Monday, May 30, 2011

Absolutely Nothing

That's what war is good for. Alas, it happens all the time. The founding of Rome is, not surprisingly, made up of war stories, whether it's Aeneas, pushing for borders against the Etruscans, or Romulus and Remus warring with the Sabines. First, the wars were about borders, next, they were about money and resources. Eventually, Rome had a monopoly on all of Italy. Once everyone had been declared Romans, the wars of ideology began, and they continue today. Nice legacy there, Rome. Way to go. /sarcasm.

Today was the first day we were able to get into the pool and I've forgotten just how exhausting pool + sun can be. Having fun is tiring work. I'm not complaining, I'm just apologizing for tonight's less than stellar blog entry.

This is the US Medal of Honor. It's given to soldiers for:


"Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party."


About.com has more info on the symbolism:

 The Navy’s version of the medal was the first to be struck. It is in the shape of a simple star, and that shape is retained in the medal awarded by the Navy, Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. Its center contains an illustration of the Greek goddess of war, Minerva, repelling a figure known as “discord.” (emphasis mine)




Air Force Version
The Army’s medal is a star surrounded by a wreath. It was developed in 1904. The Air Force version of the Medal of Honor also has a wreath, but instead of the head of Minerva, it bears the head of the statue of liberty in its center. It was adopted in 1965. . Lady liberty has a pointed crown instead of a helmet. And she does stand for liberty although she is derived from the imagery of Semiramis, wife of Nimrod, and Queen of Babylon. Semiramis was famed for her beauty, strength, and wisdom and was said to have built the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. She purportedly reigned for 42 years after taking control from Nimrod.


Very interesting symbolism: A Goddess at the center of a Pentacle pointing down, surrounded by a laurel wreath. (Don't forget Zeus' eagle on top...) Meanwhile Sgt. Patrick Stewart's family had to fight for YEARS to get a pentacle approved for his grave? Are you kidding me? I'm glad the pentacle was finally approved (If someone wants a Flying Spaghetti Monster that's their business), but my honest wish is that these services become unnecessary as peace guides the planets and love steers the stars. However, I'm practical and cynical in addition to being hopeful all at the same time. It's tough being a Libra. So here are a few listings of resources for Pagans in the military and their families. Please support them how you can, through a donation of money or time and effort.

Remembering Pagan War Dead : A note from Selena Fox

Circle Military Ministries:   Information, networking, and support for Pagans who are serving and who have served in the military, and their families and friends. Open to individuals and groups of many Nature religion, Earth spirituality, and related paths, including Wiccan, Druidic, Heathen, Roman, Greek, Baltic, Egyptian, Pantheistic, others. Sponsored by Circle Sanctuary as part of its military support services.

The Witches Voice Military Pagan Pages: Groups, listings, guidelines, past articles, all relating to Pagans in the Military


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