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Perfect choice! Yes, it seems some magic is within you, traveler! This branch is facing the east and is beautifully forked just as needed.
You do know what we are to do now, right? First, we must thank the willow for allowing us to use her branch. Then, we are going to see exactly how much of that magic is in you! Here hold it like this: One end of each fork of the Y in your hands, palms up, thumb over the branch. Now, squeeze and slightly push the forked parts together just enough to have some tension. Yes! Exactly! Ask it to show you ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ It appears that yes is indicated by the pointed end going downward and no is it going up. Wonderful! Now…as we have no clue what Joseph wants us to find, I think you should start turning slowly until the rod goes downward so we can have an idea of which way to start walking. Interesting, we are to head away from the cemetery. It seems as if we are being directed back toward the Caravan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dowsing exists in many forms and has been around for longer than most of us realize. Cultures from around the world have stories of divination and the tools used to achieve knowledge of hidden items. Pendulums, wands, angle rods, divining rods, and even one’s own body can be utilized to locate objects. Perhaps the most well-known example of this is ‘water-witching’ where someone who is skilled in divining pinpoints the proper location to dig for a well with the use of rods or a forked branch. “Witching” can also refer to seeking out lost treasures or even burial locations. For example, if one comes across an old cemetery that has few markers, witching may be able to indicate the lost location of unmarked graves. This technique is still used today, actually. Rhabdomancy is the term used for divining with a stick or a rod made of metal (or even plastic if you would prefer). Depending on the tradition, there are particular times of the year as well as types of wood used to perfect the divining rod. Some Appalachian traditions indicate that the Y-shaped branch can only be obtained from the eastward facing part of the tree during a full moon. Some are particular about the branch being from a willow tree while others may call for apple trees or any other tree that provides supple branches that will not break when tension is applied to them. While Scandinavian traditions, on the other hand, can call for mistletoe, birch, hazel, or rowan wood. Depending on the goal of the divination, the wood would have to be arranged in a certain way and could only be utilized by a particular individual. When one speaks of dowsing rods, perhaps the most popular image that comes to mind is that of two metal rods bent into an “L” shape that have the ability to cross over one another. In order to get the most accurate sense of how the rods feel when they start to move, it is recommended to hold them over a bowl of water or even a faucet with water flowing freely. It won’t take long before you are able to witness how the rods move without your personal interference. Pendulums are similar in nature. Although water is not a necessity, it is important to hold the pendulum by the end of the chain (rope, cord, or whatever may be tied to the stone/metal weight at the end of it). Steady the pendulum so that it is still and then ask for the sign for ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Typically, a distinct movement will appear for each of these. This allows for one to communicate with spirits as well as locate objects. Pendulums are usually used indoors, although not always, while dowsing rods are used for much larger outdoor areas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are nearing the Caravan now. Stop! Ask the willow if we are to go into the vardo… Yes?! Alright then…perhaps there is something INSIDE which we acquired prior that is of importance. Let’s step up into the Caravan and see if our willow branch gives us direction…. Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Besterman, Theodore. “The Folklore of Dowsing.” Folklore, vol. 37, no. 2, 30 June 1926, pp. 113–133. Rasbold, Katrina. Crossroads of Conjure: The Roots and Practices of Granny Magic, Hoodoo, Brujería, and Curanderismo. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2019. Webster, Richard. Dowsing for Beginners: How to Find Water, Wealth, and Lost Objects. Llewellyn Publications, 2003. Richards, Jake. Backwoods Witchcraft: Conjure & Folk Magic from Appalachia. Weiser Books, 2019.
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Everything is still. The crickets have stopped chirping. The peepers are silenced. The wind itself has stopped moving about the trees. The world around us has slowed to focus on Joseph Wells, standing here in his ghostly form.
Joseph, why did you guide us here from the crossroads? What is our use to you? He raises his arm and extends his finger. He is pointing somewhere! To the edge of the graveyard, it appears…maybe something is beyond the last headstone. What are we meant to find? Where are we to go? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welsh folklore suggests that there are three types of ghosts: Spirits of the dead, spirits of the living, and goblins and demons raised by witches. Goblins and demons are maliciously summoned in order to cause harm and torment to an individual. Ghosts of the living are glimpses of a spirit wandering about while the body sleeps. An example of this would be to see your spouse walk through the kitchen only to find them napping in bed. Spirits of the dead, on the other hand, are the ghosts of those who have departed this plane of existence but have unfinished business remaining. These spirits will eventually find rest when their work is completed, but they need mortal assistance for this to occur. Elva Zona Heaster Shue was one such spirit. A young newlywed woman from Lewisburg, West Virginia, Zona was discovered unresponsive in her home by a neighbor boy. It appeared based on her positioning of her body at the bottom of a staircase, the distraught state of her husband, and the medical examination by the coroner, that she has passed due to a fatal heart attack. Her husband would not leave the body of his wife until she was buried, sobbing and bemoaning his loss during the entirety of the medical examination as well as while putting her into her casket. Zona, however, made certain that the truth was revealed. After her funeral, Zona, in spectral form, visited her mother multiple times. She recounted that her husband had lost his temper toward her (not for the first time, mind you) and broke her neck in a fit of rage. She insisted that this come to light. Her husband needed to pay for his crimes. At the bequest of Zona’s mother, her daughter’s body was exhumed and examined again—this time without physical interference and dramatic theatrics from the husband. Zona’s scarf (an item of clothing her husband placed on her body under the pretense that it was beloved by her) was removed to reveal fingerprints around her neck. Her windpipe had been crushed, her neck dislocated, and ligaments in her neck were destroyed. Further investigation revealed that Zona’s husband had been married twice prior. Both of his wives passed away suddenly due to ‘accidents.’ He was sent to trial and convicted rather quickly. He lived the rest of his days at the state penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia. No additional stories survive of Zona revisiting this realm after her husband was sent to prison. Her business was finally finished. With his conviction and subsequent punishment, Zona helped not only herself move beyond the veil but perhaps also his other former wives whom he undoubtedly murdered. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, Joseph is not moving anywhere, and he is pointing in that direction. Let’s start walking beyond the cemetery and see what we can find while following that vague direction. It is rather dark, though, so watch your step! Ah, yes! Lightning bugs are sparkling ahead. Look at them amongst the branches of that tree. So odd that I don’t see them flashing anywhere else but in those branches. We will see the type of tree as we get closer. A huge willow! I must admit this is my favorite kind of tree! I know why we are to here now! We must uncover something…but, first, pay close attention to the shape of these branches. Which one should we choose, traveler? Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Farley, Jeremy T. K. Appalachian Magazine Presents Mountain Superstitions, Ghost Stories & Haint Tales: A Collection of Memories & Commentaries from the Mountains of Appalachia. StatelyTies Media, 2018. Jenkins, David Erwyd. Bedd Gelert, Its Facts, Fairies, & Folk-Lore. L. Jenkins, 1899. *For anyone unfamiliar with peepers (tree frogs): https://youtu.be/oNhIprMEL78 Yes, traveler, the blue flame wants us to figure out who rests here at this stone. Bits and pieces are missing, and it is so worn. This is going to require a bit of magic and patience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Some of the best evidence we have today regarding how the people of the ancient world lived lies within the study of funerary markers that have survived the millennia. Rarely are these headstones in pristine condition, often with entire sections altogether missing or so horribly worn that one has to truly study the stone to decipher what once was engraved upon it. The study of inscriptions is called epigraphy, and it is through this discipline that a better understanding of the life of an average person in the ancient world, such as in Rome or Greece, is revealed. Often history books focus on the lavish life of the rulers of ancient civilizations with little attention paid to the average person; however, through the study of headstones, one can get a glimpse into the ideals held most dear by the society, infant mortality rates, and even clues as to how the language was spoken. You see, illiteracy was highly common amongst professional engravers, so they would carve the inscription based on how it sounded, not necessarily how it was actually spelled. For example, we can be certain that the Romans pronounced their x as a ks (just as we do today in the US), because we have Latin inscriptions with the word uxor (wife) spelled as uksor. The discipline of epigraphy requires careful study, as ancient inscriptions are formulaic. Once you get an idea of what certain abbreviations mean, that will help you decipher broken inscriptions as they often follow a particular pattern. The same goes with specific military posts, regions, and naming conventions. Knowing this pattern has also allowed epigraphic scholars to reconstruct not only missing pieces from headstones but also much longer inscriptions from larger works such as triumphal arches, with only a few letters remaining from several lines of text. Although we don’t have the exact same conventions of, say, the ancient Romans, when it comes to our tombstones, we actually aren’t that much different. But before one can safely decipher any inscription, assuming there is anything left to read, we have to be VERY gentle with the headstone. Often seekers get carried away with reading old headstones and unintentionally do more harm to the stone in an attempt to see what was once carved there. We have to be aware of these dangers and ensure that we use safe techniques to preserve the stone as long as possible; and, of course, it is of utmost important to RECORD, RECORD, RECORD, as these inscriptions may not survive another generation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alright, so, even with the light from our blue flame friend, we need extra assistance. Just…a…second. Here! Hold this mirror just so. The reflection from the blue flame will help cast shadows. THERE! We can get some understanding now. Here we go. Focus! DMS Here lies Jo__p_ Well_ Aged 19 _ 6 mos 4_ B_l_v_d s_n Oh! Excellent! I think we can figure this out! You know some Latin, right?! DMS is typical for ‘dis manibus sacrum’ which means sacred to the spirits of the dead. Yes! “Sacred to the Spirits of the Dead. Here lies Joseph Wells. Aged 19 years, 6 months, 4 days. Beloved son.” Oh my! He was so young! I wonder what happened?! Look! The blue flame is bouncing about with excitement! OK—Say it with me! “Sacred to the Spirits of the Dead. Here lies Joseph Wells. Aged 19 years, 6 months, 4 days.” Focus! The flame is getting even brighter!!! Oh my!!! It is transforming! Do you see this? It is growing and shaping into a person! But….the spirit isn't complete. The head is missing! ….remain calm…we will figure this out…. We are here for a reason. Stand with me, traveler. Do not despair. We are meant to be here…right here…right now… Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Harvey, Brian K. Roman Lives: Ancient Roman Life as Illustrated by Latin Inscriptions. Focus, 2004. Suggested Reading/Cleaning of Headstones: https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/ Traveler, dearest friend, do you remember our picnic? When we stopped the Caravan at the most picturesque spot. We traveled there specifically because you wanted to see one of your favorite places, the coast, again. It was beautiful.
You knew the best route to take and exactly where we could safely park the Caravan. You remember, don’t you? We stepped down into the tall grass that was budding with yellow and purple wildflowers, the breeze from the ocean caused the entire field to look like it was moving in waves, mimicking those that were crashing on the shore not far from where we stood. We walked to the edge of the bluff and stayed there for hours, breathing in the saltwater and the sound of the Pacific carving away at the base of the cliff far below us. The seagulls flew high then dove low, looking for anything to eat. A pair of robins happily flitted around the meadow, most likely accumulating what was needed to finish their nest. We sat together for hours as we watched the sunset and the moonrise. We counted the stars. It was serene. The moment was perfect. It is how I will always remember you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are a number of symbols in folklore to help us know that a departed loved one is nearby, they are well, and they are at peace. These signs should be a source of comfort for those mourning. Before delving into common signs, however, it should be said that the MOST important sign is the one that you recognize. You know…the one that as soon as you see it, you smile and nod with acknowledgment. This could be a song on the radio, a familiar scent out of nowhere, or an old picture slipping out of a book after having been tucked away years prior, just waiting for the right moment to meet your eyes again. In Appalachian folklore, Luna Moths represent souls of those who have passed from this world. It is a symbol of transformation. Other beliefs hold that seeing a butterfly, often in the most unlikely of places, is a sign from the deceased. It is a way to say goodbye one last time. Sometimes the glowing orbs that have been known as spook lights are souls of the departed, conveying a message. If you are really fortunate, you may get a chance to communicate with your loved one through dreams. Other times a certain animal relays the message and helps you heal through the grief; a dog unfamiliar to you shows up long enough for you to greet it before it turns away and leaves; a particular bird may appear as well… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As I sit here, I am thinking back on that moment we shared. That perfect moment in time. How I will always remember you. As I sit here, I wrack my brain with questions like if I could have done something different, would you still be here to reminisce with me? Could we argue again over who saw the most shooting stars that night on the coast? (You did, but I will never admit it.) I sit here, and I grieve. I mourn; I doubt myself. Could I, in your lowest moment, have helped pull you out of the darkness and back into the light if only I had been there? And I know, departed traveler, that you are here with me to ease my earthly heartache. I know this because you sent me a robin just now. An injured, hobbled robin has appeared before me, and I am the only one here who can help. For a moment I break down, somehow more intensely than I have since I first heard you were gone. I know this is you. You are here, even for a fleeting moment. So, through tear filled eyes, I will pick up the robin and carry it to safety. I will watch as it disappears just as quickly as it appeared, and I will say my goodbyes. I miss you already. I miss you always. Until next time, dear friend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **If you or someone you know needs help, please utilize any of the resources listed below. Reach out to friends and family. Remember, you are important, you are loved, and you are not alone. National (US) Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1 if you are a veteran) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ https://www.dbsalliance.org/crisis/suicide-hotline-helpline-information/ https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ Well, I think we can safely say that this blue flame is pleased that we are following it. It has stayed very calm in its movements for the last couple of hours, floating down the center of the road, clear as day. Have you noticed that it is steadily getting brighter?
OH! There it goes into the trees! Time to climb down off of the vardo. Watch your step! There is no need to rush. I am certain the flame will wait for us to follow if it has its own story to tell. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As we know, sometimes these spook lights lead one to an important location, such as the blue flame that led a son to the body of his father who passed deep in the mines. Of course, they can also be tricky and simply lead people astray for mischief’s sake, but I don’t think this is the intent here. I don’t want to frighten you, traveler, but you should know before you continue down this path with me that sometimes ghost lights serve as a warning to those who witness it. The Candle of the Dead, for example, is visible only to those who are about to lose a loved one or are near imminent demise themselves. The Candle is known to manifest at the home of whomever is about to die and follow the path of the impending funeral procession to the place of burial. Other times it appears at the graveyard and heads to the house soon to be plagued by tragedy. The Candle gets its name due to the appearance of a flame, and if you are able to get close enough, you may see a spirit holding it. Being able to clearly see the spirit may give you a clue as to whom is slated to pass. In a similar fashion of leading the way to a soon-to-be-occupied grave, spook lights can be accompanied by a moan that sounds as if someone is in the throes of death. This, of course, is cause for concern. The Cyhyraeth, a Welsh creature reminiscent of the Banshee, will wail three times, with each successive cry becoming fainter. This event happens prior to a death or tragedy. It is a harbinger of doom, if you will. Such sights and sounds have even been reported before a shipwreck that inevitably precedes sailors meeting their watery grave. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The appearance of these kinds of spook lights has long filled their witnesses with terror; but, please do not worry. Are you feeling any sense of fear? Do you hear any moaning cries? No? Neither do I. Do you think I would insist we follow such a creature? Of course not! See, the flame is moving slowly now through the trees. I told you it would wait for us! The light is getting brighter. Mind your feet and watch the briars. We are walking on little more than a deer trail here: the trees are closing in, branches low, and the brush is getting thicker. I wonder where we are headed. We are nearly through the trees. It appears there is a clearing ahead of some sort. Yes, look! The flame has stopped! It is hovering over something. An old cemetery! Long forgotten, clearly. Do you see some of the dates here? Hundreds of years old! Our flame is lingering over one stone in particular. Let’s try to decipher why that may be. Goodness…this stone is broken and so incredibly worn. Even with the bright light from the flame, I can’t quite make out who is buried here, but I have a feeling we are supposed to find out…. Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Jenkins, D.E., et all. Bedd Gelert: Its Facts, Fairies, & Folklore. (Based upon the Articles by Mr. William Jones in Y Brython.) … With Translations of Poetry by the Rev. H.E. Lewis and an Introduction by Principal J. Rhys. Llewelyn Jenkins, 1899. p. 84 Sikes, Wirt. British Goblins: Welsh Folk Lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions. 1881. p. 219-222. Is that…is that a lantern coming down the path to our right? Someone else must be heading to the crossroads this evening! I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that others may have business to attend to in such a powerful area.
Maybe we should stick around a moment and introduce ourselves to a fellow traveler. It’s best to be cordial as often as possible. You never know when someone you meet may be your ally at a later time. What a beautiful flame in that lantern--such a haunting blue. I will have to inquire as to what magic our soon-to-be-friend utilizes to achieve such a ghastly glow. Perhaps I could employ it on the caravan. Can you make out a face yet? The flame is getting closer, but I can’t quite see who or what is carrying it. We have been out here long enough that our eyes should be adjusted to see at least a hint of an outline, but it almost looks like it is floating all on its own. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are accounts of spook lights in folklore all around the world. These mysterious lights, although we may never definitively know what causes them, are known to flit about in an intelligent manner, seemingly beckoning those who see it to follow. Often those who are curious enough to follow the light are led astray for hours, eventually finding themselves lost when it disappears. The lights are not always full of trickery and malice, however. Sometimes, the lights have a critical message to communicate. Sometimes, they shouldn’t be ignored. Many years ago, deep in the mines that riddle the mountains of West Virginia, an explosion claimed the life of a man…a father. This was not the first mining explosion, of course, and it certainly wasn’t the last, but what followed was fairly unique. The miner’s body was not able to be recovered after the explosion and the following day the miner’s son had to go to work in his stead, as was so often the case in those days. The family had to eat. Someone needed to work. The young man entered the mines that day undoubtedly wracked with grief. Perhaps the only emotion strong enough to override the heartache was the trepidation he must have felt entering the mine that had only recently become his father’s tomb. After a short while, the son managed to get himself turned around and separated from the other miners. He was lost. He was completely isolated for some time until a blue flame appeared suddenly. Although it was an unfamiliar sight, he was curious enough to follow it. He didn’t know his way out of the mine, anyway. Perhaps this was the only thing that made sense to him at the time. The flame wound deeper and deeper into the mines, pausing for the boy to catch up if ever he fell behind. Eventually the air thinned to an uncomfortable level. However, boy’s concern over his dwindling ability to breathe was brushed aside momentarily as he began to hear someone call his name. The voice came from farther down the dark tunnels. He followed both the flame as well as the echoes of the voice deeper still until something extraordinary happened. The flame began to manipulate itself in such a way that the young man saw an image within its blue hues: his father. The boy ran toward this projection as fast as he could; however, just as he got within reach, it disappeared. Instead of holding his father one final time, the boy stumbled into a hole. When he gathered himself, the flame was gone, and in front of him was the body of his father. The young man was finally able to say goodbye. The body was recovered, and the family could mourn their loss with a proper burial. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You know, the more I think about this, the more I think we need to hop back up in the Caravan. Maybe no one is carrying that flame…at least no one of our realm. We have done what is needed here, and I think maybe that blue flame has a message of some sort. It has our attention now. Who are we to ignore such a thing? Like I said earlier, it is best to be friendly whenever possible. Come…let’s see where this may lead. Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Musick, Ruth Ann. The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales. University of Kentucky Press, 1965. Thank you for your assistance, traveler! The key is buried deep enough for now, I would say. It will be obvious if we did an insufficient job anyway. The connection between the buried key and the one I wear will be lost if that one is ever unearthed. Thanks to your help, though, I don’t foresee that being an issue.
Before we continue our journey, let us sit a spell and take in the crossroads and the dark of the moon. We will eventually need to determine which way to proceed, but first we must simply be still and…just be. Let’s listen and absorb the energies that are present. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liminal spaces have been an object of both fascination and unease for humans ever since we developed the desire to categorize and compartmentalize our world. Crossroads are an excellent example of this, as they are the intersection of separate and distinct paths. A decision must be made before leaving the crossroads; however, while in the center of it…prior to any decision being made…you are in an unidentifiable space. For example, you are neither inside nor outside when standing in the front doorway to your home. While contemplating a major life transition, you are neither in your old life nor have you yet embarked on your new journey. You are in the in-between. Since ancient times, one of the deities ascribed to the crossroads is Hekate. This is fitting, really, because, as demonstrated last week when we dove into her connection with Kore, she has the ability to move freely between the realms. She facilitates transitions and therefore can linger at the crossroads without concern. She is certainly not the only deity associated with the crossroads. In fact, even within the Greek pantheon, liminal spaces are shared with the god Hermes. Other cultures and pantheons have their own deities guarding the crossroads as well, of course, and we have combined elements from our ancestors into the magic that is practiced today. It is important to note that these guiding deities are not the only entities present at the threshold. Restless spirits congregate at the crossroads as well. Perhaps it is the combined power of the crossroads deities and the restless spirits that made this location a place of intense emotion. Certain crossroads that were known for increased activity were to be feared and/or avoided but also were sought out under particular circumstances. Such circumstances, at least according to the historical record, came about when people were pushed to their limits. The crossroads have yielded evidence of our ancestors’ beliefs and allowed us to connect with them in ways that would otherwise be lost in time. We have found trinkets, bones, and wax dolls buried in these liminal spaces. We have discovered tablets that call upon Hekate and other deities, their names scratched into sheets of lead that were rolled, bound, and buried into the ground. These have become known as curse tablets and could be found in all manner of transitional spaces, from graves to doorsills. In some cases, we have records as to how the rituals were carried out. In one instance in particular, after completing the ritual at the crossroads, one must turn around and flee before Hekate makes her appearance. She cannot be seen. Of course, there are ways to know when she is close even if you cannot see her: hearing her hounds, for example, just as we did earlier. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- But, as I said, there are other beings that inhabit the crossroads. It is as much a shared space as it is a transitional one, and it is best to remember that. How are you feeling? What are your senses perceiving? Do you feel that chill in your bones? Tell me, traveler, that you felt the winds rush in from all directions to engulf us here as we sit at the center. Do you hear that?? Someone... something…is coming. Until next time, Heather Further reading: Betz, Hans Dieter. The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation. The University of Chicago Press, 1996. Foxwood, Orion. The Candle and the Crossroads: A Book of Appalachian Conjure and Southern Root-Work. Weiser Books, 2012. Gager, John G. Curse Tablets and Binding Spells from the Ancient World. Oxford University Press, 1992. Johnston, S. I. “Crossroads.” Zeitschrift für Papyrologie Und Epigraphik, vol. 88, 1991, pp. 217–224. Ogden, Daniel. Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds: A Sourcebook. Oxford University Press, 2009. Welcome back, traveler! We must get moving as we have a destination to reach before the dark of the moon.
Where are we headed? Well…we are headed to a liminal space. A veil between the worlds. A sacred place. You shall see… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are few deities in myth who have the power to freely traverse between the worlds. The gods are limited in their domains, really, but the ones who have the ability to move between the realms…theirs are the stories most interesting to tell. In the pantheon of ancient Greece, Hekate is one such deity. She helped the goddess Demeter in her most desperate time of need. You see, one beautiful day, many moons ago, the beautiful young Kore was joyfully playing in the meadows, gathering and admiring the wildflowers while in the company of some of her friends. She was naïve and unsuspecting that day when the ground suddenly shook beneath her feet, and she was forced to meet a fate which she did not choose. The earth split and Hades appeared. He ripped Kore from her realm down into his. He retrieved her as his prize. She was to become his new wife--just as he had been promised by his brother, the great god Zeus. Hades had admired her from afar for some time and was unwilling to wait any longer. She was to be his. She was to become his queen. Kore’s screams were heard by only a few before the earth closed behind her. Her actual abduction was seen by even fewer. Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and more importantly (for this story) the mother of Kore, was broken. She searched the earth for days without any luck. Her daughter was gone. Hekate was one of the deities who heard the moment Kore was stolen away from this realm, and she approached Demeter, offering aide in any way she could. Demeter, upon discovering that wicked pact which had been formed between Zeus and Hades, threatened to halt the progression, reproduction, and fruitfulness of all the natural world if her daughter was not returned. It was Hekate who helped her discover this betrayal. She knew that the god Helios would have seen what she could not. It was Hekate who walked with Demeter through the veil to the lower world. It was Hekate who provided her torches, which can burn brightly even in the realm of the dead. It was Hekate who, once Kore was reunited with Demeter, was forever at her side, easing her annual transition from the world of the mortals to that of the darkened realm of her betrothed. Hekate has become Kore's most important companion. Hades ensured that this cycle must always continue. Kore is bound to him eternally because he fed her pomegranate seeds before she was rescued by Demeter. The seeds were a safeguard for Hades, and her consumption of them means she cannot abandon him for any extended period of time. She must always return to the land of the dead. When Kore is with her mother, Demeter’s maternal joy rewards us. The world is bright and beautiful. There is abundance. We are fed. We are happy. But we must steady ourselves for the inevitable. Kore must leave; Demeter will mourn her loss. It is during this time, however, we must remind ourselves that Kore will return. Hekate will guide her back to us. You see, without Hekate, we wouldn’t have the seasons. Demeter is so distraught in the absence of her daughter that she plunges the world into darkness until they are reunited again. Crops will not grow for months. Without proper planning, humans will starve and therefore the gods would, too. For we know life is a cycle. Their power feeds off of our devotion, doesn’t it? Without Hekate helping Demeter find her way to Kore, we would be in an eternal winter. Without Hekate helping Kore traverse the realms, we would all suffer. The cycle would be broken. That is according to the stories handed down from ancient Greece, at least… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As it is said in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter: “Gods are hard for mortals to see.” So, we must go by the sounds we recognize and the landmarks we know…. Do you hear it--the hounds baying? We are close! Ah, yes, there we are. We have arrived at the crossroads. Now, if you excuse me, I have to attend to an important matter. If you wish, you can follow me. In fact….here! Carry this torch for me. I need a free hand for digging, anyway. Now, as you can see, I need a hand to dig with this here spoon and one to hold these keys. Once…I…get…deep enough… Yes! That should do! Here…hold this spoon while I bury a key. Keep the torch high, though! I still need to be able to see that it is buried tightly. We can’t have it coming unburied, you know! Perfect! Now…the other key will remain with me. Keys keep us connected. They are important. So are the crossroads…. Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Homeric Hymn to Demeter https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Persephone.html https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html http://hoodoohillrootworksupply.blogspot.com/2013/04/crossroads-keys.html Welcome back to the Caravan! Last week we discussed the importance of noticing the signs that nature leaves behind…sometimes there are hidden meanings, after all. I entreated you to look up and notice some of the stories the sky may have to tell. Did you listen? Did you note the rising of the full moon last week? That was the Flower Moon (northern hemisphere) or the Hunter’s Moon (southern hemisphere). Each month’s full moon carries a specific name (or names, depending on where you live), and our ancestors relied on these lunar signs to know when to plant, when to harvest, and when to hunt. Perhaps we can still take some knowledge from our predecessors…
For example, Appalachian lore suggests you should plant according to the phases of the moon. That is, above ground crops should be planted under the new of the moon. Below ground should not be planted until closer to the full moon. If planting isn’t of concern to you, perhaps you would be interested to know that Appalachian wisdom dictates wooden shingles should be put on a house during the week around new moon (the ‘dark of the moon’) or they will turn up and be ruined. Likewise, one should cut tobacco near the new moon if you want it to cure well. According to a tale recounted by Michael Rivers, being aware of the types of full moon can save not only your life but also the life of your hunting companions. The Hunter’s Moon, which is in October in the northern hemisphere, is not always as enticing as it may seem. During the light of this moon, a bear may appear that is so alluring that you will follow it for miles and miles, unwittingly risking your life in the process. It is important, therefore, to not only know the world around you; but also, it is respectful to know the lore native to the area you currently inhabit. We can look to our ancestors for interpretations of other astronomical phenomena as well. Appalachian lore dictates that the appearance of comets and shooting stars can be prelude to disaster. In similar fashion, history tends to paint the appearance of such wonders as portents of war or doom. My heart, however, has always been attached to the appearance of a comet as a sign that deification has occurred. You see, Julius Caesar was assassinated at Pompey’s Theater (the Senate house was under construction at that time) on the Ides of March in 44 BCE. Aside from his murderers, much of Rome was plunged into great mourning after his passing. A few months later during Caesar’s funeral games, an astronomical wonder shown in the sky that would be unrivaled for millennia. Caesar’s comet, Sidus Iulium, was so bright that it was visible even in the middle of the day, and this brilliant magnificence lasted an entire week. This was a sure sign to the Roman people that Caesar had ascended to the heavens as a god. This event was later used by the first Roman emperor, Augustus, as he won over the populace of Rome by emphasizing his familial connection with a deity. We have evidence of Caesar’s comet on Roman coinage minted under Augustus’ reign, proving that he utilized such an extraordinary event for his own gains. All of this Roman lore is being mentioned to bring you, dear reader, back to current day events. Right now, if you live in the southern hemisphere, you should be able to step outside during the evening this coming week, look up, and spot the SWAN comet before it breaks into several pieces. If you aren’t able to see this before it fades out of view, or you are on the opposite side of the planet for this spectacle, no worries. In July, the northern hemisphere should see the appearance of Comet С/2020 F3 (NEOWISE). Now we can be left to wonder, based on ancient Roman beliefs, who might be ascending to deification? Until next time, Heather Further Reading: Gainer, Patrick. Witches, Ghosts, and Signs: Folklore of the Southern Appalachians. Montell, William Lynwood. Ghosts Along the Cumberland: Deathlore in the Kentucky Foothills. Moser, Heather. From Tyranny to Clemency: How Julius Caesar's Memory has Fluctuated over Time as a Reflection of Imperial Sentiment. https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2012/11/beware-the-hunters-moon.html https://starwalk.space/en/news/may-2020-comet-swan-c2020-f8 http://aerith.net/comet/weekly/current.html Have you ever felt like the outside world is trying to tell you something? Nature constantly communicates with us. Don’t feel odd if you haven’t noticed. A lot of us have forgotten the language. We have forgotten how to see the signs. Sometimes we need to be reminded.
As we wind down these old dirt roads here in the caravan, I want you to notice the trees in full bloom. Do you see them? The buds are giving way to new leaves that will unfurl and grow with each passing day. Some of the branches are already overtaken by beautiful blossoms. The dogwood, in particular, shines radiantly amongst the other species in the forest. The bright distinct petals make this type of tree easy to spot from a distance. The color of the petals is important to note, particularly if it is a purple-blossomed dogwood. When you see such a sight, you can be sure that the nearest graveyard is full, even if it doesn’t appear to be… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nearly a century ago, the Tennessee River Valley underwent a massive change that ultimately brought electricity to areas that had, until that point, been unable to access such a luxury. During this time, the United States was trying to claw its way out of the Great Depression, farmers were losing the ability to produce crops as desired, and many people were falling ill with malaria. Change was both imminent and needed. Dams and reservoirs were created throughout the region over a span of 11 years in an attempt to address all of these issues. Life was improved overall, but it wasn’t without sacrifice. Because of the redirection of bodies of water in the Tennessee River Valley, some towns were flooded. Residents were forced to find new homes, but their ancestors could not relocate quite so easily. In preparation for the flooding, bodies had to be dug up and reinterred in new places of rest. During the relocation phase, a crew of workers came to begin clearing out one of these cemeteries that would soon be submerged. Upon their arrival, the workers noticed a woman standing near the entrance. She was weeping while staring at an empty section beyond the headstones. She was unwilling to communicate with anyone, so the men continued with their work. A short time later, she disappeared only to return with a bouquet of wildflowers. She held the flowers as she wept, staring at the same empty place, still without speaking, and made no attempt to move beyond the entrance. No one recognized the distraught woman, so they felt it best to just let her be. Eventually she vanished. The woman never appeared at the cemetery again, but on two separate mornings when the crew arrived to resume their work, items were left in that empty corner of the cemetery. One morning, they found a vase of fresh flowers. Another, their tools were placed where the vase had been. This was especially unnerving as the tools had been locked away in a toolbox at the end of the previous workday. After several days, the crew unearthed and relocated the final body, and they returned home with a bit of relief that they had finished their task and would be heading to a different location in the morning. That night, however, the foreman awoke to see the weeping woman standing in his bedroom. She held wildflowers in her hand, and she spoke for the first time. She begged the foreman, “Please don’t leave my baby there!” before vanishing. It was then that he understood. The next morning, the foreman, against the wishes of his crew, insisted they return one final time before moving to their new location. He led them to the empty corner of the cemetery and told them to dig. Sure enough, after some time, they unearthed the skeleton of a baby who had been buried a few feet deep in an unmarked grave. The baby was placed in a coffin and sent to another cemetery so that it would not be lost forever under the waters of the soon-to-be-flooded valley. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, remember, the next time that you see that purple dogwood, Mother Nature just might be trying to let any passersby know that the closest burial grounds are full, even if a lack of headstones might suggest otherwise. Sometimes it pays to slow down and listen to the world around you. Reconnect with our shared language. You never know what you may learn. Take a moment. Breathe in the fresh air. Memorize the sounds of the leaves blowing in the wind and the birds chirping amongst themselves. Observe the world around you, and always look up…sometimes the sky has its own story to tell… Until next time, Heather Further reading: Jones, James Gay. Haunted Valley and More Folk Tales of Appalachia. McClain Print. Co., 1997. Montell, William Lynwood. Ghosts along the Cumberland: Deathlore in the Kentucky Foothills. University of Tennessee Press, 2000. https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/history/index.html https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/history-of-the-tva |
Author- Heather Moser & Lady AnnParanormal Experiencer; Truth Seeker, Spooky Explorer. Archives
June 2020
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