



                                                                            2001

               The foundation which I am trying to lay here (having used many of
          Paul Foster Case's own words) is that of the willing sacrifice. If we
          go back far enough in Human History, we will find Human sacrifice. It
          is nothing to be proud of certainly, but it is nothing to hide from
          either. In the first note I explained why this practice was performed.
          What I did not address was how the sacrificed body was used. Because
          it was considered to be descended from other Divine Kings (the Breed-
          ing I spoke of), it was believed that the flesh and blood of the Slain
          God contained mystical properties. Therefore small bits of his flesh
          were distributed to the Clan, and diluted portions of his blood were
          consumed. In this way, the Clan was connected to his divine nature. In
          time, animal sacrifice replaced Human sacrifice, and later still
          plants served as the Slain God. But the practice of consuming the
          Slain God never changed. Today it is still performed in the ritual of
          cakes and wine, which represent the body and the blood of the Slain
          God (now Lord of the Harvest). In some Traditions the cakes symbolize
          the God and the wine symbolizes the Goddess (that is, their "essence"-
          ). This is all part of the Mystery Tradition, and goes deeply to our
          very core as members of a Clan, a Race, a People, or a Nation.

               An excellent book on the subject of the Divine King/Slain God is
          WESTERN INNER WORKINGS by William Gray.

                    Dear Seraluna, Yes, I have seen the Robin of
                    Sherwood series from England. I nearly fell out of
                    my chair when Robin met Herne. You have no idea
                    how close that series got to certain aspects of
                    the Aridian Tradition (did you notice that Herne
                    was played by an Italian actor?). At the sanctuary
                    of Nemi in Medieval Italy, there were outlaw camps
                    in the forests of the Alban Hill Region. Aradia
                    lived with the outlaws at Nemi for a period of
                    time, before she disappeared. The legend of the
                    King of the Woods at Nemi, goes back to Antiquity.
                    He was a outlaw and a guardian of the Grove.
                    Because he was outlawed he often wore a hood, and
                    was called the Hooded Man/the Hooded One. He
                    became the symbol for the god of the forest, lord
                    of the Trees, etc. He had to accept a challenge to
                    his "kingship", which was always a fight to the
                    death. In this aspect he represented the Slain
                    God.
                    As I stated in an earlier post, the Hooded One
                    came after the Horned One of the Forest, and so
                    was called his son. The Horned One was a Stag God.
                    When Humans began to grow crops, the Animal God
                    figure began to lose its high stature, and the
                    Slain God was transferred into the crops, which
                    were slain at the harvest.         Blessings,
                    Raven

                                        ----------

                             INNER TEACHINGS - THE HANGED MAN




                                                                            2002

               The title of the "Hanged Man" means, in an occult sense, "suspen-
          ded mind" because "man" and "mind" are from the sanskrit root (used by
          early occultists). The title refers also to the utter dependence of
          Human personality upon the Cosmic life. He hangs now as a co-worker
          with the Divine, having placed his own Ego out of the way of the
          Divine inflow. Only in this way can he attain the Higher Conscious-
          ness, and become useful to his People. The sacred tree of the grove
          represents the bridge to the other worlds, and it is the Consciousness
          which "hangs" upon the tree, which serves to unify Humankind with the
          Divine.

               The mental attitude suggested by the Hanged Man, then, is "Not my
          Will, but Thine". This is ever the position of the Adept, as, indeed,
          it is the position of every person who works in any field of applied
          science. It is an illusive, personal thing which is but the reflec-
          tion, or mask, of "Thy Will", which is the purpose or motive of the
          Cosmic Life - a Will absolutely free, and certain to be realized.

               The foundation which I am trying to lay here (having used many of
          Paul Foster Case's own words) is that of the willing sacrifice. If we
          go back far enough in Human History, we will find Human sacrifice. It
          is nothing to be proud of certainly, but it is nothing to hide from
          either. In the first note I explained why this practice was performed.
          What I did not address was how the sacrificed body was used. Because
          it was considered to be descended from other Divine Kings (the Breed-
          ing I spoke of), it was believed that the flesh and blood of the Slain
          God contained mystical properties. Therefore small bits of his flesh
          were distributed to the Clan, and diluted portions of his blood were
          consumed. In this way, the Clan was connected to his divine nature. In
          time, animal sacrifice replaced Human sacrifice, and later still
          plants served as the Slain God. But the practice of consuming the
          Slain God never changed. Today it is still performed in the ritual of
          cakes and wine, which represent the body and the blood of the Slain
          God (now Lord of the Harvest). In some Traditions the cakes symbolize
          the God and the wine symbolizes the Goddess (that is, their "essence"-
          ). This is all part of the Mystery Tradition, and goes deeply to our
          very core as members of a Clan, a Race, a People, or a Nation. An
          excellent book on the subject of the Divine King/Slain God is WESTERN
          INNER WORKINGS by William Gray.

                    Dear Raven, What do you think of the view that,
                    besides consuming a part of the Slain King's body,
                    the people also spread the diluted blood and
                    perhaps the body itself around the fields to
                    sanctify them? It would also fertilize them, since
                    a dead body contains a lot of nitrogen. Jana

                    Dear Jana, Yes, that is exactly what was done with
                    the majority of the body. I come very close to a
                    violation of secrecy oaths with this, but...here
                    goes. In the Autumn Equinox Rite there is perfor-
                    med a Mystery Play in which the Divine Victim is
                    symbolically slain. A skull is present at this
                    rite, and symbolizes the former divine victim. A
                    token fluid of the life essence of the new "King"




                                                                            2003

                    is obtained, and mixed with a token portion of
                    fluid from the High Priestess. This is placed in a
                    bag and is buried in a sacred garden, where ritual
                    plants are grown. Originally it would have hung in
                    the Forest on a tree, to provide for a plentiful
                    hunt, or buried in a cultivated field for abundant
                    crops. Today we offer it up for the needs of our
                    Clan, whatever they may happen to be at the time.
                    In ancient times the Divine Victim was cut up into
                    pieces and given to the soil. Small portions of
                    his flesh and his blood were incorporated into a
                    "communion" meal, and given to the Priest(ess)hood
                    to distribute. Today we still perform this ancient
                    rite, hidden within the ceremony of cakes and
                    wine. Today the sacrifice comes from the Plant
                    Kingdom, but the Human connection is still there,
                    and the ancient current still flows through the
                    Ceremony. As Humans evolved spiritually, so too
                    did their practices. But nothing is forgotten,
                    nothing is ever forgotten...  Raven

                                        ----------

                           INNER TEACHINGS - THE TIDES OF POWER

               There are certain Tides of Power within the Bound Ether of the
          Earth which aid us in all of our works of Magic. The Stars, Sun,
          Planets and the Moon radiate their influence upon us through the
          Magnetic Sphere of the Earth. In Eastern Occultism these Tides are
          called the Tattvic Tides, and the medium through which they flow is
          called Prana. This is the substance just above Terrestrial Matter,
          known as Etheric Matter, of which there are two kinds: Free Ether &
          Bound Ether.

               Free Ether is that which surrounds the Sun, and through which
          pass the Earth and other Planets within its sphere of influence. Bound
          Ether is that which surrounds the Earth itself (or any planet) and may
          be called the Magnetic Sphere.

               As the Earth orbits the Sun, revolving on its axis as it does so,
          centers of stress occur in the Magnetic Sphere of the Earth. As a
          result there is a positive current of energy flowing from the East to
          the West, and a magnetic current passing from North to South during
          six months of the year (which reverses for the remaining six months).
          The "positive" currents emanate from the northern center, and the
          "negative" from the southern center. The Winter Solstice marks the
          beginning of the positive current which reverses after the Summer
          Solstice to negative. These currents of energy are marked by the
          Lesser Seasonal Rites of the Old Religion, occurring at the Solstices
          and Equinoxes The terms "positive" & "negative" refer to electrical
          and magnetic energies of an etheric nature, as well as to those ener-
          gies which we might call "waxing" and "waning".

                                     ----------




                                                                            2004

                                   BEING "OF THE BLOOD"

               It was once believed that certain individuals, namely royalty or
          other spiritual leaders, were actually descended from the "gods" (or
          in some cases from non-Human Races such as the Elven or Fay). It is
          obvious from this that their blood was held to be very precious, since
          they were considered to be "Dedi-gods". Since they represented the
          spiritual base power of the Clan, it was important to preserve the
          purity of their Bloodline, and to ensure that it was passed along
          through the Generations. In those early times it was taught that the
          gifts of psychic abilities were maintained and transmitted by a direct
          blood link with the Priestesshood/Priesthood (who were themselves
          either direct descendants by bloodline, or were indirect by virtue of
          having "received" the Royal Blood). This is one reason why the Church
          ordered the slaying of whole families of Witches during the Inquisi-
          tion, in hopes of destroying the ancient Bloodlines. It is interesting
          to note that witches were very often associated with Fairies and other
          non-Human Races, and were considered to be different from Humans, in
          many European tales of Folklore.

               Symbolically, anyone who drank of the Blood of one of these
          Descendants was said to be "of the Blood" and could in turn, pass on
          the blood through ritual communion of the Wine and Cakes (which were
          anointed with the Royal Blood, of either a direct descendant, or
          indirect blood receiver).

               As the Old Religion grew, anyone who was born into the family of
          those who had been of the blood, were considered to be also, and this
          was the basic significance of being "hereditary" (along with being
          reborn among those who one had known and loved before).

               It is also interesting to note that the "cords" used in the
          Initiation Ceremony, are remnants of those cords which once bound the
          Sacrificial King. 

                                     ----------

                             CONCERNING THE TOOLS & TRAPPINGS

               If one looks closely at the tools of the Craft, it is easy to see
          that they resemble the weapons of a Knight. The tools to which I am
          referring are the Athame, Chalice, Wand and pentacle (in the Aridian
          Tradition the athame is called the Spirit Blade, and bears different
          symbols as well as a slightly different aspect).

               The athame is symbolic of a Knights sword. The wand is a lance,
          the chalice is a helmet (turned upside down) and the pentacle is a
          shield. These Craft tools are the "weapons" of a spiritual warrior, or
          a Priest(ess) as in the tradition of a Shaolin.

               The cords of Initiation, as mentioned earlier, are remnants of
          the bindings which once held the Sacrificial King/Slain God, and mark
          an individual as a member of this ancient mystery tradition. The altar
          is symbolic of the portal, which is the tomb. It is the Gateway throu-




                                                                            2005

          gh to the other Realms. The ritual circle represents the unbroken
          Cycle of the year, which is at the heart of The Old Religion.

               The Watchtowers at the elemental quarters represent the portals
          to the higher Realms, which lay beyond this World. The Watchers them-
          selves represent the "awareness" of our Path, as it is imprinted upon
          the Planes ("watched", so to speak). There are many other such as-
          sociations, but I thought that I would mention just a few. These are
          not commonly known, or discussed, and the knowledge of them will soon
          disappear if someone doesn't pass them on. You may consider it Witch-
          lore, but it is quite a bit more...

                                     ----------


                                 RAISING A PLANT FAMILIAR

               The purpose of this technique is to raise, or grow, a plant as a
          "familiar" (serving spirit) or as a magical plant. In ancient times, a
          small circle of stones was set around the chosen plant, to "bind" the
          numen there. Then a hole was dug down toward the roots (carefully) and
          a chosen power stone was set in place, to "charge" the plant.

               Today the technique has been expanded, but is still true to the
          original intent. You can begin with a seed, or young sprout. Simply
          prepare the soil for planting, in a secluded area, which is suited to
          the physical needs of the plant. Place a stone or crystal of your
          choice about three inches deep into the soil. Quartz crystals are a
          good choice, but you may wish to consult a table of correspondences
          for various stones, etc. Next fill in the soil over the stone, and
          plant the seed (or sprout) as is appropriate. Then lay a circle of 8
          stones around the plant site. At each of the four elemental quarters
          place a crystal of the same type as the one you buried (these four are
          part of the 8 forming the circle). The other stones may be of any kind
          you wish, as long as they compliment each other, in relationship to
          their occult nature. Space the stones to allow for the growth of the
          plant.

               I will give two techniques for the raising of a plant familiar.
          These will show you how to establish contact with the plant numen, and
          how to communicate your purposes to the plant familiar. In this way
          the plant will become charged, and conscious of your needs. Then you
          will have a physical and spiritual helper, for your works of magic and
          healing. 

               This technique is important to magical work involving herbs. Dry
          herbs in an herb store are not charged (in most cases) and can only
          serve through their remaining physical properties. There is, however,
          the placebo effect to consider, as well as coincidence, and self-delu-
          sion. These have been used successfully for quite some time. I will
          not deal with these here, as most popular Authors are doing an excel-
          lent job of passing this off on us as authentic spells. 




                                                                            2006

               I intend to give you the actual techniques which empower herbs,
          and whose effects were the basis for the powers attributed to herbs
          from ancient times. No Con, just the facts.

          Method 1: If planting by seed, wait 7 days after the sprout appears to
          proceed with the following (if a young plant, wait 7 days after plan-
          ting it). Remove the stones between the quarter stones, and plant a
          seed at each point. Next bury the quarter stones where they lay, at
          least an inch deep. The seeds may be of the same type as the plant
          within the circle, or an assortment. Each day, place both palms upon
          the ground within the circle, forming a triangle with fingertips
          (index fingers touching & thumbs touching). The stem of the plant will
          be in the open area of the triangle, centered between your hands.

               Using your imagination & visualization abilities, sense your
          power flowing out through your arms, from your personal power center
          (just below the navel for women, and at the solar plexus for men). You
          must also talk to the plant and send it visuals, communicating your
          needs and desires through mental images. You must take good care of
          the plant from this point on, and keep it from harm. To create a
          strong bond with your plant familiar, you can add 3 drops of your own
          blood to a quart of water, and use this to water the plant as needed.

               Magically, you have first increased the level of the numen throu-
          gh the crystals. Secondly, you have extended its power and influence
          to the other plants. This is because these plants became alive under
          the influence of the center crystal and plant. They were also bathed
          in a cross quarter current of energy, controlled from the center
          entity, through the quarter crystals. If you need the physical parts
          an herb for your spells, potions or whatever, then use only the plants
          enclosed within the original circle of stones, and never the center
          plant. The center plant IS the familiar, and the others are merely
          extensions of it. 

               The final step in creating this plant familiar, is to establish
          your "link" and your "rapport". To do this, you must sit comfortably
          before the plant, and stare at it. Allow your eyes to lose focus and
          your vision to blur. In this state, observe the shape of the plant,
          trying to leave your mind blank. The plant will "send" you an image as
          you stare. You will receive this as a distortion of the plant's shape,
          so that it will begin to resemble some other creature such as an
          animal or an insect. This new shape is the spirit of the plant, and
          you will employ this image as you work with the familiar.

               The familiar can give you extra power in any magical work, when-
          ever you summon it. "House plants" can become protective entities for
          your home through plant magic. Plants can be given as gifts, charged
          for a special purpose. 

               To summon the familiar, you simply imagine your plant in it's
          setting, and visualize it becoming the spirit creature. Mentally call
          it to yourself, and allow it to enter into your personal power center. 

               To empower through the familiar, mentally send in into any herbs
          which you are charging (instructing it as to the desired effect) and




                                                                            2007

          imagine that it passes power to them, imagine them glowing after
          contact with the familiar. When you are finished, always return the
          familiar to the plant. 

                                     ----------

                                         MOON LORE

          It was once believed that:
          1. The shadowed areas of the Moon were forests where the
               Goddess Diana hunted, and the bright areas were plains.
          2. That the Moon was a spinning wheel, upon which the Goddess
               spun the lives of Men and Women.
          3. That the Moon was a gem worn by the Goddess, and that
               the stars were decorations upon Her gown.

               The names by which the Moon was called, as she appeared in each
          month of the year, varied with the significance of the seasonal month.
          In October and November we see the need for preparations for Winter.
          In February, the wolves were drawing closer to the villages looking
          for food. In March the sounds of ravens signaled the coming of Spring.
          April through June we see the signs of growing things. In July, the
          Moon marks the signs of 
          horns and antlers upon young animals. In September, of course, we find
          that the time is marked to reap the Harvest.

          Names of the Moon:

          October:       Hunter's Moon
          November:      Larder Moon
          December:      Long Night Moon
          January:       Winter Moon
          February:      Wolf Moon
          March:         Raven Moon
          April:         Meadow Moon
          May:           Flower Moon
          June:          Rose Moon
          July:          Antler Moon
          August:        Piscary Moon
          September:     Harvest Moon

                                     ----------

                                        MOON MAGIC

               The accumulation and direction of the subtle forces of the moon,
          is one of the arts of Witchcraft. Moon magic is a personal art, even
          though there are basic guidelines. In ancient times, witches held the
          position of the Moon priestesses/priests. In coastal regions, and upon
          islands, witches were also Sea Priestesses/Priests. The use of water
          from the sea was an important aspect in Moon Magic (salt being a
          crystal form). The "charging" of water, and the release of the "char-
          ge" through evaporation, was an important aspect. So too was the
          soaking of woods and herbs in sea water, which were later dried, and




                                                                            2008

          burned as incenses and offerings. Two excellent books on this subject
          are MOON MAGIC and THE SEA PRIESTESS by Dion Fortune.

               The use of Portals to gain access to the Lunar Realms, and the
          building of magical images there, is a very important aspect of Moon
          Magic. The actual "essence" of the power used in Moon Magic, origin-
          ates out among the stars. The Sun draws in the stellar influences and
          transmits them into our Solar System. The Planets within our System
          absorb this energy which then merges with their own vibrations or
          energies. The Planets, in turn, then emanate a composite energy within
          our Solar System. Each Planet's energy or vibratory pattern is unique,
          and influences other planetary bodies and forces, within each planet's
          sphere of influence. This is the basis of Astrology and Planetary
          correspondences in Magic (this is how and why it works). The Moon is
          the focal point of power upon the Earth. The Moon absorbs, condenses,
          and channels all of these forces, which are then carried to our Plan-
          et, upon the Lunar Light Spectrum. 

               Agrippa, a 15th Century magician, understood these principles
          when he wrote "...but the Moon, the nearest to the heavenly influ-
          ences, by the swiftness of her course, is joined to the sun, and the
          other planets and stars, as a conception, bringing them forth to the
          inferior world, as being next to itself, for all the stars have in-
          fluence on it, being the last receiver, which afterwards communicates
          the influence of all superiors to these inferiors, and pours them
          forth upon the Earth..."

               Aradia, the Holy Strega, told her followers to seek the Moon
          above all others, for the purposes of Magic. In the closing prayer of
          the Full Moon Ritual, we find these words which Aradia's followers
          were later to have written :

               " O' Goddess of the Moon...teach us your ancient mysteries.-
               .. that the Holy Strega spoke of, for I believe the Strega's
               story, when she told us to entreat Thee, told us when we
               seek for Knowledge, to seek and find Thee above all oth-
               ers".

               Agrippa understood this also, when he wrote, "Therefore. her (the
          moon) motion is to be observed before the others, as the parent of all
          conception......hence it is, that without the Moon intermediating, we
          cannot at any time attract the power of the superiors..." What Agrippa
          spoke of, is what witches have known for Ages: The Moon is the focal
          point of power upon the Earth. Without the Moon we cannot make use of
          the Universal Forces beyond her. 

               In Moon Magic, the ritual altar is the focal point for the Lunar
          forces which are drawn upon. Women are the vessels for Lunar Energy,
          receiving and directing the magical force. Men can also become lunar
          vessels, but women are much better suited (as their biology is more
          attuned to the Moon's Cycles, than are men's biology). The method used
          by both women and men will be given in another note (part 4 or 5,
          depending upon available space). 




                                                                            2009

               The Moon altar is placed facing the West Quarter. The altar
          itself should be round, but a square or a rectangle is OK. In the
          center of the altar, place a bowl of saltwater. A white sea shell is
          then set into the center of the bowl. As this is done, whisper the
          name of the Goddess who rules the current phase of the Moon, under
          which you are working. The new moon belongs to Diana (De-ah-nah), the
          Full Moon to Jana (Jah-nah) and the waning Moon to Umbrea. Around the
          bottom of the bowl. set nine white shells, forming a crescent (horns
          upward, as in a smile). If the magic is for the gain of something,
          place the shells from right to left. If the magic is for the removal,
          or loss of something, then place the shells from left to right.

               As each shell is placed, chant the name of the Goddess who
          presides over the goal of the magical influence you desire. Matters
          concerning "beginnings" are under Diana. Matters involving "forces",
          energies, or powers are under the influence 
          of Jana. Matters of Death, decline, and stagnation are ruled by
          Umbrea.

               Censers of Moon Incense are placed around the bowl, upon the
          altar, forming a triangle (so you have 3 incense containers forming a
          triangle, with the Moon Bowl in its center). A reversed triangle (V)
          is formed for manifestations desired upon the physical plane. Upright
          triangles (A) are formed for manifestation upon the astral plane.

               During the magical work, the energy is focused into the altar
          bowl (or moon bowl, as it is often called). This can be done in
          several different ways. In group rituals, members may point their
          ritual blades at the Priestess, who stands before the altar. The
          members visualize their energy flowing from their themselves, through
          their blades, and into the aura of the Priestess. The Priestess then
          visualizes this collective energy flowing from herself, through her
          own blade, into the moon bowl. Or she may simply place her palms over
          the bowl and focus the energy out through her hands. During this
          technique, she may recite an incantation, stating the purpose of the
          "charge", or the group may chant the spell's intent. One of the ways
          in which energy can be raised for this technique, is through deep
          breathing. Each person draws in air slowly and deeply, and exhales as
          they visualize the energy flowing outward through their ritual blades,
          or their hands. Eastern Mystics teach that the Ether of our planet can
          be drawn in through the breath, and condensed as pure energy. This
          they call "Prana".

               Another method is to "enchant" the water. Begin by passing your
          right hand, palm down, over the bowl in a clockwise manner. Perform
          nine passes, then do the same with your left hand. You will need to
          create a Chant which will serve to describe your intent. It can be a
          simple rhyme, or whatever you want. As you chant, blow gently upon the
          water slightly disturbing the surface. Formulate the incantation to be
          as descriptive as you can, about what you desire. 

               Once you have spoken the incantation into the bowl, it is time to
          release the "charge". One technique for this is to boil the water, and
          observe the steam as it evaporates. Boil it until all of the water is
          gone. As the steam rises up, repeat your incantation, and watch the




                                                                            2010

          steam as it moves upward. It is carrying off your magic, so that it
          may take effect. Think this as you watch it (thoughts ARE things). 

               Another very old method is to pour out the contents of the bowl
          into a stream, or river. As you do this, you recite a simple rhyme
          spell, such as : 

                         " Water to water
                         a witch's spell
                         I give this stream
                         to speed it well"

          Receiving the Moon's Light: (for women)

               The Priestess receiving the Full Moon, will need an assistant.
          The assistant will require a silver disk, smooth and highly polished.
          If absolutely necessary, a small hand mirror may be used in its place.
          The Priestess will stand or kneel before the altar, with her head
          bowed down. The assistant will part her hair at the base of the skull,
          using water or oil to help separate the hair, if it is short.

               While the priestess visualizes the form of the Goddess merging
          from behind, into her own form, the assistant will reflect the Moon's
          light upon the base of the skull, using the silver disk. You will find
          that this is quite difficult in city light pollution, and works best
          in a country setting, or a desert. Once the Priestess receives the
          Moon she can channel it into the Moon bowl, or she can "store" it
          within her Being for seven days. This light is pure Lunar energy, and
          can be "impregnated" with whatever "thoughtform" the priestess des-
          ires.

          Receiving the Moon's light: (for men)

               The Priest receiving the Full Moon, does not need an assistant,
          but may choose one if he desires. Men cannot receive the Moon in the
          same manner as women, nor should they visualize the Goddess merging
          with them. The Priest will stand, or kneel, before the altar with his
          head slightly bowed. Using a polished brass disk, the Moon's light is
          reflected upon his forehead. At this point the Priest will visualize
          himself as the Full Moon itself.

               Once the light is received, the Priest can channel it into the
          bowl. Men do not "hold" Moon Light very well, and it is best to
          channel it off before the seven day period, which the Priestess
          enjoys. 

               There are several ways for a woman to receive the Moon's Light,
          without any assistant. The technique I gave in this subject note, is
          just one of the magical techniques. The Moon may also be received in a
          religious setting (no magic intended, just a blessing or a union with
          Deity). In these modern times, you can set up a mirror behind you, and
          angle it so that it reflects down upon you, if you desire to try the
          magical technique. One of the old ways of non-magical union, was for
          the woman to lay nude beneath the Full Moon in the Full Moon Goddess
          Posture. This posture is also referred to as the Star Goddess Posture,




                                                                            2011

          and is an X formation, arms and legs spread out wide. The woman
          anoints herself with an oil of the Moon, just below her navel (forming
          a crescent with the oil). As she lays upon the earth, she will look up
          into the Moon, and slowly draw in the muscles of her abdomen, as she
          mentally pictures that she is drawing down the light of the Moon, into
          herself. Just as men draw power into themselves through the solar
          plexus, a woman draws power into herself through the navel region
          ("pit of the stomach" kind of thing. This is the center of a woman).
          This is just one method, but it can be a powerful experience.

                                        ----------

                                          ARADIA

               This is the Legend of Aradia, who was called the Holy Strega
          (pronounced Stray-gah). Strega is the Italian word for witch. She
          lived in Italy during the 14th Century, and brought about the revival
          of the Old Religion, among the peasants who were enslaved by Feudal
          Lords and the Church. Charles Leland wrote a book in 1894 called
          ARADIA, gospel of the witches. Unfortunately, his material is a
          Christianized distortion of the original text.

               In 1508 A.D. the Italian Inquisitor Bernardo Rategno (having
          studied witch trial records preserved in the archives of the Inquis-
          ition at Comom) wrote a text called the Tractatus de Strigibus. In
          this text he states that the "witches sect" had begun to "expand"
          about 150 years earlier. This would place the "expansion" around 1350
          (14th Century). In the Aridian Tradition we believe that this confirms
          the legend of Aradia. In Leland's ARADIA, he also tells the tale of a
          woman who travelled about Italy teaching The Old Religion. According
          to this story, there once was a young woman from the town of Volterra
          who "travelled far and wide, teaching and preaching the religion of
          old times, the religion of Diana, the Queen of the fairies and of the
          Moon, the goddess of the poor and oppressed". Leland goes on to say
          "and the fame of her wisdom and beauty went forth over all the land,
          and people worshipped her, calling her La Bella Pellegrina (the
          beautiful Pilgrim)". In the Aridian Tradition, we believe that this
          legend is based upon the true life story of Aradia. We consider her to
          have been a great Teacher, and a type of Avatar, but we do not worship
          her. We do, however, honor her each Full Moon by the telling of her
          Legend, and by drinking to her memory.

               According to our teachings, Aradia formed covens (called groves)
          in central Italy. She taught the Old Religion of Nature, and of Magic,
          but above all she taught a Spirituality. Beyond this she gave hope to
          peasants whose lives were made miserable, in service to the wealthy
          class. She taught them personal power, and personal value, in an Age
          when the Church taught them shame and sin, and servitude. Aradia
          returned their beautiful pagan heritage back to them once again. A
          heritage which was preserved in secret by courageous Priests and
          Priestesses of the Old Religion. Aradia taught Harmony with Nature,
          and directed her followers to merge with Nature through Seasonal
          Rites, and ritual observation of the Full Moon. 




                                                                            2012

               The "Charge" of the Goddess, known to many Wiccans, originally
          came from the Italian. The beginning paragraph can be found in Lel-
          and's text. Doreen Valiente now claims to have written it sometime
          during the 1950's or early 1960's. Leland recounted a portion of it in
          1894, with an english translation from the Italian. I copied from a
          copy of it which came to the U.S. in 1946. So, this is all very
          curious to me!! In the next note I will post the Italian Charge, as
          written by the followers of Aradia, during the late 14th Century
          (well, a public version of it, anyway). 

                    FROM DOMI O'BRIEN      Part of the problem, Raven,
                    was that Leland was a Marxist, and Aradia was
                    written less to record the legend than to place
                    his political theory in a folklore frame.

                    FROM RAVEN GRIMASSI    I've heard that theory
                    about Leland, and its influence on his book. I do
                    not personally believe that it is correct. When
                    you read all of Leland's books, it is quite clear
                    that he was extremely fascinated by the Witchlore
                    of Italy. This was a man who spent many years of
                    his life in Italy, and elsewhere, tracking and
                    recording myth after myth. He spent a lot of time
                    with Lady Vere de Vere (Italian Folklorist) and
                    Professor Milani (Director of the Archaeological
                    Museum in Florence) recording Italian Witchlore.
                    His intense love of this subject is evident in his
                    book LEGENDS OF FLORENCE, as well as several of
                    his other books, including ETRUSCAN MAGIC & OCCULT
                    REMEDIES. Whatever his political leanings may have
                    been, ARADIA is more the result of a con job by
                    the so-called "witch" Maddalena (and his obsession
                    with preserving the old Witchlore), than it is
                    anything else. It is curious that actual elements
                    of true Italian Witchcraft were obtained by Mad-
                    dalena. She was well known by the Craft, in those
                    days, as a Gypsy Con-Artist, but clearly she did
                    come upon some valid aspects of The Old Religion.
                    Most of the text is utter nonsense, but there is
                    enough there to make you go Hmmmmmmm.

                                     ----------




                                   THE CHARGE OF ARADIA
                                    (To her followers)

               "Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month when
               the Moon is full, then shall you gather in some deserted
               place, or within the woods, and give worship to She who is
               Queen of all Witches. Gather then all together, within a
               circle, and secrets that are as yet unknown shall be rev-
               ealed. And you must be free within your mind and your




                                                                            2013

               spirit, and as a sign that you are truly free, you shall be
               naked in your rites. For therein is the essence of spirit,
               and a knowledge of joy. Be true unto your own beliefs, and
               keep to the Ways, beyond all obstacles. For ours is the Key
               to the Mysteries, and the Cycle of Rebirth, which opens the
               way unto the Womb of Enlightenment. I am the Spirit of
               Witches All, and this is Joy and Peace and Harmony. In life
               does the Queen of all Witches reveal the Knowledge of
               Spirit. And from Death does the Queen deliver you unto
               peace, and renew your Life again.
                When I shall have departed from this World, in memory of
               me, make cakes of grain, wine, and honey. These shall you
               fashion in the shape of the Moon, and partake of these
               cakes, and of wine, all in my memory. 
                    Offerings then shall you give unto She is who our
               Mother. For She is the beauty of the earth, and the white
               Moon among the heavens, and the Mystery which gives Life,
               and ever calls us to gather in Her name. Let Her worship be
               the ways within your heart, for all acts of love and pleas-
               ure, are as rituals unto the Goddess. But to all who seek
               Her, know that your seeking and yearning shall avail you
               not, until you know the Mystery. For if that which you seek,
               is not found within you, you shall never find it without.
               For She has been with you since you entered into the Ways,
               and She is that which awaits attainment, and your journeys
               end". 

               This is an altered version of the full length "Charge" as it
          appears in the Aridian Tradition. On the next note I will post Lel-
          and's version, which was written in 1894. Following this I will post
          one of the popular Wiccan versions, which will probably be better
          recognized. I am sorry that I cannot post the actual Charge, but this
          one comes very close (without dishonoring my oath of Initiation). 



          (Leland's version - written in 1890):

               "When I shall have departed from this world, whenever ye
               have need of anything, once in the month, and when the Moon
               is full, ye shall assemble in some secret place, or in a
               forest all together join to adore the potent spirit of your
               Queen, my Mother, great Diana. She who fain would learn all
               sorcery yet has not won its deepest secrets, them my mother
               will teach her, in truth all things as yet unknown. And ye
               shall be freed from slavery, and so shall ye be free in
               everything; and as a sign that ye are truly free, ye shall
               be naked in your rites, both men and women also: this shall
               last until the last of your oppressors shall be dead; and ye
               shall make the game of Benevento, extinguishing the lights,
               and after that shall hold your supper thus:"
           
          (Leland goes on with the conjuration, and blessing, of the meal for
          the Sabbat, and then concludes the Charge)




                                                                            2014

               "And thus shall it be done: all shall sit down to the supper
               all naked, men and women, and, the feast over, they shall
               dance, sing, make music, and then love in the darkness, with
               all the lights extinguished; for it is the Spirit of Diana
               who extinguishes them, and so they will dance and make music
               in her praise".

               I just thought that you might find this of interest. There are
          many verses in Leland's writing, which Doreen Valiente now claims to
          have written for Gerald Gardner, circa 1958. (Text from: ARADIA,
          gospel of the witches by Charles Leland)

                    FROM:    JANA HOLLINGSWORTH          A version of
                    the Charge of the Goddess appeared in Charles
                    Godfrey Leland's ARADIA around the turn of the
                    century. According to Raven Grimassi, it was known
                    among Italian traditional Witches long before
                    that. The Leland publication alone would indicate
                    that Valiente merely rewrote it. 

                    The Charge of the Goddess--who wrote it?
                    Was Leland the first one to note it?
                          Did Doreen create
                          It in Fifty-eight?
                    Or did they from Italy quote it?

                    FROM:    JANICE BURGESS     Doreen adapted and
                    expanded the Charge from a bit that is in Aradia. 
                    The part in Aradia is not nearly as beautifully
                    written and doesn't contain as much text as Dor-
                    een's adaption.  It also contains things that
                    modern pagans probably wouldn't understand cul-
                    turally or want to include as they wouldn't apply
                    well at this point in time. I'm a fanatic about
                    where things come from and always like to know
                    although, like you, it doesn't affect my enjoyment
                    of the work at all.  I like getting credit for
                    what I've written and like to extend the courtesy
                    to others as well, so I guess that's part of it. 
                    I also just went through a lot of problems with a
                    book I have coming out this fall. I wanted to
                    include things like chants and songs I've been
                    hearing for over 10 years in the appendix. I had
                    to track down who had done what and get permis-
                    sions from all concerned. Most of them I wanted to
                    use had been done by friends. A few I had no idea
                    who had written them. It was really a mess. It
                    cured me from ever jotting something down and
                    using it and taking it for granted I would remem-
                    ber where it had come from later on.
           

                    FROM RAVEN GRIMASSI    Yes, Doreen based her
                    version of the Charge on ARADIA by Leland (among
                    other writings as well).  The beginning of the




                                                                            2015

                    Charge ("once in the month and better it be when
                    the Moon is Full...")  comes from Aradia's ins-
                    tructions to her followers. In Leland's ARADIA it
                    is in Chapter 1, being the last English trans-
                    lation there.  I will provide the first section
                    here for you, directly from Leland's book:

                       "...whenever ye have need of anything, once in
                    the month and when the moon is full, ye shall
                    assemble in some desert place, or in a forest all
                    together join to adore the potent spirit of your
                    Queen, My Mother, great Diana. She who fain would
                    learn all sorcery yet has not won its deepest
                    secrets, them my Mother will teach her, in truth
                    all things as yet unknown. And ye shall be free
                    from slavery, and so shall ye be free in every-
                    thing; and as the sign that ye are truly free, you
                    shall be naked in your rites...".   Remember, this
                    was first published in 1890.  Seem somehow fam-
                    iliar?

                                        ----------

                                       ITALIAN CRAFT

               As an introduction to this subject, I'll begin with some excerpts
          from a few books. In the LEGENDS OF FLORENCE we find these words by
          Charles Leland (written 1895):

                "The witches of Italy form a class who are the repositories
               of all the folklore; but, what is not at all generally known
               they also keep as strict secrets an immense number of
               legends of their own, which have nothing in common with the
               nursery or popular tales, such as are commonly collected and
               published....Lady Vere de Vere, who has investigated witch-
               craft as it exists in the Italian Tyrol, in an admirable
               article in La Rivista of Rome (June 1894) tells us that "the
               Community of Italian Witches is regulated by laws, trad-
               itions, and customs of the most secret kind, possessing
               special recipes for sorcery" which is perfectly true. Having
               been free of the community for years, I can speak from
               experience. The more occult and singular of their secrets
               are naturally not of a nature to be published..."

               After consulting with Lady Vere de Vere (Italian Folklorist) and
          Professor Milani (Director of the Archaeological Museum in Florence)
          Leland wrote (concerning Italian Witchlore), "That this is of great
          antiquity is clear, for out of this enchanted forest of Italian
          Witchcraft and mystical sorcery, there never came anything, great or
          small, which was not at least of the Bronze, if not Neolithic Age". In
          his book, ARADIA, Leland writes of the popular Christian image of the
          witch, but goes on to say: "But the Italian Strega or sorceress is in
          certain respects a different character from these. In most cases she
          comes of a family in which her calling or art has been practiced for
          many generations..." 




                                                                            2016

               In Leland's ETRUSCAN MAGIC & OCCULT REMEDIES we find these
          statements: "Among the cliffs and scrubby moors of northern Italy
          there dwell today descendants of an ancient people whose stubborn and
          exotic mystery has provoked historians to conflict, linguists to
          despair, archaeologists to poetry, and poets to philosophy. For almost
          two thousand years the astounding secret of their existence was kept
          without living whisper save in the anachronistic echoes, recorded for
          the first time in this book, of Tuscan Catholic peasant voices calling
          through unbroken generations upon the pagan deities of their remar-
          kable ancestors..."

               Later in this book he states "But I was much more astonished to
          find that in Tuscany, the most enlightened portion of Italy, under all
          Roman rule, an old pagan faith, or something like it, has existed to a
          most extraordinary degree. For it is really not a mere chance survival
          of superstitions here and there, as in England or France, but a
          complete system, as this work will abundantly prove". 

                                        ----------











                                   LA VECCHIA RELIGIONE
                                    (The Old Religion)

          ITALIAN WORD                       ENGLISH WORD

          Strega (Stray-gah)                 Witch (female)
          Stregone (Stray-go-nay)            Witch (male)
          Treguenda (Tray-gwen-dah)          Sabbat
          Veglione (Vay-yoe-nay)             Esbat
          Stregeria (Stray-gare-e-a)         Witchcraft
          Boschetto (Bos-ket-oh)             Coven
          La Vecchia (La-vek-kia) (slang)    The Craft

               The Old Religion of Italy is called La Vecchia Religione (La-vek-
          -kia Re-lidge-oh-nay). In La Vecchia, female witches are called Strega
          and males are called Stregone. In the structure of a Boschetto there
          are several offices or positions. Most groups are run by a woman who
          is a High Priestess, assisted by a man who is a High Priest. The High
          Priestess has an assistant known as Dama D'onore (Dama-Dee-o-nor-ay).
          This is like a Queen's attendant except that it the Goddess who she
          actually is serving during the ritual, represented by the High Pries-
          tess. The High Priest has an assistant called "La Guardia" who is the
          Guardian of the ritual area. In the days of the Inquisition it was his
          duty to protect the High Priestess and High Priest if the Christians
          should attack the ritual gathering. It was also his responsibility to




                                                                            2017

          keep the new initiates from disrupting the ritual, by helping move
          them along as needs be. Both positions of service are "in training"
          for the respective positions of High Priestess and High Priest. 

               There are four degrees, or stages, of attainment, within La
          Vecchia. The 1st is a time of training and orientation. The 2nd is
          becoming a Priestess or a Priest of the Old Ways. The 3rd is becoming
          a High Priestess or High Priest. The 4th is when a person actually
          dies, and we say that she, or he, has taken 4th Degree. 

               Over all of the 3 Degrees, is the position of Grimas (Gree-mahs).
          A Grimas oversees the Tradition as a whole, and is responsible for its
          preservation. A Grimas makes sure that nothing is ever written out of
          any ritual material, or edited from any oral teaching. In Italy, this
          is a much respected position, and a Grimas always has the final word
          in all matters regarding the preservation of the Ways. This position
          can be held by either a woman or a man, though for the most part, La
          Vecchia is a matriarchal system. A High Priestess always has "auth-
          ority" over that of a High Priest. However, a Grimas (regardless of
          gender) always has "authority" over the High Priestess, in matters
          concerning the integrity of the Tradition as a whole. Each Clan has a
          Grimas, and this is why the Religion has survived intact down through
          the Ages. Preservation of the Ways of a People requires a structured
          System. Without this you have, well, look around...

                                        ----------

                                      THE LARE HOUSE

               In the Aridian Tradition, we have a belief in spirits known as
          the Lare (Lar-ay), or Lasa (Lah-sah). In a way, these are spirits who
          carry the memories of our Ancestors. They are the Collective Con-
          sciousness of our Clans. They are also Nature spirits similar to the
          Elven or Fay, but are considered a different Race.

               The Lasa appear in Etruscan Mythology and the Lare appear in
          Roman Mythology. In the Aridian Mythos there is a blending of the two.
          Aridian Initiates are required to obtain, or to construct, a Lare
          house, as part of their training. These spirits houses can be of any
          design, however the Roman Temple design is the most common. These are
          simply two pillars supporting a cross beam. At the base is a small
          protruding ledge upon which offerings may be placed. As part of the
          Community rites a votive candle is placed on the ledge. Whenever
          someone in the Family has a birthday, or some other personal event,
          the candle is lit as part of the Celebration. The children of our Clan
          seem to enjoy lighting the candles, and sharing in the tradition of
          the Lare. 

               Offerings are placed before the Lare house on each of the Season-
          al Rites, and each Full Moon. These are usually offerings of grain, or
          nectar. Nectar is a mixture of milk, honey and wine. As part of the
          Rite of the Lare, the names of our ancestors (and "departed" Clan
          members) are recalled in a "toast" before the Lare House. This tradit-
          ional rite has served to preserve the lines of descent back into Time. 




                                                                            2018

               We view the Lare as many spirits who comprise a single Conscious-
          ness. In other words as a Community of spirits. They are connected to
          us through our worship of the Nature and the Old Ways, and through
          that of our Ancestors. Through our practices they recognize us as
          those who gathered in ancient times, and they "follow" us through
          Time. This is a very primitive belief, but is still honored today.

                                     ----------

                                     ARIDIAN PANTHEON

               I thought that you might like to know about some of the Gods and
          Goddesses of the Aridian Tradition. The list given here is only
          partial, and I am using the common names of these Deities. In the
          Aridian Tradition the original names of the Deities are not revealed
          until the Second Degree Initiation (as they are considered names of
          the Priestess Craft/Priest Craft). These are names, however, which we
          do use:




                                       The Goddesses

          TANA: the Star Goddess (Universal Aspect)

          JANA: Goddess of the Moon, and the Mysteries of the Moon

          FANA: Goddess of the Earth, and of Fertility

          FORTUNA: Goddess of Fortune, Fate, and Luck

          CARMEN/CARMINA: Goddess of the casting of spells, and of
               Enchantments

          DIANA: The Triad Goddess: Maiden, Mother, Crone. Goddess of
               outcasts, outlaws, slaves, and oppressed Peoples.
               Diana encompasses many other Goddesses, and is the
               name also used for the Moon Goddess, Earth Goddess,
               and Star Goddess.

          UMBRIA: Goddess of the Shadows. Umbria is the Dark Aspect of
               the Goddess (waning moon), and rules with DIS in the
               Underworld. Goddess of things which are Hidden, or
               secret.

          NOX: Goddess of the Night. Nox rules the Darkness which
               falls upon the Earth, and all within it. She is the
               sister of Umbria, and shares her associations
               (except for the Underworld connection). Nox can be a
               bit on the sinister side if care is not taken.

          ASTREA: Goddess of Justice

          COPIA: Goddess of Abundance and Plenty




                                                                            2019

          PERTUNDA: Goddess of sexual love and sexual pleasure

                                         The Gods

          JANUS: God of the Sun, and god of all beginnings, portals,
               doorways, and thresholds. It was Janus who brought
               the elements into harmony from Chaos.

          FAUNUS: Nature God of Fertility (similar to Pan)

          TANUS: The Star God (Universal Aspect)

          TERMINUS: God of boundaries, protector of personal property

          DIANUS: Nature God of Fertility, similar to Faunus except
               that he is a Stag God instead of a Goat God. He is also     known
          by the name Kern or Cern.

          FEBRUUS: God of purification and initiation

          COMUS:    God of revelry, feasting, drinking, and the "pleasures of
          the night".

          CORVUS:   Messenger of the Gods. Also the Trickster God,
               known as Raven.

          LUPERCUS: The Wolf God

          ANTEROS:  God of Passion and Sexual Unions

          VIRBIUS:  God of outcasts and outlaws. Guardian of
               Sanctuaries

               FROM: JANA HOLLINGSWORTH 
               Are the secret names of the deities in Etruscan? Or are you
               not allowed to say?

               FROM: RAVEN GRIMASSI 
               I cannot go into this completely, but I can say that many of
               the names can be found in the Etruscan Pantheon. Some of the
               names are not exact matches, but are so close that they
               surely must have a common origin. There are a couple of
               names, however, which seem to be unique unto themselves. The
               curious thing about our relationship to Etruscan, is that we
               do not share the basic Mythos. Little is known publicly of
               Etruscan Mythology, but in many cases what we do know does
               not match Aridian Mythology. Their Underworld mythos, for
               example, is completely different. On the other hand, many of
               the natures of the Gods & Goddesses do seem to match. Per-
               haps it is a case of ancient Roman eclecticism, but then
               again we do not consider our Tradition to have grown out of
               Roman Religion entirely. Curious...

                                     ----------




                                                                            2020

                                       WATER SCRYING

               This technique is a very ancient one, and common among Shamanis-
          tic Traditions. Divination is the ability to see what patterns are
          forming towards manifestation. What you "see" is actually what is
          likely to occur if nothing changes the pattern being "woven". Here is
          a technique which I teach: Pour some bottled water into a cereal bowl.
          Mix either a blue or a green food color into the water, so that the
          liquid is dark enough to hide the bottom of the bowl. At this point
          you have a reflective surface. Place two candles as your source of
          light, so that the light does not reflect upon the liquid (off a foot
          or two, in front of you should do it). Next is a series of hand passes
          over the liquid, slowly and deliberately. Magically speaking, the
          right hand is of an electrical nature/active charge, and the left hand
          is of a magnetic/receptive charge. Right handed pass will strengthen
          the image and left handed passes will attract the image to form. Begin
          by making left handed passes over the bowl, in a clockwise circle,
          just a few inches above the water (palms open and facing down). Stop,
          and gaze into the dark liquid, not At the liquid, but INTO the liquid.
          You will need to repeat these passes as you go, from time to time.
          Alternate between the left hand and the right hand. This requires
          patience, and time. Use 

          your intuition as you sit before the bowl. Make sure the area is
          quiet and there are no distractions.

               Drinking some Rosemary tea, prior to Divination, can aid in the
          work. There are several herbs which aid the Psychic Mind, this is just
          one of them (careful though, Rosemary can be toxic in large quan-
          tities). 

                                     ----------

                                        ELEMENTALS

               In the case of an artificially created elemental, you must
          specifically state the date in which it will cease to exist. If you do
          not, it is quite likely that the elemental will move off into the
          astral, and begin to manifest there. It does not require a name in
          order to exist. The purpose for giving it a name, is to have some
          control over it, while it serves its designed purpose. Whether it
          survives as a permanent, and separate entity on the Astral Plane, is
          dependent upon many factors. The danger here is, though, that it is
          still connected to its "creator", and once established upon the
          Planes, can effect the creator in return. This is why it is essential
          that its lifespan be stated once it is created, and a method for
          making sure that it "ceases to be" must be ready as well. Usually,
          this is done by making a hollow image of the elemental and filling it
          with a magical condenser. Once "charged", by simply pouring out a bit
          of the condenser at a time, the elemental will ebb away. Once the
          fluid is gone, so too is the artificial elemental.
               Now, as to the ethics of all of this .....

                                        ----------




                                                                            2021

                               BEFANA - A "CHRISTMAS WITCH"

               Just wanted to share an old custom from Italy, concerning a witch
          during the Yule/Christmas Season. Though purely pagan,it is still a
          part of the Season there (among Christians and Pagans alike). In Italy
          there is a figure similar to Santa Claus, except that she is a witch
          named Befana. On January 6th, children set out stockings to be filled
          by the "good witch" Befana. She has a consort who accompanies her
          (usually in Festival Parades) named Befano. Early in the evening an
          indeterminate number of people gather, and Befana takes to the streets
          accompanied by her husband and entourage. She is accompanied by a
          makeshift band of 3 or 4 musicians, and a live horse. They will go
          from house to house, singing the Befana song. Having done this, the
          Befana and her company receive a glass of wine, or a bite to eat, and
          continue on.

               In a book by Carol Field (celebrating Italy) Befana is associated
          with Hecate. An etching by Bartolomeo Pinelli in 1825,  shows Befana
          as the Mother Goddess seated and surrounded by fruits, grains, and
          other items of the Harvest.  The celebration of Befana ends in a
          burning in effigy. Upon a hill a pyramid of corn sheaves, brushwood,
          and pine branches are piled. The effigy of Befana is placed on top,
          and fire is set to the wood. Chestnuts are tossed in as symbols of
          fertility. Custom says that if the smoke blows to the West, then the
          crops will be poor. If to the East, it is an omen of a year of abun-
          dance. This has many similarities to the Slain God Mythos. This rite
          is not one of punishment, but one of replenishing the Earth through
          returning the Life Giver, Herself. In Italy today, candy images of
          Befana, and statues are available during the Season. My mother says
          that Befana and Befano are remnants of the old God & Goddess of the
          Witch Clans, preserved by witches from the time of the Persecution.
          Seems likely when you do some research. There are two books (written
          in Italian) which present the associations of Befana with various
          seasonal rites. These are; The Sacred Day (a book of Festivals) by
          Franco Cardini. The Calendar: festivals, myths, legends, and rites of
          the year (also by Cardini - professor of History at the University of
          Florence).

               The words to the song follow, however something is lost in the
          translation (as they say). Also, even in the Italian there is little
          attempt at rhyme:

          "Upon the wind the snow is falling
          and is blown on the wind before, and with a light step
          she descends to us, a witch that is dear to you all
          a witch that many here love
          who comes every year to find you
          she has arrived with us 'la Befana'
          every heart is full of joy
          from among the valley, villages, and countryside
          our Befana has arrived here
          she has brought a great sackful of gifts
          that she wants to give to you dear children
          that promise to be good for their mothers and fathers."
            (tempo changes here, and another verse begins)




                                                                            2022

          "and now friends you that are here
          we want to sing and dance
          and a ballet we want to do
          with the Befana and Befano
          and we want to salute you all
          friends we shall always remain
          and the Befana before she goes
          wishes you all happiness and prosperity".

               This is repeated twice. Another part of the custom which I
          neglected to mention deals with the children preparing for the arrival
          of Befana (before the festivities). Each child writes his or her
          wishes upon a piece of paper and places it in the fireplace, allowing
          the small bit of paper to float up the chimney.

               My mother says that the Befana customs differ somewhat from
          region to region, in Italy. I know that in Naples, the street fes-
          tivals are no longer commonplace, and I hear that in the region of Val
          d' Aosta the Befana celebrations have all but vanished. Still, the
          custom survives (due to the Children, no doubt). The Old Lady is still
          going strong!

                                        ----------

                                   HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

               For those who expressed interest in the Aridian Tradition, I
          would like to share the following historical background material:

               In 30 B.C. (common era) the Roman poet Horace, wrote a work which
          is called the Epodes of Horace. In part, it is a dialogue between he
          and a witch (from Naples,Italy) named Canidia. In epode 5 he assoc-
          iates Proserpine and Diana with witches in a Mystery Cult. In epode 17
          he also names these goddesses as "Patron" goddesses of Witchcraft, and
          states that witches use a book called Libros Carminum by which they
          "call down the moon", make philtres and evoke spirits. Other Roman
          writers of the Era such as Lucan and Ovid clearly support the theme of
          Horace's writings. From this we can conclude that the association of
          witches with Diana was common knowledge. The association of Proserpine
          with the Old Ways is important also, as can be seen in the Underworld
          mythos/descent legend. Bear in mind that this is being said in 30 B.C.
          in Italy  (not in the 1950's of Gerald Gardner). As will be seen here,
          the association of Diana with Italian witches, will come to be called
          "The society of Diana".

          Epode 5 : "...Night and Diana, who command silence when secret myst-
          eries are performed, now aid me: now turn your vengeance and influence
          against my enemies' houses..."
                                      
          Epode 17: (to Canidia)  "Now already I yield to your mighty art, and
          suppliant beseech you by the realms of Proserpine, and by the powers
          of Diana, not to be provoked, and by your books of enchantments that
          are able to call down the fixed stars from heaven Canidia, at length
          spare your magic words, and turn backward your swift wheel..."




                                                                            2023

               (Canidia replies) "...must I, who can move waxen images and
               call down the Moon from the sky by my spells, who can raise
               the vaporous dead, and mix a draught of love, lament the
               effect of my art availing nothing upon you?"

           So, you can see that this association of Diana with Italian witches
          is quite old. Also note the use of the term "call down the Moon" with
          the Italian witch Canidia.

               FROM ROBERT THOMAS   It should be noted for the record that
               Horace was writing a satire in the Epodes, rather than a
               study on witchcraft. This indicates that the things in it
               were not his own inventions (except maybe the book-name) but
               were public opinion of the times. The concept of drawing
               down the moon can be traced back to the witches of Thessaly,
               and is mentioned as early as 300 BCE in Greek literature.
               Also, the "popular" witch (as opposed to the actual witch)
               was almost always female and worked exclusively with the
               chthonic powers (i.e., the scary ones) like Night (Nyx), the
               Furies, the Harpies, Hekate, Diana, Selene, etc. etc. as
               opposed to the Olympian gods.

               FROM RAVEN GRIMASSI   Actually, Horace wrote his satires in
               the SATIRES OF HORACE. The Epodes were lyric poems/songs,
               and were written for various reasons. The dialogue concern-
               ing the witch Canidia was not intended as a study of Witch-
               craft, but simply illustrates some of the common thinking of
               the Era. You mention Diana and Hecate as the "scary" ones,
               as opposed to the Olympian gods (who I assume you think are
               the good guys?). To a witch, the powers of Night are not
               scary, nor are its Deities. My mother used to say that the
               moon was more powerful than the sun, because the moon can be
               out at both day time, and at night. But the sun can only
               show itself during the day (a most inferior light). The
               Olympian gods represented the restrictive Roman System, to
               early Italian witches, and they preferred the deities of the
               common folk. Diana was, among other things, the goddess of
               the oppressed (something Rome was rather fond of doing). I
               find the non olympians worthy in their own RITE. There is
               little more beautiful than the night of a Full Moon, and a
               circle of Her children in loving worship, beneath Her. We
               see the Sun/God as Her worthy Consort, and a balance. When I
               see what goes on during the day, such as Corporations
               spewing filth into the air and the waters, governments
               plotting against one another, Wall Street and so forth,
               well...now that is scary !

               FROM ROBERT THOMAS   No, no, Raven, you misunderstood. I
               don't personally think that the chthonic gods are scary at
               all; I'm friends with most of them, and one of them is my
               patron! I meant that they were scary to the average Roman
               citizen of the time. Horace's writings reflected popular
               opinions of witches, rather than their actual practices. In
               all of the Classical and Greco-Roman spells that I've seen,
               the Olympians were not excluded; anybody that they thought




                                                                            2024

               might be willing to help, they invoked. A number of the
               spells read like Hesiods Theogony with a request tacked on
               to the end, so I wouldn't call them limited in their scope.
               Still, to the educated Roman citizen, the witch was thought
               to represent a dangerous feminine power which was not under
               the control of the Empire and thus was antagonistic to the
               Roman way of life and to its gods (the Olympians) as well.
               This was their (the Romans) conception, not the truth of the
               matter. These conceptions were what Horace was drawing from
               when he wrote his works, since this group (the educated
               Romans) were the audience for which his works were intended
               (actually, they were the only ones who could read them,
               since literacy was not common among the people). Hope this
               has made my point a little clearer and look forward to
               reading your other posts...Gwydion

                                        ----------

          FROM MARTIN DUGAN III   Is it true that you guys really worship the
          ancient gods of Rome and Greece?

               FROM RAVEN GRIMASSI   Different cultural Traditions worship
               different deities.
               I follow an old Italian Tradition and worship some of the
               ancient goddesses and gods who were known to the ancient
               Romans.  A wise Holy Woman who lived during the 14th Century
               in Italy addressed the issue of there being different gods
               in an interesting manner. She was asked which God should be
               worshipped and she answered saying:  In a man's lifetime he
               is known by many names and titles. To one person he is
               called "brother" and by another he is called "father". To
               still another he may be called "cousin" or even "husband".
               Some may call him "sir" or some by his given name, but is he
               still not the one man ?".
               She was addressing the issue of Deity and the need for
               Humankind to give it a name or a title.  She taught that
               Deity was not as petty as Humankind and had no need to be
               addressed by a particular name only, or in a particular
               manner only. These were Human concepts and expressions of
               the limited understanding of Humankind.
               Oops, sorry, I guess I wandered away from your original
               question... Blessings to you,  Raven

                                        ----------

               We chose the word "Aridian" instead of "Aradian" for two reasons. 
          First there was an Aradian system already established in the mid-west
          during the early 80's and they were following a modified version of
          Leland's Aradia. I did not want to be confused with their system. 
          Secondly, Arida was the name of an old village in Italy where Aradia
          and her followers first began to practice as a group.  So, we decided
          upon the term Aridian (two birds with one stone, so to speak).

                                        ----------




                                                                            2025


                                    ARTS OF WITCHCRAFT

               This is a series of notes concerning the arts of the Craft;
          meaning magic and ritual etc.  This first note is on "energy".

               When you hold your hands a few inches apart, palms facing, you
          create an electromagnetic field between them. This magnetism indicates
          the presence of polarities; opposite poles which attract one another.
          The first thing we can say about energy is that it is composed of
          opposites. The best way to understand these opposites is to think of
          them as directions of force:


             feminine ----->             <-------- masculine
             negative ----->             <-------- positive
             inward  ------>             <-------- outward

               Though we divide them to talk about them, these opposites within
          energy can never be separated. One cannot exist without the other. 
          Positive and negative pulls are both necessary for movement. Together
          the two create vibration. When opposites are in the correct relation-
          ship the result is balance.

               The second thing we can say about energy is that it IS balanced.
          Balance is the natural state of the Universe. However when energy
          becomes plural it is reduced to positive and negative charges and is
          considered unbalanced. Because they are incomplete forms of the
          universal "all", energies set up separation between the whole and its
          parts.

               Separations of such, manifest physically and mentally. Held as
          such they must occupy definable territories. You may have noticed this
          in yourself perhaps as a sadness in the heart area or fear in the pit
          of your stomach. These are energies occupying space. When energies are
          held in by emotion they can be felt as a weight or a presence. Another
          word for energy is ego. Ego separates us from the All.  The truth is
          that we are no more or less than anything around us. Everything is a
          physical manifestation of energy in its state of positive and negative
          charges.  The effects of magic are worked through the aspect of energy
          which the modern systems sometimes term "od" or "odic" force. It is
          the vital element which flows through all terrestrial globes and all
          living beings. By its various influences this agent attracts some
          things to others and keeps other things away as well.  The Human body
          radiates this energy.  It can submit one person to another's will. 
          The Odic force is capable of being consciously developed, energized
          and intensified. It is this power concentrated and directed which is
          the basis of personal magic. The will of the person performing a work
          of such magic concentrates and controls the energy. This concentration
          of energy is then sent to its goal, either stored in a talisman or
          sent in a thought-form to the person or thing to be effected. The
          power of the odic force must be used in accordance with the solar and
          lunar tides, as well as Cosmic Tides.




                                                                            2026

               FROM JANA HOLLINGSWORTH   In your first note concerning
               energy, you say that energy is "composed of opposites," by
               which you mean it is polar in nature. This sounds like you
               mean ALL energy is polar. While electro-magnetism is polar,
               the other three forces of nature-- the strong force, the
               weak force, and gravity-- are not. The magical energy you
               describe is similar to electro-magnetism, but electromag-
               netism is not by any means the only force in the universe.
               Although the analogy between electromagnetism and magical
               polar energy is clear, they don't seem to me identical
               because magic is not always perfectly polar. There is more
               flexibility in magic than there is in electromagnetism.
               Physicists have never yet found a magnetic monopole, but in
               magic they're everywhere. Hmmm...there ought to be a good
               limerick in this somewhere. I'll think about it.

               TO JANA HOLLINGSWORTH   This is indeed too complex an issue
               to fully cover in a BB format, unfortunately.  When I speak
               of energy polarity I am speaking of magical energy.  It is
               an old teaching that each of us has within ourselves an
               energy current comprised of masculine and feminine polarit-
               ies (active & receptive). When we raise magic, or draw
               magic, we cannot help but give it dual polarity because that
               is our nature.  In the Eastern mystical traditions they
               would call this the Ida and Pingala currents (which divide
               and flow from the base chakra, cross each other at the heart
               chakra, and then flow into the 3rd eye uniting once again).
               If we take the old Occult axiom  "As above, so below" we can
               also say that the Creators set within all things this same
               Ida & Pingala nature (since it would be their imprint on
               their creation). The nature of the artist is always within
               the nature of his or her art.  So what I am speaking of is
               the etheric essence of energy.  On a mundane level I do not
               know a great deal about the physical properties of all
               "natural" energy forms.  But I do know that things are not
               always as they seem, or appear to be.  The occult nature of
               a physical object, or a physical property, is not always
               readily apparent  ( I suppose that is why it is called
               "Occult",  meaning hidden or secret).
               I don't know if this helps clarify my statements or not. I'm
               just sort of winging it here, but I think I've covered the
               basic concept.  I would be happy to go into this more if you
               have any other questions or comments.  I do not claim to be
               "all-knowing", but I am pretty solid on occult science.

               FROM JANA HOLLINGSWORTH   If we count etheric or occult
               energy as a fifth force of nature, then the Creators made a
               universe with two polar forces and three which are non-pol-
               ar. That means we, their creations, have natures which are
               both polar and non-polar. The strong and weak forces have
               tiny ranges of sub-atomic size, while gravity--the weakest
               of all forces--is thought to have infinite range. It becomes
               weaker with distance, but never quite disappears. Is magical
               energy similar to gravity in this respect? Is its range
               limited or infinite? Does it fall off with distance? Does it




                                                                            2027

               travel at the speed of light? Does it exhibit wave/particle
               duality? I don't necessarily expect answers, but I find
               these questions interesting. They can be answered about all
               other forms of energy. I expect no one has studied magical
               power in these terms, but if magic is a form of energy there
               ought to be answers somewhere.

               FROM:    RAVEN GRIMASSI   When you can pluck the wave/par-
               ticle duality from my hand it will be time for you to go
               <BG>.  Sorry... I would not count occult energy as an
               additional force of nature but as an animating element
               within nature.  You lost me on the polar universe stuff
               though.  Great questions !!  Let me tell you what I know
               about how magic works and manifests, and perhaps some
               answers might appear.  First of all the action of magical
               manifestation actually takes place within the astral dimen-
               sion. Time and space as we understand it, does not exist
               there.  So I would not say that the range of magic is
               infinite, but rather that it behaves (from our perspective)
               as though it had infinite range because it  manifests
               without reference to distance. The effects are as though it
               had infinite range. As to speed of travel, I would say that
               it is accurate to say that magic travels at the speed of
               thought, whatever that might be.  Magical energy is affected
               by a variety of external forces.  Magical force fields, such
               as protective pentacles, can slow or deflect the force. 
               Greater forces such as those exerted by deity or high level
               spirits can certainly alter the course of one's magic.  I
               always tell my students that there are only two reasons why
               one's magic will ever fail: one is that it was performed
               incorrectly (including at the wrong time) or a greater force
               opposes it. Does this help ?

               FROM JANA HOLLINGSWORTH   I don't know the actual speed of
               thought, but it is the speed at which electrical impulses
               travel across one's neurons, and is considerably less than
               the speed of light. Perhaps magic could be thought of
               cutting through the "Elsewhere" portion of a space-time
               diagram where all particles MUST travel faster than light. I
               don't mean that literally, but as an analogy for the astral.
               I don't know the current status of the theory of tachyons
               (faster-than-light particles). It may be entirely old hat.
               My knowledge of physics is based on popular books and
               subscriptions to SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and SCIENCE NEWS, so
               I'm not always up-to-date.
               Making an analogy between physics and magic helps me make
               sense of what's going on with magic. I fear I'm a theore-
               tician of magic more than a practitioner; despite a horo-
               scope loaded with psychic potential, my talent for practical
               magic is nil. So I try to work up theories of magic instead.
               I suspect we may someday discover that magic and quantum
               physics are intimately related. Which science fiction writer
               said that any sufficiently sophisticated technology is
               indistinguishable from magic?




                                                                            2028

               As for wave/particle duality, it is yet another pair of
               united opposites:an electron is a wave or a particle (female
               or male) depending entirely on how you choose to look at it.
               If you don't look at it at all, it is neither and both; it
               is entirely potential.

               FROM RAVEN GRIMASSI   Thanks for the scientific info. I'm
               sure that Occult Science and Physical Science are definitely
               related, and perhaps someday Physical Science may catch up. 
               Just to add another aspect; the plane of forces (elemental
               plane) flows like a river to and from the physical dimension
               and the astral dimension.  It is this plane which carries
               magical energy to the Astral Plane where it takes on the
               image of the desired effect.  Once the thought is formed
               there, it then passes back through the Elemental Plane and
               manifests upon the Physical.  Perhaps the substance of the
               plane of forces has more to do with the physical science of
               which you speak.  It would make sense because the substance
               of the Elemental Plane  is more closely related to physical
               matter than is the astral.

               FROM JANA HOLLINGSWORTH   There has to be some unity of
               physical and metaphysical forces or magic wouldn't function
               in the physical world.
               BTW, I think it was Arthur C. Clarke who said that any
               sufficiently sophisticated technology is indistinguishable
               from magic.

                                        ----------

                            ARTS OF WITCHCRAFT: MAGIC & ENERGY

               There are many different types and styles of magic involved in
          the practice of magical Witchcraft. Some covens/practitioners differ
          in the type used; some use all and some may combine only a few techni-
          ques. Basically they may be organized into two categories; operative &
          ceremonial. The first covers spells, words of power, the use of
          unguents/potions, etc.  The second is concerned with the operation of
          Craft rituals.  The aspects of magic can be thought of in this manner:
          Sympathetic, ritual, raised, drawn, and sex magic.

               Ritual is a means of concentrating and attracting those energies
          which are symbolized through the use of gestures, word phrases and
          images (symbols, runes, etc).  The magical theory being that by acting
          out certain symbolic gestures, with concentration upon their meanings,
          one can attract sympathetic energies inherent throughout the Universe.
          These energies can be directed by the use of one's controlled will. 
          This aspect is sometimes called the witches' pyramid.

               The witches' pyramid is a glyph which symbolizes the mentality
          necessary for the directed manifestation of magical energy.  It is
          comprised of these attributes:


          Personal Will




                                                                            2029

          Imagination
          Visualization
          (all three of these must enclose the expectation of success)

                                    Will
                                     *


                                (expectation)

                            *                 *

                      imagination           visualization

               Expectation is essential to a successful manifestation. You must
          will a thing to be, imagine the outcome in your mind, and visualize
          what it is that you desire. But beyond this you must have the expec-
          tation that it will manifest as you desire it to.

               FROM MICHAEL MAGEE   What in all of Ma Natures perfection is
               Sex Magick???? Sounds messy<G>?

               FROM RAVEN GRIMASSI   Sex magic is the use of energy raised
               through sexual union.  This is the most condensed and
               powerful form of energy which can be raised from the human
               body.  Some Craft Traditions employ it in the 3rd Degree
               Initiation ceremony. In Eastern mystical traditions it is
               known as Tantra. The ancient Egyptians employed it as well. 
               The energy raised in sex magic is sometimes referred as the
               kundalini power, or serpent power.  The headdress of ancient
               Egyptian rulers bore a serpent protruding from the forehead
               of the wearer. This was symbolic of the serpent power having
               been raised to the 3rd eye, the sign of Divine Union, or
               samadhi.  The kundalini force is seated at the base of the
               spine and governs the sexual nature of the individual.  In
               magic it is drawn up through each of the Chakra points, to
               the third eye, employing sexual energy.

                                        ----------

                             ARTS OF WITCHCRAFT: MAGICAL LINKS

               All things connected with a person contain an energy link with
          that person. For example, a person's hair holds the vibra-tions of
          his/her energy pattern, and by the use of sympathetic magic that
          person can be influenced by energy directed to him/her. This could be
          used for emotional healing of that person, motivation, or whatever.
          The hair acts as a point of concentra-tion and as a kind of "homing
          device" for the directed energy.  The same is true for unwashed items
          of clothing and other personal items. By making an image of an in-
          dividual and placing his/her personal items within it, one creates a
          center of focus.




                                                                            2030

               Works of magic for the gain of something should be done while the
          moon is waxing (new to full) and works to be rid of something or to
          undo something should be performed when the moon is waning.

               Cord magic is a basic magical tool in witchcraft. The theory
          being that by concentrating a desire upon the cords, using them as a
          focus, one can raise and condense magical energy.  This energy can be
          set into the cord itself by knotting the cords at the point of great-
          est concentrated effort.  In other words, you concentrate on your
          desire and make an exclamation of the desire as you quickly make a
          knot (pulling it tightly as you confirm the desire).  Later, untying
          the knot will release the desired effect.  This can be helpful when
          working with someone who really bothers you a lot.  You can set the
          message "leave me alone" into the cord (knot) and untying it (sec-
          retly) when the person is really on your nerves.  In this case you
          would simply think about the person so that you raise your emotions on
          the subject, then begin to loop the cord into a knot. Before pulling
          the cord tight into a knot, visualize the person's face. Then shout
          (out loud or within yourself) "Leave me alone!". Visualize the person
          leaving you alone as you continue for a moment to exert tension on the
          cord.

               As with all forms of magic, be responsible when you perform a
          work which effects another person.  Why you do something is often more
          karmically established than what it is that you did.  For example, if
          you harm someone in order save another person's life as opposed to
          harming someone because you seek revenge, there is a difference in the
          karma which you are establishing for yourself.  Obviously, you should
          seek to harm no one in the first place.

                                     ----------

                        ARTS OF WITCHCRAFT: THE UNIVERSAL CONDENSER

               Condensers are fluids which are used to carry magical charges.
          One method of charging them is to place your hands together palms down
          (as you might for a "push-up" exercise) so that the index finger-tips
          meet as do the tips of the thumbs. Next inhale deeply, visualizing the
          full moon above your head.  Bring the triangle opening in your hands
          over the condenser liquid and exhale three times through the opening
          and upon the liquid. As you do this visualize the light of the moon
          pouring down through your head and into your lungs (as you inhale) and
          then visualize it flowing out with your breath as you exhale.

               The Condenser: take 2 level teaspoons each of camomile flowers
          and eyebright and place them in a bowl. Boil two cups of water on an
          open flame and then add the herbs. Set the mixture aside to cool for
          15 minutes. Then filter the mixture through four layers of clean linen
          cloth/cheesecloth.

               This condenser can be used medicinally as a lotion or magically
          for evocations (also to improve clairvoyance). Diluted in 7 parts of
          warm water it can be drank for stomach problems. Undiluted it can be
          used for various minor aches & pains by applying it to the area with a
          cotton soaked pad for 1 - 2  hours.  Ears can be treated by applying




                                                                            2031

          it with cotton balls in an "earplug" fashion.  For clairvoyance place
          soaked cotton balls upon your closed eyes for about 20 minutes.  To
          increase occult sensitivity in the palms of your hands (for psycho-
          metry) use the cotton pads on your hands for the same 20 minute
          period.

                                        ----------

                   ARTS OF WITCHCRAFT: MAGICAL USES OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS

               There are four basic systems which are useful in creating magical
          influences related to the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. 
          Fire works through combustion, water through mixture, air through
          evaporation, and earth through decompo-sition. These aspects are
          incorporated in the completion of a spell or other magical work. 
          Generally you will have some material left over to dispose of (wax,
          ashes, and so forth) and it is correct to use one of the elemental
          methods to complete the final stages.

               If your spell was to influence a person then the earth element is
          used.  If it was to accomplish a specific goal then fire is good.
          Romantic works are best with water and matters concerning mental
          creativity employ the element of air.

               The following examples can be used to complete whatever spell you
          were working on.

          FIRE:  Take a piece of paper or cloth and moisten it with the univer-
          sal condenser. Place this in front of you and concentrate on the work
          of magic. Strongly imagine your thoughts to be filling the material.
          Imagine your desire being "written" by your thoughts across the
          material. When your concentration is breaking then the material is
          fully saturated.  Now simply burn the cloth or paper in an open
          fire. While it is burning concentrate on your desire. The
          fire releases the charge and merges it with the element.

          AIR:  Take a small metal container and fill it about half full. Add 3
          drops of universal condenser.  Put the container over a flame and
          concentrate upon your desire as you gaze into the water.  As the steam
          begins to rise, imagine your desire being drawn up and carried off. 
          Continue until all the water has       been evaporated.

          WATER:  Take a container and fill it about half full with fresh water.
          Add 3 drops of universal condenser and 3 drops of rubbing alcohol. Now
          impregnate the water with your concentrated desire. When you feel that
          it is full pour the water into a stream, river or any moving body of
          water.

          EARTH:  With this element your concentration is centered on the
          universal condenser which you place in a jar after it has been loaded. 
          Then this is poured out over a selected spot of earth to be absorbed
          directly into the element of earth.

               FROM JANA HOLLINGSWORTH   A good, useful, practical note. It
               seems people often use the four elements only for casting a




                                                                            2032

               circle, or simply have them represented on their altars.
               It's a good idea to use a specific element for a specific
               purpose, rather than always calling on all four. I suspect
               these spells would be best performed outdoors, making the
               elements seem more real. Pouring one's spell-water into a
               stream would feel better than pouring it down the drain.

                                        ----------

                   ARTS OF WITCHCRAFT: THE COMPONENTS OF RITUAL & MAGIC

               There are essentially five so-called ingredients which comprise
          the art of creating successful works of magic, or effective ritual. 
          You can adapt them, or arrange them according to your own needs, so
          long as you employ them all. They are:

          1. Desire
          2. Timing
          3. Imagery
          4. Direction
          5. Balance

               Let's look at each one and gain an understanding of the concept.

          DESIRE: this can also be thought of as motivation, temptation, or
          persuasion. You must be sufficiently moved enough to perform a ritual
          or work of magic, in order to establish enough power to accomplish
          your goal. If you care little about the results, or put only a small
          amount of energy into your desire, then you are unlikely to see any
          real results.  The stronger the need or desire, then the more likely
          it is that you will raise the amount of energy required to bring about
          the change you seek. But desire or need is not enough.

          TIMING:  In the performance of magic, timing can mean success of
          failure.  The best time to cast a spell or create a work of magic is
          when the target is most receptive. Receptivity is assured when the
          target is passive. People sleep, corporations close over-night &
          holidays, etc.  One must also take into account the phase of the moon
          and the season of the year.  Work with nature and not against it.

          IMAGERY:  The success of any work also depends upon images. Anything
          which serves to intensify the emotions will contribute to success. 
          Any drawing, statue, photo, scent, article of clothing, sound or
          situation which helps to merge you with your desire will greatly add
          to your success. Imagery is a constant reminder and acts as a homing
          device in its role as a substitute. Imagery can be manipulated and
          modified  "all according to the will of the witch, and the very
          blueprint that is created by imagery becomes the formula which leads
          to realization of desire".  Surround yourself with images of your
          desire and you will attract the proper vibrations which will attract
          the object of your desire.

          DIRECTION:  Once enough energy has been raised you must direct it
          towards your desire.  Do not be anxious for the results because
          anxiety will act to draw the energy back to you before it can take




                                                                            2033

          effect.  Try to give the matter no more thought so as not to drain its
          effectiveness.  Mark a 7 day period off on your calendar and evaluate
          the situation 7 days later.  It usually takes about 7 days for magic
          to manifest (one lunar quarter).

          BALANCE:  The balance factor is simply the "reality check" or prac-
          tical mentality which keeps you focused in actuality.  You must
          discern the need for any work of magic you engage upon, and take into
          consideration the practical concerns of the phase of the moon and
          other factors.  Remember that every work of magic has an ongoing
          connection with yourself, and you must consider the intent of your
          actions. This deals with what many call "the 3-fold law".  According
          to this teaching, every magical act with return back to you with more
          increased intensity (sort of like tossing a rock up in the air, and
          having it speed back down upon you).  This is also an aspect of
          'Karma", or the accumulation of debts which must be paid (in a mys-
          tical sense).

               The balance factor is also applied to any perception of super-
          natural manifestations, psychic attack and so on. Always consider the
          mundane causes first before you leap into a paranoia of supernatural
          attack.  When things go "bump in the night" it more likely your cat
          than it is a spirit.  There is an old saying in the medical field
          concerning diagnosis: "When you hear hoof beats, think horses before
          zebras".  I think this applies to magical or psychic phenomena as
          well.





                                        MICHAEL POE

                               ANCIENT EGYPTIAN METAPHYSICS

               Many requests for me to do some teaching (largely from a book
          that I am now writing on ancient Egyptian Metaphysics and Personal
          Worship) about metaphysics, worship and the ancient Egyptian trad-
          itions. To start off, I want to briefly quote some ancient Egyptian
          philosophers to give you the gist of ancient Egyptian philosophy and
          Metaphysics. The next note I enter will be on general comments on
          ancient Egyptian metaphysics. The material I will use is NOT from
          Masonic or Rosecrucian but from authentic Egyptian sources. In many
          cases I can quote the exact sources, most are translations of papyrus,
          temples, tombs, etc. Having studied the subject for 33 years, gotten a
          degree on the subject, and working on the book for 10 years, I will
          pass on some of what I have learned. All of the translations are from
          Egyptologists and Archaeologists. To quote an old Egyptian philosopher
          (found written on his tomb), Ptah hotep :

               "To give a few words of Truth,
               And what you make of Them will be your Test."

          From the College of Priests House of the Temple of Horus at Edfu:

               "The Lamp of Wisdom burns steadily,
               If the soil that feeds it be reality.
               If the oil that feeds the lamp be Love,
               The beloved will meet the Lord or Lady
               and be blessed.
                    (Lord or Lady means personal God or Goddess, ed.)

               If the air that feeds the Flame be Truth,
               The Breath of He who breathes will inhale Wisdom.

               If the Spirit enters the Flame,
               The Fire will be as bright as a Star."

               Next little lesson; what is a hymn when I mention one or quote
          one (which I will from time to time)?

               The hymns of Egypt tell of the nature and workings of the God/-
          dess they glorify. They mention his /her name and his/her ties to a
          locality, allude to the myths and describe his/her appearance and
          powers and attributes.

               A occult tradition is like a journey. Before one ventures onto
          any unknown journey it is best to have an idea of the dangers and
          preventive protection. Ancient Egypt had 14 traditions. I will, in
          these notes, outline them all.

               To share another "wisdom texts" as the ancient Egyptian philos-
          ophy is called: This one is from Kagemni, whose tomb can be visited at
          Sakkara, as is known as one of the wisest men around.
          This text is for a student in order for him to select the right
          metaphysical teacher.




                                                                            2035

               "He who is a Priest of the Living,
               whom a Neter* favors
               Like the Bennu on the Obelisk,"
               Performs Right Actions without seeking a reward for them.
               Such a Teacher lives a life of true piety.

               He seeks no gain from any good deed he does,
               But sets his Heart only on the Neter's service.
               He has compassion upon all Living creatures.

               He holds fast to the Neter's name and inspires
               others to meditate on it.*
               He accepts joy and sorrow with an equal mind.
               He is always happy and never set apart from his Neter.

               To him gold and dross are as one;
               Nectar and poison are as one
               The King and the beggar are as one."

               * 1. Neter - Neter is the ancient Egyptian word, that we would
          equate with God or Goddess. But Neter's exact translation is "Abstract
          Principle" or "Divine Principle" and is not a male or female word.

               * 2. Bennu on the Obelisk - the Bennu bird is the Egyptian
          Phoenix, which lives in Arabia, and comes every 500 years to built a
          nest on an obelisk where it lays an egg, and when the egg starts
          hatching, it dies in its own flames, and is reborn from the egg. The
          obelisk is the Egyptian symbol of the first ray of sun light striking
          the earth, and when built, is usually covered in gold or electrum. The
          top of the obelisk is like a pyramid and is called the Pyramidion; and
          the pyramids are all representations of the suns first light on the
          Newly Born Earth.

               * 3. "He holds fast to the Neter's name and inspires others to
          meditate on it." - In addition to the common name of any god, like
          Heru for Horus, they also have a hidden name, a name of power, that
          the priest/esses use in ritual and meditation.

                                        ----------

                                  PRIESTS AND PRIESTESSES
                  How did a person become a priest/ess in ancient Egypt? 

               Well, each family had their own family worship area, the size of
          which is wholly dependent upon the size of the house they lived in.
          More about this when we get into the path of the Aait-Shesheta.
          Therefore, in each family, someone had to act as the family priest/-
          ess. If the father or mother was a priest/ess, then he or she was the
          family religious leader, in charge of the family rituals. If the
          parents were not initiated priest/esses, then usually the Elder Son
          acted as the religious leader. However, in some nomes (or states),
          matrilineal descent (through the female) was a tradition so the Eldest
          Daughter was the religious leader.




                                                                            2036

               The only schools, including most crafts, were taught in the
          temple colleges. A child would be sent to a college to learn a craft
          between the ages of 6-10. If the family had a tradition of priest/-
          esses then usually the children would go to the temple college to be
          interviewed and tested for the priesthood. Exactly how the priest/-
          esses at the college tested the would be initiate is not well known
          yet, but we do know that usually the following priests would be
          involved:

          1. A Divine Scribe (reader and writer initiate)
          2. A Prophet (who uses divination of some sort and inner visions)
          3. A Purification Priest
          4. A Priest of Anubis (or some other sort related to traveling in 
          Egyptian  heavens (astral plane directly related to Egyptian 
          heavens).

               Every Egyptian temple had 2 types of staff, a magical one and a
          working one (working meaning the scribes, bakers and people who run
          the every day part). 
          
               If the would be initiate was found wanting in the magical staff
          (called People of the Circle, which we will get to when we talk about
          temple organization), the person may be sent back, or taught a craft,
          or go into the working temple staff.

               One of the first things that any initiate is taught is Egyptian
          Philosophy, which is really less like Voltaire, and more like Ethics
          and Conscious. The would be priest needs to come up with his own
          ethics or philosophy before embarking on to magical training.

               Therefore ethics and morals was the beginning of the training. If
          one had to make a "Readers Digest Condensed" version of all of the
          Egyptian ethics and philosophy teachings it would be; as one Egyptian
          Philosopher put it (but not quite as well).

               Do anything you want, but only in moderation, and while doing so,
          do not harm anyone physically or psychology.

               Almost exactly like the Wiccan motto : Do what they wilt, but
          harm none.

               But to the ancient Egyptian, theirs also says, "don't harm
          yourself, and don't go overboard on anything: Moderation.

                                        ----------

                            DIVINATION OF BES, BAST, OR HATHOR 
                                   (from Leyden Papyrus)

               Use a divining bowl of pottery. Use green or some vegetable based
          ink. Preferable to use hieroglyphics, but try it a few times without
          them and use english (but if you can, do as the Egyptians do) Write
          your request or formula in base and inner sides of bowl using the
          vegetable ink. Also write in either Bes, Bast, or Hathor's name three




                                                                            2037

          times while meditating on the goddess and your request. (pick one
          goddess, not all three) 

               Pour consecrated water in it to dissolve the writing.
               Swallow water
               Go to sleep

          (If you can sleep in a temple, sacred area, so much the better,
          otherwise at home, and record your dreams when you wake up.)

               A divination bowl, in Egypt, was specially made for the purpose;
          however, if you're not a potter, pottering around, find one out of
          pottery, usable (no lead based paint or in the clay), about the size
          of rice bowl. Consecrate and bless it, and viola, a divining bowl.

               Back in those days, green paint was either a vegetable dye or
          green ochre. They didn't use the ochre, but a vegetable dye would
          work. Although I know of people who specifically prepare a vegetable
          ink (macerated herbs in a small bowl of water), a food coloring would
          be okey, but I would still suggest using a mortar and pestle and
          grinding some herbs you specially selected, and putting it into the
          food colored water and let it seep for a bit, and then use that. It
          would definitely be closer to the spirit of the occasion. I know, next
          you are going to ask, what herbs? 

               Well, the ancient Egyptians had comfrey and you can heal thyself
          at the same time. Lettuce was considered an aphrodisiac, sacred to Min
          (so if your request or question is along that line, add that); they
          also used mint a lot.

                                        ----------

                                 A BRIEF HISTORY OF EGYPT

               Egypt wasn't always a thin ribbon of life surrounded by desert.
          From 200,000 to 10,000 bce most of what is now known as the Sahara
          desert used to be verdant grasslands and plains with many trees and
          several rivers. There was an accumulation of different cultures down
          to 5,000 bce.

               From 6,000-4,000 bce different belief structures, and both
          matrilineal and patrilineal societies existed along the Nile, for by
          then the Sahara was rapidly turning to desert and the cultures went to
          the only remaining source of water, the Life Giving Nile. Agriculture
          was already developed, and irrigation systems in use. There was
          already predominant Goddess and God worship in these societies.

               From 4,000-3,100 bce, Egypt now evolved into states, between
          36-44 of them, called Nomes. From time to time, Egypt became united
          into two kingdoms, the Upper Kingdom, from about Aswan down to Cairo,
          with its capital at Nekhen, whose chief god was a goddess, Nekhebit,
          the Vulture Goddess; and Lower Egypt in the Delta with it's capital at
          Uatchet, whose chief god was also a goddess, Uatchet.




                                                                            2038

               Nekhebit, the Vulture Goddess was an Earth Mother, and considered
          very maternal (the type of vultures in Egypt are very maternal birds).
          She also symbolized regeneration of life, from Death comes Life, as
          the vulture is one of the few animals that can survive and mainly
          subsists on bodies of animals that would poison others.

               Uatchet, the Snake Goddess, was also venerated as protection from
          snakes, and of fertility (snakes lay many eggs).

               The two goddess, Nekhebit and Uatchet, Vulture and Snake goddess
          became the part of the crown over the third eye, look at the two on
          most crowns of egypt. Later, the snake goddess became associated with
          the Serpent Fire of the Egyptian equivalent of the Kundalini, and it's
          power came out at the third eye, instead of the top of the head (which
          became associated with another god). 

               The worship of Hathor, Amon, Thoth, Horus, Bast, Sekhmet and a
          few others have already been well established. Isis is yet to be found
          or mentioned. 

          The first three Dynasties: I

               The 1st king, Narmer, united the kingdoms forever (after a brief
          unification prior), and on the famous palette of Narmer is found not
          only the Nome standards (our equivalents of flags), but the 1st known
          name of Hathor.

               The 2nd king of the 1st Dynasty established the right of women to
          rule Egypt. 

               It was during the 1st Dynasty that a woman ruled Egypt, to take
          that into perspective, if the US followed that, we would have a woman
          president well before the Civil War. She was one of 
          the 11 women to rule one of the greatest civilizations in the world.
          And it, like most of the others, was peaceful.

               Rights of women were established. they could marry and divorce;
          there was no community property; women could establish their own
          businesses without a man's consent or cosignature; they could conduct
          them before, during and after marriage. Married couples were con-
          sidered co-partners and co-equals. Pregnant women, by law, had to be
          taken care of by the husband or the police came and beat him up!

                                        ----------

                             ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ASTRAL HEAVEN(S)

               Ancient Egypt had more than one heaven, and most of their heavens
          were subdivided into sections or parts akin to, and probably best
          equated with the astral plane. 

               As the astral plane has many different levels, the lowest next to
          the earthly plane, and highest sections up to and pass most of earth's
          religions concept of heaven, the astral plane is like a onion with the
          material world in the center, and the layers going outward (or inward,




                                                                            2039

          or higher, or whatever). As most religions heavens are manifested in
          the astral plane, they are also separate from each other.

               This is also true in Egyptian heavens of the astral plane. The
          Book of the Dead (a misnomer as the egyptians never called it that),
          lists the sections of the Heaven of Osiris. As you read the book, you
          also see that there is a specific way to get to the heaven and through
          it.

               There is an ancient Egyptian writing from a scribe that says, in
          effect: "If you don't use the specific directions to get to a par-
          ticular heaven, you won't get there but to a false heaven."

               As most of us are aware, the astral plane is composed and made up
          of the thoughtforms of mankind and of the gods, hence, there is an
          Egyptian heaven that was formed by the thousands of people who have
          conceptualized it since the beginning of the 1800's, made stronger
          through the Rosecrucians and Blavatsky's, and into the modern metaphy-
          sical movement. But it is NOT the ancient Egyptian heaven. Hence, you
          can't simply just astrally project in order to get to a real Egyptian
          heaven.

               You have to follow the directions by the ancient Egyptians in
          order to make it to one of their specific heavens.

               You may even have to change your astral form to conform to a
          certain type in order to enter. For example, one of the ways to get to
          the Horus heaven is to have project to the Nile, and do certain things
          in order for a boat with a hawk on it to come over to the bank and
          pick you up to take you to the Horus Heaven.

               One of the things you have to do, and not the only thing, in
          order to get into the Heaven of Isis is to change your astral body
          into the shape of a bird, a Swallow! 

               So if someone, no matter how much you respect them, tells you
          that they dreamed or astrally projected to astral Egypt, they are
          wrong, unless they know the specific ways to do it. The Egyptians
          then, have a sort of astral lock on the proverbial doors to the
          entrance of their heavens, and you can't just blindingly end up there
          without the right keys to get there. I can probably safely say that no
          more than a couple of dozen people in the last century have been able
          to enter these heavens, and no one who has written a book about
          Egyptian metaphysics has (including Eliz. Hatch who wrote Initiation;
          who knows nothing about Ptahhotep).

               The teachers are still pretty much in the Egyptian heavens,
          waiting to teach the student who is able to get there.

               Although the ancient Egyptians had the wherewithal to go into
          drug induced states (they had mandrake and poppies for medicine), I
          have yet to find one example of them using them for magic or astral
          projection.




                                                                            2040

               Astral sight was taught before astral projection, using tech-
          niques that we still use today. 

               Several techniques that are used today in astral projection today
          were also used in astral projection then, but usually, a priest led
          the student in the first several experiences in order for the student
          to get used to the experience and feelings associated with projection
          to a particular heaven.

               Therefore the guided trips were first used. Usually the first
          trips were done in the temples (easier to do with all of the power
          already resident in the temples). Some, like the priests of Horus were
          also done by the Nile's edge, the student going into a sleep, the
          priest astrally projecting and drawing the students astral body and
          consciousness out doing what is necessary for the Horus boat to arrive
          on the astral Nile, then going on the trip through the Horus heaven.
          Sometimes it was done out in the desert. 

               Once when I was in Egypt, after finding a Eye of Horus between
          the pillars of the temple of the ka of Ptahhotep, I went into the
          Serapeum (desert underground chambers for the burials of the Serapis
          bulls; talk about sensory deprivation! Light wouldn't go farther than
          20' and normal talking didn't extend past 30-40'.) and in the Serap-
          eum, while sitting down next to the stone coffin of one of the bulls I
          instantaneously, and lack of trying on my part, astrally projected. I
          found myself several hundred feet over the desert at Sakkara and flew
          to the Nile and commenced on a trip to an Egyptian heaven.

               When a teacher died, such as Imhotep, he went to the appropriate
          heaven and taught from there (according to the ancient Egyptians, who
          said that at that point their teachers on earth would astrally project
          to the heaven to be taught by him). At that point, all priest/esses
          called him Master, or another appropriate remark. Since apparently
          there was much connections between the two worlds, the priest/esses
          knew when Imhotep finally left the astral heaven to ascend beyond and
          into the world of the god/desses. At that point Imhotep on earth was
          called a God (this process is found in a papyrus fragment translated
          courtesy of the French Institute of Archeology of Cairo). 

               Hence, if you know when Imhotep or some other lived, and know
          that after death he was called a master, then the earliest time that
          he, or she, started being called a God was the time he moved out of
          the astral plane.

               Some other traditions use the symbology of ladders as an analogy
          of the ascent to their astral plane. Each rung represents a god or
          goddess to invoke, the ladder is always held by two gods, which
          symbolize the type of path being used. In some other traditions, there
          was a way to ascend through the astral plane and into the spiritual
          realm, reserved for the higher priests who have passed the Guardian of
          the Threshold. These traditions can be found when you go to Egypt for
          in some of the temples the staircase to the roof will have a god/dess
          for each step, symbolizing those that you will need to ascend to the
          spiritual plane.




                                                                            2041

               Certain god/desses and spiritual beings can assist or deter you
          from your astral trip.

               THE HELPERS: Anubis is one of the best. Hathor is also great, for
          she gives you magical power during your astral projection. The god Seb
          supplies all a person needs to astrally travel in many places. The god
          Seb, Shu, the goddesses Nut and Tefnut defend people during their
          journeys.

               There was also the Souls of the West, Souls of the East; Lady of
          the Evening, Calf of the Goddess (Morning Star), Souls of several
          different cities for their special heavens; The Catcher of Gods, the
          Divine Being who Examines Gods for Men, the God who Binds Gods.


               THOSE THAT YOU WANT TO AVOID: The Unmentionable Terrible Serpent
          (with Lovecraftian powers and would be great in his novels, like
          Chuthulu or Hastor the Unspeakable, occasionally used in Black Magic,
          which apparently was very uncommon in Egypt) I won't give you his
          name.

               There is of course, Apep, Apophis, and a few specific to each of
          the heavens, but are usually particular to the Osirian heaven (Reading
          the Book of the Dead will give you a great idea about them).

               A zoomorphic projection is when you astrally project then change
          your astral body into a zoomorphic figure in order to get to specific
          egyptian astral heavens. An example is turning your astral body into a
          swallow to get to Isis's heaven, or into a hawk to get to one of
          Horus's heavens.

               Following the Eastern Tradition of the astral plane, the Egyp-
          tians have an almost exact duplicate of the concept. Basically it says
          that there is a plane of existence between the realm of the high gods
          and earth, called the astral plane, which has layers like an onion.
          The astral plane is made up of the mind stuff of heaven and earth
          dwellers alike and is as real as both. To the Eastern people, all the
          heavens of all the religions are there. To both Egyptian and Easter-
          ners, to get there you astrally project or out of body experience.
          Although the Egyptians had a more elaborate version.

              The Egyptians, therefore, which had several religious traditions,
          of which Isis plays in a couple) had several heavens. These were
          usually conceived of in layers or parts, corresponding to the layers
          of the astral plane. In Heliopolis there were 12 layers or planes to
          their heaven.

              Each tradition had a different heaven and a different way of
          getting there. The temples trained the people how to do it at home, at
          the temple, or elsewhere.

              Sometimes more than just the astral body took the trip, there was
          also a spiritual body, the soul, the spirit and other forms.




                                                                            2042

              According to ancient Egyptian practices, you can project your
          astral body, soul, spirit, or spiritual body. However, there is no
          ritual to do all at once, probably because it would kill the person.
          Of course the sa is considered the spiritual power of a person and the
          animating force of the body. As long as you have the sa and one of the
          three (soul, spirit or spiritual body) you're body can still live
          during the projections.

              The Egyptians are the only ones that I am aware of (other than a
          very few Native American tribes) that even project the spirit or the
          spiritual body or the soul.

               Altered state of consciousness was used in Egypt, usually by NOT
          using drugs, although they did have mandrake, poppies and hemp (used
          in medicine as an anaesthetic). What was taught differed by tradition,
          and what kind of altered state differed also. For example: A scribe of
          Anubis: Does he want to become a doctor/priest, a mummification
          priest, or a priest/guide to the astral plane? If the latter, then he
          is taught the basics of the Egyptian astral planes and how each one
          differs, and how each tradition of Egypt has a different path to their
          own. He is taught how to astrally project, and then his teacher will
          project and take him on a guided tour. Eventually he will astrally
          project to the Anubis temple in the astral plane and receive higher
          knowledge from their teachers. Eventually he will teach others to
          project, and lead them on journeys. No one except probably about 15
          people know how to astrally project to an ancient Egyptian astral
          plane. The form you take, the route you take, what you see determines
          if you will get there, and if you don't know these things, according
          to the Egyptians you will not reach the plane. Instead you will end up
          on an astral plane of Egypt created by people who lived from the 1700-
          1800's on, such as Golden Dawn people, Rosecrucians, Wicca people. Is
          there an astral plane? It's up to you. I have my own opinion. My
          opinions are almost always based on experts in their own fields. 

                                        ----------

                               ANCIENT EGYPTIAN INITIATIONS

               The mysteries and initiations varied from temple to temple. In
          the Lesser Mysteries of Isis there is preparatory instruction, medi-
          tation within the temple and introduction to the sanctuary for par-
          ticipation in a performance of drama of death and resurrection.

               In today's society, there are many groups that give initiations,
          but the initiation usually fails, and usually for the following
          reasons;

               1. The group doing the initiation does not know enough to do one
          successfully (usually through lack of full knowledge of their trad-
          ition).
               2. Incomplete preparation of the Initiate. 
               3. Incomplete preparation of the group.
               4. Incomplete Initiatory Ceremonies or process.
               5. Initiation Rituals becomes a bad play at best.




                                                                            2043

               6. The people directing the Initiations weren't properly prepared
          or initiated in their own initiation.

               In Egypt, they allowed for self-initiation (but only for some
          levels). All cognition, after all, comes from the inside. We 
          are therefore initiated only by ourselves, the master or teacher gives
          us the Key.

               In some Egyptian initiations the goal is the receive the Sa, the
          innate virtue or power of the gods as a sort of fluid (or magnetic
          fluid or aura). It is transmitted by the God's (I will sometimes say
          God, but take it as either God or Goddess) hands through touch or
          passes on the neck or spine of the individual. This operation is
          called the Satapu-sa.

               "The Summit is the Apex of the Mountains height, but there are
          both Summit and Valley, hence, something exists which causes both.
          Equally there is within you that which wants to lift itself despite
          the animal instincts, and also that which wants to remain earthly.
          Summit and Valley, are 2 powers manifested. If there were not these
          two there would be only one. Since there are two 
          there are also all the others which sprang from these, the other
          Neters or Gods/desses."

               "One should pass through complexity in order to exhaust the
          various possibilities until the awakening of the consciousness which
          leads towards simplicity; it is on intermediate phase between dream
          and reality."

               "If the essence and perfection of all good are comprehended in
          the god/desses, and if you adhere to a more excellent nature, you will
          obtain a union with them, the contemplation of truth, and the posses-
          sion of intellect. A knowledge of the gods is accompanied with a
          conversion to and knowledge of ourselves."

               I'll let you contemplate that one for awhile. Written on the
          college walls of the Temple of Horus at Edfu.

               The Egyptian path can be considered (as defined by Frankfort) as;

          1.   Evolution      =    Ignorance
          2    Destruction    =    Knowledge
          3    Dissolution    =    Experience
          4    Reintegration  =    Understanding
          5    Integration    =    Wisdom

          FROM:     JANA HOLLINGSWORTH
          Dear Michael, Not only was this the usual excellent note on Egypt, but
          I was most impressed by your concise description of failed initi-
          ations. You have touched on a topic only a few Pagans are willing to
          think about. Too often initiation in Wiccan and other Pagan groups has
          become a spiritually meaningless ritual, and the worst part is that
          people don't even know the difference. Then there are all these
          novices with no qualifications "self-initiating" themselves. I was
          once initiated as a Dianic Witch, but it didn't "take." I never refer




                                                                            2044

          to myself as a Witch or a Wiccan. I am a Pagan, and I don't need to be
          initiated for that.
               So many who use the name Wiccan
               Could use, in the pants, a good kickin'.
                    A Pagan I am!
                    I'd give each dam
               Self-proclaimed Wiccan a lickin'.
                                             Jana, Pagan and Proud!

          FROM:     MICHAEL POE
               Except for those very few hereditary witches, most of Wicca is
          new (1940s and later) and as such, much of it is from books and people
          who taught themselves from books and then taught others. All of the
          spiritual exercises and goals that need to be done to be truly init-
          iated are usually missing (unless you are lucky enough to be one of
          the few who was disciplined enough to intuitively done all the right
          things first. I have been to many Wiccan initiations and while a few
          have been magical, none have been fully effective, and most have been
          more like a Catholic mass, all pomp and circumstance and no magic.
          That's also essentially true of white people learning shamanism, they
          don't get the teachers that really know.

               Ancient Egypt had 14 traditions in which the majority of them
          were magical ones. After more than 30 years of studying ancient Egypt,
          even I can't tell you about the proper initiations of several of the
          traditions; but at least I now have the spiritual exercises and whole
          initiations for some of the them and in the group that I am involved,
          we have done a couple of them.

               Most wicca systems that I am aware of need to spend more time on
          the spiritual and magical development of the individual. Some ancient
          Egyptian systems took a minimum of a year to two years of spiritual
          exercises before the person cast their first 
          spell. The priests had the ability to make people astrally project at
          will, for example.

               It's also a mistake being too eclectic. For example, Mercury is
          equated with Thoth by the Greeks and Romans, but while they did share
          some powers and attributes, they were not the same. 8 track tapes and
          regular cassettes both play music, but try putting a 8 track tape into
          a cassette
          player! 

               Isis, for example, is never invoked as a Great Mother Goddess
          unless she is holding baby Horus. NEVER! I have seen many wiccan
          ceremonies where they use the wrong Egyptian god/desses in their
          rituals, or the wrong god/desses forms for the powers they are invok-
          ing. Remember, that despite some current thinking that it's only the
          association in your mind that counts, and if you want to invoke
          Sekhmet with a knife (for example) as a gentle mother goddess, she
          will appear as that; it just isn't so. This is coming from people who
          have never been properly initiated.

               the prevailing thought up to 10 years ago is that if a form and
          function of a god/dess has been worshipped for thousands of years by




                                                                            2045

          hundreds of thousands of individuals, including those properly in-
          itiated, then that form and function will always override what one
          individual or group over a few years may invoke. The thoughtform was
          constructed in the Astral plane and is extremely strong, and a few
          people who have decided that (usually through ignorance) he/she had a
          different form or function, will never be able to compete with the
          stronger form. Which is probably why many eclectic wiccan magic
          doesn't work or work well. They don't know what they are drawing from,
          and instead of trying to get the vast astral power out there to work
          for them, it works against them, or else their own little power will
          be the only power they will be able to tap into. Michael

                                        ----------

          FROM: BRENDA RYAN   I was wondering about those temples that have been
          moved, do they still retain the power. Is it in the temple building
          itself or in the ground upon which the temple stands? As you know, the
          temple at Abu Simbel had been moved during the building of the Aswan
          Dam but I think you mentioned it one time as a power spot. Also, I was
          more impressed with the temples and tombs in Upper Egypt than in the
          pyramids and the Sphinx. In fact, the Great Pyramid was musty smelling
          and claustrophobic so I didn't go all the way up. My friend thought I
          was missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime, but I just wasn't
          impressed. I didn't "feel" anything there. The tombs in the Valley of
          the Kings were another matter. I felt completely comfortable going all
          the way down in the tombs that were open and was much more in awe of
          the whole area. 

               FROM:     MICHAEL POE    To make a short answer long, let me
               respond by this: Back in pre-dynastic times, the priest/-
               esses had no stone temples, they worked outside (or later,
               in mud and dabble temples) and cast circles; hence their
               name; "People of the Circle". Eventually they had temples of
               sun dried brick, but still retained the name.
                    During the Dynastic period they were building temples
               out of stone. Now the stone temples, if you have seen them,
               are covered with figures of the gods and goddesses and
               religious texts and invocations. The walls became the
               psychic circle of protection and were imbued with their own
               power. Despite the fact that the magical group no longer
               needed to cast circles for protection from without or raise
               power within (as the temples walls did that), they were
               still called the "People of the Circle". Some traditions
               just won't die!     So, yes, the temples themselves, despite
               having been moved, are still full of power as the walls
               themselves is the stone circle of power. Now you might ask,
               well, that makes sense, magic being used in them for thou-
               sands of years, but what about the power spot it was orig-
               inally built over, if any? Well, of course, the temple,
               being built over the power spot and with all the magic
               working in it for hundreds or thousands of years, the power
               from the spot would seep into the temples walls. That power
               would still be there if the temple was rebuilt. Remember
               that the ancient Egyptians would sometimes take an older
               temple apart and incorporate the stones into the walls of




                                                                            2046

               another temple far away. That is the method of getting
               stones already imbued with power and "precharging" the new
               temple with power. So yes, any temple that has been moved
               still retains it's power.     Michael

               Imagine if you will, a temple 2/3 of a mile long and 1/4 mile
          wide, 6 stories tall. The courtyard, big enough for over 4 football
          fields surrounded by a high, 2 story wall. You enter through 20 foot
          high doors encased in gold into the courtyard at night. The courtyard
          is done in highly polished black granite, so well polished that it
          reflects the milky way. It is like walking in space! In the middle of
          the courtyard is a full size tree, made with trunk and branches of
          blue lapis lazuli, and leaves of turquoise. A dream you say? No, for
          it was the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis, built around 1800-1900 bc, and
          shown to Greeks during 500-200 bc. And if you think that was a truly
          magical and awe inspiring courtyard, imagine what was inside the huge
          covered temple that took up over 1/2 of the area! Complete with it's
          secret corridors and chambers, etc.

               Also, you are familiar with Egyptian temples in Egypt, but did
          you know that Egyptian temples also existed in Lebanon, Syria, Greece,
          Delos, Crete, Italy, Spain, France, Britain and Germany?

               The ancient Egyptians in addition to doctors, also had special-
          ized surgeons, psychologists, OBGYN's, midwives, vets, 
          brain surgeons (with 80% success rate in trepanning, dentists, herb-
          alists, in addition to their botanists and ethnographers.

               The Temple is the House of God. The Body of Man is the House of
          God, therefore the Temple is the Body of Man.
                              (from temple of Amon).

               In nature, everything is linked with everything else, and you are
          a part of nature. Observe outside, observe inside, you begin to see
          the relations between things. 


               The ancient Egyptians didn't worship animals. They had sacred
          animals, but what they worship was the Divine Principle made manifest
          in that animal. Hence, the Serapis bull symbolized the Divine Prin-
          ciple of Strength. The Baboon of Thoth for two things: Society (bab-
          oons have, among the animals, one of the most complex societies), and
          of Contemplation (Baboons will sit and watch the Sun rise, among other
          things). Horus with the Hawk, one who sees or watches the earth from
          above, and sees it extremely well (hawks and birds of prey have a
          binocular vision of about 7x
          power); Hence the celestial Horus eyes were the Sun and the Moon. The
          attributes of Bast and of the Cat is very close. 

               And so, to the Egyptian, while man is an example of ALL the
          powers of all the god/desses; certain animals manifest specific
          powers, and manifest them more than man. Hence they worship the power
          behind the animals. Observe outside, observe inside, you begin to see
          the relations between things.




                                                                            2047

               An animal does not reason, it experiences directly. Man is
          deceived by the incomplete testimony of his senses and his reason and
          has allowed the instinctive consciousness to atrophy without having
          learned to use his intuitive faculties which to the Egyptians, is the
          wisdom of the heart. Therefore there are ancient rituals to strengthen
          the heart.

               Raise your eyes to know what relates to the laws of the heavens,
               Look around you to study the principles of nature, 
               Look inside you to determine your attributes, to integrate your
          personality, and identify it with the heavens and nature, 
               One can cast your heart ahead on the Chosen Way, 
          then go and retrieve it, and let your steps loyally follow its voice.
                    The Egyptian Way of Life is of Harmony;
                    Within the All-Inclusive Unity of God/desses,
                    Nature and Society;
                    Man can move with Dignity, Safety and Happiness.

               The Egyptian essential Unity in the conviction that man can find
          immortality and peace by becoming part, or as one, with the perennial
          cyclic rhythms of Nature, a recurring movement, part of the estab-
          lished and unchanging Order of the Universe.

               With the occasional exception, I will start posting notes on the
          different traditions; The Ceremonial Tradition, the Philosophical, The
          Arts and Crafts, the Hermetic like, the Wiccan like, the Alchemical,
          etc.

               Stuck in between will be the occasional hymn to a god/dess,
          observations on astronomical god/desses; parts of man, temple struc-
          ture, etc. Make any comments or questions that you want that are
          related.  Michael  Ankh em Maat 

                                        ----------

                        THE PATH OF THE CRAFTSMEN IN ANCIENT EGYPT

               One of the traditions in ancient Egypt was that of the artists
          and craftsmen. All of the best artists and craftsmen were trained in
          one place, the Temple of Ptah in Memphis (presently 20 min south of
          Cairo). all other artists and craftsmen were usually trained at the
          Temple or by people who were trained there.

               These artists and craftsmen include: Architects, draftsmen, stone
          workers (large stones and small), jewelers, painters, eventually glass
          workers, dyers, (but not weavers, who studied at the Temple of Neith
          in the Delta). All the architects and draftsmen who produced all of
          the pyramids, temples, palaces, royal tombs, and even forts were
          trained here.
           
               Have you noticed how all the men and women in paintings and
          statues have a similar body? Unlike the Greeks, who wanted to show how
          a persons body really looked like, the Egyptian were interested in
          showing the "inner essence" of the person. Therefore only in the
          background, the workers, and not the central family, are people shown




                                                                            2048

          as they really were, crippled people, occasional starvation, over
          weight persons, etc. Therefore the Egyptians were interested in the
          "inner man (or woman)".

               Look at a book on Egyptian art and check out what the god/desses
          are holding or wearing. That is important to see what powers and
          attributes are being portrayed. For example, if Bes is holding a
          knife, she/he becomes a protector and avenger; if holding a sistrum,
          he/she (it's hard sometimes to tell which sex Bes is), becomes the
          God/desses of joy, pleasure, music, dance, and another kind of protec-
          tor; if holding other objects or wearing other outfits, she/he becomes
          a Protector of Women and of the Family, of Mothers. The same holds
          true with all of the other gods and goddesses. Hence, Isis can be a
          Mother Goddess or a Goddess of Women, or of the Visible World depen-
          ding on what she is wearing or carrying. All of this is taught by the
          temple of Ptah to the artists.

               The similar thing occurs with amulets and talismans. Some amulets
          and talismans are always shown in a certain color or always made of
          certain material. The Buckle of Isis is almost always of red carnelian
          or garnets. The Ankh is almost never down in silver (because the ankh
          is associated with the Sun, and gold is the metal of the Sun).

               The temple of Amon at Luxor is patterned after a human body; in
          fact, in the sanctuary part, if you observe the stones in the floor,
          you see that two different stones were used. If you had an archaeolog-
          ical map of the temple with the floor stones shown, and color in the
          darker stones, you end up with a huge side profile of a face! So the
          Temple of God reflected the Temple of Man! 

               Ptah had other powers and attributes than just artists and
          craftsmen (he was one of the Great Creator Gods), and was married to
          Sekhmet (who was into other traditions including healing). Ptah is
          also associated with the Science and Art of Alchemy. Their offspring
          is Nefertum, the God of perfumes and aromatherapy, and of the Lotus. 

               As you will see in future discussions, more than one god/dess is
          associated with a tradition. Ptah is one of the few gods who ever
          since predynastic periods, was always portrayed as a human.

               Remember that most of the popular literature is from material of
          the New Kingdom and later periods. By then Horus was associated in the
          popular ancient Egyptian mind as the son of Isis, and especially
          popular as that during the Greco-Roman period. 

                                        ----------

                                RITUALS and RITUAL ELEMENTS

               How many times do you get into a Book of Shadows and look at the
          rituals? How many of these rituals are complete from opening or
          drawing the circle, invocation of the four directions, blessings,
          consecrations, invocation, and closing? And how many are incomplete;
          in other words, missing some of the elements to the rituals, but maybe
          referring to use a certain 4 direction invocation or closing rite? Or




                                                                            2049

          missing complete elements; such as a hymn or invocation to a Goddess
          but no rituals around it? 

               To the major ancient Egyptian temple colleges, the elements of
          ritual were emphasized. A magician, priest/ess, magic worker 

          at home would end up with several invocations to the four quarters,
          several closings, etc.

               To the Egyptian; The Way of the Ritual; it's chief god/dess to be
          invoked and the way the ritual is to be directed (weather magic for
          example) will determine which other ritual elements are used.

               Also remember that the Egyptians had generic ritual elements,
          usually blessings, consecrations and hymns. A generic hymn to a
          goddesses will have spaces in which the goddesses name, titles and
          some of her powers would be included.


               There were more than one set of god/desses for the four 
          directions; and even the direction that you started your ritual
          changes with the orientation of the ritual. 

               For example; if you wanted to do a ritual for fertility of the
          land, you start off facing south (the Life Giving Nile), then West (to
          appease the desert), then North (symbol of fertility), then the East
          (rising sun, cosmic fertility), then back to South. Naturally if you
          are solar oriented using gods like Amon, Ra, Horus, and goddesses like
          Sekhmet or Bast, you started with the east and work your way around
          (clockwise).

               If you are invoking a goddess in your ritual you DO NOT invoke
          the four sons of Horus, UNLESS it is Isis or Nepthys that you are
          invoking. There are 2 sets of goddesses of the four directions, and
          one of the sets would do better. 

               There are at least three different sets of gods for the four
          directions, more, since Thoth has his own set, as does some cities.

               I have a hand written 35 page list of powers and the god/desses
          associated with them. It probably corresponds to a book listed in the
          Library of the Temple of Horus called "The Book of God and Goddesses
          and their Powers". 

               So a magician at home would have more of a recipe collection of
          ritual elements rather than a book of Shadows of complete rituals, and
          would have the know how of how to put them together. I have about
          3,000 such recipes, from Astral projection to Zoomorphic projections,
          including blessings, opening and closing rites, spells, divination,
          consecration, initiation, weather, tantric, etc. The Pyramid Texts
          contain about 700 more, and the Coffin Texts, over 1,200 more. Orig-
          inal, not new.

                                        ----------




                                                                            2050

                                           BAST

               The only fully developed cult of the cat existed in Egypt and it
          lasted for over 3,000 years. No one knows when the cat was first
          sanctified in Egypt.

               Bast wasn't associated with Isis until the New Kingdom, about
          1600 bce and later. When associated with Isis it came to be recognized
          as the incarnation of deity, and it was the daughter of Isis and her
          husband, the sun-god Osiris (Osiris was also a Moon-god) (Isis was
          also a Sun/Moon/Earth Goddess by then).

               The worship of Bast overlapped that of Isis, Hathor, Mut and
          others depending on the district in Egypt.

               Bast had a solar son, Nefer-tum (He is associated with unguents,
          perfumes, aromatherapy, alchemy, Lotus) by the Sun God Amen-Ra, and
          Khensu, the Moon God, by Ptah. 

               Bast or Bastet, was originally a lion headed goddess, associated
          in powers and attributes with Sekhmet and Tefnut, and as such, Bastet
          has powers of ferocity and rapacity.

               It is her later cat-headed form that Bastet became so immensely
          popular, although she never ceased to be worshiped as a lion headed
          goddess.

               The earliest known portrait of Bastet was found in a temple of
          the 5th dynasty, a lion-headed goddess who was known a "Bastet, lady
          of Ankh-taui." One of the earliest forms of her as a cat headed
          goddess is in a papyrus of the 21st dynasty.

               Bast cult center was at Bubastis, situated east of the Nile
          delta, and hence, Bast became known as the "Lady of the East" (also
          because of her association with the sun). 

               She then, is almost without exception, invoked while facing the
          East, and is one of the Goddesses of the Four Directions.

               In the XII dynasty, Middle Kingdom, she had her own temple at
          Bubastis. In the 22nd dynasty, about 950 bce, she was known as the
          Lady of Bubastis and became an immense power in Egypt, due to the
          Pharaohs embracing her as a national goddess.

               The temple of Bastet has been vividly described by the historian
          Heroditus, who travelled in Egypt about 450 bce. It stood in the
          center of the city of Bubastis and was virtually on an island, since
          it was surrounded (except at its entrance) by canals from the Nile,
          which were a hundred feet wide and overhung with trees. While the
          houses were gradually raised, the temple remained on its original
          level so that the whole city commanded a view down into it.

               The temple was a building in the form of a square, and was made
          of red granite. Stone walls carved with figures surrounded the sacred
          enclosure, which consisted of a grove of very tall trees within which




                                                                            2051

          was hidden a shrine. In the center of the shrine was a statue of Bast.
          Note: this is the only temple in Egypt known to have had a sacred
          grove of trees in the center of it, and a shrine in the center. There
          are other sacred groves, some with shrines; but instead of being
          inside of temples, these are all out in the open.
          
               Cats were found within the sacred temple area and were ritually
          fed. Temple maidens carried cats or kittens in baskets. April and May
          were the chief festivals and rituals for Bast. 

               All cats were revered in the Temple of Bast. Now the question is,
          what kind of cats did the Egyptians have?

               Orange cats
               Orange stripped cats
               A Tabby Type
               Black Cats
               Gray cats

               And an Abyssinian (I used to do well in spelling!) type.
          Of course, Bast is also associated with Lioness, so small cubs and
          adult lionesses were also sacred to her.

               Of the principal Egyptian festivals, that of Bast was one of the
          most popular. Herodotus describes how, in April and May, thousands of
          men and women set off on the pilgrimage in parties which crowded into
          numerous boats. The voyage was gay if not positively orgiastic. Men
          played the flute, women a type of cymbal called crotala, and all
          joined in singing and hand-clapping. As they passed towns, the boats
          drew near to the banks and the women shouted bawdy jokes, often
          flinging their clothes up over their heads. 

               Eventually they arrived at Bubastis, sacrificing many animals,
          and consuming vast quantities of wine.

               Cats were portrayed in every conceivable activity, sculptured
          every material from gold to mud, and in every size from colossal to
          minute size.

               A orange brown cat is depicted on tomb walls, and so is a ginger
          cat, and grey tabbies. 

               During the Bubastite period (XXII dynasty), cat cemeteries became
          popular, and a huge profusion of cat amulets were being made.

               During the entire time of Egypt, household cats were treated with
          the greatest respect. Many of them were bejewelled, and they were
          allowed to eat from the same dishes as their owners. Sick cats were
          tended with solicitude, and stray cats were fed with bread soaked in
          milk and with fish caught in the Nile and chopped up for them.

               Cats love basking in patches of sunlight, and Bast was first
          worshipped as a form of the sun, the source and sustainer of life and
          light. Some of the Egyptians believed that when the Sun went down, a
          combat of cosmic proportions took place in the underworld. One of the




                                                                            2052

          legends had a persea tree with a cat with a knife leaping on a spotted
          serpent and cutting off its head. During solar eclipses people would
          gather in the streets and shake knives and rattle sistrums in an
          effort to spur on the celestial cat and to terrify the threatening
          serpent in their struggle beside the Tree of Life.

               From the cat's identification with the sun arisen the "cat's
          cradle", a name given to certain string-games. The cats cradle was
          used to control the movement of the Sun through sympathetic magic.

               Sekhmet was combined with Bast and Ra for a triparte goddess
          combining the attributes and powers of all three. It was a combination
          made for ceremonial magic only, as there is no public worship of
          Sekhmet-Bast-Ra at an individual level.

                    Are you soaking this all in with no questions?
                    Remember the story about the cat and the Persea
                    tree that I just related? You should have asked
                    about the Persea tree and if this Egyptian Tree of
                    Life is or can be grown in the U.S. and if we know
                    it by another name.      Come on, ask, come on,
                    come, after all, its the Cat's Meow!
                    There are two sacred trees in ancient Egypt. I
                    mean SACRED! One is the acacia (which varieties
                    grows all over the US.
                    The other is the Persea. There are only 2 variet-
                    ies of Persea in the entire world. One is the
                    Egyptian persea, which I have no idea if it bears
                    fruit. The other variety of Persea (which by
                    Egyptian thought would be just as sacred) bears
                    fruit. The other varieties common name is AVOCADO!
                    That's right, the avocado is a sacred tree of the
                    ancient Egyptians. So the next time that you are
                    preparing to eat guacamole, remember that you are
                    eating a sacred dip! The green avocado would
                    probably also be sacred to Osiris and any other
                    god/dess of vegetation. The ancient Egyptians
                    usually made their wands out of acacia or persea,
                    so if you have any of these trees, you can make
                    yourself an Egyptian wand. Also remember that if
                    you trim your tree, use the branches in the firep-
                    lace for a sacred fire!

                                        ----------
          
                    To relate a story, true: When I was married my
                    wife and I brought home a tabby, and a very young
                    boy, about 5 came up and wanted to pet the cat. He
                    asked me what was her name, and I replied that we
                    haven't named it yet, what would he suggest? He
                    said Abaton. I replied that I would consider it,
                    thinking that it was a strange name for a kid to
                    come up with ("out of the mouths of babes...).
                    About 3 days later, I was going over a book of
                    cities and towns in ancient Egypt, and on a whim




                                                                            2053

                    (which I have a lot of), looked up Abaton. LO AND
                    BEHOLD, there was an Abaton in the Delta part of
                    Egypt. AND IT WAS KNOWN AS THE CITY OF THE CATS
                    WITH "TON" MEANING CITY, AND "ABA" MEANING CAT; OR
                    "CAT CITY" to us folk.
                    So our Tabby became known as Abaton, or Aba for
                    short. A year later she became pregnant and we
                    decided that in honor of the Egyptian intercalary
                    days (those 5 remaining days of the ancient Egyp-
                    tian calendar of 365 days, divided into 12 months
                    of 30 days with 5 intercalary days left over,
                    sacred to certain god/desses); as the kitties
                    would pop out (so to speak), we would start naming
                    them for the 5 god/desses.
                    Well, eventually here they came, Isis, Nepthys,
                    Osiris, Horus, and the last, a black kitty, Set.
                    Set died that night, the only one that didn't live
                    to a ripe old age. Horus grew up (a male cat by
                    the way, we named them regardless of sex; when the
                    first popped out, it became Isis; luckily sexually
                    matched their names) to be a hunting cat, who
                    would bring home live rabbits bigger than he was.
                    Nepthys, a black female, was a loveable, loving
                    cat who went to an excellent Wiccan friend, along
                    with Isis, who was occasionally disruptive, usu-
                    ally loveable. Osiris stayed with us and even
                    disappeared for a little over 2 months (close to
                    the 72 day mummification process) until we thought
                    that he was dead, but he came back and lived out
                    his life playing big daddy, master of his domain,
                    and approving the field mice and rabbits that
                    brother Horus would bring back for his approval.
                    They are all gone none, but never forgotten. I now
                    have 2 cats, a blue eyed, long white furry female
                    originally called "Popcorn" (forgive her previous
                    owners, Lord and Lady, they do not know better),
                    but now called Sheba (although, to be truthful,
                    she answers to any name). The other is a Calico,
                    previously named Nikita (little one in Russian,
                    and she is a little cat); now called Spook (she
                    spooks easily, still hasn't figured out shadows
                    yet, and doesn't come to any name called to her).
                         Sheba, by the way, will willingly join you in
                    the bathtub if you're taking a bath! In ritual she
                    just lays there looking bored, but Spook, ah
                    Spook; stays inside the circle and even watches
                    the entities!

                    A LIMERICK FROM JANA HOLLINGSWORTH

                    The five cats of Michael were named
                    For five Gods of Egypt far-famed.
                         Each suited its title
                         In character vital.
                    A five-year-old boy can be blamed.




                                                                            2054

                                        ----------

          FROM LDE BLACK   Cat Fancy March 1993 pg 13, at bottom.
          .
          A French scientist has found evidence confirming that the domestic cat
          existed 4,000 years ago. During excavations of ancient Egyptian burial
          chambers, Alain Pierre Zivie, an Egyptologist, found a network of
          tombs that contained stacks and stacks of cat mummies. "Some histor-
          ians believe the first house cats were wild with long coats," Zivie
          said, "but these cat mummies have short hair and look much like modern
          cats." Zivie made his discovery in Sakkara, 20 miles south of Cairo.

                                        ----------

          FROM BRENDA RYAN  I have a set of hieroglyphic stamps put out by the
          Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have you seen these? Are they useful at
          all for actual writing, are they accurate translations, or are they
          toys?

                    FROM MICHAEL POE  The hieroglyphic stamps are very
                    useful, extremely accurate of the hieroglyph. If
                    using them in magic, be sure to bless and con-
                    secrate them first, along with the ink. You can
                    use henna as an ink.     Michael

                    FROM ANDY BALESTRACCI  Did Hieroglyphics play a
                    similar role in the Temple philosophy(ies) as seed
                    syllables, i.e., that symbolized and embodied the
                    first levels of creation(for lack of a better
                    word) such as the Sanskrit alphabet of Hinduism (&
                    maybe others)?

          
                    FROM MICHAEL POE    Hieroglyphics did play a part
                    in the Temple teachings, as symbols of the god/-
                    desses, of power objects, of inter-relations. They
                    themselves had power within them and the mere act
                    of writing them down (or using a rubber stamp in
                    today's world) would give the spell more power. As
                    for being seed syllables, I'm not sure; you will
                    have to give a few more examples, but there are
                    hieroglyphics that do stand for and embodied the
                    levels of creation, but not all of them were
                    syllables or letters.    Remember that while a
                    number of hieroglyphics stood for letters, and
                    some syllables, most of them stood for showing
                    what the letter/syllable was for; so that if two
                    objects were spelled the same, another hiero-
                    glyphic of the object would be inserted. Example:
                    Aunt and ant. In Egyptian Aunt would have a female
                    human figure next to it, and in Ant, an ant would
                    be next to it.

                    FROM: ELLEN GUSTAFSON  I was just wondering if you
                    ever checked out the Stele of Revealing and stud-




                                                                            2055

                    ied It in relation to Its time frame, etc. Crow-
                    ley's intent never was to reproduce the ancient
                    Egyptian religion, as you know. In fact, the
                    A:.A:. has as a guideline, that all cultural
                    references are incidental, not to be taken liter-
                    ally. The Aeon of Horus is a new aeon, and not
                    meant to return to the beliefs of ancient Egypt. I
                    guess that's the difference in perspective.  The
                    Stele of Revealing is a funerary monument to
                    Ank-f-n-Khonsu, a Theban priest of Month,or Mentu,
                    who flourished, according to modern scholarship,
                    725 B.C.E. in Egypt's 25th dynasty. I copied this
                    from notes in The Holy Books of Thelema. There is
                    much about the Stele there. It is interesting that
                    in the Bolouq (sp?) Museum, the Stele was clas-
                    sified as #666! LVX, Ellen 

                    FROM: MICHAEL POE  That's cute, and very appro-
                    priate about the 666. Such stelaes of that period
                    were for protection primarily, invoking various
                    gods, including lesser spirits and beings, includ-
                    ing many that weren't in existence prior to about
                    1,000 bce.I have read Crowley's work, and unfor-
                    tunately, he doesn't know ancient Egyptian, and
                    the Golden Dawn, and A.A. knows very little; when
                    they do use original material, it is always Greco-
                    -Roman Egyptian, a usually decadent form of Egyp-
                    tian magic. Their interpretation of god/desses
                    forms from ancient Egypt doesn't always jive with
                    ancient Egypt's. That is probably because of the
                    both the Greco-Roman later period information and
                    their efforts to try to peg Egyptian god forms
                    into Cabbala Sepheroah. Crowley is NOT ancient
                    Egyptian magic. Even he acknowledges that his
                    ritual that he did in Egypt didn't work out right.
                    It's always potentially dangerous to try to fit
                    square pegs into round holes! Or for that matter,
                    try and change a religious tradition that was used
                    for over 4,000 years by over a hundred million
                    people (based on population estimate of 5-10,000,-
                    000 people at any one time, life span of 40 years,
                    or 15-30,000,000 per 100 years X 4,000 years.

                                        ----------

                                         MOON LORE

               Isis is also Goddess of the Sun as well as the Moon, so don't
          invoke her unless you know what you are doing (what symbols she should
          hold, what items should be on her head, etc.).    Usually she is
          invoked as both Goddess of the Sun and Moon at the same time, rarely
          as Moon by itself.

                                        ----------




                                                                            2056

                        IMPORTANT METAPHYSICAL SPOTS IN EGYPT TODAY

               Since the Great Pyramid was built by the ancient Egyptians for a
          king, Khufu, that is not an important metaphysical spot. Before we get
          into an argument about that let me point out that the Great Pyramid
          has tombs around it by the workers who built it and mention it's
          building and its use as a burial place. There are also ancient Egyp-
          tian records of the Keeper Priests who lived
          there providing food to Khufu. There is absolutely no mention of it as
          an initiation place, and beside the stone coffin, Khufu's viscera was
          found there! However, Europeans are impressed by what is large and
          commanding (it embarrassed the ancient Egyptians) and put greater
          stock in the Great Pyramid than the Egyptians. Also what with the vast
          number of people in the occult who have visited there, it now has it's
          own aura added to it, and most people today can't tell the difference.
          So let's list the truly sacred.

               The Temple of Bast at Bubastis; Delta area. Although not much
          remains there, it still exudes a feeling of serenity and peace there.
          Center to the Bast cat tradition. 

               Memphis: Temple of Ptah: also not well preserved, but serene with
          the ponds of water within the temple enclosure.

               Sakkara: The tombs of Ptahhotep and Kaegemni are extremely mag-
          ical, housing at one time two of the greatest teachers of Egypt.

               the Labyrinth, near the Fayyum; Herodutus described it as having
          3,000 rooms; 1,500 above, and 1,500 below ground that was so sacred,
          no one but high priests could enter the underground rooms. Extremely
          magical, and what is better, almost no tourists, even at the height of
          the tourist season! Initiations took place here. 

               Temple of Hathor at Denderah. Magical place with secret chambers
          and passageways, Initiation center of Hathor. The Zodiac ceiling was
          found in the Temple of Hathor at Denerah (original in British Museum,
          replica in temple).

               Osirieon at Abydos: Center of the highest initiations of Osiris
          (his tomb is located nearby but has not yet been discovered). You can
          visit the once underground chambers where the initiations took place,
          surrounded by a pond, with a secret passageway (now underwater) sup-
          posedly going to Osiris's tombs.

               The Ramesseum: west bank of Thebes; Luxor. Sit on the stone
          throne of Rameses, feel the power, or go find the initiation chamber
          there (the only one that utilizes a coffin). Highly magical.

               The Temple of Hatshepsut, same general area.

               Temples of Amon and Mut at Karnak and Luxor; if size impresses,
          this will! The courtyard itself can easily hold Notre Dame! Too bad so
          many tourists, but seek out the small temple of Sekhmet (but beware of
          doing rituals there, Sekhmet is unforgiving).




                                                                            2057

               Temple of Horus, Edfu: Most complete temple in modern Egypt, lots
          of subtle power waiting to be reawakened, doing a gentle chant in the
          sanctuary can be heard over the entire temple!

               Temple of Isis, Philae; despite being moved from the original
          island; still very magical, especially because of the surroundings.

               Temple of Shahabu: The Egyptian equivalent of Tantric magic, it's
          place is unknown, and even to the ancient Priests, it's location was
          kept a secret!


               Oracle of Amon; Siwa Oasis, where Alexander the Great went and
          never spoke of his prophecy! 

                                        ----------

                                           HORUS

               The great god Horus was one of the most popular gods of ancient
          Egypt.

               At least a 1,000 years before Egypt was unified a new group of
          people entered Egypt called the Followers of Horus. Whether from
          southern Africa, the Sahara are from the Red Sea area we don't know,
          but they settled in Upper Egypt and opposed the Followers of Set in
          the Delta. Eventually the Followers of Horus united Egypt and their
          king, Narmer or Menes became the first 
          king of Dynastic Egypt, and the Horus name of the king started being
          used.

               Who was Horus the Hawk or Falcon God? We are especially blessed
          since the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the best preserved temple in
          ancient Egypt, and on its walls contains such things as the different
          forms and powers of Horus, the names of the books in the Temple lib-
          rary, many rituals, hymns, and parts of the types of initiations. 

               First and foremost, perhaps, Horus was a sky god, whose right eye
          was the Sun and whose left eye was the Moon, and where we came up with
          the concept of the right side being solar, the left, lunar. Associated
          with the hawk soaring over the land, and his eyes being the Sun and
          Moon, came his attributes as "All-Seeing, All-Knowing", yet not inter-
          fering unless he chooses to, or is summoned (like a Master of Falcons
          summons his Hawk or Falcon).

               Probably associated with the idea of a Falconer being protected
          by his birds, Horus is one of the most popular gods of Protection.

               Now remember that we have to speak in generalities, for Horus had
          over 24 different forms with associated aspects, so invoking one form
          would not necessarily get you another one of his powers (now you can
          understand why I am writing a book explaining all of this fully!).

               Horus was also the patron god of martial arts, and a couple of
          his temples, and their colleges taught military warfare, strategy,




                                                                            2058

          tactics, and all sorts of fighting, the officer corps or military west
          point of ancient Egypt. this is one of Egypt's tradition.


               Another tradition in which Horus figures prominently is Alchemy.
          Ptah, Horus, and Thoth were the leaders in the Egyptian school of
          Alchemy.

               Although Horus, during the New Kingdom and later was especially
          popular as the Son of Isis, remember that that designation is only one
          of his many forms.

               His real consort was Hathor. and Hathor means House of Horus.
          During one festival, the statue of Horus was removed from his sanc-
          tuary and sailed down the Nile in all the pomp and circumstance re-
          quired and was put into Hathor's temple at Denderah for a connubial
          visit.

               One of the most powerful forms of Protection Rituals in Ancient
          Egypt was invoking the four Sons of Horus as the four directions, and
          Horus as the Protector (and/or as the Avenger). In fact, the most
          common form of invocation of the four directions was the 4 sons of
          Horus; For women however, there are 2-3 sets of goddesses of the four
          directions.

               While the four sons are associated with various parts of the
          human body, stomach, liver, etc., Horus himself is associated with the
          Eyes (it figures, doesn't it?), but not the third eye (which is one or
          both goddesses, Uatchet and Nekhibet). Sometimes used for astral
          sight, there are actually two ways to get to his heaven, by turning
          your astral body into a hawk, or a boat with a hawk on it. 

                                        ----------

                                    INTERESTING QUOTES

               Note that I will use the term god in place of neter, but if you
          are goddess oriented, you can use that instead.

          Early Egyptian saying:

               Put not thy faith in length of years,
               For the Gods regard a lifetime as but an hour;
               A man remains over after reaching the haven of Death.
               His deeds are laid beside him for all treasure.
               He who has reached it without wrongdoing,
               Shall continue yonder like a god,
               Stepping forward like a Lord of Eternity.

               God does not confine his favor to the prosperous and the 
          powerful.
               He bestows it also upon the poor.
               His will is that they be fed and clothed, and exempted from tasks
          beyond their strength.




                                                                            2059

               That they may not be oppressed, and unnecessary tears be 
          spared them.

          From Rameses II:

               The mortal person is a manifestation on earth of His Divine 
          Spirit.

               Splendid actions and great deeds are worthy and precious to the
          gods. but the tasks the Gods alone see- they surpass   all.

               The Ways to God are as many as the breaths in the bodies of men.

          Quote from the entrance to the College of Priests, Temple of Horus at
          Edfu, Egypt:

               "Knowledge is the Way to Life;
               The Way to Life leads to the Way to God.
               The Way to God leads to Inner Knowledge.
               Inner Knowledge leads to Wisdom.
               Wisdom becomes Life."

               The Egyptian word "Neter" is neutral and literally translates as
          "Abstract Principle" or "Divine Principle."

               Ancient Egypt had no conception of the Ultimate as being either
          male or female, for to them, the Ultimate Deity combined both sexes.
          It's only when the "Divine Principle" starts descending down through
          the planes that male and female deities begin.

               Ancient Egypt, for those who don't know, may have had a god, or a
          goddess as a national deity (worshipped during national holidays,
          etc), and a god or a goddess has head of a city or nome (state); such
          as Bast, head of Bubastis; but to the Egyptians, god and goddess were
          CO-PARTNERS, were in reality none was above the other (exceptions
          might be during certain festivals, or the Sun goddess rules during the
          day, the Moon God during the night; that's right, many male moon gods
          and many female solar goddesses!).

          ps. Although that inscription was found at the College of the Temple
          of Horus, it did not directly refer to Horus, or Heru by name, there-
          fore, "Divine Principle" is the logical translation since they did use
          the word "neter" in the saying.

                                        ----------



                                   EGYPTIAN RITUAL MUSIC

               They used a 5 note scale, and had such instruments as lutes,
          pipes and flutes, drums, zills, tambourine, and sistra. The sistra or
          sistrum was the most magical instrument used, based on three hori-
          zontal metal bars with round metal clappers sliding on them.
                                      )     (




                                                                            2060

                                      I-I-I-I   clappers
                                      I     I
                                      I-I-I-I   clappers
                                      I     I
                                      -------
                                         I      handle
                                         I

               These were used by women only, and only during ceremonies and
          ceremonial singing. We have made several reproductions, most don't
          sound very well. But I was able to "rattle" an original and it sounded
          wonderful. Something of a cross between a babbling brook and wind
          chimes. Developed by the Egyptians to help bring on trance states and
          whatever other emotional responses prior to and during ritual, it may
          very well have worked, especially with half a dozen or more going at
          once.

                                        ----------

                               THE METAPHYSICAL PARTS OF MAN

          The material body: the spirits of the heart is called Hati. Of hear-
          ing, Setem; of sight, Maa; of taste, Hu; of touch, Saa; of the mat-
          erial body, Khat.

          The astral or Inner Self: Setem, compassion, the ability to feel
          rightly. Maa, justice, the ability to perceive rightly. Hu, command,
          divine utterance. Saa, perception, knowledge, understanding. Heka,
          magic. Ab, the seat of life, source of will and intentions. Ka, the
          astral body; principle of the body and protective genius. Khu, the
          intellect; low form Khu, highest intellect.

          Then we have the Khaibit, or Dweller; the Shadow, the part before, at
          and after the Dweller of the Threshold.

          Higher up, the Ba, soul, sublime, and multi-leveled.

          Next comes the Sahu, part of the spiritual self and is the spiritual
          body otherwise called the spiritual body.

          There is also the sekem; lower force; the power of forms, names, and
          life.

          There is also the Sa, the higher force, essential energy of all.

          To give you an idea of the complexity of it all:

               Touch: Saa (Sia) god of feeling, knowledge, understanding, intel-
          ligence. Personification of perception, to feel, to understand (comes
          from Memphis and the Ptah/Sekhmet/Nefertum triad).
               As Saau-ur "The Great Intelligence: the cognitive reception of a
          situation, object or idea. Saau-ur is mentioned as early as the Vth
          dynasty.
               As Saa Amenti-Ra "The Intelligence of the Amenti of Ra" god of
          conscience and character.




                                                                            2061

               Sa is a god of protection within his functions and is associated
          with Hu, taste. Oddly enough Sa is associated also with the heart. Hu
          and Saa together are the Eyes of Horus. More importantly they are the
          tongue and heart of Ptah; as such it is thur the heart that men relate
          their lives to moral precepts, and to be craftsmen.

                                        ----------

                                  EGYPTIANS AND THE TAROT

               The first Tarot cards known were found in Italy. A reproduction
          of them has been done and is usable. I believe that they were nailed
          to something. Perhaps someone can fill in where it was found and the
          time period they were made.

               Bernard Bromage, in his book, which I can't recall the exact
          title of (it was years ago), but is something like The Secret Wisdom
          of the Egyptians (I'll look it up). Basically the book is fairly
          uninteresting as it relates to how ancient Egyptian traditions really
          worked. But there was, in one paragraph, something that struck my eye.
          In discussing, I believe, the Tarot he says (and despite not remember-
          ing the title, I do remember the sentence) "The Tarot, of course,
          originated from the Temple of Serapis in Naples, Italy." Well, here is
          something specific. Now to find a picture or reference from another
          source on a Temple of Serapis in Naples. Ancient Egypt did expand
          their temples outside of Egypt, and had temples and sanctuaries in
          Greece, Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and other plac-
          es. To make a long story longer, it took about five years before I
          finally found a reference to the Temple of Serapis in Italy. The
          reference referred to the excavation report done early in this cen-
          tury; that the temple is now pretty much at water level, that the
          illustrations on the wall were destroyed by WWII. That means that if
          the Tarot came from a chance find, it would be in the excavation
          report, if it came from illustrations on the walls, it would still be
          in the report. A friend of mine was in Naples and took a picture of
          the temple, and indeed, it was awash with water and the illustrations
          were definitely not there. Was Bromage right? Did there exist a pre-
          tarot illustrations in either wall form or chance papyrus? If true,
          did it include the minor arcana as well? If only the major arcana,
          what was it supposed to portray at that period of time? Perhaps the
          path of the initiate as supposed today? And whose initiate; a Roman/-
          Egyptian one or an Egyptian one? Where indeed is the excavation rep-
          ort? It was printed in Italian, but is there illustrations or photos
          of the illustrations? Is there a reference to cards or a papyrus or
          manuscript? Are there English translations? How did the Tarot get from
          a 3-5th century ad temple to 13-14th century cards? We know that the
          Italians were interested in retrieving Greek and Roman statues and
          works during that period; was that why and when the transition was
          made? All of these things depended on finding the excavation report.
          And if the report confirmed it, then did it mean that an even earlier
          version existed in Egypt? Lo and behold this could take forever (like
          this note is). But finally, voila! The French Institute of Archaeology
          in Cairo found the report for me and sent me a translation of the
          illustrations found on the wall. The report consisted of, among other
          things not particularly germane here, of descriptions of the illustra-




                                                                            2062

          tions, and a statue standing in the entrance. There are 20 illustra-
          tions that were on the wall prior to their destruction during WWII.

               Assuming for a moment that Major Arcana card number 0, which is
          the fool and generally interpreted as the initiate starting out on his
          journey, it would follow that, given the sequence of illustrations on
          the temple's walls, that indeed the ) card would be the initiate of
          Serapis.

          Card One: Magician:
               Found at the entrance to the temple, just inside, was a partially
          damaged statue of the god Khnemu, and in front of him, an altar. The
          god Khnemu is the only god in ancient Egypt that is shown (and even at
          that, rarely), and applies in this case, with one hand pointed towards
          the sky, the other towards the earth. Khnemu is the god of the Nile,
          and since in the major arcana, water in the cards represents the flow
          of consciousness, it follows that the flow starts from Khnemu, the
          Nile (at least for Egyptians it would). The ritual equipment would
          have been placed on the altar.

          Card II: High Priestess:

               The first illustrations, the first one on the left side is of
          Veiled Isis (also one of only two Egyptian goddesses ever shown veil-
          ed). The illustration was between two pillars, the lotus and a papyrus
          pillar, and in the illustration Isis is seated, holding a lotus. Crown
          of sun and crescent moon.




          Card III: Empress:

               The second illustration again shows Isis, this time holding and
          suckling the baby Horus. Crown of Isis, the throne, symbol of the
          maternal power behind the throne, etc.

          Card IV: Emperor:

               The third illustration is of a Roman emperor in Egyptian garb,
          holding the was and flail.

          Card V: Hierophant:

               The next illustration is of an Egyptian priest, dressed in the
          leopards garb, making offerings to an altar.

          Card VI: Lovers:

               The next one is of the unification of Northern and Southern
          Egypt. The intertwining of the lotus and sedge plant, two Hapi gods
          (Showing both male and female traits). The Egyptian meaning is very
          similar to the card.

          Card VII: Chariot:




                                                                            2063

               Shrine procession, with two sphinxes in front of the shrine,
          being dragged by 4 anubian priests and 4 Horus priests (in a Temple of
          Serapis in Egypt, it actually is a chariot scene).

          Card VIII: Strength:

               The illustration is of the goddess Sekhmet, the Lioness goddess,
          who is the Egyptian symbol of strength. The scene also has a priestess
          offering a symbol of her heart to her (which is done after the bal-
          ance, weighting of the heart).

          Card IX: Hermit or Sage:

               The next illustration on the temple wall is of Imhotep, the prime
          example of the perfect man or Sage/Priest, with a scroll in hand.

          Card X: Wheel:

               The illustration is of the 7 Hathors, long regarded as the 7
          fates in ancient Egypt and part of the concept of time as regarding
          man.





          Card XI: Justice:

               This illustration is a quite common one in ancient Egypt, the
          Judgement scene, where the initiate or deceased is judged of his heart
          (actions, etc.) against truth.

          Card XII: Hanged Man:

               This illustration in the temple walls, although badly damaged,
          does show Osiris, who you may remember, was martyred, cut into bits,
          put back together, etc., and who symbolizes resurrection.

          Card XIII: Death or the Reaper:

               This scene, also badly damaged, clearly shows the god Set (Lord
          of Chaos and Disorder) with what looks like Anubis before him (the
          Guardian of your soul, the Guide of the Initiate). The interpretation
          works in well with our interpretation of the 13th card.

          Card XIV: Temperance or Alchemist:

               The illustration in the temple, damaged up to the waist of the
          individuals, shows Horus and Set, which would mean in its broadest
          sense, the tempering of one's bad traits with the good, the unifica-
          tion from within.

          Card XV: Devil or Black Magician:




                                                                            2064

               This illustration is a classic Egyptian one of the solar god Ra
          fighting Apophis, with a lesser scene of priests offering. In Egyptian
          initiations, this is the part of the Dweller of the Threshold, and the
          attempted crossing.

          Card XVI: Tower or Lightning:

               The illustration is of two obelisks. Obelisks, you may remember,
          always stood in front of the temple. Obelisks represented the first
          ray of light striking the earth. It would symbolize here the initiate
          passing the Dweller and now ready to enter the temple for final in-
          itiation for the first time, like the light hitting the earth for the
          first time, the transition is almost complete.

          Card XVII: Star:

               The goddess Seshat and a libation scene. Priestess with two
          bowls, one of water, the other of earth in front of Seshat, a Bennu
          bird in the water. Seshat has many attributes, but she has a star as a
          crown, the only one that does, and she is a consort of Thoth (god of
          Ceremonial Magic) as well as being the goddess of Libraries and Sacred
          Knowledge. The initiate is about to, or is receiving his sacred know-
          ledge about the world, himself, and of magic.

          Card XVIII: Moon:

               Top part of illustration only, of Khonsi, God of the Moon, and
          possibly of Thoth, also a God of the Moon.

          Card XIX: Sun:

               Clear painting/carving of the sun god Ra. flanked by hawks (also
          solar deities, Horus) and the sign of eternity. Perhaps at this point
          the initiate, now at dawn, is led out (or the doors are opened to
          reveal the morning sun) with the initiate now in the light (symbolic-
          ally and realistically).

          Card XX: Judgement:

               Illustration scene of initiate, hand in hand with the god Thoth,
          being led away from the Weighing of the Heart scene. His heart has
          been found true and just, in balance.

          Card XXI: World:

               The last illustration is somewhat damaged but clear enough to
          show the famous Nut, Geb, Shu scene. This scene is of the goddess of
          the Heavens, Nut, over the god of earth, Geb, with the god of space,
          Shu, in between. This is the classic Egyptian motif of all the world,
          heaven, earth and everything in between. The initiate is now one with
          ALL.

               Now, although all of the above scenes are for initiates, this
          could mean two things:




                                                                            2065

               1. This is a "storyboard" set of illustrations of one, albeit,
          long and very involved type of initiation.

               2. This is a "storyboard" set of illustrations of a series of
          steps and initiations of any initiate of Serapis and could conceivably
          take a lifetime to achieve.

               It is important to note that this room does not have one illust-
          ration of Serapis himself in it! He shows up on the outside of the
          temple in illustrations!  The excavation report concluded that this
          room was either a special place of initiations or a special place of
          worship. During the 10th-16th centuries, when the Europeans were
          rediscovering Greek and Roman statues, books, etc., this temple could
          very well have been recovered and uncovered. In fact the illustrations
          were partially still open to view before the excavation! I have traced
          several temples of Serapis, and have been trying to get notes on their
          illustrations as well. Two temples of Serapis in Egypt, one during the
          Greek/Ptolemaic period, and one of the 19th dynasty also show like
          illustrations, getting more and more Egyptian as the temples got
          older.

               Did the Egyptians actually have tarot cards of the major arcana?
          Not likely, as papyrus would be pretty much impossible to shuffle!!
          But here is the initial result of my study, it took years to find this
          material. Did the Temple of Serapis inspire the Italians to make the
          Major Arcana of the Tarot? It certainly contained the elements and the
          interpretation! Perhaps Bromage, who is rarely right, was right about
          this one. Further studies on Serapis temples that I did seem to keep
          the illustrations in order, but we do have a big gap between the
          temple and the first known cards!

               The tradition of Serapis starts from an early age, from the 1st
          dynasty of about 3,100 bce with Seken-ka as the first master of the
          tradition. In the XVIII dynasty Amenhotep enhanced the tradition, as
          did XIX dynastic Khawmwese, XXVI dynastic Amen-em-apt, XXXth dynastic
          Nectanebus, the last native king of Egypt, who ordered the spread of
          Egyptian temples throughout the known world.

               During the Roman period, Psoiphis and Chaeremon were leaders in
          the tradition.

               We have possible other sources of the ancient origin of Tarot
          including the ancient book, "78 Phases of Ra," the Book of Gates (it
          has 21 gates).

               There are temples of Serapis at Alexandria, Naples, Rome, Mem-
          phis. The nome state of Ament's capital was sacred to Serapis, called
          Apis, from the pre-Serapis tradition of Apis, from which Serapis is
          derived. There is a temple of Serapis in northern Amant called He-t
          sekha-hera.

               There is a temple of Serapis at Pithom (the Bible mentions the
          city); a cult center at Mendes, one at north Meteliles.




                                                                            2066

               Now, is the word Tarot actually Egyptian or a derivation of an
          ancient Egyptian word or words? It very well could be. Ta and ro or
          rot are two Egyptian sounds.

          Ta = the following words:
               thou                bread, cake              to give
               staff (wand)        this                     moment/time
               land/earth          TO JOURNEY               THOTH
               earth god           time                forms/likeness/image
               essence of a god    glory                    the
          

               You also have the possibilities: tara: (long a) meaning time or
          season; teru: meaning a god of light.

          Ra, ro, or rot (no Egyptian vowels):
               man            chapter of a book        a covered court
               mouth, entrance, opening, door, gate
               entrance to a path or road
               sun, day            sun god                  words, acts
               storehouse or chamber
               Chapters of Coming Forth by Day
                    "    " Divine Rites
                    "    " Mysteries
                    "    " Praisings

               So you see, if Egyptian, it could mean "journey of the road" or
          "journey of time" or any number of things! It could mean "the glorious
          road." Or it all could be just a coincidence!!!! It's up to you.

          A LATER RELATED NOTE:   To give you an example of the differences,
          take the Strength card. That normally is depicted as a woman holding
          open the jaws of a male lion, quiet strength in check. In the temples
          of Serapis that corresponds to the illustration of the goddess Sekh-
          met. Sekhmet is a lioness goddess, but is usually depicted with a
          small mane! Hence, in Egypt, the female and male are combined into the
          Sekhmet form. The Isis Veiled card is almost the same in the two
          illustrations. Isis is shown veiled (one of two goddesses ever shown
          that way), sitting, holding stalks of wheat and a container of water
          in the Roman Serapis temples.

          ANOTHER LATER RELATED NOTE:  So far, there hasn't been found any
          evidence of wood, stone, papyrus, or any other form of the major
          arcana for use in divination. Note that many of the arcana of the
          Temple of Serapis are common motifs, and as such, can be found in
          clay, stone, papyrus, etc.; but never has been found in a group,
          incomplete set or not. Perhaps to the Egyptians, the Major Arcana was
          not a form of divination but the initiate's initiation or life cycle.

               Divination was used in ancient Egypt, by both priests and people
          alike. I have various types of divination by bowls, by oracles, by
          dreams, by ceremonies. There is even divination by casting stones into
          a certain type of decorated bowl of water. There is divination by
          using a particular set of the popular Senet game. But, alas, none yet
          by Tarot.




                                                                            2067

                                        ----------

              there is a lot of information out there about divination and
          ceremonies, but much of it, like I said before, is in German, French,
          Arabic, and part in english.
              for example, there is a two volume work on Senet, including the
          divination part, but alas, it is in German.
              See if you can get a book by Serge Saureon, called, the "Priests
          of Ancient Egypt."  although it is mainly during the greek period of
          ancient Egypt, much has not changed.
              if you look at the translations of the Pyramid Texts, the Coffin
          Texts and the Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani, translated by Faulk-
          ner), you would find that it is a lot of disjointed rituals put toget-
          her. Most was not originally written for the dead, it was just sligh-
          tly revised.
             In the Pyramid texts and Coffin Texts, for example, you have texts
          on astral projection, blessing tools, consecration, initiation, hymns,
          etc. If you can find an english copy of the Harris Papyrus (good luck,
          long out of print, very expensive), it is THE magical texts and divin-
          ation.

                                        ----------

                                         RESOURCES

               I am familiar with the Church of Light organization in Los An-
          geles. They are no help in assistance, as all of their information is
          of Greek/Roman period and doesn't go any further back, and I already
          have the Greco/Roman period down. It's true that Iamblichus did write
          about Egyptian initiation, but the translations of his work do not
          include any descriptions of Tarot-like illustrations. Unlike what the
          Church of Light says, the translations are readily available. One must
          remember that initiations done in the 4th century do not and will not
          accurately reflect the initiations that took place in ancient Egypt.
          Egypt took a profound change in the late dynastic period prior to the
          Greeks, and even more during the Greek and Roman periods. Much of the
          magic, mysteries were lost and new ones invented or gaps were sub-
          stituted by current thought. It was a decaying period for Egypt,
          adopting to Greek ways and then to Roman ones. The mysteries and
          initiations became an echo of what they once were.

               The Church of the Eternal Source, also in Los Angeles, on the
          other hand, is a very Egyptian mystery oriented organization, but
          centers around the Old, Middle and New Kingdom, using the original
          papyrus and temple inscriptions for their mysteries and initiations.
          But still, in both cases, their knowledge is limited by what has been
          published and available. The translations and the original documents
          about such things are either not published, or published in limited
          editions and not available in most libraries. The French Institute of
          Archaeology in Cairo has the most complete library of all published
          and unpublished material related to ancient Egypt. I use them exten-
          sively.

               The Church of Light, on the other hand, uses adapted to modern
          symbolism, not ancient ones. The Tower card would never have been done




                                                                            2068

          in ancient Egypt like the Church of Light did it. In essence the
          Church made up a Neo-Egyptian religion incorporating ancient symbols
          and modern thought, when they just could have used the ancient symbols
          as is. In other words, they tried, without much research, to make a
          modern Tarot deck using ancient symbols out of place, rather than
          making an ancient tarot deck using ancient symbols in place. Then they
          think that this is going to get you in touch with ancient Egypt.
          Wrong! It may get you in touch with modern man's (since the time of
          Blavatsky) metaphysical idea of what ancient Egypt was, but to get in
          touch with ancient Egypt, you need to use ancient Egyptian methods.
          Kind of like getting a model airplane and putting it together without
          a picture to go by or the guide to do it right.

                                        ----------

                            THE INHERENT DIFFICULTY OF STUDYING
                                 ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION

               Throughout its 4,000 odd year old history there is no systematic
          account of the doctrines used. Different men living at different times
          do not think alike; and no college of priests had formulated a system
          of beliefs that was received by all clergy and laity alike. 42 nomes;
          42 religions in 4,000 years! Changes were extent, differences, even in
          the same periods, were great. But all had one thing in common, Organic
          Totality. 

               Organic Totality: the physical environment, human organizations,
          conscience, language and ultimate goals, all make up Egypt's totality.
          Egypt did not have a central dogma or sacred book. But the one thing
          that prevented them from losing their individuality and from coa-
          lescing into a common unit is the belief in more than one set of gods.
          The Egyptian religions were both personal and nationalistic. It was
          personal to each individual or family; private, interwoven with a
          sense of personal right and wrong, with a personal shrine or "niche"
          in every house to their personal gods/desses. It was nationalistic
          because usually the place of the national seat of government deter-
          mined, for the most part, the overall thought of the period, the
          morality of the period. The Egyptian religion offers a variety of
          paths to the ultimate source by individual contact and tailoring
          information and guidance according to an individual's needs and level
          of development.

          Three aspects of the Egyptian religion and culture.

          1. Polytheism; all gods and goddesses are emanations or forces from
          one source (although in each state, the one source may have a dif-
          ferent name).
          2. Actualization of the Individual; the development of the potential
          of the individual was important to the Egyptian colleges.
          3. Direct communication/relationship of an individual's surroundings.

               The kings of Egypt had from three to five "great names" and Lee
          mentioned only one, the Horus name. There is also the "nebti" name.
          This name is from the Two Ladies, Nekhebet and Uatchet, and Pharaoh
          becomes the force uniting the dual monarchy. This name goes back to




                                                                            2069

          the 1st dynasty and is based on the two capitals of pre-dynastic
          Egypt, Neken and Buto, seats of the two goddesses. The third name is
          the "bee" name. "He who belongs to the sedge plant and the bee," the
          "nesu-list" name, symbolizing the union of Upper and Lower Egypt.
          Predynastic: According to Manetho, a race of people came into Egypt
          and some became the founders and rulers of This and Memphis. The
          system of solar theology arrived in Lower Egypt (Delta) as early as
          5,000 bce in the form of the "Shensu Heru" or Followers of Horus. They
          made their way to upper Egypt before the 1st dynasty. In predynastic
          times there were two distinct kingdoms, Upper and Lower Egypt, with
          their capitals at Neken (slightly north of Thebes) and Buto (in the
          Delta). We have names of at least 12 kings of these two areas, al-
          though the Book of Sothis lists 86 kings, and the "Old Chronicles"
          lists 84.

               There are several approaches taken by metaphysically minded
          people of today about ancient Egypt. There are those who see only what
          Edgar Cayce or something like Urantia has to say about Egypt, and
          don't take the time to discover Egypt for themselves, or to see if
          what they learned was actually true. There are those who have worked
          beyond Cayce, and find a "pull" towards Egypt and read many books
          about the subject. Unfortunately, Budge, the most predominant writer,
          gives an unrealistic view of ancient Egypt, and many things are not
          mentioned, such as personal worship, initiations, changes of con-
          sciousness; therefore the reader is forced to rely on another source,
          who may not know anything at all about Egypt, but a lot about meta-
          physics and give you bum information. Elizabeth Haitch's (?) book,
          "Initiation," supposedly an Egyptian initiation, bears no relation to
          an actual Egyptian initiation and should be treated as fantasy. Then
          there are those in metaphysics that like to practice the ancient
          religions. Their approach is usually through another tradition, i.e.
          Golden Dawn, or Wicca. Both of these traditions (Wicca having many
          traditions and only some incorporate Egyptian into them) do not draw
          upon real Egyptian traditions. The Golden Dawn uses Greco-Roman Egyp-
          tian Tradition, acknowledged by Egyptologists as the period when most
          of the Egyptian traditions have been radically changed by outside
          influences, much already lost, and even hieroglyphic writing being
          incomprehensible. The Wicca traditions take god/desses wholesale, give
          them new attributes, new powers that they never had, have the rituals
          in English, etc. 

               No one studies the Egyptian traditions from the texts, temples,
          or tombs in order to find out how it works. Except me. Perhaps that is
          because I believe in finding out about a tradition by getting it from
          the original sources. And a major part of the problem is that although
          there are a lot of books, they are for the most part, too general. To
          find out what the Egyptians practiced, how, why, when and by whom
          requires years of searching obscure journals, papers, translations of
          texts, excavation reports (which have illustrations, translations of
          what was excavated) of tombs, houses, temples, and how many people
          have the time, money, experience to do that? Almost no one. So every-
          one else makes it up or speculates about it. I am going to try to make
          up for this loss by publishing a series of books on the ancient Egyp-
          tian personal worship, and the Temple Priesthood. What was taught, how
          was it taught, who did they teach it to, who were the teachers, how




                                                                            2070

          were they qualified, where was it taught, what differences are there
          between personal worship at home and temple worship, etc.?

                                        ----------

              There was a note about religions borrowing elements from others
          and that it happened for millennia. Such is definitely not the case.
          Granted it is easy to find a few that did, Christianity, Islam, Roman.
          And granted it is easy to find more that borrowed SOME of its trad-
          ition, but let's look at a couple of those.

              There is no evidence that the Ancient Egyptian religion came out
          from somewhere else. From pre-dynastic to the Middle Kingdom there
          were only one or two examples where borrowing took place, but in each
          and every case, they adopted THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. In fact in almost
          every case of a pagan religion part of another system, they almost
          invariably adopted the priesthood with it, or had the priesthood teach
          them, Or made it a part but separate from the main religion. This is
          totally different from today's pagans. Instead of being taught from
          the priesthood of the other religion or adopting the entire priest-
          hood, they take bits and snatches that they don't understand and adopt
          it. 

               Now it is agreed by both Egyptologists, The Church of the Eternal
          Source (see Drawing Down the Moon), and many Hermeticists that in the
          Late Period of ancient Egypt, the priesthood not only started forget-
          ting the important esoteric side of their own religion, but started
          adopting others bits and pieces, without the total integration that
          they practiced earlier. It resulted in a almost total breakdown of
          usefulness in practicing magic, mumbling now meaningless phrases, and
          effectiveness in their magic and rituals.

               One can count numberless examples of just how much one can be
          effective when you only know a small part of the whole (kind of like
          driving a car for the first time when the only thing you know about is
          the trunk).

               Also in ancient Egyptian, Hindu, Buddhism, and many American
          Indian religions (and paganism in the 1950-1970's) there was a belief
          that a symbol, if believed in by a large number of people over a large
          span of time, is far more effective than a symbol that is used by a
          small group over a short period of time. Does it not hold true that a
          magical object is imbued with more magic every time it is used?

              Thus, then how effective can a system be if it is 20-30 years old,
          practiced by 500 people, using symbols that are either brand new or
          misunderstood? (Like using a red pentagram for bring forth the earth
          element; how less effective is it as opposed to a green one which has
          been used by millions of people for thousands of years?)

               Occult philosophy by these groups and many others maintain that
          the more powerful an object is based on the formula: # of people using
          it + # of years in use + the ability of the individual to use it + the
          correctness in its use. The astral plane is exclusively made up by




                                                                            2071

          just this principle, and it's this plane where much of the magic is
          done.

              The effectiveness of the individual to practice his magic or
          religion is also directly proportional to the abilities and effective-
          ness of his/her teacher, and the degree of success in achieving the
          goals in his/her training.


               FROM MARK REYBURN   On borrowing, syncretism is and was
               common among many religions, including Egyptians, as you
               note. It tends to occur most frequently in cultures with
               regular contact with different practices. One of the Sun
               Dances, I think it's the Cherokee, is supposed to be syn-
               cretic. Who they got it from escapes me, my anthro classes
               are practically history themselves by now! Selective borrow-
               ings are, as you note, tricky things. But, we would be
               poorer without it. And ceremonial magic aside, symbol use is
               more free-form than most of us would prefer. Not quite,
               words mean what I want them to mean, but symbols are much
               more personal than the "Official" correspondences. The
               "well-worn path" of symbol meaning is certainly helpful IN
               SOME TRADITIONS, but is completely irrelevant to someone who
               is using symbols on a personal level. Although less potent
               magickally, religiously personal symbolism is much more
               potent than time-worn symbols. Besides, how else do new
               religions develop symbolism?


               FROM DOMI O'BRIEN   In ADF ritual we specifically note that
               the more-- and the more of us-- that call upon the old gods
               the more they respond to our need-- one is reminded of "the
               old gods only sleep, you know, although betrayed and slan-
               dered; they guarded us from every woe, and blessed each crop
               and fine herd..." and, oddly enough, Tinker Bell-- if you
               believe in fairies-- read DDW-- we focus belief, and will...

               FROM GARY OHLEMILLER     This is an interesting dichotomy I
               haven't heard much about before. One group seems to prefer
               the Bonewits/Parapsychological approach which holds that the
               power of a symbol comes from the strength of association it
               holds in the individual's unconscious. Mr. Poe seems to
               advocate a Jungian approach in which the archetype exists
               "objectively" and is waiting there to be used. Does anyone
               out there have enough practical experience to tell us which
               is more efficacious? I sure don't.
           
          
               FROM MICHAEL POE   In reference to what is more (?) effec-
               tive or powerful, actually both together would be the most
               powerful of all.
               My little experience, such as it is, has been working in the
               area for 20 years, bring apprenticed to an Havasupi shaman,
               personal knowledge from four other systems, watching and
               working with 3 other shamans, and personal tours to sacred




                                                                            2072

               sites around the world. Go to a sacred site and see just how
               powerful it still is, like a huge untapped battery.
               Feel a talisman that was made and used 4,000 years ago, yet
               still has as much or more power than anything you have
               touched by a modern worker of almost any system. 
               I gave a 4,500 year old scarab that hasn't been used since
               to a friend of mine who put it in a box. 2 months later,
               when he opened the box to use it he found the box has been
               burned from the inside out. (although admittedly that scarab
               is an exception).
               I have found that both ways can work, but an old cultural symbol
               (in Jungian terms) is more in our subconscious as a type of
               universal symbol, and will be more powerful and last longer than
               a personal one.
               Get the most magically powerful person you know, have him/her do
               a circle ritual in a square area, and go back a month later and
               see if you can find it by feeling for it. Go to a ancient sacred
               spot that hasn't been used for hundreds or thousands of years and
               feel its power. Which is greater?   My bet goes to the ancient
               one. More use over more time.  
                                        ----------



                                          ALCHEMY

              There are some definite misconceptions expressed here on Alchemy.
          Alchemy is not about transmuting lead into gold (that was, at the
          most, a test on your elixir), it does not involve using electricity,
          it is not part of tantric.

              One of the problems involved is that people get a tradition that
          they don't understand and misuse the term until it loses almost all of
          its original meaning.

               Alchemy is a spiritual experience that is a combination of two
          things, the transmutation of the workers spirit with the transmutation
          of physical substances (which creates the Elixir of Life).

               while in the broad sense that Alchemy is a transmutation, it has
          no part in Tantric.

               The physical and metaphysical process has always been described
          in allegories, hence the confusion of work with metals.

              In order to practice alchemy today, you need to read only about 2
          or 3 good books on the subject

              "Gold of a Thousand Mornings" is a non-fiction book describing
          alchemy by a man/wife team in France. It dwells on both the spiritual
          and physical aspects and describes the work that they did.

              "An Alchemists Handbook" has a brief description of the meaning
          and the "Great Work" (as it is called), and gives you in great detail
          how to do the physical work.




                                                                            2073

              In order for alchemy to work, you need to do both at the same time
          as you need self transformation to work in order for the physical
          transformation to work.

              the chemical side of work delves mainly into herbs, and if you use
          herbs in your regular work, then you will have real use with alchemy.

              In the chemical aspect, the herb's essence  is extracted (the gold
          from the dross), as well as yourself (your essence is purified). To do
          so, you usually need chemical glassware such as a condenser, or
          soylent extractor. This is a typical operation when making perfume
          from flowers or making an herbal extraction. The main difference is
          that the extraction takes place with a magical bent to it. rituals are
          done during the extraction process, timing is essential (astrological,
          lunar, and solar, and seasonal timing) .

               So,  since you may already be familiar with blessing and con-
          secration of magical tools, and putting power into them, a very
          similar thing is done to yourself (an human vessel) and your herbal
          product during the alchemical process.

              also, there are two existing alchemical schools, one in France,
          one in Utah (of all places!)

              If you already use herbs in your other work, following this
          process will net you much more powerful herbal concoctions as well as
          a more powerful and spiritual self.

              I myself use the process. One of the aspects in alchemy is that
          one gathers certain herbs, minerals to produce an elixir that will
          extend life (as one of it's benefits). but before ingesting it, an
          alchemist would sometimes test it by adding a pinch of it to lead, and
          if it turned into gold, then your elixir is finished and can be used.

              However, turning lead into gold was never the end product for the
          work, but merely a test. You can make other useful herbal/concoctions
          without achieving the 'Elixir of Life.'   Since alchemy is non-denom-
          inational, it can be used with practically any tradition.

               The source of the word Alchemy has had a lot of discussion among
          alchemical writers and alchemists. Although chemy did eventually
          become chemistry, the origin of the word did not.

               The most agreed upon definition of the term Alchemy is this:   Al
          (arab word meaning THE)  Khemia;  meaning Egypt, which comes from the
          ancient Egyptian word for Egypt meaning "black land"   thus:   The
          Black Land

               since Alchemy does originate in Egypt, it makes sense.

              The first alchemical work is called the Emerald Tablet, written by
          Thoth, or Hermes Trismigistos.

              the father of alchemy is Zoismos, an Egyptian.




                                                                            2074

              the mother of alchemy is Marie, the Egyptian, who describes in her
          works the actual equipment used. (the only person who does!!!!).

                                        ----------

                                           ISIS

               The Fellowship of Isis is the only group that I am aware of that
          worships only Isis and is not a Wiccan group. Their headquarters is on
          the British Isles but has many members in the US. They do, however,
          use almost exclusively late Dynastic and Greco-Roman Isis rituals,
          which many people believe are disbased and not well understood (true
          of most of the Egyptian traditions at that time).

              The Church of the Eternal Source uses rituals from the Old to New
          Kingdom ( I-XXIst. Dynasty) and includes Isis. It is a federation of
          Egyptian temples, so there are Priests of Horus, Thoth, Ptah, Pries-
          tesses of Bast, Sekhmet/Bast, Hathor and Isis. And, oh yes, a priest
          and priestess of Osiris. They are currently looking at an initiation
          plan based on ancient Egyptian sources to possibly adopt as their own.

             If there is a group by the name that the person mentioned, it may
          be either a new Egyptian traditions group, or an eclectic Wiccan
          group.


             Isis was never worshiped by Wiccans prior to the 1950's and should
          best be worshipped by people acquainted with the ancient Egyptian
          Traditions related to her. Isis went through many changes, adding more
          powers and attributes as time went on. She wasn't even called a Mother
          Goddess for the first 2,000 years of her worship.

              Most people who don't know ancient egyptian traditions don't get
          the response from Isis that they expect (or a totally different
          response). Isis is very powerful, but exacting. It's always best to
          know what power relates to which of her forms in order to invoke her.

               One thing to remember. Isis belongs to several ancient Egyptian
          traditions. As such, you won't be aware of her powers and attributes
          unless you are familiar with the Egyptian traditions.
              For example, as an Enchantress, she is invoked with a special form
          in mind (holding specific objects, in specific positions, wearing
          specific clothes). Not to have that form in mind, according to ancient
          Egyptian tradition, is to negate your entire ritual, or to degrade it
          (it won't have the effect as much as if you did it the right way), or
          to have an effect entirely different.
              Isis, for one, has many powers and attributes, and many forms.
          Just invoking her in a different direction invokes a power you may not
          be aware of. As such she can appear to be both benign or terrible (she
          is one of the Dweller of the Door, or Threshold goddesses).
              Even during the Egyptian period, 4,000 bce (predynastic) to 641 ad
          (the closing of her last temple) she went through many modifications
          and changes. She wasn't even known as a mother goddess for at least
          1,500 years!




                                                                            2075

              It's too bad that people borrow god/desses from traditions that
          they know little about, to use in ritual. If they knew the tradition
          better, their ritual would be better.

             There is also an Isis heaven to astral project to, but again, in
          Egyptian tradition, you must know the way, the form to use to get
          there, otherwise you go to a false one.
             She also appears as an astral guide, but again, only assumes a
          specific form.

             Unfortunately there is little written about how to actually prac-
          tice Egyptian ritual (although the Church of the Eternal Source
          knows). That is a gap that I hope to fill one day, having spent over
          30 years studying ancient Egypt, worked there for several years in the
          tombs and temples, and have the best resources available to me in the
          term of published and unpublished material. I am currently working on
          what could be 

          several volumes on the Theory and Practice of the Ancient Egyptian
          Traditions (good title!)

                                        ----------

                                    INFORMATION ON BAST
                               from ancient Egyptian sources

          Powers and Attributes of Bast:
             Lady of the East (IVth Dynasty on)
             Female Personification of Fire
             the Light Bearer
             Female power of Light, Heat, Sun, Fire, Mild Heat of the
              day and Year
             Power of germination of seeds
             Power of early Summer
             Goddess of the Birth Chamber
             Goddess of Full Moon
             Goddess of Cats
               Protection

          Bast festivals occur in April and May in her temple at Bubastis,
          facing east.
           
          The Greeks associated her with Diana.

          Bast was also used to learn words of power to vanquish the powers of
          darkness (IVth Dynasty).

          Bast attributes are also related to cats.

          Bast had at least four different forms (and no breastplate related by
          another, more contemporary book)

                    FROM BRANDY WILLIAMS   Ref.: THE BOOK OF GODDESS &
                    HEROINES by Patricia Monaghan. "She originated in
                    the Nile delta, but by 930 B.C., the power of Bast




                                                                            2076

                    was acknowledged by all Egyptians. At first she
                    was a lion-goddess of sunset, symbolizing the
                    fertilizing force of the sun's rays. Later her
                    image grew tamer: she became a cat carrying the
                    sun, or a cat-headed woman who bore on her breast-
                    plate the lion of her former self." Bast ruled
                    pleasure and dancing, music and joy. At Bubastis
                    ("House of Bast"), the center of her worship,
                    great celebrations were held. Boatloads of wor-
                    shipers - hundreds of thousands of them, Herodotus
                    said - were greeted by pleasant flute melodies as
                    they debarked for a worship service combined with
                    a vast trade fair. Bast's followers believed that
                    in return for this reverent celebration Bast
                    bestowed both mental and physical health.


               As a cat goddess of the moon she lit up the night, throwing light
          on things which would otherwise be concealed. Moon lights up a world
          hidden in darkness, and the cat gives us insight with her light of the
          under, or inner world. The Moon is the searcher, a seeker of Truth.
          Bast is known as the Lady of Truth. Beams of the moon point the way
          and a narrow path called a cat walk, usually called in Egyptian as the
          Middle Way or Path.

               When a cat curls up with its head touching its tail, it forms a
          circle, symbol of eternity.

               Bast also symbolizes sensuality, grace, coordination of movement.

               Bubastis (town of Bast) also called Per-Bast, Pa-Bast, Pibeseth,
          Tell-Basta
               Location:  lower Egypt, northern kingdom and capital of the 18th
          nome or state, Am-Khent.
               time Period of Bubastis:   IInd Dynasty to at least 640 ad.
               IInd Dynasty:  "in the reign of the 1st king, a chasm opened up
          and many people perished."
               IV:  Khufu (builder of the Great Pyramid) built here.
               XXII:  Libyans ruled Egypt here
               640 ad:  Bubastis still alive and worshipping cats here.

               Temple of Bast on an island with only an entranceway bridging it.
          There is also a Temple to Thoth, and a shrine to Temit. Minor gods: 
          Temit: Lady of the Two Lands and Osiris:  the thigh of Osiris is in a
          hidden chest at Netert.
             Triad at Bubastis:  Bast, Osiris, Heru-hekennu, and to a lesser
          extent: Nefer-tem.

          Invoke the cat Bast to learn words of power to vanquish the powers of
          darkness (IVth dynasty on)
              Bast attributes related to cats;
              refusal to take things overseriously
              science of relaxation, never waste energy
              accepts the nature of things, superb indifference to opinion, 
          refusal to be at beck and call




                                                                            2077

              insistence of complete freedom of expression
              when a cat curls up with its head touching its tail, it
                    forms a circle, symbol of eternity
              luxuriating sensuality, grace, coordination of movement

              Egyptian cats are typically orange-brown, ginger and a gray tabby.

          As a lioness, (her earliest forms), painted green, she personifies the
          Sun. As a cat, she has connections with the moon.
          Mother of lion god Ari-hes of Aphroditopolis, Mother of Sekhem, of
          Denderah

          Bast is also considered to be the Soul of Isis.

          Forms usually seen:
           1. Upright cat, holding a sistrum and aegis, surrounded by four
          protector cats.
           2. woman's body, head of lion or cat, holding sistrum and either a
          basket or a aegis (can hold uatchet)
            3. Aegis of Bast sometimes has a head of a cat crowned with solar
          disk and uraeus, emblems of Sekhmet.
            4. Lion headed woman, oldest form of Bast. In 5th Dynasty temple
          called, "Bastet, Lady of Ankh-Taui."

          Also associated with:
               Mut-Bast:  personification of the moon in Thebes, she is a woman
          wearing horns on her head with a sun's disk between them. Mut-Bast is
          the counterpart of Amen-Ra-Temu-Khepera-Heru-Khuti
               Sekhmet, as a counter-part
               Assessor Thenemi (he who goes backwards) and who comes forth from
          Bast.
               Assessor Basti

               A good description of the Festival of Bast, called the Festival
          of Lights, has been described by various Greek and Roman writers.

               The temple of Bast in Bubastis,  while on a island, is lower than
          the rest of the city, and therefore, is the only temple that the
          people can see into the courtyard. Also there is a sacred grove of
          trees in the courtyard (the only one known of all temples in Egypt).
          At the festival of Lights, all light in the city is extinguished. then
          a new fire is made in the temple and the priests come out to light the
          torches of the people who then parade throughout the city to relight
          all the home fires. by the Greek/Roman period there was also a kind of
          sexual license at the time at the festival. Food and drink for all
          (which is typical of the temple festivals).

               Speaking of cats!   I had a request from Jennifer about Wadjet,
          the rearing cobra, sometimes lioness. Good observation, most people
          don't know that Wadjet is VERY occasionally depicted as a Cat. Here is
          the answer.
             Wadjet, the cobra depicts two things: the real snake (in the prov-
          erbial papyrus grass) with it's dangerous forms and powers. And 2, the
          Kundalini, or Serpent Fire of the human body coming out of the third
          eye!  That's why the serpent is always on the crown or is the crown




                                                                            2078

          over the third eye. It's also symbolic of the sun. I know, you think
          that the Kundalini comes out of the top of your head, as Hindus would
          have you believe. Could be true, but in Egypt, when one works with
          Wadjet's fire, you direct the route to the third eye (the burning,
          purifying fire), while redirecting a lesser (gentle growing heat of
          the sun) to the top of your head (hence, the Lotus depicted on top of
          the head).
              So, yes, different aspects of her nature. As depicted as Wadjet
          the cat, here is a dichotomy!  Cats protect humans from snakes, so
          Wadjet is also invoked to protect humans from her very own physical
          manifestation, the deadly cobra.
           As depicted as a cat, it shows her protection from her very real
          counterpart, the asp.  Asp and you shall receive! (g)

              Now as to relationships with Bast/Sekhmet/Mut.
              Think of fire and think of sun/moon. Think of opposing sections of
          the same thing (burning fire, gentle heat; light of day, dark of
          night) and you have some basic differences between Bast/Sekhmet. Have
          you seen the National Geographic special on cats: our pets and how
          they relate to the big cats. think of the attributes of the big cats
          and think of Sekhmet; think of the attributes of the domesticated cats
          (really, cats domesticate people) and think of Bast. The shared at-
          tributes of Bast And Sekhmet are the same as the shared attributes of
          big vs. little cats. Mut is a maternal cat, big or small.
               Sekhmet destroys, but she is also a healer
               Bast is playful, but also protective
            When the Christians decided to kill all the cats in Egypt in the
          700's ad, they did so. Two years later, the Black Death came out of
          Egypt and devastated Christian europe. 

              Was this revenge by Sekhmet and Bast onto the Christian
          population for destroying their physical symbols, the little kitties?  
          Or was it because the amount of cats kept down the rat population
          enough that the Black Death (a rat flea borne disease) didn't come out
          until the decline of the cats?  Or both?

                                        ----------

                                  A BLESSING FOR THE DEAD
                                         (TO BAST)

               Having worked with the High Priestess of Sekhmet-Bast-Ra (and
          taught most everything she knows), and member of the Egyptian temple
          federation, Church of the Eternal Source, I have the information you
          need.

               Since you don't practice Egyptian traditions, instead of giving
          you a whole ritual, I will give you a hymn/prayer to Bast that is a
          Blessing for the Dead, that you can incorporate into your ritual, plus
          hints.




                                                                            2079

               Bast is a goddess for the Sun and the Moon, but for the dead
          Sunset is the best time;  Night comes second, sunrise third, and
          daylight comes in fourth for ritual for this.

               Face the West, setting sun (or if not at sunset, either the moon
          or the sun depending on you doing it in the day or night time.

               If you have an oil lamp lit it; if not use white candles, and a
          little votive candle. Bless the two white ones to Bast, the votive to
          the dead cat.

               Meditate upon the cats attributes; able to see at night, intel-
          ligent, quick, independent, very maternal, luxury minded and sensual.
          (if you have a cat, invite her in your circle).

               Bast nefer dy ankh
               Beautiful Bast giving Life,

               A Bast, shu asenu
               Hail Bast, in visible form, casting light into the darkness

               sesept em kekui,

               I have come before you, the path is opened,
               the earth is at peace.

               i kua ser-ten,  uat sesh-tha, ta em hetep.

          (Egyptian pronunciation is optional, but in ancient Egypt
          was imperative to speak the language to create the sounds to
          get the response.)
           

              O Great goddess, Bast,
              Soul of Isis,
              Heart of the Sun-hear my call.
              Enter now this consecrated shrine (or circle)
              Make Thy presence known to me.

              (envision the dead cat)
              Aid thy servant in reaching the source of all things,
              Guide thy servant's steps on the true path
              Answer your physical manifestation's soul's desire for Thou.
              Blessed be Bast,
              Who gathers her children into life everlasting.
              Blessed be Bast,
              The Beloved of Bast has gone to the Horizon,
              Your physical manifestation lives now only in the sunset.
              May it's ka endure and it's shadow seek the light.

              The power of Bast protects her,
              Shut en Bast sau.

                                        ----------




                                                                            2080

          FROM PETE STAPLETON   Michael Poe, I knew if I posted here i would
          find someone who could help me resolve some of problems regarding the
          failure of certain historical astrological techniques. The Egyptian
          calendar I was referring to was the 30 day lunar calendar - the one
          introduced to the Romans. To my knowledge there has never been an
          Egyptian Solar Calendar. I'm sure I must have misunderstood your post
          - or you may have confused my reference. So we will both relate to the
          same calendar - I refer to the 360 day lunar Calendar composed of
          twelve 30 day lunar months and with the extra five days added on each
          year. This was the calendar discussed at the meeting called to discuss
          what to do with the extra five days of the year - which resulted in
          the Decree of Canopious - I think if was first published about 250 BC
          or thereabouts - hope this helps. I am impressed with your EZ cosmos
          program which shows the sky 4,117 BC to 10,000 AD - how delightful for
          you. I wonder if you could tell me how such a program handled the
          calculation past 500 BC - to my knowledge even Ptolemy's eclipse
          tables only go back to about 580 BC - which suggests some problems
          with calculations beyond that date - but I'm certain you must have
          taken this factor into account - so could you help me understand what
          they are?  Certainly the meeting to account for the extra five days of
          the year at that time must have been the reason why there is not any
          contiguous record extant in the entire world past 580 BC. I would
          appreciate your help here. Then next area where you have set me stra-
          ight is the day starting with sunrise at that time. I know the marking
          stars and the water clocks of that era all showed the day starting
          with Sun set - but certainly you have a better grip of the details and
          can explain why all the WATCHERS began their vigil and day at sunset.
          I do think the evidence points very definitely toward the source of
          the constellational names being that of river based culture where
          there was a great inundation once a year - but since you make the
          point that the Egyptians at that time didn't have the present names,
          then what did they have - or what other river based culture was there
          where there was a flood of the dimensions of the Nile river within the
          Nile valley. The zodiac at one time on the ceiling of the Temple of
          Dendrah has to have been painted about 100 ad and the constellational
          names as we use them today were in existence much before that time. I
          am also a little confused about your reference to Sign as being dis-
          tinct from Constellations. There never was a zodiac of Signs prior to
          the 8th century AD. All previous reference were to the star spangled
          constellations - each precisely 30 degrees in length - each measured
          by a precise 30-day lunation - again I refer you to the problem of
          what to do with the extra five days of the year meeting. It is my
          understanding that the Kings list and the dynasty lists are in com-
          plete disarray - so how do you know these astronomical texts you
          mention relate to the 18th dynasty. Also, I do believe the Pleides
          were referred to as the seven sisters in ancient Egypt - but of course
          I will bow to superior knowledge - I wonder if you could cite the
          reference. As far as being the goddess of Fate and Fortune - the
          influence of this particular pattern was then and is now considered
          quit negative - bad luck.

          
               FROM MICHAEL POE   You are partially out of my league except
               for the Egyptian lunar calendar, which was not made up of 30
               days months, but 28 day months. Of course since the Egyp-




                                                                            2081

               tians was made up of 42 states, 2 kingdoms, and at least
               13-14 traditions, there was more than one calendar. there
               was one based on the Sothic year (when Sirius sets just
               before the sun rises, which is a 365 day solar calendar; a
               Lunar calendar of 28 day months (which eventually coincided
               with the solar during the "Sothic" cycle), a 260 day calen-
               dar not based on any aspect of the sky, a solar 360 day
               calendar with 5 "intercalerary" days. Their lunar calendar
               was made up of 7 day weeks, while the solar had 10 day
               weeks. Oddly enough (or perhaps not so oddly), the solar
               calendar was the civil calendar for working, the lunar
               calendar was for the farmers.
                    My EZ Cosmos program, which shows the sky from anywhere
               on earth from 4,117 bce to 10,000 ad, can give me the
               beginning Sothic year during ancient Egypt. It gave me the
               date of the 1st day of the 1st use of the Sothic calendar
               (which also coincided with the lunar calendar that year). A
               friend of mine did an astrology chart that showed a most
               intriguing configuration for that time.
                    In case you're wondering, the year always starts on
               sunup, so the date was sun up at Memphis, Egypt at a certain
               day in July, in a certain year. Of course the Egyptians
               didn't, at the time, have the same zodiac names, although
               they recognized the constellations. The first zodiac of the
               common signs (or today's signs) in Egypt were done in the
               temple of Denderah (temple of Hathor), a beautiful work on
               the ceiling. Astronomy played a big part in ancient Egypt,
               notice the astronomical texts of the 18th dynasty.
                    In case you are interested, Pleides was called the
               seven Hathors in ancient Egypt, and were considered the
               goddesses of fate and fortune.

                                        ----------

                              THE TEMPLE OF RA AT HELIOPOLIS

              The Temple of Ra in Heliopolis as described by Herodutus.
              Probably the largest temple in the world, it was about 2/3 of a
          mile long, and a 1/4 of a mile in width.
            The courtyard was described as made with polished black basalt
          stones, so polished that it reflected the stars above and made it look
          like one was walking among the stars. In the middle of the courtyard
          was a full size tree, its trunk and branches made with Lapis Lazuli,
          its leaves made with Turquoise!   No doubt a most impressive court-
          yard!

              The entire temple is now under the suburb of Heliopolis, a suburb
          of Cairo.

              A small portion was uncovered 3 years ago, and showed the black
          basaltic paving stones of the courtyard.

                                      TAROT SYMBOLISM




                                                                            2082

          FROM:    MICHAEL POE   Since the tarot is not related to any Hindu
          philosophy, I don't, and neither do the earlier tarot references,
          refer to their philosophy to the symbolism, which is generally Her-
          metic (Hermetic is derived from Hebrew, Christian, Greek, and Egyp-
          tian). In hermeticism the eye is also symbolic of the Eye of Horus,
          the Egyptian Hawk god, who soars over the earth seeing everything that
          happens.
          White, red and black also refer to Egyptian garments worn by Initiates
          at least as early as the Greco-roman period and represents something
          completely different than the Hindu. White is the undergarment because
          it symbolizes the purified;  the first garment put on after the
          initiate bathes in the sacred lake. The red lining is for the Inunda-
          tion of the Nile, or potential life giving. and Black is symbolic of
          the black earth of Egypt, the life, manifested.
             In the Waite deck,  the dog also represents God, which it is if
          spelled backward, nipping the initiate along the path, but in 
          ancient Egypt it is Anubis, the Guide and Guardian of the Initiate.
               Right hand and left hand have always in Hermeticism been
          associated with the Sun (right) and Moon (left), with the symbolism
          and meanings associated with both (and corresponds to what was prev-
          iously noted)
              Actually, all of the early Tarot decks, from the very first found
          in Italy up to the 1970's, reflect Hermeticism, and probably should be
          interpreted that way.
              However, currently there are so many different types of variations
          that interpretations of elements may need to be referenced to a
          particular deck. Hence, although, taking the Waite deck in view, the
          Hindu interpretation of the clothes changes the meaning from the
          original meaning of the card.
              Symbolism of the tarot is not universal. For example, black
          represents death (as a color) in Hermeticism, the tarot, and western
          civilization; but in eastern civilization black represent life, and
          white represents death. clearly a problem there!


              Skeletons generally represent death or afterlife to western
          civilization, but to some native american tribes and other people, it
          represents power and not death!   Hence, not every symbol in the Tarot
          is universal or has a universal meaning. The tarot cards in general,
          like Jungian's archetypes, are universal, but the individual symbols
          are not.


              Another example:  the lightning hitting the pyramid and the person
          falling off has no meaning with civilizations that don't have pyra-
          mids, and little to most that do. However, did you know that the
          pyramid in ancient Egypt represented the obelisk, which symbolizes the
          first ray of light (lightening) striking Earth?  And that the pyramid,
          represents the top of the obelisk. that the obelisk were lightning
          rods?   Pyramid in ancient Egyptian language means "Place to Ascend",
          whereas the card shows the person falling off after being struck by
          the first ray of light!




                                                                            2083

               Now, as to the left/right hand depictions. Of course in the
          earlier decks the Magician does not hold all four elements, but are
          located on the table.
               The Ace of cups, representing water, is not feminine in ancient
          Egypt; it is either masculine or both. Wands are neuter (the word for
          wand is neither male or female), earth can be either male or female,
          and air is male (while heaven is female). In fact the variety of male,
          female, neutral of the elements vary greatly in shamanistic religions
          of the Native Americans. But it is Hermeticism, which combines the
          Hebrew, Christian (more accurately Gnostic/Coptic), Egyptian and
          Greek, than assigns our present meanings to the four elements and
          suits.
              Since the earliest deck is Italian of the 14-15th century, the
          major influence would have been Hermeticism, not Hindu or other
          eastern religion. Bernard Bromage builds a decent case for Egyptian
          origin, which I explored in previous notes (did you see it, the
          symbols were so close that there had to be an influence). One may
          expect some Arab/Islamic influence (the Crusades were over), but the
          interest in Greek/Roman art and writers were great at that time.

                                   MIXED PANTHEONS, ETC.

              Pan is not Bacchus, or the great horned god of Europe.

              Despite the eclectic mind of today's Wiccan, that is of associat-
          ing all male gods with each other and all female gods with each other,
          is a disservice to both the god/dess and to the tradition.

              Ancient Egyptian traditions (of which there were a dozen or more)
          taught that you don't mix gods and goddesses indiscriminately, even if
          they do share SOME attributes or powers. Their "High Concept" was that
          even any one god/dess has several powers and to invoke specific powers
          required the knowledge of what sacred symbols are associated with that
          power, even if he/she (the god/dess) should be sitting down or stand-
          ing up, the ritual done in daylight or nighttime. Many shamastic
          religions don't mix and match their god/desses, don't do sun god/des-
          ses at night and vice versa. The thoughts or reasons behind it is that
          mixing and matching causes:

            a. The ritual will not be as effective.
            b. The ritual may not be effective.
            c. The ritual or the residue afterward will have powers that weren't
          intentioned by the person, but was part and parcel to the god/dess
          invoked.
            d. The ritual will backfire.
              e. The ritual will have residue that will be uncomfortable.
              f. It's warps the lines of power (more shamanistic thinking than
          Egyptian, who says that it warps the Sa, which translates as spiritual
          power).

              Many shamanistic religions do not ground their power after the
          ritual (after all, it usually is being held at a sacred spot). They
          feel that either because the power will be contained at the power
          spot, or the powers you invoked were clear enough not to leave a side
          effect. Still, I am not proposing to not ground yourself afterward.




                                                                            2084

               So, what I do propose is to not try to associate one god/dess
          with another. None of them will have the exact same attributes or
          powers. And invoking Pan and Bacchus at an Egyptian temple, or Pan at
          Stonehenge is just as bad as invoking Gabriel at the Great Pyramid! 
          It won't work, you won't get the power from the spot you want, only
          your own, or negative power.

              Isis, for instance is considered by most Wiccan's as one of the
          Great Mother Goddesses. yet in ancient Egypt, out of her 3,000 year
          history, most of the time she was not known as a Mother Goddesses.

              At the Church of the Eternal Source (federation of Egyptian
          temples) Isis Priest/esses rarely held out for very long. All kind of
          terrible things generally happened to them. The main reason is that
          all of them used part of Isis's powers, and would not work, or refused
          to recognize her other powers. Eventually though, they seeped in
          anyway and to their detriment. Had they recognized all of her powers
          in the first place, things might have been different.

               Perhaps your basic misconception is that all goddesses represent
          the same forces; they don't; and neither do the gods.

               Yes, basically there is one great force that encompasses both
          male and female powers. This basic force, as it filters down, dif-
          ferentiates into different types of forces, and these forces are the
          god/desses that we know.

              Isis doesn't have the same powers as Sekhmet or Hathor or Bast.
          they may share some of the powers, but they have powers unique to
          them.

              Kind of like Leonardo De Vinci knowing a lot about everything, but
          Cellini was an excellent goldsmith, Van Gogh a painter, Perot a
          businessman.

              Hence, not all goddesses are the same, nor do they have the same
          powers.

              You might consider it like rivers and oceans in reverse. The ocean
          has all the attributes, and it drains it attributes into separate
          rivers (some swift, some calm, some wide, some narrow, some short,
          some long.

              In Egypt the ultimate deity was called "Neter", which translates
          as "Divine Principle" and the work is neuter, having both male and
          female principles within. The next in order is a male neter and a
          neteriat, a god and a goddess. Below that comes numerous god/desses
          which more specific powers and attributes.

               Now the question is, where these receptacles of specific powers
          invented by mankind or higher powers?  In the long run, it doesn't
          matter as long as they work.




                                                                            2085

              Patheonists generally believe that there was a highest deity,
          followed by two (male and female), followed by others down to the
          spirits of earth, air, fire and water.

              If you want to make use of a specific power, you should go to a
          specific spirit or god/dess who has that power. You may not have a
          great success with one who only has some of it, or is so undefined or
          has so many other powers that it may get a little lost.

              If you want spicy food, don't go with a mole sauce, go for a
          Jalapeno sauce.

              Also it seems that the further away from the highest deity to get,
          the closer and more responsive it is to you.

              You may find that you get a better response with a fire ritual
          when using a fire elemental than of Sekhmet, and even less than using
          Amon (a solar god).

                                        ----------

           
                                         THE ANKH

               Unfortunately the entry for "Ankh" in Barbara Walker's "Women's
          Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets" got just about everything wrong.
               The ankh is not evolved from an ancient symbol of the Goddess in
          Libya and Phoenicia; the narrow triangle surmounted by a crossbar and
          a round or oval head in both Libya and Phoenic evolved long after the
          standard Egyptian ankh was made. In fact, it wasn't until after the
          ancient Egyptians either conquered or did extensive trading with both
          areas did their symbols evolve.
               Well, maybe the book didn't get it all wrong. It is a symbol for
          life (although not universal, for universal means that it was used
          universally or all over the world, and it isn't). It is true that both
          gods and goddesses in ancient Egypt  held it, but they never presented
          it to kings and the people, the scenes show the god/dess holding it to
          the person's lips or head (which means bestowing life, and was not a
          present). the part about the Christians is true, and it's true that
          the ankh is the hieroglyph for the word "life",  and is used in a
          common saying "Life, Health, Strength."

               But the ancient Egyptians never said that the ankh represented
          the union of male and female sexual symbols (which were quite dif-
          ferent symbols and bore no relation to the ankh, or resemblance to
          it). It was not the "Key of the Nile" (except maybe it was mentioned
          by the Greeks, who got most everything wrong about Egypt), nor is
          there any sacred marriage between God and Goddess taking place at the
          source of the Nile before the flood. In fact, in all of the Egyptian
          mythologies there is not one mention of any God and Goddess being
          married at the source of the Nile.
              the  copts and the Gnostics both used the Ankh or Crux Ansate
          (Coptic word) before the 5th century ad, and both are Christian (well,
          an argument can be made about the Gnostics being Christians).




                                                                            2086

              The question is then: what did the ancient Egyptians consider the
          ankh representation? There are two ancient Egyptian references to the
          ankh representation, and both agree.
               The round oval or loop represented the Sun rising above, but not
          yet above the horizon; in the desert that makes the Sun elongate next
          to the horizon, making a loop like affair.
               The crossbar represents the horizon.
               The vertical section below the crossbar is the "Path of the Sun",
          which would be the light casting a path across the Nile.
               Hence, the Ankh represents Life because it represents the Path
          across the Nile (life blood of Egypt, but oddly enough the Nile is
          either male or hermaphrodite) past the horizon to the Sun (which,
          depending on the traditions of Egypt can be either male or female, but
          usually male).
              The most ancient ankhs cross bar was actually the symbol of the
          two mountains of sunrise and sunset (life and death, east and west),
          and also consisted of papyrus (or some other plant tied together).
              Taken as the two mountains, then the ankh represents the path of
          birth, life, and death. It never had male or female attributes, but as
          the path of birth, life and death, represents both. 

                                        ----------

                              CO-PARTNERSHIP IN ANCIENT EGYPT

               The goddess dominated group seem to be the most outspoken in the
          *p* BBS, and it's a good thing that this particular subject was
          broached, as all the co-partner groups have come out (and alleviated
          the possible false impression that Wicca was just goddess oriented to
          those who are new).
              Horned gods in Egypt include Amon, Menthu, Serapis, Sokar.

             Since at the inception of ancient egypt, 42 different societies
          were involved in the consolidation of the kingdom (later to become
          nomes or states), and these societies were patrilineal or matrilineal,
          accommodation had to be made for both, so laws were passed making male
          and females equal. It was the 2nd King of the 1st Dynasty (around
          3,070 bce) that passed a law that women could rule Egypt.

              Here they are, with the dynasties that they belonged.
             1.    Ist Dyn.   Merneith
             2.       "       Horneith
             3.    IV  "      Henutsen
             4.    V   "      Inty
             5.    VI  "      Ankhsenmerira
             6.       "       Nitrokris (Noblest and Loveliest)
             7.    VII        queen, name unknown
             8.    VII        queen, name unknown
             9.    XII        Sebek-neferu-Ra
            10.    XIII       Aufna
            11.    XVIII      Hatshepsut
            12.  Ptolemiac Period    Cleopatra II
            13.      "       "       Cleopatra III
            14.      "       "       Cleopatra VII (the famous one)




                                                                            2087

              In the high magic section of ancient Egypt (the temples and their
          staff), in the temples to Gods the male priesthood predominated.
          Conversely in the temples to the Goddesses the female priesthood
          predominated (yet you still find male and females in both). Since many
          of the groups of gods in the cities were triads (male, female, off-
          spring), there were rituals to each separately, and rituals for both.
          Many times the god was worshipped in the day, the goddess at night,
          but of course, in Egypt, where many traditions did their own thing,
          sometimes it was reversed. In others, such as the city of Memphis, the
          female was the Sun, the male god was the moon or something else.

            Now as to magic and worship within the family and village. this is
          the part that is closest in tone to Wicca, so those of you into Wicca
          may find this interesting (especially as this is a little explored
          area even within Egyptology!). All families had a family shrine. Who
          presided over the shrine was usually determined by whether any in the
          family was an initiated priest/priestess. If none were, the eldest son
          usually presided (but again, there were many exceptions, in states
          where goddesses predominated, it was the eldest daughter). The orien-
          tation of the family life (farmer, sailor, trader, etc) determined the
          chief god/dess. A farmer's family usually had Osiris and Isis and
          co-partners; a healers, Sekhmet and Thoth.

             In villages, where there were no temples, then there were groups of
          interested people who belonged to a group, more formal than the family
          group, less formal than a temple, and was headed by an initiated
          priest/ess. Hence, in a village where there may be four initiated
          people, there usually would be four groups. For example, in a suburb
          of Hermopolis state there was a male healer of Thoth, a female healer
          of Sekhmet, a priest of Thoth, and a Priestess of Isis. Hence, there
          was a healing group, a female oriented (emphasis on midwife types)
          group, a divination group, and a family group (Isis). Some people
          belonged to several groups. All groups also worshiped other god/dess
          besides the chief one, and even in Isis, Osiris, during part of the
          year, had more emphasis than Isis. The Isis group did their magical
          thing in a sacred grove (another similarity, as sacred groves were
          important).


              Many families had dual shrines, with eldest son leading the god
          rituals, and eldest daughter leading the goddess, and neither predom-
          inated. In fact, god AND goddess were considered essential, each
          predominate in their powers, but always complementing each other.

              In the big temples, there was a lot of god/dess images going on
          visits to their spouses, and once a year, all of the god/desses
          journeyed down the Nile to the main temple.

               There is a book called "Mythological Papyrus" that has exact
          copies of the initiations of both priests and priestesses of various
          god/desses of the 21st Dynasty. All involved astral journeys of some
          sort according to their traditions.

              For those who are really into goddess worship you will be pleased
          to know that the last operating temple of Egypt was the Temple of Isis




                                                                            2088

          at Philae before it was closed by the Christians in the late 5th/early
          6th century, however people continued coming for 100 years later,
          despite the Islamic conquest over the Christians in Egypt during that
          century.

                                        ----------

                                          OSIRIS

               Hatshepsut is well known because the next Pharaoh became famous
          and his monuments (and those of hers that he defaced) are still in
          existence.

               In case you, or anyone else is interested, and especially if you
          are planning on a trip to Egypt in the future, Queen Henutsen, also
          called Isis, Mistress of the Pyramids and wife of Khufu (or Cheops) is
          sometimes seen in a white robe flittering (if that is a correct term)
          around the Great Pyramids and the other pyramids. The Egyptians raised
          Henutsen to the status of a Goddess and shrines were built for her. if
          you visit the pyramids, give an offering or a prayer to her, for she
          is the Mistress of the Pyramids and Guardian thereof. In ancient
          Egypt, to say the name of a person who is deceased is to make them
          live forever in heaven.

              by the way, other ruling queens were later elevated to Goddes-
          shood, Nitrokris, Merneith, Hatshepsut.

              If one looks carefully at the legends (also the sources and time
          periods of each legend) concerning Isis, one is led to the conclusion
          that there were indeed, two Isis's. There was Isis, the Goddess
          worshipped in the Predynastic period, and there was Isis, the Queen,
          who eventually merged with the goddess to our presently known Isis.

              the early stories of Isis's, shows a definite mythology of Isis
          the goddess, and a historical treatment of Isis the queen. Can it be,
          you ask?  Yes. Predynastic and early Dynastic rulers had very short
          names, many of them named after their local gods. There was a predyna-
          stic king of Upper Egypt called Aher, named after Anher, the God of
          War. There are other examples,and everyone knows that later kings
          still incorporated God/desses names into their own names.

              Perhaps then the Contendings of Horus and Set, which is a tale of
          Osiris the King and Isis the Queen battling their brother Set, between
          the two kingdoms is actually a revised version of 2 brothers vying to
          unite the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt in predynastic times, with
          the names of the King and Queen of Upper Egypt being Osiris and Isis
          (or a close version thereof), versus Set of Lower Egypt (or a version
          thereof). It is interesting to note that up until the 7th Dynasty, the
          Egyptians reported to have known exactly where the tomb of King Osiris
          was in Abydos, and regularly put offerings there. during the 2nd
          Intermediate period (civil wars abounded), this knowledge was lost,
          and another tomb was misidentified as the tomb of Osiris.




                                                                            2089

              Therefore, if indeed, as the ancient Egyptians insist, that there
          was indeed a real Osiris, then it follows that there was an Isis that
          lived and breathed.

               The canonization of people in ancient Egypt into a form of saints
          or even gods are as old as predynastic times and existed all the way
          through to Cleopatra VII, last ruler of Egypt. There are famous women
          who were not rulers who were thus canonized.

          If you want to read more about Osiris, I suggest you read:
               Henri Frankfort:  Ancient Egyptian Philosophy
               E. Wallis Budge:  Osiris  (not great, but comprehensive)
               W. Faulkner:  The Egyptian Book of the Dead
               Rundle:   Ancient Egyptian Religion
               Sigmund Morenz:  Ancient Egyptian Religion
               Klaus Baier:  Osiris, His Tomb in Abydos (article in the 
          French Institute of Archaeology of Cairo, if you read       French).

                                        ----------

               Have you gotten a newsletter in May?   The CES is currently
          undergoing a restructuring, there should be 4 newsletters and 1 to 2
          Khepera (journals) per year. I will be contributing to both. In past
          newsletters I have contributed some spells, rituals, and many hymns
          that have been translated from temple walls or papyri or osteraca. I
          will be doing more extensive articles for the magazine, like one that
          will be on the metaphysical parts of man in ancient Egypt. Much of the
          material are extracts from my Magnum Opus. 90% of it is on paper as
          notes, and 1st drafts. Only 10% currently on computer, and that is
          where the future time will go. As putting it on computer, the notes
          will become 1st drafts; the 1st drafts will become more finished and
          polished to the 2nd draft stage (with additional notes added in; isn't
          computers a wonderful tool; insert note between sentences or add a
          paragraph without having to retype the entire page!). The 3rd and
          probable final draft will be adding last notes, final polishing,
          footnotes, indexing, and grammar and sentence checking.
              the Rituals, hymns, spells, blessings, consecrations, 4 direct-
          ional rituals, initiations are complete on paper, with about 10% of
          that on computer. Basically all of this is going into a data base, so
          cross referencing can be done.
            Although it may not be needed (but you may want to think about doing
          it) in Wicca, in Egyptian it is essential because of the traditions
          and large time frame involved.
              Example:
               Type:  Blessing, Consecration, astral projection, mantras (yes,
          even mantras in Egypt).
               Main God/dess or Goddess:  Main goddess invoked, plus any others,
          also there are some generic rites.
               Traditions:   identifies the different traditions this particular
          ritual comes from.
               Source: Where did I acquire this?  Much is from translations from
          published books (like Excavations at Abydos by Petrie (translations of
          hymns on temple walls), or from the French Institute of Archaeology in
          Cairo.




                                                                            2090

               Time Period:  important occasionally because the god/dess powers
          and attributes changed over time.
               Form: what does the god/dess look like, stand/sit, hold during
          this spell/ritual. Visualizing one form of Isis that naturally invokes
          one set of specific powers, but using a ritual that invokes another
          set of powers creates conflict, and at best, won't be effective, and
          at worst, down right dangerous.
             Corresponding Codes:  Since most Egyptian rituals are composed (as
          are wicca) of elements, such as drawing the circle, consecration,
          blessing, hymns, etc.; in Egypt they were given to the individual in
          parts. the individual was already trained on how to put the parts
          together. Hence, he or she may have 5-6 ways to invoke the 4 direc-
          tions, using three sets of god/desses. He/she may also have 10 bles-
          sings, 20 hymns, etc to different gods/goddesses. He has to know (like
          a alchemist) how to successfully match the parts together to make a
          successful whole.

                                        ----------

          Recommendations on books on ancient Egypt and it's practices:

          Priests of Ancient Egypt:  Serge Sauron (last word is probably 
          misspelled.)
          Egyptian Religion:   by Morenz
          Ancient Egyptian Thought and Culture: Henri Frankfort
          Egyptian Temples: by Margaret Murray
          Isis in the Greco-Roman World:  probably by Michael Hoffman.

                                        ----------

                            MICHAEL POE'S EGYPTIAN READING LIST
                            Compiled by Lady Lyn DenElder Black

          Ancient Egypt Thought & Culture, Henri Frankfort
          Ancient Egyptian Literature, Miriam Lichtheim 3 vol. set
          Ancient Egyptians, A. Rosalie David
          Egyptian Astronomical Texts, 3 vol. Neugebauer & Richard
          Parker..astrology/astronomy
          Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Mercer, SAB vocabulary & exercises
          Egyptian Hieroglyphic Dictionary, Faulkner
          Egyptian Reading, deBuck, Middle Egypt texts, exercises
          Egyptian Religion, Sigmund Morenz
          Egyptian Temples, Serge Sauneron
          Egyptian Temples, Margaret Murray
          Isis in the Greco-Roman World, ? Michael Hoffman ?
          Origins of the Zodiac, Rupert Gleadow, astronomy/astrology
          Priests of Ancient Egypt, Serge Sauneron
          Rise & Fall of the Middle Kingdom, H.E.Winlock
          anything by Henri Frankfort
          NO - BUDGE!!!

          There are some more specific books out, one on Thoth, one on Hathor,
          one on Imhotep, and a couple of others. The most interesting ones not
          on the list are also long out of print; The Coffin Texts (XI-XII
          Dynasty) of about 1,200 rituals and spells. The Pyramid Texts (IV-VI




                                                                            2091

          Dynasties) of about 700 rituals and spells, The Harris Magic al
          Papyrus, whose English edition runs around $ 1,700 or more, assuming
          you can find one. I finally found a German and perhaps a French
          translation and have a friend whose roommate reads both. The Harris
          Magical Papyrus is considered THE MOST IMPORTANT magical papyrus EVER
          found.    I believe that Michael Grant is the author of Isis in the
          Greco-Roman world, but will check up on that.




                                                                            2092

          This is the transcript of the Online Beltane CON held on May 2,
          1990 in Section 8 (New Age/Pagan/Occult) of the Religion Forum. 
            
          (8-6,Gwynndon) This is a special night... 
              relax, and the extra energy of it... 
              will flow into you... 
              we are a part of the Earth... 
              dig your toes down into the soil, like the trees... 
              and pull up the energy of the Mother... 
              Breathe in with your heartbeat... 
              also a lifeforce of the Earth... 
              circulate the energy, and see the Earth as it is at night...

              visualize a bubble of blue light... 
              forming to the East... 
              spreading North... 
              around to the West.... 
              through the South, and connecting east again... 
              and know that this circle is purified of the mundane. 
           
              Facing the East ... 
              Hail, Guardians of the Watchtower of the East... 
              We do summon, stir and call ye... 
              to join us, witness this rite, and Guard our Circle! 
              Hail and Welcome! 
           
              Facing the South... 
              Hail, Guardians of the Watchtower of the South... 
              We do summon, stir and call ye... 
              to join us, witness this rite, and Guard our Circle! 
           
              Facing West... 
              Hail, Guardians of the Watchtower of the West... 
              We do summon, stir, and call ye... 
              to join us, witness this rite, and Guard our Circle! 
           
              Facing North... 
              Hail, Guardians of the Watchtower of the North... 
              We do summon, stir, and call ye... 
              to join us, witness this rite, and guard our Circle! 
           
              Inspiration and air from the East... 
              Fire and passion from the South... 
              Water and Compassion from the West... 
              Earth and stability from the North... 
              All meet in the center, and form a web of life and power! 
              So mote it be! 
           
          (8-1,S.H.) So mote it be 
          (8-5,Ian) So mote it be! 
          (8-2,Jehana) so mote it be! 
          (8-4,Peri) so mote it be! 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) On this night at the beginning of the Warmtimes...




                                                                            2093

              let us remember the Belfire, and how it came to be... 
              The Moon and the Sun, Goddess and God... 
              are great lovers, the model for us all... 
              and like human lovers, they have had quarrels. 
              This particular quarrel developed because of the god... 
              He built himself a beautiful garden... 
              though he would not let his lady in to see it... 
              a minor point became overblown... 
              as it usually happens... 
              and they stopped speaking for a while... 
              Of course once forbidden... 
              the lady wanted to see it all the more... 
              and so the Moon Goddess wrapped herself in a cloak of
          Night... 
              and by stealth got into this Garden... 
              Well, the God was no fool... 
              and he laid a trap for her... 
              and so once inside, she could not leave again without
          alerting him... 
              So the Goddess hid herself and began waiting... 
              and since her patience far outshone that of the God... 
              he began looking for her; he tired of waiting 
              As soon as he left his post at the entrance of the garden...

              she sprang again into the air, getting free! 
              So began a great chase through the Heavens... 
              though the God could not catch his lady against her will... 
              the people on Earth meanwhile were very worried... 
              with all of the comings and goings of the Sun and Moon... 
              and their priests bid them build great bonfires... 
              on all of the hills to get the attention of the God and
          Goddess... 
              Well, they eventually tired of the chase... 
              and the Goddess let the God catch her... 
              and being too tired to go back to that lovely garden... 
              they forgave each other right in the middle of the sky... 
              and so the eclipse was born... 
              though it only looks like one from the Earth... 
              it is really that cloak of the Goddess... 
              covering their rites of Love! 
              So we commemorate this beginning of warmtimes with the    
          Belfire to this day. 
           
          (8-2,Jehana) So mote it be. 
          (8-5,Ian) As it was, so shall it be. 
          (8-4,Peri) so mote it be! 
          (8-1,S.H.) So mote it be! 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Green-eyed Lady, laughing lady! 
              Brown-eyed Lady, sensuous lady! 
              Blue-eyed Lady, Lady of Steel... 
              Join our Circle... Be Wellcome!! 
              Please honor the Goddess as you choose... 
              in all of Her Forms, be Welcome! 
           




                                                                            2094

          (8-2,Jehana) Be welcome! 
          (8-5,Ian) Ceud Mile Fialte, Lady! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Lady of Flame, Lady of Night, Blessed Be! 
          (8-1,S.H.) With Adoration, I implore you. 
          (8-1,S.H.) Blessed Be! 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Lord of Stream and Field... 
              Lord of Mountain and King of Beasts... 
              Wild Man of Nature, Be WellCome! 
              Behold, the God has come to his Lady! 
              Please honor the God in your own way... 
           
          (8-1,S.H.) Hail Bounding One, Lord of Life and Death! 
          (8-2,Jehana) Hail Hunter! 
          (8-5,Ian) Ceud Mile Fialte, Lord! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Great trickster, yet faithful master, Blessed Be!

          (8-1,S.H.) Blessed Be! 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Help me build the Bel-fire, so that the Lord and
          Lady be honored... 
              As the flames jump higher and higher... 
              So grows the cone of power... 
              As we circle round the fire... 
              in imitation of the Great Chase of the God and Goddess... 
              so the energy builds and builds... 
              envision that which you wish... 
              and that which you wish to lose... 
              and in this night of joy and celebration... 
              cast it into the fire! 
              That which we wish SO MOTE IT BE!! 
           
          (8-1,S.H.) So mote it be! 
          (8-4,Peri) so mote it be! 
          (8-2,Jehana) So mote it be! 
          (8-5,Ian) So mote it be! 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Allow the flames of the Belfire to calm down
          slowly... 
              and as they lower, know that the energy is not gone... 
              just transmuted... 
              as the love of Goddess and God ever changes... 
              yet always endures... 
              <any specific problems can be mentioned here...> 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) May the energy help me with my finals next week...
              and those papers <g> 
          (8-2,Jehana) May the energy keep a one I know healthy. 
              Thru the surgery he will have to undergo. 
          (8-1,S.H.) May the problems of my past year and stay in last
          year. 
          (8-5,Ian) I wish for the physical and spiritual strength to
          continue my physical rehabilitation and integration of my person
          again. 
           




                                                                            2095

          (8-6,Gwynndon) Together we are greater than alone... 
              and the Goddess and God are here to guide our energy
          onward... 
              So let's leave them to finish their lovemaking in private...
              and thank them for attending!! 
           
          (8-2,Jehana) Thank you, oh, yes! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Great God... thank you for your help and
          attendance... 
              and may we meet again!... Hail and Farewell, though not
          Goodbye! 
          (8-1,S.H.) Oh My Lady, thou art the breath in my life... 
              Oh my Lord, thou art the blood in my veins... 
              As Life goes on, I shall never forget not forsake you. 
          (8-5,Ian) Great Lord & Noble Lady, thank you for attending this
          circle! 
          (8-1,S.H.) Blessed Be, and Merry Meet! 
          (8-4,Peri) Hail and Farewell! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) and let us not keep the lady from her lover... 
              Merry met, merry do we part, and merry shall we meet again! 
          (8-1,Ian) So mote it be!  Blessed Be! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Guardians of the Watchtowers, without your
          balanced elements... 
          (8-1,S.H.) Thank you Lord and Lady, and thank you Gwynndon,
          Blessed Be and Merry Meet! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) the world would not be.... thank you for attending
          our Circle! 
          (8-2,Jehana) Hail & Farewell! 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) The circle is open, but the Magic lingers... 
          (8-1,S.H.) Hail and Fare thee well, oh Guardians of the Towers of
          the Universe. 
           
          (8-6,Gwynndon) Thank you all!<g> 
          (8-2,Jehana) And, thank you, Gwynndon!! 
          (8-1,S.H.) (pouring wine for Gwynndon) 
          (8-2,Jehana) (g) 
          (8-6,Gwynndon) takes a sip...<g>..good wine! 
          (8-5,Ian) (passing buttered Scones!) 
          (8-2,Jehana) Nice vintage! 
          (8-2,Jehana) <trying scones>  Yum. 
          (8-1,S.H.) nothing but the best for this crew... 




                                                                            2096

          CompuServe on-line Imbolc Ritual, 1990
           
          (Ladyhawk) 
          This is Imbolc...or Candlemas...or Brigit's day 
          This is the feast of the waxing light. 
          What was born at the Winter Solstice begins to manifest 
          The Lady, midwife to the infant year, 
          now sees the Child Sun grow strong 
          as the days grow visibly longer. 
          It is a time of beginnings, 
          when we select the seed we will later plant, 
          nurture, and eventually harvest. 
           
          After I do each invocation, I will pause and let each of you say
          a FEW words no more than 2 lines, please...to your particular
          deity 
           
          Right now, I'd like everyone to ground and center themselves... 
          in the way that is best for you. 
          As you do, see yourself bathed in a white light, cleansing you
          and your area. 
           
          Now, mentally turn to the East: 
          Powers of the East 
          We bid you come 
          To witness our rite 
          And protect us! 
           
          Now mentally turn to the South: 
          Powers of the South 
          We bid you come 
          To witness our rite 
          And protect us! 
           
          <Now mentally turn to the West:> 
          Powers of the West 
          We bid you come 
          To witness our rite 
          And protect us! 
           
          <Now mentally turn to the North:> 
          Powers of the North 
          We bid you come 
          To witness our rite 
          And protect us! 
           
          <Back once more to the East and in your own way, salute the East
          again> 
           
          Now, let us all link together 
          Feel the earth energy welling up from the bowels of the Earth,
          our Mother 
          Feel it rise to our feet and up through our bodies 
          White light energy 
          Feel it flow through us and link us, 




                                                                            2097

          one with the other 
          So finally we feel and see the circle of energy, 
          the circle of power 
          binding us together and setting us apart 
          In a space not of this time, but of all times 
          Not of these places, but all places! 
          Blessed Be! 
           
          Sun King! 
          Horned One of animals and wild places 
          Joyously we ask you come! 
          All the land is wrapped in the chill of winter 
          The trees are bare and 
          the air is cold. 
          Yet still our hearts are glad 
          For we know you have been reborn 
          And nurtured in your early days 
          By the gracious Mother Goddess, 
          Lady of all fertility. 
          We bid you welcome 
          And rejoice in your growing strength! 
          Hail Great God! 
          Hail and Welcome!     <ga> 
           
          (Jehana) Hail & Welcome! 
           
          (Ocean Mist) u!/u 
           
          (Shadow Hawk) Hail Mother, from you the Sun once more does grow!

           
          (Gwynndon) Hail and Welcome! 
           
          (Shadowstar) Welcome, Lord of the Sun! 
           
          (Jehana) Brigid, Arianhrod, Cerridwyn, Herne... Welcome! 
           
          (Larne) Welcome Lord!  Share with us your warmth and light! 
           
          (Ocean Mist) Hail and welcome in your new light! 
           
          (Ladyhawk) 
          Great Goddess, Noble Lady! 
          Known to the Celts as Brigit, Bride, Cerridwen, and more 
          Goddess of Light 
          Keeper of the sacred wells! 
          We gather tonite to honor your 
          who has nurtured the Sun King. 
          As the spring lambs are born 
          and the ewes come to milk, 
          as we sense spring itself 
          so close 
          We bid you welcome as we 
          Clear out the old and make way for the new 
          Welcome Lady 




                                                                            2098

          Welcome and all Hail! 
           
          (Gwynndon) Bride is come! Bride is Welcome! 
           
          (Jehana) Welcome, bright lady, spark of inspiration! 
           
          (Rita) Welcome, Great Mother.  Welcome and grow strong, Young
          Lord. 
           
          (Shadowstar) Welcome, Lady of Light! 
           
          (Larne) Welcome Lady!  Nurture and help us as we grow! 
           
          (Shadow Hawk) Mother smile upon us and bring us Life, Son shine
          down upon us and bring us Light! 
           
           
          (Ocean Mist) Welcome goddess of light! 
           
          (Ladyhawk) 
          Now, let us each concentrate on that which we need to "sweep out"
          of our lives 
          Picture it as, with a new, clean broom, 
          you sweep it away 
          and it vanishes in the air. 
           
          And now, with ourselves cleansed, 
          let us meditate on that we might wish 
          to plant for this year... 
          the "seed" we will plant in the spring. 
          For, this is the time of chosing the seed 
          and preparing for the planting. 
          Gracious Lady! Help us chose wisely the seed! 
           
          and now, with our seed selected and held dearly in our hearts, 
          it is time to thank the Lady and the Lord. 
          O Sun King, Horned One! 
          We thank thee for thy presence 
          Surely we feel your growing strength 
          In our heart of hearts 
          and find joy in knowing 
          that as the sun grows, 
          so do you! 
          We thank thee for teaching us that 
          even in the depths of winter 
          Life grows! 
          Farewell, Lord, if you must go. 
          Though, gladly would we have you stay and 
          rejoice with us. 
          Hail, Sun King! 
           
          Gracious Lady, 
          We thank thee for thy guidance 
          in selecting our seed. 
          Truly will we hold it in our hearts 




                                                                            2099

          Till the time of planting. 
          We thank thee also 
          For teaching us the wisdom 
          of cleansing and letting go 
          of that which is no longer useful to us. 
          Thus do we heal of past hurts 
          and grow in strength, even as does our Lord. 
          We thank thee 
          and bid you farewell if you must go, 
          but gladly would we have you stay 
          and rejoice with us! 
          Hail, Gracious Lady! 
           
          And now, we will let our circle sink back into the Earth once
          again. 
          For all that comes of the Earth, must surely return to Her. 
          But even as the circle departs, 
          know that we are still bound 
          By our love of the Gods 
          and the Love between us. 
          Blessed Be! 
           
          (Shadow Hawk) Blessed Be 
           
          (Rita) Blessed Be! 
           
          (Ocean Mist) Blessed Be! 
           
          (Shadowstar) Blessed Be! 
           
          (Larne) Farewell Lord and Lady.  Depart our circle, but be always
          with us.  
                  Blessed Be! 
           
          (Jehana) Blessed Be!  So Mote it Be! 
           
          (Gwynndon) Blessed Be! 
           
          (Vkai) Blessed Be! 
           
          (Ladyhawk) 
          <Now turn in your mind's eye once again to the East> 
          Farewell, Powers of the East 
          We thank you for 
          Your attendence 
          and protection 
          Peace ever between thee and we! 
           
          <Face South> 
          Farewell Powers of the South 
          We thank you for your attendence 
          and protection 
          Peace ever between thee and we! 
           
          <face West> 




                                                                            2100

          Farewell Powers of the West 
          We thank you for your attendence 
          and protection 
          Peace ever between thee and we! 
           
          <face North> 
          Farewell Powers of the North 
          We thank you for your attendence 
          and protection 
          Peace ever between thee and we! 
           
          <once more face East and mentally salute once again> 
           
          The circle is open, but unbroken 
          Merry meet and merry part 
          and merry meet again! 
           
          (Shadow Hawk) Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again! 
           
          (Ladyhawk) <The Rite is ended> 
           
          (Shadow Hawk) (passing food) 
           
          (Jehana) (Passing drink) 
           
          (Larne) I'll have some of those cakes! 
