THE FROG:The frog has been a Goddess symbol of rebirth since the earliest Neolithic times. The Egyptians had a frog goddess Heket, who was called the midwife of the world, and who protected mothers and newborn children. She was prtrayed either as a frog itself or with the head of a frog. The amulet of the frog was often buried with mummies; on it was engraved "I am the Resurrection." The frog was also a symbol of the Great Mothers, Isis and Hathor. In China, the Frog Spirit, called Ch'ing-Wa Sheng, was worshiped both as a healer and as a deity who brought prosperity in business. The frog was a Chinese lunar symbol; a frog pictured in a well meant a person who had only limited understanding. The Greeks and Romans considered this creature to be both an emblem of Aphrodite, and a symbol of fertility and harmony between lovers. The frog was also a companion of Nymphs. Hecate is associated with frogs in very ancient lore. In the Rig Veda of India, frogs were invoked as deities in their own right. To the Celts, the frog was Lord of the Earth and represented healing Water. In many parts of the world, the frog or its image was used in rain charms. An ancient Babylonian cylinder, used as a fertility charm, shows nine frogs. SuperstitionsPliny the Elder said that frogs attracted friends to your house along with good luck.It is still considered to be a reliable weather-predictor as it will croak when the barometer goes down. Croaking during the day is an omen of rain. If a frog comes into your house by itself, it symbolizes good luck arriving. The ornamental cloth closing for garments (called a frog) may be a remnant of an old French custom of embroidering frogs on clothes for good luck. In many places it is considered unlucky to kill a frog; you could lose your luck. Handling frogs and toads is said to give you warts. If a dog eats a live frog, it will be unable to bark. Magickal AttributesA symbol of initiation and transformation.Cleaning out negativities and distractions and replacing them with positive energy. Joy in a new cycle of life. Being reborn after a period of seeming death, when undergoing an initiation or transformation. Beginning a new life cycle by dispensing with negative thoughts and deeds. ChantYour singing marks the seasonOf new life and new beginning, A time of wonder and of joy, A time of rebirth and of Light. Like the tiny frog in Spring renewing, I joyfully face my new beginning. I boldly stand upon the threshold, And leave confusion for the Light. |