myth

Pan & Selene

Published September 29, 2010 | By Juniper

This story is based off a myth that may be lost to time. You will find it mentioned in such things as the hymns of Homer and there are many paintings and works of art inspired by it. I have not been able to find an actual telling of the myth, only references and allusions to it. This is my own reconstruction of the story. Rikki over at the Kakophonos Podcast recently recorded me telling the tale for his Samhain/Halloween episode, so stay tuned for that.

Pan and Selene

‘Twas the day before the Harvest Moon rose over Arcadia. The land was preparing for its mild winter of rain in the low-lying areas and snows in the mountains. The autumn flowers were blooming, the vines heavy with fruit.

Through the tall grass, with the sunshine upon his back, walked a god. God of music and laughter, dance and revelry, panic and frenzy. Lord of the shepherds and flocks in the pasture, god of the wild mountains and those who hunt amongst trees and rocks.

Friend and companion of Dionysus, lover of dryads and nymphs. He who gave Artemis her hunting hounds and who taught the secrets of prophecy to Apollo.… Continue reading →

Posted in Bardic Circle, Book of Shadows, Photography & Art, Study | Tagged Bardic Circle, deities, gods, horned god, Horned One, moon, myth, podcast, prose, stories, story

The Song of Spells

Published July 26, 2009 | By Juniper

The Song of Spells

145.
Those songs I know, which nor sons of men
nor queen in a king’s court knows;
the first is Help which will bring thee help
in all woes and in sorrow and strife.
146.
A second I know, which the son of men
must sing, who would heal the sick.
147.
A third I know: if sore need should come
of a spell to stay my foes;
when I sing that song, which shall blunt their swords,
nor their weapons nor staves can wound.
148.
A fourth I know: if men make fast
in chains the joints of my limbs,
when I sing that song which shall set me free,
spring the fetters from hands and feet.
149.
A fifth I know: when I see, by foes shot,
speeding a shaft through the host,
flies it never so strongly I still can stay it,
if I get but a glimpse of its flight.
150.
A sixth I know: when some thane would harm me
in runes on a moist tree’s root,
on his head alone shall light the ills
of the curse that he called upon mine.
151.
A seventh I know: if I see… Continue reading →