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Antimony (Sb) from the ore stibnite, is one of the elements known by the ancients, a primary source of black powder kajal or kohl. With its silvery gleam and maniacal crystal structures, stibnite is a beguiling creature going back to a time when metals and crystals are alive. Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy 10 Wise Plants & Herbs for the Elixir of Life Nicolas Flamel: Creation of an Alchemy Legend Although antimony, like zinc , is used in ancient times it's not among  the seven ancient metals . The symbol Sb derives from an early Latin term "stibium," meaning paint. A lustrous grey metal or metalloid, it's primarily found in nature as part of the sulfide mineral stibnite (Sb2S3). As a metal it doesn't oxidize easily. Hardness is about 3 on the Mohs scale, similar to silver. Elemental antimony has a layered structure, with levels of fused and ruffled rings. The earliest written records of its use can be traced to ancient Egypt and the making of kohl. Secrets of Aqua Vitae in Alchemical Science Earth of Chios: Ancient Alchemy, Cosmetics, & Medicine Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients In the ancient world most kohl is created from stibnite. Galena is also used for this purpose. Galena is a main lead ore, and antimony has a sociable nature friendly with many metals including lead. Today's kohl is made without the lurking toxins of these elements. Compounds of stibnite and antimony are known in ancient trade as ore or powdered for use as medicine and cosmetics. To make kohl, galena or stibnite is ground to a powder. This is mixed with a binder such as copper oxide, gum resins, oils or animal fats. Dioscorides: Natural Medicine of Ancients Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans Stibnite, antimony and kohl are precious commodities along ancient trade routes. Merchants purvey fancy bottles and containers in which to store the kohl. It's often packaged with bottle, application stick and black powder. For centuries kohl is the most widespread black cosmetic of South Asia, North Africa and the near East. A s with elements such as bismuth and zinc , cultures like the Egyptian recognize the potential of antimony before the element is known in terms of modern chemistry. Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur In the ancient and medieval world antimony is widely used in glass production, either as an opacifier (Sb content usually >1%) in colored glass from the Late Bronze Age onwards, or as decolorizer (c. 0.5% Sb) from the Hellenistic period (4th century BCE) onwards. The metal gains prominence through ancient alchemy writing from the Alexandrian age onward. In the early centuries Alexandria, Egypt is a center of philosophy, medicine and alchemy, although its reputation begins a slow slide after the Roman conquest c. 30 BCE. Alexandria: Jewel of Ancient History Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Antimony is chronicled in alchemical manuscripts, including the Summa Perfectionis  of Pseudo-Geber , written around the 14th century. A description of a procedure for isolating antimony is later given in the 1540 book De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio, Medieval alchemists view antimony as a crucial element. As transmutation fever burgeons throughout the medieval alchemical worlds, alchemists experiment with metallic substances like antimony. Such metals are often used in alchemy from antiquity to extend or imitate silver . Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients How to Make Asem: Essential Alchemy Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Inhaling antimony dust is dangerous. Symptoms are similar to arsenic poisoning and include headaches, dizziness and depression. Higher doses, as in prolonged skin contact, can cause chronic damage to skin, kidneys and liver. Severe and frequent vomiting is a cause of death. In 1467, at Beverley, Yorkshire, penalties are imposed on illegal kiln constructions, due to the growing effects of air pollution. Antimony ores associated with arsenic or lead release these elements into the air during smelting, much like mercury  distillation from cinnabar  in Spain . Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis of Alchemy Antimony is considered by some to have beneficial effects when used for medical reasons. Introduced into European medicine in the 14th century, it has been applied to treat certain parasitic infections. Nevertheless opinion is divided as to the safety of antimony. Historically, antimony is a trendy health remedy among the elite. Renaissance physician Paracelsus   (1493 - 1541) has it right when he professes the "disease" matching antimony poisoning comes from an outside source. Nonetheless it's approved as a medicine in 1666. Paracelsus: Renegade Renaissance Physician Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy The healing properties of antimony in the remedy vin émétique , a purgative, are said to cure King Louis XIV of France from an illness. This ends any doubts of its effectiveness. Prohibited in Paris in 1566 and 1615 due to toxicity concerns, antimony is officially authorized by parliament in 1666. The modern understanding of antimony takes shape in the 17th and 18th centuries as scientists further explore its properties. Antimony compounds are used to make flame-proofing materials, paints, ceramic enamels, glass and pottery. Glass of Antimony: Renaissance Purgatives Arcanum Joviale: Alchemy of Sudorific Sweat Johann Glauber: Fulminating Gold & Sodium Sulfate Chemical Antimony Recipes Butter of Antimony Antimony trichloride is a chemical compound represented by the formula SbCl3. Alchemists call his soft, colorless, strong-smelling solid butter of antimony. Antimony trichloride is made by the reaction of chlorine with antimony or antimony compounds. Another method includes treating antimony trioxide with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Antimony trichloride has been used as an adulterant to intensify the louche (cloudy) effect in absinthe. 10 Wise Plants & Herbs for the Elixir of Life Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy White Herb of Maria: Ancient Alchemy Secrets Historically, it's applied to dissolve and eliminate horn buds from calves as an alternative to cutting them off. However, calves have died from poisoning by this treatment, as recorded by veterinarian and author James Alfred Wight OBE (James Herriot). Flowers of Antimony Flowers of antimony form when antimony trioxide Sb2O3 is purified by sublimation. Sb2O3 is subjected to intense heat and the ensuing crystallized vapors are collected as the Flowers of Antimony. Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Zinc (Zn): Essential Metal in Alchemy & Medicine Alchemy of Mystical Herbal Elixirs & Cures Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Glass of antimony , or vitrum antimonii , gives warm yellow or red hues. As Sb2O3, its use in alchemy is largely medicinal, one of many purgatives of Renaissance Europe. Antimony is discovered c. 1600 BCE. Its compounds are known in the ancient world. Powder of Algaroth: Antimony Oxychloride Purgative Antimony (Stibnite, Kohl) Ancient Metal of Science & Beauty Alchemy: How to Make Emerald from Quartz Glass of antimony is characterized by translucent, yellow, orange or red hues. Antimony is a metalloid known for its diverse chemical applications and hazards. An ingested dose of antimony causes, among other things, vomiting and diarrhea, making it useful as a purgative. At this time antimony is already used for glass production in some European churches. One of the first literary references to its medicinal use is from Basil Valentine (Basilus Valentinus) in 1678. Valentine himself is a mystery. He may be one person or a group of writers. Zinc (Zn): Essential Metal in Alchemy & Medicine Living Metals & Genders in Ancient Alchemy Antimony (Stibnite, Kohl) Ancient Metal of Science & Beauty Either way, Basil Valentine has extensive knowledge of chemistry. He produces ammonia by reacting alkali with sal ammoniac (ammonium chloride), creates hydrochloric acid by acidifying a brine of common salt (sodium chloride), and synthesizes ethyl chloride and oil of vitriol ( sulfuric acid ), among other accomplishments. Antimony and its compounds are used historically for a variety of applications from copper alloys to glass and glazes. In particular, they're used to decolor or opacify glass. Until recently Sb2O3 glass can be made only with inclusion of a small percent of a second oxide. Also called antimony trioxide, Sb2O3 is found in nature as the mineral valentinite. Science of Alchemy: Hydrochloric Acid Basil Valentine: Secrets of Medieval Alchemy Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Deposits of valentinite are first discovered in a mine in France in the 19th century, and immediately thereafter in Bohemia. Today most valentinite comes from Algeria, where it's found to contain up to 83% antimony. Historical Context and Discovery Antimony is known to ancient civilizations, but glass of antimony is notably studied during the medieval period. Alchemists from the Alexandrians of antiquity to the early modern practitioners in Europe experiment with antimony, its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals Records of emetics used in medicine first appear in the 1st century AD. Of course sticking a finger down one's throat to trigger the gag reflex also works. Specific references to glass of antimony's formulation appear in later writings. Preparation of Glass of Antimony Creating glass of antimony requires specialized skills and a good understanding of chemical reactions. The fumes are toxic and preparation involves blazing high heat and molten glass. Rabbit Fever Plague & Warfare: Hittites Parabalani: Medics & Murderous Mobs Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome The process consists of several key steps: Starting Material : The practitioner acquires crude antimony ore, which contains impurities such as sulfur. In tests the addition of a small amount of powdered quartz is necessary as a silicate. Antimony ores can also contain quartz or other minerals. Calcination : The ore is finely ground and put in a graphite or earthen crucible, where it's subjected to high heat. This drives off sulfur and other volatile components, creating antimony trioxide. Once the preparation stops fuming, it's ready to get vitrified. Sodium Silicate: Alchemy of Water Glass Glass & Arts of Ancient Glass Making Alchemy & Renaissance Glass: Antonio Neri Vitrification : The antimony trioxide is then subjected to even hotter temperatures in a wind furnace. This heat transforms the solid material into a molten glassy state. Stirring and Transformation : During this phase, the practitioner stirs the molten matter with an iron rod. Stirring keeps the material homogenized, creating glass of antimony. This part of the process can take several hours. The intensity of hue depends on amount of Sb2O3 in the brew. Dioscorides: Natural Medicine of Ancients Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients Chemical Properties of Antimony Trioxide Antimony trioxide is recognized for its complex interactions within biological systems. The substance is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in alkaline solutions and acids like nitric acid and hydrochloric acid . A potent compound and emetic, antimony trioxide is the strongest of all antimony preparations. Emetics induce vomiting as part of the overall purging trends of the Renaissance. If antimony trioxide is dissolved in spirit of urine (ammonium carbonate), its attributes shift dramatically. The resulting mixture lacks the emetic or cathartic properties typically associated with the medication. 10 Wise Plants & Herbs for the Elixir of Life Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Uses in History: The Role of Emetics Historically, antimony trioxide is primarily employed as an emetic especially in cases of poison ingestion. Induction of vomiting is viewed as necessary to eliminate harmful substances from the gastrointestinal tract. It's long used in traditional medicine. Purging for health is based on the Four Humors system which dominates medicine for almost two thousand years. Vomiting, bloodletting, use of laxatives, sweat inducers, diuretics and more are applied due to the notion of humor imbalance causing health issues. Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis  of Alchemy Faust: Fact & Fiction German Renaissance Women of Alchemy: Anna Maria Zieglerin Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Shamanic energies and wisdom attract the magic of animal spirits in ritual or daily life. The Fox, Rooster and Orca are ancient entities with plenty to teach or give. Song, dance, music, meditation, symbols, art, tokens and trance work can help tap into the wild soul and connect with the nature of the beast. Jump to Fox Rooster Orca Many spirits have double meanings or multiple facets of being. Fox for example is both a helpful and deceptive spirit, and it's not always easy to know which aspect is with you at any given moment. Others, like the Rooster, wear their hearts on their sleeves and what you see is what you get. Animal spirit guides such as Orca have layers of hidden depth. See also: Animal Spirits - Frog, Cat, Bull Animal Spirits - Puma, Butterfly, Dog Animal Spirits - Bear, Stag, Eagle Animal Spirits - Wolf, Mouse, Swan Animal Spirits - Goat, Hare, Falcon Animal Spirits - Horse, Otter, Goose Animal Spirits: Doe, Magpie, Wolverine 1. Fox - Cunning, Charisma, Luxury, Sensuality Back to Top The artful Fox brings many gifts including cunning, charisma, luxury and sensuality. In Western, Persian and Asian lore the Fox relates to trickster energies. This animal spirit helps reveal hidden paths and secret trails but sometimes back is up and down is front and a person might wander in confusion as if she just stepped on an Irrwurz . Foxes relate to beauty, charm and the senses. People with the Fox totem are well-spoken, and elegant in looks and traits. They could have expensive tastes. Their financial fortunes might ebb and flow but Fox people have plenty of class and a touch of je ne sais quoi . In times of need, they are resourceful. Overall the Fox spirit is lucky for money. Gamblers can invoke Fox energy when strategy is needed. The Fox doesn't miss a trick. This spirit can also warn of deception or hidden details. Because trickster magic can cause misunderstandings or technical difficulties, it's wise to double-check the small print and take nothing for granted. See also: German Myth & Folklore: Elves Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files German Myth - Werewolves People with a fox animal spirit guide may have an offbeat sense of humor. Fox people might work in theater, the arts or literature. The energy of the Fox is also beneficial for business people, entrepreneurs, lawyers, scholars and intellectuals, strategists, seekers and seducers. As a totem the Fox is wise as well as clever. Fox people are agile of mind and/or body and never short of wit. Fox represents learning, observation and alternate perspectives. In dreams or visions the Fox can warn of deception. Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The Fox also relates to a challenge or obstacle overcome with intellect rather than brawn. Canny and adaptable, Foxes have more than one way to get what they want. Some foxes, like the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, have adapted to living in urban environments. Fox energy sharpens hearing, solves puzzles, attracts romance and sensual passion. Sighting a Fox might signify a new love relationship or a hot liaison like strangers in the night. Red foxes are monogamous , loyal to the chosen partner and protective of the kits. Unlike related canids like wolves and dogs, foxes don't form packs. They may live in family groups but some species like the Arctic fox are solitary. Even those in a social situation prefer to hunt alone. As the kits grow older they follow Mom and Dad on hunting trips to learn precise skills by imitation and practice. Outside breeding season, when the kits are old enough the parents might split up for a while. They usually return to the same partner. See also: Reiker For Hire - 3 in 1 Anthology German Herbology - Edelweiss Monday's Muse - Demons of Doubt A group of foxes is called a skulk, leash, or earth. If the Fox is your totem or one of your close animal spirits, overall you are lucky in life and know which path to take to accomplish your goals. Fox people are attractive and sensual, but may not reveal everything at once. Family means a lot to the Fox. This canny animal spirit enjoys a joke or game, but if you try to outfox the Fox, you'll sure enough be lost. See also: Chicken Soup: Chickens in German Folklore German Harvest Spirits: Roggenhund (Rye Dog) Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Rooster - Pride, Dance, Abundance, Sun Back to Top The delightful Rooster relates to abundance and prosperity, harvest, sacrifice and cycles of the Sun. A Yang energy, the Rooster is bright and flamboyant. His call brings up the Sun and he relates to solar power. The Rooster lets his voice be heard. An elemental Fire creature, the Rooster can be dominant, territorial and protective. His partner the Hen attunes to the Earth. Roosters relate to fashion, dance, vocal expression, creativity, beginnings, spring & fall, harvest, fertility. A Rooster can be colorful or plain but always stands out in the crowd with a sparkling personality and self-assured strut. See also: German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Wild Women and Winter Tales Roosters can also be aggressive and bossy; perhaps a little cocky. If the Rooster spirit appears to you, it may indicate too much or too little of these qualities in yourself or your environment. You might need to be more assertive in some areas, or more laid-back. The Rooster is a spirit of pride and celebration. Since pagan times the Rooster has been both honored and sacrificed at Harvest. The duality of the Rooster nature brings the energy of opposites, alignment and the integration of two or more different qualities or personalities into your life. Rooster tells us it's time to shine with confidence, for the day is ours to seize. Roosters are known for the "dance" they perform with a territorial rival, strutting and spreading their wings, known as the rooster waltz. Rooster feathers adorn hats, masks and costumes. A person with a Rooster totem may have skills in music or performance. Rooster people are creative, energetic, can be quirky and have no lack of admirers. Roosters are sacred to the Roman god Mercury who once had significant powers in the pantheon. During the period of the Roman empire Mercury was equated with the Norse Odin in a role of leadership, wealth and communication. Besides the famous cock-a-doodle-doo crow a Rooster has other vocalizations including a high-pitched cluck to call other chickens when he finds food. He might pick up the food and drop it again, just as mother hens teach their chicks to eat. Chickens are omnivorous and in nature have a varied diet. They munch on grubs, insect pests and small animals such as lizards or even mice. They like to sample all the treats life has to offer, and invite us to join in a virtual feast of abundance. You don't have to eat the grubs. See also: German Myth - the Lutzelfrau Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant German Traditions - the Linden Tree Confident and proud, the Rooster has qualities of royalty - but sometimes, royalty loses its head. If the Rooster appears it may warn of making too many sacrifices. Conversely, this spirit guide may ask us to make a sacrifice for the greater good. Interpretation depends on the context. In general the Rooster is a showy, gregarious personality and bestows gifts of generosity, fertility, attuning to the change of seasons, light and cycles of life. Join me on: Facebook Linked In Pinterest Blog 3. Orca (Killer Whale) - Journeys, Wisdom, Longevity Back to Top Orcinus Orca or Killer Whale can show us many secrets. This animal spirit is a guide, teacher and helper. The Killer Whale represents journeying in physical or spiritual form; learning, mastery and wisdom; the maternal family; deep thoughts, dreams and strong influences in life. A symbol of longevity, an Orca can live up to ninety years. Orca are the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family, and not true whales. In their habitats they are apex predators. They are symbols of cooperation, teamwork and communication, fortunate for long-term projects, learning new skills and group activities. See also: Famous Women Inventors - Anna Connelly Like All Dreamers ... Writing Process - on Learning Some Orca travel thousands of miles, to wander the seas or migrate to their breeding grounds . They live in matriarchal groups of family members and are loyal to the maternal lineage. Several family groups might swim together and interact in larger pods. A female Orca mates only with a male outside her family. Killer Whales are not monogamous. After mating the male returns to his own kin. Family groups, pods and individual Orca have different tastes. Some are always on the move. Some settle around places abundant with food and creature comforts, and may only travel if migrating. Orca have particular food habits, with some groups eating only fish, others dining on sea mammals. Orca attacks on humans are rare. The only injuries or fatalities have occurred when the whale's in captivity. Highly intelligent, Orca are fast learners. Recently a killer whale who might have been injured by a boat propeller coordinated multiple attacks on vessels near the Iberian peninsula of Spain, apparently trying to sink them. See also: Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Angel of Long Point - Abigail Becker Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses In myth, Orca are caretakers or manifestations of souls lost at sea. They have access to hidden dimensions and their Water association brings an infusion of Yin energy to heighten intuition and self-awareness. The Killer Whale brings wisdom, clarity and knowledge to one whose mind is receptive. Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle In indigenous North American lore, Orca are guardians or embodiments of souls lost at sea. According to West Coast Haida myths, the Orca live in underwater towns. They take human form beneath the surface and welcome humans who have drowned to come and live with them. The Tlingit of southeast Alaska saw the Orca as custodian of the sea and benefactor of humans. Orca people are mysterious and complex. Those with an Orca totem have great power in themselves. They are teachers, scholars, soul-searchers with creative imagination, colorful dreams and unfathomable thoughts. As Orca are matriarchal, there may be strong female influence now or in the past. See also: German Herbology - Edelweiss Winter Tales - 4 Novellas Hotel of Horror - The Lady Detective The Orca spirit helps reveal facts, talents or desires below the surface. This spirit animal also relates to voice, singing, self-expression and communication. A dream of Orca may indicate the need for better communication, success in academic or spiritual pursuits, or ask us to look for deeper meanings. Orca also relate to memory, not only personal memories but those of the collective unconscious. In spirituality Orca can give insight into past lives. See also: Animal Spirits: Doe, Magpie, Wolverine Animal Spirits - Frog, Cat, Bull Animal Spirits - Puma, Butterfly, Dog Animal Spirits - Bear, Stag, Eagle Animal Spirits - Wolf, Mouse, Swan Animal Spirits - Goat, Hare, Falcon Animal Spirits - Horse, Otter, Goose Back to Top

Uric acid is a factor in conditions like gout and kidney stones. It's also essential to the animal body, plants and the rest of the natural environment. For organic gardeners considering urine as a fertilizer, here are facts about uric acid and the proper way to pee on plants. Urea: Body Waste & Organic Health Calcite: Metal-Eating Bacteria to Coral Reefs Urine in Medieval Alchemy & Medicine What is Uric Acid? Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound. A colorless, odorless crystal slightly soluble in water, it's a natural byproduct of the metabolism of purines, substances found in foods and drink such as organ meats, sardines and beer. Purines are water-soluble organic compounds naturally present in the human body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down purines. After formation, uric acid dissolves in the blood, is filtered by the kidneys and eventually gets excreted in urine. Phosphorus, Uroscopy & Power of Pee Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Women Scientists of the Ancient World   Peeing on Plants Urine contains important nutrients for plant growth, including carbon, phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen. Essentially it's a nutritious plant food and the occasional wee can help plants grow. Pee on the soil rather than the plants themselves. Human urine can be used as liquid plant food especially during the main vegetative period of growth to supply extra nitrogen. Plants like maize and green leafy vegetables are particularly responsive. However, over-watering this way can also elevate sodium and cause plant death. Calcium (Ca): Earth Metal of Structure & Strength Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum) Art, Food & Medicine White Pigments of Ancient Artisans Lovable as dogs are, avoid using dog urine. Dogs have a higher uric acid salt content and can seriously damage plants. Urine of dogs also injures tree trunks, exposing the trees to diseases, pests, dehydration and nutrient loss, especially if several dogs pee on the same tree. Human urine can range in pH from 4.5 (acid) to 8 (alkaline). You're aiming for a soil pH of 6.0 - 7.5. Before tinkling, be sure to test the soil and the urine with litmus paper. Acidic urine lowers soil over-alkalinity and vice versa. Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides Above: It's actually dangerous to pee in the pool. When urine combines with chlorine, it forms chemical compounds harmful to eyes, skin and respiratory system. To raise alkaline levels in urine, increase intake of vegetables, lemon juice, lime juice and alkaline water. Decrease intake of meat and non-dairy animal protein, sodium, sugar, and free fructose, especially from high-fructose corn syrup. To raise acid levels, eat foods high in purines. These include organ meats, dried beans and peas, and fish, such as anchovies, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Increase salt intake. Fermented urine is also a popular fixer for blue woad dye . Alchemy: Ancient Mordant Recipes for Fabric & Stones Liver of Sulfur: Alchemy, Metal & Medicine Biometallurgy: Microbes Mining Metals Uric Acid, Kidney Stones & Human Health Balanced levels of uric acid are essential for health. High uric acid levels and their associated conditions such as gout, diabetes and kidney stones affect up to 5% of the adult population. Conversely, low levels might indicate neurological issues. White men have the highest kidney stone incidence rate. Black men and women have the lowest. Countries most affected by kidney stones are India, China, Russia and Armenia. Natural Purple Dyes: Ancient & Medieval Tanning Hides - the Ancient Process Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love High levels of uric acid, or hyperuricemia, can trigger gout, type 2 diabetes and other health issues. The causes of this condition can vary. Certain medications like thiazide diuretics can interfere with renal clearance, raising blood uric acid levels. Diet may be a factor. Consuming high amounts of purine, high-fructose corn syrup, and sucrose can lead to elevated uric acid levels. Temporary spikes in uric acid levels can happen due to fasting or rapid weight loss. Another reason for increased serum uric acid levels is reduced excretion through the kidneys. Tumor lysis syndrome, a metabolic issue associated with some cancers or chemotherapy, can result in the release of nucleobase and potassium into the bloodstream. Disrupted NADH/NAD+ ratio, known as pseudohypoxia, can be caused by diabetic hyperglycemia and excessive alcohol consumption. In August 2006, Canadian Donald Winfield sets the record for passing the highest number of kidney stones naturally, a total of 5,704. The most kidney stones removed through surgery up to now is 728, during a three-hour operation on Mangilal Jain of India on January 27, 2004. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Stymphalian Birds & Greek Heroics Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The German Peasants' War (1524-5) is short, bloody and violent, and changes the course of history in Europe. Up to 400,000 peasants rise against injustices imposed by feudal lords. The rebellion is driven by desperate pleas for change amidst terrible living conditions. Great Women Artists - Käthe Kollwitz Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Thirty Years' War: Conflict, Antagonists, and Impact on Society It's a widespread rebellion shaped by a convergence of economic, social, and religious factors. The Reformation of 1517 spurs the passion and in the early 1900s German artist Käthe Kollwitz immortalizes it. Fueled by a demand for social and economic reforms, the rebellion erupts as peasants seek to redefine land ownership, lower taxes, and put an end to serfdom altogether. Numerous battles and skirmishes arise from the formation of local factions. A powerful statement against oppression, the rebellion faces stiff resistance from both local nobility and the Holy Roman Empire. These institutions depend on the serf system. At the time Germany is a mishmash of many Dukedoms, Princedoms and city states, all needing funds. Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore Knights Templar Crusades & Medieval France Conditions of German Peasants In the early 1500s, the majority of Germans live in rural areas, primarily as serfs under the constraints of feudalism. Peasants are burdened by taxes, forced labor, conscription and oppressive obligations to local lords, who hold considerable power over their lives. Tied to the land, peasants are forced to pay high rents and heavy taxes, often up to 30% of crops just for rent. Taxes also rise steeply and sporadically as nobles and heirs seek to fund battles, expand their estates and indulge aristocratic whims. Protestant Reformation of Renaissance Europe Great Persecution Rome vs. Christianity Art of Egg Tempera: Paint Like the Old Masters Families struggle for essential goods. A bad harvest means famine and starvation, leading to death and disease. They're faced with crop failure due to bad weather, arbitrary demands of local lords, rising prices and no help from the ever more wealthy Church. Farm animals such as cows, who provide essential milk and cheese, have to be butchered. Troops passing through from various skirmishes seize any food or animals they find and otherwise victimize families. Despair and frustration reach a tipping point. Rise & Fall of the Habsburg Dynasty Europe Hundred Years’ War: Battles & Overview Renaissance Wars: Venice vs. Ottoman Influence of the Reformation The Protestant Reformation, inspired by Martin Luther in the early 1500s, advocates for spiritual and societal reform. It challenges the traditional authority of the Church and the social status quo. Luther’s teachings cause many peasants to see their plight as a righteous struggle. They link their demands for economic rights to the broader quest for religious reform. Messages of individual faith and justice promote the idea of change among the peasantry. Nine Years War 1688-1697 France vs. Europe Women of Alchemy: Anna Maria Zieglerin Renaissance Purgatives & Ancient Remedies Major Antagonists The German Peasants' War involves numerous participants with opposing interests. On one side are the peasants, driven by leaders like Thomas Münzer and the woman known as Black Anna . Thomas Müntzer (1489-1525) is a preacher and theologian of the early Reformation. HIs opposition to both Martin Luther and the Catholic Church prompts his open defiance of late-feudal authority in central Germany. Müntzer is foremost amongst those reformers who take issue with Luther's compromises with feudal authority. On the opposing side are the nobles and princes, who represent the established order and their vested interests in maintaining feudal privileges. Count von Waldburg is a prominent noble known as the "scourge of peasants", and significant in quashing the rebellion. Jan Baptist van Helmont: Renaissance Medicine Roman Inquisition: Power, Prayer & Politics Wiedergänger - the German Undead Who is Black Anna? "Black Anna," or Anna Eberlin is remarkable for her leadership during the Peasants' War. She rallies her community of Heilbronn. Anna becomes a symbol of defiance among the peasants. Her bravery in the face of brutal repression inspires those fighting for their rights. Anna's identity comes under scrutiny, and even the question of her existence as an actual person. Legendary or not, her historical influence is extraordinary. In the etching of Käthe Kollwitz, for the first time in art history, excessive violence appears alongside feminine energy. Previously, peasant women are typically shown as passive maternal or nurturing figures. House Spirits of Germanic Mythology German Vampires - Nachzehrer Heimchen - House Crickets of Folklore An active lower-class figure is often perceived as malevolent or even witch-like. In her portrayal of Black Anna, Kollwitz turns these negative connotations into positive attributes. The dark force of the peasant woman emerges as a symbol of social progress. Major Battles Battle of Eckenforde (1525) One of the early confrontations that achieved local success for the peasants. Battle of Blutweiler  (1525): A major clash where the peasants faced a severe defeat, significantly weakening their forces. Battle of Frankenhausen (May 1525) : A major confrontation where the peasants are defeated by the well-organized forces of the nobility. This decisive battle is led by Thomas Müntzer and quashed by the Imperial Army. This loss causes swift decline in peasant morale and power. Alchemy & Prague: Countess Barbara von Zweibrücken-Neuburg Literature: Great Literary Patrons in History The Maiden & The Lindwyrm - A Fairy Tale Above: a woman looks for her dead son on the battlefield when the battle is done. Kollwitz makes more than one version of this work. Peasants are ill-equipped compared to noble armies. They use tools such as pitchforks, sickles, scythes and clubs as makeshift weapons. Some groups manage to acquire firearms and rudimentary artillery, but overall, their fighting capabilities are limited. The German Peasants' War ends in tragedy for the peasantry. With a decisive defeat at the Battle of Frankenhausen, the rebellion is crushed. Many leaders are executed and harsh reprisals affect those remaining. Approximately 100,000 peasants die during the conflict. Four Early German Inventions We Still Love Today Thirty Years' War Europe: Five Major Battles Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen The immediate outcome of the rebellion is catastrophic for the peasant class, with nobility tightening its grip on land and rights. In the long term, however, the German Peasants' War brings issues of social justice to the fore and resonates through Germany's history. The rebellion is a lesson in the brutal realities of social revolt. Instead of gaining rights, peasants face heightened oppression. Prices spike, making everyday survival even harder. The nobility emerges from the conflict with stronger control over its territories. The events reinforce their authority, establishing a harsh precedent that discourages future uprisings for many years to come. Guelphs & Ghibellines: Blood of the Renaissance Famous Women of Renaissance Alchemy Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Broader implications of the rebellion are significant. It brings to light the stark social divisions in society and contributes to rising Enlightenment ideas of social reform. While the initial outcome favors the rich, discontent of this period leads to future movements for change. Facts about the German Peasants' War Estimated participants: Between 300,000 and 400,000 peasants. Range: The war affects a wide swath of Germany, from south-western regions to Swabia and Thuringia. The conflict takes place amid religious upheaval and economic instability. Following the war, Martin Luther distances himself from the peasant movement and condemns their acts of violence. Legacy: Affects social structure for generations, raising awareness of class struggles across Europe. Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Käthe Kollwitz (1867 - 1945) is a stellar German artist. A doctor's wife among the less privileged of society, she works with her husband Karl in his practice. There she sees the suffering and pain of real people, and through her art she expresses their plight. 3 Great German Artists for Art Lovers Great 19th Century German Woman Artists Angel of Long Point - Abigail Becker She's born Käthe Schmidt, fifth child of a progressively thinking family. Her father is a Social Democrat. Her pastor grandfather forms a separate congregation when he's barred from the Evangelical State Church. Lively intellectual discussions and radical socialist ideas such as workers' rights and equality of women influence her learning. Her father recognizes her creative talent early, and begins her artistic training when she's still a child. Paints of the Artist's Palette in Renaissance Europe Sanguine: Red Chalk of Renaissance Masters Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans At twelve she studiously draws and copies plaster casts. At sixteen, Käthe begins to draw the working people, sailors and peasants who visit her father's office. In 1885 - 6 she studies under influential Swiss artist Karl Stauffer-Bern at the Academy of Women Artists in Berlin. She meets husband-to-be Karl Kollwitz when she's seventeen. Her father sends her to Munich to study painting 1888 - 9, hoping she will choose art over marriage. Very few of her paintings remain. She decides her talents and desires are suited to sculpture and printmaking. Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper Pioneering German Women - Anita Augspurg German Traditions - the Linden Tree In 1890 she opens an independent artist's studio, focused on the poor and working class as subject matter. When she and Karl become engaged, she makes it clear to Karl her art comes first. In 1891 they marry, and Käthe works with him in his doctor's practice in Berlin. His patients are members of the underprivileged classes. She washes their wounds, comforts the children and witnesses first-hand their despair. She wrote: "The motifs I was able to select from this milieu (the workers' lives) offered me, in a simple and forthright way, what I discovered to be beautiful.... People from the bourgeois sphere were altogether without appeal or interest. All middle-class life seemed pedantic to me. On the other hand, I felt the proletariat had guts. It was not until much later...when I got to know the women who would come to my husband for help, and incidentally also to me, that I was powerfully moved by the fate of the proletariat and everything connected with its way of life.... But what I would like to emphasize once more is that compassion and commiseration were at first of very little importance in attracting me to the representation of proletarian life; what mattered was simply that I found it beautiful." Nature Spirits of German Mythology 3 More Great German Artists Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Karl and Käthe have two sons. Hans is born in 1892 and Peter 1896. In the early 1890s Käthe sees Gerhart Hauptmann's play, The Weavers , which dramatizes the oppression of Silesian weavers and their failed 1844 revolt. Greatly inspired, she produces a series of expressive etchings and lithographs, creating some of her most powerful work. Her second major cycle is the Peasant War, from 1902 to 1908. Silverpoint Drawing: Art of the Renaissance White Pigments of Ancient Artisans Make Black Ink or Paint Pigment with Soot A violent uprising in the 16th century, the German Peasants' War happens in early years of the Reformation. Peasants rise against feudal lords and the Church after Martin Luther challenges their authority. Kollwitz identifies with Black Anna, one of the inciters of the revolution. Meanwhile, her prints start to get attention. She works in drypoint, etching and woodcut. Guar Gum: Unique Qualities for Art & Crafts Caput Mortuum: Dead Head Purple Pigment 11 Favorite Drawing Mediums of Artists One work in particular, Outbreak (above), wins the Villa Romana prize. Established 1905, it's the oldest art prize in Germany. The award includes a studio in Florence for a year. Like a sponge she absorbs the Italian artistic ambiance. Florence is the center of the Italian Renaissance and home to Michelangelo and other greats. The Uffizi, built by the Medici family, is originally a building of offices. In the 16th century it houses art and alchemy labs. By the time Käthe arrives, it's open to the public as a gallery. Famous art patrons, the Medici have a wondrous collection including Donatello's sculpture David , work by Raphael, Caravaggio and other monstrous talents. She's highly influenced by the expression and sense of life in these pieces. Art, Power and the Calamitous Crusade Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz The Strange Case of Rudolf Diesel A bold new art style, Expressionism, storms through the country at the turn of the century and beyond. Considered an Expressionist by later scholars, Käthe is greatly impresse by the reactive, controversial work of artists like Franz Marc and Wassily Kandinsky in Munich. Artists like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Paula Modersohn-Becker in Berlin also pique her interest. At the time, the term Expressionism doesn't exist. It comes years after the art style emerges, coined by a journalist in 1916. Verdigris: Creation of Coveted Blue Green Pigment Etch Carnelian Beads Like It's Indus Valley 2500 BCE Great 19th Century German Woman Artists In 1914, the tragic death of her son Peter on the battlefield of the Great War plunges her into pain and overwhelming depression. Her art work cries with despair. For years she labors on a memorial sculpture, The Grieving Parents . It isn't finished until 1932. Her work on the sculpture is sporadic, beset by emotion. She destroys it at least once to start over. Meanwhile, in 1919 she becomes the first woman appointed as a professor at the Prussian Academy of Arts. She receive regular income, a studio and full professorship. In 1933, the Nazi government forces her to resign. Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment Nibelung - Stories of Heroes & Worms Romanesque - Magic of Light and Stone In 1924 she publishes her three most famous posters: Germany's Children Starving , Bread , and Never Again War . In 1928 she's named director of the Master Class for Graphic Arts at the Prussian Academy. She would also lose this title after the Nazis rise to power. A human rights activist and pacifist, she demonstrates vocally and artistically against the Second World War. She has to tone it down when she's brought for interrogation by the rising powers. Thirty Years' War Europe: Five Major Battles Art of Egg Tempera: Paint Like the Old Masters Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen In the 1930s she completes her final major cycle of work, known as Death or the Death Cycle . The series of eight lithographs feature the appearance of Death in fearsome forms, taking children from their mother, peering over a shoulder with ominous finality. In July 1936, the Gestapo come for a visit. Käthe and her husband are threatened with arrest and deportation to a Nazi concentration camp. They intend to commit suicide if it happens. By now, however, Käthe Kollwitz is internationally known and supported. The Gestapo take no further action. German Myth - White Ladies & Changelings Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur Famous Women Inventors - Anna Connelly Karl Kollwitz succumbs to an illness in 1940. In 1942, Käthe's grandson Peter is killed in World War Two. In 1943 she's evacuated from Berlin. Her house is destroyed by bombs and much of her artwork lost. Although she previously receives offers for sanctuary in other countries, she is afraid to leave Germany due to threats to her family. Artisan Perfumery: Four Degrees of Fragrance Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth Just sixteen days before the end of World War II, Käthe dies at age 77. She has created over 275 prints in etching, wood print and lithography. Of these 50 are self-portraits, a chronicle of her life. Käthe Kollwitz remains one of the greatest artists in Germany and the world today. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Wiedergänger are Undead who cannot rest. They're hideous vampires who curse their families from beyond the grave; ravaging werewolves, deadly Aufhöcker, headless horsemen and gruesome ghouls of the night. READ:  Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction  - German Mythology Adventures   Jump to: Nachzehrer - German Vampire Aufhocker - Deadly Burden Werewolves - Nature of the Beast Headless Horsemen & Fire Men White Ladies - Warriors & Revenants House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Germany: A Little 19th Century History Schrat: German Nightmare Forest Elf Nachzehrer - German Vampire Back to Top Nachzehrer is the Germanic vampire , far different from the romantic Dracula of legend. This is an angry and vindictive creature, created after a suicide, murder, violent or terrible death. READ:  Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction  - German Mythology Adventures When Nachzehrer awakes, its first thought is to devour its family. Sometimes it lies in its coffin chewing on its funeral shroud, and may be found by vampire hunters due to the gruesome gnawing sound it makes. German Vampires - Nachzehrer Heimchen - House Crickets of Folklore German Peasants' War: Rebellion of Despair Identifying traits of Nachzehrer may include holding the thumb of one finger in the opposite hand. One eye may be closed and one open. Read: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Quest Adventure It can curse people from a distance, lying in its coffin full of anger and torment. Like most other Wiedergänger, Nachzehrer are most active at night, when eldritch powers of darkness are strongest. Belsnickel - German Yule Ghoul Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Aufhocker - Deadly Burden Back to Top Another of the walking Undead is Aufhocker (pl Aufhöcker), an ambush spirit who jumps on the back of a passerby. Its weight gradually increases until the victim is crushed to death, dies of exhaustion or gets rid of Aufhocker with a magic spell. Sometimes, bringing Aufhocker to a certain destination is required. If the person makes it before dying of the crushing weight, Aufhocker departs and the person is free of the burden. Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Gingerbread Houses: German Folklore Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth These shape-shifting spirits appear in various forms, human or animal, or a combination of both. The werewolf can be an Aufhocker too, especially in the Rhineland. Pig demons are also known as Aufhöcker. In some regions, Aufhöcker attack thieves or wrongdoers. Others prey on people who seem weak, such as little old ladies. They ambush their victims almost anywhere but tend to frequent graveyards. They're most active at night, on gloomy days, in fog and rain. Sunlight can scare them away. German Myth - Harvest Spirits Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Werewolf & Werewolves of Germany Werewolves - Nature of the Beast Back to Top The German werewolf differs from the American version in that the bite or scratch of the creature can't convey the sickness. German werewolves can't be killed with silver bullets, or any bullets. Like the life-sucking Nachzehrer, the werewolf may be created after a murder, suicide or other death by violence. Often mentioned as members of the Wild Hunt , werewolves have abundant aggressive energy and are ten times stronger than were their human selves. German Myth - Harvest Spirits 2 Nimrod: Lord of Chaos & Creation Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Another form of werewolf is the fusion of human and wolf, or full shape-shifting from human to wolf. These feats can be done only by a powerful magic worker as the animal nature can easily take over the personality. Headless Horsemen & Fire Men Back to Top The Headless Horseman  appears in legend and folklore throughout the world. Like Fire Men (Feuermänner), he seeks redemption as a revenant. The horseman also manifests as a justice seeker out for revenge on the one(s) who wronged him in life. German Myth - Headless Horseman Fänggen (Fangga): Man-Eaters of Tyrol Humbaba: Giant Mountain Forest Man In Germany stories of headless horsemen center on the Rhineland. Undead horsemen are revenants doomed to wander until they atone for their evil deeds, often by doing good ones. This fate is similar to that of Fire Men.  Both can kill with a mere touch. After doing a good deed or atonement the Horseman or Fire Man holds out a branch to the beneficiary instead of shaking hands. The person takes the other end, so the branch "dies" or catches fire, rather than the human. German Myth - Harvest Spirits 3 Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore Headless Horsemen are usually male . Headless horsewomen do appear, such as "Fenyw heb un pen", a headless woman who rides a headless horse ("Ceffyl heb un pen") in Welsh folklore. White Ladies - Warriors and Revenants Back to Top Another of the revenant figures is the White Lady, Weisse Frau or Woman in White. She can appear in numerous aspects. As a warrior she is a justice seeker looking for the one(s) who murdered or harmed her or loved ones. White Ladies in German Mythology Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg She might join the legendary Wild Hunt , to travel throughout the lands. She can also be a revenant seeking to atone for evil deeds done while alive, a common theme involving the Undead. Among the Undead, the White Woman is the one of the least dangerous to humans. As a warrior she has certain goals in mind and woe to those who oppose her. As a revenant, she can help a person succeed in a quest or venture. Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Gingerbread Houses: German Folklore Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Werewolves, Nachzehrer, Headless Horsemen, Fire Men, Aufhöcker and vengeful White Women are tormented spirits, and all can be lethal. Best to stay out of their way, and walk on the sunny side of the street. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Shamanic magic perceives animal spirits as helpers, guides, wisdom givers and protectors. Animal and nature worship thrived in pagan times and continues in some places today. Evidence of animal cults such as Bull and Bear are found in early history. Jump to: Wolf Mouse Swan Animal spirits have different qualities and abilities. No one spirit is stronger than any other. It's rare to work with just one animal spirit. Just as they exist together in nature they can all bring their unique energies together in harmonious balance. Raising Rotifers for Biology, Microscopy & Baby Fish Food Mother of Vinegar & Microbial Life in a Bottle Dromedary Camel: Animals of Ancient Arabia Animal spirits can be part of daily life, embodied by beloved pets, domestic or farm animals, or wild residents of the environment. They can also appear in mediation, trance state or dreams. You may feel a special attachment to the animal or awareness of hidden depth. Certain animals are more fearsome than others as phobias about snakes and spiders can color one's perception. Fear of a certain animal can also indicate a need to work with or understand the spirit. 1. Wolf - Family, Solitude, Shape-shifting Back to Top The Wolf has a complex nature and high intelligence. This spirit is known for family loyalty, protection and good parenting. Most wolves hunt cooperatively and show strong teamwork. Some Wolves prefer the solitary path a while. Alone or in company, Wolf is the symbol of the Mystic Warrior. Wolf gathers wisdom from the mortal environment and the Spirit World. Nature Spirits of German Mythology German Myth - Harvest Spirits Arabian Leopard: Bronze Age Predators In magic the Wolf is associated with transmutation and shape shifting. An Enchanter might take on the body and senses of a wolf, or the animal form might be a curse, a famous example being werewolves . The Wolf is a totem of the night and moon magic. This animal spirit has a strong Yin energy which brings gifts of intuition and enhanced awareness. Hunches and feelings are usually accurate. A quiet observer, the Wolf can cross realms and is a favorite spirit companion of the witch, shaman or mystic. If Wolf is your animal spirit or totem you are a truth seeker with strong values. Wolf people may have a lot of friends or just a few; either way, Wolves have enduring loyalties to people they welcome to their tribal space. Family or a family member plays an important role in the life of a Wolf person. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome The Wolf likes to play and have fun. This spirit encourages you to appreciate and enjoy the world around you. Wolf energy also helps your find your place of comfort in a hierarchy or situation. Wolf helps decipher the truth behind a façade and the real person behind a fabricated front. Although the charismatic Wolf is highly social, there are times this animal must walk alone. For the Wolf person, such time is needed, especially if a person feels lost or out of touch. The Wolf gives guidance and answers to deep thoughts. Wolf energy helps clarify the nature of the Self. The Wolf is sacred to Roman deities Apollo the Sun God; Apollo's mother Leto; Mars the Warrior and Diana the Huntress . The female Wolf suckled the brothers Romulus and Remus, thus laying the groundwork for the creation of Rome. This was not without sacrifice, as Romulus killed his brother just before he founded the city in 753 BCE. Diana's Tree: Silver Crystals of Lunar Caustic Flowers of Sulfur (Brimstone): Creation & Uses Fulminating Silver: Dangerous Explosives in Alchemical Science Although the Wolf is associated with the Sun God, its connection to the moon is legendary. In American werewolf stories, typically the person changes to the wolf or a hybrid on a full moon. The first full moon in January is called the Wolf Moon and refers to wolves howling at the moon on winter nights. While modern research reveals wolves don't actually howl at the moon, the mystic name remains. Wolves howl at night, but not at the moon. Howling is a means of communication, a social gathering call, a signal to hunt or definition of territory. Wolves are good communicators, and attuning to Wolf energy can help find a voice if words seem to fail. Uric Acid: Inner Works of the Human Body Lead: Death Metal of Metallurgy Copper (Cu) Effects on Human & Plant Health Wolf is an animal of Norse God Odin. At times Odin is accompanied by two wolves, Geri (Greedy One) and Freki (Ravenous One), forces of destruction in the Chaos Creation cycle. Odin also has conflict with the Wolf Fenrir, son of Loki, with Odin representing the powers of order and the wolf those of chaos. In Scotland, before wolves went extinct, they were sacred to Cailleach or the divine Old Woman who personifies Winter in Scotland and Ireland. Wolf can give insight into past lives or past events leading to present circumstances. The Wolf spirit can be called up in meditation or trance work. Wolf Flower is another name for the lupine ( Lupinus ). The word comes from the 14th century, either because the plant was thought to kill livestock; or ravenously exhausted the soil. Another plant, wolfsbane , secretes toxins used in the past to hunt and poison wolves. As the Wolf is given evil attributes in legend and history, it is misunderstood in nature. A Wolf person might feel that way too at times. Attuning to the Wolf spirit helps inspire confidence, awareness and a sense of belonging in the world. 2. Mouse - Agility, Exploration, Joy Back to Top The mouse is small but her talents are mighty. This animal can find a way through the dark, and knows hidden places and information. If the Mouse comes into your life, you'll soon learn something new. Mouse is curious but cautious. A Mouse examines a problem from all sides before making a decision. For the Mouse, a wrong decision can be lethal. Famous Women Inventors - Anna Connelly House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Mouse brings the spirit of dance, athletics or celebration. Mouse energy helps keep balance in a tricky situation, and brings a burst of positivity. Good things will happen. However, a dream of many mice might signify overwhelming work or emotions, overthinking or taking life too seriously. Mice prefer to live in the moment. People with the Mouse as totem or spirit animal have luck on their side. They understand hidden facets and meanings. Mouse people are forward thinkers but rarely impulsive. They may over-analyze a situation. Because they're small and agile, mice can wriggle into places humans and predators don't fit. They have intimate knowledge of their environment. When every other animal wants to eat you, it's good to have a secret place or two. Mice have a different hearing range than humans. They hear high frequency sounds we don't, and can't hear well in the lower hearing range. The Mouse senses what we can't. She has poor eyesight and doesn't see well in the dark. Her long whiskers are sensitive to every touch. Her tail gives balance. Mouse teaches us to hone our skills and senses, and what lacks in one area can be strengthened in another. Mouse people enjoy good cheer and lively company. They also nurture their creature comforts by nesting at home. Mice don't feel the need to show off to the neighbors, so can seem unassuming or timid. Never underestimate a Mouse, because these canny characters have a tricky side Mice like to read or travel, always adding gems of knowledge to their growing collection. The Mouse is a fortunate spirit for explorers, intellectuals, analysts, dancers, librarians, athletes, scientists, mathematicians and thieves. Embrace the challenges of each new day. Mouse energy helps navigate obstacles in the path with agility and ease. Mouse boosts personal power in tricky situations, and reveals answers to difficult questions. German Myth - Headless Horseman Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Mouse is also a symbol of house and home. One mouse is a lucky sign, but too many will eat all your food. Perhaps it's time to examine personal limits or boundaries, and those you allow other people. It's easy to take Mouse people for granted, especially as they don't like to bring attention to themselves. It's important for the Mouse to maintain a strong sense of Self. 3. Swan - Beauty, Romance, Change Back to Top The alluring Swan appears in myth and culture throughout the world. The Swan spirit is associated with physical and soul beauty, grace, art, poetry, romance and love, fidelity and change. Swans are naturally white in the Northern Hemisphere, black in the Southern, and black and white in between. German Harvest Spirits: Roggenhund (Rye Dog) Pioneering German Women - Anita Augspurg 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic The Swan is a creature of solar magic. Swan is a Yang energy (Sun, Fire), balanced by the Yin Water element. Swan represents transformation, balance of opposites, and change coming to your life. It might as simple as a new hairstyle or as complex as a new romantic relationship or moving house. Swan energy helps you transition through changes. This bird can signify the death of one thing and the birth of another. It gives gifts of inner strength, music and self-expression. Spirit of Swan brings a balance or integration of masculine and feminine forces, signifying energies of androgyny or bisexuality. Appearance of the Swan might identify conflicting or opposite energies in life, and how overall they are part of the whole. As parents, Swans are loyal, devoted and defensive. Mom and Dad both incubate the eggs, which hatch after 4-6 weeks. Chicks or cygnets stay with the parent for a year and become independent for the next breeding cycle. Spiritually the Swan relates to family and familial love as well as romantic love. As romantic partners, Swan people will usually remain true unto death. Passion races in their veins. When they commit, their devotion is absolute. Swan mates caress and talk to each other. If one Swan dies, the other either might perishes or get another mate as soon as possible. In nature their lives are defined in duality as a couple, and they can't live by themselves. The appearance of the swan can signify positivity and longevity in a current or upcoming love relationship. It can herald a change such as marriage or move. Pulsing with creative energy, the Swan encourages self-expression. This spirit can inspire and empower musicians, poets, visual artists, expressive dancers. Swan can bring harmony and creative abundance in all aspects of life. Swan is also associated with death, the soul, transformation and travel between the boundaries of life and death. A Swan can bring messages between lovers from the Spirit World. This protective spirit can help those who do trance work or spiritual journeying. Although this is a spirit of gratitude, forgiveness and gentle virtues, Swans attack forcefully if they or their nests are in danger. They can give a person a fright but don't actually have the strength break an arm or any bone. Another urban myth. Swan people are graceful , artistic and perceptive. They have good taste in fashion and décor. Protective and loyal partners who love deeply, they may be artists, designers, work in theatre or arts, writers, lovers, dreamers, poets and creators of all kinds. Watch for stormy skies if a Swan person gets angry, as strong emotions could flow and self-expression thrives. Although the Swan might make a show of aggression, in general this spirit strives for harmony. The Swan attunes to rose quartz. Animal Spirits: Doe, Magpie, Wolverine Animal Spirits - Frog, Cat, Bull Animal Spirits - Puma, Butterfly, Dog Animal Spirits - Bear, Stag, Eagle Animal Spirits - Goat, Hare, Falcon Animal Spirits - Fox, Rooster, Orca Animal Spirits - Horse, Otter, Goose Back to Top

Coffee filters, gummi bears, guide dog school and refrigeration are among the German inventions of the 19th and early 20th centuries, still ubiquitous today. Here's background on all four of these famous creations and how they come into being. 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic Wiedergänger - the German Undead Nature Spirits of German Mythology Jump to: Coffee Filter Guide Dog School Gummi Bears Refrigerator Inventions, discoveries and innovations rise out of the cycles of industrial revolution and return to nature movements throughout Europe. England becomes the foremost power in trains and engineering. During the late Victorian era, in 1871, Germany moves from a loose group of cities, states and kingdoms into a unified country. By the end of the century the evolving world powers include Great Britain, the German Empire, Italy, France, Russia and Turkey. Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment German Harvest Spirits: Roggenhund (Rye Dog) Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files 1. Coffee Filter - Melitta Bentz Back to Top On 20 June 1908, housewife Melitta Bentz registered her coffee filter with the patent office. She used her son's school blotting paper to create a rough prototype and refined her design. A forward thinking entrepreneur, Frau Bentz exhibited her invention at trade shows and events to enthusiastic reception. Before filters, people brew coffee in boiling water. Grounds are very fine and settle to the bottom of the pot. The coffee is ladled or served from the top. Belsnickel - German Yule Ghoul Gingerbread Houses: German Folklore German Traditions - the Linden Tree Germany is a nation of coffee drinkers as the Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) tradition shows. About 3:00 in the afternoon families, neighbors and friends get together for baked treats. German desserts such as Black Forest Cake or fruit torte are known for their creamy rich taste, set off with a strong cup of coffee. Kaffee und Kuchen is the time for family togetherness or to invite new friends into one's home for a chat. Hags in Germanic Myth & Folklore Wolpertinger - German Myths & Folklore Werewolf & Werewolves of Germany 2. Guide Dogs - Dr. Gerhard Stalling Back to Top The first training school for guide dogs for the blind was created in 1916 by Gerhard Stalling in Oldenburg, Saxony, northwestern Germany. The dogs are meant to assist visually impaired and shell-shocked veterans. Guide dogs have gone on from leading the blind to helping the hearing challenged and people with motor skill impairments, mental health and other needs. These days guide dogs are truly a person's best friend. According to trainers, breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Standard Poodles, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, Airedales, Collies, Dobermans, and other suitably-sized breeds are all excellent guide dogs. Archaeological evidence shows guide dogs in practice for thousands of years. One depiction shows a blind man led to safety by his dog during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Schools for dogs come out much later. Police dog training schools begin in Belgium in 1899. Germany: A Little 19th Century History Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root 3. Gummi Bears - Hans Riegel Back to Top In 1922, Hans Riegel, owner of the German sweet shop Haribo in Bonn, Germany, invents Gummibären (gummi bears, gummy bears). It will be sixty long years before they travel across the Atlantic. Today, juicy, colorful gummi bears appear on snack shelves throughout the world. We love them! Thanks, Hans. Haribo is an acronym of the owner's name: HAns RIegel, BOnn. At first they're larger, slimmer and known as Dancing Bears or Tanzbären. Gummy bears aren't originally vegan, as the gelatin used to make them bouncy comes from animal products, but today there are alternatives. Same with Kosher. If one seeks Kosher Gummi Bears they can be found, not always easily. Halal gummy bears are made only in Turkey. Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper In Germany, artificial flavors and corn syrup aren't permitted. German gummy bears are more chewy than those in the New World. Flavors can differ from bear color - for example, green gummy bears in America are strawberry flavored (in Germany they're pink). Clear gummi bears are pineapple. In 1960 Haribo started calling the product Goldbears, to distinguish from the high number of imitations. 4. Modern Refrigerator - Carl von Linde Back to Top Engineer, scientist, businessman and inventor Carl Paul Gottfried von Linde discovered a refrigeration cycle, the Hampson-Linde cycle, and invented the first industrial-scale air separation and gas liquefaction processes used in refrigeration. 3 Great German Artists for Art Lovers The Bronze Monkey of Heidelberg Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Before refrigeration, cooling systems use ice. Ice can be cut from lakes in winter and packed in straw in an ice house or cellar. Artificial refrigeration appears in the mid-1700s and is further developed in the 1800s. The word "refrigeratory" was known in the 17th century, meaning 'something which cools or refrigerates'. In 1897, Carl von Linde os knighted for his work. Using his discoveries Dutch scientist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes wins the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1913. Early refrigerators are important to preventing food spoilage, and we no longer have to cut ice from the lake. Pioneering German Women - Anita Augspurg Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Diana's Tree ( Arbor Diana or Dianae ) is one of the most intriguing creations of alchemy. Its delicate branches of crystallized silver seem to come alive and grow. Intrigued, medieval philosophers ponder possibilities of life in the mineral realm. Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis of Alchemy Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Few phenomena captivate the imagination as deeply as Diana's Tree. A dendritic amalgam of crystallized silver , it's a fusion of artistry and natural processes, revealing the beauty of the mineral world. Diana's Tree is also called the Philosopher's Tree ( Arbor philosophorum ) although this term can apply to the chemical work of George Starkey . Diana's Tree is an intricate formation of crystalline silver in a branching, tree-like structure. In Roman mythology Diana is goddess of silver, the moon and the hunt. Silver is often called Diana in alchemy, as iron is Mars, lead Saturn and copper Venus. Silver relates to the moon, with silver nitrate termed lunar caustic in medieval times. Alchemical Salt: Essential Salts of Alchemy Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Sirius the Dog Star: Stellar Mythology The structure of Diana's Tree is created through a chemical process of reducing silver ions, which results in the arborescence. Beyond aesthetic appeal, Diana's Tree is an example of the complexities in mineral formations and processes of the natural world. How to Make Diana's Tree The creation of Diana's Tree is a chemical process beginning with mercury and silver nitrate. To make Diana's Tree, follow safety guidelines. High-purity mercury and silver nitrate must be acquired. Using materials of the highest quality is essential, as even minor impurities can detract from the final result. Alchemist George Starkey of London experiments with mercury to purify the liquid metal. Preparation : The process begins with a saturated solution of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) or lunar caustic , and metallic mercury (Hg). Care should be taken as both mercury and its compounds are highly toxic and must be handled with caution. Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂): Shining Copper Ore Silver nitrate is dissolved in distilled water to form a saturated solution. Separately, mercury is heated and cautiously introduced into the silver nitrate solution. Formation : When metallic mercury is introduced into the silver nitrate solution, a reaction occurs. The mercury reduces the silver ions (Ag⁺) present in the solution, causing elemental silver to precipitate out of the solution. Crystallization : Magic happens as the mixture cools. When the silver begins to precipitate, it forms insoluble, finely branched crystals. The rate of precipitation, as well as the temperature and concentration of the solution, can affect morphology of the crystals. Silver crystals grow into dendritic shapes, resembling a delicate tree. This part of the process requires patience; it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days for the crystals to fully develop. Lead: Death Metal of Metallurgy Copper (Cu) Effects on Human & Plant Health Natron - Ancient Embalming & Household Salts Collection : Once the desired crystallization has occurred, the dendritic silver formations can be carefully collected. They are often cleaned to remove any residual nitrate or mercury compounds. This must be done with care as the branches are fragile. One can display the finished Diana's Tree in a glass case to protect its beauty. Discovery of Diana's Tree Diana's Tree is first documented in the 17th century. During this time, experimental practices use more chemicals and chemical compounds due to the Renaissance influence of people like Paracelsus , who introduces them into medicine. Prominent alchemists like George Starkey (Eirenaeus Philalethes) conduct experiments with mercury leading to discovery of these delicate structures. Starkey's work in the mid-1600s is widely acknowledged as the starting point in the history of this natural wonder. Starkey develops a method to create a branch-like structure made of an alloy of gold and mercury, or sophick mercury (wise mercury or mercury of wisdom). This involves repeated mercury distillation, followed by heating it with gold to form the structure. Fulminating Silver: Dangerous Explosives in Alchemical Science Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Silverpoint Drawing: Art of the Renaissance His version is also referred to as the Philosophers' Tree ( Arbor philosophorum ), found among the writings of Isaac Newton. One variation of Starkey's experiment includes mixing a small gold seed with mercury. In medieval and Renaissance times, creating gold from gold itself ( multiplication ) is considered feasible. Multiplication is illegal in England from 1404 - 1688. Variation - Saturn's Tree Saturn's Tree is a crystallized lead deposit resembling a tree in form. It's made by immersion of zinc shavings into a solution of lead(II) acetate. Lead is a metal traditionally associated with planet Saturn. Lead: Death Metal of Metallurgy Molybdochalkos: Nigredo Black Lead of Maria Zinc (Zn): Essential Metal in Alchemy & Medicine Diana's Tree Facts Symbolism Diana’s Tree is associated with the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon, Diana, symbolizing purity and strength. Diana is a patron of women and childbirth as well as a divine huntress. Unique Patterns The growth patterns of Diana’s Tree are unique; each piece is distinct, never replicating exactly, making every sample a one-of-a-kind specimen. The intricate branch formation of Diana's Tree is highly collectible, appealing to both art lovers and scientists. Collectability Crystallized dendritic forms like Diana’s Tree are collected not only for their beauty but also for their scientific significance in studying crystallization processes and mineralogy. Historical Importance Diana's Tree is recorded in numerous alchemical texts. Scholars delight in Diana's Tree for its unique crystallization processes, showing the blend of natural art and science. Arsenic Trioxide: Paris Green Paint Pigment & Pesticide Xanthan Gum & Plant Blight: Xanthomonas Campestris Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Brevibacterium linens is a remarkable microorganism on a mission to spread its pungent aroma everywhere, from the unique bite of cheese to most horrific of foot and body odors. It busily produces these through natural processes of fermentation and decomposition. Pyrometallurgy: Ancient Processes of Modern Alchemy Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Microbial Alchemy: Fermentation, Digestion, Putrefaction What is Brevibacterium linens ? Brevibacterium linens is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium of the Brevibacteriaceae family. It's especially fond of dairy products. This bacterium is also a member of the natural microbial community of human skin. In both roles it uses powerful fermentation processes. A unique metabolism helps it thrive in different environments. Optimal temperature growth is 20–30 °C. B. linens doesn't form spores and is found in oxygen-rich (aerobic) settings. Famous in cheese making, it creates flavor and texture of cheeses like Limburger and Munster. The Unseen World: Protozoans in Nature Microbes: Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Protozoa, Fungi & Viruses Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Natural Environment B. linens is commonly found in the natural environment, residing in soil, diverse types of water and on human and animal skin surfaces, especially moist areas like between toes. In nature, these bacteria are decomposers of organic matter, providing nutrients back to the ecosystem. Besides its ecological role, B. linens enjoys popularity in the dairy industry. It's deliberately introduced into certain types of cheese to create distinctive flavors and textures. It creates complex biological changes during aging. B. linens enhances flavor and character of ripened cheeses but that's not all. It also helps control the growth of other bacteria by creating conditions to inhibit the undesirable species. Biometallurgy: Microbes Mining Metals Catalase: Unseen Enzymes Essential to Life Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature to Modern Uses Smell of Cheese The pungent odor of cheeses like Limburger or Munster comes from compounds produced by B. linens . The bacterium thrives on the surface of the cheeses and ferments proteins and lipids, transforming them into nutritional elements and exuding bacterial body waste. Fermentation is critical in cheese production. In cheese ripening, B. linens  metabolizes lactose and carbohydrates found in milk. This breakdown releases several volatile compounds, including sulfur-containing substances, fatty acids, and ammonia. The compounds create the powerful aroma of certain cheeses. Isovaleric acid, a fatty acid produced from the breakdown of leucine, is a major contributor to the strong smell. Cheese owes much of its scent to this bacterium's activity during its aging process. Aspergillus Flavus Mold: Origins, Behavior, Dangers Food Pathogens: Family Health & Safety Acetic Acid Bacteria for Vinegar Artisans: Acetobacter Foot & Body Odor Brevibacterium linens is also a natural inhabitant of human skin, particularly in areas warm and moist, such as between toes. Here, it feeds on sweat and oils produced by the skin. It metabolizes these substances as energy and releases volatile compounds. B. linens  colonizes the skin in regions of intense perspiration. It begins to break down sweat and dead skin cells. It primarily consumes amino acids and fatty acids found in sweat. This produces sulfur compounds, organic acids, and alcohols which contribute to the reek. The organic compound trimethylamine, for instance, is a notable contributor to of foot odor. The byproducts created during this process also include volatile organic compounds like isovaleric acid, leading to the characteristic "cheesy" foot odor. Alchemy: How to Make Rosaceum Oil Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Scheele's Green: History's Most Toxic Pigment Isovaleric acid occurs naturally and can be found in many foods, such as cheese, soy milk, and apple juice. Its name comes from the medicinal plant valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ) as it shares its characteristic smell with valeric acid. Other Uses of B. linens Beyond its role in cheese production and contributing to body odor, B. linens has several other fascinating applications. Biotechnology: Due to its well-characterized enzymes, researchers are investigating its potential in biotechnological applications, such as bioengineering processes that require specific enzyme activities. Probiotics: Some strains of B. linens are being explored for their potential probiotic properties, although specific research is ongoing. Environmental Engineering: B. linens may have applications in bioremediation processes due to its ability to break down organic materials, which could help in waste treatment and environmental cleanup initiatives. In Research : Study of B. linens  provides insights into microbial communities and their interactions. Understanding its role on human skin can lead to more effective treatments for body odor management. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂): Shining Copper Ore Fulminating Silver: Dangerous Explosives in Alchemical Science Iodine (I): Origin, Properties, Uses & Facts Facts About Brevibacterium linens Morphology : B. linens is rod-shaped, typically measuring between 0.5 to 1 micron in width and 1 to 6 microns in length. Metabolism : it performs fermentative metabolism, using carbon sources including lactose. Pathogenicity : Generally recognized as non-pathogenic; however, it can occasionally be associated with skin conditions and infections in immunocompromised individuals. Culinary Connection : Brevibacterium linens  is first isolated from Limburger in the 19th century. It's vital to ripening of washed-rind cheeses and produces distinctive flavors and aromas. Cheeses featuring B. linens  are often sold at premium prices in most specialty cheese shops. Cornstarch: Cuisine, Beauty, Cleaning Uses Lye (NaOH): Caustic Soda for Soap & Glass Potash: Agriculture, Plant & Garden Health Adaptability : It can thrive in various conditions, including high salinity and temperature fluctuations, demonstrating its resilient nature. Pioneer in Microbial Studies : Its unique properties make B. linens  a subject of interest in food microbiology and skin microbial research. Footwear Dilemma : Ironically, while it enhances cheese, B. linens  is notorious for causing foot odor. Avoid polyester socks, change socks after working or playing hard, and never, ever use cornstarch to combat foot odor. To these bacteria it's a delightful snack, inspiring them to proliferate and elevate the stench level. Rotten Egg Sulfur Smell: Microbial Processes Human Methane: Meet the Microbes of Flatulence White Lead Toxic Beauty, Art, Ancient Production Brevibacterium linens is a remarkable bacterium that bridges the gap between culinary arts and biology. From cheese to foot odor, B. linens makes itself known. As understanding of bacteria grows, so do possibilities for practical applications. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The circle is a magical place. With no beginning or end the circle is infinity. Circles hold or contain magic and spiritual energies. The circle attunes to the feminine or yin aspect, wholeness, the moon and the center of the all-seeing eye. Kamrushepa: Hittite Goddess of Magic Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients The circle is a shape of perfection, balance and harmony. In magic the circle is a vessel for containment or protection. Circles attune to both the eternal and the whole. A circle can signify the end of a cycle and a prelude to a new beginning. The moon phase comes to completion in the shape of the circle, when full moon magic is strong. Circles are the expanding ripples on a pond, and the shape of a ring galaxy. Moon Magic - the Feminine Principle Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Asteria - Starry Gems of Myth & Magic Prehistoric stone circles, such as Stonehenge, are sacred spaces. Timber circles are found but due to weathering most have returned to the earth. Cave paintings and petroglyphs use circle shapes and elements. In ancient Thrace (parts of today's Bulgaria and Turkey) circular carvings in rock represent sun, moon, or both. In various mythologies sun and moon are related, being husband and wife or sister and brother. Often the personification of the sun is female and the moon male. Thrace - Tribal Mythology & Lore Yumuktepe: Neolithic on the Med Solnitsata - Neolithic Salt Trade Town The circle is a place of gathering . At a round table, everyone has equal say. People congregate in circles around bonfires. Fairy rings of mushrooms have strong magic and in some beliefs one must walk around the circle nine times before stepping within. Covens and gatherings of magic hold the circle sacred. Other magic circles include wedding rings or rings as personal jewelry. Early geometry and astrology relate the circle to perfection and the divine. To come full circle indicates completion or return to beginning. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Karaca Dağ Volcano: Mountain of Life Horses, Alps & Amazons: the Caucasus The concept of the circle is the basis for the wheel. Related inventions such as gears are significant in modern machinery, clocks and watches, the motion of a motorized fan. In mathematics, the circle inspires development of geometry, astronomy and calculus. The ouroboros, or snake/dragon in a circle with tail in its mouth is a symbol of alchemy . Alchemists also use the example of the squared circle to represent the impossible, as the practice strives for that which seems unachievable. Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Similar to the shape of the ouroboros is the Germanic Lindwyrm , a snake-like dragon who puts its tail in its mouth and rolls like a wheel to catch its human prey. It also increases treasure by lying on it, which relates to the alchemic goal of turning base metals to gold. The circle inspires architectural styles such as rose windows and circular columns. Across different cultures similar meanings arise. The circle can represent unity, infinity, wholeness, the universe, divinity, balance, stability and perfection. Romanesque - Magic of Light & Stone Çatalhöyük (Catalhoyuk) Neolithic Anatolia Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore In religious traditions it represents heavenly bodies and divine spirits. Egyptian hieroglyphs depict the sun as a circle. Circles may have other circles within them, such as fairy ring mushrooms or water ripples spreading outward. Far from being a static shape, the circle is filled with movement. It can expand or contract like the pupil of the eye, in theory or practice. In spirituality the circle assumes a positive uninterrupted flow of energy. Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Abzu - Primal Waters of Creation Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Like triangles, circles relate to the female or feminine principle. In mysticism circles attune to the infinite and cycles of nature and existence. A circle is the halo of an angel or the crown of a monarch. It can represent the Dharma wheel or Dharmachakra of Buddhism. If the flow is blocked a person may feel she's running in circles or her mind goes round like a whirlwind and gets nowhere. It can also lead to a feeling of being trapped. This is a sign to rise above the circumstances, and see the path from new perspective. Slaves Unchained: Freedmen of Ancient Rome Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Squaring the circle is the ancient geometric problem of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle, using a set number of steps with compass and straightedge. In 1882, the achievement is proven impossible, but enthusiasts keep trying nonetheless. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top