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Lore of the Runes What we now know as the runic alphabet seems to have developed from two distinct sources – one magical, one literate. Pre-runic symbols, or hällristningar, have been found in various Bronze Age rock carvings, primarily in Sweden. Some of these symbols are readily identifiable in the later alphabets, while others represent ideas and concepts which were incorporated into the names of the runes (sun, horse, etc.). The exact meanings of these sigils is now lost to us, as is their original purpose, but they are believed to have been used for divination or lot-casting, and it is fairly certain that they contributed to the magical function…

The Magician (1) “Action is the product of the qualities inherent in Nature.” ~Bhagavad Gita Image Description: The Rider-Waite deck portrays a magus dressed in flowing robes. Belted around his waist is a serpent swallowing its own tail; floating above his head is the symbol of infinity. On a table before him lie the tools of his trade — a chalice, pentacle, staff, and sword (the four suits of the Tarot). One arm is lifted to the heavens and the other is lowered, finger pointing toward the earth. In his raised hand he holds a wand. Symbols: One Arm Raised & One Arm Lowered : Drawing energy into yourself and…

Positive Self Image Before you can really learn anything about improving yourself, you have to truly believe that you can do it. Every time the words “I can’t” or “that’s impossible” enter into your vocabulary, you are setting yourself up for failure. Even worse, I have discovered, are the words “I’m trying”. It is ok to try in the original sense of the word… for instance, you can try food to see what it tastes like, but in the end there is either “I like it” or “I don’t like it”. In the sense of trying to do something, still, in the end, there is either “I did it” or…

Later this month, on July 22nd, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene. In honor of what I like to think of as her “birthday”, this month’s column is devoted to her. What we know about MM comes primarily from three sources: the Bible, the Gnostic texts, and legends. Let’s start with what the Bible says about her. Actually, let’s start with what the Bible DOESN’T say about her. No where, absolutely no where does the Bible state that MM was a prostitute. As a former Bible quotin’, Bible totin’, Bible knowin’ fundie, when I first heard this (courtesy of Margaret Starbird) I thought, “Somebody’s obviously not…

Since the earliest times, people strived to find a convenient way of classifying the archetypal energies in the universe. Many priests and scholars came to the realization that the best way to do so, was through the symbolic language of numbers. The Mayans, the Egyptians and the Babylonians, The Vikings and the Celts, the Greeks and the Jews were some of the few nations in different corners of the world who developed a numerological system of their own, with their own ideas of numbers. However, most of this knowledge vanished with the destruction of the major libraries in the ancient world. The two major branches of numerology we know today…

There are many different ways of protecting and shielding. I am not sure that anyone else will wish to discuss or open up about how they shield or protect themselves. Personally , I don’t wish to tell anyone *everything* about how I accomplish this. So , I certainly don’t expect anyone else to. I hope that no one takes offense to that , its just a personal decision. I feel that if I just blatantly tell everyone how I shield myself , I am opening myself up for any person to figure out how to "attack" or "break through" my shields if they so chose to. I am in no…

I have been noticing a dangerous trend in the general pagan and Wiccan communities of late. And it is one that seriously needs to be addressed. When I became truly active in the pagan community some years ago, I began discussing this topic. I have written on it in the past as well. But recent events demonstrate to me that it is time to visit the topic again. That trend, as you’ve probably guessed from the title, is the rise of denominational divides among pagans and Wiccans of various stripes. As a member of the clergy of the Correllian Nativist Church, one that is founded on principles of pagan unity,…

Temptation is said to be sweet, if this is so (and I definitely do not deny it), then Eve was the sweetest, most tempting thing I had ever tasted… So enflamed was I, in the throes of passion for her, my desire became legendary and the events which followed, mythical… There she lay, a mere child amidst the flora of The Garden. For many, many days, and many, many nights, I watched, hidden from her view. Her perfection and innocence, reminiscent of Heaven for she glowed with the same uncorrupted radiance as that of a Cherub… She caused in my wicked and hateful heart, a stirring of love that I…

In this modern day, our highway system an infrastructure made by man and comprised of concrete asphalt and steel, is built upon routes that are delineated from adjacent real estate by deeded and recorded easements, routes that are so inflexible as to be set in stone. We all take this system for granted; seldom questioning why the road we are traveling upon takes this particular path. For the most part our highway system does a wonderful job of getting from where we are at to wherever our destination happens to be. However this system of exact routes has not always been the rule. A century ago, in large parts of…

Energetic healing and transmitting is an undervalued field. In this day and age where science and technology reign the minds of the masses as they search for quick fix pills to get rid of their health issues, relatively few are realizing that they hold the power within themselves. Not only does the body do a fine job of letting us know what problems we have to face, but the psyche does a most amazing job of giving us the answers to how to heal what ails us. It’s just a matter of awareness, of paying attention, of connecting with the Divine within. When we do that we activate our 3rd…