Gifts from the Gods; Beer, Wheat and Corn

...This week we continue our celelbration of Lammas, the Sabbat where we celebrate the first harvest.  And central to the first harvest is Wheat, Corn and, of course, Beer.

Many different civilizations and peoples down the ages and around the world had deities dedicated to beer or brewing, or some related endeavor.  There are over 100 different deities to drink a toast to, and we'll take a look at just a few.
Deities dedicated to wheat are, for the most part, goddesses, although there are some Gods as well.  
Native Americans recognize deities and spirits of Corn.

For many cultures, the breaking of bread is symbolic of peace and hospitality.   Our beloved bread, a mainstay around the world and down the ages has lots of symbolism, as well as superstition - and a few interesting quotes.

Also, I have a recorded Native American story call, "The Lesson of the Land"

Hope you enjoy the show!

Some of the music you'll hear on this weeks show include Loreena McKennit: "The Wind that Shakes the Barley"; The Revels: "Good Ale"; Greencrown: "John Barleycorn"; Frenchy and the Punk: "Fe Fi Fo Fum"; Steeleye Span: "Four Nights Drunk" and more.

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Maybe you've composed a new poem and would like to hear it on the radio. If you want to submit audio to The Spiral Dance, send me an email.  There are basically no rules - just no harsh language, no commercial  self-promotion and no Christian-bashing.  Please let me know what you  think about the show. I'm always open to suggestions; email spiraldance1@ excite.com or radiohawthorne@yahoo.com