Mystical Months
April
'A gush of bird song, a patter of dew
A cloud and a rainbow's warning;
Suddenly sunshine and perfect blue
An April day in the morning!'
~ Harriet Prescott Spofford
The Roman Goddess of Love 'Aprilis' was honoured when naming the
month of 'April'. As part of the seasonal calendar April is the
time of the 'Growing Moon' according to Pagan beliefs and the
period described as the 'Moon of the Red Grass Appearing' by Black
Elk (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt). It is also the last month of
'Imbolc', before 'Beltaine'. Mark, of the gospels, features as a
strong influence within the early Celtic church at this time of
year (see February introduction). The need to toil the land, to
work to achieve the ends is further symbolised by his work, that of
spreading the news of the gospels and in the significance of the
pilgrimage, the journey to achieve enlightenment. Early pilgrims
were influenced by the laws of nature, in a similar way to the
pre-Christians belief and practice of ritual and folklore related
to nature, reading the actions of animals to lead them to a place
of rest. Most important in this month are the cattle or oxen, the
deer or stag, and of course the ram (Aries). The spirit was
believed to be renewed in this month and therefore there was a need
to let go of unnecessary worries and focus on the purpose, the
commitment of faith and practice, to resurrect the slumbering
energies if the months ahead were to be of service to the deities
and God.
'Brigid' (1 February) and 'Columcille' (7 June) were joint
protectors of cattle and it was practice at this time to hope that
the protection asked for during the period of Samhain had been
granted and that the cattle would be healthy, so ensuring that when
winter returned meat would be plentiful providing strength in the
months of darkness (Samhain and Imbolc):
'Everything within my dwelling or
in my possession,
All kine and crops, all flocks and corn,
From Hallow Eve to Beltane Eve.'
'When April blows her horn (thunder)
it's good for hay and corn.'
* The above Excerpts
are taken from the Internet without any edits mainly for
informational purposes only. ~*~ LIGHT OF ATLANTIS ~*~ will not be
responsible for any of its contents, misuses or abuses using the
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