Sever Thunderstorm

[kalynn_osburn]

So apparently Ohio is awaiting a storm coming in this evening. I, like so many others of our persuasion, am a huge fan of thunderstorms and the power they lend to any spell-craft. We often think of these storms a violent, raging tempests that cause destruction and chaos wherever they go. And as always it is good not to underestimate the power and will of Mother Nature. But too often we forget the energy and power that run rampant when large storm cells approach. In Greek mythology the oncoming of a storm mean that the Harpies were afoot, perusing evil doers and those who had angered the gods. Zeus himself was known by two other names

• Astrapios ("lightninger")
• Brontios ("thunderer")

Of course thanks to the movie we all know of Thor of the Asgard. But too often I think we harbor under the assumption that storms gods are ubiquitously male. The Harpies are not the only goddesses that are thought to travel the dark clouds of electricity and sound. The Valkyrie are also goddesses of wind and storm. Lilith was believed to move about during thunderstorms. Artemis may well be a wind goddess (given what she did to Agamemnon's navy), Oya is a VERY powerful goddess who even carries the mantle of tornado goddess. if you want to give her something to make her smile, she apparently prefers eggplant.

So when this storm comes through tonight, do not cower in fear or jump at the sound of thunder. Revel in the energies flowering freely around the atmosphere and enjoy the show. Spells that would do well are ones of protection and justice.