genethliacal

[Guest guest]

Also located at the cultural center at Epidaurus was a temple of

Artemis. Artemis was goddess of the moon and the hunt, protector of

childbirth, and the power to inflict or heal sickness. The proximity

of the temple of Artemis to the Tholon suggests the mystery

attributed by the Greeks to conception. A sacrifice to Artemis might

ensure not only fertility, but blessed offspring. In my mind's eye, I

see a man in the ancient world, awaiting the birth of a baby. He is

waiting outside, at night. The father-to-be might be joined by his

father, his father-in-law, and perhaps other leading men in the

community. As they await the blessed event, they discuss the heavens.

They watch in particular the horizon. For, when the new-born babe

lets out it's first cry (which they hear), the planet or star

ascending is also duly noted. I was curious what the sky looked like

when I was born. Link to a skymap for my birth, sidereal Asc.

21Sag37: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~brianrhiggins/

Let me know if the image does not load.

(BH)

 

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