HIGH M▲GI©K

phillypagan:

Another part of my personal studies.

I’ve read up through chapter 5 (which sounds like nothing but remember I’m taking copious notes). 

• I’m very much enjoying the setup of these early chapters. Two or three pages, all on one set of herbs, based on planetary associations. First a list of magical properties, then some correspondences (colors, metals, numbers, etc), a list of herbs which fall under that category, then a more in-depth essay on the physical and metaphysical properties of the herbs, and finally a recipe for a simple incense/philtre/what have you which works with just that class of herb. It makes for beautifully easy copying into my notes.
• However. I have issues. Athena and Minerva are listed as deities related to Mars herbs. Sure, the positive aspects of Mars herbs (assertive, strong) are related to Athena and Minerva. But Athena and Aries are frankly polar opposites. Athena represents civilized war, just war to protect one’s family. Aries was the god of frenzied war, and half the time went up against Athena ‘cause he was a prick, and got his ass handed to him. He represented baser instincts, in some ways. So to lump Athena and Minerva in with Aries and Mars (admittedly Mars is less of a fuck than Aries, as the Romans combined Aries with some other, smaller, but less shameful gods) kind of rubs me the wrong way. And the essay didn’t mention this at all. 
• Oh and the metal for Mercury? Quicksilver. … I mean, come on. “Quicksilver” is an antiquated name for mercury. And when I complain that a word is antiquated you know that it’s a dead turn of phrase. The author gains nothing by using “quicksilver” instead of “mercury,” and instead the author confuses information for readers who don’t know that quicksilver and mercury are the same. 
• Separate but related note: I really want to know what the metal correspondences are going to be used for. I can understand having silver or gold nearby when making certain potions/whatevers. But mercury? That shit is a) poisonous b) liquid at room temperature and c) not really available to amateur alchemists/witches. So what is the point of discussing the metal? Inquiring Coverts want to know.
• Clearly this writer has an atypical understanding of Zeus. She’s focusing on his positive traits, which unfortunately get ignored far too often in favor of the sexy myths with bulls and children everywhere. Then again, when discussing the influence a planet/godform has on a series of herbs, it’s best to not talk about serial cheating. 
• If I think of these, not in terms of astrology, but in terms of mythical Greek correspondences, then I’ll feel better about it.