Discussions on metaphysical

Jere's suggestion is exceptionally radical and answers a large number of questions for people who actually contemplate the symbolism of the cardinal directions and their associations.

Additionally, it is a helpful reminder to mistruct published material -- most people do not keep in mind that the written element of any Tradition is only part of the whole teaching, thus all written material should be considered inherently incomplete. I should note here that although written material is dubious and incomplete, it can offer one the final or critical piece to a puzzle.

Rosemary:

First let us look at the name of the subject we are examining. It is always a good place to start. Ros Marinus which translates to “dew of the sea” . Other common names for Rosemary are Polar Plant, Sea Dew, Elf Leaf and Compass Weed. From this list of names we can see a trend a commonality a correspondence is you will. Most of these names are either associated with water the sea or the north.

Now that we have a little information about Rosemary naming let us look at the various sources about its use both medicinally and magically

Magick Uses

Source: Cunningham.

Cunningham places Rosemary under the sun and considers it a fire herb he also places this plant under the masculine gender. Cunningham lists this herb as a cleansing herb and one used for love spells.

Source: Wylunt.

Wylunt also places Rosemary under the sun but he also states that the herb is used in water rites, psychic development and inspiration

Source: Beyerl

Beyerl again places the herb under the sun but goes on to state that it is an herb used in memory spells and to remember as a student remembers what he is taught.

Source Grieve:

Grieve also places the herb under the influence of the sun presumable because of its cleaning and protective influences. Grieve also makes reference to the herbs use under the name Elf Leaf. Stating that it was believed the fairy folk lived in the leaves of the plant and used its power to shape-shift and to turn into snakes

Now let us examine the information we have. First the plant names are all related to water or the north. Its uses are for psychic development inspiration rejuvenation and resurrection. It is a protector and cleanser. All of these attributes are more in the realm of the Moon and Water rather than Sun and Fire. Look now at the words remembrance and memory or to remember. I think I have given enough food for thought concerning this plant and now offer this open for discussion if anyone would like to add to this comment or question please do.

While I see the reasoning for the Mediterranean Sea as a
justification for the north let us assume for the sake of argument
that we use the equator as a starting point. Are there other water
sources north of this point the answer is yes of course so we won't
limit that direction but include all water sources north of the
equator. Now as to the mention of Selket/Serket this is a deity
associated with scorpions usually a desert creature and as she
guards Qebehsenuef a son of Horus who guards the intestines, I think
you will find he is associated with the west and this again is
associated with the necropolis which is always in the west. Also
another name for Selket is Serkethetyt which roughly translates
to "the one who causes the throat to breathe" breath contains water
vapor. So we have two possibilities for this association to both the
north and the west however the preponderance is for the west.. Lets
look at the directions like this

   North= Residence of the Gods-Place where power is created-water
   East= Residence of the Wind Place where power is formed- air
   South=Residence of the Gods-Place where power is created-fire
   West=Residence of Knowledge-Rebirth-Place where power is Stored-
                                                                 earth

Now with the information already gathered about Rosemary what can we
determine from the information we have from the sources mentioned?

Also what kind of schematic can you form using the parameters of the
directions above?

I think we can agree that the placement of planet and deity and
element commonly used are incorrect. Also there is some doubt about
the published uses of the plant. Further discussion on these points
please

Firstly in what tradition is water associated with the west? In
> these discussions it is important to state sources. The schematic
> suggests that the west is associated with fire and the desert I can
> see the desert association with the west for many reason from
> Egyptian sources Sumerian sources etc but not with fire that element
> has long been associated with the south Example that is the realm of
> Set the desert wind god and the heat of the desert although he is
> also associated with water. The necropolis and tombs is always in
> the west in all cultures simple by the fact that that is where the
> sun goes to die under the earth to become the dark sun. To
> associate the south with air and the east wind doesnt' realy make
> any sense. If its an why would it be called the east wind if its
> comming from the south. The fact that Rosemary is called the dew of
> the sea should give a clue that this is a plant created by a water
> deity beside the Mediterranean Sea the Egyptians also had the nile
> which flows North. Also the postion of the stars should also be
> considered what star would you look to to steer a course? In what
> constellation do we find Sothis what constellation do we find the
> Polar Star and what constellation do we use to find that Polar star.
> Correspondenses people..I think we should look again at the sources
> and all of the nuiances. Is there not a theme that all of the
> sources have perpetuated an error and not bother to look but just
> repeats the mistake. We should be examining that aspect and find
> where the error lies and the correct placement of Rosemary also the
> use of Rosemary are those offered by these authors legitimate? How
> would you use them if the basic information about the herb is wrong?

I think that what I have suggested is radical when compared to the
published material. However I think what I have suggested is that we
question the published material. There is much out there that has been
revealed but in the revealing there are traps and I am suggesting that
we watch where we step and find the true path through this. Thinking
about what I have suggested and reflecting upon it I would like to
know how many have found the suggestions more plausible and opens the
way to a more stable level a foundation if you will which will not
only support the postulations but elevate the aspirant at the same time