Athena's Web: Happy New Year

Published on December 29, 2006

Around the globe, different people celebrate New Year's at different times.

Long ago, the Egyptians celebrated it in September, when the Nile flooded. In this same month, Rosh Hashana marks the start of the Jewish New Year. The Babylonians began their New Year with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox. The Celts split their year in half and have two New Year's, with both May Day and Halloween marking the start of their years. The Chinese start their New Year with the New Moon in February. Each of these dates have been chosen for different reasons.

The Romans had started their year in March, but after years of political corruption, the calendar no longer coincided with the seasons.

Julius Caesar sought to end problem by taking the calendar out of the hands of the priests. In 46 B.C., he set up this new calendar. The start of the year would be Jan. 1, rather than in March. The month was named after the two- faced Roman God, Janus. After the church took over, there was a secular resistance to making Jan. 1 the start of the year, because of its pagan association to the god.

For thousands of years, the calendar had been tied to the growing year, and its traditions ran deep. Agrarian areas tend not to change time-honored notions too quickly. By the early medieval period, most of Christian Europe regarded Annunication Day, March 25, as the beginning of the year.

When William the Conqueror became King of England on Dec. 25, 1066, he decreed that Jan. 1 should be brought back as the start of the year, helping to root Christ's birth on top of his own coronation, mustering all the political and spiritual leverage which went along with it. Even so, after a time, England returned to celebrating New Year's Day on March 25.

For the country and for the eastern seaboard, using the midnight location for Washington, D.C., shows us it will be a tempestous year, both politically and weather-wise. Mercury is in a tight square to the ascendant/descendant axis. We need to be adaptable and cope with the many challenges as they arise. Many will be forced to take back what they said. The public mood is uncertain.

Some of the good news is there are some socially based services that are being put back into place. Connections are being made. Community spirit is again being felt. Doorways that had been closed are beginning to be reopened.

On a more mundane note, the Gemini Moon will make for a wonderfully witty evening. The mood will be festive, but this also makes conditions on the road more tentative; especially for those who are on cell phones. Be careful folks, have fun, but know that not everybody is stopping at the stop signs, etc. The celestial imprint is that you will want to be on the phone. The celestial advice is that you don't be on the phone.

The Daily Planets

Dec. 29, 2006 - Jan. 4, 2007

Friday, Dec. 29 - The morning runs along fairly nicely, but later morning/early afternoon we don't hear from folks or can't figure something out, and it bugs us.

V/C Moon 2:45A-3:08A when it enters Taurus

Saturday, Dec. 30 - We have two aspects around noon which define the day. The Sun parallels Mars, and Venus inconjuncts Saturn. That's like giving 5 year olds popsicles and then asking them to wait patiently in line. Be careful, rules have a bite. Don't push too hard.

Sunday, Dec. 31 - We wake up in a fairly good mood this morning, and it carries throughout morning and early afternoon. There are some last minute details late afternoon, but other than that, not bad.

V/C Moon 5:47A-6:15A when it enters Gemini

Monday, Jan. 1 - In general, a very nice day. We're off to a bit of a slow start, but with late morning the mood begins to improve. Not a big deal, but pleasant.

Tuesday, Jan. 2 - Hurry up and wait may be this afternoon's motto. Things just don't happen in a hurry. If you don't want to hear 'no, won't, can't or don't' this is not the time to ask. Be patient. It will take time. Tonight is the evening leading into the Full Moon, so people feel more strongly about their perspectives.

V/C Moon 5:05A-10:14A when it enters Cancer

Wednesday, Jan. 3 - Those who get up early and check their information start out on the right foot today. We like what we hear and are pleasantly surprised, especially towards the late evening.

Thursday, Jan. 4 - Late morning is a bit of a grind. We just can't seem to get things to fit right. In the evening, we get a real kick of energy, so its easier to get things done, but some may find it a little hot to handle. Much can be done, but you're working with some strong juice here.

Astrologer Don Cerow can be contacted at 413-329-4214 or by email at StartMyths@earthlink.net. Athena's Web columns are archived at www.Athena'sWeb.com.