Even today, the lunar cycle influences the timing of events like festivals (think of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival or the Islamic Eid al-Adha) and continues to hold cultural significance in various traditions. The influence of the lunar cycle extends beyond cultural practices to encompass the n...
What ancient rituals and beliefs gave birth to the traditions we cherish today? The roots of the Lunar New Year can be traced back to ancient China, where the festival's origins intertwine with folklore, mythology, and the agricultural cycle. Legends tell of a mythical ...
In some Pagan circles, a woman is seen as closer to the Goddess during her menstrual cycle than at any other time in the month. Whether a woman’s period begins on the New or Full Moon, both times are when the Moon is at the peak of its power and influence. Likewise, the Moon sym...
Eclipses occur in cycles of 18.03yr because they are possible only when both the moon and sun are close to the nodes of thelunar orbit. One eclipse period, also known as the Saros cycle, consists of a whole number of both synodic months and eclipse years (the time required for the sun...
The cyclical process of disappearance and appearance of the moon is the basis of the widespread association of the moon with the land of the dead, the place to which souls ascend after death, and the power of rebirth. The lunar governance of this cycle likewise leads to association of the ...
involved edible offerings to deities and ancestors for a bountiful harvest. Today, as the holiday garners global participation from one-fifth of the world's population,food remains at the heartof the festivities, carrying rich symbolism with certain dishes signifying prosperity, health and abundance....
While there's a chance you're familiar with the festival, you may not know the significance and symbolism behind some of its most important customs. If that's the case, you're in luck! Here, we take a closer look at the history and elements of China's Lunar New Year in order to ...
In addition to the cycle of animals, there is also a corresponding system of elements. Ancient Chinese cosmology developed the concept of wuxing, the five basic elements of earth, wood, metal, fire, and water. These elements underlie the universe and their cycles explain change in the cosmos...