Solar and Lunar Festivals
Introduction
The Sun and Moon have captivated the inhabitants of the earth since we first gazed into the sky. Though our understanding of what the Sun and Moon are has changed throughout history their effect upon our lives remains as powerful as ever.
As we enter the new millennium it is as if we are at a cross-roads. Technological and scientific development increases every day, yet where has this got us? Has it brought happiness? Has it removed poverty, greed, war? The technological revolution will only bring peace and prosperity when it is working in harmony with the rhythm of the earth itself.
Our understanding of time is one very significant factor in people’s movement away from this natural harmony. In the 16th century Pope Gregory III brought in a new calendar to measure time, which is known today as the Gregorian calendar. It is a solar calendar based on 12 months of unequal length, with four-yearly adjustments for leap years.
This calendar has done much to remove people from the natural solar and lunar cycles, and thus from the harmony of the earth. This article looks at the ways to re-calibrate ourselves to this lost harmony through the simple and enjoyable act of acknowledgement and celebration of the solar and lunar festivals.
The Sun and the Moon
Before looking at the solar and lunar festivals it will be useful to examine why these festivals were undertaken. As mentioned above through their celebration, attunement was made with the earth and the natural cycles and rhythm, bringing one back into harmony and balance with the cosmos.
However, there has been a deeper understanding of how the Sun and Moon effect our consciousness, which was the esoteric ("hidden") aspect to sun-worship. The Sun is obviously our source of light and heat, but is also our Logos or source of cosmic energy in our solar system. We obtain life-force, known as prana or chi in eastern systems, directly from the sun. Acknowledging this energy allows us to tap into it more directly. This has great practical value, as it is this life-force which directly creates, sustains, and heals us. It is the life-force in food that gives us nutrients, not the food itself. The food we eat got its life-force directly or indirectly from the sun.
The Sun makes up 99.7% of the mass in our solar system. Applying the well-known law of physics and meta-physics, "for every action there will be an equal and opposite reaction" one can understand that when the Sun changes we change. The Sun goes through various cycles of what is known a sun-spot activity. The Sun emits vast quantities of energy, called solar flares, which have the power to knock out communication systems such as satellites. We are living in a time of enormous sun-spot activity which is affecting much more than just satellites. It is our awareness and consciousness which is changing with the sun. Celebration and acknowledgement of the solar festivals has been a way to attune and harmonise ourselves with the larger cycles of sun-spot activity.
The Sun and Moon affect us archetypally, as they are the most universally used symbols of the masculine, active, yang expression (the Sun) and the feminine, receptive, Ying expression (the Moon). Celebration of both the solar and lunar festivals brings about individual and collective balance of these polarities, something clearly missing in our male-dominated world. (Is it a coincidence that the Gregorian (solar) calendar was brought in by the Roman Catholic Church, one of the greatest suppressors of female energy, to replace the lunar calendar of the 13 moons?) The Moon’s influence on our planet should be recognised by all. Our tides are created by the magnetic pull of the moon, as it waxes and wanes. As our physical bodies are 87% water it is logical to conclude that the cycles of the moon affect us considerably. One obvious effect of the moon is the female menstrual cycle.
Solar Festivals
The Sun passes through four main phases in each year, the Summer and Winter solstices and the Autumn and Spring Equinoxes. This is symbolised in many myths throughout the world. One is the biblical tale of Samson. The strength of the Sun relates to the length of Samson’s hair (symbolic of the rays of the sun). The Sun is symbolised as a young youth, then grows to a strong man. After entering the astrological house of Virgo (in the myth represented by Delilah) after the Summer solstice, the Sun loses his strength. As an old man he dies after pulling down the pillars (bringing an end to the year).
In total there are eight solar festivals:
Winter Solstice / Dec 21-23 / Birth - Rebirth
Candlemass / Feb 2 / Dedication
Spring Equinox / March 21 / Promise
May Day / May 1 / Unification
Summer Solstice / June 21-23 / Joy
First Fruits / Aug 8 / Transformation
AutumnEquinox / Sept 24 / Consummation
All Hallows / Nov 1 / Death - Peace
Lunar Festivals
The new moon is a time of new intentions and learning experiences. Leading to the full moon, which represents the cumulation of the new knowledge. When the moon is full it is reflecting the maximum energy of the sun back to us, giving us enormous opportunity for transformation and growth.
Conclusion
Celebrating the solar and lunar festivals is easy. Just acknowledge and thank the wonders of nature, and feel yourself return to the harmony and rhythm of the earth.