2008 African Holidays: Santeria

* 1/1: Day the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect freeing Confederate slaves (1863); day to mourn African victims of slavery and racism (past and present), make peace, and celebrate empowerment of African Americans. [President Abraham Lincoln made the Emancipation Proclamation on 9/22/1862.]

* 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.]

* 1/15: Feast of the Black Christ. [Originated in Guatemala and celebrated by Catholics in Central America and the Caribbean and immigrants and African-Americans in the U.S.] [Pilgrims travel to the Church of the Black Christ of Esquipulas annually during the week leading up to the feast.] [a/k/a Feast of Christ of Esquipulas, Fiesta Del Senor de Esquipulas]

* 1/15 (Obs. 1/21): Birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929), Baptist preacher and non-violent advocate for the rights of African Americans. [Death day 4/4/1968]

* 1/15 to 1/17 (A 2/25 to 2/27): Raising Heaven--Old Egyptian Festival honoring the unseen Neteru Amen and Amenet. Egyptians perceived the many Gods and Goddesses (Neteru) to be aspects of the one God-Goddess Neter-Neteret. [Kemetic calendar (leap year)] [Alexandrian calendar 2/25 to 2/27 (leap year)] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Rekehwer day 30 to Rekehnedjes day 2]

* 1/16 (A 2/26): Beginning of Old Egyptian Proyet/Emergence month of Rekehnedjes/Phamenoth. [Priests and priestesses read hymns of praise to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses).] [Kemetic calendar (leap year)] [Alexandrian calendar 2/26 (leap year)] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Rekehnedjes day 1]

* 1/16 (A 2/26): Old Egyptian feast of Neter Ptah, God who inspires creativity and the arts. [Kemetic calendar (leap year)] [Alexandrian calendar 2/26 (leap year)] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Rekehnedjes day 1]

* 1/17: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Ogun, Orisha of Strength, Endurance, and Perseverance.

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

* 2/1: Day President Abraham Lincoln approved the Constitution's 13th Amendment, outlawing all slavery (1865). [The 13th Amendment was approved by Congress on 1/31/1865 and, after ratification by the states, was proclaimed in effect on 12/18/1865.] [a/k/a National Freedom Day]

* 2/1 to 2/29: Ethnic Equality Month--Time to honor all peoples and their positive traditions; time to meditate on the equality of all peoples, on the respect due to them, and on God-Goddess manifesting as African, Asian, Oceanic, Middle Eastern, European, Hispanic, and Native American. [Expands idea of African-American History Month a/k/a Black History Month.]

* 2/2: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Oya, Orisha of Death and Rebirth. Yorubas/Santeros believe the Orishas are emanations and messengers of the one Deity, Olodumare.

* 2/5 to 2/6: Feast of Old Romano-Egyptian Goddess Isis, the Healer--recalls Set (God of Challenges and Chaos) poisoning child God Horus, and Isis intervening, defeating Set, and healing Horus. [Roman calendar]

* 2/6: Day to mourn all the women and children who have been subjected to female genital mutilation. [Female Genital mutilation is also known as "FGM" and "female circumcision". FGM results in severe pain, bleeding, disfigurement, urine retention, recurrent infections, painful menstruation, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and complications in childbirth.] [International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting established on 2/6/2003 by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC).]

* 2/7: Birthday of Frederick Douglass (1817), non-violent advocate for the rights of African Americans. [Death day 2/20/1895]

* 2/15 (A 3/27): Beginning of Old Egyptian Proyet/Emergence month of Paenrenenutet/Pharmouthi, dedicated to Neteret Renenutet and Neter Nepri. [Priests and priestesses made offerings of food and drink to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure that all people had abundant food and drink.] [Kemetic calendar (leap year)] [Alexandrian calendar 3/27] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Paenrenenutet day 1]

* 2/15: Birthday of Susan B. Anthony (1820), non-violent advocate for the rights of women and African Americans. [Death day 3/13/1906] [a/k/a Susan B. Anthony Day]

* 2/18 to 2/19 (A 3/30 to 3/31): Old Egyptian festival of Neteret Bastet, Cat Goddess who fosters domestic harmony. Her image was transported outside the temple on a bark. [Kemetic calendar (leap year)] [Alexandrian calendar 3/30 to 3/31] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Paenrenenutet days 4-5]

* 3/1 to 3/31: Gender Equality Month--Time to honor both genders; time to meditate on the equality of women and men, on the respect due to both women and men, and on Goddess-God manifesting as woman and man. [Expands idea of Women's History Month.]

* 3/5: Navigium Isidis--Old Romano-Egyptian festival honoring Goddess Isis as Lady of the Moon and Ruler of the Sea; celebrated with the launching of a boat of offerings. [Roman calendar]

* 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.

* 3/9: Day slavery was outlawed world-wide (1927); day to mourn its continued existence. [Convention to Suppress the Slave Trade and Slavery: signed/adopted 9/25/1926; entered into force 3/9/1927.]

* 3/10: Death day of Harriet Tubman (1913), who risked her life to guide slaves to freedom. [Birthday unknown]

* 3/10 to 3/16 (A 4/20 to 4/26): Old Egyptian festival of Neteret Renenutet (Goddess of the Harvest) and Neter Nepri (God of Grain). A harvest offering was made. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 4/20 to 4/26] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Paenrenenutet day 25 to Paenkhons day 1]

* 3/16 (A 4/26): Beginning of Old Egyptian Shomu/Harvest month of Paenkhons/Pakhon. [Priests and priestesses made offerings of incense, holy water, and perfumed oils to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses).] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 4/26] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Paenkhons day 1]

* 3/19: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Osanyin, Orisha of Deciduous Vegetation.

* 3/25: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Oshun, Orisha of Passion and Fertility.

* 3/30: Day the Constitution's 15th Amendment went into effect, recognizing the right of all ethnic peoples to vote (1870). [The 15th Amendment was approved by Congress on 2/26/1869 and, after ratification by the states, was proclaimed in effect on 3/30/1870.]

* 4/6: Day the Hutus began genocidal massacres of Tutsis in Rwanda (1994); vigil for true peace, justice, and respect for the human rights of all in Africa. [Over 800,000 were killed.]

* 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.]

* 4/15 (A 5/26): Beginning of Old Egyptian Shomu/Harvest month of Khentkhety/Paoni. [Priests and priestesses made offerings to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure that there would be good health and long life for all.] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 5/26] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Khentkhety day 1]

* 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.]

* 4/23: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Ogun, Orisha of Self-reliance and Industrious Labor. Yorubas/Santeros celebrate with drumming, ecstatic dancing, and possession trance.

* 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.

* 5/10: Death day of Theodore Parker (1860), Unitarian slavery abolitionist and social justice activist. [Birthday 8/24/1810]

* 5/15 (A 6/25): Beginning of Old Egyptian Shomu/Harvest month of Ipet-hemet/Epip. [Priests and priestesses made offerings to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure that there would be love and happiness for all.] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 6/25] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Ipet-hemet day 1]

* 5/15: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Ochossi, Orisha of Animals.

* 5/17: Day the Supreme Court concluded that ethnic-based segregation of schools violates the U.S. Constitution (1954). [Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)]

* 5/29 (A 7/9): Old Egyptian festival of Neteru Amen (God of transcendent powers) and Hapi (God of the Nile River); offerings were made to ensure the needed flooding of the Nile River. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 7/9] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Ipet-hemet day 15]

* 6/13 (A 7/24): Old Egyptian feast of Neteret Hathor, Goddess of Love and Fertility. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 7/24] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Ipet-hemet day 30]

* 6/14 (A 7/25): Beginning of Old Egyptian Shomu/Harvest month of Mesut-Ra/Mesori, dedicated to Neteru Ra and Rait. [Priests and priestesses made offerings to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure that there would be security and protection for all.] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 7/25] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Mesut-Ra day 1]

* 6/21: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orisha Babalu Aye, Guardian of the Disabled.

* 6/29: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orisha Eleggua, Intercessor and Ruler of Destinies. Yorubas/Santeros celebrate with divination and food offerings.

* 6/30: Vigil for peace, democracy, religious freedom, ethnic equality, and the end of slavery and genocide in Sudan. [Since 1983, when Islamic law was adopted in Sudan, civil war has pitted Arab Muslims against African Christians and animists. As a result, over 2 million have died, most through forced starvation. Government troops have been accused of torture, rape, enslavement, and the murder of women and children. On 6/30/1989, a military coup by Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir brought authoritarian rule to Sudan. In 1991, Islamic law was imposed on non-Muslims in the areas within his control. Since February 2003, in the Darfur region, the government-supported Janjaweed militia has been terrorizing the African population, many of whom are Muslims. Over 100,000 civilians have been killed there, 405 villages have been destroyed, and 1.2 million have been displaced. Many have been tortured and raped. Crops and livestock have been stolen or destroyed. The Janjaweed militia is also blocking aid from reaching refugee camps, so those in the camps are starving. Though a ceasefire was signed on 4/9/2004 between the government and the two rebel groups, and though a peace accord was signed on 1/9/2005 between the government and the main rebel group, the Janjaweed militia's violence against civilians continues unabated. On 9/9/2004, the U.S. accused the Sudanese government of genocide and, on 2/2/2005, the U.N. conceded that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed. On 3/31/2005, the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution to prosecute those who have committed such crimes before the International Criminal Court.]

* 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.]

* 7/2: Day discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, gender, and religion was prohibited in public accommodations and employment (1964). [The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson.] [Pub. L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 241, 42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.]

* 7/14 (A 8/24): Old Egyptian birthday feast of Neter Osiris - partner and true love of Isis, and father of Horus; guide of all husbands, fathers, and judges. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/24] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Epagomenal day 1]

* 7/15 (A 8/25): Old Egyptian birthday feast of Neter Horus the Elder, lover of Neteret Hathor. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/25] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Epagomenal day 2]

* 7/16 (A 8/26): Old Egyptian birthday feast of Neter Set, God of the Desert. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/26] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Epagomenal day 3]

* 7/17 (A 8/27): Old Egyptian birthday feast of Neteret Isis - partner and true love of Osiris, and mother of Horus; guide of all wives, mothers, healers, advocates, and teachers. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/27] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Epagomenal day 4]

* 7/18 (A 8/28): Old Egyptian birthday feast of Neteret Nepthys, estranged wife of Neter Set. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/28] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Epagomenal day 5]

* 7/18: Day South Africa's apartheid was internationally outlawed (1976); birthday of Nelson Mandela, non-violent anti-apartheid activist. [Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid: signed/adopted 11/30/1973; entered into force 7/18/1976.]

* 7/19 (A 8/29): Old Egyptian birthday feast of Neter Ra and Rait, Deities of the Sun. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/29] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Tekh day 1]

* 7/19 to 8/1 (A 8/29 to 9/11): Old Egyptian festival marking the return to Egypt of Neteret Isis (as the star of Septet/Sirius), Neter Osiris (as the star of Sahu/Orion), and the rains that inundate the Nile River. [Old Egyptian New Year; beginning of Akhet/Inundation month of Tekh/Thout, dedicated to Neter Thoth (God of Time).] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 8/29 to 9/11] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Tekh days 1-14] [9/11 is also the Coptic New Year.]

* 7/28: Day the Constitution's 14th Amendment went into effect, guaranteeing due process and equal protection of the law to all (1868). [The 14th Amendment was approved by Congress on 6/13/1866 and, after ratification by the states, was proclaimed in effect on 7/28/1868.]

* 8/2 (A 9/12): Old Egyptian festival of Neteru Amen (God of transcendent powers) and Hapi (God of the Nile River); offerings were made to ensure the needed flooding of the Nile River. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 9/12] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Tekh day 15]

* 8/2: Feast of the Black Madonna. [Feast of the Virgin of the Angels]

* 8/5 to 8/6 (A 9/15 to 9/16): Old Egyptian Wag Festival, honoring the dead and Neter Osiris (Lord of Amenta, realm of the dead). Food was brought to the tombs and shared with the dead. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 9/15 to 9/16] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Tekh days 18-19]

* 8/6: Day the Voting Rights Act became law (1965) - register to vote! [The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson.] [Pub. L. 89-110, 79 Stat. 437, 42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.]

* 8/6 to 8/7 (A 9/16 to 9/17): Old Egyptian festival of Neter Thoth, God of Knowledge and Wisdom. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 9/16 to 9/17] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Tekh days 19-20]

* 8/9 (A 9/19): Old Egyptian Great Procession of Neter Osiris. The image of Osiris was transported on a bark to the tombs. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 9/19] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Tekh day 22]

* 8/18 (A 9/28): Beginning of Old Egyptian Akhet/Inundation month of Menkhet/Paopi, dedicated to Neteru Amen-Ra-Atem and Amenet-Rait-Mut. [Priests and priestesses made offerings to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure that there would be strength and freedom for all.] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 9/28] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Menkhet day 1]

* 8/28: Day of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s peaceful march on Washington, D.C., for recognition of the rights of African Americans (1963). [Rev. King made his inspiring "I have a dream" speech at this rally.]

* 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.

* 9/1 to 9/11 (A 10/12 to 10/22): Old Egyptian Opet Festival, honoring Neteru Amen-Ra-Atem and Amenet-Rait-Mut. The pharaoh went to the Luxor Temple at Thebes in order to have his authority to rule recognized. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 10/12 to 10/22] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Menkhet days 15-25]

* 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.]

* 9/8: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Oshun, Orisha of Love and Compassion.

* 9/17 (A 10/28): Beginning of Old Egyptian Akhet/Inundation month of Het-Hert/Athor, dedicated to Neteret Hathor. [Priests and priestesses danced and played sistra, tambourines, and menat in honor of the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses).] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 10/28] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Het-Hert day 1]

* 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]

* 9/24: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Obatala, Orisha of Peace and Justice. [Yorubas/Santeros worship the One Deity Olodumare.]

* 9/25 (A 11/5): Old Egyptian festival of Neter Amen-Ra-Atem, the Great God, and Neteret Amenet-Rait-Mut, the Great Goddess. Their images were transported on a bark from Karnak to Luxor. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 11/5] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Het-Hert day 9]

* 9/29: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orisha Eleggua, Intercessor and Ruler of Destinies.

* 9/30: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Shango, Orisha of Passion and Virility.

* 10/4: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orunmila, Orisha of Wise Counsel and Protection.

* 10/17 (A 11/27): Beginning of Old Egyptian Akhet/Inundation month of Nehebkau/Khoiak, dedicated to Neteru Isis and Osiris. [Priests and priestesses read hymns of thanksgiving to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses).] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 11/27] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Nehebkau day 1]

* 10/17 (A 11/27): Old Egyptian feast of Neteret Hathor, Goddess of Fate. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 11/27] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Nehebkau day 1]

* 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.]

* 10/24: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orisha Erinle, Healer of the Sick and Injured.

* 10/28 to 11/3: Isia--Old Romano-Egyptian festival recalling Set (God of Destruction) killing God Osiris; Goddess Isis mourning Him, resurrecting Him, and conceiving God Horus with Him; and Osiris becoming Lord of Amenta, realm of the dead. [He weighs souls against the Feather of Truth on Goddess Maat's Scale of Justice, but defers to Isis for those who fail the test.] [Roman calendar]

* 10/28 to 11/15 (A 12/8 to 12/26): Old Egyptian Sokar Festival/Khoiak Ceremonies. It commemorates Neteret Isis seeking out and finding the scattered remains of Neter Osiris. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 12/8 to 12/26] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Nehebkau days 12-30]

* 11/1 to 11/2: Fon/Vodou feast of Ghede, Loa of the Dead; time for honoring ancestral spirits. Fon/Vodouisants believe all Loas (Deities) originate from Co-Creators Goddess-God Mawu-Lisa.

* 11/3: Christian feast of St. Martin of Porres (d. 1639), healer and advocate of social equality and inter-ethnic harmony; guide of healers and human rights activists.

* 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.

* 11/11: Death day of Lucretia Mott (1880), Quaker preacher and non-violent advocate for the rights of women and African Americans. [Birthday 1/3/1793]

* 11/16 (A 12/27): Beginning of Old Egyptian Proyet/Emergence month of Shefbedet/Tobi. [Priests and priestesses made offerings to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure that there would be peace and harmony throughout the land.] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 12/27] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Shefbedet day 1]

* 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]

* 11/25: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Oya, Orisha of Death and Rebirth.

* 11/26: Death day of Sojourner Truth (1883), Christian preacher and non-violent advocate for the rights of women and African Americans. [Born 1797: exact date unknown]

* 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.

* 12/4: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orisha Shango, Defender Against Evil.

* 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]

* 12/14 (A 1/24): Old Egyptian festival of Neteret Bastet, Cat Goddess who fosters domestic harmony. Her image was transported on a bark on the Nile River from Karnak to Bubastis. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 1/24] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Shefbedet day 29]

* 12/15 (A 1/25): Old Egyptian festival of Neteret Amenet-Rait-Mut, the primordial Great Mother. Her image was transported on a bark on Isheru Lake with other Lion Goddesses. [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 1/25] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Shefbedet day 30]

* 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]

* 12/16 (A 1/26): Beginning of Old Egyptian Proyet/Emergence month of Rekehwer/Mekhir. [Priests and priestesses made offerings to the Neteru (Gods and Goddesses) to ensure the continuation of order (maat) and life (ankh).] [The Negative Confessions reflect the ethics of the Egyptians.] [Kemetic calendar] [Alexandrian calendar 1/26] [Ancient Egyptian calendar: Rekehwer day 1]

* 12/17: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Orisha Babalu Aye, Healer of Deadly Diseases.

* 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.]

* 12/18: Day the Constitution's 13th Amendment went into effect, outlawing all slavery (1865). [The 13th Amendment was approved by Congress on 1/31/1865 and, after ratification by the states, was proclaimed in effect on 12/18/1865.]

* 12/21 to 12/25: Old Romano-Egyptian festival of Goddess Isis giving birth to God Horus. [Roman calendar]

* 12/26 to 1/1: Kwanzaa--Festival celebrating positive African traditions; emphasizes unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

* 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.]

* 12/31: Yoruba/Santeria festival of Orisha Yemaya, Mother of the Sun and Moon.

[Santeria is a syncretism of the West African religion of the Yoruba (Nigerian) people (Yoruba religion) with Catholicism. Santeria, like other African Spirituality, is grounded in Nature and its rhythms. The Santeria Orishas reflect the powers of Nature and virtues. Santeria holidays are Yoruba holidays affixed to the feast days of the Catholic saints that the Santeria Orishas are identified with. Consequently, the Santeria calendar is based on the Catholic calendar. Similarly, Vodun (Voodoo) is a syncretism of the West African Fon (Dahoman) religion with Catholicism. Both are practiced in the Caribbean and in the United States.]

[The ancient Egyptian religion was practiced throughout East Africa (in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea as well as Egypt). Some Old Egyptian holidays (Kemetic holidays) in this calendar are based on the ancient Roman calendar. Other Old Egyptian holidays are based on the ancient Egyptian calendar. The ancient Egyptians used 3 calendars: a lunar calendar, a fixed calendar, and a lunisolar calendar. The Old Egyptian New Year is disputed. The Alexandrian calendar (a reform of the ancient Egyptian calendar by Roman Emperor Augustus in 25 BCE that added a 6th leap year day) sets the Old Egyptian New Year at 8/29 (except years encompassing the Gregorian leap year day, when the New Year is on 8/30). The Alexandrian calendar is the same as the Coptic calendar (a Julian-type calendar), but the Alexandrian dates are adjusted to the Gregorian calendar. (The Coptic New Year is on 9/11, except years encompassing the Gregorian leap year day, when the New Year is on 9/12.) The New Year was celebrated in ancient times at the time of the annual life-giving inundation of the Nile River. The annual inundation occurs around 7/19 on the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, the Kemetic calendar sets the Old Egyptian New Year at 7/19. The Copts and the Arabs of Egypt celebrated "The Night of the Drop" on 7/17 into the 19th Century. This first drop presaged the coming inundation. It was believed that the drop was a tear drop that Goddess Isis cried in mourning over the death of God Osiris. Her tears were believed to cause the annual flooding of the Nile. In previous years, ancient Egyptian dates were calculated based on the Alexandrian calendar, with secondary reference to Kemetic calendar dates. Beginning with 2005, ancient Egyptian dates are calculated based on the earlier Kemetic calendar, with secondary reference to Alexandrian calendar dates. Roman calendar dates will not change.]

[This is one of many versions of the Egyptian Negative Confession. The dead were required to recite this in order to be judged fit to enter Amenta, the realm of the dead: I have not harmed anyone; I have not wronged my kinfolk; I have not committed evil; I have not consorted with evil people; I have not committed acts of abomination; I have not done less than duty requires; I have not attempted to gain undeserved honors; I have not oppressed anyone; I have not treated any Deity with disrespect; I have not defrauded anyone; I have not done what the Deities detest; I have not caused anyone to oppress another; I have not caused anyone to suffer; I have not allowed anyone to go hungry; I have not caused anyone to weep; I have not killed anyone; I have not caused anyone to be killed; I have not caused pain to the multitude; I have not taken offerings intended for the temple; I have not taken food meant for the Deities; I have not taken food meant for the spirits; I have not consorted with pedophiles; I have not entered the temple in an impure state; I have not cheated in the measuring of grain; I have not encroached upon the fields of others; I have not taken the land of others; I have not added to the weight of the balance; I have not cheated with the pointer of the scales; I have not taken milk from babies; I have not driven animals from their pastures; I have not captured geese from the preserves of a Deity; I have not caught fish with fish bait; I have not obstructed water that should run; I have not broken a canal of running water; I have not neglected to make temple offerings; I have not taken cattle from the property of a Deity; I have not rejected the Deities in their manifestations. I am pure. I am pure. I am pure. I am pure.] [Egyptian Book of the Dead Chapter CXXVI]

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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

All Gods and Goddesses
are aspects of
the One Deity

The One Deity
is reflected in
all Gods and Goddesses

The One Deity
is Deity of all

Deity is
male and female,
yet genderless

Deity is
all forms,
yet formless

Deity is
within all;
Deity is
beyond all

Deity is
all-embracing
love

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

The Mystic's Wheel of the Year... a Multifaith Calendar Reflecting 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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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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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

±±±±±±±±±±

Environmentalist - Deep Ecology Dates - 2006

Feminist - Human Rights - Social Justice Dates - 2006

Peace - Disarmament Movement Dates - 2006

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

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

Year 2008
Calendar
By Tradition...

Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition - 2008

Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays - 2008

Pagan Holidays:
Old Religions of Europe & the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.) - 2008

Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates - 2008

Year 2007
Calendar
By Tradition...

Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition - 2007

Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays - 2007

Pagan Holidays:
Old Religions of Europe & the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.) - 2007

Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates - 2007

Year 2006
Calendar
By Tradition...

Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition - 2006

Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays - 2006

Pagan Holidays:
Old Religions of Europe & the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.) - 2006

Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates - 2006

Year 2005
Calendar
By Tradition...

Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition - 2005

Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays - 2005

Pagan Holidays:
Old Religions of Europe & the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.) - 2005

Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates - 2005

Year 2004
Calendar
By Tradition...

Christian Holidays:
Ecumenical Mysticism/
Wisdom Tradition - 2004

Native American -
Meso American - Hispanic Holidays - 2004

Pagan Holidays:
Old Religions of Europe & the Middle East (Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.) - 2004

Environmentalist -
Deep Ecology Dates - 2004