The Mystic's Wheel of the Year...
a Multifaith Calendar Reflecting Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality

What is Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality?
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Year 2008
Calendar
By Month...  JAN ~ FEB ~ MAR ~ APR ~ MAY ~ JUN ~ JUL ~ AUG ~ SEP ~ OCT ~ NOV ~ DEC
Year 2007
Calendar
By Month...  JAN ~ FEB ~ MAR ~ APR ~ MAY ~ JUN ~ JUL ~ AUG ~ SEP ~ OCT ~ NOV ~ DEC
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Year 2008
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2008
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2008
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2008
Muslim - Sufi  Holidays - 2008
Baha'i Holidays - 2008
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Hindu Holidays - 2008
Buddhist Holidays - 2008
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2008
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2008
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2008
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2008
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2008
Meteor Showers - 2008
Visible Planets - 2008
Astrological Periods - 2008
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2008
Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2008
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2008
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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Year 2007
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2007
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2007
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2007
Muslim - Sufi  Holidays - 2007
Baha'i Holidays - 2007
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Hindu Holidays - 2007
Buddhist Holidays - 2007
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2007
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2007
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2007
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2007
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2007
Meteor Showers - 2007
Visible Planets - 2007
Astrological Periods - 2007
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2007
Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2007
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2007
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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2006 Calendar Photos
Year 2006
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2006
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2006
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2006
Muslim - Sufi  Holidays - 2006
Baha'i Holidays - 2006
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Hindu Holidays - 2006
Buddhist Holidays - 2006
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2006
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2006
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2006
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2006
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2006
Meteor Showers - 2006
Visible Planets - 2006
Astrological Periods - 2006
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2006
Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2006
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2006
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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2005 Calendar Photos
Year 2005
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2005
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2005
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2005
Muslim - Sufi  Holidays - 2005
Baha'i Holidays - 2005
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Hindu Holidays - 2005
Buddhist Holidays - 2005
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2005
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2005
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2005
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2005
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2005
Meteor Showers - 2005
Visible Planets - 2005
Astrological Periods - 2005
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2005
Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2005
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2005
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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2004 Calendar Photos
Year 2004
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2004
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2004
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2004
Muslim - Sufi  Holidays - 2004
Baha'i Holidays - 2004
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Hindu Holidays - 2004
Buddhist Holidays - 2004
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2004
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2004
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2004
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2004
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2004
Meteor Showers - 2004
Visible Planets - 2004
Astrological Periods - 2004
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2004
Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2004
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2004
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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2003 Calendar Photos
Year 2003
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2003
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2003
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2003
Muslim - Sufi  Holidays - 2003
Baha'i Holidays - 2003
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Hindu Holidays - 2003
Buddhist Holidays - 2003
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2003
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2003
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2003
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2003
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2003
Meteor Showers - 2003
Visible Planets - 2003
Astrological Periods - 2003
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2003
Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2003
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2003
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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2002 Calendar Photos
Year 2002
Calendar
By Tradition...
Jewish - Kabbalah Holidays - 2002
Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition
- 2002
Unitarian Universalist Holidays - 2002
Muslim - Sufi Holidays - 2002
Baha'i Holidays - 2002
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Hindu Holidays - 2002
Buddhist Holidays - 2002
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Asian Holidays:  Zoroastrian - Sikh - Jain - Taoist - Shinto - 2002
Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays
- 2002
African Holidays: Santeria -  Old Egyptian - 2002
Pagan Holidays: 
Old Religions of Europe &  the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.)
- 2002
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Solar & Lunar  Cycles & Eclipses - 2002
Meteor Showers - 2002
Visible Planets - 2002
Astrological Periods - 2002
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Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates
- 2002
Feminist - Human Rights -
Social Justice Dates
- 2002
Peace  -  Disarmament Movement Dates - 2002
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Experiential Meditations
(for lunar cycles throughout the year)
Empowering Meditations
Action Offerings
(to help the environment 
& further social justice)
Art as Meditation
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2001 Calendar Photos
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Interfaith Links

 

2008 Hindu Holidays 
(includes Shaiva, Vaishnava & Tantric dates)

* 1/1: Day to meditate for peace throughout the world. [World Peace Day; Universal Hour of Peace: 7:00-8:00 a.m. EST.]

* 1/4: Day ethnic discrimination was outlawed world-wide (1969); day to mourn all manifestations of racism. [Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination: signed/adopted 3/7/1966; entered into force 1/4/1969.]

* 1/6: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 1/16: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 1/19: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 1/20: World Religions Day--Day to contemplate all religions as different paths to the one universal Deity of many names and aspects.

* 2/4: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 2/4: Vigil for peace, religious tolerance, and equal rights for all in Sri Lanka - now in the throes of civil war. [The civil war arises out of the legal preference given to the Sinhala people, the Sinhalese language, and the Buddhist religion over the Tamil people, the Tamil language, and the Hindu religion. The Sri Lankan civil war has been ongoing since 1983. On 2/22/2002, the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers guerrilla organization signed a cease fire and, on 12/5/2002, an agreement was reached to develop a federal structure of government with regional autonomy. However, the Tamil Tigers pulled out of peace talks in 4/2003, claiming they were being marginalized.] [Sri Lanka gained its independence on 2/4/1948.]

* 2/11: Sarasvati Puja--Hindu festival honoring Goddess Sarasvati, who represents wisdom, intellect, and knowledge, as well as inspiration, arts, and music. Hindus believe all Gods and Goddesses are aspects of the one Great God-Goddess Maha Deva-Maha Devi. [a/k/a Vasant Panchami, Sri Panchami]

* 2/15: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 2/18: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 2/18: Birthday of Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836), Hindu mystic who fervently loved Great Goddess Maha Devi - Mother of God, Mother of Nature, Elemental Matter, and Cosmic Power. He recognized Her immanence in all, and knew Her to be a manifestation of the one universal Deity. [Death day 8/16/1886]

* 3/1: Day the production and use of landmines was outlawed world-wide (1999); day to mourn their victims. [Protocol on Prohibition or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps, and Other Devices a/k/a Convention on Landmines a/k/a Mine Ban Treaty, amending the 1980 Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects: Treaty signed/adopted 10/10/1980; entered into force 12/2/1983; Protocol signed 12/3/1997; entered into force 3/1/1999.] [The U.S., India, and Nepal have not ratified the Protocol.] [There are between 60 and 70 million landmines in the ground of 70+ countries. Landmines maim or kill approximately 26,000 civilians each year, including 8,000 to 10,000 children. In the names of Devi, Vishnu, and Shiva, and for love of Them, Hindus should renounce the production and use of landmines, and should demand removal and destruction of all existing landmines.]

* 3/5 to 3/6: Mahashivaratri--Hindu fast, night vigil, and feast for God-Goddess Shiva-Shakti (union of Will and Power), who dances to create, destroy, and re-create the universe. Tantric Hindus believe Shiva is within all men and Shakti within all women. [a/k/a Shivaratri, Mahashivaratra, Shiva's Night, Bhole ka Vrat, Shiva Vrat, Shiva's Fast, Shiva Puja]

* 3/8: International Women's Day--Day to mourn victims of gender-based oppression and misogyny (past and present), make peace, and celebrate women's empowerment.

* 3/15: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 3/18: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh, Watering Eleventh, Amla Sinchan Gyas, Phalgun Sudi 11]

* 3/18 to 3/22: Holi--Hindu festival celebrating the courting of God Shiva by Goddess Parvati, and the efforts on Her behalf by Kama (God of Love) and Rati (Goddess of Passion). Shaivas are devoted to God Shiva in all His aspects. [a/k/a Little Holi, Bihar Holi, Sri Chaitanya]

* 3/26: Day production and use of biological weapons was outlawed world-wide (1975); day to mourn their victims. [Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction a/k/a Biological Weapons Convention: signed 4/10/1972; entered into force 3/26/1975.] [India is believed to currently have a biological weapons research program in spite of the Treaty's prohibition. India has ratified the Treaty.] [In the names of Devi, Vishnu, and Shiva, and for love of Them, Hindus should renounce the production, acquisition, and use of biological weapons, and should demand destruction of all existing weapons.]

* 4/3: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 4/6 to 4/14: Navaratri/Gangaur--Hindu festival honoring Great Goddess Maha Devi as Gauri - life, growth, and fruition. Tantric Hindus recognize gender equality and reject caste. [a/k/a Chetra Navratras, Navaratra, Gauri Tritiya, Devi ki Karahi, Devi Vrat, Devi Puja]

* 4/7: World Health Day--Day to pray for healing of all those chronically and seriously ill; day to advocate for adequate health care for all. [Day the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) was founded in 1948.]

* 4/13 to 4/14: Ramanavami--Birthday of Hindu God Rama (avatar of Vishnu), protector of beloved wife, Goddess Sita (avatar of Lakshmi). [a/k/a Rama Navmi, Ram Navmi]

* 4/14: Vaisakhi/Indian Solar New Year--Hindus ritually bathe in the Ganges River to purify themselves. [a/k/a Baisakhi]

* 4/17: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 4/22: Earth Day--Day to honor the Earth and to meditate on Deity manifesting as Mother Earth. [a/k/a International Earth Day, National Earth Day]

* 4/22: Day the world's nations guaranteed asylum to those persecuted in their homelands on account of their ethnicity, religion, or political opinion (1954). [Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees: signed 7/28/1951; entered into force 4/22/1954.]

* 4/29: Day production and use of chemical weapons was outlawed world-wide (1997); day to mourn their victims. [Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons a/k/a Chemical Weapons Convention: signed 1/13/1993; entered into force 4/29/1997.] [India is believed to currently possess chemical weapons in spite of the Treaty's prohibition. India has ratified the Treaty.] [In the name of Devi, Vishnu, and Shiva, and for love of Them, Hindus should renounce the production, acquisition, and use of chemical weapons, and should demand destruction of all existing weapons.]

* 5/1: National Day of Prayer--Day to pray for freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and separation of religion and government throughout the world.

* 5/3: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 5/13: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 5/16: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 6/2: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 6/11: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. Shaktas are devoted to Great Goddess Maha Devi in all Her aspects. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 6/14: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh, Waterless Eleventh, Nirjala Ekadashi, Jyesth Sudi 11]

* 7/1: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 7/1: Day the world's nations committed to stop proliferation of nuclear weapons (1968); vigil to protest the production and use of all nuclear weapons world-wide. [Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: signed 7/1/1968; entered into force 3/5/1970.] [India has developed nuclear weapons in spite of the Treaty's prohibition. India has not ratified the Treaty.] [In the names of Devi, Vishnu, and Shiva, and for love of Them, Hindus should renounce the production, acquisition, and use of nuclear weapons, and should demand destruction of all existing weapons.]

* 7/1: Day endangered species became internationally protected (1975); day to celebrate all the world's creatures. [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: signed/adopted 3/3/1973; entered into force 7/1/1975.]

* 7/11: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 7/14: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh, Gods' Sleeping Eleventh, Dev Shayani Ekadashi, Asharh Sudi 11]

* 7/31: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 8/9: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 8/12: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 8/15: Day India was partitioned into India and Pakistan, and Kashmir joined India over Pakistan's objection (1947); vigil for true peace, justice, and religious tolerance for all in South Asia. [India has a secular democratic government and its populace is largely Hindu. Pakistan has a military government and its populace is largely Muslim. Kashmir's population is largely Muslim, but its ruler chose to join India on 10/26/1947. The U.N. proposed a plebiscite to determine the Kashmiri people's preference on 1/5/1949, but it has never been held. India and Pakistan have fought 3 wars over Kashmir, and now have an uneasy peace.] [Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons and have threatened to use them. Both have also refused to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.] [On 4/10/2003, India threatened to attack Pakistan for allowing Pakistani terrorists to attack the Indian Parliament in 12/2001 and for allowing continuing attacks on Kashmiri India. India asserted the same right to preemptive war as asserted by the U.S. and the U.K. in attacking Iraq. However, on 4/19/2003, India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee called for peace talks with Pakistan and offered to normalize relations. Pakistan's Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali has indicated an interest in peace talks and agreed to normalize relations.]

* 8/24 to 8/25: Sri Krishna Jayanti--Birthday of Hindu God Krishna (avatar of God Vishnu), beloved of Goddess Radha (avatar of Goddess Lakshmi). Vaishnavas are devoted to God Vishnu and His avatars. [a/k/a Janmashtami, Janmastami, Govinda]

* 8/28: Opening of the Second World Parliament of Religions (1993), attended by members of all the world's religions. A Global Ethic was adopted that condemns hatred, aggression, oppression, and environmental abuses committed in the name of religion.

* 8/29: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 9/3: Day gender discrimination was outlawed world-wide (1981); day to mourn all manifestations of sexism. [Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: adopted by U.N. General Assembly 12/18/1979; signed 3/1/1980; entered into force 9/3/1981.]

* 9/3 to 9/13: Ganesha Chaturthi--Hindu festival honoring God Ganesha (son of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva) as the challenger - creator and remover of obstacles. Hindus believe all Gods and Goddesses are aspects of the limitless, attributeless, immanent, and transcendent Brahman. [a/k/a Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturathi, Ganesh Chauth]

* 9/7: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 9/10: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 9/16 to 9/29: Saradhas--Hindu festival in which offerings are made for departed ancestors. [a/k/a Sraddhas, Pitr-Paksha]

* 9/21: International Day of Peace--Day to demonstrate for peace with justice throughout the world. [a/k/a U.N. International Day of Peace]

* 9/28: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 9/30 to 10/9: Navaratri/Durga Puja--Hindu festival of Great Goddess Maha Devi as Durga, protector of the powerless; celebrates Her destruction of evil and restoration of cosmic order. [a/k/a Asuj Navratras, Navaratra, Sanjhi, Dassehra, Dussehra, Devi Vrat, Devi Puja]

* 10/2: Birthday of Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi (1869), Hindu advocate for human rights and self-reliance, who practiced active non-violent resistance to injustice. [Death day 1/30/1948] [a/k/a Gandhi Jayanti]

* 10/9: Dassehra--Recounts the rescue of Hindu Goddess Sita (avatar of Lakshmi) by God Rama (avatar of Vishnu) from an evil demon. [a/k/a Dasara, Dasera, Dussera, Dussehra]

* 10/10: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 10/18: Day the Clean Water Act was enacted (1972); day to give thanks for the water we drink. [Pub. L. 92-500, 86 Stat. 896, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.]

* 10/25 to 10/28: Diwali/Lunar New Year/Festival of Lights--Hindu festival for Goddess Lakshmi (source of health, fertility, and prosperity) and Her consort, God Vishnu (the preserver); focus is on peace-making and new beginnings. Hindus' life goals are ethical living, passionate love, prosperity, and spiritual devotion. [a/k/a Divali, Dipavali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Divas]

* 10/27: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 10/28: Kali Puja--Hindu festival honoring Great Goddess Maha Devi as Kali - decay, death, and transformation.

* 11/5: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 11/7: World Community Day--Day for celebrating the unity behind diversity and remembering we are all one people - all children of the one universal Deity of many names and aspects.

* 11/8: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh, Gods' Awakening Eleventh, Dev Uthani Gyas, Karttik Sudi 11]

* 11/20: Fast for an Abundant World Harvest--Day to fast and commit to action to help prevent deaths from malnourishment world-wide. [a/k/a Fast for a World Harvest]

* 11/26: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 11/27: Thanksgiving Day--Day to give thanks for the abundance of our land and for our food, clothes, shelter, and health.

* 12/1: World AIDS Day--Day to pray for healing of all those suffering with AIDS and HIV.

* 12/5: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Devi Vrat, Devi Ashtami, Devi's Eighth]

* 12/8: Vishnu Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Vishnu. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Vishnu Vrat, Ekadashi, Vishnu's Eleventh]

* 12/10: Day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, and fundamental rights were recognized world-wide (1948). [The U.N. General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (U.D.H.R.) in Resolution 217 A(III).] [a/k/a International Human Rights Day]

* 12/15: Day the Bill of Rights became part of the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights to all (1791). [a/k/a Bill of Rights Day]

* 12/17: Day the Clean Air Act was enacted (1963); day to give thanks for the air we breathe. [Pub. L. 88-206, 77 Stat. 392, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.]

* 12/25: Shiva Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu God Shiva. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. [a/k/a Shiva Vrat, Shiv Teras, Shiva's Thirteenth]

* 12/26: Day to mourn all those killed in the Asian tsunami (2004) and to aid those who survived.

* 12/28: Day the Endangered Species Act was enacted (1973); day to mourn those creatures already extinct. [Pub. L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.]

[Hinduism originated in India. The holy scripture of the Hindus is the Vedas: the Rig Veda (containing verses of praise), the Yajur Veda (containing ritual offering requirements), the Sama Veda (containing verses or chants for ritual offerings), and the Atharva Veda (containing magical verses). Hindu sacred literature also includes the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, the Upanishads, the Sutras, the Sastras, the Epics, and the Puranas. There are three primary denominations of Hinduism: Shaivism (including Yoga) is focused on God Shiva in all His aspects, Shaktism is focused on Great Goddess Maha Devi (who encompasses all Goddesses), and Vaishnavism is focused on God Vishnu and His avatars (including Rama and Krishna). Tantrism (Tantra), a smaller denomination of Hinduism, is focused on either Shiva and Devi/Shakti or Vishnu and Devi/Lakshmi (or Krishna and Radha).]

[Devotion to Deity (Bhakti) is often expressed with poetry, music, and dance. Hindus offer daily puja (worship) to the Deity in home shrines or village temples. To honor a Deity, some Hindus fast from grains (vrat) (in addition to meat) for a day each week, fortnight, or month. Hindu Deities are also honored during Hindu festivals. Hindu holidays have different names, meanings, and practices, depending on whether the celebrants are Shaivas, Shaktas, Vaishnaivas, or Tantrics, and depending on the region of India that the holiday is celebrated.]

[Hindu holidays are dated based on the Indian lunisolar calendar (Bikrami calendar or Vikram Samvat). In different localities, festivals may be celebrated a day earlier or a day later than the date given.]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Permission to use and distribute these excerpts is granted for non-commercial purposes, provided the following information is included:

Excerpted from 
THE MYSTIC'S WHEEL OF THE YEAR 2008
A Multifaith Calendar Reflecting Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality
© 2007 Page Two, Inc.
info@WheeloftheYear.com
www.WheeloftheYear.com

 

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All Gods and Goddesses
are aspects of 
the One Deity

 ees2.JPG (27628 bytes)

The One Deity
is reflected in 
all Gods and Goddesses

 bc1.JPG (18184 bytes)

The One Deity
is Deity of all

 bc2.JPG (19483 bytes)

Deity is 
male and female,
yet genderless

 ees1.JPG (29295 bytes)

Deity is 
all forms,
yet formless

 ees2.JPG (27628 bytes)

Deity is
within all;
Deity is
beyond all

 bc1.JPG (18184 bytes)

Deity is
all-embracing
love

 bc2.JPG (19483 bytes)

With all that
is known by all
the world's sages,
with all that
is written in all
sacred books,
with all that
is experienced
in all
spiritual traditions,
we still cannot
know
the unknowable--

Deity is Mystery

 

 

 

 

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