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BERENGARIA ORDER OF DRUIDS: MINI BOOK OF SHADOWS PART Three
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
Song of Vivienne le Fay Morgan (From Dion Fortune’s ‘The Sea Priestess’)
I am She who ere the Earth was formed
was Ea, Binah, Ge
I am that soundless, boundless, bitter sea
Out of whose deeps life wells eternally
Astarte, Aphrodite, Ashtoreth
Giver of life and bringer in of death
Hera in Heaven and on Earth, Persephone
Levannah of the tides and Hecate
All these am I, and they are seen in me
The hour of the high full moon draws near
I hear the invoking words, hear and appear
Isis Unveiled, and Ea, Binah, Ge
I come to the priest that calleth me
I am that soundless, boundless, bitter sea
All tides are mine, and answer unto me
Tides of the airs, tides of the inner Earth
The secret, silent tides of death and rebirth
Tides of men’s souls, and dreams and destiny
Isis Veiled, and Ea, Binah, Ge
Song of Lillith Vivienne le Fay Morgan (From Dion Fortune’s ‘Moon Magic’)
Oh Great god Pan, return to Earth again
Come at my call, and show thyself to men
Shepherd of goats, upon the wild hills way
Lead thy lost flock from darkness unto day
Forgotten are the ways of sleep and night
Men seek for them whose eyes have lost the light
Open the door, the door that hath no key
The door of dreams whereby men come to thee
Shepherd of goats, Oh answer unto me!
An Ammonite Prayer for Protection
Oh deity (insert name), only you can protect me from this self proclaimed god of mysterious force. Only you can save me in the balance. Only you can cast out wickedness. Only you can annihilate evil. Only you who knows of that day when evil be assessed in the presence of humanity, and your father, the master of all, and your mother, the mistress of all. Only you who is this god/goddess, the Divine Creator/Creatress, may save me. Only you who loves me, be with me in my hour of need. Praise be unto you, oh deity, forever
Invocation to Kwan-Yin (from the ‘Lotus Sutra’)
True Kwan-Yin! Pure Kwan-Yin!
Immeasurably wise Kwan Yin!
Merciful and filled with pity
Ever longed for and revered!
Oh radiance spotless and effulgent!
Oh night dispelling sun of wisdom!
Oh vanquisher of storm and flame!
Your glory fills the world
…Therefore let the mind be constantly fixed on her
Save from suffering, save from harm
Holy bodhisattva come!
Oh Kwan Shih Yin!
Jungian Psychology/Psychoanalysis
SUBCONSCIOUS (=Freud’s ID): All info we are not consciously aware of, but motivates much of our behaviour and thinking e.g. drives, repressed/suppressed experiences, data collected by inner awareness and reactions. Messages come across in form of language of symbols and dreams
CONSCIOUS (=Freud’s Ego): Awareness of what is going on around at present, either at home, office or traffic. Expresses through the personality, i.e. reactions and emotions to everyday events, like relationships, environment or situations, Also subject to defence mechanisms e.g. rationalisation and projection
SUPERCONSCIOUS (=Freud’s Superego): Links us to ‘Higher Self’ or Spirit. Aspect we refer to as Divine and Spiritual i.e. higher thoughts and feelings, mortality and ethics, conscience etc. Utilises symbols like subconscious to give answers to problems. Part of us that is Inspiration, Originality and Imagination.
EXTRAVERT/INTROVERT: Outward going/Inward looking e.g. flamboyant/shy
COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS: Role of evolution and heredity to provide blueprint of the Psyche (Mind). Reservoir of latent images stemming from our ancestors i.e. ARCHETYPES – Birth, Death, Rebirth, God, Goddess, hero, man, woman, etc. There are four main patterns:
Persona/Mask - Outward face we present to the world, actor of the personality. Reveals or conceals our true self. Allows society to conform, letting role we play dominate
Anima/Animus – Feminine/Masculine side. Unconscious ‘mirror image’ of our conscious gender i.e. the Goddess/God within
Shadow – Animal nature, like ID. Destructive, aggressive urges. Dark side of the personality. All well if the ego and shadow are in harmony.
Self – Unites personality, giving sense of oneness. Self actualising i.e. realisation of ones potential in scheme of things.
PERSONAL UNCONSCIOUS: Forgotten or repressed memories, recalled if needed.
Comparison to Freud – EROS AND THANATOS (sex and aggression, life and death instincts): Jung disagreed with Freud where these are concerned, seeing that there must have been more to behaviour and thought than these two processes. So he founded his own school of psychoanalysis.
Charge of the Goddess
Whenever you have need of anything, once in a month, and better it be when the Moon is full
Shall you assemble in some secret place, and adore the spirit of me, Queen of all Magic
There you who are fain to learn all enchantment yet have not won its deepest Mysteries
And you shall be free of all slavery, and as a sign that you are really free
You shall be naked in your rites, and you shall dance, sing. Love and make music
All in My presence and praise. For mine is the ecstasy of the Spirit
Mine also is joy on the Earth. For My law is love unto all beings
Keep pure your highest ideals, strive ever towards it, let nothing stop you or turn you aside
For Mine is the secret door that opens to the Land of Youth, and Mine is the Cup of the wine of Life
And the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality
For I am the gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy into the heart of men and women
I give knowledge of the Spirit Eternal, and beyond Death, I give peace and freedom
And reunion with those who have gone on before. Nor do I demand sacrifice
For behold, I am the Mother of the All Living and My love is poured out upon the Earth
I who am the Beauty of the Green Earth and the White Moon against the Stars
And the Mystery of the Waters, and desire in the heart of man and woman
Call unto your soul. Arise, and come to Me. For I am the Soul of Nature
Who gives life to the Universe. From Me all things proceed, and to Me all things return.
Before my face, beloved of Gods and humans, let your Divine Innermost self be unfolded
In knowing the Mystery of the Infinite, let My worship be in the heart that rejoices
For behold, all acts of love and pleasure are Mine
Therefore, let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion
Honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you
And those that think to look for Me, know your looking and yearning shall avail you not
Unless you know the Mystery, that which you seek to find is not within you
Then you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the Beginning
And I await you now, for I shall be with you at the End
Druid’s Oath
We swear by peace and love to stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand
Mark oh spirit and hear us now
Confirming this our sacred vow
Ancient Irish hymn of Tir na Nog, Celtic World of Spirits
Delightful is the land of all dreams
Fairer than aught thine eyes have ever seen
There all the year the fruit is on the tree
And all the year the bloom is on the flower
There with wild honey drip the forest trees
There stores of mead and wine shall never fail
Nor pain or sickness knows the dweller there
Death and decay come near him nevermore
The feast shall cloy not, not the dance shall tire
Nor music cease forever through the hall
The gold and jewels of the Land of Youth
Outshine all splendours ever dreamed of man
Druid’s Prayer
Grant oh God/Goddess, thy protection
And in protection, strength
And in strength, understanding
And in understanding, knowledge
And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice
And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it
And in the love of it, the love of all existences
And in the love of all existences, the love of god and goddess
Love of god and goddess and all goodness
Instruments of Peace, Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 13th cent
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
Where there is sadness, joy
Oh Divine Master
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving, that we receive
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned
It is in dying, that we are reborn into Eternal Life
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HOW MAGIC WORKS
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
I have often heard people ask how magic works, so this little article is to help you there with some information.
First of all, magic itself is neither black (bad) nor white (good); it is HOW it is used or the INTENTION that colours it, though there is also a ‘grey’ area. So please remember that old Wiccan saying ‘Do as thou wilt, and may it harm none’. Sure, you can do some really dark magic, but with everything, there are consequences on a karmic level to consider first. So remember law number one, LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE. This is where what you give out will be exactly what you will receive back.
Also magic MUST NOT be used for personal gain. Like everything in life, there are rules. So if you fancy a play on the lottery or a bet on the G-G’s, please again think of the consequences of your actions. For example, you want £1000, and you do a spell. However, you obtain this money because Aunt Flo died and left you this sum. It is far better to ask the Spirits for what you need to help you to live and get by.
And whilst we are on the subject, let’s take love spells. These are always iffy, say you fancy Jo Bloggs, and do an appropriate spell. However, you find that you can’t stand that person or that you don’t get on. Then what do you do? It is again far better to ask for love to come into your life than ask for a specific person.
Magic basically works on three levels, the physical, psychological or spiritual to sink in, or take it another way, the subconscious, conscious and super conscious levels. There is a certain psychology in magic – let’s liken it to an affirmation. Say you do a spell for a job interview. This will help to boost your confidence, so that it goes in at all three levels.
The same works regarding curses, and that is the key here, the empathises is on what you believe and if you think you are under one, if it has any power over you.
Let’s take some basic magical techniques……
Mirror of Hathor
This is a mirror dedicated to the Egyptian Goddess Hathor and works by sending negative energies back onto the sender (i.e. when you feel you are receiving some flak of someone). You will need an Egyptian style Mirror for this, or one that has been blackened (like a scrying mirror). You can do this either with a ceremony or not. Or you can visualise if you do not possess a Mirror of Hathor.
First, look into the mirror without looking into it (if this makes sense). Say ‘I hereby return all negative thoughts and energies back onto the sender. May Hathor be my messenger as she was for Ra.’. Then say a prayer of thanks to the Goddess.
You could always request help from the Celtic Goddess Morrigan or the Greek Goddess Athena if you prefer these as an alternative.
Veil of Nephthys or Cloak of Invisibility
This is another Egyptian magical technique, and invokes Nephthys, the Egyptian Goddess of Revelation. You do this by drawing psychically a veil of protection around yourself by drawing your aura in. This is useful when say you are entering a crowded or dangerous area and wish to go incognito. The Nephthys ray will diffuse any situation and can also be used on property, so that any would be burglar is soon deterred and will lose interest!
If you prefer other pantheons, then try Persephone for the Greek or the Welsh Cerridwen which would be good equivalents.
Learning
Another Egyptian magical technique if you ever need any books, or help in researching or studying a subject, is to call upon the Egyptian God Thoth, God of Wisdom. A simple prayer to him for help will ensure assistance is rendered in ways you couldn’t imagine. If you prefer the Celtic or Greek vibes, then try Merlin or Hermes.
Scales of Ma’at
This is another Egyptian magical technique, if you are undecided on something and can’t make up your mind, then give this a go. You can visualise a pair of scales with the feather of Ma'at (truth) on one side and a scroll representing your question on the other. Visualise the scales lifting up to the ether and a pair of hands, the hands of Thoth, taking them off you. You should have your response in a day or so. If the scales balance, all is well, if not, then beware.
Pets
If your animal is ill or missing, a simple prayer to the Egyptian Goddess Bast for Cats and the Egyptian God Anubis for Dogs will help. I have never known them refuse a sincere request.
The Home
If you have any problems at home, simply ask the Egyptian God Ptah, the Architect, for help. This can be for anything of a practical nature, such as to do with masonry or machinery or on a practical level. Perfect for those who need help with DIY, or about the home!
There are other things to consider in practising magic; however I hope that these brief notes help – these books are recommended for further information (try Amazon):
Practical Egyptian Magic – Murry Hope
Practical Celtic Magic – Murry Hope
Practical Greek Magic – Murry Hope
Practical Solitary Magic – Nancy B Watson
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Basic Guidelines to Egyptian Magic
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
In Egyptian magic, it is usual for the participants to enact or role play the parts of the Neters or Gods being invoked. However, this magical tradition is ceremonial and certain guidelines are laid down as regards to correspondences. In my life, I have been lucky to know and be taught by Murry Hope. Using her book ‘Practical Egyptian Magic’ (Aquarian Press, 1984), I shall attempt to provide an overview and some notes. Murry has stripped the archetypes down to a main nine for easy reference. Hence:
Deity Archetype Expression No. Metal Colour
OSIRIS King Nature 1 Deep gold White/green
ISIS High Priestess Mother 2 Pale gold Sky blue
HORUS Sun god Warrior 3 Yellow gold Yellow
BAST Intuition Song/Dance 4 Yellow gold Turquoise
THOTH Scribe Writing 5 Silver Amethyst
HATHOR Nourisher Beauty/love 6 Copper Coral
NEPHTHYS Revealer Dreams 7 Silver Seagreen
PTAH Architect Science 8 Red gold Violet
ANUBIS Guide Traveller 9 Silver Terracotta
For robes, the colours and metallic shades should be adhered to. For example, a priestess of Isis would wear a sky blue dress and pale gold jewellery, a priest of Anubis terracotta robes and silver jewellery, and not mix in other colours simply because the fancy takes them. Headbands are part of the regalia, and unless one is well versed in magic and of a high level, they should be plain. However, it is permissible to have a simple stone as inspired by the tutelary deity set into it.
A symbol of the represented Deity should also be worn as an amulet, e.g. the Ankh, Sistrum, Winged Disk, Uraeus, Crook and Flail, Eye of Horus, Caduceus, Scarab, Buckle of Isis, Djed, Mirror, Lotus. etc. Make sure that you are following a Deity that resonates well with you, i.e. if you feel you would like to follow Isis but can’t stand the colour blue, you might be better off with Hathor or Nephthys. Footwear can be worn as simple slip ons in silver or gilt shades, and should ideally match the colour of the headband and other jewellery. Egyptian style collarettes and earrings are available in many ethnic or new age outlets nowadays.
The Egyptian priesthood would fast, have a ritual bath, and meditate before a working or ceremony. They also had a ‘no sex and no alcohol’ rule as well. They would not attempt anything if anyone was out of harmony with the others. The colour worn by the Egyptian priesthood was white, with insignia of their office to the Deity concerned; though the priests of Ptah wore a special Masonic cord (a gilt one knotted at the waist will suffice). Animal masks were popular with the priesthood, e.g. Anubis, Bast, Thoth and Hathor, and gave the impression that the god was about to do his/her stuff to the populace, but was shed when they got down to the nitty gritty. Music may be employed, but that which is soft and flowing, and has no beat (like harp, lute and flute). Incense like kyphi, frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood may be used in stick form or on charcoal (you can get some incense called Blue Nile or Egyptian Musk). And a chalice of water, and candles as appropriate, can be used.
Murry Hope recommends the lodge principle as the best for Egyptian magic. This consists of a minimum of five people bearing the offices of Celebrant, Scryer, Keeper, Recorder and Protector. The Celebrant should handle the elemental invocations and alter work, and leads the group. The Scryer ‘looks in’ when requested into other time zones or dimensions by a crystal ball (or Mirror). The Keeper maintains the magical instruments and sets up the altar correctly. The Recorder notes what happens at each session and later developments as they arise. And the Protector keeps up a continual guard during the ceremony to see that everything is okay.
Now the Egyptian tradition does not suit everyone. If you have Norse, Wiccan, Pagan or Celtic leanings you may find it easier to get along with it, than someone of the Christian, Buddhic or Semitic. This form of magic is very abstract and based on cosmic principles. But it will depend on where your spirit underwent its training as well. The roles assumed by the participants must also be based on the ‘right person for the job’, if they are suited to the task, then that is simply it.
Magical sessions are not for the soap-box, leave politics out of it or the group will fold up. Those on an ego trip are also similarly warned, if this is the case, then Egyptian magic is not for you. Sorry, but the Universe does not work that way. In this form of tradition the energies are more finer and subtle, and therefore most unstable, being more unmanifest.
Each participant assumes a god form as appropriate. For the Celebrant – Osiris, Isis and Thoth, for the Scryer – Nephthys and Horus, for the Keeper – Bast, Ptah and Anubis, for the Protector – Hathor and Horus, for the Recorder – Thoth and Osiris. It is possible to interchange them, i.e. Bast can protect as can Isis, Anubis can record as can Ptah. The gift of prophecy is associated with Horus and Nephthys; physical strength with Horus and Hathor; healing with Thoth, Horus and Bast; magic with Isis and Thoth; legal matters with Thoth and Osiris; and mundane things with Anubis, Hathor and Ptah. Having done this, each member should become or ‘assume’ the god form in their mind during the ceremony, and endeavour to imbibe and radiate out the qualities and nature of that god. All lodge ceremonies should be ritually opened and closed, giving thanks to the Deities concerned, with all participants earthing themselves after. If you aim to have a party after the working, then close all psychic doors securely. We know that the Egyptians love to have a ball at public ceremonies, but the serious aspects of the festivals were always dealt in private by the actual priesthood beforehand. A balance in the lodge is also advised, so it cannot be all male or all female. Egyptian magic works on the principle, of twinning or polarising. Domestic pets are permissible the Egyptians had their temple cats after all. But make sure it is trained not to make a nuisance of itself during ceremonies. The Egyptians had two teachings, one for the laity and one for the priesthood. So be advised by Eliphas Levi's statement: Magic is not a profession’. The quarters in Egyptian magic are Neith in the North, Nephthys in the East, Selkit at the South, and Isis at the West. These Goddesses should be invoked at their compass points at the beginning of the ceremony to ensure their protection, and dismissed at the end to go back from where they came.
Egyptian magic is deep and extensive, and there is also much more. One word of advice: Like attracts like, as it follows cosmic law. But it is a rewarding path for those attracted to it.
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Basic Guidelines to Greek Magic
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
Here is a basic set of notes on Greek Magic from Murry Hope’s ‘Practical Greek Magic’, that I hope you will find interesting and worthy of study. The Classical myths provides a unique system that is based on psychology and logic, and is a good contrast to Egyptiana and Celtica. Many people will be familiar with the Greek pantheon of the Twelve Olympians, or Dodecatheon:
Deity Archetype Quality Activity Colour Symbol
ZEUS Patriarch Leadership Law Purple Thunder
HERA Queen Endurance Home Emerald Peacock
ATHENA Warrior Wisdom Protection Red gold Shield
APOLLO Sun god Harmony Arts Yellow Lyre
ARTEMIS Huntress Purity Wild Saffron Bow/arrow
HERMES Guide Healing Learning Silver Caduceus
ARES Macho man Energy Battle Scarlet Weapons
HEPHAESTUS Smithy Work Crafts Bronze Hammer
APHRODITE Love Sensuality Relationships Turquoise Girdle
POSEIDON Sea Intuition Emotions Coral Trident
HESTIA Maid Modesty Hearth White Flame
DEMETER Corn Magic Fertility Cornflower Ear of corn
There are other players in the Greek myths, and these are Pan, the Goat footed god; Hades, God of the Underworld; Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow; Hecate, the Enchantress; Kore, Goddess of the Spring and her alter ego Persephone, Queen of the Underworld; Themis, Goddess of Truth; Selene, Goddess of the Moon; IIythia, Goddess of Childbirth; Cronos, God of Time; Dionysus, God of Wine; Eros, Love Cupid; Morpheus, God of Dreams; Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn; Eris, Goddess of Strife; Nike, Goddess of Victory; Rhea, The Great Mother Goddess; Astraea, Goddess of Justice; Gaia, the Earth Goddess; Hebe, Goddess of Youth and Ganymede, the Divine Cup Bearer. There were also a few non humans and fabulous beasts that deserve mention and these are: The Satyrs, who were half man, half goat, the most well known being Silenus, who became tutor to Dionysus. The Centaurs, who were half man, half horse, the most noted being Chiron, who was tutor to Hercules. Pegasus, the Winged Horse, who helped Perseus defeat the Gorgon Medusa. The Graces were three maidens who accompanied Aphrodite in her retinue. The Muses were nine maidens who followed Apollo, and each represented the arts: Clio-history; Euterpe-flute, Thalia-comedy, Melpomene-tragedy, Terpsichore-dance, Erato-love poetry, Polyhymnia-mimic art, Calliope-epic poetry, and Urania-astronomy. The Horae or Hours were three maidens who oversaw the seasons. The Moerae or Fates were a group of women who looked after ones destiny; Clotho spun the thread of life, Lachesis measured it, and Atropos cut it. The Hydra was a monstrous serpent and the Kraken was a sea monster. Cerberus was the Dog of Hades and Charon was the Ferryman, who were both connected to the Underworld. The Sirens were a group of mermaids whose singing lured sailors to their deaths. The Dryads were tree spirits and the Nymphs were water spirits. Also the Harpies were a group of winged creatures who bought ill luck or hardship. And the Sphinx was less than benign than her Egyptian equivalent!
The Greek path is one of the Hero or Heroine, and is in essence ‘mind magic’. You should also have a tutelary Deity who will assist you in your Quest. They will make themselves known in some special way to you, and present you with a gift to be used wisely when the time comes. The Olympians also ate ambrosia for food and nectar for drink, which was like mead and wine.
For the Heroic Path, it may be wise to consider the nature of the four main Heroes from Greek mythology: Hercules represented Fire, Perseus represented Air, Odysseus represented Water and Theseus represented Earth. In other words, do you consider yourself Creative, Intellectual, Emotional or Practical? This must also take into account the positive and negative aspects of each element.
Greek costumes can be kept fairly simple. For men, a toga made from a sheet us easy enough to make. For women, a long skirt with a loose tunic called a chiton is the Classic look, and you may wish to decorate these with gold braiding in a fancy pattern (like the Greek key). The Greeks also had coloured cloth in materials like silk and cotton, so let your imagination go! Footwear can be simple leather sandals. For jewellery, armlets and bracelets were popular in ancient Greece, as were diadems, necklaces and earrings in fine filigree styles. Earrings shaped into crescents (like creoles) were a popular motif in the ancient world. Similar varieties should be obtainable from most outlets. Hairpins and hairrings were also used to style the hair; the most common hairstyle is in a bun with a ribbon or diadem holding it in place, or a ponytail at the back.
The Greeks painted their gods as super beings whom no mortal should disobey or annoy. Those that did paid a terrible price. However, therein lays the occult wisdom. For we are all gods in the making and this should be borne in mind when we ascend to the Olympian heights. We remember how Dionysus was a mortal and became a god after a series of initiations. Also, NEVER command an immortal to appear, always request their presence with thanks and love. The film ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ (and ‘Clash of the Titans’) showed the gods playing a game of chess with humanity. And this would tend to imply that we are like puppets for the gods’ pleasure, without any freewill. This is far from the truth. Rather it is that the gods are pointing out for us the right track we should take to aid us on our Quest. The Olympian path is very creative, that is it is what you make of it. Greek magic can be practised alone or with a group, ceremony hardly ever being needed. But if so, there may be an altar and the Four Winds evoked at the quarters, i.e. Eurus for the East, Notus for the South, Zephyrus for the West and Boreas for the North. Initiation occurs when there is an experience or expansion of consciousness. And you reach a new level of understanding. It is not a series of GCSE’s or A Levels that one takes or passes!
The Greeks also believed in the afterlife and reincarnation, the Elysian Fields being their Summerland. We must also consider the famous Oracles, such as at Delphi. The Priestess was called the Pythoness as she uttered her message seated in trance, and kings came to consult her wisdom. There were also The Eleusinian Mysteries held every February and September at Eleusis in honour of Demeter and Persephone. Also there were Incubation Rites that focused on the future, given by the Gods through dreams in the temples. Now let the Gods and myths speak for themselves, dear Hero or Heroine, and may you proceed on your way. May the Gods go with you on your Quest, as you reach for your Olympian goal.
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Basic Guidelines to Atlantean Magic
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
Atlantean Magic is one that is very subjective at most, and is based on a belief whether this lost continent existed. Using Murry Hope’s book ‘Practical Atlantean Magic’, I shall try to provide an overview. Murry lists eight deities in the Atlantean pantheon, or the Sacred Ogdoad of the Great High Temple in the City of the Golden Gates, Chalidocean. The symbol of which featured in Atlantean jewellery and is found on Stone Celtic Crosses today.
Deity Archetype Stone Colour Symbol Equivalent
HELIO Sun god White diamond Pale gold Winged disk Ra
HELIONA Sun goddess Blue diamond Azure blue Uraeus Freya
TA-KHU Time lord Amethyst Purple Caduceus Thoth
KHE-TA Music Aquamarine Turquoise Sistrum Bast
KHIET-SIN Lion goddess Ruby Orange Flame Sekhmet
DANUIH Earth goddess Emerald Green Cross Isis
PHILAEIA Wisdom Sapphire Royal blue Compass Athena
AKHANTUIH Guide Topaz Yellow Torch Anubis
The Atlanteans had Four Solar Festivals much resembling the Celtic Stations of the Sun or Four Fire Festivals, though please bear in mind that the axis was different then and gave different seasons to today. The Atlantean year had 360 days, a memory which was later carried out by numerous other races after the Flood, which was caused by the last pole shift that finally sank Atlantis in about 10,500 BCE.
The Festival of Fire occurred in the middle of the first quarter of the year, when the sun was most powerful. The deities presided were Khiet-Sin and Philaeia. Its theme was transformation and took place in the temples. It had much in common with Brigantia. The Festival of Air occurred three months later and its presiding deity was Ta-Khu, and its theme was communication. This was similar to Lughnasadh, in that the celebrations took place on high places like mountains and offerings were made. The Festival of Water followed three months later. Its presiding deity was Khe-Ta and its theme was creativity. This was like Beltaine, with much merriment. The celebrations took place by the seashore and were probably the most popular! The Festival of Earth rounded off the year three months later, its presiding deities was Danuih and Akhantuih, and its theme was unity. This was like Samhain, and the celebrations took place outside in groves. Children would dress in costume.
Other Atlantean rituals included Rites of Passage for Birth, Coming of Age, Marriage, Menopause and Passing, all of which were performed by the Order of the Passage branch of the priesthood. This group served the deities Akhantuih, Ta-Khu and Danuih, and all wore sage green (earthy) and rose pink (emotion) sashes, with watermelon tourmaline set into headbands as their insignia. The Atlantean priesthood was highly organised, and pastoral roles assumed on the basis of ones vocation and development in the temples. Training began at an early age with a general level of education, and then being required to travel around the continent under a tutor to observe the needs of the populace. Then the novices were allowed to study for the priesthood in the temples, before being allowed to serve the community.
Each branch of the priesthood was recognisable by the clothing, jewellery and symbols worn. Plato’s description of blue, white and gold robes in the ‘Timaeus and Critias’ were held sacred throughout Atlantean history. The basic garment was white robes for the higher orders, light blue for the middle orders and pale green for the junior orders.
Particular attention was paid to the to the priesthood wearing coloured sashes as befits their calling and rank, i.e. the azure sash for the High Priesthood, orange for Occultists. Many also wore special headbands, i.e. silver for Healers and Orichalcum (a red gold only mined in Atlantis) for medicine, with a gemstone as inspired by the tutelary deity. Each town had its own temple, many of which were circular in shape to generate the energy flowing in harmony with the Earth. There were also special temples for Healing, which was divided into two classes, that of the mind and body. Illness was regarded as a manifestation of chaos that needed to be kept in balance with Order. This was then applied at three levels, the Spiritual, Psychological and Physical. Healing also included animals, plants and the Earth herself, as well as humans. This group served the deities Khe-Ta, Khiet-Sin and Danuih.
Rites of Devotion and Thanksgiving took place in the temples by the priesthood and included three main daily rites observed almost everywhere and by everyone, namely the ‘Dance of the Rising Sun’, ‘Hymn of the High Sun’, and ‘Prayer of the Setting Sun’. Similar rituals took place later on in Egypt, amongst the Celts and in South America. Atlantean magic concentrates on balancing the right (intuitive) and left (logical) hemispheres of the brain. If you should wish to perform a simple rite along this theme in your own workings, I would suggest adopting a standing, then kneeling, then a standing stance once more, offering prayers, music and dance to the sun, as appropriate. Greet the Sun and acknowledge Him/Her as the Giver of Life for this planet and all life forms, ask for understanding and care for all under His/Her rays. Thank the Sun for the blessings bestowed to live and offer yourself as a channel to help others during the day. IMPORTANT! At the end, kiss the ground, (Danuih), to pass the Sun’s love and light onto His/Her Daughter. This was known in Atlantean times as ‘Bringing Down the Sun’, and involves earthing the Solar rays through your body into the planet. You will find that Danuih takes of their essence, adds her own and returns to you with her thanks and blessing. This can be a pleasant and moving exchange of energies.
All this besides, there are various theories where Atlantis existed (or indeed if it did!) I myself tend to agree with Lewis Spence’s view that Atlantis was a collection of Islands consisting of two main ones, Atlantis itself and Antilla, in the middle of the Atlantic somewhere. As to why Atlantis sank, Plato makes mention of the moral decline of the continent and also British sensitive Tony Neate channelled ‘HA’ (Helio Arcanophus, a High Priest of Atlantis) in the 1950’s. HA said that many of the priesthood went onto the Left Hand Path due to an influx of new ideals, leaving those of the Right Hand Path trying hard to fight back with little success. In the end, certain signs and portents in the sky arose alerting the wise priests to the forthcoming calamity, and they made arrangements to leave to other lands they believed would be safe, whilst the rest of the population paid no heed of what was to come.. There have been many beliefs about Atlantis rising again, i.e. physically or spiritually. Atlantis has always been associated with magic and occultism, ever since the legend of it began. I remember it with much affection and sorrow, and like many, I was there at the final sinking, and I would love to see the Old Country again.
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Ancient Celts: Celtic Artwork
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
‘A numerous race, and fierce, as fame reports them, were thy first colonists, Britain, Chief of the Isles. Natives of a country in Asia….These warlike adventurers on the sea. Clad in their long dress, who could equal them? Celebrated is their skill, they were the dread of Europe… (Pacification of Llud)
The Celts left us with a legacy of their culture in their artwork and literature, a lot of which is being rediscovered in modern times. Let us briefly remind ourselves of our history from scholars:
Ages of Pre-History
Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age = 300,000 to 8,000 BCE
Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age = 8,000 to 2,700 BCE
Neolithic or New Stone Age = 2,700 to 1,900 BCE
Bronze Age = 1,900 to 500 BCE
Iron Age = 500 BCE to 43 CE
Ages of Recorded History
Roman Period = 43 to 430 CE
Dark Ages (Anglo Saxons and Vikings) = 430 to 1066 CE
Norman Conquest = 1066 to 1154 CE
Plantagenet’s = 1154 to 1216 CE
Medieval Period = 1216 to 1377 CE
War of the Roses = 1377 to 1485 CE
Tudors = 1485 to 1603 CE, etc
When we look at the history of the Ancient Celts, we have to consider the aspects of pre-history of which we have little knowledge of. However, archaeological evidence is useful in determining what happened long ago: i.e. carbon-dating, geo-physics and other empirical research. Television programmes such as ‘Meet Your Ancestors’ and ‘Time Team’ are worthy vehicles for the layperson to learn from, as well.
First, the Ancient Celts were the most active around 500 BCE to the 1st century CE, placing them around the Bronze/Iron Ages. They were a nomadic race, and spread themselves far and wide; leaving their influence almost everywhere they went. If we go back into what is known of our pre-history, we can discern some of the roots of our Celtic ancestors. The discovery of Boxgrove Man from the Palaeolithic Age has given us evidence of how humanity lived long ago. The dating of the Stone Circles like Avebury to 2,500 BCE as centres of religious worship, have placed them in the Neolithic Age, and Stonehenge was built in stages from 3,1000 to 1,100 BCE. But by around 2,000 BCE, a new material was being developed and used instead of stone-bronze, an alloy made of copper and tin.
The Beaker People were an enigmatic race who originated from the Rhine, arriving in Britain around 2,000 BCE. Their name derives from their peculiar custom of burying pottery in their ancestor’s burial mounds. They also brought with them the skill of making bronze and new farming methods, which resulted in a population explosion. These Bronze Age Britons lived a harsh life, living in round wattle and daub huts in small communities, with some livestock on their farms. By the Iron Age, things had improved a tiny bit. Hill forts were set up to serve as defences against invading neighbouring tribes, being continually occupied and modified over the centuries, and even streets have been excavated at some. Iron was a stronger material than bronze, though we have little data where the Celts got it from, This was still a barbaric time and we must not romanticise, for it was a violent era, especially when the Romans invaded!
It was around this time that the Belgae introduced Britain’s first coinage from Gaul, showing the image of the famous ‘Gallic Goddess’. The Celts actually copied Greek staters as mercenaries serving in Phillip II of Macedon’s army. It was around this time that the La Tene was springing up and producing fine jewellery like diadems, torcs, lunalae, brooches, bracelets, armlets, and pins, also war items like swords, shields, daggers, axe heads, helmets, and domestic items like mirrors, cauldrons, figurines, buckets and models. The Celts made these from gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. As the Celts were fond of throwing their personal objects into rivers, bogs and lakes as offerings to the Gods, there are many examples that have survived intact and are now in museums.
In J Romilly Allen’s Celtic Art’, he writes interestingly of the ‘spiral’ design that has so eluded scholars as to its meaning appearing at places like Newgrange, but it was also known to the Greek Mycenaean’s and has appeared in Egyptian tombs dating from the 12th Dynasty! The design was also known in Scandinavia and South America. Allen also classifies the main designs from the Bronze Age as a) The Chevron, b) the Concentric Circle, c) the Spiral, and d) the Winding Bind. He also cites the Cup and Ring and the Wheel motifs, which have their origin in sun worship. Distinguishing between the Goidelic and Brythonic Celts, the former being the Beaker People during the Bronze Age and the latter the later influx from Europe during the Iron Age, he lists archaeological finds as: a) sepulchral remains, b) remains found on inhabited or fortified sites, c) hoards of objects purposely concealed, d) objects accidentally lost, and e) sculptured rocks and stones. Of the pottery left by the Beaker People: a) cinerary urns, b) food vessels, c) drinking cup and d) incense cups. For the Iron Age, the finds are classified as: a) burials of a particular kind, b) objects from the Bronze Age, c) finds from the Hallstatt Culture, d) brooches (Celtic ‘safety pins!) of the La Tene Culture, e) objects imported from Celtic Europe, f) British coins, g) objects on Romano-British sites, h) finds of Roman origin. There is more to Allen’s book than space permits, so I refer the reader to it for further study.
Celtic knot work though known in the Iron Age, really came of age during the Celtic Christian period when resurgence occurred. This era produced some fine intricate designs that will be familiar to many. The knot work signifies eternity, and the recent wave of interest in Celtica has meant that these designs are becoming popular again in shops like 'Past Times’ on the High Street. The Celtic Christians also produced some lovely jewellery, like the famous ‘Tara Brooch’ from Ireland, a credit to the craftsmanship of the Celtic people considering what tools and conditions they worked with! Despite the last 4,000 years, some designs haven’t changed abit and are still as popular as ever. Maybe because of their simplicity and they touch us from our ancestors, speaking to the depths of our psyches of lost mysticism, that was also shared by other peoples in the Ancient World.
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Basic Guidelines to Celtic Magic
By Sarah Rooke, Archdruidess
The following are a basic set of notes gleamed from Murry Hope’s ‘Practical Celtic Magic’. A degree of sorting the wheat from the chaff is necessary. Celtic Magic is mainly nature based and of the ‘green ray’. There are also several side paths in it, namely the Welsh, Irish, Arthurian, Breton, Cornish and Scottish versions.
IRELAND: THE TUATHA DE DANAANS
The Tuatha de Danaans are a family of ‘super gods’ that arrived in Eire long ago, and were possibly Atlanteans. Among them was the Dagda or Father of All. He possessed a cauldron that could feed an army and welded a club. Though of rough appearance, he seemed to be hit with the ladies and was known for his bardic skills. Lugh the Sun God was a handsome man who was good at everything, ‘Mr Perfect’. He defeated Balor of the Evil Eye from destroying Hy Brasil. Though not a Danaan by birth, he was accepted into their Clan at Tara. Mananan mac Lir, the Sea God, possesses qualities similar to Poseidon. Beyond his realm, the Isles of the Blest, Tir nan Og, were supposed to exist. Mananan gave his name to the Isle of Man and owned several nifty gadgets, which he got from Lugh.
Dana the Mother Goddess was the blue eyed, blonde haired archetypal Mother of All. She seems to have much in common with Isis and Demeter, having Atlantean associations. She was also mistress of magic and wife of Lir. Morrigan the Enchantress was the mistress of war, being shown in her triple aspect of Maid, Mother and Crone. She was shown black haired and in red, making warriors go into frenzy as their geisa or destiny was revealed. Brighid the Healer is the most well known, having survived into Christian times as a saint. The lady of the hearth, bards, waters and animals. She was shown red haired with a lunula around her neck. A benign and loved deity.
WALES: THE HOUSES OF DON AND LLYR
There is a similarity between some of the Irish and Welsh deities. The Welsh houses of Don and Llyr were united by the marriage of Don’s daughter to the Sea God, Llyr, which speaks of a fusion of some ideas at some point.
The House of Don consisted of Don, the Mother Goddess (= Irish Dana) who was married to Beli, God of Death. Their Children were many, but included Gwydion, God of Science and Arianrhod, Goddess of the Dawn., whose name means ‘silver circles’ and which has lunar associations. These two married and had Dylan, the Sea God. and Llew Llaw Gyffes, the Sun God (= Irish Lugh). Don had a brother, Math, God of Wealth and another son called Nudd, the Sky God, whose son was Gwyn, the Warder of Annwn.
The House of Llyr on the other hand, consisted of Llyr, the Sea God (=Irish Lir) and his children were Bran, God of Annwn, and his sister Branwen, Goddess of Love. Llyr’s son by Don’s daughter was Manawyddan, God of the Sea (= Irish Mananan), who married Rhiannon, the Horse Goddess.
There are a couple of other players in the Welsh myths, like Cerridwen the Enchantress and her son Taliesin the Bard, who mainly had an initiatory role.
THE ARTHURIAN TRADITION
Though well romanticised by Hollywood, the Arthurian tradition does present us with some interesting myths and characters. The Twelve Knights of the Round Table corresponds to the Zodiac and certain qualities each person must discover.
Sir Tristram. The Honourable to Aries, Sir Galahad, the Gentle to Taurus, Sir Lamorak, the Noble to Gemini, Sir Bors, the Virtuous to Cancer, Sir Gawain, the Charitable to Leo, Sir Gaheris, the Sincere to Virgo, Sir Percival, the Courageous to Libra, Sir Bedivere, the Chivalrous to Scorpio, Sir Lancelot, the Gallant to Sagittarius, Sir Gareth, the Sober, to Capricorn, Sir Geraint, the Helpful to Aquarius and Sir Kay, the Humble to Pisces.
Mordred is the dualistic energy which if not controlled wrecks havoc. He is the id, or Shadow. The Ladies of the Lake represent the Triple Goddess or aspects of the Self: Instinctive, Rational and Intuitive. Morgan le Fey represents the destructive power of the emotions. Arthur himself has much in common with the Egyptian Osiris and Horus. Guinevere proves to be the challenger of Camelot, as she falls for the ladies man of the court (Lancelot). Merlin is the archetypal magician or wiseman.
Clothing for Celtic festivals or ceremonies should try to be authentic as possible; Druid white robes are a must, or perhaps Medieval style costumes. Cloaks and Celtic brooches are definitely a must, as are torcs and lunulas. And don’t forget the copper bracelets (or the copper headdresses)! The passing of mead and bread goes back to pre-Christian times, and denotes sharing a ‘love feast’; with all participating. Many Druids also carry staffs, though this is not necessary. In Celtic mythology, much reverence is paid to the Spirits of the Circle, i.e. the Spirits of the Place, and of course the Ancestors.
During indoor rites there may be a cauldron to represent the Grail (feminine) and a Sword to represent the will (masculine). There may be officers with the titles of Scribe, Herald and Swordbearer who assist the Arch druid. An Ovate may enact the role of Scryer, and they may be assisted by a Healer. It is also usual to have a Bard, either a harper or piper. The altar represents the Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny, and should ideally have each of the five elements – Stone for Earth, Incense for Air, Candle for Fire, Chalice for Water and Oil for Ether, There should if possible, also be a wand or athame. In Celtic magic, the Quarters are associated with the four magical cities of the Tuatha de Danaans- North (Earth) to Falias, the Stone of Destiny and the Gnomes, East (Air) to Gorias, the Sword of Light and the Sylphs, South (Fire) to Finias, the Spear of Destiny and the Salamanders, and West (Water) to Murias, the Cauldron of Plenty and the Ondines. These should be invoked always at the start for protection and dismissed at the end to go back to their realms. Thanks should also be rendered to the deities, never disregard any help from the Gods.
Due care must be taken not to upset the psychic balance that has built up over the centuries at Sacred Sites like in Groves or Stone Circles. Respect and honour the Ancestors and Spirits of the Place, and leave them in the way you found them.
As Murry writes, this form of tradition belongs to the people and is no longer limited in its accessibility. Celtic magic has a sort of ‘fantasy feel’ about it; there is a sort of surrealism like unicorns, fairies and dragons, and of sorcerers, warriors, maidens and castles. In Celtic magic, it is important to realise that the Land and People are One. We are all brothers and sisters in the Spiritual sense and have a part to play in the Scheme of Things. There is a sense of the Oneness of All Things and Beings. The strong artistry, musical and romantic accents in Celtica, are all still relevant today.
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