New Year - Revision history

SysopJ at 03:14, 26 February 2024

2024-02-26T03:14:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:14, 26 February 2024
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	== General description ==		== General description ==

			[[File:Rilke on New Year.jpg\|right\|200px]]
	The New Year is traditionally seen as a new beginning. Different cultures and religions have special ceremonies to celebrate the passing from the old to the new cycle. Among the traditional customs for this transition is to review the developments that took place in the year that is ending. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|H. P. Blavatsky]] supported this attitude, although she warned about the danger of dwelling excessively in the past. The aim of the review is to learn the lessons we can draw from past actions to then turn our face towards the new year ahead:		The New Year is traditionally seen as a new beginning. Different cultures and religions have special ceremonies to celebrate the passing from the old to the new cycle. Among the traditional customs for this transition is to review the developments that took place in the year that is ending. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|H. P. Blavatsky]] supported this attitude, although she warned about the danger of dwelling excessively in the past. The aim of the review is to learn the lessons we can draw from past actions to then turn our face towards the new year ahead:

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	These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:		These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:
	~~[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]~~
	<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>

	== January ==		== January ==
			[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]
			[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]
			The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>

	The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>
	~~[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]~~
	The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:		The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:

SysopJ: /* Online resources */

2024-02-26T03:09:52Z

Online resources

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:09, 26 February 2024
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	Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.		Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.

	== ~~Online~~ resources ==		== Additional resources ==
	===Articles===		=== Articles ===
	*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v9/y1888_001.htm# 1888] by H. P. Blavatsky		* [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v9/y1888_001.htm# 1888] by H. P. Blavatsky
	*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v12/y1890_001.htm# 1890! On the New Year's Morrow] by H. P. Blavatsky		* [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v12/y1890_001.htm# 1890! On the New Year's Morrow] by H. P. Blavatsky
	*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v12/y1890_006.htm# Thoughts on the New Year and the False Noses] by H. P. Blavatsky		* [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v12/y1890_006.htm# Thoughts on the New Year and the False Noses] by H. P. Blavatsky
	*[http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v10/y1889_001.htm# The Year is Dead, Long Live the Year!] by H. P. Blavatsky		* [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v10/y1889_001.htm# The Year is Dead, Long Live the Year!] by H. P. Blavatsky
	*[http://www.teosofia.com/Mumbai/7202newyear.html# The New Year—What will it bring us?] published by The Theosophical Movement		* [http://www.teosofia.com/Mumbai/7202newyear.html# The New Year—What will it bring us?] published by The Theosophical Movement

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

SysopJ at 21:02, 27 January 2023

2023-01-27T21:02:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 27 January 2023
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	[[Category:Theosophical worldview]]		[[Category:Theosophical worldview]]
			[[es:Año Nuevo]]

SysopJ at 14:33, 1 December 2021

2021-12-01T14:33:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:33, 1 December 2021
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	These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:		These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:
			[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]
	<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>

	== January ==		== January ==
	~~[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]~~
	The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>		The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>
			[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]
			The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:

	The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:
	~~[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]~~
	<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.		<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.

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	<blockquote>Only we, [[theosophist]]s . . . would prefer another day for our New Year. Like the apostate Emperor, many of us have still a strong lingering love for the poetical, bright gods of Olympus and would willingly repudiate the double-faced Thessalonian. [[January 3]], for instance, was consecrated to [[Minerva]]-[[Athena\|Athênê]], the goddess of wisdom and to [[Isis]], "she who generates life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Only we, [[theosophist]]s . . . would prefer another day for our New Year. Like the apostate Emperor, many of us have still a strong lingering love for the poetical, bright gods of Olympus and would willingly repudiate the double-faced Thessalonian. [[January 3]], for instance, was consecrated to [[Minerva]]-[[Athena\|Athênê]], the goddess of wisdom and to [[Isis]], "she who generates life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref></blockquote>
			[[File:God Mercury.jpg\|left\|150px\|thumb\|Mercury]]
			Besides being related to the goddess of wisdom, January 3 "was also set apart as the day on which the deities of Olympus visited their worshippers".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 278.</ref> However, when choosing a day that could be regarded as a "Theosophical" new year, Mme. Blavatsky chose [[January 4]]:

	Besides being related to the goddess of wisdom, January 3 "was also set apart as the day on which the deities of Olympus visited their worshippers".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 278.</ref> However, when choosing a day that could be regarded as a "Theosophical" new year, Mme. Blavatsky chose [[January 4]]:
	~~[[File:God Mercury.jpg\|left\|150px\|thumb\|Mercury]]~~
	<blockquote>To be brief, it is January the 4th which ought to be selected by the Theosophists—the Esotericists especially—as their New Year. January is under the sign of Capricornus, the mysterious [[Makara]] of the [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] mystics—the "[[Kumāras\|Kumaras]]", it being stated, having incarnated in mankind under the 10th sign of the [[Zodiac]]. For ages the 4th of January has been sacred to Mercury-Budha, or Thoth-Hermes. Thus everything combines to make of it a festival to be held by those who study ancient Wisdom. Whether called Budh or Budhi by its Aryan name, Mercurios, the son of Caelus and Hecate truly, or of the divine (white) and infernal (black) magic by its Hellenic, or again Hermes or Thoth, its Greco-Egyptian name, the day seems in every way more appropriate for us than [[January 1]], the day of Janus, the double-faced “god of the time”-servers.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 76.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>To be brief, it is January the 4th which ought to be selected by the Theosophists—the Esotericists especially—as their New Year. January is under the sign of Capricornus, the mysterious [[Makara]] of the [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] mystics—the "[[Kumāras\|Kumaras]]", it being stated, having incarnated in mankind under the 10th sign of the [[Zodiac]]. For ages the 4th of January has been sacred to Mercury-Budha, or Thoth-Hermes. Thus everything combines to make of it a festival to be held by those who study ancient Wisdom. Whether called Budh or Budhi by its Aryan name, Mercurios, the son of Caelus and Hecate truly, or of the divine (white) and infernal (black) magic by its Hellenic, or again Hermes or Thoth, its Greco-Egyptian name, the day seems in every way more appropriate for us than [[January 1]], the day of Janus, the double-faced “god of the time”-servers.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 76.</ref></blockquote>

SysopJ: /* January */

2019-09-05T20:53:10Z

January

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 5 September 2019
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	== January ==		== January ==
	[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px]]		[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]
	The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>		The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>

SysopJ at 21:57, 26 August 2019

2019-08-26T21:57:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 26 August 2019
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			[[File:American Theosophist cover 1914.jpg\|120px\|right\|thumb\|New Year's issue of ''The American Theosophist'']]
			[[File:American Theosophist cover 1914 cropped.jpg\|180px\|right\|thumb\|Baby clinging to the cloak of Father Time]]
	'''New Year''' is the time at which a new calendar year begins. In the Gregorian calendar (the one used worldwide today) it falls on [[January 1]]. The month of January ("Ianuarius" or "Januarius") was the first of the year in the ancient Roman calendar since King Numa Pompilius in about 700 BC. Ianuarius is conventionally thought to have taken its name from Janus, the dual-faced god of beginnings, openings, passages, gates and doorways, but according to ancient Roman farmers' almanacs Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.<ref> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ianuarius# Ianuarius] at Wikipedia</ref> During the Middle Ages under the influence of the [[Christianity\|Christian]] Church, many countries moved the start of the year to one of several important Christian festivals. Between the 1500's to the 1700's January 1 became the official start of the year in most European countries.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_year# New Year] at Wikipedia</ref>		'''New Year''' is the time at which a new calendar year begins. In the Gregorian calendar (the one used worldwide today) it falls on [[January 1]]. The month of January ("Ianuarius" or "Januarius") was the first of the year in the ancient Roman calendar since King Numa Pompilius in about 700 BC. Ianuarius is conventionally thought to have taken its name from Janus, the dual-faced god of beginnings, openings, passages, gates and doorways, but according to ancient Roman farmers' almanacs Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.<ref> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ianuarius# Ianuarius] at Wikipedia</ref> During the Middle Ages under the influence of the [[Christianity\|Christian]] Church, many countries moved the start of the year to one of several important Christian festivals. Between the 1500's to the 1700's January 1 became the official start of the year in most European countries.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_year# New Year] at Wikipedia</ref>

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	[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]		[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]
	<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.		<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.
	~~<br>~~
	Have we not the right to see in him the prototype of Peter, the fisherman of the celestial ship, the Janitor of Paradise, to the gates of which he alone holds the keys? . . . In [[Occultism]] the potency and significance of Numbers and Numerals lie in their right application and permutation. If we have to propitiate any mysterious number at all, we have most decidedly to address Janus-Peter, in his relation to the ONE—the [[Sun]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref></blockquote>		Have we not the right to see in him the prototype of Peter, the fisherman of the celestial ship, the Janitor of Paradise, to the gates of which he alone holds the keys? . . . In [[Occultism]] the potency and significance of Numbers and Numerals lie in their right application and permutation. If we have to propitiate any mysterious number at all, we have most decidedly to address Janus-Peter, in his relation to the ONE—the [[Sun]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref></blockquote>

Janet Kerschner at 17:21, 30 December 2013

2013-12-30T17:21:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 30 December 2013
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	'''New Year''' is the time at which a new calendar year begins. In the Gregorian calendar (the one used worldwide today) it falls on [[January 1]]. The month of January ("Ianuarius" or "Januarius") was the first of the year in the ancient Roman calendar since King Numa Pompilius in about 700 BC. Ianuarius is conventionally thought to have taken its name from Janus, the dual-faced god of beginnings, openings, passages, gates and doorways, but according to ancient Roman farmers' almanacs Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.<ref> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ianuarius# Ianuarius] at Wikipedia</ref> During the Middle Ages under the influence of the [[Christianity\|Christian]] Church, many countries moved the start of the year to one of several important Christian festivals. Between the 1500's to the 1700's January 1 became the official start of the year in most European countries.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_year# New Year] at Wikipedia</ref>		'''New Year''' is the time at which a new calendar year begins. In the Gregorian calendar (the one used worldwide today) it falls on [[January 1]]. The month of January ("Ianuarius" or "Januarius") was the first of the year in the ancient Roman calendar since King Numa Pompilius in about 700 BC. Ianuarius is conventionally thought to have taken its name from Janus, the dual-faced god of beginnings, openings, passages, gates and doorways, but according to ancient Roman farmers' almanacs Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.<ref> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ianuarius# Ianuarius] at Wikipedia</ref> During the Middle Ages under the influence of the [[Christianity\|Christian]] Church, many countries moved the start of the year to one of several important Christian festivals. Between the 1500's to the 1700's January 1 became the official start of the year in most European countries.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_year# New Year] at Wikipedia</ref>

	In the [[Theosophy\|Theosophical]] view, the time of the new year coincides with a season in which the subtle energies of the Earth begin to grow stronger ~~since~~ the [[Winter Solstice]]~~, by the end of December~~.		In the [[Theosophy\|Theosophical]] view, the time of the new year coincides with a season in which the subtle energies of the Earth begin to grow stronger at the end of December, following the [[Winter Solstice]].

	== General description ==		== General description ==
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	The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:		The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:
	[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|~~100px~~\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]		[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]
	<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.		<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.
	<br>		<br>

Pablo Sender: /* Perihelion */

2013-12-24T15:12:46Z

Perihelion

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:12, 24 December 2013
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	=== Perihelion ===		=== Perihelion ===
	[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]]'s suggestion of [[January 3]] and [[January 4]] as better choices for the new year is related to a natural phenomenon called "Perihelion". The perihelion is the point in the elliptical orbit of a planet, asteroid or comet where it is nearest to the sun. The Earth comes closest to the sun every year around January 3 and 4 (the date varies ~~each year~~, and some years this may happen on the 2nd or the 5th of January).		[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]]'s suggestion of [[January 3]] and [[January 4]] as better choices for the new year is related to a natural phenomenon called "Perihelion". The perihelion is the point in the elliptical orbit of a planet, asteroid or comet where it is nearest to the [[sun]]. The Earth comes closest to the sun every year around January 3 and 4 (the date varies, and some years this may happen on the 2nd or the 5th of January).

	Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.		Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.

Pablo Sender: /* Perihelion */

2013-12-24T15:08:15Z

Perihelion

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	=== Perihelion ===		=== Perihelion ===
	[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]]'s suggestion of [[January 3]] and [[January 4]] as better choices for the new year is related to a natural phenomenon called "Perihelion". The perihelion is the point in the elliptical orbit of a planet, asteroid or comet where it is nearest to the sun. The Earth comes closest to the sun every year around January 3 and 4 (the ~~dates~~ varies each year, and some years this may happen on the 2nd or the 5th).		[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]]'s suggestion of [[January 3]] and [[January 4]] as better choices for the new year is related to a natural phenomenon called "Perihelion". The perihelion is the point in the elliptical orbit of a planet, asteroid or comet where it is nearest to the sun. The Earth comes closest to the sun every year around January 3 and 4 (the date varies each year, and some years this may happen on the 2nd or the 5th of January).

	Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.		Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.

Pablo Sender: /* Perihelion */

2013-12-24T15:07:34Z

Perihelion

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 24 December 2013
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	<blockquote>To be brief, it is January the 4th which ought to be selected by the Theosophists—the Esotericists especially—as their New Year. January is under the sign of Capricornus, the mysterious [[Makara]] of the [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] mystics—the "[[Kumāras\|Kumaras]]", it being stated, having incarnated in mankind under the 10th sign of the [[Zodiac]]. For ages the 4th of January has been sacred to Mercury-Budha, or Thoth-Hermes. Thus everything combines to make of it a festival to be held by those who study ancient Wisdom. Whether called Budh or Budhi by its Aryan name, Mercurios, the son of Caelus and Hecate truly, or of the divine (white) and infernal (black) magic by its Hellenic, or again Hermes or Thoth, its Greco-Egyptian name, the day seems in every way more appropriate for us than [[January 1]], the day of Janus, the double-faced “god of the time”-servers.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 76.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>To be brief, it is January the 4th which ought to be selected by the Theosophists—the Esotericists especially—as their New Year. January is under the sign of Capricornus, the mysterious [[Makara]] of the [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] mystics—the "[[Kumāras\|Kumaras]]", it being stated, having incarnated in mankind under the 10th sign of the [[Zodiac]]. For ages the 4th of January has been sacred to Mercury-Budha, or Thoth-Hermes. Thus everything combines to make of it a festival to be held by those who study ancient Wisdom. Whether called Budh or Budhi by its Aryan name, Mercurios, the son of Caelus and Hecate truly, or of the divine (white) and infernal (black) magic by its Hellenic, or again Hermes or Thoth, its Greco-Egyptian name, the day seems in every way more appropriate for us than [[January 1]], the day of Janus, the double-faced “god of the time”-servers.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 76.</ref></blockquote>

	== Perihelion ==		=== Perihelion ===
	[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]]'s suggestion of [[January 3]] and [[January 4]] as better choices for the new year is related to a natural phenomenon called "Perihelion". The perihelion is the point in the elliptical orbit of a planet, asteroid or comet where it is nearest to the sun. The Earth comes closest to the sun every year around January 3 and 4 (the dates varies each year, and some years this may happen on the 2nd or the 5th).		[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]]'s suggestion of [[January 3]] and [[January 4]] as better choices for the new year is related to a natural phenomenon called "Perihelion". The perihelion is the point in the elliptical orbit of a planet, asteroid or comet where it is nearest to the sun. The Earth comes closest to the sun every year around January 3 and 4 (the dates varies each year, and some years this may happen on the 2nd or the 5th).

			Click [http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php# here] to see a list of dates for Earth's perihelion in different years.

	== Online resources ==		== Online resources ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:14, 26 February 2024
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	== General description ==		== General description ==

			[[File:Rilke on New Year.jpg\|right\|200px]]
	The New Year is traditionally seen as a new beginning. Different cultures and religions have special ceremonies to celebrate the passing from the old to the new cycle. Among the traditional customs for this transition is to review the developments that took place in the year that is ending. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|H. P. Blavatsky]] supported this attitude, although she warned about the danger of dwelling excessively in the past. The aim of the review is to learn the lessons we can draw from past actions to then turn our face towards the new year ahead:		The New Year is traditionally seen as a new beginning. Different cultures and religions have special ceremonies to celebrate the passing from the old to the new cycle. Among the traditional customs for this transition is to review the developments that took place in the year that is ending. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|H. P. Blavatsky]] supported this attitude, although she warned about the danger of dwelling excessively in the past. The aim of the review is to learn the lessons we can draw from past actions to then turn our face towards the new year ahead:

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	These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:		These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:
	~~[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]~~
	<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>

	== January ==		== January ==
			[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]
			[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]
			The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>

	The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>
	~~[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]~~
	The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:		The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:33, 1 December 2021
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	These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:		These energies can be manipulated by a person due to the presence of the powers of [[Kriyāśakti\|''thought'']] and [[Icchāśakti\|''will'']] in him, and according to how he uses them will be the [[Karma\|karmic]] result brought about. The earnest spiritual seeker, aware of these facts, is careful not to use these energies in a selfish way. Instead, he can take advantage of this time not only to gain spiritual strength but also to send blessings to others:
			[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]
	<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>According to our theosophical tenets, every man or woman is endowed, more or less, with a magnetic potentiality, which when helped by a sincere, and especially by an intense and indomitable will—is the most effective of [[magic]] levers placed by Nature in human hands—for woe as for weal. Let us then, [[Theosophist]]s, use that will to send a sincere greeting and a wish of good luck for the New Year to every living creature under the sun—enemies and relentless traducers included. Let us try and feel especially kindly and forgiving to our foes and persecutors, honest or dishonest, lest some of us should send unconsciously an "[[Kriyāśakti#Evil eye\|evil eye]]" greeting instead of a blessing.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 67.</ref></blockquote>

	== January ==		== January ==
	~~[[File:Janus.jpg\|right\|150px\|thumb\|Janus]]~~
	The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>		The word "January" comes from ''Ianuarius'' or ''Januarius'', which derives from "Janus", the Roman god of gates and doors (''ianua''), the ruler of beginnings and endings. It is depicted with two faces, one turned to the East and the other to the West, representing the past and the future, and the ever revolving [[Law of Cycles\|cycle]].<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 279.</ref>
			[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]
			The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:

	The ancient Roman farmers' almanacs place Juno as the tutelary deity of the month. However, according to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky\|Mme. Blavatsky]], "the first of Januarius was ever more sacred to Janus than Juno.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref> She added:
	~~[[File:Coin Janus.JPG\|left\|120px\|thumb\|Janus on Roman republican coin, c.225-212]]~~
	<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.		<blockquote>The statue of Janus-January carried engraved on his right hand the number 300, and on his left, 65, the number of the days in the Solar year; in one hand a sceptre, in the other a key, whence his name Janitor, the door-keeper of the Heavens, who opened the gates of the year at its beginning. Old Roman coins represent Janus bifrons on one side, and a ship on the other.

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	<blockquote>Only we, [[theosophist]]s . . . would prefer another day for our New Year. Like the apostate Emperor, many of us have still a strong lingering love for the poetical, bright gods of Olympus and would willingly repudiate the double-faced Thessalonian. [[January 3]], for instance, was consecrated to [[Minerva]]-[[Athena\|Athênê]], the goddess of wisdom and to [[Isis]], "she who generates life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>Only we, [[theosophist]]s . . . would prefer another day for our New Year. Like the apostate Emperor, many of us have still a strong lingering love for the poetical, bright gods of Olympus and would willingly repudiate the double-faced Thessalonian. [[January 3]], for instance, was consecrated to [[Minerva]]-[[Athena\|Athênê]], the goddess of wisdom and to [[Isis]], "she who generates life".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 75.</ref></blockquote>
			[[File:God Mercury.jpg\|left\|150px\|thumb\|Mercury]]
			Besides being related to the goddess of wisdom, January 3 "was also set apart as the day on which the deities of Olympus visited their worshippers".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 278.</ref> However, when choosing a day that could be regarded as a "Theosophical" new year, Mme. Blavatsky chose [[January 4]]:

	Besides being related to the goddess of wisdom, January 3 "was also set apart as the day on which the deities of Olympus visited their worshippers".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. X (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1988), 278.</ref> However, when choosing a day that could be regarded as a "Theosophical" new year, Mme. Blavatsky chose [[January 4]]:
	~~[[File:God Mercury.jpg\|left\|150px\|thumb\|Mercury]]~~
	<blockquote>To be brief, it is January the 4th which ought to be selected by the Theosophists—the Esotericists especially—as their New Year. January is under the sign of Capricornus, the mysterious [[Makara]] of the [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] mystics—the "[[Kumāras\|Kumaras]]", it being stated, having incarnated in mankind under the 10th sign of the [[Zodiac]]. For ages the 4th of January has been sacred to Mercury-Budha, or Thoth-Hermes. Thus everything combines to make of it a festival to be held by those who study ancient Wisdom. Whether called Budh or Budhi by its Aryan name, Mercurios, the son of Caelus and Hecate truly, or of the divine (white) and infernal (black) magic by its Hellenic, or again Hermes or Thoth, its Greco-Egyptian name, the day seems in every way more appropriate for us than [[January 1]], the day of Janus, the double-faced “god of the time”-servers.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 76.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>To be brief, it is January the 4th which ought to be selected by the Theosophists—the Esotericists especially—as their New Year. January is under the sign of Capricornus, the mysterious [[Makara]] of the [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] mystics—the "[[Kumāras\|Kumaras]]", it being stated, having incarnated in mankind under the 10th sign of the [[Zodiac]]. For ages the 4th of January has been sacred to Mercury-Budha, or Thoth-Hermes. Thus everything combines to make of it a festival to be held by those who study ancient Wisdom. Whether called Budh or Budhi by its Aryan name, Mercurios, the son of Caelus and Hecate truly, or of the divine (white) and infernal (black) magic by its Hellenic, or again Hermes or Thoth, its Greco-Egyptian name, the day seems in every way more appropriate for us than [[January 1]], the day of Janus, the double-faced “god of the time”-servers.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. XII (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1980), 76.</ref></blockquote>