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

Dear Michael,
That was very beautiful! Thank you
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Hi Stella Maris and all you Knowflakes!
OK, I'm sorry for the delay.....had a really bad headache yesterday....looking at my computer way too much

Anyway, as promised I've looked up ARIADNE......now I haven't got a story, as such but I'll write what I have.......

"Most Holy" or "High Fruitful Mother", the younger form of the Cretan Moon-Goddess, worshipped at Amathus as a consort of Dionysus. Hellenic myth disparaged her and made her a mere mortal maiden who helped Theseus survive the Cretan Labyrinth, ran away with him, and was abandoned when he wearied of her.(typical )However, her subsequent mating with the god showed that she was the rightful bride of gods to begin with.

So, hope that's of some help......maybe Seamistress could add some more details

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Actually Kelly-Anne that was wonderfully put there's not much to add. I didn't know that Ariadne was a sort of moon goddess so thank you!
I'll tell you a little about the Minotaur. He was the son of King Minos' wife Pasiphae. The myth is she once hid inside a wooden cow and Zeus liked the way that wooden cow was looking one fine morning so he decided to fool around with her eventually she bore a son half man, half bull called the Minotaur. King Minos decided not to kill it but instead asked a trusty architect Daedalus to create the most complicated labyrinth in the world so the Minotaur could never get out no matter how hard he tried. The Minotaur was fed seven children every year who were from the mainland I think, now as to why they were fed I can't quite remember the story, I think Minos' child was killed by a king there or something like that, so it's revenge.
Now Theseus, son of Princess Aethra of Troezen and of Aegeus, decided to volunteer himself to be one of the seven children so that he could try to kill the Minotaur. He told his father that if she succeeded in killing him then he would sail with a white sail home, if not then the black would remain.
They arrived at Crete and Ariadne, daughter of King Minos saw Theseus and immediately fell in love with him. She went to Daedalus and told him to find a way for Theseus to get out. Daedalus told her that he should carry a ball of twine and untwine it through the maze so he can find his way back again. She told Theseus of this and he did it, and also killed the Minotaur. He rescued everyone and they all sailed home with Ariadne by his side.
They decided to stop at the island of Naxos and here is where the story takes two paths. The first one was Kelly-Anne's version that Theseus deserted Ariadne. The second one (my favourite) was that Ariadne got sick and they stopped so she could rest a while. They were all proud of Theseus' success so they decided to hold a party, and well got drunk, isn't that how it always happens . But it was Dionysis that had put the wine there because he had seen the beautiful Ariadne and wanted her for himself. So he got them drunk and while they were all sleeping he took Ariadne away. She screamed for Theseus and he immediately awoke but it was too late, Dionysis had taken her away. So they climbed back on ship and due to their melancholy position they forgot to put the white sail on instead of the black one. King Aegeus was watching from a cliff looking out over the ocean below. He saw there ship approaching and saw the sail was black. Out of misery he threw himself out onto the sea which was later named after him, hence the Aegean sea! Theseus was obviously distraught at this and it seemed his life wasn't going to get much better but he was later pronounced the new king (I don't know if that made his life better or not!).
THE END!
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Seamistress and Kelly-Anne :

Wonderful stories ... enjoying every moment of it ...

looking forward for more ...

love
druid

Hi Everyone!
I'm baaaack (just can't get enough of this thread)! Well today I went to see Euripedes' tragedy Medea! It was extremely complex and difficult to understand the first time but it was definitely entertaining. It is a tragedy it's about a witch called Medea who helps a guy called Jason get his rightful place on the throne back and she does this for him then they go to Corinth and he leaves her for a younger woman and a princess! Now Jason and Medea have been together for about 10 years and have two sons and Medea has done absolutely EVERYTHING possible for this guy. She used her witchcraft to help him perform an almost impossible task to reclaim his throne and she even killed her brother! So now she's obviously upset so she casts spells on the king of Corinth, (I think his name is Creon) and then she's banished. Then she goes to King Aegeus of Athens and asks for citizenship there on his complete oath, no matter what she did she would always be a citizen there and he couldn't banish her. So with this promise she kills Jason's new wife who is also the king's daughter and to punish Jason she kills their two sons! A total freakshow but well worth the effort!
Hope to hear more from you
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Hi again Seamistress !

I like the myths retold by you ... you make it so communicative ... its as if I am sitting in front of you as you narrate in such a conversational manner ... "quite" the way to make us learn and know these fantastic myths ...

I think you were relating part of the story of "JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS" - I had seen a film on this a very long time ago and - needless to say, I was very fascinated ! Jason was quite a hero to me - all those greek and roman gods and goddesses are, but after what you narrated, well, I shall take some time to frown ...

But I do look forward to more of the magical myths from the duo - you and Kelly-Anne!

love
druid

Thanks Druid!!
I think that might be the same Jason, I'm not too sure though. Well I've brought you another story - this time Troy!
The legendary story is a very twisting and twirling type of story. Not many people know whether the story is myth or real but this is the version that is BELIEVED to be real but of course you'll notice that some areas are most likely myths.
It all started when King Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis were having their wedding banquet on Mount Olympus (they were also Achilles' parents). All the gods had been invited to the glorious celebration except Discord for obvious reasons. When Discord heard that she was not invited to the wedding she decided to create a little conflict to ease her anger so she threw down a golden apple inscribed "to the most beautiful goddess." Being the narrow-minded godesses that they were they all started to bicker over it until they came down to three goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Zeus decided that not to spoil the wedding he would take the matter elsewhere and asked Hermes the messenger of the gods to go find Paris. Paris was a very fair and rational man. He took everything into account and was clear in his thoughts. Hermes told Paris of this contest and Paris agreed, soon in front of him were the three beautiful goddesses. He had no idea which to choose. Hera came up and told him, "If you pick me, I'll give you the world."
Athena came up and said, "If you pick me, I'll give you enough knowledge and fighting skills to conquer the world - and keep it."
Then Aphrodite came up to him and said, "If you choose me, I'll give you the most beautiful woman in the whole world." Paris thought about it - but not for long he chose Aphrodite and she gave him Helen, the most beautiful mortal in the world. He was to sail over to King Menelaus, Helen's husband and take her. He did not know however that before they were married everyone had wanted to marry Helen. Her father had been worried that the losers wold join together and attack the winner so he made them take an oath to protect the winner and Helen and to help them should the need arise.
So Paris went over to their home and Menelaus went away for a few days Paris saw the opportunity and took Helen who in the meantime had become madly in love with him and they sailed away back to Troy.
When King Menelaus came back he was obviously angry and so he called back all the losers and reminded them of the oath they took to protect them and help them so they all got together and sailed away to Troy. They had powerful people such as Agamemnon, Odysseus and Achilles. They arrived at Troy and fought for ten bloody years unable to get past the tall walls of Troy until a smart greek came up with a plan. They would make it seem that they had given up and were building a GIGANTIC wooden horse as an offering to a god and they had their ships sail away. The Trojans were very excited at this and they took the horse within the walls and celebrated. They all eventually ended up drunk and when night came the horse started opening up, inside the horse the greeks were hiding. They climbed out quietly and then started fighting with the Trojans and ended up getting Helen and killing Paris.
A very sad story but an important lesson. Anyway I'll come back and write about my other favourite story (besides Eros and Psyche) the story of Achilles and his little slave girl!
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Seamistress,

That is a wonderful story. I enjoyed it !

I must tell you I had seen "Helen of Troy" many years back - and it was simply fascinating !

I can't remember the details but I know I enjoyed every minute of the movie ...

Thank you once again Seamistress - and look forward to your next myth !

love
druid

Thanks Druid,
I think I saw that film as well, I can't remember what it was called - all I can remember is a HUGE horse being rolled into the city
Have you ever seen The Odyssey? It is simply spectacular! I recommend that you watch it. Once more thankyou.
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Dear Knowflakes ...

where are your wonderful mythological tales ... would love to hear some more ...

love
druid

Yes - where have all the legends gone? Kelly-Anne, I'm very intrigued by this Special Book of yours. What is it about? Does it contain many myths? What's your favourite? Could you retell it? Sorry to be asking all these questions but I love all this stuff too!
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Is it just me or did a few posts go missing? Perhaps I'm just losing it

Dear Seamistress

You're definately Not losing it - seems there was a technical problem.

It's sort of like we went Back in time, glimpsed the Future and are still Here in the Present 'reality'? ...

Much Love
essence

Dear Essence,
Ahhhh thank you for clearing that up with me! You know when you put it that way I guess Linda was right, time doesn't exist

I promise to put on the Echo story again if that is what you all wish. I didn't save it so I'll just start anew!

Lots of Love
Seamistress

Dear Seamistress

Please DO!!!

Much Love
essence

Dear, Dear Seamistress :

I would love to hear the "echo" of your lovely mythical tale ... I am so glad that you saw my message to you after you had written it ... because I truly enjoyed the story ...

So I look forward to reading it once again ... again ... again ... again ... ... the echo story is truly revealing to me !

love you
druid

Me too, Seamistress!

Sublime SEAMISTRESS,

Thou TRESS of the SEA,
Thou TEAR of the MIST,
Thou ART that SEARS ME,
AM I to RESIST?
RAISE IT, like a MAST,
Your STAR from the past,
To STEER us on the SEA'S MAIN
(May it not be a pain,)
We all want to SEE your "Echo" again! gain! gain! gain. . .

Robert Chancellor

P.S. After all, ECHO is in my name!

...
...

Dear, dear Knowflakes!
You have all been very kind and I quickly write these words to quench your thirst . . of the echoes . . echoes . . echoes
Now, once upon a time long, long ago there was a beautiful nymph called Echo. She was quite a chattery little nymph who was always found talking to someone or another for she was quite fond of her own voice. One day Echo was chatting away with the queen of the gods, Hera. Soon enough they got into a little bicker and as punishment for angering her, Hera cast a spell on Echo. The spell was that she could never talk again except repeat the last words of anyone she heard speaking. Furthermore she would never be allowed to reveal herself to anyone unless they bade her so. Distraught by this ill news, Echo fled away into a nearby cave.
One day a beautiful man was walking by when Echo saw him she could hardly speak. He looked to her like a god but he was really only a nymph called Narcissus. Echo followed him on his path until he heard some rustling in the bushes where she was hiding.
"Who's there?" he said
"There," replied Echo
"Who are you?"
"You," she answered sadly. Narcissus thought that she was teasing him and at that he got quite upset and yelled at her.
"Show yourself!"
"Self," said Echo happily, for now she could come out into the open and she did so lovingly embracing Narcissus. However Narcissus pulled himself away angrily.
"You were teasing me and now you pretend to love me?! Leave me be!" He said.
"Be," cried Echo and she quickly ran back into the trees still following the handsome youth. Narcissus grew thirsty and wandered over to a spring to quench his thirst, when he looked down he saw the most beautiful nymph he had ever seen! It looked to him like an angel, however it was only his reflection. Echo saw this and wished she could tell him that really he was being vain but alas she could not and so she watched him waste away by the pool not wanting to leave the beautiful nymph. For days Narcissus bade the nymph in the water to come out and play and still the nymph remained in the water. Soon Narcissus was growing quite weak and unable to move, Echo weeping at the sight of this could do nothing but wait. The next morning she looked out to the pool and saw the beautiful Narcissus passed away by the pool with his hand gently touching the water.
The gods saw the nymph lying there and weeped sorrowfully for his passing. To honour him they turned him into a beautiful flower and called it the Narcissus. The flower can now be seen by the water's edge bending over to look at its own reflection. As for Echo, she is still alive hiding in the shadows of the hills and caves, never to be seen again. If you yell loud enough you will always hear her replying to you . . you . . you . . .
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Dear druid,
I'm sorry I made you wait so long until I could put the Echo story back on. I hope you enjoy the second try.
Enjoy . . joy . . joy . . joy

Dear Greg,
Hope you like this too!

Dear Essence,

Dear Robert,
That was very sweet! Thank you

Lots of Love
Seamistress

Dear, Dear Seamistress :

It is well worth the wait ... cause you weave this story more magically than before ... adding the touch of the wonderful Echo at the end ... like I said it is wonderful to re-do one's creativity ... only to find more magic within ... and there is so much joy ... joy ... joy ...
Looking forward to more magical tales ...
love
druid

Essence ... dear one ...

Dear Seamistress

Lovely...Lovely...Lovely...

Much Love
essence

Beautifully told, Seamistress. It's easy to tell how much these stories mean to you by the gentle and loving way you spin them out -- and it's catching.

Thanks Knowflakes!
You are all so sweet

Lots of Love
Seamistress

Dear myths and legends lovers,

I have a "legend" that some might be interested in, only because Linda Goodman herself believed that Tristam and Isolde were respectively, a piece of Osiris and a piece of Isis. This legend is not my creation, but merely my translation of a very old work from the 12th century (1100's A.D.). It is attributed to Marie de France and her works are the oldest extant texts written by a woman in French. The language of the original legend is an Anglo-Norman dialect of Old French, although Marie herself relates how it is merely her "translation" (probably from an oral Celtic tradition) of a much older account. It is a relatively short account (the shortest of her "lais").
Marie writes in octosyllabic rhymed couplets, and I respect her wishes by translating it into English the same way. I think it tends to support Linda Goodman's conclusion regarding the Twin S-elves of Tristan and Isolde (whose names together lexigram to suggest "Osiris" and "Isis." see page 223 in the hardback edition of "Star Signs.")
Is there anyone interested in seeing this lai? If not, that's ok.

Robert Chancellor

You bet, Robert, I'd love to see it, and I'm sure others would too.

Dear RC

Can't Wait !!!

Much Love
essence

Hi Robert,

Sounds interesting! When can we see it?

*Aries* Kate

Dear Knowflakes, Essence, Kate, and Gregory,

Three is such a magic number!

Agreement by three,
So shall it be.

I'll post part of it right now, and if you like what you see, I'll give you the rest.
Marie de France calls this one "The Honeysuckle" and you'll see why, even though it's about Tristam and Isolde. (BTW Tristam= Triste + Ame= "Sad soul")

The Honeysuckle

1 It pleases me and suits my way,
About the Honeysuckle Lay,
To tell you now the tale's true course
How it was made, and what it's source.
5 Several told me and related
And I've seen in writing stated
The tale of Tristam and the queen,
Of their great love both deep and keen,
From which such sorrows came their way;
10 Both died from it on the same day.

When King Mark's anger once was fired,
Against his nephew, Tristam, ired
He banished him from his demesne
For the great love he bore the queen.
15 Into his native land he fled,
South Wales, where he was born and bred.
A whole year there he did remain,
Since he could not go back again,
Then with abandon placed his life
20 Open to death and every strife.
At this do not astonished be,
For he who has loved loyally
Knows great distress and sorrow dire
When he's denied his heart's desire.
25 Tristam became as one bereft
And so his natal land he left.
To Cornwall he departed straight
There where the queen held her estate.
Oft to the woods he went alone,
30 He did not want his presence known,
And re-emerged when failing light
Made him seek shelter for the night.
Amidst the poor and peasant kind
His nightly lodging he would find.
35 He asked what news they could relate
About King Mark, and what his state.
These folk told him what they had heard,
That the barons had gotten word
That they to Tintagel must post
40 For a great feast the king would host
At Pentecost, all would be there
Great joy and revelry to share
The queen too would accompany.

At this Tristam felt ecstasy.
45 In no way could she thither hie
Without him seeing her pass by.
The very day the King's court fared,
Tristam to the wood repaired
On the same path by which he knew
50 King and retinue must come through.
There he cut some hazel in two,
And whittled it right square and true.
Having prepared it to this aim,
With his knife he engraved his name.
55 Should thus the queen perceive the stick,
Being on guard for such a trick,
From her true love she'd recognize
The token when it met her eyes;
Once before by such a ruse
60 Of Tristam she had gotten news.
In sum, here's how the message read
That he sent her and what he said: . . .

Y'all like, so far?

Robert Chancellor

Dear Robert,
That was beautiful!! You translated all that? Amazing Is there any more?
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Dear Robert ...
truly beautiful ... your translation is stupendous ... I love it ... do continue ... thank you dear Leo ... such magnificence ...I look forward to more of this twin-self legend ...

love to you
druid

somehow ... I keep hearing that LEO echo ... now I wonder why ?! Can you perhaps be reflecting ? ...

Dear RC

Will Wonders *YOU* nEVER cease ???

Much Love
essence

Don't you dare leave us hanging out on that wooded path without seeing his message to the queen, or knowing how it fared!

Robert, I'm astounded at your facility with verse -- it's hard enough to write rhymed couplets in strict meter without forcing the flow, even when you have complete freedom of content; but to do so while translating is nothing short of amazing!

Gosh and Golly! BLUSH.

The LOVE expressed here by all is overwhelming! How can I see to give you all this if you keep filling my eyes with TEARS from your LOVE TONES?

Thank you all so much. Here's the rest of the tale of the Twin s-Elves, Tristam and Isolde . . .

Conclusion of "The Honeysuckle."
(picking up where we left off)

In sum, here's how the message read
That he sent her and what he said:
A long sojourn here he would make
While he awaited for her sake
65 Spying to perchance discover
Some way he might see his lover
For he would die without his dame.
With both of them it was the same
As is the honeysuckle's fate
70 When the hazel tree is its mate:
When it twines there its embraces
And all round the trunk enlaces,
Together they can long remain;
But would someone part them again
75 The hazel very quickly dies,
The honeysuckle vine, likewise.
"MY LOVE, OF US THE SAME IS TRUE;
NO YOU LESS ME, NO I LESS YOU!"

The queen came riding on her horse,
80 Looking ahead upon the course,
She saw the stick and knew it well,
Its every letter she could tell.
The knights who were the escort sent
To travel with her as she went
85 Bade she all stop at her behest;
She would dismount and take a rest.
At her command they did obey.
She went apart from them a way,
Her servant girl she bade come too,
90 Who was named Brangien, good and true.
She left the track a little ways
Till in the woods there met her gaze
The one she loved beyond compare
And great the joy they did then share!
95 He did speak to her at leisure,
She told him what was her pleasure,
Then showed him how he might induce
The king to want to call a truce,
And told him he was sorely missed
100 By her when he was thus dismissed
For accusations made by some.
The time for lovers to part was come.
But when they had to say good-bye
They both began to weep and cry.
105 Then back to Wales Tristam did wend
Till his uncle for him should send.

From the joy he'd had in seeing
His true love and with her being,
And from the message he did write,
110 And what she'd said to his delight,
To keep those words' sweet memory sharp
Tristam, who well could play the harp
Made of their story a new lay,
Without ado its name I'll say:
115 In English "Gotelef"* was its name,
In French "Chievrefueil" meant the same.
The tale I've told is true and clear
About the lay recounted here.

* Gotelef = Goatleaf = modern "HONEYSUCKLE." BUT also, GOTTLEF, which is. . .oh, come on now. I KNOW YOU KNOW. Just need re-MINDING!

ALL OF MY LOVE,

Robert Chancellor

Dear Robert,

I didn't know the story of Tristam and Isolde,..so your translation is a gift.

You are a scholar and a gentleman. I don't know anything about the composition of verse,but I do agree wholeheartdly with Greg,..that you are gifted.

Many Thanks

Michael

Mellifluous Michael and Noble Knowflakes,

The preceding lai is given in its entirety. It is meant by Marie de France to be only one touching episode in the Tristam/Isolde saga. (oh oh oh!!! I almost forgot to tell you, MICHAEL, Isolde is from IRELAND.)

For those wanting to get a fuller version of the entire story, from start to tragic finish, there are 2 English versions in print (that I know of, maybe more).

1.) "The Romance of Tristan and Iseult" (Vintage Classics)by Joseph Bedier/Hilaire Belloc translator. Paperback. Published 1994.

2.) "The Romance of Tristan and the Tale of Tristan's Madness." by Beroul, et al./Alan S. Fedrick translator. Paperback. Published 1978.

I checked with Amazon.com, the website book seller at www.amazon.com and they have both books available. Their price for the first is $8.00; their price for the second is $8.76.

I'm sure most other book dealers should be able to obtain these as well.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER,

Robert Chancellor

Dear RC

LOVErly and Precious GIFTS you do give to us, Kind Sir ...

Many Thanks & Much Love
essence

Dear Richard,

Well you've left me speechless... thank you so much for sharing this truely wonderful verse.
Pray tell....is there anything else that you may have up that sleve????

*Aries* Kate

Dear, Dear Robert ...

There are goosebumps all over me ... you translated the magic too ... Ye be Awesome ! By the way, are all these works of yours ... published ?
I love this twin-self tale ... truly spell-binding and heart-rending ... the similarity to the Honeysuckle and Hazel is truly breath-intaking (just coined the word !) ...
Thank you so much Robert, your relationship with the words is truly beautiful ...
love to you
druid

Alas, Discerning Druid, and Knowflakes ONE and ALL,

None of my "works," translations or original, are published. But thank you so much for the vote of confidence! Publish them for me in your HEARTs. Won't you, please? THEN, SHARE A HEART.

And now, a mystery in plain sight:

HEAR THE LORE? HEAR THE ECHO? OH! TO HEAR THE ECHO of THE LORE! HEAL A TEAR
REACH! HEAR ONE, HEAR ALL. HEAR A LEO ROAR?
NO! HEAR A LEO ATONE.

Eternal Effervescent Effusive LOVE,

Robert Chancellor

Dear Robert,
That was spectacular Absolutely beautiful. You are a truly gifted man! Have you ever seen Baz Luhrmann's production 'William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet'? It's a beautiful film and in the background of the death scene you can hear the music that is from 'Tristam and Isolde' called Liebestod! I just thought that was very exciting
Lots of Love
Seamistress

Sapphiric Seraphic Seamistress,

No, I haven't seen Baz Luhrmann's production, but I have heard Wagner's opera,
"Tristan und Isolde." Isolde's beautiful farewell song, "Liebestod" (Mild und leise wie er lachelt) is quite moving! Thank you so much for re-Minding me of it!
More on the meaning of your mysterious dream over on that thread.

Immaculate Imperishable Joy,

Robert Chancellor

Dear *Aries* Kate,

You made my whole day and evening funnier and brighter! The name "Richard" comes from Old English, meaning "Strong Ruler." Maybe someday I'll earn such a name!
Wouldn't that be something? And thank you for your kind words about "The Honeysuckle." Don't worry, I won't tell anyone my name is really Robert if you don't.

rc

Nimbus-graced Knowflakes,

Thank you ALL for the kind words about my translation!!
Anyone interested in seeing one I did of Marie de France's "The Nightengale?"

Robert Chancellor

Dear RC

m'Lord, do YOU even have to ask ???

essence

Eminent Essence,

Such kindness as yours would kindle the coldest of hearts!

Knowflakes,

That last lai was 118 lines long. "The Nightengale" is 160 lines long. I don't want to "devour" this website's memory capacity or space. If it's ok with the moderator, and if you want to see it, maybe I should post it on a new thread so that it won't take a seemingly long time for you to download the thread.
Please let me know what you think. (Thanks for the vote of confidence, Essence! You truly are quintEssential!)

Havens of Happiness (or Heavens of Happiness!),

Robert Chancellor

Not to worry about capacity or disk space, WUWEI (our gentle server's name) is a huge beast. Thread length counts, though ... with slower machines, long threads take a coon's age to download, and this one's getting a bit long already -- a new one for the new translation might be good.

We're waiting!

Dear, Dear Robert ...
Looking forward to your "Nightingale" ...
love t you
druid ...

Richard.. (urh, Robert)

I'd love to see The Nightingale translation. Please don't wait too long to share with us.

*Aries* Kate

Has any one here done any rading about Isis. I have read the story. What I am intersted in is a book on analysising the story.

I haven't gone to Amazon books to do a search on specfically Isis. The other day I was searching another subject and came across one book, I think it was call Isis Unveiled.

I just thought about reading more about her and was wondering if anyone here could give me some good suggestions. I'm sure there are dozens of books on the subject: I just would like someone who is familiar with this field to point out some of the most prominiant authors on the subject.

I live in a 5 college area so I have access to many books, so even if you recommend out of print books, it won't be a problem.

Thank you for your help
Eileen