Month: January 2004

Myth of the Day:

Arethusa

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A nymph known in several different parts of Greece, usually the Pelopponnese and Sicily. She was one of the Nereids. The river-god Alpheus fell madly in love with her, but she fled to Sicily. There she was changed into a fountain (the Fonte Aretusa, in Syracuse) by Artemis. Apheus made his way beneath the sea, and united his waters with those of Arethusa.

On coins from Syracuse the head of Arethusa was often portrayed (ca. 500 BCE). This girls’ head has often a net in her hair and is usually surrounded by fish.

“Where Alph the sacred river ran through caverns measureless to men and out to a sunless sea…”

– Coleridge

The Past:

Reed

Knowledge and preservation

You have already taken steps to preserve things you value for the future- something many forget in the rush of everyday life. Perhaps you have also spent time studying in preparation for the future. These steps have given you a solid foundation from which to approach the current situation.

While not a tree in our modern definition, reed- the thirteenth of the Ogham trees- has a woody stem which fits an ancient definition of a tree. Reeds were used for many things in ancient times: pens, paper, measurement, roofing thatch, and floor coverings, among other uses. The reed, then, symbolizes knowledge and scholarship, and preservation in general- of physical goods, as a roof preserves the household, and of knowledge, as writing makes the words of those far from us available to us.

Color:

Grass green

Animals:

Dog, Stag, and Rat

Bird:

Goose

The Present:

Blackthorn

Strength in adversity

These are difficult times, and the situation is not an easy one. However, you do have the tools you need in this time of struggle. Persist in the struggle as long as is necessary- and then lay down your weapons and enjoy the end to strife.

The blackthorn or sloe tree has tough wood, long thorns, and small edible fruits. It is the fourteenth tree of the Ogham. It is used for walking sticks and shillelaghs, as a hedging plant, and its fruits can be used to flavor beverages. Blackthorn symbolizes both adversity, and the ability to be strong in it and to overcome it.

Color:

Bright purple

Animals:

Wolf, Toad, and Black Cat

Bird:

Thrush

The Future:

Birch

A new beginning

A new beginning will change the situation dramatically when it arrives. Much will be different then, so it would be wise to anticipate this by resolving old business, enabling you to truly begin anew.

The first of the Ogham trees, and traditionally the first to have Ogham carved upon it, birch symbolizes beginnings. As both a protector and a gateway to the Otherworld, it also indicates good fortune. There is some risk of hastiness and rashness as well; while good luck can compensate, foresight is also of benefit.

Color:

White

Animal:

Cow

Bird:

Pheasant

mythology

detritus

opinion

Done marinating, now I’m ruminating. My goal is to be a bit wiser and slower to act this year. Don’t know that I’d quite call it a resolution or anything.