The animal people knew that the fire was there, because they could see smoke rising from the top of the tree. But they could not get to it on account of the water. So they held a council to decide what to do.
Everyone that could fly or could swim was eager to go after the fire. Raven said, "Let me go. I am large and strong."
At that time Raven was white. He flew high and far across the water and reached the top of the sycamore tree. While he sat there wondering what to do, the heat scorched all his feathers black. The frightened Raven flew home without the fire, and his feathers have been black ever since.
Then the council sent Screech Owl. He flew to the island. But while he was looking down into the hollow tree, a blast of hot air came up and nearly burned out his eyes. He flew home and to this day, Screech Owl's eyes are red.
Then Hooting Owl and Horned Owl were sent to the island together. But the smoke nearly blinded them, and the ashes carried up by the wind made white rings about their eyes. They had to come home, and were never able to get rid of the white rings.
Then Little Snake swam across to the island, crawled through the grass to the tree, and entered it through a small hole at the bottom. But the smoke and the heat were too much for him, too. He escaped alive, but his body had been scorched black. And it was so twisted that he doubled on his track as if always trying to escape from a small space.
Big Snake, the climber, offered to go for fire, but he fell into the burning stump and became as black as Little Snake. He has been the great blacksnake ever since.
At last Water Spider said that she would go. Water Spider has black downy hair and red stripes on her body. She could run on top of water and she could dive to the bottom. She would have no trouble in getting to the island.
"But you are so little, how will you carry enough fire?" the council asked.
"I'll manage all right," answered Water Spider. "I can spin a web." so she spun a thread from her body and wove it into a little bowl and fastened the little bowl on her back. Then she crossed over to the island and through the grass. She put one little coal of fire into her bowl and brought it across to the people.
Ever since, we have had fire. And the Water Spider still has her little bowl on her back.
Later, she dressed and continued picking mushrooms, until she was spotted by Velnias, (Lithuanian Horned God of the Underworld). Velnias asked if she had been picking mushrooms during the rainstorm, and if so, how had she remained dry?
The young woman replied that she had a secret that prevented rain from touching her.
Velnias was intrigued and pressed the woman for her secret. The young woman agreed to tell Him, but only if He revealed all His magical arts. So a bargain was struck and Velnias taught the woman all that He knew of magic and healing.
It was then that the woman told Velnias how she had avoided the rain. Velnias spit and flew away, raging and screaming that He had been tricked.
Thus, the woman became the first witch and passed on her teachings to others from that time on. And so, witches flourished.
No,it is not dusk.
For even now,I hear the cock stirring atop his post.
They tell me the candles burn bright as the Sun at high noon;
Yet,their light seems to me as dull as my hair that once shone like gold,
and is now gray as the storm clouds of the sea.
Faces fade in and out of my weakening vision:
faces of my childhood,
faces of those I loved.
My clawlike hand grips another's tightly,
a hand smooth and soft as mine once was.
Her skin is smooth to the touch,
and laughter sparkles in Her emerald eyes.
Her long,silky hair cascades down Her back in loose waves,
and a wreath spun of spring buds adorns Her untroubled brow,
Her slim form,barely beginning to ripen into womanhood,
reminds me of my youth.
She smiles gently
and whispers a word.
Maiden.
and see a woman.
Her steady hazel eyes comfort me.
The laugh lines around Her eyes and mouth are clear and beautiful.
Her thick hair is bound in a braid
and a circlet of gold rests upon Her brow.
Her rounded belly reveals the life nestled inside.
She bends close to me,
and places Her smooth lips on my withered cheek.
She whispers.
Mother.
and see a face all to like my own:
Her cheeks are hollow and Her skin withered.
She leans upon a great staff,
her clawlike hands grasping it as if it were life itself.
Her eyes burn with a gentle intesity,
and as I gaze into them,
I see the WiseWoman,
She gestures
and whispers.
Crone.
And see Them.
The Three.
Maiden.
Mother.
Crone.
The Three who are One.
As one,They beckon me;
and I feel my spirit stir in response.
The maiden whispers
Come with us Mother.
The Mother whispers
Join your companions,sister.
The Crone whispers
Do not be afraid,my daughter.
I sigh and close my eyes.
My soul rises and greets the Three.
And upon each of Their brows
the crescent blazes,
and I know that it burns upon my brow as well.
So Dea surrendered her jewels and her clothing to the Guardians, and was bound as all living must be who seek to enter the realm of Death and the Mighty Ones. At the first gate she gave over her scepter, at the second her crown, at the third her necklace, at the fourth her ring, at the fifth her girdle, at the sixth her sandals, and at the seventh her gown. Dea stood naked and was presented before Dis, and such was her beauty that he himself knelt as she entered. He laid his sword at her feet saying: "Blessed are your feet which have brought you down this path." Then he arose and said to Dea: "Stay with me I pray, and receive my touch upon your heart."
And Dea replied to Dis: "But I love you not, for why do you cause all the things that I love, and take delight in, to fade and die?"
"My Lady," replied Dis "it is age and fate against which you speak. I am helpless, for age causes all things to whither, but when men die at the end of their time, I give them rest, peace and strength. For a time they dwell with the moon, and the spirits of the moon; then may they return to the realm of the living. But you are so lovely, and I ask you to return not, but abide with me here."
But she answered, "No, for I do not love you." Then Dis said "If you refuse to embrace me, then you must kneel to death's scourge." The Goddess answered him: "If it is to be, then it is fate, and better so!" So Dea knelt in submission before the hand of Death, and he scourged her with so tender a hand that she cried out, "I know your pain, and the pain of love."
Dis raised her to her feet and said, "Blessed are you, my Queen and my Lady." Then he gave to her the five kisses of initiation, saying: "Only thus may you attain to knowledge and to joy."
And he taught her all of his mysteries, and he have her the necklace which is the circle of rebirth. And she taught him her mysteries of the sacred cup which is the cauldron of rebirth. They loved and joined in union with each other; and for a time Dea dwelled in the realm of Dis.
For there are three mysteries in the life of Man which are: Sex, Birth, and Death (and love controls them all). To fulfill love, you must return again at the same time and place as those who loved before. And you must meet, recognize, remember, and love them anew. But to be reborn you must die and be made ready for a new body. And to die you must be born, but without love you may not be born among your own.
But our Goddess is inclined to favour love, and joy and happiness. She guards and cherishes her hidden children in this life and the next. In death she reveals the way to her communion, and in life she teaches them the magic of the mystery of the Circle (which is set between the worlds of men and of the Gods).
The Traditionalist Witch tended to believe that Witchcraft was a religion for both men and women because anything less would be divisive. And although the Goddess was worshipped, care was taken to give equal stress to the God-force in nature, the Horned One. And there was distrust in the heart of the Traditionalist Witch for the Feminist Witch because, from the Traditionalist viewpoint, the Feminist Witch seemed like a late-comer and a threat to "Tradition". These two Witches lived in the same community but each belonged to a different Coven, so they did not often run into one another. Strange to say, the few times they did meet, they felt an odd sort of mutual attraction, at least on the physical level. But both recognized the folly of this attraction, for their ideologies were worlds apart, and nothing, it seemed, could ever bridge them.
Then one year the community decided to hold a Grand Coven, and all the Covens in the area were invited to attend. After the rituals, the singing, the magicks, the feasting, the poetry, and dancing were concluded, all retired to their tents and sleeping bags. All but these two. For they were troubled by their differences and couldn't sleep. They alone remained sitting by the campfire while all others around them dreamed. And before long, they began to talk about their differing views of the Goddess. And, since they were both relatively inexperienced Witches, they soon began to argue about what was the "true" image of the Goddess.
"Describe your image of the Goddess to me," challenged the Feminist Witch.
The Traditionalist Witch smiled, sighed, and said in a rapt voice, "She is the embodiment of all loveliness. The quintessence of feminine beauty. I picture her with silver-blond hair like moonlight, rich and thick, falling down around her soft shoulders. She has the voluptuous young body of a maiden in her prime, and her clothes are the most seductive, gossamer thin and clinging to her willowy frame. I see her dancing like a young elfin nymph in a moonlit glade, the dance of a temple priestess. And she calls to her lover, the Horned One, in a voice that is gentle and soft and sweet, and as musical as a silver bell frosted with ice. She is Aphrodite, goddess of sensual love. And her lover comes in answer to her call, for she is destined to become the Great Mother. That is how I see the Goddess."
The Feminist Witch hooted with laughter and said, "Your Goddess is a Cosmic Barbie Doll! The Jungian archetype of a cheer-leader! She is all glitter and no substance. Where is her strength? Her power? I see the Goddess very differently. To me, she is the embodiment of strength and courage and wisdom. A living symbol of the collective power of women everywhere. I picture her with hair as black as a moonless night, cropped short for ease of care on the field of battle. She has the muscular body of a woman at the peak of health and fitness. And her clothes are the most practical and sensible, not slinky cocktail dresses. She does not paint her face or perfume her hair or shave her legs to please men's vanities. Nor does she do pornographic dances to attract a man to her. For when she calls to a male, in a voice that is strong and defiant, it will be to do battle with the repressive masculine ego. She is Artemis the huntress, and it is fatal for any man to cast a leering glance in her direction. For, although she may be the many-breasted Mother, she is also the dark Crone of wisdom, who destroys the old order. That is how I see the Goddess."
Now the Traditionalist Witch hooted with laughter and said, "Your Goddess is the antithesis of all that is feminine! She is Yahweh hiding behind a feminine mask! Don't forget that it was his followers who burned Witches at the stake for the "sin" of having "painted faces". After all, Witches with their knowledge of herbs were the ones who developed the art of cosmetics. So what of beauty? What of love and desire?"
And so the argument raged, until the sound of their voices awakened a Coven Elder who was sleeping nearby. The Elder looked from the Feminist Witch to the Traditionalist Witch and back again, saying nothing for a long moment. Then the Elder suggested that both Witches go into the woods apart from one another and there, by magick and meditation, that each seek a "true" vision of the Goddess. This they both agreed to do.
After a time of invocations, there was a moment of perfect stillness. Then a glimmer of light could be seen in the forest, a light shaded deepest green by the dense foliage. Both Witches ran toward the source of the radiance. To their wonder and amazement, they discovered the Goddess had appeared in a clearing directly between them, so that neither Witch could see the other. And the Traditionalist Witch yelled "What did I tell you!" at the same instant the Feminist Witch yelled "You see, I was right!" and so neither Witch heard the other.
To the Feminist Witch, the Goddess seemed to be a shining matrix of power and strength, with courage and energy flowing outward. The Goddess seemed to be holding out her arms to embrace the Feminist Witch, as a comrade in arms. To the Traditionalist Witch, the Goddess seemed to be the zenith of feminine beauty, lightly playing a harp and singing a siren song of seduction. Energy seemed to flow towards her. And she seemed to hold out her arms to the Traditionalist Witch, invitingly.
From opposite sides of the clearing, the Witches ran toward the figure of the Goddess they both loved so well, desiring to be held in the ecstasy of that divine embrace. But just before they reached her, the apparition vanished. And the two Witches were startled to find themselves embracing each other.
And then they both heard the voice of the Goddess. And, oddly enough, it sounded exactly the same to both of them. It sounded like laughter.
Bhasmasura went to a dense jungle. There he chose a nice quiet place and settled down under a tree and started his prayers to please Lord Shiva. At last Lord Shiva appeared before Bhasmasura and said,"I am greatly pleased with you. What can I do for you?"
"O'lord," said Bhasmasura," I only want your blessings. There is no other purpose behind my devotion to you."
Shiva said,"You have my blessings. But you would surely like to recieve something from me as a gift. It is yours for the asking."
"Then my Lord," said Bhasmasura ,"let me have the power that I ask for. By that power, anybody whose head I touch with my right hand will die and be reduced to ashes."
"I hereby grant you that power," said Shiva. Bhasmasura was very happy with the magic power he had obtained.
"My Lord you must now allow me to test the power you have given me" said Bhasmasura.
He jumped up to touch the head of Lord Shiva. Shiva's life was in danger. He knew that he would be reduced to ashes if he allowed Bhasmasura to touch his head. So Shiva ran for his life. Bhasmasura ran after Shiva. Shiva ran quickly over hills and mountains crossed rivers and passed through thick jungles. But Bhasmasura was close behind him, with his right hand raised ready to touch Shiva and reduce him to ashes.
Shiva needed help. He knew that unless somebody came to his help. Bhasmasura would kill him. Shiva therefore prayed to Lord Vishnu to save his life. Lord Vishnu heard Shivas prayer and appeared before him.
"You just hide here for sometime," Vishnu told Shiva. "I shall deal with Bhasmasura."
Vishnu then took the form of Mohini the most beautiful of women. Bhasmasura rinning after Shiva, stopped at the sight of Mohini. He asked Mohini ," Did you see Shiva running this way?"
Mohini fixed her lovely eyes on Bhasmasura and said ," My Lord you look very tired. Take a little rest before you start chasing Shiva again. Sit here in the cool shade and I shall fan you. Then you will feel better." Bhasmasura looked at Mohini..She was so beautfiul that he fell in love with her immediately.
"Who are you and how did you come here?"
She replied coyly," I am Mohini I live in this jungle with my parents."
"We always help those who pass this way. You look hungry. Can I go and bring you some fruits and food?"
"NO! NO! Don't go away from me," replied Bhasmasura. "Your presence itself is the best food for me."
Then he added: " I love you! Will you marry me?"
"How can I marry you?" asked Mohini. "You may have a number of wives already."
"No you are wrong. I have no wives and you shall be my first and only wife," said Bhasmasura.
"Yes I shall be your wife right now. But how can I trust you that you will not have more wives later."
"I give you my word I will not look at any other woman if you marry me," said Bhasmasura.
"Alright then please swear that you will not take another wife." said Mohini.
"I swear I shall not take another wife if you marry me." said Bhasmasura.
"That is not swearing," said Mohini. "Take the solemn oath, touching your head with your right hand. Then I shall trust you.
Bhasmasura rose up and touched his head with his right hand. The moment Bhasmasura rose up and touched his head with his right hand he was reduced to ashes.
There was no more Bhasmasura.
Shiva came out of his hiding and looked at Mohini. He was grateful to Mohini and embraced her. In a flash Mohini vanished and in her place stood the one and only almighty Lord Vishnu!
Krishna became a cowherd. He liked the cows and calves and the green fields in which they grazed. All the cowherds were his friends. Together they used to take the cattle out to the jungle in the morning and bring them back home in the evening. In the hungle there was plenty of grass and water for the cattle. Krishna was fond of music. He could play the flute very well. His music delighted all who heard it. In the jungle Krishna would sit on the branch of the tree and and play his flute. All the cowherds and animals used to come to listen Krishna play enchanting tunes on his flute.
Then it so happened that one day a large black snake known as KALIYA went into the river Yamuna. It was this river that the cows and cowherds went to drink. Kaliya was a very poisionous snake. And very soon the whole river became poisonous. Whoever drank from the river died. All the fish started dying and floating atop the water. Even the trees on the river banks dried up. Kaliya became the deadly enemy of the land and the people.
Krishna heard of the poisonous snake. People had been complaining about Kaliya bit everybody feared Kaliya. Krishna decided that he would punish Kaliya for his wickedness.
One day Krishna went to the river to find the snake. He found out that the snake lived in the deepest part of the river. Krishna jumped into the river and swam to Kaliya's home.
Kaliya was annoyed at the dark little boy who came to disturb him. He rushed at Krishna to kill him with one stroke but Krishna moved quickly away to the surface of the water. Kaliya followed him. In a flash Krishna got hold of Kaliya's huge head and stood on it. Kaliya tried to shake him off but Krishna stayed on Kaliya's head. Kaliya tried to twist himself round Krishna but the boy proved too strong for the snake.
Kaliya then dived deep into the water. He wanted to drown Krishna. But Krishna was able to stay underwater for as long as he wanted to without breathing. Kaliya was forced to come up for air.
Kaliya was furious but helpless. Krishna stayed atop his head . Then Krishna started kicking and stamping. Kaliya struggled hard to throw Krishna off but to no avail.
With both hands Krishna held the two sides of the snake's big head and kicked him as hard as he could.
Slowly Kaliya began to loose strength. He was unable to bear the pain of Krishnas attack. He began to vomit poison and Krishna continued to strangle him untill all the poison came out.
Kaliya now gave up the struggle. He knew his end was near. His only hope would be to seek Krishnas mercy.
Kaliya prayed and begged Krishna to spare his life. He promised to do whatever Krishna asked him to do.
Krishna took mercy on Kaliya and released him from his death grip. He then ordered Kaliya to go far far away from the river and the land and to never come back to Yamuna.
Kaliya bowed and quietly left.
The people cheered as Krishna swam back to the shore.
THE END
And the vast expanse known as the Universe was The One, allwise, all-pervading, all-powerful, eternally changing.
And Space moved. The One molded energy into twin forms equal but opposite, fashioning the Goddess and God from The One and of The One.
The Goddess & God stretched and gave thanks to The One, but darkness surrounded them. They were alone, solitary save for The One.
So they formed energy into gases and gases into suns and planets and moons; They sprinkled the Universe with whirling globes and so all was given shape by the hands of the Goddess and God. Light arose and the sky was illuminated by a billion suns. and the Goddess and Gods, satisfied by their works, rejoiced and loved, and were one.
From their union sprang seeds of life, and of the human race, so that we might achieve incarnation upon the Earth.
The Goddess chose the Moon as her symbol, and the God the Sun as his symbol to remind the inhabitants of Earth of their fashioners.
All are born, live, die and are reborn beneath The Sun and Moon; all things come to pass thereunder, and all occurs with the blessings of The One, as has been the way of existence before time was.