Tamara Newman, “Ocean’s Daughter”
(www.tamaranewman.com)
July 23–August 22
(Still Fire—Inner Light)
Myrddin the Seer
A key figure of the Faery world both past, mythic, and present is the Faery seer, the most famous of which must be Myrddin Wylt, who later became Merlin, trusted mystic and advisor to King Arthur. Born to a mortal princess and immortal father, Merlin is believed to be either half demon or half faerie, and he certainly is holder of many keys to the mysteries of the otherworld. As one who expresses the power of his inner fire through the gift of prophecy, Myrddin sees what others do not and as such is more occupied by the “bigger picture” of life and by bringing his plans for the greater good to fruition than he is about the individual.
People of this sign may possess great charisma and vision but find it difficult to accept and assimilate the views of others. They often possess great confidence and an awareness of their talents, and this can lead to a clear sense of direction from an early age. The downside of this is a tendency towards the egocentric. They can be intensely charismatic and are excellent communicators, giving them the ability to influence people in their favour. Although they can lead, they tend to do so subtly from the background rather than stepping forward. Though they have no trouble making their ideas understood, their emotions tend to be well controlled, and they will only allow those with whom they are very close to see their true feelings.
August 23–September 22
(Living Earth—Wood)
Eurydice the Dryad
Dryad is word from Greek mythology taken from the Greek word drys, which means “oak.” Though in the original context they were believed to be the beautiful female spirits of oak trees specifically, it is now used as a general term for most tree spirits. One of the most well-known dryads from ancient myth is Eurydice, the lover of Orpheus. This famous tale tells how the beautiful Eurydice was suddenly killed by a venomous snake that was hidden in the grass. Orpheus valiantly pursues her spirit to the underworld, where he confronts Hades and convinces him to allow her spirit to return, on the condition that as he ascends he does not look behind him to check that she follows him. Tragically, Orpheus cannot help himself, and as he turns to look, Eurydice is lost to him forever.
Just as dryads are closely connected to their tree, so it is that people of this sign have a love of their home and may not be keen on too much travel or adventure. They tend to be shy and reserved, though intelligent and with a great eye for detail. Although they find it difficult to trust others, when trust is won they are loyal and steadfast, and their buried sensuality may flourish with the right person. Dryads love the natural world, and people of this sign make keen gardeners, liking their space to be as perfect as possible.
September 23–October 22
(Primal Air—Breath)
Gobeithion the Horn
Through the mythology of the world and in many cultures, there are tales of warriors who sleep in the hollow hills awaiting a time of great need, when they will awaken. In the British Isles this is usually King Arthur and his knights or sometimes Merlin. In a number of versions of this tale, there is a horn that must be blown to awaken the sleeping king and his knights, alongside a sword that must be drawn. The power of the horn to wake those who have been lost to enchanted sleep for so many centuries is testament to the primal power of the element of air through our own breath. The name given to this sign of the Faery zodiac is Gobeithion, which is the Welsh word for “hopes.” This seems fitting, as the horn that wakes the sleepers carries the hopes of the land in its music.
People of this sign have a naturally noble nature that can be taken incorrectly for snobbery. They have an awareness of their calling in life and are concerned with justice and maintaining harmony. This can mean that they seem emotionally detached, but in reality they prefer to be objective in order to be fair to everyone, as they care so deeply about the rights of others. Truth is highly important to them, yet they are sensitive to the fact that truth can be personal and subjective, so are sometimes easily swayed. Gobeithion people may be crusaders for just causes, but usually from behind the scenes rather than as figureheads. They have a keen aesthetic sense and enjoy creative expression, particularly in the field of music.
October 23– November 22
(Still Water—Lakes and Ponds)
Nimue, the Lady of the Lake
Lakes have long been acknowledged as gateways to the otherworld and the magickal dwellings of Faery women. There are many tales of lake maidens who are the custodians of otherworldly wisdom and, at the same time, the breakers of men’s hearts. One of the more well-known of these maidens is the Lady of the Lake of Arthurian fame, who gifts Excalibur to the young King Arthur and is the lover of the great seer and sorcerer Merlin. Most known versions of this tale tell how she seduced and betrayed Merlin, trapping him in a tree or a hole beneath a stone, but these are late additions. Her origins lie in an ancient sister and lover of Merlin’s who was in every way his equal, a priestess to his priest, the intuitive and receptive female polarity of magick.
Just like a lake, what is happening on the surface of this sign may not always show what lies beneath. They are
