#physician deities

[ceremonialmagic101]

Thanks for getting me off my butt to publish my Hymn to Asclepius:

-- @abwatt

“Asklepios, lord Paian, healer of all, you charm away the pains of [those] who suffer. Come, mighty and soothing, bring health, put an end to sickness, then to the harsh fate of death. O blessed spirit of joyful growth, O helper, you ward off evil, honored and mighty son of Phoibos Apollon. Enemy of disease, consort of Hygieia the blameless, come as savior, O blessed one, bring life to a good end.”

�� Orphic Hymn to Asklepios (tr. Apostolos N. Athanassakis)

[opalblade]

4 MAY 25.

𓂀 ASHWINI NAKSHATRA EXPLORATION .

AN: click "alt" to see the astrological placements

🍯 ASHWINI BASICS AND SYMBOLS .

ashwini spans 0°00 - 13°20 aries. its vimshottari ruler is ketu. ashwini's symbol is a horse's head.

ashwini's deities are the ashwini kumaras, twin gods known to be celestial healers, physicians, and are associated with the sunrise and sunset.

ashwini is known as 'the star of transport'. its shakti is shidravyapani shakti, meaning the power to 'quickly attain one's objectives'.

ashwini's basis above is creatures to be healed and its basis below is healing therapies. ashwini's desire is 'the ability to hear well and not be deaf'.

🍯 ASHWINI AND LIBERTY .

one mythological story of ashwini is about their mother, sandhya devi, who was the wife of lord surya (the sun). she couldn't stand the heat of the sun and so turned into a horse and ran away, leaving a shadow form of herself. when he realised this was not really her, surya turned into a horse and ran after her. they then both had twins in those horse forms and these twins were the ashwini kumaras.

ashwini is associated with speed and a desire for freedom and liberation. this is why ashwini has a connection with romeo and juliet, as they desired liberation from their family's judgment and restrictions. i have seen ashwini's desire for freedom shown in many different forms of media.

kathryn merteuil from cruel intentions had a monologue where she called herself the "marsha fucking brady of the upper east side" during her commentary on the societal restrictions placed on women, and also pointed out the double standards between men and women. the entire movie is about the dichotomy between her and her stepbrother who is allowed to express himself completely and even break girls' hearts, while she must present herself as perfect. she states how she wishes to be free from these restrictions. kathryn was played by sarah michelle gellar, an ashwini sun.

malcolm x, an ashwini moon, was a civil rights activist and aimed to free black people from their oppression. he famously stated that this would be attained "by any means necessary".

the smokey and headless nature of ketu leads to its association with drugs and substances. we can see this with rue in euphoria (played bu zendaya who has an ashwini moon). since ketu is the body of a serpent with no head and intoxicants tend to remove mental inhibitions, it's no surprise that ketu nakshatras are represented as using them in media. rue is shown running a lot in the show and this is very ashwini of her. a scene even shows her jumping out of a car and running straight through traffic. we can see throughout the show that rue leans on drugs when she has a lot of stress in her life, and she even literally runs away from her problems, relating to the ashwini horse symbolism.

michael corleone from the godfather is played by ashwini sun, al pacino. he essentially aims to free his family from their crimimanl life and become "legitimate". this also links to a point that i will touch on later surrounding ashwini's desire to separate from all falsehoods and to, either, become truth incarnate or seek out the truth.

🍯 ASHWINI AND POWER .

through my research, i have found that ashwini natives possess an almost scary determination to achieve their goals and power.

ashwini is also a pioneering nakshatra, relating to its horse symbolism and aries energy, as well as ashwini sitting directly after the last sign (pisces) and before bharani (the yoni aka birth), making ashwini the void between death and birth. ashwini wants to move things from a stagnant energy (the void) to a more productive and active one, even advocating for the use of violence to get things done over co-operation and collaboration. this relates to the ashwini serial killer trope and as ashwini are deva gana, they think they are divine and above humanity especially coming after revati, which has transcended humanity. we can see all these themes play out in michael's more violent ways of gaining power compared to his father, emphasised in the scene of him culling all his enemies and competition. the symbolism in this scene is even more poignant as it shows michael at a baby's baptism while the gruesome murders are taking place at his order. the holy and divine (deva) juxtaposed by the mass murder and extreme control and power (ketu and mars).

michael corleone (ashwini sun) is known for coming across cool, calm, collected and level headed even when in serious situations. he possesses a cold and detached exterior (ketu), which contrasts his explosive anger and violent tendencies (mars/aries). michael corleone is also known for his intense gaze and his eyes showing the anger he keeps inside. malcom x (ashwini moon) was presented as the violent and radical contrast to the nonviolent martin luther king jr, as malcolm advocated for black people to use self-defence. both malcolm x and michael corleone are known for their pent up anger or frustration, and for their radical natures compared to their predecessors. they both utilised this frustration for something greater than themselves and to achieve their goals, as both were loyal to "their group" – michael's being his family, and malcolm's being black people.

blair waldorf (ashwini moon) also possesses this scary determination for a goal. she was willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals [get into yale, rule the upper east side]. ashwini natives seem to have this mentality of doing whatever it takes — malcolm x's most famous quote is "by any means necessary". the sun exalts in ashwini, and the sun rules over willpower and courage, which is why it does so well in ashwini. the ashwini kumaras also did many things that they wanted to do, even if it upset the other gods.

there are several gang bosses with ashwini placements. one is gus fring from breaking bad (played by giancarlo esposito – ashwini sun) is known for his stern determination in gaining power and control over the drugs business. he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve this goal, including killing people (and he would kill people himself too). tommy shelby from peaky blinders (played by cillian murphy – a possible ashwini moon) also ran a gang and used horses a lot, with horse racing and horse betting playing a large role in his business.

cate blanchett (ashwini moon) played hela in thor. hela is the ruler of the underworld and was insanely power hungry as she wanted to rule the universe. she also played lady tremaine in cinderella, who was married to cinderella's father as a gold digger.

🍯 ASHWINI SERIAL KILLERS .

ashwini nakshatra is related to serial killers. you can watch this video to see why - i will only be expanding off this point.

some examples of ashwini serial killers:

christian bale (ashwini moon) played patrick bateman in american psycho.

michael c. hall (ashwini moon) played dexter morgan in dexter.

mamoru miyano (ashwini moon) played light yagami in death note.

as i touched on when i discussed michael corleone, ashwini natives tend to kill for a "higher purpose" or due to their "morals" as they are a deva (divine) nakshatra. dexter morgan claims to have "standards" and even has a code where he has to prove someone is a criminal or monster in order to kill them. light yagami claimed his death note was necessary for a new world order that he would be the god of, and he began his mass murder by focusing on criminals.

depictions of ashwini violence tend to use copious amounts of blood as a motif. the uncontrolled and violent nature of aries is heightened in ashwini due to the extremity of mars and ketu (ketu is said to behave like mars), and the natives express the built up energy present in ashwini. both mars and ketu are said to be hot planets and ashwini's colour is blood red.

examples:

gus fring slitting victor's throat in season 4, episode 1 of breaking bad. this action is very quick and unexpected, and is also followed by a LOT of blood spilling out everywhere. [watch this video at your own discretion.]

patrick bateman is a great ashwini character in my opinion. he speaks about how he lacks an identity, mirroring the headless nature of ketu, yet he still desires power and recognition, which is very ashwini. he also has scenes with lots of blood in it, which you can see in the gif above.

🍯 ASHWINI AND THE TRUTH .

Annibale Carracci (1560–1609), An Allegory of Truth and Time (1584), oil on canvas, 130 x 169.6 cm, Royal Collection of the United Kingdom, England. Wikimedia Commons.

the truth is usually depicted in art as naked – as in, the naked truth – and as rising out of a well, usually said to have been put there by lies and deceit. truth is also depicted with a mirror and squeezing a snake. i believe that ketu and ashwini relate to the idea of truth.

PAINTING: Truth or Fiction by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale. i was going to include this painting but tumblr slapped a content warning on it ( because truth is naked, as she should be). Eleanor has ketu in jyeshtha, which is ketu's exaltation point, showing that those with heightened ketu influence in their chart seem to contemplate the idea of "truth" a lot.

ketu's birth nakshatra is ashlesha, which has a coiled serpent as its symbol and its deity is the serpent, naga. ketu is said to remove the effects of snakebites and illnesses from poisons. serpents are also associated with healing and are even used in medical symbols. ashwini is related to healing as well, as the ashwini kumaras healed many illnesses, including blindness.

prudence (one of the four cardinal virtues) is also represented by holding a mirror and squeezing a snake. prudence is the ability to discern between virtuous and unvirtuous actions – this relates to claire nakti's idea that mula (ketu ruled) vampires are the type of vampires that can restrain themselves when it comes to killing and consuming human blood, becoming "good" vampires.

onto ashwini examples:

"if you're white, you can go forward, and if you're black, you have to fight your way every step of the way, and you still don't get forward." – malcolm x (krittika sun, ashwini moon).

krittika is a sun ruled nakshatra and ashwini is a ketu ruled nakshatra. both sun and ketu have a constant desire to find the truth, and cut through lies, falsehoods and dishonesty. malcolm x fought to break through the injustices in society that faced black people and other ethnic minorities.

this links to michael corleone again, as he ultimately wanted to free his family from a life of crime and become legitimate.

ashwini opposes rahuvian swati – the illusory cosmic egg where people get sucked into the illusions of maya. therefore, ashwini is the opposite of this and is the embodiment of the naked and raw truth (the raw, empty, unfiltered void before creation, and before anything has polluted the pure void).

🍯 ASHWINI DETECTIVES .

as i mentioned above, ashwini is the height of truth and many things related to ashwini prove this. sun representing truth itself and exalting in ashwini; ketu relating to truth; ashwini opposing the illusory swati. ashwini's desire to cut through deception and falsehoods relates to detectives.

ashwini detective examples:

zendaya (ashwini moon) played rue bennett in euphoria.

daniel craig (ashwini moon) played benoit blanc in knives out.

benedict cumberbatch (ashwini moon) played sherlock holmes in sherlock.

🍯 ASHWINI, THE TRICKSTERS .

THIS is where the ashwini dichotomy comes into play. even though ashwini is related to the absolute naked truth, they are also related to twisting the truth and being tricksters.

the ashwini kumaras are said to have tricked indra by replacing dadheechi's head with a horse's head and when indra cut his head off, they put his regular head back on, saving his life. this trickster characteristic is either for the greater good or to challenge an authority. this is because the ashwini kumaras defied indra and the gods many times by healing humans when he told them not to.

ashwini natives also tend to be hated and outcasted. they are also underestimated a lot and their achievements are downplayed and not fully appreciated by people. they tend to be the ashwini kumaras were not accepted as gods due to being demi-gods and spending too much time with humans.

examples:

felicia hardy played by and associated with ashwini women:

erica lindbeck (ashwini moon) played felicia hardy.

amber heard (ashwini sun) - fancasted as felicia hardy.

loki (played by tom hiddleston) is a literal trickster god. it's not entirely sure whether tom hiddleston is an ashwini or revati moon, especially because the gandanta point makes these nakshatras quite similar. both have a relation to tricksters.

he believed he was superior to everyone, mirroring ashwini natives feeling above humanity like i said in the serial killer portion (as ashwini is a deva nakshatra). this does relate to revati too.....

tom hiddleston was also in kong skull island, which is a movie in which people have to survive on an island, facing a large ape. magha (a ketu nakshatra) is related to this trope and ashwini is trine magha. however, lara croft is related to revati nakshatra and fits in this trope too. i have a lara croft post coming, where i will be exploring her astrologically!

however, i believe loki is ashwini. he has this desire for power and recognition that is so plainly ashwini to me. i wouldn't be surprised if he has revati ascendant though.

[side note: i mentioned ashwini natives' achievements being downplayed due to the ashwini kumaras being demi-gods, and this fits beyoncé completely. her birth time was revealed and her achievements are constantly unappreciated and undermined – beychella, her records, her songwriting skill, her singing skill, her ability to perform, the level of her fame, not winning grammys when she should have etc.]

🍯 THE ASHWINI DICHOTOMY .

the ashwini dichotomy is this:

the search for truth and permeating through all falsehoods for equality or moral reasons .

detective trope

bookworm trope (searching for truth and knowledge)

final girl trope

activists and politicans (many pan-africanists have ashwini)

VERSUS

utilising the chaotic void and blackhole of identity to become a trickster and/or a master manipulator, in order to gain power and influence.

mean girl / spoiled brat trope (kathryn merteuil as i mentioned above)

serial killers trope

tricksters trope

politicians (they're also tricksters, if you think about it)

OR

ashwini natives are depicted as a mix of these two expressions.

. *     .     　⁺ 　 .⁺ 　　    ˚ . *     .     　⁺ 　 .⁺ 　

© 2025 opalblade. do not copy, repost, or translate my works to any other platforms.

[rholsof-film]

The Circle that is Shatabhisha

Within the heart of the sign Aquarius from 6°40' to 20°00'

Yoni Animal - Horse

Deity is Varuna

Shatabhisha is a Rahu and Saturn ruled nakshatra at the heart of Aquarius, the name means “hundred physicians”

*Many natives are drawn towards medicine, healing, astrology, occult, and psychology.*

Symbolized by the empty circle, which can be translated as an empty void for cultivation. Most of the themes for Shatabhisha are of healing, mystery and secrecy. Natives of this nakshatra have an analytical and investigative mind, often seeking the truth and deeper meanings. They are independent and rebellious; they prefer solitude but can also be unconventional in challenging societal norms.

Going back to preferring solitude, a lot of these natives often keep their thoughts private and could experience phases of seclusion and loneliness. These natives care deeply but also could struggle to express their emotions in full depth. We saw this with Chappell Roan in communicating with her fans about respecting her privacy and that when she’s not on the clock, she does not want to be bothered. It sparked a huge debate online about celebrities granting servitude to people whenever and wherever fans wanted their time—or even the press not being respectful.

This Nakshatra represents deep healing, hidden knowledge, and cosmic truths. People born under Shatabhisha are often misunderstood visionaries who seek to break illusions and uncover reality. They walk a fine line between science and spirituality, often making a lasting impact on the world.

Shatabhisha are also known to be justice seekers, the deity Varuna governs over divine justice ensuring those who act unfairly will face karmic consequences. We saw this through Rihanna having her messy twitter era and just getting into fights with certain individuals online. However, I know there are notorious Shatabhisha natives that have committed major crimes or have been to jail, their karmic consequences work on themselves as well. Shatabhisha individuals could go either way on the scale of good or bad. But you will notice that a lot of natives have a cult following no matter if they are morally good or bad. You will notice these natives are difficult to control, and behave a bit on the wild side, it’s hard to tame them. This is where they get their controversial reputation.

Varuna is the guardian of the waters and the one who grants Amrita (divine nectar of immortality). I would argue that this is what grants these natives beauty, aging with grace. For this represents deep healing, rejuvenation, and the power to transform pain into wisdom.

The symbol of the circle is representative of these natives’ tight knit, cult like following, it relates directly to the natives having a devoted fanbase—their energy being like an intimate, sacred space. Their fans aren’t just about their art but about their community and identity, the circle is like their performance space, where the artist becomes the center of transformation. However, the circle could work as a veil or mask, as Shatabhisha is known for their mystery and reinvention. Many have cultivated a persona to separate their private and public selves. Their cult following exists because they create a new world, a new identity, and a sense of belonging. Rihanna, Audrey Hepburn, Kehlani, Chappell Roan, all have cult followings. They can truly do no wrong in their fanbase’s eyes when being controversial or unconventional. The empty void for cultivation is endless with these natives as they are constantly coming up with new creative ventures.

Native Placements

Mia Goth - Shatabisha Moon

Chappell Roan - Shatabisha Sun

Rihanna - Shatabisha Sun

Kehlani - Shatabisha Moon

[numbersandstars]

The Solar Nakshatras

Apart from the usual nakshatras related to the Sun, such as Krittika, Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashadha, as well as those who sit in Leo sign such as Magha and the Phalgunis, we find 5 other nakshatras. We can even include Bharani to some extent, as Yama, the ruler is the son of Surya the Sun. These five nakshatras are: ☀️Ashvini, Punarvasu, Hasta, Anuradha, Revati ☀️ Why is that? Because in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra there is a list of Sun's different names and these names relate to these nakshatras, amongst many other things.

☀️Ashvini: the physicians of the demigods, the Ashwins Kumars who rule this nakshatra are the Sun's offspring (twins). But one of the Sun's name is "hamsa", the swan. Ashvini's bird is the swan. The swan is not only highly intelligent, but its whiteness represents the purity of the soul. Additionally, the white swan has its dark counterpart, the black swan. This dark twin stands for improbable events that have massive, unexpected impacts. But you also find the "ugly duckling" who contradict light and beauty. When there is light, there is shadow: life is based upon duality. 🐴Natives can be highly intelligent but they may also be misunderstood. They can have difficulties integrating themselves. They can have a twin, such as a twin or a very close friend.

☀️Punarvasu: Aditi, the mother of many demigods named "adityas", rules this nakshatra. She embodies infinity, the limitless space and sky. The Sun is also called "aditya", or "son of Aditi". The Sun possesses these characteristics of boundlessness and helps to achieve the best in everything. Interestingly enough, the swan is also Punarvasu's bird. 🏹Natives often travel far away but they come back. They endlessly move. They refine their skills and prove to be innovative. Like the Ashvini natives, they can have a twin, or a very close friend.

☀️Hasta: Savita is the ruler of Hasta. It could not be clearer: Savita is the Sun's first rays. Hence one of his names is Savita. It means "the vivifier": the sun's first rays energizes everything they touch. Life awakens, a new birth is on its way. 🙌Everything the natives touch turns into gold. Whether it be a broken object they fix, or a miserable object they easily sell at a high price, natives vivify their environment.

☀️Anuradha: Anuradha's deity is the famous Mitra. Mitra is a son of Aditi, hence an aditya. But Mitra is also one of the Sun's names. Mitra means "friend". He is a friend to all. All of those who know themselves and accept themselves as they are are friends with themselves and thus, friends with everyone else. The Sun gives self-esteem and enlightens us so we can become our best friends and everyone's best friends. 🌸Anuradha natives are usually the most loyal friends ever. They are able to dive deep into themselves to know themselves better, hence they can become friends to all.

☀️Revati: Pushan rules Revati. He is known to be the nurturer, the cattle's guide. Pushan nurtures and supports greatly. The Sun is also called "Pushan". Pushan means "the purifier". Purification is essential for a proper nourishment. Sunlight purifies, removes the bad germs, so life emerges and sustains. Sunlight also helps in seeing more clearly, hence finding back lost objects and animals, which are Pushan's other characteristics. 🐠Natives usually watch their diet carefully. They like the seaside, which is an excellent purifying place. They may easily find lost objects and animals.

[cyrilau]

I love to see Ashwini getting some spotlight right now. Here’s a look into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, portrayed by Ashwini Sun Sarah Michelle Gellar I’ve had cooking for awhile <3 (Spoilers ahead!)

Ashwini nakshatra is the exaltation point of the Sun in Aries, ruled by Ketu. The Ashvin twins are the presiding deities of this nakshatra. The Ashvin’s rescue people and can also bring them back to life The twins are called “darkness slayers” (tamohánā, 3.39.3). They are also known as Nā́satyā (possibly 'saviors'). She literally sacrifices herself and is resurrected in the later part of the show.

Buffy is a “chosen one” and imbued with an ancestral current of supernatural power, crowning her with the title “Slayer”. While primarily dealing with vampires, she also slays every type of monster and demon from Hell. She is part of a spiritual lineage granting her heightened senses, instincts, strength, and a quick ability to heal (the Ashvins are the physicians and healers of the gods). Ketu is connected with the ancestors and past lives.

The lore around what a “slayer” really is gets a little bit convoluted, but a central plot line between the end of season 4 and most of season 5 is about Buffy digging deep into slayer heritage and where her powers come from. This plot line is rich with Ketu themes. After invoking the spirit to the First Slayer, it returns to haunt her and her friends in their dreams (12h energy, Ketu corresponds with the spirit world and is sometimes associated with the 12h). This dream intrusion is what inspires her to explore slayer history, and her own identity as one (Aries is identified with the 1st House of identity and self expression). The first slayer, Sineya, tells Buffy that her gift is “death”. Ketu is written all over that..

At the beginning of this journey, a human ignorant to originally being a spiritual essence is placed in Buffy’s care, sent to her by a collective of priests. She was originally a portal that a primordial being was attempting to incarnate through, until the priests granted her a human form. Buffy initiated her journey into exploring herself and then is entrusted with guarding and caring for a vulnerable person. This directly paralleled the Asvin twins as guardian deities and administers of medicine. Medicine is what makes a situation whole, the ingredients for equilibrium. This is the exact duty of the slayer, she’s placed between the human world and the spiritual (Ketu).

Buffy is quintessential Ashwini. Ashwini being the exaltation of the sun and the sun obliterates vampires is like an astrological tongue in cheek joke I canttt😭😭

And she clears everyone in the show. She will always be the SLAYER! Ashwinis, make some noise 😌❤️‍🔥

[seriallover]

Shatabhisha- Stuck in a loop!?⭕️

Ruled by Rahu and situated in a sign governed by Saturn, Shatabhisha Nakshatra intertwines the themes of Rahu and Saturn.

Rahu represents obsession, addiction, perfectionism, illusion, desires, and the material world. Saturn, on the other hand, symbolizes restriction, ambition, delays, and discipline. This nakshatra is intriguing to observe because Saturn is often seen as the only planet capable of controlling and restricting Rahu. Addiction is a recurring theme for those heavily influenced by Shatabhisha Nakshatra.

Rahu, symbolizing the insatiable head/mouth, constantly seeks satisfaction. People with strong Shatabhisha influence may struggle with feeling perpetually unfulfilled.

The main symbol of Shatabhisha is an empty closed circle, representing restriction, karma, and limits. ⭕️

This reminds me of a snake eating its own tail, a metaphor for self-destruction often seen in these natives. They may feel stuck in a loop, constantly desiring more than they have, feel, or can access. This symbol illustrates their urge to break free from patterns and limitations.

Shatabhisha also embodies the power to heal, represented by the 100 physicians and healers. Individuals influenced by this nakshatra often have a strong desire for self-improvement, healing, and spiritual growth. They are driven to push boundaries and explore their limits, often oscillating between extremes—addiction to unhealthy behaviors or a "perfect" lifestyle.

Lewis Hamilton is an excellent example of someone who effectively harnesses the energy of Shatabisha. His ascendant lord, Venus, is in Shatabhisha, conjunct his Mars in the 5th house. His Rahu is in Krittika of Taurus, with Venus as the dispositor. Lewis follows a plant-based diet and is very strict with his fitness regimen, as even a small weight gain can affect his racing performance.

This year, he launched a non-alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit, Almave, produced in Mexico.🥃

Krittika, associated with the deity Agni, the god of fire, governs cooking, drinks, and digestion. Agni has the power to burn/purify, reflecting his disciplined approach to diet and lifestyle.🔥

Another example, she’s Shatabhisha Moon.

Another example that comes to mind is Emily Blunt, who has her Sun in Shatabhisha, fittingly playing a role in “Edge of Tomorrow” that mirrors the themes of this nakshatra, as well.

In the film, her character, Sergeant Rita Vrataski, helps Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) break free from a time loop by repeatedly facing and overcoming challenges. Rita’s journey in the movie reflects the Shatabhisha themes of perseverance, healing and ultimately, breaking the cycle to achieve a greater purpose.

Dealing with Rahu's influence can lead to excess, a desire to experience, feel everything or nothing.

However, understanding one's restrictions and seeing the bigger picture can bring freedom. Recognizing and accepting personal limitations allows one to channel obsessive desires into sustaining something meaningful in the material world.

By acknowledging and respecting these restrictions, individuals can transform Rahu's chaotic energy into focused ambition and disciplined action, leading to significant achievements and personal growth.

[travelingthief]

Apollo as a Healing Deity

Related Domains:

Plagues

Disease

Medicine

Health

Epithets:

Acestor: God of the healing arts

Paean: The healing

Oulios: Of sound health

Akesios: Of healing

Alexikakos: Averter of evil, given to Apollo for averting diseases

Loimios: Deliverer from the plague

Apollo is strongly associated with health, medicine, and disease, both in ancient and modern times. He is the first deity physicians swear to when they take the Hippocratic Oath (“I swear by Apollo the physician…) and is father to Asclepius, the god of physicians and the healing arts. In his quiver, Apollo carries arrows of plagues and those who are struck with them become inflicted with disease. Sudden death was attributed to Apollo and it is believed his arrows never miss their target. In the Illiad, we see Apollo bring plague down upon the Greek camp that crossed him. Due to his connection with plagues, he is called the “averter of evil” and is said to ward off sickness. In ancient times, shepherds would pray to Apollo to prevent their flocks from falling ill. 

Ways to Connect with Apollo as a Healing God

Take your meds

Go to therapy

Exercise

Wear a mask (We are still in a pandemic y’all)

Get vaccinated

Attend your doctor appointments

Learn first aid/CPR

Keep a first aid kit at home/in your car

Advocate for accessible healthcare

Advocate for disability rights

Volunteer at a hospital

Give blood/plasma

Learn about anatomy/biology/nutrition/diseases

Eat healthy for your body

Donate to surgery funds

Sources:

APOLLO (Apollon) - Greek God of Music, Prophecy & Healing

Greek Mythology: Apollo

Greek Medicine

Divider: @enchanthings-a

[melanie-the-artful]

Genshin Character Names` Meanings Pt. 4

Tighnari | Most likely a reference to Arab Muslim botanist (as well as traveler, poet and physician) Al-Tighnari (born in village Tignar), who wrote a treatise on Middle East agriculture

Collei | Uncertain, but there seemingly is a Persian name Collei that means «Aware», «Sentimental», or «Noble»; Also literally «Lost» in Welsh

Cyno | Originates from Cynopolis, an Egyptian city which used to be centre of Anubis cult, and as we all know, Cyno is based on Anubis

Sethos | Most likely references Seth, the God of deserts, storms, disorder, violence and foreigners in Ancient Egypt. Known to have accompanied Ra on his barque in repelling Apep, but in the Osiris myth depicted as the usurper who murdered and mutilated his own brother, who is Osiris himself

Dori | Literally «Shining», «Glowing» in Persian, also derived from the word dor (دُر) which means «Large Pearl»

Nilou | «Water Lily», «Lotus» – Persian Name

Candace | «Clarity», «Whiteness» – An ancient title derived from word Kandake, once used by queens of Ethiopia; has Latin roots

Dehya | «Leader of Soldiers» – Algerian Amazeigh/Berber name, which refers to Kahina Dehya, the female Algerian priestess, who was a religious and military leader

Layla | Literally «Night» in Arabic

Faruzan | «Luminous», «Shining», or «Resplendent» – Persian Name

Alhaitham | Haitham is a first name and it means «Young Eagle» or «Young Hawk». Meanwhile Al is a prefix usually used in Middle East last names before the name of the family/tribe itself. Basically, it is a definite article, like 'the' in English. He is also most likely named so after Hasan Ibn al-Haitham (Latinicized version of his name also sounds like Alhazen) who was an Arab mathematician, astronomer and physicist during the Islamic Golden Age

Kaveh | «Of Royal Origin» – Persian/Iranian Name; Might be based on Kaveh the Blacksmith from Iranian mythology, who launched a national uprising against the evil foreign tyrant Zahāk and re-established the rule of Iranians

Nahida | «Delightful», «Gentle», «Kind», «Soft» – Persian Name. Another version – Nahiya, means «Advisor»

Kusanali | Derived from the Pali words «kusa» (kusa-grass, a sacred plant used in Hindu ceremonies) and «nāḷi» («a hollow stalk or tube»).

Buer | Comes from Governor Buer, the 10th of Goetia Demons 

Rukkhadevata |  रुक्खदेवता – "tree-goddess" in Shaivism is a Yakṣiṇī who is worshiped as the goddess of wealth or the guardian spirit of practitioners. The Yakṣiṇīs are the female counterparts of the Yakshas in Hinduism and Buddhism, and also appear in Jātaka literature, where they are considered as local deities living in trees and sometimes referred to individually as "rukkha-devatā".

Cuilein-Anbar | Literally «Darling Amber». Cuilein (directly translating to «pup/cub») is a Gaelic term of endearment commonly used for young animals, equivalent to «darling», while anbar is an Arabic word meaning «amber».

Mehrak | «Like the Sun» – Persian Name

Faranak | Derived from the word پروانه (parvâneh), which means «butterfly» in Persian

Dunyarzad | Likely named so after Dunyazad (دنیازاد in Persian), who is the younger sister of Queen Scheherazade from One Thousand and One Nights

Sorush | Originates from Zoroastrian divinity of «Conscience» and «Observance», with its name having those two exact meanings 

Apep | Based on an ancient Egyptian deity of darkness and disorder, also known as Aphoph or Apophis, who also was often depicted as a snake

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

........Hi

Not even gonna make up excuses this time, just want you to know that I do have an intention to finish these series, it`s just that God knows when I actually will

In any case, I wanted to add Jeht as well, but I couldn't find a reliable source that would tell me where her names comes from, so I would be grateful if anyone knowledgeable helped me out here. I think I saw a version that says it's an Arabic name meaning «Freedom Lover» or «Scholar», but I'm not sure if that's right??

Anyways, see ya soon, hope you'll have a great year, take care of yourself, stay hydrated and bye.

[shitaishitai]

l&ds tomorrow's catch-22 files

bc i cant just enjoy stuff normally i wanted to analyze some stuff shown in the video :> i did some VERY BASIC research so dont quote me on how accurate anything i say is, just some observations and stuff.

Zayne

Codename: Galen

Galen is a greek physician who's very influential in the medical history.

Rumor: "Nobody gets to walk out of his prison. Not when they are alive, at least."

Caleb

Codename: Perses

the greek titan of destruction. There's some representation of him of the balance between creation and destruction, how destruction like paves the way for creation.

Rumor: "He is an ambitious politician who is eyeing the entire city."

Sylus

Codename: Tartarus

the underworld. basically greek hell, where all the dead souls who are judged to be condemned are sent. i also saw that Tartarus is one of the four primordials along with eros, chaos, and gaia.

Rumor: "You better have your last words ready before this man knocks on your door."

Xavier

Codename: Hermit

a person living in solitude, could also be referencing the Hermit tarot card. an upright hermit card can represent self reflection and independence to better yourself, while an upside down hermit card could represent damaging self isolation and loneliness.

Rumor: "Danger often hides behind the softest eyes and the sharpest fangs."

Rafayel

Codename: Tamino

okay this is gonna be like the most crackhead theory about this, but apparently Tamino means "One who shares a deep bond like a twin brother. Strong companionship, like a twin." AND IS ALSO A NAME DERIVED FROM THOMAS?? ARE RAFAYEL AND THOMAS TWINS??? there's also a thomas from the bible "doubting thomas" who doubted the resurrection of jesus Tamino could also mean god/deity (which yknow god of the sea makes sense) so like there could be a whole connection between rafayel and thomas with lemuria and stuff??? idk this is where i might be reading too much into it LMAO

Rumor: "A Praedator rose from the ashes. The entire city is but a playground at his disposal."

[daisyfluurwitchcraft]

Herb of the Week

Stinging Nettle

🌿Folk Names: stinging nettle, dead nettle, common nettle

🌿Planet: Mars

🌿Element: Fire

🌿Deities: Thor, Hecate/Hekate, Selkhet, Athena

🌿Health Benefits: reducing inflammation, supporting bone health, and aids in some conditions like arthritis and diabetes (i am NOT a doctor. consult with your physician before taking this as fact, thanks 😊.)

🌿Powers: protection, courage, strength

🌿Magical Uses: Nettle is considered a threshold herb. In witchcraft, thresholds are very important and is often where our craft is the strongest (more on that on Wednesday). 

That being said, drying nettle and hanging it in doorways is the best way to ensure protection, ESPECIALLY against jinxes, curses, and hexes. 

Nettle is also good in kitchen witchcraft when it comes to banishing curses from your body. “But, Daisy, isn’t nettle poisonous?” It is, if you eat it raw. Don’t be out here raw-doging a spring of nettle, you dumbass. 

I love love LOVE nettle cake, it’s one of my favorite edible herb recipes. To get rid of the sting, though, I blanch it first. If you want that full recipe, let me know. You won’t be disappointed. 

Actually, if you blanch nettle for any recipe, you can really use it in anything AND you can store it up to a week in the fridge after. 

Let me know what else you wanna hear about! Should I do a separate series for poisons and hexes??

Happy Witching!

[baby-prince-oppa]

Fic/Art prompt idea:

𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐠𝐢 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 - 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐔

Can either be a Luigi x reader or (preferably) non-romance/smut + purely 3rd person that's very loosely based on some IRL events or perhaps even just a slice-of-life type of deal. However this is one of those things where you'd have to put a lot of research in, so I completely understand that not everyone has the time for that. 😅

Bullet points for this AU off the top of my head:

Son of a wealthy aristocratic family who owns one of the most popular bathhouses in all of Rome and co-owns a theater with another prominent family.

Luigi being educated in mathematics, engineering, and philosophy; practically a golden child in the House of Mangione. Loves to spend most of his time in the library.

Hobbies: chariot racing, archery, reading poetry and epics

His patron deities are Apollo and Asclepius.

Major concern over his chronic back pain (yup! still a thing here) so he has to see a physician frequently. May possibly render him unable to sire a future heir if the condition worsens, which is why Luigi remains unmarried past the expected time window since many potential suitors had to be turned away. Neighbors would gossip about it every now and then. A sense of shame threatens to consume his thoughts (he is his father's only son who couldn't continue the bloodline) but he represses it.

His beauty and brilliance still remains the talk of the town however, and the fact that he remains single for so long definitely adds to that allure. Every time he hangs out with his closest friends out in the marketplace or other public spaces, he is bound to turn many heads everywhere he goes.

[calvalia]

Shipping an OC with a living god that is actively worshipped as part of an ethnic religion is weird

(I think I need to clarify that this is supposed to be a ship between an OC and the character Apollo from a mix of modern media he features in, like Hades, Epic the Musical, and Blood of Zeus, as well as my own interpretation of him. It’s not supposed to be religious in any way lmao and I always tag it as such.

But I do have to ask, with that logic do you also find people who ship their OCs with Marvel’s Loki and Thor weird? Because they’re also deities worshipped in Paganism. And what about people who do have special relationships with their deities and consider themselves married to the actual deities within those beliefs, through practices such as godspousal?

[Also to clarify, godspousal is a modern word meant to serve as an umbrella term for ancient practices where people would marry or fully devote themselves to a deity. The type of relationship in a godspousal can vary and is not always romantic, it could also be a familial or devotional relationship similar to priests or nuns]

And while on that subject, Hellenic Polytheism is open practice, actually. There are many Hellenic Polytheists today who aren’t Greek. Mostly because it went extinct for a little while due to the expansion of the Roman Empire, who forced the population to convert to Christianity and destroyed most records of the religion’s practices and temples.

But even so, if the Greek physician Galen could ship his OC Crocus with Hermes by literally copying Hyacinthus’ myth [because the addition of Crocus’ myth is actually a very recent development in comparison] and it being a completely acceptable thing, what is stopping anyone else from doing the same??)

[venussaidso]

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘴 — 𝘈𝘚𝘏𝘞𝘐𝘕𝘐𝘚

Johnlock is an Ashwini-Ashwini ship. Dr John Watson, played by Ashwini Moon Martin Freeman, is the known fictional physician companion to Sherlock Holmes, played by Ashwini Moon Benedict Cumberbatch, who is a sociophathic investigator. The deities that rule this nakshatra are physicians and Ketu nakshatras are known to be cast as mystery-solving investigators. Sherlock's high intelligence is in connection to Ashwini, the nakshatra known for speed and an active mind.

Clara Oswald is to the Twelfth Doctor is what James Watson is to Sherlock Holmes, I just realized. The Twelfth Doctor and Sherlock Holmes portray a similar archetype of Ashwini; both prone to isolation, their intellect and sense of superiority being at the expense of their human emotions, the two being driven by their genius and recklessness. As stated before, Ashwini nakshatra is related to an active intelligence. And it is interesting that the companions they form a deep love and respect for are also Ashwini natives themselves.

Clara Oswald and James Watson embody another side to this Ketu nakshatra which balances and challenges the antisocial genius archetype. As both their partners are abrasive and cold, they counter that by bringing emotional insights and grounding foundation to the dynamic while still being able to keep up with their speedy wit (specifically Clara with Twelve).

For Sherlock Holmes and James Watson, they function like complementary twins— being opposites that fit together. They become inseparable because they offer what the other lacks. These two literally have a deep, unhealthy attachment to one another. But it's not as worse as Clara and Twelve.

Because Clara Oswald and Twelve's relationship evolves to them literally becoming mirrors of each other. As Ketu sucks things in, we see how much Clara takes on his personality through her evolution. She adopts his personality, as he does hers. Their connection becoming so deep that it shapes their identities, until their relationship actually becomes their identity. Which speaks to how receptive Ashwini can be, also speaking to the 1H themes and Libra being the 7th house from Aries.

Clara actually starts to be an equal in the series when she's by his side, the pair functioning like inseparable twins, anticipating each other's thoughts and actions. Their co-dependence and affection for each other so intense that it is addictive as it is destructive to those around them. Their separation ultimately leading him to obsessive, destructive, desperate behaviours — as he feels like he lost a big part of his identity as well. Exactly how Sherlock Holmes would react had he lost Dr James Watson.

In addition to this, but more different, there are two Beauty-&-the-Beast tropes of this Ashwini-Ashwini dynamic. One is Spike and Buffy who have a relationship in which one character embodies the humanity and goodness the other craves and has a choice to learn from, although their toxic duo is marked by conflict and co-dependence.

The Ketu nakshatras being associated with Beauty in this trope, as well as the Beast (after the Jupiter naks of course), highlights the theme of their relationship. His character is marked by darkness and a longing for acceptance, while she seeks to understand the complexities of those around her. He represents the Beast, as she is initially repulsed by his vampirism, before she sees beyond his monstrous exterior to see the vulnerability within.

In the kdrama Sweet Home, Sang-wook is a contract killer who is out of touch with his humanity and it is when he meets a nurse caretaker, Yu-Ri, that he finds himself caring that deeply for someone in such a short amount of time, her presence making him reflect on his actions and identity.

Casey and Kevin in Glass embody this trope the most, as she is the only person who consistently shows empathy towards Kevin’s true self, becoming an anchor for him and reminding him of his humanity amidst his inner turmoil.

This complex dynamic is interesting as it nods, twice, to Casey's Ketu influence. She embodied the final girl nakshatra lord when the Beast devoured its victims and she survived, then she became Beauty to the Beast albeit more twisted in "Glass".

This trope extends to other Ketu-Ketu pairs which I have touched on before.

There is a sense that each character helps the other define or remember who they are in all of these Ashwini pairings as this nakshatra is prone to losing touch of oneself (such as Sherlock or the Twelfth Doctor straying from their humanity and isolating) or not even knowing one's place in the world (much like Spike and even Kevin). The presence of the other Ashwini shapes the behaviour, thoughts, and actions of the other, making their bond almost integral to their sense of self. Touching on those 1H themes, this is what the entire Aries section is learning, but this is Ashwini's important journey.

The Ashwini-Ashwini pair is much like twins who grow up shaping each other’s identities, where the presence of one is key to understanding oneself. And the inseparability of Clara and Twelfth is so twin-like, that of course their companionship to me is literally parallel to this nakshatra's deites; the twin brothers, Ashwini Kumaras, who have adventures and many achievements together (just like Clara and Twelve traveling and going on many adventures). I have noted months ago, maybe even a year from now, that the Ashwini-Ashwini pair can be a nod to that. It may signify having or seeking your soul's other half (neither romantic nor platonic), being how twins are usually described.

[h0bg0blin-meat]

Quick question: What are the Ashwins supposed to be the Gods of? According to the Vedas? There is so little information about them I could find.

Ashvins are commonly heralded as the physician gods of medicine. They are also heralded as "the best of charioteers" and solar deities, being the sons of Surya. They are sometimes called the Sun and Moon (very Mitra-Varuna coded). Their chariot is apparently a "three-columned triangular car", so a trichariot, per se.

They are very much golden retriever coded, and are friends with Ushas, so much so that they are asked to be worshipped together with her.

[thehereticpharaoh]

Temple of Khnum Esna

Dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum (the god of creation) the Temple of Esna construction started during King Tuthmosis III reign during the 18th Dynasty but the temple completed construction during the Ptolemaic period and the Roman period between 40 to 250 A.D.

Sekhmet was a terrifying goddess, however for her friends she could avert plague and cure disease. She was the patron of physicians and healers.

The ancient Egyptians believed that Sekhmet had a cure for every problem. In order to stay on her good side, they offered her food and drink, played music for her, and burned incense. They would whisper their prayers into the ears of cat mummies and offer them to Sekhmet. They believed that this was a direct connection to the deities and their prayers would be answered.(Rosicrusian Egyptian Museum)

[talonabraxas]

“It is by him (Apollo) that the masters of the secret doctrine and all students of the good law shall be enlightened and flourish when He rises again.” - Zohar Mysteries Of Apollo “The ancients signified by Apollo, with his arrows and rays, nothing other than the sun, or the insensible and supramundane archetype that penetrates all sensible things and arranges them in a harmony. By Bacchus, they meant the ripening and digestive faculty in all things;by Hercules, the solidifying and invigorating of all things; and by Mercury, the sun's rapid energy working in all things. Thus they represented the one essence and nature of the supreme deity under four faculties.” A-Apollo in juvenile form; sunrise B- Sun's rays C-Penetrative power in the quiver D-Penetrative power, and throwing of rays E-Costume of a physician or prophet, because of divination F-Energy of vaticination G-Energy in plants, flowers, fruits, trees H- The sun's power in Hercules' lionskin I I-Hercules' clubs, the sun's solidifying energy K-Bacchus's cup, the sun's humid and concoctive energy L-Stability in action M-Mercurial heaps, guardian of the fields N-Harmony of the worlds, and effects of the sun O-Life of the world, and domination in all things P-Energy of the sun's rays in the reed stalk Q-Consonance of the seven planets with the sun R-The black part of the middle rod signifies night S-The white part, day An ancient marble tablet illustrating the power and responsibilities of Apollo, Bacchus, Hercules and Mercury. (Oedipus Aegyptiacus, by ATHANASIUS KIRCHER, Volume II, i, 206, dated 1652–54.)