Forwarded from Hyperborean Radio (The Final Episodes) (T.L.K.)
The Tradition of European Witches covers numerous roles from Seers to Herbalist, but one notable ability gifted at birth is that of sending the spirit from the body. This is often done with the soul in the form of an animal or atop an animal. This tradition of Shapeshifting was done in order to perform specific tasks such as fighting rival Witches, visiting the land of the dead, or defending the land from spirits of winter and infertility. The animal may vary with "werewolves" specifically shifting into Wolves and Wolf like beasts. This role was typically performed around holy days and festivals though those truly born with the gift in the lore could do it when they wish. This does leave the body vulnerable though as it is in a state of near death, and easily killed in this state. The other way of shapeshifting for European magic users was by casting ones consciousness into another animal or "borrowing".This is but one function of the Witch in European tradition, as a servant and aid to their people.-TLK
Forwarded from Hyperborean Radio (The Final Episodes) (T.L.K.)
Trick or Treating is one of the most well known traditions of Halloween, finding its roots in pagan traditions of Samhain and related Holidays. While there is an aspect of Community building in the actions the tradition of the children embodying the dead is very old indeed. Spirits both of the land and of the dead are abundant in our realm at this time. The costumes both fool the more misanthropic spirits and comfort the more friendly ones so as not to be concerned about us harming them. Mixed in with the Trick Or Treaters are also the spirits of the dead who come to enjoy the treats given or perform tricks if they do not receive them, as an example of "The Food of the Dead". With an older version of this called "Souling" directly related to the dead. When Trick r' Treaters show up sometimes it is a human in a costume, sometimes it is the dead showing themselves hidden among the buzz lightyears and pint sized Iron Man.-TLK
Beowulf is one of the longest surviving and most important stories of Old English legend written in the heroic poetry style that flourished after the settlement of Germanic peoples in Britain from the 5th century.
His character is comparable with the hero Sigurd, a dragon-slayer known to us from other works of Germanic and Old Norse literature such as the Vǫlsunga saga from Iceland.
Art: Beowulf arrives at Heorot
By Yoann-Lossel.
His character is comparable with the hero Sigurd, a dragon-slayer known to us from other works of Germanic and Old Norse literature such as the Vǫlsunga saga from Iceland.
Art: Beowulf arrives at Heorot
By Yoann-Lossel.
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Rübezahl, Lord of the Mountains, appears as a capricious giant, gnome, or mountain spirit.
His stories are purely out of pagan origins, with ties going back to the Wild Hunt and even possibly Wotan.
While Rübezahl is the name by which he is commonly known, it is said he takes it as an insult, as it means ‘turnip counter’.
He much prefers to be known instead as ‘Lord of the Mountains’.
In Germanic legends, if you are a good person, he can be kind, teach you and give you gifts. If someone deceives or has Ill-will towards him, he can be vindictive, vengeful or a trickster.
His stories are purely out of pagan origins, with ties going back to the Wild Hunt and even possibly Wotan.
While Rübezahl is the name by which he is commonly known, it is said he takes it as an insult, as it means ‘turnip counter’.
He much prefers to be known instead as ‘Lord of the Mountains’.
In Germanic legends, if you are a good person, he can be kind, teach you and give you gifts. If someone deceives or has Ill-will towards him, he can be vindictive, vengeful or a trickster.
Jack-O-Lanterns
Grinning pumpkins with a glowing smile start arriving this time of year all around the world. Usually found on a front porch, doorstep or in a windowsill.
They were originally carried by Scottish children, who made them from the largest turnips they could find, upon which faces were carved and candles placed inside.
They were called “bogies” and were carried on Samhain (Halloween) to ward malicious spirits from ruining all of their fun.
This is also where the term “bogeyman” comes from. The Irish used potatoes and turnips, and the English turned to beets which they called “mangel-wurzels”.
Grinning pumpkins with a glowing smile start arriving this time of year all around the world. Usually found on a front porch, doorstep or in a windowsill.
They were originally carried by Scottish children, who made them from the largest turnips they could find, upon which faces were carved and candles placed inside.
They were called “bogies” and were carried on Samhain (Halloween) to ward malicious spirits from ruining all of their fun.
This is also where the term “bogeyman” comes from. The Irish used potatoes and turnips, and the English turned to beets which they called “mangel-wurzels”.