Monday, March 14, 2005

Thorn 

Latin symbol: Th

Summary: Pain, obstacle, strong defences.

Thorn is very sharp for all men.

Struggling with them is painful for any warrior.

They are severe to those who live among them. (xiv)

In Anglo-Saxon times, thorns would have been found on wild rose trees, brambles, blackthorn, hawthorn trees and prickerly shrubs such as gorse or gooseberry. As symbolism the thorn represents passive defence, thorn bushes rarely hurt anyone who isn't climbing over them or pruning them back.

They can also symbolise a protective barrier, not just for the plant but also for the farmer who deliberately hedges his land with thorn bearing plants. The magical thorn barrier in the tale of Sleeping Beauty is a good image to bear in mind. Thorny plants also have their plus side, most produce beautiful blossoms, especially the rose and the 'may' of the hawthorn. They are also important sources of wild foods, blackberries, rosehips, sloes and haws would all have been gathered to supplement the food reserves of the early Anglo-Saxons.

Plants: Rose, Bramble, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Holly, Nettle.

Animals: Hedgehog.

(xiv) Anglo-Saxon Mythology, Migration and Magic, Tony Linsell, Anglo-Saxon Books. 1992

source

posted by the collective  # 10:16 AM

Saturday, March 12, 2005

The Morrigan's Prophecy 

Peace to the sky
sky to the earth
earth beneath sky
strength in everyone
a cup very full
a fullness of honey
honour enough
summer in winter
spear supported by shield
shields supported by forts
forts fierce eager for battle
sod from sheep
woods grown with antler-tips
forever destructions have departed
mast on trees
a branch drooping-down
drooping from growth
wealth for a son
a son very learned
neck of bull
a bull from a song
knots in woods
wood for a fire
fire as wanted
palisades new and bright
salmon their victory
the Boyne their hostel
hostel with an excellence of length
blue growth after spring
autumn horses increase
the land held secure
land recounted with excellence of word
Be might to the eternal much excellent woods
peace to sky
be nine times eternal

posted by the collective  # 12:07 PM

Friday, March 11, 2005

"The wellspring of the Elder Faith is letting forth its vital lifeblood, effusing the underground streams of magical practise, granting its power to the veins that thread throughout the land, nourishing and nurturing the verdant earth of Albion anew."

--Andrew D Chumbley

posted by the collective  # 12:22 AM

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Dartmoor 

Situated in the heart of the West Country (UK), Dartmoor is a rugged moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors. Consisting of 368 square miles it was designated a National Park in 1951.

Renowned for its extensive wildlife and primordial vistas it is regarded as the last true wilderness in England.

Dartmoor also offers a wealth of archaeological remains and mystical enchantment, home to pixies, witches and hell hounds.

posted by the collective  # 2:16 PM

Monday, March 07, 2005

Blackthorn 

Species: Prunus spinosa.
Ogham: Straif (ST), a `Chieftain Tree'.
Astrological Rulers: Saturn & Mars.

Blackthorn, threshold dweller. Mother Wood, Dark Crone Wood. Fairytales across Europe potent Blackthorn as a tree of ill omen. A Chieftain tree in Ogham, Blackthorn has the most sinister reputation in Celtic tree lore, linked with death, warfare and wounding. Associated with the Morrigan and the Cailleach.

Blackthorn has long been associated with Witches and the Craft. A sacred tree to the crone aspect of the Goddess. Black rod, a Blackthorn wand utilised to cause harm. In South Devon folklore Witches carried Blackthorn walking sticks in pursuit of 'much mischief.' Thorns of this tree are known as pins of slumber, employed to pierce poppets in the ritual of cursing.

posted by the collective  # 12:04 AM