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A mythical serpent or dragon, ouroboros appears in literature and illustration from ancient Greece. Tales of ouroboros spread east, and other cultures pick up the mythology. It's of special interest to alchemy, Gnosticism and Hermeticism. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Aesculapian Snakes: Nature & Lore Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Sylvia Rose Books The ouroboros symbol originates in ancient Egypt, China or Mesopotamia although the image of a serpent consuming its own tail is cross-cultural. The earliest example of its use is Egyptian. It's found myths of Greece, Rome, India, Scandinavia, Africa and South America. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The current name comes from ancient Greek οὐροβόρος, from οὐρά oura 'tail' plus -βορός -boros '-eating'. The ouroboros is interpreted as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth. Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess European Grass Snake: Nature & Lore Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Imagery of the snake biting its tail appears in the Germanic Lindwyrm, a type of dragon or serpent with small arms or no limbs. The two kinds of Lindwyrm are benevolent and wise, or flesh-eating monster. The second puts its tail in its mouth and rolls to catch its human prey. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Rarely, snakes are found consuming their own bodies tail first. It occurs among both captive and wild snakes, most commonly rat snakes. Scientists are perplexed. Maiden & The Lindwyrm: A Fairy Tale Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Sylvia Rose Books Earliest known use of the glyph comes from the tomb of Tutankhamun in the 14th century BCE. The coiled snake is a manifestation of the deity Mehen ('coiled one'), who protects Ra on his underworld travels. He's often attacked by Chaos Snake Apep. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series In Egypt the symbol represents formless disorder surrounding the orderly world. The Earth continually renews herself, following rhythms and cycles. In nature, animal spirituality and mythology snakes are closely connected to the rhythms of the earth. Serket - Scorpion Goddess of Egypt Iah: Cryptic Ancient Moon God Egypt Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sylvia Rose Books Use of the ouroboros persists from Egyptian into Roman times. It's often found on magical talismans. The ouroboros becomes a symbol of alchemy in Greco-Egyptian Alexandria, a hotspot for science and enlightenment, and elsewhere. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries 4th-century Latin commentator Servius sees the image of a snake biting its tail to represent the cyclical nature of the year. In this way it relates to the circle, cycles and seasons. In animal spirituality the snake also attunes to healing, wisdom, renewal and prosperity. Crocodilopolis - Sobek Crocodile God Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Feast of Fools - A Lora Ley Adventure Sylvia Rose Books The German Lindwyrm has a special talent. Everything it lies upon increases in value, which is why these dragons are often found dozing on vast treasure piles. Thus the ouroboros relates to the creation of gold, a primary goal of alchemists. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The ouroboros represents eternal life, another alchemic goal, through the energy of the circle, as well as the snake's trait of shedding skin. Besides longevity and wealth creation the ouroboros relates to the medical arts in that alchemy seeks a panacea for all disease. Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Aetsi: Boars, Snakes & Baltic Amber Black Hellebore: Toxins, Health & Lore Sylvia Rose Books In Gnosticism, a serpent biting its tail relates to eternity and the soul of the world. The Gnostic Pistis Sophia (c. 400 CE) describes the ouroboros as a twelve-part dragon surrounding the world with its tail in its mouth: And Jesus answered and said unto Mary: "The outer darkness is a great dragon, whose tail is in his mouth, outside the whole world and surrounding the whole world. And there are many regions of chastisement within it. There are twelve mighty chastisement-dungeons and a ruler is in every dungeon and the face of the rulers is different one from another. Honey Bees (Apidae): Nature & Myth Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Mushussu - Snake Dragon Animal of Marduk Sylvia Rose Books In mythology of the Norse, ouroboros appears as the serpent Jörmungandr, one of the three children of Loki and Angrboda. The serpent grows so large it can encircle the earth while holding its tail in its teeth. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Biblical Leviathan has qualities similar to ouroboros. The Leviathan is a singular creature with no mate, its tail in its mouth, while described as "twisting around and encompassing the entire world". Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Bashmu (Bašmu): Voracious Serpent Dragon Sylvia Rose Books In some beliefs ouroboros represents circle as metal mercury the "female" aspect, whereby sulfur is the male. In the Middle Ages mercury is used to treat syphilis. In his first medical publication, renegade physician Paracelsus writes a pamphlet about the disease. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series He maintains syphilis can be treated with carefully measured doses of mercury. Similarly, he is the first to discover the disease can only be contracted by contact. He also invents gnomes and introduces chemistry to medicine. Gnomes: Earth Spirits of Renaissance Mythology Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books The ouroboros shape makes the symbol for mercury, but the mercury symbol is a stylization of two snakes on a rod. The crosshatch, creating a familiar type of feminine symbolism, is added later. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung sees the ouroboros as an archetype and basic mandala of alchemy. He writes about the relationship of the ouroboros to alchemy: "The alchemists, who in their own way knew more about the nature of individuation than we moderns do, expressed this paradox through the symbol of the ouroboros, the snake who eats its own tail. Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books The ouroboros has been said to have a meaning of infinity or wholeness. In the age-old image of the ouroboros lies the thought of devouring oneself and turning oneself into a circulatory process, for it was clear to the more astute alchemists that the prima materia* of the art was man himself. The ouroboros is a dramatic symbol for the integration and assimilation of the opposite, i.e. of the shadow. This 'feedback' process is at the same time a symbol of immortality since it is said of the ouroboros that he slays himself and brings himself to life, fertilizes himself, and gives birth to himself. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books He symbolizes the One, who proceeds from the clash of opposites, and he, therefore, constitutes the secret of the prima materia which ... unquestionably stems from man's unconscious." *prima materia: a formless primeval substance thought to be the original material of the universe. The concept is invented by Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE). Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold A Viking Christmas Yule Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Back to Top

Khonsu is the Moon God of ancient Egypt. His name means "traveler". At one time, he shone as brightly as the Sun. In some depictions he has the head of a falcon, with a crescent moon disc crown. In others he appears as a child with a sidelock of youth. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Heh Gods & Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt Magic: Heka & the Ka in Ancient Egypt Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Sylvia Rose Books Khonsu (Ancient Egyptian: ḫnsw; also Chonsu, Khensu, Khons, Chons or Khonshu) describes the passage of time, together with polymath moon god Thoth. Khonsu helps impart life to all creatures. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure At Thebes, Egypt, Khonsu is part of the "Theban Triad" with Mut, Creator goddess, his mother and primordial god Amun his father. Family triads are commonplace in ancient Egypt, made by the patron deity, spouse and offspring. Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Ka - Life Essence in Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Khonsu may be a child with a sidelock or youth lock of hair. In tradition going back to the 25th century BCE, a boy wears a lock usually on the right side of his head. In profile art it may be on the left. When he comes of age the lock is cut, and offered to the god Horus. Khonsu's most famous legend comes from a myth of sun god Ra who reigns at this time as a human pharaoh. The God Thoth predicts Goddess Nut’s son will one day reign, and Ra doesn't want a successor. He forbids Nut to have children on any of the 360 days of the year. Egyptian Blue Faience - Ceramic Glass Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Thoth sympathizes with Nut. He plays senet with Khonsu. Every time Thoth wins, Khonsu must give him more moonlight. Thoth wins enough light for five days, and adds five extra days to the year. The grateful Nut give birth to Osiris, future pharaoh after Ra, as well as Set, Harmachis, Nephthys and Isis. After the game Khonsu is weaker and shines brightly only a few days of the month. However, his crescent form blesses the land with fertility. Ogdoad - Primordial Gods of Egypt Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Slaves Unchained: Freedmen of Ancient Rome Sylvia Rose Books Most often known as Traveler, Khonsu is also called Embracer, Pathfinder, Defender, and healer. With his all-seeing eye he watches over those who travel at night. God of light at night, Khonsu is invoked for protection against wild predators, and for healing. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure When Khonsu shines as the crescent moon he brings fecundity to the lands. Women conceive, livestock is fertile, seedlings grow, plants prosper, and fresh air fills the throat and nostrils. Was Scepter, Djed & Ankh Power Trio Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Book of the Heavenly Cow - Myths of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books He's associated other divine children such as Horus (as Harmachis), Heka and Shu. In falcon-headed form he wears the crescent moon and moon disk crown. In his childhood form, Khonsu is often a mummy with the menat necklace, and crook and flail. The menat necklace is associated with goddess Hathor. She is the cosmic Mother Cow Goddess and the Eye of Ra. The menat is used as a rattle by her priestesses and also worn as a protective amulet, particularly by Apis bulls and divine children. Apis - Sacred Fertility Bull of Egypt Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Linen, Hemp & Cotton - Fabrics of Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books The crook and flail are held crossed over the chest. The crook is the symbol a shepherd and represents kingship. The flail a sign of threshing and crop fertility throughout Egypt. Originally connected to Osiris, they grow to became royal signs of absolute authority. Ammitt - Eater of the Heavy Heart Anubis: Jackal-Headed God of Egypt Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Back to Top

A poor shoemaker named Karl and his wife Frieda live above their shoe shop, near a small village. Hardship comes upon them. The shoemaker falls ill. Their savings spent, he returns to his bench with only enough leather to make one pair of shoes, and no money to buy more. German Myth & Folklore: Elves Care and Feeding of Your Kobold Part 1 The Maiden & The Lindwyrm - A Fairy Tale Sylvia Rose Books Karl leaves the leather on his bench with a sigh, determined to make shoes in the morning. He and Frieda have a supper of plain gruel and go to sleep. In the middle of the night she pokes him awake. "Did you hear that?" she says. "What?" he says. "I was sleeping." They listen, but hear nothing more. Dismissing the sounds, which could be the wind, they go back to sleep. Next day dawns bright and sunny, but all the shoemaker can think of is the ache in his limbs and the plight of poverty. Frau Holle - A German Fairy Tale House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Sylvia Rose Books After finishing the leftover gruel for breakfast, Karl and Frieda go downstairs. Imagine their amazement when they see a beautiful new pair of shoes done with finest stitching, neatly placed upon the work bench. The door opens and a chic lady enters. "Can you tell me," says she, "is the village far?" Little Elder Tree Mother: A Fairy Tale Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Before they can answer she beholds the fine footwear and her eyes pop. The shoes are of the most supple leather, with plenty of arch and ankle support. "Why, these are just what I need," she cries, and pays the shoemaker twice what he would have asked. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries When she leaves, Karl and Frieda are flabbergasted. Such lovely shoes and more money too? Immediately the shoemaker buys enough leather for two pairs of shoes. With the change he gets sausages for dinner. German Myth - Father Rhine River God Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sylvia Rose Books That night, Karl leaves the leather on the work bench. Frieda leaves a plate of cut up sausage for the mysterious visitors. In the middle of the night Frieda pokes Karl. "Did you hear that?" "It sounds like squeals of delight." Very quietly they sneak out of bed. They peek into the workshop, and blink in disbelief. Three little men nimbly cut and sew leather, heartily enjoying bites of sausage. Nature Spirits of German Mythology Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Sprites: Ethereal Creatures of Faerie Sylvia Rose Books Karl and Frieda are surprised to see the clothes of the elves in rags. The soles are flopping off their shoes. The shoemaker and his wife hasten back to bed before they're seen. Next morning Karl and Frieda are thrilled to find two fine finished pairs of shoes upon the bench. Before they have time to rejoice, the door flies open and a well-dressed man enters. Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Sylvia Rose Books "Excuse me, good people, which way is Munich?" Then he sees the shoes on the bench. With glee he snatches them up, eagerly examining one pair and the other. He exclaims over the clever handiwork and neat strong stitches. When he tries them on, they fit perfectly. "I must have both pairs," he cries. "Never have I seen such excellent work. And arch support, too!" Before Karl or Frieda can say anything he tosses a bag of money on the counter, and happily goes on his way. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Lora Ley - Book Two - Nibelung Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Sylvia Rose Books The shoemaker looks into the bag and to his shock it's stuffed with gold coins. Karl has more than enough gold to buy leather for eight pairs of shoes and a nice Schnitzel dinner too. The rest of the coins fill their empty money purse. "It's a shame the elves have to wear rags," says Frieda. "After all they've done for us, we should do something for them. I'll make shirts and trousers." Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Aesculapian Snakes: Nature & Lore Sylvia Rose Books Karl nods. "Guess they can create only human-sized shoes. I'll make new ones for them." Frieda sews the clothes, and Karl makes tiny shoes for their magical benefactors. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries That night, Karl and Frieda leave food and the new shoes and clothes on the bench for the little men, and hide behind a curtain. Not long after dark, the elves appear and climb up on the bench. Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Old Prussians of the Baltic Coast Sylvia Rose Books They laugh and leap for joy when they see the new clothes, and try them on. They admire themselves and each other, the well-fitting shoes and delicious Schnitzel. Amazingly fast, they create eight pairs of human sized shoes with the finest of work. Karl and Frieda go to bed but can't sleep for excitement. Early the next day an entourage of the King stops by the shop. The men demand the shoes at any price, for never have they seen such quality. They give Karl so much gold, his and Frieda's troubles are over. Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Poppaea Sabina: Child Bride to Roman Empress Mulberry Tree (Morus): Uses, Folklore & Myth Karl and Frieda hug each other. They never see the elves again, but the riches bespeak their gratitude for the gifts of new clothes and shoes. Karl and Frieda are blessed with abundance, the elves are dressed, the rich are shod, and everyone lives happily ever after. The End Elves are common household spirits in German and European mythology. They are known for quality craftsmanship. Elves may take up residence with humans with the function of a house kobold. However while the Kobold is usually solitary, elves appear in groups. Depending who tells the tale, elves might be called Wichtelmännchen (little imps) or Heinzelmännchen (brownies). Also depending on region, 'Elves & the Shoemaker' may be told in different local versions, but the moral of hard work and reward remains the same. Sylvia Rose Books 'Elf' in the 19th century and earlier can refer to many magical beings, including Santa himself in the beloved 'Night Before Christmas' of 1823. In folklore, it's once thought sickness and disease are caused by elf magic, and that they work with witches for evil. Elves don't have pointy ears until the 19th century, and some time previously are the size of a regular adult. They can walk among humans without revealing their true nature. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

A mother, her daughter Hilda and stepdaughter Elsa live in a house in the woods. Elsa does all the work as the other two are lazy, but she doesn't mind. She always has a smile on her face and a song on her lips. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The Many Faces of Frau Holle Maiden and The Lindwyrm Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Sylvia Rose Books One day her stepmother sends Elsa into the woods to gather berries. Elsa finds herself on an unfamiliar trail leading up into the sky. Full of wonder, Elsa follows the trail to the clouds. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series On the way she passes an oven. In the oven, loaves of bread cry, "Take us out, take us out, or surely we will burn!" Quickly, Elsa puts down her berry basket and rescues the hot bread from the oven. The loaves are golden and baked to perfection. Little Elder Tree Mother: A Fairy Tale Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Sylvia Rose Books As she goes on, Elsa comes to a tree growing from the clouds. Upon the tree's boughs hang so many apples, they weigh down the branches. The tree groaned. "Pick these apples, lest I collapse." And the apples cried, "Pick us, pick us, lest we fall to earth and rot." READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Elsa finds several bushel baskets and fills them with apples. The tree branches reach up and the apples give her thanks. She continues on her way and the trail brightens above the clouds. German Nature Folklore - Fruit Trees Apples: Nature, Spirituality & Folklore Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Sylvia Rose Books She arrives at a neat little cottage. A woman in the garden beckons. Elsa spends many days with the woman, who is the goddess Frau Holle. Elsa acquires skills of spinning and herbology even the most proficient don't know. Every day she learns something new. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Elsa helps with housekeeping and baking. Frau Holle shows her how to fluff feather pillows and blankets out the window. Feathers softly fall, and Elsa watches in delight as they land as snow down in the mortal realm. Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Screaming Swiss Spirit: Pfaffenkellnerin Sylvia Rose Books One day, Frau Holle tells her, "Your time with me is done. Return to your stepmother and stepsister now." Elsa wants to protest, as she enjoys helping Frau Holle but she's an obedient girl and merely nods. "You'll receive your reward at the gate," says Frau Holle. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure As Elsa walks through the front gate, a shower of gold and precious stones falls from the sky. Elsa is thankful and overjoyed, for it will bring wealth to her family and perhaps earn the respect of her stepmother and stepsister. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Kashka - Mountain Raiders of Anatolia Sylvia Rose Books Sadly, her stepmother and stepsister treat Elsa no better. They spend all the money on trinkets and finery. "We need more," says the stepmother to Hilda. "If useless Elsa can get so much, imagine what you can get from this crazy old woman." Following Elsa's directions, Hilda goes into the forest and up the cloud trail. She came to loaves of bread crying out from an oven. "Help! Take us out or we'll burn!" But Hilda sniffs with disdain and goes on, for she cares not if the bread burns. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Heimchen - House Crickets of Folklore Fänggen (Fangga): Man-Eaters of Tyrol Sylvia Rose Books Then she comes to the apple tree, weighed down with apples. "Help me," cries the tree. "Pick us," beg the apples. Haughty Hilda turns away from the calls of the tree and apples, for the day is warm and she doesn't want to break a sweat. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure She arrives at a neat cottage and knows this is the home of Frau Holle, who gave Elsa such a rich reward. Frau Holle tries to teach her to spin and weave with excellence, but Hilda is lazy and refuses to work. She prefers to eat apple pie and gaze out the window. Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Sinope: Poison, Honey, Greeks & Clay Gingerbread Houses: German Folklore Sylvia Rose Books Frau Holle tries to show her the magic of the feather beds, and how they made snow. Hilda lies in them, but refuses make them or shake them. Finally Frau Holle said, "I cannot teach you anything." Hilda thought this a great compliment. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries "Where's my reward?" she says, and is told she'll get it at the garden gate. Hilda strides forward with her hat held out to catch the treasure she imagines falling from the sky. As she passes the gate, a cascade of steaming pitch pours down upon her. Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Bitumen - Tarry Trade in Perfect Pitch Sylvia Rose Books She cries in anger and humiliation, and runs all the way back to her mother. Her mother berates Hilda for her failure, and the girl can never fully remove the pitch from her hair and under her nails. And so the moral is, the lazy and arrogant are punished. Rewards come to those who are courteous and work hard. In her domestic aspect Frau Holle relates to the hearth, elderberry tree, apples and orchards, baking, spinning, weaving, herbology, healing and nature magic. Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Hags in Germanic Myth & Folklore Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Sylvia Rose Books Like many ancient deities, Frau Holle has various aspects, including a domestic goddess, a dark side with chthonic connections; an old lady, deific punisher, powerful warrior, weather entity and teacher. The Festival of Frau Holle covers twelve days from December 25. Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Back to Top

The Maiden and the Lindwyrm is a 19th century fairy tale from Denmark. The Lindwyrm appears throughout Germanic mythology. Lindwyrm is a primal dragon, or snake with a taste for human prey. This story's also known as King Lindwyrm or Bride and the Lindwyrm. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure German Myth - Lindwyrm, Mare and Pig Demons Aesculapian Snakes: Nature & Lore Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Sylvia Rose Books A King and Queen rule a beautiful land, but are unhappy as they have no children to inherit the throne. Under cover of darkness the Queen journeys to a crone or wise woman in the forest to ask advice. READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series By the light of the moon the crone plucks two roses from her garden, one red and one white. "Eat one or the other," she instructs as she gives them to the Queen, "but not both." Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Sylvia Rose Books Gratefully the Queen hurries back to the palace. In her excitement she forgets the words of the wise woman, and eats both flowers. She soon becomes pregnant with twins. Because she ate both roses, the firstborn is a Lindwyrm, a primal snake dragon. The second Prince is handsome, healthy, kind, ambitious and perfect in every way. When he grows up, the Prince sets out on a quest to find a wife, so he can become King and make her his Queen. Ruby, Rubies: Passion, Blood and Fire Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Lora Ley - Book Three - The Swan Maidens Sylvia Rose Books Prince Lindwyrm insists  because he's first born, as eldest he should marry first. Suitable maidens are scarce. No one wants to marry a Lindwyrm. READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries When a maiden comes to meet him and, seeing his sinuous form, refuses him as husband, he eats her. Thus there are few volunteers among the bachelorettes of the kingdom, and the Lindwyrm grows ever larger. Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg European Grass Snake: Nature & Lore Sylvia Rose Books A local shepherd's daughter  is clever. She knows the story of Prince Lindwyrm and dons every dress she has, seven in all. Then she bids goodbye to her father, who thinks he's seen the last of her. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure When she's admitted  to the chambers of the Lindwyrm, the great snake looks her up and down.    "I cannot see you in that bulky attire. You must take off your dress."    "If I take off my dress," she says, "you must shed a skin." Nature Spirits of German Mythology German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Song of the Loreley Sylvia Rose Books The Lindwyrm agrees. Although surprised at the many dresses she wears, he sheds a skin for each dress she removes. When he sheds the seventh skin, he appears before her in his true form as a handsome Prince. READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series And so the enchantment is broken . Prince Lindwyrm becomes King, with the shepherd's daughter as his Queen. Everyone cheers the event, even the second-born twin, who prefers questing to Kingship anyway. Peace and prosperity follow, and they all live happily ever after. Wild Women and Winter Tales Frau Holle - A German Fairy Tale Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Sylvia Rose Books Notes: In some versions of the tale, the Queen eats two onions, one peeled and one unpeeled, which can symbolize the layers of skin shed by the snake. Roses and other flowers such as lotus, peony and lavender represent fertility and pregnancy. Snakes are also fertility symbols. The number seven is one of the 'magic numbers' of the occult, the other being three. A Lindwyrm can take its tail in its mouth and roll like a wheel to pursue its human prey. It relates to the ouroboros of alchemy. Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating Tail Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Back to Top

The Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus) is a species of nonvenomous snake native to Europe. Among the largest European snakes, the Aesculapian snake is a mystic icon of medicine throughout the ancient Greco-Roman world. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Sylvia Rose Books Associated with the Greek medicine god Asclepius (Roman Aesculapius), the snake first appears when Asclepius is a demi-god. Having learned much from his father Sun God Apollo, and Chiron the centaur, Asclepius is wiser in medicine and healing than his teachers. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure This comes to the attention of King Minos of Crete, whose son Glaucus has drowned in a vat of honey. He orders Asclepius to bring him back from the dead, and imprisons Asclepius in the tomb with the corpse of Glaucus. Honey Bees (Apidae): Nature & Myth Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Sylvia Rose Books Asclepius is distracted from thoughts of doom by a snake slithering toward him. In panic he grabs his staff and bashes the snake over the head. The snake dies curled around his staff. Suddenly another snake appears with an herb in its mouth. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The snake puts the herb on the head of the dead snake, who miraculously returns to life. Asclepius is overjoyed. He gets some of the herb and revives Glaucus. Thus is the snake associated with medicine, and especially immortality. Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Sylvia Rose Books In Rome, a boy Lucius is saved from evil assassins when they see a shed snake skin "slither" from his bed. The terrified assassins flee. His mother Agrippina makes the skin into a bracelet of protection. It sees to work as Lucius becomes Emperor Nero in 54 AD. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Shed snake skins are often used in rituals of healing magic. They can be worn in a vial necklace or spell jewelry. We already know the snake symbolizes rebirth. Snakes also connect to intuition, subconscious, rhythm of Earth, elemental Water and dreams. Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Ninazu: Healing, Death, Snakes & War Sylvia Rose Books Snakes relate to protection, longevity, the energy of the primal dragon. A snake draws energies of sensuality, prosperity and wisdom. The European grass snake is a heroic symbol of fertility and luck in Baltic lore as the snake Žaltys. The snake knows secrets. In Germanic lore the Lindwyrm Prince is tricked by a savvy peasant girl into shedding his skins and breaking the spell holding him captive. In most cultures, snakes are strongly connected to healing and medicine. Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen European Grass Snake: Nature & Lore Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Sylvia Rose Books Snakes, usually venomous, are used to make snake wine in some Asian countries. Snake wine is considered a fortifying elixir best downed with a shot glass. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Aesculapian snake is dark, long, slender, in bronze tones and with smooth scales giving it a sheen of metal. Juveniles can easily be confused with young grass snakes (Natrix natrix) as they both have a yellow to white collar patch. Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Sylvia Rose Books Adult snakes are usually olive yellow, brownish green or almost black. These slender reptiles can grow over 1.8 m (6 ft) long. They're found in France, most of Italy, Greece, the Balkans, north of the Black Sea. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Isolated populations in Odenwald, Mt. Ararat and others are thought begun by Romans erecting temples to the medicine god  Aesculapius, to whom the snakes are sacred. Every Aesculapian temple has its resident snakes. Poppaea Sabina: Child Bride to Roman Empress Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Arsenic: Murderous Metal & Miracle Cure Sylvia Rose Books Accustomed to people, the Aesculapian snakes travel uninhibited among the sick, who come to sleep at the temple. It's said one can have prophetic dreams. Any dreams are reported to a priest, who interprets the dream and prescribes treatment. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Before the patient sleeps, a sacrificial offering must be made to the god. It's a pay-what-you-can basis. Poor people are not expected to give the sacrifice afforded by a wealthy person. All get the same treatment whether one brings tidbits for snakes or gold for the temple. Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Demons - Evil Udug of Mesopotamia Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Roads Sylvia Rose Books The snakes eat rats, mice, shrews, eggs and small birds. The snakes are active by day. In the warmer months of the year, they come out in late afternoon or early morning. They are very good climbers, able to ascend even vertical tree trunks and walls. They're recorded at heights of 4 - 5 m (13 - 16 ft) and up to 20 m (66 ft) in trees. They forage in the roofs of buildings. The snakes are active even during hibernation to keep body temperature stable. On sunny days they come to the surface and bask. Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Sylvia Rose Books Aesculapian snakes are secretive and wild individuals care not for human company. If cornered they'll snap and bite but have no venom. They need a wide range of habitation thus don't fare well in captivity. In Roman temples they come and go freely. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The snakes are sexually mature at c. 4 - 6 years. Breeding occurs annually after hibernation in spring, from mid-May to mid-June. At this time snakes actively seek each other out. Rival males wrestle using their coils. The victorious male gives the female little love bites. Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Ruby, Rubies: Passion, Blood and Fire Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books The snakes have sex. The male has two penises and can use either one. The female has a vaginal opening called a cloaca, and scientists have recently discovered two clitorises behind it. The snakes entwine and remain this way for at least an hour, up to several hours. Two snakes entwined are a fertility symbol of the Chinese primordial deities Fuxi (Fu Xi) and Nüwa (Nügua). They're helpers and teachers of humankind. A creator goddess, Nüwa makes the first people from yellow clay. Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth The Sex Demons - Incubus & Succubus Sylvia Rose Books In 4 - 6 weeks the female lays about ten eggs. She favors a moist, warm spot especially of organic decomposition. Snake eggs may be laid under hay piles, in rotting wood piles, heaps of manure or leaf mold, old tree stumps. Often in northern parts of the range, preferred nesting sites or hatching areas may be used by several Aesculapian snakes. They might share their space with grass snakes. In 6 - 10 weeks, the eggs hatch. The baby emerges ready to find its first meal. Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Magic: Heka & the Ka in Ancient Egypt Quest for Immortality - Qin Shi Huang Sylvia Rose Books As for Asclepius, he comes to a fiery end. Fearing Asclepius will make humans immortal, Zeus kills him with a thunderbolt. He's fully deified as a god. When Apollo learns his son is dead, his cascading tears fall into the divine river Eridanos to become drops of amber. Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Back to Top

Scorpion men (Akkadian: girtablullû, aqrabuamelu) make an appearance in various Akkadian language myths. They include the Enûma Elish Creation Epic, in which hero god Marduk takes credit for slaying all the monsters including Tiamat, and creating the world. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Shamash (Utu) Sun God of Mesopotamia Kusarikku - Bull Men of Mesopotamia Abzu - Primal Waters of Creation Sylvia Rose Books Scorpion men also appear in the Babylonian version of the Epic of Gilgamesh. A scorpion man has the head, arms and torso of a man, the body of a scorpion, and wings. Like other gatekeepers the scorpion men are often a duo or divine dyad. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Adventure New 2024 Tiamat their maker personifies Chaos, the primal seas existing long before the creation of the heavens and earth. She's described as 'glistening one' and may take the shape of a monster serpent or dragon, a seductive woman or the sea itself. Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea Serket - Scorpion Goddess of Egypt Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Sylvia Rose Books Scorpion men are first created by Tiamat in her war against her godly offspring, who murder her consort Abzu. They want the throne of heaven for themselves. Their battles with Tiamat and her monsters are legendary. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Enuma Elish Creation Epic (c. 12th century BCE) is the only myth likening Tiamat and Abzu to deities. In other Babylonian and Mesopotamian stories they're elemental entities (ground water and sea water), or in Tiamat's case, monstrous creatures. Shulpae (Šulpae): Demon Warrior God Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia Edimmu: Evil Demons of Vengeance Sylvia Rose Books In the Epic of Gilgamesh, scorpion men guard the gates of the Sun God Shamash at the mountains of Mashu, a great cedar mountain. The gates lead to Kurnugi or Babylonian Kur, the Underworld, otherwise known as the Land of Death, the Dark Earth and Land of Darkness. Every day the scorpion men open the gates for Shamash, and close the doors when he goes into the earth night. Shamash travels through a region just above the Underworld, the nether sky. Shen Rings Egypt - Divine Protection Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Mountain Gazelle: Wild Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books The scorpion men are huge. Their heads touch the firmament. According to description, "their terror is awesome" and "their glance is death." Should a traveler discover the gates, the scorpion men warn the person of the danger ahead in the realm of the Underworld. The Goddess Queen Ereshkigal and her ravenous galla demons will trap a hapless wanderer forever in the Land of Death. Once she decrees a person to be dead, there is no escape. Ninhursag - Great Mountain Mother Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators Figs - Food of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Scorpion features appear on mythic creatures. The Sphinx can have the tail of a scorpion. The Greek manticore has a human head, body of a lion and scorpion tail. Once named for medicine goddess Lisin, Antares is the brightest star in the Scorpius constellation. Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Lisin - Medicine Goddess of Ancients Dromedary Camel: Animals of Ancient Arabia Back to Top

If drinking elderberry wine or tea, one might see pixies. Early Germans are animists. Spirits or spirit energies inhabit all living things. They dwell in trees, herbs, animals, even rocks. Every tree forms a complex ecology. Magic of nature spirits improves tree health. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Jump to: The Elderberry Tree Domestic & Protective Deities Elderberry Purple Dye Elderberry Poison Elderberry Medicinal Qualities Music & Magic Changing Mythology Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Sylvia Rose Books The Ash Tree is inhabited by Eschenfrau, a wicked ash tree hag. Oaks have prophetic and oracle properties, and the spirits can answer questions or give advice. Fruit trees are integral to harvest mythology, and the birch tree talks to the moon. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The Elderberry Tree Back to Top The Elderberry (Sambucus) is a flowering bushy tree. Like Linden it brings good luck to a home. The name comes from ancient Greek sambū́kē, a wind instrument. People remove the pith, a spongy white tissue, from elderberry twigs or branches to make flutes. German Traditions - the Linden Tree Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman German Nature Folklore - Fruit Trees Sylvia Rose Books In the Elderberry Tree lives a goddess of nature and fertility, known in Germanic regions as Holundermutter or Elderberry Mother. It's essential to ask her permission before using any parts of her tree. In general she's gracious and doesn't mind. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Cutting down a tree without the proper invocations or offering will kindle her wrath. The Holundermutter figure appears in UK and Scandinavian mythology. She may be the ancient pagan deity Frau Holle, also called Holde or Hulda, of north Germany. The Many Faces of Frau Holle Hags in German Myth & Folklore Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books Domestic and Protective Deities Back to Top According to scholars like Jacob Grimm, Frau Holle is an ancient pagan deity. She has both light and dark aspects and is linked to mother goddess Frigg or Freya of Norse mythology as well as other German spirit entities like Lutzelfrau. In ancient lore she may have taken role as Creator Goddess with the Sky God. A weather entity, she can make it snow. In the fairy tale she fluffs her feather bedding out the window. Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Plight of the Lutzelfrau: German Myth Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Sylvia Rose Books Elderberry relates to the dyeing of fabric. The tree traditionally is near the house, making the Elder Mother a patron of women and the hearth. This domestic role is also taken by certain aspects of Frau Holle. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries As Holle and her southerly relative Perchta teach early people to spin, Holundermutter gives the gift of color to yarn and fabrics. Elderberry trees grow naturally in organic waste disposal areas found near houses and barns. Branches are easily bent and shaped. Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Nature Spirits of German Mythology Lora Ley - Book Five - The Corn Spirits Sylvia Rose Books Elderberry Purple Dye Back to Top Elderberries have strong color pigments. Purple is especially desired because this color is hard to get. People acquire rich purple dyes from the mucus glands of sea snails of the Murex family, a practice originating with the Phoenicians as early as 1570 BC. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Not only is the dye strong in color, it brightens with time instead of fading. According to researchers "Twelve thousand snails of M. brandaris yield less than 1.4 g of pure purple dye, only enough to color the trim of a single garment." Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Care and Feeding of Your Kobold Part 1 Sylvia Rose Books In Roman times, crushed shells are heaped along the shore. Purple is big business and and only rich can afford it. It's a color for emperors, as a status symbol, and the color itself is connected to divine magic. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Elderberry fabric dye is a cheaper alternative. The berries can produce colored dye for fabric and yarn from maroon shades to dark muted purple. A London chemist creates the first synthetic purple by accident in 1856. Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Beautiful Music Original Art Sylvia Rose Books Elderberry Poison Back to Top All parts of the tree and raw elderberries are poisonous, containing concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides. Flowers have more toxins than berries and can smell unpleasant. Cooked, elderberries lose toxicity. Symptoms of elderberry poisoning include: nausea vomiting abdominal cramps diarrhea muscle weakness As with many venomous and poisonous beings, the Elder also has medicinal and other valuable properties. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Wolfsbane (Aconitum) Ancient Poisons Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Sylvia Rose Books Elderberry Medicinal Qualities Back to Top In folk medicine, elderberry fruit, bark or flowers are used to treat: respiratory ailments flu colds constipation sciatica headache body aches Bark or twigs can be put in the mouth to help relieve toothache pain. Medical science is currently studying benefits to the upper respiratory tract. The Mystic Victorian - Fortune Telling Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Sylvia Rose Books Music and Magic Back to Top Magic and spiritual properties of the Elderberry tree include magical protection colorful dreams or visions healing removal of curses or negative magical influences blessing the home As in ancient Greece, Elder tree wood today is used in pipes, whistles, flutes, fifes and other musical woodwind instruments. The pith is easy to remove and the wood polishes well. Elder wood is also used to make blowguns. See also: German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Chicken Soup: Chickens in German Folklore Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Sylvia Rose Books Along with Rowan and Holly, Elderberry is a favored wood for making runes. Regional folklore gives more than one version of the Elder's magic. In some stories the Elder keeps away witches and evil spirits. In others, it's a meeting place for the same. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Elderberries are also used in some liqueurs and the famous elderberry wine. According to some folklore, drinking elderberry wine or tea lets a person see pixies. Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Cult of the Fire God by Sylvia Rose Sylvia Rose Books Changing Mythology Back to Top In mythologies of archaic thought, magic female entities are often identified as witches and workers of witchcraft meaning "the use of supernatural powers to harm others". In Frau Holle's lore, the goddess may join witches at the Brocken on Hexennacht. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In antiquity and medieval times witches are considered purely evil, indulging in immoral behavior, casting curses and devil worship. Attempts at demonizing Frau Holle and other female deities are at one time a fundamental part of cultural takeover. Apples: Myth, Nature & German Folklore Wild Women and Winter Tales Witches' Night - Hexennacht Sylvia Rose Books In Christian ideology the Elderberry relates to evil as Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrays Jesus, hangs himself from an Elder tree. Folklore of a benevolent Mother Goddess is supplanted. Today, nature spirits are honored in many religious beliefs. Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Tannenbaum - About the Yule Fir Tree Back to Top

Hags in folklore are old women associated with magic. They can be witches, demons, queens, crones or nature spirits, kindly or hateful. Goddesses often have a hag aspect. Jump to: Frau Holle & Perchta Moosmutter (Moss Mother) Buschgroßmutter (Bush Grandmother) Eschenfrau (Ash Woman) Roggenmuhme (Rye Aunt) Hag Witches Holundermutter or Elderberry Mother Druden Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt See also: German Traditions - the Linden Tree Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Nature Spirits of German Mythology Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The word hag comes from Middle English hagge, hegge (“demon, old woman”), shortening of Old English hægtesse, hægtes (“harpy, witch”), from Proto-Germanic roots. From the Old High German hagazussa comes both hag and Hexe (witch). Frau Holle & Perchta Main Article: The Many Faces of Frau Holle Back to Top Among the ancient German deities, Frau Holle has various facets. She's a domestic goddess, linked to spinning and weaving. As an old woman she portrays the Dark Grandmother, receiving souls of children who die as infants. See also: Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Nature Spirits of German Mythology Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Holle lives in the clouds. As a weather deity she makes snow by fluffing her feather bedding. Like her southern relative Perchta, who dwells in a well, Frau Holle is connected to the spirit worlds and the realm of the Undead. Associated with water and depths of the earth, Perchta appears as a hag or crone. She teaches humans the art of spinning flax into linen. Perchta and Frau Holle (as Hulda) are known to lead the Wild Hunt, along with Odin, Frigg, Diana, Siegfried and others. See also: Wild Women and Winter Tales Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Moosmutter (Moss Mother) Main Article: German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Back to Top Another ancient deity, the Moss Mother is a facet or aspect of the Earth Goddess or Earth Mother, who's known by many names including Nerthe, Erthe and Erde. Nerthe is an elemental goddess responsible for at least part of the world's creation. During harvest, people celebrate abundance of the Earth and give thanks to the Earth Goddess. As this time Moss Mother makes an appearance. She's a hunched old lady with a backpack, gnarled and covered in moss. She can blend into the environment and disappear. See also: German Myth & Folklore: Elves German Myth & Folklore: Moss People German Myth - Werewolves Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Moss Mother spends her time traveling from one village to the next, wherever Harvest celebrations were held. Whether the festivities are poor or prosperous she always leaves a blessing. She has a strange sense of humor and brews her own beer. Buschgroßmutter (Bush Grandmother) Back to Top Buschgroßmutter is reclusive. She lives deep in the forest, appearing to humans only once every century. Her hair is tangled and full of lice. She wears grimy skirts, shawl and apron. When she goes out she may be attended by Moss Women, or she travels alone. See also: German Myth - the Lutzelfrau German Myth & Folklore: Dwarfs German Nature Folklore - Fruit Trees Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books If she meets someone in the forest she might ask the person to comb her hair. Who succeeds is given precious gifts. Gifts include a magic purse always filled with gold, or a never-ending ball of flax, which can make a person wealthy. Sometimes Buschgroßmutter has a face of metal, implying demonic associations, but she's not known as a harmful hag. Eschenfrau (Ash Tree Woman) Main Article: Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Back to Top See also: Tannenbaum - About the Balsam Fir Tree Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Nixies - Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Ash Tree (Fraxinus) is highly regarded in German history and Germanic cultures. In Norse myth it's the world tree around which the realms exist. In practical use Ash is coveted for making spears and tool handles. In German mythology the ash tree is linked to life, vitality and rejuvenation. In Celtic lore Fraxinus also relates to magic as a cosmic axis, tree of life or World Tree. An Ash Tree in Germany may be home to the Eschenfrau or Wicked Ash Tree Woman. See also: Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman German Vampires - Nachzehrer Goats in German Myth: Erntebock & Habergeiß Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle She causes sickness, swooning, nausea and feelings of paranoia. She also steals silver or personal items. With savage intent she protects her tree from mortal harm. She calls up volatile defensive magic if anyone does damage, even taking a leaf or breaking a twig. Roggenmuhme (Rye Aunt) Back to Top Roggenmuhme is truly demonic. She's among the most powerful of the Harvest Spirits. Her manifestation is a gigantic, ugly old woman with up to nine enormous teats, tipped with hot iron. Her teats are very long. She throws them over her shoulders when she runs. See also: German Myth - Harvest Spirits 3 Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Her skirt or apron may be metal, or she can have a metal face. She could be all black or all white. She goes into the fields to snatch children. She beats them cruelly and may force them to suckle at her terrible teats filled with black tar. She can cause raging fires and crop blight. There's nothing nice about this demonic hag. Other powerful demons such as the Roggenwolf and Hafermann may be found in her company. She takes children back to her demonic realm to torment and eat them. See also: German Myth & Folklore: Elves Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction series Book 5 - The Corn Spirits Witches Back to Top Even into modern times witchcraft has been defined in various ways as "use of supernatural powers to harm others". The first witch so named, the biblical Witch of Endor, communicates with the dead and calls up spirits. See also: Mulberry Tree (Morus): Uses, Folklore & Myth German Traditions - Gingerbread Houses The Mystic Victorian - Fortune Telling Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Hag witches have powers to dislodge Aufhöcker, creatures of the Undead who jump on a person's back and grow ever heavier. The Aufhocker mistakes her for easy prey and jumps from the victim's back to hers. She then banishes the Aufhocker with a spell. Martin Luther of the 16th century Protestant Reformation believes witches and evil elves afflict his elderly mother. She's labeled by Luther's enemies as a whore and bath room attendant. Until the 20th century "witch" is a blanket term for evil. See also: German Myth - Headless Horseman Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth German Harvest Spirits - Dragons Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Holundermutter or Elderberry Mother Back to Top Holundermutter, Holunder Mutter, Elderberry or Elder Mother dwells in the magical Elderberry Tree. In some regions Holundermutter is equated with Frau Holle. Antiquated terms for the tree include Holder or Holler, specifically referring to black elder. See also: German Myth - Harvest Spirits Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Pagan Christmas Yule Fests: Frau Holle Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books She's most often found in the folklore of north Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. Tales of Holundermutter vary by region. The Elder Mother and elderberry tree are also linked to witches and witchcraft. Elderberry is known for the purple dyes its berries produce. Tea of the flowers may have a sedative effect or cause waking dreams. It's said elderberry wine gives one the ability to see pixies. See also: Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Folk Magic: Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) Druden Main Article: Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Back to Top A Drude (pl. Druden) is a night demon who may appear as a hag. Druden live in the demonic realm and pass through that of mortals, spreading auras of pain and misery around them. They might work on the bidding of sorcerers or powerful supernatural entities. In 16th century Europe, the word Drude is equated with witch. The Witch Hunts are reaching their high points of hysteria. Druden are manipulative demons who sow disharmony, destruction and death. Demonic possession is one of their specialties. Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Wolpertinger - German Myths & Folklore Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Associated with evil Elfin magic, the Drude also brings nightmares (German: Albträume lit. 'elf dreams') anxiety and sickness similar to the Mare. The demon can manifest as a succubus. The pentagram or Drudenfuss is considered protection from Druden and Elves. Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt Main Article: Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt Back to Top Sträggele is the wife of the Dread Huntsman, der Türst, of Lucerne canton in Switzerland. She first appears in mythology of the Middle Ages. In life, she's a noblewoman who flouts the laws of church and land. See also: Der Türst: Dread Huntsman & the Wild Hunt Fänggen (Fangga): Man-Eaters of Tyrol Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Her grievous sin is hunting during Lent. The raging host of der Türst swoops down like a mighty tempest, snatching her up into its midst. Sträggele develops supernatural powers, becomes wife of the Dread Huntsman and may lead the Wild Hunt specifically in Lucerne. Sträggele has traits of Frau Holle / Perchta of Germany. In Lucerne, another popular figure the Wild Hunt is die Pfaffenkellnerin, a screaming spirit on the Seebodenalp. Like the Klagefrau and kobold Klabautermann, she's one of the noisy spirits of lore. See also: Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Sträggele is connected to weather, able to rouse fierce storms. During winter solstice or Yule season, or at the beginning of January, she travels to households to be sure daughters and servants have done their allotted spinning. If not, she punishes them severely. See also: Herbology & Lore - Chamomile Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? German Myth - Father Rhine River God Back to Top

Ruby is one of the five cardinal gems, together with diamond, amethyst, sapphire and emerald. From bright pink to deep blood red, emerging from the fires of creation, rubies are among the most precious of ancient stones. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Sylvia Rose Books The birthstone for July, the ruby relates to wealth, the vigor of life, sensual passion and protection from misfortune. In some Asian countries such as China red gemstones including rubies can guard against demons and evil magic. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure However if placed in an unlucky part of the house red multiplies malevolent energy. In Chinese tradition the qualities of a home layout change every year, based on a grid of nine flying stars. Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Orpiment - Painter's Golden Poison Kermes Insect & Ancient Red Pigments Sylvia Rose Books Along with sapphire, the ruby has an intense hardness of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, one removed from the diamond at 10. For comparison, glass is 5.5 - 6.5 and gold is about 2.5. However, rubies are less brittle than diamonds, which can shatter if hit with a hammer. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Ruby is red because it absorbs all other color wavelengths of light. This is due to the chromium III ions in its crystal lattice. Chromium atoms absorb most light in the violet and yellow-green regions. Cinnabar (Mercury Sulfide) Red Death Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Figs - Food of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Human eyes interpret the intense shades as mainly red with deep blue undertone. This "pigeon-blood" color makes the most desirable rubies. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Rubies are first discovered c. 2500 BCE in the Mogok region of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Stone Age tools are found at the mining site. For depth of color and gem quality Myanmar produces some of the finest gemstones in the world. Slavic River Spirits & Roman Gods Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Sylvia Rose Books Rubies form under intense heat and pressure deep in the earth. Compressed oxygen and aluminum atoms turn into corundum. With chromium, it makes rubies of deep red hue. If ferric iron is present, the ruby is pink or orange. Creation of a ruby takes 20-30 million years. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The Greeks have rubies by 1600 BCE, and the ancient Egyptians import ruby from India. In one Egyptian myth, if a woman's skin is touched by a ruby she will immediately have prosperity, love and happiness. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Sylvia Rose Books In the chakra system ruby identifies with both the root chakra and heart chakra. Red rubies can relate to love, but also to war. In Greco-Roman times and earlier, rubies are thought to protect warriors and bring success in battle. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.” The Old Testament of the Bible refers to ruby in the Book of Exodus, as well as the Book of Proverbs. They're associated with beauty and wisdom. Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Ugarit - Trade Hub of Bronze Age Syria Zircon - the Primordial Gemstone Sylvia Rose Books Historically it can't be assumed a ruby is a ruby. As with emerald, the term can mean color, as in red garnets or spinel; or later, red glass. Ancient records document trade and transport of rubies along the North Silk Road in China c. 200 BCE. A number of precious gems travel along the ancient trackway leading west from China, including amber, turquoise, obsidian and later jade. The Silk Roads hook up with the older Amber Roads at the Black Sea. Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Sylvia Rose Books Roman scholar and natural historian Pliny the Elder mentions the ruby in his writings in the the first century AD. The Romans associate the rich red ruby with blood and vigor. The ruby is especially used to treat blood, heart or circulatory illnesses. In Roman medicine, placing rubies on certain points of the the body restores vitality and strength, and stimulates blood circulation. In ancient Rome the energy of rubies is used to prevent weight gain, and for healthy pregnancy. Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books Rubies also form in shades of almost clear through pink, purple, orange and red. The color chemistry of the ruby influences the subconscious to respond in certain ways and transmit the information back to the user in terms of feelings. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Warm orange tones connect to optimism and higher awareness. Pinks can be gentle or shocking, soft or loud, intuitive or expressive. Purple bespeaks status, confidence and prosperity. Menat: Ritual Jewelry of Ancient Egypt Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Deep profound red tones are highly valued in Asian countries. Rubies adorn the armor, scabbards and harnesses of nobles in India and China. Rubies are also put under building foundations for prosperity and good fortune. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In Hindu astrology, rubies are sacred gemstones of the Sun and celestial deity Surya, leader of the nine heavenly bodies (Navagraha). Wearing of rubies ensures the Sun's favor will shine upon the wearer. Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Sylvia Rose Books The first synthetic rubies are created in 1837 by fusing potash alum at high temperature with chromium as pigment. In 1877, Edmond Frémy and industrial glass-maker Charles Feil make crystal corundum, from which small stones can be cut. Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Back to Top

Benefits of mulberry (Morus) include personal health, wood, silk, color for yarn and food. Romantic myth surrounds fruitful mulberry trees. Most popular species are those named for red, white or black mulberries they bear, Morus alba, M. rubra, and M. nigra. Jump to: The Mulberry Tree Mulberry Toxicity Mulberry Uses: Food, Wood, Silk, Color Mulberry Paper Mulberry Myth: Pyramus and Thisbe Mulberry Health Benefits Folk Magic & Spiritual Meaning of Mulberry Tree Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Herbology & Lore: Stinging Nettle Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Sylvia Rose Books The Mulberry Tree Back to Top White Mulberry, native to South Asia, is a favorite of silkworms though invasive in parts of Europe. Despite similar appearance raspberries and blackberries, mulberry closer genetically to figs and jackfruit. Immature fruits are white, green, or pale yellow. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The fruit turns from pink to red while ripening, then dark purple or black, and has a sweet flavor when fully ripe. Mulberry grows quickly and can reach a height of 24 m (79 ft). White mulberry is native to Korea, Japan and China. Pagan Solstice Fests: Mithras & the Sun Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sylvia Rose Books Originally, black mulberry comes from Iran, Caucasus and Levant. The red mulberry is established in Eastern North America. Morus fossils date back to the Pliocene period, 5.3 million years ago in the Netherlands. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Black mulberry is brought to Britain in the 17th century in attempts to cultivate silkworms. The plant finds uses in folk medicine, especially in the treatment of ringworm, a fungal infection. Khella - Ancient Health & Herbology Kermes Insect & Ancient Red Pigments Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Sylvia Rose Books Due to severe allergy effects of humans the mulberry tree is banned in parts of the United States including Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee. Only the male produces the allergens and the female tree absorbs them. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In Ontario Canada, red mulberry has been protected from being "killed, harmed, harassed, captured or taken" since 2004. However it's currently not protected from Conservative governments wanting to destroy green spaces for highways. Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Sylvia Rose Books Mulberry Toxicity Back to Top Toxic milky sap in leaves and unripe green fruit of the plant can cause health problems and reactions. Not everyone experiences ill effects. Ripe fruit is free of toxins. Possible symptoms of poisoning include: diarrhea nausea cramps hallucinations nervous disorders Allergies can cause itching, sneezing, watery eyes and inflammation. Severe allergic effects such as trouble breathing and asthma, or extreme intestinal problems, should be immediately treated at a hospital. Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Happy Saturday! Tidbits & Trivia German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Sylvia Rose Books Mulberry Uses: Food, Wood, Silk, Color Back to Top Food Ripe berries can range from sweet to tart. They're used in pies, tarts, wine, cordial, and herbal tea and are a good source of Vitamin C and iron, and a source of riboflavin, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. The semi-sweet twigs can be eaten raw or cooked. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Mulberry Silk Worms (Bombyx mori) Silk worms love mulberry and it's the only food they eat. Their thread cocoons are used to make silk. Ancient Romans import vast amounts of silk by the 1st century AD, causing market destabilization. In 220 AD the boy Emperor Elagabalus is especially fond of silk. Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Cult of the Bull: Divine Sacrifice German Myth - Harvest Spirits Sylvia Rose Books Wood Mulberry is a hardwood. The wood is long-lasting and resists rot. In Japan, mulberry wood is used to make furniture and tea ceremony utensils. Elsewhere mulberry is popular for fence posts. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Mulberry Color Mulberry fruit color derives from anthocyanins, pigments creating hues of blue, purple, red and black. Water-soluble, the pigments are easy to extract and are widely used in the natural food industry as a colorants, or in manufacturing as fabric dye. Sylvia Rose Books Mulberry Paper Back to Top During the Angkorian age of the Khmer Empire of Southeast Asia, in what is now northern Cambodia, monks at Buddhist temples made paper from the bark of mulberry trees. The paper was used to make folding book manuscripts or kraing. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The thinnest paper in the world, tengujo is produced in Japan from kozo (stems of mulberry trees). The paper is so thin it's almost transparent as glass. Mulberry plant parts may be used in textured handmade paper. Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Ruby, Rubies: Passion, Blood and Fire Sun Goddess: Creator to Cannibal Myths Australia Sylvia Rose Books Mulberry Myth: Pyramus and Thisbe Back to Top In a tale from Ovid, Pyramus and Thisbe are young lovers who meet beneath a mulberry tree. One day Pyramus sees Thisbe's bloody cloak beneath the tree, and thinks she's been killed by a lion (in fact she's frightened away by a lion with blood on its face). In grief he kills himself with a knife or sword. Thisbe arrives and finds Pyramus dead, so she too dies in suicide by the blade. The blood splashing up from the deaths of the two lovers stains the mulberry fruit red. Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer German Traditions - the Linden Tree Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Sylvia Rose Books Mulberry Health Benefits Back to Top The mulberry tree has a number of folk medicine benefits. Berries, sap, leaves and tea may be used to treat: dysentery ringworm & fungal infections weakness difficulty urinating high blood sugar high cholesterol inflammation heart disease diabetes (due to compounds in the leaves) Flavonoids in mulberries contain heart and nerve-protective qualities and may have major benefits for long-term brain health, including reduced risk of cognitive decline. The berries help promote healthy hair and skin. Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Hags in German Myth & Folklore Sylvia Rose Books Folk Magic & Spiritual Meaning of Mulberry Tree Back to Top Spiritually the mulberry represents faith, hope, nature, beauty, attraction and abundance. Leaves can be worn or carried for strength and courage. Meditate under a mulberry tree to align energy flow. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In German folklore, the root of the mulberry tree polishes the devil's boot. In Christianity the tree relates to forgiveness. Mulberry is sacred to Roman goddess Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare. A wand or amulet of mulberry wood can increase one's willpower. Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Herbology & Lore: Caraway Nixies - Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Sylvia Rose Books Because the mulberry tree takes ten years to flower and bear fruit, it's also known as a Tree of Patience. Wood and berries from the tree can attract the good things in life. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Humbaba: Giant Mountain Forest Man Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Back to Top

Shennong is one of the Three Sovereigns of ancient Chinese lore. Also called the Divine Farmer, he's strongly associated with agriculture, herbs, natural medicine and animal husbandry. He introduces farm implements such as the plow. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Goddess Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Sylvia Rose Books Shennong (神農), is a primordial god and teacher who uses his magic to help humans. His name translates to "Divine Farmer" or "Divine Husbandman". Shennong is born Jiang Shinian, a legendary Chinese ruler known as the first Yan Emperor. He's deified and revered in both Chinese and Vietnamese folk religion. In Vietnamese he's known as Thần Nông. According to legend, Shennong lives from c. 2737 to 2697 BCE, parallel to the origin of Chinese medicine c. 5,000 years ago. Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Sylvia Rose Books Recorded use of herbal medicine is scarce before The Shennong Herbal, a c. 4th century manual detailing use of medicinal herbs. Shennong is said to have a transparent stomach. He can see the actions of ingested substances as he experiments with healing. The Huainanzi (before 139 BCE) tells how people are sickly, starved and diseased at first. Shennong researches agriculture and medicine, eating hundreds of plants and up to seventy poisons in one day. Opium Poppy (Papaver somnifum) Destroying Angel: Nature's Deadly Poison Rhododendron & the Toxic Ambrosia Sylvia Rose Books A few medicinal plants in Chinese traditional healing include chamomile, dandelion, lemongrass, mugwort, mandrake, wolfsbane , ginger and lingzhi (reishi) mushroom. Some are toxic and must be used with care. Shennong is sometimes seen as father of the Yellow Emperor and ancestor of the Chinese people. Also called Huang or Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor (c. 2697–2597 BCE) carries on the secrets of medicine, immortality and making gold, as in alchemy. Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Sylvia Rose Books Along with the primordial duo of snake deities, creator goddess Nüwa (Nügua) and emperor god Fuxi (Fu Xi).  Shennong is one of the Three Sovereigns. A group of ancient deities or deified rulers of prehistoric China, they create, teach and help early humans. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Shennong teaches the ancient Chinese about agriculture and use of herbal medicine. He's credited with inventions including the hoe, plow and plowshare, and the axe. He introduces the use of cannabis. Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Black Hellebore: Toxins, Health & Lore Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books He imparts knowledge about digging wells, agricultural irrigation and preserving stored seeds with boiled horse urine. He and Fuxi are both associated with trade, commerce, money and markets. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Shennong is especially connected to the farmers' markets. He invents the Chinese agricultural calendar, in particular its division into 24 jieqi or solar terms. Ancient Marsh Muse - Rough Horsetail Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Sylvia Rose Books He improves human understanding of taking pulse measurements, acupuncture, and moxibustion (medicinal burning of mugwort leaves). He establishes the harvest thanksgiving ceremony or zhaji (蜡祭) sacrificial rite. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Ancient China's zhaji ceremony is a sacrifice of thanksgiving at the year's end. The Emperor leads 100 officials dressed in black, to bid farewell to the Earth God as the deity retires for winter. Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor German Myth - Harvest Spirits 3 Book of the Heavenly Cow - Myths of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Agriculture activities are suspended. Breaking of ground is forbidden, as the god needs to rest. Farmwork starts again in spring. Due to Yan Emperor myths; solar connection, slash-and-burn agriculture; or moxibustion, Shennong is a god of burning wind and fire. After the Zhou dynasty (c. 1046 to 256 BC), Shennong is thought by some to exist within it. He takes the deified form of the mythical wise king Hou Ji, founder of the Zhou. Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Saffron - Most Precious Ancient Spice Mulberry Tree (Morus): Uses, Folklore & Myth Sylvia Rose Books Shennong is among the most important divinities of Chinese and other Asian lore. Despite his strong magic and wealth of wisdom he also plays an understated role, often going out into the world as a peasant. Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Wild Women and Winter Tales Back to Top