Queen of May #beltane #mayday #pagan #sabbat #witchery
Witchy Twitter Round-up
Hello my darlings,
I just started a new Twitter account for my magical workings and this persona (to keep it somewhat separate from my other accounts).
Please reply or reblog with you Twitter handle if you are a witch, pagan, alchemist, rootworker, magician or otherwise so magically inclined.
Hope you had a lovely weekend!
~sparrowqueen ♥
(@SparrowQueen)
The real Easter #Ishtar #Easter #pagan #myth
NOPE
http://bellejarblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/easter-is-not-named-after-ishtar-and-other-truths-i-have-to-tell-you/
Let’s start from the top:
This is Ishtar …
Okay, great. So far things are fairly accurate. The relief pictured here, known as the Burney Relief (also called the Queen of the Night relief) is widely considered to be an Ancient Babylonian representation of Ishtar (although some scholars believe that the woman depicted might be Lilitu or Ereshkigal). This relief is currently housed in the British Museum in London, but originates from southern Iraq and is nearly 4,000 years old.
… pronounced Easter.
Actually, in modern English we pronounce it the way it looks. A case could be made for pronouncing it Eesh-tar, but I have yet to come across a credible source that gives the original pronunciation as Easter.
Easter is originally the celebration of Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex.
Ishtar was the goddess of love, war and sex. These days, thanks to Herodotus, she is especially associated with sacred prostitution* (also known as temple prostitution), which, in the religions of the Ancient Near East, allegedly took on the form of every woman having to, at some point in her life, go to the temple of Ishtar and have sex with the first stranger who offered her money. Once a woman entered the temple of Ishtar for the purpose of sacred prostitution, she was not allowed to leave until she’d done the deed. I can’t imagine that sacred prostitution sex was ever very good sex, but hey, what do I know? Probably some people were pretty into it – I mean, if you can imagine it, someone’s made porn about it, right?
Anyway, the point I am trying to make here is that, yes, Ishtar was associated with fertility and sex. However, her symbols were the lion, the gate and the eight-pointed star; I can’t find any evidence of eggs or rabbits symbolically belonging to her. And Easter has nothing to do with her.
Most scholars believe that Easter gets its name from Eostre or Ostara**, a Germanic pagan goddess. English and German are two of the very few languages that use some variation of the word Easter (or, in German, Ostern) as a name for this holiday. Most other European languages use one form or another of the Latin name for Easter, Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning Passover.
In the Christian Bible, Jesus returned to Jerusalem from his forty days in the desert just before Passover. In fact, in the Gospel according to John, Jesus was killed on the day before the first night of Passover, at the time when lambs were traditionally slaughtered for the Passover feast (because Jesus was the Lamb of God, etc. – SYMBOLISM, Y’ALL). There are a few differing accounts of when Jesus actually died, but most Christian texts, philosophers and scholars agree that it was around the time of Passover. Easter is still celebrated the week after Passover, which is why it’s a different day each year, because the Jewish calendar is lunar rather than solar.
Her symbols (like the egg and the bunny) were and still are fertility and sex symbols (or did you actually think eggs and bunnies had anything to do with the resurrection?).
Actually, according to Jacob Grimm’s Deutsche Mythologie, which he wrote after journeying across Germany and recording its oral mythological traditions, the idea of resurrection was part and parcel of celebrating the goddess Ostara:
“Ostara, Eástre seems therefore to have been the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing, whose meaning could be easily adapted by the resurrection-day of the christian’s God. Bonfires were lighted at Easter and according to popular belief of long standing, the moment the sun rises on Easter Sunday morning, he gives three joyful leaps, he dances for joy … Water drawn on the Easter morning is, like that at Christmas, holy and healing … here also heathen notions seems to have grafted themselves on great christian festivals. Maidens clothed in white, who at Easter, at the season of returning spring, show themselves in clefts of the rock and on mountains, are suggestive of the ancient goddess.”
Spring is a sort of resurrection after all, with the land coming back to life after lying dead and bare during the winter months. To say that ancient peoples thought otherwise is foolish, naïve and downright uninformed. Many, many pagan celebrations centre around the return of light and the rebirth of the land; these ideas are not new themes in the slightest.
And yes, rabbits and eggs are fertility symbols, and they are, in fact, associated with Eostre.
Ostara by Johannes Gehrts
After Constantine decided to Christianize the Empire, Easter was changed to represent Jesus.
Hey! Guess what language Constantine, the Roman Emperor, spoke? Not English, that’s for sure! In fact, when he was alive, English didn’t even exist yet. He would have spoken Latin, so would likely have referred to Easter as Pascha.
But at its roots Easter (which is pronounced Ishtar) was all about celebrating fertility and sex.
Look. Here’s the thing. Our Western Easter traditions incorporate a lot of elements from a bunch of different religious backgrounds. You can’t really say that it’s just about resurrection, or just about spring, or just about fertility and sex. You can’t pick one thread out of a tapestry and say, “Hey, now this particular strand is what this tapestry’s really about.” It doesn’t work that way; very few things in life do.
The fact is that the Ancient Romans were smart when it came to conquering. In their pagan days, they would absorb gods and goddesses from every religion they encountered into their own pantheon; when the Roman Empire became Christian, the Roman Catholic Church continued to do the same thing, in a manner of speaking.
And do you know why that worked so well? Because adaptability is a really, really good trait to have in terms of survival of the fittest (something I wish the present-day Catholic Church would remember). Scratch the surface of just about any Christian holiday, and you’ll find pagan elements, if not a downright pagan theme, underneath.
Know what else? Most Christians know this. Or, at least, most of the Christians that I’m friends with (which is, admittedly, a fairly small sampling). They know that Jesus wasn’t really born on December 25th, and they know that there were never any actual snakes in Ireland, and they know that rabbits and eggs are fertility symbols. But they don’t care, because they realize that religions evolve and change and that that’s actually a good thing, not a bad thing. The fact that many Christian saints are just re-imagined pagan gods and goddesses doesn’t alter their faith one iota; because faith isn’t about reason or sense, it’s about belief.
Look, go ahead and debate religion. Go ahead and tell Christians why what they believe is wrong. That’s totally fine and, in fact, I encourage it. A little debate and critical thinking are good for everyone. But do it intelligently. Get to know the Bible, so you actually know what you’re disagreeing with when you form an argument. Brush up on your theology so that you can explain why it’s so wrong. And have some compassion, for Christ’s sake – be polite and respectful when you enter into a debate, even when the person you’re debating with loses their cool. You want to prove that you’re better, more enlightened than Christians? Great, do it by remaining rational and level-headed in the face of someone who’s willing to stoop to personal attacks. To behave otherwise is to be just as bad as the people you’re debating.
Anyway, I hope you guys have a fantastic long weekend, no matter how you spend it. If your holiday involves chocolate, then I hope you enjoy that. If not, just enjoy the extra day or two off work and the (hopefully) warm weather. No matter what you believe in, I think that we can all agree that the end of winter and the rebirth of spring is worth celebrating.
And also? Richard Dawkins? You need to fact-check yourself before you fact-wreck yourself. Spreading this kind of misinformation to your foundation’s 637,000 fans is just plain irresponsible, especially coming from someone like you. Get with the program, buddy.
ETA: The post now seems to be removed from The Richard Dawkins’ Foundation for Science and Reason’s FB page. Thanks Richard!
*It should be noted that the only actual historical evidence that we have of sacred prostitution comes from Herodotus (I’ve included an excerpt from Herodotus’Histories below) and no one is really sure how accurate it is. Herodotus is known for making shit up, like giant ants for example. But it makes for an amazing story and people still make the association between Ishtar and sacred prostitution, so I decided to mention it here.
The foulest Babylonian custom is that which compels every woman of the land to sit in the temple of Aphrodite and have intercourse with some stranger once in her life. Many women who are rich and proud and disdain to mingle with the rest, drive to the temple in covered carriages drawn by teams, and stand there with a great retinue of attendants. But most sit down in the sacred plot of Aphrodite, with crowns of cord on their heads; there is a great multitude of women coming and going; passages marked by line run every way through the crowd, by which the men pass and make their choice. Once a woman has taken her place there, she does not go away to her home before some stranger has cast money into her lap, and had intercourse with her outside the temple; but while he casts the money, he must say, “I invite you in the name of Mylitta” (that is the Assyrian name for Aphrodite). It does not matter what sum the money is; the woman will never refuse, for that would be a sin, the money being by this act made sacred. So she follows the first man who casts it and rejects no one. After their intercourse, having discharged her sacred duty to the goddess, she goes away to her home; and thereafter there is no bribe however great that will get her. So then the women that are fair and tall are soon free to depart, but the uncomely have long to wait because they cannot fulfil the law; for some of them remain for three years, or four. There is a custom like this in some parts of Cyprus.
That crack about ugly women was totally unnecessary, Herodotus. I am just saying.
**The first written reference we have for Eostre comes from Venerable Bede’sTemporum Ratione, in a passage explaining that April was often referred to as Eostremonth:
“Eosturmonath” has a name which is now translated “Paschal month”, and which was once called after a goddess of theirs named Eostre, in whose honor feasts were celebrated in that month.
Jacob Grimm said that he found further evidence of Eostre and her associations with Easter, eggs and rabbits when researching his Deutsches Mythologie, although he was unable to discover any written records about her.
THIS. Thank the mother-f’ing goddess(es) for the smackdown of this bullshit meme. I keep shaking my head every time I’ve seen this photo (or a version of it) on Facebook this week.
As promised, a better look at my new prosperity & abundance altar.
~sparrowqueen ♥
Late night prosperity magic & new abundance altar set-up. I am very pleased with how this one turned out. It’s kind of hard to see in candle light, I’ll take some with natural light tomorrow.
~sparrowqueen ♥
My coven and a guest celebrated a small Equinox ritual over the weekend. This is the time of year when we release our Hags (cailleach) who we have been caring for since Autumn equinox. She’s then reborn as a maiden.
It’s one of my favourite rituals and I’m glad that we did a few days early because my hag kicked my ass this year and it was time to start fresh.
She was like a sweet little old lady who likes to put dollies under everything but who is so prim and proper that she has a bit of a mean streak. For some reason the only way I could think of how to describe her is almost like Dolores Umbridge-lite in her character and yet I feel like she did help me get through the worst of the worst. The hag offers harsh lessons and maybe it’s my own fault for not feeding her quite enough whiskey this year.
I love winter but I am so ready for spring!
~sparrowqueen ♥
Celebrating Samhain 2012
Today, October 31, is one of our favourite holidays and days of the year! Known as Halloween to most people in North America, it is also called by the ancient Celtic name of Samhain (pronounced SOW-hin). Outside of the cultural celebration elements we all know about – trick-or-treating, dressing up in costumes and eating lots of treats – Samhain is also celebrated as a high holiday (sabbat) in the Neopagan and Wiccan Wheel of the Year.
Sunset on the night of Samhain marks Celtic New Year and the festival continues until sundown on November 1. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and this calendar year it also roughly coincides with the Full Moon (which was completely full on Monday, October 29). Like Beltane, which is opposite Samhain in the Wheel of the Year, Samhain is one of the times when the veil between worlds is said to be the thinnest.To read more about the history of Samhain, see our article from last year about its history and lore.
This year we decided to focus more on ways you can celebrate Samhain, so here’s ideas about how to observe this sabbat.
Read more on the Wonderworks Blog »
However you choose to celebrate, have a Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain from all of us here at Wonderworks!
Upcoming Samhain Related Events at Wonderworks
Best Witches Exhibition Opening (in the Fleishman Gallery)
Artist: Monica Bordirksy
October 11th to November 9th; Opening Reception - Thursday, October 11th, 7 – 9pm
Cost: FreeThis exhibit consists of seven oil portraits of witches: contemporary, historical, real and imagined. The artist has taken a close look at the lives and expressions of archetypes and individuals who were labeled, portrayed, or identified as a ‘witch’. More information
Juicy Fridays!! Presents Celebrating Samhain with Candice Craig
Friday, October, 7pm
Cost: FreeSamhain, (pronounced SAOW-in) literally means Summer’s end, and is the third and final Harvest.
Many gifts and sacrifices were given in thanks for the harvest. Samhain is considered by some, as a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. More information
Samhain Personal Readings: Tarot and Palmistry with Deirdre Norman and Melanie Ollenberg
Saturday, October 27, 12 pm - 5 pm
Cost: 20 minute readings for $20As we approach Samhain and the veil between worlds grows thinner, divination is an even more powerful tool of insight. We invite you to explore what insights the mystical can provide, with Tarot and Palmistry readings by Deirdre Norman and Melanie Ollenberg. More information
Upcoming events at Wonderworks for the most wonderful, witchy time of year! So very excited!
Harvest Festivities & Rites
(I’m re-postin’ this particular ask because it helps explain where my ass has disappeared to, in a kinda sorta out-dated-but-not-horrendously-so way.)
itmoons asked: Hello! I’ve emailed you before and I am a great admirer of what you do. My boyfriend and I have been discussing the old ways and pagan holidays and such things and decided we’d like to celebrate them correctly (we did an informal ritual for mabon). With samhain coming, i was wondering what you did for mabon and what you will do for samhain. also, any sources you can direct me too would be helpful. apologies if these questions are too forward/personal/presumptuous. just two lil pagan boys lookin to give the goddess her due.
Ever since I received this question I’ve been hella excited by the prospect of answering it, but I’ve been so knee-fucking-deep in various observances and celebrations (and work - will the mushroom season EVER FUCKING END?) that I haven’t had a chance to address it. (I’m actually pushing this question to the top of my list because 1.) it’s seasonal and 2.) it provides an explanation as to where my AWOL ass has been for the past few months.)
At this point in my life my Gregorian year is split into halves. In the first half, the Light Year (spring and summer), I’m the virginal Bride who marries the divine King and throughout the growing months we reign together ensuring fertility and new life. The second half, the Dark Year (fall and winter), I’m the great Whore who sacrifices her husband, consort and king (wheat, vine, bull and stag) and harvests His blood, flesh and seed for consumption and resurrection.
Because we live in a mostly rural setting and I work with the idea of female-based sovereignty the majority of my Harvest (from ‘round Lammas to Mabon to Samhain to Fet Ghede) is agriculturally themed. Rather than just focusing on our little patch of property I’ve incorporated this entire area that we live in as my land, and I routinely drag Italics across the local landscape to perform various rites and rituals in the Scottish countryside we see every day out our windows.
The following is a list of activities, rituals, celebrations, observances and traditions that we try and nail every year. Some, it goes without saying, are more important than others, so we prioritize things and keep our schedules flexible for unplanned disasters (i.e., bad weather, catching a cold, family drama) to ensure that the most important shit is executed. (<- Like Italics/the divine king, har har.)
The Hagging - Autumn Equinox 2012
I can’t believe it’s already been a week since equinox, time flies when you’re mega-busy-to-the-extreme. I’ve been working tons, trying to have a bit of a social life, writing PhDs applications, judged a drag show, taking a coding workshop and last night I saw some Nuit Blanche art.
I simply adore this time of year! The weather is a large part of it (being Canadian to ridiculous degree I love the crisp, chilly weather and hate being hot), and certainly the foods and sounds and smells of the season also contribute - but it’s more so the palpable feeling of change that accompany harvesttide and the move to the dark half of the year that is so magical and intoxicating. My inner gothypants also gets stupidly excited about Halloween, but really from Equinox through to Yule, this feels like my season and power time. I always feel like I become my best and brightest self this time of year, which is somewhat ironic considering I usually want to pseudo-hibernate until spring, but really I find it delightful. I’m embracing my inner little-old-lady.
On the night of Equinox, I celebrated with my coven, Rosa Mystica, as well as few special guests that we invited to join us (shoutouts to littlecitywitch, pada-viya and kitzuneh - as well as our other lovely guests).
I’ve lost count whether this is my 4th or 5th year doing this ritual now, but it’s an incredibly powerful experience. (Read more last year’s ritual here.) Essentially, it’s about honouring the Callieach. We make our own Hags to care for over the fall and winter months. If you care for her, she will care for you and your household. Offerings of whiskey on the full moon are traditional, though each individual Hag may ask for something different of its caretaker.
Each year my Hag turns out a little differently. As a group, we’ve found your Hag’s appearance generally has some reflection on the months to come. This year, my hag is tiny in comparisons to past years. She’s also more streamlined and simple looking. I can definitely dig this, my goals for the next 6 months are to get organized, declutter and simplify my life. Back to basics!
~sparrowqueen ♥
Hagstone Journal of Occult Arts: HAGSTONE REMINDER! + A FEW UPDATES...
Hey everyone! If you haven’t submitted to Hagstone yet, you totally should! The deadline is Oct 31, 2012.
We’re making a few changes to the submission process. There will no longer be a submission fee (yay!) - those who already paid this fee will receive a free copy of the zine. So, submit as…
Reblogging as a reminder: You have until Samhain (October 31) to submit your articles. I’m on the editorial selection board and working away on my own submissions. I know our first edition is going to rad and each one after it will only continue to be more awesome than the previous. Click through for more info on Hagstone and what we’re looking for!
Happy Equinox & Mabon, my darlings!
So excited for ritual tonight, having a my coven Rosa Mystica and a few special guests over and we are going to make our Cailleachs.
YES! FAVOURITE RITUAL OF THE ENTIRE YEAR!
The photo above is last year’s hag, they always end up so different. I’m so excited to meet this year’s crones.
Hagstone Journal of Occult Arts: Official Call For Submissions: Hagstone Journal of Occult Arts
“Any occultist who claims to have secrets is a fake. All wisdom is an open book to those who would read it.”
Letter from Robert Cochrane to Joe Wilson, 1966
Hagstone is critical, contemporary, alive.
Hagstone is magic without bullshit.
Hi everyone! I’m going to be on the editorial team for this awesome new zine founded by my homegirl littlecitywitch. We’d love to read your submissions, so please send ‘em on in! :) ~sparrowqueen ♥
Happy Beltane / May Day!
I hope your day is blessed, bright, and hopefully full of giant poles! Ah pagan fertility rites, you never let me down, re: large phalluses! ;)
I’ll be celebrating with Rosa Mystica tonight, and will certainly report back hopefully with some photos and an update soon.
…
In other news…MY THESIS SHOW OPENS IN 3 DAYS! It’s also kind of about sex - but really mostly gender, and burlesque! I am really excited, and hella nervous. I start installing this afternoon. If you’re in Toronto, you should come check it out. I will be performing around 8pm at the opening reception.
~sparrowqueen ♥
Wonderworks Gemstone of the Week: Ametrine
Ametrine is a delightful mix of two of our favourite stones! Ametrine occurs when citrine & amethyst, both types of quartz, blend together.
Ametrine has a stimulating and purifying energy, and is beneficial to keep around for enhanced clarity, focus and creativity. It is a beneficial stone to keep around at your desk or computer, especially to help keep you on track when you are doing mentally exerting tasks. Ametrine promotes an optimistic outlook, and a general sense of well-being, even in the face of external stressful influences. Physically, Ametrine stablizes DNA/RNA, heals chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), gastric disturbances, eleviates depressions and lethargy, and stimulates the metabolism.
It has the stimulating creativity, decisiveness, abundance, and manifestation abilities of the fire stone citrine, & the spirituality & higher purpose of the wind stone amethyst. It allows us to focus our mental abilities to reach new levels of spiritual understanding, but also during daily life, when we need to concentrate and create.
See previous Wonderworks Gemstones of the Week
-Wonderworks
