Gods And Goddesses: Xi Wang Mu

The Queen Mother of the West, or Xi Wang Mu, has the title of Yaochi Jinmu (Golden Mother of the Shining Lake). She is also referred simply as Queen Mother. Xi Wang Mu is the goddess of life and immortality. Many women have looked up the Xi Wang Mu, whom this goddess will protect female believers. Xi Wang Mu is the wife of the Jade Emperor.
　
The third day of the third lunar month and the eighteenth day of the seventh lunar month, Xi Wang Mu’s birthday is celebrated.
　
Often depicted holding court within the palace she resides, where it is believed she grows an orchid of peaches of immortality that ripens every three thousand years. Xi Wang Mu is also known for serving guests these peaches of immortality and wearing a headdress in which these peaches of immortality suspend from it.
　
A being known as Tetsakumi once imprisoned Xi Wang Mu in hopes of gaining a peach of immortality. Xi Wang Mu was able to get a message to the ruler of Heaven, Jade Emperor, who gave the god of fire, Zhu Rong, the title of Heavenly Executioner and the job of dealing with Tetsakumi. Zhu Rong defeated Tetsakumi eventually, gaining a mortal wound. Xi Wang Mu was saved by Zhu Rong and left unable to save Zhu Rong with a peach of immortality.
　
Xi Wang Mu is thought of having met many famous Chinese figures. Xi Wang Mu is said to have taught Yu The Great, met King Mu of the Zhou Dynasty and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Houyi quested for immortality after he and his wife Chang E lost it, getting given a pill of immortality from Xi Wang Mu. Chan Chu stole the Elixir of Immortality from Xi Wang Mu and got punished by being turned into a three legged frog. Xi Wang Mu unintentionally offended the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, by not inviting him to a banquet, leading to Sun Wukong getting drunk.

Totems: Bear

Bears are fierce creatures. They are terrifying and powerful, on the other hand the females make fantastic mothers, caring greatly for their cubs. Bears are well known for their hibernation during the winter, and although bears come in multiple forms, such as the Asiatic black bear and the brown bear, their lessons are very similar.
　
Family values, especially of the relationship between mother and child, is taught by the bear. Bears are indeed devoted mothers, teaching their children to forage for food and protecting them from harm. While males are not much mentioned, the importance of teaching the younger generation is there where males can give plenty of help.
　
Bears are associated with the moon, even said to have many legends surrounding their relationship to the moon. The bear totem itself teaches of the power of lunar magic, of the uses.
　
To go deep within ones self and awaken the potential all have is what the bear teaches. To continue to grow, to allow development to be another contributing factor. The bear teaches it lies within all, that it can awaken.
　
One may need to set aside resources during the slower cycles within their life. The bear teaches that certain resources need to be set aside at times, even unexpectedly. It can be a number of things that gets set aside such as time and money.

Runes

The Elder Futhark is a runic alphabet, consisting of three Aett’s that have eight runes each. The three Aett’s are the ‘First Sequence’, or ‘Frey’s Aett’ (which have Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kaunaz, Gebo and Wunjo in it), the ‘Second Sequence’, or ‘Hagal’s Aett’ (Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Pertho, Algiz and Sowelo) and the ‘Third Sequence’ or ‘Tyr’s Aett’ (Tiwaz, Berkana, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Inguz, Othila and Dagaz).
　
Runes were originally thought, and still are, to be magical in nature, causing them to be used in divination and magic. Runes also have been carved into specific things for protection, strength and luck (such as swords, shields, rings and necklaces).
　
Runes can be used in a number of divinations, and when drawn runes may not be clear of what is being told right away. Writing down the runes and their positions is a great way to be able to check on the reading later if one cannot interpret the runes immediately. The simplest form of rune divination is known as “Odin’s Rune”, where a single rune is drawn and interpreted. “The Three Norns Method” is another simple method, in which three runes are drawn and placed next to each other in a row, read in the order they were drawn. Traditionally read right to left, the rune on the right reveals the future, the rune in the middle refers to present circumstances and points to choices likely to make in the near future and the rune on the left refers to the past and past events that have relevance to the present situation.
　
Each rune also has a fortnight, starting at 12:30PM of the first day, and ending at 12:30PM of the last day. At the time of ones birth, each person has a rune that is currently in its fortnight, comparable to a star sign. This rune is to reveal ones life purpose or the reason for ones birth, also telling something of ones traits and basic nature. Runes also have an hour, in which the rune of ones birth is said to tell more about traits depending on the rune.

Growing Bottle Gourds

Bottle gourds are a plant of many names, but go by the botanical name of Lagenaria siceraria. It is an easy to grow annual vine which does well in warm climates. The seeds of this plant should be grown during the early spring, with plenty of space and something to grow on such as a fence or a structure with wire.
 

Watering of this plant will need to be daily. Gourds will develop large leaves and white flowers, coming in both male and female form. The flowers typically open at night and is pollinated by insects at that time, but if no insects are around it is possible to pollinate the female flowers to allow fruiting to begin. The male flowers have long peduncles while females have short ones. 　

Flowering itself typically starts after 60-70 days and fruiting takes up to 100-180 days. If eating of the fruit is wanted, it needs to be done while the gourds are green, before they stop growing and turn white. The gourds will eventually gain mould after turning white, which is where the drying process begins. The plant will eventually have all its leaves also die, but its vines and stems stay intact allowing gourds to dry naturally.
　
Gourds need to be in a well ventilated area when drying, preferably outdoors still attached to the plant for higher chance of success when drying. Drying is completed upon when a rattling noise is heard when the gourd is given a shake.
When cutting the dried gourd open, it will be messy and it suggested to be done outside to avoid making a mess indoors. Upon opening the gourd, seeds will be what’s left along with dust.
　
Disease and pests aren’t much of a problem. Plant lice, red pumpkin beetle and caterpillars can be annoying pests, but can easily be dealt with.

Tragic

Weather wild, it changes from sunshine to rain. With skies constantly darkening with clouds, the news constantly has eyes upon it. One can only put heart into the families suffering from tragedy in Norway. Curiosity is certainly there, waiting for court to be faced by Anders Behring Breivik.

Gods And Goddesses: Pa Cha

Not much is known about Pa Cha, the deity of grasshoppers. Some consider this deity male, others female. Pa Cha, also spelt as Pa Ch’a, is the deity who protects peoples crops against destructive insects. Pa Cha is the deity of crops and abundance, who is depicted with the head and claws of a bird of prey and the ear tufts alike to an owls.

Pisces

Pisces, being the two fish is the twelfth and finial sign of the zodiac. This sign is of the water element, with it being one of the four mutable signs. Neptune is the planet of this sign, while moonstone the stone.
Those who are Pisces are born between February 20^th ad March 20^th.
　
People who are Pisces are imaginative people with a compassionate and kind side to them. A sensitive and sympathetic side is also of Pisces, yet can be weak-willed people who can be overly secretive and vague in speech.
　
Gentle in nature, Pisces are easygoing people who can be submissive and easily led. These people can be best described as no threat to those stronger in character. Pisces are whom are more concerned with problems of others than their own.
Ideas can easily be understood by Pisces, and in relationships lack an egotistical side giving more then asking.
　
Working, Pisces works best on their own. Being a secretary or bookkeeper can be the right job for people of this sign, or rather a nurse or veterinary. Pisces also has a creative side, which is great if they wish to be a detective or caterer.

Totems: Pig/Boar

Pigs are loved for their meat, yet are creatures who have gained a dislike by many. Boars lack the bad name of the pig, yet the two as totems teach the same thing.
　
The pig and boar warns of selfishness and overindulgence. The material world may be tempting, it may be great, yet trying to get as much as possible or indulging often is not the way to go. One should be avoiding being selfish and overindulgent.
　
Being more generous might be needed as it is taught. One may not being generous enough, it may be selfishness itself preventing a lack of a generous nature, or a lack of showing one’s generous side when possible.
　
A look at ones image of oneself may also need to be checked out. Greater understanding of the subtleties of life may also be needed.

Wunjo

Wunjo is the rune of the goddess Frigga. Ruled by the hour of 19:30 to 20:30, Wunjo’s fortnight I from the 13^th of October to the 28^th of October. It has the meaning of ‘happy endings’. This rune has association with love, clouds, wind, spinning wheels and flax.
　
When Wunjo presents itself upright in divination, good news is immediately told. A fulfilling life or a time where things will go ones way is what the upright Wunjo messages. A attractive person is predicted to come into ones life, and any creative outlets shall be of success.
　
Wunjo, when inverted, trust is told to be an issue. Decision making might be best delayed for the time being. Slowing things down might be the best course of action for a short period of time, especially for businesses.

Chocolate Vine

Chocolate Vine is also known by its botanical name of Akebia longeracemosa. It has vigorous growth that allows it grow three to five metres tall and three metres wide. It is a climber described by some as a shrub. This makes it a great plant to have grow across a fence or up a tree.
　
This plant needs to be grown where there is either full sun or a light shade and before hot conditions thorough watering will be needed. Tender to frost, this evergreen is best suited to cool and temperate areas. Its purple flowers tend to be scented with vanilla. The flowers hang in dangling bunches called racemes.
　
Akebia longeracemosa has longer leaflets and racemes then other Akebia. Common amongst Akebia is the love of deep fertile soil and having to worry little about pests or disease.

Winter Weather

Weather has been constantly wet, with few sunny days which could be very much used. The gourds I so lovingly tended need the sun to help in the process of drying. It is simply the cold and wet time currently in place creating wonder of how it’ll affect the now mould covered gourds hanging on brown and lifeless stems.
　
Nevertheless, sunshine is missed. Days gloomy and dark, it brings on the longing of the warm months with the mostly cloudless skies. Instead of people complaining of twenty degrees Celsius being hot, people have substituted the complaining of heat with complaining of cold.

Lu Ban

Lu Ban, also called Lu Pan, is the god of carpenters, construction, builders, contractors and masons. He was born in the Chinese state of Lu, with his name being Gongshu Ban. This god is best known as a great civil engineer and craftsman.
　
When born, it is said that a flock of cranes flew above his home and with a fragrance full within the house. Lu Ban also talked of the Tao during his lifetime and today his festival falls of the thirteenth day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar.
　
When young, Lu Ban was interesting in such things as sculptures. When older he learnt carpentry, stone carving and related skills. Lu Ban notably went on to create inventions, which Lu Ban has been credited to inventing the shovel, the ruler a siege ladder known as a cloud ladder, grappling hooks and ram for use in naval warfare and the wooden bird which could stay I the sky for three days.

Aquarius

Being the eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius is the sign represented by a man carrying water. A sign ruled by Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius is the sign considered masculine, positive, fixed and of the air element. The stone of this sign is the turquoise and colour turquoise.
Those born between January 21^st and February 19^th are Aquarius.
　
Those who are Aquarius are generally friendly, honest and loyal people. They are original people who are intellectual, but can be quite unemotional and detached people with an unpredictable side. Aquarius people are serious in mind, with much reason and even a dry humour.
　
Logical in nature, Aquarius are often imaginative in nature. It can difficult to make friends with someone who is an Aquarius, whom may at times condescend others. People who are an Aquarius are the kind to sacrifice themselves to others whom they are loyal to, with a side lacking in forgiveness in those who angered them.
　
Whatever job relating to electronics and radios make good jobs for these people. Broadcasting and writing also makes another good option for Aquarius, as does being entertainers or teachers. Being a scientist is yet another good option.

Totems: Cougar

The cat of North America is the cougar, which has multiple names that includes mountain lion and puma. Cougars have high adaptability, allowing for life in a number of environments.
　
Leadership is an important lesson of this totem. The cougar warns against the abuse of power when in leadership, while also of how all are able to be leaders in some way. In overall leadership this totem teaches, it is also taught to take responsibility in leadership.
　
Power and balance is of another two lessons, to use it properly. Cougar teaches to use power with strength and compassion, but also to balance such power carefully. There is a need for such balance of power.
　
Relating to the lesson of leadership, the cougar teaches to assert oneself and take control of one’s life to be able to become leaders. The use of the natural flow of the environment is also taught, to be able to get into a position of leadership.

Gebo

Gebo rules over the hour of 18:30 to 19:30 and fortnight of 28^th of September to 13^th of October. Odin and Thor are the gods of this rune meaning ‘generosity’. This rune indicates love, although in the charitable sense and knowing one’s own boundaries.

Opal is the gemstone of this rune, elm being tree and dark blue the colour.　

Shaped like and X, this rune is one that doesn’t have an inverted form. So when casting in divination, Gebo tells that all should be well from two parties as long as they know the very limits of their agreements. It may be that due to honour, helping another will be needed. Importance of knowing how much one should give is noted when Gebo appears, in particular in giving too much or too little.
When gifts are given, lack of gratitude surely will be a bringer of conflict.

Silver Princess

Eucalyptus caesia is the botanical name of this popular Australian ornamental. It is a tree great for small gardens, typically growing between six to nine metres tall for the subspecies caesia and up to fifteen metres for the subspecies magna. This plant is native to Western Australia and rare in the wild.
　
The bark is brown , pealing in narrow and curling strips revealing a pale under surface. White powder that covers the plant gives the common name of ‘Silver Princess’. This plant is also drought and frost tolerant.
　
Its flowers are large with its colours typically pink to red, with flower flowers possible. Flowering occurs in winter and spring, with the size of such flowers being up to 50mm. After flowering, roughly 30mm urn shaped pods are forms that can cause branches to bend excessively. If one can open the pods, this will allow the seeds to be obtained and grown.
　
Full sun and partial shade is what this slow growing plant enjoys. Loam to clay soil is what this plant grows within, although the clay soil will have to be well drained. Hot temperatures and low humidity is what Eucalyptus caesia best grows within. Notably, acidic soil is what this plant will grow in, although it can also grow in slightly alkaline soil.
This plant can also be grown in containers if wished.

Looking on the Bright Side

With Pagan Blog Prompts, it has given me amusement with its latest prompt of looking at the bright side. Plenty can be said about looking at the brighter side, with it also being a great topic to ponder upon in the days end.
　
With the prompt, Monty Python came to mind with a certain song.
Regardless, life is harsh, even sadistic. To put it as short as possible, it is life that is filled with failure upon failure and with few successes, big or small. The best thing to do is to not take life itself too seriously, to always know that there will be successes in one’s life even if only small.
It is essentially the unserious side of life that can be considered the bright side of life.

Songzi Niangniang

Songzi Niangniang, also called Zhusheng Niangniang, is the goddess of fertility, to whom men and women go pray to for kids. In the legend of the Golden Boy and Jade Girl, it was Songzi Niangniang whom allowed Golden Boy and Jade Girl to get to the world of the mortals by a lotus.
　
Often depicted looking alike to Guanyin, but it also common to see Songzi Niangniang depicted as an empress like figure. Songzi Niangniang is notably the attendant of the goddess Bixia Yuanjin.

Capricorn

Capricorn is the goat, and is the tenth sign of the zodiac. Considered a sign that is introvert, of the earth element and one of the cardinal signs. Black onyx is the stone of this sign, while brown colour and Saturn ruling planet.
Capricorn’s are those born between December 22^nd and January 20^th.
　
Capricorn’s tend be one of the more serious people, but don’t lack a sense of humour. Such people are very independent and very stable. Capricorn’s are notably practical people, usually disciplined, careful and patient. However, such people can be quite miserable people who are pessimistic.
　
Practical and ambitious in nature, Capricorn’s are cautious people who can be quite shy. A hard worker with many thoughts, but one with a lack of self-confidence. Others will find it hard to learn about these people first, as suspicion is what Capricorn’s have for others they know little of.
　
Jobs for those of these signs can be a number of things, it can be what has to do with math or money, or on the other hand has to deal with working with their hands, such as being a builder. Capricorn’s also make for great teachers and politicians.

Totems: Toad

Toads aren’t the most loved of creatures. It is small and comes in many forms, all which many don’t even want to touch. While on the other hand, toads are seen as creatures of luck.
　
The toad totem teaches the need of self-examination, to question if one is hesitating when there are opportunities, if fear is preventing progress. It is such questions that will need to be asked of oneself, as this totem tells, as there is much to benefit from correcting ones mistakes.
　
Adaptation to the situations around is important for survival. The toad gives lessons on adaptation and how there is a need for it. Adaptation may be needed suddenly, it is may be gradual, yet certainly needed regardless.
　
While adaptation is there, the power of inner-strength and of resources are there. To keep going is what the toad teaches, to have plenty of inner-strength. Resources should be used well rather wasted, as many forget.

Kaunaz

Kaunaz is the rune that rules a fortnight from the 29^th of August to 13^th of October and of the hour of 17:30-18:30, with the meaning of ‘knowledge’. Heimdall is the deity in association , along with the bright flame of a torch or beacon.
　
When Kaunaz appears in divination and upright it tells of the gaining of knowledge. A love affair or a meaningful relationship may begin, with the results of such likely to teach a thing or two about life. A sudden insight is of higher chance and safety is likely for the time being.
　
Inverted, a loss of loyalties, friends or love is foretold. It might also be time to let go of the past. One may feel at loss of what to do, but the path needed to be taken will eventually be known.

Thyme

Thyme is a popular herb with many within the genus Thymus. Thyme is known for its flavour and can be used to flavour many foods such as soups and stews, especially meats. Thyme can be used magically to purify an area or person, when carried to inspire courage and for good health.

Thyme is known for its ability to grow in dry soils and poor nutritional conditions. Thymes are also known for their dislike of wet soils, which cause root rot, but disease can generally be avoided with thymes. Thymes are also generally drought tolerant and prefer a pH level that is neutral, tolerating slightly alkaline and acidic soils.

Thymus vulgaris, or as it known by its common names, English Thyme, French Thyme, Common Thyme and Garden Thyme, is an easy to obtain perennial plant compared to other thymes. It is a small evergreen shrub growing 20cm tall and 30cm wide. Its flowers are hermaphrodite in nature, being pollinated by bees and even flies. The leaves are half inch long with a linear to oval shape and a grey-green colour. Its stem square in cross-section and leaves in pairs which face opposite of each other.
It prefers sandy to loamy soils that is well drained.

Thymus serpyllum is also known as Breckland Thyme, Wild Thyme and Creeping Thyme. It flowers (coloured pink-purple, magenta or white) are highly scented and produced in clusters, being 4 to 6mm long. This specific thyme has many ranging smells, and a hardy plant. Woody in nature with creeping stems. It has oval leaves ranging from 3mm long to 8mm long.
It makes a good ground cover and can be used as a replacement to grass. Butterflies are attracted to this perennial that loves to be in the sun. Drought and poor soils are tolerated with sandy soils being what Thymus serpyllum grows within. Excellent drainage is what’s loved. It will grow to about 15cm tall and about 30cm wide.

Thymus herba-barona is known also as Caraway Thyme, a evergreen groundcover that creeps and spreads with runners. From late spring to early summer it produces pink flowers, attractive to bees. Described as a rampant grower, it certainly shouldn’t be grown where there is little space.
Thymus herba-barona can be used as a replacement to actual caraway. Its leaves are fragrant and can be used with bread. The leaves are 4 to 10mm long with a linear like shape and dark green in colour, with the added bonus of being hairy. It can grow up to 15cm tall and 30cm wide. It can grow well between stepping stones of paths and in either full sun or part shade.

Thymus pseudolanuginosus is known for it being hairy, hence its common name of Woolly Thyme. The hairs are white and it is known to grow in sunny to partial shade positions with either loamy, sandy and clay soils. A great choice to grow as a lawn, especially in low rain areas as this plant requires so little water.
The foliage is grey-green and flowers light pink.
It tends to grow up to 5cm tall, but can grow in width of nearing a metre, but typically 30 to 60cm in width.
While many thymes are drought tolerant, Thymus pseudolanuginosus is also frost tolerant.

Zombies

A curiosity of mine is the fascination of zombies by those around me. There is much on these undead beasts, from films and books to dolls and safety kits. Rather amusing when one comes across them.



Ah…. The luck to come across The Zombie Survival Guide, something I have been needing to do for who knows how long. Good job to me for finally getting my hands on a copy.

Gods And Goddesses: Jun Di

Jun Di is the goddess of light, dawn and even war. Jun Di is also known as Chun Ti and Chun T‘i. In India she is known as Marici, the goddess of dawn. In Japan Jun Di is called Marishiten, the goddess of light and samurai. Jun Di has three heads, one with the face of a pig.
　
Jun Di is said to hold up the sun and moon while also having her chariot pulled by seven heavenly pigs, whom are the stars of the Great Bear constellation. Known to be benevolent, sailors are those who seek her protection.
This goddess has magical skills on her side.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is the archer of the twelve signs, represented by a centaur. This sign being the ninth is considered positive, mutable and masculine. It is Sagittarius that is of the fire element. Jupiter is the ruler of this sign, while topaz or turquoise the stone and purple colour.
If born between November 23^rd and December 21^st, one is a Sagittarius.
　
Sagittarius people are optimistic, but can be overly optimistic and superficial. While good humoured, honest and straightforward, these people can be tactless, careless and even irresponsible. On the plus, Sagittarius’ tend to be intellectual and philosophical.
　
These people have good judgement and are quick thinkers. With good intuition and adaptive skills, Sagittarius are often moral in nature. Strong willed in nature, yet modest. Its these people who are great to have around for conversation, but can be impatient.
　
Natural philosophers and even teachers, Sagittarius people can choose at a variety of jobs thanks to their intelligence and adaptive skills. Law and politics suit such people, as being a scientist or religious leader.

Totems: Chicken

Chickens are mostly thought of as farm animals, as great as this bird is for providing food to mankind there is more to this creature. There are a multitude of kinds of chickens and such a creature makes a good pet.
　
The hen and rooster represents Yin and Yang, masculine and feminine. The chicken takes into teaching of this balance, of the two.
　
The power of teaching and knowledge is amazing, it allows knowledge to be passed on and thus be used for great uses. The chicken also teaches of this power, of its usefulness.
　
The chicken totem teaches to be of social situations. It may be disliked or unwanted, but it is useful for finding friends, lovers, and even jobs. Help can be gained from a variety of people, and being able to get help stems from being social. It just isn’t about chatting to pass time.