The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

entranced one is compelled to do whatever the loas wants. These states are provoked by a combination of hypnotic and hallucinogenic herbs. 1583. Vulcan—Emblematic of the deity Hephaestus, a fire-smith god of Egypt. Believed to be the creator and benefactor of flames. 1584. Vulture—Tearer. In symbolism, a bird of prey used by the Egyptians as guardians of the Pharaohs. It was also a guardian of Queen Nekbet, the supposed ancient protectress of Upper Egypt, guardian of the Pharaohs’ institution. She was recognized by her adornment with a vulture’s headdress. Vultures are scavengers and destroyers and represent the presence of tutelary spirits. See Tutelary. They became the sacred birds of Rome because of their ascribed prophetic powers. Vultures, credited with keen visionary powers, fierce loyalty, and strength, were taken to have somewhat prophetic insight. In prophetic experiences they can symbolize opportunistic greed because of the predatory nature of the bird and its stealth in stalking vulnerable prey. The vulture is a predatory bird worshipped for its supposed protective instincts, the reason its guardianship was chosen by the Pharaohs. Leviticus 11:14.