I wanted to start a new thread on Mythology and Legends as I have always held a particular fascination with these subjects. Perhaps Kelly-Anne could get out her big beautiful book, "Myths and Secrets" and share some "secrets" as well!

As mythology relates to astrology, this is what I have learned thus far...

The Sun - personified as the all-pervading creative power in Nature, and the masculine principle of Fatherhood (God) and authority. Sun worship of primitive peoples was undoubtedly natural awe and respect for this source of energy, light, heat and growth contrasting with the feared death-like cold and darkness of the night.

The Moon - personified by the Greeks as the goddess Luna. The waxing of the Moon was likened to 'the swelling of a pregnant woman's womb', the "conjunction" (suzugia) of the sun and the new moon to the copulation of man and woman (Greek: sunodos) whence the term 'synodic month' for the period between two "new moons". The ancients associated fertility, growth and decay, with the lunation phases, which has been variously confirmed by science. The Moon influences plant growth, fluids of the earth and the Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius statistically verified that the sidereal lunar month corresponds with the female menstruation cycle.

Mercury - personified by the Romans as Mercurius, the divine winged Grecian god Hermes, and the swift-footed messenger of the gods. Regarded as the god of eloquence, cunning, invention, roads, and commerce.

Venus - originally a Latin goddess of the spring; later identified with the Greek Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, derived from 'fero', to bear, bring forth, produce.

Mars - personified by the Romans as a war-god. Originally he was their nature-god protecting crops and herds, warding off pests, storms, and droughts. Identified with the Greek war-god Ares. The Hindu equivalent was Indra, slayer of serpents and dragons. The Babylonians called it the Star of Death, associated with carnage, plagues and disaster.

Jupiter - personified as the Roman deity of the same name, the most powerful and the highest among the gods, the seer, guardian of law, protector of justice and virtue. Identified with the mighty Zeus of the Greeks and the Scandinavian Thor.

Saturn - personified by the Romans as Saturnus, god of agriculture, founder of civilization and social order. Identified with Cronus (Kronos) the Greek god of time and mundane time-cycles, who was originally a harvest god. The Egyptians called the planet 'Seb, god of earth'; Seb also meaning 'Time'. In myths and legends Saturn is depicted as the reaper, the timekeeper with hourglass and scythe, the symbol of the limit of life's span that must inevitably end with death.

Uranus (Heaven) - the Greek name for the personification of the night sky. As a planet Uranus was not known to the ancients, being discovered in 1781. Its discovery coincided with entirely new developments characteristic of its principle: the Industrial Revolution and a new age of scientific invention and discovery, which set the trends for the later harnessing of electrical and magnetic forces, the aeroplane, radio, television, as well as the increasing independence of the individual and drastic changes in social patterns of behavior.

Neptune - personified as the Roman god of the sea, Neptunus. Identified with the Greek sea-god Poseidon and the marine deity of the Hindus, Varuna.

Pluto - god of the underworld, called Hades by the Greeks, Pluto or Dis by the Romans, Mantus by the Etruscans, and by various other names in most countries where there was primitive worship of gods who personified the higher and lower natures recognized in man.

-Excerpts taken from "Teach yourself Astrology" by Jeff Mayo

Brilliant idea for this thread, Karen. The mythology behind the astrological symbolism has so much to do with the arhetypes of the signs and planets, that thinking about the myths can't help but broaden our understanding of astrology.

Maybe we should just start at the beginning, and talk about the origins of the "first couple" of astrology, the sun and moon. Sun and moon have always been primal archetypes of the fundamental masculine and feminine energies -- yang sun and yin moon, active sun receptive moon, radiant sun and reflective moon. In greek mythology the sun god Appollo was balanced and completed by the lunar goddess Artemis. While the sun is the archetype of the active conscious will or purpose, the moon represents the balancing intuitive, unconscious and nurturing force. The ancients always recognized that this balance between sun and moon was essential: too much sun without the lunar influence can be arrogant, prideful, aggressive, even despotic; while too much moon without the balancing solar influence can be chaotic and scattered, reactive and unfocused, adrift in a dreamy world without clear purpose or direction. It is only in the UNION of sun and moon that sustainable life arises, and the balance between these two primal forces defines the personality at its most basic level. While the sun represents the more obvious outwardly visible and expressive characteristics of personality (hence the popularity of sun sign astrology, because the sun sign characteristics are easily recognizable), the moon represents the more hidden inner side of personality which is more difficult to discern with casual observation, yet is no less important in defining who and what we are. In alchemy (which many feel is just another framework for the same archetypal wisdom embodied in astrology), the union of sun and moon -- male and female -- is called the "chemical wedding," and is the ultimate aim of the spiritual adept. In this way of looking at spiritual evolution, the aim is to harmonize the primal forces within ourselves to bring about the "divine androgyne," the perfect blend of masculine and feminine energies united (or perhaps re-united) within a single consciousness.

Innana

Sung to the tune of "Copacabana" by Barry Manilow - Lyrics by July Lewis

Her name was Innana
She was a goddess
A crown of stars was in her hair
She was the Queen of Earth and Air
Her land was fertile,
Her realm it prospered
Oh yes Innana had it all
But one day she heard the call
Coming from down below
She knew she had to go
To see her recently widowed sister
In the great below.

To the Underworld went Innana
For the funeral of Gugolana
To the Underworld went Innana
To visit her sister
'cause she really missed her,
So Innana, she went below.

And when Innana came to the first gate
The keeper took away her crown
And when she saw Innana frown
He said "Don't question the Underworld ways."
And when he let her through the door
Innana had to go through more.
They took her beads and ring
Though she was protesting.
They took her rod and they took her robes
They took everything.
And when Innana, the Queen of Heaven
Passed through all the gates on through
Seven naked and bowed low
Approached Erishkegal
But when that queen saw her sister
It really pissed her off
And she struck, Innana dead.

And when Innana did not return
It caused significant alarm
And to deliver her from harm
Innana's Grandpa, he made two creatures
He sent them to the great below
And when they heard the Dark Queen moan
They echoed back her cries
With sympathetic sighs
The queen was oh so very grateful
She said "Name Your Prize!"
They said "Innana! We Want Innana!
The corpse that belongs to Innana!"
She said "Take it, if you wanna."
They sprinkled Innana
With life-giving manna
So Innana, came back to life.

(rec'd today from the self-named Babes of Starsong, a.k.a., the girls in my coven, who love to spend time doing stuff like this. I hope it did not throw off the thread essence, it IS about an important goddess, and an easy way to learn some of Her mythology! Blessed Be Innana!)

Great stuff guys, I'm loving this thread!

Gregory,
That is a great idea going through each sign and discussing them...you've got me hungry for more!

Carlo,
Great contribution. Of course any and all gods/goddesses or mythology characters and creatures or whatever pantheon you choose to follow is quite welcome here!

Oh Karen I'm sooooo glad you started this thread! I'm already attached to it. I love all kinds of ancient civilisations, especially greek. I'm actually doing a subject in school at the moment called Classical Civilisations and Cultures. It's excellent, we're going to go see a performance of Medea soon!
Anyway I recommend to anyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient greek gods to read either The Odyssey (my personal favourite) or The Illiad, they're epics and both done by Homer. They're quite good. Or if you can't be bothered, just watch Xena!!!
By the way Karen, another name for the moon goddess was Artemis. She was also known the goddess of hunting and her sacred animal was the deer.
An ancient myth was that before the greeks could travel off to Troy to bring back Helen they had taken a deer from the forest either as a sacrifice or food (I can't remember right now). The thing was that deer was one of Artemis' sacred deers from her forest so she did something or another to stop them from leaving (I think she talked to her good ol' friend Poseidon) until they apologised to her . . . well it's something along the lines of that but it's an excellent story.
Have you ever heard about Hades and Persephone? Oh it's soooo sweet. What's happens is Hades is walking around on earth when he heard Persephone singing, anyway he thought it was the most beautiful and sweetest sound on earth so he went and kidnapped her. But her mother was Demeter, goddess of the hearth so she was obviously devastated when she heard her daughter was kidnapped. Well Hades wouldn't give her back because she had already eaten food down in the Underworld and once that happens you can never leave. So Demeter pleaded with Hades and finally they came to an agreement that Persephone would spend six months with Hades and six months with Demeter. So the six months spent with Demeter is spring and summer, when Demeter is happy. The other six months is autumn and winter when Demeter is pining. It's a beautiful story but my most absolute favourite of all time is the beautiful story of Eros and Psyche! It's simply touching! But I'll save that for another day!
Lots of Love
& Myths
Seamistress

Hi Seamistress!
I expect that you will keep us informed here!
You'll have to share with us what you are learning in your class.

This is great, I did see a made-for-TV movie entitled The Odyssey and it was loaded with wonderful special effects and happens to be one of my fav movies. The TV movie "Merlin" was also well done and if you haven't seen it, you must. I just love the King Arthur tales.

Tomorrow night, NBC is showing "Noah's Ark" in two parts, with the conclusion on Monday night. I've seen the promos for it and it looks like another excellent film.

Do come back and share your Eros and Psyche story...sounds intriguing! I can't wait

love and light,
Karen

Karen,
I just love this thread and yes as you know this is a subject I find fascinating aswell.
I am sitting here, just checking through the site waiting for Noah to come on, it looks fabulous, I've rushed back to watch it....but I didn't realise it's being shown in two parts......that always annoys me...I just can't wait, but at least it's only tomorrow......
Seamistress,
Great story I agree, Karen's right, keep us informed on the different lessons you're learning.....we want to learn too

I'll refer to my magical book and see what I can come up with.....but I'll have to do it tomorrow because.......Noah's on!!!!!

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Hi Everyone!
I'm glad you're taking an interest! I actually had a class today but we were mainly just working on our CATs, I'm doing Sappho, the absolutely wonderful lyrist. She was such an inspirational and independent woman and her writings were simply on another level. She worshipped Aphrodite and mainly wrote poems on love and composed many marriage songs and hymns. She ran a school Mitylene for girls teaching them arts and literature. Here are some of her poems

Although they are
only breath, words
which I command
are immortal

We shall enjoy it
as for him who finds
fault, may silliness
and sorrow take him!

You may forget but
let me tell you
this: someone in
some future time
will think of us

All of her poems except one are fragments because they have been ruined during the centuries. I'll write some more of her poems another time. For now I'll write about Pandora and the box.
Pandora lived in a world where there was beauty and happiness everywhere. Basically everyday was a happy one. Once Hermes, the messenger of the Gods came to their house and told them to look after a box he was carrying. He would not tell them what was in the box only that he would pick it up on the way back and NEVER to open it. Pandora agreed and off went Hermes. However she was so riddled with curiosity that she sat in the house just looking at the box. All her friends bid her to come out and play yet she refused. Soon she the box was whispering, "let me out Pandora pleeeeeease!" As you can imagine she was a little stunned so she opened it slightly to take a peep. The minute the lid lifted all the evils and pains in the world were released and they spread everywhere. Pandora started to cry but soon heard another voice coming from the box, this time it was little but sounded calm and reassuring, "let me out so I can heal where evil has been." So Pandora opened the box once more and our flew Hope. It could not illiminate all evil but it certainly helped people along the way and even now and then, perform miracles!
Seamistress

Hi Seamistress

Thanks so much for sharing that ... I loved the poem ... it related to so many things ...especially my favourite ... the word druids in the first verse ...

I am looking forward to more of this Being's poems ... she seems to be a wonderful Being of Light ...

Keep your short mythological stories coming ... I love myth ...

thanks again
love
druid

PS : I am going to have to use this lady's
message for the words ...

Karen,
I watched the first part of 'Noah's Ark' and I was rather disappointed, I felt as though it was given 20th century humor through it when really it isn't that humorous a subject, and I thought God would have been portrayed with a deeper stronger voice, full of wisdom and grace. The special effects were great and I will be watching the conclusion tonight but I just thought it was going to be rather more biblical.
Just a passing thought
Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Hi Kelly-Anne,
Wow, you ruined it for me!!!! LOL
Just kidding.
I taped it last night and will be taping it again tonight. I am sorry to hear that actually. I was under the impression that it was being portrayed as the biblical story that it happens to be. I probably won't have the time to see it until this weekend, but I do appreciate the "review"!!!
Perhaps we should indulge our disappointment in some tidbits from your book...

love and light,
Karen

Karen,
It IS worth watching, just not what I was expecting

I was looking at my wonderful book earlier today but there are so many myths and greek gods/goddesses to choose from.....what I really need to know is, is there any specific myth or greek god you would like me to look up? ....I'm very happy to do that
I could write every page here....you would just love it, but there are about 1000 pages!!!!!!....I even looked up Stella Maris and that was there too.....
I'm poised with book in hand....let me know

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Kelly-Anne,
You're a hoot!
I'm sure I will enjoy it!

Actually one of my favorite stories has always been The Odyssey. Does your big book have any tales about that gem?

Oh, and yes, of course, anything at all to do with my mother Venus! I always believed that she kept things from me...

love and light,
Karen

Druid,
I'm glad you liked it but you know they're three different poems! She writes so little yet they have a lasting effect huh? I can't write another poem at the moment (I'm sick, stinkin' fever!) But I promise as soon as I'm ready I'll give you another myth, perhaps the Eros and Psyche one!
Karen
& Kelly-Anne,
You're soooo lucky. You get to see Noah's Ark! We probably won't get it for a while yet. Oh well . . . I love The Odysse as well! It's such a beautiful story and it's so magical! Don't you just love the sirens? Do you know I once read that they think they found the wreckage of Noah's Ark! It's somewhere on the Himalayas except they can't reach it because of the high altitude! Hope to hear more from you soon!
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Seamistress :

Wishing you lots of "druidic" magic that you get better soon ... we hungry souls are awaiting ... your scorpion siren song of mystic and magic ...

love
druid

PS : Do drop the father saturn "f" and and keep the remaining "(Eve)r" with you !!!

Karen,
Because Venus is your fav.....here we go

Roman name for the Great Goddess in her sexual aspect, derived from the eponymous mother of Venetian tribes of the Adriatic, after whom the city of Venice was also named. "Veneration" and "venery" were further derivatives. Venery used to mean hunting; for, like her eastern couterpart Artemis, Venus was once a Lady of Animals, and her Horned God - Adonis, both the hunter and the sacrificial stag - became 'venison', which meant "Venus's son".

Modern interpretations fo classical mythology tend to picture Venus as a sex goddess only. Her birth-giving and death-giving aspects have been suppressed; but they were equally important in her cult. As Queen of the Shades she was identified with Proserpine, but went by the name of Libitina. Plutarch said Libitina was only another name for Venus "the goodess of generation".

During the early Middle Ages, Venus became the ruling Fairy Queen of the magic mountains called Venusbergs. She also became a Christian saint, St Venerina, who never existed in human form but only as a cult figure continuing the worship of the Goddess in Calabria.

These are just some of the writings about Venus from the book......hope you liked them

Stella Maris,
I looked up your name too........
"Star of the Sea", an epithet of Isis, Ishtar, Aphrodite, Venus, Mari-Anna, and the virgin Mary. St.Jerome was said to be the first to steal the title from the old Goddesses and bestow it on Mary. The "star" was variously identified as the planet Venus (morning and evening star), or Polaris marking the axis mundi, or Sirius, or the leader of the Pleiades.

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Thank you Druid for your very kind words. I am feeling much better today!
Onto Eros and Psyche.
We all basically know who eros is, Aphrodite's son and kinky and playful god of love who according to Euripedes carried a bow and arrow. Sappho makes references to him calling him bitter-sweet.
Psyche is a king's youngest daughter and is said to be as beautiful as Aphrodite. Well when Aphro heard she went into a jealous rage and sent Eros to go and kill her. That night Eros prepared some poison in a bottle and went to the palace and he was about to kill her when the gentle moon's rays went drifting through the window and he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen! He couldn't kill her after that which made Aphrodite go wacko. So everyday she did little things to Psyche which harmed her until finally Psyche was ready to throw herself off a cliff (which is what Sappho did!) and as she fell Eros, who was watching her, sent for Zephyrus the Wind of Spring to catch her and take her away far far away to an island. On the island was everything she ever dreamed of, a palace, birds chirpring, sweet music. When night came Eros came to Psyche bidding her not to be scared and told her that he loved her but that she couldn't see his face or ask who he was. Psyche agreed and so they fell in love and spent every night together until Psyche got lonely during the day and asked him if he could send her two older sisters down. He warned her that they would only bring sorrow to her but she was too lonely. So he brought them down and they were suspicious as to why she couldn't see his face till they started telling her that he could be a monster who didn't want to reveal his ugly side. That night Psyche lit a candle to look onto the sleeping Eros when he awoke and saw what she was doing he flew out the window and said they were never to see each other again. She went to Aphrodite and pleeded to see Eros but she told him that he was sick with a fever and oculd not be disturbed, Psyche begged to see him so much that she offered to be Aphrodite's own servant. First she was told to sift a whole heap of different seeds before sunset, thankfully some ants helped her. Then she was told to get some wool of a wild ram's coat, a voice told her to wait until it was late and they were asleep. She was loaded with impossible tasks (which as you see weren't really impossible). When Eros heard this he was so distressed that he went to her at once and up to Mount Olympus to Zeus they flew to be married and Psyche drank ambrosia so that she may become immortal and they lived happily ever after!

A Poem of Sappho's
Now I know why Eros,
Of all the progeny of
Earth and Heaven, has
been most dearly loved

Seamistress

Bingo, Kelly-Anne! That's why I chose Stella Maris as my nom-de-plume... because of my chart's alignment with two pole stars AND Sirius...

Hey, Seamistress, can you tell the story of Ariadne?

Kelly Anne and Seamistress,
Seems I've got some catching up to do!!
Kelly,
Very interesting stuff, I have been to Venice and it was quite the magical experience for me and finding out that the city was named after Venus Hmmm, I think my connection runs deep. Please do share more tidbits from that beautiful book, perhaps a new story each day, time permitting of course?
Seamistress,
Thank you for telling us the story of Eros and Psyche. Quite enchanting...and please, do share with us some more when you get the chance

love and light,
Karen

Oh Stella Maris,
I think I've seen that in my special book, just one tiny problem.....it's at the office
When I get in tomorrow I'll post the details for you, unless of course dearest Seamistress manages to do it beforehand

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Dear Kelly-Anne,
I think I might let you tell the story can't wait to hear it. I'm trying to find some more information so I can write about Troy. Don't you just love that story!!!!
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Hi everyone,

kelly-Anne, here is another facet to the Isis - Mary mystery.

Isis

1313

= 8

Mary

4121

= 8

Virgin Mary

612315 4121

= 17 = 8

Osiris
731213

= 17 = 8

and on a related note,...

King Arthur

2153 124562

= 13 = 4

Lancelot

31535374

= 31 =4

Guinevere

361556525

= 35 =8

As Essence said,.. this is Her Month

Star of the Sea,...pray for the wanderer,...pray for me.

She sends rays of Love to all of us *

Hi Stella,..hope you liked!

Love

Michael

Thanks, Michael... I like!

I pray for every Soul to find their own True Path, wherever it may lead...

And I second the vote for Kelly-Ann to tell the Ariadne tale!

Hi Michael,

That was brilliant !!!

Sorry, i couldn't post anything ... as yet !

But ... be rest assured ... I'll be back !!!

The insights on this site are fascinating ... and most of all - the "Magic"

Did you know that "Hexagram" vibrates to the 8 of the compound 26 ... and I sense the revelations of the "her" in Hexagram somehow connects !!!

Look forward to more !

love
druid

Dearest Michael,

That was beautiful!!! Just loved it!!!

Love
essence