Post by david on Dec 24, 2018 17:26:46 GMT
The date is calculated as the first new or full moon after 24th. Astraea, which corresponds to 31st. December, unless this falls before the end of the month of Astraea, in which case, it is the first natural rite thereafter. The Natural rite days are the new moon, the day of Artemis, which is five days after the new moon, the full moon, and Half Moon Day, which is the Monday closest to half way between the full moon and the new moon. This year, the full moon occurs on 6th Hestia corresponding to 31st. December.
Nativity celebrates the birth of our Lady, as described in The Mythos Of The Divine Maid.. It is the Mystery by which the material world came into existence, which saves us from the annihilation of absolute substance. In meaning it is the most wonderful and beautiful of all the festivals. It is marked by twelve days of celebrations consisting of party games and good food, and ends with a fast on the thirteenth day in reflection of the thirteenth penitential month of Moura. All decorations, except greenery, are removed on the twelve day.
The problem with celebrating the Madrian Nativity is that people don't know how to play games the Madrian way. Like everything else, they're done as contemplative exercises. The trouble is I only know how to do it to two.
One is hunt the thimble. The principle is that any object is a manifestation of the spirit. You take something small and hide it, and that represents the loss of the spirit in the illusions of matter. You're trying to find the manifestation, which you do by trying to be sensitive to its presence.
A similar principle is in blind man's bluff, the Madrian name being hoody hood.. It is the uniting of the spirit with the soul which has become blinded by the illusions of matter. Don't just blunder around until you collide with someone. Try to sense their presence as manifestations of a higher reality.
It can be difficult to celebrate when you're not in touch with other Madrians, but if you have to celebrate by yourself, the eating of cake and trifle with each meal makes all the difference and makes the day seem special.
I hope you all have a wonderful Nativity, and may our Lady's blessing be on you all.
Dear friends,
Hestiad falls on 6th. Hestia corresponding to 31st. December. This day is in honour of the Lady Hestia, who is Genia of the hearth. The hearth is the heart of the house, and in former times was used for cooking as well as keeping warm. It is a day for visits, eating fresh baked bread and drinking home brew, and for blessing the house. This is done by making the Pentacle in each corner and over each door and window in each room while praying that the home becomes a centre and beacon of our Lady's love. Before you start, you will be living in a house. After you finish, you will be living in a home.
May She be with you,
David.