Islamist militants in Iraq and Syria continue their war on the region’s cultural heritage, attacking archaeological sites with bulldozers and explosives.
The so-called Islamic State (ISIS) released a video that shocked the world last month by showing the fiery destruction of the Temple of Baalshamin, one of the best-preserved ruins at the Syrian site of Palmyra. Last weekend, explosions were reported at another Palmyra temple, dedicated to the ancient god Baal; a United Nation agency says satellite images show that larger temple has largely been destroyed.
The destruction is part of a propaganda campaign that includes videos of militants rampaging through Iraq’s Mosul Museum with pickaxes and sledgehammers, and the dynamiting of centuries-old Christian and Muslim shrines. Read more.
One of Russia’s greatest treasures, the Big Shigir Idol, has been dated by German scientists - and the results are ‘sensational’.
More than twice the age of the Egyptian pyramids, the wooden monument - found in a peat bog in the Urals in 1890 - is 1,500 years older than previously suspected, according to the world’s most advanced dating technology.
‘We can say the results are sensational,’ said a source at Sverdlovsk Regional History Museum, where the breathtaking monument is on display.
'The first attempt to date the idol was made 107 years after its discovery, in 1997. The first radiocarbon analyses showed that idol was 9,500 calendar years old, which led to disputes in scientific society. To exclude doubts, and to make the results known and accepted, a decision was made to use the most modern technologies to date the Idol again. Read more.
The word Thyme comes from the Greek meaning to “fumigate.” This indicates that Thyme was used as a smoke cleansing herb. It was often mixed into drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery, while warriors massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance attractiveness.
In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights’ scarves to increase their bravery.
In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea to increase courage and keep away nightmares.
Thyme was used as early as 3000 BCE by Sumerians as an antiseptic, as it does have rather great antiseptic qualities. It was used as an embalming herb in ancient Egypt and was burned in other places as offerings to celebrate Rites of Passing. It was placed in coffins throughout Europe to ensure passage into the next world.
Propagation, Harvest & Storage:
Thyme prefers full sun to part shade and loose, fast draining soil, preferably sandy. The roots should never be allowed to stay wet. Thyme is winter hardy, but a light mulch will protect it when the ground freezes. It does not need fertilizers. Thyme does best if it is pruned in the spring or summer after its first year.
Leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the year. Give the plant a year to get established before doing any heavy harvesting. The best flavor is right before flowering.
Thyme dries very well. It should be dried as any other herb on the stem and the leaves stripped off later.
Magical Attributes:
Thyme is associated with the element water and the planet Venus. Also associated with Freya, Aphrodite, and Aries Used in spells to increase strength and courage, maintaining a positive attitude, communicate with the fae, or honor new beginnings.
Used as a cleansing herb when burned to dispel melancholy, hopelessness, and other mellow but negative vibrations, particularly after family tragedy or during a long sickness
Faeries also love Thyme and its addition to your garden will attract them.
Tips for Using Thyme:
Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent nightmares.
The tiny flowers will attract bees to your garden. Honey made from these flowers is highly prized.
Sachets of thyme hung in your closet or folded in with your stored clothes will keep moths out, and smells nicer than mothballs.
Oil of thyme can be used as a household cleaning agent as it is good germ killer and drives away pests. Just put a few drops in a spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
A strong infusion of thyme makes a great hair rinse for dark hair and repels head lice. You can add rosemary as well if you have problems with dandruff.
Thyme has been used as a cough remedy and digestive aid as well as a treatment for internal parasites. It is also used for athlete’s foot and hemorrhoids.
The path of a magician or witch has its own dangers. Paul Huson, in his book Mastering Witchcraft, warned, “The moment that you set foot upon the path of Witchcraft a call rings out in the unseen world announcing your arrival.” Not everything that hears this call will have your best interests at heart
Jason Miller, Protection and Reversal Magick (via the-psychonaut)
