THE TOAD:The toad, like many other misunderstood creatures once connected with the Goddess, had a dual symbolism attached to it. As a lunar reptile, it represented resurrection, but also evil, loathsomeness, and death. It was also a death symbol to Polynesians and the Aztecs. In the ancient art of alchemy, the toad signifed the dark side of Nature. Hecate of the Mediterranean area was sometimes called Baubo, which means "toad." Many European names given to the toad link it with the Goddess as witch and prophetess: hexe, German; fata, Italian; czarownica, Polish; bosorka, Ukranian; gatalinka, Serbo-Croatian; mantis, Greek. To the Celts, the toad symbolized evil power. It was an emblem of the Greek god Sabazius and the Zoroastrian Ahriman. In China, however, they said that a three-legged toad lived on the Moon.To them this creature meant long life, wealth, and money-making. In the ancient cultures of Mexico, the toad symbolized the Earth; the toadstool was connected with the sacred hallucinogenic mushroom which was said to give enlightenment. SuperstitionsStill today, many European country people believ that the toad is an omen of pregnancy.Handling a toad or frog is said to give you warts. It was thought to be lucky to possess and wear a toad stone ring; supposedly, this "stone" will sweat and change color if it is near poison. The Scots believed that a toad stone would prevent the burning of a house or a sinking of a boat. The midwife toad of Europe and the British toad, popularly called the Natterjack, were both thought to be favorite familiars to witches. For this reason, during the sixteenth century in England, toads were burned as creatures of the devil. Magickal AttributesLong life, prosperity, new beginnings, good luck.Beginning new projects. Changing your luck. ChantI change my luck to all things new.I have a precious stone, like you, The stone of spirit, mind, and soul That leads me to the proper goal. |