Umbrella Magic
by Cerridwen Iris Shea

The umbrella is a much misunderstood and neglected accessory. Often left behind on a bus, or in a restaurant, you would think that anything that's been around for about four thousand years, keeping us dry and safe during countless storms, should get a little more respect. It's time we realize what a truly magical tool the umbrella can be.

The word "umbrella" derived from the Latin root of umbra meaning "shade" or "shadow." While there is archaeological and artistic evidence that the parasol, or a simple apparatus used for protection from sunlight, was used in Egypt, Assyria, and Greece, it was the Chinese who turned this basic device into the umbrella--lacquerin<WBR>g and waxing paper so that it could protect its holder from rain. In the sixteenth century, the umbrella became popular in rainy northern Europe. A Persian traveler and writer named Jonas Hanway began to use the umbrella in public in England. He did so for thirty years, and the umbrella was nicknamed in that country a "Hanway."

In time, the umbrella evolved into a wood and whalebone device covered in oiled canvas. Then, in l852, Sam Fox founded the English Steels Company and made umbrellas with a steel-ribbed design. He claimed it was a way to use up overstocks of the steel stays used in women's corsets. Over a hundred years later, the collapsible umbrella was the next step.

In order to use the umbrella magically, as with every tool you first need to find the right one. That is, look for an umbrella that has some sort of meaning to you. It could be one passed down in your family. Maybe your grandfather'<WBR>s big old British umbrella has meaning to you. Or maybe an umbrella purchased at an art exhibit with a rendering of an impressionist painting on it has meaning. Maybe you like an umbrella depicting cats and dogs when it rains "cats and dogs." Because Iris, the rainbow goddess, is one of my patron goddesses, I picked one where each panel is a different color, giving the umbrella a rainbow look.

Bless and consecrate the umbrella according to your usual tradition--the way you would any tool or piece of magical jewelry. You can name the umbrella if you wish, and ask it to help you with your magic. Since the umbrella generally protects you from the rain, you can use this device for protection magic--from the elements, from people, from difficult situations. Imagine your umbrella as a shield, keeping unwanted energies at bay. They hit the umbrella and bounce off, just like raindrops.

Some umbrellas are good for invisibility spells, although mine, being brightly colored, is not. As you open the umbrella and raise it over you, imagine that the cloth reaches all the way to the ground, cloaking you from others, keeping your energy contained. The problem with invisibility spells is that when they work, people tend to walk into you or "through" you because they can't sense your energy. And this can be a bit dangerous.

A closed umbrella can be used as a walking stick. Therefore it can be used for support magic, healing magic, or in circle the way a stick or a stang is used. When you have a specific goal in mind, take a walk with your closed umbrella. Imagine it guiding you purposefully towards your desire. There's nothing like the tap, tap, tap of the umbrella on the ground to make you feel like you're getting somewhere. For symbolism, place the umbrella on the ground and jump over it to signify overcoming obstacles.

You can open your umbrella up and take a walk in the rain to wash away tension. Think of the umbrella as representing your aura. As the rain washes over the cloth, it cleanses blocks, tension, and stress. And, of course, your umbrella can be used for elemental magic. Simply point it at the clouds, and ask the rain to go away--or to come closer, if rain is needed. Use it too in polarity magic. As the clouds and rain represent the Goddess, your umbrella represents the God.

If the wind turns your umbrella inside out, it may be time to look at things from a different angle. The element of air is telling you new thought is needed. If you like divination, look at the patterns the raindrops make on the cloth to see what they tell you.

In the end, umbrella magic is important, especially on crowded city streets. Make sure you don't jab someone in the eye with your prongs. Be sure you know when to raise the umbrella in passing. Don't keep the umbrella up if you are walking in a covered walkway or under scaffolding-<WBR>-there just isn't room. Take it down, then put it back up. Don't walk on crowded city streets with a long umbrella tucked horizontally under your arm, poking everyone around you and causing them to duck when you turn. Don't pause in the middle of the subway steps and fight with the umbrella, causing a few hundred people stuck behind you to get soaked Remember, what you put out comes back three times. The best umbrella magic can be simply showing consideration to others.

So, retrieve your umbrella from under your desk at work, or go out and buy one specifically for your magical work. Experiment to see what feels right. And, if you get a chance, dance and sing in the rain.