Flower

The Woody Nightshade

Also known as Bittersweet, Scarlet Berry, Violet Bloom, Mad Dog's Berries the Woody Nightshade belongs to the Solanaceae, an immense family of plants which includes Belladonna, Hensbane, Potato, Tomato, Peppers and Tobacco. The plant was so named by the ancient herbalists in order to distinguish it from the Deadly Nightshade. Shepherds once hung Woody Nighshade around the necks of their flocks as a charm against the "evil eye" and a necklace of its berries was found in the tomb of Tutenkahmun, the Boy-King. Tradition dictated that if placed on the body, Woody Nightshade would dispel the memories of old loves and former sweethearts.

Gemstone

Opal

The Opal is an historically treasured gem and 6,000 year old Opal artifacts have been found in Kenyan caves. However, most are believed to be approximately 60 million years old (or more) and generally date back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Early races credited the Opal with magical qualities and traditionally, the Opal was said to aid its wearer in seeing possibilities. It was believed to clarify by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions and desires. It was also thought to lessen inhibitions and promote spontaneity.

Animal

The Butterfly - Celtic Symbol of faery faith, the Butterfly was believed by many cultures to be the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. Traditionally, no negative energies were said to be experienced in any area of the Otherworld where Butterflies could be found. They were symbolic of the freedom from self-imposed restrictions and the ability to regard problems with greater clarity.

The Boar - Important to the art and myths of the Celts, the Boar (once common throughout the British Isles) was known to be cunning and ferocious. The battle horn of the Celts sported the figure of a Boar's head, their shields were decorated with engravings of the Boar in warfare, and figures of this animal were mounted upon their helmets. The Boar was said to lead the Celts in battle and show direction for their warriors. The skin of the Boar was also believed to heal wounds.

Polarity: Masculine

Color: Sky White

Class: Chieftain

Planet: Moon veiling Persephone

Letter Character: "G"

Ogham Association: Gort

Deity

Arianrhod

The name means "Silver Circle." Arianrhod is also known as "Star Goddess," or "Full Moon Goddess". Her palace was called "Caer Arianrhod," otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. She was Keeper of the Silver Wheel of Stars...a symbol of time and/or karma. This wheel was also known as the "Oar Wheel," a ship which carried dead warriors to Emania, the Moon Land. Arianrhod is sometime depicted as a weaver, linking her to lost myths of creation and magickal practices. Daughter of the great Welsh Goddess Don, Arianrhod is said to be useful in helping females find their own feminine power.

Famous Ivys

Oscar Wilde, Gandhi, Margeret Thatcher, Hilary Clinton, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslett