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Have you ever wondered where the expression comes from? The expression is used almost universally by people around the world accompanied by the touching of an item made from wood as a form of protection, but why and protection against what?
When in discussion on a subject regarding good luck and health, the custom of touching a piece of wood is normally carried out with the right hand. It is usual for the person to hope that, whatever topic is being discussed, it will be protected from failure or misfortune.
The custom is thought to originate from Pagan times when trees were held in high esteem. People believed that 'wood spirits' inhabited the trees and woodlands. To touch a tree with respect is thought to indicate that the person was in search of protection from the particular wood spirit.
It is thought also that the action may be a result of the Christian belief in The Crucifixion. Christ was crucified on a cross made of wood and hence touching wood may now be a sign of this belief, and a sign of deep compassion and reverence for Christ's resurrection. This would of course have no connection with the Pagan reasoning, but perhaps the action may be seen as result of two distinctive belief systems.
Touching wood still occurs but has developed through time to include touching any item made from wood and rarely includes a tree (although some woods are still viewed as sacred). Regarded today by many as only a superstition, it is somewhat of a mystery why the action still occurs for the majority of people. Perhaps this has to do with the action being viewed as a superstition with a desire not to break a custom, or a 20th-century conscience knowing the practice of boasting is frowned upon. Misfortune may occur after bragging or assuming that a successful outcome will result from a task, and hence the ritual of touching wood is used merely to salve the conscience rather than indicate any investment in a traditional belief.
Some people actually touch their own heads when uttering the expression which is perhaps more of a light hearted action referring to their intelligence (or lack of it at certain times). One Dutch tradition that is said to still be practised is the touching of the underside of a wooden table when such a thought is muttered, perhaps to divert the attention of the evil eye and negative influences.
When in discussion on a subject regarding good luck and health, the custom of touching a piece of wood is normally carried out with the right hand. It is usual for the person to hope that, whatever topic is being discussed, it will be protected from failure or misfortune.
The custom is thought to originate from Pagan times when trees were held in high esteem. People believed that 'wood spirits' inhabited the trees and woodlands. To touch a tree with respect is thought to indicate that the person was in search of protection from the particular wood spirit.
It is thought also that the action may be a result of the Christian belief in The Crucifixion. Christ was crucified on a cross made of wood and hence touching wood may now be a sign of this belief, and a sign of deep compassion and reverence for Christ's resurrection. This would of course have no connection with the Pagan reasoning, but perhaps the action may be seen as result of two distinctive belief systems.
Touching wood still occurs but has developed through time to include touching any item made from wood and rarely includes a tree (although some woods are still viewed as sacred). Regarded today by many as only a superstition, it is somewhat of a mystery why the action still occurs for the majority of people. Perhaps this has to do with the action being viewed as a superstition with a desire not to break a custom, or a 20th-century conscience knowing the practice of boasting is frowned upon. Misfortune may occur after bragging or assuming that a successful outcome will result from a task, and hence the ritual of touching wood is used merely to salve the conscience rather than indicate any investment in a traditional belief.
Some people actually touch their own heads when uttering the expression which is perhaps more of a light hearted action referring to their intelligence (or lack of it at certain times). One Dutch tradition that is said to still be practised is the touching of the underside of a wooden table when such a thought is muttered, perhaps to divert the attention of the evil eye and negative influences.
Post created: Apr 13, 19:44 | Updated
Gaia:-
Greek word for the Earth Mother Goddess.
GAIA THEORY
This is the theory that planet Earth is a self-regulating organism, it was put forward by the British biologist James E. Lovelock in the early 1970's. Lovelock accepts that he was not the first to come up with this theory as in 1958 Alfred Redfield also offered the idea of the planet controlling a homeostasis. His main hypothesis was that the whole planet is biologically controlled by self regulation of all living things on planet Earth.
The belief is that humans along with all other life forms contribute too and are affected by all other life forms, this in turn creates a homeostasis. Those that do not support this theory believe instead that the Earth was created and is maintained by serendipity ? (happy coincidence), it is for the Gaia theory that our Ecology section is put under this heading along with recommended sites. The whole team at Mystical World Wide Web support any organisation that is attempting to correct some of the destructive nature of "Man and Commerce".
Greek word for the Earth Mother Goddess.
GAIA THEORY
This is the theory that planet Earth is a self-regulating organism, it was put forward by the British biologist James E. Lovelock in the early 1970's. Lovelock accepts that he was not the first to come up with this theory as in 1958 Alfred Redfield also offered the idea of the planet controlling a homeostasis. His main hypothesis was that the whole planet is biologically controlled by self regulation of all living things on planet Earth.
The belief is that humans along with all other life forms contribute too and are affected by all other life forms, this in turn creates a homeostasis. Those that do not support this theory believe instead that the Earth was created and is maintained by serendipity ? (happy coincidence), it is for the Gaia theory that our Ecology section is put under this heading along with recommended sites. The whole team at Mystical World Wide Web support any organisation that is attempting to correct some of the destructive nature of "Man and Commerce".
Post created: Apr 13, 19:42 | Updated
These ancient Chinese words translate as "Wind" and "Water." The fundamental philosophy of this belief is that ch'i must always be in balance. Ch'i consists of yin (female) and Yang (male), the two come together to create a flow or movement of Ch'i through and across the Earth, Animals and People.
The oldest evidence that has been found relating to feng Shui dates to around the Second Century BC and informs us that it consists of:
1 : Taoism, which translates the way of the holistic approach as this is how the very cosmos exists and we can see this in the very natural patterns within Nature.
2 : Divination relating heavily towards the patterns that nature creates.
3 : Astrology and Numerology and contemporaries which enable the placing of events according to the patterns of nature at any one time. The belief that everything must be balanced was from the Confusian tradition which, like the Native Americans was completely informed Orally from elders. Around 300 AD Feng Shui split and from which came I Ching.
Feng Shui is still practised in many Pacific countries, although it has been imported to the West very few know the essence of the oral tradition as it is still a closely guarded secret. Some Feng Shui practitioners are professional masters receiving an income for their recommendations regarding buildings. i.e. Where to place them and facing which way to have the maximum positive effect both for Nature and Man. The Feng Shui master can also help if you have negative Ch'i by offering recommendations to put back the balance by different means, one of which is too use a mirror placed in or on a particular spot to repel any negative energy. They are also called for when entering a new home to perform a exorcism ceremony which they call Tun Fu. This is done to clear the building of any past spirits/memories. In the past it has been known for Feng Shui masters to divert train tracks, roads or relocate buildings as they predict that it will cause negative energy.
Feng Shui can at times be compared to the theory of the Hartman Network, which informs us that there is a grid of Earth Energy lines which is marked and affected by underground streams and sacred sites. In the West we call this "geobiology" which is that the connection between every living thing and the acknowledgement that it is influenced by the Earth itself at any exact time.
The oldest evidence that has been found relating to feng Shui dates to around the Second Century BC and informs us that it consists of:
1 : Taoism, which translates the way of the holistic approach as this is how the very cosmos exists and we can see this in the very natural patterns within Nature.
2 : Divination relating heavily towards the patterns that nature creates.
3 : Astrology and Numerology and contemporaries which enable the placing of events according to the patterns of nature at any one time. The belief that everything must be balanced was from the Confusian tradition which, like the Native Americans was completely informed Orally from elders. Around 300 AD Feng Shui split and from which came I Ching.
Feng Shui is still practised in many Pacific countries, although it has been imported to the West very few know the essence of the oral tradition as it is still a closely guarded secret. Some Feng Shui practitioners are professional masters receiving an income for their recommendations regarding buildings. i.e. Where to place them and facing which way to have the maximum positive effect both for Nature and Man. The Feng Shui master can also help if you have negative Ch'i by offering recommendations to put back the balance by different means, one of which is too use a mirror placed in or on a particular spot to repel any negative energy. They are also called for when entering a new home to perform a exorcism ceremony which they call Tun Fu. This is done to clear the building of any past spirits/memories. In the past it has been known for Feng Shui masters to divert train tracks, roads or relocate buildings as they predict that it will cause negative energy.
Feng Shui can at times be compared to the theory of the Hartman Network, which informs us that there is a grid of Earth Energy lines which is marked and affected by underground streams and sacred sites. In the West we call this "geobiology" which is that the connection between every living thing and the acknowledgement that it is influenced by the Earth itself at any exact time.
Post created: Apr 13, 19:40 | Updated
Traditionally the forked branches of the Hazel, Willow, Pomegranate, Apple, Beech or Alder have been used in divining, although there have been reports of the fruit being used. Divining is the universal art of revealing something that is hidden or concealed. Most often people have been looking for water or treasure in some cases.
In ancient times only those who understood the consequences and power of using a divining rod actually used it. These were sorcerers, or learned mystics, who were thought to have associations with Elves and Pixies. Pixies were thought to be always present in Cornwall (UK) and able to guide the person to the water or treasure.
'Since the eleventh-century we find mentioned the use of the divine wand for discovering springs and treasures. It is a forked branch of Hazel, Alder, Beech, or Apple. This is how it should be held. One of the forks of the branch is held, not too firmly, with the palm of the hand turned up. By holding the other fork of the branch in the other hand, the main stem will be parallel to the horizon. The holder advances gently towards the place where water is suspected to be. When he arrives there, if water is below, the rod turns in the hand and bend towards the earth like a needle which has been magnetised. Such is the account of those who believe in the virtue of the Divining Rod. They add, that it has also the property of discovering mines, hidden treasures, thieves and fugitive murderers.'
M. Cheruel : Dictionnaire historique des institutions, moeurs, et coutomes de la France
The 'divining rod' is thought to have associations with the 'staff', the 'wand' and also the 'royal sceptre' symbolising rank, order and discipline.
Hazel nuts were also believed to possess mystical powers and could be used in divining.
In ancient times only those who understood the consequences and power of using a divining rod actually used it. These were sorcerers, or learned mystics, who were thought to have associations with Elves and Pixies. Pixies were thought to be always present in Cornwall (UK) and able to guide the person to the water or treasure.
'Since the eleventh-century we find mentioned the use of the divine wand for discovering springs and treasures. It is a forked branch of Hazel, Alder, Beech, or Apple. This is how it should be held. One of the forks of the branch is held, not too firmly, with the palm of the hand turned up. By holding the other fork of the branch in the other hand, the main stem will be parallel to the horizon. The holder advances gently towards the place where water is suspected to be. When he arrives there, if water is below, the rod turns in the hand and bend towards the earth like a needle which has been magnetised. Such is the account of those who believe in the virtue of the Divining Rod. They add, that it has also the property of discovering mines, hidden treasures, thieves and fugitive murderers.'
M. Cheruel : Dictionnaire historique des institutions, moeurs, et coutomes de la France
The 'divining rod' is thought to have associations with the 'staff', the 'wand' and also the 'royal sceptre' symbolising rank, order and discipline.
Hazel nuts were also believed to possess mystical powers and could be used in divining.
Post created: Apr 13, 19:38 | Updated
The ability to find people, artefacts or substances by use of maps, pictures or physically being in a place are currently the most popular applications of Dowsing. Most dowsers use two 'dowsing rods' and/or a pendulum. The rods, traditionally known as 'Wishing Rods', are formed into an L shape and are usually made of copper although the oldest known material was wood, usually forked Hazel branches along with Apple, Beech and Alder. (It is said that metal coat hangers work just as well!). One rod is held in each hand and you have located what it is you are looking for when the rods cross.
When using a pendulum most people weight the line with a crystal, or heavy weight. The important thing seems to be the length of the line which the pendulum swings on. In his book, "The Power of The Pendulum," Tom Lethbridge explains his own experiments into pendulum lengths and also his own theories as to how dowsing works. However, what does seem a mystery is how diviners can dowse over a map to find people or substances when the focus of the search can be many kilometres away. Indeed this does suggest some sort of psychic activity.
Dowsing is reported to date back approximately 7000 years but origins are still unknown. It is accepted, however, that the Egyptians used images of forked rods in some of their artwork as did the Ancient Chinese kings. In Europe, it was known for dowsing to be used in the Middle Ages to find coal deposits. Since this time people have dowsed for everything from lost objects to missing people, some of them are reported to be very accurate although the scientific community as a whole have yet to decide if they support or refute this ability. Some people earn money by advising mining companies before they carry out test drilling/core sample.
In 1930's there was a lot of activity in Europe with the formation of 'The British Society of Dowsers'. The term Rasiesthesia was also coined by French priest Alex Bouly based on the Latin words for 'radiation' and 'perception', although the term dowsing has stood the test of time.
In 1986 American dowsers argued that there was a connection between dowsing and astrological links with the element Fire.
When using a pendulum most people weight the line with a crystal, or heavy weight. The important thing seems to be the length of the line which the pendulum swings on. In his book, "The Power of The Pendulum," Tom Lethbridge explains his own experiments into pendulum lengths and also his own theories as to how dowsing works. However, what does seem a mystery is how diviners can dowse over a map to find people or substances when the focus of the search can be many kilometres away. Indeed this does suggest some sort of psychic activity.
Dowsing is reported to date back approximately 7000 years but origins are still unknown. It is accepted, however, that the Egyptians used images of forked rods in some of their artwork as did the Ancient Chinese kings. In Europe, it was known for dowsing to be used in the Middle Ages to find coal deposits. Since this time people have dowsed for everything from lost objects to missing people, some of them are reported to be very accurate although the scientific community as a whole have yet to decide if they support or refute this ability. Some people earn money by advising mining companies before they carry out test drilling/core sample.
In 1930's there was a lot of activity in Europe with the formation of 'The British Society of Dowsers'. The term Rasiesthesia was also coined by French priest Alex Bouly based on the Latin words for 'radiation' and 'perception', although the term dowsing has stood the test of time.
In 1986 American dowsers argued that there was a connection between dowsing and astrological links with the element Fire.
Post created: Apr 13, 19:37 | Updated