Flora, the delightful Goddess of Flowers, was welcomed by the Ancient Romans in April and early May. It’s a little early yet but, in the North of the World, her presence is drawing very close. Seguir leyendo »

The Christmas tree is a much loved symbol instantly calling up images of gifts and family jollity. There are many beautiful connections to ancient traditions. Egyptian and Roman customs, early Christian practices and Victorian nostalgia are all combined in our modern Christmas tree. Seguir leyendo »

During the holiday season, we see many references to mistletoe, christmas rose, rosemary, hawthorn, bay, fir trees and the evergreens. We may sing of the holly and the ivy, or even use the holly to deck our halls. All of these plants share in the traditions of Christmas. Seguir leyendo »

Eve is reported to have bitten into one, or perhaps it was a quince. Hera received some for a wedding gift or maybe they were lemons. It is said they heal wounds, and some believe one bite grants eternal youth. Seguir leyendo »

Iduna, the Rejuvenating One, is the guardian of the apples which keep the gods eternally young. Once she was kidnapped by the giant Thiazi. Seguir leyendo »

Mistletoe has symbolised the emasculator of the old king, a sexual symbol which is latent with fertility, or a good luck charm for a dairy herd. It’s been used as an antidote for poison, a fire suppressant, a protection against evil spirits, a pain reliever for rheumatoid arthritis and as a gift of peace between warring neighbours. Seguir leyendo »

It was at the wedding feast of Peleus and the unhappy Thetis that the trouble all started. Seguir leyendo »

The Gods are of a higher order from mere mortals, so it follows that their sustenance too, is on a higher plane. Seguir leyendo »