The Ancient Religion and Beliefs of Ethiopia (Book) - 3/13/2014 4:49:45 AM
Congratulations, Gary. Good luck with a book which promises to fill a long ignored, but significant player in western culture.
The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History (Book) - 11/21/2012 5:47:38 AM
Great subject. So sorry to hear about the theft of so many petroglyphs recently ... you do valuable work keep mythology in focus.
Ethiopia - A Cultural History of an Ancient Land (Book) - 10/18/2012 9:22:58 AM
I intend to read it as it's fascinating how the research done by this author led him to tell us that Ethiopia is "the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant". Thank you Mr. Garner, for your intensive research.
My book "HOPE FOR A BETTER WORLD" is a much more modest contribution compared to yours, the latter reminding us that there is so much we do not know about this world of ours.
Hidden in Plain Sight II - Pittsburgh (Book) - 10/17/2012 5:55:59 PM
Hi Margaret! Yes you are right. The dragon is a special symbol in many ways. Unfortunately the show was really tight and they moved me along at a fast clip and I was unable to show so much more that I had discussed with them. Oh well. I enjoy doing them but, like now, I am waiting on the History Channel to come up with a schedule. Another hurry up and wait situation. I believe I prefer writing! I am currently working on a book about cupule rock art around the world which is taking most of my time but at least it keeps me occupied even though I won't be able to retire on it!
Hidden in Plain Sight II - Pittsburgh (Book) - 10/17/2012 4:56:00 PM
Hi again Gary, I watched your video on the symbols in Sacremento ... did read a few months ago that the Romans took this symbol on board, but I believe it goes way back into Celtic Pagan tradition (I haven't read your books so therefore I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know LOL). With the dragon , I have read somewhere that the symbol was also used on ancient maps as a place that was uncharted, ie - the unknown. I have a painting on my wall which actually has the pirst pillar out of eight, I believe he represents some sort of gatekeeper to the underworld ... Just love this stuff ... Cheers Margaret
Hidden in Plain Sight - Sacramento (Book) - 1/5/2012 9:22:37 AM
Very Nice! I hope to see sequels covering other cities, done in the same way. :)
Hecate: The Witches' Goddess (Book) - 10/30/2010 3:29:14 AM
My understanding is that Hecate functioned a little like the Hindu goddess Kali - on the one hand symbolising the destructive principle in mortal existence (and in cosmological existence), on the other she was routinely appraoched for all kinds of 'favours'. I recall standing beside a gigantic 'Kali' in the streets of Kathmandu some years back, despite the skulls that adorned the icon etc. no one in the street seemed to phased at her presence. Early on, as Varner documents, Hecate was seen in a more positive light, as a form of the Earth Mother - the patriarchal march to Greek culture may have distorted her more primordial attributes causing her to become 'demonic female other' to the increasingly masculinist pantheon (which also happened to Lilith in ancient Israel. The wicca folk might ponder, however, whether they are worshipping the later Hecate or the earlier Hecate ... Varner's looks to be a fascinating excursion into aspects of European polytheism that still hold relevance for us today - Jung understood that figures like Hecate, and her sometimes husband of the lonely crossroad, Hermes, remain potent in the psyches of modern humans. Varner's book allows us to acknowledge the presence of an ambivalent figure who reminds us that life is not all peaches and cream - sometimes we learn most from archetypes overseeing 'transformation' - and the spirits of transformation/change are always ambivalent figures.
Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters (Book) - 12/13/2009 8:39:13 PM
I am keen reader of books on various topics ranging from computers to literature. I just went through this book, Sacred Wells, (A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters, 2nd Edition). I would like to applaud Gary Varner for the immense research he has done in compiling such information. I was however very much upset and unwilling to believe that he had missed one of the most famous and important wells in history which is known as Zamzam well in the holy city of Makkah, Saudia Arabia. According to history this well exists from the times of Prophet Abraham's son Ismael (May peace be upon them).
Even today after several thousands of years Muslims drink and bath from it for reasons of its sacredness. Millions of Muslims perform Hajj and bring this water to their home countries for relatives and friends.
I would like the author to explain the reason for excluding this most important well.
Hecate: The Witches' Goddess (Book) - 6/16/2009 5:42:59 AM
I have always been intrigued with Hecate. It started when I first read MacBeth. I write Goddess poetry (among other subjects) and am compiling a book entitled, The Goddess, A Journey of Fantasy ". I don't think I have written a poem about Hecate, so you have inspired me to do so. Thank you for that.
I wish you success with your book.
Much peace, love, and light,
Amber "V" Moonstone
Amber "V"
Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters (Book) - 7/24/2002 6:39:45 PM
Sacred Wells is an excellent reference on holy wells and springs around the world. Photos taken by the author complement the text and make it an enjoyable read. I recommend to to anyone with an interest in the topic.
The Treatment of Death Among the Paiute (Article) - 7/10/2021 10:35:49 AM
This is really interesting. In my own studies of the Chumash on the Central Coast of California, anthropologists widely believed that the Chumash rock paintings presented images seen while under the influence of datura. This has since been challenged due to the fact the Spanish introduced datura and the rock art was done long before the arrival of the Spanish. A new understanding explains the creators of the rock art were depicting a more complex story, that of their communications, their dream images, images received in visions, symbolic imagery representing their spiritual and cosmological beliefs, indigenous astronomy, and much more, as in the aboriginal dreamtime. I find this very fascinating and thank you for sharing about the death and mourning practices of the Paiute.
These are Christians? (Article) - 10/15/2018 5:24:57 AM
difficult to understand some of the rhetoric today, isn't it.
never stop writing!
m
Living in Rural America (Article) - 10/15/2018 5:19:58 AM
Interesting article, things to consider, things to ponder here.
never stop writing!
m
Trump says 'screw you' to South Carolina (Article) - 10/13/2018 11:19:30 AM
That is sad to hear. Part of the reason that here in Houston it's a time like the old oil boom before the 1980s. Stopping oil drilling would hasten the development of wind and solar energy that has already proved its worth in many parts of the country. Trump is probably swayed by major support from oil companies.
If we don't stop this insanity, much more destruction will continue. Everyone must vote and not think of their vote as helpless. We must get the scoundrels out of the swamps and especially, offshore where they can do untold damage.
Thanks for the article alerting us to the situation in South Carolina.
Ron
Trump says 'screw you' to South Carolina (Article) - 10/12/2018 4:14:30 PM
They are anchors for the first link in the Mara-lag-No Line - it was supposed to go on the Mexico border but drug dealers dug a 31 foot deep tunnel there and El Hefe (the Mara-lag-istah) had it moved. Even So Carolinians must be fed up by now. Thanks for keeping an eye on these things, Gary.
The Trump Presidency (Article) - 7/6/2018 7:37:53 PM
Well said, Gary. Let's hope that Meuller turns up the heat and helps put this disgraced a-hole in his rightful place--behind bars.
The Trump Presidency (Article) - 6/24/2018 7:43:30 AM
I agree with you, too, Gary. You have said it more succinctly than I would, but I believe you included all the malfeasance in Donald J. Trump's brief presidency so far. I just heard this morning on the news (fake?) that among Republicans, he still has an 80% approval rating. Fortunately, the majority of the United States citizens these days do not claim a party and are rather apolitical as the "silent" independent majority until something gets their hackles up and they vote. That has to happen this midterm election or the country may be going the direction of 1930s Germany where the people watched atrocities happening and went along with the program. So many of the survivors of the war regretted what they did afterword. We can't let that happen here. We have to convince the followers that they are following a very dangerous and backward path by honoring a pathological liar and narcissist as president just because he is rich and on TV a lot. And, caters to the worst in us… Our fears.
Ron
The Trump Presidency (Article) - 6/23/2018 12:41:00 PM
Agent Orange is, like his father and grandfather, a throwback to those Americans who 'won the West' with deceit, law and violence. We've seen the deceit and 'law' - stand by for violence. Well said, Gary.
That darn DNA test! (Article) - 4/8/2018 1:39:31 AM
DNA proved my own best estimate, Viking predominant....
and, nicely proved that the ancestors I had found using everything available from my teens forward, LDS heritage center materials, everything I could locate reading books from local library, etc...
I do share DNA with my found relatives, and Ancestry has provided so many, at fingertip discovery,
I too was told by both parents that there was Native American in the line, and while I didn't have a bit show up on the test; realize that at best my own kinship would be about 1/128 or less, and wonder whether that little would show up on the test, 1/32 even if proved may or may not qualify for CDIB card, and I have less than that
Enjoyed reading your article
Never Stop Writing!
m
That darn DNA test! (Article) - 3/23/2018 9:07:43 AM
It is interesting that that story didn't hold up. Our family has had two thorough genealogy studies done and while we are mixed European, we are predominantly Germanic, about 95%, with I'm sure more Neanderthal in our blood than other people not from that area.
It was also interesting in recent emails and my sister, that she thought we were English, because of our name. I was told by my grandmother that we had Scotch, Irish, and French (Alsace-Lorraine) heritage in small amounts and our English name has come down very well. My cousin's genealogical search shows some African-Americans that I believe is also true. I'll have to get the test someday to see for sure.
Ron
That darn DNA test! (Article) - 3/23/2018 4:24:30 AM
Had a similar experience in my family, but it turns out that having Neandertal bloodline is even more heritage exciting than Native or Meso-American lineage. You may very well check that block, Gary.
Our Culture of Cruelty (Article) - 10/12/2017 7:54:16 AM
I just read today that one congressperson has enacted the impeachment articles, setting impeachment in motion. The process is going similar to what happened to Nixon. Unfortunately, it has and will continue to, take a lot of time to get accomplished what is obvious.
In your article you have said everything that I would write, only shorter and better. Those with their mind only in their attitudes need to take a close look at the facts like you have and come to a logical, sensible conclusion for what ways our government should be heading. We are so fortunate in this country to allow dissent and to have an opportunity to change our supreme ruler every four years. And, I think most agree that there should be term limits for all members of Congress and perhaps, even the Supreme Court, following the excellent example of the presidency.
Ron
Living in Rural America (Article) - 7/3/2017 1:15:54 AM
Your in-depth article was an eye opener for the Bluegrass State! May optimism prevail.
Living in Rural America (Article) - 7/1/2017 12:37:48 PM
Thank you for sizing Kentucky up so well. It reflects my perspective from the few times that I have been there. There certainly are riches to be found as well as extreme poverty. From Chicago, Kentucky is the chosen retirement place for my uncle. A college friend was sent to a central Kentucky town by his employer and didn't like it. Transferred to Louisville, he prospered, although he moved across the river to Albany Indiana to build his dream home.
Ron
January 21, 2017: An Historic Day for Freedom and Human Rights (Article) - 1/23/2017 10:06:26 AM
I am so glad that this is happening and that you participated in Kentucky. I wasn't able to attend the small, 20,000, women who participated here in Houston, but I stand by those who did and encourage them to continue until Mr. Trump either changes or feels uncomfortable enough to step down.
I am appalled upon reading some of the reasons that people voted for him--all the wrong reasons--his willingness to say anything--his promises (quite often contradictory)--putting people in their places--unwillingness to accept errors in judgment, etc. etc.
I would encourage everyone to sign all of the online petitions (you don't have to donate--that's part of the problem) that you agree with. I've seen that petitions have been changing lawmakers' minds on quite a few issues recently. Lawmakers who seem to pay attention to petitions and letters, as well as phone calls, private conversation with them in their districts. We can change bad bills into good laws. Trump can't veto them all.
Ron
Sinclair Lewis was Wrong (Article) - 1/1/2017 8:36:18 AM
Both you and Sinclair are right. "They know not what they have done." Could be said of the great numbers of disgruntled Americans who voted for the man and his shallow, changing promises. They are slipping into the schism that formed in the 1930s and culminated in World War II and came to a head with the distasteful McCarthy hearings of the 1950s and the civil rights movement.
The Nazi party was quite strong in the United States in the 1930s. It practically disappeared overnight when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor with Hitler's blessing. Everyone must come to their senses we are in for a bumpy ride.
Ron
Water as Feminine (Article) - 12/7/2016 4:59:03 AM
Terrific subject, Gary. Water is Mother Earth's blood.
Interview with Gary R. Varner and Planet Shifter.com (Article) - 1/26/2016 7:11:59 AM
I'm so glad you printed this interview because it's very interesting, both from where you come from and your thoughts on mythology and its sources.
I, too, have explored ancient historic and prehistoric sites from the viewpoint of a technologist. I see value in keeping ancient mythology alive in the purest sense, that is, the best that archaeology and anthropology can give us, given the few symbols left in the artifact and written word. The oldest symbols that I know of are in caves in South Africa depicting scenes dating back over 70,000 years. We can only imagine what these artists were thinking when they drew scenes of animals, most likely fertility or accomplishment scenes from successful hunts.
I am disheartened by the exploitation of myth by high-technology glory seekers chasing after Bigfoot or the Holy Grail. And dismayed by those that claim that our intelligence results from extraterrestrial visitors that have seeded us as some kind of animal experiment.
Even the reality shows that I see depicting people trying to emulate the hunter and gatherer experience while still using modern tools and always falling back to the grocery store when their tools or endeavors fail. These shows prove that that kind of life is brutal and short. Fertility becomes very important when your family is dying from all kinds of unexpected causes and food sources are so dependent on numbers.
It's all about survival. We are thinking beings that can anticipate the future and remember the past. Prehistoric survival was not a garden of Eden, but very difficult. Anyone who reached an elder age tried to teach the younger members of the family/tribe their experience around the campfire at night and the use of mythological symbology made it easier to teach young people by simplifying fears and successes (the wrath of the gods and heroes) through story and song.
Today, we are rapidly peeling away the layers of fear with new knowledge at a rate never before heard of. While I think we should preserve mythology as close to its original form as possible, like saving dying languages, I don't think we should waste our time expanding old myths into modern fantasies.
My partner reminded me today that when she was stranded on an island for five days without water, she only survived because they were rescued by the very people they were fleeing. Modern survivalists tell us that we can only last three days without water. What she, her brother, and the others who were stranded with them on that island did, by surviving, is the stuff of legends. I've asked her to write her story so that I can post it on AD.
Ron
Cup-Marks and Pre-Historic Rock Carvings: Portals to Other Realms (Article) - 12/12/2015 10:59:55 AM
The cup-marked stones here in Scotland have been placed above geological faults - that is where they get their energy from. You have to learn the ancient art of dowsing to be able to follow these waves of energy emitted from these stones. Since science dismisses this art, it is no surprise that few people realize what they were used for. See my website www.ley-man.space for the home page and click on relevant page to find out how they work.
These are Christians? (Article) - 11/25/2015 5:36:00 AM
I have noticed how easy it is for those devoutly religious to conjure up prejudice viewpoints from their particular faiths. As you have so well pointed out, this sort of behavior is very dangerous.
Recently the front runner for the Republican Party, Donald Trump, supposedly a very intelligent man, has been caught stating lies as though they were true. When his supporters are asked what they think of it, they approve his action and even say so much as they saw or heard the same thing. It appears that they want a dictator, because they are ignorant and weak, thereby needing strong guidance from someone who very likely would be a despot.
Christianity is as Christianity does.
Ron
These are Christians? (Article) - 11/25/2015 4:15:16 AM
Well said. Home grown terrorists, those 'self-radicalized' by hate radio and hell-bound to emulate their enemies seem to have followed the edict to 'love one's enemies' ... in a 'do unto others ...' embrace. Reminds me of Abe Lincoln's remark, that he wanted his preachers to perform as if they were fighting off angry wasps, perhaps predicting the War of the Rebellion. No need to be ashamed. To be at war with ourselves is to be American.
These are Christians? (Article) - 11/24/2015 3:42:11 PM
Extremists tend to polarize through intolerance morphing into phobias that tap into the ignorant to go along with them.
This needed to be said!
These are Christians? (Article) - 11/24/2015 12:16:29 PM
Write on, Gary!
Love ya!
Jane
