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2006





The What in the World Department presents unique and fascinating nomenclature, ritual items, ancient and modern religious artifacts, as well as, cultural and decorative art objects, representing every time period and culture. Think of it as a mini archeological expedition for the mind and soul.
Symbols, Seals, Amulets & Talismans:






Ghau Boxes:

Ghau boxes are Tibetan Buddhist prayer boxes that contain small amulets and prayers, and were traditionally used as portable shrines. Tibetans, Nepalese, Mongolians and the peoples of Bhutan carry them on their travels to keep a sacred deity inside. Many times, the wearer places a small relic within, for protection and safety.






Mezzuzah

Mezuzah means doorpost in Hebrew (pronounced meh-zuzah. Placed on the door post, and often, each room of Jewish homes, they are small cases containing a small, kosher (ritually pure), hand written scroll of parchment. A special style of Hebrew lettering is used, called STAM, which is used for all sacred text.

The scroll contains a passage from Deuteronomy known as the "Shema", along with another passage, a companion prayer. On the back of the scroll is written a name of G-D. The scroll is then rolled so that the first letter of G-D's Name, "Shin", is visible. Generally, the letter Shin is also written, or engraved onto the outer side of the casing. They are used to Bless and protect one's home.


Old Coins

 A traditional belief in China is that good fortune and abundance are ensured by the presence of ancient coins. They are carried on one's person, or used in Feng Shui to attract prosperity to the home or business. The older the coin, the better.




Gods & Ancient Deities:





Amun-Ra:
Egyptian God of Gods

The ram hun god, Amun Ra, was worshipped in ancient Egypt as the highest of all Gods. The name means Hidden Light and he was considered soul of all creation. It is assumed, by findings on early pyramids, he was worshipped as far back as the 5th dynasty. Why the ram's head? The ram is an animal of tremendous power, tenacity, and procreative energy.





Ganesh:

Ganesh, also known as Ganapati, and Sidhi Data, is the Hindu god of wisdom and success. One of the sons of Siva and Parvati, he is the remover of obstacles, and represents spiritual strength for all undertakings.
Artifacts & Nomenclature:







Aztec Solar Calendar

Believing the calendar was given by the god Quetzalcoatl, the Aztecs considered it a sacred object, to be consulted by priests. Consisting of the count of days and the count of destiny, it also provided astrological data. The 25 ton stone calendar also gives the past 4 Sun eras of humanity all of which ended by cataclysm. We are presently in the 5th Sun- the one to eventually end by great earthquake.



Armillary Sphere

The Amillary Sphere is probably the most recognized example of classical instrumentation used in Astrology and Astronomy. Consisting of graduated rings representing circles on the celestial sphere, such as the meridian, ecliptic horizon, tropics and equator, one can examine the various relationships among important lines and points in the sky. (The example shown here was created by Stanley London).

Astrolabe

The Astrolabe is used to calculate direction, time, angles, and location of the planets, constellations, and the signs. It is considered a classic instrument of Astronomy and Astrology.Invented about 160 B.C. by Hipparchus, at the Greek school in Alexandria, Egypt, it is, in essence, a slide rule of the Heavens, and combines the Greek sciences with Babylonian mathematics.(The piece pictured here is an exquisite example by Norman Greene of Puzzelworks.)





Trivia & Life's Other Novel Moments
Historical Events & People:



A Tomb with a View:

Alexander the Great 's body, arrayed in full dress battle armor, was preserved in pure honey. This was to allow his body to be preserved and viewable throughout the ages while resting in sweetness.


Oh Mummy!

The primary ingredient in Egyptian Mummification was Natron, a chemical silicate (salt) found in the desert sand.


It's a pain in the Asp, Cleo!

Cleopatra was not actually Egyptian, but Greek. She was the favorite and most educated daughter of Ptolemy, a wealthy Greek nobleman who purchased the throne of Egypt from Julius Caesar.


King Herod

King Herod took so many baths, that the imprint of his royal posterior is literally worn into his stone bathing tub at the fortress of Masada, in Israel.


Play it again Sam, and again... and again...and again...

According to the Kabbalah, the soul Reincarnates 6,000 times until we finally get it right (that's one heck of a learning curve!).




 Myths, Legends & Questionable Proclivities:



The Original Vampires:

Countess Elizabeth Bathory of Romania, bathed nightly in a tub filled with the freshly drained blood of virgins. Amazingly enough, it was said the Countess remained exceptionally youthful in appearance, and wrinkle free, well into her dotage. The original collagen treatment, perhaps?

Romanian Prince, Vlad the Impailer, was the inspiration for the story of Dracula.


What's for dessert?

When a group of European royalty attended a formal dinner at the mansion of the infamous Aleister Crowley, he became annoyed at their chidding of his powers to "induce. " To demonstrate his virility in the art of manifestation, he caused everyone at the dinning table to orgasm simultaneously. It must have been some party.



Ghosts:

Taps (literally):

The ghost of Actor Clifton Web ("Cheaper by the Dozen"), has been observed tap dancing down the stairs of his mansion.


Marilyn Monroe.

A number of people have reported seeing the ghost of Marilyn Monroe in a mirror at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. She has also been seen floating around her tomb at Westwood Memorial Cemetery.