Beliefs & Observations

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Lunar New Year! 🌑🎉Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, and joyful 2025 🤗

2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake. The Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Dragon and before the Horse. Recent years of the Snake include 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025 with the next Snake year in 2049 being year of the Earth Snake). 

In Chinese traditions the snake once presented a venerated image, and it is one of the earliest totems of Chinese nations. Chinese mother goddess Nüwa who said to have created humanity has the body of a snake and the head of a human. The Chinese dragon also has a snake body. Today, in some places in China, people still believe that a snake found in their courtyard can bring good luck.

Personality Traits of Snake Signs

Snakes are sensitive, effective, and adaptable, positive personality traits often complemented by a considerable intelligence. They are usually amiable and even-tempered, showing a cool and calm exterior punctuated by occasional bouts of perfectly timed energy and passion.

They move elegantly through the social sphere, armed with their wide range of interests and hobbies, which add to their intrigue and mystery. They’re often artistic, which makes them taste-makers others look to for guidance.

In emergencies, Snakes show their true value by remaining calm and collected, not losing an ounce of their ability to analyze the situation and come up with the best solution while remaining a dependable presence.

In daily life, Snake people are easy-going and fascinating for their mystery while also needing alone time to smooth their sensitivities. If they can learn to be vulnerable, Snake will find a new world opening to them.

Snake Strengths

Snakes are self-respecting and steadfast; therefore, external voices won’t shake their resolve. They’re goal-oriented, and while they don’t often appear outwardly passionate, they’re blessed with a keen intuition and ample inspiration, making them very creative.

Indeed, Snake may well choose a career in art because they make connections between subjects. They also possess excellent taste, glide among the elite with elegance, and can remain calm in the most stressful situations.

Snake Weaknesses

Snakes are emotionally detached, which can, at times, manifest as coldness or selfishness. Others distrust them, as they seem to be calculating and only concerned with their own welfare, and Snakes distrust others in return.

With their romantic partners, Snakes may struggle to be vulnerable and will try to protect themselves with their usual detachment—which spells romantic failure and will, unfortunately, reinforce Snakes’ distrust for others in the future.

Lucky (and Unlucky) Things for Snakes

For Snakes, the numbers of 1 and 8, red and black, the directions of west and south bring good luck; pink and purple, 0 and 5, and east are unlucky, which should be avoided if possible.

In Chinese culture, your Ben Ming Nian, or zodiac birth year, is considered bad luck, so make sure to wear red clothing or jewelry during your year (Year of the Snake) to keep away any misfortune.

Lucky Things

Lucky numbers: 1, 8

Lucky colors: Red, Black

Lucky directions: West, South

Lucky flowers: Camelia, Orchid

Unlucky Things

Unlucky numbers: 0, 5

Unlucky colors: Pink, Purple

Unlucky directions: East

Love and Compatibility for Snakes

Snakes are passionate and delicate in love, which may surprise their romantic interests. Over time, they’ll also grow into loyal marriage partners, even if their charm means Snakes will usually face many temptations throughout life.

In return, Snakes demand the same loyalty from their partner and become suspicious. It’s best for Snake to express their emotions and doubts with honesty, which the right partner will respond to with loving affirmation.

Source: https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/snake/

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.

The Cardinal ingress of Aries early Thursday morning @ 5:01 AM, EDT, heralds the official arrival of Ostara ( Vernal or Spring Equinox ) in the Northern Hemisphere ( Fall Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere ). 

During the transition to the Spring Equinox on the Wheel, we move into a delicate equilibrium of light and darkness representing a fertile space where endings merge with beginnings. Ostara stands as the eternal promise of renewal that reflects cosmic evolution through earthly cycles, bodily rhythms and the profound enigma of the womb as the source of creation.  

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. 

This year's ingress happens in the 3rd House of Gemini, and the Sun is conjunct Venus and Mercury, both in their retrograde motion. The Sun also conjuncts Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. There's more regarding these aspects in my daily 'Aspecting the Cosmos' report: 

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. 

According to Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman, Mary was born in the first century in Magdala, Israel. She was the first to witness the resurrection, and for this reason is revered in Christianity as the Apostle to the Apostles. 

Author and Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault relates that the Gospels of Thomas, Philip, and Mary Magdalene all reveal Mary not only as Jesus’s beloved companion, koinonos, but also as an equal partner in teaching and transmission. (p.42, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene.) 

Bourgeault believes that Mary Magdalene’s gospel contains a secret teaching that Christ gave to Mary so that she could pass though the seven stages to reach the soul, or the nous, which is the highest point of the soul. And it is this union with her soul that allows Mary to see the risen Christ. 

Thus, she and her red egg have become a symbol for Ostara on the bridge between the physical and the spiritual realm.

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: 

1. What are three steps I can take toward my intention?

2. Evaluate the last season of your life: what went well and what didn't? 

3. 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

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. 

#Art: Gemma Koomen 

Blessed Beltane ( Northern Hemisphere ) and Samhain ( Southern )! May the warmth of the fire be always warm within the hearths of our hearts! 🔥❤️

My mother's people were traced back to the Isle of Skye, a Scottish island to the west of the mainland, and my father's ancestors were from Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland. 

I remember visiting when we lived in England and all of the new and strange emotions that accompanied that visit. I was only around 10-11 years-old, but I didn't realize then, at such an early age, that that the land of my ancestor's was resonating within me. 

The Sky looked different, the ocean moved differently, and the air carried memories that sparked my senses.  My dream was to always return to Skye one day for a Beltane festival to welcome summer and honor Mother Earth properly. A dream I haven't given up on. 

For those of you unfamiliar with Beltane, it's an ancient pagan ( pre-Christian ) festival that welcomes summer with the ritual of fire, maypole dances, and flowers.  It's typically observed on May 1st; however, in many places it's celebrated on the Sunday prior to May 1st if it falls on a weekday. 

More information for those interested: 

Beltane is first mentioned in a glossary attributed to Cormac, bishop of Cashel and king of Munster, who was killed in 908. Cormac describes how cattle were driven between two bonfires on Beltane as a magical means of protecting them from disease before they were led into summer pastures—a custom still observed in Ireland in the 19th century. 

Other festivities included Maypole dances and cutting of green boughs and flowers.

In early Irish lore a number of significant events took place on Beltane, which long remained the focus of folk traditions and tales in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. As did other pre-Christian Celtic peoples, the Irish divided the year into two main seasons. 

Winter and the beginning of the year fell on November 1 (Irish: Samain) and midyear and summer on May 1 (Irish: Beltaine). 

These two junctures were thought to be critical periods when the bounds between the human and supernatural worlds were temporarily erased; on May Eve witches and fairies roamed freely, and measures had to be taken against their enchantments.

Additional information:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane

The night before Midsummer Day is called Midsummer Eve (June 23), on or near the shortest night of the year! 

Although the Summer Solstice occurs on varying dates each year, usually between the 20 and 22 June, the official date of Midsummer is designated as 24 June in the United Kingdom. 

As with many days of cultural significance such as Christmas, tradition held that celebrations began at sunset of the night before, making Midsummer Eve the beginning of the Midsummer festivities in ancient and medieval Britain. 

It was a night of superstition where it was believed the boundaries between life and death with thin, and souls would wander from their bodies and those who were due to die that year would knock upon the church door.

Midsummer Eve was also known as Saint John’s Eve, and in the Middle Ages it was a night of revelry. The local parishioners would attend church in the evening and pray, then would begin drinking and feasting, after which there would be singing and music. 

The church felt this was inappropriate and so from the 14th Century it was common practice for fasting to begin on Midsummer Eve, thereby preventing any boisterous celebrating. Young women would collect coal or blackened roots and place them beneath their pillows for the night, hoping to dream of their lovers.

On the day of Midsummer Eve great pyres would be built, and then lit as the sun set. These fires would be seen for miles, and so across the horizon it was common to see fires all around. 

The fires were tended and kept burning until sunrise to light the way home for the souls of the living which were wandering that night, and also ward off evil spirits and appease the fairy folk and other supernatural entities. 

In some areas, three fires were lit together: the bonnefyre which was made of bones, the wakefyre which was wood, and Saint John’s Fire which was a pyre of both wood and bones. 

It was believed that eating untouched fern could make a man invisible, so young men would go out at midnight with a plate and try to harvest fern leaves without touching them. 

Various other herbs and plants such as Saint John’s wort, rose, and vervain were collected, as they supposedly held magical properties. 

These would be used on the morning of Midsummer Day to create a small effigy to bring fortune and love, called the Midsummer Man.

Midsummer Eve is noted with bonfires in parts of the country still, with localized celebrations such as Golowan in Cornwall and the fires in Peebles, though it is less notable in the contemporary calendar than Midsummer Day. 

Art Edward Robert Hughs  

Source:  Midsummer Eve | Folklore | Seb Reilly 

Blessed Midsummer Solstice tomorrow, June 20, in the Northern Hemisphere/ Midwinter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. 

This marks the longest day of the year above the equator and will occur @ 4:52 PM, EDT.

In ancient times, civilizations anticipated and celebrated astrological phases, understanding their alignment with the rhythms of the Earth. 

Construction of sites such as Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, the Sphinx, and the Giza pyramids were erected to represent astrological turning points with such precision. 

Coinciding with the Summer Solstice is the Sun's ingress into the zodiac sign of Cancer, also @ 4:52 PM: Astrology Signs

There appears to be a "moment of stillness" of the Sun a few days before and after Solstice, which invites us inward to become still and fully present with not only the moment, but where and who we are, and most importantly, who we have become.  This moment in time asks us to pause and take inventory of ourselves and to chart where we want to go next. 

When we become fully present in the moment, particularly when Solstice becomes exact, we meet our authentic selves and are prepared to move into the next chapter of our lives fully grounded in that knowledge. 

In ancient Greece, the summer solstice marked the start of the New Year and the official countdown to the Olympic Games. It also observed Kronia, a festival honoring Cronus, the god of agriculture. This is a time when slaves were treated as equals, and some were even served by their masters. 

Now was also very important to honor Vesta, the goddess of the home and hearth, who entered Leo @ 6:08 PM EDT yesterday evening, in a religious celebration called Vestalia. 

While the temple fire was only tended by vestal virgins, during this festival married women were permitted into the temple to leave offerings for Vesta in hopes she would bless their home and family. 

Ancient China's celebration surrounded the yin, or feminine energy force with celebrations of the Earth and femininity. 

How do you plan to honor the Sacred Pause of Solstice today? 

For all my sky gazers and starwatchers: this year's solstice will feature the Waxing Gibbous Moon preceding the Full Moon in Capricorn the following day. 

#art Tammy Cantrell

Traditionally, August 01st heralds Lammas/Lughnasad in the northern hemisphere. While the hottest days of summer are yet to arrive, and extreme temperatures are wilting our plants, there is still magic and wonder all around us. 

To Christians it's known as Loaf Mass Day, the name originates from the word "loaf" in reference to bread and "Mass" in reference to the Eucharist. It is a festival in the liturgical calendar to mark the blessing of the First Fruits of harvest, with a loaf of bread being brought to the church for this purpose.

Lammastide falls at the halfway point between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. Christians also have church processions to bakeries, where those working therein are blessed by Christian clergy.

To Pagans Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh or Lughnassadh, was a holiday signifying seasonal change. Lammas falls on August 1st, marking the midpoint between the Summer Solstice (Litha) and the Autumn Equinox (Mabon). 

The festival honors the first grain harvest, a crucial crop for many civilizations. If the grain harvest is delayed or bread is not baked promptly, it was believed that it could lead to scarcity and starvation.

During this first harvest grains, fruits, and vegetables are reaped. The beauty and magic of Lammas is that honey, herbs, the trees, the sky, the dirt, the seeds we gather, the air we breathe, and each of our actions no matter how small they may seem are a part of an ancient cycle that we are carrying forth into the future. 

In certain traditions, the day is dedicated to the Celtic god Lugh; thus, Lughnasadh (pronounced Loo-NAS-ah), the deity of craftsmanship, excelling in blacksmithing, wheel making, and combat. 

The reason for honoring Lugh on this day varies; some narratives suggest it commemorates Lugh's wedding feast, while others believe it marks the harvest fair he organized in tribute to his foster mother, Tailtiu.

The term, "You reap what you sow" is applicable here. 

Modern day observers bake breads and cakes to celebrate the historical grain harvest while others commemorate the event with a ritual such as decorating an altar with symbols of the season: scythes, corn, grapes, apples, and/or any other crops that might be harvested at this time. 

Other observations involve casting a circle, and saying some words that symbolize gratitude to the earth for the harvest. After the ritual, everyone breaks bread together in a feast to celebrate Lugh. 

This is a perfect time to finish off projects began in the summer, particularly outdoor projects, for example clearing the weeds in your garden.

Celebrate the blessings and bounty of Gaia with family and friends. However you choose to celebrate the bountiful blessing, may it be blessed!

#art The Harvest, Vincent Willem van Gogh

Known as the "pagan Thanksgiving", Mabon marks the Autumn Equinox, which I described in yesterday's post as daylight and darkness being equal. This symbolizes a time of balance, equality and harmony ( perfect for Libra season, no?! ).  

In ancient times Mabon was a celebration of the second harvest ( Lughnasadh was the first - celebrated August 1 ). Mabon was a time when farmers gathered hearty foods like grapes, apples, and pumpkins.  

Today's celebrations extend gratitude for the abundance of Gaia - both literally and spiritually.  It’s also a perfect time amid the falling leaves to reflect on the Wheel of the Year, recognizing what serves you and letting go of the things and people that did not during the past twelve months. 

The Wheel coming to an end herald the perfect time to set intentions reflective of the waning light involving decrease and reduction, i.e. - releasing that which no longer serves you: toxic relationships, unhealthy habits or self-destructive behavior and/or beliefs. 

Some Mabon symbols you can use to decorate your home also serve the Autumn Equinox:

• Cornucopia (horn of plenty), pinecones, seeds
• Colors: Orange, red, yellow, brown, copper, dark yellow, dark green
• Foods: Corn, beans, squash, apples, pumpkins, cider, root vegetables, pomegranate, wine   
• Herbs: Yarrow, rosemary, sage, mug wort, rosehips,   
• Stones: Amber, citrine, cat’s eye, aventurine, sapphire, jasper
• Flowers: Sunflowers, thistle, marigolds
• Deities: Mabon, Green Man, Demeter, Persephone, Morgan, Pomona, Inanna
• Animals: Owl, stag, blackbird, salmon

The easiest (and most fun ) ways to celebrate Mabon and the Autumn Equinox is to decorate your home to reflect the colors and bounty of Autumn.  Fresh and dried flowers work perfectly for altars and areas about your home. Gourds are also fun to decorate ( children especially like this activity ). 

I’m lucky to have my own flower gardens and trees to collect acorns ( as you've seen ) and pinecones from. Unfortunately for city-dwellers, gathering such items may require visits to florists, nurseries or local farmer's markets.  

It can sometimes be difficult to plan a family feast if Mabon/Equinox falls in the middle of the week, as is the case this year; however, it's not about the size but the intention behind the offering. 

I'll celebrate amid floral and harvest decor,  expressing what I am grateful for, as well as what I hope to accomplish in the coming year. 

Celebrating solo can be a blessing. It will allow you to be more relaxed and provide the freedom to celebrate however you choose. Be that outdoors in your favorite place or a picnic on your living room floor surrounded by candles, flowers, and autumn decor. 

If the trees can gracefully release their leaves and the flowers can gracefully release their petals to the earth - then we too can release what no longer serves us in order to be better servants to the earth and her inhabitants.

Expansion benefits all beings! 

 Happy Autumnal Equinox! 

The Autumnal Equinox, first day of Autumn, arrives Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 8:44 AM EDT, coinciding with the Sun entering the Cardinal sign of Libra, who officially heralds the season of Autumn. 

While not a directly observable phenomenon, the second equinox of the year is characterized by equal amounts of day and night world.

SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY

During this time, the Sun shines directly over the equator, dousing both hemispheres with equal amounts of sunshine. The first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox – called the “Autumnal ( or fall ) Equinox” in the northern hemisphere and the “Vernal Equinox” in the southern hemisphere – signals the point where earth experiences roughly equal lengths of day and night. 

HISTORY

The Moon that occurs closest to this equinox is called "Harvest Moon", which burgeoned Tuesday and rose around sunset for several nights in a row this week. Traditionally, the Moon rises an hour later each night; however, around the time of the equinox, the angle of the Moon's orbit and tilt of the earth align, causing the Moon to arise earlier to provide extra light for farmers to harvest their crops. 

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the fall equinox has been a day of celebration for cultures since ancient days. People tracked the transitions of the Earth’s journeys around the Sun.

At Machu Picchu in Peru, an ancient stone monument called Intihuatana—which means “Hitching Post of the Sun”—serves as a solar clock to mark the dates of the equinoxes and solstices.  

In Mexico, the Mayans built a giant pyramid called Chichen Itza. On the equinoxes, it looks as if a snake made of light slithers down the pyramid’s steps. In England, Stonehenge was also built with the equinoxes and solstices in mind.

Here's a wonderful article about 6 Ancient Sites Aligned with the Solstice and Equinox: 

https://www.almanac.com/content/ancient-sites-aligned-solstice-and-equinox

RITUAL

My Ascendant ( rising sign ) is Libra, and I view this equinox as a precursor to the astrological sign of harmony and balance. This liminal gateway invites us to examine these aspects within ourselves as we prepare to submerge into our own shadows in hopes of healing old wounds. 

"The shadow," is a term coined by Swiss Psychoanalyst Carl Jung as the wounded or rejected part of ourselves. This is where Chiron, the wounded healer comes into play, and why I post so much about it. 

The shadow is a cellar for repressed memories and/or the emotions associated with those memories. It can also include behaviors that didn't highlight our finest moments. 

It's the side of us or the face we'd rather not show the world, especially when attempting to make a good impression. 

This is nothing to be intimidated by. On the contrary, it's actually a blessing that enables us the downtime we need, i.e. - shorter days, to integrate this shadow until, like nature, we are a balance that can emerge into the light fully healed. 

I know many of you have your own personal rituals to observe on this equinox; however, I thought I'd share mine. 

First, I will begin the night before versus sunrise, as this will honor and welcome my Shadow fully into my life for the healing season. 

It begins with a warm, cleansing bath and autumn-colored candles/crystals. I'll also wear a special adornment for this ritual by wearing an autumn-colored kaftan. 

Once cleaned and dressed, I prepare my altar for my ritual. This ritual is a commitment to honor my shadow throughout this season. 

When my altar is set and my supplies are gathered, I call forth my spirit team.

Once I've formed a safe and secure barrier of protection and safety around me, I initiate meditation by envisioning myself welcoming and connecting to my shadow. When emotions begin to rise, I envision what I want to release by writing it down before folding the paper into a small square.

I then speak my truth aloud, saying "I release ____(name the shadow issue) and bring balance into my life. And so it is." 

This process may not be immediate for you. 

You may have to sit with it, repeating your intention until you truly believe it yourself before you feel the shift. But trust me, you will feel the shift if you commit yourself to this. 

I light the folded paper in the candle flame and place it in my burning bowl, extending gratitude to the Universe as I watch it burn. 

Once its embers have grown cold, I gather the ashes in a jar and mix with salt as a reminder of the balance of dark and light.

So above, as below. So within, so without. 

I seal the jar's lid with candle wax. This will serve as a constant reminder of the commitment I have made to my shadow to honor its presence by balancing it with light. 

Blessed and beautiful equinox ritual to you each. May you discover peace, balance, and comfort in the dark. 

#art Shelley Garcia 

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

Happy Friday 13th: Goddess Day

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; however, when the 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, and 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 also considered very fortunate in Tibetan culture and is said to be a divine number and often used in children’s stories.

The day is a reminder for hopeless individuals to carry on as 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. Many 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.

Friday the 13th is an occasion for humans to harness the positive energy of the moon.

Moon-gazing 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 divine feminine and 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 our life drama-free.

• Getting rid of anyone or anything that disrupts your peace can be the smart thing to do.

• 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.

• 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.../

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

Long ago, in the depths of winter, when the days were shortest and the nights stretched endlessly, the people of the land would gather to honour the changing of the seasons. 

It was a time when the frost covered the earth in a sparkling blanket, and the wind howled through the trees, whispering of the old ways. In those days, there lived two mighty kings who ruled over the cycle of the year – the Yule King and the Oak King.

The Yule King, an ancient figure with a crown of holly and ivy, reigned over the darkest days of winter. His face was lined with the years, his beard long and white as the snow, and his cloak seemed woven from the very chill of the north winds. His kingdom was one of frost and stillness, a time when the land rested in slumber beneath the cold earth. 

The Yule King’s power was immense, for he governed the silence and stillness of winter, making the nights longer and the days shorter. He was a king of endurance, a guardian of the deep sleep that winter brings.

But though the Yule King was wise and revered, his reign could not last forever. For deep within the heart of the forest, a rival king, the Oak King, waited for his time to come. The Oak King was young and full of light, with a crown made of oak leaves and a heart as warm as the sun. 

His power grew as the days lengthened, for he was the king of spring and summer, the bringer of warmth and life. Every year, as the solstice approached, the Oak King prepared to challenge the Yule King for dominion over the land.

On the night of the winter solstice, when the darkness reached its peak, the two kings would meet in a great battle. The Yule King, with his cold and quiet strength, would face the Oak King, whose warmth and light had begun to stir beneath the earth. 

The battle was one of great force, each king wielding his power against the other. The Yule King brought the stillness of winter, and the Oak King brought the promise of the sun’s return.

As the night wore on, the Oak King, with his light growing ever stronger, would rise victorious. The Yule King’s power would wane, and the first signs of the sun’s return would be felt, ever so faintly, on the horizon. 

With his defeat, the Yule King would bow and retreat, retreating into the deep shadows of winter. His time had passed, and it was the Oak King’s turn to rule.

But the Yule King’s reign was not one of pure darkness, for it brought with it a quiet magic. His rule reminded the people of the importance of rest, of patience, and of the quiet strength found in times of hardship. 

Though his time was brief, his legacy lived on, for it was through winter’s stillness that the first stirrings of spring could grow.

And so, year after year, the battle between the Yule King and the Oak King continued, a dance as old as the land itself. When the Oak King reigned, life would return to the earth, and the world would be filled with light and warmth. 

But when the Yule King ruled, the people would remember the quiet power of winter, waiting in anticipation for the return of the sun, knowing that in time, the cycle would begin anew.

- author unknown

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.

October 27: Honoring the Spirits of Our Beloved Pets 

In some regions of Mexico , October 27 is a day set aside to honor the spirits of pets that have passed on. This touching tradition has become part of the Día de los Muertos celebrations, where families welcome back the spirits of their beloved animals who once brought so much joy into their homes.

Though a more modern adaptation, this practice involves creating small ofrendas (altars) dedicated to pets. Families place photos, water, their favorite toys, and food on the altar to guide their spirits back for a visit. 

It’s a beautiful extension of the Día de los Muertos customs, which traditionally honor human loved ones on November 1 and 2. Now, pets have their special day too!

How to Honor Your Pet on October 27:

Create a simple altar: Set up a small ofrenda in your home. Place a photo of your pet, their favorite toy, and a bowl of water to welcome their spirit back. Marigolds (cempasúchil), often used in Día de los Muertos celebrations, are believed to guide spirits home with their vibrant color and scent, so incorporating them can symbolize your pet’s safe return.

Light a candle: Use a candle to represent the light that will guide your pet’s spirit home. Sit in silence to reflect on your memories with them, and you may wish to say this small prayer:

“(Pet’s name), as we light this candle, we invite your spirit to join us once more. You brought light, love, and laughter into our lives, and though your body has gone, your presence remains in our hearts. May this flame guide you home, and may the warmth of our love surround you always. We offer these gifts as symbols of the joy you gave us and the bond we will never lose. Rest peacefully, dear one, until we meet again in the place where all souls reunite.”

Leave their favorite treat: Just as food is left for human spirits during Día de los Muertos, leave your pet’s favorite treat or snack on the altar, placing it near the water and toy.

(Optional) Take a walk: If your pet enjoyed walks, consider taking a short walk in their memory. This simple act can help you feel connected to your pet’s spirit as you remember the times you shared together.

The Día de los Muertos season includes several days dedicated to different souls, and October 27 is a special day to honor our pets. Whether you’ve lost a dog, cat, or another cherished companion, this is a wonderful time to reflect on the joy they brought into your life and keep their memory alive.

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 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

 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.