THE GOAT:In Arabic lore, the goat mentioned was really the ibex. The Arabs considered that it symbolized lawlessness, straying from the correct path, and independence. Male goats were connected with the Hindu god Agni, deity of fire. In Sumeria, the goat often appeared with hunting goddesses or as a companion to the god Marduk. Ba'al Gad, the Goat God of Palestine, was believed to be a redeemer of his people's sins. It was sacred to Dionysus, the satyrs, Faunus, and Pan and sacrificed to Artemis at the Athenian festival of Mucichia. In Lybrian rites, a goat skin was draped on the statues of Athene. The Romans considered it an unclean animal to the priest of Jupiter, who could not touch it. Norse legends tell of magickal goats, such as the two that pulled Thorr's chariot. SuperstitionsIn Wales, black goats are regarded as the keepers of treasure and friends of the faeries.If a black goat is seen on a mountian path it means treaure is hidden nearby. In ancient England, the corn spirit was considered to be a goat. One superstition found in Scotland and England is that goats can never be seen for twenty-four hours straight. This is because they must take one trip a day to the devil to have their beards combed. The devil can take the form of a goat, but the hairs of a goat's beard are a talisman to ward off the devil. A goat skin hung from the mast was believed by sailors to ensure a calm voyage. If injured or wounded, the goat will eat the herb dittany and be healed. Magickal AttributesAbundance.Removing guilty feelings of the past or present. Independence Getting in touch with the wilder Nature energies and beings. ChantAll guilt from the past, my fault or others',I release! All insecurities and uncertainties of the present, I release! I remember the painful lessons, But I no longer dwell on them. I will not deliberatly hurt others, Nor will I hurt myself. I am a beloved child of the God and Goddess. My new life begins now! |