|
Book of Shadows -
Lore and Mythology
|
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Friday, 17 July 2009 17:46 |
The moon has long been a base for superstitions and lore. Farmers and gardeners followed the moon phases closely when planting or harvesting. Certain groups consider the moon a great goddess...the moon being the feminine aspect of nature while the sun is masculine. Other people thought the phases of the moon caused madness...hence the word lunacy was what you might call someone who was “driven mad” by the moonshine. The gemstone known as Moonstone was given this name because ancient Indian cultures noted this stone (particularly the rainbow moonstone) was colored like the moon.
Two unique full moons are the Harvest Moon and the Blue Moon. The harvest moon is the full moon in the autumn which is very often red or orange..the color is caused by dust in the air, perhaps stirred up by the harvest. This moon would be followed by harsh, unpredictable weather. The blue moon is a unique occurrence when there are two full moons in one month. This phenomenon happens every 2 to 3 years...this rare event no doubt spurred the saying “once every blue moon”. This is a year of a blue moon, happening December 2nd, 2009 and again December 31, 2009.
Old weather predicting lore are as follows:
-A ring around the moon is a warning...and quite possibly rain or snow.
-A red moon is a warning of rain, clouds, heat....generally unpredictable weather.
-If a star is caught in soft clouds around the moon, a blessed rain will fall.
-A rainbow or “bloody” halo around the moon is a sign of danger and death.
-Clear moon, frost soon. Halo around the moon, rain soon.
|
Add Comment
|
What is a "Book of Shadows"?
Originally, the "Book of Shadows" was a term that referred to a coven's collection of spells and secrets. In modern culture, the term is used to refer to a witch's personal diary and/or journal. The purpose is to keep a record of everything the witch learns and discovers. While usually kept private, I have decided to make mine public in the form of a blog. I have done this in the hopes of helping other find magic in everyday life, and especially in the practice of gardening.
My Latest Art
-
Scared to Death
madamearadia posted a photo:
Well, this painting turned out way different than the original sketch, but I am still pleased with the results....
9/2/2010
-
Join Me Here
madamearadia posted a photo:
The hour comes and now is near
When you the living so shall hear
The voice of Death and those that fear
Shall so be buried and join me here...
-Epitaph
8/20/2010
-
Once Upon Lammas Evening
-
Summer Musings
madamearadia posted a photo:
I know a little garden-close
Set thick with lily and red rose
Where I would wander, if I might
From dewy dawn to dewy night
-William Morris
7/30/2010
-
Never Forget
madamearadia posted a photo:
Leap Castle is known for being the most haunted castle in Ireland. The history is long and bloody. The small chapel in the castle has long been one of the most haunted rooms...it even became nicknamed the "Bloody Chapel". Years of rebuilding revealed an oubliette filled with bones of countless victims. Many owners would endure strange accidents and injuries during their stay. Though there are many ghosts, this particular ghost seems to have been seen the most. Stinking of corpses and described as being sheep-like and yet human, this spirit would touch your shoulder or hand and stare at you with eyes that weren't really eyes.....peering and staring, freezing you in its gaze....
7/15/2010
|
The Latest From My Garden
|
|
|
|
0 Comments