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For Romans, May (Maius) is sacred to Maia, the Goddess of the Growth of Living Things. As the Mother of Mercury, She is also honored with Him at the Mercuralia on May 15. On May 1st, Maia’s festival day and on the 15th, a priest of Vulcan (God of Fire) will sacrifice a pregnant sow to Her. Maia is his consort since Vulcan (Volcanus) is also the God who ripens the earth with his inner warmth. Modern Roman Polytheists will offer burnt pork to Maia.

May is also a gloomy month since the Dead roam freely at this time. The Lemuria is to ensure that the Dead are placated and do not trouble the living. Meanwhile, the Rosalia focused on placing roses and violets on graves.

The Days of the Dead

The major focus of this month is the Lemuria, the Roman Days of the Dead (May 9, 11, and 13). On these days, the Lemures (Larvae) seek out the living to have them give the Larvae proper burials. The Lemures also want people to make offerings in their memory to the Gods of the Dead. Meanwhile, the living do certain rites to ensure that Larvae not harm them or their families. (The Larvae could be considered the “Undead.”)

Until the 8th Century, May 13 was All Saints’ Day for Christians. During the 730s, Pope Gregory III changed the feast date to November 1. He wanted to accommodate the Celtic Christians, who had grown in numbers. Meanwhile, Roman Lemuria can be considered the Roman equivalent of Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.

From Ovid’s “Fasti,” Book V, a ritual for Lemuria

When midnight comes, lending silence to sleep,

And all the dogs and hedgerow birds are quiet,

He who remembers ancient rites, and fears the gods,

Rises (no fetters binding his two feet)

And makes the sign with thumb and closed fingers,

Lest an insubstantial shade meets him in the silence.

After cleansing his hands in spring water,

He turns and first taking some black beans,

Throws them with averted face: saying, while throwing:

‘With these beans I throw I redeem me and mine.’

He says this nine times without looking back: the shade

Is thought to gather the beans, and follow behind, unseen.

Again he touches water, and sounds the Temesan bronze,

And asks the spirit to leave his house.

When nine times he’s cried: ‘Ancestral spirit, depart,’

He looks back, and believes the sacred rite’s fulfilled.

Mercury (Mercurius)

For Romans, Mercury is the God of Commerce, Merchants, and Thieves. On May 15, merchants would bless themselves and their wares from his sacred well, which was located outside of the Sacred Boundary (Pomerium) of Rome. Modern Roman Polytheists will use water from local streams to bless their local banks and stores.

Julius Caesar noted that Mercury was the most popular God in the Celtic and Germanic regions closest to Roman territories. These peoples regarded Mercury to be the inventor of the arts. In Celtic areas, He was frequently accompanied by Rosmerta, Celtic Goddess of Abundance and Prosperity.

From Ovid’s “Fasti,” Book V.

A ritual to Mercury by merchants:

All those who make a living trading their wares,

Offer you incense, and beg you to swell their profits.

There’s Mercury’s fountain close to the Capene Gate:

It’s potent, if you believe those who’ve tried it.

Here the merchant, cleansed, with his tunic girt,

Draws water and carries it off, in a purified jar.

With it he wets some laurel, sprinkles his goods

With damp laurel: those soon to have new owners.

And he sprinkles his hair with dripping laurel too,

And with that voice, that often deceives, utters prayers:

‘Wash away all the lies of the past,’ he says,

‘Wash away all the perjured words of a day that’s gone.

If I’ve called on you as witness, and falsely invoked

Jove’s great power, hoping he wouldn’t hear:

If I’ve knowingly taken the names of gods and goddesses,

In vain: let the swift southerlies steal my sinful words,

And leave the day clear for me, for further perjuries,

And let the gods above fail to notice I’ve uttered any.

Just grant me my profit, give me joy of the profit I’ve made:

And make sure I’ll have the pleasure of cheating a buyer.’

Flora

On May 23, the Rosalia (dies rosationis (the day of the rose adornment)) is held. This was originally a military rite to honor the fallen. It later became a ritual to honor all the dead, with roses placed on graves. For the Rosalia, I would suggest going to a battlefield or military cemetery, if possible.

The Ambarvalia

At the end of May, people would walk the perimeters of their fields bringing offerings of milk, honey and wine. They drove their animals along the boundaries, beating the ground to stave off baneful influences. The ancient Romans would herd a boar, ram, and a bull around the boundaries, and then sacrifice them. Modern Roman Polytheists offer meats from the store and ask for the blessings of Mars and Ceres on the crops.

Notes:

Note 1. Ovid, “Fasti,” Book V. Translator: A.S. Kline, 2004.

Mercury (Mercurius) was not originally a Roman God. However, He was assimilated so early that He became one of the Di Consentes (The Twelve Great Gods). Mercury came to Rome via the grain trade with Sicily, which was then a part of the Magna Graecae (Greater Greece). The Romans first considered Hermes, the Greek God, to be the God of the Grain Trade. Later as Mercurius, He became the God of Trade and Merchants. However, Cicero wrote that one of Hermes’ aspects – the Messenger of the Gods – was carried over from the Greeks.

In 495 BCE, Mercury’s temple was built outside the Pomerium (Sacred Boundary of Rome). The Mercuralia, his major festival, held on the Ides of May, the day when his temple was dedicated. Since his temple is located halfway between the temples of the Capitoline Triad of the patricians and the Aventine Triad of the plebeians, Mercury also became the Mediator Between Social Classes.

Mercury was often syncretized with the local Gods of various Celtic and Germanic tribes. (Note 1.) Julius Caesar said that Mercury was the most popular God in Britain and Gaul. Meanwhile, Romans in these areas often regarded the Germanic and Celtic Gods to be aspects of their Roman ones (“interpretatio Romana” (Note 2.)). The Gauls and Germans identified Mercury as their Inventor of the Arts. To them, Mercury was also the God of Magic, Good-Luck and Fertility. For this attribute, the Gauls displayed Mercury with either three heads or faces or phalli. (Note 3.)

The syncretic forms of Mercury would appear in different ways. One is the Latin name with a Celtic place name. These are local Gods who were incorporated with Mercury to become a major God of the tribe. Another form is the hybrid (Note 4.) who becomes a unique God – neither Celtic or Roman, but both. A common form is Mercury with epithets that reflected an attribute of his. These epithets are based on the perceptions of the Gauls and Germans.

As a God, Mercury is extremely “fluid.” He has no final definition such being only the God of Merchants. Since They draw on many cultures (such as Carthage), the many Gods of Mercury are ambiguous. From each culture, Mercury gains different attributes.

Mercury in some of his many forms: (Note 5.)

Mercurius Artaios, the God of Hunting. Protector of Bears and Bear Hunting.

Mercurius Arvernus, the Main God of the Arverni tribe.

Mercurius Cimbrianus, a hybrid of Mercury with a God of the Cimbri. (He was sometimes thought to be Woden in another form.)

Mercurius Cissonius, the God of the Chariots.

Mercurius Esibraeus, a hybrid of the Iberian Esibraeus with the Roman Mercury.

Mercurius Gebrinius, a hybrid of Mercury with Gebrinius.

Mercurius Moccus, the Protector of Boars and Boar Hunters.

Mercurius Visucius, a hybrid of the Celtic Visucius with the Roman Mercury. (Worshipped in the frontier areas of the Roman empire in Gaul and Germany.)

Notes:

Note 1. Apollo and Mars were also popular among the Gauls and Germans.

Note 2. “Interpretatio Romana” is from Tacitus’ Germania – “according to the Roman interpretation.” In the Roman sense, these Gods were aspects of the original Roman Ones.

Note 3. The phalli were a good luck charm.

Note 4. Syncretism can be the fusing of two or more Gods. It may create a new entity who exists with the Original Gods.

Note 5. The Gods found with the most inscriptions in Gaul and Germany was Cissonius, Gebrinius, and Visucius.

Current Mood: working

The Days of the Dead

Mercury (Mercurius)

Flora

The Ambarvalia

At the end of May, people would walk the perimeters of their fields bringing offerings of milk, honey and wine. Ancient Romans herded a boar, ram, and a bull around the boundaries, and then sacrificed them. Modern Roman Polytheists offer meats from the store and ask for the blessings of Mars and Ceres on the crops.

Current Mood: thoughtful

Since quicksilver (Mercury) is dangerous, other metals with that metal’s qualities are often used for substitutes in planetary magic. In pondering how to replace quicksilver, I decided to see how the Planetary Powers are regarded in Alchemy. In doing the Great Work (Note 1.), metals were considered alive in evolving to their highest nature. The chain of metals in this evolution is lead (Saturn), tin (Jupiter), iron (Mars), copper (Venus), quicksilver (Mercury), silver (Luna), and finally gold (Sol). In the philosophy of Alchemy, the Great Chain of Being is a hierarchy in which all emanates from the One (God) and returns to the One. (This is where the idea of turning lead into gold comes from.)

Denis Hauck, a noted Alchemist, states that in Alchemy that Mercury is the key to the transformation of the metals. Quicksilver has a dual nature of the life force and of death and decay. Hauck adds that spells involving the Mercury Archetype focus on mental clarity and change.

Meanwhile, in “Astrological Magic,” Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson says that Mercury’s action is quick and subject to alteration. In addition, Mercury rules interpreting and philosophy. The authors name many significators of Mercury such instruments, delicate or intricate things, and carvings.

I pondered what metal has any of these qualities. I came up with bronze which is an alloy of copper and tin. Once bronze was created, it sparked a change in how people lived. Because bronze is low friction, the metal was used for cannons. Bronze was also used for bells, singing bowls, and other musical instruments. Since people regarded this metal to be sacred, they used it in burials, offerings, and rituals. All these qualities have me believe that bronze would be a good substitute for quicksilver.

Notes:

Note 1. The Great Work of Alchemy is to “obtain control of the nature and power of one’s own being.” Zell-Ravenheart, p. 59.

Works Used:

Denning, Melita and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN). 1989.

Dykes, Benjamin and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Cazimi Press: Minneapolis. 2012.

Hauck, Dennis William, “Sorcerer’s Stone: A Beginner’s Guide to Alchemy.” Crucible Books: Sacramento (CA). 2013.

—, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy.” Alpha Books: New York. 2008.

Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. “Composition and Properties of Bronze.” ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/bronze-composition-and-properties-603730.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon, “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard.” New Page Books: Franklin Lakes (NJ). 2004.

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Location: outside watching squirrels

In “Planetary Magick,” Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips describe the Magical Image of each of the seven classical planets (and luminaries) such as Luna is the “Lady of the Night.” These magical images can be found in books, movies and TV shows. A person can further their knowledge of the planets by studying various characters in popular culture.

SOL, THE SUN

Denning and Phillips describe Sol, the Sun as “Attuned to … spiritual illumination… Direction and distribution of energies and materials and the giving of wise counsel, even prophetically.” (Note 1.) In “Astrological Magic,” Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson write for their “First Advancement: The Invocation of Sol,” “It’s through your power that the inner nature finds perfect equilibrium, true fulfillment, and magical selfhood.” (Note 2.)

For me, Obi-Wan Ben Kenobi of the original trilogy of the “Star Wars” movies (Note 3) is the Sun. He becomes a second father to Luke Skywalker, mentoring him in the ways of the Force. Later, Kenobi convinces Yoda that Luke is a worthy student. He guides Luke from being an immature farm boy to becoming a mature Jedi. Kenobi counsels him, “Remember Luke… The Force will be with you Always.” (Note 4.) While dueling with Darth Vader, Kenobi tells the Dark Lord of the Sith, “You can’t win, Darth. If you strike me down. I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” (Note 5.) These are the qualities of the Sun that I associate with Obi-Wan Ben Kenobi.

LUNA, THE MOON

Denning and Phillips describe Luna, the Moon, as “intense, passionate yet intrinsically cold, changeful … Further, the dreams of the Moon sphere are the potential realities of Earth.” (Note 6.) In their “First Advancement: The Invocation of Luna,” Dykes and Gibson writes, “It is you who brings all things to birth and growth and to their earthy fulfillment. Ruler of the Sacred Light, wherein all that is manifested is first perfected.” (Note 7.)

By bringing the New Republic into being, Princess Leia is Luna personified. (Note 8.) Passionate in her pursuit of deposing the Empire, Leia seems cold and removed to those who care for her. In “Star Wars,” she tells the assembled rebels, “We’ve no time for our sorrows, Commander. You must use the information in this R2 unit to help plan the attack. It’s our only hope.” This was after she had been tortured and witnessed her world being destroyed. Moreover, under Leia’s influence, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker become more than simply a smuggler and a farm boy respectively. Furthermore, she is the light that perfected the New Republic.

MERCURY

Denning and Phillips write that Mercury is “un-resting dual or even multiple in aspect but expressive of truth. The invisible and changeful force of the wind is an apt symbol.” (Note 9.) The authors state that one of the Magical Images of Mercury is the Divine Messenger. Meanwhile, Dykes and Gibson describe Mercury as the “Traveler between the Worlds.”

Luke Skywalker of the original trilogy of “Star Wars” (Note 10.) is the changeful force who disrupts things. First, he impulsively saves Princess Leia, and then he helps her to escape from the Death Star. Under Kenobi’s tutelage and Leia’s influence, Luke transforms from being an apolitical farm boy to being a committed Jedi Knight. As the Divine Messenger, Luke moves between the worlds of the Force and of ordinary life. In “The Return of the Jedi,” Luke saves his father Darth Vader, when he abruptly stops fighting him. Luke tells his dying father, “I’ll not leave you here. I’ve got to save you.” Vader replies, “You already have Luke…You were right about me.”

Works Cited:

Note 1. Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Page 55.

Note 2. Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Page 132.

Note 3. “Star Wars (1977),” “The Empire Strikes Back (1980),” and “The Return of the Jedi (1983).” The original movies, not George Lucas’ director’s cuts.

Note 4. “Star Wars (1977),” original movie.

Note 5. Ibid.

Note 6: Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Page 91.

Note 7. Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Pages 144-145.

Note 8. “Star Wars (1977),” “The Empire Strikes Back (1980),” and “The Return of the Jedi (1983).” The original movies, not George Lucas’ director’s cuts.

Note 9. Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Page 79.

Note 10. “Star Wars (1977),” “The Empire Strikes Back (1980),” and “The Return of the Jedi (1983).” The original movies, not George Lucas’ director’s cuts.

Works Used:

Denning, Melita and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN). 1989.

Dykes, Benjamin and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Cazimi Press: Minneapolis. 2012.

“The Empire Strikes Back,” Directed by Iven Kershiner, original version, 20th Century Fox, 1980

“The Return of the Jedi,” Directed by Richard Marguand, original version, 20th Century Fox, 1983.

“Star Wars”, Directed by George Lucas, original version, 20th Century Fox, 1977.

Star Wars: Data Bank, 2021, Web. https://www.starwars.com/databank.

WookiePedia: The Star Wars Wiki, 2021. Web. https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page.

Current Mood: working
Current Location: outside watching squirrels

Since Virgo is my Sun Sign, my Ruling Planet is Mercury. In my Natal Chart, Mercury is in Conjunction with the Sun in Virgo. According to Classical Astrology, Mercury is not only Virgo’s Ruler, but also Exalted in that Sign. Dr. J. Lee Lehmen in “Classical Astrology for Modern Living,” writes that a Planet in Domicile (Rulership) is “the Captain of their fate.” Meanwhile, a Planet in Exaltation is an honored guest. Because Mercury is both in Virgo, that Planet has exceptional influence on my disposition and life. I feel Mercury in Retrograde quite keenly.

Mercury governs language and communications. People of Mercury are quick-witted and glib with flexible minds. Mercury in Virgo has given me exceptional writing power. Since childhood, I have been compelled to write daily. In fact, a month after my traumatic brain injury, I started to writing essays again for my Grey School of Wizardry courses. Moreover, I continued to write for my blog on Polytheism.

In “Astrological Magic: Basic Rituals and Mediation,” the authors (Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson) list the squirrel as a representative animal of Mercury. Squirrels are quick and (ahem) mercurial. They move from trees to the ground with ease like Mercury moving between worlds. On the ground they gather nuts and store them like Mercury does with knowledge.

I was surprised by this since my family’s name for me is “Squirrel.” Instead of “Mom,” I am “Squirrelly” or “The Squirrel.” I believe that my family observed my many traits that are in common with Mercury. In my personal magic, I do move between worlds carrying messages like Ratatosk of Norse myths.

From all that I have read, I do meet the description of someone whose Ruling Planet is Mercury. I may have a changeable nature, but Virgo steadies that. Even with my brain injury, I am still learning and writing. Since I cannot focus only on one thing, I am a generalist who continually finds things new to delve into. For me, Virgo allows Mercury to act in my best nature.

Works Used:

Dykes, Benjamin and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Cazimi Press: Minneapolis. 2012.

Forrest, Stephen, “Planetary Exaltations; Planetary Falls – Forrest Astrology,” 31 January 2021. Web. https://www.forrestastrology.com/blogs/astrology/planetary-exaltations-planetary-falls, .

Gillett, Ray, “The Secret Language of Astrology.” Watkins Publishing: London. 2011.

Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” Sterling Publishing: NY. 2005.

Lehman, J. Lee, “Classical Astrology for Modern Living.” Whitford: Atglen (PA). 1996.

Venus Signs, “Mercury and its dignities and debilities,” 2015. Web.

https://starsandplanets.wixsite.com/planetarydignities/mercury,

Current Mood: quixotic
Current Location: in the trees jumping

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Roman Gods of May
THE MANY GODS OF MERCURY
ROMAN GODS OF THE MONTH: MAY
REPLACING QUICKSILVER (MERCURY) IN PLANETARY MAGIC
PLANETS AS CHARACTERS: STAR WARS: SOL. LUNA. MERCURY
Astrology: Mercury and Me (Squirrels!)

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Roman Gods of May

THE MANY GODS OF MERCURY

ROMAN GODS OF THE MONTH: MAY

REPLACING QUICKSILVER (MERCURY) IN PLANETARY MAGIC

PLANETS AS CHARACTERS: STAR WARS: SOL. LUNA. MERCURY

Astrology: Mercury and Me (Squirrels!)

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