Post by david on Dec 18, 2019 17:42:56 GMT
Dear friends,
The date is calculated as the first new or full moon after 28th. Astraea, which corresponds to 25th. 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 8th Hestia corresponding to 2nd. January at 2 hours 24 minutes Greenwich Mean time. Because the Madrian day begins at dawn, the festival is celebrated on 7th. Rosea, corresponding to 1st January, if you live on the Greenwich meridian. If you live elsewhere, allow four minutes for each degree of longitude to calculate the correct day for your area.
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.
May She be with you,
David.