(^168) A Wiccan Bible
(objectification), but in our relationship with those many things (sometimes by per-
sonification). Therefore, the Moon was personified as opposed to objectified. Many
further examples can be found in ancient Pagan lore, which tells us the number 12 is of
great religious significance. Moses led the 12 tribes of Jewish people out of Egypt.
Jesus selected 12 apostles. Odysseus had twelve crew members. Arthur initially se-
lected 12 Knights of the Round Table. Modern juries typically contain twelve jurors
and, of course, Witches Covens are often thought to have a leader and 12 members. All
because someone looked up and saw something larger than the stars in the night sky.
All because there is one Sun and 12 lunar cycles. All because it was there.
The 12 Labors of Heracles—Roman—Mediterranean
Although it might be wild speculation on my part, 12 Labors of Heracles could be a
reference to a year of servitude.
Kill the Lion of Nemea
Kill the Hydra
Kill the horrific birds of Stymphalis
Kill the Boar of Erymanthus
Capture the Ceryneian Hind
Capture the Bull of Crete
Capture man-eating mares of Diomedes.
Capture the oxen of Geryon
Clean the Augean Stables
Retrieve the girdle of Hippolyta
Retrieve the golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides
Retrieve Cerberus from the underworld (bring it to the surface)
The Statue of Crom Cruach—Irish—Central Europe
The Statue of Crom Cruach that once stood in Ulster was made of gold. Surrounding
this huge statue were 12 lesser statues made of stone. This is probably a recognition of
Crom as a solar deity (one solar year) with lesser deities (each lunar cycle) surrounding
him.
Gladsheim—Scandinavian—North Europe
Meaning ‘place of great joy,’ Gladsheim is the hall of the Asgard, which contains 12
high chairs, one for each of the major gods of the pantheon.
Consentes Dii—Rome—Mediterranean
The equivalent of the Greek Olympians, there are 12 major gods in the Roman pan-
theon, six male and six female.
q WB Chap 09.p65 168 7/11/2003, 5:53 PM
barré
(Barré)
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