Mythology Category

Stairs & Ladders: Signs & Symbols

  • Stairs

A ladder, staircase or stairs, for some symbolises a pathway to the divine, with each rung or step denoting a spiritual milestone, a heightened consciousness during the journey upwards, or a descent into a fiery underworld. These structures are commonly linked to concepts of morality, where various levels signify the transition between earthly and celestial domains.

Ladder

The ladder is a widely recognised mythological symbol commonly seen as representing the attainment of inner completeness. It is linked to the two trees in Paradise: The Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life, connected by steps symbolising spiritual enlightenment.

In the Bible, there is a well-known ladder linked to Jacob’s dream in the Old Testament. Escaping his brother’s wrath, Jacob rests with a stone as his pillow. He envisions a ladder reaching the heavens, with angels moving up and down. At the ladder’s peak, God bestows blessings and assures Jacob of protection on his path. This story illustrates how ladders represent connection between spiritual and physical realms, as well as between unconscious and conscious aspects of oneself.

In certain societies, the quantity of ladder steps denotes the challenges needed to achieve self-awareness or enlightenment. In Buddhism, for instance, there are seven steps mirroring the seven heavens and stages of awareness. Ladder rungs can represent levels or steps, as seen in church altars where priests stand higher than congregants, or in royal settings with thrones denoting elevated status.

Stairs & Spiral Staircases

Stairs and ladders share a deep connection in meaning. Various floors indicate different cosmic levels and stages of enlightenment. A spiral staircase goes beyond, signifying a complex journey with uncertainties. Both stairs and ladders involve movement in two directions – upwards and downwards. Climbing a spiral staircase often means not seeing the end, mirroring life’s unpredictability where the path ahead remains unknown.

Conclusion

The classic game of snakes and ladders represents the journey of spiritual growth, illustrating the progress upwards and the unexpected setbacks symbolised by the presence of snakes.

Spirit Animal – Mammals

  • Spirit Animal

Humans and animals have had a connection as old as time, in many cultures animals are worshipped as Gods, and in others they are seen as tokens of luck – both good and bad. Many of us identify with certain creatures, as our Spirit Animal, and look to them for power, wisdom and intuition.

Read on, as we explore why certain mammals have been adopted as Spirit Animal totems.

Bat, Bear, Beaver and Black Sheep

Bat

The bat has been linked to vampires and witchcraft, and also to the devil. It is often considered part-bird/part rat. Summed up in one word, its meaning would be ‘duplicity’! In some cultures, it is associated with the bringing of rain.

Bear

The bear symbolises healing and medicine as well as wisdom to many. As a spirit animal bears are often associated with war divinities, and the sentiments of courage and strength.

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Angels – Archangels – Cherubs & more…

Angels

Angels are frequently depicted as youthful and beautiful beings, symbolising their elevated status. They are commonly adorned in white attire, representing their purity and spirituality.

Cherubs

Frequently mistaken for Cherubim, cherubs or putti (derived from old Italian putto, which means ‘child’) were representations in Classical art of plump, unclothed infant figures, typically male and commonly depicted with wings. Cherubs are often depicted welcoming people to heaven, and they are frequently seen carrying musical instruments.

  • Cupid – associated with love and romance.
  • Baroque Putto – frequently carved into designs of furniture and architectural features on buildings, they are often gilded in gold for added reverence.
  • Memento Mori – as a symbol of innocence, often juxtaposed with a sign of mortality, signifying the transitory and cyclical nature of life.
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Sun: Signs & Symbols – Vitality & Regeneration

Sun

From the winter weather, it might seem strange to discuss The Sun; however, as well as being a symbol of summer and good weather, it is also a powerful symbol to be revered as a life force and cosmic power. Often, the Sun is associated with vitality, enlightenment, birth and regeneration, making it a perfect starting place for the New Year.

In Japan and American/Indian Tribes, the Sun is considered female, but by and large, throughout history and culture, the Sun is seen as a male energy. The Sun is often depicted with a dual personality: one of passion, youth, royalty, and a fertilising force, but also as something with a great capacity for fire and destruction.

Here, we take a look at some legends and Gods associated with the Sun:

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Summer Solstice Sun Gods & Goddesses

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The Summer Solstice takes place on the 21st June 2023 in the UK; in modern Paganism the words Ostara, Litha & Mabon denote Spring, Midsummer and the Autumn Equinox. Early Litha was known as the month of June and Late Litha as the month of July. Now Midsummer is commonly called just Litha. The word Litha translates as ‘calm’ in Anglo-Saxon probably paralleling with the rest period of the farming year.

Solstice

Solstice is derived from the words ‘sol’ meaning sun and ‘sistere’ meaning cause to stand still, midsummer celebrations focus on the power of the sun and celebrate ripening, fertility and regeneration.

If you need a little inspiration this summer, then why not call on any one of the Sun Gods or Goddesses for guidance:

For healing, creative inspiration and assistance on your journey contact the Greek God Apollo. He oversaw medicine, poetry, art and healing, and of course his main task was to harness his flaming chariot with four horses and drive the sun across the sky. Call upon Apollo when you need light and truth.

If you are embarking on a DIY project or an adventure summer holiday, basically anything that requires concentrated skill then Lugh is the God for you. He was a master of skill and talent turning his hand to building, fighting, hunting and more. Request that Lugh bestows on you the skills you need to complete your project well.

If you or someone you care about is getting married this summer, then call for Juno’s protection. She safeguards and protects women; Juno is the patroness of the divine union. To ensure a wedding goes off without a hitch, appeal to Juno during Litha for her blessings.

Archangel’s

Gabriel PSGabriel

Archangel Gabriel is one of the two highest ranking angels. He is best known for coming to Mary and informing her that she would be giving birth to Jesus. It is also believed that he helped Joan of Arc with her campaign. In Judaism it is said that Gabriel parted the Red Sea so that the Hebrews could escape and in Islam it is told that Gabriel dictated the Koran to Mohammed. The meaning of Gabriel is ‘God is my strength’.

Gabriel is the Archangel of guidance and can help in all aspects relating to this. For instance, he can help you to find your true calling or life purpose, or give help on such issues as a new career, relationship or family. He can also help with purification; such as if you have negative thoughts, are in a negative environment or have been abused.

As with all angels, if you want his help you just need to call him by name and ask him for what you want. Crystals connected with Archangel Gabriel are Tanzanite, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli and Blue Calcite, he is also connected with the lily and with the colours white and indigo. His day is celebrated on 29th September.

Michael

Michael is probably the best known of all the Archangels. He is often shown carrying a sword. In the bible he rescued Daniel from the lions and he is also referred to in the Islamic and Jewish religions, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and many other beliefs.

Michael is the Archangel of protection, courage and strength, and, truth and integrity and can be called upon to help you in these circumstances. As with all angels, he cannot help until asked to, either by the person involved or a person who cares about them. All that is necessary is to ask for his help and then he can step in and give aid.

Many people have reported miracles when they ask Archangel Michael for help. He can protect us physically, emotionally and psychically in any situation where we don’t feel safe. Similarly in those situations where you need more courage to face the circumstances you find yourself in, such as ill health or mental strain, or where truth and honesty is involved, such as when you find it hard to tell the truth or accept the truth, he can easily be called upon to help.

Out-Of-Body Experiences

Out of Body ExperiencesWhen I think about an out-of-body experience I tend to conjure up the movie version, where somebody is on the brink of death, doctors all around, CPR and defibrillation being administered, but the person is hovering between deciding whether to live or whether to give up and all the time aspects of their life are flashing before them…

However in reality out-of-body experiences can appear on a much less dramatic level, such as when we are on the verge of sleep, either when we are entering or leaving REM sleep – the rapid eye movement part of the cycle or during lucid dream sleep. People that have such experiences tend to have very emotional responses, either finding the event deeply disturbing or incredibly moving. It may be that they actually unconsciously willed themselves from their bodies, but others describe a feeling of having been dragged by an unknown force. The simplest explanation for out-of-body experiences is that our human consciousness separates from our human body for a period of time but travels unhindered. (more…)

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael Stained Glass WindowMystics have been debating the hierarchy of angels for centuries, but it is widely believed that the term archangel describes a special status (arch meaning ruler) reserved for seven angels for example Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel ranking them second to last in their proximity to God within the nine angelic orders. (more…)

The Real Faeries at Midsummer

FaeriesYes faeries are real. They were created from the heart of God the same as the angels were. Faeries are God’s guardian angels of nature and they ensure the health and safety of animals, plants and Mother Earth. They are clairsentient beings able to sense human emotion and are affected by it. The word fairy derives from the old French faerie, which means ‘enchantment’. My spelling of faerie here is generally recognized at the present time to be the spelling used when referring to the serious study of elemental, magical beings. Other spellings, such as fairy, usually refer to a kind of imaginary fairy in a trivial or childlike sense; Tinkerbell is the stereotypical image. However the inhabitants of Faerie Land are very numerous and varied indeed. What do faeries look like? The answer varies drastically with the type of faery you are dealing with, but they are generally small, from several inches to about three feet high. There are a few faery spirits who have the ability to take temporary human form and size and there are even faeries classified as giants. (more…)

Ametrine Crystal

Ametrine is an unusual stone, it occurs in quartz when amethyst and Citrine reside in the same crystal. The stones are mainly located in the Anahi Mine in Bolivia,Ametrine Stone
but recently a small amount have also been mined in the Brazilian state of Bahia.

The small amount of places it can be found make the gemstone rare and its combination of Amethyst and Citrine make every stone unique in composition. This colour zoning also make it a powerful stone for a higher psychic awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

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