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horizonwitch · 5 years ago

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The Archangel Theory - A Possible Explanation to MCR's new symbolism

Hello! This is a very long post, but I hope it’s worth the reading. Sorry.

I am Nana, and today I bring you a fan-theory on the meaning behind MyChem's symbols presented to us in the occasion of the band's return announcement and later on, at the actual reunion concert day.

First Considerations:

1. being it, as the title implies, a fan-theory, I do not claim any of the exposed to be factual when associated to MCR. I bring this thread to you guys in hopes that we can discuss, expand, teach and learn with each other, and maybe come to some sort of conclusion. Riddles are fun to play, especially together. I love riddles in fandom experience. :)

2. I highly apologize for my limited vocabulary and weird phrasing. I am not a native english speaker, but I'll try my best to make this understandable to everyone;

3. Despite my personal beliefs and stupid jokes, I mean no disrespect to any religion or symbol mentioned in here. (just as much as I believe MyChem also doesn't, on the wild possibility of this thread being on point with what they planned, lol).

That being said, before we start, I have some thanks to give:

this theory was only put together thanks to my lovely mychem group chat, composed by Raffs, Clara, Caroline and Hana. thanks for all the time and effort we shared, and for holding my brain with your bare hands when it was about to melt, friends.

Also thanks to Frank Iero himself, for laughing at me on twitter for me not being able to understand the reunion clues, despite "wearing a California 2019 shirt for 6 years". I humbly accept the possibility of this theory having nothing to do with the truth, but I sure hope I can laugh back at you in the end, rat. I love you.

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Now, let's finally head to The Archangel Theory, or, as I like to call it, The “If We're Not Careful We'll Turn Into Catholics” Theory, and how it all started.

It was Halloween. Everyone here was minding their own damn business (I was being a clown on twitter, Hana was putting on her badass revenge-themed makeup. You know, the usual). And we all know what happened: MCR raised gracefully from the dead, dropping brand new symbolism and a stunning angel image to our poor panicked hearts. A few days later, when Hana’s crying ruined makeup was long gone and everyone calmed the F down a little bit, people started to ask themselves: okay, cool, but what does it mean?

Like many of you, the first thought that crossed my mind was tarot. Because, well, how f-ing cool would it be, right? I draw tarot everyday. I just loved the idea. Mychem posting a latin countdown with some eerie photo was just… yea, I was very excited with this.

Many of us also associated the symbols with past albums and even with the members themselves. All of these theories are very valid to me, and I loved reading them. I agree with many points raised.

Well, everything was fine (as fine as it could be, because I am so damn curious). The Return concert happened at the faithful date of December 20, California. We all freaked out and enjoyed the noble services’ of days_fate and diet_shampoo’s streaming. All that jazz.

But then: well… another angel. I started to think to myself: is this a pattern? The show ends, we get very emotional, everything is okay (i hate this pun) with the world. Frank Iero makes a post-concert post on instagram, talking about how everything was pure Magick. With a K.

For those unfamiliar, this is an occultist term related to Aleister Crowley’s Thelema, to differentiate the religious concept from the “stage magic” that we are used to. A very carefully picked name that I highly doubt someone would drop around without knowing what it implies.... Don’t even start me with the K and C keys being so damn far away from each other on a keyboard.

At this point me and my groupchat were starting to be very done with Frank’s clownery (we indeed love him very much for that), and so we started to hurt our minds every single day since then. that’s the result:

THE ARCHANGEL THEORY

Let’s Return™ to the basics: angels and, probably, tarot.

Funny enough, there are actually angels in tarot cards. There are many types of decks, but for this we are using the most famous one, which most people believe holds ancient symbolism, The Rider-Waite Tarot.

There are many angels and archangels mentioned in the Bible (only a few by name, tho), but only four of them made it into being represented in tarot cards: Uriel, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Let’s get the gang together and meet the holy crew (please, forgive me for the puns).

Uriel:

whose name means “the light of god”, “the flame of god”. It’s the Wise Angel, often pictured as the one who holds books and scrolls and bears holy knowledge and understanding. or Clarity, if you will. They’re sort of the goth one™, associated with the Tartarus and being pictured as pitiless as any demon would; even holding the key to Hell during the end of times, Uriel is described as the angel who watches “over thunder and terror”. Uriel is sometimes even mistaken for a demon (apparently, the eastern catholicism accepts Uriel identity as an archangel, while the western catholicism gives more credit to its dark side, and does not encourage worshiping); this duality comes from the notion that very often, enlightenment may be the end result of dark times. Every archangel has many, I said MANY symbols attached to them, so other elements associated with this angel can be found on the image attached to this post.

About Uriel’s Tarot Card: if you were raised in a catholic family and slept through as much catechism as I did as a kid, maybe you’ll be surprised to know that Lucifer, Satan and Uriel are all different beings. Let it be a lesson: no matter how edgy of a teen you are, please accept knowledge from any possible source. Putting this thread together would’ve been so easier to me now if I did, haha... That being said, our angel Uriel is actually the Devil in the Devil Tarot card, which meaning touches on addiction, obsession, feeling imprisoned or restrained, but it being only an illusion of powerlessness. This card is an invitation to free yourself, fight distractions and temptation, and finally fulfill your destiny. Please, consider that tarot readings are very deep and variable; there’s extensive books only on tarot meaning, so I won’t explore much on each card. that’s just a very general notion.

Some sources also consider Uriel to be the responsible for the change represented in the Death card, despite not being directly pictured in such card. As stated before, Uriel is associated with the concept Death brings, being a turning point, and ending route.

The symbolism presented in the Devil card (as for the Rider-Waiter deck):

“At the foot of the Devil stand a man and a woman, both naked and chained to the podium on which the Devil sits. They appear to be held here against their will – but look closer, and you will notice that the chains around their necks are loose and could be easily removed. Each has small horns on their head, like the devil’s, a sign that they are becoming increasingly like him the longer they stay here. Both have tails, a further symbol of their animalistic tendencies and raw instincts, and the grapes and the fire on their respective tails signify pleasure and lust.”

Poor people. If only they knew better. A lil bit of Clarity, huh?

That’s it for MCR’s clarity symbol, conveniently shaped as a candle.

Michael:

whose name means “who is like god” (being it a rhetorical question, to mean that no one equals to God). It’s the Protector Angel. They’re the leader of angels in the battle against demons, Defender of God’s realm against Satan in the Book of Revelation. Michael is a warrior, and is often seem with the sword in hand, to allure to the idea of bravery. They’re described as the angel of strength, protection and Courage.

About Michael’s Tarot Card: Michael appears on the major arcana Temperance. In fact, even the name “Temperance” comes from the process of refining and strengthening materials in metallurgy. this one likes swords a lot, huh. That’s a card which meaning touches on patience and prudence. It means already having a clear vision and knowing what you want to achieve. Now It’s all about thinking before action, and accepting the balance of things, blending the opposites to achieve an ideal solution. Apparently a very suited card for a warrior of faith. Prepare yourself: in my research, I’ve found a source that associates this card with the color blue (the very same of the archangel) and the musical note G. Yes, the universe has a strange sense of humor.

The symbolism presented in the Temperance card: “The vessels in the angel’s hands represent the vessel that contains eternal life. The flowers are Irises symbolising the goddess Iris who links God to humanity. Iris travels from one end of the world to another, into the depth of the sea and the underworld. The angel’s feet, one on land and one in water, symbolise the unification of the external and internal, conscious and subconscious. It also represents testing the waters before jumping into the unknown. The red wings on the angel represent blood which symbolizes life. The sun conceals a crown which represents a connection to higher power. The triangle on the angel’s dress is an equilateral triangle and symbolise spirit, divinity, fire, life, prosperity, and harmony. It can also symbolise God and the holy trinity. The square outside the triangle represents protection and stability.”

The MCR symbol for Courage is a drop. is it a drop of blood? for an warrior angel and their endless battles on God’s behalf? Of water, the waters of unknown? The water of balance of life? I don’t know.

When Michael / was a young genderless being,/ their father…

Gabriel:

whose name means “strength of god”. It’s the Messenger Angel; Gabriel is often portrayed playing the trumpet, to make announcements of God’s will. (many angels play the trumpets on Revelations book,, but Gabriel seems to be the most intimately attached to this concept). In the hierarchy of angels, Gabriel seems to occupy a very high position, being knows as the “Left Hand of God” (our Michael aforementioned being the Right-hand angel).

Their famous appearances on the Bible includes appearing to Zechariah and the Virgin Mary, foretelling the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Islam also has Gabriel appearing for many prophets, telling them the divine plans. In a way, all those messages are basically callings to a higher purpose, a proof of faith, a personal Sacrifice. This idea is reiterated by the symbolism of Gabriel’s tarot card.

Gabriel is also one of the Angels of Death (depending on the religious we are speaking about, there are over 14 different angels with this role). Not in a dark way, their role is to comfort and bring peace to the deceased, guiding them into the light. Gabriel is therefore an angel of mercy, redemption achieved through a proof of faith (often a self-sacrifice, of any nature), after a fair judgement. speaking of which…

About Gabriel’s tarot card: Gabriel appears on the major arcana Judgement, which meaning touches on taking responsibility for your actions, speaking the truth. It’s a beginning/ending type of card, but a different kind of change than the one represented on one of Uriel’s card, Death. While Death brings something unstoppable, more powerful than anyone’s options, Judgement usually portraits something you can actually choose to take part in. But it also your responsibility any consequences of not taking this step. A fair judgement, indeed.

The Symbolism presented in the Judgement card: “The angel with the Trumpet could be a reference to the angels and the seven trumpets in Revelation, bringing apocalypse and resurrection. The white banner with the red cross can be St. George Flag, and a reference to Saint George gives Judgement the symbolism of sacrifice done in the name of our faith. Both the flag and the trumpet are military symbols of authority. A man, a woman and a child are being called from the tomb of ego consciousness. The three people are reflected on the other side of the river, another symbol of the soul’s victory over death. The three people are also a symbol of the three pillars of the tree of life. The man and the woman has changed side from the familiar feminine on the left and masculine on the right. In Judgement it is the other way around. Perhaps it is to unify us and to tell us to look at a situation from a different perspective, from within. You are seeing the pillars from the Angel’s perspective. This symbolises to raise your thinking and ask for Divine Perspective. The mountains represent the structure that surrounds us all.”

Calling all units! Time for the ultimate vibe check.

I guess that’s it for our third MCR symbol, Sacrifice, shaped as hand. Is it a left hand, just like one of Gabriel’s titles? that would be interesting.

But not so fast.

Now we come to an interesting point. Gabriel is the first of our angels to have a sculpture used by My Chem. :) It’s actually endearing how, if this assumption is correct, they chose the messenger archangel to bring the good news: mcr is alive!

About Gabriel’s sculpture: our Return angel, as some of us already know by this point, is actually a piece called “Angelo e Alma”, by italian artist Pasquale Rizzoli. It is located on Cella Magnani, a memorial chapel of the Magnani family, inside Certosa di Bologna, which is a very antique monastery, later transformed on a monumental cemetery for many italian families. You can take a look here, it’s stunningly beautiful.

Finished in 1906, this piece was a commission by the widow of a war veteran called Natale Magnani, who apparently died young. As far as I understand written italian, since I speak portuguese (latin languages perks, yey!), it’s still difficult to me to do further research on this family. Being it an old, traditional italian family, there’s tons of Magnanis, but there’s little to no info on Natale or his wife’s lives on the internet, it seems. If you’re italian and have any info about this, please comment. It can actually be relevant to this thread.

This sculpture portraits an angel ascending to heavens, guiding a soul (represented as a woman in a long dress). There’s rose branches and lilies at the feet of both the angel and the soul, as they fly together. These flowers pay homage to Magnani’s family blazon, as stated by the Storia i Memoria di Bologna Project website, that also offers on their site a brief explanation on the meaning behind the many other plants on this piece. they all basically allure to death, sleep, and resurrection. you can check it out here.

The presented symbolism, being an angel appearing to a soul in their travel to the spiritual realm, and even the flowers used, lead me to conclude that this sculpture very likely pictures our Archangel Gabriel, in their judgement roles again.

Now, our holy rpg party already has a mage, a paladin and a bard. It’s time to introduce the most underappreciated (and my personal favorite) class:

Raphael:

whose name means “God heals”. Raphael is the angel for healing, thus making ‘whole’ everything that has been broken. They’re also a patron for lovers, role that he plays by using his healing powers in a non-literal way. Pay attention to the “fixing the broken and making it a whole again” part, that’s the connotation.

Both of these titles come from the roles Raphael played, depicted on the scriptures: the most famous ones being when Raphael was sent by the Lord to heal Tobit of his blindness and to deliver Sarah, his future daughter-in-law, from the demon Asmodeus, who killed every man she married on their wedding night before the marriage could be consummated.

Another famous role commonly related to Raphael is about the Pool of Bethesda. Despite not being mentioned by name, manuscripts of John 5:1–4 describe an angel that blessed this pool, healing the illness of those who touched its waters:

"an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under". It’s usually given credit to Raphael for this action, since they’re seem using healing power to fulfill God’s will in many occasions through the Bible.

About Raphael’s Tarot card: Raphael appears on the major arcana The Lovers, as the angel blessing the couple depicted. This is a card about romantic, even sexual, attraction, but not purely that. It’s about finding peace within yourself, and in someone else, about the journey to pick “the one” for you. Making a whole out of two halves is a common concept associated with this card.

Symbolism presented on The Lovers card: “the man and the woman in the image are being protected and blessed by an angel above. The couple seems secure and happy in their home, which appears to be the Garden of Eden. The fruit tree with the snake behind the woman is a reference to that story, which tells of humanity's fall into temptation and into the realm of flesh and sensuality. The angel depicted here is Raphael, the angel of air - who is of the same element of the zodiac sign that governs this card: Gemini. Air is associated with mental activity, and communication in particular, which is the foundation for healthy relationships. His blessing seems to give this card a sense of balance and harmony, the symbolization of union in a grand and cosmic sense between two opposing forces.”

Another source adds: “The couple stands in a beautiful, fertile landscape, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. Behind the woman stands a tall apple tree, with a snake winding its way up the trunk. The serpent and apple tree represent the temptation of sensual pleasures that may take one’s focus away from the Divine. Behind the man is a tree of flames, which represent passion, the primary concern of the man. The twelve flames suggest the twelve zodiac signs, the symbol of time and eternity. The man looks to the woman, who watches the angel, showing the path of the conscious to the subconscious to the super-conscious, or from physical desire to emotional needs to spiritual concerns. The volcanic mountain in the background is rather phallic and represents the eruption of passion that happens when man and woman meet in full frontal nudity.”

Despite the latter being a bit too horny for my tastes, lol, both descriptions reiterate Raphael’s influence on the role of patronizing health and union, a journey of Devotion.

Oh, about the MCR symbol, shaped as a half-sun. at first I couldn’t find a correlation to Raphael and this sun shape, as for the first three angels it was very clear to me since just as I started reading about them. Then I realized the huge sun portrayed on The Lovers card, behind Raphael.

Despite holding its individual meanings, Tarot cards are not meant to me taken isolatedly. (that’s one of the reasons many people are not found of the single card yes-or-no type of drawing). That being said, it is not a surprised to find traces of one card on another, and many shared symbolism. As for the sun, it appears multiple times on the Rider-Waite deck, but only one card holds the same exact half shaped, upside down, centered sun as the MCR symbol. and that’s The Lovers. :)

Now, our romantic archangel lead us to a very lovely part:

About Raphael’s Sculpture: as we waited for MCR to dramatically drop the curtain at the reunion show, we were being watched over by a piece nicknamed “Angel of the Waters,” from the Bethesda Fountain (have you heard this name before?), located in the Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, in NYC. sculpted by Emma Stebbins in 1864, this piece’s history, together with Central Park’s history can be fully read in this awesome article that my friend Clara found: here.

But since we’re already here, let’s try to make a shorter version, focusing on what’s relevant to this thread.

Upon release, the angel, which stands and above and blesses a water fountain, was directly associated with the Bethesda Pool mentioned in the Bible, and the healing acts of Raphael. On the dedication pamphlet it was quoted the very same passage from the Gospel of John, chapter 5, verses 2-4 I’ve mentioned before. It’s a shame I couldn’t find any pictures of this pamphlet on the internet. Old documents, huh. NY people, if you have access to this, I’d love to see it.

If we stopped there, it would be enough evidence to assume the connection to Raphael, but there’s more! There’s some particularities about this statue.

Its conception was a huge deal: Emma was the first woman to receive a major sculptural commission in New York City. Also, she had a female lover, the world-famous American actress Charlotte Cushman, who, for Cedar Miller, historian that wrote about Central Park and Emma’s statue, holds a huge impact on the Angel of Waters actually making into existence. In 1869, Cushman was diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition to having two mastectomies, Cushman tried water cures in England. (Water cures were a big craze from the 1830s through the 1860s). The historian who wrote about them finds it another connection to the statue itself. Unfortunately, Cushman's treatments were ultimately unsuccessful, she passed away in 1875. Emma followed her not long after, in 1882. To this day, the statue remains, and to NY is a gathering place to find tranquility, peace of mind, even in the darkest times through the its 141 years of existence. It’s a place to heal yourself.

It’s not your average Raphael statue.

We have the archangel connection, a devoted couple's backstory, and lesbian/sapphics rights. I don’t know about you, but I can even picture Gerard Way carefully picking this himself, haha.

Oh, a spicy fact I’ve learned while writing this: This angel sculpture is actually even older in MCR’s history, tracing back to revenge era merch. (I didn’t have much access to mcr merch back in the day so I didn’t know about this, I apologize!)

I guess someone got nostalgic for some catholic aesthetics, huh. Bless!

Angels in tarot, bonus addition:

It is valid to mention that not only all of the 4 mentioned archangels have their individual cards, they also appear together in a single card, The Wheel of Fortune. In this card, each angel can be seen in a corner: Raphael (Aquarius) is upper left, Gabriel (Scorpio) is the eagle, Michael (Leo) is the lion, and Uriel (Taurus) is the bull, appearing in disguise, a common thing for angels though the scriptures, it seems.

If you draw tarot, you understand how big of a deal it is. If you’re not familiar, here’s the basic notion: “The wheel of fortune is a card about cyclical change. The wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying -- no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top of the wheel, there is a moment of crystal clarity. However, the only part of the wheel that's actually not going up and down is the hub, which represents your eternal self. Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at one point or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson -- and we can learn to take comfort in it. If you don't like the look of things right now, just wait -- things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!”

It is quite a powerful card that holds all of the aforementioned symbolism. Woa.

More symbolism seem on this card includes:

“The Wheel of Fortune card shows a giant wheel, with three figures on the outer edges. Four Hebrew letters – YHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), the unpronounceable name of God – are inscribed on the wheel’s face. There are also the letters TORA, thought to be a version of the word Torah, meaning ‘law’, or TAROT, or even ROTA (Latin for ‘wheel’). The middle wheel has the alchemical symbols for mercury, sulphur, water and salt – the building blocks of life and the four elements – and represents formative power. On the outer circle is a snake, the Egyptian god Typhon (the god of evil), descending on the left side. The snake also represents the life force plunging into the material world. On the right side rises the Anubis, the Egyptian God of the dead who welcomes souls to the underworld. And on top of the wheel sits the Sphinx, representing knowledge and strength.”

THE SECOND SET OF SYMBOLS - STILL A MYSTERY

So, after all this, if any of this is correct at all, we just learned the meaning behind the first four MCR symbols, released on halloween: Clarity, Courage, Sacrifice and Devotion.

Now, what about the ones released at the reunion show, on the merch truck? Well, my friends, we still have a lot to think about.

I am a doctor, and in my profession there’s a saying which instruct us to always think of what seems like a complicated situation, with many possibilities, as a single disease causing many effects. That was my train of thought as I tried to associate these new symbols with the Archangels that we already have. It may have nothing to do with that at all, but it’s worth trying.

Differently from the first set, the second set didn’t get an official release, and does not hold text captions to guide us on it’s meaning. the symbol shapes, however, are easier to associate with tarot cards than the first ones, in my opinion. I’ve seen people online trying to guess it too.

Having the angels and their aforementioned traits as a guiding line, I used some symbolism associated to each one to connect them to a new symbol, as you can see on the picture attached to this post.

I have some major problems with this, tho, the biggest one being the order of the symbols not matching the first set sequence. We had Uriel (Clarity) / Michael (Courage) / Gabriel (Sacrifice) and Raphael (Devotion). The second set order was Sword / Moon / Tower / Wand, so the sequence goes like Michael / Gabriel / Uriel / Raphael. It doesn’t match. Please, help me.

THINGS THAT KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT: ABOUT WITCHCRAFT AND… SOLDIERS?

During the past weeks of my life I’ve been researching all types of things to break this down, so I came across some very unsettling things that may be just wild coincidences or... something else? Just in case, I am putting them here in case anyone finds some connection that I couldn’t.

Sigils and Pagan influences, maybe?

As some people on twitter and reddit noticed, Gerard was using a sigil on his arm that reads “My Chemical Romance”. Every Archangel mentioned here also holds its own sigil, which is shown on the picture attached to this post. While I was excited about the dates for new concerts, I started to think, is there anything special about these dates? I tried to not overthink it because we probably have major influences of disponibilities and,,, Label issues...I don’t know? some very practical stuff going on. But still, I came across an interesting match.

There’s 8 sabbaths, composing the Wheel of the Year, “an annual cycle of seasonal festivals, observed by many modern pagans, consisting of the year's chief solar events (solstices and equinoxes) and the midpoints between them.”

eight sabbaths, eight symbols, huh. Initially, I tried to connect each symbol to a sabbath, but it was very… not satisfying enough to me, so I’m leaving that out; nonetheless, I still believe they hold some meaning similarities.

And it doesn’t stop there.

That our lovely wheel of the year: here. We’re using a northern hemisphere version, since MCR is based in the USA.

The band returned on Halloween, which is the Samhain that occurs between Oct 31 / Nov 1. There’s some minor variation on dates because the Celtic day begins and ends at sunset.

Return Show took place in California, Dec 20: which marks the start of Yule. (Yule dates range from Dec 19 to Dec 22, for the Celtic calendar reasons)

The next sabbath is Imbolt, that takes place on Feb 1 / Feb 2. MCR has nothing announced for this date until now.

2020 concerts will happen during the week of March 20, 21, 25, 28 and 29, In Australia, New Zealand and Japan, as for now. That marks the start of the Ostara sabbath, which start range is March 20/21.

so… can we expect something (anything?) being announced at Feb 1 or 2, or near that? What about all the remaining sabbaths? Is that a reach? is it related at all? oof.

Who said Danger Days isn’t goth enough?

Another VERY interesting thing my group chat found on the internet during our MCR tarot obsession. If this theory is correct, this is not the first time they would be alluring to it. Please look at this pic of Grace Jeanette, The Girl in DD universe, posing with the mailbox on the set of the “Art Is The Weapon”/“Na Na Na” video shoot (2010). (Exact source and photographer unknown; likely taken by Jeanette’s mother). (big thanks to tumblr user killjoyhistory).

Bellow the big “OH HELL” we have four tarot cards, on the very same deck we used for this thread, the Rider-Waite deck. The cards are The Tower, The Devil, Death and Three of Wands.

Please note that it may have no correlation to future works, since DD itself had religious symbolism with the Phoenix Witch and this mailbox (go read the comics if you didn’t already. DD rights!), it may be a DD-only thing. Also, please note that 3 out 4 of theses cards were already mentioned in this thread, all possibly related to archangel Uriel.

To wage this war against your faith in me, MCRMY.

So. This one will sound weird and maybe a reach too, but, hey, mychem is alive and breathing, I guess there’s nothing really impossible, haha….?

Are we all familiar with Gerard liking a lot that green coat? After all those years, I guess so.

Indeed, our lovely frontman used yet another green jacket as his return outfit. This time, it was a military one. As a foreigner, and being very ignorant on how the US Army works, I got curious about the badge on his jacket. Maybe that’s common sense to you guys and I’m just embarrassing myself, but hey! be kind to someone who’s sort of dying inside after all this thinking process, would you?

The badge on Gerard’s jacket happens to be from the 1st Armored Division, a.k.a the Old Ironsides, named after an old ship (and the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat).

Actually, the nickname “Old Ironsides” trace back to England in 17th century, during their Civil War, but I didn’t find many relevant content / possible connections, besides them being mostly Protestant, in terms of religion… referring to them after all this catholic-conception angel talk is some sort of metaphorical war going on, MCR? Who knows. History-loving english folks, I’m counting on you too now to confirm this, lmao!

The American side of the “Old Ironsides” term, after being passed down from England during their Independence Wars (please be kind with me, my knowledge about american independence is almost 100% from Hamilton the musical lmao, help me) apparently resides, mostly on the US Army/Navy.

Interesting coincidences (?) about this: the Old Ironside ship, aka USS Constitution, has a familiar date on its history: November 1. I’m quoting its construction period info: “Her keel was laid down on 1 November 1794 at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson and master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn.”

I didn’t read much about it since I’m already at edge with everything I’ve been researching but, it seems it was a very adored ship. In fact, one of the reasons it’s still in active service it’s because a poet even made it a famous poem about this ship, that you can read here. It’s symbolic and adored, it seems.

About the homonymous 1st Armored Division of the US Army, which badge Gerard used during the return show: being the first armored division of the U.S. Army to see battle in World War II, it also holds a huge historical meaning.

Again, I don’t have much info to share about this and I think some of you will find possible connections on this better than I would.

But wtf does it have to do with all the angels, Nana?

Well, as mentioned before, angels fight battles in the name of God. They’re heaven’s military. Michael, especially, is a warrior angel and leads God’s troupes against the demons.

Something interesting I’ve found relating Gabriel (which statue, let’s not forget, was commissioned by a war widow) to the war concept was the hebrew poem "Elifelet" (אליפלט) written by Nathan Alterman in 1958, often turned into music and played on the israeli radio. it tells of a heroic, self-sacrificing (hm…) israeli soldier being killed in battle. Upon the protagonist's death, the angel Gabriel descends to Earth, in order to comfort the spirit of the fallen hero and take him up to Heaven. It’s very touching, and you can read it here.

I’m not saying any particular work like this poem is relevant to MCR’s possible new concept. (let’s not be political here, but also be honest: Israel wars are a delicate matter to bring up). We’re solely working with symbolism and history. Please keep that in mind.

MCR has touched on war thematics before in many occasions (I will not mention all of them, as I believe that as a fandom, we’re aware of that, and we can help new fans to understand it if needed. This text is already TOO LONG). Maybe it’s time for them to talk about some conflicts again, literal or metaphorical? Let’s wait and see.

Oh, one last thing. There’s actually a whole another navy air test and evaluation squadron, the Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6 or ANTARCTIC DEVRON SIX, commonly referred to by its nickname, The Puckered Penguins). They’re based on California (lmao) and their motto is… Well, “Courage, Sacrifice, Devotion”. Uriel kinda left behind again, huh. I’m sorry sweetie.

Again, I apologize if this last section (or even the whole thing..haha…) looks far-fetched, but I just… had to take it out of my chest, sorta? Sorry.

That concludes our Archangel Theory. Thank you if you took your time to read through it all.

List of things to maybe expect in the future:

Something on Feb 1 / Feb 2

Two more angel statues, being them related to Uriel and Michael in some sort of way. I’ve tried to find any suitable matches but… there’s just too many, and as we’ve seen it may even not be officially claimed which angel is portrayed. So let’s wait and see.

More pagan symbolism?

Something about War??

Cryptid posts related to UK and paganism, January 17th and January 24th.

## EDIT (01/12): about new mcr cryptid posts...

If you’re following MCR new updates, as for now you’re aware of the United Kingdom Stuff going on... Interesting coincidences (or is it?) about those:

Both posts were made on the same day the lunar cicle changes. This month, the moon shows up a different form every friday, so maybe prepare you heart for January 17th and 24th. Also, I believe they’re using London time for the updates. in fact, the most recent post (the video with theban alphabet) was posted only 30 minutes after midnight in London. So I’m adding that to our list of things to expect in the future.

Also, someone at warner might be in trouble right now. the ig account for Warner Music Artistic Services (@wmas) posted a variation of the video posted by MCR, only a day later, featuring another order for the theban caracters, a slightly different UK flag (it was somehow merged with a picture? it’s difficult to tell), and a new frame that consists of a forest, similar to the one Gerard posted on his own instagram, and the one featured as background for the skeleton holding a witchcraft-related dagger photo from 2 weeks ago. Differently from the previous mcr video, which was silent, this one featured a sound, if my ears are not mistaken, a very dramatic C# note played on piano or organ (church instruments, huh. funny. but it could be worse, at least is not a G note...)

The video was labeled as LFG, that could mean a million of things. the most relevant ones, I believe, could be “Looking For A Group”, a classic D&D/RPG term (If I close my eyes long enough I can hear distant circus music playing in my head, for I have compared the four archangels to a holy RPG party weeks ago...)or “London Forest Gate”, a neighbourhood in London. please tell me if you have any ideas about what else it could mean, haha....

This video was deleted, but you can still find it around on twitter.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ll keep updating this post as more content is released. Keep running!

#my chemical romance #mcr #mcr theory #mcr 5 #california 2019 #mcr reunion

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lawrenceop · 6 years ago

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HOMILY for the feast of St Raphael

preached at a Dominican rite Low Mass celebrated in the Catholic Chaplaincy of Lancaster University.

Tobit 12:7-15; John 5:1-4

In the book of Tobit Raphael is sent by God in response to the suicidal desperation of an old man, and a young woman. Together, they represent humanity, male or female, young or old. And God, the living God, hears the cries of Mankind, swift to save us from death and desperation, and to lead us, through the waters, as we hear in the Gospel, to healing and life.

So Raphael is sent to accompany Tobias on his journey, and the archangel guides him and leads him to the fish that solves the predicaments of Tobit his father, and Sarah his future wife. So, too, the angels accompany us, protect us, and guide us to salvation.

For what is this fish? It is a symbol of Christ. In the early Church, Jesus Christ was symbolised by a fish because the word "ichthus" formed an acronym meaning 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour'. Raphael thus leads Tobias to this fish; the holy archangel leads us to Christ.

Like Christ, the fish is slain, and gives its flesh to nourish and strengthen Tobias for the journey. So too our life's journey is nourished and strengthened by the Body of Christ, through his incarnate Flesh. The heart and liver of the fish, when burnt, drives away the demon Asmodeus who is tormenting Sarah and keeping her from fulfilling her feminine vocation as a wife and mother. So too demons plague us today and keep women from such natural joys. But the Sacred Heart of Jesus restores us to true joy, he drives away demons; the Eucharist causes the demons to flee from us, St John Chrysostom says. And the archangel Raphael defeats and binds the demon. So, too, we should pray to the angels in our spiritual battles, in our battle against sin which leads only to sadness and death. Raphael comes to heal our sickness, to drive away evil, and to bind it up. Finally, the gall of the fish heals Tobit's blindness. So it is by the fortitude of Christ, by the brave sacrifice on the Cross of Jesus, king of martyrs, that we are healed. His Cross takes away our sin-induced blindness so that we can see God in heaven; the beatific vision, as the Church describes heaven.

Hence St Raphael is sent by God, stirring up the waters of healing, in order to heal us, free us from the ways of death, and to guide us (with our spouse and families) to eternal life. May he pray for us and come to our aid!

#typology #fish #salvation #beatific vision #healing #demonology

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fidei · 3 years ago

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The power of Christ's blood

From the Catecheses by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop

If we wish to understand the power of Christ’s blood, we should go back to the ancient account of its prefiguration in Egypt. “Sacrifice a lamb without blemish,” commanded Moses, “and sprinkle its blood on your doors.” If we were to ask him what he meant, and how the blood of an irrational beast could possibly save men endowed with reason, his answer would be that the saving power lies not in the blood itself, but in the fact that it is a sign of the Lord’s blood. In those days, when the destroying angel saw the blood on the doors he did not dare to enter, so how much less will the devil approach now when he sees, not that figurative blood on the doors, but the true blood on the lips of believers, the doors of the temple of Christ. If you desire further proof of the power of this blood, remember where it came from, how it ran down from the cross, flowing from the Master’s side. The gospel records that when Christ was dead, but still hung on the cross, a soldier came and pierced his side with a lance and immediately there poured out water and blood. Now the water was a symbol of baptism and the blood, of the holy Eucharist. The soldier pierced the Lord’s side, he breached the wall of the sacred temple, and I have found the treasure and made it my own. So also with the lamb: the Jews sacrificed the victim and I have been saved by it. “There flowed from his side water and blood.” Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you. I said that water and blood symbolised baptism and the holy Eucharist. From these two sacraments the Church is born: from baptism, “the cleansing water that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit,” and from the holy Eucharist. Since the symbols of baptism and the Eucharist flowed from his side, it was from his side that Christ fashioned the Church, as he had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam. Moses gives a hint of this when he tells the story of the first man and makes him exclaim: “Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh!” As God then took a rib from Adam’s side to fashion a woman, so Christ has given us blood and water from his side to fashion the Church. God took the rib when Adam was in a deep sleep, and in the same way Christ gave us the blood and the water after his own death. Do you understand, then, how Christ has united his bride to himself and what food he gives us all to eat? By one and the same food we are both brought into being and nourished. As a woman nourishes her child with her own blood and milk, so does Christ unceasingly nourish with his own blood those to whom he himself has given life.

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martinmbxy854 · 3 years ago

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Cute Modest Tattoos For Gals: Tiny Tattoo Ideas

The addition of a coronary heart makes it apparent that the particular person got this tattoo due to the value of trust in any relationship that she or he has. Penguins are a symbol of peace and rarity and so must be your tattoo. Also, it is so small you could cover it anytime along with your hair or with makeup. It is gorgeous to take a dandelion in hand after which blow it away to see it end utterly. Why not seize the second on your pores and skin and feel like you've stopped time for your self. This seems to be one of many fashionable small tattoos for ladies and will look good on any young lady or lady who wants to maintain it protected yet trendy.

Of course, tattoos are for artwork fanatics, however why not go the additional mile and literally get something from your favourite artist? Kaia is a Picasso fan, so she went with one of his most famous minimalist drawings, which she obtained at Jonboy’s Moxy Times Square tattoo store. This easy finger tat is ideal if you’re a girly woman at ~ heart ~ who’s all about exhibiting off your manicure or sporting rings.

The legendary bird phoenix is in style for its capacity of rebirth. If you're transferring on out of your past then a phoenix tattoo in small size is a perfect selection. Usually flower tattoos are opted by girsl however such small measurement and colourful flower tattoos will look pretty on boys as nicely. Here are some symbolic tattoos you could strive in your fingers. Honestly, I would like to ink these tiny dragons on my forearm. They represent the three dragons of Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.

If you want to go the small route, look for an artist that does lots of small tattoos . Like any design, select an artist whose work vibes with the idea you have. And as for that concept, this list of the good small tattoo designs for men will assist you to get impressed. These are very tiny symbols or designs and it is a flower that is very small. These are intricate, look very girly and if in any respect you are not comfy with giant designs then try something like this. This small tattoo idea is appropriate for ladies who love nature.

Heart proves to be an ideal possibility for friends who wish to get matching tattoos.

Instagram Check out these dangly little mandala designs that remind us of crystals hanging from a chandelier.

This is a good way of symbolising your love for one another and could even be one to get when you have lately obtained married or fallen in love and want a reminder of that.

All kinds of stars, massive ones, small ones, and really small ones along with different parts of galaxy types this amazing shining tattoo.

However good the tattooist is, even when the tattoo is completed completely, over time, lines will spread. What was as quickly as a complex and detailed fine line tattoo can turn out to be blurred and more strong wanting, as the strains spread and the gaps between lines turn into much less defined. Whatever you do, don’t make that decision if you finish up drunk.

youtube

Cat Tattoo

The only factor we love more than discovering our holy grail mascara? No matter what your type is, we’ve received the ideas, methods, critiques, and tutorials that can help you shine. It is beneficial to use a skinny coat of moisturizing lotion over the tattooed space for a minimal of four – 7 days to let the ink heal well. You can purchase After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer to keep the tattooed skin moisturized and reduce the possibility that it is going to flake and peel. No matter what, do not decide or scratch the scabs; simply cleanse your tattooed skin gently with some heat water and antibacterial cleaning soap. For instance, you'll be able to work across the Mandala Flower tattoo to create a larger design simply by following the identical pattern.

Cute Small Tattoos Ideas

There’s less to fret about instantly after the inking too. The smaller the design, the quicker the healing course of shall be. Created with a single needle and less pigment than a regular piece, small tattoos require a excessive level of talent from the artist. They say that small is gorgeous, and that’s actually the case in terms of small tattoos. Some may criticize them and suggest they do not appear to be real tattoos, some may look down on them as being one means or the other inferior, but small tattoos are an art type in their very own proper. And the list does not stop right here, we've a lot more tiny tattoosto choose from!

They maintain nice symbolic meaning and might characterize love, loyalty, endurance, happiness, pleasure, good luck, or many different issues depending upon your cultural beliefs. This small tattoo thought gives a colorful twist to a Minimalistic Star tattoo design. Here, you probably can choose to go along with three – four brilliant blue stars of different sizes and intensify them with a few comparatively smaller red dotted stars. Similar to the Heart-Shaped Blue Diamond tattoo design, right here the guts form is fashioned by a wonderful pink crystal. Cherry blossoms symbolize the transient nature of life while also carrying the virtues of love and wonder.

Varieties of tattoos look good on the chest together with lettering, mini portraits and extra. Small tattoos are very discrete and straightforward to cowl up, especially should you work in a corporate surroundings or going for a meeting. Send me exclusive provides, distinctive present ideas, and personalised tips for purchasing and promoting on Etsy. In different circumstances this tattoo could symbolize spiritual evolution of the soul. Beyonce, Jenna Dewan and Nicole Richie are angel wing tattoo fanciers. Overall, a ladybug is an emblem of excellent luck, prosperity, bliss and jubilation.

Such tattoos serve twin functions; one, to serve as a reminder, and second, to serve an aesthetic function. Many celebs also get themselves tattooed with their favourite things, like, Mandy Moore, who obtained herself a mountain tattoo as a end result of she loves mountain climbing. The Pretty Little Liars cast received themselves inked along with a small tattoo to represent their bond. So, it is fairly clear that the pattern has actually caught on with everyone and even probably the most fashionable celebrities are going with the small tattoo move. Tiny ladybug tattoos could additionally be placed on the wrist, finger, on the shoulder or lower again, behind the ear or on the hip either alone or climbing up a flower bush. Overall, butterfly tattoos come to symbolize the past consigned to oblivion and the present being embraced wholeheartedly.

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shilohjogi · 3 years ago

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DREAMED OF BIBLE VERSES :

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose

no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the CREATOR and their vindication from Me, declares GOD.”

One scripture randomly came to mind:

For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God.

SYMBOLISM

CIRCLE

The circle is a universal symbol with extensive meaning. It represents the notions of totality, wholeness, original perfection, the Self, the infinite, eternity, timelessness, all cyclic movement, God ('God is a circle whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere' (Hermes Trismegistus)). As the sun, it is masculine power; as the soul and as encircling waters, it is the feminine maternal principle. "It implies an idea of movement, and symbolizes the cycle of time, the per petual motion of everything that moves, the planets' journey around the sun (the circle of the zodiac), the great rhythm of the universe. The circle is also zero in our system of numbering, and symbolizes potential, or the embryo. It has a magical value as a protective agent, ... and indicates the end of the process of individuation, of striving towards a psychic wholeness and self-realization" (Julien, 71).

With the number ten, symbolizes heaven and perfection as well as eternity. In Jung, the antithesis of the square (lowest state of man who has not achieved inner perfection), standing for the ultimate state of Oneness, with octagon in between. Circle of Necessity: birth, growth, decline, death. Defense against chaos, formlessness. Related to YIN YANG

MIRROR

In times both modern and ancient, the mirror is implicitly connected to beauty and the imagination. Further symbolism of the mirror shows a connection to secrets—both the hiding and revealing of them. The mirror also, in turn, symbolises revelation and truth: the mirror often shows the face, and the eyes. The eyes, are the paths to truth: they are the “window to the soul”, or, ever-more interestingly, the “mirror of the soul.” in gazing into the mirror, is therefore not merely enjoying the sight of one’s own beauty, but is acknowledging the truth of all that resides within one, one at least hopes they see more than flesh. not merely a symbol of pride or vanity, but rather of the truth of survival – sometimes harsh, sometimes gentle. It symbolises the truth of the human body, the imagination of humans and gods, and the nature and prolonged existence of all that there is and ever was.

The Mirror of Aphrodite symbol can be viewed as a wand and represents an ability to cast one's designs onto the world, urging others to look at and deeply examine their own principles.

In Roman Mythology, Veritas ( Classical Latin), meaning Truth, is the goddess of truth. The elusive goddess is said to have hidden in the bottom of a holy well. She is depicted both as a virgin dressed in white and as the “naked truth” (nuda veritas) holding a hand mirror.

The oracle of Apollo at Delphi demanded of the ancient Greek ‘know thyself,’ and mirrors have often been used as symbols of wisdom and self-knowledge. But Apollo also required ‘nothing in excess,’ and the mirror can just as easily imply vanity, an unhealthy amount of self-regard. The peril of over admiring one’s mirror image is encapsulated in the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus, the beautiful boy who having fallen in love with his reflection in a pool, pined away and was turned into a flower.

In ancient art the mirror is often associated with the world of women and does not necessarily carry any symbolic value, although it was an attribute of the Roman goddess Venus (Greek Aphrodite).

In Christian art the mirror came to represent the eternal purity of the Virgin Mary. As the medieval writer Jacobus de Voragine wrote:

“As the sun permeates glass without violating it, so Mary became a mother without losing her virginity… She is called a mirror because of her representation of things, for as all things are reflected from a mirror, so in the blessed Virgin, as in the mirror of God, ought all to see their impurities and spots, and purify them and correct them: for the proud, beholding her humility see their blemishes, the avaricious see theirs in her poverty, the lovers of pleasures, theirs in her virginity.”

The mirror in art can have other positive meanings. The allegorical figures of Prudence and Truth were often imagined carrying mirrors. Above is An Allegory of Sight [PD.355-1963] from c.1598 by the Dutch artist Hendrik Goltzius, one of a series of drawings about the five senses. A naked woman, perhaps intended to be the goddess Venus or maybe Juno, regards her reflection in a convex hand mirror. Beside her is an eagle, the bird of the Roman god Jupiter, and the symbol most often used to represent sight in Renaissance art.

Gradually however the mirror came to be associated with the negative values suggested by the myth of Narcissus. Vanity and Deception rather than Truth and Prudence were the connotations the mirror carried most often from the Renaissance on. Paulus Moreelse’s painting has been interpreted variously as an allegory of Lasciviousness or Vanity: just as the mirror is dishonest, a carrier of pure illusion, so this girl’s beauty is an illusion, as transitory and shallow as her reflection in the glass.

One way in which an artist can make use of the mirror is to show us something that we would not otherwise be able to see; the reflection of an object or person outside the scope of the painting perhaps. In Moreelse’s painting the mirror provides an alternative view of what we can already see: the girl’s face, this time in profile. Her physical appearance is so important to the painting, that we get two views of the same face.

In Alfred Elmore’s Victorian melodrama, On the Brink, left [PD.108-1975], the back wall of the gambling house into which we look is dominated by a tall narrow gilt mirror. Given its central position opposite the viewer, one might expect it to reflect the window through which we look. It in fact reflects nothing other than the room’s hellish red wallpaper, emphasizing the ghastly trap of debt and immoral obligation that the woman in the foreground has stumbled into.

GLASS

Glass is eternal; you can break it into the tiniest particles, melt it down, turn it into magnificent forms, but it would always stay what it is, glass.

Glass is made out of all four essential elements. It symbolizes transformation, change, eternity and rebirth.

Glass is an impressive material, although, symbolically, it is commonly associated with ideas exactly the opposite of longevity and eternity. Glass is commonly seen as a symbol of fragility, vulnerability and brittleness.

Glass symbolism is dual. It represents things that are fragile, but also things that are protective and strong.

Glass could symbolize invisible protection, but also brittle, unsteady one. Glass stands for clairvoyance and ability to see through things. It stands for things you are aware and those of which you are not.

glass is, in general, something that can always be ‘revived’.

POEM —SHILOH JOGI

“the day’s dirt hangs tight on my skin. I discard the clothes into the dirty bin. I keep my mouth closed, but my mind is wide open. Stepping into the shower, I turn the handles, reminds me of a bare life. The water runs wild all over, and I close my eyes, and I see the All Seeing/Knowing Eye.

I have this hand held mirror –never looking in it, on the highest shelf, hidden from light. On my knees I fought monsters inside me, & I crawled to that shelf and stood on my tip-toes. Finally, I put the handheld mirror in my hand and looked into the abyss! Change, change —echoed.

Pardon me.

Describe things as illuminating when they clarify the situation or explain the facts. A long conversation with someone you don't know well can be illuminating, helping you understand them much better. Likewise, studying the details of any subject, whether it's Humanitarianism, Social Justice, Psychology, or Ethical Practices, is also illuminating.

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anastpaul · 7 years ago

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Sunday Reflection – 22 April – The Fourth Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd/Vocations Sunday – Year B

“There flowed from His side water and blood. Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you. I said that water and blood symbolised Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. From these two sacraments the Church is born:- from baptism, the cleansing water that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit and from the holy Eucharist.

Since the symbols of baptism and the Eucharist flowed from His side, it was from His side that Christ fashioned the Church, as He had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam. Moses gives a hint of this when he tells the story of the first man and makes him exclaim:- Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh! As God then took a rib from Adam’s side to fashion a woman, so Christ has given us blood and water from His side to fashion the Church. God took the rib when Adam was in a deep sleep and in the same way Christ gave us the blood and the water after His own death.

Do you understand, then, how Christ has united His bride to Himself and what food He gives us all to eat? By one and the same food we are both brought into being and nourished. As a woman nourishes her child with her own blood and milk, so does Christ unceasingly nourish with His own blood those to whom He himself has given life.’”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) – Father & Doctor

(via AnaStpaul – Breathing Catholic)

#mypic #thoughtforthedayapril22 #april224thsundayofeaster #sundayreflection #stjohnchrysostom #theholyeucharist #catholic #catholicism

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hadit93 · 7 years ago

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Qabalah and the Tarot

Most Tarot decks on the market today stem from the layout and compilation which was adopted and reconfigured by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the late 1800s. The tarot has been used for centuries, and has often been associated with the occult world. Eliphas Levi believed the tarot to hold the occult secrets which had been guarded by the initiates of various secret societies in the Western world. Eliphas Levi's attributions were full of blinds, as he was completely devoted to the oaths which he took and quite often states things clearly but still veiled under symbolism so only those who have prior knowledge can interpret what is between the lines. The most popular deck out there is known as "The Rider-Waite" which was created by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Coleman Smith. Waite was an initiate of the Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn and also devout to his oaths, this deck is filled with blinds too. The most accurate deck which stays true to the Golden Dawn theme is probably that which has been published by the Ciceros. Crowley's is of course a second, but Thelemic symbolism is added to it, along with symbolism pertinent to tantra and the sexual alchemy of the OTO. The Golden Dawn tradition teaches that the tarot, whilst used for divinatory purposes, is much more than that. It is a magical tool, an entity in its own right. The tarot is based upon and built from qabalistic concepts. The Qabalah of the Western mystery tradition seeks to unify the universe and organise everything in existence into a scheme which is workable. The qabalah of a magician is the language they teach to their subconscious, higher self, and Holy Guardian Angel/ personal deity. The tarot trumps contain arcane secrets which actually depict magical, alchemical, and spiritual processes which can take place in the seeker or candidate for initiation (Initiation used in a general sense of the word, and not necessarily relating to any particular tradition). Not only this, but since it is a symbolic, or pictorial, representation of the qabalah, the tarot quite literally represents the entire universe; every force which can affect us. It is therefore a suitable device to use in invocation and evocation as well as general meditation and ritual work. In short, the tarot is far more than a tool for divination. The Structure of the Tarot. The tarot consists of 78 cards; 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. Now the 22 trumps correspond to the 22 Hebrew letters and therefore the 22 paths of the tree of life. Aces to 10s represent the ten sephiroth of the tree of life in the four qabalistic world of existence. The 16 court cards represent the divine name YHVH in the four worlds of existence. The Hebrew alphabet is divided into 3 mother letters, 7 double letters, and 12 simple letters. I am going to deal with these in order. The Three Mother Letters. The three mother letters correspond to the three elements, which excludes Earth. Earth is not always perceived as an element in its own right, but a mixture of the three in a balanced harmony (one would hope!). The three mother letters are Aleph, Mem, and Shin. Aleph means 'Ox' and is represented by the element air, in the tarot the pictorial representation of Aleph is the fool card. Mem means water, and is also representative of water. The tarot trump associated with mem is The hanged man. The letter Shin means 'Tooth' and is represented by the element of fire, in this case anyway, however, shin can also represent spirit. The tarot trump associated with card is judgement, or if you use Crowley's associations 'Aeon'. The Seven Double Letters. The seven double letters correspond to the seven planets of the ancients and consist of: Beth, Gimel, Daleth, Kaph, Resh, Peh, and Tau. Beth means house and corresponds to mercury and the magician tarot card. Gimel means camel and represents the moon, it corresponds to The High Priestess tarot card. Daleth means door and corresponds to Venus, the pictorial representation of this letter is The Empress. Kaph means the palm of the hand, and corresponds to Jupiter. The card associated with this letter is The Wheel, or Fortune. Resh means 'head' and is corresponded to the sun, the card associated with it is the sun. Peh means 'mouth' and corresponds to Mars, this letter is represented by the Tower card. Finally Tau means 'Mark/cross/ seal- as in a finishing of something, sealing a letter etc.' and corresponds to Saturn. The card associated with this is the world/ universe card. The Twelve Simple Letters. The twelve simple letters correspond to the twelve zodiac signs and consist of: Heh, Vau, Zayin, Cheth, Teth, Yod, Lamed, Nun, Samekh, Ayin, Tzaddi, and Qoph. Heh means 'window' and corresponds to the sign of Aries if you follow Golden Dawn, or Aquarius if you listen to Crowley. It corresponds to the Tarot card of The Emperor, or if you follow Crowley, the Star. Vau means 'nail' and corresponds to Taurus and is represented by the Hierophant Card. Zayin means 'Sword' and corresponds to Gemini and the lovers card. Cheth means 'fence' and corresponds to cancer and the chariot card. Teth means serpent and corresponds Leo and the Strength/Lust card. Yod means 'hand' and corresponds to Virgo and the Hermit card. Lamed means 'ox goad' and corresponds to Libra and Justice/adjustment. Nun means 'fish' and corresponds to Scorpio and the death card. Samekh means 'prop' and corresponds to Sagittarius and the temperance/art card. Ayin means 'eye' and corresponds to Capricorn and the devil card. Tzaddi means 'fish hook' and corresponds to Aquarius if you are with the Golden Dawn or Aries if you are with Crowley and therefore the Star originally, the emperor if Thelemite. Qoph means 'Back of the head' corresponds to Pisces and the moon card. The Small Cards. There are forty small cards, excluding the court cards, which are numbered from 1 to 10 and may be from four suits: Wands, Swords, Cups, and Disks. There are ten sephiroth on the tree of life, and the tree of life exists on four planes of existence. The formula/god name "YHVH" symbolises these four worlds, four parts of the soul, and the elements among a myriad of other things. For our purposes, we need only concern ourselves with the elements and four worlds. Yod corresponds to fire, wands and the qabalistic world of Atziluth. (First) Heh corresponds to water, cups, and the qabalistic world of Briah. Vav corresponds to air, swords, and the qabalistic world of Yetzirah. Finally Heh (final) corresponds to Earth, disks, and the qabalistic world of Assiah. The elements also correspond to different aspects of existence. Wands to aspects of spirituality, the Will, Divine inspiration. Cups to emotions, relationships, love. Swords to matters of intelligence, knowledge. And disks to matters of business, health, money concerns. These examples are extremely basic and only serve as a general guideline. Now the court cards also correspond to the tetragrammaton, and in traditional Golden Dawn decks, i.e. without the blinds, the court cards consist of: Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses. In Crowley's deck kings are replaced with the figure of a knight for various reasons I am not going to touch upon here. Kings correspond to Yod, Queens to Heh (first), Princes to Vau, and princesses to Heh (final). Now there is a secret in this attribution and is perhaps very pertinent to the Western mystery tradition. The princess becomes the mother, the prince becomes the king. Perhaps more on that at a later date. The 16 small cards are usually used as significators or are often used to represent people, each court card has a particular type of personality. Some people prefer to simply use the element of the solar sign for the person, take into account their gender and their age. For example, I am a Gemini (An air sign), and I am a young man, so some people would use the prince of swords, if I was older I would be the King of swords. If an old woman who was a Pisces was being read for, the queen of Cups could be used. Of course the cards also have portions of dates associated with them as well, and if the situation is pertinent to another card entirely it is better to use that. If you know the person you are reading for, or are a good judge of character and know the personality attributions of the court cards you would use personality as the best predictor of the significator.

#tarot #Occult #magick #ritual magick #thelema #Qabalah #golden dawn

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hieromonkcharbel · 5 years ago

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If you desire further proof of the power of this blood, remember where it came from, how it ran down from the cross, flowing from the Master’s side. The gospel records that when Christ was dead, but still hung on the cross, a soldier came and pierced his side with a lance and immediately there poured out water and blood. Now the water was a symbol of baptism and the blood, of the holy Eucharist. The soldier pierced the Lord’s side, he breached the wall of the sacred temple, and I have found the treasure and made it my own. So also with the lamb: the Jews sacrificed the victim and I have been saved by it.

“There flowed from his side water and blood.” Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you. I said that water and blood symbolised baptism and the holy Eucharist. From these two sacraments the Church is born: from baptism, “the cleansing water that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit,” and from the holy Eucharist. Since the symbols of baptism and the Eucharist flowed from his side, it was from his side that Christ fashioned the Church, as he had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam. Moses gives a hint of this when he tells the story of the first man and makes him exclaim: “Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh!” As God then took a rib from Adam’s side to fashion a woman, so Christ has given us blood and water from his side to fashion the Church. God took the rib when Adam was in a deep sleep, and in the same way Christ gave us the blood and the water after his own death.

Do you understand, then, how Christ has united his bride to himself and what food he gives us all to eat? By one and the same food we are both brought into being and nourished. As a woman nourishes her child with her own blood and milk, so does Christ unceasingly nourish with his own blood those to whom he himself has given life.

From the Catecheses by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop

The power of Christ's blood

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tarosophical-tarot · 4 years ago

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The common denominator running through this spread is ☿️ Mercury (aka Thoth) - there is The Magician (☿️ ♊ ♍) planning and organising, gathering education and amazing people with his mastery of it, relying on his mystical knowledge (3 Cups, ☿️ in ♋) to guide him in the physical world (5 Pentacles ☿️ in ♉).

The Magician's Path is Beth (house), he is a channel through which the energies of The Fool are organised and passed downward - The Magus working through Mercury communicates The One Life Energy from Kether (The Father) into Binah (The Mother) across The Abyss into Geburah (willpower).

The Magician's alchemical stage is Distillation - he opens up higher forms of communication and enables the intellect to grasp new ideas in pursuit of The Higher Self bringing about the Unification of Consciousness required to see beyond the normal dimensions of sight into the Astral Plane, through his path "Intelligence of Transparency".

The 3 Cups is Binah (understanding) in Briah (the mental world) where the gifts of Mercury/Thoth overflow (as Water in abundance) - here knowledge is organised and disciplined.

This is the alchemical stage of Impregnation/Conjunction where we find the union of the soul+spirit (the energies of Kether being brought downward into the body).

This development is required to allow us to return to an existence of Pure Spirit, no longer trapped in a world of the senses (Assiah) aided by the archangel Tzaphkiel (Contemplation of God) as The Charioteer - the figure sat on the Cubic Stone carrying the Holy Grail to us, he travels back and forth across The Abyss between the macroprosopus and the microprosopos (the potential and the actual).

In the 5 Pentacles (Geburah in Assiah/the material world) we see the destruction of all that is useless or obstructive to our spiritual development.

This is the natural rhythm of The Tree of Life - obsolete structures being torn down and rebuilt so that we may learn and progress, new ideas and values being considered - death being accepted as much of a part of life as is birth.

The path of Nun, Death (although not seen here) has a benign influence in that it is here that temporary and illusory elements of the personality undergo a willful "death" in order to proceed the experience of "cosmic awareness", we are required to give up the totality of one's being, one's life in relative darkness in the faith that there will be a resurrection into the Light.

This then is the alchemical stage of Putrefaction/Digestion, the emergence of new life from the death of the old one (the tree within the seed) - the decaying black mass in the crucible turning into gold.

In order to bring about Transmutation matter must go through the process of corruption (Mars in Geburah is ruled here by Scorpio) - the blackened skeleton of the Death card is Osiris the god who was slain and resurrected.

This can be likened to the many lives of Man/Woman - we undergo an internal re-incarnation many times over until we reach perfection.

The Path of Nun is the spark required - as looking to the elemental dignities present we see Water/Air/Earth, the intellect (Air) is focused on the act of progress (Earth/Water=growth/fecundity) but we require the Yod-Fire of Death as the catalyst to convert the chemical process into heat, the metaphorical bubbling swamp of Death providing a suitable environment for the lotus to grow in, the flower itself coming to symbolise The Holy Grail carried here by Tzaphkiel.

#tarotcommunity #tarot deck #tarology #tarottribe #qabalahtarot #qabalah

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fromhufflepuffwithlove · 7 years ago

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White Swan Patronus Aesthetic |REQUESTED| White swans also known as mute swans are often the patronus of a person who it's full of love to give, they protect the people they are close to and will make a life long friend or partner. People with this patronus are beautiful both inside and out. They tend to be extroverted, hopeful and fun to be around. Swans are often referred to within media as a symbol of love and fidelity because of the fact they have long lasting and often monogamous relationship with their partner. The imagery of two swans forming a heart with there neck could also have a lot to do with this. A common reference to swans within classic literature is that mute swan would sing beautifully upon it's own death hence the phrase 'swan song'. The white swan is also one of the sacred birds of Apollo, whose associations stem both from the nature of the bird as a symbol of light as well as the notion of a "swan song". The god is often depicted riding a chariot pulled by or composed of swans. One Irish legend is about the Children of Lir, their stepmother transformed her children into swans for 900 years. The wooing of Etain is another legend that includes swans , the king of the Sidhe transforms himself and the most beautiful woman in Ireland, Etain, into swans to escape from the king of Ireland and Ireland's armies. In Norse mythology it is said that two swans drank from the well of Urd, in the realm of Asgard, home of the gods. According to the prose Edda, the water of this well is so pure and holy that all things that touch it turn white, including this original pair of swans and all others descended from them. Swans are revered in Hinduism, and are compared to saintly persons whose chief characteristic is to be in the world without getting attached to it, just as a swan's feather does not get wet although it is in water. The Sanskrit word for swan is hamsa and the "Raja Hamsam" or the Royal Swan is the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati which symbolises the "Sattva Guna" or purity par excellence. Therefore, Goddess Saraswati the goddess of knowledge is seen riding the swan because the swan thus symbolizes "Viveka" i.e. prudence and discrimination between the good and the bad or between the eternal and the transient. It is mentioned several times in the Vedic literature, and persons who have attained great spiritual capabilities are sometimes called paramahamsa ("Supreme Swan") on account of their spiritual grace and ability to travel between various spiritual worlds. In the Vedas, swans are said to reside in the summer on lake manasarovar and migrate to Indian lakes for the winter. Within the U.K. The white (mute) swans are protect by the queen. This was originally done on the name of the crown within the 12th century to stop people of a lower class depriving the royals of their favourite banquet dish. Today swans are no longer eaten but are still protected by the Queen, it is a criminal offence to harm a swan in anyway. Within the 1980s the swan population decreased due to a particular type of lead weight being used in fishing and due to this they were banned from being used.

#patronus #white swan patronus #mute swan patronus #swan patronus #mine #harry potter aesthetic #aesthetic #patronus aesthetic #don't know what I normally tag these with #it's late #I'm tired

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tipsycad147 · 5 years ago

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Cauldron Magick (Vessel Magick)

By Ardriana Cahill

“Every hollow holds a hallow.”

This essay began as an essay on cauldron magick but it was impossible for me to not see the comparison of certain kinds of magick and divination that can also be done where chalices or bowls are employed, such as in my family magickal tradition. So although it is primarily regarding cauldron magick, I will touch on other vessels.

The cauldron’s life began as a simple cook pot. It was a practical well of nourishment to a family. To the herbal wise woman or man, that definition was extended as a vessel for boiling healing brews and poultices. To the witch, its use moved a step away from the practical to the magickal where potions were brewed. The lines over the centuries have blurred trying to define when it took on magickal properties.

At its very essence the cauldron is made of metallic earth, heated by fire, cooled by air and tempered by water. It is a vessel of the elements. In contemporary Witchcraft, a cauldron will be a pot made of cast iron which stands on three legs and has a handle. For safety’s sake, it should also have a lid.

In modern witchcraft, the very shape of a vessel evokes the feminine divine, the sacred womb and the origins of life. This tradition is evoked and repeated from many cultures.

“This nine-fold power of the goddess, known as the Toradh of Ana, is especially potent in wells, springs and sacred vessels, such as cauldrons. The specific components of the Toradh are described in:

“Nine Gifts of the Cauldron”

The Cauldron of Life-Work gives and is replenished, promotes and is enlarged, nourishes and is given life, ennobles and is exalted, requests and is filled with answers, sings and is filled with song, preserves and is made strong, arranges and receives arrangements, maintains and is maintained. Good is the well of measure.”

Cauldron Lore

More than just a symbol of the goddess, the cauldron and its contents have specifically represented abundance, poetic inspiration (i.e. knowledge, wisdom and eloquence), physical restoration, regeneration, alchemical transformation, spiritual or psychic awakening or vision and the ability to discern truth.

In Celtic mythology, these abilities were gained from being near or in the cauldron or eating or drinking the contents mixed in a cauldron. Similar stories can be found using a chalice, a bowl or a horn.

The most commonly known stories of the cauldron can be found in Celtic mythology. In Irish lore, Eochaid Ollathair, also known as the Dagda, possessed a cauldron that was one of the four sacred objects brought to Ireland by the Tuatha De Danaan. Its name was Undry and it had the magical capability of providing infinite sustenance doled out by each man’s merit. In Tara, the home of the High Kings of Ireland, this was used to magically grant a royal claimant the authority of divine kingship after eating a meal prepared within it. Sacred vessels of the goddess often bestow sovereignty and kingship in the myths of Irish High Kings.

In Welsh lore, Cerridwen’s cauldron, Amen, bestowed knowledge and inspiration. Bran the Blessed had the Cauldron of Rebirth which resurrected slain warriors. His legend may be the forerunner to the Keeper of the Holy Grail, the chalice of Jesus. On the Gundestrup cauldron, a Celtic horned God popularly believed to be Cernunnos, is depicted being reborn after having been torn apart and boiled in a cauldron. In Norse mythology, a draught which bestowed poetic inspiration and knowledge was brewed in the kettle/cauldron, Odhroerir. In Greece, even today, every four years the modern Olympic flame is lit in a cauldron during a ritual at the site where the Greek temple of Hera used to stand. The great flame that oversees the games is carried by a torch but the vessel that holds that overseeing flame is called a cauldron.

The Gundestrup Cauldron is thought to have been crafted in Gaul circa. 100 BCE. It was discovered in a peat bog in Denmark in 1891 where scholars suggest the Druids may have placed it as an offering to the deities of Nature. One of the cauldron's 13 panels clearly shows the Celtic horned God known as Cernunnos.

Other forms of a cauldron with identical or similar lore include fire pots which have historically symbolised the god himself and were special pots made for the protection of a sacred flame. Censors are another form of cauldron used as a fire pot or bowl to hold either sacred fire or sacred incense.

Magickal Vessel uses:

The modern use of a witch’s cauldron is to represent the God on an altar or on the ground representing the element of Fire within the ritual circle. Placed on an altar or on the grass one must make sure it sits on a fireproof ceramic tile or hotplate.

Pour rubbing alcohol over the salts until the alcohol is about an inch higher than the salts. Hold a lighted match just above the alcohol. The liquid will light and produce a strong orange flame. The flame burns cool, unlike a wood fire, and is difficult to burn things in. When the flame gets low, cover to snuff out completely. Add more rubbing alcohol to the cauldron and relight carefully. The warmer the rubbing alcohol, the quicker it ignites. This fire recipe leaves a significant amount of sediment in the cauldron.

Other times the cauldron is filled with soil or sand to hold a small charcoal brick which is lit for loose incense to be burned upon. Cone incense can also be simply placed on the sand or stick incense is stuck into the sand and burned that way.

Letters to the divine or the ancestors, burnt spells and burnt offerings are often lit and place in the cauldron to burn.

Divination is one of the key uses for the cauldron given its historical nature to impart vision and truth. Several forms of cauldron divination can be done with fire or dry ice. Create the cool alcohol fire as above and look into the flames for images and their symbolic meaning.

In a cauldron filled with sand, (or as in my tradition use a sand-filled ceramic bowl) we do smoke divination. We judge the curl of the smoke from dried herbs or incense burnt on a charcoal brick placed in sand. Blow the smoke softly away from you as you concentrate on a question. Smoke twisting deasil (clockwise) means NO. Smoke twisting widdershins (counter or anti-clockwise) means YES. Burn dried Rose or Cherry blossoms for divinations of love. Use Pecan for questions of employment. Burn Mugwort to ask about prophetic dreams and Lilac for questions concerning the ancestors. Use Mint, Clove or Basil for money questions. Use Cinnamon or Sandalwood for questions of success. Try Carnation, Apple, Bayberry or Cedar for insights into health issues.

You can also fill the cauldron or a bowl with warm water and, with a pair of tongs, drop many small pieces of dry ice into it. (Dry ice can be purchased from a grocery store.) Keep adding warm water and more ice as needed to create a steady rise of mist. As the mist rises, look for images and their symbolic significance that may reflect your hidden desires.

Scrying with a cauldron or bowl filled with water or wine is an ancient practice. It is a meditation device whereby, if you can relax your mind and eyes, you may see images or get impressions of those things you need to attend to or might be calling to you to investigate further. If meditation is more difficult for you, add a teaspoon of olive oil or other sacred oil to the water. Stir with you finger and watch how the oil merges and separates to mesmerise or form symbolic pictures.

In my tradition, we never used a cauldron. We use a ceramic bowl on the altar for sympathetic or small burnt offerings such as herbs or flower petals. (Cauldrons were way too witchly for witches in hiding. A magickal bowl could be left on a table unnoticed.) I often place glass enclosed spell candles dressed with oils in the bowl then surround them with stones and sprinkle appropriate herbs. Here, I place written spells under the candle at the beginning of a spell or burn them before or after the completion of the spell. The bowl becomes a magickal altar unto itself, much like the cauldron which is used for many sacred purposes with or without an altar. Like the cauldron, the bowl is feminine in nature but is largely used with element of Fire in the tradition of Helios, the sun god, who completed his daily rounds “floating” back to his Eastern palace in a golden bowl.

Bowls called Phiales were also used by the ancient Greeks for oil or wine libations, poured into the ground or river to honour the dead or the gods. The Patera, a broad, shallow dish was used for ritual drinking and was thought to impart blessing. Much like the food or drink from the sacred cauldron, these vessels were first designed for material sustenance and later interpreted for use in spiritual sustenance. The cauldron or bowl can also be used filled with water for a floral offering to celebrate joy or to burn flowers in to denote sorrow.

Chalices of oil were burned on ancient Greek and Roman altars. In modern witchcraft, the chalice is another vessel of the goddess or feminine divine and not often used with the element of fire, but it could be with the same precautions of sand and fireproofing that metal cauldrons and ceramic bowls use. However, never try this with glass chalices. Chalices may also be placed on an altar or on ritual ground as a symbol of the element Water. Magickal chalices evolved in history much the same way cauldrons did, imparting the gifts of transformation, healing and immortality.

Ardagh Chalice, c. 800-899 AD. Found in 1847 by a small boy digging for potatoes

The most famous chalice is the cup of Christ as told in Authurian lore which bestows immortality to anyone who drinks from it. The Cup of Jamshid, was a cup of divination and also bestowed immortality in Persian mythology. In Greek mythology, the cup of Circe brings Ulysses under her control. Apollo had a magickal cup called Crater. And Dionysus had a magickal cup called a kantharos, that like so many magickal vessels, would never empty.

What is stated in James Joyces’ Finnegan’s Wake is a long established tradition that “every hollow hold a hallow.” These “hollows”, be they cauldron, bowl or cup, have been used throughout mythology as magickal tools for divination, transformation and rejuvenation. Let these serve you this Samhain, to evoke abundance, poetic inspiration, restoration, regeneration, transformation, spiritual or psychic awakening or vision or the ability to discern truth. Or if not these, use them to connect you to the history of your magickal heritage.

Sources:

Finnegan's Wake, James Joyce p.25 The Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom ~ By Caitlin Matthews, and Matthews John, p. 229 Circle Round: Raising Children in the Goddess Tradition ~ by Starhawk, Anne Hille and Diane Baker

Other References:

Wikipedia Celtic Religion in Roman Britain ~ By Graham Webster Giants, monsters, and dragons: an encyclopedia of folklore, legend, and myth ~ By Carol Rose The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore ~ By Hilda M. Ransome Wake Rites: The Ancient Irish Rituals of Finnegan’s Wake ~ by George Cinclair Gibson

Ardriana Cahill lives in Western USA and is a Hereditary Witch, den of Clan McCormick and a Kell of Brighid since 1998.

www.ArdrianaCahill.com

https://www.controverscial.com/Cauldron%20Magick.htm

Picture https://www.merriam-webster.com

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