The Pagan calendar, also known as the Wheel of the Year, is a system of marking and celebrating the changing seasons and cycles of nature. It is followed by various pagan and neopagan communities around the world. The calendar is rooted in ancient agricultural and spiritual traditions, and its observance is often tied to specific religious and cultural practices. The Pagan calendar typically consists of eight major holidays or Sabbats, which are spaced evenly throughout the year. These holidays mark important moments in the natural cycle, such as solstices, equinoxes, and the midpoints between them. Each holiday is associated with specific themes and rituals that reflect the characteristics of the season or cycle it represents.

Pagan calendar

Does God really have a calendar? Did He really establish the seasons and months of the year to disclose His prophetic purposes and designs to mankind? If so, then what relationship is there between the world's calendar system and the calendar system outlined in the Scriptures?

OFTEN WE DON'T REALIZE what is not being said because of what is being said. In other words, hidden or unspoken assumptions are always at work in communication, though we rarely take the time to seriously examine these assumptions for ourselves. Advertisers, politicians, and others who wish to control your thinking implicitly understand this and therefore regularly employ various techniques to distract you from examining their assumptions. They understand that the louder (or more frequently or more threateningly) something is said, the less likely you will question its truth status or engage in reasonable thinking of your own. In other words, "truth" for such pragmatists is little more than persuasion. Get the crowd to believe you and you've got the "truth."

Take, for example, the idea that we should all rush about purchasing Christmas presents to give on December 25th, and that shortly thereafter we should celebrate a transitional day that marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next. In most countries of the world, New Year's Day is usually celebrated on January 1st, though this date comes from the arbitrary decree of the consuls of ancient (and pagan) Rome -- not from anything taught in the Hebrew Scriptures. Some Christian churches plan their own New Year's celebrations, offering a service to make resolutions and to offer up special prayers. (Because it falls eight days after December 25th, some Roman-influenced churches observe this date as the "Feast of Christ's Circumcision.") Many mainline churches plan "midnight" communion services so that the sacraments could be taken just before the start of the "new year." Now while all this might be encouraging and helpful on some level, it needs to be stressed that the civil New Year that the world celebrates is not a Biblical holiday at all, and in fact is opposed to the Biblical Calendar that was revealed in the Torah and Scriptures.

The study of the various calendar systems used in the world is highly convoluted and intricate. Consider, for example, the ancient calendars of the Egyptians, the Sumerians (i.e., Babylonians), and the Aztecs. Or consider the Druid legends and Stonehenge. Indeed, there are numerous calendar systems that have been developed throughout human history -- some based on the appearance of the moon (lunar calendars), some based on the sun (solar calendars), and still others based on various astrological signs and omens (the Aztecs followed the movements of the planet Venus, and the Romans counted backwards from fixed points of the moon's cycle and considered months of 29 days to be unlucky).

The Torah designates the month of Nisan (Scripturally called aviv, or "Spring") as the first month of the year (Exod. 12:2). Originally, then, the Hebrew calendar was lunar and observational. When the new moon was sighted, a new month begun. Since the Torah also identified Sukkot as "the end of the (harvest) year" (Exod. 23:16), the sages of the Mishnah later identified the fall month of Tishri (i.e., the "seventh month") as the start of a new year. During the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), Babylonian names for the months (i.e., Tammuz) were adopted. This might harken back to the earlier Sumerian Calendar of Abraham's day.

By the time the Mishnah was compiled (200 AD), the sages had identified no less than four new-year dates for every lunar-solar year (the modern Jewish calendar was apparently ratified by Hillel the Elder in the 3rd century AD):

1. Nisan 1 (i.e., Rosh Chodashim) marks the start of the month of the Exodus from Egypt and the beginning of Jewish national history. As such, it represents the start of the Biblical year for counting the festivals (Exod. 12:2). Note that the month of Nisan is also called Aviv since it marks the official start of spring.
2. Elul 1 marks the start of the year from the point of view of tithing cattle for Temple sacrifices. Since the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD, the rabbis decreed that this date should mark the time of s elichot , or preparation for repentance before Rosh Hashanah. Elul 1 marks the start of the last month of summer.
3. Tishri 1 was originally associated with the agricultural "Feast of Ingathering" at the "end of the year" (Exod. 23:16, 34:22), though after the destruction of the Second Temple, the sages decided it would mark the start of the civil year in the fall. Tishri 1 was therefore called Rosh Hashanah ("the head of the year") which begins a ten-day "trial" of humanity climaxing on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
4. Shevat 15 (i.e., Tu B'Shevat) originally marked the date for calculating the tithes of the harvest (ma'aserot) that farmers would pledge to the priests of Israel. This was the start of the year from the point of view of tithing of fruit trees. Today Tu B'Shevat represents a national Arbor Day in Israel, with tree planting ceremonies in Israel. Unlike the other three "new years," Tu B'Shevat begins in the middle of the month, during a full moon in winter.
   

In practical terms, however, there are two "New Years" in Jewish tradition. The first occurs two weeks before Passover (Nisan 1) and the second occurs ten days before Yom Kippur (the other two "new years" are not regularly observed, except by the ultra-orthodox). The first New Year is Biblical and is called Rosh Chodashim (see Exod. 12:2). This is the month of the redemption of the Jewish people -- and it is also the month Yeshua was sacrificed upon the cross at Moriah for our sins. Oddly enough for most Christians, "New Years Day" should be really celebrated in the spring.

All of this is in striking contrast, however, with the most widely used calendar in the world today -- the "Gregorian Calendar" -- named after Pope Gregory XIII who reigned over the Catholic Church in the 1500's.

The Gregorian calendar, considered to be a revision to the Julian calendar (which was itself a revision of the pagan Roman/Greek calendars) retains most of the names of the days of the week and months of the year from pagan Rome (and therefore, ancient Greece). The ancient Greeks named the days of the week after the sun, the moon and the five known planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) which themselves were associated with the gods Ares, Hermes, Zeus, Aphrodite, and Cronus, respectively:

• Sunday. Latin: dies solis - "Sun Day." Sunday celebrates the sun god, Ra, Helios, Apollo, Ogmios, Mithrias, or the sun goddess, Phoebe. In the year 321 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine ruled that the first day of the week, 'the venerable day of the sun', should be a day of rest. The name was later changed to dies Dominica, "Lord's Day" in ecclesiastical tradition.
• Monday. Latin: lunae dies - "Moon Day." Monday was named in honor of the Assyrian goddess, Selene, Luna and Mani. In old English, mon(an)daeg meant "day of the moon."
• Tuesday. Latin: dies Martis - "Day of Mars." In Greek mythology Ares was the god of war (renamed "Mars" by the Romans). In English, "Tuesday" comes from Tiu (Twia), the English/Germanic god of war and the sky (identified with the Nordic god called Tyr).
• Wednesday. Latin: dies Mercurii - "Day of Mercury." In Greek mythology Hermes was the god of trade and commerce (renamed "Mercury" by the Romans). In English, the name "Wednesday" derives from the Scandinavian god Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology. Woden is the chief Anglo-Saxon/Teutonic god, the leader of the Wild Hunt.
• Thursday. Latin: dies Iovis - "Day of Jupiter." In Greek mythology Zeus was the god of the sky (renamed "Jupiter" by the Romans). The English word "Thursday" comes from the Middle English Thorsday, refering to "Thor" (the Nordic counterpart to Jupiter).
• Friday. Latin: dies Veneris - "Day of Venus." In Greek mythology Aphrodite was the goddess of love/fertility (renamed "Venus" by the Romans). The name "Friday" comes from Freya (Fria), the name of the Norse god Odin's wife and Teutonic goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
• Saturday. Latin: dies Saturni - "Day of Saturn." In Greek mythology Cronus was the god of the harvest (renamed "Saturn" by the Romans) who ruled until dethroned by his son Zeus.
  

Likewise the names of the months ("moons") have pagan-Roman connections. The month of "January," for instance, is named on behalf of Janus, the two-faced Roman "god of doorways" who had one face looking forward and one backward ("Janus faced"). March is named after Mars, the god of war; April for the fertility goddess Aphrodite, July is named on behalf of Julius Caesar, August for Augustus Caesar, and so on. Of course, the Gregorian calendar of the Roman church tradition assimilated the pagan pantheon into its own liturgical calendar, as the Latin names of the days and months reveal.

אֶל־דֶּרֶךְ הַגּוֹיִם אַל־תִּלְמָדוּ
וּמֵאתוֹת הַשָּׁמַיִם אַל־תֵּחָתּוּ
כִּי־יֵחַתּוּ הַגּוֹיִם מֵהֵמָּה
כִּי־חֻקּוֹת הָעַמִּים הֶבֶל הוּא

el · de ·rekh · hag·go·yim · al · til· ma ·du
ume·o·tot · ha·sha· ma ·yim · al · te· cha ·tu
ki · ye· cha ·tu · hag·go·yim · me· hem ·ah
ki · chuk·kot · ha·a·mim · he ·vel · hu

"Learn not the way of the Gentiles,
nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens
because the Gentiles are dismayed at them,
for the customs of the nations are vanity."
(Jer. 10:2-3)

It frankly baffles me that certain Christian theologians and preachers can be so meticulous about certain doctrines (such as justification by faith alone, the definition of the "church," the "inerrancy" of Scripture, the exact formula for baptism, etc.) and yet be seemingly oblivious to the fact that the modern, institutionalized Church inherits much of its substance and practice from pagan Rome. True, the Jews themselves adopted pagan names of the months from ancient Babylonia, but the Torah (as opposed to Jewish tradition) calls months (and days) by their ordinal number (the "first" month, the "second" month, etc.), and explicitly mentions that the New Year begins in spring (aviv). So, while I'd like to wish you all a "Happy New Year," I'd like to wait until Nisan 1! Meanwhile, I hope and pray that you draw close to our Lord Yeshua, regardless of the time or day! Shalom Chaverim.

Μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον μηδὲ τὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ. ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον,
οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ - 1 Jn 2:15

ADDENDUM: I am not suggesting that we should reject the secular calendar in preference to the Biblical calendar, at least for everyday, practical matters in this world. Conventionally we all use the words "Monday," "Tuesday," "January," "February," and so on without regard for the pagan associations of these names, and since we live in a secular culture, we are constrained to use the same terms as the culture around us, especially regarding times, dates, etc. Nevertheless I think it's worthwhile contrasting the Biblical view of the calendar with that of the pagan world around us, especially since this reveals the disparity between the "Greek" and "Hebrew" mindsets so clearly. Our Jewish Lord and Messiah told us that we were "in but not of" the world, after all (John 17:5).

Moreover I am concerned that the predominantly Gentile Church has unthinkingly adopted many assumptions of the pagan world and has thereby become gravely out of touch with the divine calendar and the prophetic purpose of the festivals of the LORD. Perhaps this is a result of the almost intractable problem of "Covenant Theology" or its ideological twin, "Dispensationalism," two interpretative methods that are used by various church theologians as they read the Scriptures. Churches that teach "Covenant Theology" advocate a form of "Replacement Theology," claiming that Israel should really be identified with the Gentile "church." On the other hand, churches that teach "Dispensationalism" consider the "Old Testament" to be worthy of instruction but really applicable only to the Jewish people (the Pauline epistles and perhaps the Gospel of John, on the other hand, are intended for the predominantly Gentile church). I believe that both approaches misread the Scriptures. (For more on this subject, see this article).

Note about "Hyperreality"

"Hyperreality" is a term used to refer to the impairment of mind, conditioned by postmodern culture, to sometimes fail to distinguish between what is real and what is "virtually real." This has led to various techniques of "mass media" that invent a sort of "Disney world" effect in which people "enter into" illusory social constructs and passively regard them as realities. Such "fake depictions" create illusions that cater to people's fears, desires, and imaginations. It is the "technological mediation" of experience, and it is commonplace today, so commonplace, in fact, that it is the manufactured interpretation of what is "real."

Some examples of hyperrealities include: mass media "news"; the Internet; "reality TV"; TikTok; advertising of all kinds; fake "science," Facebook "friends," sexual "identity," HDR photography; faux antiques; pornography; Disney World; the music industry; fast "food," professional sports; fiat currency; and "Neo's noodles" (from the Matrix), among others.

European Pagan Memory Day

This is a always developing calendar with important days to remember for Pagan Memory and with the themes we deal with across the months. Here you won't find any Pagan festival, since there are many calendars about them, also available on the Internet

To make order among the several activities for the European Pagan Memory Day project, we established to count a Pagan Memory Year. Our Pagan Memory Year begins on the 24th February, with the European Pagan Memory Day so assuming the meaning of the beginning of the reconstruction, and ends on the 15th February, a year later, the day on which the last pagan fire in Europe was estinguished in Lithuania. Between one year and the next one there are some 'dark' days, dedicated to consideration, silence and preparation, similar to that period of thinking and purification that many ancient populations put in their calendars before the beginning of a new year.

January

This month we talk about: Paganism and modern society

• 9th January 995-1000(?): day of remembrance for Raud the Strong, who, during the forced conversion of Norway by king Olaf Tryggvason, declared himself to be faithful to old paganism and was therefore brutally killed.
• 19th January 1897: Károly Kerényi was born
• 23rd January 1921: Marjia Gimbutas was born

February

This month we talk about: The European Pagan Memory Day project

• 2nd February 1994: Marjia Gimbutas died
• 9th February 995-1000(?): day of remembrance for Eyvind Kinnrifi, another victim of the forced conversion of Norway by king Olaf Tryggvason.
• 15th February 1385: Jogaila, king of Lithuania, converted to christianity and so began the fight against the last kind of paganism survived in Europe
• 24th February: EUROPEAN PAGAN MEMORY DAY
• 24th February 391: Theodosius forbids to look at pagan statues, rites are declared outlaw and so attending to the temples (Cod. Theod. XVI, 10, 10). Though according to some sources this edict was issued on the 22nd February, we chose this day for the European Pagan Memory Day because it is said that in this day Vesta's fire in Rome, the symbol of Roman paganism, was no longer attended and this was the first sacred fire which was set off in Europe.
• 27th February 380: Theodosius declares christianity to be the state religion on the Roman Empire (Cod. Theod. XVI, 1, 2)

March

This month we talk about: The Feminine

• 4th March 1898: Georges Dumezil was born
• 8th March: International Women's day
• 9th March 995-1000(?): day of remembrance for Oliver the Martyr, put to death during Norway's forced conversion by king Olaf Tryggvason.
• 22nd March: World Day for Water
• Between March and April, Hypatia the philosopher was killed (the exact day is not known)

April

This month we talk about: The demonization of Paganism

• 12th April 1926: James Hillman was born
• 14th April 1973: Károly Kerényi died
• 22nd April: Earth Day
• 23rd April: International Day of the Book

May

This month we talk about: Gods and Goddesses

• 3rd May: World Press Freedom Day
• 9th May: European Day
• 9th May 995-1000(?): day of remembrance for Guthroth, one of the Minor kings of Norway, who opposed to king Olaf Tryggvason's politics of forced conversion of the country and therefore had his tongue cut out.
• 17th May: World Information Society Day

June

This month we talk about: Relations between paganisms

• 5th June: World Environment Day
• 8th June 423: an edict compared Paganism to the devil worship
• 16th June 386: an edict outlawed the care of Pagan temples
• 22nd June 1874: Walter F. Otto was born
• 26th June 363: Julian the Emperor died

July

This month we talk about: Renewals of Paganism

• 13th July 399: the Emperor Arcadius prescribed that all the remaining Pagan temples must be destroyed

August

This month we talk about: Renewals of Paganism

September

This month we talk about: Against Pagans

• 23rd September 1958: Walter F. Otto died

October

This month we talk about: Pagan practices and cult

• 11th October 1986: Georges Dumezil died
• 27th October 2011: James Hillman died

November

This month we talk about: Paganism and the Nature around

• 8th November 392: another edict outlawing rites as Gentilicia superstitio

December

This month we talk about: The "santification" of Paganism

• 7th December 396: an edict declares the practice of paganism to be high treason
• 10th December: Human Rights Day
• 11th December 361: Julian the Emperor began the restoration of Paganism
• 23rd December 364: the properties of some temples were confiscated and the capital punishment was established for Pagan private rites

Thanks to the website Asatru Alliance for Asatru's days of remembrance: visit this site to know more about Asatru Holidays

Reproduction of site contents, unless otherwise indicated, is allowed if you correctly quote the site and attribute the passage you quote to its author. For further information: [email protected]

Pagan Visions for a Sustainable Future

Do Pagan practices lead to an ecological approach to life? What is the role of magic in contemporary Paganism? How can ancient Pagan codes of behavior be applied today?
Representing diverse arenas of Paganism, eleven established activists, authors and academics passionately debate the critical issues facing modern Pagans. These provocative discussions-exploring feminism, magickal ecology, ancient Egyptian ethics, political activism, globalization, the power of truth, sacred communities, and environmental spirituality -challenge readers to reconsider what it means to be Pagan in the twenty-first century.

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Содержание

emma restall

akkadia ford

dr susan greenwood

marina sala

ly de angeles

dr douglas ezzy

dr sylvie shaw

gordon maclellan

starhawk

Towards an Activist Spirituality

dr val plumwood

Часто встречающиеся слова и выражения

Об авторе (2005)

Ly (pronounced lî) de Angeles was first published in 1987, and she has had six books released worldwide to date. She has an international reputation as a psychic, teaches and lectures on many associated subjects, is an exponent of several martial arts and, currently, is an accredited Sensei in the art of Iaido, the Japanese art of the sword.Ly's main area of study over the past twenty years has been the history of the usurpation of indigenous people through invasion and subsequent colonization (mainly since the Roman Empire) and the history and mythology of Ireland and Britain in particular. She is known to be very outspoken on matters pertaining to the sustainability and guardianship of Earth and the rights of all species to self-determination.Ly has three adult children and a strong magical clan. She has lived in Byron Bay, Australia for the past 14 years. An initiated witch for over thirty years, she is High Priestess of the Coven of WildWood Gate. Working toward a Ph.D. at the Australian National University, Thom van Dooren (Australia) is researching philosophical and political issues in modern food production.

Библиографические данные

Each holiday is associated with specific themes and rituals that reflect the characteristics of the season or cycle it represents. The calendar begins with the winter solstice, which is usually celebrated around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. This holiday, known as Yule or Midwinter, marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun's light.

It is a time of introspection, renewal, and celebration. After Yule, the next holiday is Imbolc, celebrated around February 1st or 2nd. This Sabbat marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is associated with the first stirrings of spring and the return of light and growth. Imbolc is often associated with purification, creativity, and the goddess Brigid. Following Imbolc is the spring equinox, also known as Ostara, celebrated around March 20th. This holiday marks the official arrival of spring and the balance between light and darkness. It is a time of fertility, rebirth, and new beginnings. Next comes Beltane, celebrated around May 1st. This Sabbat represents the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Beltane is associated with fertility, passion, and the abundance of life. It is often celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and maypole rituals. The summer solstice, also known as Litha, is celebrated around June 21st. This Sabbat marks the longest day of the year and the peak of the sun's power. It is a time of abundance, growth, and revelry. Litha is often marked by outdoor gatherings, feasting, and ceremonies honoring the sun. After Litha comes Lammas, celebrated around August 1st. This holiday represents the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is associated with the first harvest and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of gratitude, abundance, and community. Following Lammas is the autumn equinox, or Mabon, celebrated around September 21st. This Sabbat marks the official arrival of autumn and the balance between light and darkness once again. Mabon is associated with the second harvest, gratitude, and introspection. Finally, the Pagan calendar concludes with Samhain, celebrated around October 31st or November 1st. This holiday marks the midpoint between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. Samhain is associated with the end of the harvest season, death, and the thinning of the veil between the physical and spiritual realms. It is often celebrated as a time to honor ancestors, reflect on mortality, and engage in divination. Overall, the Pagan calendar provides a cyclical framework for pagans to connect with the rhythms of nature and celebrate the changing seasons. It is a way to honor the Earth, foster spiritual growth, and cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world..

Reviews for "Astrological influences on the Pagan calendar"

1. John - 2 stars - I purchased the Pagan calendar expecting a comprehensive and detailed guide to the Pagan festivals and holidays throughout the year. However, I was disappointed to find that the information provided was minimal and vague. The explanations were not thorough enough, and I found myself having to research further online to understand the significance of each festival. Overall, the Pagan calendar did not meet my expectations, and I would not recommend it to others seeking a more informative source.

2. Sarah - 1 star - As someone new to Paganism, I was excited to discover a calendar that could assist me in understanding and celebrating the Pagan holidays. Unfortunately, the Pagan calendar fell short of my expectations. It lacked clear instructions or guidance on how to celebrate each festival, leaving me feeling lost and confused. Without additional resources or knowledge, I was unable to fully appreciate or connect with the traditions and meanings behind each holiday. I would not recommend this calendar to beginners or anyone seeking a more comprehensive and instructive guide.

3. Emily - 2 stars - I found the Pagan calendar to be visually appealing, with beautiful artwork representing each month. However, the content within the calendar was lacking. The information provided about each festival was brief and vague, offering little insight into the historical or cultural significance. Additionally, the lack of explanations on how to celebrate or participate in each event left me feeling disconnected and unengaged. While the aesthetics were pleasing, the lack of substance in the content was disappointing. I would not purchase this calendar again.

4. Michael - 2 stars - The Pagan calendar seemed like a promising resource to deepen my understanding of Paganism and its holidays. However, I was disappointed by the lack of diversity in the traditions, festivals, and cultural practices represented. The calendar predominantly focused on Western European Pagan traditions, neglecting the rich and diverse beliefs of other cultures. I was hoping for a more inclusive and comprehensive representation of Pagan holidays from around the world. This calendar would be better suited for individuals specifically interested in Western European Paganism, but I cannot recommend it for those seeking a broader understanding.

The Pagan calendar and its significance in modern Wiccan practices