Birthdays or death days

Or Death Days?

Genesis 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants

Genesis 40:21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

Genesis 40:22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.

Matthew 14:6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

Matthew 14:7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. (birthday or death day?)

Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

Matthew 14:10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an Holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday

made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

Mark 6:23 And he swore unto her, Whatsoever you shall ask of me, I will give it you, unto the half of my kingdom.

Mark 6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

Why would people want to wear gold, platinum, and silver? After all they are just earth elements (the mineral kingdom earth energy oscillators).

_ Why would people mount colored stones in these three metal earth elements? Why adorn their bodies with these metal mounted stones?

_ Why are we drawn to these colored pieces of metal?

_ What is their relationship to mankind?

_ Why are we fascinated by all the different colors of the polished crystals we wear?

_ What unseen energies do they release?

_ Why do we combine gems and metals?

_ What is their relationship to our energy system?

_ Why are some willing to pay a years salary for clear stones made of carbon (diamond) or a red ruby made of aluminum and sand (silica)?

_ What subconscious motivators drive us?

From the earliest days, predating prehistoric times, we see necklaces, and ear dangles drawn on cave walls. Why, from prehistoric times, right up to the technological age have we found beauty, power, and mystery tied to metals and colored gems and the energies of the human organism?

Metals and Gems have special energies all of their own, they vibrate and radiate at their own atomic frequencies just like you and I do. Each person has their own frequency of vibration, each metal and gemstone has their own personal vibration and frequency. They like us are individuals moving through time and space and know not where they will end up.

It all begin when the earliest humans sensed a special force or forces trapped within the stones and other humans they lived near. The healers and shamans put bright stones and pieces of gold in leather pouches and wore them around their necks. They use their amulets to ward off sickness, heal the sick, and ward off evil for the group or individuals. If this type of magical powers had not of worked for them, it would have been given up long ago and today we would not be following these age old traditions. Today gemstones and metal magic has been all but forgotten in our fast paced electronic controlled lives.

Today, a new awareness of the magical properties of gold, silver, colored gems, and diamonds is sweeping the world. Previous to the industrial revolution, people had magical gems that were passed down through the family line, generation after generation. Two devastating world wars destroyed insular village life, and where the old beliefs in the magical and mystical stones was lost. Every year clay tablets and other ancient manuscripts of the old uses of gems and metals are being deciphered. Today, body energies and their relationship to the mineral kingdom is a central focus of many people all over the planet.

After centuries of repressive religious beliefs and superficial materialism, many people are waking up to the fact that they have become divorced from the earth. Most are seeking an escape from their microchip managed unsatisfying lives, all the magic is gone from their lives.

People with no interest in the magical qualities of gold and gemstones buy Mother=s rings with their children=s birthstones set in them. They believe that all stones together with theirs, will hold the family together and bring them luck. They don=t know why they believe it, but they do. If we look into past ages, where the power and mystical properties of gemstones and metals were believed, we will find answers.

It is said that King Solomon, who was considered the wisest king in the old testament, wore a leather breast plate containing 12 of the magical stones. Gemstones, colors, metals, plants, and people are looking to all natural items of mystical energies that can be used as tools to heighten our awareness, allowing us glimpses through the veil of materialistic thinking, that many times fogs our thinking and minds.

Exodus 28:21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

Exodus 28:29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goes in unto the Holy place, for a memorial before YHVH continually.

Exodus 28:30 And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goes in before YHVH: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before YHVH continually.

0224 ~yrIWa ' Urim = "lights" stones kept in a pouch on the high-priest's breastplate, used in determining God's decision in certain questions and issues

8550 ~yMiTu Thummim = "perfection" stones provided for the means of achieving a sacred lot , used with the Urim, the will of God was revealed

Stones and metals and their radiating energies are the fascinating keys of old, which can be used to unlock the magic and our potential as living spirits. They can be used to expand our consciousness, enhance our lives, both materialistically and spiritually. The old ways of understanding, that for century after century worked for people, is available to anyone that wishes to experience new mental sets and new belief structures and how they function in present reality. After all, everything that exists in reality is a reflection of our belief structures and individual knowledge.

Skeptics say, AIt=s in our minds.@ Yes, they are right, everything is in our minds. Our minds are made up of thoughts and beliefs. How could it not be in our mind or the mind of another? Everything exists in the mind.

Without consciousness and spirit, their would be no awareness. The jewelry industry has never had a manual that combines several age old disciplines together. Basically the industry combines gold and silver crafts, gem identification and cutting, selling and marketing. For the first time we have assembled a manual that brings in the age old principle and beliefs of gemstones magic, color frequency, the magic of shapes and metals, and perhaps where the human energies react with them.

Until men first charted the stars thousands of years ago, and linked their fates with events in the sky, did personal birthdays down to the hour of birth become important. To know ones' moment of birth meant that a horoscope could be drawn up. The horoscope was considered critical to good life and a happy marriage. As with much that is new, the rich and prominent were the first to enjoy birthday celebrations. Egypt's Pharaohs ordered businesses to close on their birthdays and gave enormous feasts for their hundreds of servants. Cleopatra gave Antony a birthday dinner with gifts so plentiful that some party goers arrived poor and left wealthy. Persian noblemen observed their natal days by barbecuing an ox, a camel, and an ass and serving hundreds of small cakes. In ancient Greece, wealthy males could join a birthday club composed exclusively of men who shared their date. Once a month the privileged group celebrated with a feast. When members died, they even left sums of money to help pay for subsequent parties. In ancient Rome the emperor gave gigantic parties in honor of his own birthday, which included parades, circuses, and gladiatorial combats. Augustus provided himself with such a celebration every month. In Medieval times, nobles sometimes celebrated their birthdays with raucous parties. Much of western society's birthday energy, however, went into celebrating the birth of Jesus. The date when his birth is celebrated: December 25, (Christ's real date of birth was in the spring) was originally the time of the winter solstice and is related to pagan festivals celebrating the rebirth of the sun, when days begin to lengthen. By the 14th century babies born in Christian countries were named after saints, and later celebrated not their own birthdays but the day on which their special saints had entered heaven. In some cultures birthdays at the time of puberty received special attention. Jewish boys traditionally reached their manhood on their 13th birthday. Mexican girls are considered ready for marriage on their 15th birthday. In China the 60th birthday commands respect for the man or women lucky enough to have finished one 60 year cycle and started another. India's maharajahs are also honored on reaching the age of 60. The Aga Khan III had himself weighed in public on his birthday because his 20 million Ismaili Muslims were prepared to match his weight in birthday treasure, 243 pounds worth of diamonds. Today in America the birthday party is eagerly awaited by every child. Its form comes mainly from Germany, Where the birthday child was given gifts, allowed to choose a menu, and provided with a candle-ringed butter or jam cake. The lighted candles for the cake probably came from the birthday of the Greek moon goddess Artemis, who was honored by her worshippers with moon-shaped honey cakes surrounded by lighted tapers. The song "Happy Birthday to You" was composed by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, in 1893, but nobody really paid much attention to it until the original words "Good Morning to You" were changed to "Happy Birthday to You", words that are sung in virtually every home across the nation at least once during the year.

Birthday Traditions Around The World

A brief history of Birthdays: The birthday Bible story that we know best is about the birth of the Christ in Bethlehem. For nearly 2,000 years since that day, the Christian world has honored this birth. The day we all celebrate, is of course, Christmas.

There are other biblical references to birthday party's. King Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by making a feast for his court followers. That was over 4,000 years ago. The story of King Herod tells that on his birthday he made a supper for his lords, high captains and other special friends in Galilee. Part Bible truths

The very earliest parties were held because people thought that evil spirits would visit them on their birthdays. They stuck close to their friends and family so that evil spirits would not bother them. To protect them from harm friends and family would gather around with gifts and good cheers to keep the birthday celebrant from harm.

Many birthday traditions deal with luck. A good luck birthstone, flower and a good luck color has been assigned to each month of the year as well as Zodiac signs.

The German people are credited with beginning the tradition of party's for children. The celebration was called Kinderfeste. Kinderfeste is derived from two words. Kinder meaning children and feste meaning festival or party.

History of the Birthday Cake: Some say the Greeks use to take cakes to the temple of the Goddess of the moon, Artemis. They took round cakes to represent the full moon. Another view is that the tradition of the birthday cake started in Germany. A bread was made in the shape of baby Jesus' swaddling clothes. Geburtstagorten is another type of German cake that has been used for birthday. Hundreds of years ago it was customary to add small surprises to birthday cakes. When the guests received a slice, the different items were used to predict the future. Coins meant great wealth, a thimble meant you'd never marry.

History of the Birthday Candle: Another symbol of birthday celebrations is the birthday candles. The Greek people who took their cakes to Artemis placed candles on the cakes because it made the cakes look as if it was glowing like the full moon. The Germans known as excellent candle makers began making small candles for their cakes. Some German family's would one large candle symbolizing the "light of life. The candle is marked with lines and numbers (usually 12) that would be burned every year. Some people believe the candle were placed on cakes for religious reasons. Others believe that the smoke from the candles would take their wishes up to the heavens.

Today many people make silent wishes as they blow out their candles. They believe that blowing out all the candles in one breath will bring good luck.

Saturnalia Practices of Nova Romans

Saturnalia falls at the time when non-Romans are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice and/or Kwanzaa. In Nova Roma, individual Citizens have chosen different approaches to the challenge of celebrating in the spirit of Rome without cutting themselves off from the culture in which they live.

This page is a compilation of Saturnalia celebrations reported by Nova Romans:

First, a little history Flavia Claudia Juliana: Saturnalia festivities began with ritual and sacrifices in the Temple of Saturn. The statue of the god was hollow and filled with olive oil, as a symbol of his agricultural functions. His feet were bound with woolen strips, that were unbound at Saturnalia.

After the rituals, the Senators (who had to be present) dismissed the crowd with the cry of "Io, Saturnalia!", a sign for the happy festivities of family parties and other private gatherings to begin. The traditional gifts were wax tapers and little dolls, although gifts of silver later became traditional.

The custom of the Lord of Misrule was appropriated and survived through to English Christmas traditions.

Roman decorations and celebrations Secunda Floria Zonara: Many of the decorations involved greenery - swathes, garlands, wreaths, etc - being hung over doorways and windows, and ornamenting stairs. Ornaments in the trees included sun symbols, stars, and faces of the God Janus. Trees were not brought indoors (the Germans started that tradition), but decorated where they grew.

Food was also a primary decoration - gilded cakes in a variety of shapes were quite popular, and children and birds vied for the privilege of denuding the trees of their treats. The commonest shapes were fertility symbols, suns and moons and stars, baby shapes, and herd animal shapes (although, to be honest, it's hard to tell if some of those ancient cookie cutters are supposed to be goats or deer). I would imagine coins were also a popular decoration/gift.

People were just as likely to be ornamented as the trees. Wearing greenery and jewelry of a sacred nature was apparently common, based on descriptions, drawings, and the like from the era. Although the emphasis was on Saturn, Sol Invictus got a fair share of the revelry as well.

Gold, because the sun is yellow, is always a sure choice for a good Saturnalia decoration. For modern Saturnalia, those golden glass ball ornaments are ideal, as are gold sun faces, gold stars, and gilded anything's. Gilding nuts and pine cones and nestling them among the swags and wreaths of greenery would be a lovely way of acknowledging the ancient roots of this ceremony.

Indoor trees are not ancient Roman, but if you have plants growing indoors, decorating them would certainly be in the spirit of the holidays. If you just have to have the now-traditional indoor tree, try decorating it in gold ornaments with a solar theme. Swathe it in bright red or purple ribbons (2 colors quite in favor with the Romans, and looks great with the gold ornaments). Top the tree with a sun, rather than a star, for after all, this is a solar celebration.

The biggest part of Saturnalia was attitude more than decoration. Feasting, drunkenness, merrymaking, hopefully the conception of more children (or at least enjoying those activities which led to conception!), pranks, gift giving, role reversals (not true ones, only symbolic ones - slaves weren't really free to make a freedman's decisions and anything they did or decreed would reverse at the end of Saturnalia, children weren't really adults and could not enter into any binding contracts or make business deals, etc.) and so forth.

The role reversals seemed to be more for minor privileges - slaves and children got to be waited on for meals, and to lead the rituals, and to participate in the revelry as if they were their parents/masters. The parents/masters jokingly played the part of slaves and children by waiting on them and making rude and bawdy jokes at their expense. Sometimes, it descended into cruelty.

On a modern note - wild parties with lots of food and drink is good. Letting the children of the household lead the common rituals, and waiting on them (assuming you don't do so in everyday circumstances....) at mealtimes, and deferring to them in decisions on party ideas would work for role reversals.

No children in the house? Maybe you can borrow one for a day. We don't have slaves, but, for a nice touch of role reversal, we could purchase the services of a nanny or a housekeeper for the duration of Saturnalia. It would be a role reversal of sorts, for instead of being the slave of your home, someone else would be doing the chores and cooking and childcare while you got to party down!

Dancing and singing in the streets is now frowned upon, unless you can get a parade permit. A parade, if you could organize it, would be fun. Imagine - giant floats of the Gods tended by the priests and acolytes, musicians and dancers, contortionists to amaze and delight, acrobats and jugglers, all in honor of Saturn

Circle of Saturn Damianus Lucianus Dexippus: As the Muse would have it, I was sitting around thinking of a way to acknowledge each of the days of the Saturnalia festival. Being of the modern age with our Pagan-unfriendly bosses making us work during this Festive Holiday and scrambling to buy gifts for both Pagan and non-Pagan friends and family, how can we take a few moments to honor each day of the Saturnalia, whether or not we plan festivities for the whole week?

Well...I came up with this. I went to the store after work and bought seven small candleholders. (The ones I bought are real seasonal. They are made of brass with little pine-cones, holly berries, and red ribbons tied around them). I also bought seven red candles. When I got home, I placed some pine branches (yes...left over from the Yule Log decorations) on my permanent altar where I do my meditations and prayers. Then I encircled the seven candle holders around the center of the altar.

Each day I plan to offer a prayer to Saturnus and Ops and light a candle for that day's festivities. It's kinda like a Pagan Menorah. At the end of the seven days, the Circle of Saturn will be completely ablaze

Jeremiah 10:1 Hear you the word which YHVH speaks unto you, O house of Israel:

Jeremiah 10:2 This said YHVH, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jeremiah 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jeremiah 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Jeremiah 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Jeremiah 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto You, O YHVH; you are great, and Your Name is great in might.

Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before Me (YHVH).