Splashes of Mermaid Myths From Around The World (Under the Waves)

MERMAIDS! Half-human and half-fish, they weave tales of mystery, beauty, and sometimes danger across cultures. And, while Mermaid stories are told from every continent, their reputations might convey fear or fondness, depending on where you are from. Some lore surfaces such thought-provoking insight the sayings fiz with Mermaid magic!

East vs. West: A Mermaid's Morality

In European folklore, Mermaids, such as Sirens, are hostile and might lure sailors to their doom. Similarly, in Rusalka of Slavic myths, these vengeful water-dwelling fey will seek out men to drown them. No wonder the old saying goes, "Don't trust a mermaid with a dry sense of humor!"

From the East, Mermaids are often much more benevolent. Japan's "Amabie," for example, is believed to bring bountiful harvests. Also, there's a fascinating tale posted by Keele University  
about the Japanese "Ningyo." Eating the flesh of this person/fish will grant immortality to the human!

Africa's Alluring Waters

Africa boasts a fascinating array of water spirits. Mami Wata, for instance, can be a beautiful and seductive figure, but also a dangerous one. This duality is captured in the West African saying, "Fine face, but fishy tail – beauty can be deceiving."

Common Sayings with Aquatic Charm

Mermaid mischievousness and magic infiltrate our language. Feeling overwhelmed? You might be "drowning your sorrows." Is someone acting suspicious? They could be "keeping their fins crossed." And if you feel lucky, "you might just catch a Mermaid!"

Mermaid Mania: Dive Deep into Their Global Nicknames!

Norse: The fearsome Margygr (a Seagiantess,’ of old Norse literature) lurks in Scandinavian waters, while the Huldra, half-woman, half-fish, can be either benevolent or dangerous.

AI-generated Mermaid picture

Scotland: Celtic folklore features the Ceasg (pronounced "kaysh"), as beautiful but deadly creatures who lure men to their deaths.

Philippines: The enchanting Sirena is similar to the European mermaid, but with flowing, seaweed-like hair.

South America: Lara, a captivating guardian spirit of the Amazon rainforest and its rivers, is another fascinating mermaid figure.

West, Central, and Southern Africa: The captivating Mami Wata is revered in various forms. In Benin, she's associated with the water goddess Mawu, while in Yoruba religion (aka Santeria) she shares characteristics with Oshun, the river Orisha along with Yemoja, the ocean Orisha.

How the Norse Gods Dealt with Grief

Tears of a Valkyrie 

The Norse gods and goddesses of Asgard were powerful and capable of shaking the very foundations of the cosmos. Yet they were not immune to the deadly stabbings of grief. Norse mythology shows how our revered Deities dealt with horrific loss, showcasing a range of emotions that feel so much more human than anything I ever experienced from studying the Bible with the jealous god of Christianity not showing any real emotion.

Love and Loss: A Valkyrie's Lament

One of the most poignant stories of grief comes from Nanna, wife of the beloved God Baldr. Baldr, who was blonde and beautiful to behold, was also invulnerable to all kinds of harm thanks to the spells and negotiations that his mother had cast to protect him.

When Baldr was murdered, it was caused by an evil plot by mischievous Loki. Nanna grieved so profoundly when Baldr died, that she also died (of a broken heart). According to Harvard Health, deep grief changes the heart's muscle cells and blood vessels. Those changes stop the left ventricle from contracting as it should, and that is what kills people with broken hearts. Norse mythology presents many love stories that highlight the Gods' deep capacity for devotion and the devastating impact that's created when losing a loved one.

Beyond Tears: Fury and Madness

Not all grief manifests as sorrow in Norse lore. The goddess Sigyn, Loki's wife, displayed a different kind of mourning when her two sons, Narfi and Fenrir, were imprisoned. Sigyn responded with unwavering loyalty and support. She also stood by Loki during his punishment, offering whatever sliver of comfort she could provide. Yet her personal sacrifice caused her own relinquishment of freedom and a great deal of personal hardship.

For some Norse Gods, grief merely fueled courage. Protector God Tyr, the God of War and Justice, famously sacrificed his hand to save his community from the monstrous wolf Fenrir (another of Loki's sons). Tyr's self-sacrifice had to have brought a sense of loss and injustice to Asgard. Yet the warrior spirit of Viking culture clearly reflects how Tyr's heroism lived on.

Lessons from Asgard

The Norse myths about grief offer a window into the human condition. They remind us that even the most powerful Gods have experienced loss and that their grief has manifested in deep sorrow or righteous anger the same way it affects human beings. 

Do you have a story about how the Norse Gods have shown compassion for your grief? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This Is A Tale Of The Grimalkin! (Cover Your Black Cat's Ears)

Go Away Grimalkin! This is MY Witch!

DEFINITION: A Grimalkin, a supernatural cat, is often described to look like a typical black cat, with sleek, shiny fur that absorbs light rather than reflects it. Its eyes are often described as piercing or glowing with an otherworldly intensity. Its movements are graceful and almost ghost-like. In folklore, a Grimalkin is often associated with witchcraft, magic, and superstition, adding to their enigmatic nature.

Unveiling the Mysterious Mythical Cat Grimalkin

In superstition, few creatures evoke as much intrigue as the Grimalkin. This entity has woven its way into the fabric of a variety of cultural beliefs and traditions, leaving behind a trail of mystery and speculation. But the role it plays in the realms of magic and folklore is just pure fun to learn!

Origins and Etymology

The term "Grimalkin" originates in Middle English, where it was used to refer to an old or surly woman, often synonymous with a witch or sorceress. Over time, the term became associated with a spectral or supernatural cat, believed to be a familiar companion to practitioners of the occult arts.

Grimalkin in Folklore

Throughout history, tales of the grimalkin have permeated folklore across diverse cultures. In Scottish folklore, the grimalkin is often depicted as a fairy cat, possessing magical abilities and serving as a guardian of the fairy realm. It was said that crossing paths with a grimalkin could bring either good fortune or misfortune, depending on one's intentions and actions.

In yet another Scottish legend, the Grimalkin is a cat that takes the shape of a human by day and a panther by night.

In English folklore, a Grimalkin is the witch herself, possessing the cat. The Grimalkin, in this context, served as both a cat familiar (witch's companion) and as a living/breathing body for the witch to possess or inhabit when she needed to travel about undetected. The cat-familiar aided the witch in her spells and rituals once possessed, and added its own supernatural powers to the witch's work as well.

An even more interesting story about the Grimalkin is told on a cat merchandising blog called Cheshire & Wain. There, a Grimalkin is described as an ordinary cat that goes through transmogrification on a moonless night, deep within the heart of an ancient forest. That's where a coven of witches gathered to perform a ritual and they bestow extraordinary powers upon their chosen kitty furball. 

The cat who is Professor McGonagall

Click this link to watch a YouTube video-snip of a Grimalkin-like cat (of Harry Potter fame) transforming into Professor McGonagall. 

Symbolism and Meaning

The symbolism surrounding the grimalkin is rich and multifaceted. As a cat, it embodies traits of independence, mystery, and cunning, reflecting the mysterious nature of the creatures themselves. In some traditions, the grimalkin is seen as a protector, warding off evil spirits and bringing luck to those it favors! In yet others, the grimalkin is viewed with suspicion and fear, associated with dark magic and the occult.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary culture, the image of the grimalkin continues to captivate the imagination, appearing in literature, art, and popular media. From the pages of fantasy novels to the silver screen, the mystical allure of these spectral felines endures, perpetuating their legacy in the realm of myth and legend.

Conclusion

The enigmatic allure of the Grimalkin has persisted through the ages. Its presence has been woven into the tapestry of human imagination and belief. Whether the Grimalkin is perceived as a benevolent guardian (which is how I view these familiar cats) or a harbinger of dark forces by insecure people who are so afraid of their own shadow that they see EVERYTHING as a threat, the mysterious nature of these spectral felines continues to fascinate and inspire. Our cats, whether Grimalkin or not, are always reminding us how magic is always close as the resident cat. >Meow<

“A witch is born out of the true hungers of her time.”

ALL Witches: Born of Hunger, Agents of Change

The word "witch" conjures up images of cauldrons, pointy hats, and broomstick rides. But a quote by Ray Bradbury (American Author and Screenwriter) peels back the stereotypical layers, revealing a deeper truth: "A witch is born out of the true hungers of her time."

Bradbury's words paint a powerful image. Witches aren't just pretending to be something out of boredom or spite; they're products of their era. They embody the deepest desires, frustrations, and needs of society. In times of plague, a witch might represent the yearning for healing. In periods of oppression, she could be the rebellion against injustice.

In my own life, I rebelled against repulsive sexual predation against children and divorced a Seventh-day Adventist minister to finally claim my power as both a woman and mother. I became a Witch DECADES ago and I'm meeting many witches who have left the religion of their childhood to embrace the witchy philosophy, which celebrates women and honors the social impacts that they have on society.

Witches become the embodiment of whatever societal hunger is needed in their lifetime. They are the ones who defy the perverted status quo to pursue something more logical, fulfilling and confirming.

What are the social "hungers" of our time NOW except for environmental concerns, social inequality, and technological anxieties?

Witches can be reclusive or they could be activists, healers, and innovators who address the social things that alarm them. Some quietly withdraw from oppressive relationships to pursue peace into the far recesses away from so much manufactured stress. The solitary witches often live in harmony with the Forest and/or with Mother Earth; alone and happy. 

The idea of the witch being a product of her time is more than just a literary concept. It's a reminder that change comes for those brave enough to question the status quo. Who are these witches of our time?  And what hungers are they trying to satiate?

The Magic of Deep Listening: In the absence of constant chatter, a solitary witch hones the art of deep listening. The rustle of leaves becomes a whisper of secrets, the gurgle of a stream a cryptic message. Nature becomes her constant companion, with animal spirits and spirit ancestors whispering ancient spells in the wind.

Unfettered Experimentation: Free from judgmental eyes, a solitary witch is a boundless wellspring of experimentation. Potions simmer for days, and herbal concoctions brew under the watchful gaze of the moon. Rituals for protecting loved ones might unfold with uninhibited creativity, fueled by intuition, messages from both the spirit realm, and from the unfiltered whispers of her own spirit.

The Symphony of Self: Isolation allows a witch to delve into the deepest well of power – herself. In the quiet, she hones her connection to her inner Fire, the source of potent magic. Here, self-discovery becomes a key ingredient, a necessary element for weaving spells that resonate with the very fabric of existence.

Blessed be! 

"As Above, So Below." What does that mean?

"As Above, So Below" regards how witchcraft weaves its tapestry.

Notice the correspondences between the Universe (e.g., the one that's inside our bodies) and how these cellular structures match the great Cosmos that's up amongst the Stars. 

Correspondences also connect herbs with planets, colors with emotions, and crystals with intentions. By understanding these connections, we can infuse our spells, rituals, and everyday lives with a deeper layer of meaning and intention.

Think of it like this: Imagine brewing a love potion. Red roses (associated with love) sprinkled with cinnamon (known for passion), cast under the Full Moon, linked to both emotions and intuition ... all that work together to amplify our magickal goals!

A Witch uses these correspondences to symbolize her desired outcome and to communicate her desires with all the intelligent Energies, seen and unseen.

Exploring the Magickal Correspondences:

There are countless correspondences to discover, but here are a few foundational categories (to help you with the "As Above, So Below" principles):

Herbs & Plants: Each herb whispers a unique story. Rosemary, with its spiky leaves and strong evergreen aroma, embodies protection, while calming lavender (with leaves that look similar to Rosemary leaves but Lavender leaves are softer with a much more soothing aroma). So lavender soothes anxieties!

Crystals & Minerals: Crystals (with a highly ordered microscopic structure made of atoms, molecules, and ions) exhibit potent vibrations. Amethyst, with its deep purple hues, resonates with spiritual wisdom, while fiery citrine attracts abundance.

Colors: Colors are more than just visual; they carry energy. Red ignites passion, green nurtures growth, and white symbolizes purity.

Planets & Celestial Bodies: The Moon governs intuition, the Sun radiates confidence and growth, and Saturn brings grounding stability.

Building Your Own Magical Language:

The beauty of correspondences lies in their personal interpretations. While there are established associations, follow your own intuition to personalize your work! Notice how certain colors make you feel or how a particular herb resonates with your intuition. Trust your inner voice; it's a powerful guide.