Mythical Calendar: April 30: Walpurgis Night, Blodeuwedd, Eve of Beltane
Anyone ever hear of Beltane? Yes or no, tonight is it’s sacred Eve. Back in the ancient day, people placed rowan branches on their doors to protect themselves from wandering spirits. I am not so sure about all of that, but I know Beltane is a huge deal to Pagans of the Middle Ages and even now. The best representation of it, that I have seen, was in a movie called The Mists of Avalon. Simply beautiful.
Anyhow, if you sit beneath a tree this night, rumor has it, that you will see the Queen of Faeries . . . or at least hear the passing of her horse. Maybe I’ll try it out. Let me know if you do.
Also in the ancient world, we get a glimpse of the Welsh and their Goddess named Blodeuwedd. Seems there is a ton of scandal surrounding Blodeuwedd, but hey, what interesting God or Goddess doesn’t have a bit of that, hu?
Story goes, she was created solely for the God Llew Llaw Gyffes, to be his property, and his wife. We can all be created for whatever purpose, but our hearts will go wherever they go . . . right? Such was the case of Blodeuwedd. Her heart led her to Goronwy and together, they sought to end the existence of Llew, especially since he refused to set Blodeuwedd free. Their plan worked, for awhile, only Llew managed to bring himself back to life, taking his revenge. He destroyed Goronwy and then turned Blodeuwedd into an owl so that she would forever be cursed to hunt alone.
Now hoping over to Germany and other Scandinavian countries, tonight was a sacred festival called Walpugis, which was all about the Witches of their world. Not real sure if all the Witches were bad or not, but people generally had a habit of doing spells and rites, or laying twigs of birch by doors or burning rosemary, etc. All this was too ward off evil . . . or was it?
Mythical Calendar: April 29: Rome’s Lagu, Virginia, Goshen Pass
Ok, we are on our second day of Rome’s festival called Floralia. Remember, this will be for their Goddess of Flora and will last a total of sex days.
And the Runic half month of Lagu begins.
Lagu represents the power of water. Funny, because my husband and I went riding the other evening in a place called Goshen Pass which is located in my neck of the mountains of Virginia. This river is very popular and I spent a lot of time there as a kid (when I wasn’t living in North Carolina). As beautiful and popular as the river is, it can also be monstrous. When the waters get high, they are no place to play around in. And many have died by mistake or accident. Still, with respect of how powerful water can be, people still flock to the stony banks of Goshen Pass, and I guess I will too from time to time.
So some pics I found of Goshen so you will get a hint of the area I live in…
Above is a bridge that everyone hangs out at and swims. Or, they can fish, hike, or whatever. Once, when my oldest was only 3, he was going across the bridge with his cousins. When they got across, they noticed he wasn’t with him. When they looked back, he must have gotten the call of nature, because before they knew it, he had unzipped his pants, and proceeded to make a waterfall of his own. For those swimming underneath him that day…I am truly sorry. Hahaha!
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Mythical Calendar: April 28: Rome, Floralia, Celts, Lludd
One of the worst mistakes one can make is to count Rome out for the week. I have found that even if days pass without a word from Rome, well that’s only because they are about to throw down a big one. So let today be considered no different because our Ancient Urban Pagan Ancestors are kicking off a Festival of Floralia which will go on for six days. The next six days will be all about their Goddess Flora who represents flowers and the pleasures of absolute youth. Now, if we were to jump the fence and fly back in time, we’d find that the women would wear their best seductive clothes and men would actually be wearing tons of flowers. Not only would today be a free sexual license to experiment, but it would also be filled with games, flirty and erotic theater, etc.
Now while the Romans are active with all sorts of adventurous lust, the Celts will be doing something a bit more sacred. Today belongs to their God Lludd, who is all about Healing.
Now, gather around the fire kiddies for another bit of history. For once, long, long ago the Father of all Gods Lludd lost his hand and the ability to work his limbs in a mighty battle. Afterwards, a devoted Smith named Gofannon created him a new one made of beautiful silver but even with a new hand, he still needed time to heal what was broken.
Now in time, Lludd was able to regain the use of his limbs, but alas, for whatever reason he was not able to rule the Gods any longer. So he stepped aside, let a new God take his place, but never lost the people’s love of him.
In fact, the city which is now named London, was named after him–Lludd-dun. So for those Pagans who travel there, speak the city’s name now with new meaning.
Mythical Calendar: April 27: Nicolas Flamel, Philosopher’s Stone, Egypt
Anyone know the name of Nicolas Flamel? Well, it seems he was born sometime during 1330 and died in 1417. And what was so awesome about this guy is that he happened to be a French Alchemist. Now, according to Nicolas, he got his hands on a Cabalistic Book of Alchemical Secrets. And by doing so, he claimed it was this book which would give him wisdom and power to create the Philosopher’s Stone. Not only would this give him the ability to turn metals into gold, but it would also allow him to give immortality to him and his wife.
So did he pull it off? Well, its a Historical Fact that he lived his never hurting for money and always having more than he ever needed. Also, to this day, he and his wife’s graves are empty. *winks*
In Ancient Egypt, the Ennead, the nine divinities who were worshipped at Luna shall sail through Egypt.
Mythical Calendar: April 26: Greece, Egypt
Let’s peek into Classical Greece where they will be launching a grand festival for their Goddess Artemis. This lovely lady happens to be the daughter of Zeus and Latona. Now, normally myth writes her as a Virgin but I am uncertain if this means our definition of untouched or if it means ancient times definition of being simply unwed. (Something for everyone to research I suppose). Aside from that little mystery though, we do know Artemis was the twin of Apollo and classified as being a goddess of the blessed night. With her trusty bow and arrows, Artemis is famous for hunting down and slaughtering up the monsters lurking during dark hours. And did you know that one of her temples (the one located in Ephesus) is considered to be one of our seven wonders of the world?
Second, hopping the long fence into Egypt, we see their holding their own feast of the Artisan which is all about celebrating Ptah. And since Ptah created the world, the Egyptians will also be honoring Craftsmen because like their God, they do wonderful things.
Mythical Calendar: April 25: Robigo, Cuckoo’s Day
Rome will be honoring their Goddess Robigo with a festival called Robigalia. In a grove considered to be sacred, five miles or so on the outskirts of Rome itself, they would partake in this celebration. The importance of this day was again…crops. The Goddess was said to be the protector of corn from all harm especially blight and mildew. Losing a crop had devastating effects on peoples. No matter how serious the day was, however, they would still have a blast by feasting and games such as racing.
In many parts of Europe, today was named Cuckoo’s Day, for the many birds which left for winter….would then return!
Mythical Calendar: April 24: Mark Eve
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Let’s see what our Ancient Ancestors were doing on this Saturday way back when….
Oh, this is a good one! For those who adore Divination, then today is for you. Your Pagan Ancestors took great advantage of this day calling it Mark’s Eve. An unmarried woman could learn the hidden identity of her future husband on this day. Now, there seems to be no particular custom or ritual but history shows that some would bake in silence come evening. Whatever she baked, bread, cake, pastry, had to include ONE egg. Afterwards the eggs shell would be filled with salt. Now, the face of her beloved was supposed to show itself somewhere in that egg shell, I am guessing.
Oh, and another GOOD custom—some girls would walk backwards to her bedrooms on this night. If they did so, they would see the image of their soon-to-be husband rush past !!!!!
Mythical Calendar: 23: Rome, the Norse, and the Green Man!
Now, let’s hop back through time on this Friday and see what our Ancient Ancestors have shaking!
The Romans will be having an observance for their beloved God Jupiter and their Goddess Venus today. All of Rome would go out and pour whatever wine was left from the previous year unto the ground as an offering the the Gods.
Peeking in on the Norse, who began some Summer yesterday, we see that they are having a Festival for Sigurd today. The day also being known as Sigurdsblót.
In many Pagan traditions, today is called Green Man and huge celebrations would have been held, and still are today sometimes. the Green Man represented the forests and was represented as vegetation when Pagans created symbols of him. The Green Man also represented spring, nature, and the growth warmer weather triggered.
At times, the Green Man was also carved into Pagan tombstones, representing eternal life.
Mythical Calendar: April 22: Sumarsdag, Ishtar
Let’s step back in time and see what our Ancient Ancestors were doing….
The Norse would be having what they called Sumarsdag or Sigrblót. This marks the first day of Summer. So if you are into beseeching Odin for his Guidance, today would be a great day to do so.
Now while the Norse is doing that, we should hop on over to Babylon where they are holding a festival for their Goddess Ishtar. She happened to be the hot momma over love and fertility. And believe me, she has the lovers to prove it. Rock on Ishtar!
Mythical Calendar: April 21: Rome & Egypt
Those is Rome on this day in Ancient History would know it to be Palilia, and should be preparing for their Festival for Pales–a Goddess of Shepherds and Flocks.
Also, in lower Egypt, today they would have been honoring the Goddess Uadjet, who happened to be their Goddess of growth and also gave unto the world the plant Papyrus. Represented by the Cobra, she aided Isis in hiding Horus before and after his birth. This is why the Pharaohs were known to wear symbols of Cobras, for it was their way of marking the protection of the Goddess over them.
Mythical Calendar: April 20: Babylonian History
In Ancient times, the Babylonians would be having a festival for Dumizi. For six months of every year Dumizi, their God, would leave the world above for the Underworld in order to be with his lover Inanna. Today, however, their religion speaks that he rises again to the Living World above, bringing with him the glorious summer.
Interesting isn’t it? In other myths that came later in the ages, it was a Goddess who went into the Underworld to be with her male lover. For example, Persephone and Hades. But in this earlier belief system, it was a male god.
Here’s hoping you have enjoyed today’s History lesson…
Mythical Calendar: April 19: Greece & Hecate, Rome
Greece would be having a Feast for their Goddess Hecate today in the Ancient calendar. She rules the night and underworld. She also represents all things which brew during dark hours including love and passion.
Today is the 8th day for the Goddess Ceres, during the Roman festival of Cerealia.
Mythical Calendar: April 18: Maia, Ceres, Seven Daughters & A Hunter God
Today is the seventh day of Cerealia, the Roman festival for Ceres.
And today, the Goddess Month of Maia begins. She is the Greek version of the Goddess of the Earth. Maia not only mothered Hermes, but also gave birth to the seven Pleiades, which were the seven daughters of Atlas. Also known as the famous constellation.
Now, legend has it that these seven daughters, or seven nymphs were being pursued by Orion. The Hunter God wouldn’t let up either, which is why the seven daughters of Maia ran to Zeus for help. Well help he did, turning them into the stars and placing them high into the heavens for all to see but never touch. Interestingly enough, Pleiades rises in the Spring announcing the coming of Summer months and then says good-bye to all come Autumn signally the harvest.
Mythical Calendar: April 17: Thargelia, Cerealia, Columbia
The public celebration of Apollo called The Festival of Thargelia would have been held in Greece today in and throughout the city. The first harvested fruits of the season would be offered unto him. Then, a feast at Delos would follow.
The Romans are still hard at it as today is the sixth day of their Festival Cerealia in honor of their Goddess Ceres.
And the Goddess month of Columbia ends today.
Mythical Calendar: April 16: Rome, Greece, Egypt!
Today’s Ancient Holidays are:
The fifth day of the Roman festival called Cerealia, in honor of Ceres.
And in Greece, they are having a Festival called Hiketeria, which will be in honor of their God Apollo. Now before everyone gets excited, this was a private festival…not a public one. However, if one of your ancient relatives belonged to the Cult of Apollo, then saddle up! You have a busy day ahead.
And in Egypt, today is a holiday all for Ra and any member of his cult.
Mythical Calendar: April 15: Rome, Egypt, Celtic Tree Month Begins
The Romans are throwing down two celebrations again today. Again, its their 4th day of the Cerealia festival (How cool is that since today is 5 in Numerology?) but they are also having a festival called Fordicidia– a festival honoring Tellus Mater, who happened to be the Mother of Earth. Rome raised her temple around 268 BCE after an earthquake. So not only was she called to witness oaths but she was called upon to prevent earthquakes or to aid during and so forth. However, this festival has nothing to do with earthquakes or oaths. The reason the Romans are honoring her right now was a joint effort in aiding Ceres, their Goddess of Grain and Agriculture, for how would she pull that off if the Mother of Earth did not aid her in someway? Very clever Romans *winks*…when attempting to gain a wanted outcome, one must cover all bases!
Now, in Egypt, a great festival for their Goddess Bastet will begin. Bastet is famous for having the head of a cat (or at least that’s how the Egyptians painted her) and for being the very untamed, unable to control daughter of Ra. No House of Gods is complete without their very own rebel lol. Not only was Bastet fond of cats but she was known for blessing the deserving greatly and those who were cruel—well beware the wrath of Bastet.
Celtic Tree Month of Saille Begins!!!!!
Mythical Calendar: April 14: Rome’s Cerealia, Norse Festivals, Celtic Tree Month Ends, Runic Month of Man, & Egypt!
In case anyone is just jumping aboard—real quick—the Mythical Calendar’s purpose is to clue us in on what our Ancient Ancestors might have been doing on its given day….
First, we are off to Rome…we have the third day of the Roman Festival of Cerealia, honoring their Goddess of grain and Agriculture Ceres.
The Norse will be having a Festival called Sommarsblót which is their way of welcoming summer.
The Celtic Tree Month of Fearn shall end.
Today will be a time of meditation concerning the human condition for it is the Runic Half Month of Man!
And Egypt will be celebrating the Houses of Ra, Osiris, and Horus.
Mythical Calendar: April 13 : Rome, Friday the 13th
Let’s take a look into the past….
Rome will be having a two for one on this day in Ancient History. Of course they will be continuing onward with a Festival called Cerealia which started yesterday, but they will also be having a Spring Festival called Libertas that raises high and honors their Goddess named Liberty. (hmmm for all those living in New York, perhaps you could look towards your Statue of Liberty) This will also mark the Ides of Spring!
Today is also, in modern times, the most dreaded Friday the 13th. And where did that frightful superstition explode from?
Well nothing comes up until around the 19th century. That’s when some sort of written record can be seen. Still, nothing concrete as to WHY Friday the 13th is dreaded, except maybe for the fact that many religious authorities in the Dark Ages viewed the number 13 to be of the Devil (the number a group of witches would need to summons Mr. Evil himself lol) and that Friday, as well, was viewed as a dreaded day…who knows why about that one.
Some say it came from numerology, as 12 represents completeness, but nowhere in numerology have I seen 13 come up as something horrible. In fact, its not one of the dual numbers, so 1 & 3 would be added, broken down into 4. Four, I can assure you, is also not a negative number either.
Yes, I think the number 13 fear sprang from religious superstitions, and probably should have stayed in the Dark Ages with them lol. I for one, have great luck on Friday the 13th. How about you?
Mythical Calendar: April 12: Rome, Rome, and Greece!
Today Rome will honor their Goddess Ceres who began her cult around 496 BCE, or rather the Romans did following the orders of the Sibylline Oracle. We see that Rome has practiced a few habits of the Greeks. One, they have as many celebrations as possible—perhaps keeping the people happy–and two, they make their own version of the gods and goddesses of Greece.
The festival of Cerealia, honoring Ceres should be seen as no different. Ceres, said to be the Roman version of Demeter clearly expresses why. She was the Goddess of grain and agriculture and if we notice throughout ancient civilizations, that was VERY important. Because without food, people would…well starve.
Now, while Rome is throwing down another festival, they will also mark on their calendars the return of Proserpine—their version of Greece’s rise of Persephone.
Mythical Calendar: March 9: Adonis, Aphrodite, and some family scandals!
Greek mythology is often conflicting, possibly because as time went on, the hands and minds of mortal men (so called priests) decided to change those myths to suit whatever point those men wished to make. Perhaps the story of Myrrha is a perfect example. Why? Well, I’ll soon get to that.
Supposedly, Myrrha lusted for her father Cinyras. The girl was so tormented by this, she attempted suicide. Not only did her nursemaid find her, but after being totally floored and disgusted by the reasons Myrrha wished to die, she managed to help the girl devise a plan to cool the fires of her lust. Yes, according to the nursemaid, the ‘sin’ was so much better than taking one’s life.
Without Cinyras knowing, he slept with his own daughter–notice how the man is protected in this version–and the daughter then became pregnant with his child–Adonis. The daughter though, and what she did would soon be discovered by the gods and they would end up punishing her greatly . . . by turning her into the Myrrha tree.
So now back to the why . . . WHY do I think this story was tampered with . . . .well, if we consider the times, (and no I do NOT support incest), I do not think anyone would have been appalled by this Cinyras having a child with his daughter. As sickening as that sounds now, it was not uncommon THEN for sisters to be given to brothers, or to fathers etc and so on and so on and so on. After all, look into the history of Zeus alone, and well, wow.
Interestingly enough though, when one digs a little deeper, they find Myrrha associated with Myrrh–a very, very important tree in biblical AND in mythological times. Myrrh was used as an Aphrodite incense in rites concerning that of Adonis. And Christians noted Mary as being the ‘Myrrh of the sea" which is why Mary is believed to be another version or the same personification as Myrrah.
Regardless of how the conception came about, Adonis was then born and brought unto the world . . . and today would have been a great celebration for him and his lover, Aphrodite. Although women would more than likely be paying homage to the God and Goddess on this day, I am sure all of Greece would be paying some sort of homage.
Mythical Calendar: March 8: Greeks and Welsh!
Let no civilization be without a Goddess who hunts down the wicked and protects all from Evil! While one might think this is a man’s job, the Greeks prove different. In their mythical foundations, Zeus and Latona had two twin children. One male named Apollo, and one female named Artemis.
Artemis wasn’t the type to sit around and wait for men to get things done. She wasn’t your typical damsels in distress that in later times, such as the Dark Ages, burped up. Artemis was everything a woman could look up to, and what every man could respect.
She was a goddess of night, and was armed with a bow. She kept the darkness safe from all monsters, and when it came to the wicked . . . well Artemis would make them suffer as well. She protected things which the average person held dear . . . things which made living possible–animals and crops.
Today Greece would hold a festival all for her!
Over in the lands of the Welsh . . . they would have what was called Witches Day. These women who had magic in their blood could walk among all, without fear of being noticed, or sensed . . . and would remain unchallenged.
Mythical Calendar: March 7: Once again, it’s all about Rome!
If I can take a moment . . . .
When I do these Ancient Calendar days, I keep a few things in mind. One, Rome and Greece loved their celebrations. I can always expect something from one or the other . . . if not both. And two, one civilization usually influences the next. It’s sort of a genealogy trace. Names change, countries or civilizations change, yet something familiar, something recognizable remains from one story to the next. Each religion or faith holds something familiar and we can sometimes, if not always, see where their inspirations spring from. When you hear someone say, “We all believe in the same thing, no matter what we call it or how different it ends up . . . that the main source of it is the same.” They speak the truth in many ways. Anyway, just wanted to make mention of that . . . now on to the Calendar.
Today is the Nones of March, thanks to Rome, and also the Junonalia , which was all about Juno, mother Goddess, who was said to watch over women, protect them, particularly or especially during labor.
Juno can be compared to the Greek Hera.
Mythical Calendar: March 6 : Ireland’s Mythical Races, Family Spirits, and Roman Gods!
Be sure when I say, Rome loved their celebrations. Ancient Rome made it a point to make every day count, at least for something. Let today be no different, for it was all about the God who fathered the founder of Rome, Romulus.
Mars was the god of war and of agriculture. Certain things stand out in ancient times . . . those who governed over war, crops, and fertility. Without these three things, life or cultures rarely advanced. Crops of course, were all about survival . . . fertility was all about making the numbers to protect a civilization, and war was all about staking a claim on more land. So, when we see Gods pop up that govern over such things, it is of no surprise.
Today Rome would hold a grand festival for Mars, all while honoring the Penates and the Lares. Penates guarded over storerooms (where the food is held and kept) and Lares were spirits of the dead. Rome honored their dearly departed because the Lares had power to intervene on a family’s behalf, where the Gods were concerned. Ticking off grandma, when you wanted the Gods to favor your home, was not a good idea.
Over in Ireland, the Goddess Ériu would have her very own observance on this day. She was one of the De Danaan and her name actually comes from Ireland itself–Eire. Ériu actually makes up one of three goddesses, the other two being Banbha and Folta. These three were invoked in the time of great war.
Now you maybe wondering who the heck is the De Danaan. Well, the full name is usually Tuatha Dé Danann, and they were said to be a race of people . . . the fourth group who settled in Ireland.
A quote taken from Wikepedia says this . . . .
The Tuatha Dé Danann were descended from Nemed, leader of a previous wave of inhabitants of Ireland. They came from four cities to the north of Ireland–Falias, Gorias, Murias and Finias–where they acquired their occult skills and attributes. According to Lebor Gabála Érenn, they came to Ireland “in dark clouds” and “landed on the mountains of [the] Conmaicne Rein in Connachta; and they brought a darkness over the sun for three days and three nights”. According to a later version of the story, they arrived in ships on the coast of the Conmaicne Mara’s territory (modern Connemara). They immediately burnt the ships “so that they should not think of retreating to them; and the smoke and the mist that came from the vessels filled the neighboring land and air. Therefore it was conceived that they had arrived in clouds of mist”.
A poem in the Lebor Gabála Érenn says of their arrival:
It is God who suffered them, though He restrained them
they landed with horror, with lofty deed,
in their cloud of mighty combat of spectres,
upon a mountain of Conmaicne of Connacht.
Without distinction to descerning Ireland,
Without ships, a ruthless course
the truth was not known beneath the sky of stars,
whether they were of heaven or of earth.
Mythical Calendar: March 5 :Rome’s version of Isis
If we stepped back in time and took a peek at Ancient Rome, we’d see many gathered, flocked in Roman attire, carrying with them many kinds of foods and gifts of spice, as they journeyed to the edges of the ocean, to a ship that would appear far more Egyptian than it would of Rome. Today, would be a great festival, in honor of the Goddess of the Sail . . . who was, by many account, an aspect of the Egyptian Isis.
Isis, being the Goddess of a thousand names, was adopted into many cultures . . . too many to count. More than 5,ooo years old, people still call upon her today. In fact, many believe that Isis, and her son Horus was the prototype for the making of the Christian Mary and the birth of Christ. The similarities are remarkable.
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