Beliefs & observations

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. 

The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-be

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. 

The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

EARLY ADOPTERS 

Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. 

During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

THE FIRST LABOR DAY

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.

MCGUIRE V. MAGUIRE: WHO FOUNDED LABOR DAY? 

Decide for yourself and learn more about the National Holiday and members of the Labor Hall of Honor. 

Source link: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

 On this day in 1839, US President Andrew Jackson's policy to removing Native Americans from their ancestral lands to make way for settlers and speculators led to the infamous Trail of Tears.

The Cherokees of Georgia initially tried legal means to resist the policy and actually won their case in the US Supreme Court. However, President Jac

 On this day in 1839, US President Andrew Jackson's policy to removing Native Americans from their ancestral lands to make way for settlers and speculators led to the infamous Trail of Tears.

The Cherokees of Georgia initially tried legal means to resist the policy and actually won their case in the US Supreme Court. However, President Jackson refused to acknowledge the judgement and 20,000 were eventually marched west at gunpoint. 

A quarter of their number would perish on the journey.

Ref: https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears

Painting: Trail of Tears by Donald Vann Christmas. 

History of the Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later de

History of the Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. 

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2023 is on Tuesday, July 4.

Read more: 

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

     Guru Rinpoche anniversary in 2023 ( Buddhist )  

The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a public holiday in some countries, observed on the tenth day of the sixth lunar month, which falls on June 28th this year. This day is a celebration of his birth in a lotus.

He goes by many names. The two common ones are Guru Rinpoche (Precious 

     Guru Rinpoche anniversary in 2023 ( Buddhist )  

The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a public holiday in some countries, observed on the tenth day of the sixth lunar month, which falls on June 28th this year. This day is a celebration of his birth in a lotus.

He goes by many names. The two common ones are Guru Rinpoche (Precious Guru) and Padmasambhava (born of a lotus).

While others achieved enlightenment slowly over time as they practised the teachings of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche was special. He was incarnated as a fully enlightened being. 

The Buddha predicted the coming of Guru Rinpoche "Eight years after my mahaparinirvana, a remarkable being with the name Padmasambhava will appear in the centre of a lotus and reveal the highest teaching concerning the ultimate state of the true nature, bringing great benefit to all sentient beings.” — Buddha Shakyamuni, Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra 

The foretelling of Guru Rinpoche can be found in 19 different sutras and tantras. 

At one point, the Buddha claimed that Guru Rinpoche would be even more enlightened than himself. Of course, the Buddha had already achieved the highest point of enlightenment, so this claim was merely a figure of speech. Yet, we can tell the reverence the Buddha attached to Guru Rinpoche.

Nonetheless, what could be unanimously agreed on was that Guru Rinpoche would appear in this world to help all sentient beings.

Guru Rinpoche was born of a lotus

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche was born as an eight-year-old from a blossoming lotus in the Kingdom of Oddiyana. He was born fully enlightened, unlike the Buddha who only achieved enlightenment later in his life.

The moment he was born, he declared that he had been incarnated to complete the work of the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. Followers of Vajrayana Buddhism revere him as Avalokiteshvara (the embodiment of all the buddhas), and Amitabha (he who is infinite).

Legends About Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche taught the Princess Mandarava tantric mantras. Mandarava was the princess of the Kingdom of Zahor, which is near present-day Rewalsar in India. Mandarava’s father, the king of Zahor, did not like it. Next, he ordered for the two to be burnt alive.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the bonfire turned into a lake. When the smoke cleared, Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava emerged from a lotus, untouched by the fire.

Impressed, the king gave the two his blessings. Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava soon left for Tibet where the latter achieved enlightenment upon the completion of her studies. Princess Mandarava became the first of Guru Rinpoche’s five consorts.

The lake in Rewalsar remains a sacred place as it is believed that the incident took place there. Devotees have erected a shrine near the lake that is dedicated to the princess. In 2012, the devotees also built a 150-feet-tall statue of Guru Rinpoche at a small Buddhist settlement in Rewalsar.

The significance of Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche was instrumental in the establishment of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. 

There are three schools of Buddhism: Hinayana/Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. 

While the Hinayana and Mahayana branches remained popular in India, Vajrayana slowly disappeared in the country between the 8th and 13th century. Vajrayana is the more ritualistic path of Buddhism.

Fortunately, Guru Rinpoche had taken the Vajrayana tradition to Tibet during his lifetime. Hence, the tradition not just survived, but even flourished. Thus, Guru Rinpoche is known as “the second Buddha”. 

Throughout his years, Guru Rinpoche preserved his teachings and wisdom in the form of terma (hidden treasures) all over the Himalayas. Terma came in different forms: physical artefacts for one, but also data in the clouds, water, and surrounding environment. The treasures were to be discovered by tertons (treasure revealers) at a later time.

Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan

Guru Rinpoche first set foot in Bhutan in 810 A.D.

At that time, there was fighting between the Indian King Sindhu and a rival king named Naochhe. As fighting continued, King Naochhe killed King Sindhu’s son and 16 attendants. This enraged King Sindhu.

Next, King Sindhu defiled the abode of the deity Shelging Kharpo. The deity, in response to the defilement, turned the sky black and stole the king’s lifeforce.

The king was on the brink of death when he invited Guru Rinpoche to Bhutan to save him. Guru Rinpoche arrived in Bhutan, subdued the deity, and saved the king.

Later, Guru Rinpoche oversaw the construction of monasteries in the Paro valley and set up headquarters in Bumthang. Thus, he was responsible for the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan, becoming the patron saint of the country.

Guru Rinpoche’s greatest legacy

Arguably, Guru Rinpoche’s greatest legacy was establishing the Nyingma sect (also known as the Red Hat sect), one of the oldest of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. 

According to the Testament of Ba, which is the earliest record of Buddhism in Tibet, Guru Rinpoche was requested to translate Buddhist texts into Tibetan and promote Buddhism in the area. 

With a team of 25 disciples, 108 translators, and Santaraksita (the abbot of Nalanda), Guru Rinpoche translated a number of Buddhist texts to Tibetan. The project took many years. His efforts earned him the title of “Buddha of the Vajrayana”. 

He refuted the negative impression people had of the tantra. He promoted rituals as a means to achieve moksha, which means liberation from the cycle of death. Hence, he is known for promoting tantra in Bhutan.

What are Guru Rinpoche’s eight manifestations?

At different points of his life, Guru Rinpoche had assumed different principal forms. His eight manifestations are:

1. Guru Padmasambhava, ‘Lotus-born’
2. Guru Tsokye Dorje, ‘Lake-born Vajra’
3. Guru Shakya Senge, ‘Lion of the Shakyas’
4. Guru Nyima Ozer, ‘Rays of the Sun’
5. Guru Loden Chokse, ‘Wise Seeker of the Sublime’
6. Guru Pema Gyalpo, ‘The Lotus King’
7. Guru Senge Dradrok, ‘The Lion’s Roar’
8. Guru Dorje Drolo, ‘Wild Wrathful Vajra’

Guru Padmasambhava, ‘Lotus-born’

Also known as Guru Pema Jungne. He is the saviour who taught dharma to the people, portrayed sitting on a lotus, dressed in the three robes of a monk. In his right hand, he holds the diamond sceptre of love and the yogi’s skull bowl in his left hand.

Reference link: 

Guru Rinpoche, the legendary saint who spread Buddhism in Bhutan (dailybhutan.com) 

    Did you know that Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States?

Not all enslaved people found freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. That's because the Proclamation didn't include border states. 

It would be two years later, in 1865, that Union troops

    Did you know that Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States?

Not all enslaved people found freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. That's because the Proclamation didn't include border states. 

It would be two years later, in 1865, that Union troops traveled to Texas to announce General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. 

That date would come to be known as Juneteenth. 

General Orders No. 3 stated: 

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

Juneteenth can also be about YOU. Research what you can do to prevent racism and support the Unification of all peoples. 

Read more about the history of emancipation and Juneteenth: 

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

 Wednesday, June 21st marks the longest day of the year above the equator in the northern hemisphere, also called the “summer solstice". 

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 Sp

 Wednesday, June 21st marks the longest day of the year above the equator in the northern hemisphere, also called the “summer solstice". 

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 @ 10:58 AM.  Post forthcoming or you can read all about Cancer here: 

https://inspiritualservice.com/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 reaches 00°GEMINI00' @ 3:14 PM EDT this afternoon ( post forthcoming ), 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? 

Moon, Venus and Mars on the solstice!

For all my sky gazers and starwatchers: this year's solstice will feature the waxing crescent moon glowing next to brilliant Venus with the much, much dimmer Mars nearby. Look low in the west shortly after sunset for this scene in the darkening twilight. 

  Race Unity Day, which is also known as Race Amity Day, is observed annually on the second Sunday of June. 

It started in 1957 in the United States by the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly. The purpose was to combat racism by focusing attention on racial prejudice. Racism is the belief that humans are divided into exclusive entities call

  Race Unity Day, which is also known as Race Amity Day, is observed annually on the second Sunday of June. 

It started in 1957 in the United States by the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly. The purpose was to combat racism by focusing attention on racial prejudice. Racism is the belief that humans are divided into exclusive entities called ‘races,’ that there is a link between personality and physical traits, and also that some races are superior to others. 

The Bahá’í understood that racism is a hindrance to peace, so they started this day to promote racial harmony and understanding.

Learn more: 

https://nationaltoday.com/race-unity-day/

 The most important month in the Tibetan calendar is Saga Dawa, the 4th lunar month which runs this year from May 20th to June 18th 2023. The 15th day of the 4th lunar month, the full moon day, is called Saga Dawa Düchen. 

Düchen means “great occasion” and this day is the holiest day of the year for Tibetan Buddhists. It celebrates the bir

 The most important month in the Tibetan calendar is Saga Dawa, the 4th lunar month which runs this year from May 20th to June 18th 2023. The 15th day of the 4th lunar month, the full moon day, is called Saga Dawa Düchen. 

Düchen means “great occasion” and this day is the holiest day of the year for Tibetan Buddhists. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. In 2023, Saga Dawa Düchen is on June 4th.

During the month of Saga Dawa, the karmic results of all actions both positive and negative are multiplied by 100,000 and on Saga Dawa Düchen they are multiplied by 10 million.

This year, Saga Dawa Düchen falls on a Sunday - the perfect opportunity to come to KPC and generate lots of merit! Here are all the ways to participate:

8am-8pm - Prayer Room open to visitors! Masks optional.

10am Guided Meditation - in the Prayer Room or on YouTube

11am Jetsunma's teaching (pre-recorded) - in the Prayer Room or on YouTube

1pm Tara Tsog - at the Guru Rinpoche Statue or on Facebook Live

2pm Rigdzin Dupa - at the Guru Rinpoche Statue or on Facebook Live

4pm Totem Pole Dedication Ceremony & Drumming for Rain - outside behind the temple

7pm Medicine Buddha - on Facebook Live or YouTube

Come visit anytime during daylight hours! You can make offerings at the altars, circumambulate the stupas, and connect with the sangha community, or practice generosity by bringing food or clothing to the donation bins on the front porch. And don't forget to say hi to the baby goats while you're here!

Image and article source Link: (2) Kunzang Palyul Choling - KPC Buddhist Temple | Poolesville MD | Facebook 

 In some ways, there are two different Americas on Memorial Day. In one, Americans go on vacation, perhaps indulge in some barbecue, shopping, or relaxing at the beach.

But for those who have ties to the U.S. military, it’s a totally different, often somber occasion, usually marked by visiting the graves of friends and family members who d

 In some ways, there are two different Americas on Memorial Day. In one, Americans go on vacation, perhaps indulge in some barbecue, shopping, or relaxing at the beach.

But for those who have ties to the U.S. military, it’s a totally different, often somber occasion, usually marked by visiting the graves of friends and family members who died serving in various armed conflicts.

Originally called Decoration Day, the occasion was first marked three years after the end of the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, John Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the major Union Army veterans association, issued a proclamation from his Washington, D.C. office telling Americans to celebrate “Decoration Day” on May 30. He urged them to decorate Civil War graves with the “choicest flowers of springtime.”

“Cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead,” Logan said in a speech at the 1868 event, “who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes… We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.”

https://time.com/6281712/memorial-day-originally-called/

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a United Nations-sanctioned international holiday. This day celebrates the diversity of cultures and promotes the need to bridge the gap between cultures for peace, stability, and development.

With 89% of all current conflicts in the world occurring in countries with low inte

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a United Nations-sanctioned international holiday. This day celebrates the diversity of cultures and promotes the need to bridge the gap between cultures for peace, stability, and development.

With 89% of all current conflicts in the world occurring in countries with low intercultural dialogue, to forge effective cooperation and sustain peace, strengthening intercultural dialogue must be a priority.

According to UNESCO data, the cultural and creative sector is one of the most powerful engines of development worldwide. It accounts for more than 48 million jobs globally –almost half of which are held by women – representing 6.2% of all existing employment and 3.1% of global GDP. It is also the sector that employs and provides opportunities for the largest number of young people under the age of 30.

However, the cultural and creative sector still does not have the place it deserves in public policies and international cooperation.

Learn more: 

https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

Image: Performers at the MONDIACULT 2022 conference in Mexico
UNESCO/Carlos Villavicencio

  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 mo

  Today is History's Dakini Day, or Day of the Goddess. 

Before patriarchy began sinking deep into the roots of civilization, this revered day was known as ‘The Day of the Goddess,’ to pay respect and heed to the Feminine deities, like Venus.

As a symbol of rebirth that females are blessed with, Friday the 13th was a day all for women.

In more than one way, the day gives all its glory to the Feminine power.

The number 13 represents the female ovulation period (considered a grand phenomenon as menstruating women are at the peak of their energy and power) because just like 13 lunar cycles a year, women also have 13 menstrual cycles a year.

All the feminine foundations to this day started to shake loose when menstruating women started experiencing shame in society for bleeding every cycle.

The day was to celebrate women and their sexual energy.

When patriarchy found its way into civilization, the very day that celebrated women became a symbol of misfortune because of its association with the feminine.

Even though these newly minted beliefs made no sense as we all possess our feminine sides, not only women, but the target was indeed singular sex.

Contrary to popular belief, the number 13 will bring magic into your life. Many buildings do not have a 13th floor.

Some even consider their 13th birthday unlucky. In rare cases, the perceived negative notion of the number can cause triskaidekaphobia, an intense fear of the number 13.

But 13 is actually a celestial number, especially in Judaism.

It is the age when young boys and girls celebrate their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, meaning they are on their journey to enter adulthood and ready to participate in public worship.

The number 13 is considered very fortunate in Tibetan culture.

It’s said to be a divine number and often used in children’s stories.

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

It is a day for sinners to repent their bad deeds that will be forgiven in heaven after they complete 13 rounds of prayers.

In numerology, the number 13 symbolizes change.

This change is not necessarily negative but most essential to a person’s growth.

People are scared of the uncertainty that change brings along. But, it’s a positive time in their life.

Transformation and development take us out of our comfort and help us get better and become an evolved version of ourselves.

Today is also a day to honor the Moon.

The Moon is responsible for our emotions and the majestic feminine aura in our life.

It plays a huge part in astrology.

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

You can look at the moon and talk about anything on your mind.

The practice will open your mind and heart to bring happiness to your life.

As per astrology, the Moon represents the maternal vibe.

It gives warmth to us and looks after us like a mother. It is a great time to connect with the maternal figure in your life. This could be your actual mother, sister, or best friend. Make it an evening to bond over shared secrets, aspirations, and goals for the future.

You can also Manifest Good Luck!

Even after Friday, the 13th is over, you can still channel good luck in your life.

Make it a ritual to buy any charm the next Friday the 13th.

Take the blessing of the moon and the goddesses. This can be a great way to bring everlasting luck to your life.

You can also surround yourself with crystals, lucky charms, and talismans like horseshoes to bring positive fortune, and ward off the evil eye and bad luck.

You don’t even have to wear a crystal but any charm necklace or bracelet that makes you feel more feminine and powerful.

Wear them all the time or decorate your room with them – just take benefit of their good energies, especially during the magical date.

Lastly, PROTECT YOUR ENERGY

It is best to keep your energy protected to experience all of the sacred emotions.

Protecting your space is an important way to keep your life drama-free.

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

While the moon protects us, it is important we shield ourselves from negative people, especially those who drain our energy.

Validate and respect how you feel around certain people – they may be your coworker, friend, or even a family member.

Thus, protection work is very important, along with other sources of magic or divine work.

Crystals are powerful in cleansing your aura and making you feel more connected to yourself. Obsidian can act as a protection stone— especially against negativity spreads and haters.

You can sweep it all over your body, keep it in your home, and place it outside the boundaries of your house.

Some people keep it at their entrance, but it can be placed by a door or a window inside your home. It will keep away potential negative vibes that impact your aura.

Reference link: https://www.awakeningstate.com/.../friday-the-13th.../

   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 Ma

   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