Me, According to the Wise (Part 2)
Oct. 14th, 2005 11:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bookofmirrorsBecause apparently LJ actually *does* have a character limit! Had to make this two entries...
Celtic Astrology
The Ivy
"And the Ivy
At his prime."
The power of the Ivy lies in its ability to cling and bind, making it a potent symbol of determination and strength to the Druids. Ivy has been known to strangle trees and was once a portent of death and spiritual growth. Being evergreen in nature, the Ivy represented the perennial aspects of the human psyche. The Celts associated Ivy with their Lunar Goddess, Arianrhod, and their ritual to this deity marked the opening of the portal to the OtherWorld...or the Dark Side of the Moon. This door symbolized an entrance to the Realm of Faery and thus, the Ivy was representative of the mysterious and the mystical. Ivy was once carried by women for good luck and used to aid in fertility. When used correctly, it was said to heal headaches, muscle cramps and assist in the art of prophecy. Ivy was symbolic of the journey of the soul and the spiral toward to the self. It encouraged assistance toward others in their search so that they, in turn, might offer assistance. Considered to be powerful indeed by the Celts because of its ability to kill even the mightiest Oak, the Ivy has a tendency to create dense, inpenetrable thickets in the forest. It was regarded to be much more powerful than the Vine and rather sinister in nature.
Ivy can grow, spread and flourish under many conditions...cultivated land and wasteland...light or near darkness...fertile soil or upon rubble and stones. It will push its way through tiny cracks and crevices to reach the light and is strong and difficult to destroy. Since ancient times, the Vine and the Ivy have been regarded as enemies. If the Vine, through intoxication, released prophetic powers, then the Ivy, in contrast, was a means of communicating with inner resources, bestowing upon an individual the ability to see through the eyes of the soul and beyond the everyday world. The ancients held the Ivy in high esteem. Its leaves formed the poet's crown as well as the wreath of Bacchus (Roman God of Wine), to whom the plant was dedicated...possibly because it was once believed that to bind the brow with Ivy leaves prevented intoxication.
Not botanically considered to be a tree but rather a form of Vine, the Ivy must depend upon a host for support. The plant is an evergreen and bears leaves which are dark green and somewhat waxy in texture. It can grow to be 100 feet long in Beech woods and around human habitations, where it is widely planted as ground cover. The Ivy has thin tendrils that attach themselves to surfaces and are strong enough to penetrate bricks and plaster. Its greenish flowers appear on short, vertical, shrubby branches. A member of the Ginseng family, the Ivy can grow in such profusion upon its host that the host tree smothers and dies. The berries of the Ivy can be used for medicinal purposes, but are poisonous if taken in large quantities. A powder made from the dried leaves and berries can be used to clear a stuffy head and was once believed to be a curative for a hangover. Roman agriculturists once recommended Ivy leaves as cattle food, but they are not relished by Cows...although Sheep and Deer will sometimes eat them during the Winter. The broad evergreen leaves of this plant afford shelter to Birds during the cold months and many species choose to build their nests in Ivy, preferring it to other shrubs. Ivy is extremely hardy and can live to be a great age. Its one-time medicinal virtues are not very highly regarded today, but it is much valued in the modern world as an ornamental covering for unsightly buildings. Ivy is said to be the only plant which will not make walls damp.
There are two distinct types of Ivy individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.
The "new moon" Ivy individual is a rather radical thinker...something akin to the Rowan individual...but with a more artistic temperament. Such people, however, do have a tendency to be somewhat indecisive and their success rate has a propensity to swing between two extremes which will set the pattern of life accordingly. The "full moon" Ivy individual radiates a successful image all the time, even while suffering a reverse of fortune. These people are generous providers, but can be shrewd when it comes to their financial resources and income. The "full moon" Ivy individual can also be extremely manipulative and liable to use any position of power in a ruthless manner. As a result, this individual often becomes involved in disputes and litigations.
In general, Ivy individuals have great personal stamina and a wealth of talents that can bring personal honors and public recognition. Such people are generally colorful characters with a unique style which is all their own. Restless by inclination, Ivy people are nonetheless sociable and good-natured. Cheeful, expansive and magnetic, they easily win friends and dislike offending others. Although frequently indecisive, Ivy individuals are far from weak-willed and will tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism. They also possess a sharp intellect which is matched only by their sense of humor...however, their personal doubts and fears can manifest into strange dreams and personal encounters. Blessed with profound artistic flair, Ivy people tend to be greatly valued as friends.
On the more serious side, Ivy people have a quiet type of faith and a belief in the natural balance of things. Extremely loyal, they are capable of accepting responsibility for their own actions. They tend to attract people who have little or no morals and should keep that in mind when making new friends. Ivy individuals usually make for poor students...they simply are not "book learners" and garner knowledge better by way of experience. They also have a propensity to not be very lucky people. Romantically, the Ivy person is very sensitive but seems to fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat. When in love, Ivy individuals lean strongly toward being the "clingy" type, but they make generous and caring parents. It is important that Ivy individuals not get too caught up in the problems of others or they are prone to suffer disappointment and betrayal.
Physical Goal: To link with others.
Mental Goal: To recognize that the group unconscious does have an influence...to absorb, go inward and learn about the self.
Spiritual Goal: To enter into the group mind with joy and assist others in their spiritual journey so that they will, in turn, offer assistance...to learn that all is intertwined.
Amergin Verse: "I am a Ruthless Boar"
Ogham Association: Gort
Polarity: Masculine
Color: Sky Blue
Class: Chieftain
Letter Character: "G"
Month: September...eleventh month in the Celtic Ogham. September is said to have originated from the word "Septem," which means "seven," being the seventh month in the oldest Roman calendar. It is the first month of Autumn's rule and a time when the Druids celebrated their Festival of Alban Elued...bidding the Sun God farewell, while thanking him for the harvest.
Alias: "Moon of Buoyancy" and "Moon of Resilience"
Magickal Properties: Healing, Protection, Cooperation and Exorcism
Some Famous Ivy People: Hilary Clinton, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Sigourney Weaver, Oscar Wilde and Kate Winslett
Symbols
Gemstone: The Ivy gemstone is the semi-precious Opal, also known as the "Queen of Gems" and "Gem of Hope." A member of the Quartz family with a very high water content, it is a brittle, heat-sensitive, silicon oxide stone which often shatters or cracks when it is cut or polished. If given as a lucky or love stone, such shattering was once considered to be a sign of extreme bad fortune. The flashes of color come from natural silica spheres which create light interference. Due to its delicate nature, Opals are usually worn only as pendants and earrings. The modern name of the gem is derived from three ancient sources: the Sanskrit upala (which means "precious stone"); the Latin opalus; and the Greek opallios (which means "to see a color change"). It is unique in the world of jewels, having little color of its own, yet shining with the radiance of all the other gems. In the Nineteenth Century, the Opal became to be considered a stone of bad luck...especially if worn by those not born in the month of October. The only exception to this was the Black Opal, which has always been believed to bring its owner good fortune. The origin of the unlucky superstition is unknown. Early races credited the Opal with magical qualities and traditionally, the Opal was said to aid its wearer in seeing possibilities. It was believed to clarify by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions and desires. It was also thought to lessen inhibitions and promote spontaneity.
The Opal is an historically treasured gem and 6,000 year old Opal artifacts have been found in Kenyan caves. However, most are believed to be approximately 60 million years old (or more) and generally date back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The early Greeks believed the Opal bestowed powers of foresight and prophecy upon its owner while in Arabian folklore, it is said that the stone fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. To the Romans, it was considered to be a token of hope and purity. Legend states that one Roman Emperor offered to trade one-third of his vast kingdom for a single Opal and that the Roman Senator Nonius chose exile rather than surrender a large Opal to Marc Antony. It has been said that the beauty of the Opal is the combination of the beauty of all other gems. In the Middle Ages, the Opal was known as the "eye stone" due to a belief that it was beneficial to eyesight and blonde women were known to wear necklaces of Opal in order to protect their hair from losing its color. Some cultures thought the effect of the Opal on sight could render the wearer invisible. Needless to say, it was thus a popular item among thieves. Opals were set into the crown jewels of France and Napoleon gave Josephine a beautiful example of this stone containing brilliant red flashes which was called "The Burning of Troy." It was a favored gem of Queen Victoria who often gave them as wedding presents. The Opal is the Patron Stone of actors and performers.
Flower: The flower of the Ivy is the Woody Nightshade, a vine-like plant also known as Bittersweet, Felonwort (meaning "The Felon's Plant"), Scarlet Berry, Violet Bloom, Mad Dog's Berries, Blue Aversion and Blue Hate. It belongs to the Solanaceae, an immense family of plants which includes Belladonna, Hensbane, Potato, Tomato, Peppers and Tobacco. Its generic name Solanum is derived from Solor which means "I ease." The leaves of the Woody Nightshade bear a certain resemblance to those of the Belladonna, being purple...but its berries are red instead of black (as are those of the Belladonna). This perennial, shrubby plant with its woody base is native to Europe and Asia, being commonly found in almost every English hedgerow. The flowers, usually bluish-purple in color, bloom all Summer in loose, drooping clusters on short stalks. The plant was so named by the ancient herbalists in order to distinguish it from the Deadly Nightshade. Shepherds once hung Woody Nighshade around the necks of their flocks as a charm against the "evil eye" and a necklace of its berries was found in the tomb of Tutenkahmun, the Boy-King. Tradition dictated that if placed on the body, Woody Nightshade would dispel the memories of old loves and former sweethearts. There are few ailments for which Woody Nighshade has not been recommended at one time or another, including a remedy for rheumatism, fever and inflammatory diseases of every nature. To a certain degree, its berries have proven to be poisonous to children but seem to be thoroughly enjoyed by birds with no ill effects.
Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Ivy is the "Moon Veiling Persephone" or the planet Persephone itself, which is believed by some astronomers to exist just beyond Pluto. In Greek mythology, Persephone was the wife of Hades, Lord of the UnderWorld.
Deity: The Ivy deity is Arianrhod whose name means "Silver Circle." She is also known as "Star Goddess," "Full Moon Goddess" and "Virgin Goddess of Reincarnation," among others. Her palace was called "Caer Arianrhod," otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. She was Keeper of the Silver Wheel of Stars...a symbol of time and/or karma. This wheel was also known as the "Oar Wheel," a ship which carried dead warriors to Emania, the Moon Land. Arianrhod is sometime depicted as a weaver, linking her to lost myths of creation and magickal practices. Daughter of the great Welsh Goddess Don, Arianrhod is said to be useful in helping females find their own feminine power.
A second deity associated with the Ivy is Rhiannon, the "Great Queen" who was Goddess of Birds and Horses, as well as Enchantments, Fertility and the UnderWorld. Unjustly accused of destroying her newborn son (who had been kidnapped by a nameless Fiend), Rhiannon is compelled to assume the shape of a Horse until her son is unexpectedly returned to her. In her role as a Death Goddess, Rhiannon would sing sweetly enough to lure all those within hearing to their doom. Another legend suggests that Rhiannon was the mistress of three marvellous Birds whose song could wake the dead and lull the living to sleep. Because of her association with Horses (she first appears in myth mounted upon a White Horse), Rhiannon is often equated to Epona, the Roman-Gaulish Horse-Goddess.
Animals:
The Boar - Important to the art and myths of the Celts, the Boar (once common throughout the British Isles) was known to be cunning and ferocious. The battle horn of the Celts sported the figure of a Boar's head, their shields were decorated with engravings of the Boar in warfare, and figures of this animal were mounted upon their helmets. The Boar was said to lead the Celts in battle and show direction for their warriors. The skin of the Boar was also believed to heal wounds. One legendary Boar was Orc Triath owned by the Goddess Brigit. In Arthurian tales, the Boar known as "Twrch Trwyth" was one of Arthur's most terrible foes. The White Boar of Marvan was said to inspire its master with the ability to write music and poetry.
The Goose - As with most birds in Celtic lore, the Goose represented prophetic knowledge, bloodshed and skill. Traditionally symbolic as messengers and servants of the Gods, they could be portents of either good or evil, bringers of luck, omens of death or sacrificial animals. The interpretation of the flight patterns, habits and songs of birds were all methods by which knowledge of future events might be told or unfortunate circumstances avoided. Celtic monks used the Wild Goose as a symbol of the God Spirit and, in Roman times, it was noted that Britons would not eat the flesh of the Goose. Bones of Geese have been found buried in the graves of Iron Age Celtic warriors.
The Butterfly - Symbol of faery faith, the Butterfly was believed by many cultures to be the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. Traditionally, no negative energies were said to be experienced in any area of the Otherworld where Butterflies could be found. They were symbolic of the freedom from self-imposed restrictions and the ability to regard problems with greater clarity.
October 14-October 23: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Maple, whose motto is "Combative Angel" or "Independence of Mind." Maple individuals are far from ordinary and never completely satisfied with standard replies. They admire those who clearly assert themselves and rise eagerly to any challenge. Maple people are full of imagination and originality, inclined to stand out in a crowd due to their willpower and sense of committment. Though appearing shy and somewhat reserved, they are truly ambitious, proud and self-confident. Maples hunger for new experiences and have a desire to impress. They enjoy what is unknown, strange and even hostile. The inherent Maple need for independence often clashes with the need to be surrounded by a community. With a tendency to be nervous, Maple people have many complexities. They possess excellent memories and easily learn new things. The love relationships of Maple individuals tend to be complicated affairs.
Metasymbology
Clubs - Mind
6 of Clubs - Intuition
Challenge for the 6 of Clubs - Cultivation of Intuition
This is the messenger's card but there are many 6 of Clubs who are unaware of their important mission and are unwilling to take the time or trouble to develop their inherent intuition, which is their greatest gift.
The strong drive of 6 toward duty and responsibility, sets them apart as forerunners. Conversely, the easygoing lethargy of the 6 will make them sluggards and lazybones. There seems to be no half way measures.
Peace of mind is very important to them and many sacrifices are made to attain it. All 6's are worriers and the 6 of Clubs is no exception. They worry about doing less than is expected of them; they worry about not being able to fully commercialize their talents - and most of all, they worry about the happiness and progress of their loved ones
The professional field is not in tune with them; theirs is the path of light, not that of labor.
Their intuitive faculties are second to none and should they learn to live by their intuitions, astonishing revelations are a part of their "karmic" destiny.
Native American Astrology
Crow: Sep 22 – Oct 22
Native American Crow/Raven
Element – Earth and air
Stone/Mineral – Jasper
Colors – Blue and brown
Personality traits – Charming and friendly
Compatible with – Otter and deer
Western zodiac sign – Libra
October Birthstone
October's birthstone treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent rainbow following a summer rain. The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.
Ancient monarchs treasured Opals, both for their beauty and for their presumed protective powers. They were set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil and to protect the eyesight. These gemstones were also ground and ingested for their healing properties and to ward off nightmares.
The Opal dates back to prehistoric times. It is a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the hot springs dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock, forming Opal. This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.
Most of the world's Opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources of this gemstone are Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada. Quality Opal is very expensive, made more so by the caution that must be exercised in cutting, polishing and setting it into jewelry.
A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. And the powerful energy radiating from this fiery gemstone will surely illuminate any occasion!
Alternate Birthstone
An alternate birthstone for October, Pink Tourmaline has the seemingly magical property of pyroelectricity. Scientifically speaking, this means that when heated, the gem takes on a static electric charge, making it capable of attracting lightweight objects. No wonder this gemstone was revered for its mystical properties centuries ago! Considered the "stone of the muse," it was believed to stimulate the creative process of its wearer. Pink varieties of Tourmaline range in color from pastel pink to ruby red and are mined in Brazil, Afghanistan, Burma, and India. A gift of this stone is symbolic of hope.
October Flower
Marigold, also called calendula, is the October birth flower. Sometimes called "summer bride" or "husbandmans dial," because it’s flower head follows the sun. The Marigold's flower meaning is "winning grace." Once considered the most sacred of flowers, in India it was placed around the necks of holy statues.
Marigold is found through Europe, the United States, and western Asia. The marigold is an annual flower that blooms well even over a long season. They bloom practically non stop the entire summer and have few problems. Marigolds are good cleansers and can be remedies for the sting of bees. Marigolds are also known as calendula, garden marigold, holligold, goldbloom, golds, ruddes, Mary bud, bull's eyes, and pot marigold.
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child must work for a living,
But the child that's born on the Sabbath day
Is fair and wise and good and gay.
5 (5, 14/5, 23/5, 32/5)
The Life Path 5 suggests that you entered this plane with a highly progressive mindset, with the attitude and skills to make the world a better place. The key word for your Life Path is freedom. In the pursuit of freedom, you are naturally versatile, adventurous, and advanced in your thinking. You are one of those people who is always striving to find answers to the many questions that life poses. The byword for the positive Life Path 5 is constant change and improvement. You want to be totally unrestrained, as this is the number most often associated with the productive use of freedom.
You may be one of the most compassionate of people as the 5 is surely the most freedom-loving and compassionate Life Path. Your love of freedom extends to humanity at large, and concern for your fellow man, his freedom and his welfare, may be foremost in your mind. A great Life Path 5 American President, Abraham Lincoln, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and ended slavery in America. As the ultimate progressive thinker type, your potential in government, the law, and other positions of authority is unlimited.
You are a good communicator, and you know how to motivate people around you. This may be your strongest and most valuable trait. Because of this skill, and your amazing wit, you are a truly natural born salesman. This ability to sell and motivate extends to any sort of physical product all the way through to whatever ideas or concepts you may embrace.
You abhor routine and boring work, and you are not very good at staying with everyday tasks that must be finished on time. On the average, the number 5 personality is rather happy-go-lucky; living for today, and not worrying too much about tomorrow. It is also important for you to find a job that provides thought-provoking tasks rather than routine and redundant responsibilities. You do best dealing with people, but the important thing is that you have the flexibility to express yourself at all times. You have an innate ability to think through complex matters and analyze them quickly, but then be off to something new.
A love of adventure may dominate your life. This may take the form of mental or physical manifestation, but in either case, you thrill to the chance for exploration and blazing new trails. Surely you belong to a group considered the most worldly and traveled. Clearly you are not one to pass up a good venture. You have quite a lot of the risk-taker in your makeup. If you aren't putting your money at stake, you are surely open to a wide variety of risks in your everyday life. Taking the conservative approach is just not in your nature.
In romance, you hate to be tied down and restricted. This doesn't necessarily mean that you are unfaithful or promiscuous, but it does mean that a good partner for you needs to understand your nature. A relationship based on jealousy and having tight reigns is not going to work at all for you. A partner who understands your need to be free and trusted will find you trustworthy, even if you aren't constantly available and totally dutiful. It is important for you to mix with people of a like mind, and to try to avoid those that are too serious and demanding.
If you are living on the negative side of the Life Path 5, you are apt to be multitalented, but suffering from some lack of direction, and there is confusion surrounding your ambition. Restless, discontent, and impulsive, you may bounce from one job to the next without accomplishing much at all. A negative Life Path 5 can become very irresponsible in tasks and decisions concerning the home and business life. The total pursuit of sensation and adventure can result in your becoming self-indulgent and totally unaware of the feelings of those around you.
Wikipedia - October
(EDITED PERIODICALLY AS I FIND NEW STUFF... just to keep it all in one easy-to-find place)
Celtic Astrology
The Ivy
"And the Ivy
At his prime."
The power of the Ivy lies in its ability to cling and bind, making it a potent symbol of determination and strength to the Druids. Ivy has been known to strangle trees and was once a portent of death and spiritual growth. Being evergreen in nature, the Ivy represented the perennial aspects of the human psyche. The Celts associated Ivy with their Lunar Goddess, Arianrhod, and their ritual to this deity marked the opening of the portal to the OtherWorld...or the Dark Side of the Moon. This door symbolized an entrance to the Realm of Faery and thus, the Ivy was representative of the mysterious and the mystical. Ivy was once carried by women for good luck and used to aid in fertility. When used correctly, it was said to heal headaches, muscle cramps and assist in the art of prophecy. Ivy was symbolic of the journey of the soul and the spiral toward to the self. It encouraged assistance toward others in their search so that they, in turn, might offer assistance. Considered to be powerful indeed by the Celts because of its ability to kill even the mightiest Oak, the Ivy has a tendency to create dense, inpenetrable thickets in the forest. It was regarded to be much more powerful than the Vine and rather sinister in nature.
Ivy can grow, spread and flourish under many conditions...cultivated land and wasteland...light or near darkness...fertile soil or upon rubble and stones. It will push its way through tiny cracks and crevices to reach the light and is strong and difficult to destroy. Since ancient times, the Vine and the Ivy have been regarded as enemies. If the Vine, through intoxication, released prophetic powers, then the Ivy, in contrast, was a means of communicating with inner resources, bestowing upon an individual the ability to see through the eyes of the soul and beyond the everyday world. The ancients held the Ivy in high esteem. Its leaves formed the poet's crown as well as the wreath of Bacchus (Roman God of Wine), to whom the plant was dedicated...possibly because it was once believed that to bind the brow with Ivy leaves prevented intoxication.
Not botanically considered to be a tree but rather a form of Vine, the Ivy must depend upon a host for support. The plant is an evergreen and bears leaves which are dark green and somewhat waxy in texture. It can grow to be 100 feet long in Beech woods and around human habitations, where it is widely planted as ground cover. The Ivy has thin tendrils that attach themselves to surfaces and are strong enough to penetrate bricks and plaster. Its greenish flowers appear on short, vertical, shrubby branches. A member of the Ginseng family, the Ivy can grow in such profusion upon its host that the host tree smothers and dies. The berries of the Ivy can be used for medicinal purposes, but are poisonous if taken in large quantities. A powder made from the dried leaves and berries can be used to clear a stuffy head and was once believed to be a curative for a hangover. Roman agriculturists once recommended Ivy leaves as cattle food, but they are not relished by Cows...although Sheep and Deer will sometimes eat them during the Winter. The broad evergreen leaves of this plant afford shelter to Birds during the cold months and many species choose to build their nests in Ivy, preferring it to other shrubs. Ivy is extremely hardy and can live to be a great age. Its one-time medicinal virtues are not very highly regarded today, but it is much valued in the modern world as an ornamental covering for unsightly buildings. Ivy is said to be the only plant which will not make walls damp.
There are two distinct types of Ivy individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.
The "new moon" Ivy individual is a rather radical thinker...something akin to the Rowan individual...but with a more artistic temperament. Such people, however, do have a tendency to be somewhat indecisive and their success rate has a propensity to swing between two extremes which will set the pattern of life accordingly. The "full moon" Ivy individual radiates a successful image all the time, even while suffering a reverse of fortune. These people are generous providers, but can be shrewd when it comes to their financial resources and income. The "full moon" Ivy individual can also be extremely manipulative and liable to use any position of power in a ruthless manner. As a result, this individual often becomes involved in disputes and litigations.
In general, Ivy individuals have great personal stamina and a wealth of talents that can bring personal honors and public recognition. Such people are generally colorful characters with a unique style which is all their own. Restless by inclination, Ivy people are nonetheless sociable and good-natured. Cheeful, expansive and magnetic, they easily win friends and dislike offending others. Although frequently indecisive, Ivy individuals are far from weak-willed and will tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism. They also possess a sharp intellect which is matched only by their sense of humor...however, their personal doubts and fears can manifest into strange dreams and personal encounters. Blessed with profound artistic flair, Ivy people tend to be greatly valued as friends.
On the more serious side, Ivy people have a quiet type of faith and a belief in the natural balance of things. Extremely loyal, they are capable of accepting responsibility for their own actions. They tend to attract people who have little or no morals and should keep that in mind when making new friends. Ivy individuals usually make for poor students...they simply are not "book learners" and garner knowledge better by way of experience. They also have a propensity to not be very lucky people. Romantically, the Ivy person is very sensitive but seems to fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat. When in love, Ivy individuals lean strongly toward being the "clingy" type, but they make generous and caring parents. It is important that Ivy individuals not get too caught up in the problems of others or they are prone to suffer disappointment and betrayal.
Physical Goal: To link with others.
Mental Goal: To recognize that the group unconscious does have an influence...to absorb, go inward and learn about the self.
Spiritual Goal: To enter into the group mind with joy and assist others in their spiritual journey so that they will, in turn, offer assistance...to learn that all is intertwined.
Amergin Verse: "I am a Ruthless Boar"
Ogham Association: Gort
Polarity: Masculine
Color: Sky Blue
Class: Chieftain
Letter Character: "G"
Month: September...eleventh month in the Celtic Ogham. September is said to have originated from the word "Septem," which means "seven," being the seventh month in the oldest Roman calendar. It is the first month of Autumn's rule and a time when the Druids celebrated their Festival of Alban Elued...bidding the Sun God farewell, while thanking him for the harvest.
Alias: "Moon of Buoyancy" and "Moon of Resilience"
Magickal Properties: Healing, Protection, Cooperation and Exorcism
Some Famous Ivy People: Hilary Clinton, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Sigourney Weaver, Oscar Wilde and Kate Winslett
Symbols
Gemstone: The Ivy gemstone is the semi-precious Opal, also known as the "Queen of Gems" and "Gem of Hope." A member of the Quartz family with a very high water content, it is a brittle, heat-sensitive, silicon oxide stone which often shatters or cracks when it is cut or polished. If given as a lucky or love stone, such shattering was once considered to be a sign of extreme bad fortune. The flashes of color come from natural silica spheres which create light interference. Due to its delicate nature, Opals are usually worn only as pendants and earrings. The modern name of the gem is derived from three ancient sources: the Sanskrit upala (which means "precious stone"); the Latin opalus; and the Greek opallios (which means "to see a color change"). It is unique in the world of jewels, having little color of its own, yet shining with the radiance of all the other gems. In the Nineteenth Century, the Opal became to be considered a stone of bad luck...especially if worn by those not born in the month of October. The only exception to this was the Black Opal, which has always been believed to bring its owner good fortune. The origin of the unlucky superstition is unknown. Early races credited the Opal with magical qualities and traditionally, the Opal was said to aid its wearer in seeing possibilities. It was believed to clarify by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions and desires. It was also thought to lessen inhibitions and promote spontaneity.
The Opal is an historically treasured gem and 6,000 year old Opal artifacts have been found in Kenyan caves. However, most are believed to be approximately 60 million years old (or more) and generally date back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The early Greeks believed the Opal bestowed powers of foresight and prophecy upon its owner while in Arabian folklore, it is said that the stone fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. To the Romans, it was considered to be a token of hope and purity. Legend states that one Roman Emperor offered to trade one-third of his vast kingdom for a single Opal and that the Roman Senator Nonius chose exile rather than surrender a large Opal to Marc Antony. It has been said that the beauty of the Opal is the combination of the beauty of all other gems. In the Middle Ages, the Opal was known as the "eye stone" due to a belief that it was beneficial to eyesight and blonde women were known to wear necklaces of Opal in order to protect their hair from losing its color. Some cultures thought the effect of the Opal on sight could render the wearer invisible. Needless to say, it was thus a popular item among thieves. Opals were set into the crown jewels of France and Napoleon gave Josephine a beautiful example of this stone containing brilliant red flashes which was called "The Burning of Troy." It was a favored gem of Queen Victoria who often gave them as wedding presents. The Opal is the Patron Stone of actors and performers.
Flower: The flower of the Ivy is the Woody Nightshade, a vine-like plant also known as Bittersweet, Felonwort (meaning "The Felon's Plant"), Scarlet Berry, Violet Bloom, Mad Dog's Berries, Blue Aversion and Blue Hate. It belongs to the Solanaceae, an immense family of plants which includes Belladonna, Hensbane, Potato, Tomato, Peppers and Tobacco. Its generic name Solanum is derived from Solor which means "I ease." The leaves of the Woody Nightshade bear a certain resemblance to those of the Belladonna, being purple...but its berries are red instead of black (as are those of the Belladonna). This perennial, shrubby plant with its woody base is native to Europe and Asia, being commonly found in almost every English hedgerow. The flowers, usually bluish-purple in color, bloom all Summer in loose, drooping clusters on short stalks. The plant was so named by the ancient herbalists in order to distinguish it from the Deadly Nightshade. Shepherds once hung Woody Nighshade around the necks of their flocks as a charm against the "evil eye" and a necklace of its berries was found in the tomb of Tutenkahmun, the Boy-King. Tradition dictated that if placed on the body, Woody Nightshade would dispel the memories of old loves and former sweethearts. There are few ailments for which Woody Nighshade has not been recommended at one time or another, including a remedy for rheumatism, fever and inflammatory diseases of every nature. To a certain degree, its berries have proven to be poisonous to children but seem to be thoroughly enjoyed by birds with no ill effects.
Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Ivy is the "Moon Veiling Persephone" or the planet Persephone itself, which is believed by some astronomers to exist just beyond Pluto. In Greek mythology, Persephone was the wife of Hades, Lord of the UnderWorld.
Deity: The Ivy deity is Arianrhod whose name means "Silver Circle." She is also known as "Star Goddess," "Full Moon Goddess" and "Virgin Goddess of Reincarnation," among others. Her palace was called "Caer Arianrhod," otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. She was Keeper of the Silver Wheel of Stars...a symbol of time and/or karma. This wheel was also known as the "Oar Wheel," a ship which carried dead warriors to Emania, the Moon Land. Arianrhod is sometime depicted as a weaver, linking her to lost myths of creation and magickal practices. Daughter of the great Welsh Goddess Don, Arianrhod is said to be useful in helping females find their own feminine power.
A second deity associated with the Ivy is Rhiannon, the "Great Queen" who was Goddess of Birds and Horses, as well as Enchantments, Fertility and the UnderWorld. Unjustly accused of destroying her newborn son (who had been kidnapped by a nameless Fiend), Rhiannon is compelled to assume the shape of a Horse until her son is unexpectedly returned to her. In her role as a Death Goddess, Rhiannon would sing sweetly enough to lure all those within hearing to their doom. Another legend suggests that Rhiannon was the mistress of three marvellous Birds whose song could wake the dead and lull the living to sleep. Because of her association with Horses (she first appears in myth mounted upon a White Horse), Rhiannon is often equated to Epona, the Roman-Gaulish Horse-Goddess.
Animals:
The Boar - Important to the art and myths of the Celts, the Boar (once common throughout the British Isles) was known to be cunning and ferocious. The battle horn of the Celts sported the figure of a Boar's head, their shields were decorated with engravings of the Boar in warfare, and figures of this animal were mounted upon their helmets. The Boar was said to lead the Celts in battle and show direction for their warriors. The skin of the Boar was also believed to heal wounds. One legendary Boar was Orc Triath owned by the Goddess Brigit. In Arthurian tales, the Boar known as "Twrch Trwyth" was one of Arthur's most terrible foes. The White Boar of Marvan was said to inspire its master with the ability to write music and poetry.
The Goose - As with most birds in Celtic lore, the Goose represented prophetic knowledge, bloodshed and skill. Traditionally symbolic as messengers and servants of the Gods, they could be portents of either good or evil, bringers of luck, omens of death or sacrificial animals. The interpretation of the flight patterns, habits and songs of birds were all methods by which knowledge of future events might be told or unfortunate circumstances avoided. Celtic monks used the Wild Goose as a symbol of the God Spirit and, in Roman times, it was noted that Britons would not eat the flesh of the Goose. Bones of Geese have been found buried in the graves of Iron Age Celtic warriors.
The Butterfly - Symbol of faery faith, the Butterfly was believed by many cultures to be the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. Traditionally, no negative energies were said to be experienced in any area of the Otherworld where Butterflies could be found. They were symbolic of the freedom from self-imposed restrictions and the ability to regard problems with greater clarity.
October 14-October 23: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Maple, whose motto is "Combative Angel" or "Independence of Mind." Maple individuals are far from ordinary and never completely satisfied with standard replies. They admire those who clearly assert themselves and rise eagerly to any challenge. Maple people are full of imagination and originality, inclined to stand out in a crowd due to their willpower and sense of committment. Though appearing shy and somewhat reserved, they are truly ambitious, proud and self-confident. Maples hunger for new experiences and have a desire to impress. They enjoy what is unknown, strange and even hostile. The inherent Maple need for independence often clashes with the need to be surrounded by a community. With a tendency to be nervous, Maple people have many complexities. They possess excellent memories and easily learn new things. The love relationships of Maple individuals tend to be complicated affairs.
Metasymbology
Clubs - Mind
6 of Clubs - Intuition
Challenge for the 6 of Clubs - Cultivation of Intuition
This is the messenger's card but there are many 6 of Clubs who are unaware of their important mission and are unwilling to take the time or trouble to develop their inherent intuition, which is their greatest gift.
The strong drive of 6 toward duty and responsibility, sets them apart as forerunners. Conversely, the easygoing lethargy of the 6 will make them sluggards and lazybones. There seems to be no half way measures.
Peace of mind is very important to them and many sacrifices are made to attain it. All 6's are worriers and the 6 of Clubs is no exception. They worry about doing less than is expected of them; they worry about not being able to fully commercialize their talents - and most of all, they worry about the happiness and progress of their loved ones
The professional field is not in tune with them; theirs is the path of light, not that of labor.
Their intuitive faculties are second to none and should they learn to live by their intuitions, astonishing revelations are a part of their "karmic" destiny.
Native American Astrology
Crow: Sep 22 – Oct 22
Native American Crow/Raven
Element – Earth and air
Stone/Mineral – Jasper
Colors – Blue and brown
Personality traits – Charming and friendly
Compatible with – Otter and deer
Western zodiac sign – Libra
October Birthstone
October's birthstone treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent rainbow following a summer rain. The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.
Ancient monarchs treasured Opals, both for their beauty and for their presumed protective powers. They were set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil and to protect the eyesight. These gemstones were also ground and ingested for their healing properties and to ward off nightmares.
The Opal dates back to prehistoric times. It is a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the hot springs dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock, forming Opal. This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.
Most of the world's Opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources of this gemstone are Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada. Quality Opal is very expensive, made more so by the caution that must be exercised in cutting, polishing and setting it into jewelry.
A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. And the powerful energy radiating from this fiery gemstone will surely illuminate any occasion!
Alternate Birthstone
An alternate birthstone for October, Pink Tourmaline has the seemingly magical property of pyroelectricity. Scientifically speaking, this means that when heated, the gem takes on a static electric charge, making it capable of attracting lightweight objects. No wonder this gemstone was revered for its mystical properties centuries ago! Considered the "stone of the muse," it was believed to stimulate the creative process of its wearer. Pink varieties of Tourmaline range in color from pastel pink to ruby red and are mined in Brazil, Afghanistan, Burma, and India. A gift of this stone is symbolic of hope.
October Flower
Marigold, also called calendula, is the October birth flower. Sometimes called "summer bride" or "husbandmans dial," because it’s flower head follows the sun. The Marigold's flower meaning is "winning grace." Once considered the most sacred of flowers, in India it was placed around the necks of holy statues.
Marigold is found through Europe, the United States, and western Asia. The marigold is an annual flower that blooms well even over a long season. They bloom practically non stop the entire summer and have few problems. Marigolds are good cleansers and can be remedies for the sting of bees. Marigolds are also known as calendula, garden marigold, holligold, goldbloom, golds, ruddes, Mary bud, bull's eyes, and pot marigold.
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child must work for a living,
But the child that's born on the Sabbath day
Is fair and wise and good and gay.
5 (5, 14/5, 23/5, 32/5)
The Life Path 5 suggests that you entered this plane with a highly progressive mindset, with the attitude and skills to make the world a better place. The key word for your Life Path is freedom. In the pursuit of freedom, you are naturally versatile, adventurous, and advanced in your thinking. You are one of those people who is always striving to find answers to the many questions that life poses. The byword for the positive Life Path 5 is constant change and improvement. You want to be totally unrestrained, as this is the number most often associated with the productive use of freedom.
You may be one of the most compassionate of people as the 5 is surely the most freedom-loving and compassionate Life Path. Your love of freedom extends to humanity at large, and concern for your fellow man, his freedom and his welfare, may be foremost in your mind. A great Life Path 5 American President, Abraham Lincoln, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and ended slavery in America. As the ultimate progressive thinker type, your potential in government, the law, and other positions of authority is unlimited.
You are a good communicator, and you know how to motivate people around you. This may be your strongest and most valuable trait. Because of this skill, and your amazing wit, you are a truly natural born salesman. This ability to sell and motivate extends to any sort of physical product all the way through to whatever ideas or concepts you may embrace.
You abhor routine and boring work, and you are not very good at staying with everyday tasks that must be finished on time. On the average, the number 5 personality is rather happy-go-lucky; living for today, and not worrying too much about tomorrow. It is also important for you to find a job that provides thought-provoking tasks rather than routine and redundant responsibilities. You do best dealing with people, but the important thing is that you have the flexibility to express yourself at all times. You have an innate ability to think through complex matters and analyze them quickly, but then be off to something new.
A love of adventure may dominate your life. This may take the form of mental or physical manifestation, but in either case, you thrill to the chance for exploration and blazing new trails. Surely you belong to a group considered the most worldly and traveled. Clearly you are not one to pass up a good venture. You have quite a lot of the risk-taker in your makeup. If you aren't putting your money at stake, you are surely open to a wide variety of risks in your everyday life. Taking the conservative approach is just not in your nature.
In romance, you hate to be tied down and restricted. This doesn't necessarily mean that you are unfaithful or promiscuous, but it does mean that a good partner for you needs to understand your nature. A relationship based on jealousy and having tight reigns is not going to work at all for you. A partner who understands your need to be free and trusted will find you trustworthy, even if you aren't constantly available and totally dutiful. It is important for you to mix with people of a like mind, and to try to avoid those that are too serious and demanding.
If you are living on the negative side of the Life Path 5, you are apt to be multitalented, but suffering from some lack of direction, and there is confusion surrounding your ambition. Restless, discontent, and impulsive, you may bounce from one job to the next without accomplishing much at all. A negative Life Path 5 can become very irresponsible in tasks and decisions concerning the home and business life. The total pursuit of sensation and adventure can result in your becoming self-indulgent and totally unaware of the feelings of those around you.
Wikipedia - October
(EDITED PERIODICALLY AS I FIND NEW STUFF... just to keep it all in one easy-to-find place)
