Reflections in Electrum
Brooch with a griffin protome, necropolis of Kameiros, Rhodes, c. 625–600 BC (Louvre)
§ How significant it is that the first image that would come up is this one featuring a griffin. That is of course a direct trope to the Charlotte Working which involved a lucid dream of a griffon, the insignia of she who shall not be named. I allude to the CW in this talk.
The name “electrum” is the Latinized form of the Greek word ἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron), mentioned in the Odyssey referring to a metallic substance consisting of gold alloyed with silver. The same word was also used for the substance amber, likely because of the pale yellow color of certain varieties. It is from amber’s electrostatic properties that the modern English words “electron” and “electricity” are derived. Electrum was often referred to as “white gold” in ancient times, but could be more accurately described as “pale gold”, as it is usually pale yellow or yellowish-white in color. The modern use of the term white gold usually concerns gold alloyed with any one or a combination of nickel, silver, platinum and palladium to produce a silver-colored gold.
Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver with trace amounts of copper and other metals. The ancient Greeks called it “gold” or “white gold”, as opposed to “refined gold.” Its color ranges from pale to bright yellow, depending on the proportions of gold and silver. It has been produced artificially, and is also known as “green gold.”
Electrum was used as early as the third millennium BC in Old Kingdom of Egypt, sometimes as an exterior coating to the pyramidions atop ancient Egyptian pyramids and obelisks. It was also used in the making of ancient drinking vessels. The first metal coins ever made were of electrum and date back to the end of the 7th century or the beginning of the 6th century BC.
Low tide, fall day in Friendship harbor. At high tide,
the ramps are horizontal. Looking southeast.
§ Ree Dragonette wrote a poem called “Cantata Electrum.” It may be from there that I recall that word, rather than from “Homily from a Small Dragon.” In the latter poem there is a line, “in your palace of jade.” I take that line as commemoration of the first instance I can recall of receiving clear recognition that I was in the altered state of autism.
Sanskrit: स्वाधिष्ठान : Svādhiṣṭhāna, English: “where your being is established.” “Swa” means self and “adhishthana” means established Also called the sacral chakra, is the second primary chakra according to Hindu Tantrism. This chakra is said to be blocked by fear, especially the fear of death. Opening this chakra can boost creativity, manifested desire and confidence.
Guhyasamaja Tantra (Tantra of the Secret Vow): “There is no jewel in this world as great as the Svadhisthana, if purified by the Clear Light like a gem cleansed by fire.” This chakra is the seat of self-love held in the body where it resides beyond name and form. Its radiance rises to consciousness in the heart.
The greatest thing this child ever learns
Is self-love and the love it returns
Rendering of the svadhisthana with divine parents overseeing the offering of the jewel of self-love.
jll: Hag House, Feás, Galicia, March 6, 2022