EARLY HERALDRY
A brief canvass note from historical heraldry
“The panther is an animal which in its relation to heraldry it is difficult to know whether to place amongst the mythical or actual animals. No instance occurs to me in which the panther figures as a charge in British heraldry, and the panther is a supporter, in the few cases in which it is met with, is certainly not the actual animal, inasmuch as it is invariable found flammant, i.e. with flames issuing from the mouth and ears. In this character it will be found as a supporter of the Duke of Beaufort, and derived therefrom as a supporter of Lord Raglan. Foreign heraldry carries the panther to a most curious result. It is frequently represented with the tail of a lion, horns, and for its fore-legs the claws of an eagle. Even in England it is usually represented vomiting flames, but the usual method of depicting it on the Continent is greatly at variance with our own… the arms of Styria – Vert, a panther argent, armed close, vomiting flames of fire – from the title-page of the ‘Land-bond’ of Styria (1523, drawn by Hans Burgkmair). In ‘Physiologus,’ a Greek writing of early Christian times of about the date 140… mention is made of the panther, to which is there ascribed the gaily spotted coat and the pleasant, sweet-smelling breath which induces all other animals to approach it; the dragon along retreats into its hole from the smell, and consequently the panther appears to have sometimes been used as a symbol of Christ.”A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HERALDRY, by A. C. Fox-Davies
George Faber declares the original name of Jesus was Jescua Hammassiah. Godfrey Higgins has discovered two references, one in the Midrashjoheleth and the other in the Abodazara [early Jewish commentaries on the Scriptures], to the effect that the surname of Joseph’s family was Panther, for in both of these works it is stated that a man was healed “in the name of Jesus ben Panther." The name Panther establishes a direct connection between Jesus and Bacchus who was nursed by panthers and is sometimes depicted riding either on one of these animals or in a chariot drawn by them. The skin of the panther was also sacred in certain of the Egyptian initiatory ceremonials. The monogram IHS now interpreted to mean Iesus Hominum Salvator [Jesus Savior of Men], is another direct link between the Christian and the Bacchic rites. IHS is derived from Greek which as its numerical value 608 signifies, is emblematic of the sun and constituted the sacred and concealed name of Bacchus. [See The Celtic Druids, by Godfrey Higgins.] The question arises, Was early Roman Christianity confused with the worship of Bacchus because of the numerous parallelisms in the two faiths? If the affirmative can be proved, many hitherto incomprehensible enigmas of the New Testament will be solved.
Manly P. Hall, Secret Teachings [go Philosophical Research Society]
Physiologus wrote, that the panther was a great friend of all animals with the exception of the dragon (symbol of evil). Physiologus continued and explained how the panther slept in its den for three days (like Christ in the grave); then rose, howled and released from his mouth an immensely sweet scent, that lured all the animals to follow him so he could embrace them.
The panther therefore symbolized Christ and his resurrection as well as the spreading of the good word announced in the Gospel (the sweet scent), so that mankind should follow it. go here for information and image
The symbol of the panther is thousands of years old. It can be found on pictures in caverns from Stone Age and later in all early cultures from Asia Minor to Egypt and Greece. In Greek mythology, it is depicted together with the god Dionysius. Later, it appeared in the Roman Bachus, and with them it spread over all Mediterranean countries during the ancient times. In early Christianity, the writer Physiologus from Alexandria used the image of a panther in his book about animals, as a symbol for the Gospel diffusion. The idea was that the panther diffuses a sweet scent (which was a symbol of the Gospel), and animals that follow this scent are also caught by it. His only enemy was a dragon (a symbol of evil).
go here for information and reference
Kingdom of Heaven Wallpaper
Balain [Orlando Bloom] You TubeKingdom of Heaven Stills
Knights ride into battle ~ Forest scene and white cross on black
King Baldwin IV wears Jerusalem Cross ~ Tiberius [Jeremy Irons] between moments ~ Director Ridley Scott
Jerusalem Cross, an early Christian mandala symbol of the Crusades
as of the Third Crusade [1189] hereditary decorations of weapons of warfare were in existence.
THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS ORDER OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE © Guy Stair Sainty, gives the date as A. D. 1430
As Raglan Castle heraldry demonstrates within the Herbert family coat-of-arms, there is clearly a combined English and French heraldry entering the mainstream in Europe at this point. Construction of the Raglan Castle we know today began around 1430, according to historical records about the castle's many stages of development. The Herbertorum Prosapia shows the Herbert arms halved with those of the Gam family at the time. Aside from the heraldry factor, keep St. Joan of Arc in mind. Her 5/30/1431 "trial"
and execution in Rouen’s marketplace probably played a role in the movement by noblility to establish more civilized relations through Christian mysticism. [check Phoenix legend]
Katharine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine in, The Lion in Winter [comparison w/Hillary Clinton]
opposite Peter O'Toole as Henry II of England. Example [for astrologers]: Moon, The Domestic Urge, governs kiva, home, psyche, and legacy. Hepburn’s Moon @ 27° Taurus 31’ in Seventh House
Alienor d'Aquitaine's Moon 8° Cancer 27’ in exact conjunction with Hillary’s Venus in her 5th Dept. of Life [w/i 1 perfect] and conjunct Hillary’s Mercury; Clinton's Moon 29° Pisces 12’ 10th Dept. of Life, with Alienor’s Vesta 21° Sag on her 11th cusp, conjunct Hillary’s Pisces Moon. January 21st Hilary Clinton was confirmed as the nation's 67th Secretary of State. Her first full day on the job: January 22, 2009.
European Nobility and Chivalric Orders
Coat of Arms and Flags - Coat of Arms
Excellent reference page coat of arms * heraldry * symbols
Ancient symbols - Austrian Flags
"It did not matter whether certain animals existed; what did matter was what they meant."
- T. H. White
Harry Potter heraldry - the four houses symbols * go Harry Potter navigation [see Transfiguration or search for Animigas, as Professor McGonagall Gray and Black Cat with Square Markings Around Eyes, or Rita Skeeter Black and Red Beetle with Square Markings Around Eyes]
American Monuments * Future Heraldry Princess Diana as Goddess
Reference text
Alba, the sword of William Wallace
[some 5 feet 4 inches long] is very similar to Anduril, the sword of Aragorn.
Check with: Mel Gibson * Gérard Depardieu * Princess Diana and @ footnotes - choose your Tartan
Important Mystical Trees
Some important trees in spiritual heraldry
ALMOND TREE
In the Old Testament, Aaron’s Magic Rod (The Budding Almond) was sometimes a substitute for Hazel. Almond also symbolizes Mercury. Almond wood is on the same par with concepts like the crown or diadem, a pure crystal frequency. Many Qabalistic attributions link Almond with the early ‘Watchers’ awaiting the Savior. Considered perfect as wood for the White Magician’s wand, it actually belongs to the middle pillar as a whole.ASH
Feb. 18-Mar. 17 -- I am a wind on the deep
NION, N in the Irish alphabet. Knowledge, a tree of rebirth, one of the seven Chieftain Trees ~ they are, Oak, Hazel, Apple, Yew, Holly, Ash, Pine. Sacred to Gwydion. The World-Tree, Yggdrasil, of Scandinavian mythology is an Ash. The staff of the Father God is made from the wood of this Ash, symbolizing the Divine in humanity. This staff figures prominently in The Ring Cycle’s symbolic thrust to the degree it comes close to taking stage centre as an almost independent character in Wagner’s great opera. The God’s staff holds a record of sacred vows, oaths, commitments; Ash power is linked to waters & floods ~ it safeguards against drowning waters & faeries. In rural Sweden, Ash is a “bartrad”, guardian-tree; it protects health & prosperity at each farm. Odd and even Ash keys (seed-pods) were often used in divination. A cleft Ash may cure rupture and rickets. Branches were seldom cut, never considered for hearths though wood be scarce. [related story: The Magic Pitcher, by Nathaniel Hawthorne]BODHI TREE
Near the village of Bodh Gaya, India
A powerful symbol in Eastern philosophy, as captured on film in, The Little Buddha (Chris Issak, Brigit Fonda, Keannu Reeves). This movie is heartily recommend to anyone interested in seeing first hand the power of the religions in the East and at the top of the world. A must see if you are inspired by the story of The Buddha and want to know more about the teaching about reincarnation. The Bo or Pipal Tree was shelter for the Buddha Shakyamuni at the moment of his complete enlightenment. [see also East Meets West]HAZEL TREE
Aug. 5-Sept. 1 -- I am a salmon in the pool.
Witch Hazel - Coll in the Druidic Tree system, C in the Irish Alphabet
This fruit-bearing tree is known for the specially magical qualities associated with psyche truth. Extract may be applied directly through the solar plexus to reset direction blueprints managed via the center extended to the whole person… recalibrating the system to move energy back to the correct track.
Dedicated to the god Thor, Hazel is said to cure fever, also assist with the process of ‘letting up, letting go’. If allied with white magic, Hazel enhances youthfulness, fertility, healing and wisdom. Sacred to Manannan and the Muses. Wands and Divining Rods are mostly cut from the Hazel, but all kinds of nut and fruit trees have been used, White & Black Thorn and Privet also being favourites. A Hazel rod was a badge of authority, particularly used by Romans ~~ early records exist from Ancient Egypt ~~ Cicero and Tacitus both wrote of the rod, “virgula divina.”In Germany, Hazel was known as the ‘wishing-rod’ and was used just as fortunetellers use cards, coins, or tea-leaves in modern times. Robert Boyle, the ‘father of chemistry’ may have first mentioned the diving rod in England. One of his publications (1663) stated, “A forked hazel twig is held by its horns, one in each hand, the holder walking with it over places where mineral lodes may be suspected, and it is said that the fork by dipping down will discover the place where the ore is to be found. Many eminent authors, amongst others our distinguished countryman Gabriel Plat, ascribe much to this detecting wand, and others, far from credulous or ignorant, have as eye-witnesses spoken of its value. When visiting the lead-mines of Somersetshire I saw its use, and one gentleman who employed it declared that it moved without his will, and I saw it bend so strongly as to break in his hand. It will only succeed in some men’s hands, and those who have seen it may much more readily believe than those who have not.”
Some authorities on the subject speculate the dowsing and the divining rod was first brought into England in the time of Queen Elizabeth; others offer some evidence to show Henry VIII imported German dowsers during his reign. In the State papers of that time may be found recorded the fact that commissioners were sent to Germany to study the best methods of mining and brought back with them German miners from the Harz Mountains. It seems likely that; in some areas where dowsing was not employed by the locals there, these ‘foreigners’ may have introduced the ancient art into England. In Southern France, Ireland, and the Holy Land, documentation survives to the effect dowsers have been asked to find water since ancient times. The television series about the unusual and unexplained, IN SEARCH OF… researched the dowser in England and The Colonies. While doing the show, there were unearthed several previously unknown standing stones, one of those is the largest discovered in the USA.
Eliaphas Levi specifies the perfectly straight branch of an Almond or Hazel Tree be cut with a single blow before the rising of the sun, at the moment the tree is ready to blossom. Levi refers to the Magic Wand as the ‘perfected divining rod’, in TRANSCENDENTAL MAGIC (Weiser Publisher) in his chapter on Magic Equilibrium, elsewhere stating that preparation as follows is a wise course for the Magician: “The magical idea must be turned into light for the eyes, harmony for the ears, perfumes for the sense of smell, savours for the palate, objects for the touch. The operator, in a word, must realize in his whole life that which he wishes to realize in the world without him; he must become a MAGNET to attract the desired thing; and when he shall be sufficiently magnetic, let him be assured that the thing will come of itself, and without thinking of it.”
MISTLETOE
The Mistletoe and Amaranth are the flowers of immortality, associated with Yod in the Divine Name. The golden-colored Mistletoe directs us to the great priestess Velleda, the only Druid religious who is historical, according to Norma Lorre Goodrich. Her book, PRIESTESSES, is a brave, new world from the ‘adventures through inner journeying’ angle. “The word for Druid was DR, from the Greek word, ‘dryas,’ for ‘oak.’ The Elder Pliny, Rome’s foremost naturalist, explained in his Natural History, that mistletoe was connected to the Oak Cult practiced by the Druids of Gaul.” He lists three varieties of mistletoe. The Odinic Mysteries, Authurian Legends and tradition all list the Mistletoe as sacred with specific directions about how harvesting should proceed. Goodrich adds notes about religious ceremonies in which the Mistletoe is highlighted with another sacred plant, ‘Herba Sacra” (thought to be extinct) that she speculates is from the same family as Verbena or Vervain. Herba Sacra, “thought to have been used in solar worship and in fertility rites, used to be sought two hundred years ago near stone circles, then thought to have been Druidical temples. Velleda will wear it as a crown.”The Myth of the Golden Bough (from Vergil’s AENEID) provides insight into the nature of the Mistletoe, through the oracle from the Priestess at Cumae:
“…The bough, its leaves, and its buds are entirely gold; but it is not plain to see. It is hidden. This Golden Bough was consecrated to Juno, queen of the gods. It was enfolded in foliage, buried among tree trunks, and encircled by dark valleys.” (v.148)The ROSE
symbolizes the final triumph of truth over falsehood, of good over evil. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another: by this shall all know that ye are My disciples. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.”
Thousand Petal Flower (~ ‘O Zenith Ray of Violet Power, Cleanse my dark blood with Purple shower,
Soothe Thou my nerves when passions lower, Bring forth true Inspiration’s flower.’
~ Roland Hunt, THE SEVEN KEYS TO COLOUR HEALING)
The Lotus and Rose are attributed to 0 because they have traditionally been taken as glyphs of the circle. The Golden Bough (Sir James Frazer) and THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER, A Chinese Book Of Life, translated and explained by Richard Wilhelm (introduction by, C. G. Jung).TAMARISK
In Egypt the Tamarisk was the holy tree chosen to over-shadow the supposed sepulchre of Osiris, the king of Amenti. The Persea was sacred to Athor, the regent of the West, often identified with Isis. The sycamore was consecrated to Nut, mother of Isis and Osiris, frequently represented in the paintings of the tombs, standing in its branches, pourng froma vase, a liquid which the soul of the departed, under the form of a bird with a human head, catches in his hands. It is the water of eternal life. So the trees were particularly sacred to the deities connected with Amenti, that is, to the deified kings and queens from the “Lands of the West.”
We are told that the sacred tree was an emblem found in frequent association with the “cinged circle” in Assyria. As this symbol is always met with in immediate connection with the monarchs, it would seem that the worship of the tree bears a close relation to, if it is not typical of, that of the deified heroes and kings.
“The factors which act on a human during his life are of two classes. In one are some of the thoughts of the human being of the past life, which appear exteriorized in the hard facts of destiny or as thoughts which come and go and leave pleasant or unpleasant impressions. Therese are all from the past. In the second class are thoughts of the present life. They are the new crop that has to do with the present, yet it grows out of the past.”
-Harold W. Percival, THINKING AND DESTINYWILLOW
One account records an Old Testament reference to the exiled Jews hanging their harps upon the willows as they wept beside the rivers of Babylon. This led to the weeping willow’s classification by Linnaeus as Silax Babylonica. The tree is said to have originated in China where it graced cemeteries as a symbol of immortality. During the Middle Ages, the willow became a traditional motif adorning tombs. Early 19th century gravestones throughout New England were decorated with the willow emblem.The Willow is sacred to Diana, Luna, so many lines from Shakespeare may come to mind, such as enchantment, expression of undying love, fertility, the Goddess powers within a young maiden. In ancient Greece, the goddess Hera was born under a Willow on the island of Samos, where a magnificent temple was built to honor her. In the underworld kingdom of Pluto and Persephone, Orpheus touched a Willow branch and received the gift of supernatural eloquence. Willow groves are sacred to Hecate, dark goddess of the night and witchcraft. Willow is the source of Salicylic Acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Special observance may be indulged in for Beltane or May Day. Gypsies also revere the Willow, and decorate it on April 23rd, Green George’s Festival. The Flemish tie three knots in a with to rid themselves of ague.
An old spell uses a Willow to dismiss love and transform passion into friendship. At Full Moon snip a foot-long tendril from a Weeping Willow tree and braid it with equal lengths of bright red and cool green yarn. Tie three knots in the braid and hang the charm in an airy room until the Moon is in its last quarter. On three successive nights untie the knots one by one in privacy and silence while concentrating on your desire. Before the New Moon rises, burn the red strand to ashes and throw to the winds. Coil the Willow and green wool together and place in an envelope for safe-keeping.
The Willow of the Druids was not the Weeping Willow, but the tree or shrub we know as the Pussy Willow. The Irish called the Pussy Willow one of the ‘seven noble trees of the land.’ The Pussy Willow is magic and brings luck, so may be chosen as an ideal raw material for creating love charms, amulets, and for practical tools such as a wand or divining rod. Medieval herbalists placed all Willows, such as Sallow, under the rulership of the Moon. The Sallow may be selected for rods also, as was preferred by the Scythians and the Alani for purposes of augurial divination. Fine straight wands were chosen, on which certain characters were written, and they were then thrown on a white cloth. From the way in which they fell the magician gained the desired information.
See
The Bach Flower Remedy List
Theda Bara Cleopatra photo gallery
Key Egyptian patterns
Éowyn in front of the Banner of Rohan - Meduseld, The Lord of the Rings
Faramir: "Where does my allegiance lie, if not here?"
The White Tree of Minas Tirith
go to the Middle-earth Inn for pages about J.R.R. Tolkien
Western Spartans - SCA Heraldry-click on Ibis
Aztec Gods, Goddesses symbols inc. 7th heaven
JADE, Olmec symbol of nobility, wise council, honour,and magic
Olmec jades are the most beautiful stones worked in Mesoamerica
see Olmec Art at Dumbarton Oaks [Harvard Report]
Real and other fabulous beasts
Return to Raglan Deva ~ The Introduction
Return to The Deva of Raglan Castle, Part TwoWhite Jade Horse
Central Led Zeppelin Index
* Robert Plant Star Menu
Second Wave John Paul Jones auraCentral Dead articles
* Robert Hunter Star Menu
THE HOLY GRAIL in ART - KNIGHT of THE HOLY GRAIL
Heraldry in film is essential if the audience is to intuitively embrace the energy of the story and each individual in the development of character. Films such as Braveheart, 'First Knight' and 'The Lion In Winter' provide memory of lost chords. They can be overwhelming reminders of the common bond for our waking consciousness. Tolkien's fantasy is so vivid, both for written page and silver screen, because everything he created is part of old Europe. Films with that resonance of common ancestry are usually listed as favorites by all age groups, in part due to authentic historical legacies we share.
Take 'Indiana Jones Adventure Quiz'Tolkien drew from Norse legends as well. His wizards reveal characteristics akin to Odin, the Norse god, believed to have fashioned the universe, created man and established the laws that controlled the destiny of the world.
Click 'Lion In Winter' poster above for Katharine Hepburn fanpage. Prince Valiant and Queen Aleta became an integral part of American life by appearing in the Sunday paper over the years. The comic strip eventually inspired the film with Robert Wagner, Janet Leigh, and James Mason.
New Jerusalem, as designed for the Visconti Tarot deck on the left, is an idea often used as a background, theme or sub-text point of common association. In films like, 'The Last Valley' or 'Brigadoon' the vision of Trump XXI is clearly an infusion of intense energy able to hold fast an audience... at first unaware of what captivates the imagination. EL CID is Spain's patron saint. The film picks up his story in the year 1043, when El Cid (Charleton Heston) takes a 'short cut' to meet his bride (Sophia Loren) and rescues a mission under attack by a Morrish warlord, Ben Yussef (Herbert Lom) - a pivotal moment in life follows. El Cid is moved by spirit to free the dreaded Moors he overcomes in battle, gaining their oath to never attack Castile. In the process he wins the allies needed to overcome a far greater threat to Europe.
Aside from starring as Charles II in this swashbuckler adventure-gem, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. wrote and produced 'The Exile' in 1947, following his service in the Navy. English history buffs consider 'The Exile' an accurate (fictional) drama and a romantic powerhouse, on a par with 'Captain Blood' for pure movie-going enjoyment. Director Max Ophuls first American film.
Screen Director's Playhouse Audio Classics Archive Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 'The Exile'
Cinema - German page with some excellent photo work, still shots from the film
By extension, the ever-popular, effervescent book turned stage play, turned flick-favorite 'Finian's Rainbow' (Fred Astaire's last film) leads to the rainbow's end and heart of gold. Tagline: If all you want out of a movie is a great, big, wonderful time - just follow the rainbow - whistle the songs - and join in the fun. Check Welsh heraldry prominent in Led Zeppelin cult classic, 'The Song Remains The Same' ~ so full of symbols, mystic signs, portents and cosmic forces, it should be analyzed as evolving life form rather than a movie.
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Support English Ale great front view of Raglan Castle)
Return to The Deva of Raglan Castle, Part III
The Song Remains the Same Raglan Castle, lg image
Fonts * Castles * Haunted Castle [family page]
