As I write this Russian forces are invading Ukraine, attacking civilians, and accusing the Ukrainian democratically elected leadership of being “Nazis”, even though the Ukrainian president and other top officials are Jewish. What can I say except that I feel profound sorrow, and outrage. I am old enough to remember when the Soviet forces drove into Czechoslovakia in their tanks and how they eventually overran all of Eastern Europe including half of Germany. I am also old enough to remember the celebrations when the Berlin Wall came down to the sounds of Beethoven’s Ninth symphony. NATO was formed as a defensive alliance, to prevent anything like that from ever happening again. And yet it has. To me Putin is a megalo-maniac mad-man who has learned nothing from the Cold War, WWI or WW II.
Its beyond pathetic that Europe is once again being dragged into tribal warfare, for absolutely no good reason. However much Putin thinks Ukraine is his, the people of that nation are not Russians, nor do they want to be. Just as the Irish once experienced a government engineered, deliberate famine, so too the Ukrainians.
“The Ukrainian famine—known as the Holodomor, a combination of the Ukrainian words for “starvation” and “to inflict death”—by one estimate claimed the lives of 3.9 million people, about 13 percent of the population. And, unlike other famines in history caused by blight or drought, this was caused when a dictator (Stalin) wanted both to replace Ukraine’s small farms with state-run collectives and punish independence-minded Ukrainians who posed a threat to his totalitarian authority.
“The Ukrainian famine was a clear case of a man-made famine,” explains Alex de Waal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University and author of the 2018 book, Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine. He describes it as “a hybrid…of a famine caused by calamitous social-economic policies and one aimed at a particular population for repression or punishment.”
I had intended to write about spring and the upcoming festival of the Goddess Eostre. But world events are just too overwhelming to think about celebrations now. Spiritually minded folks are doing what we can to visualize peace and a swift end to this conflict. Here is an image of a protective Ukrainian Goddess who can be appealed to, to defend Kiev;
“A Berehynia or Bereginia ( _ru. Берегиня) is a female spirit (“Vila”) in Slavic mythology, which notably came to be regarded as a “Slavic goddess” with a function of “hearth mother, protectoress of the home” [ [http://ridne.com.ua/content/view/172/33/ Берегиня] ] in late 20th century Ukrainian romantic nationalism centered on matriarchal myth. [ [http://ejw.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/8/2/149 In Search of a Model: Evolution of a Feminist Consciousness in Ukraine and Russia] ]
The word originates in the pre-Christian Slavic mythology but in the modern usage it has two meanings. The confusion in the name’s etymology owes to the fact that a Slavic word “bereg” (берег) may mean either a “river bank” or “to protect”.
Originally, obscure shadowy ghost-like fairies similar to Rusalkas, Berehynias lived along the rivers, lakes and ponds and were considered ill-tempered and dangerous. A water-bank where they thought to be found were to be avoided by young men and women, especially in the dark.
Early 20th century fakeloristic scholarship speculated that the Bereginyas continued a prehistoric Scythian earth-goddess. [so V. A. Gorodtsov (1860–1845), who identified this goddess with figures in traditional Russian embroidery according to Gyula László, “Steppenvölker und Germanen: Kunst der Völkerwanderungszeit” (1970), p. 140.]
Since Ukrainian independence in 1991, she has undergone yet another metamorphosis, and today is identified as the “hearth-mother” associated with the guardianship of the nation itself.This metamorphosis has its roots in the late 1980s, as several Ukrainian writers sought to personify their vision of an ideal Ukrainian woman. Consequently, Berehynia today also has a place in Ukrainian nationalism, [ [http://www.aratta-ukraine.com/sacred_ua.php?id=20 Berehynia] ] feminism, [ [http://ejw.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/8/2/149 In Search of a Model: Evolution of a Feminist Consciousness in Ukraine and Russia] ] and neopaganism. [The hypothesis that Berehynia is a historical Slavic goddess is argued by Halyna Lozko, Chairwoman of Ukrainian Native Faith (founded 1998, formerly Pravoslavya, founded 1993) [http://www.golosiyiv.kiev.ua/observer.php?id=215] ]
In 2001, a column with a monument to Berehynia on top, as a protector of Kiev (pictured), has been erected at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) in the center of the city, on the site of the former Lenin monument, despite the fact that Kiev has a historic protector Archangel Michael pictured at the Coat of Arms of Kiev and whose older monument is located just across at the same square.”
And another bit of protective folk magic from Ukraine (see the link below for where you can purchase one of these dolls);
The history of Motanka, a traditional Ukrainian guardian doll
“Motankas (Мотанка) are ancient Ukrainian family talismans. They are the symbol of prosperity, goodness and hope. Then first knotted dolls appeared about 5,000 years ago, and represented the unity of the family and deep connection between multiple generations.
The name “motanka” comes from the word “motaty” (to wind) i.e. to make a knotted doll out of fabric, without using a needle and scissors. Motanka served as a talisman of human destiny and our ancestors believed that destiny cannot be pierced or cut. Generally dolls were in the shape of a human figure, usually a woman or a child, and were made from pieces of fabric from old clothes of family members connected by knots.
Each doll was unique and made with only good intentions and sincerity as it was believed that it has power and will act as a protector of a household and its inhabitants.
Motankas differ from ordinary dolls by “empty” faces. Our ancestors believed that giving the doll a face could tie a person’s soul to it. Therefore faces have no facial features and instead the Motanka dolls have multicolored threads laid out in a cross shape across the face instead. The cross is a pagan symbol of the Sun where horizontal lines meant feminine, and vertical – masculine.
Motanka dolls can be divided into three categories: ceremonial (obryadova), guardian (berehynya) and children’s play dolls.
The ceremonial doll was made for certain holidays and so was named accordingly: Kolyada, Vesilna, Vesnyanka, Paschalna, Kupavka, etc.
Guardian motankas were created with a specific purpose in mind, such as successful pregnancy and health, well-being and wealth, harmony, success and happiness. In the middle of such dolls it was common to place healing herbs and coins.
Play dolls for children helped to develop fine motor skills, as well as future caretaking skills in girls.
Because dolls had specific purposes they were named accordingly. For example:
Ochysna (cleansing) doll was to get rid of bad energy in the house;
Ten-handed (Desyatyruchka) doll always helped the hostess in household chores;
To get married successfully, a Cabbage (Kapustka) doll was displayed in the window;
Princess (Knyahynya) was the most popular female talisman that helped with family affairs;
Inseparable dolls (Nerozluchnyki) were often gifted at the wedding so that they would preserve unity and fidelity of the couple;
The most beautiful doll was the Bride (Narechena) as she looked like a young girl with a long braid – a symbol of a long married life;
Fertility (Rodyuchistʹ) Motanka was gifted with a wish of many children to be born to the family;
Traveler doll (Podorozhnytsya) guaranteed the owner a happy return home, and helped to stay warm and full while travelling;
To protect the baby from illnesses, the mother would put a Swaddle (Pelenashka) doll into the crib. Sometimes breadcrumbs were wrapped into these dolls and they also acted as pacifiers.
For additional protection from diseases, 12 small motankas were made from healing herbs and given to the child to play with. Each doll absorbed the disease and after they performed this protective function they were burned;
Guardian Motanka or Berehynya was associated with the Mother – a symbol of care, love and prosperity. Therefore, she was always depicted with her head covered, large breasts and a cross on her face.
Colors also played an important role in the making of the motanka doll:
red – symbolized protection against diseases and evil spirits;
yellow – the personification of the life-giving power of the Sun;
green – a symbol of rebirth, health, youth and Mother Nature;
blue and navy – the continuous movement of the healing water;
brown was associated with Mother Earth and fertility;
white – divine heaven, purity and harmony.
Lastly, much meaning was given to when and how Motanka was created. The process of making such dolls is called “kutannya” or swaddling as it is very similar to swaddling a baby. Motankas were made by women using the lunar calendar. On the full moon the doll was created for protection; on the descending moon- to protect from diseases and failures; Motankas made during the ascending moon were for achieving a good result in any business.
Additionally, it was forbidden to make dolls on Friday and Sunday, because these days belong to the goddess of women’s diligence and needlework, Makosha. A doll had to be made in one day using natural fabrics and threads. The winding of the doll was to be carried out only clockwise, always accompanied by positive thoughts.
During the Soviet times, traditions associated with making Motanka dolls were somewhat lost. However, more recently these dolls have made a comeback and many households in Ukraine and overseas have acquired Motanka dolls as traditional Ukrainian oberihs.
We have been very fortunate to partner up with a local artist (originally from Ukraine now living in Saskatoon, Canada), Natalia Garmasar, who makes wonderful Motanka dolls for us. She follows traditional ways of making these dolls and each is done with love and care.”
From: https://ukieology.com/blogs/news/the-history-of-motanka-a-traditional-ukrainian-guardian-doll (You can buy one here!)
And lastly, pictures of traditional Ukrainian women’s costumes;
I do hope that everyone will keep their eyes open for ways to help the hundreds of thousands, or millions of refugees that Putin has created out of this pointless and barbaric conflict.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Voices of Children https://voices.org.ua/en/
Voices of Children is a charitable foundation that focuses on addressing the psychological effect of armed conflict on children. Founded in 2015 in response to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Voices of Children provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individualized support to traumatized children. Individuals can donate through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or Apple Pay via its website.
The International Rescue Committee https://www.rescue.org/
The International Rescue Committee has a long history of providing resources to refugees fleeing countries facing humanitarian crisis. Its leaders have responded to the situation in Ukraine by meeting with organizations in Poland and Ukraine to gauge the potential number of refugees and their needs so it can quickly mobilize and provide whatever assistance is needed. You can make a donation via its website. While the organization will accept donations of any size, it states on the site that a monthly donation of $108 will provide eight families with temporary shelter.
Sunflower of Peace https://www.facebook.com/sunflowerofpeace/
Started five years ago as a fundraiser to provide backpacks with first aid and medical supplies to front-line doctors, Sunflower of Peace is currently providing backpacks to Ukrainian soldiers, citizens, and volunteers. According to its fundraising information, “Each backpack is designed for groups of 5 to 10 people and includes a variety of first aid supplies: bandages, anti-hemorrhagic medicine like Quikclot and Celox, medical instruments, and a means for survival in extreme conditions.” Donate through the fundraising page on Facebook.
International humanitarian organization CARE has set up an emergency Ukrainian Crisis Fund with the goal of providing immediate support for 4 million people. Donations will go toward providing Ukrainians with water, food, supplies, hygiene kits, immediate support and aid, and cash. CARE notes that its prioritizing supporting women, girls, families, and elderly. CARE makes it easy to donate via its website using PayPal or a credit card.
International Medical Corps https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/
This nonprofit is focused on providing health-care services, psychosocial support, and care to citizens of countries dealing with disaster, disease, and conflict. It’s currently accepting monetary gifts that will go toward providing Ukrainians with better access to medical and mental health resources. You can make a donation via the website using a credit/debit card, bank transfer, or PayPal.
Project Hope https://www.projecthope.org/
Project Hope is an international organization that coordinates with health-care workers to provide on-the-ground medical support to countries in crisis. “With some 3 million people in Ukraine already in need of urgent humanitarian assistance even before the Russian military incursion, immediate medical support is needed to prevent the country from spiraling even deeper into a humanitarian crisis that could impact millions of people,” Project Hope writes on its website. It’s currently sending medical supplies to Ukrainians. You can make donations via its website using a credit/debit card, bank transfer, or PayPal.
Kyiv Independent https://kyivindependent.com/
This English-language media outlet was launched three months ago and created on the principles of free-press and editorial independence. Donations can be made via its GoFundMe and Patreon accounts, which will be used to keep the news source running.
Razom for Ukraine https://razomforukraine.org/donate/
Razom for Ukraine is a Ukrainian-American nonprofit dedicated to unlocking Ukraine’s democratic potential by creating collaborative spaces that foster international civic engagement. While it has its own fundraiser to support its emergency response to the war, it also provides a whole host of resources for people looking to help, including a round-up of rallies and events for people interested in showing their support for the #StandWithUkraine movement.
BOOK NEWS
A review of the new children’s book “Once Around the Sun: stories , Crafts and Recipes to celebrate the Sacred Earth Year”
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/02/review-once-around-sun-stories-crafts.html
A short talk and a reading from the book!
My new children’s book: “Once Around the Sun: Stories, Crafts, and Recipes to Celebrate the Sacred Earth Year” will be on sale April 19, 2022 in the U.S. The UK on-sale date is about 6 weeks later. It is available for pre-order at https://www.innertraditions.com/books/once-around-the-sun and other retailers worldwide here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Once-Around-the-Sun/Ellen-Evert-Hopman/9781644114148
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
March 5, 2022 1-4 PM
Women’s Wellness Series (virtual class)
March 5 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Central time
The Witching Herbs – Working with Baneful Plants: Healing, Magick, and Homeopathy with Ellen Evert Hopman (please note: the time given is Central Standard Time)
Register here:
$60
Use code Ellen10 and get a discount!
Wed, Mar 23 | Transcending Roots Zoom Room
Baneful Plants with Ellen Evert Hopman
6:30-8:30 PM Eastern USA time
Register here:
April 21, 2022
4 pm Eastern – a Zoom talk
The Sacred Herbs of Spring (free)
Register here:
July 15, 2022 @ 12:00 pm
WitchsFest 2022
WitchsFest 2022 will be held July 15th through July 17th with Virtual days on Friday and Sunday and live classes in-person in New York City’s Astor place on Saturday, July 16th. Ellen will be offering on line talks via Zoom on Friday and Sunday Click here for more info: http://www.witchsfestusa.org/
July 21, 2022
4pmEastern time
A Zoom talk (free)
Secret Medicines from Your Garden
Register here:
October 20, 2022
4 PM Eastern
A Zoom talk (free)
The Sacred Herbs of Samhain
Register here:
Below you will find the last Moonth’s round-up of Archeology, Herbs, Health, Climate, Nature, Celtic, Religion, Arts and Ethics news. And *Reminder – you can find all my books at www.elleneverthopman.com – get signed copies with a note from the author! Makes a greatgift!*
ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS
Hidden female figures of the American Revolution
5,300-Year-Old Skull Offers Earliest Known Evidence of Ear Surgery
An ancient burial mound found at Oxford College
Ancient hunting blinds found in Norway
Ancient African DNA reveals social changes
A Neolithic shrine found in Jordan
Roman glass bowl dug up in the Netherlands
HERB NEWS
Benefits of Plantain (video)
Oregon Grape Root, uses and side effects
CBD oil for women’s health
Lily of the Valley for the heart
Boldo benefits and uses
Make a Hawthorn Berry Cake (save this recipe for the fall – that’s when the berries are ripe!)
“Doomsday Vault” to be opened so more seeds can be deposited
Meet Schizandra Berry
Flowers are changing color in response to climate change
Free herbal webinars
Korean acorn jelly
Make hickory nut milk
Wild Hydrangea for prostate health
How to tap trees for syrup
HEALTH NEWS
Lower Risk Of Disability For Older Dog Owners In Japan, Study Suggests
Guns take more American lives than car accidents do
Sound waves used to re-grow bone tissue
Ivermectin does not prevent (or treat) Covid-19 – large study shows (in case you thought it did…)
The first woman cured of HIV using umbilical cord stem cells
Things to know about Covid and Pregnancy
A common over the counter drug may ease long haul Covid symptoms
Over 900,000 Americans have died from Covid – only 64% of Americans are vaccinated
What You Need to Know About Covid Masks in the Age of Omicron
Four factors linked to long-term Covid
CLIMATE AND NATURE
Astronomers Spot First Lone, Free-Wheeling Black Hole in the Milky Way Galaxy
A tiny telescope placed beyond Saturn could outperform the huge telescopes closer to earth
Solar storm knocks out 40 satellites
Jane Goodall – a short video
Sea levels on USA coasts to rise 1 foot by 2050 – 2 feet by the end of the century
A dinosaur with a case of the sniffles
Crocodile with a tire around its neck freed after 6 years
Judge restores protection for gray wolves in 44 states
In climate policy the global interest is the national interest
CELTIC NEWS
The great Cloutie debate in Scotland
An ancient Scottish Clootie Well has been “cleaned up” without permission
Folklore News
This carnival banishing winter is one of Hungary’s oldest
Imbolc and Saint Brighid’s Day in mid-Kerry
RELIGION NEWS
Old fashioned book burnings are popular again
Hard to watch but instructive – watch a demented Pastor who is hunting Witches (yes, February 13, 2022 – not colonial America)
California removes Aztec affirmations and Yoruba teaching from Ethnic Studies curriculum
Blessings for Brigid and the Trees
Indo-European religion parallels (video)
Kemetic (Egyptian) religion and ethics
A Brighid poem and film (video)
Why the time is right for Brighid to be an icon for women
Brighid Goddess and Saint (video)
Making Brighid Crosses
The World Tree and all of us
Traditions surrounding Brighid, Goddess and Saint (video)
ARTS NEWS
When Cleopatra died again – Edmonia Lewis, the first African American Classical sculptor
Biden Reverses Trump Order Mandating American-Centric Art in Federal Buildings
Mami Wata statue unveiled in New Orleans, replaces statue of Robert E. Lee
POLITICS AND ETHICS
Why Ukraine is being attacked (video)
Trumpism and thuggery have now infected Canada as anti-vax truckers block the streets of Ottawa
Indigenous Metis protest the use of their symbols in the truckers protests
Algonquins do not support the protest
Meet the Indigenous Activist Who Toppled Minnesota’s Christopher Columbus Statue
How Civilizations Collapse – and ours is starting to
Single Hacker Takes Down North Korean Internet While In Pajama Pants And Eating Corn Snacks
A letter from Michael Moore (worth the read!)
How Iceland’s “Herring Girls” brought gender equality to their nation
Why some people are terrified of the book “Maus” and want to ban it
Banned by Tennessee School Board, ‘Maus’ Soars to the Top of Bestseller Charts (smile)