There is often a sense of mystery and intrigue associated with eight-legged creatures in the realm of magic. Spiders, in particular, have long been regarded as mystical creatures, weaving their webs with precision and elegance. In many cultures, spiders are believed to possess supernatural abilities and are associated with various forms of magic. One of the most common beliefs surrounding spiders is their connection to witchcraft. In ancient times, it was thought that witches could transform into spiders, using their eight legs to navigate unseen realms. This association between spiders and magic can be traced back to folklore and mythology, where they are often portrayed as cunning and powerful beings.
The seemingly humble builder was completing his work with almost unbelievable speed. Freya was horrified, and furious, to see that he might be able to finish the work before the year was up.
See list of words at beginning of the article Bekher and bikhrah clearly mean a young animal, and the Arabic root word and derivatives are used similarly to the Hebrew. Researchers from Oxford and Harvard said that the tardigrade will survive all foreseeable astrophysical catastrophes -- asteroid strikes, exploding stars supernovae or gamma ray bursts -- and be around for at least 10 billion years.
This association between spiders and magic can be traced back to folklore and mythology, where they are often portrayed as cunning and powerful beings. The intricate designs of spider webs further contribute to their magical reputation. It is believed that these webs can serve as protective barriers, shielding against negative energy and unwanted spirits.
This eight-legged ‘freak’ animal will survive on Earth until Sun dies
The tardigrade is considered the world’s toughest animal, despite its diminutive size which is under a millimetre (0.04 inches).
Written By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Jul 15, 2017, 12:02 AM IST | Source: Bureau Photo Credit: Eye Of Science/SPL/SolentParis: The eight-legged animal is the world's most indestructible creature after scientists discovered that the creature will be alive on the Earth until the Sun dies.
According to a study published on Friday, the tiny tardigrade will continue to survive for at least another 10 billion years.
Also known as a water bear or moss piglet, the eight-legged animal can live in water or on land and in extreme pressure high or low. It can withstand sizzling heat, freezing cold, and high radiation, 30 years without food, and even being dried to a crisp.
It is considered the world’s toughest animal, despite its diminutive size which is under a millimetre (0.04 inches).
Researchers from Oxford and Harvard said that the tardigrade will survive all foreseeable astrophysical catastrophes -- asteroid strikes, exploding stars (supernovae) or gamma ray bursts -- and “be around for at least 10 billion years.”
That is far better than the diagnosis for our own species.
Rafael Alves Batista of Oxford University, a co-author of the study in the journal Scientific Reports said, “Without our technology protecting us, humans are a very sensitive species. Subtle changes in our environment impact us dramatically.”
“There are many more resilient species on Earth. Life on this planet can continue long after humans are gone.”
Batista and a team set out to determine what kind of a catastrophe would be required to wipe Earth clear of all life.
And they found it would be nigh impossible -- once life takes root, it is surprisingly difficult to eradicate.
Supernovae or gamma-ray bursts, electromagnetic explosions that happen in other galaxies, could deplete the Earth’s protective ozone layer which protects us from radiation. But life could continue below ground, and deep under water.
Even a complete loss of atmosphere would not affect species on the ocean floor.
A large asteroid strike could cover the Earth in a cloud of Sunlight-blocking dust, causing temperatures to drop and a so-called “impact winter”.
Creatures dependent on light would die off, but in volcanic vents in the deep ocean, life would continue.
No space rock big enough to cause a complete species annihilation is on a collision course with our planet, the team found.
Nor are there massive stars or potential gamma ray sources near enough to boil Earth’s oceans if they erupted.
The only event that would kill even the tardigrades, is when the Sun eventually burns out.
Co-author David Sloan said,“Although near supernovae or large asteroid impacts would be catastrophic for people, tardigrades could be unaffected.”
Tardigrades have a body divided into four segments, each with a pair of legs ending in sharp claws.
They live in moss, on plants, in sand, in fresh water or in the sea.
Water bears can survive temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit) and as low as minus 270 degrees Celsius (-454 Fahrenheit).
They can come back from being dried out to a lifeless husk for decades, and withstand near-zero pressure in outer space as well as the crushing depths of the Mariana Trench, 11 kilometres (seven miles) below sea level.
They can survive radiation up to 6,200 gray (Gy). A dose of 6 Gy can kill a human.
The tardigrade’s extreme resilience points to another tantalising possibility -- the existence of life elsewhere in our Solar System in places once thought too hostile.
If a tardigrade can survive these extreme conditions, then so may other creatures beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Subsurface oceans believed to exist on Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s Enceladus, “would have conditions similar to the deep oceans of Earth where tardigrades are found,” said the authors.
Can we identify what sort of camel Rav Yaakov Emden was discussing? I think we can. I believe he was referring to the Sarabha. From Essays on Indo-Aryan Mythology (and thus that of Persia):
Some even say that if you get caught in a spider's web, it is a sign of good luck and protection. In addition to their association with witchcraft and protection, spiders also hold symbolism in various magical traditions. For example, in Native American cultures, the spider is seen as a symbol of creation and storytelling. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, the spider represents the cosmic weaver who creates the fabric of the universe. Furthermore, the ability of spiders to produce silk, a material that is both strong and delicate, has also been linked to magical properties. The silk produced by the orb-weaving spiders is considered to have healing and transformative properties. In ancient Chinese medicine, spider silk was used as a remedy for various ailments. Overall, eight-legged creatures, especially spiders, have a deep-rooted connection to the world of magic. Their mysterious nature, intricate webs, and associations with witchcraft and protection make them an integral part of mystical traditions around the world. Whether it is their ability to weave magical webs or their transformative properties, these creatures continue to captivate our imaginations and inspire awe in the realm of magic..
Reviews for "Web of Destiny: Spider Magic in Divination and Prophecy"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Eight Legged Creatures and Magic" because I love fantasy books. However, I was greatly disappointed. The story lacked depth and felt rushed. The characters were poorly developed and their relationships felt forced. Additionally, the writing style was dull and uninspiring. Overall, I found this book to be a huge letdown.
2. David - 1/5 - "Eight Legged Creatures and Magic" is the worst book I've ever read. The plot was confusing and all over the place. It seemed like the author couldn't decide on a clear direction for the story. The magic system was poorly explained and made no sense. The constant presence of spiders was a major turn-off for me. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and found them to be completely uninteresting. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Eight Legged Creatures and Magic" as I'm a fan of fantasy novels, but it fell flat for me. The protagonist was incredibly unlikeable, and I couldn't root for them even if I tried. The world-building was weak, and I found it hard to immerse myself in the story. The dialogue felt fake and lacked authenticity. The pacing was off, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. Overall, this book failed to captivate me and left me disappointed.