THE UNICORN:The Unicorn has long been a favorite mythical creature in both the Western world and the Orient. The Western and Oriental Unicorn were similar in nature, but differ in description. The Chinese unicorn was called Ch'i-lin, or Ky-lin, and could have either one or two horns. This creature was said to have the head of a dragon, the tail of an ox, and a stag's body. It's skin was red, yellow, blue, white, and black; when it made a noise, it sounded like bells. In Babylonia there was a dragon-beast that had a horse-like body, lion's front legs, a long neck, and a flat head with a single horn on the center of the nose. In Greek and Roman art, the goddess Artemis/Diana was often shown in a chariot being pulled by eight unicorns. The Western creature had the head and body of a horse, the hind legs of an antelope or stag, the whiskers of a goat, the tail of a lion, and a long spiral horn in the middle of its forehead. There are many stories of the unicorn being hunted for its horn (the Alicorn), which was considered to detect and be an antidote for poisons. The unicorn lived in the forests and was so swift no one could catch it. In order to trap it, a beautiful young virgin was set as bait; the unicorn would come to her willingly. Western cultures believed that the unicorn was a lunar animal, gentle and wise, while some of the Middle Eastern and Eastern cultures said it was fierce and had great strength. They believed that the unicorn killed elephants by goring them in the stomach. Magickal AttributesGood will, fame, prosperity, gentleness, purity, strength of mind.Individual power that is unlimited. For wisdom with success. Developing personal power. ChantA child of the unicorn, that would I be.Your goodness and wisdom reflected in me. Let me seek for the good things that brighten my name, For gentleness, purity, abundance, and fame. Let me know that my power is forever unbound, That what's given in love circles right back around. |