia and Scythia.In Roman times Boudicia  of eastern Britian was a war chief who ruled her kingdom in peace and prosperity despite Roman incursions on the land. In Yoruba culture there is the great Warrior Goddess Oya who is the Undergoddess of the Niger River. She is the warrior spirit of the wind, lightning, fertility, fire and magic. It is believed that she creates hurricanes and tornadoes, and serves as guardian of the underworld. In Meso-America there is Itzpapalotl is a fearsome skeletal warrior goddess who ruled over the paradise world of Tamoanchan. In the old testament there is Deborah the Judge who became the last judge of the Hebrew nation after defending the 12 tribes from Sisera and the Canaanite army. She ruled her people for over 40 years after this defeat.
Each of these individuals stood as true warriors for their people whether they were/are deific manifestations based on actual individuals or not. As I have spent time with my own personal deities I have found that the Warrior Goddess comes to me when I truly need it. A Warrior is “One Who Struggles“ In this case each of us is a warrior. She/He is NOT one who seeks conflict. A soldier in our 21st century world is NOT a warrior. A warrior is “one who struggles”. This definition includes everything in creation. Water struggles against earth, Earth struggles against fire, Fire struggles against earth and water. The struggle is not bad or good it simply is. Struggle is the way to seek the balance between the parties. Look at the Grand Canyon, the water (river) struggles to get to the sea. The land is in the way, so it carves a path over time that allows both the land and the river to coexist. The beauty of the Grand Canyon is that the balance is breathtaking. A huge pathway carved out by the river as it struggled to reach the place it desired to be. It wasn’t always as pretty and balanced as it is now, yet it did get there.

You have experienced life. It doesn’t mean that you are of a certain age only that you have experienced life. It is expected that you have made mistakes, dealt with the ramifications of those  mistakes and will probably make many more. We also expect that you
have come to some kind of accommodation with  them and are looking first and foremost to heal yourself. These experiences are where one draws their strength and where
their empathetic skills are born. You may also have had a life altering experience like the “Little Death” or a significant out of body experience. Your path has been a little bit
of a battlefield. Welcome to the “club” – know you are not alone.

Some of the indigenous people of this country understand this principle. For years the buffalo roamed the great plains of the United States. The native peoples hunted the buffalo for food, clothing, tools, and other supplies. They didn’t kill thousands for their hides and let
the meat rot. They honored their fallen 4 footed allies and utilized everything. They prayed to the spirit of the buffalo and took only what they needed. Never taking more and the meat was always plentiful. Our western hyper consumer society has disrupted the balance. Each person is charged to help restore that balance or risk the proverbial wrath of the Universe.


What are the Traits of the Warrior?


A warrior first and formost sees the truth of themselves, they take responsibilities for their own actions, recognize the truth of things about themseves and others, they practice self disipline, they view every situation in balance, develop analysis without emotion,they develop a strong sense of defense of their own boundaries, take resposibility for their OWN actions and accept the consequences of their OWN choices.

Speaking with the Warrior Goddess

There are many ways to tap into your own personal warrior goddess, whether you have met her or not she is always with you. She is that part of yourself that comes out when your beliefs, actions, and plans are challenged, it is how one manifests her that is different. Meditation is one way to tap into her. Another is to perform a simple ritual to the Warrior Goddess for yourself. Here is one that I have found useful across many different paths.

Supplies needed:

A gold or yellow candle

A pentagram or other representation of spirit for yourself

Agrimony, Angelica, Basil, and Rue in the following proportions as an incense

    1 quarter part Agrimony

    1 quarter part Angelica

    1 half part Basil

    1 part Rue

A representation of yourself as a Warrior

Paper with your intent to speak with the Warrior Goddess

The Working:

Prepare yourself as you normally would for any magical working

Cast your circle

Light the candle

Light the Incense

Clear your mind and holding the paper with your intent say 3 times

Goddess strong and Goddess protector

Hear my call and heed my plea

Join me Warrior Spirit mine

Help me see my inner path

Goddess Stong and Goddess Protector

Wait to hear/see the Warrior Goddess

Ask her ” How Shall I Call You”

Listen to what she tells you

When you are finished, thank her for speaking with you and ask if you macall on her again.

Extinguish the candle

write everything down you remember

close circle and leave paper on altar for at least 28 days.

There are many other ways to speak with the Warrior Goddess, in some instances it is difficult to reach her yourself. Speak with your teacher, High Priestess, or other Elder to see if they canhelp you tap this wonderful energy. If you do not have an elder or High Priestess to speak with then feel free to contact me by clicking on the button below. I am honored to serve you in anyway I can.

Bright Blessing,
Alfred Willowhawk




A White Stag Sighted – SO What?

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A white stag has been recently sighted and photographed in Scotland. These creatures are potent, magical figures, closely associated with unicorns. All Celts considered them to be
messengers from the other world. It is also considered to represent the quest for spiritual knowledge. The stag itself is a representation of the god Cernunnos and purification.

The white stag in Celtic myth is an indicator that the Otherworld is near and serves as a reminder that we are in a time of purification and renewal. It is interesting to note that the appearance of any white creature is an indication of entry into the Otherworld. As is indicated in the first branch of the Mabinogion where Pwyll entered the grove in Arawn’s hunting ground that serves as the basis for the continuing relationship between the Celts and the God of the Otherworld (Arawn) to this day. This stag had a white body with red ears–the typical colors of otherworld creatures including the hounds of Arawn.

White is the color of purity and otherworld being. The video shows that the stag is with other normal colored stags showing us that we need to be in harmony with our Mother’s Earth and all of creation. It also serves as a warning to us that we are rapidly transgressing her desires for both us and the planet.

The White Stag is also the heraldic standard of Henry II. According to Encyclopedia Britannica Henry II was:

… first of the Angevin kings, was one of the most effective of all England’s monarchs. He came to the throne amid the anarchy of Stephen’s reign and promptly collared his errant barons. He refined Norman government and created a capable, self-standing bureaucracy. His energy was equaled only by his ambition and intelligence. Henry survived wars, rebellion, and controversy to successfully rule one of the Middle Ages’ most powerful kingdoms.

While it may be doubtable that to the residents of Scotland and Ireland that Henry was a great king he did bring order and peace, although on his own terms, to this area of the current United Kingdom. His use of the White Stag as his standard and the appearance of the White Stag today should serve as a reminder of the times.

As we struggle through wars, religious intolerance, and imperial subjegation of indiginous peoples let us take a lesson from Pwyll. One must learn to be tolerant, respectful, and honorable to receive the blessings of the Otherworld. This is our warning to come together in a community that represents and fosters the love that we profess. We need to stop the tyranny of the few in a peaceful and respectful manner and stop imposing our will on any other group of people. Our proclivity to see the worst in our fellow people shows that the warning of the White Stag is apt. The Otherworld is a place of trust and truth – let us emulate this on our planet.

May we turn and seek the blessings that it represents and return with honor and respect to each other and our world.

Swine, the gift of the Gods

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Mythology is fascinated with the swine. This rather interesting creature has been an obsession across all cultures for most of recorded and pre-recorded history. Today, in the USA it is called “the other white meat,” used as an advertising tool to have citizens of the US eat more pork. The great US breakfast of bacon and eggs is the staple of many individuals daily. As the USA was settled by the British, Welsh, Scottish and Irish immigrants it is not surprising that they brought their political, spiritual, economic, and dietary framework with them.

A look at the mythos of the pig shows connections in Nepalese culture, (Goddess Varahi), Tibetan Buddhism (Vajra Yogini), Hinduism, (Vajrabarahi), Egypt, (Nut), and in Classical Greek, the goddess Demeter holds these creatures sacred. In the British Isles there is much discussion on the pig as a sacred animal.

In the fourth branch of the Mabinogion, (a compendium of Welsh Myths), Math’s two nephews Gwydion and Gilvaethwy when first seeing these wondrous creatures are reported to have said:

“I have heard that there have come to the South some beasts, such as were never known in this island before.” “What are they called?” he asked. “Pigs, lord.” “And what kind of animals are they?” “They are small animals, and their flesh is better than the flesh of oxen.” “They are small, then?” “And they change their names. Swine are they now called.” “Who owneth them?” “Pryderi the son of Pwyll; they were sent him from Annwvyn, by Arawn the king of Annwvyn, and still they keep that name, half hog, half pig.”

Later these two nephews use the refusal of Pryderi son of Pwyll and their subsequent theft of these creatures to start a war between Pryderi and Math so as to “steal” the maiden Goewin from Math, their Uncle.

In other mythos of the Isles we see that the Celtic Mother goddess Ceridwin, who was associated with the moon, was referred to as the Old White Sow. The Celts were also among those who considered the flesh of swine the most suitable meal for the gods even after the Old Mythology was diminished into tales of the Otherworld. It was also said that Manannan, god of the sea, had magic pigs which though eaten one day, returned the next to be eaten again.

The earliest silver coin of the Corieltauvi (Coritani) in Britain, and is derived from a Roman Republican coin of Hosidius depicting the slaying of the Calydonian boar. Second only to the horse, the boar (the male pig) occupies a prominent position in Celtic iconography, and like the horse, it is on Celtic coins that we most frequently encounter him. The earliest silver coin of the Corieltauvi (Coritani) in Britain is derived from a Roman Republican coin of Hosidius depicting the slaying of the Calydonian boar.

It is important to realize that the Celts were familiar with Roman and Greek myths, and did discuss their own interpretations of them. The copying of a Roman coin type was not a haphazard incident and would not have been done unless it had some relevance to the Celtic ethos.
To find the relevant Celtic content, we must look to the Irish myths that were part of an oral tradition reaching back into antiquity from the medieval period in which they were finally penned. In the myth “Diarmait and the Boar of Benn Gulbain” we find that Finn MacCool uses magic to bring and change his recently murdered son into a black boar and later the king Aengus places a taboo on Diarmait. Suffice it to say that both the boar and Diarmait die in a later battle with each other.
An interesting association of a cross with a boar is provided by a coin of the Aulerci Eburovices, here, a wreath, or ear of grain pattern is intersected by a line terminating in a crescent. This pattern is seen on many Celtic coins, and may be most familiar on the Gallo-Belgic gold staters and their British derivatives. On this coin, however, the crescent is surmounted by a boar, its hind legs standing on a second crescent. At the intersection of both crescents and the boar’s legs, there is a circle.
The association between the cross and the boar is clear on an unattributed Armorican coin, on this coin the figure of the boar forms the bar of a cross. The boar is impaled thus, a cross is formed, and each limb is a season.
The cross is a universal symbol. Meanings of this symbol contain “fourness”: the four seasons; winds; elements, and the cardinal points, and also by extension: the centre; the omphalos; wholeness; continuation; addition, and resurrection. It may have a variety of forms including a plus sign, an “X” or a swastika.
Being associated with the boar by its position on these coins, we can say that the cross indicates the portal between this world and the underworld, or the yearly cycles of the sun.
So to all those pig keepers out there. You are the venerable practitioners of a noble profession. You are the herders of the most sacred and Otherworldly gift to humankind.

Spiritual Coaching an alternative to traditional therapy

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When is it appropriate to utilize a Spiritual Coach versus a traditional counselor? Frankly, what is the difference?

To start a Spiritual Coach can be defined as an individual who works within a particular framework to assist an individual overcome difficulties that prohibit them from leading a full life.

A situation develops in that a PSYCHOTHERAPIST, as defined by Wikipedia is one who aids a client in problems of living. It aims to increase the individual’s sense of well-being and reduce their subjective sense of discomfort. They employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change and that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family). Psychotherapy may be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, counselors, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists.

Notice the similarity? Both aid their clients in “increasing” their sense of well-being. How is an individual to choose between the two?

True, there are times that a psychotherapist is more appropriate than a spiritual coach as they are not a replacement for appropriate psychological counseling.

However, when appropriate, a coach can accomplish the same benefit as a psychologist. They use similar techniques including, Cognitive Behavior therapy, experiential relationship building, family therapy, and much more. So, this begs the question, what is the difference?

He/She utilizes techniques, and validates and works within the clients particular non-secular framework. This begins to sound more like a member of the clergy. In fact, the spiritual coach, can with appropriate training, actually become a spiritual counselor, or minister. Most ministers, have received some training in the particular nuances of their particular religious or spiritual path as it relates to the overall well being of their clients.

A LICENSED coach, goes through the same training that many ministers do to be able to hang out their shingle. Many organizations offer Spiritual Coaching licensing.

One important difference appears between them. They are trained to FACILITATE the growth of the individual within the CLIENT’s particular framework. Where a psychologist may negate religion or spirituality, the coach will work within that framework.

In my own practice I have worked with Christians, Hindus, Jews, Wiccans, Heathens, and even athiests, (or so they thought at first). There are several things to remember when deciding to contact a Coach.

First, is your difficulty based on a “Crisis in Faith”. If it is, then this is the best choice. Search out a coach who has a broad understanding of the “truths” of various paths and agrees that they are all valid. It the individual you are working with has a proclivity to demonstrate that their particular path is better than the others, then you had best have the same viewpoint or you are preparing for a disaster.

Second, is your difficulty based upon a relationship issue that you just can’t seem to get past? Are you repeating mistakes even though you have spent time and money on techniques and therapies that do not seem to cut to the chase of the issue?

Third, is the difficulty based upon a feeling of “karma” or past life issue that you just can not seem to get over?

All of these show that the Spiritual Coach is best for you. they use a variety of techniques akin to the Shaman that will facilitate your growth.

Soul Retrieval, Soul Clearing, past life regression, re-birthing, chakra clearing, drumming, are just a few techniques that a spiritual coach will use to assist a client.

Love of Self The Hardest Thing to Do

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What IS Love?

Throughout human history, this has been one of the most talked about definitions, from poets, philosophers, clergy, psychologists, coaches,and just plain folk. How can a word that is utilized so often in human society have so many definitions?

Just a cursory look through the Internet we find thousands of definitions. Here are just a few.

1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a
parent, child, or friend.
3. sexual passion or desire.
4. a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
5. (used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the
like): Would you like to see a movie, love?
6. a love affair; an intensely amorous incident; amour.
7. sexual intercourse; copulation.
8. a warm relationship with another individual or deity

Notice, that each of these definitions speak of the same word and yet have very different meanings.

In my work as a Spiritual Counselor I see that while many individuals seem to be seeking love, yet when asked to define it, have difficulty. We can see from above that it can be simply sex, or a “profoundly tender affection”.

I contend that all these definitions are great but are missing the cornerstone or root of love. Each of these are directed outward, what about “self-love”?

Go ahead, write your own definition of Love. Find 4 keywords, that encompass Love for you. Here is my own definition.

a. Knowledge = knowing everything I can about another individual, their feelings, strengths, weaknesses, fobilies.
b. Wisdom = Being able to speak with another individual and the limits they themselves have placed upon relationships.
c. Understanding = A knowingness of another person, being of like mind, acceptance.
d. Comfort = Being able to be in the presence of another without speaking, just being around them is OK.

To sum these up, Love is a relationship.

Many individuals have difficulty with being able to demonstrate love. I contend that these individuals have an issue with SELF Love. If one does not love oneself, then one can not love another. Love of self is NOT narcissism, nor is it self deception, nor is it ego-centricity. It is one of the most important characteristics of a healthy, well adjusted, (as self defined), life. In my course ” The Warrior Within”, we discuss the nature of the three bodies, Higher, Emotional/Logical, and Physical. When each of these bodies work in tandem in a cooperative manner they bring about a satisfied, content individual.

Furthermore, I contend that everyone already loves themselves, to some degree. Using the keywords above for the most part, satisfied, loving individuals can truthfully say that with respect to the four statements above, they are OK with themselves.

This is the root of everything, with regards to love. If an individual has difficulty loving themselves, then they are only deluding themselves that they love another, whether it is a Higher Power, another individual, or even nature.

Try an experiment, look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? If you see things you do not like, go ahead COMMIT to CHANGE them. Afterall, you are in control of yourself, take the steps necessary. If you can not think of what they are, contact someone, (hmm, shameful plug here – me) and get the help you need to love yourself.

Once you love yourself, you can love another.

A word about sex. Sex, can be the physical manifestation of LOVE. In our current society, we have cheapened sex. The sexual/sensual relationship between individuals, whether they are same gendered or opposite gendered can be a beautiful manifestation of love. The “afterglow” of such sex can be one of the most beautiful things to experience.

Love itself is NOT just sex. After all, all the religions of the world say that LOVE is the root of relationship with the chosen deity. I do not think that the deity wants to have sex with each of it’s followers. A mother does not want to have sex with their child. Yet, there is LOVE.

Find your definition, love yourself, and you will find that your relationship with the Divine, yourself, and others more enriched and fulfilling than anything else in this world.

What is a shaman?

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What IS a Shaman?

GO ahead, answer the question for yourself. Is it a individual who lives in the woods, eating berries, nuts, fruit and mushrooms with bad hygiene? Is it a person who spends years living in a jungle somewhere that people fear muttering questionable words to themself while dancing to a tune that only is heard by the person dancing? Is it an individual who spends years eating strange and potentially harmful plants? Is it an individual who talks about relationship to all things that you bring into your house when every other method of help is tried and failed?

In one sense it is can be all these things. A shaman is a “Wounded Healer”. It is a person who has lived life a little, been scarred, fell down, stood up and kept going. These individuals have been called many things, witch, healer, medicine man, priest, and witch doctor. It is a special personality type as well.

The personality of a shaman looks from the outside to some as a “show off”, a flim flam man, and fakir. To others they look like gurus, god like individuals, special people. All and none of this is true.

Witch

A witch is actually the western European version of a shaman. It is an individual who feels connection with the elements, the plants, animals, and people around them. It takes work, study, mentoring, and finding ways to integrate oneself into the world as they perceive it. To become at one with the world they perceive around them. These individuals are easy to find, even if they do not acknowledge themselves as witches. A witch does not have to be Wiccan. They may be an individual who is really good with plants. The person who seems to not only have a green thumb but a whole green body! The individual who every animal in the neighborhood loves is a witch. The person who can sit for hours just looking at the sky and watch the birds and seems to have an affinity for wild things is a witch. It is important not to confuse the political reality of Wicca the Religion with being a witch.

Healer

The healer is an individual who can be a doctor, nurse, EMT, first responder, massage therapist, acupuncturist, reflexologist, CTH practitioner, Reiki practitioner, or any other individual who helps others to feel better in different situations. Chiropractic, massage, Reiki and other previously alternative healing disciplines are beginning to be recognized by established medical healers. If an individual questions a doctor or any other healer person, the answer will be the same. The individual started on their path with a desire to help others.

Medicine Man

In the west, particularly North America the medicine man is perceived as an individual of some tribal group who has been somehow tapped to be part of a group of individuals who are responsible for the spiritual guidance of their communities. They also handle some medical issues. Some use herbs and plants, others do “spiritual” healings. The spiritual healings look silly to some westerners but seem to work for the patient. There seems to be a sense of awe and respect tinged with a little fear when the medicine man/woman is doing their work in the community.

Priest/Priestess

These individuals spend most of their time working on the “spiritual” wellbeing of their chosen “congregation”. It is unfortunate that the few individuals that seem to have abused the “power” that is utilized for license to do things that are, according to the society that the individual is a part of, consider wrong. This situation does not change the fact that a priest or priestess tends a “flock” of some sort. In the western religious structure they may be part of a fellowship or church, and in Wicca they may be part of a church or coven. Some of these individuals specialize in helping people at different levels In the community. In fact, there are hierarchical titles that are associated with each of the areas of specialization. There are priests, bishops, monsignors, cardnals, arch priests, arch priestesses, high priests/priestesses. elders, sages, crones, mage, preacher, and many other positions tat are filled by these individuals. In all cases these act as labels for people in the community to understand what the area of expertise is for the individual.

Witch Doctor

This term was coined in the 17th century as European naturalists and later anthropologists came in contact with indigenous peoples in Africa and North America. It was used as a negative term that represented the shamans and medicine people of those purportedly illiterate societies. It shows the particular cultural and racial values of the individuals who came in contact with them. It is enough to say here that this type of individual was responsible for both the spiritual and physical health of the society.

Individuals who become shamans

NO one wakes up one morning and says I am going to be a shaman. It is a very difficult path to follow. It requires a mentor who first must recognize that you are an individual who has the temperament, and ability to learn the necessary skills. IT takes years to become a shaman, in my own life it took over 10 years to even be considered on a shamanic path. Yes, I had several experiences that led me down the path, but it took years to recognize myself as a shaman and to have others begin to utilize the term. I did nt introduce myself to some by saying Hi I am a shaman. It was the walking of the path and learning to see the world in the manner of a shaman that led to the service that is shaman.

Most of all a shaman is a calling. Something happens to the individual that changes their perspective and helps them hear some kind of message that says, “Hey You, yea I am talking to You, walk this way” this call comes from inside and outside all at once. It is the feeling that you are doing exactly what you are made to do at exactly the right time and place. This is the call of the shaman. Every individual that I am in contact with that is a shaman says the same thing, I did not want to be a shaman it brought me to the place that I could be nothing BUT a shaman.

Dream Herb Shaman Medicine – A Discussion

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Dream Herb Shaman Medicine – A Discussion

Dream Herb as shaman medicine is one of many ethno – biologicals that are used by shamans in most parts of the world. While this is a common name for the herb, there are at least four distinct plants that are considered Dream Herb. These are Calea Zacatehichi, Valerian seeds, African Dream Root, and Entada rheedi. One more plant Salvia though not used as a dream herb, also produces the active ingredient a crystalline alkaloid C21H26O8.

According to Wikipedia the definition of this plant Calea Zacatehichi, is also known as Cheech, and Bitter Grass. It is a plant used by the indigenous Chontal of the Mexican state of Oaxaca for oneiromancy (a form of divination based on dreams.) The plant naturally occurs from southern Mexico to northern Costa Rica. It has been scientifically demonstrated that extracts of this plant increase reaction times and the frequency and/or recollection of dreams versus placebo and diazepam. It is also employed by the Chontal people as a medicinal herb against gastrointestinal disorders, and is used as an appetizer, cathartic anti-dysentery remedy, and as a fever-reducing agent.

According to Chontal medicine men, this plant is capable of “clarifying the senses”, and call it the “leaf of God”. They utilize it in several diferent ways, one is to smoke it and drink it as a tea, and the other is to place it under their pillow before going to sleep and receive answers to the question they are seeking an answer to will come in a dream.

Traditional medical uses include , treating gastrointestinal disorders, and is used as an appetizer, cathartic anti-dysentery remedy, and as a fever-reducing agent.

In controlled experiments this herb has in fact to been found to increase the superficial stages of sleep and the number of spontaneous awakenings. The subjective reports of dreams were significantly higher than both placebo and diazepam, indicating an increase in hypnagogic imagery occurring during superficial sleep stages. A collection of interviews and written reports concerning the psychotropic effects of these preparations on 12 volunteers has been published. Free reports and direct questioning disclosed a discrete enhancement of all sensorial perceptions, an increase in imagery, mind thought discontinuity, void flux of ideas, and difficulties in retrieval. These effects were followed by somnolence and a short sleep during which lively dreams were reported by the majority of the volunteers.

There is also reported a feeling of well-being is said to persist for a day or more with no unpleasant side effects. Leaves show some experimental antiatherogenic and CNS depression activity and the plant contains 0.01% of a crystalline alkaloid, C21H26O8. This alkaloid is the same one found in Salvia.
Shaman Medicine with Dream Herb
Whenever it is desired to know the cause of an illness of the location of a distant or lost person, dry leaves of the plant are smoked, drunk and put under the pillow before going to sleep. Reportedly, the answer to the question comes in a dream. The human dose for divinatory purposes is a handful of the dried plant.

According to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology 18 (1986) 229-243. Concerning the psychotropic effects of these preparations this study reports utilizing direct questioning disclosed a discrete enhancement of all sensorial perceptions, an increase in imagery, mind thought discontinuity, void flux of ideas, and difficulties in retrieval. These effects were followed by somnolence and a short sleep during which lively dreams were reported by the majority of the volunteers.

These results show that zacatechichi administrations appears to enhance the number and/or recollection of dreams during sleeping periods. The data are in agreement with the oneirogenic reputation of the plant among the Chontal Indians. all this suggests that Calea zacatechichi induces episodes of lively hypnagogic imagery during SWS stage 1 of sleep, a psychophysiological effect that would be the basis of the ethnobotanical use of the plant as an oneirogenic and oneiromantic agent.

This means that Dream Herb when utilized by individuals who are experienced in the changes in perception of reality, like shamans, it is very useful.

Shamans across the world use a variety of substances and techniques to enhance their ability to see more than the physical reality. After they find the non physical cause of a particular ailment they can remove it or assist the individual in removing it themselves.

Therefore, Shamans, who utilize these herbs as shaman medicine, is a very potent way to help individuals who are suffering from a large number of maladies to become well.

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