The Watchers Of The Aridian Tradition

 

 

In the early Stellar cults, there were four "Royal" stars (known as lords) which were called the Watchers. Each one of these stars " ruled " over one of the four Cardinal points.

 

The star Aldebaran, when it marked the Vernal Equinox held the position of Watcher of the East.

Regulus, marking the Summer Solstice, was Watcher of the south.

Antares, marking the Autumn Equinox, was the Watcher of the west.

Fomalhaut, marking the Winter Solstice, was Watcher of the north.

 

Towers were constructed, bearing the symbols of these Watchers, for the purpose of evocation. During the "rites of calling " symbolic gestures were given and the names of the Watchers were called out.

 

In the Stellar mythos, the Watchers themselves were Deities who guard the Heavens and the Earth. Their nature (and "rank") was altered by the successive Lunar and Solar cults, which replaced the Stellar Cults. Eventually the Greeks reduced them to Gods of the four winds, and the Christians made them principalities of the air. Their connection with the stars was vaguely preserved among the populace, in the concept of Angels.

 

In the Italian system, these ancient Beings are called the GrigoĞri. (The English name Gregory means Damon or Spirit.) They are the Guardians of the "doorways" between the physical plane and that which is beyond. In Italian witch lore, the stars were thought to be the campfires of the legions of the Watchers (there were other stellar associations as well). In the 16^th Century, the French theologian Sinistrari spoke of Beings existing between "men and angels".

 

He called them demons, and associated them with the Elemental natures of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. This, however, was not a new concept, but was taught by certain Gnostic sects in the early days of Christianity. In the Old Testament (Daniel 4: 13-17) there is reference to the Irin, or Watcher, which appear to be an order of angels. In his book DICTIONARY OF ANGELS, Gustav Davidson lists the Watchers as a High Order of Angels, known also as the Grigori. In Rabbinic lore, the "good" Watchers dwell in the 5th Heaven, and the "evil" Watchers dwell in the 3rd.

 

In Aridian lore, the Watchers guard the circle and watch over us. They assist us in our spiritual growth, and "escort" us to the next realm, when we cross from physical life. Pagans acknowledge them as Guardians of the entrances and exists, (portals) to and from the worlds which connect with the physical plane. We also know them as the Keepers of the Ancient Wisdom, and guardians of the Craft. They are Clan Guardian spirits, known as " The Old Ones."

 

THE LARE

 

In the Old Religion of Italy there are certain spirits called the Lare (pronounced Lar-ray), who are both protectors and preservers. In Roman mythology, they were house spirits /family spirits. [Household Guardians.] Upon the home's hearth, a small Lare "house" (Shrine) was placed. Each one had a receptacle for offerings, which consisted of wine, honey, milk and flowers (or grain). The focal point of a Family is their home, and in olden times the focal point of the home was the hearth (the Latin word "focus", means hearth). The hearth held the fire, which provided heat, and served to cook the meals. A prayer was said to the Lare every morning, and special offerings were made at family celebrations.

These spirits were originally Gods of the cultivated fields and were worshipped at the crossroads.

 

In early Etruscan times, they were called Lasa. In Tuscany today, the word Lasa refers to spirits. The Lare cult maintains a strong family connection, and is largely responsible for the existence of hereditary Italian witch families. Generation after generation has remembered and honoured the previous ones, passing on the ancient traditions of the Old Religion. This is why they can trace their heritage back, and recall the family lines. Today, Aridians still place a Lare house in their home, and give offerings. At birthdays, candles are lit on the shrine for the family member, and also when they die. At Samhain the family names are recalled, back down the family lines. Stories are retold and so on. It is their culture and their heritage that binds them together. Sadly, this is something which modern culture does not really understand, or appreciate.

 

Roman traditions accepted / tolerated many gods, which allowed for the inclusion of a "Wiccan" pantheon but very often these were very different traditions shared within the same household.

 

The Traditional Romans in Italy as a tradition / organisation does not embrace Stregeria (although some of them may also be practising witches) but rather view themselves as Roman Pagans, members of the collegium and curia, and in some cases flamines.