The Roman Festival Vestalia

The Roman celebration of Vestalia was held each year in June, near the time of Litha, the summer solstice. This festival honored Vesta, the Roman goddess who guarded virginity. She was sacred to women, and alongside Juno was considered a protector of marriage.

The Vestal Virgins

The Vestalia was celebrated from June 7 to June 15, and was a time in which the inner sanctum of the Vestal Temple was opened for all women to visit and make offerings to the goddess.

The Vestales, or Vestal Virgins, guarded a sacred flame at the temple, and swore thirty-year vows of chastity. One of the best known Vestales was Rhea Silvia, who broke her vows and conceived twins Romulus and Remus with the god Mars.

It was considered a great honor to be chosen as one of the Vestales, and was a privilege reserved for young girls of patrician birth. Unlike the other Roman priesthoods, the Vestal Virgins was the only group that was exclusive to women.

M. Horatius Piscinus of Patheos writes,

"Historians have since considered the Vestal Virgins to represent the daughters of the king, while the Salii, or leaping priests of Mars, were thought to represent the king’s sons. The participation of all of the City’s matrons, led by the flamenica Dialis, would indicate that Vesta’s hearth, and Her temple, was connected to all of the homes of individual Romans and not just that of the king’s Regia. The welfare of the City, and the welfare of every Roman’s home, resided within the wives of Roman families."

The worship of Vesta in celebration was a complex one. Unlike many Roman deities, she was not typically portrayed in statuary. Instead, the flame of the hearth represented her at the family altar. Likewise, in a town or village, the perpetual flame stood in the stead of the goddess herself.

Worshiping Vesta

For the celebration of Vestalia, the Vestales made a sacred cake, using water carried in consecrated jugs from a holy spring.

The water was never permitted to come into contact with the earth between the spring and the cake, which also included sacred salt and ritually prepared brine as ingredients. The hard-baked cakes were then cut into slices and offered to Vesta.

During the eight days of the Vestalia, only women were permitted to enter Vesta's temple for worship. When they arrived, they removed their shoes and made offerings to the goddess. At the end of Vestalia, the Vestalescleaned the temple from top to bottom, sweeping the floors of dust and debris, and carrying it away for disposal in the Tiber river. Ovid tells us that the last day of Vestalia, the Ides of June, became a holiday for people who worked with grain, such as millers and bakers. They took the day off and hung flower garlands and small loaves of bread from their millstones and shop stalls.

Vesta for Modern Pagans

Today, if you'd like to honor Vesta during the time of the Vestalia, bake a cake as an offering, decorate your home with flowers, and do a ritual cleansing the week before Litha. You can do a ritual cleansing with a Litha blessing besom.

Much like the Greek goddess Hestia, Vesta watches over domesticity and the family, and was traditionally honored with the first offering at any sacrifice made in the home.

On a public level, Vesta's flame was never allowed to burn out, so light a fire in her honor. Keep it in a place where it can safely burn overnight.

When you're working on any sort of domestic, home-focused project, such as needle arts, cooking, or cleaning, honor Vesta with prayers, songs, or hymns

What is the Celtic Tree Calendar?

In Norse legend, Odin hung from an ash tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days. 

The Celtic Tree Calendar is a calendar with thirteen lunar divisions. Most contemporary Pagans use fixed dates for each "month," rather than following the waxing and waning lunar cycle. If this was done, eventually the calendar would fall out of sync with the Gregorian year, because some calendar years have 12 full moons and others have 13. The modern tree calendar is based on a concept that letters in the ancient Celtic Ogham alphabet corresponded to a tree.

Although you don't have to follow a Celtic path to celebrate the Celtic tree calendar months, you'll find that each of the themes in the Celtic tree months ties strongly to Celtic culture and mythology.

It's also important to note that there is no proof that the Celtic tree calendar actually originated with early Celtic peoples. Joelle of Joelle's Sacred Grove says, "The lunar tree calendar of the Celts has long been a source of controversy among Celtic scholars. Some even claim it was never a part of the old Celtic world, but was an invention of author/researcher Robert Graves. The Druids are generally given credit by other researchers for creating this system. There seems to be no scholarly evidence to prove otherwise, yet many Celtic Pagans feel that the system pre-dates the time of Druidic influence over Celtic religious matters. It is probably reasonable to believe that the truth lies somewhere in between these three extremes. It is most likely that the tree system was in place, with minor regional variations before the time of the Druids who experimented with it, discovered the magical properties of each tree, and codified all the information into the system we have today."

Birch Moon: December 24 - January 20

The Birch Moon is a time of rebirth and regeneration. As the Solstice passes, it is time to look towards the light once more. When a forested area burns, Birch is the first tree to grow back. The Celtic name for this month is Beth, pronounced beh. Workings done in this month add momentum and a bit of extra "oomph" to new endeavors. The Birch is also associated with magic done for creativity and fertility, as well as healing and protection. Tie a red ribbon around the trunk of a Birch tree to ward off negative energy. Hang Birch twigs over a cradle to protect a newborn from psychic harm. Use Birch bark as magical parchment to keep writings safe.

Rowan Moon: January 21 - February 17

The Rowan Moon is associated with Brighid, the Celtic goddess of hearth and home. Honored on February 1, at Imbolc, Brighid is a fire goddess who offers protection to mothers and families, as well as watching over the hearthfires. This is a good time of year to perform initiations (or, if you're not part of a group, do a self-dedication). Known by the Celts as Luis (pronounced loush), the Rowan is associated with astral travel, personal power, and success. A charm carved into a bit of a Rowan twig will protect the wearer from harm. The Norsemen were known to have used Rowan branches as rune staves of protection. In some countries, Rowan is planted in graveyards to prevent the dead from lingering around too long.

Ash Moon: February 18 - March 17

The ash is associated with prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys. Image by Richard Osbourne/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images

In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae.

Alder Moon: March 18 - April 14

At the time of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, the Alder is flourishing on riverbanks, roots in the water, bridging that magical space between both heaven and earth. The Alder month, called Fearn by the Celts, and pronounced fairin, is a time for making spiritual decisions, magic relating to prophecy and divination, and getting in touch with your own intuitive processes and abilities. Alder flowers and twigs are known as charms to be used in Faerie magic. Whistles were once made out of Alder shoots to call upon Air spirits, so it's an ideal wood for making a pipe or flute if you're musically inclined.

Willow Moon: April 15 - May 12

The Willow moon was known to the Celts as Saille, pronounced Sahl-yeh. The Willow grows best when there's lots of rain, and in northern Europe there's no shortage of that this time of year. This is a tree associated with healing and growth, for obvious reasons. A Willow planted near your home will help ward away danger, particularly the type that stems from natural disaster such as flooding or storms. They offer protection, and are often found planted near cemeteries. This month, work on rituals involving healing, growth of knowledge, nurturing and women's mysteries.

Hawthorn Moon: May 13 - June 9

The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high -- if you're hoping to conceive a child, get busy this month! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it -- use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.

Oak Moon: June 10 - July 7

The oak tree has long been venerated by people of many cultures as a symbol of strength and power.

The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids. The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to mean "door", the root word of "Druid". The Oak is connected with spells for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune. Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you'll stay healthy the following year.

Holly Moon: July 8 - August 4

Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July. This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of nature. The Holly moon was called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy and firmness. The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic. Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. Wear as a charm, or make Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon -- then use the water as a blessing to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing.

Hazel Moon: August 5 - September 1

The Hazel Moon was known to the Celts as Coll, which translates to "the life force inside you". This is the time of year when Hazelnuts are appearing on the trees, and are an early part of the harvest. Hazelnuts are also associated with wisdom and protection. Hazel is often associated in Celtic lore with sacred wells and magical springs containing the salmon of knowledge. This is a good month to do workings related to wisdom and knowledge, dowsing and divination, and dream journeys. If you're a creative type, such as an artist, writer, or musician, this is a good month to get your muse back, and find inspiration for your talents. Even if you normally don't do so, write a poem or song this month.

Vine Moon: September 2 - September 29

The Vine month is a time of great harvest -- from the grapes of the Mediterranean to the fruits of the northern regions, the Vine produces fruits we can use to make that most wondrous concoction called wine. The Celts called this month Muin. The Vine is a symbol of both happiness and wrath -- passionate emotions, both of them. Do magical workings this month connected to the Autumn Equinox, or Mabon, and celebrate garden magic, joy and exhilaration, wrath and rage, and the darker aspect of the mother goddess. Use the leaves of the Vines to enhance your own ambition and goals. during this month. The month of Vine is also a good time to get balanced, as there are equal hours of darkness and light.

Ivy Moon: September 30 - October 27

As the year comes to a close and Samhain approaches, the Ivy moon rolls in at the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died -- a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month Gort, pronounced go-ert. This is a time to banish the negative from your life. Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection, cooperation, and to bind lovers together.

Reed Moon: October 28 - November 23

Reeds are associated with the dead and the Underworld.

Reed is typically used to make wind instruments, and this time of year, its haunting sounds are sometimes heard when the souls of the dead are being summoned to the Underworld. The Reed Moon was called Negetal, pronounced nyettle by the Celts, and is sometimes referred to as the Elm Moon by modern Pagans. This is a time for divination and scrying. If you're going to have a seance, this is a good month to do it. This month, do magical workings related to spirit guides, energy work, meditation, celebration of death, and honoring the cycle of life and rebirth.

Elder Moon: November 24 - December 23

The winter solstice has passed, and the Elder moon is a time of endings. Although the Elder can be damaged easily, it recovers quickly and springs back to life, corresponding to the approaching New Year. Called Ruish by the Celts (pronounced roo-esh), the month of Elder is a good time for workings related to creativity and renewal. It is a time of beginnings and endings, births and deaths, and rejuvenation. Elder is also said to protect against demons and other negative entities. Use in magic connected to Faeries and other nature spirits.

The Four Pillars of Destiny (Chinese Astrology)

The Four Pillars of Destiny is an important component of Chinese fortune telling. The 'four pillars' refers to the year, month, day and hour pillars of a birthday in Chinese solar calendar. It is also known as the 'eight characters of birth time', the translation of Chinese phrase, Sheng Chen Ba Zi, shortly as Ba Zi. Ba Zi (Eight Characters) is represented by four pairs of characters respectively saying the year, month, day and hour of a birth time. Two characters in each pair are made up of one character from the Heavenly Stems and one from the Earthly Branches.

The theory of the Four Pillars of Destiny is based on Yin Yang and Wu Xing, and the pillars are represented on the basis of the heavenly stems & earthly branches.

Year Pillar – Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly branches combines and create a sexagenary cycle (See this chart to find the year pillar. If your birth year is not in the 60-year circle, it can be calculated by extrapolation from the figures.) Here is a quick way to convert a year in western calendar into the one represented by stem and branch.

Year's Heavenly Stem – Last number of a year will indicate the year's stem

Jia	Yi	Bing	Ding	Wu	Ji	Geng	Xin	Ren	Gui
4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3

Year's Earthly Branch – the reminder (1-11) of the year divided by 12 will indicate the year's branch

Zi	Chou	Yin	Mao	Chen	Si	Wu	Wei	Shen	You	Xu	Hai
4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	0	1	2	3

Take the year 1985 for example. Last number 5 refers to Yi. 1985 divided by 12 equals an integer 165 with a reminder of 5. Number 5 refers to Chou. So 1985 is Yi Chou year.

Month Pillar – Month pillar has fixed early branches, lunar January to October represented by Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai, Zi and Chou. The heavenly stem is changing according to the year pillar. In fact, the division of two month branches is usually up to the 24 solar terms. From the Beginning of Spring which regarded as the real start of a year, the branch shifts every two solar terms. The representation by lunar months is only an only an approximation.

Earthly Branches and 12 Months

Branch	Zi	Chou	Yin	Mao	Chen	Si
Lunar	Nov.	Dec.	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.
Solar	Daxue- Xiaohan	Xiaohan- Lichun	Lichun- Jingzhe	Jingzhe- Qingming	Qingming- Lixia	Lixia- Mangzhong
Branch	Wu	Wei	Shen	You	Xu	Hai
Lunar	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.
Solar	Mangzhou- Xiaoshu	Xiaoshu- Liqiu	Liqiu- Bailu	Bailu- Hanlu	Hanlu- Lidong	Lidong- Daxue

Day Pillar – The recondition to know a day's stem and branch, one should remember the stem and branch of the first day of that year in Chinese lunar calendar. Then, Chinese calendar has bigger and lesser month, respectively having 30 or 29 days. One stem-branch cycle needs 60 days. If the stem and branch of the first day of that lunar month has been known, there is a way to extrapolate any day within the month, by the different extrapolation rules applied to bigger and lesser months.

Hour Pillar – Similarly, the heavenly branches of the hour pillar is fixed. Jia hour refers to 23:00-01:00, and so forth. The heavenly stem of each day is up to the stem and branch of the day pillar.

Earthly Branches of 24 Hours (12 Shi Chen)

Zi	Chou	Yin	Mao	Chen	Si
23:00-00:59	01:00-02:59	03:00-04:59	05:00-06:59	07:00-08:59	09:00-10:59
Wu	Wei	Shen	You	Xu	Hai
11:00-12:59	13:00-14:59	15:00-16:59	17:00-18:59	19:00-20:59	21:00-22:59

Here is the Four Pillars Chart for an individual born at 18:00, on April 12, 1985 (lunar February 23, 1985) in western calendar for example. Generally, a yellow calendar book is necessary to help find the accurate pillars. Now, it is not difficult to find an online Ba Zi calculator.

 

Pillars	Hour	Day	Month	Year
Heavenly Stems	Ding	Ding	Geng	Yi
Wu Xing/Yin Yang	Yin Fire	Yin Fire	Yang Metal	Yin Wood
Earthly Branches	You	Chou	Chen	Chou
Wu Xing/Yin Yang	Yin Metal	Yin Earth	Yang Earth	Yin Earth

It has only eight characters, but the relation of the eight characters is very complicated. According to the four pillars' representation theory, year pillar represents ancestors and parents; month pillar represents brothers and sisters; day stem represents oneself; day branch represent spouse; hour pillar represents offspring. In addition, the heavenly stems have their own characteristics which are related to the Five Elements (Wu Xing). The missing element in a baby's 'eight characters of birth time' will be usually added into its name as an action of compensation. Among the ten heavenly stems, there are compatible and opposite relations. While among the earthly branches, the relations are more complex, combination, clash, restriction, harm, etc. Abundant relationships may have accurate explanation on the luck of one self or relatives.

The ancient people believed that birth time is a kind of Qi (aura, something of spirit). People born in the Wei hour have an aura field of Wei. If the birth time is in Wei hour but closing to Shen, the aura field has changed gradually to that of the Shen hour. The Four Pillars was created based on vague time, as the time division in ancient time could not be accurate as it is in modern times. So, are there any errors if calculating the Ba Zi because of the time difference? An individual is unique replying on the combination of time, space and spirit. While the Four Pillars mainly talks about time, occasionally space but non spirit. It is an outcome of Chinese metaphysics which is special, interesting but the accurate is debatable.

Roman Festivals through the Year

Ianuarius

• 1 (Kalends): From 153 BC onward, consuls entered office on this date, accompanied by vota publica (public vows for the wellbeing of the republic and later of the emperor) and the taking of auspices. Festivals were also held for the imported cult of Aesculapius and for the obscure god Vediovis.
• 3-5: most common dates for Compitalia, a moveable feast (feriae conceptivae)
• 5 (Nones): Dies natalis (founding day) of the shrine of Vica Pota on the Velian Hill
• 9: Agonalia in honor of Janus, after whom the month January is named; first of at least four festivals named Agonalia throughout the year
• 11 and 15: Carmentalia, with Juturna celebrated also on the 11th
• 13 (Ides)
• 24–26: most common dates for the Sementivae, a feriae conceptivae of sowing, perhaps also known as the Paganalia as celebrated by the pagi
• 27: Dies natalis of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, or perhaps marking its rededication (see also July 15); Ludi Castores ("Games of the Castors") celebrated at Ostia during the Imperial period

Februarius

In the archaic Roman calendar, February was the last month of the year. The name derives from februa, "the means of purification, expiatory offerings." It marked a turn of season, with February 5 the official first day of spring bringing the renewal of agricultural activities after winter.

• 1 (Kalends): Dies natalis for the Temple of Juno Sospita, Mother and Queen; sacra at the Grove of Alernus, near the Tiber at the foot of the Palatine Hill
• 5: Dies natalis for the Temple of Concordia on the Capitoline Hill
• 13 (Ides): minor festival of Faunus on the Tiber Island
• 13–22: Parentalia, a commemoration of ancestors and the dead among families 
• 13: Parentatio, with appeasement of the Manes beginning at the 6th hour and ceremonies performed by the chief Vestal; temples were closed, no fires burned on altars, marriages were forbidden, magistrates took off their insignia, until the 21st 
• 15: Lupercalia
• 17: last day of the feriae conceptivae Fornacalia, the Oven Festival; Quirinalia, in honour of Quirinus
• 21: Feralia, the only public observation of the Parentalia, marked F (dies festus) in some calendars and FP (a designation of uncertain meaning) in others, with dark rites aimed at the gods below (di inferi) 
• 22: Caristia (or Cara Cognatio, "Dear Kindred"), a family pot luck in a spirit of love and forgiveness 
• 23: Terminalia, in honour of Terminus
• 24: Regifugium
• 27: Equirria, first of two horse-racing festivals to Mars

Martius

In the old Roman calendar (until perhaps as late as 153 BC), the mensis Martius ("Mars' Month") was the first month of the year. It is one of the few months to be named for a god, Mars, whose festivals dominate the month.

• 1 (Kalends): the original New Year's Day when the sacred fire of Rome was renewed; the dancing armed priesthood of the Salii celebrated the Feriae Marti (holiday for Mars), which was also the dies natalis ("birthday") of Mars; also the Matronalia, in honor of Juno Lucina, Mars' mother 
• 7: a second festival for Vediovis 
• 9: a dies religiosus when the Salii carried the sacred shields (ancilia) around the city again 
• 14: the second Equirria, a Feriae Marti also called the Mamuralia or sacrum Mamurio 
• 15 (Ides): Feriae Iovi, sacred to Jove, and also the feast of the year goddess Anna Perenna
• 16–17: the procession of the Argei
• 17: Liberalia, in honour of Liber; also an Agonalia for Mars 
• 19: Quinquatrus, later expanded into a five-day holiday as Quinquatria, a Feriae Marti, but also a feast day for Minerva, possibly because her temple on the Aventine Hill was dedicated on this day 
• 23: Tubilustrium, purification of the trumpets 
• 24: a day marked QRFC, when the Comitia Calata met to sanction wills 
• 31: anniversary of the Temple of Luna on the Aventine 

Aprilis

A major feriae conceptivae in April was the Latin Festival.

• 1 (Kalends): Veneralia in honour of Venus
• 4–10: Ludi Megalenses or Megalesia, in honor of the Magna Mater or Cybele, whose temple was dedicated April 10, 191 BC 
• 5: anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna Publica 
• 12–19: Cerialia or Ludi Cereri, festival and games for Ceres, established by 202 BC 
• 13 (Ides): anniversary of the Temple of Jupiter Victor 
• 15: Fordicidia, offering of a pregnant cow to Tellus ("Earth") 
• 21: Parilia, rustic festival in honour of Pales, and the dies natalis of Rome
• 23: the first of two wine festivals (Vinalia), the Vinalia Priora for the previous year's wine, held originally for Jupiter and later Venus 
• 25: Robigalia, an agricultural festival involving dog sacrifice 
• 27 (28 in the Julian calendar) to May 1: Ludi Florales in honour of Flora, extended to May 3 under the Empire

Maius

The feriae conceptivae of this month was the Ambarvalia.

• 1 (Kalends): Games of Flora continue; sacrifice to Maia; anniversary of the Temple of Bona Dea on the Aventine; rites for the Lares Praestites, tutelaries of the city of Rome 
• 3: in the Imperial period, a last celebration for Flora, or the anniversary of one of her temples 
• 9, 11, 13: Lemuria, a festival of the dead with both public and household rites, possibly with a sacrifice to Mania on the 11th 
• 14: anniversary of the Temple of Mars Invictus (Mars the Unconquered); a second procession of the Argei
• 15 (Ides): Mercuralia, in honor of Mercury; Feriae of Jove 
• 21: one of four Agonalia, probably a third festival for Vediovis 
• 23: a second Tubilustrium; Feriae for Volcanus (Vulcan)
• 24: QRCF, following Tubilustrium as in March 
• 25: anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia

Iunius
Scullard places the Taurian Games on June 25–26, but other scholars doubt these ludi had a fixed date or recurred on a regular basis.

• 1 (Kalends): anniversaries of the Temple of Juno Moneta; of the Temple of Mars on the clivus (slope, street) outside the Porta Capena; and possibly of the Temple of the Tempestates (storm goddesses); also a festival of the complex goddess Cardea or Carna
• 3: anniversary of the Temple of Bellona
• 4: anniversary of the restoration of the Temple of Hercules Custos
• 5: anniversary of the Temple of Dius Fidius
• 7: Ludi Piscatorii, "Fishermen's Games" 
• 7–15: Vestalia, in honour of Vesta; June 9 was a dies religiosus to her 
• 8: anniversary of the Temple of Mens
• 11: Matralia in honour of Mater Matuta; also the anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna in the Forum Boarium
• 13 (Ides): Feriae of Jove 
• 13–15: Quinquatrus minusculae, the lesser Quinquatrus celebrated by tibicines, flute-players in their role as accompanists to religious ceremonies 
• 19: a commemoration involving the Temple of Minerva on the Aventine, which had its anniversary March 19 
• 20: anniversary of the Temple of Summanus
• 24: festival of Fors Fortuna, which "seems to have been a rowdy affair"
• 27: poorly attested observance in honour of the Lares; anniversary of the Temple of Jupiter Stator 
• 29: anniversary of the Temple of Hercules Musarum, Hercules of the Muses

Iulius (Quinctilis)

Until renamed for Julius Caesar, this month was called Quinctilis or Quintilis, originally the fifth month (quint-) when the year began in March. From this point in the calendar forward, the months had numerical designations.

• 1 (Kalends): a scarcely attested anniversary of a temple to Juno Felicitas 
• 5: Poplifugia
• 6–13: Ludi Apollinares, games in honour of Apollo, first held in 212 BC as a one-day event (July 13) and established as annual in 208 BC. 
• 6: anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna Muliebris 
• 7 (Nones): Nonae Caprotinae; Ancillarum Feriae (Festival of the Serving Women); sacrifice to Consus by unspecified public priests (sacerdotes publici); also a minor festival to the two Pales
• 8: Vitulatio
• 14–19: a series of markets or fairs (mercatus) following the Ludi Apollinares; not religious holidays 
• 15 (Ides): Transvectio equitum, a procession of cavalry 
• 17: anniversary of the Temple of Honos and Virtus; sacrifice to Victory
• 18: a dies ater ("black day," meaning a day of ill omen) marking the defeat of the Romans by the Gauls at the Battle of the Allia in 390 BC, leading to the sack of Rome by the Gauls 
• 19, 21: Lucaria
• 20–30: Ludi Victoriae Caesaris, "Games of the Victorious Caesar", held annually from 45 BC
• 22: anniversary of the Temple of Concordia at the foot of the Capitol 
• 23: Neptunalia held in honour of Neptune
• 25: Furrinalia, feriae publicae in honour of Furrina
• 30: anniversary of the Temple of the Fortune of This Day (Fortunae Huiusque Diei)

Augustus (Sextilis)

• 1 (Kalends): anniversary of the Temple of Spes (Hope) in the Forum Holitorium, with commemorations also for the "two Victories" on the Palatine 
• 3: Supplicia canum ("punishment of the dogs") an unusual dog sacrifice and procession at the temples of Iuventas ("Youth") and Summanus, connected to the Gallic siege 
• 5: public sacrifice (sacrificium publicum) at the Temple of Salus on the Quirinal 
• 9: public sacrifice to Sol Indiges
• 12: sacrifice of a heifer to Hercules Invictus, with a libation from the skyphos of Hercules 
• 13 (Ides): festival of Diana on the Aventine (Nemoralia), with slaves given the day off to attend; other deities honored at their temples include Vortumnus, Fortuna Equestris, Hercules Victor (or Invictus at the Porta Trigemina), Castor and Pollux, the Camenae, and Flora 
• 17: Portunalia in honour of Portunus; anniversary of the Temple of Janus 
• 19: Vinalia Rustica, originally in honour of Jupiter, but later Venus
• 21: Consualia, with a sacrifice on the Aventine 
• 23: Vulcanalia or Feriae Volcano in honour of Vulcan, along with sacrifices to Maia, the Nymphs in campo ("in the field", perhaps the Campus Martius), Ops Opifera, and a Hora 
• 24: sacrifices to Luna on the Graecostasis; and the first of three days when the mysterious ritual pit called the mundus was opened 
• 25: Opiconsivia or Feriae Opi in honour of Ops Consivae at the Regia
• 27: Volturnalia, when the Flamen Volturnalis made a sacrifice to Volturnus
• 28: Games at the Circus Maximus (circenses) for Sol and Luna

September

• 1 (Kalends): ceremonies for Jupiter Tonans ("the Thunderer") on the Capitolium, and Juno Regina on the Aventine 
• 5: anniversary of one of the temples to Jupiter Stator 
• 5–19, Ludi Romani or Ludi Magni, "the oldest and most famous" of the ludi
• 13 (Ides): anniversary of the Temple to Jupiter Optimus Maximus; an Epulum Iovis; an epulum to the Capitoline Triad
• 14: Equorum probatio ("Approval of the Horses"), a cavalry parade of the Imperial period 
• 20–23: days set aside for markets and fairs (mercatus) immediately following the Ludi Romani 
• 23: anniversary of the rededication of the Temple of Apollo in the Campus Martius; Latona was also honored 
• 26: anniversary of the Temple of Venus Genetrix vowed by Julius Caesar

October

• 1 (Kalends): ceremonies for Fides and the Tigillum Sororium
• 3–12: Ludi Augustales, established 14 AD after the death of Augustus, based on the Augustalia
• 4: Ieiunium Cereris, a day of fasting in honour of Ceres, instituted in 191 BC as a quinquennial observance, made annual by Augustus
• 5: second of the three days when the mundus was opened 
• 6: dies ater ("black day") to mark the anniversary of the battle of Arausio (105 BC) 
• 7 (Nones): rites for Jupiter Fulgur (Jupiter of daytime lightning) and Juno Curitis 
• 9: rites at shrines for the Genius Publicus, Fausta Felicitas, and Venus Victrix on the Capitolium 
• 10: ceremonies to mark a rededication of the Temple of Juno Moneta 
• 11: Meditrinalia
• 12: Augustalia, celebrated from 14 AD in honour of the divinized Augustus, established in 19 BC with a new altar and sacrifice to Fortuna Redux
• 13: Fontinalia in honour of Fons
• 14: ceremonies to mark a restoration of the Temple of the Penates Dei on the Velian Hill
• 15 (Ides): October Horse sacrifice to Mars in the Campus Martius; also Feriae of Jupiter 
• 16: Lupinalia, the Festival of Wolves 
• 19: Armilustrium, a dies religiosus in honour of Mars 
• 26 to November 1: Ludi Victoriae Sullanae, "Victory Games of Sulla", established as an annual event in 81 BC

November

• 1 (Kalends): Ludi circenses to close the Sullan Victory Games 
• 4–17: Plebeian Games
• 8: third of the three days when the mundus ritual pit was opened 
• 13 (Ides): Epulum Jovis; also ceremonies for Feronia and Fortuna Primigeniae 
• 14: a second Equorum probatio (cavalry parade), as on July 15 
• 18–20: markets and fairs (mercatus) 

December

• 1 (Kalends): ceremonies at temples for Neptune and for Pietas
• 3: Bona Dea rites for women only 
• 5 (Nones): a country festival for Faunus held by the pagi
• 8: festival for Tiberinus Pater and Gaia 
• 11: Agonalia for Indiges; also the (probably unrelated) Septimontium
• 12: ceremonies at the Temple of Consus on the Aventine 
• 13 (Ides): dies natalis of the Temple of Tellus, and associated lectisternium for Ceres 
• 15: Consualia or Feriae for Consus, the second of the year 
• 17–23: Saturnalia in honour of Saturn, with the public ritual on the 17th 
• 18 Eponalia in honor of Epona
• 19: Opalia in honor of Ops
• 21: Divalia in honor of Angerona; Hercules and Ceres also received a sacrifice 
• 22: anniversary of the Temple of the Lares Permarini in the Porticus Minucia
• 23: Larentalia; commemorations for the temples of Diana and Juno Regina in the Circus Flaminius, and for the Tempestates; Sigillaria, the last day of the Saturnalia, devoted to gift-giving 
• 25: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of the Unconquered Sun"); Brumalia (both Imperial)

The Greek Festivals through the Year

July – Hekatombaion (The first month of their year)

• 12 – Kronia
• 16 – Synoikia
• 28 – Panathenea

August – Metageitnion

• 15,16,17,18 – Eleusina

September – Boedromion

• 5 – Genesia
• 12 – Democratia
• 17 or 18 – Epidauria

October – Pyanopsion

• 6 – Proerosia
• 7 – Pyanopsia
• 8 – Theseia
• 8 – Oschophoria
• 9 – Stenia
• 11,12,13 – Thesmophoria
• 19,20,21 or 26,27,28 – Apaturia(Ἀπατούρια)
• 30 – Apaturia

November – Maimakterion

• ? – Pompaia
• Poseideon (Ποσῐδηϊών)
• 8 – Posidea (Ποσῐδεῖα)
• 26 – Haloa

December – Poseideon (Ποσῐδηϊών)

• None

January – Gamelion

• 12,13,14,15 – Lenea
• 27 – Theogamia

February – Anthesterion

• 11,12,13 – Anthesteria
• 23 – Diasia
• Elaphebolion
• 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17 – Great Dionysia
• 17 – Pandia

March – Elaphebolion

• None

April – Mounichion

• 16 – Munichia
• 19 – Olympeia

May – Thargelion

• 7 – Thargelia
• 19 – Bendideia
• 24 – Callynteria
• 25 – Plynteria

June – Skirophorion

• 3 – Arrephoria
• 12 – Scira
• 14 – Bouphonia

Unlisted Festivals

Anthesteria | The name Anthesteria means “festival of flowers”, and it was celebrated by drinking the season’s new wine (giving it an an obvious connection to Dionysos).

Aphrodisia | As the name of this festival suggests, it was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite.

Brauronia | The Brauronia festival was dedicated to the cult of the goddess Artemis.

Dionysia | Festivals held in honor of the god Dionysos; the ancient Greeks had both Rural Dionysia and City Dionysia.

Eleusinian Mysteries | The Eleusinian Mysteries are understood to be sacred events that were connected to the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone (also known as Kore).

Olympieia | Celebrated in the Spring, this festival in honor of Zeus combined religious festivities with athletic events.

Panathenaia | Held in honor of the goddess Athena’s birthday, the Panathenaia festival was one of the most important in ancient Athens.

Theogamia | This event was held to celebrate of the “hieros gamos”, or sacred wedding, of Zeus and Hera.

Thesmophoria | The Thesmophoria was a fertility festival associated with Demeter, in which the participants were exclusively women.

Festivals by Deity

Apollo

• Stepterion — festival of the wreaths held every eight years at Delphi.

Athena

• Arre(h)ephoria
• Panathenaea

Dionysus

• Aiora — a festival of Dionysos in Attica involving images hung from a tree.
• Agrionia — Gender hostility
• Anthesteria — Held in Athens in the Spring. New wine was broached and followed by a drinking contest. Women were excluded. The second day was the Feast of Cups, the third the Feast of Pans. Vases, filled with grain of all kinds, were borne in procession and dedicated to Hermes.
• Iobakcheia
• Greater Dionysia
• Lenaea(ληναῖος — belonging to the wine-press) — a festival of Comedy in January (Gamelion)
• Oschophoria — Ritual carrying of vine branches hung with bunches of grapes
• Rural Dionysia
• Theoinia — Athens

Poseidon

• Posidea (Ποσῐδεῖα)– 8 Poseideon — A winter agricultural festival in Athens. The priest of Poseidon and the priestess of Athena marched to Sciron, west of Athens, the site of a sacred ploughing.
• Isthemian Games — held biennially in April or May. Celebrated with a wreath of pine and later of dry cellery.

Zeus

• Bouphonia
• Lycaea — An Arcadian festival
• Olympic Games

The Seasons and their Angels

Each season of the year and every month has its own special angel. These angels help us learn from nature the particular lessons and insights that every season imparts.

The Angel of January - teaches us to look within, to take stock of ourselves and our lives. The January angel keeps us company as we ponder over those long, cold winter nights, helping us to be honest with ourselves and patient at the same time. Conveying the wisdom of an elder, the January angel takes our hand as we seek to glean understanding from our lessons of the past year. With this support, we can give ourselves both recognition and admonition and admonition in their turn. With this help, we can chart a new course or alter our present one. We seek and receive the companionship of the January angel to warm us through the winter of our introspection.

The Angel of February - is the angel of patience. During the dark, blustery nights of February, when nature is in a deep chill and we long for a sign of warmth and life, this angel can help us lern to await with grace the first signs of spring. February's angel teaches us that winter has its own special peace, that being snowbound or staying indoors can give us a welcome reprise from the busyness of life. In February, we can complete unfinished projects and prepare for new initiatives in the spring. The angel of February brings us the gift of patience, helping us to enjoy the solitude and quiet of the winter, guiding us to replenish our energy for the warm, busy days to come.

The Angel of March - brings us stamina and courage. As winter ends, we take heart from the crocuses that push their way up through the snow. The Angel of March cheers us on through life's frozen moments, boosting our morale and helping us achieve new landmarks. With the angel's help, we dare to break through whatever barrier, whether personal belief or lack of self-confidence, that holds us back. We gather the will to launch a lifelong dream or begin the project we have envisioned but never dared to tackle. As the sun begins to warm our spirits, the March angel rejoices with us at the first signs of spring and lends us courage to prepare for a new and daunting, but also fulfilling, task.

The Angel of April - is the spirit of rebirth. As the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm us, April is a time for new life and new beginnings. April's angel spurs us to test ourselves in new directions and to make ourselves vulnerable in the face of unfamiliar people and places. Encouraged by the April angel, we search for novel endeavors that will enrich our lives and bring new meaning to our career or family roles. The April angel teaches us to delight in each sign of awakening, in nature and in ourselves.

The Angel of May - brings the blush and promise of spring. May's angel rejoices with us as we take heart at the sight of trees ad shrubs in bloom and relish our anticipation of the fruits to come. This angel of spring reminds us that this is a time of awakening the seed within ourselves. Perhaps we have a deep longing, an artistic talent never explored or a friendship never quite attempted. This angel of May will help us discover this potential, nurturing our spirits as we can dare to fulfill this hidden promise and bring forth the fruit of a life fully lived.

The Angel of June - helps us flourish and grow strong. June's angel teaches us to sustain our enthusiasm for the new projects and directions we started in the spring. In this glorious time of sunshine and growth, we learn to seek out the warmth of friendships and family ties, to help nurture the seeds we planted and become all that we were meant to be. The angel of June urges us to be steadfast in our intentions, to renew our dedication, and to stay on course.

The Angel of July - brings a season of leisure, a time to play and replenish our energy. The projects we began in the spring should be well underway and growing stronger on their own. July's angel urges us to take the time, now, to step back and observe what we have planted. The July angel encourages us to tend the garden of our life, to care for what we have started, and to be objective enough to weed out the unhealthy or unproductive elements. This angel of summer reminds us to nurture the people and things that bring us happiness, so we can product for ourselves a crop of joy and fulfillment.

The Angel of August - is the angel of perseverance. The new directions we began in the spring may have become difficult to sustain. Like a garden that needs constant watering and weeding in the scorching August sun, our projects and dreams require stamina and determination to bring them to fruition. The angel of August helps us with unflagging energy to tend the garden we have planted. When the hot summer sun and the work of our lives demand too much of us, the August angel brings us the fortitude to cleave to our tasks through completion.

The Angel of September - helps us prepare for the harvest at hand. As the summer draws to a close, September's angel reminds us to pause and gather fresh strength because the culmination of a project often demands one last surge of energy. The September angel brings us this boost, seeing us through to the fulfillment of our task. This late-summer angel also helps us recognize the fruits of our labors and share with others the bounty of what we have created in our lives. In September, we take delight in our good fortune, whether in a garden, a relationship, or a career, and we share our joy with all those whose support has made our harvest possible.

The Angel of October - rejoices as we reap the harvest of what we have sown in life. October is a good time to step back from our projects and our dreams and to take a hard look at what we have actually accomplished. The October angel helps us to be honest and objective about what is good and what is not. With this help, we can face clearly the consequences of our choices over these past seasons. We will taste our harvest and reject what is bitter or unripe; we will make note of what worked and what did not, and we will change for the better. October's angel teaches us that the greatest fruit of our personal harvest is understanding ourselves.

The Angel of November - is the angel of humility. This autumn angel brings a special gift that helps deepen the meaning of the Thanksgiving season for ourselves and our loved ones. November's angel urges us to acknowledge and appreciate the supporting roles others have played in our lives this year and even thank those who have taught us difficult lessons. The angel of November leads us to give thanks in a new way by forgiving old hurts and healing broken relationships. Thus we help one another to be truly grateful for our relationships and the richness they bring to our lives.

The Angel of December - is the angel of generosity. The December angel celebrates with us this time of giving gifts to all the wild creatures and to all of God's children. The angel of December leads us to join hands with people of all races and religions, recognizing that we are children of the same creator, and we all share the responsibility of bringing joy and health upon the earth. Inspired by December's angel, we can celebrate this season of brotherhood by doing one act of kindness every day of December ~ going out of our way to bring warmth and light into another's life.