3,000-year-old bog body is likely to be sacrificed Irish king

Experts at the National Museum of Ireland believe the body accidentally discovered in a bog in County Laois could be that of a sacrificed Iron Age Irish king. The body displays various cuts that show the man was killed in a ritual killing associated with kingship.

Experts at the National Museum of Ireland believe the body accidentally discovered in a bog in County Laois could be that of a sacrificed Iron Age Irish king. The body displays various cuts that show the man was killed in a ritual killing associated with kingship.

An expert in the field, Ned Kelly, spoke to the Journal about the new theories. He explained “Irish kings in the ancient period were replaced after a number of years. The old king would be sacrificed and a new king chosen. It ties in with their religious beliefs surrounding the solar deity (male) and the deity of the land (female). The king ties in with the solar cycle – the waxing and waning of the sun.

The idea was that the king was married to the sovereignty, or the land. The goddess would become old and withered and she would need a new young consort to return her to youth and vigor and beauty. So the old king would be killed and a new one take his place. They wouldn’t have been that old, either.”

The area where the body was accidentally found by turf cutters is of particular interest to historians and archaeologists as it is on the border of two ancient Irish kingdoms.

Kelly said “All of the other bog bodies were found on significant boundaries. The idea is that because the goddess is the land, by inserting bodies and other items relating to their inauguration as king along the boundaries, it gives form to the goddess.”

A more detailed examination of the body will reveal further facts about the man’s lifestyle and status. His last meal may even be preserved in his stomach.

They will be pay particular attention to the bog body’s nipples. Whether or not his nipples have been cut could indicate whether he was a king.

Kelly explained “The kissing or suckling of a king’s nipples was a gesture of submission,” Kelly said. “So by cutting the nipples, the king was being decommissioned.”

Initially the body was examined on site. They experts had believed that it was the body of a young woman and that her torso had been separated from her lower limbs. They had thought that her torso decomposed because it was wrapped in leather.

However once the body was removed from the bog and re-examined in cold storage at the  museum they realized that the body was simply in a very contorted position. What they had thought was a leather bag was in fact the man’s torso.

However once the body was removed from the bog and re-examined in cold storage at the museum they realized that the body was simply in a very contorted position. What they had thought was a leather bag was in fact the man's torso. By Cathy Hayes, Irish Central, August 17, 2011

EJ Relampagos shares what happened on his trip to Italy

Mary Elaine Cimafranca

Mary Elaine Calimbayan Cimafranca of Barangay Poblacion was crowned Miss Dauis 2011 in glittering ceremonies capping this year’s town fiesta. Queenie Melody Fullante of Catarman was named first runner-up who also bagged Miss Congeniality. 

Elaine, 17, 5’6”, 34-24-35, is a sophomore nursing student at the Holy Name University. She also won Best in Costume (Nike, goddess of victory) by Daryl Espinosa and Best in Gown (mermaid cut turquoise-grey combination beaded bodice) Roman Empire inspired gown by EJ Relampagos.  Joan Torrefranca and Ryan Sines were the make-up artist and hair stylist of Elaine during the pageant. 

Miss Dauis 2011 was hosted by actor Tirso Cruz III. Other celebrities who graced the pageant were Joross Gamboa (who serenaded the ladies), Bodie Cruz (of PBB Celebrity Edition) and Ralph and Renz Fernandez (sons of Rudy Fernandez and Lorna Tolentino) who were members of the board of judges. 

 “The show was a success that ended up with a spectacular fireworks display,” said Ryan.

 

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Speaking of EJ, he went to Italy where he treated her mother Josefina “Jo” Relampagos to a bakasyon grande.

EJ Relampagos at the Roman Colloseum in Rome

“I deserved the break,” said EJ. “It was my first and my mother’s first time in Italy and I made sure that we had a grand time.”

Visitors to Italy come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Pizza, spaghetti, cappuccino, wine, fashion? “Tourist attractions in Italy are much more,” shared EJ.

For ten days, EJ and Jo, visited the Vatican, which is the center of Christianity and they were very happy to have completely visited St. Peter, St. John, St. Paul and St. Mary Major Basilicas, the four major Basilicas of Rome.  

EJ also met his aunts and lolas who traveled from US to join them in their vacanze in Italia.

“We went to the Vatican museum, to the world famous Colosseo, to Fountain of Trevi, and we also went to Florence which is known as the center of Italian Renaissance,” said EJ.  Of course, on the side they went shopping.

Did EJ wish for a happy lovelife at Trevi? One of the simple activities done at this place is coin throwing. Some people who visit the place believe that if they throw three coins in the fountain they will have new love (and if they throw two coins, these can lead to divorce or marriage).

“Hhhmm…No, ” smiled EJ. “I wished for another thing, maybe in my next visit.”

Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Italy to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine.

“Italy is known for its delicious and healthy cuisine. They truly have the best tasting pizzas and pastas,” said EJ. “The cost of living there is generally expensive as they have euro as their currency and most of the restaurants there charges each person at least a euro for a seat while eating even if the house is not full.”

EJ also visited the Tuscany region. Like a fine wine, Tuscany has been some time in the making.

“If we have rice fields here, they have their sun flower and grapevine fields there,” shared EJ.

“The trip was very memorable. It was a cultural trip, very educational and very historical.” said EJ. “Ten days in Italy is never enough, a week is never even enough for Rome alone. I wish I had more time. The next time I go to Europe I see to it I have at least a month to see France, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Greece.”

Fully charged, EJ, who is one of the most influential fashion designers and couturiers in Bohol today, is now ready to buckle down to work, starting with wedding coordination.  He has also Agua Monteclaro, his new in house fashion stylist, whom he imported from Butuan City.

At the St. Peter’s Basilica with EJ’s aunts and lolas (l-r) Sr. Cherubina, Josefina Relampagos, Dra. Batulanon, Mamita Aurora Galon and Kathy Galon.

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Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com

PSALM 37 as a cleansing ritual

The 37th Psalm is used for all types of uncrossing, unjinxing, unhexing, and generally doing away with the work or "tricks" that others have placed upon one. Here is a very simple spell using this Psalm in the hoodoo tradition:
Two small white offertory candles are lit. The practitioner stands between them, and bathes with clear rain water, spring water, or tap water to which tears have been added while reciting the Psalm. If you customarily burn incense while reciting Psalms, it should be 7-11 Holy Type, or Blessing, or Frankincense Resin.

Here is the Psalm, for your convenience:

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Psalm 37

1: Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious
against the workers of iniquity.

2: For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the
green herb.

3: Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and
verily thou shalt be fed.

4: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires
of thine heart.

5: Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring
it to pass.

6: And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy
judgment as the noonday.

7: Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself
because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who
bringeth wicked
devices to pass.

8: Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to
do evil.

9: For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD,
they shall inherit the earth.

10: For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt
diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11: But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves
in the abundance of peace.

12: The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his
teeth.

13: The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14: The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to
cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright
conversation.

15: Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall
be broken.

16: A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many
wicked.

17: For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth
the righteous.

18: The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance
shall be for ever.

19: They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of
famine they shall be satisfied.

20: But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as
the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume
away.

21: The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous
sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22: For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that
be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth
in his way.

24: Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD
upholdeth him with his hand.

25: I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous
forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26: He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27: Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28: For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are
preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29: The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30: The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh
of judgment.

31: The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32: The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33: The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is
judged.

34: Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to
inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35: I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a
green bay tree.

36: Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he
could not be found.

37: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that
man is peace.

38: But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the
wicked shall be cut off.

39: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their
strength in the time of trouble.

40: And the LORD shall help them and deliver them: he shall deliver them
from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalms for Making Peace between Husband and Wife
Psalms 45 and 46 -- Whoever has a scolding wife, let him pronounce the 45th Psalm over pure olive oil, and anoint his body with it, when his wife, in the future will be more lovable and friendly. But if a man has innocently incurred the enmity of his wife, and desires a proper return of conjugal love and peace, let him pray the 46th Psalm over olive oil, and anoint his wife thoroughly with it, and, it is said, married love will again return.
(Psalm 45 refers to anointing with "the oil of gladness" and to the "rejoicing" that occurs when the "glorious" daughter of the King of Tyre is brought before the King. Psalm 46 contains the words, "God is in the midst of her...God shall help her...He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the Earth.")

Psalm to Make Your Home Lucky
Psalm 61 -- When you are about to take possession of a new dwelling, repeat this Psalm just before moving in, with a suitable prayer, trusting in the name of Schaddei, and you will experience blessing and good fortune. The letters comprising this name are taken from the words: Schimmu, verse 2, Ken, verse 9, and Jom, the last word of this Psalm. It should, however, be remarked, that both the last letters are selected according to the alphabetical order of Ajack Bechar.
(Psalm 61 contains the lines, "Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever; I will trust in the covert of Thy wings." The reference to "the alphabetical order of Bechar" is obscure Kabbalistic in-fighting about variant rules of gematria which non-Kabbalists can safely ignore.)

Psalm for Safe Travel at Night
Psalm 121 -- Are you compelled to travel alone by night, pray this Psalm reverently seven times, and you will be safe from all accidents and evil occurrences.
(Psalm 121 opens with the line, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.")
Psalm for Severe Headache or Backache
Psalm 3 -- Whosoever is subject to severe headache and backache, let him pray this Psalm [...] over a small quantity of olive oil, [and] anoint the head or back while in prayer. This will afford immediate relief.
(Psalm 3 contains the line, "Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter of mine head.")

Psalm for a Repentant Liar
Psalm 132 -- If you have sworn to perform anything punctually, and notwithstanding your oath you neglect to perform your obligation, and in this manner have perjured yourself, you should, in order to avoid a future crime of a similar kind, pray this Psalm daily with profound reverence.
(Psalm 132 contains the line, "The Lord hath sworn the truth unto David; he will not turn from it.")