askmichelle

[askmichelle]

Cagnaccio di San Pietro (Italian, 1897 – 1946) • Still Life with Fruit • 1927

[askmichelle]

The Shepherdess of Rolleboise

Daniel Ridgway Knight

oil on canvas, 1896

[askmichelle]

Summer Solstice 2025

**Beginnings of the Summer Solstice** The Summer Solstice, a breathtaking astronomical event, is brought about by Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This unique tilt causes the Northern Hemisphere to lean most significantly toward the Sun during the June solstice, allowing the Sun to ascend to its highest position in the sky and ushering in the longest, sun-drenched day of the year. The term "solstice" is derived from the Latin words *sol* (meaning sun) and *sistere* (meaning to stand still), capturing the enchanting moment when the Sun appears to pause at its northernmost point before reversing its journey southward. For millennia, this celestial phenomenon has captivated and been celebrated by humanity, marking a pivotal moment in the cycle of the seasons. Evidence of ancient solstice observations dates back to the Neolithic era, around 10,000 to 2,000 BCE. In a time devoid of modern astronomical tools, our ancestors relied on keen observations of the Sun’s movements to navigate their calendars and the changing seasons. Many crafted impressive monuments aligned perfectly with the solstice sunrise or sunset, illustrating the profound importance of this event in their spiritual and agricultural lives. These awe-inspiring structures indicate that the solstice was not merely a marker of time but also a significant cultural cornerstone, embodying deep spiritual and communal meanings. Stonehenge, England (circa 3000–2000 BCE): Perhaps the most iconic solstice-aligned monument, Stonehenge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and spiritual reverence. This prehistoric monument was intricately designed to align with the sunrise on the Summer Solstice. The imposing Heel Stone marks the exact point where the Sun rises, suggesting its use in rituals steeped in fertility and agricultural cycles. Today, as dawn breaks on the solstice, thousands gather at Stonehenge, enveloped in reverence, with English Heritage facilitating free access and streaming the captivating event live to the world. Across the globe, remarkable structures echo the solstice alignment. Sites like Newgrange in Ireland, with its ancient passage tomb, Chichén Itzá in Mexico, where the descending sun casts a shadow resembling a serpent during the equinox, and Chankillo in Peru, an ancient solar observatory, all underscore the universal significance of tracking the solstice. These monuments reflect not only astronomical prowess but also the cultural rituals bound to the rhythms of nature. Ancient Civilizations: Egypt: For the ancient Egyptians, the Summer Solstice was intricately woven into the fabric of their agricultural lives, coinciding with the vital annual flooding of the Nile River, a phenomenon essential for their sustenance. The grandeur of pyramids and temples, such as the majestic Karnak, was deliberately aligned to capture the sunlight during the solstice, symbolizing a divine connection that promised renewal and rebirth. Roman Empire: The Romans honored the solstice on June 24 with vibrant festivals dedicated to deities such as Juno, embodying fertility and marriage. These celebrations were characterized by revelry and communal gatherings, reinforcing social bonds and collective identity. The Summer Solstice, a profound astronomical and cultural event, heralds the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Occurring between June 20 and June 22, the next solstice will take place on June 20, 2025, at 10:42 PM EDT (2:42 AM UTC on June 21). This exploration delves into the origins, historical significance, cultural celebrations, and anticipated themes surrounding the Summer Solstice in 2025, drawing upon extensive research to illuminate its enduring legacy.

[askmichelle]

[askmichelle]

'Three Eyed Raven' by Audrey Benjaminsen

[askmichelle]

The Red Shoes ♥️

A ballet piece inspired by the 1948 film based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen! 🩰

[askmichelle]

Spiritual Energy

**Spiritual Ideas About Energy** Spiritual perspectives on energy often align with metaphysical concepts but are rooted in various cultural, religious, and esoteric traditions. They emphasize a vital force that animates life and connects individuals to the divine or the cosmos. **Cultural Concepts:** - **Qi/Chi (East Asian):** In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taoism, and martial arts, qi is considered a vital energy that flows through the body’s meridians, influencing health and vitality. It can be balanced through practices such as acupuncture, qigong, and feng shui. "Negative qi" is associated with harmful emotions like fear and anxiety. - **Prana (Indian):** In Ayurveda and yoga, prana is viewed as the life force that is connected to breath, permeating all matter, and sustaining life. It is cultivated through breathwork (such as kapalbhati) and yoga to balance yin and yang energies.

[askmichelle]

Metaphysical Energy

**Metaphysical Ideas About Energy** Metaphysical perspectives view energy as a bridge between the physical and non-physical realms, often associated with consciousness, thought, or spiritual essence, and existing beyond the measurable constraints of science. **Consciousness as Energy:** Many metaphysical frameworks propose that consciousness itself is a form of energy, distinct from physical energy but capable of influencing reality. For instance, thoughts and emotions are seen as vibrational energies that shape personal experiences. This concept is often linked to the Law of Attraction, which states that "like attracts like" based on energetic frequencies. **Holistic Connection:** Metaphysical energy is frequently described as a universal field that connects all things, resembling a cosmic web. This idea aligns with quantum concepts of interconnectedness (e.g., entanglement) but extends into non-physical realms, suggesting that energy serves as the foundation for both matter and spirit. **Chakras and Subtle Bodies:** In traditions such as Ayurveda and yoga, metaphysical energy is associated with chakras—energy centers in the body—that influence physical and emotional health. These centers are believed to channel non-physical energies, like prana, to maintain balance and well-being. **Energy Manipulation:** Practices like energy healing (e.g., Reiki) and meditation aim to manipulate metaphysical energy to clear blockages or align with higher states of consciousness. These practices view energy as a dynamic force that can be directed through intention or ritual, although they typically lack scientific validation.

[askmichelle]

Science Energy

Energy stands as a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, defined as the capacity to perform work or induce change, and quantified in units like joules or watts. It manifests in a diverse array of forms, including kinetic energy—associated with the motion of objects—potential energy, which is stored and ready to be converted into work, as well as thermal, electromagnetic, and chemical energy. Central to our understanding of energy is the law of conservation, a principle asserting that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another, a concept that underscores much of physical science. In the realm of physics, energy is a measurable entity intimately linked to the physical processes that govern the universe. For instance, kinetic energy arises from the movement of particles, while potential energy encompasses stored energy sources, such as gravitational and chemical potentials. Einstein’s groundbreaking equation, E=mc², eloquently illustrates the profound equivalence between mass and energy, revealing that all physical matter is essentially a concentrated form of energy, intricately woven into the fabric of existence. Turning to biology, the significance of energy becomes especially apparent in metabolic processes, where chemical energy—most notably adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—powers the myriad functions that sustain life. Historically, concepts such as Hans Driesch’s "entelechy," which proposed a vital force guiding organic processes, have succumbed to the advancing understanding provided by genetic discoveries, which explain biological organization through mechanisms that do not rely on the notion of additional energies. From a quantum perspective, energy emerges as a fundamental element of reality, with particles exhibiting the intriguing wave-particle duality and phenomena like quantum entanglement hinting at a profound interconnectedness at the subatomic scale. This complex behavior has inspired some to draw parallels with metaphysical or spiritual notions, though these associations remain largely speculative and lack empirical grounding in scientific rigor. Moreover, prominent scientists like Brian Dunning caution against the misappropriation of the term "energy" in non-scientific spheres. They emphasize that energy, as it is understood in physics, is a quantifiable property, not a mystical or glowing force. Misusing this term in spiritual or esoteric contexts, such as invoking “energy fields,” is seen as misleading, as such concepts often lack empirical evidence and fail to conform to established scientific definitions. Through this lens, the discourse on energy challenges us to differentiate between its rigorous scientific conception and more ambiguous interpretations found outside the realm of empirical inquiry.

Shorten it

[askmichelle]

Arthur Rackham -

Girl Beside A Stream (1920)

[askmichelle]

Moot

Did you know?

To describe an argument as "moot" is to say that there's no point in discussing it further. In other words, a moot argument is one that has no practical or useful significance and is fit only for theoretical consideration, as in a classroom. It's no surprise, then, that the roots of moot are entwined with academia. The adjective moot followed a few centuries behind the noun moot, which comes from mōt, an Old English word meaning "assembly." Originally, moot referred to an Anglo-Saxon deliberative assembly that met primarily for the administration of justice. By the 16th century, functioning judicial moots had diminished, the only remnant being moot courts, academic mock courts in which law students could try hypothetical cases for practice. The earliest use of moot as an adjective was as a synonym of debatable, but because the cases students tried in moot courts had no bearing on the real world, the word gained the additional sense—used especially in North America—of "deprived of practical significance."

MOOT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

[askmichelle]

Isabel Codrington (British/English, 1874–1943) • Green Cymbidium • Unknown date

[askmichelle]

Thursday

[askmichelle]

Musketeer

Just did a reading on Elon Musk. The takeaways, some younger guy who Elon trusted has hurt him deeply. The guy is artsy, or into music a lot. He has an ice queen he has to battle. The good news is that he's going to find love, not sex, love. This love is going to lead to marriage. It will either be 2025 or 2026. But Elon Musk will get married and settle down.

[askmichelle]

[askmichelle]

**Astronomical Origins** The name "Tuesday" has its roots in the astronomical naming conventions established by the Babylonians. These early astronomers linked each day of the week to celestial bodies. Specifically, Tuesday is associated with Mars, the planet named after the Roman god of war, primarily due to its reddish appearance, influenced by the iron oxide (rust) present on its surface. Mars was one of the five visible planets observed by the Babylonians, who designated it to correspond with their war deity, a connection that influenced both Greek and Roman nomenclature. **The Structure of the Week** The modern seven-day week, in which Tuesday is regarded as the second day (following the ISO 8601 standard that marks Monday as the first), is not based on astronomical phenomena but rather represents a cultural framework developed from ancient celestial observations. This structure reflects early civilizations' efforts to organize time according to the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets. **Linguistic Variations** The nomenclature for Tuesday varies across languages. For instance, in Japanese, Tuesday is called "kayōbi," meaning "fire day," and in Korean, it is referred to as "hwa yo il," also translating to "fire day." This terminology stems from Mars being recognized as the “fire star,” reflecting its red hue. Similarly, in Sanskrit and Pali, Tuesday is associated with Angaraka, which means "red in color" and refers to Mars. ### Major Deities Associated with Tuesday Several gods are connected to Tuesday in different cultures: - **Týr (Norse)**: Týr is recognized as the god of war, justice, and single combat. His association with honor and bravery is epitomized in his sacrifice to Fenrir. The name "Tuesday" derives from Týr's name in English and other Germanic languages, such as Dutch *dinsdag* and German *Dienstag*, where "thing" refers to a tribal assembly linked with Týr. - **Mars (Roman)**: Mars serves as the guardian of Rome and the god of war. His legacy continues in Romance languages, where Tuesday is known as *mardi* in French, *martes* in Spanish, and *martedì* in Italian. - **Ares (Greek)**: Ares, the Greek god of war, is associated with chaos and violence. His influence on the calendar is evident in the Roman term *dies Martis*, which derives from the Greek *hemera Areos*. - **Mangala (Hindu)**: In Hindu culture, Mangala is the god of the planet Mars, symbolizing energy and ambition. Tuesday holds particular significance for the worship of Mangala, as well as related deities like Hanuman and Kartikeya. - **Huitzilopochtli (Aztec)**: In the Aztec tradition, Tuesday is referred to as *Huītzilōpōchtōnal*, named after Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of war and the sun. ### Critical Insights While Týr and Mars share a connection through their war associations, it is important to note that Týr’s attributes of justice and law contrast with the more aggressive natures of Mars and Ares. This disparity suggests that the Germanic tribes prioritized cultural parallels over exact mythological matches. There are misconceptions surrounding the naming of Tuesday, with some sources incorrectly attributing it to other deities or celestial bodies. However, the prevailing consensus identifies Týr (in Germanic/Norse traditions), Mars (in Roman traditions), and Ares (in Greek traditions) as the primary influences on the name. The enduring presence of Mars in Romance languages and Týr in Germanic languages illustrates the cultural distinctions in naming conventions that emerged following the fall of the Roman Empire.

InsertRetry

### Scientific Viewpoint on Tuesday **Astronomical Origins** The name "Tuesday" originates from Babylonian astronomical traditions, linking the day to Mars, the planet named after the Roman god of war. Its reddish hue, caused by iron oxide, led the Babylonians to assign it to their war deity, influencing Greek and Roman names. **Structure of the Week** The modern seven-day week—which places Tuesday as the second day, following the ISO 8601 standard—reflects a cultural construct rather than an astronomical basis. It emerged from ancient attempts to organize time based on celestial movements. **Linguistic Variations** In various languages, Tuesday is associated with its connection to Mars. For example, in Japanese, it's "kayōbi," meaning "fire day," and in Korean, "hwa yo il," also "fire day," recognizing Mars as the "fire star." In Sanskrit and Pali, it refers to Angaraka, meaning "red in color." ### Major Deities Associated with Tuesday Key gods linked to Tuesday include: - **Týr (Norse)**: God of war and justice, whose name directly influences "Tuesday" in English and other Germanic languages. - **Mars (Roman)**: The god of war, evident in Romance languages as *mardi* (French) and *martes* (Spanish). - **Ares (Greek)**: The chaotic god of war, whose influence is seen in the term *dies Martis*. - **Mangala (Hindu)**: Represents energy and ambition; Tuesday is a significant day for worshiping him and related deities. - **Huitzilopochtli (Aztec)**: Named *Huītzilōpōchtōnal*, he is the Aztec god of war and the sun.

Acknowledge Grammarly gen AI use

Grammarly contributed to this text by responding to these AI prompts:

[askmichelle]

Monday

Origins and Evolution** The name "Monday" comes from the Old English "Monandæg," which means "Moon's day," a direct translation of the Latin term "Lunae dies" (day of the Moon) used during Roman times. This naming fits into a larger tradition where days were named after celestial bodies, starting from Babylonian astronomy around 1500 BCE. The Babylonians created a seven-day week from their lunar cycle, which the Greeks and Romans later used to organize time. The Romans named the days after the Sun, Moon, and five planets tied to their gods, calling Monday "Dies Lunae" (day of the Moon). Germanic peoples adapted this system by replacing Roman gods with their own in a process known as interpretatio germanica, but Sunday and Monday kept their celestial names. For example, in Old English, Monday became "mōnandæg." Similar terms appear in other Germanic languages, such as Old Frisian "mōnadeig," Middle Dutch "mānendag," and Old Norse "mánadagr" (now Swedish "måndag," Norwegian "mandag," and Icelandic "mánudagur"). In Romance languages, Monday comes from "Lunae dies," as seen in French ("Lundi"), Spanish ("Lunes"), and Italian ("Lunedì"). Indo-Aryan languages use terms like "Somavāra" or "Chandravāra," which mean "Moon's day." East Asian languages, like Japanese ("getsuyōbi," 月曜日) and Korean ("woryoil," 월요일), also show this connection to the Moon. Historically, the Greco-Roman week started with Sunday (dies solis), making Monday the second day. This pattern continues in religious contexts, where the Catholic Church calls Monday "feria secunda" (second day), and Quakers use "Second Day." However, modern standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 8601) now consider Monday as the first day of the week, which matches many Western calendars, including those in the United States and Canada.