Mystical Months
September
'For you there's rosemary and rue; these keep
Seeming and savour all the winter long.'
William Shakespeare, Winter's Tale.
INTRODUCTION
September is known to have been the
seventh month of the Roman calendar. The name is said to derive from
'Septem' the Roman word for 'seven', so the name literally means the
'seventh month' as the year used to begin in March (although it is
now the ninth month of the Gregorian). It has undergone a number of
name change:
'Gerst-monath'
(Barley month)
Old Saxon
'Herstmaand' (Autumn month
Old Dutch
'Halig-monath' (Holy month)
Saxon (after influence of Christianity)
As part of the
seasonal calendar September is the time of the Harvest Moon
according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the 'Moon of
the Black Cherries' or 'Moon when the Calves Grow Red Hair' by Black
Elk (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt).
'The cycle of growth draws near its end.'
This is the second month of 'Lammas' and across the British Isles
this would have traditionally been when a time to consider the
achievement of the community with the harvest gathered and stored,
the land would quiet from the craziness of the last period, of
Beltane. The sound of the wood being cut would have been common at
this time, with small cracking fires burning to clear patches of
brush land and to smoke meat stocks, filling the air with aromatic
smoke whilst the earth would be turned and prepared for the
following year. So it was not a time of rest but of back breaking
hard work long before the horse drawn plough and the swish tractor
was a twinkle in the eye. Traditionally man would start to withdraw
from the open spaces, to the prepare for reflection and
contemplation on what has passed and is yet to come. Community life
would begin to settle, retracting from the fields to the warmth of
the indoors. Animals would start to be brought down to lower
pastures, and the need to check stores and shelter for the 'Coming
of Darkness' (Samhain) was essential. Fruits from the hedgerow and
orchard would be pickled or wrapped and put away, it was too early
for many of the nuts but there was enough to do. The last few visits
to friends would probably have occurred whilst you had more light
and the chance of mild weather. Although some time could be afforded
into the early part of the next month for collecting wood the
weather could not be relied upon for other matters, and the dampness
would spoil the efforts of a the whole community.
In the nineteenth century September was
the final chance to visit the last few gatherings/fairs. With light
already disappearing the days were growing shorter, so now was the
time to settle affairs of business. These gatherings would even
until the early twentieth century have continued through until early
December but satisfied farmers were planning for the year anew. This
was not a time to hire (as those seeking work would be advised to
attend market on Martinmas or Michaelmas, were contracts were sealed
with a handshake and with the 'earnest' or 'yarnisht shilling'.
It was once believed in many areas of
the British Isles that had a crime been committed in a field then
the soil would ever after be sterile or at the very best produce
poor crops. Such fields developed nicknames associated, not with the
crime, but to the effort needed to work the land such as
'Labour-in-vain', 'Pinchgut', 'Empty Purse' and 'Bare Bones', whilst
those that were rich and fertile became lovingly known as
'Fillpockets', 'Land of Promise', 'New Delight', 'Pound of Butter'
and 'Dripping Pan'.
As part of the astrological calendar,
September has many associations. This is the month of the house of
Virgo (August 24 - September 22) and the house of Libra (23
September - October 23).
Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac
symbolised as the 'Virgin' and has been closely connected to the
Christian 'Virgin Mary', mother of Jesus Christ. In ancient Greek
mythology Virgo was the last deity on the earth, known as 'Astraea'
the 'Goddess of Justice'. On her ascension to the Heavens she became
known as Virgo.
'Mercury' is the ruling planet of Virgo
and unlike the qualities of Mercury in other realms, here, Mercury
is seen as a force that is brought to earth, where ideas are
grounded and rooted embodying the systematic, analytical,
discriminating Virgo who is also modest, grHTIous, eloquent,
diplomatic and yet surprisingly secretive. The Virgoan must be
careful not carry anxieties with them as the depth of their concerns
can cause psychological illnesses such as paranoia and depression
(often known as the worrier). Mercury affects communication and so
Virgo is associated with a rapid speed of learning. In ancient Egypt
Virgo was known as the 'Goddess of the Grain, Nidaba', whilst in
Roman mythology she is 'Justitia' who was believed to have existed
before mortals and the existence of sin.
The sixth phase of the
journey of the Sun is experienced here, that of the mature adult who
encounters many problems and delights and steadily develops
strategies to anticipate or deal with these as they arise. In this
sense we can see the rounding of the individual, and hence those
born in this house are seen as intelligent with a strong sense of
free will and control. Virgo is a mutable and negative air sign
associated with the statements 'I check every detail', 'I serve' and
'I strive for perfection'. It rules the intestinal tract and powers
of assimilation. Virgo has many floral associations, with the
Blackberry, Grapevine, Privet, Sage, Wintergreen and all vegetables
grown under the earth (See Mystical WWW
Plants, &
Language of Flowers). Virgo is further
associated with all nut bearing trees and more specifically with the
Almond, Apple, Aspen, Chestnut, Hazel and the White Poplar (See
Mystical WWW
Trees). Colours associated with Virgo are
brown, shades of green, indigo, silver, slate, dark violet and any
colour combination of spotted patterns. The main stone associated
with Virgo is the Sardonyx, whilst the main stone associated with
the month of August is also Sardonyx (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time
:
Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky
number is five, lucky day Wednesday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time
:
Days of the Week). Metal associated is
quicksilver or mercury.
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac
symbolised as 'The Scales of Justice'. In ancient times Libra was
closely associated with Scorpio, as it was believed they were as
one, the scales being held between the claws, being known as the
'Claws of the Scorpion'. Perhaps this is why also Libra has been
associated with the arts which is a Scorpion trait. The Libra is
highly skilled at how the individual can affect and be affected by
the many roles within society. Hence comes an ability to be define
roles and also to produce considered opinions, although a Libra can
be judgmental at times. Views are truthful which means that they can
also be controversial and once a decision has been made Libra is
difficult to budge. Trying to rush a Libra into making a decision is
not advised as the result could be extremely unfortunate, even
spelling calamity for all concerned as time is something for Libra
to control and therefore highly important.
'Venus' is the ruling planet of Libra
and openly shows in the attention to detail spent by Libra on
appearance and the need to surround themselves with things which
they feel to be of beauty. In Roman mythology Venus was also known
as the 'Morning Star of War', and the 'Evening Star of Harlotry and
Love'. Venus was the daughter of 'Jupiter' and 'Dione' and had many
aspects. She was revered as a 'Goddess of Nature' encouraging the
flowers and fruits to be plentiful in the spring, hence the varied
colours, plants and trees that are associated with Libra. The
qualities of Libra are seen to be a strong sense of justice,
fairness, diplomacy, engaging charm, stamina and mediation. On the
negative side Libra does have a tendency to be a little lazy, to
procrastinate which may be a result of enjoying the pleasures of
life.
The sixth phase of the journey of the Sun is experienced here,
that of the adult who has settled comfortably into life and is
beginning to reflect on what has been and what is to come in the
latter stages of life. Libra is a cardinal and positive air sign
associated with the statements 'I weigh', 'I search for balance and
harmony' and 'You and I together'. It rules the kidneys and lower
back. Libra has many floral associations, with the Blackberry,
Bluebell, Cabbage Rose, Dahlia, Daisy, Grapevine, Ivy, Lilac, berry
fruits and most spices (See Mystical WWW
Plants, &
Language of Flowers). Libra is further
associated with Ash, Aspen, and the Black and the White Poplar (See
Mystical WWW
Trees).
Colours associated with Libra are the primary colours including pale
blue, midnight blue, pale green, lemon, shocking pink and pale
yellow. The main stone associated with Libra is the Opal, whilst the
main stone associated with the month of September is the Sapphire
(See Mystical WWW Mystical Time :
Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky
number is six, lucky day Friday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time :
Days of the Week). Metal associated is
copper.
