A Silver dagger was all that a knight needed to vanquish evil. A sword or dagger fashioned from silver became a powerful bane against werewolves. Many ancient civilizations drew a connection between metals and astrology. They believed that Gold is the metal of the Sun and Silver the respective partner of the Moon. Even today, the medieval alchemical symbol for silver is associated with the moon by astrologers.
Celtic Mythology of Nuada Nuada was the king of the Tuatha De Danaan (the term for the gods and goddesses who descended from the goddess Danu). However, during the First Battle of Magh Tuiredh (which was fought by the Tuatha De and their rivals, the Fir Bholg), Nuada's arm - or hand - was severed from his body. This unfortunate wound immediately disqualified the god from the rank of king, and so he was forced to abdicate. It was the clever god Dian Cecht who in part solved this problem, by making a silver arm to replace the one that Nuada had lost. And it was at this time that the former king received the title "Nuada Argetlamh", or "Nuada of the Silver Hand".
Although Nuada eventually regained his kingship (in large part because of his new metal arm or hand), he first had do battle with the unpopular king who had taken his place, Bres. This conflict - between Nuada and Bres - led to the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh. In the course of the preparations for war, Nuada made the acquaintance of Lugh, and decided to relinquish his position so that Lugh could become leader of the Tuatha De Danaan.
Nuada was known as Nudd of the Silver Hand in Welsh mythology.
Silver’s value goes beyond its monetary worth; it extends into the mythology, religion, and spiritual aspects of many cultures. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it possesses the highest electrical conductivity of any element, the highest thermal conductivity of any metal and is the most reflective metal on the planet. The metal occurs naturally in its pure, free form (native silver),
Symbolic meanings of silver: *Purity *Clarity *Awareness *Focus *Single-ness of Purpose *Femininity *Persistence *Vision *Strength
- Silver is symbolic of such attributes as awareness, clarity, and vision because of its bright/clear appearance. - Silver is a symbol for strength because this metal withstands abuse, weathering, and even heat. Nevertheless, it can still be molded into desired forms. - Silver has power over the emotions, mind, love and healing of the wearer. - Silver is believed to help shield negativity by reflecting light from both the moon and sun, and ward off evil. - Silver holds antimicrobial properties. This is why Silver Utensils were greatly used throughout history. Throughout the middle ages, the wealthy gave their children silver spoons to suck upon to stave off illnesses. Today, dilute silver nitrate solutions and other silver compounds are used as disinfectants and microbiocides (oligodynamic effect), added to bandages and wound-dressings, catheters and other medical instruments. - Silver containers have a seemingly miraculous way of keeping water fresh.
