THE ASS or DONKEY:The animal pictured on ancient Egyptian and Assyrian monuments is the wild onager, a much larger creature than the donkey. In Egypt, it was sacrificed to Set, god of the desert regions. To ancient Egyptians, the ass was a symbol of desolation, wariness, and speed. There is evidence that Set was a god of the conquering Hyksos, who came out of the desert to overrun Egypt. Set's Greek name, Typhon, was derived from the desert wind that brings such disease as typhus. In Chaldean engravings, the death goddess was shown kneeling on an ass which stood in a boat; the boat was being ferried across the river that seperates the Underworld from the physical world. The donkey in Greek myths was sacred to the gods Dionysus, Priapus, and Cronus/Saturn. Typhon (the Greek version of Set) was portrayed with the head of an ass. Therefore, the Grreks considered this animal to represent sloth, infatuation, and disastrous upsets. The Roman deity Pales (sometimes called male, other times female) had a human body and the headof an ass; her or his priests wore ass masks. She or he was considered to be the guardian of flocks and herds. The Chinese Immortal Chang Kwo-lao, who brought children, had a marvelous magickal donkey. When he didn't need it, he could change his mount into paper and fold it up. In Hindu legends, the demon Ravana drove an ass-drawn chariot when he abducted Sita. Because of this, the Hindus consider the ass to be a malevolent creature. The Norse, who were of Aryan origin, used the word"ass" to denote both an Asian and a deity. Muslims also say it is cursed and constantly pray for misfortune to befall its owner. SuperstitionsIf a donkey brays and twitches its ears, rain is coming. The wild ass will bray twelve times on the eve of the Spring Equinox.If a child with whooping cough is put on a donkey and the beast walked in a circle nine times, the child will be cured. Magickal AttributesUse with caution!Finding the means to provide for physical needs even in the most trying circumstances. Extreme stubborness; obstinacy; digging in your heels when others are trying to push you into something you don't want. Doing the opposite of what you know you should. Pretending to know or be something you are not. Use if you are indecisive or never seem to take a stand, but need to. ChantMuscles tight, feet dug in,A stubborness to fight and win. Right or wtong these traits may be The choice, of course, belongs to me. May I be true to the light within When determination shows the need to win. |
