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The Age of Monsters in 19th century Europe is the result of a cataclysmic explosion of art, literature, science and philosophy. Nations like Germany speed through cycles of industrial revolution and romantic nature movements. The occult becomes popular entertainment. READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Spa Life & Murder in 1890s Germany The Mystic Victorian - Fortune Telling 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic Sylvia Rose Books Romance, as we find the in works of Wilde, is an archaic term for imagination or flights of fancy. Between surges of industry and the technological evolution of a nation are periods of creative thought, self-awareness, return to nature, health and natural philosophy. In the early 1800s the work of writer, traveler, artist and natural philosopher Alexander von Humboldt , especially in South America, piques interest. Von Humboldt supports protection of the environment, and replaces outmoded European concepts of foreign cultures. Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Easter Bunny, Prussian Blue & Penguins Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Sylvia Rose Books Writers such as Friedrich Schiller and Heinrich Heine enjoy the height of popularity. As Heine is considered a member of the Young Germany movement, a mid-century uprising of democracy among youth, his work is banned. Thus it's read more than ever. READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Lyric poet and critic Heine is especially famous for the Romantic poem The Lorelei (1824). She sits at the narrowest part of the Rhine and sings sweet seduction. Friedrich Schiller, physician, philosopher writes Ode to Joy , in 1824, later put to music by Beethoven. Song of the Loreley Old Prussians of the Baltic Coast German Myth: Father Rhine River God Sylvia Rose Books Mary Shelley's gothic horror "Frankenstein" (1818) takes influence from the German region of Odenwald, or Forest of Odes. Mary, with her then lover Percy Blysse Shelley, and the notorious Lord Byron (Baron George Gordon Byron), travel through the area. Mary's sister, pregnant by Byron, and Mary's four-month-old baby accompany them. The trip is a disaster in all ways possible. Gloom and rain throughout the days lead to infighting and cabin fever, with a crying baby too. Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books To save sanity, the three writers decide to see who can write the best horror story. Mary's is Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus . First published as a limited edition of fifty, Frankenstein soon goes viral as one of the most influential works of the 19th century. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Although Mary never visits Castle Frankenstein in Odenwald, it's a significant part of local legend. On the grounds, they say, is a fountain of youth. One notorious past resident is alchemist Dippel , rumored to practice experiments in human soul transferal. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Plight of the Lutzelfrau - A Lora Ley Adventure Sylvia Rose Books The story of Frankenstein's monster , rooted in contemporary thought, ignites talk in literary and social circles about the horrors inherent in the struggle of technology and nature, the latter as an element of chaos in a carefully ordered world. In response to the Romantic movement, the Realism style comes to art and literature in the latter half of the century. Realism is focused on everyday life and contemplation of the nature of reality. A new breed of philosophers, writers, artists and theorists meet and mingle. Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Winter Tales - 4 Novellas Sylvia Rose Books In 19th century Germany, Shakespeare is taught in schools. In The Tempest,  main character Prospero, exiled with daughter Miranda, calls up a storm to take revenge on his enemies. Themes of civilization vs nature focus on the spirit Ariel and man-beast Caliban. Despite his power over those around him, Prospero can't control their feelings. Caliban exudes bestial lust and desire. Though defeated by Prospero, Caliban ever plots to kill him. Nor is the wild spirit Ariel a willing accomplice. Werewolf & Werewolves of Germany Kulullu - Fish Man Monster of Tiamat Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Sylvia Rose Books Monsters of science and nature influence leading English writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson. In his short novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde  in 1886, a man of science battles his own base nature. READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In 1896 H.G. Wells writes the The Island of Dr Moreau . A scientist creates creatures of horror in his island laboratory. As the Age of Monsters comes to climax, Irish author Bram Stoker invokes the horror of the supernatural when he publishes his novel Dracula in 1897. Steam & Coal in Victorian Germany The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Sylvia Rose Books As time goes by, romance is equated with love. Portrayed as beastly horror in the original book by Stoker, Count Dracula and his successors now number among the greatest lovers of all time. Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Back to Top

The menat necklace can be worn by any gender. Fundamentally it protects against evil spirits and malevolent magic, makes women fertile and men virile. Popular from the Old Kingdom on, by the 12th century BCE it's also found in tombs for afterlife protection. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books The necklace below is made of many strings of beads forming a collar, and counterpoise or counterweight of bronze. The menat can be worn as jewelry, protective charm, or held and rattled during rituals and processions. Moon God Khonsu wears one in his child aspect. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The beads might be turquoise, carnelian, lapis lazuli, Egyptian faience, garnet, serpentine, obsidian, ebony or other polished wood. After the 15th century BCE they include glass. The Egyptians have access to emeralds, although deep green glass is also called emerald. Khonsu - Moon God of Ancient Egypt Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Sylvia Rose Books As a ritual object the menat is used by priestesses of the Goddess Hathor. A cosmic cow mother goddess, she also has a role as the ruthless Eye of Ra. Eye of Rah goddesses include Sekhmet, war goddess of Egypt and Wadjet winged cobra goddess of Lower Egypt. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series As jewelry the menat signifies fruitfulness and good health for women, and virility and stamina for men. It's also worn by the Apis sacred bull as a protective charm, symbol of vigorous strength and divine connection. Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Apis - Sacred Fertility Bull of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Goddess Hathor is among the most widely revered deities of Egypt. Her priestesses use both the menat necklace and sistrum, a musical rattling instrument, in her honor. Hathor is goddess of beauty, cosmetics, sensuality, music, dance and maternity. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure She's recognized by her Sun disc with horns. She may also appear as a cow or lioness. Her epithets include Lady of Music, Lady of the Chorus Dance and Lady of Inebriety, Jubilation and of Music. Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Music of Ancient & Medieval Egypt Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Sylvia Rose Books The counterweight above bears the image of Hathor, as the divine cow in her papyrus reed boat at bottom, cruising through the marshes. A smaller Hathor is inside the larger stylized Hathor. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The counterweight itself is a magical symbol of the goddess and can be ornate or plain. Metal is preferred for ritual dance due to the musical sound made by the beads striking or moving across, but counterweights are also found in leather and faience. Purulli: Hittite New Year & Spring Fest Ogdoad - Primordial Gods of Egypt The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Sylvia Rose Books During the festival of Hathor on October 4, the priestesses go from door to door shaking menats and sistra. They bring blessings of life, health and rebirth to every household. Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Back to Top

Moon magic strongly relates to women or the feminine principle. As the moon wanes and waxes it relates to cycles, dreams, release and beginnings. The moon's chthonic aspect also has influence. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt Cycles relate to seasons and years, tides, menstruation, rebirth or reincarnation, episodes of life. In year cycles, the numbers three, seven and nine are significant. Important life changes can happen as the cycles renew. In any moon magic, the lucky number is two (2). READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Moon magic relates to wild animals such as deer. Doe, fawn and stag are creatures of Faerie, who drink doe's milk, and sacred to goddess Diana. The stag connects to beginnings. Animals such as wolves, frogs. owls and cats also attune to moon magic. Owl - Death, Messages, Mystic Wisdom Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Sylvia Rose Books The gem moonstone vibrates to moon magic and the energy of the moon, with properties of healing, empathy and compassion. The precious metal silver gleams with the light of moonbeams. Pearls can awaken spirituality connected to the full moon. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Silver and moon gems are especially fortunate on Mondays, at the full moon and anytime one is working with moon magic. Like the moon, silver relates to the female or yin energy. Moonstone in jewelry or gemstones connect to romance, healing, intuition and the divine. Electrum: Metal of Money & Myth Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Sylvia Rose Books English Monday, German Montag and French lundi all mean Moon Day. Monday relates to the element Water, intuition and dreams. Mondays are lucky for love, whether romance or loving the self. Thoughts may wander and it's easy to get lost in a daydream. Moon magic can bring revealing dreams or visions, self-awareness and wisdom. Working with moon phases empowers the connection to nature, cycles of progress or existence, divination or prophecy. Attuning to the moon awakens virtues of kindness and compassion. Inara & the Dragon - Purulliya Festival Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Sylvia Rose Books Connect to moon magic through meditation, crystals or spiritual trance state. Release the mind to let energies of healing and creativity flow as water in moonlight. This can banish overthinking or self-criticism. Moon magic is for women or the female aspect of any person. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Besides moonstone, gems relating to the moon are selenite, opal and crystal quartz. Moonflower, night-blooming jasmine, gardenia, white rose and sweet alyssum are fortunate in aromatherapy in the garden, a bouquet, scented sachet or as essential oil. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Nixies - Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Sylvia Rose Books The crescent moon connects to the sacral chakra, second chakra or Svadhisthana, located just below the navel. The sacral chakra influences sexuality, creativity and emotions. If it's blocked or unbalanced the person has difficulty in these areas, such as emotional outbursts. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Attuning to the moon or its symbols can help balance this chakra, revive a low libido and increase one's personal sensuality. At the new Moon comes a time of beginnings, self-reflection, starting projects, the waning of one cycle and the waxing of another. Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Sylvia Rose Books Cycles are not linear. They happen within larger cycles and can be seen as multi-dimensional. The energy of the circle or spiral invokes a smooth transition and deeper understanding of how we relate to the world and the people around us. Dark Side of the Moon The moon has a chthonic aspect, relating to the Underworld, secrets or hidden knowledge. In the ancient world the Moon is sometimes a male figure, such as Sin (Nanna), who's associated with demons, disease and madness. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Sylvia Rose Books The Sun is sometimes seen as female due to her nurturing warmth and light, with the moon as male. Gender is no guarantee of temperament. In Egypt the moon god Khonsu brings fertility, while the cannibal Sun Goddess of Australia roasts people over her fire. In Baltic mythology the Sun Goddess is the primary deity worshiped. Her brother is the Moon. No matter what gender, the "dark side" of the moon means a journey into the self, or awareness of the influence of the subconscious. Sun Goddess: Creator to Cannibal Myths Australia Baltic Ancient Mythology & Folklore Khonsu - Moon God of Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Problems of the dark side include illusions, illness, depression, anger or thoughts of vengeance. However, it's usually linked to deep inner awareness and the subconscious. Connections to spirit realms or dimensions might be especially active. Wild Women and Winter Tales Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Back to Top

The Black Forest (Ger. Schwarzwald) in southwest Germany is treasured for its unsurpassed natural beauty. Two major rivers begin in Schwarzwald. Magic and mystical, with stunning forests and clear water sources, the rhythm of the land it deep and eternal. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Spa Life & Murder in 1890s Germany German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Sylvia Rose Books The Black Forest is known for rugged mountains, towering spruce, fog-shrouded hills, sparkling streams and cryptic tales. Once populated by ancient deciduous trees, the Black Forest is almost deforested by the middle of the 19th century as building booms. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries At the same time comes an increase in environmental activism. Intense rehabilitation efforts such as the introduction of fast-growing spruce restore the magnificent forest, and it's now a National Park. Two important rivers, Danube and the Neckar, originate in the Black Forest. Neolithic Europe - Danube Valley Culture Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Sylvia Rose Books The Danube is the second-longest river in the world, after the Volga in Russia. It connects ten different countries including Germany, Austria, Hungary and Ukraine, flowing to the Black Sea. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The Neckar River travels through Heidelberg to join the Rhine. The name Neckar comes from the Celtic for 'wild fellow' or 'wild one' and refers in part to the water spirits, Nyx or nixies, in some regions called Neck or Nek. German Myth: Father Rhine River God Nature Spirits of German Mythology Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Sylvia Rose Books The romance of Schwarzwald includes postcard towns, Christmas traditions, local folklore, and cuckoo clocks. In winter, residents over generations created carvings and clocks for sale, some very elaborate, with mechanical clockwork birds, animals or people. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Black Forest cattle, Black Forest horses, pine-smoked Black Forest ham and scrumptious Black Forest cake all come from Schwarzwald. The cattle are a small, hardy breed adapted to mountain living. The compact heavy horses, dark with lush pale manes, originate here. German Traditions - Gingerbread Houses Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Sylvia Rose Books Silver, usually a product of smelting, is found in raw form in the Black Forest. Hot springs abound in the mountains. In the nineteenth century, spa resorts prosper as strong advances in health, medicine, natural health and treatment foster a therapeutic return to nature. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Hot springs, hot or cold mineral springs and healing waters bubble up from the deep-delved earth. German towns with mineral springs were allowed to use the words 'Bad' and 'Baden' ('bath' and 'bathe') in front of their names. House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Tannenbaum - About the Yule Fir Tree Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Sylvia Rose Books The northern Black Forest near Baden-Baden is the setting for Hotel of Horror, a Reiker For Hire Victorian detective murder mystery. Reiker tries to find a missing wealthy eccentric, and gets unwanted feminine help, while the forces of science and nature go much too far. Easter Bunny, Prussian Blue & Penguins Great 19th Century German Woman Artists Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Back to Top

The Ogdoad of Egypt are eight primordial entities, four female and four male, centered in Khemenu (Greek Hermopolis). Gnostics adopt and redefine the concept in detail. Linked to Ogdoad are qualities of creation and infinity. The number 8 is also an infinity symbol. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Women Scientists of the Ancient World Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Sylvia Rose Books A vibrant religious center, Khemenu is the later worship site of Hermes Trismegistus. In the Ptolemaic dynasty the primordial deities of the Ogdoad enjoy a revival. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The eight gods and goddesses are: Nu (Nun) & Naunet (Nut), personification of primordial waters whence arises all life Hehu (Heh) & Hehut (Hauhet), basis of Heh gods of infinity; may be one or many Kekui (Kek) & Kekuit (Kauket), primordial darkness, the time before existence Amun & Amunet (Amaunet), invisibility, unseen forces of nature or divinity Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Heh Gods & Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Sylvia Rose Books Names of the goddesses are fundamentally the feminine forms of the names of the gods. Various spellings arise from interpretation of Egyptian terms, which don't use vowels, and regional or temporal influences. In a scene at Philae, the Eight appear as two groups of four. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Top left: Hehu and Hehut; top right: Amun and Amunet; top far right: Ptah, creator God. Bottom left: Kek and Keket; bottom right: Nu and Nut; bottom far right: Thoth. Ptah: God of Creators & Creation Egypt Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Ka - Life Essence in Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Kek and Kauket in some aspects represent night and day. Kek is called "raiser up of the light" and Kauket "raiser up of the night". According to a custom of the time, the sculptor depicts the feet of the deities as jackals' heads. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series It supposedly illustrates a metaphor comparing a rapid runner to the jackals of Egypt. In Egyptian myth the jackal-headed god is Anubis, who acts as psychopomp for the recent dead, especially Pharaohs, guiding the soul to the Afterlife. Anubis: Jackal-Headed God of Egypt Crocodilopolis - Sobek Crocodile God Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Sylvia Rose Books Jackals are linked to death and the underworld as they're often seen sniffing around tombs. Anubis is depicted in the famous weighing of the heart scene from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. At left he holds the hand of the deceased. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Middle, he weighs the heart (ib) against a feather of Ma'at, personification of justice. Ammit, the hybrid animal demon, waits to gobble up the heart if it doesn't pass the test. At right, ibis-headed god Thoth records the results. The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Ib the Heart: Book of the Dead Egypt Ammit - Eater of the Heavy Heart Sylvia Rose Books The first known mention of the Ogdoad is by Pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut (c. 1507–1458 BCE). Most references to the eight deities appear during the Late Period of Egypt (c. 713–332 BCE). READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Goddesses of the Ogdoad have heads of snakes, especially cobras. Male gods are shown with frog heads. Both animals are prominent in Egyptian lore. The Ogdoad appears in reliefs and art up to the end of the final dynasty, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (c. 305 - 30 BCE) Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Heqet, Frog Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books The Ptolemaic is established 305 BCE by Macedonian Greek general Ptolemy I Soter. He rules until the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BCE. The longest and last dynasty of ancient Egypt, the Ptolemies last almost three hundred years. During this time a new world order arises as Greek and Egyptian cultures flow together, mingling like the waters of the Nile delta and Mediterranean Sea. heralding a distinctly new era, as Greek and Egyptian culture, philosophy, science and religion interweave. Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Sylvia Rose Books In later Greek Gnostic tradition the Ogdoad (Greek: ὀγδοάς) concept appears in Christian writings. It's more fully developed by theologian Valentinus (c. 160 AD). An early Christian, Valentinus attempts to align Christianity with Platonism. In Gnostic systems the number eight is important. It appears in different forms during development of Gnosticism. Earliest Gnostic systems include a theory of seven heavens and a supercelestial region, the Ogdoad. Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Moon Magic - the Feminine Principle Magic: Heka & the Ka in Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Gnostic astronomers initiate the concept of seven planetary spheres with an eighth above them. The eighth is the the sphere of the fixed stars. The number 8 is also a symbol of infinty. According to Valentinus, the seven heavens and the area above are the lowest and last stage of the exercise of creative power. Further above them is the pleroma, the totality of divine powers. Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Hesperus (Vesper) the Evening Star Sylvia Rose Books Gnosticism bases the concept of the ideal realm, or pleroma, on the world view of Plato (c. 428-348 BCE). Plato's entire collection of work survives intact for over 2,400 years. Through Neoplatonism, he has great influence on Christian and Islamic philosophy. Hippomancy: Sacred Horse Divination Shen Rings Egypt - Divine Protection Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Back to Top

Atum (Atem, Tem) comes into being with explosive convergence of the Ogdoad. He breathes the spark of life into the first two godly beings, Shu and Tefnut. A Divine Couple, Shu is god of peace, lions, air and wind. Tefnut is goddess of moisture, dew and rain. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Apep - Primal Chaos God of Egypt Asherah: Goddess of Childbirth & Fertility Chaoskampf: Order & Chaos Battle Out Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books His name, Atum, derives from the verb 'to finish' or 'to complete.' As the first god he will also be the last, as his future role is to dissolve the Earth into the waters of Chaos from which it emerges in creation myths. He's called 'the complete one'. See: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 As creator, Atum infuses the deities, universe and all life with his vital force or ka. Appearing at birth, The ka is the essence of all living things. It may be depicted as a smaller person inside the large one. His main center of worship is Heliopolis, in what's now Cairo. See also: Kothar (Kothar-wa-Khasis) Artisan God Ammitt - Devourer of the Dead Ebla - Shining Jewel of the Bronze Age Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Besides the convergence of the Ogdoad, Atum has various origins. In Lower Egypt legend says he issues from an egg afloat in the primal seas. The depthless waters embody creator entity Nu. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In another version Atum self-creates from or as a mound of clay, earth or mud. The mound comes from the matter or energies of Chaos. Atum is the first being to emerge from the darkness and endless abyss. Feeling lonely, Atum creates his children, the first two Gods. See also: Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia Tollense Valley Battlefield: Ancient Germania Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books One theory states he creates the first two deities, Goddess Tefnut and God Shu, by masturbation; in another tale he spits them from his mouth. In yet another telling, he procreates with his shadow to produce Tefnut and Shu. The two first Gods, curious about the primeval waters around them, go out to explore, and vanish into darkness. Heartbroken, Atum sends the Eye of Atum (representing the moon) to find his children. The tears of joy he sheds when they return become the first human beings. See also: Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle From their union, Tefnut and Shu have two children, Geb (Earth) and Nut (Sky). Their children in turn are the major Gods Osiris - death, afterlife, resurrection, vegetation, agriculture Isis - major Egyptian Goddess, especially known for resurrecting her brother Osiris Set - desert, storms, disorder, violence, foreigners Nephthys - mourning, night, childbirth, protection, magic, health, embalming, and beer. In another version of the origin myth, the Memphites or Priests of Memphis (Giza) believe Atum is created by Ptah, the dominant Creator God in popular local belief. Ptah is tutelary deity to Memphis. See also: Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Linen, Hemp & Cotton - Fabrics of Ancient Egypt Egyptian Blue - First Synthetic Color Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books According to this version of Atum's origin, Ptah creates him in a more intellectual or esoteric way, departing from the primal archetype. Ptah uses powers of speech and thought as portrayed on the Shabaka Stone, a sacred stone inscribed with religious text. A deity of Lite, Atum also represents transition to the realm of Death. During the Old Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2700 - 2200 BCE) Atum is the one who lifts the soul of a dead monarch from his pyramid to the cosmic skies. See also: Nefertum: He Who is Beautiful Gods of Egypt Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Road Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Depending on purpose Atum may appear as various animals such as as a mongoose, lion, bull, lizard, or an ape. Linked to distant origins he may also be represented as the primeval mound, the earth or clay. Atum may be shown as a serpent, a form he will take at the destruction of the world. The Serpent or Snake is sometimes seen as a primal form of Dragon. It's a symbol of life, death, healing, chaos, sensuality and rebirth. See also: Bashmu (Bašmu): Voracious Serpent Dragon Steppe Trade Routes: Before the Silk Road Inanna (Ishtar) - Goddess of Ancients Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Khepri the Scarab-Faced God and Sun God Ra represent the Sun at morning and daytime. Khepri-Atum are the sunrise and sunset, east and west, reflecting the cycles and polarity of morning and evening. Like most deities Atum carries an Ankh ☥ symbolic of physical life, eternal life, immortality, death, and reincarnation. As a solar deity, Atum relates to aspects of the primary sun god Ra. Atum is the deity of the evening sun. In some references he's called Ra-Atum. See also: Sphinx - Mythical Monster of Ancients Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Goddess Nisaba - First Lady of Writing Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Atum, a long-lived God, enjoys popularity throughout the Dynasties and ages of Egypt. At the end of the world cycle, Atum, in the capacity of Creator God, and Osiris, god of the Underworld, are said to be only two gods left. All else perishes in the great Flood which heralds the triumph of Chaos in the neverending cycles of creation. Destruction is complete with a return to the primal seas. See also: Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Owl - Death, Messages, Mystic Wisdom Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books As thousands of years go by stories change, Gods morph into other deities and branch out into aspects of themselves. A certain entity or another may be favored in the telling of tales. The myth of Atum's creation of the world is one of many. ... and what about Ra? In the creation myth of Ra as the first God, he's either given life by a Creator Entity Atum, or gives birth to himself. When searching for his lost children he sends out the Eye of Ra to find them. See also: Asray: Ugaritic Underworld Goddess A Viking Christmas Yule The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Back to Top

Hermes Trismegistus is a blend of two major gods, Egyptian Thoth and Greek Hermes. With the rise of alchemy, both gods are patrons of the practice. The Hermetic Writings of theology, philosophy and the occult are ascribed to Hermes Trismegistus. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Hellenistic Greeks in the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt equate Hermes and Thoth through the interpretatio graeca, or equivalence of Greek gods with those of other cultures. Hermes and Thoth receive offerings and worship as one deity. Rites take place in the Temple of Thoth in Khemenu, known to the Greeks as Hermopolis. An important center of antiquity, Hermopolis is on the middle Nile near the borders of Upper and Lower Egypt. Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Sylvia Rose Books It's named for the Ogdoad, eight primeval deities who dwell in Hermopolis. The meaning of Egyptian Khemenu is "Eight Town". READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Hermes, also equated with Roman Mercury, is the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants and thieves. He's a psychopomp or guide for the recently deceased. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Moon Magic - the Feminine Principle Sylvia Rose Books Thoth is one of most ancient Egyptian gods, revered by 6000 BCE as a moon deity. He's god of wisdom, the moon, justice, scribes and architects. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead he attends the weighing of the heart of a deceased person, and inscribes the result. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Among the Egyptians, Hermetic writings correspond to the conjuring of spirits and statue animation. They contain the oldest Hellenistic writings on Greco-Babylonian astrology, and the newly evolved practice of alchemy. Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Sylvia Rose Books Hermetic philosophy centers on the rational systemization of ritual practices. The occult literature gives the practitioner a way to rise above the limits of the physical. Gnosticism is developing at the same time. Gnosticism considers the concept of humans as divine souls constrained by the physical realm. A theological system of early Jewish and Christian sects, Gnosticism asserts the world is created by an imperfect spirit, thought to be the god of Abraham. Yahweh: Warrior Origins, Name & Lore Nimrod: Lord of Chaos & Creation Baal Cycle - Myths of Ba'al Hadad Sylvia Rose Books Trismegistus, meaning "thrice great" is thought to arise from an epithet of Thoth found at the Temple of Esna, "Thoth the great, the great, the great." Several Christian writers consider Hermes Trismegistus a wise pagan prophet who foresees the advent of Christianity. They believe in a prisca theologia, a true theology appearing in all religions. The theology is given by Yahweh to humans in early years and represented through prophets such as Zoroaster and Plato. Wolfsbane (Aconitum) Ancient Poisons Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arabic Myth Sylvia Rose Books The Greek Cyranides records magical powers and healing properties of minerals, plants and animals, givening Hermes as the source. The Arabic translation (9th century) contains no reference to Hermes. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Christians interpret the Hermetic teachings to substantialize their own ideas. In the Christian account Hermes Trismegistus is contemporary with Moses, or the third in a line of men named Hermes. Slaves Unchained: Freedmen of Ancient Rome Shamhat: Sacred Prostitute & the Wild Man Sacrifice of the Male: Temple at Uppsala Sylvia Rose Books These are Enoch, Noah and Egyptian king called Hermes Trismegistus due to his distinction as a leading priest and philosopher. The Suda, a 10th-century Byzantine encyclopedia of the ancient Mediterranean, states "He was called Trismegistus on account of his praise of the trinity, saying there is one divine nature in the trinity." Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Noisy Spirits of German Mythology Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant Sylvia Rose Books During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Hermetica are popular among alchemists. Hermes is also associated with astrology, for example by the influential Islamic astrologer Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi (787–886). READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The "Hermetic tradition" refers to alchemy, magic, astrology and related subjects. Texts are distinguished in two categories, philosophical and technical hermetica. The first is occupied with philosophy, the second with practical magic, potions and alchemy. Magic: Heka & the Ka in Ancient Egypt Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Kamrushepa: Hittite Goddess of Magic Sylvia Rose Books The term "hermetically sealed" arises from an alchemical process to make the mystic Philosopher's Stone. A mixture of materials is put into a glass vessel. The neck is sealed by fusion, known as the Seal of Hermes. The vessel is heated for 30 to 40 days. During the Renaissance, Hermes Trismegistus is seen as a contemporary of Moses. After a demonstration in 1614 by classical scholar Isaac Casaubon, it's proven the Hermetic writings postdate the advent of Christianity. Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Pomegranate - Food of the Ancients Asherah: Goddess of Childbirth & Fertility Sylvia Rose Books This causes the collapse of the entire philosophy of Renaissance Hermeticism. As to their actual authorship: ... they were certainly not written in remotest antiquity by an all wise Egyptian priest, as the Renaissance believed, but by various unknown authors, all probably Greeks, and they contain popular Greek philosophy of the period, a mixture of Platonism and Stoicism, combined with some Jewish and probably some Persian influences. Yates, Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition Poison Hemlock: Herbology & Lore Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Sylvia Rose Books Hermes Trismegistus takes a role in Islamic tradition, as identified with Islamic prophet Idris. Muslims also identify Idris with Enoch. According Persian astrologer Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi, Idris/Hermes is called "Thrice-Wise" due to his manifestations. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The first Hermes, comparable to Thoth, was a "civilizing hero", an initiator into the mysteries of the divine science and wisdom that animate the world; he carved the principles of this sacred science in hieroglyphs. Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Book of the Heavenly Cow - Myths of Egypt Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Sylvia Rose Books The second Hermes, in Babylon, is the initiator of Pythagoras. The third Hermes is the first teacher of alchemy. The Sabians of Harran also believe their doctrine comes from Hermes Trismegistus. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Pythagoras is known for teachings of metempsychosis, or "transmigration of souls", a belief the soul is immortal, entering a new body on death. The musica universalis, movement of planets to math equations, creating an inaudible symphony of music, is attributed to him. Quest for Immortality - Qin Shi Huang Plight of the Lutzelfrau: German Myth Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Sylvia Rose Books Hermetic fragments also appear in works of Muslim alchemists such as Jabir ibn Hayyan who cites an early version of the Emerald Tablet. Tenth century scholar Ibn Umayl quotes Hermetic sayings throughout his work, including commentary on the Emerald Tablet. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Back to Top

Poltergeist is one of the best known entities of European and American lore. It's classed among the "noisy spirits" of German myth, along with Klagefrau or wailing woman; Heimchen; and Klabauterman the sea kobold. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Book Four - Poltergeist See also: Heimchen - House Crickets in Folklore Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Sylvia Rose Books The Poltergeist has been around a long time. In 856 AD the first documented poltergeist appears at a farmhouse in Germany. The poltergeist harries and frightens the family by throwing dishes and rocks and starting fires, two classic signs of poltergeist activity today. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Adventures Poltergeists or Ger. Poltergeister gravitate toward families and try to disrupt harmony among family members. Even if the spirit does nothing its presence in a house is oppressive. People have trouble communicating. See also: Fänggen (Fangga): Man-Eaters of Tyrol Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Enuma Elish: Marduk & the Chaos Monsters Although Poltergeist is often called a ghost this isn't always accurate. In German Geist means spirit or ghost. Poltergeist is generally not considered the manifestation of a dead person. It's actually a demonic spirit. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Book Four - Poltergeist The Poltergeist is often associated with girls reaching their first menstruation, but can attack any human. Vulnerable are children, pregnant women, people with emotional ailments it can tap into. Pets may detect its presence. See also: White Ladies in German Mythology Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Common behaviors and signs of a poltergeist include: loud noises noise involving doors - knocking, slamming noise inside walls rumbling or loud furniture moving in adjacent rooms objects moved, hidden, hurled or broken triggering emotions such as anger and hate family fights work undone or taken apart physical harm - likes to push, trip, bite, pinch, slap and punch people accidents levitation of objects acrid or unpleasant odors flickering / flashing lights broken lights flashing mechanical breakdowns fires See also: Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal German Myth & Folklore: Elves Sylvia Rose Books Because activity is often (not always) connected to a young person, events may be dismissed as imagination or a childish hoax. In fact it's just the beginning. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Poltergeist is more than a mischievous prankster. It may work with other spirits or demons such as nightmare bringers Mare or Drude. While some spirits seem threatening but can't hurt a person, Poltergeist is not one of those. This demon delights in human pain. See also: Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Stymphalian Birds & Greek Heroics German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Sylvia Rose Books It usually begins with small incidents, perhaps an object moved or hidden. A cup might fall off a wobbly shelf. At first it's easy to explain, a door slamming due to a draft; scratching noises just a branch at the window. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Disgusting smells with no obvious source may infest a home. Nightmares begin, perhaps concurrent with a feeling of tightness in the chest or a shadow of movement between dreams and reality. See also: Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Sylvia Rose Books Then it gets serious. A perceived push at the top of the stairs, a pet going manic, strong emotions, thoughts of harming self or others combine with sleeplessness and anxiety. Tables and chairs might rise up or suddenly tip. A made bed has sheets ripped off. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Book Four - Poltergeist Electric shocks are common, even if electricians find nothing wrong. Water mysteriously left running can overflow sinks and tubs. Damage to the home, holes or cracks in walls can appear. See also: Hotel of Horror - The Lady Detective Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Wiedergänger - the German Undead Sylvia Rose Books At any point it's possible the Poltergeist and its entourage lose interest, and the events go away as if they never happened. It's also possible the behavior gets worse. Poltergeist may not physically manifest but other spirits in its circle might. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries What to do? Solutions such as smudging or exorcism by a holy person are spiritual band-aids and probably won't stop the rollercoaster ride to destruction. Even moving might not be effective because this is a demon linked with people. See also: The Sex Demons - Incubus & Succubus Wandering Womb - Ancient Medicine Edimmu: Evil Demons of Vengeance It works with other powers like restless spirits who are bound to a particular place, but in general Poltergeist has abilities of energy relocation. It can cause destruction beyond boundaries other spirits can't surpass. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures The five-point star (Drudenfuß, Drudenfuss) is typically used to protect home and outbuildings such as stables. Drudenfuß means Drude's foot. The charm is used to keep away Druden (demonic magic, fire) and evil Elfin magic (for example sickness, insanity). See also: Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Hags in Germanic Myth & Folklore Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth Sylvia Rose Books Of all the noisy Germanic spirits, Poltergeist is the nastiest. Poltergeist activity is generally considered a hoax. See also: Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Wolpertinger - German Myths & Folklore Back to Top

Mercury is the only metal to be liquid at room temperature, giving it magic and mystical properties, and the name quicksilver. This beautiful poison fascinates alchemists and modern scientists. Mercury is a component of ancient potions such as the Elixir of Life. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Women Scientists of the Ancient World Cinnabar (Mercury Sulfide) Red Death Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sylvia Rose Books Grinding natural cinnabar (HgS) or mercuric sulfide produces the pigment vermilion, a bright shade of orange red. In antiquity, mining and processing the ore causes madness and painful death. Miners are convicts, slaves and prisoners of war. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Mercury is once known as hydrargyrum from the Greek hydro (water) and argyros (silver). It's named for the planet Mercury, fastest around the sun, and the Roman god. In metallurgy, mercury is one of the seven metals of antiquity. Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Vermilion - Scarlet Pigment of Death Myth & Metallurgy - Metals of Antiquity Sylvia Rose Books Mercury is the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants and thieves. He's the Roman god equated with Greek Hermes. Both take the role of psychopomp, guiding the recently deceased. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure As an element mercury can dissolve such metals as gold, copper and silver to create amalgams, or alloys. Depending on the amount of mercury in the mixture, the product can be a liquid, soft paste or solid. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Copper: Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books At one time only iron can contain the vigorous metal. Trade in mercury is done in iron flasks. In magic, iron has the properties to repel or subdue creatures of Faerie, and this associates mercury with the spirit world. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series For alchemists, mercury is the First Matter or prima materia (chaos) from which all metals are formed. It an ingredient in the fabled Philosopher's Stone. The symbol for mercury in alchemy is the ouroboros, or snake / dragon biting its tail. What is the Philosopher's Stone? Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating Tail German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Sylvia Rose Books Scholars of ancient alchemy believe changing the quality and quantity of sulfur in mercury creates different metals. The purest of these is gold. In alchemy mercury is used in experiments to transmute base metals. The dangerous practice of mining cinnabar, the ore from which mercury is extracted, goes back to the Neolithic Age. Mercury is extracted by heating cinnabar (HgS) and condensing the vapor, or grinding the ore. In 1500 BCE archeologists find mercury in an Egyptian tomb. Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Sylvia Rose Books In ancient medicine mercury is used to treat parasitic worms, melancholy, constipation, syphilis and influenza. For hundreds of years, mercury was used by rich and poor in liquid form or as a salt. Mercury chloride is used in medicine as a diuretic and disinfectant. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series The 16th century Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus recommends mercury chloride to treat syphilis. A renowned Renaissance scientist, Paracelsus is the first to combine chemistry with medicine. He's also responsible for the invention of gnomes. Gnomes: Earth Spirits of Renaissance Mythology Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Sylvia Rose Books The first known process for extracting mercury from ore comes from the natural philosopher Theophrastus. In his work On Stones (fourth century BCE) he writes, “Mercury is produced by grinding cinnabar with vinegar in a copper mortar with a copper pestle.” Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Sylvia Rose Books The god Mercury carries a caduceus or staff with two twined serpents. Originally the staff relates to communication and commerce. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The caduceus forms the base for the planetary and alchemical symbol of mercury. It's invented when Hermes / Mercury throws his staff at two snakes fighting. They coil around the staff. The cross-hatch at bottom is added later to make the symbol more Christian. See also: Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Sylvia Rose Books In England of the 18th and 19th centuries, mercury is used in the widespread production of felt, a fabric of hat makers. Mercury is absorbed through mucus membranes and skin. Long-term exposure an cause erethism. A neurological disorder marked by slurred speech, tremors, stumbling and hallucinations, erethism also creates a state of abnormal mental excitement or irritation. It's known colloquially as "Mad Hatter's Disease". See also: Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Wild Women and Winter Tales Primeval Deities: Goddess of the Dawn Sylvia Rose Books Further symptoms of mercury poisoning include brain, kidney and lung damage; acrodynia or pink disease, a painful condition causing dusty pink pigmentation in feet and hands. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Mercury poisoning can cause neurological illness like Minamata disease, which also attacks the kidneys and organs. Mercury enters the environment in a number of ways. Moon Magic - the Feminine Principle Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Sylvia Rose Books Water can be contaminated by absorbing mercury from submerged trees and soil of reservoirs. Permafrost soils accumulate mercury through atmospheric deposition. When permafrost thaws it releases mercury into wetlands, lakes and rivers. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries At one time mercury is added to marine paint to protect boat hulls. In horticulture the element helps prevent fungal diseases of seeds, flower bulbs and other vegetation. Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Wolfsbane (Aconitum) Ancient Poisons Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Sylvia Rose Books It's still used for its antimicrobial properties. Today the main source of mercury toxicity is contaminated sediment of past environmental discharges. Improper disposal also pollutes lands and waterways. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Mercury comes from natural sources in the environment and occurs in places of high heat activity such as geothermal springs. It's found in geologic deposits, and the ocean. Mercury enters the atmosphere by action of volcanoes, forest fires and weathering of rocks. Yumuktepe: Neolithic on the Med Neolithic Salt & Brine Works Europe Fire Men & Lights Errant: German Lore Sylvia Rose Books Human-related sources of mercury primarily include coal combustion, waste incineration, industrial use and mining. It enters the environment through burning of fossil fuels, and municipal or medical waste. Bodies of humans and other animals have slight amounts of ingested mercury, which is stored in the kidneys or brain. Unlike metals such as copper and iron, mercury is not a necessary corporeal element. See also: The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Sylvia Rose Books Mercury or quicksilver is used in thermometers, barometers, float valves, mercury switches, mercury relays, fluorescent lamps and other devices. Due to concerns about toxicity, manufacture of instruments containing mercury is less common today. Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Slaves Unchained: Freedmen of Ancient Rome Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Back to Top

Europe is famous for Romanesque architecture. Grand, elaborate stonework with stunning use of windows, vaults and arches appears in countries like today's Germany, France, England, Spain and Poland. Romanesque architecture challenges the nature of stone and incorporates the magic and drama of light. See also: German Myth - Headless Horseman The Bronze Monkey of Heidelberg Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Open arcades like the one above make great use of natural light and space. A walled courtyard beyond the pillars helps protect from bad weather. Skilled work turns decorative elements of stone into flowing fabrics or vegetation. Arcades like this might be whitewashed to reflect more light, creating a heavenly promenade. See also: Divine Light - Sun Goddess of Arinna Heidelberg - Dueling Scars, Jail & Beer Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The Cathedral in Worms, Germany, is one of the greatest examples of Romanesque. Built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in the High Middle Ages, St Peter's Cathedral (German: Wormser Dom) is a Roman Catholic church standing on the highest point of the old town. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - Book Two - Nibelung Because building with stone is heavy business, windows and lighting designs need to be clever. Not only does the use of light serve a practical purpose, it also has spiritual or mystical meaning. See also: Divine Twins: Germanic & Greek Mythology 3 Great German Artists for Art Lovers Art, Power and the Calamitous Crusade Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Germany, the Romanesque period occurs a little later than in other parts of Europe including France and Spain, but has a mighty influence. Romanesque uses thick walls, round arches, groin vaults, robust towers, ornate rose windows and decorative arcades. To raise walls of stone to heights never before seen, engineers design solid stone buttresses against the outside walls. In the ensuing Gothic period these evolve into flying buttresses. See also: Belet-Seri: Underworld Scribe Goddess German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Song of the Loreley Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The Christ Church cathedral, above, in Oxford, England, combines Romanesque and English Gothic styles. The purpose of building churches higher, besides local grandeur, was to bring the songs of the choir, voices and prayers of the people closer to God. In cathedrals the acoustics are vibrant. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - Book Two - Nibelung Romanesque architecture favors beautiful rosette or rose, tall narrow windows and stained glass designs. As the light falls from above, walking into a Romanesque building one truly has a sense of awe. See also: Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Heqet, Frog Goddess of Egypt German Myth - Werewolves Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The groin vault is another famous feature of Romanesque architecture. Also called double barrel vault or cross vault, a groin vault is created with the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles. The groin vault technique was first used by the Romans, and revived during the Romanesque architectural period. Examples of groin vaulting include the nave ceiling of the church above, the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Saragosse de Saint-Malo or Saint-Malo Cathedral, in Brittany, France. See also: A Viking Christmas Yule Beautiful Music Original Art Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books One of the most famous examples of Romanesque architecture, not by design, is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The lean began after the first three stories were completed in the later 1170's, due to uneven settling of the building's foundations in the soft ground. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - Book Two - Nibelung In the Romanesque period, artists and builders challenge the nature of stone. They incorporate enhanced detail, curves and organic flow into their work. Decorative pillars, arcades, window frames and statues bring life and expression to the Romanesque style See also: Nergal - Ancient Underworld Gods Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Back to Top

Death Cap Mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are deadly poisons of assassination and accident. Native to Europe, death caps are naturalized throughout the world, resembling some edible wild mushrooms. One death cap has enough lethal toxin to kill two adults. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Jump to: Death Cap Mushroom Toxicity Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning Symptoms Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning Treatment Famous Deaths Destroying Angel: Nature's Deadly Poison Reishi or Lingzhi - Mushroom Magic Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous? Sylvia Rose Books Death Cap mushrooms originate in Europe and are widely naturalized in many regions including North America, Australia, North Africa, West Asia and Russia. They're often found on the ground near broad-leafed trees, as they form a symbiotic relationship with the roots. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series They associate most with hardwoods such as beech, birch and chestnut; less often with pine and spruce. Death Cap mushrooms also grow from the soil of non-native oak or coniferous trees. Wolfsbane (Aconitum) Ancient Poisons Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Sylvia Rose Books The smell ranges from faintly sweet in young fungi to nauseously sweet in older ones. Its extreme effects are caused by the substance α-Amanitin, also found in the destroying angel. It's the most poisonous of all mushroom toxins. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Death Cap is one of the species of mushroom which grow in "fairy rings" from the forest floor. Less commonly the rings appear in a meadow. They're associated magic, elves, pixies, fairies and other nature spirits. Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Sylvia Rose Books Death Cap Mushroom Toxicity Back to Top Death cap mushrooms are the most popular mushrooms as tools of assassination and murder through the ages. Today death cap poisoning is usually identity confusion. Poisoning is reported in immigrants who have similar-looking, edible mushrooms in the home country. The mushroom belongs to the genus Amanita which includes the familiar Amanita muscaria or fly agaric, with its red-orange cap and white spots. The toxins in this mushroom can also be fatal, although A. muscaria is known to be used by practitioners for visionary experiences. Folk Magic: Fly Agaric Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Vermilion - Scarlet Pigment of Death Sylvia Rose Books 95% of mushroom poisoning fatalities are from the Amanita genus. 50% of those are from the death cap. Touching a death cap doesn't usually affect a person. Keep fingers out of mouth and wash hands with soap. In the first century Roman Empire, Emperor Claudius perishes of mushroom poisoning, probably death cap. The mushrooms are fed to him by his wife Agrippina the Younger, who wants her son Lucius (Nero) on the throne. Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Messalina: Death & Desire in Ancient Rome Poppaea Sabina: Child Bride to Roman Empress Sylvia Rose Books Death Cap is the most poisonous mushroom in the world. It's easily mistaken for plump edible straw mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea), especially when young, and non-toxic Caesar's mushrooms (Amanita cesarea). READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Neither boiling nor freezing kills the high concentration of natural toxins in the Death Cap mushroom. Scientists are still working on an antidote. See also: Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Sylvia Rose Books Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning Symptoms Back to Top Symptoms of Death Cap mushroom poisoning occur in stages as the toxins wreak havoc on the body. Stage 1: Gastrointestinal Phase The first stage starts 6 - 24 hours after ingestion and includes: low blood pressure nausea abdominal pain vomiting diarrhea dehydration blood in stool fever After about 12 - 36 hours the gastrointestinal phase passes and the person might feel fine. At this point the poison has already begun to attack the internal organs. Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Sinope: Poison, Honey, Greeks & Clay Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Sylvia Rose Books Stage 2: Latent Phase During this stage the poisons do severe damage to the liver, which can't filter out the toxins, and the kidneys. There's usually no outward indication of the deadly effects building up. The liver filters toxins out of the body and becomes poisoned beyond repair, as do the kidneys. See also: Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Herbology & Lore - Chamomile Reiker For Hire Victorian Crime Trilogy Sylvia Rose Books Stage 3: Hepatorenal Phase Symptoms of liver and kidney damage begin 3 to 6 days after the mushrooms were consumed. Symptoms include: jaundice - yellowish color of eyes and skin abdominal pain and swelling swollen ankles and legs muscle cramps itchy skin dark urine trouble urinating, or urinating too much pale stool overwhelming fatigue nausea, vomiting low blood sugar trouble sleeping delirium and confusion hepatitis coma death Mushroom poisoning can be mistaken for flu or other illness, especially as symptoms don't show up right away. The death cap can be hard to identify. Even mushroom experts have died from eating toxic mushrooms. Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning Treatment Back to Top Orpiment - Painter's Golden Poison Lead White & Minium Red: Colors to Die For Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sylvia Rose Books Immediate hospitalization and treatment may help mitigate the symptoms of death cap mushroom poisoning but options are limited. There's no sure antidote known. Treatments might include: pumping stomach activated charcoal surgical removal of mushroom parts giving fluids liver transplant By the time mushroom poisoning is confirmed, often the only treatment is a liver transplant. Scientists have isolated a green dye compound which defeats the effects in mouse and human cells but it's still in the initial testing stages. Figs - Food of the Ancient World Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Sylvia Rose Books Famous Deaths Back to Top Roman emperor Claudius is one of the most controversial deaths from death cap mushroom poisoning. His wife Agrippina poisons him to free the throne for her son Lucius, later Emperor Nero. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries She's known for ambitious schemes. Claudius enjoys eating Caesar's mushrooms, which look similar to death caps. Plot or accident? Either way, Nero gets the throne. Narcissus the Freedman Imperial Rome Slaves Unchained: Freedmen of Ancient Rome Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books The Russian Tsarita Natalya Naryshkina (1651 - 1694) reportedly eats pickled mushrooms before she dies. It's unclear whether the cause of death is mushroom toxicity or food poisoning. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series In 1740 Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI succumbs to mushroom poisoning in Vienna. After a hunting trip in Hungary, he consumes a plate of sauteed mushrooms. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Sylvia Rose Books In his Memoirs the French writer Voltaire concludes Charles died from a meal of death cap mushrooms. Charles' death leads to the War of the Austrian Succession, causing Voltaire to comment, " ... this mushroom dish has changed the destiny of Europe." Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor German Myth - Werewolves Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Back to Top

Fairy rings are circles or semi-circles of wild mushrooms. They can appear overnight like magic and are part of the mystical world of folklore. Nature spirits or creatures of Faerie are said to dance in a ring and leave these fruiting bodies as a sign of the party. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: German Myth & Folklore: Elves Sprites: Ethereal Creatures of Faerie Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Sylvia Rose Books Fairy rings, elf rings, pixie rings or fairy circles are associated with moon magic and feminine or androgynous energy. Linked to witchcraft and faerie lore, they may be seen as circles of wisdom and protection, a portal to the world of Fae or rings of ancient evil. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Two types of fairy ring occur: those in the forest and those in meadows. In the forest they're called tethered as they have a symbiotic relationship with certain tree roots. In the field they are free, not connected to another organism. German Myth & Folklore: Imps Wolfsbane (Aconitum) Ancient Poisons Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sylvia Rose Books As they grow the fruiting bodies expand outward from the original spore source. The fungi can also subterraneously connect to each other as if holding hands, and form a circle, growing further outward with each generation of mushrooms. Some may have inner rings. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Fairy rings are up to 10 m (33 ft) across on average, though some older formations are huge. A fairy circle might seem to spring up overnight but many are several centuries old. The oldest fairy ring is c. 700 years old, in Belfort, France. It's nearly 0.8 km (0.5 mi) across. Grayanotoxins: the Madness of Honey Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sylvia Rose Books In the forest fairy rings sprout around trees as the ring matures. The fungi break down nutrients for the tree as they grow and return to the earth to become nutrients themselves. Mushrooms are also a water source for the tree. READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Soil quality and fungal activity affect the nature and appearance of fairy circles. The fungi can leach nutrients from organically rich soil, causing a dry spot in the circle as with Leucopaxillus giganteus. Nature Spirits of German Mythology Herbology & Lore: Death Cap Mushrooms Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Sylvia Rose Books Conversely they provide nourishment to the soil. The ring may be particularly green and healthy, as in the purple puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis). READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries About sixty types of mushrooms have the Fairy Ring genome. Some are common and edible. The Scotch bonnet (Marasmius oreades) is a common sight, also known as the fairy ring champignon. Others, like the destroying angel and death cap mushrooms, are lethal. Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Death Cap Mushrooms: Deadly Poison Sylvia Rose Books Folklore swirls around the magic of fairy rings. In France they're called ronds de sorcières (witches' circles). In German they're Hexenringe (witches' rings). In German lore, one cause of fairy rings is the dancing of witches on Walpurgis Night or Hexennacht (April 30 - May 1). In Tyrol the circles were said to come from a dragon's coiled tail. Dragon venom infuses the ground and for seven years nothing but mushrooms can grow. According to Dutch folklore a fairy ring appears where the Devil sets his butter churn. Butter - Food of Peasants & Barbarians Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Sylvia Rose Books In the Philippines, fairy rings are thought caused by little spirits. Western European traditions such as Celtic, Scandinavian and English consider fairy rings caused by dancing elves or fairies. The Middle English term elferingewort (elf-ring), refers to "a ring of daisies created by elves dancing" and goes back to the 12th century. In Scandinavia, belief persists into the 19th century of elves making the rings. Folk Magic: Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Legend says a person can step through the ring and see the elves at their revels, but then is subject to their tricks and illusions too. In some parts of Europe, stepping into an elf ring causes a person to lose an eye. In French tradition, bug-eyed toads guard the fairy circles and curse anyone who comes near. In most mythology it's unlucky to enter fairy rings. Entering the ring on Walpurgis Night or Hexennacht or Samhain (Hallowe'en) is especially dangerous. Kamrushepa: Hittite Goddess of Magic Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Sylvia Rose Books Stepping into a fairy ring can befuddle the mind and senses. A victim might need rescue. Herbs such as caraway, thyme and marjoram thrown in the ring can confuse the fairy folk and let the person escape. Touching the person with iron can repulse evil magic. Sometimes one must haul the victim from the ring by force. It's beyond the strength of one person and the rescuer might have to call the neighbors. One account tells of a farmer and helpers forced to hook up a team of horses to rescue his daughter from a fairy ring. Hippomancy: Sacred Horse Divination Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses German Myth - Headless Horseman Sylvia Rose Books Once the victim is brought back to the mortal world, the madness does not stop. Past and present could be altered, or the person's circumstances have changed, for example a rich man might find himself penniless. The human measurement of time has no meaning in the Faerie realm. After rescue from the magic ring, the victim stays in the state of confusion for a year and a day. Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth Wild Women and Winter Tales Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Sylvia Rose Books According to some lore, one must run around the ring nine times before it's safe to examine. After Christianity, powers of Faerie are squelched by those of the cross. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Rescuing someone from a fairy ring is as simple as the authoritative mention of "God" or "Heaven". Another Christian tool against pagan nature spirits is a touch from a rowan branch. In Christianity rowan considered the wood of the sacred crucifixion cross. German Traditions - the Linden Tree Winter Tales - 4 Novellas Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Sylvia Rose Books In pagan lore the rowan brings luck, strength, courage and protection. In Celtic tradition the fid na ndruad or Wizard's Tree guards against evil magic. In folk medicine rowan berries are used for immune-boosting properties, and treatment of respiratory and skin ailments. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Back to Top