THE COCK:The color often decided what aspect the cock represented. White cocks were sacred to Athene and Demeter and represented the Moon; but they were also associated with Apollo and the rising Sun because of their dawn crowing.Egyptian gods Anubis, Osiris, and the goddess Nephthys received sacrifices of white or yellow cocks. In Scandanavian legend there were two opposing cocks; Vidofnir, the golden, who sat at the top of the World Tree, and Fjalar, the red, who, although connected with the Underworld, lived in Valhalla. Pjalar's purpose was to sound the warning for the last great battle. In Greece, the chariot of Hermes was drawn by cocks. The cockerel and eggs were forbidden to Greek women at the Winter festival of Apollo. The Romans sacrificed this bird to the Lares and kept them in the temple of Hercules. The cock was also an emblem of the Sun god Mithras. The Celts sacrificed the cock to the Mother Goddess Brigit. China considered this bird to be the yang principle, a fortunate creature and a protection against fire. It was used in funeral rituals to ward off evil spirits. Although it symbolized courage, valor, and fidelity, the cock also represented war and aggression. It is difficult to know if the cock on the weather vane symbolizes protection, as it did to the Celts, or if the Christians used it to mean vigilance. SuperstitionsAt one time all over Europe, medicine would be administered at cock-crow or it was considered to be ineffective.At cock-crow all evil spirits and ghosts have to return to the Otherworld. If a cock crows outside the back door, a stranger is coming. A cock crowing as you leave for work means a good day. If a cock stays on the roost, rain is coming. White cocks are considered lucky; black cocks are said to work with the devil. Magickal AttributesThe power of the word to dispel and repel negativity.Building walls of protection about you, your family and friends, pets, and property. Setting psychic guardians in palce to warn you of problems. ChantCock, crow! Shatter evil!Ward this place, both day and night. Sound your warning! Repel danger! Build us a wall of brilliant Light. |
