Sacerdos

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 ·      ...

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...

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...

Lord Shiva, is considered the most powerful of Gods according to Hindu legend. Lord Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of lingam. He is described as an omniscient yogi, who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash, as well as a householder with wife Goddess Parvati, and two sons,Lord Ganesha and Lord  Kartikeya. Shiva has many benevolent as well as fearsome forms. He is often depicted as immersed in deep meditation. In fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons. Solah Somwar Vrat Significance Upvaas, or fasting, in Hinduism is mainly observed for the fulfillment of a vow. Upvas is also referred as 'Vrats.' But 'Vrat' has a wider meaning and it is not just curtailed to the fasting observed for material or other gains. Each day in a week is dedicated to one or more of the gods in the Hindu pantheon. A particular deity is appeased by the devotee on a particular day. Thus Monday is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays begi...

Moon, has always enjoyed great prominence across all religions. The full moon, is especially considered auspicious and important. Special prayers and meditation are done on this day for beneficial results. Significance Moon symbolizes mind and mother in Vedic Astrology besides other departments of life. Mind controls human action and hence Moon controls human action and is given unique importance in Vedic scriptures.  Since the Moon is closest to Earth and due to such close proximity, its influences and effects can be notably experienced. The moon represents the mind, emotions, sensitivity, the mother, house and domestic comforts, milk, sea and all things connected with the sea, hotel and food industry, textiles and apparels. It is cold and calm. It’s color is white, direction north-east, metal is silver and gem is pearl. The Hindu, Thai, Hebrew, Islamic, Tibetan, Mayan, Neo-pagan, Germanic, Celtic, and the traditional Chinese calendars are all based on the phases of th...

Anant Chaturdasi   A day signifying the essence of time. Perseverance is important in everything, more so when while showing honour and obedience towards our Gods. Anant means never ending, since the very beginning, something that cannot be measured; as with God’s grace. A Hindu religious observance performed on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of Bhadrapad month of  the Hindu calendar. A prominent day, it is considered auspicious to immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh. Along side, prayers are offered to Lord Ananth ( Vishnu ) on this day. Mythological Significance Pandavas, during their exile are once visited by Lord Krishna. King Yudishter, the eldest among them asks the Lord to suggest a way through which their difficulties would pass soon.  Replying, the Lord answers “A way there is to rid you of all your sins, remove all your difficulties, promote your material prosperity and eventually lead you towards the path of moksha(lib...