THE LION:Some ancient rulers trained the lion for hunting. Egyptians placed portraits of lions on doors, or their statues before the gates of their temples, as protectors and guardians. In Egyptian art, a lion with the solar disk represented the god Ra; if shown with a crescent it represented the god Osiris. The statues of two lions facing opposite directions symbolized the past and the future. Male lions were associated with solar gods, especially in Greece, Rome, and Persia, while lionesses were companions of Great Mother goddesses, often drawing their chariots. In connection with the Great Mother, the lioness symbolized both maternity and the capacity for vengeance. In Egypt, the goddess Sekhmet was associated with the lioness.She was shown with a lioness-head, representing the devouring heat of the Sun. She was a deity of fertility, protecting the young. The Egyptians believed that the lion presided over the annual Nile floods. The goddess Ishtar of Babylon was often shown standing on a lion or with two lions. For Marduk, a Sumerian god, the lion symbolized soverignty and strength. In Chaldea, Niergal, the god of war and death, was often pictured as a lion. Starngely, Babylonians and Sumerians also considered the lion to be a member of the dog family. In Mediterranean cultures, the goddess Cybele and her son/lover Attis rode in a lion drawn chariot. In alchemy, the lion, when shown alone, corresponded to sulphur. If balanced with three other creatures, the lion symbolized the Element of Earth or Fire. In India, the goddess Durga was represnted by a lion in her capacity of destroyer of demons, but Hindus also considered the lion to be a Guardian of the North. This animal represented strength, courage, and energy to the Chinese; they even had a lion dance during their "Feast of Lanterns" festival. SuperstitionsSeveral countries believe that a lion will not attack or injure a royal prince.A sick lion will eat monkeys to be cured. Lions fear a white cock. They are also frightened of creaking wheels. Lions sleep with their eyes open. Magickal AttributesLearn to relax; don't carry the stress of one situation into another.Streng듼Ķenas��ly��ies. Strength, courage, energy. Releasing stress and tension. ChantCreature of the Sun Lord, beloved of the Lady,Reveal to me the ancient methods of magick. Walk beside me as I grow in strength and courage. Show me when to keep ties strong and when to break them. Help me to understand the times for work and the times for rest. Mighty lion, lend me your energies. |