Yuletide

Season's Greetings! Happy Holidays if you prefer- the truth is that everyone has their own way of celebrating the Winter Solstice. Christians celebrate the Nativity, Jews celebrate the Festival of Lights, and Pagans celebrated the renewal of the Sun and the cycle of the seasons. The truth is, that every faith has a common traditions and themes for this part of the year, so why is it so special to so many people?

The Holly King

Humans have always celebrated this time of year as a time of survival; as the darkest part of the year they remembered that even in the darkest time the cycle of life goes on and summer will always come again. Many people acknowledged these days (Every tradition acknowledges the celebration as a seasonal series of days rather than just one) as a time of thanksgiving, of sharing bounty in the form of gifts, and feasting in families and communities.


Neolithic peoples were thought to have built megalithic stone monuments to acknowledge the solstices and measure time through a complex calendar. Ancient Greeks and Romans worshiped Bacchus on Lenaia or Brumalia ("Shortest Day)as a period of feasting and merriment, celebrated in conjunction with Saturnalia (Kronia in Greek)- one of the chief Roman holidays which included a series of social and religious rituals similar to later European Christmas festivities. This holiday invoked the agricultural god of time Saturn, who represented old age, winter, darkness, and earthly bounty as a renewal of physical matter that dies during this time.  He is often characterized by his sickle, which portrays his role as a reaper or Father Time as he is later known as in associated with the Greek Chronos (Chronos= Time  in Greek).

Saturnus

Saturn is one of a series of elderly gods who makes up the archetype of Father Christmas who later becomes the Santa Clause in the Christmas tradition. This elderly deity is the polar opposite of the infant born on the winter solstice who represents the Sun and offers hope out of the darkness. This younger god is known as Mithras or Sol Invictus by the Roman Period and becomes the archetype for images of Christ. Mithras and Sol Invictus are sun gods with astrological associations but are also bringers of light, guidance, and prosperity to mankind whose birth is celebrated on the solstice in the midst of the winter festival celebrations.

Christ as Sol Invictus- Tomb of the Julii, St Peter's

In Germanic countries, the solstice season was known as Yule- again the celebration of the winter as a time of bounty associated with the hunt and winter animals such as deer. The god of this season is Odin, another prototype for Father Christmas depicted as an elderly prophet and also king of the Norse gods. In later Neopagan traditions, Celtic gods and goddesses were incorporated into the Yuletide and a new mythology was constructed. Some of these myths associate the "dakness" during Yule as the last of the triple Goddesses (Youth, Mother, and Crone) and the divine child of light (the Sun) as the offspring that comes from the darkness.

The Oak King and the Holly King

Another myth is of the Oak King and the Holly King; these are gods who rule the two halves of the year. The Oak King triumphs on the summer solstice, reigns during the warmer half of the year, and is an archetype who represents light; the Holly King triumphs on the winter solstice, reigns during the darker half of the year, and is the archetype of darkness. These gods represent a type of yin and yang duality that is associated with the Celtic god Cerunnos, the horned lord of the hunt, who is the combination of both of these characters.


Overall, the season of the Winter Solstice is a time of both light and dark. One half of the year ends and the other begins in a dance of dualism. Today, the holidays are festivals where we light candles to combat the darkness, celebrate a divine birth, or are thankful for what we have- just like our ancestors before us.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

I -- am a librarian...

"Look, I... I may not be an explorer, or an adventurer, or a treasure-seeker, or a gunfighter, Mr. O'Connell, but I am proud of what I am.  I -- am a librarian..."

Librarians in modern society have a very specific image, and as a current student of Library Science, I just want to dispel some of the views that I have encountered and bring up some interesting topics about... what else... LIBRARIANS!


In contemporary media, its easy to stereotype, but I personally prefer the bad-ass version of librarians as having a super-human thirst for knowledge and learning. Nobody is a better badass example of this than the unassuming Evie from the Mummy film series. Also as an aspiring Egyptologist I look up to her in more ways than one.

I also thought it was interesting that one of the main characters of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series was also a librarian who also practiced magic, and was therefore a boundless resource on the supernatural. Might I mention that Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, was also a librarian!

There is also a long history of ancient libraries from the very inception of writing in Sumer. These included not only archives but also works of law, history, religion, commerce, and a whole range of subjects. In Egypt, the medium of writing moved from clay tablets (like in Mesopotamia) to papyrus scrolls, so much more complex system of storage was needed. Egyptian libraries were located in temples and were referred to as the Per Medjat or "House of Books."

Specific gods and goddesses were the patrons of these establishments, but none were more important that Thoth and Seshat. Seshat names "The Scribess" and she was associated with architecture, astronomy, and mathematics- and is the prototype of the female profession of librarianship. Her attributes show her holding a palm branch recording the regnal years of the king, a leopard robe associated with priesthood and the night sky, and above her head is an unconfirmed symbol of either a reed or a star. Thoth, although not specifically associated with libraries like Seshat, was also her consort and in charge of writing, magic, and academic subjects.


In the Hellenistic world, libraries became the cultural centers cities, such as the great Library of Alexandria in Egypt, which contained every great work produced in the Hellenistic world begun by Ptolemy I. There were also libraries in Pergamum, Athens, and Rome which collected records, literature, and knowledge passed down through classical antiquity.

In the Hellenistic world, the patron goddess of libraries was Athena (Minerva)goddess of knowledge, or the personification of wisdom herself Sophia. Hermes, like Thoth with whom he is associated with in the Egyptian pantheon, is the inventor of the word and oration (thus his epithet of Logios) but is not associated with libraries per se. It seems that in the ancient world (and today), male wisdom took the action of oration, writing, and physical active participation of creating knowledge. Female goddesses therefore were the passive guardians of knowledge created by the male figure.

βιβλιοθηκάριος

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

Demon Slayer

For the past week, I've been having reoccurring dreams of being a demon slayer alla Van Helsing, John Constantine, or Laura Croft. The aforementioned visions inspired me to describe the current progression of my imagination into a strange and fantastical world. Lately every action has taken on a fated meaning.

Aramaic Incantation Bowl for Expelling Demons

These dreams started after I raided the Archaeology Center at my old school (a Jesuit Institution) for books on the occult as well as language and general Archaeology. Among these grimoires I found several interesting volumes on Astronomy, Astrology, Demonology, Conjuring, Incantations, Talismans, Rituals, and many other subjects. Of the few books I have scanned since their reacquisition, I have already learned a great deal about the workings of the cosmos. All summer long, I've developed a strange taste for mysticism, and unfortunately this is feeding the fire.

To share a bit about these dreams, I attempt to find artifacts of potent spiritual power and beauty, but in the process, I find the mansions, museums, and collections possessed by a variety of demons. The word "Demon"derives from the Greek word daimon (δαίμων) which simply refers to a spiritual being of no specific malevolent or benevolent connotations. An Agathos Daimon is usually a tutelary deity or benevolent spirit. Similarly, in Roman religion, is the Genius or personal divinity which is derivative of the Roman belief in animism. These "Demons" come in many different forms, including that of a winged person (much like the depiction of an Angel) or a serpent (connection with Chthonic earthly forces).

In addition to these basic types, there are also a multitude of other spirits classified in these dreams, such as Vampires, Incubi/ Succubi (sexual spirits), Jinn (Arab genies), and a number of other various theriomorphic beings from Egyptian mythology.

Egyptian Wand with various inscribed Demons

At the end of these dreams, I eventually destroy the malevolent spirits using guns, swords, knives, etc. and rescue the object I was sent to recover (much like genies and lamps). Who knows, maybe if I continue to read these manuals, I'll be able to protect and use artifacts to defeat malevolent demonic forces.

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

Apollo

Ἀπόλλων

Ἑκηβόλος  "Far Shooting"

I have always felt a special connection to Apollo, an Olympian deity who ruled many aspects of the Greco-Roman religion:
He is associated with the keeping of order and justice, as well as dealing out punishment to the wicked. In accordance with this, he was also honored in the founding of new cities, especially Greek colonies in Magna Graecia in Italy. (My family is from Naples and Agrigento, both of which are in this area.)


As a protector god, he has the power to heal the sick and prevent evil as an apotropaic deity.


His cult was famous for its oracles and he was associated with the connection between the divine and man.

Apollo as a seer pouring libations, with a raven and lyre.

As a patron of the arts, he was honored in sculpture and painting from an early age, inspired by the beauty of male youths. He also ruled over song and music, as he was often shown with a lyre given to him by Hermes.


He was associated with multiple solar deities, due to his association with light (epithet: Phoebus "shining"). He took the place of the titan Helios, eventually absorbing his name as another epithet. In Egypt he was syncretized with the falcon-god Horus, who was also associated with similar solar and healing aspects.

In addition, he is the god of Archery, plague, male youth, and much, more...
Animals sacred to Apollo include ravens, serpents, deer, dolphins, wolves, and my favorite... Griffins!

Eastern Solar Deity-riding a Griffin.

You can see now why I think he is so awesome- and why he is near and dear to my heart.


Homeric Hymn 21 to Apollo: "Phoibos [Apollo], of you even the swan sings with clear voice to the beating of his wings, as he alights upon the bank by the eddying river Peneios; and of you the sweet-tongued minstrel, holding his high-pitched lyre, always sings both first and last. And so hail to you lord! I seek your favour with my song."

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

The Blue Lotus

Seshen 

For the past year, I've been obsessed with the Egyptian Blue Lotus. This plant was abundant in Ancient Egypt, but is now a rare plant. As it only blooms for part of the year, it is also extremely difficult to cultivate. It's name is also a misnomer, as it is actually a water lily whose proper name is Nymphaea Caerulea.

Symbolically, this plant represents the cycle of the sun, one of the most important concepts in Egyptian religion. It opens only a short while, and for them it's bloom represented the sun rise and sun set due to the yellow center among blue petals. This beautiful symbol also represents the creation of the cosmos, as the earth was created out of the chaotic waters of Nun and emerged as the god Nefertem.

Most interestingly, the flower is theorized by recent scholarship to contain psycho-active properties, namely aporphine (a suggested mild pain-killer). Experiments have been undertaken to determine whether Egyptians used this as a sort of party drug by soaking the flowers in wine at banquets. Although the results are controversial, there is no doubt that the Blue Lotus was an important symbol of perfumes, sexual arousal, and parties. It may have been used in art to symbolize aroma or even intoxication by depicting the lotus above the head of a party-goer.

Recently, I've been interested in trying out this mysterious plant. Who knows, it might be suitable for recreation!

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

Epiphany

ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia: manifestation, striking appearance


At the beginning of my final semester of college, I took a picture of what I believe to be a very profound moment of epiphany; a sunset at the beach with a path leading into the distance. What struck me about the image was the iridescence of the water, the golden rays along the horizon, and the path leading straight into the sun.

At first, I thought of the image as some type of goddess, one that I could not put my finger on at first but the iridescent color of the water, the shape of the horizon, and the environment all pointed to one culprit: the marginal messenger goddess Iris. This goddess is the personification of the rainbow, thus the term iridescence. As the sun unites earth and heaven Iris links the gods to humanity and she travels between planes of existence; she is associated with the sky, sea, and the underworld. Images of her portray her with golden wings, just like the horizon in the picture.

Ιρις

Later on in the semester for our Middle Egyptian class, we had to translate a poem from a short story called A Dispute Between A Man and His Ba. My translation read:

"Death is in my sight today like the recovery of a sick man,

Like going outside after confinement.

Death is in my sight today like the aroma of myrrh,

Like sitting under an awning on a windy day.

Death is in my sight today like the fragrance of lotuses,

Like sitting on the shore of the Land of Drunkenness.

Death is in my sight today like the well-trodden path,

Like how a man returns from a military expedition to his house.

Death is in my sight today like how a man desires to see his home,

Who spent many years in captivity."

-So it has been transcribed from its beginning to its end as it was found in writing

Ba spirit above a Mummy

          

I believe this poem strongly reflects the emotions in the picture I took at the beginning of the semester. The context of the story is a man's anticipation of death and his conversations with his soul which in Egyptian called a Ba, represented by a bird with a man's head. Some scholars believe that the man is suicidal but others believe that he is a typical Egyptian who is anticipating his journey to the Field of Reeds, the equivalent of Heaven. The story reflects the Egyptian attitude towards death not as the end of life, but as a respite from the difficulties endured by those who are alive. His Ba argues that he should enjoy life while he has it and relates the value of living as a blessing rather than a curse. It is an immensely inspiring tale as it relays the questions that all mortals must come to face concerning life, death, and the permanence of our memory.


I suppose my conclusion from all of this is the wonder for nature, and the conveyance of the overall connection to the spiritual realm that our ancient ancestors had. Through the eyes of a Greek, you might see the messenger goddess who can travel between worlds making her journey across the sky. The Egyptians might have seen the sun god Ra descending into the Underworld to complete his journey in the cycle of life and death that recurs every day, and that one day each of us must endure.

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

Smiting Scene

When Osama Bin Laden was found and killed, I heard a lot about how President Obama was getting all of the credit. Then I thought to myself: "Wait, there are plenty of rulers throughout history who have taken credit for the brilliant generals or brave soldiers who actually did all of the heavy lifting."


In that spirit I photoshopped onto an Egyptian Smiting Scene the faces of Obama (as the pharaoh)  and Osama (as the Asiatic).


Enjoy

Sma Ubama Usama

"Obama Slaying Osama"

Ankh Wedja Seneb

(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

Who is Leif?

To everyone who might find this blog interesting,


I've created this persona, Leif Lauderdale, as a sort of Indiana Jones character.


Leif is Scandinavian for "heir" or "descendant" and also represents the only man to survive Ragnarok. In the original Old Norse, it is pronounced as Leifr.


So far I've earned a BA in Classical Civilizations and Archaeology, but my favorite civilizations are Rome and Egypt.

If you like listening to long rants about my life, or simply want to read articles about archaeology and my experience- keep on listening.



Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)


Leif Lauderdale