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Karva Chauth

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Karva Chauth To celebrate the one you love. To honour the one you forever want to be with. A day of love, honour and respect, firmly tied with the strings of a prayer. “Karva Cahuth”. Karwa is another word for pot (a small earthen pot of water) and chauth means 'fourth' in Hindi (a reference to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day of the dark-fortnight, or krishna paksh, of the month of Kartik). Karwa Chauth is an annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women. Mythological Significance The Story of Queen Veeravati A long long time ago, there lived a beautiful princess named Veeravati. The only sister of seven loving brothers, she was married to a king. On the occasion of her first Karva Chauth after her marriage, she went to her parents' house. After sunrise, she observed a strict fast. However, the queen couldn't stand the rigors method of fasting and was desperately waiting for the moon to rise. The seven brothers who loved her dearly,

The Month of Oak

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We call ourselves advanced and developed and still we fail to acknowledge essentials that our ancestors respected and honored. Our very existence on this planet is a boon of Mother Nature, but every so often we fail to recognize it. The Celts, though an ancient civiliasation recognized this fact and honored a tree every month. The period between June 10 th and July 7 th is dedicated to the great Oak and it represents the letter ‘D’ in the Ogham alphabet. ·          Planet: Jupiter and Mars ·          Element: Water ·          Symbolism: Sovereignty, rulership, power,    Strength & Endurance, Generosity & Protection, Justice & Nobility, Honesty & Bravery ·          Stone: Diamond, Aventuring ·          Metal: Gold ·          Birds: Oriole, Wren ·          Color: Gold ·          Deity: The Dagda, The Green Man, Janus, Diana, Cybele, Hecate, Pan ·          Sabbat: Summer Solstice (Litha) ·          Folk Names: Jove's Nuts, Juglans Zodiacal

Apara Ekadasi

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Apara Ekadasi occurs during the waning phase of moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June). Fasting on this Ekadashi is beneficial to those people who are suffering from remorse or guilt due to sin or sins committed. One can attain moksha by observing a fast on Apara Ekadasi. Krishna also mentions that one who observes this particular Ekadashi will become famous through meritorious deeds. Observing this Ekadasi removes the remorse associated with not performing a particular action, when the person had the opportunity to do it but shied away. Mythological Significance Sri Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June)? I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate everything to me" Lord Sri Krishna said, "Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasi i

Feast of Bellona - June 3rd

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There might be an army beside, but as you stand facing death you are all alone. The trumpets shall blow any minute now, the sound of the horses thumping their feet echoes throughout and still you stand. You can feel the blood rushing to your face, your grip tightening on your sword and you wait. The trumpets sound, and a cry rushes from your mouth. A scream, a cry so loud everything else is muted in comparison and you march forward. This cry that can scare an enemy and inspire courage in ones comrades is attributed to the Roman Goddess Bellona.   Extremly popular with Roman warriors she is variously described as the wife, sister or even daughter of Lord Mars. She is attired with serpent hair, war helmet, full armour and carries a torch and a whip. ‘ Blood, Fire and Famine’ are considered her handmaidens. Bellona’s themes are protection, victory, communication and strength. Her symbols are swords (or athame) and spears.  She who kindles the fire of the sun and the fire in the b