December means ‘the tenth month’ although after the Roman King Numa Pompilius in ~700BC. Pompilius moved the beginning of the year from March and added January and February. The Anglo-Saxons called both December and January ‘Giuli’ (or Yules). Events in December Sinterklaas Egil Skallagrimsson’s Day Litha Kwanzaa Hanukkah Yule Born in December? Birthstone: Turquoise Flower: […]
The meaning of itches and their omens
Itching is sometimes thought of as one of the manifestations of the human body connected with omens and fortune. An itchy crown of the head You will have an advance in position. An itchy right cheek Someone is speaking well of you. An itchy left cheek Someone is speaking poorly of you. An itchy right […]
The meaning of flowers
There are very many superstitions and beliefs surrounding flowers, their meanings and properties. This post looks at only a few. Clover It is widely believed that finding a four-leafed clover brings good luck. If the finder hands the clover on to someone else than, it is sometimes said, that luck is further enhanced. Daffodil Daffodils […]
The Pivot of the Void: Deconstructing the Zen Paradox of Mu and Wu
Dive into the Zen Buddhist concept of Mu (or Wu), exploring Zhaozhou’s famous dog kōan and why the riddle forces us to completely unlearn dualistic logic.
The Gorgon’s Gaze: Apotropaic Power and Terror in Greek Mythology
Discover the true power of the Gorgon in Greek mythology, from the dual nature of Medusa’s blood to the use of the Gorgoneion face in protective apotropaic magic.
The Primordial Source: Numerological and Philosophical Meanings of the Number 1
Explore the deep symbolism of the number 1, from its genderless role in Pythagorean philosophy to its alphabetic mapping in Chaldean numerology.
CAM: The difference between Complementary medicine and Alternative medicine
In the modern health and wellness landscape, consumers are increasingly seeking autonomy over their bodies and well-being. Navigating the sprawling world of non-traditional healthcare can be incredibly confusing, particularly because the terms “complementary medicine” and “alternative medicine” are routinely tossed around as if they mean the exact same thing. They do not. While health researchers […]
The eight sabbats – Wheel of the Year
Step into any metaphysical shop or independent botanical space today, and you will find a common thread binding modern alternative lifestyles: a desire to live in alignment with the earth’s natural cycles. For modern Wiccans, pagans, and secular practitioners alike, this alignment is charted by the Wheel of the Year, a solar calendar comprising eight […]
Birth flowers
Each of the twelve months of the Western calendar is associated with a flower. This allows us to work out which flower marks our birthday. Birth flowers January: Carnation (or Snowdrop) February: Violet March: Daffodil April: Tulip (or Daisy) May: Sunflower (or Lily of the Valley) June: Rose (or Honeysuckle) August: Lily (or Gladiolus) September: […]
Birthstones: Why your mother’s gem keeps changing
Walk past any high street jeweller today, and you will notice a distinct shift in how consumers buy gems. Buyers are increasingly rejecting mass-produced pieces in favour of jewellery with genuine provenance and personal meaning. Birthstones, gems intrinsically tied to a birth month, are naturally driving this trend, offering a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal […]
