#it represents the resurrection (eighth day)

[mademoisellesarcasme]

trying to psychoanalyse periods of my own life by personal aesthetic trends/tendencies because obviously i have nothing better to think about

[madamlaydebug]

"Horus (Tammuz), son of Isis (Semiramis), and the same as Apollo or the Sun, also died and was restored again to life and to his mother; and the priests of Isis celebrated these great events by mourning and joyous festival succeeding each other. In the Mysteries of Phoenicia, established in honor of Tammuz or Adoni, also the Sun, the spectacle of his death and resurrection was exhibited to the Initiates.

In the Mysteries of Mithras, the Sun-God, in Asia Minor, Armenia and Persia, the death of that God was lamented, and his resurrection was celebrated with the most enthusiastic expressions of joy. A corpse, we learn from Julian Firmicus, was shown the Initiates, representing Mithras dead; and afterward his resurrection was announced; and they were then invited to rejoice that the dead God (Nimrod) was restored to life (-> Nimrod-Tammuz), and had by means of his sufferings secured their salvation. Three months before, his birth had been celebrated, under the emblem of an infant, born on the 25th of December (Xmas), or the eighth day before the Kalends of January.

The tomb of Apollo was at Delphi, where his body was laid, after Python, the Polar Serpent that annually heralds the coming of autumn, cold, darkness, and winter, had slain him, and over whom the God triumphs, on the 25th of March (the annunciation of Christ), on his return to the lamb of the Vernal Equinox.

All these deaths and resurrections, these funeral emblems, these anniversaries of mourning and joy, these cenotaphs raised in different places to the Sun-God (Nimrod), honored under different names, had but a single object..." Albert Pike

PS: "Truth is the Divine Lamb worshiped throughout pagandom and slain for the sins of the world, and since the dawn of time the Savior Gods of all religions have been personifications of this Truth. In this allegory the Lamb signifies the purified candidate, its seven horns representing the divisions of illuminated reason and its seven eyes the chakras, or perfected sense-perceptions. The headdresses of the Egyptians have great symbolic and emblematic importance, for they represent the auric bodies of the superhuman intelligences, and are used in the same way that the nimbus, halo, and aureole are used in Christian religious art."

-Manly P. Hall

[thepastisalreadywritten]

At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there.

Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany (January 6), the observance of Christ’s birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later—February 15.

This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification.

The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries.

Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas.

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession.

At the end of the same century, the blessing and distribution of candles, which continues to this day, became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas (also spelled Candlemass).

----------

This feast commemorates how Jesus, as a baby, was presented to God in the Temple in Jerusalem. 

This presentation finds its complete and perfect fulfillment in the mystery of the passion, death and Resurrection of the Lord. 

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a combined feast, commemorating the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the child to God in the Temple and his buying back (redemption) from God.

It is also known as the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of Candlemas. 

It is also called the Feast of Encounter (Hypapánte in Greek) because the New Testament, represented by the baby Jesus, encountered the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna.

Joseph offered two pigeons in the Temple as sacrifice for the purification of Mary after her childbirth and for the presentation and redemption ceremonies performed for baby Jesus.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-01/sunday-reflection-vatican-news3.html

[cking398]

APPENDIX 2: Numbers, to be expanded upon, what they mean to me.

0 Same as 8 inffinitY 1 Creator Number and the same as 7, proper God number 2 My luCky number I only visit twice. Also, looks like an ear. Means LISTen. 2 ears one mouth. Reason important. Communication keY. 3 Triangle. Start of Pyramid structure. 4. Death or after life. A cursed number in Chinese. Also represents the cross for me with its 4 points. Similar to 0. 5. King card game, 5 handed with 5 fingers. TeXas hold’em my fav. 6. Fish / Human. Looks like sperm. 7. God, creator, Yahweh number. Only letter that is repeated there is H, the 8th letter.

8. 7+1 both creator numbers make Infinity real. 9. Nine look like liFe and Africa, shaped as it is. Where it begins and where the most diversity of human DNA remains. 10. Proper LIST TEN number. 1 and Zero binary like a computer. The A is either 1 or 0, its ONE your King guarantees 2+5 = 7 God number and just before Z is 25=Y. Yahweh correct answer to any NY 911 call. NY binary but backwards 01 instead of 10. Creator came first, then Universe.

Why is the ratio of 8 important when discussing the Moon or the end of the sequence of numbers in the WOW Singal of 1977? One of the most fascinating elements about the number 8 is its connection to the symbol of infinity. The double everlasting loop represents eternity and the infinite power of love and spirituality. Ask any Chinese or Japanese person and they will tell you that this is the luckiest number. The number 8 is significant in the Bible, representing new beginnings, resurrection, and spiritual renewal. Jesus' resurrection took place on the eighth day, marking a new era and the promise of eternal life. In Matthew 28:1-3, the Word says at the end of the Sabbath, Jesus' tomb was found empty. The word Sabbath means seven. So the end of the Sabbath would be eight and eight means new beginning. In Hebrew, “Sh'moneh” (8) is associated with transcending the natural order and connecting with the divine. In Revelation 3:20, the Word tells us that Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If you let him in then he will sup with you, which means gives you a new beginning. This is again the number eight, according to the Word. The number eight is our new beginning because of Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Is 8 a lucky number in Islam?

As a result, 8 is often associated with paradise. Muslims believe that there are seven hells but eight paradises, signifying God's mercy. What does the number 8 represent in Hebrew?

In Judaism, 8 is the number of transcendence. It symbolizes rising above the limitations of the physical realm, and living extraordinary lives that do not conform to the natural order. We can look at it as symbolizing our membership in Heaven, living in the world, but not truly belonging to it.11, 22, 33

He was 33 when he died last time. In mathematics, 33 is a palindrome number, meaning it reads the same backward as forward, such as 22 and 11, spiritually these are thought to be the most powerful numbers because they repeat. It is also the sum of the first four positive factorials (0! + 1! + 2! + 3! = 33). Additionally, 33 is the atomic number of arsenic. Synonymous with death and Jesus did die at 33 last life.

Note the followers of Baphomet who have NOW suddenly seen the LIGHT cannot wish for EternitY in Hell for plotting or participating in the plotting or carrying any harm to my followers or myself. Including my named Kings. Verified users on X: RHolmesK, marvinmusk, in the name of Jesus, and Ra’afat. Thank you for your time. At your service.

330-8 (most powerful palindrome minus raTio moon number /Wow1977 and  is Skull and Bones ‘secret’ gnostic shit number 322. Cannot beat 33EternitY (330) Hell. H for FisH. who - 8. REPENT.

[swirlwineconsulting]

The Last Supper by Phillip Smeeton

Spring Forward to Wines for Easter and Passover

It is no wonder that Easter and Passover often occur so close together, even overlap in some years during the seven days Passover is observed in Israel and the eight days elsewhere among the Jewish diaspora.  After all, the Last Supper was, in fact, a Seder. Redemption and salvation are the central themes of the Judeo-Christian ties between these highest of holy days. I was blessed to experience the breadth of these themes growing up in a blended family of Catholics and Sephardic Jews, hearing the stories and eating the food. The relationship is reflected not just on the calendar; but in the meals partaken by observers at either or both tables. So much is shared in common, except of course, pork, leavened bread, shellfish and mixing dairy and meat; but that’s a different story. Wine was at the center of each meal, especially for early Christians for whom it was safer than the local water to drink.

Let’s design a list of wine pairings to bridge the gap-satisfy most palates without bending too many “kashrut” rules. For Passover you need Kosher wines, wines made by Sabbath-observant Jews with no non-kosher additives used in the process.  Kosher status is typically denoted by the letter U or K in a circle, with a P in superscript. “Mevushal” wines are flash-pasteurized so they can be handled by non-observant folks yet remain kosher. At Seder each adult will sip from four cups of wine, representing the redemption of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. A fifth cup is left unconsumed and reserved for the prophet Elijah. I like to propose five or six wines, to keep things interesting. Those celebrating the Resurrection of Christ can pair one wine with each course; serve one white and one red or stick with Welch’s-no judgement here.

So feel free to pass on the Manischewitz, my suggestions, like champagne, go with everything and will pair well with carrot tzimmes for Passover as well as that ubiquitous spiral cut ham on Easter. For starters- Champagne Drappier-The Drappier family tree can be traced back to1604. Since 2016, the eighth generation of the Drappier family incorporates animals and nature preservation, ploughing parts of the organically-farmed vineyard by horse and earning “Carbon Neutral” accreditation.  Drappier estate creates a wide array of Pinot Noir based demi-sec to extra brut cuvees, including “sans soufre” or zero dosage (added sugar), zero sulphur added bottlings, all delicious.

For the meal-Psagot Rosé is a blend of red varietals harvested from vineyards in the Northern Jerusalem Mountains. It is a beautiful salmon colored, dry wine with aromas of pink grapefruit and lemon zest. Psagot Edom is a well-rounded proprietary Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Balanced and harmonious, it has a rich and wide structure with layered flavors and aromas.  Ditch the mint jelly and pair this with a garlicky roasted leg of lamb or braised lamb shanks for Seder or Easter dinner. Check Total Wine for the wines listed above, quickly as they sell out fast this time of year.

Not all kosher wines are made in Israel and not all wines made in Israel are kosher. Ask your local merchant for recommendations.  Other kosher producers that I like include Tulip, Flam and Teperberg…wineries that  make wonderful wines from Israel to round out your kosher friendly list.  For further biblical references, I turn to Palestine and Armenia for non-kosher but relevant selections. Cremisan Wine Estate sits on the West Bank of Palestine overlooking Bethlehem, in a monastery established in 1885 by Italian Monks making an array of wines using organically grown, auctochthonous, Palestinean grapes. Star of Bethlehem Dabouki is a super crisp white wine which smashed my misconceptions of winemaking in what I presumed was a day and night hot desert. This delightful wine has all the hallmarks of a moderate to cool climate - clean, stone fruit, tropical fruit notes and beautifully balanced minerality and acidity. Cremisan was the first winery to produce wines from local Palestinian grapes and to test their genetic analysis to confirm which are native to Palestine. The main varietals grown there are Dabouki, Hamdani, Jandali, Baladi, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Petit Verdot and Merlot. They created a unique distillery made of copper, from which Cremisan has produced a brandy now aged for 35 years in oak barrels. In 2020 Cremisan also started to make a unique traditional Arak from 53% Dabouki grapes.

The bible tells us that Noah’s Ark rested upon Mount Ararat, part of which lies in present day Armenia, where Noah planted grapes to celebrate the survival of humanity (my guess is that the animals were also grateful). Rich in historical and biblical references, Armenia is reviving its claim as one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world (Georgia and China argue otherwise; but again, that’s another story). Armenia was also home to one of the worst cases of genocide in the 20th century (please look it up, we should know these things).

My first encounter with Armenian wines took place in Montreux, Switzerland where I met winemaker Zorik of Zorah winery, who returned to Armenia after years in Italy to uncover the history and secrets of more than 6,000 years of winemaking that had been all but wiped out during Soviet rule. Zorik salvaged old vineyards, researched and collected amphora to recreate that rich history which now represents the pinnacle of his now highly prized and allocated wines.

American, Paul Hobbs journeyed from fame as a Napa Valley golden child in the ‘90’s to Argentina, then Cahors, France then further east to create Yacoubian-Hobbs, a collaboration with the Yacoubian brothers in 2008. Reviving such ancient varietals as: Voskehat -or "golden berry" the emblematic white variety of Armenia; Khatuni; Qrdi and Garan Demakor "sheep's tail". I adore the white blend and the red Yacoubian-Hobbs Sarpina of 100% Areni from the southern highlands. I felt like I’d encountered the burning bush in the desert that told me that I had found home. The flavors are like a Burgundian style Pinot blended with St. Joseph Syrah, satiny dark fruit aromas with muddled strawberries, blackberries, pomegranate, black cherries, black pepper, anise and bourbony vanilla.

There is so much to unpack here in the delta where Christianity and Judaism cross paths. So much history and so much yet to be discovered. What better place to start this discovery than at the table? Happy Easter and Chag Pesach Sameach!

[newmic]

Chéri, j'oubliais. (Darling, i forgot)

PERSONALITY Personality: The number 8 symbolizes power, justice and expansion. Through a personality, it gives great strength of accomplishment and impressive energy. The 8 is a ram launched at full speed, it breaks obstacles without trying to circumvent them. You are therefore surely endowed with a great will and an entire, frank and solid nature. You can't stand injustice and can become angry in the face of a situation that displeases you. You do not hesitate to defend the weakest and raise your voice for them. The 8 is action and even struggle, it destroys as much as it builds. Thus, you are not afraid to break established conventions to create fairer ones, you take risks and do not hesitate to go into battle, to face challenges head-on. In love, you need to confront a character almost as strong as yours and have a lot of trouble getting along with people who are fleeing or too pacifist. The 8 is uncompromising and straight in his boots. When he has a goal or an idea, he sticks to it and does not deviate, even if the path is long. For you, everything is acquired through effort and pain. Your loved ones know your intractable character and have learned to deal with it, especially since your qualities are great. Be careful though: the 8 can be scary at first.

but also:

Symbolique

The symbolism of the number 8 Eight (八, formal script 捌, pinyin ba1) is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word for prosperity (發 pinyin fa1) in Cantonese. During the Beijing Olympics, the organizers also wanted the opening ceremony to take place on August 8, 2008 at 8:08 pm (08/08/08, 08:08). The 8 is also very present in everyday life, promotional prices are displayed with 8 or rounded with 8, as elsewhere the 9. Telephone numbers or license plates with 8 are also valued. In numerology, the 8 represents material expansion3. Timothy Leary identified a hierarchy of eight levels of consciousness. In Buddhism, the Dharmacakra or wheel of dharma has 8 spokes representing the eight limbs of the Noble Eightfold Path. In Christianity, the authors of the patristic writings, in particular Saint Jerome or Saint Augustine, comment on the account of the creation of Genesis by proceeding by opposition between the Sabbath and the day of the Lord (en), between the weekly (seventh day, Sunday, day of rest) and the ogdoad (the eighth day which is the true or the second Sabbath). This eighth day becomes that of the resurrection and its symbol, rebirth through baptism, hence the often octagonal shape of the baptistery or the baptismal font.

[isaiah118]

Month of IYAR Part 2

Month of Transition, Healing, Testing & First Fruit Harvest

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

In the month of Iyar – God desires to reveal the secrets of His Covenant

The month of Iyar is the second month of the spiritual year. It’s a month of transition and increased revelation. The number two is represents ‘COVENANT.’ It’s the verification of the facts brought in by two witnesses, see 1Timothy 5:19. Yashua sent His disciples in groups of two to testify about his teachings and miracles, but also to be witnesses of those who accepted or rejected the gospel (Mark 6:7-13). The shortest verse in the Bible is "Jesus wept" found in John 11:35, containing just two words.

As mentioned above, two represents ‘COVENANT,’ and this is the season that God is calling us forth wanting and desiring to reveal and establish the secrets of His Covenant. Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” Romans 8:19 “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” Our entire lives should be about giving glory to and being witnesses of our relationship with the Living God.

The month of Iyar is also the eighth month of the Jewish civil calendar. The number 8 represents ‘New Beginning,’ meaning a new order or creation.

Eight is also an integral part of Jesus' sacrifice. Like the Passover lamb, Jesus was selected as the Lamb to take away man's sins on Nisan10 (April 1, 30 A.D. - John 12:28-29). He was crucified on Nisan 14 (Wednesday, April 5 in 30 A.D.). His resurrection occurred three complete days after he was buried, which was at the end of the weekly Sabbath day that fell on Nisan 17. Nisan 17 was the eighth day, counting inclusively, from the time Christ was selected as man's sacrificial Lamb. All this bears record of Jesus' perfect sacrifice and His complete victory over death.

Boys were to be circumcised on the eighth day. The number eight symbolizes circumcision of the heart through Christ and the receiving of the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:28-29 and Colossians 2:11-13). Those in Christ become a new creation, with godly character being created by the power of God's Spirit (2Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10; 4:23-24). https://www.biblestudy.org/

So, combining the meaning of the number two and the eight we can conclude that we are transitioning, we are on a journey from the old to the new where God desires to bring us into a new dimension of His spirit and desires to reveal, to make known to us the secrets of His Covenant as we journey, as we transition (spiritually speaking) into Mount Sinai.

What does this all mean? you may ask. Well, during the month of Nissan was the festivity of ‘PASSOVER.’ We have ‘Passed over’ and transitioned from captivity into freedom. In this particular season that we are in, we are not celebrating where we are in time. With this said, we should be celebrating where we are going. Just like the Israelites in the Exodus journey, we are in that transition period in our lives where we are moving from the ‘KRONOS’ (living our lives) into the ‘KAIROS’ (MOED – God’s opportune time) time. We are witnessing this happening before our very eyes. Everything has changed. Everything is shifting very quickly and we can’t seem to catch up to it. We have entered a MOEDIM (מועדים Hebrew for appointed times) season and time and the evidence is in the heavens and the earth. It’s all around us.

Periods of transitions can be difficult as well as times of testing. We are in this transition and testing period. When we read Exodus 13-19, we see the Israelites, after experiencing the mighty hand of deliverance by God, during their journey (transition) they grew weary, thirsty, hungry, murmuring and complaining. These chapters occurred during the month of Iyar. The Israelites quickly forgot that God brought them out of Egypt with an outstretched arm. You and I are not much different from the Israelites.

Periods of transitions are difficult, confusing and uncomfortable. It’s a time between where we’ve been, on the way to where we are going; and oftentimes without a clear vision of where we are going. This is how the Israelites felt. Although God had made it clear to them that He was taking them to the Promise Land (Canaan), they had to make a stop, they had to spend some time at Mount Sinai. They had experienced Passover in Egypt, but Sinai was the place where they would experience Pentecost. Mount Sinai was the place of God’s presence. It’s where He would reveal His glory and give them fresh revelation. Hence God took them to the mountain where they would be equipped for their walk with God and prepare them for a life of victory. Going from Egypt to Sinai meant passing, transitioning through testing in order to enter into their promise, their faith had to grow. Faith grows when it is tested.

You may ask, how can we avoid repeating history? How can we avoid complaining and continue worshipping God through these trying and very difficult and uncertain times? FEAR NOT! Isaiah 41:10 tells us; “Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” And 2 Timothy 1:7 reads; “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The fact of the matter is that God wants us to draw near to Him like we’ve never been drawn before. He wants us to know His character. The Lord is gracious to reveal secrets hidden in His name that will help us trust, praise and worship Him, even in times of transition and testing.

Proverbs 18:10 reads; “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” It’s in the month of Iyar that God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah, Jireh and Jehovah Nissi.

Understand that God has many attributes attached to His name, and the above names mentioned are three of the many names in which God through His Word has revealed Himself to us. He revealed Himself to the Israelites and to us as our ‘Healer,’ our ‘Provider’ and our ‘Banner.’ These three are key attributes of God for us to know intimately if we are to make it through transitional and difficult times. The reason why these three are so important during testing and transition is because His names reveal faithfulness, not just in our physical needs but our spiritual needs as well. If during good times we run to worship our God, how much more should we be running to His presence during the hard times! We should be running into His presence calling upon Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah, Jireh and Jehovah Nissi for our hearts to be established and stir up faith to praise and worship Him.

Are you in a period of transition? Are you in a period of testing? Do you find yourself doubting, discourage, oppress, depress and even finding hard to go on, that you can’t even bring yourself to cry out to God and worship Him? THAT is the time to truly run to Him, run to your HEALER, run to your PROVIDER and to your BANNER. That is the time to ““Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” as Psalms 55:22 tells us. Cast ALL your cares on the Lord, your ox, your burden bearer, (the ox or donkey represented by the tribe of Issachar and Issachar is the tribe representing the month of Iyar). The Lord is our burden bearer, let us draw closer to Him and see how God will draw close to us and begin a mighty work in us that will bring us into victory and walking in victory. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know” Jeremiah 33:3

10- Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11- And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12- And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD. Leviticus 23:9-12

The above scripture is where God instituted the first fruit’s offering to the Israelites. This feast appear in both the Old and New Testaments and are talked about in relation to both spiritual and physical offerings. Offering first fruits when we receive an increase is a demonstration of our faith in God as the true source of our provision (Jehovah Jireh). James 2:17 reads; “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” The Apostle James explains that faith without action is really not faith. The first fruit offering is one way to activate and believe God as our Jehovah Jireh, our provider.

The Feast of First fruits begins with the month of Nissan but continues through Iyar and on to Sivan, Pentecost. They are connected and should never be separated. The bread was essential to Israel. In truth barley is not food for humans though it can be eaten and is by the poor, or times of famine. Therefore when the barley crop at Nissan was successful, there followed a seven-week period before the ripening of the main crop, that being wheat.

In closing, the choice to move in time, in the appointed time of the Lord (MOEDIM, KAIROS) is ours. The transition, testing and the first fruits are all part of a singular drive to bring us into ‘PENTECOST (SHAVOUT). As we journey through this dessert of life, we must reach the mountain of God where we can receive revelation for this KAIROS (MOEDIM) time we are in and hence receive the power of the new outpouring of His spirit as we approach Pentecost. We are certainly going to need this for the days and months ahead that leads us into the year 5784. Time has shifted and what was once were is no more. We are on a journey receiving the new wine skin and wine. Let us move in time with God and live, or we die in our despair, doubt, murmuring and complain as the Israelites did in the desert never able to see or enter the promise land. Choose to be an overcomer.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” Revelations 2:7

Shalom, May the Lord Bless you and keep you.

[cmcsmen]

Remember To Keep Holy The Sabbath Day

By Frank J Casella

Photo: 'Picture of Faith' Copyright 2014 Frank J Casella

The Third Commandment: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work. 90 The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.

IN BRIEF:

2189 "Observe the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Deut 5:12). "The seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord" (Ex 31:15).

2190 The sabbath, which represented the completion of the first creation, has been replaced by Sunday which recalls the new creation inaugurated by the Resurrection of Christ.

2191 The Church celebrates the day of Christ's Resurrection on the "eighth day," Sunday, which is rightly called the Lord's Day (cf. SC 106).

2192 "Sunday . . . is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church" (CIC, can. 1246 § 1). "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (CIC, can. 1247).

2193 "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound . . . to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord's Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body" (CIC, can. 1247).

2194 The institution of Sunday helps all "to be allowed sufficient rest and leisure to cultivate their amilial, cultural, social, and religious lives" (GS 67 § 3).

2195 Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day.

" ... Dear brothers and sisters, who then is the real slave? Who is the one who knows no rest? Those who are not capable of love! And all these vices, these sins, this egoism distance us from love and they make us unable to love. We are our own slaves and we cannot love because love is always outgoing.

The third Commandment which invites us to celebrate freedom with rest is, for us Christians, a prophecy of the Lord Jesus who breaks the interior slavery of sin, in order to make mankind capable of loving. True love is true freedom: it detaches us from possession, rebuilds relationships, knows how to welcome and value others, transforms all toil into a joyful gift and makes us capable of communion. Love makes people free even in prison, even if one is weak and limited.

This is the freedom that we receive from our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ."

-- POPE FRANCIS GENERAL AUDIENCE St Peter's Square Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Reference: The Ten Commandments from USCCB

Click here for the Fourth Commandment.

[eternal-echoes]

Catechism of the Catholic Church

2189 "Observe the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Deut 5:12). "The seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord" (Ex 31:15).

2190 The sabbath, which represented the completion of the first creation, has been replaced by Sunday which recalls the new creation inaugurated by the Resurrection of Christ.

2191 The Church celebrates the day of Christ's Resurrection on the "eighth day," Sunday, which is rightly called the Lord's Day (cf SC 106).

2192 "Sunday . . . is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church" (CIC, can. 1246 # 1). "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (CIC, can. 1247).

2193 "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound . . . to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord's Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body" (CIC, can. 1247).

2194 The institution of Sunday helps all "to be allowed sufficient rest and leisure to cultivate their amilial, cultural, social, and religious lives" (GS 67 # 3).

2195 Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day.

[kemetic-dreams]

              The Ancient Pagan Origins of Easter

Easter is a festival and holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world who honor the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred three days after his crucifixion at Calvary. It is also the day that children excitedly wait for the Easter bunny to arrive and deliver their treats of chocolate eggs.

The date upon which Easter is held varies from year to year, and corresponds with the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox. It occurs on different dates around the world since western churches use the Gregorian calendar, while eastern churches use the Julian calendar.

While Easter, as we know it today, was never a pagan festival, its roots and many of its traditions have associations with ancient pagan customs and beliefs.

According to the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary: “The word Easter is of Saxon origin, Eastra, the goddess of spring, in whose honour sacrifices were offered about Passover time each year. By the eighth century Anglo–Saxons had adopted the name to designate the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.” However, even among those who maintain that Easter has pagan roots, there is some disagreement over which pagan tradition the festival emerged from. Here we will explore some of those perspectives.

Resurrection as a Symbol of Rebirth

One theory that has been put forward is that the Easter story of crucifixion and resurrection is symbolic of rebirth and renewal and retells the cycle of the seasons, the death and return of the sun.

According to some scholars, such as Dr. Tony Nugent, teacher of Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University, and Presbyterian minister, the Easter story comes from the Sumerian legend of Damuzi (Tammuz) and his wife Inanna (Ishtar), an epic myth called “The Descent of Inanna” found inscribed on cuneiform clay tablets dating back to 2100 BC. When Tammuz dies, Ishtar is grief–stricken and follows him to the underworld. In the underworld, she enters through seven gates, and her worldly attire is removed. "Naked and bowed low" she is judged, killed, and then hung on display. In her absence, the earth loses its fertility, crops cease to grow and animals stop reproducing. Unless something is done, all life on earth will end.

After Inanna has been missing for three days her assistant goes to other gods for help. Finally one of them Enki, creates two creatures who carry the plant of life and water of life down to the Underworld, sprinkling them on Inanna and Damuzi, resurrecting them, and giving them the power to return to the earth as the light of the sun for six months. After the six months are up, Tammuz returns to the underworld of the dead, remaining there for another six months, and Ishtar pursues him, prompting the water god to rescue them both. Thus were the cycles of winter death and spring life.

Dr Nugent is quick to point out that drawing parallels between the story of Jesus and the epic of Inanna “doesn't necessarily mean that there wasn't a real person, Jesus, who was crucified, but rather that, if there was, the story about it is structured and embellished in accordance with a pattern that was very ancient and widespread.”

The Sumerian goddess Inanna is known outside of Mesopotamia by her Babylonian name, "Ishtar". In ancient Canaan Ishtar is known as Astarte, and her counterparts in the Greek and Roman pantheons are known as Aphrodite and Venus. In the 4th Century, when Christians identified the exact site in Jerusalem where the empty tomb of Jesus had been located, they selected the spot where a temple of Aphrodite (Astarte/Ishtar/Inanna) stood. The temple was torn down and the So Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built, the holiest church in the Christian world.

Dr Nugent points out that the story of Inanna and Damuzi is just one of a number of accounts of dying and rising gods that represent the cycle of the seasons and the stars. For example, the resurrection of Egyptian Horus; the story of Mithras, who was worshipped at Springtime; and the tale of Dionysus, resurrected by his grandmother. Among these stories are prevailing themes of fertility, conception, renewal, descent into darkness, and the triumph of light over darkness or good over evil

Easter as a celebration of the Goddess of Spring

A related perspective is that, rather than being a representation of the story of Ishtar, Easter was originally a celebration of Eostre, goddess of Spring, otherwise known as Ostara, Austra, and Eastre. One of the most revered aspects of Ostara for both ancient and modern observers is a spirit of renewal.

Celebrated at Spring Equinox on March 21, Ostara marks the day when light is equal to darkness, and will continue to grow. As the bringer of light after a long dark winter, the goddess was often depicted with the hare, an animal that represents the arrival of spring as well as the fertility of the season.

According to Jacob Grimm’s Deutsche Mythologie, the idea of resurrection was ingrained within the celebration of Ostara: “Ostara, Eástre seems therefore to have been the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing, whose meaning could be easily adapted by the resurrection-day of the christian’s God.”

Most analyses of the origin of the word ‘Easter’ agree that it was named after Eostre, an ancient word meaning ‘spring’, though many European languages use one form or another of the Latin name for Easter, Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning Passover.

Easter and Its Connection to Passover

Easter is associated with the Jewish festival of Passover through its symbolism and meaning, as well as its position in the calendar. Some early Christians chose to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on the same date as Passover, which reflects Easter having entered Christianity during its earliest Jewish period. Evidence of a more developed Christian festival of Easter emerged around the mid-second century.

In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine convened a meeting of Christian leaders to resolve important disputes at the Council of Nicaea. Since the church believed that the resurrection took place on a Sunday, the Council determined that Easter should always fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. Easter has since remained without a fixed date but proximate to the full moon, which coincided with the start of Passover.

While there are distinct differences between the celebrations of Pesach and Easter, both festivals celebrate rebirth – in Christianity through the resurrection of Jesus, and in Jewish traditions through the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.

The Origins of Easter customs

The most widely-practiced customs on Easter Sunday relate to the symbol of the rabbit (‘Easter bunny’) and the egg.  As outlined previously, a hare was a symbol associated with Eostre, representing the beginning of Springtime. Likewise, the egg has come to represent Spring, fertility and renewal.  In Germanic mythology, it is said that Ostara healed a wounded bird she found in the woods by changing it into a hare. Still partially a bird, the hare showed its gratitude to the goddess by laying eggs as gifts.

The Encyclopedia Britannica clearly explains the pagan traditions associated with the egg: “The egg as a symbol of fertility and of renewed life goes back to the ancient Egyptians and Persians, who had also the custom of colouring and eating eggs during their spring festival.” In ancient Egypt, an egg symbolised the sun, while for the Babylonians, the egg represents the hatching of the Venus Ishtar, who fell from heaven to the Euphrates.

So where did the tradition of an egg-toting Easter Bunny come from? The first reference can be found in a German text dating to 1572 AD: “Do not worry if the Easter Bunny escapes you; should we miss his eggs, we will cook the nest,” the text reads. But it wasn’t until the tradition made its way to the United States via the arrival of German immigrants, that the custom took on its current form. By the end of the 19th century, shops were selling rabbit-shaped candies, which later became the chocolate bunnies we have today, and children were being told the story of a rabbit that delivers baskets of eggs, chocolate and other candy on Easter morning.

In many Christian traditions, the custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new life. Christians remember that Jesus, after dying on the cross, rose from the dead, showing that life could win over death. For Christians, the egg is a symbol of the tomb in which the body of Jesus was placed, while cracking the egg represents Jesus' resurrection. In the Orthodox tradition, eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on the cross.

Regardless of the very ancient origins of the symbol of the egg, most people agree that nothing symbolizes renewal more perfectly than the egg – round, endless, and full of the promise of life.

While many of the pagan customs associated with the celebration of Spring were at one stage practised alongside Christian Easter traditions, they eventually came to be absorbed within Christianity, as symbols of the resurrection of Jesus.  The First Council of Nicaea (325) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the March equinox.

Whether it is observed as a religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or a time for families in the northern hemisphere to enjoy the coming of Spring and celebrate with egg decorating and Easter bunnies, the celebration of Easter still retains the same spirit of rebirth and renewal, as it has for thousands of years.

[madamlaydebug]

"Horus (Tammuz), son of Isis (Semiramis), and the same as Apollo or the Sun, also died and was restored again to life and to his mother; and the priests of Isis celebrated these great events by mourning and joyous festival succeeding each other. In the Mysteries of Phoenicia, established in honor of Tammuz or Adoni, also the Sun, the spectacle of his death and resurrection was exhibited to the Initiates.

In the Mysteries of Mithras, the Sun-God, in Asia Minor, Armenia and Persia, the death of that God was lamented, and his resurrection was celebrated with the most enthusiastic expressions of joy. A corpse, we learn from Julian Firmicus, was shown the Initiates, representing Mithras dead; and afterward his resurrection was announced; and they were then invited to rejoice that the dead God (Nimrod) was restored to life (-> Nimrod-Tammuz), and had by means of his sufferings secured their salvation. Three months before, his birth had been celebrated, under the emblem of an infant, born on the 25th of December (Xmas), or the eighth day before the Kalends of January.

The tomb of Apollo was at Delphi, where his body was laid, after Python, the Polar Serpent that annually heralds the coming of autumn, cold, darkness, and winter, had slain him, and over whom the God triumphs, on the 25th of March (the annunciation of Christ), on his return to the lamb of the Vernal Equinox.

All these deaths and resurrections, these funeral emblems, these anniversaries of mourning and joy, these cenotaphs raised in different places to the Sun-God (Nimrod), honored under different names, had but a single object..." Albert Pike

PS: "Truth is the Divine Lamb worshiped throughout pagandom and slain for the sins of the world, and since the dawn of time the Savior Gods of all religions have been personifications of this Truth. In this allegory the Lamb signifies the purified candidate, its seven horns representing the divisions of illuminated reason and its seven eyes the chakras, or perfected sense-perceptions. The headdresses of the Egyptians have great symbolic and emblematic importance, for they represent the auric bodies of the superhuman intelligences, and are used in the same way that the nimbus, halo, and aureole are used in Christian religious art."

-Manly P. Hall

[andretti123]

Well, here we are … Almost 5years later I’m sitting in my car while smoking a blunt in my BMW off 4501 playing the instrumentals to my series ‘Black Music’. Playing it brings tears of joy because I’ve had all these beats listed since I started From Now On which was 2017-2018 and now finally … grasping the concept, more of the ‘vision’ for the music. But in due time, you have to stop ignoring the signs(the beats on BM) of that what God has placed for you in your life. God said, I’m a keep bringing you these beats around in your life until you complete them Aja complete your journey. Like I said for years, I’ve had them stored but ever fully quite got to them because I got either distracted or wanted to do my own thing but…

Nuh uh

Coming from the universe. The universe,God said I will not give you what you want until you give me what I want & deserve. And that’s peace, love & positivity

Utopia Galactic was an amazing project, but you know why it still didn’t pop like it did? Because Black Music was still being ignored & hidden.

God will place things in your life when you’re ready or even when you’re not, but it’s up to you to decide when you’ve had enough of your own bullshit, enough of being in your own way & follow instinct of what’s true to you.

I thank you all for listening to Black Music … I made this out of love & pain, from years on for this specific moment. Black Music sound is samples throughout the history of Hip/Hop/R&B Music synthesized into one. Think about a timeline of classic Hip-Hop/R&B music, timeline since black music has been created. Black also the knowledges the essence, experiences & wisdom coming from a black man in music form.

I think now to who I am as a person, what God wants for me - is a reason why i have not succeeded. Have not transformed or even molded into the artist & man, I need to become. Black Music is a big apart of that, because i told myself when i was younger to which topic, which sound did i want to capitalize on? But you see overtime music transforms from sound to sound, me as a a creative couldn’t pick which lane i wanted to be in. My crowd, my audience seen it in me which resulted in loss of confidence within me as an artist and as a fan. Black music is the true identity of who i am

8 tracks representing the meaning the number of 8 which is infinity, eternity, . The number 8 in the Bible represents a new beginning, meaning a new order or creation, and man's true 'born again' event when he is resurrected from the dead into eternal life. One method of timekeeping used in Israel was called a 'watch.' Watches were time periods in which guards were placed on duty. Although days were initially divided into 6 equal watch periods by the time of the New Testament days were divided into 8 equal parts. We see this even in the natural. There are seven days in the week. The eighth day is the beginning of the new week. There are seven notes in the musical scale. The eighth note begins the scale all over again in a higher or lower octave.

[ellana-ravenwood]

The Batfamily TV show I wish existed but that will most likely never be (wecanhopethough) :

I’ve been fantasazing a LOT lately about a Batfam centric tv show. Not a story just about Bruce and then the kids are somewhere in the background, or just about one of the kid, or one character of the “extended family”. Nope. A TV show, that would focus on everyone. And here’s a few of my thoughts haha :

We’ve seen enough of times Bruce’s parents murder so no need to have a scene of that again. Even people who never read a Batman comics or watch a movie/animated show, sort-of know how he ended up being Batman ya know ? It kinda became a trope, a classic scene, to see little eight year old Bruce screaming above his parents’ bodies, in an empty alley...We really don’t need to see yet another one of those. We all know the story. And for those who are not up to date, there will be hints of what happened dropped all through the show. Because it’s still about Batman.

The Robins and all though, often people don’t even know there’s more than one Robin ? Or at least don’t know how many there are really...So here how I would love for the show to start/be : 

The first few episodes would only be about ONE kid, and ONE “extended family member” (Like Babs, ya know ?). My absolute biggest dream would be to have the ENTIRE Batfam represented (or most, there’s some members from alternate timelines/world that I’m not sure would appear...or maybe just as a cameo ?), and each of them would have their moments, and be just as important as the other. My perfect Batfam TV show would portray how they are all linked, how they’re a family (albeit not always a very functional one) So. Here we are. Longer episodes than normal shows,more mini-series sort of things than the traditional 40 minutes episodes. I think an hour would be a good timeframe, at least for the “origin story” episode...so, yeah, longer-than-usual episodes about all the origins of the kids and all.

First episode start with Dick coming in young Bruce Wayne’s life. We quickly understand that Bruce just came back after years away from Gotham (and that it was to train to become Batman). He’s been back for less than a year, and already started to be a night vigilante...And here he comes. Little Richard Grayson. A boy in which Bruce sees himself a lot (because of the way he lost his parents). And so Bruce makes the crazy decision to adopt the kid (yeah yeah I know “ward”), and it literally changes the way he lives. And boom, Dick’s origin story. Maybe a little shenanigans across the Manor. Dick’s difficulty to adapt to living with Bruce now, and not having his parents. Showing how he can get so angry at times ! And how he isn’t just that jolly little boy who jokes around and hugs everyone he sees ? Basically, an episode that could show every faces of Dick Grayson. Because he deserves to have a show where an entire episode is JUST FOR HIM, and how he is.

Second episode would be Barbara Gordon’s introduction. Pretty straight forward. Who she is, daughter of who, how she came to become Batgirl. Her close relationship with the Batman and his sidekick(s). Showing all the dimension of Babs, her intelligence and such. She isn’t just “a badass girl” (she’d only be a girl at the beginning), but an extremely intelligent one who’s able to turn situations around that look desperate, thanks to her analytic brain etc etc. She’s essential in a lot of Batman stories.

Third episode would be Jason’s arrival. Completely different from Dick’s. the episode would focus on the few years he has with Bruce, and where he comes from. How Jason hasn’t always been “the rebel of the family” (and how actually Dick has that role more than any of his brothers really...in this episode, probably there will be a quick mention of how the “previous Robin” is sort of a taboo subject because he left Gotham to go with the Teen Titans and Bruce is still not over it...). How he’s actually really sweet, and so SO happy to be Robin, and finally have someone that cares ? Which will explain why he became Red Hood later on...The episode would end on his death.

Fourth episode would start with Bruce being depressed, still not over Jason’s death. It would show how he became even more violent, which he has fights about with Dick...At the same time, Dick came back to Gotham as Nightwing after Jason’s death to still be there as a support for Bruce. Dick is always there when his friends or family members need his help...Doesn’t mean they don’t fight though. Bruce is even tougher to get through to than he used to. Jason’s death really hardened him further, the guilt not helping, of course. And then...Here enters little Timothy Drake. “Hey, I know you’re Batman !” he tells him, smiling widely...A few of his (baby) teeth are missing, that’s how young he is. The episode would be about how Bruce refuses to take Tim in as first (even more so since Tim’s parents are still alive by then), and would show their relationship evolves, all the way up to Bruce officially adopting Timbo.

Fifth episode : Hey is that Stephanie Brown we see ? Yup it iiiiiis !! Her story. Her background. What’s up with her. This episode is all about her. How she’s an important part of Bruce’s life, however isn’t one of his adoptive kid (it would be weird anyway...it would mean she ends up dating her own brother...). I always viewed Steph’ as an important member of the “Batfam”, but not as one of Bruce’s kid ? Like, she’s most definitely cared for and loved, but she doesn’t permanently live at Wayne Manor, and isn’t officially his ward or adopted kid etc etc...Doesn’t mean she isn’t included and not sort-of-family ! But, ya know what I mean, extremely close friends can be family too (remember : this is only MY opinion and how I view the characters after I read comics with them, you can totally disagree...in that case do it nicely, please).

Sixth Episode would be Cassandra’s. Bruce is fighting against her father, and that’s when he finds that young girl that appears mute, and that just killed a few men in front of him. He learns of her story, how her father tried to turn her into a weapon since she was born, via some audio recordings he found in one of his hideout. And he feels utterly disarmed. What is he supposed to do ? He can’t let such a dangerous person out, at the same time, she looks so young...And it’s not quite her fault, according to the recordings...He can’t just leave her there, but he’s also sure that locking her up would do more harm than anything else. So he takes her in. Ensues the beginning of Cass’ evolution (the rest will be in other episodes).

Seventh episode would be the one where Bruce discovers that Jason is still alive, and that he HATES HIM. Fighty fights fight...Oh shit it’s my son. Flashback of how Jason got resurrected and his short time with the Al’Ghuls, and a little speech about why he hates Bruce so much. Very “Under the Red Hood”, I guess. Ends with a heartbroken Bruce, and an even angrier Jason (because he saw Tim and Cass and can’t believe Bruce still enrolls kids to be his little “child soldier”...of course, it’s more complicated than that).

Eighth episode, Damian’s dramatic entrance. “I thought you’d be taller”. He tries to fight every single one of his siblings (that he most definitely not consider as such yet) (and yes I’m including Cass because I want her to be part of it all...), and it’s obvious they let him win. Sure, the kid trained since he was born...But they’re all pretty old now, and trained by the Batman too. Damian couldn't overpower them that easily (yeah it’s a canon thing I’m not a fan of...). In any case, Damian’s first few days in the family are tough af...

Then after all those origin stories, a lot would happen before Duke’s episode finally comes (because he appears quite late in the Batfam). So an explanation about how he came to get in, what happened to his parents, etc etc. An episode about Duke ! He might come in only like, in a later season (again he comes really late into everything, although he appears before). But when he comes in, Damian is less of a brat now, and considers everyone his family etc etc.

I know there’s a lot more people that are friendly with the Batfam (like Luke Fox and all) HOWEVER, I wanna talk about the “core” Batfam, Bruce and the kids and all. Family. Now of course, Kate Kane would appear. Maybe have her own part of an episode about how at first she decides to become Batwoman of her own volition and isn’t even affiliated with Bruce. Her story at her military school. Why she decided to get into this business etc etc...Probably things about Jim Gordon too. Oh, and the villains ! But really, only full episodes about the ones that are really...family. Like, Kate is Bruce’s cousin and all, but...they always kinda had their own things going on. Now as I said, she’ll appear, but you know what I mean. Basically, allies and friends will most definitely appear, but they won’t all have a full episodes about them ? Maybe a story revolving around them, and therefor we learn the essentials. Also, lil introductions to all the pets the Batfam has (of course we’d have Batcow, Titus, Ace and other Alfred the Cat hehe). 

The narrator would be Alfred Pennyworth, because he’s the one constant in every story. He’s always there (or almost). First episode would start with Bruce as a little boy, after his parents’ death, training around the house, and then as the episodes unfold, more and more members appear, training with him (opening credits).

We’d just have episodes about their domestic life AND their detective life. A perfect mix of both World. And after all those introduction episodes, that would be all interesting because we all know those peeps have some wild backgrounds, then the audience would know everyone ! Now, it’s a lot of characters, so, once they’re all introduced, they don’t need to always appear. There would be episodes of all of them together, and sometimes of just two of them bonding over whatever ? Like, Dick and Jason. Tim and Damian. Etc etc.

And every episodes would talk about all the different facets of their personalities, and not only focus on stereotypes (like it’s often the case :/). Like, NONE OF THEM are one-dimensional characters. So, let’s show that Bruce is a caring man but also a total jerk sometimes, that Dick is the “carefree” one but also the “angry Robin” more than Jason is, that Jason isn’t just a killing machine and a rebel, but also very sweet. That Tim isn't just that coffee addict boy who never sleeps, but a selfless man who’s in it because he thinks he does the right thing. That Damian isn’t just a brat who hates everyone, but tries really hard to better himself and is actually extremely scared of becoming like the Al Ghuls and turning bad etc etc...Show their complex personalities, and not just boring and lazy cliches. 

Are you starting to see why this show would be impossible to exist, wether live action or animated ? Haha yeah, it’d be like, 300 seasons long hahahaha. Because there’s so much material ! ...But I’m pretty sure so many of us fans would watch every single episodes.

PS : This is an “adaption” I imagined, so of course not every subtlety about everyone are in the short synopsis of their episodes I gave, and there would be much more than that. And some aspect of the stories are switched a little. And it’s only snippets, small portions. My idea would be much more worked on. I just wanted to share the little things I thought about ^^. '

[lostsoulaltair]

OnS Theories (10S). Eighth Theory - Mikaela’s possible place to reside as a demon

Well, as time flies, some theories have popped in my mind, this is quite related to the previous theory I made few days ago, so, without any further notice, let’s begin!

Many have read the latest chapter, many expect Mika to become a seraph; personally speaking, I believe he’ll likely turn into a demon, a powerful one like Ashera; but nevertheless; in the possible case he becomes one, where is he likely to reside? what kind of shape would he take as a cursed gear?

Thanks to few friends, they have suggested he might be a shield, or a ninja star, others have thought that perhaps he’ll be another sword, though, in order to state what shape he’ll take, it is essential to think about something first and that is:

Where will Mika reside?

There are several cursed gears on the field, I mean, the squad carries their respective cursed gears and are close to Yu’s location; same applies to Yu, he has his cursed gear next to him but, at the same time, we don’t know where Guren is. There’s no telling what happened to him after receiving such a massive attack. Therefore, where is it likely for Mika to end up residing?

1. Guren’s cursed gear

This is possibly the least desired scenario by many (including me but nevertheless, this is a theory); this theory comes in specially after seeing Mika levitating and exploding, we are aware that Mika was in the process of becoming a cursed gear but we can’t tell if his soul will prevail or leave for the time being; at the same time, we can’t tell where Guren is; he’s nowhere to be seen, but, why Guren among all the characters?

To begin with, Guren’s the antihero, which means, his goals are focused on saving humanity even if he requires taking the dark path to do so; at the same time, we’ve seen handling two demons within a cursed gear; therefore, if he planned to do more or adquire more power, he could easily try and attempt to get Mika’s soul with the sole end to become more powerful and realize the resurrection of the whole world but, why is this point less likely to happen?

To begin with, in many stories, specially shounen stories, it is likely to see the main cast struggle, they represent the good side and are willing to sacrifice for the better; therefore, if Guren were to adquire more power, he’d literally be a broken character; there wouldn’t be a way to stop him unless the squad found a way to link themselves with their respective demons and train.

At the same time, the aspect of the antihero that Guren is, is likely to see him struggle more despite having the upper hand compared to the main protagonist; therefore, this scenario is the less likely to happen.

2. Shinoa’s cursed gear

Shinoa is a complex character, many like her, many don’t but as I’ve always stated, neutrality is held within theories.

To begin with, Shinoa’s power increased after she was rescued, her strength was literally boosted but of course, she doesn’t have control, she’s aware that her body has changed and the fact that she is a vessel able to host as many demons as she can; therefore, knowing that Shinoa is a character that is actually aware of many things; she might likely find a way to hold Mika’s soul within her cursed gear in order to either not make Yu suffer for the loss or, to actually have a defense mechanism against Shikama Doji.

This scenario is quite weird and not likely to happen, nevertheless, it’d be rather interesting to see a development between these two characters.

NOTE: This does not involve shippings nor anything of the style

3. Yu’s cursed gear

This is the most possible scenario to happen and the main reason is because Yu finally learnt the value and the pain of knowing someone that treasures so much; therefore, if Mika’s soul were to reside within a cursed gear, it is likely it could be Yu’s cursed gear as an method to atone his sins or in a way punish himself to grow and learn better; or to cling to the hope to bring Mika back with the Resurrection process.

Among another point to state, it is likely that Mika’s willpower might actually manage to bring Mika’s memories despite being turned into a demon.

This would not only provide Yu strength but also, it’ll provide him knowledge and wisdom.

What do you think guys?

I took a small break due to watching and being fascinated with a movie.

P.S: In theories, ships are not included; characters are viewed within a neutral view!

[bryonyashaw]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bryony Shaw (@yourblendedfamily)

Spring has officially sprung and Easter is here! I can almost hear the Easter bunny on his way! Between the flowers blooming, the birds chirping, and the renewed energy that comes from spring cleaning and sunshine after an especially dreary winter, nothing can beat the start of spring. Plus, it means that summer isn't too far off! And while the onslaught of chocolate bunnies is a welcome part of the Easter season, it's important to remember that Easter is about so much more than sweets and dyed eggs, as fun as those traditions are. For me though it's about family time.

I had to share these cute photos of my younger two with the decorated door and their Easter bonnets I took today! My eldest wouldn't pose as she's far too cool of course! The awkward age where you're still a child but wanting more independence.

The original meaning of Easter - The naming of the celebration as “Easter” seems to go back to the name of a pre-Christian goddess in England, Eostre, who was celebrated at beginning of spring. The only reference to this goddess comes from the writings of the Venerable Bede, a British monk who lived in the late seventh and early eighth century.

"The story behind Easter Bunny is that the symbol was the rabbit because of the animal's high reproduction rate. Spring also symbolized new life and rebirth; eggs were an ancient symbol of fertility. According to History.com, Easter eggs represent Jesus' resurrection. The first Easter Bunny legend was documented in the 1500s.

Easter is a very old word."

"Another theory is that the English word Easter comes from an older German word for east, which comes from an even older Latin word for dawn. In spring, dawns mark the beginning of days that will outlast the nights, and those dawns erupt in the east. So that tale is tidy, too."

(Sourced from Time.com has loadsa info on there)

What the Bible Says About Easter:

1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Corinthians 15:21: "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man."

[divinum-pacis]

Deities of the Spring Equinox

Spring is a time of great celebration in many cultures. It's the time of year when the planting begins, people begin to once more enjoy the fresh air, and we can reconnect with the earth again after the long, cold winter. A number of different gods and goddesses from different pantheons are connected with the themes of Spring and Ostara. Here's a look at some of the many deities associated with spring, rebirth, and new life each year.

Asase Yaa (Ashanti)

This earth goddess prepares to bring forth new life in the spring, and the Ashanti people of Ghana honor her at the festival of Durbar, alongside her husband Nyame, the sky god who brings rain to the fields. As a fertility goddess, she is often associated with the planting of early crops during the rainy season. In some parts of Africa, she is honored during an annual (or often bi-annual) festival called the Awuru Odo. This is a large gathering of extended family and kinship groups, and a great deal of food and feasting seems to be involved.

In some Ghanaian folktales, Asase Yaa appears as the mother of Anansi, the trickster god, whose legends followed many West Africans to the New World during the centuries of the slave trade.

Interestingly, there do not appear to be any formalized temples to Asase Yaa - instead, she is honored in the fields where the crops grown, and in the homes where she is celebrated as a goddess of fertility and the womb. Farmers may opt to ask her permission before they begin working the soil. Even though she is associated with the hard labor of tilling the fields and planting seeds, her followers take a day off on Thursday, which is her sacred day.

Cybele (Roman)

This mother goddess of Rome was at the center of a rather bloody Phrygian cult, in which eunuch priests performed mysterious rites in her honor. Her lover was Attis (he was also her grandson, but that's another story), and her jealousy caused him to castrate and kill himself. His blood was the source of the first violets, and divine intervention allowed Attis to be resurrected by Cybele, with some help from Zeus. In some areas, there is still an annual three-day celebration of Attis' rebirth and Cybele's power.

Like Attis, it is said that Cybele's followers would work themselves into orgiastic frenzies and then ritually castrate themselves. After this, these priests donned women's clothing, and assumed female identities. They became known as the Gallai. In some regions, female priestesses led Cybele's dedicants in rituals involving ecstatic music, drumming and dancing. Under the leadership of Augustus Caesar, Cybele became extremely popular. Augustus erected a giant temple in her honor on the Palatine Hill, and the statue of Cybele that is in the temple bears the face of Augustus' wife, Livia.

Today, many people still honor Cybele, although not in quite the same context as she once was. Groups like the Maetreum of Cybele honor her as a mother goddess and protector of women.

Eostre (Western Germanic)

Little is known about the worship of the Teutonic spring goddess Eostre, but she is mentioned by the Venerable Bede, who said that Eostre's following had died out by the time he compiled his writings in the eighth century. Jacob Grimm referred to her by the High German equivalent, Ostara, in his 1835 manuscript, Deutsche Mythologie.

According to the stories, she is a goddess associated with flowers and springtime, and her name gives us the word "Easter," as well as the name of Ostara itself. However, if you start to dig around for information on Eostre, you'll find that much of it is the same. In fact, nearly all of it is Wiccan and Pagan authors who describe Eostre in a similar fashion. Very little is available on an academic level.

Interestingly, Eostre doesn't appear anywhere in Germanic mythology, and despite assertions that she might be a Norse deity, she doesn't show up in the poetic or prose Eddas either. However, she could certainly have belonged to some tribal group in the Germanic areas, and her stories may have just been passed along through oral tradition.

So, did Eostre exist or not? No one knows. Some scholars dispute it, others point to etymological evidence to say that she did in fact have a festival honoring her.

Freya (Norse)

The fertility goddess Freya abandons the earth during the cold months, but returns in the spring to restore nature's beauty. She wears a magnificent necklace called Brisingamen, which represents the fire of the sun. Freyja was similar to Frigg, the chief goddess of the Aesir, which was the Norse race of sky deities. Both were connected with childrearing, and could take on the aspect of a bird. Freyja owned a magical cloak of hawk's feathers, which allowed her to transform at will. This cloak is given to Frigg in some of the Eddas. As the wife of Odin, the All Father, Freyja was often called upon for assistance in marriage or childbirth, as well as to aid women struggling with infertility.

Osiris (Egyptian)

Osiris is known as the king of Egyptian gods. This lover of Isis dies and is reborn in a resurrection story. The resurrection theme is popular among spring deities, and is also found in the stories of Adonis, Mithras and Attis as well. Born the son of Geb (the earth) and Nut (the sky), Osiris was the twin brother of Isis and became the first pharaoh. He taught mankind the secrets of farming and agriculture, and according to Egyptian myth and legend, brought civilization itself to the world. Ultimately, the reign of Osiris was brought about by his death at the hands of his brother Set (or Seth). The death of Osiris is a major event in Egyptian legend.

[Source]