Symbolism of the months of the year

[tattwa]

February

February comes either from the Latin, Febris (meaning the fever of love), either from the old-Italian god Februus or else from "februa", signifying the festivals of purification celebrated in Rome during this month.

February’s birthstone is the amethyst -- the gemstone used in the rings of Catholic Bishops, and in many rosaries. It symbolizes spirituality, faithfulness, spiritual attunement, temperance, peace, and quietude. It is the stone associated with the 7th Chakra, and has been used as an amulet for breaking bad habits and addictions. Amethysts were used in hand-fastings, showing faithfulness and stability. Valerian, the herb associated with February, quiets the nerves, allays pain, and promotes sleep.

February 1 is the first cross-quarter festival in the Celtic or Pagan calendar: Imbolc, or Oimelc (both pronounced "ee-melc"). It is also known as Brigantia, which corresponds with the festival of the Norse goddess, Brigid (in Ireland, the virgin goddess Bridhe) who embodies the three-fold nature of the goddess, and their powers of healing, smithcraft, & poetry/divination. In Greco-Roman mythology the triune nature of the goddess is maiden, mother and crone, and at the cross-quarter the goddess is transformed from the barren hag of winter back again to the vibrant virgin bride of spring. Imbolc, which means "ewe’s milk", refers to the first lactation of the year, promising new lambs and a blessed spring. Imbolc is a time of commitment to
the waxing Light of the coming spring, and dedicated to purification and cleansing.

In ancient Greece, the three-day Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries began each year on this day --- on Feb 1st---in honor of the goddesses Ceres, Demeter, Persephone, and Proserpine.

In the month of Anthesterion (February) the lesser mysteries were conducted near Athens, at Agrai by the Ilissos River, as something of a preparation for the greater mysteries celebrated in Boedromion [September]. This sacred month was highly respected -- even if a war was on, it would be halted to allow its members to attend the mysteries. A truce was proclaimed, and fighting would cease, for example in Sparta, Thracia, and the Peloponesus, to allow participation.

February 2 is Groundhog’s day. Tradition tells us if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be another 6 weeks of winter - a correlation to the 46-day penitence of Lent. Candlemas (February 2nd) is the Christian feast of the purification of the Virgin Mary.This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. A Mass is said for the blessing of the candles and the return of the Light, commemorating when Jesus was first presented in the temple. Many Roman Catholics perform a novena (9 days of formal prayer), ending on February 11th: the festival for The Lady of Fatima (which was the name of the prophet Mohammed’s daughter). Our Lady of Fatima is said to have appeared in Lourdes near an ancient Celtic healing spring (once in Islamic territory), and is associated with Februa, Greco Roman goddess of fire, the Sun, and healing.

February 5th is "Mardi gras", which means "Fat Tuesday", It is usual to eat pancakes on this day. The history of a Mardi Gras celebration existed many years before Europeans came to the New World. Some time in the Second Century, during mid-February (usually February 15 according to the Julian calendar), Ancient Romans would observe what they called the Lupercalia, a circus-type festival which was, in many respects, quite similar to the present day Mardi Gras. This festival honored the Roman deity, Lupercus, a pastoral God associated with Faunus or the Satyr. Although Lupercus is derived from the Latin Lupus (meaning "wolf"), the original meaning of the word as it applies to Roman religion has become obscured over the passage of time.

When Christianity arrived in Rome, the dignitaries of the early Church decided it would be more prudent to incorporate certain aspects of such rituals into the new faith rather than attempt to abolish them altogether. This granted a Christian interpretation to the ancient custom and the Carnival became a time of abandon and merriment which peceded the Lenten period (a symbolic Christian pentinence of 40 days commencing on Ash Wednesday and ending at Easter). During this time, there would be feasting which lasted several days and participants would indulge in voluntary madness by donning masks, clothing themselves in the likeness of spectres and generally giving themselves up to Bacchus and Venus. All aspects of pleasure were considered to be allowable during the Carnival celebration and today's modern festivites are thought by some to be more reminiscent of the Roman Saturnalia rather than Lupercalia, or be linked to even earlier Pagan festivals. In France, the origin of "Fat Tuesday" is believed to have come from the ancient Pagan custom of parading a fat ox through the town streets.

The next day (February 6th) is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the Christian season of penitence and renewal in preparation for the festival of Easter. Lent comes from "lencten", the Chaldean word meaning "spring" or lengthening" (of days). In Medieval Europe meat and dairy were to be shunned and only one meal was eaten - in the early evening. Good deeds and disciplinary behavior were offered in thanksgiving for the sacrifice of the Christ, and in acknowledgment of his death and resurrection. This has a parallel in the 40 days of abstinence that precedes the pagan festival of the fire-goddess of the morning star, Astarte. On Ash Wednesday in the Christian tradition, a cross is drawn on the forehead of the penitent with ashes made from palm leaves that were burned on Palm Sunday, as the symbolism of sorrow, regret, and humility, and a reminder of our humanness, and that we are worthy of redemption.

The Chinese New Year day is on February 7th. It will be the year of the Rat. During this new Moon, we will have an annular Solar eclipse. It will fall on the 17th degree of Aquarius.
http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/SEprimer.html

St. Valentine was a Martyred Roman Priest of the 3rd century. St Valentine is associated with Juno, goddess of maternal and married love, and also with the Norse/Teutonic goddess of Love, Sjofn, who shares this feast day. In ancient times, when a woman wanted to attract a lover or husband, five bay leaves were placed under her pillow on St. Valentine's eve. This holiday has an association with lovebirds, and their first matings of the year. In Scandinavia, they ran the Labyrinth on this day, as a test of love. The tradition of Valentine's Day is believed to have originated from the pagan customs of the Third Century or Fourth Century B.C., when the Parentalia and Feralia Festivals of Purification were celebrated in Ancient Rome between February 13 and February 18. This was also the time of a Fertility Festival which celebrated a young man's rite of passage and involved animal sacrifices and fertility rituals. With the advent of Christianity, priests attempted to replace such ancient heathen practices. In the Fifth Century A.D., the Church resolved to abolish this pagan celebration by creating its own holiday around the same date and selecting a saint who was remembered for his devotion to love. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius declared February 14 to be the Feast Day of Saint Valentine...Patron Saint of Lovers and Engaged Couples, with particular jurisdiction over the quarrels which arise between sweethearts. The patronage of Saint Valentine also extends to epilepsy (from which he is believed to have suffered), bee-keepers, plague, greetings, travellers and young people.

Valentine greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, a time when prospective lovers said or sang their romantic verses. Written valentines began to appear after 1400. Paper valentines originated in the 1500s, being exchanged in Europe and being given in place of valentine gifts and oral or musical valentine greetings. They were particularly popular in England. The first written valentine (formerly known as "poetical or amorous addresses") is traditionally attributed to the imprisoned Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415. While confined in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt, the young Duke reportedly passed his time by writing romantic verses for his wife in France. Approximately sixty of the Duke's poems remain and can be seen among the royal papers in the British Museum. They are credited with being the first modern day valentines.

On February 21st, we will assist to a total Lunar eclipse, falling at 1 degree Virgo. http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/OH2008.html
It will be will be visible over the Americas, Europe, Africa, and western Asia.

2008 is a leap year; an extra day is added to February. On, http://www.timeanddate.com/date/leapyear.html
you will find useful information about leap years.

There is a Greek superstition that claims couples have bad luck if they marry during a leap year. Apparently one in five engaged couples in Greece will avoid planning their wedding during a leap year. In Scotland it is thought unlucky to be born on a Leap Year’s Day .

Have a great month of February. Safe sail.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Originally Posted by tattwa

July

July was named for the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, organizer of the Julian Calendar in 46 BC, which remained in use until 1752, when the Gregorian calendar was adopted.

The birthstone for July is the red ruby. It symbolizes love, and an open heart. The ruby is the carrier of the red ray, and helps the wearer to gain courage. Ruby is worn to improve circulation and the richness of the blood.

I thank you for your kind words.

"I have lived long enough to satisfy both nature and glory"

All nations abide by my calendar; I put order were chaos was, and brought strength and beauty into a world unworthy of Caesar's shadow. In my birth, I blessed the banks of the Tiber with my splendour; and in my death, I glorified Venus.

[tattwa]

March

March was named for Mars, the great Roman warrior god, son of Juno and Jupiter. He was very important to the Romans because he was the father of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome. This was an appropriate association, for in the ancient world of the Mediterranean, the third month was known for its dynamic weather patterns. Mars was known in the Greek world as Ares, the warrior, and in northern and central Europe as Tiu or Tiwaz. His Celtic name was Teutates and his Norse name was Tyr. In addition to being known as the god of war, he was also worshiped as the protector of agriculture. Mars’ sacred totems are the wolf and the woodpecker and he is accompanied by Fuga and Timor, the personifications of flight and fear. In Rome, on the 1st of March a festival was held in his honnor the Feriae Marti

The inner theme of March deals with developing wisdom and compassion, and finding one’s life path. The search for self is associated with Mars; it is a process that precludes association with others. This process can be a lonely path that requires great stamina and the development of inner
strength.In astrology, Mars is the ruler of Aries. The sun enters the sign of Aries on March 21, the vernal equinox, and it heralds the season of spring when everything awakens, grows and sprouts after dormant winter months. Aries is the leader, the first sign around the zodiac wheel. Mars is the planet of energy, action, and of lust and passion. It is the survival instinct, and can be thought of as the animal nature of man. It is a cardinal, active, initiating sign; and its element is fire, bringing enthusiasm, chi, the spark of life.

March’s gemstone is the bloodstone, also known as the heliotrope, which means the "turning of the Sun." This refers to the equinoctial passage of the Sun - its change of declination from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. In the Christian tradition, the bloodstone, deep green jasper with crimson spots, is symbolic of the blood of the Christ spilled at Golgotha by a Roman soldier’s spear. The stone is said to hold a divine power to stop hemorrhaging, and was widely used in folk medicine to stop nosebleeds and cure wasting diseases. The bloodstone was employed in rituals at the time of eclipses to invoke invisibility (eclipses result in the momentary invisibility of the covered celestial body), and was used by Pliny the Elder as a mirror with which to safely view Solar eclipses. The stone was used as an amulet by the Gnostics to prolong life, and in thumb rings (the Mars digit) by the Egyptians, to sustain courage

On the 6th the Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva. Shivratri (Sanskrit 'ratri' = night) is the night when Lord Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of primordial creation,
preservation and destruction. The festival is observed for one day and one night only. It's the "black night of the soul" , just before the New Moon.

According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or 'Shiva's Great Night' symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Celebrating the festival in a customary manner, devotees give a ritual bath to the Lingam with the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, butter and dung. Celebrations of Shivaratri Festival mainly take place at night. Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend ‘the Night of Lord Shiva’ by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord. The festival holds special meaning for the ladies. They pray to Goddess Parvati also called 'Gaura', the giver of 'suhag' for good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.

The ides of March on the 15th are forever linked with the prophecy made to Ceasar to beware and be particularly careful that day. His wife has an ominous dream as well and told him to stay home. He did not listen to her ..and the rest is history.

The night before he died, Caesar had dinner with Lepidus, the Master of Horse. As they drank, the conversation turned to what was the best sort of death for a man. Caesar replied that which was sudden and unexpected. Later that night, his wife Calpurnia dreamed of his body streaming with blood and tried to prevent him from leaving the house. The priests , too, found the omens to be unfavorable. Caesar hesitated, but was persuaded by one of the conspirators that not to attend the senate meeting would only disappoint those who were there already waiting for him and show further disrespect. Even as evidence of the plot became known, there were attempts to inform Caesar, but either they were too late or ignored. It was to be as Appian foretells: "Caesar had to suffer Caesar's fate." Suetonius relates that a soothsayer had warned Caesar that he was in grave danger, which would not pass until the Ides had ended. Entering the building, Caesar now chided him that the day had arrived. "Yes," he replied, "but they have not yet gone." As Caesar took his seat, the conspirators gathered around him on the pretext of presenting a petition. One then took hold of his purple toga and ripped it away from his neck. A dagger was thrust at Caesar's throat but missed and only wounded him. Another assassin then drove a dagger into his chest as he twisted away from the first assailant. Brutus struck Caesar in the groin (a telling blow, perhaps, given that his mother Servilia once had been Caesar's mistress). Hemmed in, "Caesar kept turning," writes Appian, "from one to another of them with furious cries like a wild beast." When he saw that Brutus, too, had drawn his dagger, Plutarch relates that Caesar covered his head with his toga and sank to the ground, reproaching him in Greek, says Suetonius, with the words "You, too, my child?"

On the 16th, Palm Sunday Christians celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, one week before his resurection . For many Christian churches, Palm Sunday, often referred to as "Passion Sunday," marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday.
The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him with waving palm branches, and by covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his journey to the cross.
The Spring Equinox, this year on March 20th. Equinox means "equal night", and is the moment when the Sun crosses the equator in the juncture between the dark and light halves of the year, when the days and nights are equal. It is the midpoint between the Solstices (the turning points of the Sun’s yearly motion). It is a day of honor for Iduna, or Idunn (A Scandinavian goddess), the equivalent of the Greek Hebe. This goddess is the spring symbol of the triple goddess, and was charged with supplying youth and
strength to the rest of the gods and goddesses, by providing them with the ambrosia and nectar of immortality. She is the maiden form of Hera (aka
Hertha, Nerthus), whose name means "Our Lady", who was the primary goddess before the advent of patriarchal gods. This is also the day that the Hindu goddess, Sri Ushas, (goddess of the Dawn) is honored. The Wiccan festival of
Ostara welcomes the spring and the transformation of the goddess into her form of the Maiden. We now celebrate this day as International Astrology Day.

The first day of spring on the 21st follows by one day the spring equinoxe.

Nooroz falls on the 21st :Norooz (Nowroz, No Ruz or Norouz) is the Iranian new year festival. The worditself literally means "new day" in Persian (Farsi) language and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year as well as the new year on the Iranian and several other national calendars.

No means new and Rooz means day so Norooz means new day. It occurs exactly on the Spring Equinox. This occasion has been renowned in one form or another by all the major cultures of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians, 3000 BC, Babylonians, the ancient kingdom of Elam in Southern Persia and Akaddians in the second millennium BC, all celebrated this festival. What Iranians celebrate today as Norooz has been around for at least 3000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrians of the Sassanian period. At its core, the Norooz festival celebrates the awakening of the natural life. This awakening symbolizes the triumph of good, winning against the evil forces of darkness that are represented by the Winter.

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day. March 21st, Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross.

Easter day is on the 23rd .On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurection of Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.
Christians believe ,according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. For Orthodox Christians, Easter will be celebrated on the 27th of Arpil. It's a huge celebration in Greece for instance, people flock to Churches and one can feel a real fervor.

Also on this day all the Hindus will be jolly celebrating Holi.
Holi is one of the oldest among Hindu festivals, there is no doubt. It glorifies good harvest and fertility of the land. It is also time for spring harvest. The new crop refills the stores in every household and perhaps such abundance accounts for the riotous merriment during Holi. It's Light and color. People spend the second day of Holi throwing coloured powder and water at each other . Lord Shiva is celebrated during Holi, but also Lord Krishna. Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight Krishna took in applying colour on Radha and other gopis. This prank of Krishna later, became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities.

Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it. The ancient tradition of the Aryans of celebrating the festival of Holi in honour and in devotion to Agnidev - the god of Fire - continues even to-day in the modern world of science and technology. Indeed it is a festival which gives men a thrilling spell of happiness and despite from their problems of everyday life.

On the 30th, summer time begins. Do not forget to realign your watches.

Have a great month of March. Stay safe.

[Dalzi]

January Birthstone poem - The Garnet

By her who is this month was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity

January Bith flower - The Carnation or Snowdrop

Meaning of the January Birth Flower: Love, fascination, and distinction.



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February Birthstone poem - The Amethyst

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind
Freedom from passion and from care
If they, the amethyst will wear

February Birth Flower - The Violet or Primrose

Meaning of the February Birth Flower: Faithfulness, humility, and chastity.



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March Birthstone poem (same as January) - The Aquamarine

By her who is this month was born
No gem save Aquamarines shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity

March Birth Flower - The Jonquil (aka Daffodil or Narcissus)

Meaning of the March Birth Flower: Friendship and domestic happiness.

[Dalzi]

April Birthstone poem - The Diamond

She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow

April Birth Flower - The Sweet pea or Daisy

Meaning of the April Birth Flower: Good-bye or Blissful Pleasure.



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May Birthstone poem - The Emerald

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife

May Birth Flower - the Lily of the Valley

Meaning of the May Birth Flower: Sweetness and Humility.



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June Birthstone poem (same boring one) - The Pearl

By her who is this month was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity

June Birth Flower - The Rose

Meaning of the June Birth Flower: Passionate love and beauty.

[Dalzi]

July Birthstone poem - The Ruby

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born
For thus they'll be exempt and free
From lover's doubts and anxiety

July Birth Flower - The Larkspur or Water Lily.

Meaning of the July Birth Flower: An open heart and ardent attachment.



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August Birthstone poem - The Peridot

Wear a Peridot or for thee
No conjugal fidelity
The August born without this stone
Tis said, must live unloved alone

August Birth Flower - The Gladiolus or Poppy.

Meaning of the August Birth Flower: Sincerity and symbolizes strength of character.



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September Birthstone poem - The Sapphire

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze
A Sapphire on her brow should bind
To bring her joy and peace of mind

September Birth Flower - The Aster or Morning Glory

Meaning of the September Birth Flower: Love, Faith, Wisdom and Valor.

[Dalzi]

October Birth stone poem - The Opal

October's child is born for woe
And life's vicissitudes must know
But lay an opal on her breast
And hope will lull those woes to rest

October Birth Flower - The Calendula (Marigold)

Meaning of the October Birth Flower: Sorrow or sympathy.



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November Birthstone poem - The Topaz

Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow
Should prize the topaz amber hue
Emblem of friends and lovers true

November Birth Flower - The Chrysanthemum

Meaning of the November Birth Flower: Love and Cheerfulness.



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December Birthstone poem - The Turquoise

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless whate'er you do

December Birth Flower - The Narcissus

Meaning of the December Birth Flower: Respect, modesty and faithfulness.

[tattwa]

Dalzi
your posts with the flowers for each months are so very lovely.
Thank you so much.

[tattwa]

April


April is named in honor of Aphrodite (Venus), daughter of Zeus (Jupiter) and Dione (Greek nature goddess). The word April comes from the Latin 'aperire', meaning, "I open." Some say that it refers to the opening of the soul, symbolized by the opening of spring flowers, and the yearly reawakening of our relationship to Mother Earth. Venusbrings our inner values into the open so that we may compare them with our outer lives.

Venus is said to have sprung from the foam of the sea, and to have made her way to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods where because of her wonderful beauty and grace, she was welcomed as the Goddess of Love and Beauty. All the gods fell in love with her, but she scorned them all, and Jupiter, to punish her for her pride, ordered her to marry Vulcan, the God of Fire, who was deformed and very rough in his manner. He had been thrown from the top of Mount Olympus by Jupiter in a fit of anger. Had he not been a god, he would, of course, have been killed by the fall, but he escaped with a broken leg which made him lame for the rest of his life. He now lived on the earth, and spent his time at the forge making many wonderful and useful things from the metals which he found buried in the mountains. He built gorgeous palaces of gold for the gods, which he decorated with precious stones, forged the terrible thunderbolts used by Jupiter, and also made the arrows used by Venus's son, Cupid. Vulcan was naturally worshiped by all blacksmiths and workers in metal, and a great festival called the Vulcanalia was held in his honour. Vulcain is also Tubalcain......... and the pentagram of Venus is closely connected to him.

The Old English name for the month of April was Oster-monath or Easter-monath, because it was the month sacred to Eastre, or Ostara, the Goddess of Spring; the same name is still kept by the Germans, who call it Ostermonath. The time of year known as Easter is named after this goddess, and though Easter is now a Christian festival, it was in the first place a feast held by the Saxons in honour of their goddess Eastre. It was the custom for the people to give one another presents of coloured eggs, because the egg is supposed to represent the beginning of life, and the feast was held in the spring-time, when Nature awakes to a new life from the death of winter. The custom, which we still have, of sending Easter eggs to our friends, is therefore a very, very old one indeed.

April’s gemstone is the diamond, associated with purity, innocence, healing and promises. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring recalls the Catholic custom of reading the "banns" each Sunday three times before a marriage. This formal proclamation enabled any objections to the marriage to surface, while the engagement ring promised faithfulness, and identified the bride-to-be as pure and protected. The diamond, also called "adamas"
(indomitable) in biblical days, being the hardest of crystals, symbolized aspiration to the stability and commitment of marriage.

April first is dedicated to Venus’ half-brother Hermes (Mercury), son of Zeus and Maia, (Greco-Roman fire goddess) in the form of the trickster. All Fools Day originated in ancient days when the king’s jester could tell him the truth in humorous form without risk, as the jester was considered a voice from the gods.

This also marks the Hindu festival of Huli (the Hindu version of the Trickster), wherein people are sent on fruitless or pointless errands, or given difficult riddles to solve (this may be where the scavenger hunt originated). These ordeals taught individuals about themselves. The Trickster teaches us lessons in the form of tricks and pranks. The antidotes or solutions to his puzzles are hidden within the challenge, and can be discerned by putting yourself in the place of the challenger.

A theory about the origins of April Fool's Day is based from an old French custom dating from the sixteenth century. During 1564 AD the French declared that the first day of the year would be January 1 as it previously it fell on March 25 (also known as 'Lady Day' and the Christian day of Christ's Resurrection). People in France use to give presents to their friends in March to celebrate the New Year but as March 25 fell in the period of Holy Week (Christian Easter Festival) then these celebrations were moved to take place a week later which then took it to April 1st. When the celebration of New Year was moved to January 1st then a custom arose in France that an individual should visit friends on April 1st to fool them into believing that it was the first day of the year. From this practice the concept possibly grew and spread across Europe and around the world.

The playing of practical jokes, however, dates back to Ancient Rome and such activities were an integral part of the Hilaria celebrations held on March 25, a celebration which would again appear to be associated with the coming of Spring and the Vernal Equinox, held to honor the resurrection of Attis, Roman God of Vegetation who was linked to the seasonal cycle. In England, an ancient legend states that April Fool's Day commemorates the fruitless mission of the Rook (or European Crow) which was sent out in search of land from Noah's flood-encircled ark.

In many cultures, tradition dictates that the pranking period must expire at noon on April 1 and any jokes attempted after that hour will bring back luck to the perpetrator. In addition, any who fail to respond with a good humor to tricks played upon them are said to attract bad luck unto themselves. Such victims are, however, entitled to "turn the tables" after the hour of noon with the retort: "April Fool's gone past...and you're the biggest fool at last!" It should be noted that not all April Fool superstitions are negative. Males who are fooled by a pretty female, for example, are said to be fated to marry the girl...or at least enjoy a healthy friendship with her.

In modern day France, the first day of April is called "Poisson d'Avril" or "April Fish." An April fish is a young fish and thus, one which is easily caught. French children fool friends by taping a paper fish to the victim's back and, when the "fool" discovers this trick, yelling: "Poisson d'Avril!" Traditionally, French pranks must include a fish (or at least a vague reference to same within the joke) and it is not unusual for friends to be presented with dainty presents fashioned in the form of a small fish on All Fool's Day. The nickname of "Poisson d'Avril" is said to have been "acquired" by Napoleon I (Bonaparte) when he married Marie-Louise of Austria on April 1, 1810.

In Scotland, where the tradition is celebrated over the course of forty-eight hours, April Fool's Day is also known as "April Gowk," "Gowkie Day" or "Hunt the Gowk." "Gowk" is Scottish for "cuckoo" (an emblem of simpletons) and thus, a "gowk" is the butt of any practical joke. In England, where tricks and pranks are only permissable during the morning hours of All Fool's Day, the victim is known as a "noodle."

The Fool : many of you would like to meditate on that Tarot card, or wonder why "the way of the Fool" is such an esoteric one.

Megalesia- first festival day of Magna Mater, or Cybele, the great mother, founder of cities and guardian of civilization, whose sacred black stone brought to Roma from Phrygia fell on the fourth day of April. It was celebrated by games and theatrical performances. The celebration lasted for seven days total, but sumptuous feasts are held on the first day.

On April 8 the Hana Matsuri (Kambutsu-e), or Festival of Flowers, is annually observed in Japan’s Buddhist temples . Part of the annual ritual observance includes decorating a temple garden or hall (hanamido) with flowers, and serving a sweet tea (amacha) from dried and boiled hydrangea
leaves. The tea is sprinkled on the head of a statue of the baby Buddha who points heavenward and earthward (also symbolic of the I Ching), symbolizing the legendary birth of the Buddha. After the ceremony, festival visitors take the magical amacha home to share with family members. They also use the tea to create a spell to keep the home safe from snakes, and unwanted insects and animals.

On the 11th and for one week the Romans celebrated Cerealia- the Roman festival of Ceres, the goddess of grain, cereal crops, growing plants and the love of a mother for her child. Ceres --Demeter in Greece-- is notoriously a peaceful goddess and most often accepts offerings of spelt
cakes and salt, as well as incense In the countryside, people offer milk, honey, and wine on the Cerialia (particularly the final day), after bearing them thrice around the fields.

13th April - Vaisakhi
This is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar and celebrates the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa. The story of the Khalsa begins with Guru Teg Behadur who disagreed with many of the Hindu teachings and was publicly beheaded by the Mughal leaders. His son, Gobind became Guru and as he grew up he stressed that all Sikhs should be prepared to stand up for their beliefs. To test the Sikh community he chose the spring festival of Vaisakhi to transform the Sikhs into a family of soldier's saints (the Khalsa Panth). He held a sword and asked that anyone who was willing to give his life for his faith should step forward. A young Sikh did so and went into a tent with Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru returned from the tent alone and with blood on his sword. He repeated this four more times and finally came out of the tent followed by the five Sikhs who were alive and well. They were dressed in turbans and other symbols which have since become symbols of Sikh identity. The five were called Panj Piare, the Beloved Five. Their job was to seek justice for all people of all faiths.

The festival is marked with street processions where the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, is carried in his honour and is led by five men traditionally dressed as Panj Piares. There are also religious ceremonies involving singing and chanting.

The 14th will see the commemoration of the birth of Lord Rama. It's called "Rama Navami". Rama was an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana, the Sanskrit epic of 24,000 stanzas. A continuous recital of the book takes place for about a week prior to the celebration and on the day itself, the highlights of the story are read in the temple.The house is thoroughly cleaned on Rama Navami and is also decorated. Offerings of fruit and flowers are placed on the family shrine and after an early bath, prayers are recited. The youngest female member of the household leads the puja (prayers) by applying a red tilak (mark) to all the other members of the family before everyone joins together in worship. An image or picture of baby Rama is placed in a covered cradle and at noon, the covering is removed and Prasad (special sacred food) is offered to Rama, which may then be shared amongst the congregation. There is an element of fasting. Some people don't eat certain foods, particularly things like onions, garlic, some spices and wheat products. The festival is a focal point for moral reflection and being especially charitable to others.

On the full-moon day of Chaitra (April19th) at sunrise — "Hanuman Jayanti" is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman. Hanuman temples are among the most common public shrines found in India.
Hanuman, the mighty ape that aided Rama in his expedition against evil forces, is one of the most popular idols in the Hindu pantheon. Believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva , Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion.

Hanuman's tale in the epic "Ramayana:"— wherein he is assigned the responsibility to locate Rama's wife Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka — is known for its astounding Power of Devotion. The character of Hanuman teaches us of the unlimited power that lies unused within each one of us. Hanuman directed all his energies towards the worship of Lord Rama, and his undying devotion made him such that he became free from all physical fatigue. And Hanuman's only desire was to go on serving Rama. Hanuman perfectly exemplifies "Dasyabhava" devotion — one of the nine types of devotions — that bonds the master and the servant. His greatness lies in his complete merger with his Lord, which also formed the base of his genial qualities.

On this day, the sacred text is recited, Hanuman Chalisa - a set of prayers glorifying Hanuman, describing his past times. Depending on the devotee, the text is either recited non-stop for 24 hours or sometimes it's performed a set number of times. Special Pujas are performed and offerings are made to Lord Hanuman. Some people have different rituals, such as sacred fire ceremonies.

In some places, especially in India, colourful processions fill the streets. People dance, carry idols of Lord Hanuman and some people wear masks and tails to imitate the monkey God. Every celebration is always accompanied by a period of fasting and then a big vegetarian feast.

Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) is the eight-day celebration of the ancient Jews’ liberation from Egyptian bondage . It starts on the 19th of April . In the Hebrew religion it commemorates the night the Angel of Death "passed over" the houses of the Israelites, protecting their firstborn from the massacre of new born by Pharaoh. This is one of their most important and elaborate religious festivals. Special dishes are served, such as bitter herbs , symbolizing the hardships of the Israelites during their bondage in Egypt. At the ceremonial during the evening meal (called the Seder), the narrative of the Exodus is recited; and praise is given for the deliverance. Only unleavened bread (matzoth) may be eaten throughout the festival period, reminiscent of their hasty exodus from Egypt when they had no time to leaven their bread. The Temple at Jerusalem was the goal of an annual pilgrimage of Jews at Passover.

Easter eggs (aka Pasch eggs) are the springtime symbol of creation. Early Persians, Jews, Egyptians, and Hindus honored the practice of presenting eggs to friends. Early Christians adopted this custom, using it to represent
resurrection. They colored eggs in red to symbolize the blood of redemption. The Greek Orthodox keep alive the tradition of painting the Easter eggs red.

Earth Day, April 22 is a celebration of the home that we all share, and the Earth goddess, Gaia. The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 to support recycling, tree planting, and community commitment to the future. It continues to encourage respect for life on earth, and encourages methods to ensure quality of the soil, air, and water. Earth Day is now observed in 140 nations.

"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes."
[--Sir Winston Churchill--]

"A fool may be known by six things: anger without cause; speech without profit; change without progress; inquiry without object; putting trust in a stranger; and mistaking foes for friends."
[--Arabian Proverb--]

"Fools build houses, and wise men buy them."
[--English Proverb--]

"What a fool does in the end, the wise do in the beginning."
[--Spanish Proverb--]

"Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise."
[--Cato the Elder--]

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something."
[--Plato--]

"Only a fool knows everything. A wise man knows how little he knows."
[--Anonymous--]

"Lord, what fools these mortals be."
[--William Shakespeare--]

Have a great month of April. Stay safe.

[tattwa]

May

May was named for Maia Majestas, the grandmother goddess of spring, mother of the Roman god, Mercury (Gr. Hermes), and chief goddess of the Seven Sisters (Pleiades). Other goddesses are honored in May: Maya, mother sourceof the Buddha; the Greek goddess Rhea, mother of Zeus and other Olympians; and Cybele, oracular priestessandAnatolian Mountain Mother. May is traditionally the month of fertility and procreation in all nature religions.

May first marks the hand fasting, between the Mother Goddess and God, the mystical union between the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine, which results in the offspring, Consciousness, and the fruitfulness of the growing season.The Angles and Saxons seemed to have called this month of May "Tri-milchi", meaning that, owing to the fresh grass of spring, they were able to milk their cows three times a day. This day is also celebrated as Labor day in many countries. In France it's the tradition to offer some muguet to the people you love.

Beltane, the Celtic start of the summer season, begins at sunset on April 30th. The patron of Beltane is Diana,goddess of the hunt, of wealth, wisdom and tender affection. Beltane means "bright fire," and is the fire festival that begins the yearly spiritual cycle. Nine, the sacred number of endings was the basis of this festival in 19th century Scotland. Nine teams of nine married men gathered logs from the nine sacred trees of the Celts. At sunset all fires were extinguished, and at sunrise a new fire was kindled without the use of metal. All the people danced around the bonfire in a sunwise direction, and jumped over the flames and through the smoke, which purified and transformed their spirits. After the flames had died down, farm animals were driven over a path cleared through the smoking coals, to ensure their fertility. The people then danced around a Maypole that pierced the Earth as a phallic symbol of co-joining and fertilization. Dew was collected, and the people drank of it and washed their faces with it. The people then took coals home to re-kindle their hearth fires. They had all partaken of all four elements, and the alchemical process was complete. The community was
again whole and blessed by their divinities.

The gemstone of May is the green emerald, said to improve psychic powers, sharpen intellect, intuition and memory. It is also reported to improve learning ability and communication, and to heal the nervous system. The
emerald is associated with the planet Mercury and the sense of smell. May’s color is green, for abundance,growth,fertility and prosperity. The plant sacred to May is the Hawthorne, also known as the May Tree or Whitethorn, which blooms in May.

Astrological Signs:Taurus, Gemini.

Nature Spirits:Faeries, elves.

Herbs: Dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mugwort,

Colors: Green, brown, pink.

Flowers: Lily, foxglove, rose, broom.

Scents: Rose, sandalwood.

Trees: Hawthorne

Animals: Cats, lynx, leopard.

Birds: Goose, dove, swan.

Deities: Bast, Flora, Maia, theHorned God, and all Gods and Goddesses who preside over fertility.

May 1, 1881 was the birthday of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Holographic thinker and presenter of the concept of the unity of natural and humanconsciousness.

On May 5 in some parts of China, the Feast of the Dragon is held annually .As part of the celebration in ancient days, dolls were made from mugwort leaves which were considered sacred. The dolls were hung above gates and doors to repel negative influences and entities.

May 8 the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day, originally a festival to honor the ancient Grecian Rhea, mother of the gods, and Cybele, Roman mother goddess. In 17th century England, the fourth Sunday in Lent was known as Mothering Sunday. In the US, a day to honor mothers was first issued by the governor of West Virginia in 1910, a result of a letter-writing campaign started by Anna M. Jarvis. A congressional joint resolution was passed on May 8, 1914 making it a national holiday. An International Mother’s Day Association was incorporated on December 12, 1912. A red carnation means that mother is still living; a white carnation stands for a mother who has passed on.

May 14 This day is the Festival of Isis in Eqypt and was widely celebrated in the Roman world. In Greece this day was the Festival of Apollo, or Apollo's Birthday.
Apollo was called by the same name in Rome where they dedicated a temple to him. Apollo was the son of Jove (Jupiter) and Latona, the brother of Diana, and was the god of archery, music, poetry, and healing. He was also called
Phoebus Apollo. On his birth at Delos, Apollo was acclaimed by all the gods and the island was covered with golden flowers and encircled with swans. As soon as he tasted the ambrosia of his nurse Themis, he suddenly grew to full
youth and demanded a lyre and a bow. He announced that his fathers will would be presented to the world through his oracular lyric poetry. Apollo then began to play and to "step high and featly" as became his style of dance. Apollo's temple was at Crisa below Mount Parnassus in Phocis.

May 15 is sacred to the goddess Maia and to Vesta, goddess of the hearth. (The Ides of the months, March, May, July and October fall on the 15th – Ides of all other months fall on the 13th)On this day, Vestal Virgins, Vesta’s temple priestesses performed a ritual that addressed the regulation
of the coming summer’s water supply, the basis of support for all life. In ancient days, the temple handmaidens and oracle-priestesses managed resources, such as calculating festival calendars, as well as acting as intermediary between divinities and the populace.

The May 20 Full Moon is the called the Buddhic Moon. This marks the celebration of Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and the yearly return of the Buddha to bless our world. All people are invited to join the gathering of souls to affirm the Divine plan for our planet and all humanity.
Many groups conduct ritual celebrations at the time of the full Moon to awaken higher consciousness toward blending all Earth beings into a united whole. They ask for wisdom, love, knowledge and the spiritual vitalization of humanity during the coming year.

In Thailand, the Wesak festival is called Vaisakha.
People listen to monks giving talks about the life of Buddha. The shrines in the temples are beautifully decorated. A special part of the festival is at night, when the statue of Buddha is taken outside. People walk around it three times, carrying candles. They pour scented water over the statue.

On May 24 the celebration of the Three Mothers waobserved annually on or around this date each year in Celtic countries, which honored the Triple Goddess, who brought prosperity and a good harvest. The Three Mothers or
Triple Goddess are known world round in many cultures, and represent the three stages of life. This triad also symbolizes the three phases of the Moon: Crescent, Full and Dark. The Goddesses are most often known by the
titles of Maid, Mother and Crone.This is also the feast day of Hermes Trismegistus, patron of alchemy.

Have a great month of May.