Medicinal Monday – HOMEOPATHY

March 26th, 2012 by sivodd

Apis (Honeybee)
Apis is the Latin word for Honeybee


Photo by SidPix

An acient treatment for joint pain, was a live bee sting. Today, Apis is a homeopathic remedy that contains bee venom and used to treat insect bites and conditions resembling stings.

Historical Origins:

Hippocrates, (in the fifth century B.C.) noted that diseases could be cured by “similars”: What causes a disease may also cure it, or “like cures like.” The German doctor Paracelsus, (in the 1500s) also followed this principle, prescribing tiny doses of poisons thought to cause disease. Closely related to homeopathy’s Law of Similars, this belief states that a substance which can cause symptoms of illness in the healthy can also be used to cure those symptoms in the sick. Thus, venom from a bee treats its “similar” beestings.

The Source of the medicine:

  • The entire body of the honeybee is crushed or ground to prepare the remedy.

Used for:

  • Those allergic to bee-stings or poison ivy.
  • Insect bites, nettle rash, allergic conditions, blisters, whitlow (an abscess on the fingertip).
  • Infections of the urinary tract, including cystitis, with stabbing hot pains. Urinary incontinence in elderly persons.
  • Fluid retention causing swelling of the eyelids, conjunctivitis and sties.
  • Allergic conditions that cause sore throat and swallowing difficulties, and tonsillitis (the throat can look as if it was stung and can be puffy, red and raw). The person often experiences hot, stabbing headaches and has dry skin.
  • Swollen, painful inflammation of the joints as in arthritic conditions and for peritonitis and pleurisy. The symptoms are made worse by heat and touch, stuffy airless rooms following sleep and in the early evening. They improve in the fresh, cool open air, after taking a cold bath, or any cold application.
  • Hives, weeping or pus-filled blisters and carbuncles.

Symptom Gauge:

Better:

  • With cold compresses
  • In cold weather
  • With exercise
  • In fresh air In the morning

Worse:

  • With heat applications
  • When warm
  • When touched
  • In hot, stale air
  • In the afternoon

Other Diagnostic Choices:

For most bites and stings, as well as for skin inflammations which have stinglike symptoms, homeopaths will turn to Apis as their first choice. Some reactions to bites and stings, include a slightly different set of symptoms. In a case like this, a homeopath might choose to prescribe another type of remedy. The following are some of these alternate choices and their symptom profiles.

Ledum:

  • Extensive swelling
  • Sensation of cold in the affected area
  • A stinging, pricking feeling
  • Relief from cold applications

Hypericum:

  • Bites or stings on fingers or toes
  • Extensive inflammation
  • Shooting pains
  • Worsening of symptoms with cold applications

Lachesis:

  • Affected area has a bluish appearance
  • Relief from cold applications

Staphsagria:

  • Excessive pain
  • Indignation about suffering
  • Frequent victim of insect bites, especially mosquito bites

Urtica urens:

  • Burning and stinging that itch badly
  • Hives at the site of the sting

References:

  • The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
  • Healthcare Natural

Apis is a great first-aid remedy to have on hand, particularly if you are allergic to bee-stings, or other insect bites. You should ALWAYS seek medical attention, but Apis offers immediate help in an emergency situation.

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Friday’s Food For Thought – Thai Chicken With Basil Stir Fry

March 23rd, 2012 by sivodd

Thai Chicken with Basil Stir Fry

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 35 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
  • 1 quart water
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4-5 chili peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced (I use Galangal, If you can find it)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1/2 inch strips
  • 3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 5 green onions, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil leaves

Preparation:

  • Bring rice and water to a boil in a pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes. (This rice tends to cook very fast)
  • In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes.
  • In a skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, ginger, (galangal), chili peppers and garlic, and cook until lightly browned. Mix in chicken strips, and cook about 3 minutes, until browned. Stir in the coconut milk sauce. Continue cooking until sauce is reduced be about 1/3. Mix in mushrooms, green onions, and basil, and cook until heated through. Serve over the cooked rice.

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herb Magic – Patchouli

March 21st, 2012 by sivodd

Patchouli (Botanical Name: Pogostemon Cablin)
Folk Names: Kablin, Pucha-Pot

Powers: Fertility, Jinx-Breaking, Lust, Money

Patchouli is a species from the genus Pogostemon and an herb of the mint family. It is cultivated extensively in India, Madagascar, Sumatra and the Seychelles for steam distillation of oil and used to manufacture perfumes, incense, soaps, hair tonic, tobacco and cosmetics. The essential oil has a lusty, earthy scent and may be used during the Great Rite, as a candle dressing, or mixed into sexual lubricants.


Photo by phidauex

Deities: Aphrodite, Pan, Osain

Element: Earth (Employment, Fertility, Healing, Money, Prosperity)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Pluto (Control, Elimination, Money, Power, Sex, )

Magical & Ritual Uses:

  • Make a love bath: Mix Patchouli with rose petals, orange flowers and chips of Queen of Elizabeth root. Blend into a tea and use in a love bath. Air dry to keep the fragrance on you when you go on a date. Throw the bath water out the front door to attract love
  • To sex up love: Blend equal amounts of Patchouli leaves, Damiana leaves, and Myrrh, then mix on charcoal.
  • To attract money: In equal amounts, blend Patchouli leaves with Sandlewood and Quassia, carry in a green flannel conjure bag dressed with money drawing oil. You can also use this in the corners of the your house or place of employment.  For a stonger incense, add equal parts of Bayberry root chips, Cinnamon chips, Bensoin and Cloves. Burn on a bed of charcoal.  It can also be sprinkled onto money, added to a purse or wallet, and placed around candles.
  • Break a Jinx or return a spell: Mix Patchouli roots with graveyard dirt and Agrimony, and carry the mixture in a mojo bag.

Medicinal Uses:
The oil is very strong and can be tempered down by adding 10-20 drops of oil to 2 tablesp. of almond oil and 5 drops of wheatgerm oil to preserve freshness.

  • Stimulates the nervous system
  • Lifts moods
  • Relieves stress and gives the feeling of well being
  • Balances endocrine system (which balances hormones)
  • Stimulates pituitary glands (which secrete endorphins)
  • Relaxes the body
  • Relieves pain
  • Cools inflamed, cracked  and rough skin
  • Add several drops to bath water
  • Rub on pulse points, temples or as a massage oil
  • Aromatherapy to clear lethargy and sharpen wits

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Ostara Blessings

March 20th, 2012 by sivodd

Click photo to enlarge

A Prayer for Spring

I pray to you, Demeter, to remind you of the spring,
for Persephone has come home to you,
your little girl, now a great queen.
Show us your joy, mother of grain, at her homecoming.
Warm the Earth, make the ground soft,
so we may walk barefoot again in the grass
and plant the seeds that will grow all summer
until the harvest, when your full power will be known
and everyone will see what you have done.
But now it is the time to begin these great deeds.
Bring us the spring, that together we might produce the harvest.
Warm the Earth, that the plants might grow so we
might display your gifts.
With your tears cried for happiness, melt away the
winter’s snow and nourish the waiting seeds.

Reference:

  • A Pagan Book of Prayers – Ceisiwr Serith

Have a Blessed Ostara!

Lisa


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Medicinal Monday – Floral Essences

March 19th, 2012 by sivodd

Honeysuckle

More than 50 years ago, English physician Edward Bach developed the healing floral remedy from Honeysuckle. (along with 38 other floral essences) Honeysuckle is intended to promote emotional healing, as well as help patients regain hope and live for the present. It is usually recommended for those who dwell on an idealized past and who obsessively focus on the missed opportunities of life.

True Honeysuckle:

The true honeysuckle used to prepare this floral essence belongs to the genus lonicera. The petals of the flowers are red on the outside and white on the inside, once pollinated turn yellow. Honeysuckle is a climbing plant that can grow up to 12 feet. There are about 180 species of honeysuckle, 100 of which occur in China, with only about 20 in Europe, India and North America.

“Longing for the past is fear of the future”

Taking the Remedy:
Floral remedies are sold in most health food stores, usually as a bottled flower essence.

  • Mix a few drops of the flower essence, or a combination of essences with spring water.
  • Sip the mixture several times daily.

The honeysuckle temperament:
People most likely to benefit, are those that have deep regrets about the past. Typically they are unable to overcome a loss or separation from a loved one. The sole source of comfort are memories of past comfort and joy, making it impossible to enjoy the present.

  • Honeysuckle’s relaxing and revitalizing effect is used to help people overcome a negative outlook on life.
  • The flower can also build powers of concentration and instill optimism about the present and future.

Supportive measures:
Try a few of these simple activities, they may improve your outlook and help you regain hope.

  • Try to maintain a positive attitude.
  • Say yes to your life, and to the here and now.
  • Sit by a stream and let its steady flow soothe you.
  • Visit one of your favorite places from your past, let yourself discover new things. You may be surprised by what you will find.
  • Find a new creative activity or hobby that requires your attention.
  • Practice deep breathing and exercises to help you relax.

Honeysuckle for children:
May aid children facing traumatic life changes. These children generally cry and talk about how they miss their former situation. Honeysuckle may relieve this stress and build confidence.

  • Can help with children who are homesick.
  • Helps to cope with separation or divorce.
  • An unsettled move to a new home or distraught about entering kindergarten.

Wildflower mixture:
For relief from grief or shock following a death or tragedy.

  • Honeysuckle can be combined with Star of Bethlehem.
  • Add 3 drops of the wildflower mixture to 1/2 oz. of water. (sip slowly)

Signs of a blocked mental state:

  • Glorifying the past
  • Being homesick and melancholy
  • Longing for the past
  • Regretting missed opportunities
  • Not being able to overcome a loved one
  • Having difficulty with everyday tasks
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Sluggishness

Signs of transformation:

  • New and Positive outlook
  • Being alert
  • Flexible
  • Open minded
  • Sharpened memory
  • New and creative activities
  • Feeling joyful
  • Learning from a past or present experience
  • Being optimistic about the present and future

Tip: Honeysuckle may also help people confront, and move beyond, suppressed painful experiences from the past.

Warning: The berries are toxic.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

References:

  • The Complete Guide to Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Eucalyptus Oil

March 5th, 2012 by sivodd

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus is a genus of the plant family Myrtaceae, and most likely first discovered by the Aborigines, the native inhabitants of Australia. (There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus) The essential oil is obtained from the branches and leaves. A steam distillation process is used to extract the oil from the tree parts, and some 110 pounds of plant material is required to produce about 2 pounds of eucalyptus oil. The medicinal properties of eucalyptus oil is an effective remedy for skin problems and fever, and has long been called the “fever tree”. Modern herbalists rely on eucalyptus oil to treat colds, fever, respiratory diseases, joint and muscle pain, migraines and bladder problems. The oil has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects.

Photo by pizzodisevo

For Mental Fatigue:
The essential oil stimulates the nervous system and promotes concentration. Combined with lemon oil in a diffuser, it is ideal for mental exhaustion and listlessness.
  • 4 drops eucalyptus oil
  • 2 drops lemon oil
Therapeutic effects:
The principal ingredient in eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol, which has strong germicidal and disinfectant properties.
  • As a diuretic, it lowers blood sugar and helps to relieve cough and fever.
  • As an effective analgesic, it is often used in preparations designed to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pain.
  • On a psychological level, it helps to combat exhaustion and dispels mental sluggishness.
For a sense of well being:
  • Blend a few drops of eucalyptus oil and massage oils for a cooling and stimulating effect on both mind and body. (Apply to pulse points)
To purify the sickroom:
It is an ideal essence to use in a sickbed environment.
  • Five drops of the oil in a diffuser will kill germs in the air and reduce the number of airborne bacteria. (This helps keep germs from spreading)
For wounds and abscesses:
The STRONG germicidal effect can help heal wounds, burns, ulcers and insect bites or stings.
  • Place a few drops of the oil on a dressing or bandage before covering the area with it.
To suppress coughs:
  • A chest compress with eucalyptus and massage oils will help loosen phlegm and improve lung function.
To improve the sauna:
Get the best detoxifying effects of a sauna.
  • Place 3 drops of the oil in a ladle fulL of water and pour over the hot stones.
Applications:

External use:
  • Lower a fever with a eucalyptus calf wrap; Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 qt. of lukewarm water, soak linen or cotton cloths in the mixture. Wrap the cloths around your calves and secure with dry cloths. (Calf wraps should be used only when the feet are warm)
  • To get rid of dandruff; Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with your shampoo and massage well into your scalp. (Wait a few minutes before rinsing)
  • To alleviate cold symptoms; Place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief and deeply inhale.
  • To relieve sinus and chest congestion; Combine 5 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 drop of peppermint oil. Add crushed eucalyptus, peppermint, coltsfoot and comfrey herbs. Place ½ oz. of mixture in a clean sock, knot the end and place inside your pillowcase overnight.
  • For relief from muscular aches and pains; Mix 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2 oz. of sweet almond or grapeseed oil, massage into muscles.
Tips:
Insects dislike the odor of eucalyptus oil.
  • Add a few drops of the oil to massage oil.
  • Place a few drops in a diffuser to keep the room pest free.

Warning: Too much eucalyptus oil can irritate the skin, be sure to use the exact amount specified in the preparations listed here. Combining eucalyptus oil with massage oil reduces the chance of irritation. Keep eucalyptus oil away from children.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Corn Doll

January 30th, 2012 by sivodd

How to make a corn doll for your altar, this is the doll I made for Lughnasadh.

Next time you’re having corn for dinner, keep your husks. Be sure to dry them in the sun for one to three days. If you’re using dried-out husks, soak them for a couple of hours to soften. (There is no special preparation if using fresh husks).

Materials:

  • Corn husks (Available in grocery store)
  • Scissors
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Twine or string
  • Cotton Balls

Instructions:

Fold a husk in half, place two or three cotton balls in the middle. Twist the husk, tying it with string to make a head. There should be a bit of husk in the front and back, below the head, to create a torso.

Make a pair of arms for your doll. There are a couple of ways to do this. I decided to cut and husk in 3 pieces and braid, tying the ends to make hands. Slip the arms between the husks that form the torso, then add a cotton ball to plump the torso (insert a few pipe cleaners into torso to keep standing) tie off at the waist.

Arrange a few husks around the doll’s waist, (overlapping them) then tie in place with twine. After you’ve tied the waist, trim the hem of the skirt so it’s even. You can add a shawl (see 1st pic) and let the doll dry completely.

Once your doll has dried, you can leave her plain or give her a face and some hair. (use hair form husks or yarn)

Be creative and have fun with it! You can add clothing, an apron, bead-work, etc!

I hope this was helpful, feel free to email me with any questions.

Lisa

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Friday’s Food For Thought – Lasagna

January 27th, 2012 by sivodd

Lasagna

8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stand Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
  • 2 jars Tomato & Basil Sauce
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 2 containers (15 oz. ea.) ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • In large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Spread 1 cup meat sauce in 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, then 1 cup meat sauce and 1/2 of the ricotta mixture. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese; repeat. Top with remaining 4 noodles, then 1 cup meat sauce and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake 1 hour. Remove foil and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired, with fresh basil leaves. Serve with remaining sauce, heated.

Tip: Without meat; Do not preheat sauce beforehand, simply pour directly into bottom of baking pan.

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbs – Oak

January 25th, 2012 by sivodd

Oak

Botanical Name: Quercus Alba

Folk Names: Jove’s Nuts, Juglans (Latin)Duir, White Oak

The oak is revered as a sacred tree, to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Slavs and Teutonic tribes it was associated with the supreme god in their pantheon. Also, sacred to Zeus, Jupiter, Dagda, Perun and Thor, each of these gods had dominion over rain, thunder and lightning. It is no coincidence that oak trees seem to be more prone to lightning strikes than other trees, whether it be because of the wood’s low electrical resistance or the fact that they are often the tallest in the landscape.

Today, many believe that the Yule log should be made from it. When it is but ashes, those are strewn on one’s land to bring good fortune and wealth in the coming year. Oak leaves’ connection with rainfall is also survived in more recent folklore in a rhyme about which tree’s leaves appeared first, such as the Irish saying:

If the oak before the ash,
Then we’ll only have a splash.
If the ash before the oak,
Then we’ll surely have a soak!


Photo by Tie Guy II

“A tree as long-lived and strong as the oak naturally offers magical protection.”

Deities: Cybele, Dagda, Dianus, Erato, Hecate, Heme, Janus, Jupiter, Pan, Rhea, Thor, Zeus

Element: Fire (Courage, Exorcism, Health, Lust, Protection, Strength)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter (Money, Prosperity, Legal Matters, Luck, Protection)

Powers: Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck

Magical Uses:
Decorate altars with leaves as early as Lammas and Samhain.

  • Acorns are beaded and worn for fertility
  • Carrying any piece of the oak draws good luck.
  • Plant an acorn in the dark of the Moon to receive money.
  • Carrying an acorn increases fertility and strengthens sexual potency.
  • If you can catch a falling oak leaf you shall have no colds all winter.
  • The bark may be gathered and dried, then ground and used as an incense to invoke or honor any of the deities associated with the it.
  • The oak’s association with Vesta and fire festivals lends itself to working with this herbal tree in conjunction with elemental fire.
  • When a person is sick, place oak wood in the fireplace to “draw off” the illness.
  • Make a charm from oak. Take two equal lengths of twig or of a small branch and bind them together in a cross. This represents keeping one’s self in balance with the four elements. It can also be hung in the house for protection.
  • Acorns may be adapted into amulets and tokens. (Highly appropriate for the Samhain celebration)
  • It is believed there is no wand as sacred as one made of oak.
  • Collect an acorn and empower it throughout the winter, then plant it before the snow melts so that the new tree will be one of magic and power.
  • Acorns placed in windows guard the entrance against lightning, and a piece of oak wood, carried, protects its bearer from all harm.
  • Oak is used to bring protection against the ferocity of the elements and the dangers of life, and we use oak to ask for divine assistance in having our needs met.

Ritual Uses:

  • Include oak in the fire for your Midsummer ritual.
  • The bark may be dried and powdered and used to unite one with the gods and goddesses.
  • The Druids (traditionally) would not meet for rituals unless an oak was present, and the very words “oak” and “Druid,” some say, are related. Religious idols were fashioned from oak wood, and Witches often danced beneath the tree.

Medicinal Uses: Native Americans used White oak medicinally, it was valued for its antiseptic and astringent properties and used in the treatment of many complaints. The inner bark contains 6 – 11% tannin, and can be boiled and the liquid drunk in the treatment diarrhoea, intermittent fevers, coughs and colds, consumption, asthma, lost voice etc. The bark has been chewed as a treatment for mouth sores. Externally, it is used as a wash for skin eruptions, burns, rashes, bruises, ulcers etc and as a vaginal douche. It has also been used as a wash for muscular pains. The bark is best collected in the spring.

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • umm.edu
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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News & Submissions 1/24/2012

January 24th, 2012 by sivodd

News:

Call for PNG to repeal sorcery act after West Sepik deaths
Papua New Guinea’s Constitutional and Law Reform Commission says it wants the Sorcery Act repealed by the end of this year.

Last year, the Commission released a review of the Act, after an increase in the number of false accusations of sorcery were slammed by human rights groups.

But it’s making headlines again as six people accused of sorcery or witchcraft were killed in West Sepik Province by people who had taken the law into their own hands. Read full story from radioaustralia.net.au

Magic Mushrooms Could Treat Depression
After a psychedelic trip on magic mushrooms, people often describe the experience as mind-expanding, consciousness altering, emotionally insightful and even spiritually transcendent. Now, scientists have peered into the brains of people tripping on psilocybin — the active ingredient in mushrooms — and their results revealed a few surprises.

Instead of opening lines of communication between sensory-oriented regions of the brain, psilocybin appears to shut down activity in two key areas of the brain that regulate our sense of self and integrate our sense of awareness with our sense of the present. Read full story from discovery.com

Hunt for pagan cross ‘banished’ by priest
IT’S a mystery that involves an over-zealous priest, fairies and a missing pagan cross.

Now an archaeological dig hopes to find out just what happened to a granite cross which vanished 60 years ago.

Legend has it that a Catholic priest ordered it to be removed from the front of St Patrick’s Church in Wicklow town because of its explicit carvings.

Other rumours say local residents had complained it attracted fairies.

Some residents, though, believe the cross may have been buried in the church grounds by Fr Matthew Blake, now deceased, because he disliked the carvings of nude women on it. Read full story from independent.ie

Paranormal:

UFO spotted in Devon
Gary McDermott snapped the glowing red object, with bright flashing lights, after stopping his car to photograph a low-flying helicopter in Plymouth.

The disc-shaped UFO flashed across the sky – just as he was taking the picture – before it disappeared into the night at 9pm on Sunday.

Mr McDermott, who was working night shifts on the city’s famous Royal Albert Bridge, said: “I just couldn’t believe what I had just seen.

“It must have been a UFO – and I cannot believe I am saying that because I don’t believe in them usually. I am always sceptical.

“But this was definitely not a normal aircraft. It was red, the shape they say UFO aircraft is, and had two bright lights coming out of it. Read full story from telegraph.co.uk

Whittington Hospital: Is this the ghostly image of a boy who died centuries ago?
This is the mysterious image which ghost hunter Leonard Low says proves that something paranormal lies beneath the Whittington Hospital in Highgate.

The father of two was visiting a friend who was having surgery in the Archway Road hospital when he was told by nurses of “a strange presence” in the 19th Century arches deep underground.

Armed with his camera and accompanied by a curious Whittington administrator, he descended down to the basement to investigate the paranormal tales. Read full story from london24.com

Pictures: Oldest Dinosaur Nests Found in South Africa
The oldest known dinosaur nests have been found at the same South African park where scientists previously unearthed the oldest known dinosaur embryo (pictured), a new study says.

Paleontologists recently found ten nests—each containing up to 34 tightly clustered eggs—in a nearly vertical cliff in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Both the nests and the previously discovered embryo date back 190 million years. Read full story from nationalgeographic.com

Media:

The Rise and Fall of the ‘C’ word (Celts)
Currently, the term ‘Celtic’, and its variations, is alternatively loved of loathed by archaeologists, historians, the general public and the media. Why is this? What has happened to the way the word is defined that causes disparity? How did this word mean previously rational archaeologists such as John Collis, Simon James and the Megaws spentd years arguing about the use of ‘Celtic’ as an archaeoligical term? Read full story from heritagedaily.com

Blogspot:

Feel free to leave comments regarding the articles posted.

If you’re interested in guest blogging or would like to submit an article or event, contact me at pagansworld.org@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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