Welcome
Happy Earth Day 2024:
For Earth Day 2024 on April 22nd, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in their commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.
How to become involved: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/
#art: Luke, winner Earth Day poster contest, ages 5-17.
Image: The Great Spaghetti Harvest of 1957
Don't be deceived. The proper way to spell this day is "April Fools' Day." This spelling has been used since the 1800s. Why? If you understand your apostrophes, then you know that placing the apostrophe after an S indicates a plural. There is not just one fool on this day; there are many trickste
Image: The Great Spaghetti Harvest of 1957
Don't be deceived. The proper way to spell this day is "April Fools' Day." This spelling has been used since the 1800s. Why? If you understand your apostrophes, then you know that placing the apostrophe after an S indicates a plural. There is not just one fool on this day; there are many tricksters roaming around!
No one knows for sure how April Fools’ Day began, but there are some theories that trace it back to centuries ago.
One possible origin is an ancient Roman festival called Hilaria, which took place at the end of March. During this celebration, people would wear costumes and masks and make fun of or mimic others.
A possible origin of this tradition is 16th-century France. Charles IX changed the start of the new year from around Easter and spring festivals, which lasted a week, to January 1.
Some people did not know or accept the change and kept celebrating the old new year. Others made fun of them by sticking paper fish on their backs and calling them "poisson d'avril", which means April fish.
In Scotland, a common prank was to send someone on a phony errand called "hunting the gowk," or to attach fake tails or "kick me" signs to their backs without their knowledge.
Some people think that the name "All Fools" was intended as a mocking contrast to All Saints' (November 1) and All Souls' (November 2) Day.
Some people like to take April Fools’ Day to the next level by creating elaborate hoaxes or fake news. Here are some examples:
- In 1905, a German newspaper called Berliner Tageblatt claimed that a group of robbers had tunneled under the U.S. treasury and stolen $268 million worth of silver and gold.
- In 1957, the BBC broadcasted a story about how Swiss farmers had a record harvest of spaghetti, along with a video of people picking noodles from trees. You can watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/tVo_wkxH9dU?si=lXhslc40D5zRNKAB
- In 1962, SVT (Sveriges Television) was the only TV station in Sweden that broadcast in black and white, and it announced that viewers could convert their existing sets to display color by pulling a nylon stocking over the screen.
- In 1983, Boston University professor Joseph Boskin created a story about the origin of April Fools’ Day when speaking to an AP reporter. He said the day originated when Roman Emperor Constantine agreed to let one of his jesters, “Kugel,” become “king for a day.” Boskin, of course, made the entire story up.
- In 1985, Sports Illustrated published a fictitious story by George Plimpton about a never-before-heard-of pitching prospect by the name of Sidd Finch, who could throw a baseball 168 miles per hour.
- In 1992, NPR aired an interview with Richard Nixon, in which he declared his intention to run for president again. It was, of course, not Richard Nixon, but rather an actor.
- On April 1, 1996, Taco Bell announced it had purchased the Liberty Bell and would rename it the Taco Liberty Bell.
- In 1998, Burger King took out a full-page ad in USA Today announcing its development of the Left-Handed Whopper. The burger had the usual toppings, but they were turned 180 degrees so they wouldn’t drip on left-handed customers.
- In 2002, the British supermarket chain Tesco published an advertisement in The Sun, announcing a genetically modified ‘whistling carrot.’ The carrots were said to be grown with tapered air holes in their side, and when fully cooked, the holes would cause the carrot to whistle.
- A 2008 BBC broadcast tricked viewers into believing that a certain breed of penguins had displayed the ability to fly.
- A 2014 story on NPR included the headline “Why Doesn’t America Read Anymore?” The headline created considerable outrage, but only by those who did not actually click on the link to read the story. If they had, readers would have found:
“Congratulations, genuine readers, and happy April Fools’ Day!
Have you ever played an April Fools' joke on someone? What was it?!
Happy Easter to those who celebrate: ✝️🛐
While Easter is not without its controversies, I have always held it's a matter of the heart.
Some will disagree with what you believe, and that's okay. Allow them to be themselves while you celebrate the contents of your heart. ❤
Easter is the main festival of the Christian church that honors the
Happy Easter to those who celebrate: ✝️🛐
While Easter is not without its controversies, I have always held it's a matter of the heart.
Some will disagree with what you believe, and that's okay. Allow them to be themselves while you celebrate the contents of your heart. ❤
Easter is the main festival of the Christian church that honors the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day following his Crucifixion.
The first documented Easter celebration dates back to the 2nd century, but the commemoration of Jesus’ Resurrection may have started earlier. The origin of the English word Easter, which is similar to the German word Ostern, is unclear.
According to the 8th-century scholar Bede, the name Easter came from Eostre or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility.
This theory suggests that Christians adopted pagan names and holidays for their most important celebrations, just as they did with Christmas on December 25, which coincided with the winter solstice.
A common assumption is that the word Easter comes from a pagan figure called Eostre, who was celebrated as the goddess of spring by the Saxons of Northern Europe. However, this seems unlikely given the fierce opposition of Christians to all forms of paganism (the worship of multiple gods).
A more plausible explanation is that the word Easter is derived from the Latin phrase in albis, which means "in white" and refers to the week after Easter Sunday when Christians wore white clothes.
This phrase was misunderstood as the plural of alba ("dawn") and became eostarum in Old High German, the language that gave rise to both German and English.
Tonight marks the Cardinal ingress, heralding the official arrival of spring @ 11:06 PM EST
Ostara ( Vernal or Spring Equinox ) happens when the Sun enters the Cardinal sign of Aries in the Northern Hemisphere ( Fall Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere ).
As Aries is the first sign in the Zodiac, this day also marks the astrological New Yea
Tonight marks the Cardinal ingress, heralding the official arrival of spring @ 11:06 PM EST
Ostara ( Vernal or Spring Equinox ) happens when the Sun enters the Cardinal sign of Aries in the Northern Hemisphere ( Fall Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere ).
As Aries is the first sign in the Zodiac, this day also marks the astrological New Year, so the astrological chart provides a glimpse into the coming season as well as the year.
You are most likely familiar with traditional Ostara symbols that represent new life, which have also been incorporated into the Christian Easter holiday – eggs, rabbits, hares, and other symbols that have become a part of annual Easter celebrations.
But Ostara is an ancient pagan festival and just one of eight sabbats that have been celebrated all over the Celtic world and predates Christianity. It welcomes warmer weather and is growing in popularity in our western culture.
It is also one of the four "cross-quarter days", and one of only 2 days in 12 months when day and night are of equal length.
This only occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator.
"Returning to the Light" and the triumph over darkness are central themes celebrated during Ostara. It's a fresh time of beginnings rife with new growth.
For those who observe more earth-based rather than religious holidays, it's a time to recognize the balance within us between our light and shadow aspects.
“Ostara” ( it is believed ) originates from the name of the Western Germanic goddess of spring and the dawn, also Ostara. "In anglo saxon, this was Ēostre. And the first written records of Ēostre were made by the English monk Bede in the seventh century. He wrote that April was known as Eostremonath, so named because it was the month when the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre was celebrated."
More recently in the 19th century, Jacob Grimm claimed to have discovered further evidence of a Goddess of the same name in Germanic oral traditions.
Scholars still debate these origin stories. Yet the similarity between the words: Eostre, Ostara, and Easter, the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. It is a well-known fact that the Christian culture incorporated many ancient practices into their own rituals as a means of attracting and converting pagans to Christianity.
Regardless of how you celebrate or what you believe, here are a few tips to observe during this ancient ceremony.
• Welcome the Sun on this day!
• Create an Ostara Altar reflecting spring! Fresh flowers, candles ( spring colors ), seeds or seedlings if you have them started, essential oil ( Frankincense is perfect ), bells ( drives out negativity ), representations of animals ( photos/carvings ), and, lastly, symbols of balance ( scales and/or yin/yang symbol is perfect for this ).
• Set an Intention! Very important.
Take some time to honor the Earth and her seasons. Meditate, pray, extend gratitude for the experience of another year. Journal the experience and answer questions regarding your intention:
—What are three steps I can take toward my intention?
—Evaluate the last season of your life: what went well and what didn't?
—What do you want to change moving forward?
Journal all of this and refer back as a reminder to keep you on track.
Also, SPRING CLEAN! It's the most important time of the year to perform this ritual. Clutter-clearing is a form of moving your body and the surest way to shift negative energy into positive!
Don't forget to tend your garden! It's time to plant those seeds and bulbs, thus extending your intentions deep into the soil with each one you plant.
Lastly, and most importantly, pause. This time of the year represents a liminal space of balance between light and darkness; therefore, it's the perfect time to absorb the peace and silence so associated with empty spaces—which, by the way, hold everything tangible together.
However you celebrate, whatever you believe, Happy Ostara, Spring or Vernal Equinox! Be blessed and bless others with your light.
#art: Maximilian Lenz
This year, the official theme of Women’s History Month is “Inspire Inclusion".
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
The #InspireInclusion campaign aims to forge a more inclusiv
This year, the official theme of Women’s History Month is “Inspire Inclusion".
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
The #InspireInclusion campaign aims to forge a more inclusive world for women.
With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organization specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.
Marked annually on March 8th, IWD is one of the most important days of the year to:
• celebrate women's achievements
• educate and awareness raise for women's equality
• call for positive change advancing women
• lobby for accelerated gender parity
• fundraise for female-focused charities
Everyone everywhere can play a part in helping forge gender equality. From a wide range of IWD campaigns, events, rallies, lobbying and performances - to festivals, parties, fun runs and celebrations - all IWD activity is valid.
That's what makes IWD inclusive.
So together, let's all help fight the good fight. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive. Join in and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women.
When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?"
When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.
When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action. And we must do this each time, every time.
Organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond.
To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavor.
On an individual basis, it's important to understand, value and seek out the inclusion of women and girls. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key.
On an organizational or group basis, there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included. Organizations and groups can #InspireInclusion through action in areas such as:
• forging women's economic empowerment
• recruiting, retaining and developing female talent
• supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
• designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
• helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
• involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
• providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
• elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
• promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
• addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
For more information:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About
#art: Kate Morgan
Happy Lantern Festival to all our friends who are and will be celebrating in the East ( tonight ) and West ( tomorrow )! 🎎🏮🎐🧧🎉
On the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, two weeks after Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival ( also referred to as the Spring Festival ), an important traditional festival in China.
The lantern f
Happy Lantern Festival to all our friends who are and will be celebrating in the East ( tonight ) and West ( tomorrow )! 🎎🏮🎐🧧🎉
On the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, two weeks after Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival ( also referred to as the Spring Festival ), an important traditional festival in China.
The lantern festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year Festival. All the new year celebrations stop from this day.
Traditionally, on the night of the Lantern Festival, streets are decorated with colorful lanterns. Families will get together to enjoy a reunion dinner. People also eat tangyuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter.
In Chinese culture, tangyuan symbolizes reunion.
Chinese people believe that eating tangyuan during the festival may bring family harmony and good luck in the new year.
After the Lantern Festival, Chinese New Year taboos are no longer in effect, and all New Year decorations are taken down. Some people still wait till after the festival to return to work or study.
The lanterns symbolize people letting go of the past year and welcoming the new year with good fortune.
Reference source: https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/lantern-festival.htm
Valentine's Day: Loved by some. Dreaded by others. Despised by those who deem it a commercial enterprise invented by a greeting card company to make money.
Regardless of how you feel about this holiday, there seems to be a REAL person behind it: St. Valentine himself. Although there also seems to be some disagreement with WHICH Valentine
Valentine's Day: Loved by some. Dreaded by others. Despised by those who deem it a commercial enterprise invented by a greeting card company to make money.
Regardless of how you feel about this holiday, there seems to be a REAL person behind it: St. Valentine himself. Although there also seems to be some disagreement with WHICH Valentine it originally was.
Who is he and where did this tradition originate?
According to historical accounts, and the popular belief, one legend suggests that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.
An imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure.
By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial—which probably occurred around A.D. 270—others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.
"Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
"Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”—at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day.
"It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love.
"During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.
"The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” writing, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”
"Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.)
"Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois."
Regardless of who or what you believe Valentine's Day stands for, the undercurrent of truth is Love—and we all know LOVE is real, and begins with yourself.
Love yourself, and it's easier to love others vs dreading something out of lack or reason. On the contrary - loving others comes more naturally.
Reference link: https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rabbit and before the Snake. Recent years of the Dragon include 2024 (this year), 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036 (Year of the Fire Dragon). It is associated with the ea
2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rabbit and before the Snake. Recent years of the Dragon include 2024 (this year), 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036 (Year of the Fire Dragon). It is associated with the earthly branch symbol chen.
Dragon is powerful, endlessly energetic and full of vitality, goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic, and a visionary leader. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self among the 12 zodiacs of Chinese astrology.
Personality Traits of Dragon Signs
Dragons present themselves as magnificent yet benevolent rulers who’re confident, generous, idealistic, and ambitious. In Chinese culture, these mythical creatures are in a class of their own, regarded as the givers of abundance and longevity.
Dragon’s confidence is neither false nor empty, as they hold lofty ideals they’re striving toward— usually for the benefit of their community instead of themselves. They are independent thinkers who’ll never yield their highest conviction.
Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love. They are also wise, adventurous, and, at times, temperamental and impulsive. They’ll be loved and admired by many but find it difficult to return such affection. This will be one of Dragon’s most important lessons.
Even though they may not care to invest in relationships, Dragons cannot stay alone for too long without feeling desolate. Once they find that special someone, Dragons will guard that person as their treasure horde.
Dragon Strengths
Dragons are upright characters themselves and scorn any hypocritical or dishonorable behavior, and have a self-respecting pride that’s matched by Dragons’ wisdom, generosity, vigor, and talent. They’re full of energy and can attract followers with their charisma.
Dragon people are usually courageous and fearless leaders who’ll never back down from any challenge. This enterprising spirit, coupled with their innate talent, will, without a doubt, make Dragons the movers and shakers of this world.
Dragon Weaknesses
On the flip side of Dragons’ confidence and courage, they can also become domineering, temperamental, self-centered, and gullible. This last possibility seems difficult to understand until you realize Dragons believe themselves to always know best.
On the social side, Dragons can be prone to desperation in their younger years because they hate being alone, especially in love. They can come off as overbearing when they’re only showing that they care.
Wood Dragons are intelligent, attractive, and usually well-loved. They’re blessed with the ability to make good use of their environment and have an intuitive sense of timing, so success will not be difficult to attain.
They’re very popular and move in different social circles, but because of their fiery temper, Wood Dragons may not be as lucky or auspicious in their intimate relationships. In finances, Wood Dragons’ fortunes often come enviably quickly.
Lucky (and Unlucky) Things for Dragons
Blue and purple, the numbers 6 and 8, west and northeast bring good luck for Dragons, while black and red, 4 and 9, east and northwest are unlucky for them and should be avoided.
Your Ben Ming Nian, or zodiac birth year, is also considered unlucky in Chinese culture, and to ward off any misfortune you should wear red colors (red underwear is popular).
Lucky Things
• Lucky numbers: 6, 8
• Lucky colors: Cyan Blue, Purple
• Lucky directions: West, Northeast
• Lucky flowers: Bamboo, Cyclamen
Unlucky Things
• Unlucky numbers: 4, 9
• Unlucky directions: East, Northwest
Ref:
https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/dragon/
Imbolc ( Saint Brigid's Day ):
The celebration of Imbolc dates back to the pre-Christian era in the British Isles. The earliest mentions of Imbolc in Irish literature were found in the 10th century. Poetry from that time relates the holiday to ewe’s milk, with the implication of purification.
It’s been speculated that this ritual stems fr
Imbolc ( Saint Brigid's Day ):
The celebration of Imbolc dates back to the pre-Christian era in the British Isles. The earliest mentions of Imbolc in Irish literature were found in the 10th century. Poetry from that time relates the holiday to ewe’s milk, with the implication of purification.
It’s been speculated that this ritual stems from the breeding cycle of sheep and the beginning of lactation. The holiday was traditionally aligned with the first day of spring and the idea of rebirth.
Imbolc celebrations took the form of a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility blessings and oversaw poetry, crafts and prophecy. Brigid was worshipped by the Filid, a class of poets and historians among the Celts of ancient Ireland and Britain.
Brigid was considered one of the most powerful Celtic gods, the daughter of the Dagda, the oldest god in the Celtic pantheon Tuatha du Danann. She had two sisters also named Brigid (though it’s speculated that these sisters are meant to symbolize different aspects of the same goddess.)
Brigid appears in the saga Cath Maige Tuired and the Lebor Gabála Érenn, a purported history of Ireland collected from various poems and texts in the 10th century.
Myths about Brigid’s birth say she was born with a flame in her head and drank the milk of a mystical cow from the spirit world. Brigid is credited with the very first keening, a traditional wailing for the dead practiced at funerals by Irish and Scottish women.
Over the centuries, Brigid was adopted into Christianity as St. Brigid.
One of Ireland’s three patron saints, the Catholic Church claims St. Brigid was a historical person, with accounts of her life written by monks dating back to the 8th century. Brigid (or Bridget) is the patron saint of Irish nuns, newborns, midwives, dairy maids and cattle.
Whether or not she existed, these stories contain aspects in common with the details of the pagan goddess and illustrate the transition from pagan to Christian worship.
Like the goddess Brigid, St. Brigid is associated with milk and fire. Born in Ireland around 453 A.D., St. Brigid was the daughter of a slave and a chieftain who was celebrated at an early age for her agricultural knowledge.
With no interest in marrying, Brigid’s goal was to create a monastery in Kildare, supposedly the former site of a shrine to the Celtic goddess of the same name. Brigid lived her entire life there.
She was renowned for her charity to the poor and stories abound about her healing powers. St. Brigid was a friend of St. Patrick, whose preaching set her on a course at an early age, and she became Ireland’s first nun.
St. Brigid is said to have died in 524 A.D. The remains of her skull and hand are claimed to be in the possession of churches in Portugal.
In the 12th century, legend holds that the nuns in Kildare attended to a fire built in St. Brigid’s honor. The fire had burned for 500 years and produced no ash, and only women were allowed in proximity of the fire.
The celebration of St. Brigid’s Day on February 1 was put in place by the church to replace Imbolc. On her feast day, an effigy of St. Brigid of Kildare is traditionally washed in the ocean and surrounded by candles to dry, and stalks of wheat are transformed into cross talismans known as Brigid crosses.
Sources:
"Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes and Lore for Brigid’s Day". Carl F. Neal.
"Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities", Charles Russel Coulter and Patricia Turner.
"Brigit: Goddess, Saint, ‘Holy Woman’, and Bone of Contention", Carole M Cusack.
If you think God created the Universe as something insignificant outside of the boundaries of our awestruck admiration, remember, it was the Universe that declared the birth of Jesus and led three men who were wise enough to follow it.
Did they follow it because they were wise? Or wise because they followed it? Did you know that the Magi
If you think God created the Universe as something insignificant outside of the boundaries of our awestruck admiration, remember, it was the Universe that declared the birth of Jesus and led three men who were wise enough to follow it.
Did they follow it because they were wise? Or wise because they followed it? Did you know that the Magi were astrologers, which was a well-regarded science at that time ( Matthew 2 )?
There's always been controversy surrounding Jesus' birth. Most believe it was spring rather than winter. I've never cared much for when it was celebrated, only that it was celebrated. To me, it's the season of love and giving, which should be a prelude to such actions throughout the upcoming year.
There is no greater way to honor the memory of someone who died for love and giving.
After an absence of roughly 2000 years the Star of Bethlehem made a return in 2015 — to be more specific Venus and Jupiter made their tightest highly visible conjunction after nearly two millennia and will return again March 1, 2023.
Below is an account of why December 25th was selected to honor the birth of Jesus. Whether or not he was born on that day is irrelevant to me. What is relevant is that he was born, and that the Universe declared his arrival.
That was nor is not the only purpose of the Universe. It declares daily, if you understand its language.
Regulus, Jupiter, and Venus
Attorney Frederick Larson examined the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew: 2 and found the following nine qualities of Bethlehem's Star:
It signified birth, it signified kingship, it was related to the Jewish nation, and it rose "in the East"; King Herod had not been aware of it; it appeared at an exact time; it endured over time; and, according to Matthew, it was in front of the Magi when they traveled south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and then stopped over Bethlehem.
Using the Starry Night astronomy software, and an article written by astronomer Craig Chester based on the work of archeologist and historian Ernest L. Martin, Larson thinks all nine characteristics of the Star of Bethlehem are found in events that took place in the skies of 3–2 BC.
Highlights include a triple conjunction of Jupiter, called the king planet, with the fixed star Regulus, called the king star, starting in September 3 BC. Larson believes that may be the time of Jesus' conception.
By June of 2 BC, nine months later, the human gestation period, Jupiter had continued moving in its orbit around the sun and appeared in close conjunction with Venus in June of 2 BC. In Hebrew Jupiter is called Sedeq, meaning "righteousness", a term also used for the Messiah, and suggested that because the planet Venus represents love and fertility, so Chester had suggested astrologers would have viewed the close conjunction of Jupiter and Venus as indicating a coming new king of Israel, and Herod would have taken them seriously.
Astronomer Dave Reneke independently found the June 2 BC planetary conjunction and noted it would have appeared as a "bright beacon of light". According to Chester, the disks of Jupiter and Venus would have appeared to touch and there has not been as close a Venus-Jupiter conjunction since then.
[ Until 2015 and upcoming March 1st 2023 ]
Jupiter continued to move and then stopped in its apparent retrograde motion on December 25 of 2 BC over the town of Bethlehem. Since planets in their orbits have a "stationary point", a planet moves eastward through the stars but, "As it approaches the opposite point in the sky from the sun, it appears to slow, come to a full stop, and move backward (westward) through the sky for some weeks.
Again it slows, stops, and resumes its eastward course," said Chester. The date of December 25 that Jupiter appeared to stop while in retrograde took place in the season of Hanukkah, and is the date later chosen to celebrate Christmas.
Reference link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_Bethlehem
In Celtic tradition winter is ruled over by the Holly King, and the Oak King, or Green Man, rules over the summer.
In medieval times the Holly King was represented by a boy who walked around the town accompanied by his bride Ivy Girl, teasing and laughing and taunting each other in a kind of ritualised courtship.
These are the last remain
In Celtic tradition winter is ruled over by the Holly King, and the Oak King, or Green Man, rules over the summer.
In medieval times the Holly King was represented by a boy who walked around the town accompanied by his bride Ivy Girl, teasing and laughing and taunting each other in a kind of ritualised courtship.
These are the last remaining strands of a tradition going back millennia to where they were once a god and goddess, remembered in the old carol, The Holly and The Ivy' where 'the holly wears the crown'.
The Oak and Holly King are two aspects of our ancient god of the sun.
Rising and falling he is forever reborn at the winter Solstice, this is an ancient and recurring motif across the world and seen in other sun gods like the Roman Mithras. In Britain, the sun god was known by many names, and can be found in King Arthur’s as well as the old Celtic myths about the Mabon, or the "son". Honoured by the druids at the winter solstice, who reap his sacred seed, the mistletoe with golden sickle, he brings life back to the land.
At the darkest time, try closing your eyes, and look within. In the distance is a tiny pearl of flame. This is the sun within you. As you breathe, the solstice sun grows in power, reaching out its rays, it touches your heart, bringing life, and renewal. May its blessings fill you with light.
~ Eburonen Belgae
#inspiritualservice #astrology #astrologer #solstice #winter #wintersolstice
The Longest Night, Winter Solstice. In the Celtic calendar, the longest night begins tonight @ 5:17 PM, with the setting of the sun. Tomorrow's ( Friday's ) return of the Light occurs at sunrise, 7:28 AM EST. Today's daylight will last only 9h 49m 33s ( from Wednesday's 9h 49m 37s ); Friday's will be 9h 49m 34s.
May your hearth be warm,
y
The Longest Night, Winter Solstice. In the Celtic calendar, the longest night begins tonight @ 5:17 PM, with the setting of the sun. Tomorrow's ( Friday's ) return of the Light occurs at sunrise, 7:28 AM EST. Today's daylight will last only 9h 49m 33s ( from Wednesday's 9h 49m 37s ); Friday's will be 9h 49m 34s.
May your hearth be warm,
your company merry,
and your spirits bright.
Withering Roots
This is also the first day of Winter.
Honoring the Winter solstice is important because it's a time to slow down and turn inward, something that can be overlooked not just in the holiday frenzy, but out of habit as well.
After a bustling spring, a busy summer, and rush of harvest, it can be difficult for the body to acclimate to a slower, more relaxed pace; however, slowing down is a prelude to hearing one of the greatest teachers on Earth: Mother Nature.
Many do not know how to navigate the chilling temperatures or darkness, and instead battle with melancholy and depression in the absence of natural warmth and light. This can be particularly harmful for those who isolate themselves from society.
Unfortunately, human nature isn't as easy to detect as nature herself.
Visibly everything appears to die in Nature—trees, flowers, and so forth. A deep freeze falls across the land and replaces a once beautiful view out of the window. Of course, we have learned that nature is merely dormant, drawing sustenance through its roots to return brilliantly in spring.
But what about people?
People don't shed their leaves or lose their petals. How can we tell when their roots are being sustained or withering when we can't see them?
The answer is as easy as it is painful: we can't.
The ONLY thing we can do is follow our intuition when we get a hit about someone. Check on your elderly neighbors and those who are alone. Check on your spouses. Your family. Your friends. Check on those you know have lost loved ones. Ask the hard questions even if you meet resistance. Be honest even if you know it may trigger a reaction vs response.
The bottom line is they'll know you cared enough to ask. Will that be enough to sustain their roots through the winter of their life? Will it be enough to keep them warm and their surroundings illuminated with love? I wish I could say yes, but the truth is, it's up to each individual whether or not to receive the outstretched offering because choice is a double-edged blade.
Every moment of every day is an exit point as well as opportunity, and it's our own choice which to choose. Those who opt to exit by their own hand are no weaker than we who choose to stay. Suicide is not a coward's act but a hopeless one.
As a Nana, I have always felt strongly that my grandson understands the cycle of things, and that each season, human and nature, has light and darkness, warmth and cold. But more importantly, I want him to come to accept whatever is if it's not in his power to change it. And that as long as he tried, he will never live with regret.
"In acceptance lieth peace" has been one of my mantras for over 20 years now.
I want him to understand the importance of a life, from the smallest insect to humans. And equally, the significance of death, from the smallest insect to humans. To get his hands dirty planting not just flowers but seeds of love, compassion, and most importantly, to treasure that which he reaps, both physically as well as spiritually.
Happy Winter Solstice: Check on loved ones. Check on friends. Ask the hard questions, "Yes, but are you REALLY okay because I just have this feeling?"
Asking in love is all we can do.
May we all be the sustenance for withering roots, whether we ever know we are or not.
Image: White Witch by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman
#Inspiritualservice #spiritualservice #spiritual #service #spiritualservices #solstice #winter #wintersolstice #seasons
Much like the Celtic Samhain we discussed yesterday, the annual Mexican celebration is also a time families gather to honor their dearly departed. Except, unlike Samhain, where it was believed the deceased returned to dine in the home, Mexicans believe the souls of the dead can return to visit in homes, businesses and cemeteries.
This tra
Much like the Celtic Samhain we discussed yesterday, the annual Mexican celebration is also a time families gather to honor their dearly departed. Except, unlike Samhain, where it was believed the deceased returned to dine in the home, Mexicans believe the souls of the dead can return to visit in homes, businesses and cemeteries.
This tradition originated from the ancient line of Aztecs, who held fiestas and rituals to honor their dead during the harvest season. Death, not birth, was viewed as the beginning of the cycle of life, and seasons as well.
The Día de Muertos celebration begins October 28th and runs through November 2nd each year in Mexico.
Families and communities come together joyously in their homes and cemeteries, honoring the following:
•October 28th: Day of the Accidentados- souls who died in accidents.
•October 31st: Los Angelitos-souls of children who have passed.
•November 1st: Souls of Adults.
•November 2nd: Spirits depart.
One of the most important
Observances are ofrendas, altars & offerings. This represents a mixture of ancient Mexican/Aztec and Catholicism traditions, and they vary depending upon regional traditions.
Much effort goes into preparing traditional foods as well as photographs, fresh flowers, candles, copal incense, fruits, clothing and so forth. Extra focus is given to the dearly deceased's favorite foods and drink.
Tombstones, skulls and skeletons made of clay and other materials, sugar skulls are decorations throughout the home and community. Pan de muerto ( bread for the dead ), is sweet and baked in shapes of skulls and human figures.
Water is also thought to be a main support of life and is offered freely, as it is believed that the dead are very thirsty after such a long journey.
The flower of the dead is called Cempasúchil (Náhuatl, or Aztec, name for marigold). Cempasúchil was the symbolic flower of death for the Aztecs, because once it is cut, it dies very quickly.
While orange and yellow marigolds are the main flowers, ruby coxcombs and baby’s breath are also used. Copal (tree resin) is associated with the death of the soul returning to the ofrenda. It's a symbolic transformation of the physical to the supernatural.
Children are introduced to the idea of death by writing the names of the dead and living on sugar skulls. When they are eaten, the living come to associate pleasant sensations with the sadness of death.
Flower petals adorn paths to guide the deceased to the altar, and toys such as painted clay skeleton figures portray the dead resuming their normal activities.
Mexican children learn to accept death as a part of life when offering toys, crank boxes, and coffins for the dead to play with.
Image: Mnemosyne the Memory Keeper by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman
While it's widely known for the Christian holiday preceding All Saint's Day, it's actually the result of combining the Celtic observance of Samhain with the Christian church's All Saint's Day.
The result was a new religious holiday that could be embraced by both groups; however, the Christian church's intent was to incorporate Pagans into
While it's widely known for the Christian holiday preceding All Saint's Day, it's actually the result of combining the Celtic observance of Samhain with the Christian church's All Saint's Day.
The result was a new religious holiday that could be embraced by both groups; however, the Christian church's intent was to incorporate Pagans into their fold for conversion.
This type of 'mirroring' ( using established Pagan holidays ) was prevalent in the Christian church was to project unification as an attempt to attract other cultures, hoping that newcomers would ease into membership.
While All Hallows Eve is still recognized as a church holiday, the modern non-religious observance has evolved into 'Halloween'.
History of Samhain is an interesting one. The ancient Celts believed there were just two seasons to the year: Beltane ( spring and summer ), and Samhain ( autumn & winter ); therefore, the Celtic culture celebrated October 31 as their New Year's Eve.
There was a great feast and a time to reflect on the previous months as well as plan for the future. Part of this tradition was honoring their dead, whom they believed ( on this night ) the veils between worlds were thin, enabling their departed loved ones and friends to return and feast with them.
Thus, table settings with plates of food and drink were laid out for them. Legend dictates spirits visited until sunrise before returning to their graves for another year.
Visiting from house to house to share a drink was popular, and visitors would wear disguises as part of the celebration. However, not all
spirits were welcome; therefore, a gourd was carved with a scary face to ward off evil spirits. This became known as the Jack-O-Lantern in modern observances.
Scrying was also very popular, as it was believed Samhain reached beyond the boundaries of time, making it a fortuitous night for seeing the future.
As previously stated, the Christian Era attempted to absorb Samhain ( as well as other Pagan observances ) for the specific purpose to converting the observance into a new one that would still honor the departed ( All Saints Day ) in a more 'Christian-like' and acceptable manner.
Because divination was strictly forbidden in the bible, honoring Christian Saints as a prelude to All Saints Day was encouraged. Instead of visiting homes to fellowship, the church encouraged people to remain in their homes and use the evening as one of reflection and preparation for the following day.
The Christian church attempted to fully replace Samhain traditions; however, the history of All Hallows Eve reverberates through the modern name of Halloween. For most, the celebration is secular in nature while retaining many of the original traditions in the evening: Trick-or-treating, wearing costumes, and Jack-o'-lanterns.
Then there are those who choose to remember the old ways to perform rituals to commune with the spirits of their ancestors as well seeking future knowledge.
The history of All Hallows Eve is much like the United States of America, a melting pot of cultures and observances under one roof of a nation. If nothing else on Halloween night, we should honor the historical bridge between cultures, the past, and the future.
Image: October by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman
Today is History's Dakini Day, or Day of the Goddess.
Before patriarchy began sinking deep into the roots of civilization, this revered day was known as ‘The Day of the Goddess,’ to pay respect and heed to the Feminine deities, like Venus.
As a symbol of rebirth that females are blessed with, Friday the 13th was a day all for women.
In more
Today is History's Dakini Day, or Day of the Goddess.
Before patriarchy began sinking deep into the roots of civilization, this revered day was known as ‘The Day of the Goddess,’ to pay respect and heed to the Feminine deities, like Venus.
As a symbol of rebirth that females are blessed with, Friday the 13th was a day all for women.
In more than one way, the day gives all its glory to the Feminine power.
The number 13 represents the female ovulation period (considered a grand phenomenon as menstruating women are at the peak of their energy and power) because just like 13 lunar cycles a year, women also have 13 menstrual cycles a year.
All the feminine foundations to this day started to shake loose when menstruating women started experiencing shame in society for bleeding every cycle.
The day was to celebrate women and their sexual energy.
When patriarchy found its way into civilization, the very day that celebrated women became a symbol of misfortune because of its association with the feminine.
Even though these newly minted beliefs made no sense as we all possess our feminine sides, not only women, but the target was indeed singular sex.
Contrary to popular belief, the number 13 will bring magic into your life. Many buildings do not have a 13th floor.
Some even consider their 13th birthday unlucky. In rare cases, the perceived negative notion of the number can cause triskaidekaphobia, an intense fear of the number 13.
But 13 is actually a celestial number, especially in Judaism.
It is the age when young boys and girls celebrate their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, meaning they are on their journey to enter adulthood and ready to participate in public worship.
The number 13 is considered very fortunate in Tibetan culture.
It’s said to be a divine number and often used in children’s stories.
The day is a reminder for hopeless individuals to carry on.
It is a day for sinners to repent their bad deeds that will be forgiven in heaven after they complete 13 rounds of prayers.
In numerology, the number 13 symbolizes change.
This change is not necessarily negative but most essential to a person’s growth.
People are scared of the uncertainty that change brings along. But, it’s a positive time in their life.
Transformation and development take us out of our comfort and help us get better and become an evolved version of ourselves.
Today is also a day to honor the Moon.
The Moon is responsible for our emotions and the majestic feminine aura in our life.
It plays a huge part in astrology.
Friday the 13th is an occasion for humans to harness the positive energy of the moon.
You can look at the moon and talk about anything on your mind.
The practice will open your mind and heart to bring happiness to your life.
As per astrology, the Moon represents the maternal vibe.
It gives warmth to us and looks after us like a mother. It is a great time to connect with the maternal figure in your life. This could be your actual mother, sister, or best friend. Make it an evening to bond over shared secrets, aspirations, and goals for the future.
You can also Manifest Good Luck!
Even after Friday, the 13th is over, you can still channel good luck in your life.
Make it a ritual to buy any charm the next Friday the 13th.
Take the blessing of the moon and the goddesses. This can be a great way to bring everlasting luck to your life.
You can also surround yourself with crystals, lucky charms, and talismans like horseshoes to bring positive fortune, and ward off the evil eye and bad luck.
You don’t even have to wear a crystal but any charm necklace or bracelet that makes you feel more feminine and powerful.
Wear them all the time or decorate your room with them – just take benefit of their good energies, especially during the magical date.
Lastly, PROTECT YOUR ENERGY
It is best to keep your energy protected to experience all of the sacred emotions.
Protecting your space is an important way to keep your life drama-free.
Getting rid of anyone or anything that disrupts your peace can be the smart thing to do.
While the moon protects us, it is important we shield ourselves from negative people, especially those who drain our energy.
Validate and respect how you feel around certain people – they may be your coworker, friend, or even a family member.
Thus, protection work is very important, along with other sources of magic or divine work.
Crystals are powerful in cleansing your aura and making you feel more connected to yourself. Obsidian can act as a protection stone— especially against negativity spreads and haters.
You can sweep it all over your body, keep it in your home, and place it outside the boundaries of your house.
Some people keep it at their entrance, but it can be placed by a door or a window inside your home. It will keep away potential negative vibes that impact your aura.
Reference link: https://www.awakeningstate.com/.../friday-the-13th.../
On this day in 1839, US President Andrew Jackson's policy to removing Native Americans from their ancestral lands to make way for settlers and speculators led to the infamous Trail of Tears.
The Cherokees of Georgia initially tried legal means to resist the policy and actually won their case in the US Supreme Court. However, President Jac
On this day in 1839, US President Andrew Jackson's policy to removing Native Americans from their ancestral lands to make way for settlers and speculators led to the infamous Trail of Tears.
The Cherokees of Georgia initially tried legal means to resist the policy and actually won their case in the US Supreme Court. However, President Jackson refused to acknowledge the judgement and 20,000 were eventually marched west at gunpoint.
A quarter of their number would perish on the journey.
Ref: https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears
Painting: Trail of Tears by Donald Vann Christmas.
In Universal Love and Spiritual Service
© 2020 - 2024 In Spiritual Service ™ - All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Administered by In Spiritual Service™