The White Moon
Gallery Presents
Goddess of the
Rainbow
Created by
WhiteWaterDragon
As her Level I
Final Project for
The Sacred
Three Goddess School
(All original material in this site is under
copyright protection and
is the intellectual property of S. Y.
Hildreth. Ó2008)
Although little is known
about Iris, there are fragments of stories which can be assembled to create a
well-rounded biography. She is the
Greek goddess of the rainbow and messenger to the gods; her role in Greek
mythology is evident in the roots of her name: iris
(meaning rainbow) and eiris (meaning
messenger). Her mother is Elektra,
a cloud-nymph, and her father is Thaumas, a sea god; thus, Iris came into being
through the unity of sky and water, refilling the clouds with water when they
are depleted.
Iris is the solitary
messenger of the Gods found in the epic poem Iliad,
written by Homer about the final years and battles of the Trojan War; in Book
24, it was Iris’ responsibility to encourage Priam (King of Troy), in
order for his son to be liberated, to offer gifts to Achilles. [It is interesting to note that in the Odyssey,
Hermes was accountable for delivering messages.]
Iris is also important in the Story of Ceyx and
Alcyone, as she was able to bring the dream message to Somnus (the God of
sleep) so that Alcyone would know the truth about Ceyx’s sea voyage.
In
addition to her swiftness and expedience, Iris also served as a protector in Argonautica,
the quest for the Golden Fleece as told by Appollonius of Rhodes. In Book II, the warning spoken to
Phineas about the danger of the Harpies is performed by Iris; she is able to narrowly
escape to
The
rainbow is a symbol for many cultures and peoples; Iris has a counterpart in
Zulu mythology, who is known as Mbaba Mwana Maresa,
and Ix Chel in Mayan tradition. Iris is often pictured with a staff
known as a kerykeion (similar to a
caduceus) or an oinochoe (water
pitcher). The flower iris grows in
a variety of colors with a variety of unique aromas; each color of the rainbow
has a specific meaning, and together their meanings are magnified:
|
Red |
Vitality |
|
|
Creative Energy |
|
Yellow |
Wisdom |
|
Green |
Life, Balance, Nature |
|
Blue |
Spirituality |
|
Indigo |
Infinity |
|
Violet |
Spiritual Mastery |
[How
wondrous that the word rainbow is composed of seven letters, much like
Iris’ colors!] In dreams, the
rainbow represents the calm after a storm and reminder for staying connected to
Earth. As an aid for protection,
the Jasper stone is recommended; the Rainbow Jasper stone is additionally known
for inviting repose and reducing stress.
To
Request Iris’ Service to Deliver a Message
Items
Needed:
µ
an
iris in a vase
µ
a
stick of Mystic Forest
Incense
µ
a
white votive candle
µ
a
Hierophant (Major Arcana V) tarot card
µ
a
small piece of paper
µ
a
pen
Place
your tarot card at the center of your altar or on the wall in front of
you. Write your message on a small
piece of paper, and set it close to your left hand. First, light the incense (placed at the
left side of your altar), then the votive (on the right side of your
altar). While lighting your
incendiaries, chant: “Hail, to you, Mother Iris, I am in need of Your
Service.” While carrying your
incense throughout your room in a clockwise fashion, you may continue the chant
silently or aloud.
Once
you return to your altar, you may place the incense back on the left side and
sit or kneel (whichever is more relaxing).
Place your right hand at a comfortable distance above the candle and
feel the warmth of Iris’ swiftness; chant: “May the Good of Iris
enter from the right.” Place
your left hand on your message, and chant: “May Iris swiftly move through
me to deliver this message.”
Keeping your right hand over the candle, use your left hand to place the
message in the vase. You may either
meditate on the message in the vase or by focusing on Hierophant.
While
you meditate, stay in the present by smelling the incense and keeping your
breath regulated. When you feel
that your message has been sent, remove your right hand from the candle but
allow the incense to burn as long as possible. Bow to your altar for a moment of
silence, and then chant: “Iris, I have put my message in Your Hands. Hail!”
To Invite
Iris’ Influence for Protection
Items
Needed:
µ
an
iris in a vase
µ
a
stick of Cleansing &
Protection Incense
µ
a
bowl of water (you may add a drop of lemongrass essential oil if you like)
µ
a
salt dish
Fill
a small bowl with water, and place it on the left side of your altar. Have a few grains of salt on a small
dish close by. You can place your
tarot card at the center of your altar, or on the wall in front of you. Light the incense placed on the right
side of your altar, and sit or kneel comfortably at your altar. Begin with a moment of silence to quiet
your mind. Sprinkle the salt into
the water when you are ready.
Dip
your left hand middle finger into the water and place it on your 3rd eye; this is the same
finger you will use for the water every time. Chant: “Eye of spirit, where
wisdom enters, let me see My Guardian.” Dip your finger in the water again, then
place both hands over your heart chakra; chant: “Mother Iris, You dwell
within. I beseech of You to dwell
around me.” Beginning with
your root, anoint each chakra with the seal of pentacle after moistening your
finger.
You
may chant aloud or silently while tending to each chakra point; “Bless
me, Iris, with peace, love, safety and beauty.” Remember to breathe evenly and slowly;
after anointing your crown chakra, partake in a moment of silence. When you are ready, stand at your altar
and vision being wrapped inside a swirl of colors. Inhale the scent of the incense, and
chant: “Dear Iris, hold me in Your Keep. I thank You for Your Gentle Protection;
may Your Light flow through me and around me. Blessed Be.”
(I
suggest seated meditation focused on the flower on your altar while your
incense continues to burn. I also
like to save my water from this ritual for other rituals; it strengthens my
intentions. Ultimately, you will
choose whatever is best for you.)
Resources:
Hamilton,
Edith. Mythology. New
York, Little, Brown and Company, 1969.
http://www.crystal-cure.com/color-emotions2.html
http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Iris.html