Divider

Divider

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Sacred poison



Thor, the god of thunder, sometimes named Thunor, is associated with many plants. He was regarded as the god of thunderstorms as well as fertility and the land. Farmers used to worship him and called upon him to bring thunder and rain in order to grow crops. 
I mentioned Burdock in a previous post that this is one of the plants of Thor Himself. Now the pretty blue flowers in the picture on this entry are Aconite, also called wolf's bane, monkshood, blue rocket and Thor's helmet. It's a poisonous flower, belonging to the Ranunculasae species that also include family members like the buttercup and clematis. It's one of the oldest plant families on earth. The Aconitum Aconite grows in chilly hilly landscapes of the Northern hemisphere. Associated with wolves and it's folklore place in werewolf stories, the origins of that may be linked to ancient myths of Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the underworld. Also the side effects of eating wild Aconite is strikingly similar to the effects of rabies. Throughout European history were legends of monstrous dogs carrying poisonous rabies like Cerberus, Fenrir and Garm, the Norse and Germanic hellhounds. Aconite was also used by the berserkers and ulfhednar to help gain werewolf strength. The ancient tribes of Germany called Aconite "storm helmet". Arrowheads were dipped in Aconite poison and so this toxic plant was the earliest ingredient for ancient biological warfare.   


Thursday, 2 July 2015

Summer thunder



Twice since the first day of July 2015 there's been thunderstorms here in this part of England.I've seen it form right above my house and the sky turned dark with electric clouds. It was after a hot few days. The thunder started off like exploding cannons on a battle field, or very loud sonic booms. There was no rain or lightning except a series of bangs. Then I left the house to head for school. As soon as I left the front door, lighting and massive roars of thunder followed by gushes of rain. I ran straight to the building without pause. Still it was so hot. I'm in awe but still.
That's my weather chat over with. There's nothing like a summer thunderstorm. Even the summer rain is very severe. I need a honeydew fizz now.