Saint Anthony

"Saint Anthony come down, something has to be found!"

I have no idea why I'm supposed to be writing about him tonight, so please pardon the ramble... Tonight's post is a stream of consciousness. He's the patron of lost things, a "thaumaturgist" and performed many a miracle, including a few involving wine. A ship he was traveling on was blown off course to Sicily, but as they arrived safely, he is the patron of sailors and anyone making a living on a boat, which is half of Italy lol

He was also real big on Mary. As in wrote about and promoted the ideas of her being born without sin and about her assumption. Cool, huh? He was called the "Hammer of the Heretics" not because he went around killing people, but because he was so inspiring he brought people back to the church. Patron of the lost... communication... am I going somewhere? Too easy.

He carries a lily, which is a sign of fertility and motherhood. In one legend the flower was said to be created from the breast milk of Hera, in another, it was the envy of Venus. Yet another ties it to Minoan Crete and the Goddess Britomartis, who is syncretized to Artemis (and therefore Diana? heh).

Funny that Saint Anthony is supposed to be the protector of marriage, as was Hera. Why is he the patron of marriage and procreation and protector of young brides?
Saint Anthony's Fire is caused by ergot, which is  alleged to be the main ingredient in the drink used in the Eleusinian Mysteries.

I'm just rambling on here. Thanks for coming on the journey. If you have something to add about Saint Anthony, please do. There are more details, but instead of typing them out, I'm taking them into my dream with me. Nighty night!