Welcome one and all, as we mark the Feast of the Beheading of the Baptist, and indeed our fiftieth episode of RFG! Marking this holyday of decapitation, we are delighted to bring you an especially head-y installment this time.

Our Sainted Day is Decollation of Saint John the Baptist, prompting discussion of both the church history and popular myths of this relic’d skull and its wandering jaw.

Our counterparted Demon(ised) is none other than Salome, assessing the myth and meanings of this figure and her relationship with Herodias as seductress and witch icon across the world.

Our Herb is Life-Everlasting, affording analysis of this yellow greenery and its charms of longevity.

Our Mineral is the many-hued Agate, concentrating on the Orpheus Agate; diving into the Orphic lapidary epic Lithika and the use of such stones in propitiation and protection.

Our Form of Magic is Prophetic Heads, surveying legendary and historical accounts of cephalomancy, talking skulls, and artificial brazen heads.

Our Beast is the Unicorn, considering religious cryptozoology, natural magic, bestiary lore, and the historical trade and application of its powdered horn.

Our Daysign is Itzcuintli, the Dog; meditating on Mictlantecuhtli and the chthonic Mesoamerican associations and meanings of this trusty sign of the dead.

Our Figure spurs conversation on the Earthy Venusian geomancy of Amissio (Loss) and its counterparting Odu of Ifa and Diloggun, Oshe Meji.

Our Arcana of the Tarot is the Two of Swords; delving into both Spanish cartomantic meanings and “Western” occultural significances of choice and clarity.

Our Dead Magician is Orpheus, the ancient beheaded bard of bards, tragic underworld troubadour, and patron of those mysteries we call Orphic.

We hope, as always, you enjoy this decollated assemblage of talking points and headwords as much as we did in recording this especially lengthy folk necromantic co-ramble, and wish you excellent tidings in all your unveiling dances and skullduggery.

FOOTNOTES: Footnotes for this episode will soon be available for selected tiers of our Patreon.

This episode is also available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
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