So, I've decided what kind of wand I want. I'm going to find a piece of wood as long as my arm from elbow to longest fingertip, remove the bark and sand it down smooth. Next, I will carve a bit of a hollow into one end for the crystal. Then I'm going to take a piece of blue silk as long as the wand and 6 inches wide and wrap it around the wood, tucking the ends in on each end of the wand and taking it down somehow into the ends.
I will next take a crystal I already own and glue it into the hollow over the silk. Hrm, perhaps I should glue it in first and tuck the silk in around it... I'll have to wait until I have the wood and the silk and see how it works before fastening anything down. Lastly, I will take two lengths of copper wire (dimensions unknown) and twine them around the wand from end to end like a double helix, ending in woven circles at each end of the wand. So, I need to buy blue silk and copper wire. I have everything else and the wood will be free, when found.
In the meantime, a chuckle. Zemanta, a service I use to enhance content in these posts, recommends this link for more information related to my content. The internet is a great thing but sometimes it baffles me!
I will next take a crystal I already own and glue it into the hollow over the silk. Hrm, perhaps I should glue it in first and tuck the silk in around it... I'll have to wait until I have the wood and the silk and see how it works before fastening anything down. Lastly, I will take two lengths of copper wire (dimensions unknown) and twine them around the wand from end to end like a double helix, ending in woven circles at each end of the wand. So, I need to buy blue silk and copper wire. I have everything else and the wood will be free, when found.
In the meantime, a chuckle. Zemanta, a service I use to enhance content in these posts, recommends this link for more information related to my content. The internet is a great thing but sometimes it baffles me!
Overview:
Quetzalcoatl is an Aztec sky and creator god. The name is a combination of quetzalli, a brightly colored Mesoamerican bird, and coatl, meaning serpent. He is often referred to as The Feathered Serpent and was connected to the planet Venus. He was also the patron god of the Aztec priesthood, of learning and knowledge. Today Quetzalcoatl is arguably the best known Aztec deity, and is often thought to have been the principal Aztec god, however he was one of several important gods in the Aztec pantheon.
The cult of the serpent in Mesoamerica is very old; there are representations of snakes with bird-like characteristics as old as the Olmec preclassic (1150-500 BC). The snake represents the earth and vegetation, but it was in Teotihuacan (around 150 BC) where the snake got the precious feathers of the quetzal, as seen in the murals of the city. The most elaborate representations come from the old Quetzalcoatl Temple around 200 BC, which shows a rattlesnake with the long green feathers of the quetzal.
Quetzalcoatl is often associated with Ehecatl, the wind god, and represents the forces of nature, and is also associated with the morning star (Venus). Quetzalcoatl became a representation of the rain, the celestial water and their associated winds, while Tlaloc would be the god of earthly water, the water in lakes, caverns and rivers, and also of vegetation. Eventually Quetzalcoatl was transformed into one of the gods of the creation (Ipalnemohuani). The Teotihuacan influence took the god to the Mayas, who adopted him as Kukulkán. The Maya regarded him as a being who would transport the gods.
Quetzalcoatl is an Aztec sky and creator god. The name is a combination of quetzalli, a brightly colored Mesoamerican bird, and coatl, meaning serpent. He is often referred to as The Feathered Serpent and was connected to the planet Venus. He was also the patron god of the Aztec priesthood, of learning and knowledge. Today Quetzalcoatl is arguably the best known Aztec deity, and is often thought to have been the principal Aztec god, however he was one of several important gods in the Aztec pantheon.
The cult of the serpent in Mesoamerica is very old; there are representations of snakes with bird-like characteristics as old as the Olmec preclassic (1150-500 BC). The snake represents the earth and vegetation, but it was in Teotihuacan (around 150 BC) where the snake got the precious feathers of the quetzal, as seen in the murals of the city. The most elaborate representations come from the old Quetzalcoatl Temple around 200 BC, which shows a rattlesnake with the long green feathers of the quetzal.
Quetzalcoatl is often associated with Ehecatl, the wind god, and represents the forces of nature, and is also associated with the morning star (Venus). Quetzalcoatl became a representation of the rain, the celestial water and their associated winds, while Tlaloc would be the god of earthly water, the water in lakes, caverns and rivers, and also of vegetation. Eventually Quetzalcoatl was transformed into one of the gods of the creation (Ipalnemohuani). The Teotihuacan influence took the god to the Mayas, who adopted him as Kukulkán. The Maya regarded him as a being who would transport the gods.
Practices:
The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in most traditions he was said to oppose human sacrifice. It is believed that the Toltecs had a dualistic belief system. Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who, in one legend, sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return.
The Aztecs turned him into a symbol of dying and resurrection and a patron of priests. When the Aztecs adopted the culture of the Toltecs, they made twin gods of Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl, opposite and equal; Quetzalcoatl was also called White Tezcatlipoca, to contrast him to the black Tezcatlipoca. Together, they created the world; Tezcatlipoca lost his foot in that process. Along with other gods, such as Tezcatlipoca and Tlaloc, Quetzalcoatl was called "Ipalnemohuani", a title reserved for the gods directly involved in the creation, which means "by whom we live". Because the name Ipalnemohuani is singular, this led to speculations that the Aztec were becoming monotheistic and all the main gods were only one. While this interpretation cannot be ruled out, it is probably an oversimplification of the Aztec religion.
The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in most traditions he was said to oppose human sacrifice. It is believed that the Toltecs had a dualistic belief system. Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who, in one legend, sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return.
The Aztecs turned him into a symbol of dying and resurrection and a patron of priests. When the Aztecs adopted the culture of the Toltecs, they made twin gods of Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl, opposite and equal; Quetzalcoatl was also called White Tezcatlipoca, to contrast him to the black Tezcatlipoca. Together, they created the world; Tezcatlipoca lost his foot in that process. Along with other gods, such as Tezcatlipoca and Tlaloc, Quetzalcoatl was called "Ipalnemohuani", a title reserved for the gods directly involved in the creation, which means "by whom we live". Because the name Ipalnemohuani is singular, this led to speculations that the Aztec were becoming monotheistic and all the main gods were only one. While this interpretation cannot be ruled out, it is probably an oversimplification of the Aztec religion.
Attributes:
Quetzalcoatl was often considered the god of the morning star, and his twin brother Xolotl was the evening star. As the morning star he was known by the title Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, meaning "lord of the star of the dawn." He was known as the inventor of books and the calendar, the giver of maize (corn) to mankind, and sometimes as a symbol of death and resurrection. Quetzalcoatl was also the patron of the priests and the title of the Aztec high priest.
Most Mesoamerican beliefs included cycles of suns. Usually, our current time was considered the fifth sun, the previous four having been destroyed by flood, fire and the like. Quetzalcoatl allegedly went to Mictlan, the underworld, and created fifth-world mankind from the bones of the previous races (with the help of Chihuacoatl), using his own blood, from a wound in his penis, to imbue the bones with new life. His birth, along with his twin Xolotl, was unusual; it was a virgin birth, to the goddess Coatlicue. And according to Wikipedia,
Most Mesoamerican beliefs included cycles of suns. Usually, our current time was considered the fifth sun, the previous four having been destroyed by flood, fire and the like. Quetzalcoatl allegedly went to Mictlan, the underworld, and created fifth-world mankind from the bones of the previous races (with the help of Chihuacoatl), using his own blood, from a wound in his penis, to imbue the bones with new life. His birth, along with his twin Xolotl, was unusual; it was a virgin birth, to the goddess Coatlicue. And according to Wikipedia,
Though not official church doctrine, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Quetzalcoatl was originally Jesus Christ, whom they teach visited the Mesoamerican natives after his resurrection.
Lately, some sites online have begun associating the end of the Mayan Calendar in 2012 with the possible return of Quetzalcoatl to Earth. Given the flavor of the Aztec and Mayan Deities and their interactions with humanity, I doubt the Central Americans would have seen it as a message of hope.
Further Links:
Quetzalcoatl: The Man, the Myth, the Legend
The Quetzalcoatl "Trinity"
Quetzalcoatl Papers
Note to Self: Research the quetzalli.
One of my favorite things about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is their focus on families and the effort they go to as a group to create activities for them. Now, as someone who’s children are grown, I do sometimes feel a bit left out, although never actively excluded but I still think it’s a great thing.Pagans don’t do as much of this. I think part of why we avoid it is fear. There are still cases where children are removed from the home of pagan parents based solely on the religion of those parents. You see this more in the south, I think, than elsewhere but that it still happens at all is scary for parents, and understandably so.
Another reason is a common belief that religion is something you choose as an adult and that to “indoctrinate” a child into any particular path is a disservice to the child at best, and emotional abuse at worst. While many pagan parents will expose their children to Wicca, many allow the children to say, “No, I’m bored and not interested.” and go do other activities. This is of course something all parents must decide for themselves, but I don’t think it would be a bad idea to create some activities the family did as a group that were based around principles, rather than ritual details.
Lastly, especially in more recent years, paganism is growing more amongst the teen demographic than anywhere else. So many pagans don’t even have children let alone think of ways to involve them.
For those who do, adapting some of the family activities from the LDS Church might be a great idea. For example, LDS Living Magazine has this article about the Godhead. A parent might take that and explain to their kids how they believe that Deity is male and female, or has many aspects. How detailed an explanation you made it would depend on the age of your children. Of course, the first step in any adaptation of this nature will be to determine what you believe to be true. You can’t teach what you don’t have faith in.
From there, you can still use the activity and the refreshment recipes from the article. Kids could clip images from magazines of things the gods created, perhaps parents could even work in the idea of connectivity to all life into that. And what kid, of any age, doesn’t love chocolate? Making them together while you discuss what the gods are gives your kids a reason to want to stay and talk instead of run off and play the Gameboy in the living room.
If your family isn’t used to this kind of thing, the first two or three times you do it will probably be uncomfortable or feel forced but as you continue these kinds of activities, you’re all going to enjoy them more and even look forward to them and I think it’s a great way to teach kids the principles of your faith without indoctrinating them into the rituals and trappings.
I just finished reading a good starter book, Silver Ravenwolf’s “To Ride a Silver Broomstick”. Not a bad book but definitely a beginner’s tool, it was a good refresher course. But it’s time to move on to something more advanced.
Since I can’t find a coven, “Living Wicca” by Scott Cunningham seems to be a good choice. In this book is a whole section on creating your own tradition. I could probably do this without the book but it never hurts to use it and cover all the bases.
One thing that has drawn me for years is Dragons. I’ve been involved with them by owning figurines, being an active member of an online fan group, editing and publishing a newsletter for that same group. So it makes sense that dragons and dragon magick should be a huge part of anything I do ritually. And it’s definitely going to be the western variety of dragon. Celtic dragons just don’t do it for me. I’ll probably work Chinese dragons in somewhere, but as Elder advisors perhaps, not real totems of power. Their wisdom is undeniable but they don’t thrum many of my subconscious mental strings.
I already use dragons as elemental guardians when circle casting. Water, earth, air and fire dragons all guard my watchtowers every ritual now. It’s not that large a step to include them more and seek doing more work with them in other ways as well.
For God/Goddess archtypes… I don’t know. I’ve followed Anubis so long, had him looking over my shoulder, challenging me to grow, that I don’t know if I’ll change that at all.
Note to self: this is a great site for dragon art. Print it out, color it, paint it, do something with it.
A friend wrote something very depressing a few years ago. “Why the hell did God make us? If He created us, why didn’t He make us perfect? If He is all-knowing and all-perfect, He could have created us perfect. But we failed. …And now we suffer for it.” But she seems to have forgotten, her life seems to have been difficult at the time, we also laugh and dance for it. A poem I wrote a long time ago seems to fit this:
a theif, a prostituteI believe, really BELIEVE, God is People. That Gods made people to have bodies to divide into in order to experience life in all its glorious, fun, amazing forms. But God created Starfish and plants. Yes, God experienced life there, too. One day I need to make a post about my idea of Creation.
a wife, a mother
a drug addict
a student, a game player
a friend, a counselor
an enemy
a suicide, a housekeeper
a slacker, a cashier
a jilted lover
an angel
in the care of a saint
There are a few pages out there about leading a Coven, and thinking about why you want to do this thing before you even try it. They all examine the motives of the person who wants to try leading and what they hope to get out of it. What is missing is some discussion of the qualities a leader should have as well.
This is where I think pagans could learn from Christianity. We’re very good at telling people how to avoid negative things - people who manipulate or power trip - but I haven’t seen as many articles on how to be positive. Enter this post today.
Easter is here and the author of that post focuses on one of the best leadership qualities Christ ever manifested, humility. It’s an old story but well worth looking back over. New goal for myself now - find a pagan story that manifests some positive leadership quality and write a post about it.
This is where I think pagans could learn from Christianity. We’re very good at telling people how to avoid negative things - people who manipulate or power trip - but I haven’t seen as many articles on how to be positive. Enter this post today.
Easter is here and the author of that post focuses on one of the best leadership qualities Christ ever manifested, humility. It’s an old story but well worth looking back over. New goal for myself now - find a pagan story that manifests some positive leadership quality and write a post about it.
- Full Moon Goals - Quit smoking, shield my home, learn my purpose in life at this time.
- New Moon Goals - Decide how that purpose fits into my life and the steps needed to accomplish it, work on healing the damage done to me by smoking and by my birth family, ask for the blessings of the Gods in my search for faith and fellowship.
- Waxing Moon Goals - Attract energy to this home so that the goals of everyone in it can be accomplished, find a positive story.
- Waning Moon Goals - Quit smoking, be less angry.
- Dark of the Moon Goals - None.
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Unique Visitors
