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Palmistry, The Blueprint of Life Or a Great Party Trick?

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Today I would like to share with you the basics of Palmistry and where it came from. Palmistry is a form of divination that utilizes the lines on your hands to tell characteristics or life events. It is also called chiromancy. Similar to Astrology it uses planetary influence. In this post we will look at the differences between Ancient European and Asian beliefs, and modern beliefs. We will look at finding the most important lines in your palm as well.

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Nine of Wands, Keep Going, Don’t Give Up!

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Today is the day of the week in which I draw a card and use it’s guidance for the remainder of the week. This week I am using “Witches Tarot” by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans. This is a beautiful re engineering of the 78 card Rider-Waite-Smith deck. In this post I will be examining the colors in the card, the numeric symbolism, planetary influence, and overall meaning. The tarot card drawn this week is… The Nine of Wands.

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Are Ghosts Hallucinations Or Tormented Souls?

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Lately I have been seeing things out of the corner of my eye. It could be my mind playing tricks on me, or a ghost or spirit from another realm. So because honestly my mind playing tricks is a more mundane explanation, let’s talk about ghosts. In this post I will be sharing my research of, what a ghost is, how do they haunt you, and history maybe even a good ghost story. Now I know it’s only July and not October but, in the world of the occult, there is no better time than now. So sit by your campfire or your flashlight, this may get scary.

To read the rest of this post or others like it, please visit: www.occultspirits.com/blog

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Happy Independence Day, the Birth Chart of the US, Interpreted.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Today’s post is very special, with the fourth of July right around the corner, I have decided to interpret the “birth” chart of the United States. This interpretation will include, the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto. Please keep in mind that this is for entertainment purposes only.

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The Eagle Card, Bravery that Leads to Your True Self.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Today is tarot day, the day every week when I intuitively draw a tarot card and use it’s meaning to guide me for the next week. Today I am using “The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit” deck by Kim Krans. This deck is made up of 68 animal cards, they link an animal spirit with an element. For this reading I will be interpreting the animal, the colors in the card, the planetary influences and the elemental influence. Lastly I will be tailoring the meaning of this particular card to be a bit more personal, using the zodiac signs. So without further ado, my interpretation of the Eagle card. 

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Ceres, the Area that Tells How You Nurture Yourself and Others.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Today I am going to discuss Ceres, as always we will be learning the astronomical features, mythological namesake, and the astrological influence. There will also be a break down of what it stands for in each of the zodiac signs. To read the rest of this post please visit: www.occultspirits.com/blog

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Juno, Who is your Ideal Partner?

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I would like to talk about Juno. In examining Juno we will discover the astronomical aspect, astrological meaning and the mythology behind this asteroid. Once all those have been accomplished, I will reveal how Juno affects each of the zodiac signs.

Juno in Astronomy

Juno is an asteroid in the asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. Juno was discovered September 1st 1804 by German astronomer Karl Harding. It is said that Juno contains 1% of the mass in the asteroid belt. Juno takes just over 4 years to complete her orbit. The surface of Juno is made of reflective material, this makes her bright, at some points in her orbit she can be even brighter than Jupiter. Juno is named after the mythological goddess Juno.

Juno in Mythology

Juno in Roman mythology was the goddess of protection, and counselor of the state. She was the daughter of Saturn, wife of the god Jupiter and mother of the god Mars. In many different Roman communities, she was the goddess of marriage, fertility, purification and youthfulness, as well as the goddess of protection. There are multiple myths about Jupiter and Juno, one that they were both born to the primordial goddess Fortuna, as twins. Another is that they were married and the original divine couple. The consensus behind Jupiter and Juno, however they came to be is that they were married and just like their Greek counterparts (Zeus and Hera) there were issues. Stories tell of Jupiter's lust fueled adventures with other women, human and god alike. While Juno remained faithful but very jealous and would take revenge through acts of war.

Juno in Astrology

Now as we have learned in other posts, astrology is the combination of astronomy and mythology. So when we look at Juno in our charts she is associated with commitment, marriage, betrayal and jealousy. She is our give and take in romantic relationships. She is fairness in relationships and compromise. Juno represents the balance that is needed to keep us happy in our commitments.

Juno in Aries

Juno in Aries: For those with this placement you desire a leader in a relationship. You need a person who is willing to fight for you and let you fight for them. Generally a person with an Aries Juno does not care to be told what to do or be bossed around by their partner.

Juno in Taurus

Juno in Taurus: This placement desires a partner who is monetarily secure. While you yourself are financially stable. This could be the placement of married couples who maintain separate bank accounts or finances. The necessity is calm and peace for this person, they may be a real homebody in relationships.

Juno in Gemini

Juno in Gemini: Communication is key to this placement, and not just superficial conversations deep, thought provoking conversations. Your ultimate desire may be a partner who shares your dreams and ambitions. Necessity for you would be to keep conversation new and interesting.

Juno in Cancer

Juno in Cancer: Here Juno takes on a more family oriented role. You may feel a deep desire to have children and a secure family unit. The necessity for this placement would be to find the other "perfect parent". You need caring and nurturing and will not take deception well.

Juno in Leo

Juno in Leo: For those with Juno here, you may desire a partner in the spotlight. You are attracted to those who are the life of the party. You enjoy being the center of attention, if only by association. The necessity for this placement is for your partner to share the lime light with you. The power couple.

Juno in Virgo

Juno in Virgo: Neat and orderly is the key to your true partner. They may be practical, hard working and modest. The need of this relationship is to avoid control issues and power struggles. You need a partner in control of their own life, but not to the point of controlling yours.

Juno in Libra

Juno in Libra: Commitment and equality is the key to this Juno placement. You desire a partner who is trustworthy and fair in all situations. Your partner may be well liked and seen as a mentor by others as well. The necessity in this relationship is traditional, things must be done "right" and thoroughly.

Juno in Scorpio

Juno in Scorpio: Juno here craves deep connection with a partner. There should be a healthy dose of passion and unity between you two. There is also the aspect of secrecy, where nobody is to be told about anything in your relationship. The ultimate need here is to have your relationship kept secret, a kiss and tell kind of person will generally not be tolerated.

Juno in Sagittarius

Juno in Sagittarius: A relationship with someone who's Juno is here, is one of freedom. It may be freedom to explore the world or their own beliefs. This placement may cause one to never desire a marriage or long term commitment. The absolute necessity here is freedom, freedom of speech, to have your own opinions or beliefs, or even to travel.

Juno in Capricorn

Juno in Capricorn: This placement of Juno desires stability, safety, and hard work. In a relationship you may want a partner who takes life seriously and is not afraid to work to achieve goals. The necessity of this relationship is security and trust.

Juno in Aquarius

Juno in Aquarius: Here the main emphasis is on helping others. You may be attracted to someone who actively helps others, every time they get the chance. With Juno here you may be attracted to originality as well. The necessity of this relationship is to help those the couple cares about, in creative, different ways.

Juno in Pisces

Juno in Pisces: This placement desires the "Romeo and Juliet" of relationships. You may desire a partner who will do anything for you. You may desire a deep connection, and a kind, sensitive heart. Here the necessity for this relationship is warmth, and unconditional love.

So Juno may be a large asteroid, or a goddess of marriage, but I find the most important part of Juno is what it means to me. In these days with communication and people everywhere, it is comforting to know what kind of person to look for. As a person with Juno in Pisces, finding the one that is written in the stars is not so easy. Blessed be.

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Three of Pentacles, How to Channel Your Inner Artist

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today's post is a tarot interpretation, I will be using the advice from this card for the next week. Today I am using the Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza. This deck is made up of 78 cards, it takes a loose interpretation of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck and transforms it into something a bit darker, more mysterious. For today's interpretation I will be looking at the colors, the number, the suit, and the overall meaning of the card. I also will be doing a breakdown of what each zodiac sign can take away from this card. This will allow for a more personal feel to the reading, so enjoy my tarot/astrological interpretation of The Three of Pentacles.

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Black Moon Lilith, the deepest fear of each sign.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit’s blog. Today as I was looking at my own transit chart I realized that I had not done a post about my favorite point on an astrology chart. So I am going to be writing about Lilith. We will dive into the myth from ancient texts, biblical references, and naturally astrological placements.

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Pandora's Box, the curse of mankind.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I would like to shine some light on the myth of Pandora's Box. I personally have always wondered what is in it, what was the purpose, the meaning of the asteroid Pandora in Astrology, and how it pertains to me. So I set forth to look for answers and you my faithful readers get to follow along and explore with me.

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Two of Swords, get your balance.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I have drawn a tarot card and will use it's meaning for advice for the following week. The deck I used today is "The Witches Tarot" by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans. This deck has 78 cards and is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. I will be analyzing the colors, elements, planetary influence and overall meaning of the Two of Swords.

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Stonehenge, one of the biggest mysteries of all time...

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I would like to explore the origins of Stonehenge. I wrote a post recently about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to be completely honest I was disappointed that Stonehenge was not included. So after wondering and wondering I sought to find the truth, or as much of it as can be found. So now I give you the origins of Stonehenge, to the best of our knowledge.

Stonehenge dimensions and location

Stonehenge is an ancient monument in Wiltshire, England. This circular monument is constructed using large man made, stones that are placed vertically or "standing stones". The standing stones in this structure measure 13' high, 7' wide and weigh about 25 tons. Archaeologists have dated Stonehenge to roughly 3000 B.C. to 2000 B.C.

Stage 1 Construction

The exploration of Stonehenge confirms that it was created in three phases, the following is stage 1. Archaeologists believe Stonehenge started as a circular bank, with a ditch inside. The entire structure is enclosed by Seaford Chalk, a limestone based chalk like substance that was believed to be used in the late Cretaceous period. The structure's diameter was 360 feet in diameter. It also had a large opening as an entrance to the northeast and a small entrance to the south. The bones of deer and oxen were found inside the center of the structure also some tools of the time period (the late Cretaceous). On the outer circumference of this structure is 56 holes, each about 1 meter in diameter. The purpose of these holes is still unknown, some believe it many be astronomical in nature. The 2013 excavation of these holes found bone pieces from 56 individual people, buried in these holes. This leads others in the community to believe that this was a cremation or burial ground. Analysis of the bones confirms half to be male and the other half to be female, some were of children.

Stage 2 Construction

Stage 2 building of Stonehenge is no longer visible, but is found in the form of post-holes. There is belief that a wooden structure was inside the original circle of stage 1. These holes have been dated back to the third millennium B.C. There is evidence that there were wooden column like structures that stood at the northeast entrance and connected to the southern entrance. These holes are thought to be for architectural purpose, not burial, due to the fact that they measure 16 inches in diameter. The wide chalk lined holes created in the first stage were theorized to not have the intention of cremation or burial until roughly 2000 B.C. Their original purpose is still much debated question in the archaeological community.

Stage 3 Construction

Stage 3 of Stonehenge creation started circa 2600 B.C. The original builders of this ancient structure, seem to have abandoned the idea of using wood. Instead they created a line of large holes parallel to each other, through the center of the original structure. These holes held up to 80 standing stones, this leads explorers to believe it may be a ring within a ring. The stones that remained standing have been examined and are believed to be "blue stones". These stones are made of the igneous rock, dolerite, that is found 150 miles away in Wales. The idea is that the builders carried these massive stones that entire distance. There is also a theory that these stones were brought closer to Stonehenge by the melting of the Irish Sea Glacier, in the end of the Ice Age. These stones are said to weigh roughly 2 tons each, if they were moved by man, they did so by using a series of logs to roll under the stones. That was the method of moving heavy objects utilized in nearby China, India and Japan.

Resurrection

Another part of stage 3 consisted of them bringing over 30 larger stones. These stones are traced to an area about 25 miles north of Stonehenge. These stones were carved with a mortise and tenon, being a hole for another material to set in and a horizontal material to sit in opposing holes. The way they are depicted in the picture above. They also used a tongue and groove method like in wood working. Thirty stones were placed in a 108 foot, diameter circle and 30 were placed horizontally in the carved holes connecting them. Each standing stone measured roughly 25 tons. The horizontal stones measure 10 feet long, 1 meter wide, 2.6 feet thick and 16 feet of the ground. After it's completion, it was reconstructed a few times by the people of the Bronze Age, and possibly the Saxons.

Possible connection to other structures like it

Stonehenge was built by a civilization that was seems to have been lost, no written record has ever been found about it. The methods of it's creation are undocumented, the purpose of such a place are not recorded either. There is speculation that it was connected to another similar structure in near the Avon river. It has been noted that Stonehenge was built in a way that it would face the rising sunset in the winter solstice and away from the sun in the summer solstice.

Speculation as to the Purpose of Stonehenge

The speculation as to the purpose of this site ranges from religious ceremonies, to burial and cremation grounds, to astronomical viewings. The newest of theories is that Stonehenge was a place of healing. That would explain the burials and traumas found on the bones therein. Another new theory is that Stonehenge served more than one purpose, such as worship, healing, burial all in one. The final new theory is that Stonehenge was the place of the dead and the structures near the Avon river were the place of the living.

Story of Merlin and Stonehenge

There are stories that Stonehenge was created by Merlin the wizard, in the time of King Arthur. This story depicts the stones as healing stones. In the folktale the successor to King Arthur, King Aurelius Ambrosius needed a burial plot for 3000 knights to be buried in honor. Merlin suggested Stonehenge as their final resting place. The king sends 15000 knights, Uther Pendragon, and Merlin to retrieve the stones. They were believed at that time to be in nearby Ireland, 7000 knights died trying to move this massive structure to no avail. Then Merlin used skill and tools and moved it to it's current location. The story claims that Aurelius Ambrosius, Uther Pendragon and Constantine III, were all laid to rest here.

Story of an Ambush at this Site

Another story claims that the Saxons and the Britons in 472 were invited to a feast. Shortly after their arrival the King Hengist, orders his warriors to draw their weapons, killing 420 of the guest's army. Out of regret King Hengist ordered the building of Stonehenge on the site of the ambush, to show remorse.

Conclusion

Well to wrap this up, possibly millions of years, reconstructions and stories later, Stonehenge still remains a mystery. Scientists of all different types have examined the area, the bones, and the architecture of Stonehenge, and we are still no closer to the purpose of Stonehenge. Perhaps one day we will understand the workings of our ancient world and it's people. Until then... Blessed be.

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Karma, Harness the Power to Look Within.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today as I do every week I have pulled a tarot card and will use it's guidance for the rest of the week. This week I am using "Witches Tarot" by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans. This deck is a 78 card deck, based off the Rider- Waite deck. In my personal interpretations I like to look at the colors in the card, the meaning, the elements and planetary influences of the card. Today's card is the Karma card, it is usually called Judgement.

The colors in this card are mostly black and a small amount of purple. The black in this card is representative of the planet Pluto. Pluto is the planet of transformation, power, cycles and evolution. Purple is a color associated with the planet Jupiter. Jupiter rules our expansion, leadership, business, money and power. Purple is also the color normally associated with Karma.

In Astrology Pluto is the ruler of Scorpio. Scorpio is a water sign. So therefore I have found Pluto's influence to be that of the water signs. Water signs tend to be caring, nurturing, secretive, emotional and in touch with their emotions or feelings.

The Karma card can be directly interpreted as positive change, awakening, renewal, deep spiritual awareness, karma, legal judgement, and destiny. This card is part of the major Arcana. The major Arcana is the journey the Fool goes through to find himself. Karma is the second to last card, so therefore it is the beginning of his transformation into a better person. Also a time to reflect and introspect about past decisions and things that will come to the Fool in the near future.

With all of that said, this week's advice would be, flow like the water. Let go of the old to make space for the new. Be brave and powerful in your convictions. Speak your truth, know who you are, and you will grow. Some people believe Pluto to have destructive powers, I think a planet in any aspect is only as good as the person using it. Pluto gives us the power to embrace the new leaf we are turning over. Use your power to achieve a more spiritually enlightened life. Blessed be.

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What do you see, when you look at the Moon?

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I would like to study the moon. So according to astronomy, the moon is an astronomical body that orbits the earth, it is also the earth's only natural satellite. The circumference of the moon is 6,786 mi. The moon is also 238,900 mi. from the earth. The moon in astrology, is interpreted as a person's emotions.

The scientific community states that the moon just like the earth, has multiple levels, a core, a mantle and a crust. The core of the moon has two parts, a solid iron base, and a liquid iron base. Earth's moon is the second densest, natural satellite in the Solar System.

The moon controls the tides for Earth, it does this by being magnetically attracted to the Earth. As the earth rotates, the magnetic pull between the side of the Earth closest to the Moon, pulls the tide out.

Many centuries ago, civilizations practiced astrology. They had a genuine belief that the planets, or in this case a luminary, had an effect on human characteristics. The Polynesians from the Pacific Ocean, believed the moon was a goddess named Hina. Hina was one of the deities they believed helped create the world. The Persians believed that the moon was Metra, also known as Earth mother.

Not all civilizations believed the moon to be a positive being. The Aztecs from Mexico, held that the moon was, Mictecacuiatl. They believed that it would come in the night to consume humans. Maori people of New Zealand, called the moon "man eater". Some ancient Greeks, thought the moon was the home of the dead. The Hindus believed that the moon was a sort of purgatory, while a soul waited to be reincarnated.

In astrology the moon refers to emotions, home, family, mother and the heart of any matter. In all natal charts, the moon is part of the trilogy, the Sun, the Moon, and the Ascendant. This trinity basically tells the personality of a person. The colors silver and white are often representations of the moon. Cancer the zodiac sign, is ruled by the moon. The sign that the moon is in, tells the "flavor" of a person's inner feelings. It tells how they will react to stimuli, and the method in which a person deals with emotions.

In modern times, the moon is the subject of many idioms. "It must be a full moon", is one of the more popular ones. This particular saying is generally uttered when the conditions around them are frantic, uncontrollable, etc. When a person "asks for the moon", it means that someone, is making unreasonable demands. You can you are "over the moon", when extremely excited or happy. "Once in a blue moon", means that something occurs very seldom.

The Moon has been a subject of study, and interpretation for centuries. This may be in a physical manner, like astronomy. It could be viewed in a spiritual way, as the ancients considering it a deity. Still yet, the moon could play a key role in the soul development of people, such as in astrology. An lastly, it could simply be a household name or saying. However you believe, the moon has always been, and still is, a topic of much curiosity and exploration. So the next time you find yourself looking at the moon, know you are not the only one. Blessed be.

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Did you know Feng shui is an occult art? You do now.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I'm going to tell you the origins of Feng shui. Feng shui is a design movement that has become very popular these days, the basis is that with certain materials and the locations of certain pieces in a room, will improve different areas of life. Sounds calming, refreshing, rejuvenating even, not at all scary or like the occult, right? Wrong, big wrong, Feng shui is also called Chinese geomancy. Geomancy is a method of divination that interprets marks on the earth or the patterns that are made when you throw a handfull of rocks, stones, soil, sand, pebbles etc. Now it should sound right. A person in a trance like state, throws a bunch of rock.stones. pebbles, sand and then calls the associate (sometimes an illiterate young boy) to interpret it. There is also scrying where the practitioner would gaze into a crystal or stones for answers. Feng shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics. The other four are Chinese Astrology, Four Pillars of Destiny, Divination and Face Reading.

Feng shui is classified as physiognomy, this is the observation of appearances using formulas and calculations. Feng shui practices architecture as "invisible forces" that hold together the universe, earth and humanity, also called qi (pronounced chee). It was originally used to find a place to build religious buildings. Depending on the desired style, a site was picked by nearby water or stars.

In roughly 5000 B.C. to 3000 B.C. the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures of Northeast China performed Feng shui by observing the planets and stars and comparing that to humans. These practitioners would align their doors to a particular group of stars that they felt would bring the most sun during the winter solstice. During the Zhou era, they used star gazing as a way to tell when to build a capital city.

In 1900 to 1500 B.C. the Erlitou culture followed rules of Feng shui, all building of capital cities followed Feng shui rules. During the Zhou era, the Kaogong Ji followed the rules so much they were written into a manual, graves and tombs also exercised Feng shui.

The first documented tool for Feng shui was the gnomon, which is the part on a sundial that casts a shadow. Another document tool for Feng shui is the liuren astrolabe, this was a lacquered double sided board with Astronomical lines of sight. Then in about 206 B.C. the invention of the magnetic compass was made. Then the compass was made the primary tool for Feng shui.

Okay so the goal of Feng shui is to place objects on spots that have good qi. Qi is a movable positive or negative life force. Polarity in Feng shui is attained using the yin and yang theory. One creates exertion and the other receives exertion. This is linked to knowing the five elements, metal,fire, earth,water and wood. Earth is a buffer or what happens when polarities cancel out.So as I said before the point of Feng shui is to cause the 5 elements to balance out and the one left will hold the desired traits.

Traditional Feng shui follows heavenly time and earthly space. The Form School is the oldest practice of Feng shui, that is mostly concerned with tombs, homes and other buildings. The form in Form school is related to the shape of the environment, it also uses the 5 celestial animals (the phoenix, green dragon, white tiger, black turtle and yellow snake). They also use the yin-yang concept and the 5 traditional elements. So they use these together to find the area with the best qi.

The Compass School of Feng shui is a more recent school that finds qi using the 8 cardinal directions. These being North, South, East, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest.

Modern Feng shui is expensive, so China came up with a DIY Feng shui. This Feng shui DIY, uses the 5 elements to attain qi.

In conclusion Feng shui is an ancient art form to balance an area or give it qi. In the old days they used scrying, sky maps, the compass, the elements, sun dials but sum are still used today. The intention is the same today as well, to place man made objects or structures, in a way that is conducive to success and aesthetically pleasing. So when you add that extra pillow or add a plant to a room, just think, you are performing in a centuries old ritual. Blessed be.

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Part 1 The Grim Reaper, a story of Death from different Cultures.

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today, I would like to share with you the origins of The Grim Reaper. I am sure some of you may want to turn away, if you need to go ahead. For the rest of you who have stuck with me, here we go. Merriam Webster's Dictionary has a few words for us. They define "grim" as, "fierce in disposition or action", "stern or forbidding in action or appearance", and "ghastly, repellent, or sinister in character". The same dictionary defines "reaper" as "one that reaps". And finally Merriam Webster's defines "reaps" as "to cut with a sickle, scythe, or reaping machine", "to gather by reaping", and "obtain/win". Now that we have our grammar lesson let's hear some stories.

The Grim Reaper is the personification of death, in most cultures. In the Middle East the God of Death (Mot) was the personification of the Canaanites (an ancient civilization that resided in the Ancient Near East circa 2nd millennium B.C.) . They believed that before becoming the God of Death, he was the son of the king of Gods (El), who in his rage at loosing a contest to the storm God Ba'al, eats him. Mot is then split in half by Ba'al's sister 'Anat (a warrior). After some time both Gods are healed of their injuries and resume fighting. This time they are intercepted by Shapash (the sun Goddess). She offers a truce and a warning to Mot that if he does not take the truce, El will intervene on behalf of Ba'al.

In Ancient Greek mythology, Thanatos (death) is one of Nyx's (night) 6 children. Thanatos has a twin Hypnos (the god of sleep), if they were spotted together, the person would have a gentle death. Thanatos would then take the person to the messenger of the underworld. The messenger would then take the soul to the shore of the river Styx (the river that separated the earth and the under world), the boatman Charon would then collect his obol (a coin on the mouth of the deceased) and bring them to Hades (the underworld).

The Celtics believed in a ghost like creature personified death, named the Ankou. This spirit resembles the last person that died in the community. He has been depicted as a skeleton with a revolving head. He either drives the wagon of death or a cart with a creaky axle. This cart or wagon is usually full of bodies, whichever stop he makes marks the death of all inside.

In Ancient Ireland they believed in dullahan, which was said to be a headless horseman who carried his own head under one arm, rode a black horse and calls out to the souls of his victims. They would immediately die. The dullahan despised being watched, so anyone caught watching them would get one of two punishments. Either a whip from the spine whip they carry, to the eyes, causing blindness. The other punishment was get a bucket of blood thrown at you, marking you as the next to die.

In Gaelic folklore there was the female Banshee, she would call out to the person to get them to come closer to their death. She is depicted as a shrieking, old hag woman sometimes and others she is a young beautiful woman. The belief here is it was up to her discretion the form she took.

In Ancient Ireland they also believed in Banshees, especially if they saw multiple, then a religious figure or a person of great importance would die.

In Mexico the personification of death is La Calavera Catrina (dapper skeleton or elegant skull). She has become the icon of the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), they use her image to remember deceased loved ones. Santa Muerte is a belief in most Mexican customs. They use skulls as a reminder of mortality and honor and respect those who have passed.

The cult of Santa Muerte stated above is a continuation of Aztec beliefs. Aztec belief claims that Mictecacihuatl is the Queen of the underworld. She and her husband, must watch over the bones of the dead. She presided ancient death festivals and ceremonies.

San La Muerte (Saint of Death) is the skeletal personification native to Paraguay, Northeast Argentina and Southern Brazil. In the 1960's there was an internal migration from Argentina to Buenos Aires. The Saint of Death was depicted as a male skeleton, holding a scythe.

In Guatemala there is a skeletal, black robed, crowned saint called San Pascualito, he is also known as the "King of the Graveyard". He was associated with death and curing illness.

In Brazil they believed the orixa Omolu (spirits that bring death, disease and healing). They also symbolize death as Exu, lord of the crosswalks, he rules midnight and cemeteries. In Haiti the Guede was the personification. The Guede is a family of spirits that bring about death, and fertility.

In Poland Smierc (death) was depicted similar to others, with a robe of white instead of black, still holding a scythe. She was seen as an old skeletal woman. In Serbia they personified death as Smrt.

In Scandinavia death was Hel (Goddess of Death). She also ruled over the realm of death also containing her name. In Hel she would receive a portion of her dead. During the time of the Black Plaque (roughly 1347 to 1351), there was another personification of death, this was an old hag woman wearing a black robe, carrying either a broom or a rake. If she entered the town with a rake some would die, if she had the broom all would perish.

The Lithuanians named death Giltine, a old scary woman with a long blue nose and tongue. Her story is that of a young beautiful woman who was locked in a coffin for 7 years.

In Hindu belief the lord of death is called, King Yama. He rides a black buffalo and carries a lasso of rope, to bring back the soul with. Buddhism carried this idea over to China. In China he was known as King Yan or Yanluo, he ruled the ten Gods of the underworld. From China the myth spread to Japan under the name the Great King Enma (ruler of underworld). This personification trend continued to Korea with their, Great King Yomna. The final spread here was to Vietnam in which they had Diem La Vuong (god of underworld).

Well to wrap this up I surprisingly have to make a part 2, so keep an eye out for that post.I have told myths from East Asia to China to Southern America, and Mexico. They all seem to be similar in depiction. Especially to how we depict the Grim Reaper today. I will follow up this post with the religious tales of this myth. Until then, Blessed be.

[occultspirits-blog]

Page of Cups, Just Be Happy

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today I have drawn a tarot card to use it's guidance for the upcoming week. I am using "Witches Tarot" by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans. The card I picked is the Page of Cups.

The Page of any suit brings with it an extra element to your reading, because it is a court card. So the elements of this card are water and earth. The water element controls our emotion, relationships, family, children and emotional state. The earth element in this card symbolizes our material possessions, property, money and legacy.

The colors in this card are mostly blue and green. So the color blue is associated with the planet Jupiter. Jupiter affects our leadership, business, expansion of self, money and power. The color green in this card is represented by the planet Venus. Venus rules over our healing, beauty, growth, abundance and values.

The Page of Cups means that the querent is artistic, imaginative, helpful, could discover something new. It also stands for embracing hope and rediscovering joy.

To wrap it all up, The Page of Cups tells us to lead, be imaginative, help others heal our inner self. Lastly and most important embrace hope, and be happy. Thank you for joining us for another week of Tarot guidance. Blessed be.