Shades & Adders

Nymphaion



I sometimes draw inspiration for magical work from classical literature. In Book 13 of the Iliad (How Odysseus Came to Ithaca), Homer describes a cave in the harbor of Phorcys at the island of Ithaca. This cave is sacred to the water nymphs known as Naiads. There actually exists a "Cave of the Nymphs" in Ithaca, also called "Marmarospilia." However, I was more interested in some of the esoteric hints that can be found in this passage.

The first hint regards timing, as Homer describes when the sailors transporting Odysseus arrive at the harbor. Note that Odysseus is also asleep.

The next part details some qualities of the sacred space:


The brightest star at dawn is Venus, the morning star. The olive tree is a symbol of Athena. The proximity to a spring of nymphs calls to mind the fate of Tiresias who was struck blind by a bathing Athena. The presence of honey may allude to Ambrosia, the nectar of the gods. The "sea-purple" cloth may allude to Tyrian purple, a dye made from the secretions of sea snails. Lastly, we see that mortals enter from the north and descend into the cave. Gods and immortals enter from the south, perhaps from a smaller hole in the southern ceiling like the cave in modern-day Ithaca.

Materials

I often use my home shower as part of a regular healing practice. As time has passed, my shower and bathtub have become imbued with the natural healing energies of water. Perhaps I could boost the efficacy of this effect by introducing a little Naiad magic. The first task I set myself was to find a Naiad and barter for a some power. Luckily, I knew where some Naiads might be hanging around.

As alluded to by the passage in the Odyssey, this operation is essentially Venusian. This meant that I'd be better off with minimal planning and let Intuition and Desire lead the way. Whatever I was making needed to have some way to "turn on" and "turn off" to avoid attracting errant deities (and incidental blindness). The entrance to my bathroom is coincidentally on the north side, though I didn't think the direction mattered much in this case. Nothing about the passage indicated to me that anything special need be done with the Anemoi. The more important point was that I was building a "door" for "immortals," specifically.

In terms of power sources, honey and something purple seemed appropriate. I was unlikely to find sea snails, but perhaps a visit to the beach would yield some purple shells. I'd also collect something from a Spring adjacent to a Lunar temple. However, as I was on my way to the nexus I had a sudden desire to stop by a thrift shop. While looking through the shelves of knickknacks, I found a decorative ceramic oil warmer and a bottle of purple shells! The oil warmer wasn't quite a krater, but it was bowl shaped. Adding a candle would be a convenient way to switch it off and on.

We had had several days of rain, so I knew the Spring would be flowing. The river flowing through the nexus was fat and treacherous. This meant reaching the Venusian temple, which required fording the river, was untenable. Luckily, the Lunar temple was more accessible. We were just passed the Full Moon and this was still evident upon reaching the Lunar temple. The entire area was noticeably colder and wrapped in a persistent breeze that seemed to blow from nowhere despite being among dense forest.

As expected, I found the Spring past the Lunar temple was flowing steadily. Water flowed from a small perch at the top of a 20 foot cliff where it formed a small pool from which it flowed along the valley floor into the main river. Alas, it occurred to me upon first approach that I had nothing to barter. I immediately knew I should have brought my recently acquired shells. I headed back to the trailhead, sorted out seven of the best looking purple shells and returned to the Spring. Such is the nature of a Venusian quest.

I began this part by greeting the Spring and waiting for a sign that I was okay to approach. When I reached the pool, I found a small flat stone sitting under the delicate waterfall formed by the flowing Spring. I instinctively knew to place what I had to barter on the stone. I set the shells on the stone and waited for an indication of acceptance. After a few minutes, the water landing on the stone knocked each of the shells off and into the pool, one-by-one. I got the sense that these shells were of sufficient quality for the Naiad to spin her web. Finally, I received a message to collect a certain amount of the Spring water. Strangely, despite flowing from the same physical source, this batch of water was noticeably different from the Lunar water I've collected here in the past. The water was heavy and smelled deeply of the Earth.

Construction

Laying a path from my bathroom to the Spring involved consecrating the oil warmer in much the same way as I prepare other talismans. In this case, I adapted the method to use the elemental energies harvested from the honey, shells, and Naiad water (dew). I facilitated this transfer using a sigil of Oceanus. I also wrote a short charm, taking inspiration from the Orphic Hymn to the Nymphs.

To activate the connection, I lit the candle, placed a shell in the bowl of the oil warmer, and spoke the words, "The path is open." I guided the energies of the sacrificial shell to the shells left at the Spring in the nexus. This forged a path between the locations for power to flow. As the "dew" from the Spring condensed in my bathroom "temple", I used it to reinforce my normal healing practice. After my shower, I closed the connection and spoke, "The path is closed." and extinguished the light.

Ianvs

Planetary Circulation



This is an extension of my Elemental Circulation practice, but with a focus on celestial energies. As with the elemental version, the flow described is based on my personal system of Earthbound Astrology. I've found this practice works well with more "lunar" methods like qigong or focused breathing. Many times, I actually engage with this circulation while sitting or even lying down. Much like the realm where these energies reside, the flow is a bit more abstract and internal.

Flow

I find myself sitting in complete darkness. I am still, inert, and balanced.

A soft silverly glow begins to emerge from under a distant horizon. It's not enough to illuminate the space, but is enough to draw my attention.

As I inhale, I feel the light pour into my chest. I feel a slow emotional pressure build. It could be anxiety or sadness or joy. I except whatever it is.

Suddenly, a chain reaction emanates from my heart. I see a transparent schematic of my veins and nerves, the roads of my body.

The pressure in my chest flows out along these roads and warms my hole body. My skin glows red hot, then white. I shine with a blinding light.

The light and warmth grow in intensity. I feel my body burn away. Without fuel for the fire, the light dies down. The embers scatter and cool. I return to darkness.

Compared to the previous conflagration, the darkness is cool, inert, and peaceful. I am content.

Ianvs

Healing Charm



My journey through the thick overgrown forest was tough. The heat of the midday sun has left me drained and soaked with sweat. Each additional step upon my path is harder than the last. The pain of fatigue and feverish malaise signals an oncoming illness that threatens to arrest my progress. I need sustenance to finish this journey.

The sound of trickling water peeks my interest. I follow the sound to a small pond surrounded by smooth moss covered stones. The pond is fed by a modest waterfall. As if by instinct, I find myself drawn to the pond where I disrobe and submerse my body. The flow of water carries away the dirt and grime that I've accumulated on my journey and passes it to a small creek opposite the waterfall.

Once clean, I approach the waterfall and allow the waters to flow over my head and body. My skin burns under the constant flow of fresh water. I extend my hands over the water and feel compelled to speak.


As I speak the charm, I become more aware of the chain of ancestry linking my body to the natural forces around me. The minerals in my bones resonate with the Earth. The water in my blood churns with the Sea. The air in my lungs flows and expands with the Sky. My body and the waters of this pond are siblings of three parents.

Just as my body has the innate capacity to heal itself, so to do the waters of this pond. The waters respond to my charm, taking on a subtle glow under the filtered light of the forest canopy. I allow my body to become receptive to this glow. I feel the tension in my body fade away, the pain in my joints and ligaments subsides, and a peaceful calm sets my mind to rest.

Eventually, the burning sensation on my skin gives way to cooling. The cool waters gird and solidify my new found health. The forces unleashed from the waters dim and return to normal. I pay my respects to the pond for its assistance, assemble my effects, and return to my journey.

Ianvs