September 14,2025# These twenty phrases remind us how deeply the Middle Ages shaped the language we use every day. From Chaucer’s poetry to medieval law codes, from allegorical horses to Norman Ireland, the origins of these expressions reveal a world where words carried both practical and symbolic weight. Far from being relics of the past, they continue to live on in modern English, proving that medieval thought and culture still echo in our daily conversations.number 20.x2. Baker’s dozenThis phrase arose from a piece of medieval legislation, the Assize of Bread and Ale of 1262. Bakers of the period had a reputation for selling underweight loaves, so legislation was put in place to make standardized weights. To make sure that they did not sell underweight bread, bakers started to give an extra piece of bread away with every loaf, and a thirteenth loaf with every dozen.3. To curry favourThe phrase came from the Middle English words curry favel, which in Old French was estriller fauvel. It meant “to rub down or groom a chestnut horse.” In Le Roman de Fauvel, a 14th-century French romance, a chestnut horse representing hypocrisy and deceit is carefully combed down by other characters in order to win his favour and assistance. The popularity of the work led people to accuse those who tried to further their own ends by flattery to be currying favel. By the sixteenth century the phrase had changed slightly to currying favour.4. To play devil’s advocateDevil’s advocate is a translation of the Latin advocatus diaboli. This was the popular title given to the official appointed by the Roman Catholic church to argue against the proposed canonization of a saint by bringing up all that was unfavourable to the claim. The post, which was officially known as Promoter of the Faith (promotor fidei), seems to have been established by Pope Leo X in the early sixteenth century.5. To throw down the gauntletThe gauntlet was a piece of armour that knights wore to protect their forearms and hands. A gauntlet-wearing knight would challenge a fellow knight or enemy to a duel by throwing one of his gauntlets on the ground.6. By hook or by crookRecords of this phrase date back to the 14th century. One theory for its origin suggests that a medieval law about collecting firewood allowed peasants to take what they could only cut from dead trees by using their reaper’s bill-hook or a shepherd’s crook.7. Hue and cryThis phrase dates back to 12th-century England. Hue comes from the Old French huer, which means “to shout out.” In the Middle Ages, if you saw a crime being committed, you were obliged to raise “hue” and “cry,” that is to shout and make noise, to warn the rest of the community, so they could come to pursue and capture the criminal.8. A nest eggBy the fourteenth century the phrase nest egg was used by peasants to explain why they left one egg in the nest when collecting them from hens – it would encourage the chickens to continue laying eggs in the same nest. By the seventeenth century this phrase now meant to set aside a sum of money for the future.9. A red-letter dayDuring the fifteenth century it became customary to mark all feast days and saints’ days in red on the ecclesiastical calendar, while other days were in black.10. To sink or swimThe phrase refers to the water ordeal, a medieval practice of judging whether a person was innocent or guilty by casting him or her into a lake. The belief was that water would not accept anyone who had rejected the water of baptism, so if the victim sank they were innocent, but if they floated they were guilty. Chaucer used a similar phrase: “Ye rekke not whether I flete (float) or sink.”11. No Man’s LandMany might think this phrase dates back to the First World War, but its origins are actually from the 11th century. In the Domesday Book there is a place in England that is referred to as “Nomansland.” Perhaps it was an abandoned settlement. Then the phrase can be seen again in the 14th century – it was used by Londoners to refer to a spot just north of the city walls where executions were held.12. All that glitters is not goldThis phrase, meaning that appearances can be deceiving, has a rich history. Its earliest known usage comes from the 12th century, when French theologian Alain de Lille wrote, “Do not hold everything gold that shines like gold.” Geoffrey Chaucer later echoed the sentiment in his 14th-century work The House of Fame, with the line “Hyt is not al golde that glareth.”13. Stark raving madThis expression, used to describe someone who is completely and uncontrollably insane, has its roots in medieval England. The word “stark” comes from an Old English word meaning stiff or strong, and was commonly used in the Middle Ages to intensify descriptions. The term “stark mad” emerges by the 14th century. Meanwhile, the word “raving” originates from the Latin rabidus, meaning “to be mad” or “to rave.” It was also used as an adjective to emphasise a noun, so it would eventually become incorporated into the phrase.14. More Irish than the Irish themselvesThis expression dates back to medieval Ireland and was used to describe Norman settlers who embraced Irish customs, language, and traditions more enthusiastically than the native Irish. These Normans, who arrived in Ireland in the 12th century, integrated so deeply into Irish life that it worried the English authorities, prompting laws like the Statutes of Kilkenny in 1366 to try to maintain English identity. It’s a phrase that highlights how invaders can sometimes adopt the culture they encounter so thoroughly that they outdo the locals themselves.15. Blood is thicker than waterThe phrase is often interpreted to mean that family bonds are stronger than other relationships, but its origins suggest a different meaning. A 13th-century story includes the line: “ouch höer ich sagen, daz sippe bluot von wazzer niht verdirbet,” which translates to, “I also hear it said that kin-blood is not spoiled by water.” It has been suggested that this implies family ties are more important than religious affiliations, with “water” symbolising baptism.16. Let sleeping dogs lieThis phrase, meaning to avoid stirring up trouble or interfering in a situation that is calm, has roots in medieval England. It appears in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde, where he writes, “It is nought good a sleping hound to wake.” There is even an earlier French version of this expression, which translates as “wake not the sleeping dog.”17. Bed of rosesOne of the most popular pieces of medieval literature is Le Roman de la Rose. In one section, a character recounts a dream of touring a garden and finding a beautiful bed of roses by the Fountain of Love. The phrase, which later came to represent an easy or pleasant life, owes much to the rich imagery and associations with love and desire found in this iconic text.18. Tom, Dick and HarryThis phrase is used to describe ordinary or generic people, often implying “anyone and everyone.” Its origin dates back to medieval Italy, where the term in Latin originally was Titius et Gaius et Sempronius. This phrase would get changed in other languages too, becoming in Italian “Tizio, Caio e Sempronio” and in French “Pierre, Paul ou Jacques.”19. One bad apple spoils the whole barrelThis phrase, meaning that one negative influence can ruin the whole, originates from the literal observation that one rotten apple can spoil others in a container. Geoffrey Chaucer hinted at this idea in his Canterbury Tales, particularly in The Cook’s Tale, where he wrote about how bad companions can corrupt good ones. Here is how he writes it:Uppon a proverbe that seith this same worde:“Better ys rotten appulle out of an hurdeThan for to let hem rote alle the remenaunte.”And ryght so it fareth by a ryotes servaunte.20. In my mind’s eyeThe phrase, meaning to envision something in one’s imagination, goes back to the late 12th century when Joachim of Flora wrote in Expositio in Apocalipsim (Exposition of the Book of Revelation) this line: “I suddenly perceived in my mind’s eye something of the fullness of this book and of the entire harmony of the Old and New Testaments.”Chaucer also made use of the phrase. In The Man of Law’s Tale, he writes: “It were with thilke eyen of his mynde, With whiche men seen, after that they been blynde.”

September 14,2025

September 13,2025#In Wicca and broader pagan traditions, bats symbolize transformation, rebirth, and the wisdom to navigate darkness and hidden fears, using their unique echolocation to guide through the unknown, much like a spiritual path. They represent the ability to move between different states or worlds, particularly the underworld or spiritual realms, and encourage embracing change to release old patterns for personal growth. Transformation and Rebirth:Bats emerge from the safety and darkness of caves (representing the womb of Mother Earth) each evening, symbolizing a nightly cycle of death and rebirth. This represents a powerful symbol of major changes and the ability to let go of outdated habits to make way for new growth. Navigating the Darkness:As nocturnal creatures, bats are associated with the night and with facing one's fears. Their ability to "see" with sound (echolocation) makes them guides through shadows and inner "darkness". ( They can actually see as well). Spiritual Guidance:Bats can be seen as messengers or psychopomps, guiding spirits of the dead or facilitating passage between different realms. They are also a call to trust one's instincts and intuition. Symbol of the Liminal:Being creatures of dusk and dawn, bats are linked to liminal times, when the "veil between worlds is thin," suggesting a connection to the mystical or spiritual. While not as common as cats or owls, bats have appeared in depictions of witches and their familiars, assisting with spells and representing aspects of magic and night-time work. Samhain:The emergence of bats at dusk makes them a perfect representation of Samhain (or Halloween), a festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year, and when the spiritual world is thought to be most accessible. In spiritual terms, the presence of a bat could symbolise transformation and the need to let go of old habits or patterns. Since bats hang upside down, they are often connected with seeing things from a different perspective, making them a symbol of change and personal growth.Mehr 4, 1403 AP.

 September 13,2025#In Wicca and broader pagan traditions, bats symbolize transformation, rebirth, and the wisdom to navigate darkness and hidden fears, using their unique echolocation to guide through the unknown, much like a spiritual path. They represent the ability to move between different states or worlds, particularly the underworld or spiritual realms, and encourage embracing change to release old patterns for personal growth. Transformation and Rebirth:Bats emerge from the safety and darkness of caves (representing the womb of Mother Earth) each evening, symbolizing a nightly cycle of death and rebirth. This represents a powerful symbol of major changes and the ability to let go of outdated habits to make way for new growth. Navigating the Darkness:As nocturnal creatures, bats are associated with the night and with facing one's fears. Their ability to "see" with sound (echolocation) makes them guides through shadows and inner "darkness". ( They can actually see as well). Spiritual Guidance:Bats can be seen as messengers or psychopomps, guiding spirits of the dead or facilitating passage between different realms. They are also a call to trust one's instincts and intuition. Symbol of the Liminal:Being creatures of dusk and dawn, bats are linked to liminal times, when the "veil between worlds is thin," suggesting a connection to the mystical or spiritual. While not as common as cats or owls, bats have appeared in depictions of witches and their familiars, assisting with spells and representing aspects of magic and night-time work. Samhain:The emergence of bats at dusk makes them a perfect representation of Samhain (or Halloween), a festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year, and when the spiritual world is thought to be most accessible. In spiritual terms, the presence of a bat could symbolise transformation and the need to let go of old habits or patterns. Since bats hang upside down, they are often connected with seeing things from a different perspective, making them a symbol of change and personal growth.Mehr 4, 1403 AP.

September 13,2025#AI Overview+7Pin på Totem SpiritIn witchcraft, the spider symbolizes creative power, manifestation, patience, wisdom, and the intricate connections between fate and free will, often seen as a spirit guide or totem that encourages one to "weave" their own life and choices. Spiders are associated with goddesses of fate, such as Athena and Mokosh, and their webs represent the interconnectedness of all things. Ancient practices even suggest carrying a spider could ward off evil and illness, while in some spiritual contexts, seeing a spider can also be a warning to pay attention to those around you who might be trying to "tangle you up" in negative situations. Creation and Manifestation:The spider's ability to spin a web from its own body symbolizes the creation of something from nothing, highlighting the power to manifest intentions into reality. Patience and Precision:The intricate and methodical way a spider builds its web is seen as a symbol of patience and precision, qualities that can guide witches in their craft. Intuition and Wisdom:Spiders are believed to enhance intuition and can serve as messengers, similar to the wisdom associated with the goddess Athena. Connection and Fate:A spider's web illustrates the intricate web of life and connections between all things, and can symbolize the delicate balance between fate and free will. Spirit or Power Animal:In various spiritual traditions, the spider is considered a potent spirit or power animal, offering guidance and protection. ( To the ones who deserve it). Omens and Warnings:Encountering a spider can be an omen to pay attention to your choices and their impact on your life and the lives of others. In some cases, it can be a warning to be wary of people who might be trying to manipulate or entangle you in negative situations, as seen in themes of deceit and manipulation. Ancient PracticesProtection:In some old witchcraft practices, catching a spider and placing it in your pocket was believed to help ward off evil, negative energy, and illness. Associated Deities:Spiders are linked to various deities and goddesses of weaving and fate, including Athena in Greek mythology and Mokosh in Ancient traditions.

September 13,2025#Norse runes were an ancient Germanic script with mythological connections to the gods, used by learned warriors for spells and divination, not primarily witchcraft. In contrast, "Witches' Runes" are a modern, non-historical system created in the late 20th century by occultists, drawing on various traditions for witchcraft and neo-pagan practices, rather than being an ancient Norse tool. Runes were an ancient alphabet used by Germanic and Norse peoples and Ancient Egyptians and more with the Elder Futhark appearing around the 2nd century AD. They were associated with Odin, the Norse god, who sacrificed himself to gain their wisdom. Runes were used for magic and divination, found on weapons, amulets, and memorial stones, and were carved on sticks thrown for reading patterns or on whalefish bones for healing. The use of runes in Norse culture is tied to a belief in their inherent power to invoke cosmic principles. While associated with magic, the use of runes was not exclusive to witchcraft but was rather a skill for learned Warriors! This system was designed specifically for Ancients and Warriors and witches and pagans, providing a specific tool for their spiritual and timely practices. ( These are not Toy Games there Real )

. September 13,2025#Norse runes were an ancient Germanic script with mythological connections to the gods, used by learned warriors for spells and divination, not primarily witchcraft. In contrast, "Witches' Runes" are a modern, non-historical system created in the late 20th century by occultists, drawing on various traditions for witchcraft and neo-pagan practices, rather than being an ancient Norse tool. Runes were an ancient alphabet used by Germanic and Norse peoples and Ancient Egyptians and more with the Elder Futhark appearing around the 2nd century AD. They were associated with Odin, the Norse god, who sacrificed himself to gain their wisdom. Runes were used for magic and divination, found on weapons, amulets, and memorial stones, and were carved on sticks thrown for reading patterns or on whalefish bones for healing. The use of runes in Norse culture is tied to a belief in their inherent power to invoke cosmic principles. While associated with magic, the use of runes was not exclusive to witchcraft but was rather a skill for learned Warriors! This system was designed specifically for Ancients and Warriors and witches and pagans, providing a specific tool for their spiritual and  timely practices.  ( These are not Toy Games there Real ) 

 

September 13,2025#In Wicca, candles are powerful tools used to focus intentions, symbolize elements (especially Fire), and represent spiritual concepts, with their color carrying specific meanings that align with ritual goals like healing (blue), prosperity (green), love (red/pink), protection (black), or purity (white and more colors of candles and did you know wiccan and Pagen and 🧹 🧹 Witches and demons and vampires and more all love candles and pray up on to them for centuries and legions and they also make their own home 🏠 made candles as well! The flame serves as a focal point for a witch's will and energy, helping to manifest desires. Candles bring the element of fire into a ritual, symbolizing the life-giving power of the sun, light, and the spirit. The process of watching a candle burn can be a meditative experience, fostering inner reflection and connection to a higher self. The color of a candle is chosen based on the energy it represents and the specific intention of the ritual. ( but not always). White: Represents purity, truth, and peace; can be substituted for any color.Red: Symbolizes passion, courage, energy, strength, and love.Green: Associated with fertility, abundance, wealth, growth, and nature.Blue: Promotes healing, emotional balance, tranquility, and truth.Yellow: Enhances wisdom, intellect, communication, and happiness.Black: Used for protection, banishing negative energies, and dispelling darkness.Pink: Represents friendship, sweet love, compassion, and harmony.Orange: Symbolizes attraction, creativity, success, and joy.Purple: Linked to spirituality, intuition, psychic ability, and fulfilling one's highest purpose.Brown: Grounding, stability, and connection to the earth and animals.What do candles mean spiritually?It symbolises illumination, guidance, and the eternal light within us. Watching a candle burn can be a meditative experience, reminding us of our connection to something greater and encouraging a journey inward to discover our true essence.Aban 12, 1403 AP.What do all the candles represent?Each candle represents a theme for each week of Advent — hope, peace, joy, and love. The First Candle, called the Prophecy Candle, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ's coming, recalling the prophecies about the Messiah and the hope He brings to the world.Aban 1, 1403 AP.Is burning candles a form of witchcraft?Candle magick is one of the most popular forms of witchcraft. It's also one of the best magickal practices to get to grips with for baby witches in my opinion —and for good reason. It's accessible, powerful, and deeply symbolic.Farvardin 21, 1404 AP.The first candle, which is purple, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ's coming BETHLEHEM CANDLE The second candle, which is purple, represents peace and preparation, and commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem SHEPHERD'S CANDLE The third candle, which is pink, represents joy and the joy felt at the birth of Jesus Christ 💓 🙏 Azar 10, 1403 AP. How do witches use candles?Each candle must be dressed before use.This can include coating in oil (also called anointing), rolling in magickal herbs or carving the candle with words and intentions. The person casting the spell must then focus their energy on the candle for a few minutes before it is lit.Shahrivar 10, 1404 AP.From the words of Jesus we can deduce that the 7 candlesticks are every Christian believer as a person, those who follow Jesus Christ with all their hearts.Azar 6, 1402 AP .( now those pictures are some alters you could use but my whole house 🏠 and my family I made in to my alters since I was a little girl and they had protection spells on everything even all our animals and things over the years and all past lives ). **#0382 Lil voodoo mama aka the Naomi Lynn Tarots and more on Google bloggers world 🌎 wide and live aka #0382 1 of 4 Naomi Lynn Simon and more!

 September 13,2025#In Wicca, candles are powerful tools used to focus intentions, symbolize elements (especially Fire), and represent spiritual concepts, with their color carrying specific meanings that align with ritual goals like healing (blue), prosperity (green), love (red/pink), protection (black), or purity (white and more colors of candles and did you know wiccan and Pagen and 🧹 🧹 Witches and demons and vampires and more all love candles and pray up on to them for centuries and legions and they also make their own home 🏠 made candles as well! The flame serves as a focal point for a witch's will and energy, helping to manifest desires. Candles bring the element of fire into a ritual, symbolizing the life-giving power of the sun, light, and the spirit. The process of watching a candle burn can be a meditative experience, fostering inner reflection and connection to a higher self. The color of a candle is chosen based on the energy it represents and the specific intention of the ritual. ( but not always). White: Represents purity, truth, and peace; can be substituted for any color.Red: Symbolizes passion, courage, energy, strength, and love.Green: Associated with fertility, abundance, wealth, growth, and nature.Blue: Promotes healing, emotional balance, tranquility, and truth.Yellow: Enhances wisdom, intellect, communication, and happiness.Black: Used for protection, banishing negative energies, and dispelling darkness.Pink: Represents friendship, sweet love, compassion, and harmony.Orange: Symbolizes attraction, creativity, success, and joy.Purple: Linked to spirituality, intuition, psychic ability, and fulfilling one's highest purpose.Brown: Grounding, stability, and connection to the earth and animals.What do candles mean spiritually?It symbolises illumination, guidance, and the eternal light within us. Watching a candle burn can be a meditative experience, reminding us of our connection to something greater and encouraging a journey inward to discover our true essence.Aban 12, 1403 AP.What do all the candles represent?Each candle represents a theme for each week of Advent — hope, peace, joy, and love. The First Candle, called the Prophecy Candle, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ's coming, recalling the prophecies about the Messiah and the hope He brings to the world.Aban 1, 1403 AP.Is burning candles a form of witchcraft?Candle magick is one of the most popular forms of witchcraft. It's also one of the best magickal practices to get to grips with for baby witches in my opinion —and for good reason. It's accessible, powerful, and deeply symbolic.Farvardin 21, 1404 AP.The first candle, which is purple, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ's coming BETHLEHEM CANDLE The second candle, which is purple, represents peace and preparation, and commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem SHEPHERD'S CANDLE The third candle, which is pink, represents joy and the joy felt at  the birth of Jesus Christ 💓 🙏 Azar 10, 1403 AP. How do witches use candles?Each candle must be dressed before use.This can include coating in oil (also called anointing), rolling in magickal herbs or carving the candle with words and intentions. The person casting the spell must then focus their energy on the candle for a few minutes before it is lit.Shahrivar 10, 1404 AP.From the words of Jesus we can deduce that the 7 candlesticks are every Christian believer as a person, those who follow Jesus Christ with all their hearts.Azar 6, 1402 AP .( now those pictures are some alters you could use but my whole house 🏠 and my family I made in to my alters since I was a little girl and they had protection spells on everything even all our animals and things over the years and all past lives ). **#0382 Lil voodoo mama aka the Naomi Lynn Tarots and more on Google bloggers world 🌎 wide and live aka #0382 1 of 4 Naomi Lynn Simon and more!