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Calendars and New Years

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Vic DiCara

In advanced cultures like we see in Asia more than one calendar operates simultaneously. For the Lunar Calendar (the most “important” one) we say something like: “The new moon closest to the Aries ingress is the beginning of the year.” For the Solar Calendar (the one farmers and most common people use most often) we say something like: “The day of the ingress to Aries starts the year.”

There are a few variables that are options. Communities decide upon as they like:

(A) New moon, or full moon for months?
(B) Equinox or solstice for years?

If we choose the equinox we choose the ascending equinox (Aries). If we choose the solstice we choose the ascending solstice (Capricorn).

This is why you have several varieties of valid calendars, and several concepts of when years and months start and end.

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2 responses to “Calendars and New Years”

  1. Frances Zammit Avatar
    Frances Zammit

    ..I’m wondering if the relationship between Moon and Sun Calendars is engaged with, as it is in The Holy Nights Tradition, the 12 Days of Christmas, as set out here by Alan Thewless…. ‘In the West we think of the year’s course in terms of the division of the Sun’s cycle into 12; each portion being a month and resonant with the journey of the Sun through the twelve signs of the zodiac. However, the word month, which comes from the word ‘Moneth’ meaning a round of the Moon, reflects a different comprehension of measure and one that relates solely to the lunar cycle. In following the measure of time through the cycles of the Moon (29.5 days), the rounds of the Moon, having completed 12, are short of the solar year by nearly 12 days (12 x 29.5 days = 354 days, 354 days + 12 days = 366 days). In ancient tradition these twelve days were seen as something outside of the regular routine of life and course of time. They begin on December 25th, three days after the Winter Solstice and the day when the Sun is just beginning to wrest itself from the grip of Winter by rising noticeably northwards in the East. This is the moment when we know with confidence that the light will return. Here we see the coming together of sublime Mysteries at the heart of Christianity.
    The Twelve Holy Days and Nights were treated as festive and sacred, giving opportunities for reflection and contemplation as well as being highly valued for taking stock of things and planning for the coming year. Furthermore, they were experienced as a time to connect with the meaning and intrinsic value of life wherein Human Beings could feel close to the light-filled Elemental Powers stirring in the Earth, and experience an affinity with the majesty of the Heavens and an affinity also with the Hierarchies who fill space and time without limit, and yet touch each heart with profound intimacy.’

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    1. Vic DiCara Avatar
      Vic DiCara

      The veda uses an additional fortnight (16 days) every few years.
      I am not sure if the 12 holy nights were intercalciary?

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