Celestial holidays, also known as astrological holidays, are celebrations that are based on the movements and alignments of celestial bodies such as planets, stars, and constellations. These holidays are often tied to ancient cultures and spiritual beliefs, and can provide a sense of connection to the natural world and the cosmos. While many people are familiar with holidays such as the solstices and equinoxes, there are several lesser-known celestial holidays that are worth exploring.
One such holiday is the Heliacal Rising of Sirius, which was celebrated by the ancient Egyptians as the start of the new year. Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is the brightest star in the night sky and was believed to hold great significance for the ancient Egyptians. The heliacal rising of Sirius occurred when the star first became visible in the sky just before dawn after a period of being invisible due to the sun’s glare. This event marked the beginning of the Nile’s annual flood, which was essential for the fertile agricultural lands of ancient Egypt.
Another celestial holiday is the Transit of Venus, which occurs when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. This rare event, which occurs in pairs separated by over a century, was considered a major astronomical event in the past and was used to measure the size of the solar system and the distance between the Earth and the Sun. In modern times, the Transit of Venus is still a significant event for astronomers and is celebrated by astronomers and stargazers around the world.
Other lesser-known celestial holidays include the Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which occurs when the two planets appear very close to each other in the night sky, and the Quadrantid meteor shower, which is an annual meteor shower that occurs in early January and is named after the constellation Quadrans Muralis.
Celestial holidays offer a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and the cosmos, and can provide a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the universe. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply someone who loves the beauty of the night sky, these lesser-known celestial holidays are well worth exploring.
I am a proud mother of two, a lover and home builder. My love for children gave birth to the bestofmotherearth.com with the aim to cover topics from child health, pregnancy, parenting, family, relationship, struggles in families and also food.
