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Sicilian Streghe & Strega For those of you who wish to learn about La Vecchia Religione (The Old Religion), you are in the right place. Strega literally means witch in Italian, and is the practice of pagan rituals such as the occult and Wicca, better known as witchcraft. Strega is a female witch, Stregone is a male witch, collectively, they would be referred to as Streghe or Stregheria. The are not to be mistaken with the cult such as satanism or anything remotely related. It does however, have the belief of ancient gods and goddesses. Long before Christianity was made legal and dominated all of Italy and the world, Pre-Etruscan Italians had mysterious and magic practices and teachings which were further developed and refined by the Etruscans around 1000BC. The rise of the Roman Empire as well as other factors began to influence Italian religion. While all pagan religions were soon stomped out by the rise of Christianity, one of the most common remnants of this secret religion is the Trinacria, which was put on Pagan temples in Sicily in an effort to scare off invading armies. Those who find this odd, well, it is, but really isn't. When a relative is sick, we go and light a candle and say a special prayer to a designated saint. Not too much different? In fact, many may not realize it, but the days of the week, and even the months of the year, are all named after pagan Gods. Days of the Week... Sunday = named for the Sun (Domenico in Italian) Monday = named for the Moon (Lunedi in Italian, from the word Luna which means moon) Tuesday = named for Mars (Martedi in Italian) Wednesday = Mercury (Mercoledi in Italian) Thursday = Jupiter (Giovedi in Italian) Friday = Venus (Venerdi in Italian) Saturday = Saturn (Sabato in Italian) And the Months of the Year... January - From Latin Januarius, honoring Janus, a Roman God. Being first (and the first month of the year), he reined over the Gates of Heaven, which Christians later assigned to St. Peter. February - From Februus, another name for the God of purification Faunus and fertility. March - Named after Mars, the god of war because it is usually a stormy and windy month. April - Is derived from the Latin word "to open", just like the blooming of the trees. The Romans dedicated this month to Venus, often referring to it as Mensis Veneris instead of Aprilis. It is said that geniuses are often born in April, and there is much documentation that Jesus was actually born in the Spring, not December. The Winter Solstice was renamed the birth of Christ in an effort to convert pagans and this pagan ritual over to Christianity. May - Maia Majesta was the ancient Roman Goddess of Spring. She was considered to be Vulcan's wife. June - The Roman Goddess Juno was Queen of Heaven and Guardian of Marriage and ruled childbirth. Even today, June is still a favorite month for marriages. We also get the term "honeymoon" from the month of June because it is only in this month that was see the orangish color of the full moon which resembles that of the color of honey. July - While once called Quintilus, or the 5th month, it was renamed for Julius Caesar and given a full 31 days in his honor. August - Not to be out-done by his famous Uncle Julius, Roman Emperor Augustus renamed what was once called Sixtilis (the 6th month) and also given a full 31 days. September - Comes from the Latin number for 7 of the old calendar. October - The root comes from the word octo, or the 8th month in the old calendar. November - 9th month in old Roman calendar. It is also recognized as a month of harvest, from ancient times as well as that of modern America. December - 10th month in the old calendar which also brought the winter solstice and the yule season. May the Goddess be heard through your words and live in your heart. Rev Calissta "Raven" R. Copyright 2007

Paranormal Ponderings

I used to write for two Wiccan magazines (which I miss) One was called Whispering Willow. The name of my weekly article was "Calissta's Cauldron." My sweetie and I were talking abou it and he convinced me to start doing it again here. This article was first published in July 2000 - Issue 1. I am posting it here to get back into the groove. I hope you enjoy it and return every week. I also did a question and answer section about Wicca. I will be glad to bring that back as well. Feel free to write me any questions you may have and you may see my reply here! -------------------------------------------- Runes have been traced back to Egyptian times as a portable from of hieroglyphics. They would burn symbols onto small stones and carry them in sachets around their neck as protection and silent communication. There is speculation that the origin of runes may have gone further back but there is nothing concrete that proves this. There are many different kinds of runes. They have different symbols and can be made of many different materials. The most beautiful I have seen have been made or rose quartz and moonstone. I have a lovely set made by a Kiowa Indian chief and have the symbols of our tribe on them.They are made of slate with red painted crvings and mean a lot to me because they reflect some of my heritage. Runes are used for daily predictions as well as more long term ones. For example, some people have a pouch by their bed. Before they get out in the morning they get the stones and ask a question for the day. It could be something like What will today be like for me?" then they reach into the bag and pull out a rune. (or with some other kinds of runes they shake all of them and throw them down and read six or seven of them.) Others carry the runes with them at all times and pull one out everytime they need help or guidance. Forn more of a long term reading the usual procedure is to shake the pouch and line them up one at a time using the line up as a reference to what the future will bring. Runes can be made very easily if one desires more of a personal touch. You can go to any art store (or even Walmart) and look for sculpting/modeling clay. Mold them and carve your symbols with either a pointed cuticle stick or small chisel. This type of clay can usually be baked in a 350 degree oven for about twenty or thirty minutes then once cooled sprayed with a clear lacquer to make them last indefinitely. *Be sure to read package directions as temperatures and times may vary. If you are not familiar with the symbols, you can find the basic ones in any New Age store or even Barnes and Noble. Making them yourself not only gives them a more beautiful touch but a more spiritual connection. I have alway had clearer readings with materials I have made myself. I am not putting down store bought however. There are some lovely runes made my Celtic,Norse and several other traditions. You should not be afraid to make your own runes or to even experiment with your own symbols. You can assign each one your own meaning. After all, the heart and soul's own interpretations is rarely wrong. May the Goddess live in your heart and be heard through your words. Rev. Calissta R. Copyright 2000
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