In the symbolism of alchemy a swan was the emblem of mercury, being of the same color. It was thought to express the union of opposites (fire and water), and therefore an archetype of hermaphroditism. The Kabbalah associates swans with the Hebrew letter ר (resh), the 20th letter of Hebrew alphabet. Resh has a numerical…
Author: Justin Durand
Robertson
“Virtutis Gloria Merces” Coat of Arms Robertson of Struan: Gules three wolves’ heads erased Argent armed and langued Azure. Crest: A dexter arm holding a regal crown all Proper. Supporters: Dexter, a serpent; Sinister, a dove, the heads of each encircled with rays. Compartment: A wild man chained. Motto: Virtutis Gloria Merces. Slogan: Garg’n uair dhuisgear….
Famous Studies
There have been many studies using yDNA analysis to answer historical questions. Here are a three of the most famous. Sykes Study Dr. Bryan Sykes, a geneticist at Oxford University tested men all over England who have the surname Sykes and variants. Genealogists had theorized that the surname Sykes was used by dozens of unrelated…
Haplogroup R
Haplogroup R1a This lineage is believed to have originated in the Eurasian steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas, perhaps in a population of the Kurgan culture. The Kurgans were known for the domestication of the horse (approximately 3000 BCE). They are believed to have been the first speakers of an Indo-European language. This…
Slavic Lore
In a Sclavonian legend, a youth was reposing in a forest. The wind sighed through the trees, filling him with a tender melancholy which could find no expression in words. Presently there fluttered through the branches a snowy swan, which alighted on his breast. The youth clasped the beautiful bird to his heart, and resisted…