Yesterday was October 31, which–over time–has become the date of Halloween. Today is November 1, which–over time–has become [for Catholics and Christians] the date of All Saints Day. I have said this before, but again, I want to add that the Catholic Church and the Early Christians evoloved out of a Pagan Culture, and I…
Category: Ancient Celts
Samhain – The Ancient Celtic Origin of Halloween – A Struggle to Light the Darkness
Over the years, I have read many explanations about the origin of Halloween. Until recently, no explanation stuck, but I am in the process of researching ancient civilizations, and I have begun to understand why and how the need to celebrate Halloween has been etched on our consciounesses. Before I begin this post, allow me…
Apple – Fruit and Dew of Heaven – Gift from the Eternal Hills
APPLE.—Whether the Apple, the Orange, the Pomegranate, the Fig, the Banana, or the Grape was the actual fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which tempted Eve in Paradise, will possibly never be settled; but it is certain that not only is the Apple mystical above all the fruits of the earth, but it is the…
Plants of the Fairies & Woodland Nymphs
Illustration by Arthur Rackham “Old Mr. Salford was a crab-apple of an old gentleman who wandered all day in the Gardens.” Barrie Illustration by Arthur Rackham “The fairies have their tiffs with the bird.” Barrie Illustration by Arthur Rackham “The fairies have their tiffs with the bird.” Barrie Plants of the Fairies and Naiades. Centuries before…
May Day
“As early as the time of Romulus the Latins instituted a festival in honour of Flora, which was intended as a public expression of joy at the appearance of the welcome blossoms which were everywhere regarded as the harbingers of fruits. Five hundred and thirteen years after the foundation of Rome the Floralia, or annual…
The Tree of Life and the Cult of Sacred Trees in Irish Mythology and Other Mythologies
In a Norse tale, the god Odin went to Urda’s well to seek knowledge. The sacred water of Urda’s well was under the great root of Ygdrassil, and Ygdrassil was a sacred tree–the Tree of Life in Norse Mythology. The Tree of life. “Whatever may have been the site of the land of Eden or…
An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms
written by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Lauren Mark Baldo Contents Europe Atlantis Camelot My Brasil The Lost City of Ys Yggdrasil Cockaigne The Fortunate Isles: Paradise Islands from Greek Mythology Buyan: Vanishing Island from Slavic Folklore Sholomance Africa Central & South America Australasia & Oceania Lost Continents
What Is Stonehenge? When, Where, & Why Was It Built?
Although the oldest recorded civilizations date back to only about 4,000 B.C. [about 6,000 years ago], Stonehenge is evidence that thinking, functional men exitsted long before that. “For centuries, historians and archaeologists have puzzled over the many mysteries of Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument that took Neolithic builders an estimated 1,500 years to erect. Located in…