Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Unicorn Herbal


Plants and herbs are an important part of unicorn lore. There are plants like true and false unicorn, both named for the unicorn. There are even some plants like Yellow Unicorn, Unicorn Spiral plant and more that are fun to be able to add to your garden. I am working on accumulating a "unicorn garden" myself, with plants sacred to the unicorn in it. There will of course, be the featured plants: plants held in high regard by the unicorn such as the apple, and some named after it. As an artist, I am also researching garden decor methods to add to the unicorn decorations I have already put in my garden.

Flora: some flowers, apple, cinnamon, cedar, wild holly, wild strawberries, sugar maple, lilacs. (the unicorn is said to hide its treasure in a maple box buried under an apple tree), clover (especially red clover), apple blossoms, centaury, chicory, ferns, mosses, unicorn root (aletris farinosa)

Unicorn in the Name:
False Unicorn: stimulate ovarian, treat venereal disease, sore throat gargle (to reduce bad breath smell), treat impotence, relieve PMS and menstral imbalances.
True Unicorn
Unicorn Spiral
Yellow Unicorn

Plants Sacred to Unicorn:
Strawberry
Apple
Psilocybin Mushroom
Marijuana
Lily

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Unicorns of the Sea


Unicorn Fish
This real-life fish is actually just a fish, but it has a horn on its face. The most dangerous part of this fish are the sharp spines on the base of its tail. Giving it the name Surgeon Fish, these blades are as sharp as a scalpel!

Narwhal

Naruga
Crossbreed between a Narwhal and a Beluga.

My Artwork (unicorns, dragons, griffons, and more)

Unicorn Artwork
Dragon Artwork
Griffon Artwork
Horse Artwork
Wolf Artwork
Cat Artwork
Panther Artwork
Snake Artwork
Angel Artwork
Tariel Artwork
Demon Artwork

Unicorns of Australia

Coming Soon!

Unicorn Fish
This real-life fish is actually just a fish, but it has a horn on its face. The most dangerous part of this fish are the sharp spines on the base of its tail. Giving it the name Surgeon Fish, these blades are as sharp as a scalpel!

Unicorns of Antarctica

Unicorn Mount is a mountain in Antarctica: Unicorn Mount

Unicorns of Africa

Coming Soon!

Unicorns of Asia

Japanese
Ikkaku Sennin: one horn Sage, japanese name for  Rsyasrnga.



“O lord, there was a single horn of a Rsya on the head of the great being. For this reason,
he became known as Rsyasrnga.”

-Mahabharata


Indus Unicorn

Hundreds of unicorn artifacts were discovered in the Indus region. They are the most prevalent creature depicted on their business and religious artifacts. Often depicted with enchanted censors, bathing bins or something else in front of their head, these unicorns are unique. They are physiologically possible, but fit no known creature alive. They were pictured again and again in precise detail. They also have unique horn shapes and body builds.

Some texts indicate the unicorn horns might have been used as handles for the eathenware vessels they are pictured with. These Saffau, or tongs were invaluable. According to Pali literature, the unicorns have to be hunted in pairs, since you can only get one horn from each one. They say the horns are best because they are long and they wind perfectly. The texts indicate that these horns are not hollow (like the horns of bulls) and are therefore much sturdier and heat resistant..

Indus Unicorn
Indus Unicorn Seal Essays
Indus Unicorn Worshippers and Bathers
Unicorn Seals
Krishna and Unicorns
Unicorns in the Indus Civilization
Unicorn as Comet and Diety in Indus Culture

Biblical Unicorn

Psalms 92:10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
---------------
Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
---------------
Job 39:9-10 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
Job 39:11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
Job 39:12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
---------------
Numbers 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
 --------------- .
Isaiah 34:7 And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.
 ---------------
Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
---------------
Psalms 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

---------------
Descendants of Joseph (children of Ephraim) are symbolized by the unicorn.

Unicorns of Europe

The image is of the Alicornio which has winged hooves.

Unicorns come in all shapes and sizes in Europe! Information coming soon!

LINKS

Unicorns in the Talmud http://www.jewishanswers.org/?p=3555

Unicorn of America

Unicorn sightings begun as soon as settlers started to explore the Americas. The American horned horse breed is the Moyle horse. Their horns are usually no more than a nub on their foreheads (often to one side or the other). They are breeding the horns out of this breed, just like they are the other two horned horse breeds. Horned horses aside though, legends of unicorns are in both indigenous lore, and in more modern lore. More info coming soon!


New York Times: A Horned Horse (click to read the article) was shipped into New York in 1887. Most of the inbreeding necessary for creating these genetic throwbacks is no longer in practice. A long time ago, horse's ancestor's certainly had horns! Finding a horned horse in any day and age is sure to be unusual.

Unicorn Dieties

Unicorn Dieties


Goddesses/Gods: Diana, Artemis (they pulled her Chariot of Chastity), Demeter (In some stories it is said that the cornucopia was inspired by the unicorn), Horned God, some moon gods and goddesses, Amalthea (more of a magical goat than god, whose horn was said to break off to form the cornucopia. Now, it is also the name of the unicorn in The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, which has flavored modern unicorn mythology extensively). The triple goddess corresponds to the unicorn, in that, the three colors of the Greek alicorn correspond with the three colors of the goddess. The unicorn is related to Ra and Sirus because of the unicorn's relation to the Egyptian Obelisk. The horn represents the sword/horn of the Judeo god.

Invisible Pink Unicorn (IPU)
Una
Mieliekki
Jehova
Jesus
Talmud Unicorn
Tiamat (births unicorns upon death)
Diana
Artemis
Unicorn on seal of Indus Valley

Kir'Rin Most Fortunate Animal of Asia
Amduscias (sometimes considered "demonic" in some circles)

ARTEMIS

Lately, the goddess who has been demanding my undivided attention has been.....Artemis! I have studied her quite a bit and she has gone through many transformations. For the most part she is a maiden goddess in the visage of the protector or defender. She is Greek, however she has been present in other mythologies under other names. Pure and strong, she did not seek the company of males and was a "virgin wife" or "eternal virgin" depending on the story. Often she is armed with a bow and protects women, virgins, children and animals. Sacred animals are the deer, hound and unicorn along with many others.

Well, I have a special place in my heart for any unicorn goddess, so its no big surprise I keep running across her. In fact, the golden hinds said to bear the Chariot of Chastity are actually golden unicorns in some older paintings. Perhaps it is the confusion of Christian mythology and how it flavors older "pagan" religions, perhaps it is something similar to that and alludes to a more masculine chariot. Her virginal "purity" is often what lures the masculine unicorn to the maiden's side. Often his downfall as hunters take him. Artemis is a hunter and she is the only one allowed to seek her sacred animals.

Apollo, the sun, is her brother, and Artemis is a moon goddess. This primal duality reflects the need for the twin powers to coincide with each other. Artemis even as a child (new moon) had to exercise her youthful energy by helping her mother flee Hera from the island the twins were born on. Throughout her waxing and waning energies however, she contains a strong sense of purity and purpose. Most moon goddesses have a triple aspect, and I suppose that Artemis has this when coupled with other Grecian goddesses that have lunar powers. However, she does not encompass them singularly as strongly as many of the other lunar goddesses in other cultures. You could put Selene, Hectate and Artemis together to create an obvious lunar trinity. However, it would be interesting to examine how Artemis as a singular goddess could represent the moon's cycles. I think that all women do. Although Artemis was never the "mother" or "crone" goddess, she did have elements that alluded to both. She is certainly a protector of mothers, though she herself never bore children. Her eternal youth bars her from the physical representation of the crone, but perhaps her natural and learned wisdom is symbolic of her crone-aspect.

The unicorn itself carries some elements to give it a triple symbolism itself. The triple colored unicorn horn is often colored in the symbolic goddess colors of red, black and white. Sometimes the unicorn is symbolized by the moon. Each month as the moon wanes to a sharp point in the sky, it recreates the unicorns horn. In mythology, this was related with the following story. The lion in the sky ran around the earth chasing the unicorn. The unicorn would wax and grow strong and suddenly, the lion, hungry, would challenge the unicorn. The unicorn would then sharpen the horn, and turn on the lion. However, the lion would devour the unicorn (during the new moon when it would disappear). The unicorn is immortal though, and soon, the sharp horn would be visible in the sky, and the unicorn and lion's celestial pursuit would continue next month.

An ancient "Horned God" the unicorn is a fitting companion for the forever-pure Artemis. Like the Horned Lord of many myths, the unicorn is sacrificed. The story goes that a woman (usually implied to be virginal by some people who care about that, and even rich or beautiful by other standards) draw out the unicorn. The unicorn comes out of the safety of the forest and lays his head in a maiden's lap. She is a terrified witness to hunters who had tricked her into luring the beast attack. Sometimes she is active in catching the unicorn, and sometimes the woman or hunters are evil, but at other times they are good. The story of the horned lord is one which found its way throughout nearly all mythologies of the world, simply through the unicorn alone. A good, divine creature, immortal and sacred gives its life to humanity that they too may find immortality and be cleansed. Of course, this very closely matches horned lord stories, especially sacrifice stories, implying that the "Horned God" gives his life so that people gain a powerful benefit (usually supernatural like immunity to poison, disease and immortality). Artemis as divine huntress has her own stories where she hunts all sorts of animals. I have even heard stories of her hunting unicorns.

Either way, the unicorn and Artemis tie is very strong. She is a Goddess, symbolized in the past by unicorns and is both hunter and guardian of the sacred animal. As you continue your quest, remember, the unicorn is found in many places, it has stood beside gods, lords, kings, paupers and religious people all over the world. It is one of the most prevalent magical animals in myth and story and it is certainly one that will continue to lure us into magical forests.

Source:

Faeries 101 by Doreen Virtue
Creating Magickal Entities: A Complete Guide to Entity Creation: by David Michael Cunningham (Author), Taylor Ellwood (Author), T. Amanda R. Wagener (Author)
http://www.loggia.com/myth/selene.html
Lore of the Unicorn by Odell Shephard
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/artemis.html

The White Goddess
Invisible Pink Unicorn
Biblical Unicorn/Jesus: See Page on Biblical Unicorn

Sacred Birds, Avians, Phoenix, Simurgh and More


By Stephanie Small


Mundane Birds
Albatross
Nicknames: King of the Ocean Waves, King of the Sea, Sacred Albatross

Albatross is a large seabird from the family Diomedeidae (full of other large sea birds). Their range is from the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific but there have been fossils of the bird's predecessors found at a winder range. The might albatross has the longest wingspans of any extant birds. Its magnificent wings stretch up to 3.7 meters (12 feet) tip to tip. They are one of the largest of flying birds. They are known for their famously beautiful ritual mating dances. Pair bonds form over years. Fish, krill and squid make up a good portion of their diet as they dive, scavenge and surface seize their food. They are long lived. A Laysan albatross, named Wisdom, was banded in 1956.

Albatross Totem: There will always be new pathways to take. New pathways will eventually take us where we want to go. Improved Relationship with others. Benefit when living hear coasts and islands. Because of the wandering nature and desire for monogamy, Albatross needs to be in love to be grounded in their relationship physically.

Albatross Energy and Totem Talents/Gifts: luck, grace, long distance travel, largeness/being big, longevity/long life, stamina, independence, monogamy, nonconformity,  dancing, ritual, faithfulness, messenger, loyalty, calm, open minded, lenient, restless, forecasting weather, controlling winds and storms, working with the energy present to make what you want to happen, freedom of belief, freedom of adopting another culture, enlightenment, freedom of speech, guidance, value others, reuniting spouses, keeping spouses together, king of the sea, largest of birds, dealing with emotions, manage stress, excellent parenting, wandering spirit, may like long distance relationships, can break through self-imposed limits, messages from the spirit world, faithfulness, depressive, air-headed, restless, lazy, and lenient

Albatross Associations: Other sea birds 

Primary Element: Air

Secondary Elements: Water, Earth

Opposing Element: Fire

Direction: South

Time of Day: Afternoon

Color: Pale White

Season: Autumn

Moon Phase: Crescent Moon

Common star signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius


The Albatross Challenges: The symbolism of an albatross bound around one's neck. This represents a physical burden that makes you feel as though you are cursed or carrying a burden. If you have albatross totem yet fear it, you may fear your emotions getting out of control. You may fear being overwhelmed. You may fear the internal currents of life. 

Ancient Lore: Albatrosses are symbols of great luck. They were adored by sailors. It was said to communicate between earthly and heavenly realms. Sailors thought it was made of fog and a supernatural bird. Seeing an albatross die was a terrible omen. Oddly, tobacco pouches were made from their feet though.

Albatross in Love: Albatrosses only are on land to mate. They form large breeding colonies. At around 12 years old they lay one egg. Parents take turns keeping the egg warm. Baby albatrosses must be 3-10 months old depending on the species to fly. They dance all over looking for a mate. Albatrosses put a lot into their relationships and so do people with albatross totem.

RESOURCES


Animal Totems and Symbolism. Albatross. soulofvoltaire.tripod.com/id6.…

www.auntyflo.com/magic/albatro…

Raven/Crow/Corvid
Mysteries, wisdom, magic, balance, life mystery, magic, initiation, discovery, shiny stuff, collecting, teamwork, intelligence, problem solving

Ravens and crows are said to be messengers to the underworld. Odin has 2 raven companions.

Owl
Owl is wisdom, intelligence, seeing in the dark, seeing the unseen, piercing the veil, magic, the Goddess

Eagle/Hawk
Wisdom, Leadership, power, magic, initiating into mysteries

Vulture
Magic, wisdom, greeting the morning, solar/sun magic, death/funerary rites

Toucan
Toucan carries the energy of showmanship, communication and a desire to be heard and seen.

Great Heron
Wisdom, good judgement, resourcefulness, stillness, tranquiity

Flamingo
Fun, relaxation, time for fun, spending time with friends

Peacock
Integrity, Beauty, Balance, Wisdom, Vision, Awakening, Immortality, Spirituality, Self-confidence, Awareness, Leadership, Self-love, Resurrection, Laughing at life

Woodpecker

opportunity knocking at your door, rythm, dreams, intuition, attention, communication, creativity, cycles and more, here's a good page: https://www.spirit-animals.com/woodpecker-symbolism/

Roadrunner
diplomacy, communication, take quick action, get motivated, protection from evil, good luck, wards, sacred, 
http://www.native-languages.org/legends-roadrunner.htm

Chicken/Rooster/Hen
Happiness, blessings, fertility, sexuality, birth, children, poultry

Condor

California condor is largeness, huge, powerful, grand energy and strength.


Fantasy Birds




Simurgh cousin to the Phoenix
Simurgh: Phoenix's Cousin....Lost in Obscurity
Manuscript of a Forgotten King

The Simurgh, Truth's last flawless jewel, the light
In which you will be lost to mortal sight,
Dispersed to nothingness until once more
You find in Me the selves you were before.'"
-Mantiq al-Tayr, or the Parliament of Birds

The rebirth of popular fantasy has stimulated a resurrection of many mythological beings, renewing the moral and ethical value of those creatures. One creature that held a powerful mythological position that has since fallen into obscurity was the Persian bird the Simurgh. The creature is also called the Sna-Mr, Senmurv (S?nmurw and older S?nmuru), Sirng and Simorgh, but I will refer to it as the Simurgh for simplicity's sake for the rest of this investigation. The name is derived from Avestan m?r? Sa?n? which can be deciphered into "the bird Sana". This bird was most likely a raptor, such as an eagle, falcon or sparrowhawk, and the word looks related to the Sanskrit word yena, a elysian being. Sana is also believed to be a personal name derived from the bird name. The etymological origins of the Simurgh give a rather unique description of this powerful beast.

The physical appearance of this bird varies from region to region, yet some features remain unchanged throughout accounts. The most common description of this animal is as a bird with the tail of a peacock, dog's head, claws of a three-toed lion and four wings. Some accounts say the birds feathers were copper and others say the bird's feathers were comprised of thirty different colors. The creature often is said to have the head of a man or bird instead of a dog. It was rumored to be a very large bird that could carry an elephant or a camel. Some stories say the simurgh had thirty holes in its beak and blew air through the holes to attract prey with the enchanting music it produced. The features of the Simurgh symbolize the metaphysical and fundamental fertile nature of the bird that has contributed to many religions.

The mythology of the Simurgh is rich and varied, colored with regional stories and beliefs, but it all comes down to a general symbol of fertility and enlightenment. This long-lived bird was said to be over 1,700-2,000 years old and ancient enough to have seen the world destroyed three times. The touch of its wings was purported to cure illnesses and heal the wounded. The bird was an attendant to the Queen of Sheba, the wealthy queen of what many believe is located in present-day Ethiopia or Yemen. She has been compared to Lilith, a feminine sexual being, later demonized to promote masculine power. The Simurgh is also a fertility being and it's presence with the Queen of Sheba may be a symbolic way of representing the fertility connection.

The mythology of the Simurgh is similar to the mythology attributed to the bat, Phoenix and the Roc. Some say that the Simurgh is related to the bat because the bat flies like a bird, has the head and teeth of a dog yet lives in a cave like a muscat. The Simurgh is said to suckle its young, as it is part mammal (lion, dog or human) and has teeth, making it similar to a bat. Some stories call the Simurgh a bat but it is usually referred to as a bird. The bat and the Simurgh have otherwise been different creatures in mythology and do not seem to be the same being due to its connections to other creatures. One Iranian account noted that the Simurgh would destroy itself after 1,700 years in a conflagration, comparing itself to the Phoenix mythology. In the Shahname, it was known that should you burn the one of the feathers it would summon the bird, relating it to the fiery Phoenix. The large size of the creature can be found akin to that of the Roc, another gigantic bird. Despite its influence by and on other beings, the Simurgh stands alone as a rather unique being in most traditions.

The bird was one of the attendants to the conference of birds and was later crowned the king of birds. In the Mantiq al-Tayr, or the Parliament of Birds, the quest for the Simurgh is undertaken by thousands of birds so they have a king. The birds travel through the seven valleys of the quest, love, understanding, independence and detachment, unity, astonishment, and finally poverty and nothingness but only thirty birds finish the quest. These thirty birds then discover that together they are the Simurgh, which literally means thirty birds. They then sacrifice their individuality and merge to become the Simurgh. Through this, they discover immortality, secrets and wisdom. This means that through their lack of ego (displayed by their self sacrifice into a single consciousness), they can attain enlightenment. It is this symbolism of completion, healing and joy that permeates the Simurgh mythology and may also be related to the Persian fertility beliefs.

There are many stories of the Simurgh's benevolence and magic, although I will only detail one at this time that supports the fertility symbolism. The Simurgh was first popularized in Ferdowsi's Shahname (Book of Kings), where Prince Zal, the albino son of Saam was believed to be a devil and was abandoned as an infant on the mountain Alborz. The tenderhearted Simurgh heard the babies cries and saved the baby, raising it as her own. She taught it wisdom and when he grew she selflessly gifted him with a single golden feather to burn if he ever needed her assistance. Zal returned to his kingdom where he married Rudaba. When their son was being born the birth was excruciating and prolonged. Zal, knowing Rudaba would die in childbirth summoned the Simurgh who appeared and taught him how to perform a cesarean section. This saved the babe and Rudaba. The baby grew into Rostam, one of Persia's great heroes. This power over life and death through ancient secrets, wisdom and magic support the fundamental religion of the region.

Persian mythology believed that since the Simurgh loved to nest in water-rich areas, it would bring blessings and fertility to the land through its innate magic and wisdom. Persians say the bird lived in Gaokerena, the tree of life and sometimes call the bird Homa. Some stories say that the Simurgh nested in the Tree of Knowledge, and when it took flight, the leaves shook seeds to the ground creating all the plants of the earth and healing all the illnesses. Said to be related to the Aquila and Sirius constellations, the celestial bird has a place in astronomy as both bird and dog and has its roots in Babylonian mythology. The movement of these constellations can be used to measure the seasons, particularly the influence of the rainy season. This correlation may lend support to the Simurgh's preference for wetlands. The enemy of the Simurgh is the Kamak, an avian bringer of drought. The bird would savagely eat humans and animals, slaughtering hundreds. This evil bird was killed by Karshsp, a hero, who had to shower it with thousands of arrows until the bird perished. It was this kinship to water and the opposition to drought that reiterated the Iranian and Persian duality of light and darkness.

This fundamental belief as a dual king-being is a basis for Persian mythology that continues to support the validity of ancient symbols like the Simurgh. These symbols can be used today to relate complex moral and mythological ideals. As the quote "The Simurgh, Truth's last flawless jewel" implies, the symbolism still holds true as an excellent symbol for enlightenment. This also implies that you will be lost to "unenlightened" people in your quest until you loose yourself into a divine wholeness and become a leader or king for those people. The duality of the creature in its need for the "unenlightened" to define it from the "enlightened" implies the need to define the good from evil. The ancient stories of creatures such as the Simurgh begin to dissipate, yet as our current moral ethics begin to change, we cannot forget the old wisdom that can still teach us lost lessons.

Phoenix

This bird renews itself in fires on top of a palm tree nest.



Pheonixes have been described in a variety of colors though they usually say there is only one at a time...
Some accounts of pheonix describe it as red or purple with 8 large feathers.
Some describe a more "pheasant like" pheonix, even rooster-like descriptions exist!

Sacred marriages are said to be combinations of magical energy. 

The phoenix represented fire, and is often described as being ideally married to dragon (air).

The phoenix is one of the "Most Fortunate Animals" of some Asian religions.
The four most fortunate animals of (some) Asian mythologies, the kirin Unicorn (kirin or Kir'rin), Dragon, Tortoise (or turtle dragon or sea monster) and phoenix. The sacred female unicorn and sacred male unicorn (from religions up to around 40,000 years old) and some celtic knotwork. The Sacred vessel of life in the center...
Roc
This giant bird is said to have a wingspan of 60 feet or more! Sightings continue to this day, even some close to me (Sacramento, CA)
Benben

Egyptian Phoenix

(Associated with a sacred solar Tablet)
Guksu
Honored by the Pomo Tribe, this is Guksu, symbolized by a rainbow bird or a cranefly. It has a pointed nose/horn/beak with balls of feathers surrounding him. To learn more about him, go here: https://sacredunicorn.blogspot.com/2011/05/pomo-magic-and-lore-wip.html

Adar Llwch Gwin

These giant birds were a gift to Drudwas ap Tryffin and they could understand humans.  They edid what their master told them to do. They turned on Drudwas when he commanded them to attack the first man on the battlefield. Arthur was late to the field though, and Drudwas was destroyed. They wailed when they realized what they had done. Though often described as giant birds, they are also sometimes equated with griffons. To learn more about griffons go here: https://sacredunicorn.blogspot.com/2015/03/griffon-in-magick.html

Their name is from the Welsh words llwch ("dust") and gwin ("wine"). The name also refers to brave men and raptors in poetry.

For more metaphysical information I suggest visiting: http://encyclopedia.creepyhollows.com/article_creature_adarllwchgwin.html

Griffons

Resources

Pagan Clothing Colors



by Tariel Nimara

Your religion should not dictate how you dress, but you should dress for *magickal* success. If you are going to devote yourself to a religion that favors diversity, then by all means, wear whatever colors you desire!

I am pagan, and I do wear mostly black, but I also know that colors have metaphysical and magical qualities! Below, I have included a list of colors and their qualities! That can give you some ideas if you want to dress for success! Wear colors that augment your spells, feelings you want to have or even forms of prosperity you want drawn to you.

White

The Goddess
Higher Self
Purity
Peace
Virginity
(substitutes any other color)

Black

Binding
Shapeshifting
Protection
Repels Negativity

Brown

Special Favors
To Influence Friendships

Silver

The Goddess
Astral energy
Female energy
Telepathy
Clairvoyance
Intuition
Dreams

Purple

Third Eye
Psychic Ability
Hidden Knowledge
To Influence People in High Places
Spiritual Power

Blue

Element of Water
Wisdom
Protection
Calm
Good Fortune
Opening Blocked Communication
Spiritual Inspiration

Green

The Element of Earth
Physical Healing
Monetary success
Mother Earth
Tree and Plant Magic
Growth
Personal Goals

Pink

Affection
Romance
Affection
Caring
Nurturing
Planetary Good Will

Red

Element of Fire
Passion
Strength
Fast action
Career Goals
Lust
Driving Force
Survival
Blood of the Moon

Orange

General Success
Property Deals
Legal matters
Justice
Selling

Copper

Professional Growth
Business Fertility
Career Maneuvers
Passion
Money Goals

Gold

The God
Promote Winning
Power of the Male
Happiness

Yellow

The Element of Air
Intelligence
The Sun
Memory
Logical Imagination
To Accelerate Learning
To Break Mental Blocks

Unicorns: A Metaphysical Study

Unicorns: A Metaphysical Study



THIS IS AN EXCERPT! PLEASE READ THE WHOLE THING: Mythology: Unicorns and other Horned Beasts


Unicorns are fascinating and wonderful creatures with a rich and varied history. Magickally, unicorns can provide wonderful guides for all types of people. There are many types of unicorns that can be called upon for aid. The unicorn is one of the oldest beings and the revival of metaphysical interest has sparked its rebirth.

The unicorn has appeared in movies, tapestries, cave drawing, bestiaries, reliefs, mosaics, sculptures, paintings, ancient vases and more! Many people envision the unicorn as a white horse with a single straight horn emerging from its forehead, however, this is only one of many unicorn descriptions. The unicorn of Ctesias was a red ass with a tri-colored horn. There were unicorns with the tails of lions, asses, pigs or even serpents. Unicorns have had cloven hooves, horses hooves, claws and elephant feet. There have been furred, scaled and even armored unicorns. They have been as small as cats and described to be bigger than ships. The variation of the unicorn in legend and lore is different by time, region, culture and more.

Unicorns have changed throughout the years, and the legends surrounding them often differ. I am going to present some of the more common stories. I want to assure you, if I could include all the differing renditions of each mythology, I certainly would. However, there are many books available on the subject and I will include some websites and books for further study.

-

Because this is primarily a metaphysical study I will not be going into the animals which have been often referred to as unicorns (rhinoceros, dinosaurs, bulls, narwhal ect). For more information on such creatures, I recommend checking out the recommended reading in the end of the program.

The term Alicorn is the traditional word to describe the unicorn's horn. In recent years, it has also come to be the term for the winged unicorn. However, I will not be referring to a winged unicorn by that term. I will instead use the Greek cerapter to avoid confusion.

THIS IS AN EXCERPT! PLEASE READ THE WHOLE THING: Mythology: Unicorns and other Horned Beasts


To continue reading, please go to the link below. This is a very very long article with lots of details and information. I go over all the breeds, lots of interesting history and more. Enjoy.  THIS IS AN EXCERPT! PLEASE READ THE WHOLE THING: Mythology: Unicorns and other Horned Beasts

Unicorn Prayer



This chant was used to help give myself confidence and some other skills that I thought I would need. I cleansed my room and cast a personal circle. I lit some candles to light the room and relaxed for a little. Then I grounded and repeated this chant three times. It was very powerful for me and I feel very strongly for this poem.
So I decree
By Three and Three
Bless this horn
Of Unicorn

I circle this place
By horn and trace
Star and dream
Unicorn theme

By Air I call
Open by All
Mind's many flowers
By Airs thought power

By Fire I call
Open by all
Love and desire
By power of fire

By Water I call
Open by all
Emotion's embrace
By water I trace

By Earth I call
Open by All
integration sought
By earth is brought

All these I summon
To bring joy and wisdom
I call for love and thought
Unicorn of time brought

Tame this scorpion sting
Joy and love bring
Like eagles flight
Bring me light
Lift me above pain
Calm down the rain

I call for your life
I ask for no strife
Bring balance to me
By power of three on three
So mote it be
My will be done
With horn am one

This is good to use when you need energy, but its easy to modify to be a well rounded chant. Unicorns are very healing, so their power can be called upon for that use. Also, since you call all the elements and you honor all aspects of a creature, you are alluding to its divine nature, then at the end of the power, you then declare your unity with spirit. This is a good poem to meditate to since it is catchy and it rhymes, you can easily memorize it to meditate on its wording and aspects, especially its cleansing, healing or spiritual ideas. Unicorns are very purifying creatures and though it calls on the elements, it is good as a cleansing chant. It can be used as a cleansing spell or as part of calling the elements. It can be used with some modification in sabbats and other large rituals. I will start by taking apart the piece and explaining each specific section.

So I decree
By Three and Three
Bless this horn
Of Unicorn

This part declares you as the unicorn's horn and asks for blessings. You are not the source of the energy, but a point of the energy which directs and channels it. By three and three alludes to the expression "Three times three" which means the most powerful expression of creative and magical power. Three is the number of creation and magic. If you multiply it times itself it is magic working exponentially. In addition, it is nine, which is as far as you can go without returning to the source, or divine. This essentially means that you are blessing the horn, or yourself, with all your power.

I circle this place
By horn and trace
Star and dream
Unicorn theme

The circle is a sacred symbol. In wicca traditions, the circle is often an area where one conducts rituals, casts spells or meditates. Stars and dreams are often a symbol of the higher self since dreams are a form of communication and stars are lights which mirror the lights where we are. As we are often said to be "made of light" we are mirrored in these stars. "As above, so below" is one of the sayings that promotes this theory.

As the unicorn is a spiritual creature that can bring you closer to the divine. It can do so by pointing the direction, healing that which constricts you or by opening your options. This is why the unicorn is a great choice as a creature for spiritual development. Personally, the unicorn is one of my strongest totems and this particular chant is easy and fast allowing me to memorize it. I find it easier to visualize my guardians or attendants as animals or creatures rather than abstract symbols. I find it more drawing and interesting that simply balls of light, symbols or other similar objects.

Spiral Essence Coven: Symbol and Logo



This is a piece that I made as our coven symbol. Each of us in the coven has our own ideas of what we value. I tried to use the symbol to reflect those ideals. I drew it by hand with pencil and it was rather difficult because of the twists and turns of the branches which make the outer edge. It took our coven a few weeks to decide on what we wanted in our symbol. We might make a website someday, so we wanted to make sure it was one that was easy to put online and easy to duplicate. We knew we wanted it to have a balanced look and a spiral somewhere in the piece.

We started by deciding on a triskelle. The next step was deciding on how to make it appear rounded. We finally decided to include a Celtic knot. We love the intricate, delicate appearance of Celtic knotwork and we wanted that intricacy and delicacy to be present in our own symbol. We started by finding a simple picture that had the basic design. I then took the design and added the symbolism and drew it out myself to make the picture ours.

The twisting branches can be considered either vine or tree branches. They represent the earth and the way it is both intricate with trees, branches, roots, rocks, animals and is in the eternal circular shape of the earth. It encompasses the other elements.

Within the circle of branches is held the darkness and the triskelle....this part has multiple meanings. First, it displays the primordial darkness and the full moon shining through with the triskelle displayed atop the full moon. Second, it can is the eternal dark oceans and its spiraling waves and whirlpools. The dark triskelle that lightens to the center reflects the change from the darkness to our inner light. It also represents the movements of the air and the way it shifts and the vortex the wind creates. It is also the bright pale parts of flames and the dark, cooler parts of the fire. Looking down on it, it could be a cauldron that holds the elements and the spiral of spirit within. It is also the darkness of the primal goddess and the begetting of the light, or god within.

Our coven is called Spiral Essence. Each of us believes in the spiral as the shape of all things at least at a minute level. Whether it is the spiral of the smallest atom, or if it is the spiral of the greatest tornado, the spiral is one of existence's greatest shapes. It is also the shape of a unicorn's horn, an animal liked by everyone in our coven, and loved by several. This took a long time for me to devise and complete. I think it is one of my finest pieces. It maintained the simplicity and balance we were aiming for, yet created a complexity and duality that creates our own beliefs.

The unicorn is on the left, inspiring memories of horse and unicorn goddesses such as Epona, Rhiannon, Amalthea, Artemis. The griffin is on the right, reminiscent of gods such as Lugh and other solar/griffon/eagle/lion deities.

Unicorn Magick Reference


Unicorn is a god. He demands servitude and sacrifice. He stands out of reach, as fixed and brilliant as the stars. Serried ranks of unicorns keep guard like anthracite statues on the outer edges of our universe. Starlight catches on their horns; their molded flanks glisten with power.

Hail, Unicorn! God of knowledge, a dark ghost on the fringes of man's consciousness, a pewter shadow in the leafless deserts of the mind.

--- Josephine Bradley, In Pursuit Of The Unicorn (1980)


My first encounter with a unicorn was when I was little older than three. I was sleeping and I had a dream I was in a completely white room. There was a mirror that covered the wall on one side. I think it might have had golden edges, but its hard to say. Honestly, I was very young and I wasn't concerned about the mirror, only that I knew it was magical. I stared into it and suddenly I saw it warping white an silver. With a crash, I saw a magnificent white unicorn leap from the mirror. Shards of glass scattered everywhere. I think I might have screamed from the noise and glass. However, I was holding a stuffed unicorn and I know I was very happy. I don't remember any more of the dream.

The unicorn is one of the oldest mythological beings. It has traveled through lore as a single horned bull, antelope, horse, dragon and many other manifestations. It has been throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and further....it has pranced through tapestries, bestiaries, sculptures, paintings and more....It has been found on cave walls and has been featured in modern movies. It is easy to say that the unicorn is one of the most popular legendary creatures, and its popularity can only grow.

Unicorns vary in appearance, but the most commonly accepted version is a single horned alabaster horse with a lions tail, beard and tufted legs. The unicorn has also been as small as a cat or been larger than a skyscraper. The unicorn has been a symbol of gods, demons, witches, Jesus and nearly every other archetype it seems. To me, the unicorn is the Horned God...or it is the sliver of the moon, whose sharp new moon shape is the sharpened horn. The unicorn is Artemis, Demeter, Pan....it is the horse, the child, the fae....

Many people think that you need to be a virgin in order to draw a unicorn. This is primarily a Christian concept and although its origins are shady, from what my research has been able to tell me it is contradictory to the original unicorn idea. The unicorn may only come to those who are pure of intention and possess a virtue beyond that the body can hold. It has normally been a divine being of goodness, however, that also has changed over the years.

The unicorn first appeared in mythology 3000 BCE in China and there were active sightings up until 1820. Although many people these days attest to seeing the magnificent creature, they are often ignored or discredited. Regardless of whether or not the unicorn exists, it is a creature of inspiration and power. Either way, the unicorn is a powerful symbol for myself and for people everywhere.

Unicorn Traits: getting where you want, virile, penetrating, libido, strength, purity, power, magick, elusive, solitary, selfless, immune to poison, ferocity, rain, immortality, serenity, nobility, alchemy, innocence, sacredness, chastity, good fortune, new life, intuition, subliminal sex, religiousness, sacrifice, gracefulness, love, wisdom, trust, sensitivity, protection, dreams, although the unicorn is a female archetype, the horse-like body and horn are male symbols, representing a combination of male and female, or mystic marriage, best displayed by the Ki-lin. In some medieval mythology, the unicorn and deer in the forest represented the three-fold nature of humans. In this mythology, the forest represented the body, the deer the soul and the unicorn the spirit.

Goddesses/Gods: Diana, Artemis (they pulled her Chariot of Chastity), Demeter (In some stories it is said that the cornucopia was inspired by the unicorn), Horned God, some moon gods and goddesses, Amalthea (more of a magical goat than god, whose horn was said to break off to form the cornucopia. Now, it is also the name of the unicorn in The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, which has flavored modern unicorn mythology extensively). The triple goddess corresponds to the unicorn, in that, the three colors of the Greek alicorn correspond with the three colors of the goddess. The unicorn is related to Ra and Sirus because of the unicorn's relation to the Egyptian Obelisk. The horn represents the sword/horn of the Judeo god.

Astrology: During the reign of Englands James I and before, the female unicorn was accepted as a symbol of the moon. The sun and moon's nighttime dance was seen as a male lion pursuing a unicorn. As the moon waned, it meant the lion was eating away at the unicorn. Finally, the unicorn's horn would become deadly sharp, honing for the unicorn's defense (sliver moon, holy horn). Then, the unicorn would fight back, waxing, healing until it was whole and powerful. Then, the chase would continue again. During an eclipse, it was believed that the unicorn won the battle.

The Lion-sun flies from the rising
Unicorn-moon and hides behind the
Tree or Grove of the Underworld;
the Moon pursues, and, sinking in
her turn, is sun slain.

— Robert Brown, the Unicorn: A Mythological Investigation (1881)

The unicorn is the spiritually advanced Capricorn. The two horns blending into one to create a single, powerful horn, this animal is called the "unicorn of God." In Celtic moon astrology the holly tree symbolizes July 8-August 4 and is represented by the unicorn.

Elements: The unicorn's main element is Spirit (Energy, Akasha, ect). However, the unicorn's various powers attribute it to other elements as well. Depending on the specific unicorn, religious tradition and the individual unicorn has powers over other elements. Most unicorns display some kinship to earth and water.

Heraldry: The unicorn of heraldry was granted more nobility than previous writers had attributed to the animal. Following the lore of Physiologus's Christian unicorn, but giving the unicorn powerful horse-like hybrid strength created a newer, more powerful unicorn. The unicorn was on the English coat of arms, the Royal Arms of Scotland. The unicorn's aristocratic position was supported by the belief that the singular horn was representative of a singular monarchy or king...or a singular god...singular direction...ect....

In 15th century heraldry, the unicorn was often depicted collared. This symbolism may represent the raw nature passions of the unicorn being tamed. In more common images however, the chain binding the unicorn is shattered. This may mean that represent the breaking free of bondage and the refusal to be taken once again.

Complimentary Creatures (These are creatures which are complimentary, adversaries or opposite the unicorn or its magick. They can create a yin-yang effect): Lion, Griffon, Dragon, Maiden/Virgin/Woman/Girl, tiger (Asian), dove (according to Jung the unicorn can shapeshift from a vicious unicorn into a gentle dove)

Associated Mythical Creatures: Dragon, Griffon,White Hart, Phoenix, Capricorn, Tortoise

Magick: Healing, protection, power, guidance, immortality, spirituality, Magick, concealment, purification, psychic power, gentleness, fertility, alchemical quest, curing the loss of innocence, sexuality, imagination, solitude, communicating with animals, knowledge of fauna, love/devotion, faeries, divination, serenity, dreams, astral flight, levitation, transformation

Locations: Beach, secluded/wild locations, meadows, glades, forests, waterfalls, under apple trees, faery realm, some "heavens," Egyptian Obelisks.

Times: Dusk, dawn, 'tween times, solstices, equinoxes (particularly autumn, the unicorn mating season), moonlit nights, first frost, mornings, Tinne, Lammas, Sunset, sunrise, the full moon, August, dog days of cirus renders the alicorn as a symbol of power,

Flora: some flowers, apple, cinnamon, cedar, wild holly, wild strawberries, sugar maple, lilacs. (the unicorn is said to hide its treasure in a maple box buried under an apple tree), clover (especially red clover), apple blossoms, centaury, chicory, ferns, mosses, unicorn root (aletris farinosa)

Fauna: birds, nightingale, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, nuthatches, deer, horses, dragonflies*, butterflies, swans, peacocks* and colorful beetles*, doves, honeybees (because most unicorns love honey), Tortoise, pheasant, sword fish, unicorn fish

Wheel of the Year

“Magic becomes art when it has nothing to hide.”
-Ben Okri

Let magic slip along your hand, trickle through your voice and crescendo into substance. It is hard to say whether art is magic, or if magic is actually art. What do I mean by this? Well, let’s take a step back. There is often something in everyday life that you are exceptionally skilled at. It is something you are so good at it, that you do it often by instinct. For some people this is drawing, painting, poetry, music, martial arts or even simply imagination.

Samhain: This is the beginning of the Celtic year. Nov 1 (normally celebrated midnight).

Yule: Dec 20-22 depending on the year (Midwinter Solstice).

Imbolc: February 1 (the 2nd is groundhogs day).

Ostara: March 20-22 Depending on the year (Vernal Equinox).

Beltane: May 1 (May Day).

Litha: June 20-22 depending on the year (Summer Solstice).

Lammas: August 1.

Mabon: September 20-22 depending on the year (Autumnal Equinox)

Each of the White pearls represents the Light Half of the year. Black Pears represent the Dark Half of the Year

I blended all my favorite trees together to craft this one. It has elements of the oak, willow, vines, grass and just about any other tree or plant that I adore. I had over 20 pieces of source for this one's inspiration. Next, scanned, colored in photoshop, modified to fit the 1/8 of the circle and copied, pasted and modified to fit. The whole piece resembles an 8 petaled flower. The coven symbol that is reserved for members was used as the centerpiece and symbol of spirit and life. Next came the individual pictures. The greater sabbats are marked with a brilliant full moon. The lesser sabbats are marked with the glowing, brilliant sun. The dark sabbats of the dark side of the year are marked with a fine, black pearl. The light sabbats are marked with a pale, glistening white pearl. Pearls represent the moon and feminine power among many things, and as a water sign, I like pearls.

Samhain: This is the beginning of the Celtic year. Nov 1 (normally celebrated midnight). This is the first holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to honor ancestors. Chanting, lighting candles, honoring the dead, giving gifts of food to the dead on your doorstep, Giving gifts of food to children (trick or treating) who are the ancestors reincarnated, slaughter your livestock and preserve your meats and foods, carve turnips or pumpkins, Light a candle and leave it in your window or make an altar for your ancestors or dead relatives, use divination, make and wear masks and costumes, write out your family tree, reenact Innana's descent into the underworld, decorate your house or make a haunted house, visit a cemetery, don't travel after dark. The picture that is used is of my black cat, Morpheus. I changed the color of the background to a vibrant orange to accent with the seasonal colors.

Yule: Dec 20-22 depending on the year (Midwinter Solstice). This is the second holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to celebrate that the days will only grow longer and winter is waning. This is one time to reenact the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, then you can decorate your yule tree or burn a yule log. You should light lots of candles, sing and go wassailing. Exchanging gifts at this time is one of the most popular events. I have my own version of the oak king, a green dragon who guards a horde. I think the oak is a rather dragon-like tree but I am not sure where I got that impression.

Imbolc: February 1 (the 2nd is groundhogs day). This is the third holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the spark of life that created the God.This is the time for spring cleaning and blessing your home. You take this opportunity to create art and cleanse sacred spaces, cleanse all your tools, yourself through ritual bathes and decorate ploughs. Celebrate with large feasts, bonfires, hiking, poetry, gardening and making wands and bride's beds. You can also “plant” eggs to encourage your house and garden to be fertile. Here, the beautiful fiery goddess Brigid is recreated in my own art. She is surrounded by the fires of the god represented by candles where they keep her rapt attention.

Ostara: March 20-22 Depending on the year (Vernal Equinox). This is the fourth holiday of the dark half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the fertility of the young god and the earth's renewed fertility.Also planting eggs is encouraged, along with planting an herb garden. Blessing your own sexuality and gardens is a great way to celebrate. Honor your pets, animals and wild animals. Take a walk to truly see Gaia's bounty. This is the perfect time for fertility spells and divining with eggs. You can also do an egg hunt! A lovely fertility faery with vibrant wings flutters through. Her smoldering eyes draw you in, yet the pastel shades she adorns are both innocent and lovely.

Beltane: May 1 (May Day). This is the first holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to honor the great marriage. focus on the family, conduct handfastings, practice the Great Rite, the lover's chase or Great Marriage, conduct a May Day dance and weave a maypole, light a Beltane fire and use it to bless things by walking between the fires. Make a secret place for lovers to go. Bless the mothers, Make wreathes and decorations of flowers, place or hang out candy, dried fruits and berries for the fae. Captured in the loving embrace of man and woman, the God and Goddess take their first lover's kiss and begin the process of creation.

Litha: June 20-22 depending on the year (Summer Solstice). This is the second holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to rejoicing in the power of light and life. This is the time to make blessing for fathers and reenact the battle between Holly King and Oak King. Divination with fire, offering up wishes and reaffirming your religious vows are good to do at this time. You can make and bless or enchant tea which is made outside with the sun's heat. Also, making or using Pinatas or Wiker Men at this time is a great symbolic time. The fertile holly king has just taken control of the year and he looks to the light of creation in the midst of darkness.

Lammas: August 1. This is the third holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the beginning of the harvest. This is the time of harvest. You should collect and store your seeds for next year. Harvest your herbs and hang them to dry. Burn a symbol of the god or sacrifice your negative emotions. Play games and have fun as you bless your bread and share it with your loved ones. Bless you foods and reflect on what a bountiful year it was and how much you've grown and changed. Even while the prospect of winter is in the future, grains and bounty are given by the god.

Mabon: September 20-22 depending on the year (Autumnal Equinox).This is the fourth holiday of the light half of the year. This is the time to celebrate the middle of harvest and the earth's descent into winter. Harvest your bountiful meal and celebrate by making some tools. Honor your totems by making animal masks. Make your own bessom to cleanse your sacred space. Give thanks to the earth and make wine, gather dried herbs, collect seeds and pods. Take a walk in the woods and scatter offerings to the gods, animals and fae in your fields or local fields that have already been harvested. Give gifts of libations to trees and plants. Decorate graves or burial sites with leaves and local flora, seeds and nuts. Rich foods have come to fruition and the God is honored for the grown foods.