The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

The 9 Muses
21:29 Mar 12 2008
Times Read: 654

The 9 Muse



"We know enough to make up lies which are convincing, but we also have the skill, when we will, to speak the truth." [The Muses to Hesiod. Hesiod, Theogony 25]



At one time, the 9 Muse were actually considered Goddesses, their domains were springs where scholars, artists and poets received their inspirartion. Over time, they became simply the "Muses". While Homer refers to them as one and as many living on Mt Olympus... each Muse has her very own distinctive personality and realm of "inspiration" that she rules just as some of the Muses are said to have given birth to children of their own. Individually each of the Muses presides over a specific area of liberal arts and sciences. While the number of Muses is said to vary, it is generally accepted that there are nine. Their names, numbers and attributes vary considerably at different times in history. Historically there are several myths in which the Muses play an active and important role; The Thracian poet "Thamyris" competed against them and lost his sight as a result. The Sirens...their own daughters competed against them and lost their wings and fell into the sea. The Muses were held in special regard by artists of all kinds and it was from their name that "museum" was derived.



In Mythology, there are 4 claims of parentage in the first....it is claimed that the Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnomosyne a Titan whose name means MEMORY. It is also said that they are the children of Zeus and Eleuther. After lying with her for 9 nights, the Muses were convcieved and born in the following order.... Calliope, Clio, Melphomene, Euterpe, Erato, Therpishore, Urania Thalia and Polymnia. Pierus and and Unknown father and Zeus and an unknown mother are also credited for being the parents of the Muses....whichever accounting you give credit to, the Muses play an important and deep rooted role in Greek mythology and neo-pagan spirituality.



The Muses delight in feasts and the pleasures of song and dance and their oldest sanctuary was at Pieria in Thrace. Their music is based on the 7 toned musical scale which come from the music of the seven spheres or planets. They are often depicted frolicing with "Peace" who is their dearest friend and accompanies them almost everywhere they go. There are several Gods who are also seen in their prescene and on Olympus it was a contenst among the Gods as to which of them had the favor of the Muses. Hypnos *God of Sleep* and Apollo constantly argued over which of them had their favor. Apollo is often called Musegetes (leader of the Muses) and many of historical depictions of them show Apollo standing with them or near them....as if guarding them at play. Apollo plays an important role in the myths involving the Muses because it is said that he fathered several children with some of the Muses.



This Muses are as follows, a brief description and their attributes:



Thalia-Muse of Comedy and bucolic poetry-(comic mask, ivy wreath, shepards staff.) Thalia or Thaleia means the "flourishing" WIth Apolla Thalia gave birth to the Corybantes, the priests who castrated themselves in honor and identification of the Goddess Cybele.



Erato-Muse of erotic poetry-(maller lyre) The "lovely" is an appropriate term for this Muse as she is the one who inspires the poetic soul to compose love poetry and mimicry. Of all the Muses, Erato is most often written about and invoked in several writings and plays including, Hesiods Theogony, Strabo and Platos Phadrus. Erato is also the Muse that charms an individual who lays eyes upon her. She is often depicted with 2 turtle doves eating at her feet or holding a golden arrow subtly reminding one and all that she governs "eros".



Polhymnia-Muse of sacred song-(depicted vieled and pensive.) Her name means "she of many humns". She often brings honor to writers and guides them to immortal fame. It is also said that her "domain" is that of geometry, mime, meditation and agriculture. Of all the Muses, she is the most "subtle" and sublime. She is often depicted holding a finger to her mouth dressed in simple cloak and veil. She also is associated with geometry and mediation.



Melpomene-Muse of tragedy-(garland, a club and a sword. ) Melpomene Is so named from the chanting by which she charms her listeners. It is said that she is the mother of the SIRENS whose father is Achelous. It is said that despite the fact that their mother was a Muse...the Sirens were in constant competion with their mother and her sisters. She is often pictured wearing cothurnes (boots traditionally worn by tragic actors) and wearing a crown of cypress.



Terpishore-Muse of Dance-(lyre) Meaning the "whirler" or sometimes interpreted as "delight of dancing" she is the Muse of dancing, dramatic chorus and later on in mythology...lyrical poetry. Being the muse of dance she is depicted frolicing with her lyre and a plectrum a musical instrument. It is also stated that SHE not her sisters gave birth to the SIRENS.



Urania-Muse of astronomy and astrology-(celestial globe.) Urania the "heavenly" is the muse of astronomy and is often depicted holding a staff pointed at a celestial glabe. Humans called upon her to foretell the future by the positioning of the stars in the skys. She is also often associated with universal love and the "holy spirit". Most of her depictions and representations show her cloaked with her eyes upon the skys with her foot upon a turtle, a symbol of silence.



Clio-Muse of history-(scroll) Clio is so named for the songs of the poets as they bestow glory upon those who are praised in battle. Hers is a stature of dignity and she took great pride in her work. It is said that she bore the world one son... Hyacinth whose father was the king of Macedonia. She is often depicted holding a scoll or a set of tablets which she guards religiously



Calliope-Muse of Epic song and eloquance-(wax tablet)- Calliope is the eldest of the muses. She delights in philosophy but also has been related to epic poetry. She presides over the birth of kingly nobles. It is told that her union with King Oeagrus of Thrace brought Orpheus into the world. Like some of the other Muses, she had an affair with Apollo and one of these children was Hymen.



Euterpe-Muse of lyric song-(double flute) Is so called because she gives delight to those who hear her sing. Her name translate loosley as "rejoicing well or delight"The flute and double flute are sacred to her and it is said that to call her one can stand atop a hill and play to her and she will answer. In the beginning she was said to have ruled over all music, however, later that changed. It is told that she was the Muse who invented the aulos *double flute* though most mythographers give credit to Marsyas. It is written that the river Strymon impregnated her and of that union Rhesus was born.



Part 2-various myths



Am I mad, or does the Muse call out to me?

Don't you hear her? Don't you hear her

in the rustling leaves, in the wind's soft voice,

in the water's laughter? Don't you hear her?



If this is madness, let me go insane!

Let me go in search of her, calling out

to the bright sky: descend, singing goddess,

descend! Bring us your immortal music:



the sound of flutes playing like wind

over bending grass, the sound of strings

plucked like sudden sunshine, the clear bell

of your voice thrilling through the world.

from The Odes of Horace

Spiritual Dance part 1
14:37 Mar 09 2008
Times Read: 660

spiritual dance. Part 1



Explaining the ritual aspects of trance work is a long and lengthy process so this entry will be broken up into sections.



Trance Dance or Spiritual Dance is quite simply a metaphor which means interpersonal hypnotic dance which is in itself an altered mind state. Much simiilar to other magical systems of "altered" states of awareness,.. trance dance incorporates certain reptetive movements and motions to lull and push the body, mind and spirit into an altered state of conciousness. Once in this state, magicial and or spiritual goals may be accomplished, healing, (physical and emotional) may take place, Divinity communicated with or simply as a means for emotional release and expression.



Trance Dance utilizes a unique blend of sounds, drum n percussion rythms, transformational breathing techniques and the use of sensory deprivation in the form of blindfold or bandana to shut out the outside world and take the dancer on a journey within themselves.



Indiginous cultures all over the world have their own forms and systems of trance dance. Many of which can be seen in practice in the US... a prime example of trance dance is the dances performed by Voodoo practioners and the dances dedicated to the Orisha within the religious system of Santeria and also by the Sufi dancers of the Middle east. It is during these amazing trance states that the dancer/practioner can be "Horsed" or "possessed" by the Divine. It is rare that a trancer who has been "horsed" remembers anything about their time of possession. While being possessed a dancer may seem to be able to perform feats that could not be accomplished in a "awake" state. The body may seem to lose all control and I have witnessed dancers in the throes of deep trance literally bend themselves over backwards almost to the floor and suffer no physical side effect upon their return.



I would be remiss, if I didnt mention, however briefly a new phenomenon that is taking place in clubs throughout the US... and these are the "rave" clubs, in these clubs.. the techno/ambient music takes the patrons into a trance like state which is defiantly trance dancing in a newer form and completely different system.



While trance can be accomplished by anyone.... certain rules do apply in general when dealing and attempting to perform deep trance work. I will list some basic guidelines and techniques later. It should be noted that every person has an individual "trigger" rythem that trips something interally within them that will help to take them to a higher and deeper trance state. This also applies to the various trance inducing movements basic in trance dance systems., such as rockin, hoppin, spinning, and specific leg and foot movements. It is an individual thing and it takes time and experimentation to find your own certain "triggers". Personally, I prefer trance dancin to with live and experienced trance drummers, but a good trance cd can work just as well. Dont expect to immediatly jump into a deep trance state when starting out.. it take time and practice for the mind and body to allow for you to slip into that heavy state of "otherworldliness"



When working or plannin on working with deep trance dance states it is IMPERATIVE to have what is called a "monitor". This individual is responsible for the physical well being of the trancer and it is his/her job to make sure that the indivdual doesnt seriously injury themselves and is responsible for making sure the trancer is not touched or "helped" during trance work. Watchin someone in a wild and deep trance state can be frightening for anyone watching because the trancer may seem to lose body control...writhing, grinding, screamin, speaking in "tongues" and doing things that noramlly the body wouldnt be capable of doing in its concious state. A perfectly normal reaction for anyone watchin is to "touch" or "help" the trancer to assure that they are okay. This IS NOT healthy for the trancer... they must be allowed to "return" at their own pace, touching a dancer or otherwise "bringing them out of headspace" can and usually does have a seriously NEGATIVE physical reaction on the trancer and can actually make them physically ill.





Another very important guideline for trance dance is females on their menstral cycle SHOULD not attempt or perform deep trance work for physical and spiritual reasons. While a women in on her time, certain enteties and energies are attracted to her while in deep trance and some of these energies are not of a postive nature and can become "attached" to the woman for long and extended periods of time. Removing these energies can be difficult so it is HIGHLY recommended that females avoid tracing during this time.



Trance dance is an exploration of the internal self.... a way to reach out and touch the "higher powers" and energies. It can and is for some... a ritual exploration of self awareness and power... both personal and divine. However like any other system of spiritual practice, it should be used responsibly and carefully because any time you delve into unknown realms of spritual exploration you must prepare and protect yourself from whatever may filter through. Trance dance can be a lifechanging practice and sometimes.... change can be a painful and difficult process.



Part 2... Guidelines and techniques

Lions within religious mythology
14:36 Mar 09 2008
Times Read: 661

Lions have been seen in art throughout biblical times, especially in Palastine, Assyria, and Sumeria. God and Goddesses stand upon lions, the are frequently in paintings, they appear on thrones, depicted on temple walls and furniture and are even talked about within the bible. Oddly enough however, lions have been extinct in the middle east since the 12th century AD. But despite their dissapearance, they continued to be revered for their power. Below are a few examples of how the lion has been and is an almost universal symbol of Divinity, including christianity.



The Hindu Goddess Durga personafies and embodiment of complete opposites, she is both beautiful and terrible. She is the fierce aspect of Shaki, The Great Mother and hers is the mission to restore order to the world. Wearing her crown and riding upon the lion (a symbol of awakening truth and purity) she rides into battle holding her weapons. And with the many petaled lotus (a sacred flower among many religions) and her sword she fights the deadliest sins that plague mankind. Greed, vanity, contempt of others, jealousy and the illusions that human beings attach themselves to. In her fiercest aspect, Durga personafies the spirit of a mother protecting her young and will without qualm destroy anyone who threatens or implies them harm.



Durga was born when when Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma were angered by the antics of the demon Mahisasura. Durga is the compliation of their wrath and fury and holds within her, the power of the three. She rose up fully formed and armed for battle, silently she destroyed him along with his armies.



In the jeudo-christian religion, the lion plays a surprisingly large part in its mythology. In Hebrew there are 7 seperate words for lion. The first "Aryeh" is extremely interesting. It can be played with in a kabbalistic way and broken down into 2 parts. The first "~" or meaning "light" and the second "yah" which is the name for the divine. So if you look at the word from a mystics perspective, lion can be interepreted to mean the "light of god".



Within the bible there are many references to lions playing an active role. In Genesis 49:9, Isaiah, Revelations 5:5) there is reference to a prophecy which says the messiah, or lion will come down through Jacobs son Judah. Judahs descendents included King David, King Solomon and Jesus.



Another reference to lions appears in Isaiah 11:6-9 which subltly points to the unification of opposites which is a common occurence in various religious philosphies throughout the ages and into today. Ther verse goes as follows:



The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together;

and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp,

and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den,

They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.



The prophet Ezekiel wrote about the "markabah". He describes four beings surrounding a chariot. The faces have 4 sides: the bull, lion, eagle and a human. The 4 sides kabbalistically represent the 4 worlds that exist. The lion is y'zirah or world of formation which corresponds to the realm of feeling and the element of water.



In egyptian mythology, the Goddess Sekhemet whose name interprets into "mighty and powerful"is the lion headed Goddess of healing. Called the "Eye of Ra" Sekemet wears a cobra headress and a solar disk and hers is the power to breathe fire upon her enemies. But like the Goddess Durga, hers is a union of opposites, she is feared for her destructive power, but like a mother, her enegies can be gentle and soothing. Despite her fierce and sometimes terrible demeanor, Sekhemets touch upon your cheek can be as gentle as a mothers kiss. And while the lion is symbolically water in the kabbalistic interpretation, within egyptian mythology, her element is the realm of fire. The same fire that will consume the enemies of Ra throughout the world.



Lions have and always will play a special and important role within religious doctines across the board. Their symbol like many throughout history is universal and transcends religious lines. Universal symbols are not limited to the lion or lotus, but include various doctrines and myths. When one takes the time to read and study, you will find that underneath most of the various tenets of religion, there lies many MANY common threads which can be brought to light and examined *wink*

Dia De Los Muertos
14:35 Mar 09 2008
Times Read: 662

I just wanted to put out some information of what is commonly called "day of the dead"



Because of my hispanic roots, Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a very important time for me, and while I do celebrate Samhain, I also perform some of the various rituals and traditions associated with the festival.



Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a 3 day festival celebrated throughout the central american countries and the US that almost seems to mock the dead. It is known by various names through central and south america. In the Yucatan it is called Hanal Pixan (Path of the Soul) and in highlands of Michoacan it is known as Jimbanqua or in southern part of Oaxaca it is known as Xantolo. No matter what the name or location of the country, many of the traditions are the same and the message is univeral.



The tradition itself dates back 3000 years and despite what might appear to the uneducated observer....the celebration is NOT making fun of those that have passed. Instead it celebrates life and much like Samhain traditons....it honors the spirits of those that have gone before us. Practioners of this tradition in history didnt fear death, instead they looked upon it as a beginning. They viewed life as the dream and it wasnt until death that an individual became fully awake. It wasnt until the introduction of Christianity that death was viewed with fear and trepidation.



There ARE some gruesome roots in some of the day of the dead traditions. Aztecs and members of the Meso American tribes kept human skulls as trophies of the conquered enemies and also kept the skulls of the departed. These skulls were highly honored and richly decorated and used during various rituals. This practice was not limited to Meso and Aztec tribes, various religions worldwide have kept bones as ritual items.



(On a side note: a friend of mine who follows a certain European religious tradition wants my skull after I die so she can use it for ritual. Yes, I know...I have some freaky freinds...god/s bless em)



Anyhow...When the conquistodors invaded, they viewed the indiginous cultures as barbaric and tried to kill the rituals and customs. However, they survived in many forms and many of the traditions and rituals continue to this day with certain adaptation. In an effort to Christian Day of the dead, the Christian sect moved the celbration to Nov 1 and 2cnd. Al l Souls/Saints day. On the Aztec calender, it fell on the ninth month of the solar calender and the various ceremonies and rituals were performed for the entire month. The Diety that presided over the festival was called Mictecacihuatl or "Lady of the Dead". This month wasnt only dedicated to the spirits of the dead, but was also done to honor children, which is why the last day of the 3 day celebration today, is the day that typically belongs to children.



Some of the various traditons that are associated with Dia de Los Muertos include setting a place at the dinner table for the sprits so that they may eat once again with their family. Or setting out a "dumb supper" to feed the spirits that are hungry. Whole families will visit the cemetary and spend the whole day there...leaving flowers, food, toys, pictures and basically providing company for their dead loved ones. At home...large altars are set up with food, fruit, candles, incense, flowers and pictures. Wooden skull masks called calacas are put on and people dance in honor of those that have gone before. Skulls made of sugar are bought and the name of the dead indivudual is inscribed on it....the skull is then eaten by the relative or loved one of the individual who is honoring them. Poetry, limiricks and songs called "calaveras" make light of individuals...usually politicians.



The festival of Day of the Dead is a celebration of life, not a mourning time. The rich culture of beauty of this celebration is amazing. I honestly believe that these traditions should be investigated more. Death is a transcendence, transformation and resurrection and as such should be celebrated rather than feared.

women and High Magick
14:32 Mar 09 2008
Times Read: 663

There seems to be a shortage, if you will, on females who seriously practice High Magick/ceremonial. Unlike NeoPaganism where you cant throw a stone without hitting a crystal wearing woman, High Magic practioners of the female gender are few and far between and as Nox says "are guarded as jealously as the hope diamond". Why is that? Personally I have a few theories.....



When the Christian church began its campaign to stamp out the pagan religions and bring the church fully into religious and political power, the once powerful goddess was demoted and and took on the form of the Virgin Mary who by her very nature was extremely subserviant to the male diety. In the recent centuries, individuals within the NeoPagan religion paths, women especially ave sought to "reclaim the divine feminine" and by doing so, reclaim their own spiritiual and personal power. Unlike Satanism which seems to have a good balance of male and female, High magick seems to hold little appeal for NeoPagan females



High Magick in and of itself seems to portray a very patricarchal persona that does not APPEAR to give the goddess her right and proper due. This cannot be further from the truth. The Goddess is held within very high regard within the various systems and is well balanced as far as male and female energy. Within ceremonial practices, the Goddess is just as reveared as the God and in many High Magick traditions, the High Priestess has the final say in all matters.



Secondly, by its nature and make up, High Magick is very litergy based and tends to be a bit....rigid in the way its rituals are run and this stictness of form does not tend to appeal to women who are by their makeup, very free form. Unlike a good majority of the NeoPagan traditions ceremonial magick rituals can be VERY precise in their make-up, wording, and format. That combined with its appearance of patriarchy seem to defer many many women from beginning studies within High magick.



While not as numerous as the males, there are several historical females who played an important role within ceremonial magick. Some of the best known are Blavatsky, Dion Fortune, Moina Mathers, Sybil Leek, Geraldine Innocente, and Constance Wachtmeister.



Constance Wachtmeister was a student and friend of Madame Blavatsky. Married to a swiss count she wrote the work "Reminiscences of PH Blavatsky" and "The secret doctine". Wachmeister was Blavatsky's guardian angel sitting by her bedside and documenting the various strange occurences that occured before her friends death. On her deathbed, madame Blavatsky dictated a work to Constance requesting that she complete and have it published, this work was "The Secret Doctine"



Madame Blavatsky probably the best well known female practioner of High magick was born Helena von Hahn, and was a founder of the Theosophical Society.[ As one of the founders of the Theosophical society Blavatsky was well known for her belief that all religions were both true in their inner teachings and contain imperfections in the way they are manifested. Oddly enough, her writings and work had a great influence on Adolph Hitler and she was considered an oracle of sorts within his mindset.



Moina Mathers born Mina Bergson was an artist and occulist of the 19th century. Little known in mainstream neopaganism Mina was the sister of French philosopher Henri Bergson. She married the English occultist Samuel Liddell who was one of the founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and after his death, she was the head of the successor org called the rosicrucian Order of the Alpha et Omega.



Sybil Leek is a well known occult author born in 1917. Witch, astrooger and psychic she is one of the best known "witches" of British society. She is not one that is normally assoicated with ceremonial magick but she was highly influenced by Madam Blavatsky.



Geraldine Innocente was the founder of a new age church called the Bridge to Freedom. The BtF was established in 1951 by her and other students of the Ascended masters after she recieved what she believed to be an annointing to be a messagner for the Great White Brotherhood.



Dion Fortune has alot of rumors attached to her. Perhaps more mysterious in her personal life than madamne Blavatsky, Dion Fortune was brought up in a Christian Science household which perhaps explained why others thought of her as a bit of a snob or elitist. She had a particulary interesting relationship with Aliester Crowley. It is not known if they actually practiced magick together but there in no doubt that the two of them influenced each other greatly. It is also documented that she had a series of letters exchanged between herself and Israel Regardie. In these letters she praises his exposure of the secrets of the Golden Dawn system, which ironically enough, she herself had done in the "Esoteric Philosophy of Love and Marriage."



These are just a few of the females who have influenced or have been influenced by high magick and while ceremonial magick doesnt seem to appeal to most females in general, I personally find it a fufilling and exciting path and I recommend that even if you dont plan to study high magick indepth, dont dismiss it right offhand without looking deeper into the path.

Chaos of Change
13:05 Mar 07 2008
Times Read: 668

One of the most powerful and frightening things on the spiritual realm is the chaos that can equal change. Like a whirlwind the chaos of change tears through ones like uprooting all that was once secure and stable.



While many fear the chaos of change, I can only say that riding the whirlwind and staying strong through it will leave one stronger and perhaps wiser.



Change is necessary to growth for without it ... all will stagnate and die....

Musing on beauty
00:34 Mar 04 2008
Times Read: 672






Whats beauty? Beauty like truth and morality is a matter of personal perception. What is beautiful to one person may be unattractive or even hideous to another.



So how do I perceive beauty? Is it a matter of something physical or is it a matter of some quality that touches your heart and soul when you set your eyes upon it? Some intangible quality that incites the passions and emotions. I believe its the latter, maybe its also a matter of opening yourself up to the potential for beauty in the world around you. So if the world around you is imperfect, wouldnt it stand to reason that beauty in itself is imperfection?



For me, understanding that everything and everyone is beautiful in its/their own way makes it easier not only to accept others....idiocyncracies but also to accept my own faults and failing because when beauty goes beyond the physical, it becomes all encompassing and you realize that despite everything life and the things in it are beautiful things and that no matter what "ugliness" and imperfection abound around us, the potential is amazing.



Anyhow...with that odd rant done, Ive lost my train of thought again.....



Disclaimer: Despite how the above sounds, Im not a white light, tree huggin fluff bunny by ANY stretch of the imagination. This is the reason I dont usually blog, my thoughts ramble on by and God/s only know what will pop out. Depspite the way it sounds....Im VERY much a realist and I know that finding beauty in a world full of hate, violence and various other naughty things isnt always possible...I do bust my butt trying cuz god/s know...this world is harsh enough w/o me adding to it.