Archeoastronomy: Sundials

As societies became more complex, people had to organize their timekeeping into smaller increments, especially during the daylight hours. Whether they had to establish a meeting time for a council session or a starting time for a religious ritual, people needed to devise a way to coordinate their time. Beyond “morning”, “noon,” and “evening,” they needed a finer division of time such as “hours.”

 Sundials were invented to solve this problem. Because they measure small intervals of time using cosmic activity, sundials were considered to be one of the earliest scientific instruments. The Egyptians were the first people recorded in the West to use the sundial. Their sundial consisted of the gnomon (a crossbar) and a flat base divided into six “hours.” In the morning, the gnomon faced east, and the afternoon west. The shadow cast by the gnomon on the base determined the hour.

 Using their knowledge of geometry, the Greeks refined the sun dial of the Egyptians. They invented the hemicyclium (hemispherium), which is a block of stone with a hemisphere cut into it. The gnomon was placed on top. The half-sphere created a circular arc that determined time more accurately. The hemicyclium resembled a hollowed out bowl with a stick on top.

 Sundials used in Europe were adapted from the Greeks and the Egyptians. These instruments featured twelve “hour” days and nights. However, the Norse and Saxons based theirs on the ebb and flow of tides. They marked two high and two low tides, which were further divided into halves and quarters for a total of sixteen “hours.”

One major problem with ancient sundials is that they measured “unequal” (“temporary”) “hours.” Summer, which has longer days, produces longer “hours,” than winter. Moreover, the further north (or south) from the Equator, the location of the sundial is, the more pronounced the difference between summer and winter “hours” are.

 In the 1300s, Abu’l-Hasan (Ibn al-Shatir), an Arab Muslim astronomer and religious timekeeper, invented “equal” (“equinoctial”) “hours” based on trigonometry. He reasoned that a gnomon parallel to the Earth’s axis (i.e. polar axis) would produce “equal hours.” “Equal hours” are measured from the passing of the low meridian (12 Midnight) until the next low meridian, and then divided into twenty-four hours. Once sundials were adjusted to the latitude of where they were, they kept accurate time. People, then, used sundials to set mechanical clocks.

 Sundials are divided into two groups – Altitude and Azimuth. The Altitude sundials determine time by the sun’s altitude. These Altitude sundials were either aligned with either the sun or the cardinal directions. Azimuth sundials determine the time from the “hour angle of the sun.” (Azimuth refers to direction of the sun’s angle.) These sundials are oriented by a compass.

 Example of an Altitude sundial is the pole (pillar) dial, which is a pole with a gnomon at the top. Meanwhile Azimuth sundials are often found in gardens. These are the tilted horizontal ones with the gnomon inclined at the latitude of the garden.

 As society became more complex, instruments to tract time in finer increments were invented. Though seemingly simple, sundials are actually intricate devices for keeping time. Because of their importance, people, over the centuries, worked to improve sundials. In fact, sundials were still being used in the 19th Century to set mechanical clocks.

 Works Used:
 Ling Liew Huay and Yee, Lim Siew, “The Mathematics of Sundials,” National University of Singapore, 2001, http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/projects/sundials/
 .
 Marie, Niclas, “When Time Began: The History and Science of Sundials,” TimeCenter, 2014, https://www.timecenter.com/articles/when-time-began-the-history-and-science-of-sundials/ .

 Nordoff, Helena, “Fun in the Sun: A Sundial Tutorial,” 21 August, 2003, http://www.qwerty.co.za/sundials/index.html.

 “Unit 6: Sundials,” Polaris Project, Iowa State University, 2001, http://www.polaris.iastate.edu/NorthStar/Unit6/unit6_intro.htm.
 Ward, John and Margaret Folkard, “Sundials Part 2: Definitions and Basic Types,” Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, 1997, http://www.rnzih.org.nz/pages/sundial2.htm.

Lore: Threshold Guardians

Threshold Guardians

Thresholds are

Between places of

Not coming or going.

Crossing Thresholds is

Sacred

For Transformation

Happens.

Not all at Thresholds

Can

Should

Will

Transform.

Some must

Stay

Untouched

Commonplace

Ordinary

But Heroes must

Cross

But Guardians must

Challenge.

Guardians have

Sacred duty

Ritual obligation

To keep in and to keep out.

Doors keep

Worlds apart

Before from after

In between secure

Doors have Gods

Janus of Two Heads guards the Out and the In

Cardea of the Door stands firm

Limentius of the Threshold stands firm

Portunus of the Portal holds the key

Each demands

A reason for opening

A reason for closing

An answer

Heroes must

Cross over

But how?

Forculus of the Passage

Guides through

The Threshold

Thresholds

Many Guard

Few enter

Fewer exit

Only One Transforms.

Works Used.

 Goodin, Melinda, “Archetypes in the Hero’s Journey,” Crossing the Threshold, March 2004, web, http://members.optusnet.com.au/~mgoodin68/archtype.htm.

Peterson, Deb, “The Archetypes of the Hero’s Journey,” About Education, 2014, web, http://adulted.about.com/od/howtos/a/archetypes.htm .

---, “Threshold Guardians,” Television Tropes and Idioms, web, http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThresholdGuardians.

Vega, Debra, "Writers, Know Your Archetypes: The Threshold Guardian,” Moon in Gemini, web blog, 5 January 2014, http://debravega.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/writers-know-your-archetypes-the-threshold-guardian/.

GOANNA (AUSTRALIAN MONITOR LIZARD): Speed

A close relative to Komodo Dragon, Goanna lives mainly in Australia and Papua New Guinea. (Goanna is also the Australian name for the Monitor Lizards that live there.) In Australia, She fills the niche of predatory and scavenging Mammals. Not fussy, Goanna makes her home in monsoon woodlands, urban brush lands, and even cemeteries.

Noted for her well-developed limbs and deeply forked tongue that flicker in and out like a Snake's, Goanna is a distinctive looking Lizard. Long and stout, She has a tail that strikes out at her enemies. An active forager, Goanna digs out other Lizards, Insects, and small Mammals to eat.

This fierce looking Lizard is shy and timid but can be quite territorial and agressive when confronted. An excellent tree climber, Goanna will scoot up a tree trunk when danger threatens. Her reckless speed in escaping is legendary among Australians. They joke about scared Goannas racing up people’s legs thinking that they are trees. Australians advise to lie down when Goanna runs at you, and remember get treated for her bite. (It is not poisonous but can cause sickness.)

Among native Australians, Goanna is considered to be lazy. They tell stories of how ingenious Goanna was in climbing trees to get bark to make a canoe for sailing to Australia. However, when industrious Goanna arrived, She became lazy. She stopped farming and started stealing food from Echidna instead.

However, when She is confronted, Goanna races out of danger. Her most noteworthy characteristic is her speed, which serves Goanna well. Like Goanna, we can explore but be prepared to race away when danger threatens.

Goanna’s Teachings Include:
"Curiosity killed the cat but information brought the Goanna back." Goanna is forever looking into what is going on around it. Using its powerful body and legs, it climbs trees and rocks to find out what’s going on over there! Goanna’s tongue flashes back and forth from his mouth, as he tastes the air to find out who’s about. He calmly saunters along poking his nose into all manner of mischief but, forget not, that should Goanna feel the need for speed, there is nothing to see after the dust has cleared. Copyright: “Wisdom of Australian Animals,” Ann Williams-Fitzgerald.

MONITOR LIZARD SUB-FAMILY: Firing the Imagination

Nile Monitor

Called Goannas in Australia and Leguaans in Africa, Monitor Lizards (Varanidae) are well known to people. Living in urban areas, Monitor Lizards have a long history with the peoples of Africa, Asia, and Australia.   In fact, Ancient Egyptians call Them “Monitors”, since They warned people of the presence of Crocodiles.

Ranging from shy reclusive Goannas to nasty and aggressive Komodo Dragons, Monitor Lizards often fill the niche of predatory and scavenging Mammals. Active foragers, Monitor Lizards will swallow their prey whole. What distinguish this Family of Lizards are their well-developed limbs and forked tongues.

Extremely hardy, Monitor Lizards have aggressive temperaments, a powerful bite, and a lashing tail. At the slightest provocation, They lash out with their tails. Although their tails produce a stinging lash, Monitor Lizards do not lose their tails like other Lizards.

Crocodile Monitor (WhoZoo)

Monitor Lizards have inspired much of people’s mythology such as dragons, which often resemble these Lizards. Because of Monitor Lizards’ aggressive natures, peoples of Borneo put images of Them on their shields to strike dread in the hearts of their opponents. In Thailand during the full moon, some unfortunate people became “were-monitors” prowling about for victims. Ancient Egyptians excluded Monitor Lizards from their after life since They preyed on young Crocodiles, who represented the Egyptians’s beloved god, Sobek. Meanwhile in Australia, stories abound of industrious Goannas inventing bark canoes for traveling.

Monitor Lizards fire people’s imagination. Dragons are their big brothers. Believing Them to be poisonous, People have thought of Monitor Lizards as “were-lizards”. Australians tell stories of how Goannas learned to climb trees to make boats. Let Monitor Lizards feed your imagination. Just remember not to be anti-social and lash out.
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Note: Alligator Lizards (Anguids) are close relatives of Monitor Lizards. Scientists think that Snakes are related to Monitor Lizards as well.

Conservation Note: Monitor Lizards are threatened and endangered in part of their range from the pet trade and leather trade. Komodo Dragons are protected in Indonesia.

Building Stonehenge: The Beginning (2 of 2)

 In the 1960’s, when builders were excavating a parking lot near the Stonehenge site, they found four post holes that was believed to hold large pine logs. (These holes are said to be about 10,000 years old.) Ancient peoples traveling the Salisbury Plain would see these posts from miles around. Set east to west, these post holes were considered to be the first evidence of the area’s great importance. 

 Starting about 3100 BCE, the Windmill Hill People took the existing post holes and expanded the site. Using various tools such as deer antlers and digging stones, they dug a ditch and formed a bank, with an opening in the northeast. Call the Great Cursus, this ditch was white from the chalk underneath the grass. Outside this ditch, these people dug fifty-six pits named Aubrey Holes (after their discoverer James Aubrey). In these holes, archeologists have found cremated remains of people. One theory is that the Windmill Hill People was commemorating their Dead and their Ancestors.

 Many people have assumed that the Aubrey Holes had an astronomical use. Following the phases of the moon has been important to peoples in ancient times. One theory is that these holes marked lunar eclipses. Another theory is that the Windmill Hill People were marking particular phases of the moon. Other archeologists have noticed that the Aubrey Holes were aligned north-east and south-west. These holes then lined up with the sun at the solstices and equinoxes. This has lead to another working theory that the Aubrey holes are a calendar of equinoxes, solstices, lunar eclipses, and solar events. The underlying assumption to this theory is that many early peoples followed lunar-solar cycles for practical and religious reasons.

From the beginning of Stonehenge, numerous ancient peoples have added their particular visions to the site. Each succeeding generation built on the previous one’s efforts. We modern people will never know what the original purpose to Stonehenge was, but we can stand in awe of these early peoples who built it. Whatever Stonehenge was originally intended to be, it became a monument to the vision and tenacity of the Ancestors of Europe.

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Works Used:

Aveni, Anthony, “People and the Sky,” Thames & Hudson: N.Y, 2008.

 Bradshaw Foundation, “Stonehenge: The Age of the Megaliths,” 2011, http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/stonehenge/index.php, .

 M, Richard, “Stonehenge,” MEgALiThiA, 06 Jan. 2006, http://www.megalithia.com/stonehenge/index.html, .

 Magli, Giulio, “Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy,” Copernicus Books: N.Y., 2009.

 Richards, Colin, “Rethinking the Great Stone Circles of Northwest Britain,” Orkney Archaelogical Trust, 2004, http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/dhl/papers/cr/index.html, .

 Smagala, Suzzanne, “Stonehenge,” August 2007, http://helios.acomp.usf.edu/~ssmagala/stonehenge/index.html, .

Building Stonehenge, the Beginning (1 of 2)

During the Neolithic Period (5000 – 1000 BCE), along the Atlantic coast of Europe and in the British Isles, local peoples built and maintained great stone circles and megaliths. This activity started about 5000 BCE and continued on to about 2500 BCE. One of the last monuments to be built, Stonehenge was constructed in three distinct phases over a 1,500 year period, starting in 3000 BCE. The process of building this monument included digging large ditches as well as erecting the more famous stones. In the case of Stonehenge, three different cultures added their particular refinements to this monument.

When discussing Stonehenge, people often forget to place this monument in a greater cultural context. Nearby Stonehenge is a similar stone monument at Avebury, which was built around 2500 BCE. Meanwhile, there are signs of a similar circle at Durrington Walls, which was believed to be built before Avebury.  These megaliths, built by Neolithic peoples, had multiple uses. The purposes that archeologists believed that Stonehenge was used for included: worshipping the Ancestors, watching the heavens, and marking the cycles of the sun and other astronomical occurrences.

The building of Stonehenge can be regarded in the same light as the building of a Gothic cathedral. From the beginning of the project, the entire community is dedicated to seeing the building finished. Everyone involved understood that this construction project would take several generations to complete. Therefore, the entire community dedicated themselves to the process, and organized themselves accordingly. Some people regarded it as a fulfilling of their religious duties, while for others it was their community obligations. Though the specific vision may have been altered through the years, the newer residents of the community resolved to finish the original project.

The first group to shape Stonehenge into what we know today was the Windmill Hill People. Thought to be semi-nomadic hunters and gatherers, these people also grew some crops. What archeologists noted about these people was their propensity to orient their burials and monuments in the east-west axis. These directions were important to them, perhaps because of the rising and setting of the sun.

PEACOCK (BLUE PEAFOWL): Love of Home

Native to Asia and the Congo Region of Africa, Peacock (Blue Peafowl) is a relative of the Pheasants. (The difference between the Two is their plumage–red and gold for Pheasants, green and blue for Peafowls.) As India’s National Bird, Peacock (AKA Male Blue Peafowl) is known the world over for his bright train of feathers. Because of this, Peacock has been introduced to other places, starting in Mesopotamia about 4,000 years ago.

Displaying his train is part of Peacock’s courtship with the Peahens. The longer his train, the more impressed will Peahen be. Unlike her male counterpart, Peahen is chestnut brown and bronze green but has the same crest as Peacock.

Blue Peafowl are Birds of habit, eating and sleeping in the same area all their lives. Peacock even displays his train in the same chosen place. During the day, Blue Peafowl sit in thickets. At dusk, They return to the same watering hole before roosting for the night. As They go to their tree roosts, Blue Peafowl screech to each other.

Known for their screeching, Blue Peafowl hoot loud alarm calls when They see a Tiger. During the monsoon season in India, people hear loud meowing calls from Blue Peafowl. Indians claim that Blue Peafowl are predicting the next rainstorm with their calls.

Blue Peafowl teaches the love of home. They emerge from their area of the dense forest in early dawn to feed at their regular spot and find water. Then They go about feeding on Insects or Mice. At dusk, They return home. To Blue Peafowl, there is something comforting about being a homebody. (Just remember to have a little adventure in your life once in a while.)
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Male Peafowl are Peacocks; Females Peahens; Chicks Peachicks.

KOOKABURRA: Resolving Family Issues

The Kookaburra of Australia is the largest member of the Kingfisher Family. Unlike other members of the Kingfisher Family, Kookaburra lives in woodlands instead of near wetlands. Perched on a tree branch to spot prey, Kookaburra will swoop down and seize a tasty Insect in his long, dagger-like bill. Instead of Fish, Kookaburra eats Insects, Worms, and Reptiles.

Known for his distinctive call, Laughing Kookaburra will sing in a loud chorus, “Koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa”. Blue-winged Kookaburra sings a coarser call that ends abruptly. Some people have described Kookaburra’s call as a rollicking laugh. What is strange about Kookaburra’s call is how many people are familiar with it, without knowing. American filmmakers often feature Kookaburra’s laugh as background noise for jungle scenes.

What makes Kookaburra unusual is his family life. When his Young are fledged, They remain with their Parents to help raise the next group of Siblings. Kookaburra Brothers and Sisters will raise the second brood, while Parent Kookaburras raise the third brood. If one of the Parents dies, the Children continue to help the other Parent raise the rest of the Family.

What people can learn from Kookaburra is how to be a good family member. Kookaburra can teach you how to resolve many family issues. Learn from Kookaburra what makes for a strong family.
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Important Kookaburra Teaching: Laughter and Joy
“He has a distinctive laughing call that when heard makes one feel like laughing along with him. Stirring the joy that lives deep within your being. When you hear a Kookaburra remember to allow yourself to laugh, for laughter and joy are the very essence of our being.” Copyright: “Wisdom of Australian Animals”, Ann Williams-Fitzgerald.

Kookaburra’s Teachings Also Include
“A silent Kookaburra is a far more uplifting sign than the raucous laughter emanated by a chorus of mockery and taunt.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers”, Scott Alexander King.

AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE Defense of Home

By JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com) (Own work)

Although, They share a common name, Australian Magpie is NOT a relative of Magpie of the Crow Family. Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a relative of Currawong. Found only in Australia, Magpie is among one of the most common of local Birds there. Australian Magpie tends to live in one place in a large group.

Australian Magpie has a complex social structure. He lives either in a tribe of about two to ten Birds or in a flock of many Birds. The difference between the two is that a tribe has a breeding territory. Members of his tribe defend their territory from all other Magpies. Australian Magpies who are members of flocks are usually Birds who were unable to join a tribe. These Birds do not breed until They join a tribe. When an Australian Magpie is about two years old, He is forced out of the territory of his birth tribe and must look for another tribe to join. The only way that an Australian Magpie can join a tribe is when another Bird leaves.

Australian Magpies forage by walking over open land, probing the soft parts of the ground, turning over stones, and other hiding places for Insects. Not particular in what He eats, Australian Magpie is quite versatile in eating whatever He finds. He and his tribe will exploit every part of their breeding territory for food.

What makes Australian Magpie dangerous is when He believes that a person is a threat to his nest. Father Magpie will attack by swooping down on intruders and pecking their heads. Australian Magpie is so aggressive in defending his nest that the local governments in Australia issue Magpie warnings and advise people to wear a helmet and carry an open umbrella. Since Magpie is protected in parts of Australia, the best defense is to avoid Him completely.

Australian Magpie teaches how to defend your home through offensive action. You watch and then attack before the home invader can come for you. But do not go so overboard in your defense that you become a menace to the neighborhood.
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Australian Magpie’s closest relative is the Currawong of Australia. Although Australian Magpie resembles Magpie of Crow Family, They are not related.

Archeoastronomy: Egypt: Stretching The Cord

Stellar Method of Determining Cardinal Points

Stretching The Cord

Navigating by the stars has been done by people for thousands of years. To find North today, people simply look for Polaris in Ursa Minor (The Little Dipper). (In the Southern Hemisphere, North would be determined by using the Southern Cross.) Since precession, which is the change in orientation of the Earth’s Axis, occurs every 26,000 years, the “North Star” changes through time. For example, during Roman times, there was no such star. However at the time of the building of the pyramids, it was Alpha-Draconis known to the Egyptians as “Thuban.”

The U.S. Army suggests that in order to go North, a person should walk towards the point on the horizon directly below Polaris. Another method is to select a circumpolar star such as Vega of Lyra, the second brightest star in the night sky. Measure the angle from the viewer to Vega’s rising and to its setting. The bisection of this angle will give the exact location for true North.

In ancient Egypt, the orientation of their buildings mattered, for the Pharaoh received his power from the Northern Stars. After his death, the soul of the Pharaoh went to the “Mooring Post” in the North by way of the Milky Way. In the ceremony, “The Stretching of the Cord” (Pedj shes), the Pharaoh determined the direction of North with the help of the Goddess Seshat.

 Several archeologists have suggested one method that the ancient Egyptians may have used for finding directions. To orient their buildings, they would have to bisect the angle of a circumpolar star. First they would erect a round wall. Then one person stood on a selected spot and looked through a “bay,” a straight pole with a forked top. As he sighted a circumpolar star such as Vega rising, a second person would use a “merklet,” a plumb line, to mark the spot. Around the circular wall at various timed intervals, they would mark the position of the star. The final marking on the wall would be the star’s setting. After measuring the angle formed by the star’s rising and setting to the first observer, the Egyptians could bisect it, and determine true North.

Kate Spence, of the University of Cambridge (U.K.), wrote that the Egyptians probably used Mizar (Eta Ursae Majoris) of the Big Dipper and Kochab (Beta Ursae Minoris) of the Little Dipper. (Both are circumpolar stars.) The Egyptians constructed a scaffold and hung a string with a heavy weight from it. This weight would point to the center of the Earth. When these two stars became aligned with the string, the line from the person, who was doing the sighting, to the string would point due north to the horizon.

From the First Dynasty to the end of the Ptolemaic Dynastry, the Pharaoh conducted the sacred ceremony, “Stretching of the Cord,” to orient the temples and tombs before building them. Facing the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge, Seshat, the Pharaoh stood with a hammer in one hand and a pole in the other. Holding the same items, the Goddess and the Pharaoh then pulled a cord that was wrapped between their respective poles. The Pyramid Texts described the ceremony as: “I have grasped the stake…I take the measuring cord in the company of Seshet. I consider the progressive movements of the stars. My eye is fixed upon the Bull’s Thigh [Ursa Major]. I count off time…and establish the corners of the Temple.” This is how the Pharaoh determined North from whence came his power, and to where his soul traveled.

Works Used.

Aveni, Anthony, “People and the Sky,” Thames & Hudson: N.Y, 2008.

 Belmonte, Juan Antonio; Molinero, Miguel Angel and Miranda, Noemi, “Unveiling Seshat: New Insights into the Stretching of the Cord Ceremony,” In Search of Cosmic Order: Selected Essays on Egyptian Archaeoastronomy, Juan Antonio Belmonte and Mosalam Shaltout, eds., Cairo: Supreme Council of Antiquities Press, 2009, 197-212.

 Houlding Deborah, “Time, The Egyptians and the Calendar,” Heritage of the Stars, 2003, http://www.skyscript.co.uk/heritage/egyptians.html, .

 Magli, Giulio, “Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy,” Copernicus Books: N.Y., 2009.

 Stecchini, Livio, “Methods of Finding Cardinal Points,” World Mysteries, 2004, http://www.world-mysteries.com/alignments/mpl_al3.htm#Cardinal, .

“Orientating Egyptian Pyramids,” World Mysteries, 2004, http://www.world-mysteries.com/alignments/mpl_al4.htm, , .

 U.S. Army, “Field Expedient Methods of Determining Directions,” Army Study Guide, 2014, http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/land_navigation_map_reading/field-expedient-methods-of-determining-direction.shtml, .

GULL: Judging by Appearances

Most people encounter Gulls at beaches, usually when Gulls are scavenging for food or resting on boat docks. Some people watch Gulls drop Clams on hard rocks or on parking lots to open up the Clams. As opportunists, Gulls exploit whatever They can use, wherever They find it.

A readily recognizable group of Birds, Gulls have solidly built web-footed legs for running and swimming. With their long wings, Gulls can easily hunt over large areas of water. Most people can identify these white, grey, and black Birds, although names of particular species elude them.

Gulls live in colonies of many Birds. Usually nesting on rocky cliffs, tens of thousands of Gulls share a breeding territory with other Birds such as Pelicans, Herons, and Terns. Somehow in all the confusion of all these Birds, individual Gulls find each other and work things out.

In Salt Lake City, Utah (USA), a monument to California Gull sits in front of the State Capitol Building. Shortly after the Mormons settled the area, millions of Crickets began to devour their crops. But then thousands of California Gulls came and ate their fill of Crickets. In gratitude for saving their lives, the Mormons decided to honor California Gull.

Another Gull story involved a trainer of the Cleveland Indians Baseball team. While the beloved trainer was near death, a lone Sea Gull stayed near the dugout. After he died, the Gull remained to comfort the ball players, then left. These two Gull stories reflect how Gulls can be spiritual messengers.

Most people see Gulls as messy, noisy, and aggressive Birds. But imagine what the beaches would look like if you had no Sea Gulls – a silent beach covered with garbage. Gulls have a place in this world that people need to accept.

Gulls teach that appearances can be deceiving. Most people regard these noisy, troublesome Birds as pests. No man sees the services that Gulls provide, for example, eating garbage and cleaning up beaches. Gull teaches to judge by actions.

EMU: Wandering Spirit

Second only to Ostrich in size, Emu is a large, flightless bird. A native of Australia, Emu appears with Kangaroo on Australia’s Coat of Arms. This distinctive looking Bird thrives by roaming around Australia.

Long and strong legs enable Emu to run swiftly, and to walk long distances. His fat reserves enables Emu to live during lean times. In addition, when food is exhausted in one area, Emu will walk hundreds of miles search for more food. Unable to fly, Emu exploits where He lives by keeping His feet to the ground, wandering from place to place.

The nomadic Emu shows that adventure can be found around the next corner. Explore and find out what you seek. But do not keep wandering to the point that you become dissatisfied easily. Also stay and finish what you are doing.

Important Emu Teaching: Attentiveness and Action
“These great flightless birds of the open plains forage attentively in family groups and pair off during breeding season to share time together. The male then assumes the role of incubator directing his attention to the care of the eggs for 60 days and then the chicks as they grow. When spurred into action, an Emu can reach speeds of 55km per hour, making it difficult for predators to run them down.” Copyright: “Wisdom of Australian Animals”, Ann Williams-Fitzgerald.

Emu’s Teachings Also Include:
“Emu Dreaming lends itself to the teaching of effective parenting skills and the endurance that is required to execute the role.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers”, Scott Alexander King.

Archeoastrotronomy: Finding Directions by the Sun

Solar method of Determining Cardinal Points

Finding cardinal points (the directions of north, south, east, and west) can be done by using the sun.  One simple method is to watch the sun rise or set, which would tell you which direction was east or west. Therefore, north and south would be perpendicular to the east-west axis. This is one way to find geographical north.

 The U.S. Army suggests using a more precise method in determining the cardinal directions. Place a tall stick upright on level ground. (On a sundial, this upright stick would be the gnomon.) Mark the shadow that forms from the sun striking the gnomon. Place a line perpendicular at the tip of this shadow. This marks the western direction, but is not precisely west.

 Then wait at least ten or more minutes, and mark the tip of the new shadow formed by the gnomon. For greater accuracy, wait again for another ten minutes, and then mark that shadow tip as well. Draw a straight line between these three points. This becomes the east-west line. To find the north-south line, stand with the direction of west on your left. Now you are facing north. This north-south line bisects the east-west axis at right angles. (For telling time, the crossing of the two axis is the noon line.) 

 Because finding directions was a sacred obligation for the ancient Egyptians, they did more precise measurements. To them, the Land of the Dead, where the Soul goes, laid in the west. Therefore their tombs including The Pyramids would have an entrance facing west. The ancient Egyptians probably used one of their obelisks as a gnomon. By tracking the shadows formed at the solstices and equinoxes, the ancient Egyptians could construct a more accurate basis for the north-south and east-west lines. Moreover, the obelisk, acting as the gnomon, would cast a moving shadow throughout the day. When this shadow was marked each hour, the radii of a circle were formed. In this manner, directions such as northwest could also be determined.

Finding the cardinal directions requires you to observe the movement of the sun. For accuracy, a stick and patience are needed. By using the stick as a gnomon, you can mark the various shadows formed as the sun moves across the sky. In this manner, you can determine the actual directions. With repeated observations throughout the year, a precise line for each direction could be constructed for religious purposes.

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The sun moves north and south of east and west as the seasons progress and thus only marks true or exact east and west for a small portion of the year. 

 Works Used.

Aveni, Anthony, “People and the Sky,” Thames & Hudson: N.Y, 2008.

 Duke, Dennis, “Four Lost Episodes in Ancient Solar Theory,” Florida State University, 2008, http://people.sc.fsu.edu/~dduke/episodes3.pdf, .

 Magli, Giulio, “Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy,” Copernicus Books: N.Y., 2009.

 ----, “Methods of Finding Cardinal Points,” World Mysteries, 2004, http://www.world-mysteries.com/alignments/mpl_al3.htm#Cardinal, .

 U.S. Army, “Field Expedient Methods of Determining Directions,” Army Study Guide, 2014, http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/land_navigation_map_reading/field-expedient-methods-of-determining-direction.shtml, .

OSTRICH: Speed and Knowledge

A native of Namibia, Ostrich is the world’s largest Bird. At speeds of 70 km per hour, She runs faster than any other two-legged animal. Not only that, She also lays the largest eggs. What many people remember about Ostrich is her bizarre appearance: her long skinny neck and legs.

The !Kung tribe of Namibia hold Ostrich in great reverence. She provides for them by offering her meat for nourishment and her eggs for water carriers. In ancient Egypt, Ostrich was the representation of Ma’at, the Goddess of truth and justice. She weighed the heart of the deceased for truth. Those who passed her test went into Osiris’ presence, while those who failed were cast into the Netherworld of darkness.

Unique among birds, Ostrich has hoof-like feet, which help Her to run rapidly from danger. Kicking up sand as She goes, Ostrich swings from side to side as She runs across dry riverbeds. Even when walking, She is not slow. Powered by strong leg muscles, Ostrich walks about eight kilometers per hour.

Learn from Ostrich when and how to run from danger. She does not bury her head in sand; instead She runs. The notion of Her putting her head in the sand comes from Ostrich’s lowering her head as a means of protection. However, if alarmed, Ostrich will begin trotting fast. When totally frightened, She sprints away quickly on her strong feet. Ostrich understands that speed and knowledge will protect her.

---

Although Emu resembles Ostrich, They are not related.

Bardic: Finding Awen in Many Ways

Searching for Awen is something that Bards need to do in order to create their works. “Finding” Awens differs with each Bard, since all perceive Awen in their own particular way. However, one of the most common and easiest things that Bards do is to go out into Nature. A Bard would simply sit or walk in Nature, while becoming hyperaware of her surroundings. She would then speak to a tree and listen to its wisdom. While hearing the rustle of the wind or the call of the squirrel, a Bard goes deeper into Nature and discovers Awen.

 “Finding” Awen can by experiencing Bardic works. The creative fire of Awen is often exchanged between Bards in this manner. Through the efforts of one Bard, Awen flows to the other Bard, who embraces his piece. Listening to a symphony or reading a poem places a Bard in contact with Awen, that fills the creation.

  Spending time in devotion to the Gods is another way to “find” Awen. Performing regular rituals such as morning devotions or High Day observances will place the Bard in contact with the Divine. In this sacred time and space, a God may come to inspire the Bard to compose an ode in their honor. At other times, the Bard communes deeply with the Divine, and receives the “fire in the head,” compelling her to create.

 A Bard can seek Awen by wandering on the land. After finding a proper listening spot, he prepares to listen deeply to the Spirit of the Land. By employing meditation and paying close attention, the Bard can touch Awen through this Spirit. 

 During particular times of the year or at specific places of the earth, the door to Other Worlds will open. Going through the portal, a Bard can enter these Other Lands. This experience itself will connect the Bard to the wonder and awe of Awen. However, the Bard needs to take care not to become entrapped in the Other World.

 Through their craft, Bards can “find” Awen. By creating a song, picture or some other work, the Bard immerses himself into the stream of Awen. As the Bard deepens his contact through his craft, the more Awen will course through him. Awen usually comes to the Bard who opens himself up to create.

 As a channel for Awen to the present World, the Bard is the intermediary between Awen and people. She gives voice to the unseen and unperceived parts of the Worlds. Therefore, the Bard has to take special care in “finding” Awen. Moreover, she has the responsibility to “use” Awen wisely.

Bardic: Finding Awen: Otherworlds: Fairies and others

After days of cold rain, the weather finally broke to become a delightful spring day. Therefore, I embarked to the local Nature Preserve – Hidden Pond Park. This park, complete with hills, meadows, swamps, and woods, is a pond and creek complex. As I headed towards the Nature Center at the park, I was greeted by a carpet of violets – purple, white, yellow, and mixed. While I walked the downhill path to Pohick Creek, I saw bluebells, spring beauties, and trout lilies. Nearer the creek, fiddlehead ferns were unfurling their heads.

At a bend in the creek, the water formed a small pool. When I sat down, two mallards landed and paddled around. Sitting in the warm sun, I felt drowsy as I held my stuffed lady bug. (I use “Peesey” to travel to the Otherworlds.) Wild fairies were sailing on little leaf boats in the air and on the water. Acting playful, the fairies were laughing until they saw me. Enraged, these fairies ordered me to leave. Since they despised humans, I hastily departed, after leaving an offering to appease the angry fairies.

 After that, I walked up the path to another part of the creek. An ancient oak leaned over the water exposing a huge hole made by its gnarled roots. Holding onto Peesey, I sat down and “descended” to the entrance. Coming through a tunnel, I found myself in a village populated by dwarves. The place hummed with purposeful activity, as the dwarves were busy crafting objects out of various metals. Because of their blast furnaces, the place was hot. I sweated but the dwarves seem comfortable. As their hammers struck against the anvils, a chiming music filled the air. As I wandered around, I noticed that the place was filled with bright colors. However I got the feeling that I was a distraction to the dwarves working, so I left.

 Arriving at the pond, I sat on a bench near some mud turtles basking on a log. As I watched them sun themselves, I fel asleep, waking up in a meadow near a babbling creek. I heard bumble bees buzzing, and bullfrogs croaking jug-a-rums, at the pond nearby. Meanwhile, Canada geese honked a welcome, as the ruler of the place, a fat toad, came to check me out. I apparently passed muster since he decided to sun himself near me. Feeling at peace, I relaxed and slept.

Afterwards, I got up and went home. When I arrived home, I pondered the difference between the three places where I had been. Were they all part of one single Otherworld? Were they all different Otherworlds? I wonder if all the descriptions of the Otherworlds collected through the ages were the six blind men trying to describe an elephant. My feeling from my experience was that I was at different locales of the same Otherworld.

Divination: Norse Runes: 12 Rune Life Layout

Because my life is in flux, I decided to do the Twelve Rune Layout known as “the Runic Wheel” for a life reading. “The Runic Wheel” is ideal for me to read accurately and wisely. I did the layout on May Eve (Walpurgis Night), since it marked the change between the light and dark halves of the year for the Norse. This crack in time was a good time to do a life reading.

 As I prepared to do the reading, I laid the Runes out counter-clockwise as directed by the layout. I noted each triadic grouping as well as any natural grouping such as “Self,” “Health,” and “Relationships.” During the divination, I looked for any particular messages from the Runes.

 Starting at the Nine o’clock position of “Self,” I drew Ansuz. For me, this Rune means that I am under the protection of the Gods. After I became injured, I felt the presence of the Gods come into my life. They have been guiding my life since.

 At the Eight o’clock position of “Material Position,” I drew Ehwaz. I interpret this Rune as “movement and adaptability.” Any new ventures that I start would be successful. However, I need to seek cooperation from other people to reach my goals.

 At the Seven o’clock position of “Communication,” I drew Isa. Because of my brain injury, communication with others is difficult. Isa reflects this blockage in my brain. What this Rune counsels me is that I need to wait first before speaking, so I do not stutter. 

 At the Six o’clock position of “Family and Home,” I drew Uruz. My family is like the wild Aurochs represented by Uruz. We are strong, passionate, and mentally ill. Managing our illnesses is like riding the Aurochs, but together we are able to do it.

 At the Five o’clock position of “Pleasure and Creativity,” I drew Berkano. This is the Rune of birth and rebirth. For six months, I have been struggling with a long fallow period of doing nothing. My zest for being creative has been noticeably absent. Drawing Berkano gives me hope that I should see the start of renewed creativity and the desire to write again.

 At the Four o’clock position of “Health,” I drew Dagaz. For me, Dagaz means “breakthrough, relief or some sort of dramatic life change.” Since my brain injury affects my over-all health, it makes becoming healthy, problematic. Because of this, I have made very slow progress in returning to good health. This Rune tells me to expect positive changes and improvement.

 At the Three o’clock position of “Relationships,” I drew Nauthiz. My brain injury creates difficulties because I miss social cues, frustrating me and other people. Nauthiz, the Rune of “need and obstacles,” informs me to be patient and use as much self-control as possible.

At the Two o’clock position of “Sex Life,” I drew Othila. For me, this Rune means “a sense of belonging, legacy, the Ancestors.” As I pondered this, I decided that the Ancestors are with me and want me to enjoy my husband. After all, that is how our line is continued. (This is their legacy to me.)
 
At the One o’clock position of “Ideals and Dreams,” I drew Mannaz. I understand this Rune to be “family and community.” My ideals and dreams arise from supporting my family and community. By serving my community, I can achieve my own ideals. 

 At the Twelve o’clock position of “Ambitions and Aspirations,” I drew Wunjo. For me, this Rune means “success and joy.” I was stumped as to how to interpret this Rune in this position. “Joy” could be a goal for me. I intend to do something joyful each day such as bird watching.
 
 At the Eleven o’clock position of “Friendships,” I drew Jera. This Rune means “harvest,” which I interpret to be: “I will reap the benefits of my friendships.” By maintaining the high quality of my relationships, my social life will improve. 

Finally at the Ten o’clock position of the “Subconscious,” I drew Kenaz. A part of my injury is being disconnected with parts of my brain. Kenaz, “the Torch,” will help me to illuminate these parts. Eventually, I will become more integrated, and more in touch with my subconscious.

 Looking at the Triads, several pictures emerge. From “Self” to “Material Position” and “Communication” flow Ansuz, Ehwaz, and Isa. From the Gods come my material comfort. However, I need to be still and ponder my good fortune.

 From “Family and Home” to “Pleasure” and “Health” flow Uruz, Berkano, and Dagaz. Deriving strength and robustness from my family, I can be reborn into a new period of creativity. By being reborn, I will receive a breakthrough in my recovery from my brain injury.

 From “Relationships” to “Sex Life” to “Ideals and Dreams” flow Nauthiz, Othila, and Mannaz. Because of the obstacles of learning social cues, I need to be in contact with my Ancestors. From them, I receive a sense of belonging. Now I can support and be supported by my community. 

 From “Ambitions and Aspirations,” “Friendships,” and the “Sub-conscious” flows Wunjo, Jera, and Kenaz. Since I seek harmony, I will harvest good friendships. With the help of my friends, my subconscious will be illuminated to me. 

 The Triads present a cycle building up to confirm that my struggles in relating with others will be rewarded. The connections between me and other people will improve. As long as I honor the Gods and the Ancestors, I will have a synthesis of vitality and testing which will help me overcome my ordeals in communication.

 The Runes for communication and relationships includes Isa and Nauthiz, reflecting my handicap. However, balancing this out is Jera, which tells me that if I am patient, I will reap a good harvest. Meanwhile, the Runes of self and the subconscious is Ansuz and Kenaz, which says to me that the Gods will connect me to myself. Adding to this is my sex life denoted by Othila, the Ancestral Home. My life may be in flux now, but this is necessary for me to achieve a breakthrough as denoted by Berkano and Dagaz.

MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL: Fragility of Life

Support Monk Seals in Turkey

In ancient Greece, Mediterranean Monk Seal was placed under the protection of Poseidon, the God of the Sea, and Apollo, the God of the Sun, because Monk Seal showed a great love for sea and sun. The Greek sages, Homer, Plutarch, and Aristotle, immortalized Him in their writings. As long as there have been people living around the Mediterranean, Monk Seal has been a part of their lives.

Instead of ice and snow, Mediterranean Monk Seal has sandy beaches and warm waters to live in. He is called Monk Seal because He is bald and is often alone like a Christian monk. Exceedingly shy, He prefers the company of few friends. Mediterranean Monk Seal runs contrary to modern people’s perceptions of where Seals live.

Mediterranean Monk Seal teaches the fragility of life. Once common to the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, He is now found only small islands and cliffs around rocky coasts, which are inaccessible to people. Cherish life as the people who try to save Monk Seal from extinction.

International Monk Seal Alliance

Mediterranean Monk Seal’s Teachings Include:
“We must act now. By protecting the monk seal, we protect the sea itself.”

Mom (in Greek)

Copyright: Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal

ELEPHANT SEAL: Male Spirit

The largest of all Seals, Father Elephant Seal towers over all his Wives. What gives Elephant Seal his name is his huge size and his elephant trunk-like snout. Along with his bellowing roar, Elephant Seal attracts many Females to be his wife by inflating his snout to an immense size.

Father Elephant Seal arrives at his breeding beach a few weeks before his Wives, to establish his territory. By raising his head and chest, tilting his head back, He issues a loud bellow to intimidate other Elephant Seals. Usually that works, but when a particularly stubborn Seal wants his territory, Father Elephant Seal rams his bulky body against his Rival and bites Him. By the time his Wives arrive, Elephant Seal has his territory.

After breeding season is over, Everyone goes their separate ways. Alone, Elephant Seal will travel from continent to continent. In searching for his favorite food, Squid, He will dive as deep as 1,250 meters, and stay underwater for as long as an hour. Few Seals, let alone other Mammals, can do these feats.

Father Elephant Seal demonstrates the many aspects of the Male Spirit. He bellows and inflates his snout to impress the Ladies, and to announce what is his. His enormous size enables Father Elephant Seal to travel long distances both on the ocean’s surface and below. His dark side is his need to dominate to the point of risking his life. However, all things balance out, since Father Elephant Seal is the favorite food of Great White Shark, the Queen of the Seas.

SEAL FAMILY: Seeing With Your Mind's Eye

Seals (Phocidae) are distant cousins to Sea Lions (Otariidae), who are, in fact, closer cousins to Walruses (Odobenidae). To many people, this seems odd, since they think that Seals and Sea Lions look alike. Actually, the “trained seals” at circuses are really female California Sea Lions. Seals are more streamlined and without noticeable ears. When on land, Seals move like Caterpillars, instead of walking, like Sea Lions and Walruses.

Contrary to popular belief, Seals not only live only in the Arctic and Antarctic, but also in the warmer seas as well. Also, Seals can be found living in inland seas like the Caspian Sea and Mediterranean Seas. Ringed Seal and Baikal Seal live in freshwater lakes. Hawaiian Monk Seal can be seen sleeping on the beaches of Hawai’i.

Humans have long traditions regarding Seals. The Romans believed that sealskins would protect people from thunder and lightening. The Scots and Welsh tell of seal-people (Selkies), who would become human by laying aside their sealskins and walking on the land. Some Irish and Scottish families claim Selchies as ancestors. Other Celtic peoples regarded Seals to be messengers from the Fairy Realms.

Seals connect people with the mysterious. They live in the water yet come on land from time to time. Seals have large eyes, rounded heads, and receding chins that resemble human children. Bobbing above the surface of the ocean, Seals watch life with uncannily human eyes. They could be people if you had the imagination to see Seals as “seal-people”. Seals help people to see beyond what is and to see with their mind’s eye.