Horns of Honor
Fredrick Thomas Elworthy
The eighteen and early nineteen hundreds were not known for their scholastic rigor. Academics of the era were influenced by a strong Christian values and a west-knows-best bias. Frederick Thomas Elworhty was not safe from these influences and it shows throughout his work. However in the introduction to Horns of Honor: Regaining the Spirit of the Pagan Horned God editor Raven Grimassi says we “shouldn’t through the baby out with the bath water.” I would have to agree. There is much knowledge to be gained in Elworthy’s writings.
For instance, there was a strong focus in much of the beginning of how much of the Roman use of horned adornments were used by women. These were symbols of strength and fertility, much like they are in male Celtic iconography. Frederick shows his work and doesn’t give me a moment’s pause to believe he’s constructing these ideas to suit some addenda other than a search for knowledge. This starts to faultier when he gets to fourth part entailed The Hand. Here Elworhty attempts to examine various hand gestures, correlating them to ancient Greek and Roman “religious” artifacts. I found myself confused by the comparisons, contrasts, and correlations he is making. Even Grimassi said this was not the strongest or most compelling part of Elworthy’s work.
Through it all, I found myself compelled and challenged by Horns of Honor. I am an academic and a scientist before I’m anything else, and unfortunately Elworthy’s scholarship doesn’t stand the test of time. That isn’t to say I wasted my own time by consuming this text. If anything, I now have a fuller picture of the evolution of the horned-gods icons and associations over the course of western history. The nineteen century and it’s views and are no less important in informing today’s understandings than are the first century or earlier. Our perspective changes as we know more, this includes understanding primary sources, as well as all the interpretation and experiences people have had thus far.
If you are looking for a good source of information on horned gods, including Pan, Bacchus, Baphamet, Hern, and others, the use of horns in paganism and other religions, as well as a ton of interesting historical trivia, you could find a whole lot worse text. If the topic interests you at all, I would even go so far as to say that is could be a good place to start, just make sure you know when the author was writing before you believe every word on the page.
Review by Markus K. Ironwood, M.Ed.
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Myrtle
Associated with Aphrodite, the ancient Greek Goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure, myrtle is kept by those who invite joy and happiness into their lives! From placing a sprig near babies’ cribs to the British Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet, myrtle is used to help insure joy and happiness today and forevermore. Add a little to a wedding incense, or to a bath for a special touch of its joyful magick.
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Myrtle Oil
Although not good for children, myrtle essential oil can be great with adults who struggle with repeated coughs and colds, a stressful life, or just to help eliminate body odor naturally. Used in moderation this is a great EO! Try adding a few drops to a bath or a diffuser for a cough or cold. Keep a portable inhaler of it for stressful moments. Add myrtle to a DIY deodorant or body powder for a great smelling odor fighter. Just like the herb, the essential oil is associated with Aphrodite, a goddess of love and pleasure, so it might even spice up your night life!
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Petrified Wood
Because its association with trees, Petrified wood is said to be grounding. Many western authors say it is connected to the root chakra, and say it can facilitate in past life regression work. Petrified Wood is created when soft sediment, like volcanic ash, covers living trees. Over thousands of years, the cells and tissues are replaced with minerals like quartz and silicone. Elements like manganese, iron, and copper give the petrified wood a variety of colors like pinks, reds, and greens.
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Thor
We all need to bring the thunder sometimes. Bring Thor into your home this month for a burst of power, protection, and good fortune for the growing season. Often mistaken for a god of war, Thor was actually the favorite god of farmers. He controls the weather, and therefore praying to Thor in the springtime was an important spiritual practice. While Thor may not be a god of war he is the wielder of the hammer Mjollnir - which was indeed used to slay giants, but it was also used to bless fields and funeral pyres, and is even placed in a bride's lap to ensure fertility. Snorri Sturluson also describes Thor as originating in Ethiopia or Troy.
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