The enchanting and at times exotic nature of ancient Egyptian religious practices is epitomized by the feline goddess Bastet. She frequently appears in museums and exhibitions as a seated feline figure adorned with various divine symbols, such as a scarab atop her head. In a strikingly still yet observant posture similar to real cats, the…
The Art of Palm Reading: A Comprehensive Guide Imagine having the keys to understanding your destiny, emotional links, and personal traits right within the palm of your hand. Palm reading, commonly known as palmistry or chiromancy, is an ancient practice embraced globally. With roots tracing back to Indian astrology and Roman divination, this art form…
At the historic site of Emain Macha, the ancient seat of Ulster’s kings and queens, a fascinating interplay of history and myth unfolds filled with courage, conflict, and spirituality. The name itself pays homage to a Celtic goddess, making it a unique place within the Celtic realm. This title would later become associated with Armagh.…
Taranis stands out as one of the most fascinating and formidable deities within the Celtic pantheon. As a god associated with thunder, lightning, and storms, Taranis is frequently represented alongside a wheel, symbolizing the celestial dynamics of thunderstorms and potentially connecting him to the cyclical nature of seasons. Who is Taranis? Taranis is an ancient…
This week, I delve into the intriguing figure of the goddess Neith. My fascination with her began during my university studies, particularly when I was tasked with an assignment focused on ancient Egyptian mythology. Throughout my academic journey, I discovered a keen interest in themes related to gender, funerary practices, and mythology. Given this backdrop,…
The Significance of Lares and Related Cults in Roman Religion The Lares In ancient Roman tradition, Lares were good spirits associated with the deceased, believed to continue to bless their descendants even after death. The origin of the Lares worship can be traced back to the practice of housing the dead within homes, a custom…
The character of Zhu Bajie, known as the Marshal of the Heavenly Reeds, has a fascinating origin that intertwines with ancient beliefs and deities. This marshal, depicted in the prominent novel, has roots tracing back to shamanistic traditions, with the name “Heavenly Reeds” referring to “Heaven’s Mugwort.” The association with mugwort indicates its long-standing reputation…
The depiction of Zhu Bajie in literature portrays him as a reincarnated figure of the Marshal of the Heavenly Reeds, a general historically revered as a deity. His name hints at ancient shamanistic traditions, with a translation of “Heavenly Reeds” suggesting a reference to “Heaven’s Mugwort,” a plant believed to possess spiritual and healing properties.…
Achilles: A Reflection on Masculinity Nadia Aldunate Martín, a third-year student pursuing a degree in Hispanic Philology, encourages us to contemplate the representation of Achilles and the enduring concept of masculinity he embodies. Achilles, as depicted by Homer, is characterized by his invulnerability to fear, fervor for battle, and an insatiable thirst for glory. This…
The Mórrigan, often known as Morrighan or Morrigu, stands out as a prominent warrior goddess in Irish-Celtic mythology. Renowned for her connections to warfare, she incites battle frenzy and is a harbinger of death. Notably, she played a vital role in the demise of the hero Cú Chulainn after he obstinately rejected her advances in…