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Almanac of the Ancients:
July 2007
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by Triple Moon Goddess |
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Happy Summer ! The summer season is officially off and running, (in the northern hemisphere anyway)! The first full month of summer. I can smell the flowers, charcoal, and rain hitting hot sidewalks. I can see fireflies, flowers and fireworks! July contains a big celebration day in the United States, The Fourth or Independence Day. There are parades, picnics, fireworks, and parties. The ancients could have just as much fun, even without a propane grill (I like charcoal better myself). This was a time of fairs and festivals. People had more light to the day so they spent it outdoors in nature. The crops were planted and it was not yet time to harvest, so there was more time to play. Isn’t it interesting that we still take a majority of our vacations in the summer? We are still following the ways of the ancients, some of us daily, and most people do not even realize it.
July gets its’ name from the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar. I suppose being the Emperor has its’ perks ! The name of the month (when it was the fifth month of the old system) was Quintilis., Marc Antony is said to have given the month its’ new name. The Dutch call it Hoo Maand (Hay month), taken from the Saxon maedd monath ( the month when cattle were taken to the fields)
The traditional birth stone this month is ruby and newly added, is the moonstone. There is an old saying:
The glowing ruby shall adorn
Those who in warm July are born
Then will they be exempt and free
From love’s doubt and anxiety
The flowers of July are larkspur, lotus and water lily. The lotus and water lily are often interchangeable in lore and mythology. It is said when the white lotus descends to this world, it changes everyone’s life for the better. In India the lotus represents birth. Many gods and goddesses are depicted coming from the center of a lotus. These flowers are often said to be the first ones depicted in any spiritual representations, most in statue form in the hands or hair of goddesses.
The month begins with the sun sign of Cancer the Crab and moves into Leo the Lion, this year the movement occurs on July 23 at 1 AM, moving us from a water sign to a fire sign. The new moon will be Saturday the 14th at 8:04AM eastern time. This is a perfect time for prayers or spells for new endeavors or new beginnings. The full moon is Sunday the 29th at 8:48 PM.
On July 2, we reach the middle of the year (the 183rd day with 182 remaining).
The gods and goddesses that were honored this month are Apt (or Apet), Athena, Sothis, and Spider Woman. Apt is the goddess of the annual flooding of the Nile; Athena is the goddess of Wisdom; Sothis is also associated with the flooding of the Nile; Spider Woman is Pre-Columbian in what is now Mexico, she is a goddess of the unknown and supernatural. Apt is sometimes called Aker or goddess of the horizon. She opens the gates to the underworld, and her symbol is the lion , which is also the symbol of the sun sign Leo that begins on the 23rd.
The flooding of the Nile is necessary for crop success in Egypt. When Leo appeared in the sky, the ancients knew that the Nile was about to flood. In the present day , Leo appears in the spring sky in the northern hemisphere due to change in the earth’s tilt ! Many Egyptian festivals were celebrated this month , as it was an important month agriculturally to the Egyptians!
So let us check in with the ancients and see how they spent their July !
July 1-
Gion Matsuri begins and lasts for the entire month in Kyoto, Japan. The celebrations has its’ origins in 869BCE. There was a plague, and the Emperor sent Yasaka Ginja to pray at the shrine in what is now Kyoto. The messenger went to the shrine Gion and prayed. He told the Emperor to place 66 Shinto deity statues in the garden, the emperor did so , and the plague ended. The highlight of the current celebration is a parade with floats on the 17th of July. This day is also sacred to Fuji, the Japanese goddess of fire. If you do not feel like climbing Mount Fuji today (it is opening day for climbers), perhaps you could do something that is healthy for you.
In Nepal the month of July begins with the Naga Panchami festival which is to honor Nagas, the snake god. Offerings are made at snake holes, and on statues in shrines. Parades with live snakes pass through villages.
July 2-In ancient Rome this was the Feast of the Expectant Mothers. Pregnant women went to temples throughout the city to receive blessings and to honor the Bona Dea, Carmenta, Lucina and other goddesses of birth and fertility. The Christians “borrowed” the day and claimed that this was the day that Mary visited her sister Elizabeth and the words “Blessed thou art among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” became part of the Hail Mary. The Protestant Pennsylvania Dutch will tell you it is the day that Mary went over the mountain to return on Aug 16. They say if it rains when she leaves it will be dry when she returns, and the opposite is also true. It is interesting to see the transitions that one ancient rite went through to become what it is today. Take the time today to honor any expectant mothers that you may know !
July 3- New Year of the Seminole Indians. The Green Corn Dance honors the new corn crop. Many other North American tribes also celebrate the Green Corn Festival. So have some corn on the cob today with lots of melted butter !
In ancient Greece, Athena was honored today.
The Dog Days begin as Sirius appears in the sky. The Dog Days have nothing to do with dogs lying in the heat of August, they start in July with the coming of the Dog Star, Sirius. Sirius does mean searing or scorching and the ancients believed that the heat of that star added to the daily temperatures causing them to rise. The ancient Greeks also believed that at this time, women were more wanton (they probably wore less clothing from the heat !).They believed that men, were more likely to not want any type of sexual contact. Ancient Chinese medicine will tell you that men are usually hot and dry , so the summer heat exacerbates that condition. Women who are wet and cool delight in the warmth. Many cultures and customs move the Dog Days around the calender, but today’s date is the most popular ! The Dog Days last until August 11.
July 4- The spirits of the mountains are honored by the Apaches and Utes, the Utes hold their annual Sun Dance today.
Today was the Day of Pax in ancient Rome . Pax was the goddess of Peace. There was feasting and revelry. In Greece the goddess Concordia was honored in the same way. Pax was depicted carrying a cornucopia and an olive branch. Interestingly her temple was built on the “Field of Mars (god of war)” in 9 BCE.
Baal Fire Day- This is not related to the god Baal, but to the Celtic word bel, meaning bright. The baal fire is lit on the village green and people dance around or leap through the fire. This tradition is still carried out in Whalton, Northumbria.
July 5-This day marks the Aphelion of the earth, the point in the earth’s orbit when in is farthest from the sun.
In ancient Egypt, this day was sacred to Maat., the goddess of truth and wisdom.
In ancient Rome this was Poplifugia. It was a day to honor Jupiter, and there have been calendars found that say “flight of the people”, but no other references to what was done on this day or how it began. Some believe it was a day that the Romans had to flee from the Gauls.
July 6- Games of Apollo, also called Ludi Apollinares . This was an eight day celebration. The first two days were dedicated to games, and the remaining days to the presentation of dramas. A great day to see a movie or a play.
This day is sacred to all horned gods and goddesses of the ancient Pagan religions, how interesting that it occurs at the same time as the “Running of the Bulls” in Spain which is also today!
July 7-A day for lovers. In China it is the Feast of the Milky Way (Chih Nu), this celebrates the union of Vega the weaver maid and Aquila the herd boy. In Japan it is Tanabata (Star Festival) that celebrates the reunion of two celestial lovers (Orihime and Hikoboshi), who form a bridge to each other with their bodies...you guessed it, The Milky Way. Today is Japan it is a festival to honor children’s artistic development. Some areas of Japan celebrate the festival on Ausust 7! The Japanese celebrate this day by planting bamboo, so visit your local garden center for some bamboo plants!
Consualia (ancient Rome)-was celebrated on this day, Aug 21 and Dec 15. Consus, the god of harvests is honored.
Pales was also honored today. The festival is called Parilia or Palilia. Pales was the god of shepherds, and their flocks.
July 8-In ancient Rome this was the festival of Nonae Caprotinae. The Nones of the Wild Figs. The Great Mother, Juno was honored on this date. This is believed to be one of the oldest women’s festivals. Sacrifices were made to Juno under wild fig trees. In the earliest of times this was a day for slave women to dress in the clothes of their female owners, and depicted the Gauls taking Roman wives as hostages. The attack was signaled by the burning of a fig tree. Handmaids had the days off from work. So take the day off and have some figs.
July 9-Panathenaea- A six day festival that was held every four years. It was held in honor of the goddess Athena. She was the goddess of wisdom , war and philosophy. Maybe read some Socrates works today.
July 10-Day of Holda- The ancient Norse goddess of the Underworld was honored with prayers, lighting of black candles and rose petals. Also called Festival of Knut the reaper, Hel, and Scadi. Knut is probably the original Grim Reaper symbol. A skeleton in a long ,dark robe.
July 11-Kronia- Father Time and Mother Earth, also known as Kronos and Rhea , were honored on this date in ancient Greece. The celebration took place in the city of Athens,.many ancient celebrations were simply wild paries held at the temples of the god associated with the day.
July 12- Yama, a Buddhist god is honored on this day each year. He is a god of the underworld, and is honored on this day still in Tibet in a festival called “Old Dances”.
July13- The ancient Egyptians honored Osiris on this day. The annual death and rebirth of Osiris is about fertility, renewal, and vitality. It is said to be Osiris’ birthday.
Obon Festival begins today, this is a Buddhist festival to honor the dead. During this time it is said that they are allowed to return to spend time with those who still live on earth. The festival lasts until the 15th. In some countries the festival is on the same dates in August.It is also called the Festival of Lantern because colorful lanterns are used to light the ground so that the ancestors can find their way. The last day, as the souls are getting ready to return, there is a silent dance (the bon-odori), and food offerings. Then tiny paper boats are placed in the nearest water to ferry the souls back. Those who have no relatives living have boats made for them and are also sent on the “Tide of Returning Ghosts” to drift out to sea. Prior to the festival, houses are cleaned and decorated, just as if live guests were coming to stay a few days. Each area that celebrates gives the festival its’ own special twist or touch.
This is also a Friday the 13th, said to be “bad luck”. There are other “bad luck” days this month, keep reading!
July 14- The ancient Egyptians honored Horus, the falcon headed god. The honored him with blue candles, frankincense and myrrh. Horus was the god who bestowed divinity on the Egyptian pharaohs. Maybe a day for some bird watching. Horus lost an eye in battle, and to this day many wear the “Eye of Horus” as a protection symbol.
July 15- Set/Seth , another Egyptian god, was honored on this date, as it is said to be his birthday. He is the god of darkness and magic. In China Ti-Tsang is honored on the same day, he is also a ruler of the darkness and the underworld, his annual festival is the Festival of the Dead.
Cavalcade for Castor and Pollux- The ancient Romans would hold a huge cavalcade every five years on this date for Castor and Pollux. They are said to have brought news of a victory at Macedon on this date. The temple for Castor was by a well for watering horses. The procession began at the Temple of Mars, and went to the Forum. Castor was god of the horsemen, and Pollux of boxers.
Synoka- Ancient Greek peace ceremony held annually to honor Athenia and Hestia
Feast of Rowana- Said to be a day for casting runes for excellent interpretation. Rowana was the goddess of the Rowan trees which were said to hold magical properties.
July 16-Voudon pilgrimage to Saut D’Eau, Haiti-A pilgrimage is made by the fithful every year to this waterfall. It is said that the goddess of fertility and sex, Erzulie Freda appeared in the waterfall previously. People have been making the pilgrimage since the 19th century, but she is an ancient goddess that has been worshiped even longer.
July 17- In Japan , the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu is honored with a procession called Amaterasu-Omikami.
Birthday of Isis.
July 18-Birthday of the Egyptian goddess Nepthys, the goddess of death, and sister of Isis.
Dies Alliensis- A day of bad omens, in 390 BCE the Romans were defeated by the Gauls , the day was then held as bad luck. Maybe a good day to stay in bed!
July19-Opet Festival- The ancient Egyptians honored the marriage of Isis and Osiris on this date, yes they were also brother and sister. In Rome the marriage was Adonis and Venus. This day was Adonia- Adonis the Greek god was honored as a god of rebirth, of life and death.
July 20-Perun’s Day- Ukraine- Perun is an ancient god of thunder , the highest god in Slavic mythology. He is also said to be the god of weapons made of stone and later of metal.
Osorazon Taisai- An ancient Japanese festival that lasts through the 24th, still celebrated today at Mount Osorazon. The mountain place is said to be a gathering place for the dead, a gateway to the other side. Japanese mediums bring people up the mountain to help them hear the voices of the dead on this day. There are pinwheels along the path left by parents for deceased children. The mediums are blind, and are called itako, what we would call shamans more than mediums. But on this day their task is to “hear the dead speak”.This should be a good day to consult a medium if you want to see if any of those who passed have a message for you!
July21- 22 No special ceremonies! I suppose they needed to take a break and get some work done.
July 23-Neptunalia was celebrated annually on this date in ancient Rome. Neptune is the god of the sea. All celebrations were said to have been outside in the fresh air and Nature. Great day for a picnic or a trip to the ocean!
July 24-Jekaupa Diena. An ancient festival from Latvia where farmers celebrated the harvest and gave thanks by baking goods and giving them to their neighbors.
July 25-In Osaka, Japan a ceremony that is over a thousand years old is still celebrated every year. Handmade dolls, usually made of paper are rubbed on the bodies of the celebrants to absorb any illness, negativity or unwanted spirits. The dolls are then taken to the nearest bridge and dropped into the river below.
July26- Kachina Ceremony is celebrated by the Hopi in Arizona. The kachina (ancient spirits who help the living) are honored for guiding and protecting the people. There are ceremonies and dances in their honor. You can buy kachinas in the southwest. Some are dolls made for tourists, and are really beautiful. Ancient kachinas used in ceremonies should not be removed from the area where they were originally used.
July 27-Day of Hatshepsut. The healer queen of ancient Egypt is honored on this date. This is a powerful day for any healing ritual.
July 28-Thor, the thunder god was honored annually on this date . He is a Norse god whom the people prayed to for crop protection.Wonder if we will have a thunder storm today?
July 29- Tarasque is still celebrated in parts of France. It is a celebration of the capture of a fire breathing dragon. Dragon floats are taking through the cities and those who touch it bring good luck to themselves and ward off evil.
July 30-Feast of Loki-The Norse trickster god. Loki is the god of guile and deception. He is also a shape shifter and god of fire. This day was set aside to honor hm so that he would not pull any tricks on the Norse people. A good day to pull a trick on a friend.
July 31- August Eve/Lammas Eve/ The Eve of Lughnashadu-The Pre-Christians celebrated Oidhche Lugnasa on this night to honor the deity Lugh, god of the sun. His sacrifice at the end of the ceremonies guaranteed a good harvest for the next growing season. This is a celebration in different cultures with different names, that honors the gods of the crops. Growing, fertility, rain, and sun were all honored in different cultures.
In rural Scotland, sickles are thrown into the air and the next year’s marriages and deaths are predicted according to how they fall.
The last day of the month is always a day to honor the goddess Hecate. Enjoy the month of July! Namaste! Triple Moon Goddess Gina
Please feel free to contact me at triplemoongoddessgina@hotmail.com Thank-you!
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Triple Moon Goddess,
Psychic Tarot Consultant
& Author
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Triple Moon Goddess has been psychic all her life, receiving her first deck of cards, 36 years ago, at age ten.
As a Psychic, she is currently reading on KEEN, Kasamba, and in person, most recently, in Evansville, IN.
In addition to a BA in psychology from Montclair State in NJ., She has studied Mediumship with Denise Ilwaine, and currently studing Reiki.
She is a student who "plays Tai Chi", and enjoys playing with energy.
Triple Moon Goddess also teaches monthly metaphysical classes at the Bead Angel, in Evansville, covering different topics each month. She has also taught Tarot classes and psychic development classes; led "ghost hunts", and "seances".
She has attended many metaphysical classes, both in person and correspondance (before the internet!). She also teaches quilting!
As an avid reader, she loves to pass on everything she can to others.
She was the editor on "C.R.U.M.B.S.," a New Age self help book., and currently writing a book on tarotand readings.
She is the mother of two children, one of which is autistic, and teaches her a great deal about viewing the world through different eyes.
Email:
triplemoongoddessgina
@hotmail.com
Web:
www.Keen.com/
Triplemoongoddess
URL
www.myspace.com
/triplemoongoddessgina
Blog URL
http://blog.myspace.
com/
triplemoongoddessgina
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