The Pagan Origin of Mother and Father’s Day?

Due to a computer melt down, I was not able to submit a column to the Seeker in May so this article will deal with Mother and Father’s Day.

Mother’s Day began thousands of years ago in many cultures. The Greeks worshipped Rhea; the mother of Zeus. Ancient Rome worshipped Hera (wife of Zeus) as their Mother Goddess. The Norse honoured Frigg and the Celts had Anu/Danu/Don Brigit. As we honour our own matrilineal line, we should also remember Gaia (Mother Earth). We are recognizing that all life comes through the Mother Goddess.

To celebrate this holiday, you can follow the moon cycles. Beltane (May Day) is the beginning Spring and the May Pole represents fertility. Ancient daughters brought their mothers flowers, crystals, cowrie shells (an ancient symbol of woman).

Invocation To the Great Mother

Grant, O Great Goddess, Thy Protection; And in protection, strength; And in strength, understanding; And in understanding, knowledge; And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice; And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it; And in that love, the love of all existences; And in the love of all existences, the love of the Great Goddess the Earth our mother, and all goodness.

Father’s Day also had its origin in the ancient past. The sun was considered to have masculine energy so the sun was the father of the universe. Father’s Day was and is celebrated close to the summer solstice. The Catholic Church calls it St’ John’s Day. Today as in the past, Druids celebrate the solstice at Stone Henge in England.

Wicca calls the summer solstice Litha. Bonfires are lit on Litha to signify the space between earth and sky. Herd animals were led between bonfires to bless them with fertility. People jump a bonfire to bring luck and blessings.

In ancient times, goats or sheep were sacrificed to the Sky Gods. The animals were sacrificed so rain and good weather would help the crops grow. The necks of these animals were decorated with ribbons. Is this why we give our Dad neckties? (Just a thought!)

The Gods of Father’s Day are Sky Fathers: Zeus in Greece, Jupiter in Rome, Odin in Norse and The Dagda in Celtic religion. The Mesopotamian Sky Father was Anu.  

Invocation To the Great Father

God, impart Your strength; And in strength, power to suffer; And to suffer for the truth; And in the truth, all light; And in light, blessings And in blessings love; And in love, God; And in God, all goodness.

Tarot – The Lovers

The Lovers card shows a naked man and woman standing beneath an angel. This represents both physical and emotional healing. The angel blesses the man and woman and reminds them of their union with the Divine.

The serpent and apple tree represent the temptation of sensual pleasure that may take one’s focus away from the Divine.

When this card appears, it represents conscious connections and meaningful relationships. While The Lovers card typically refers to a romantic tie, it can also represent a close friendship or family relationship where love, respect and compassion flow. This card shows open communication and raw honesty. In a reading, this card is a sign that by communicating openly and honestly with those you care about, you will create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship built on trust and respect. Are you clear about your values and beliefs? Do you know what is and what is not essential to you? Are you authentic and genuine in all your endeavors?

The card is often a sign that you are facing a moral dilemma and must consider all consequences before acting. In every choice, there is an equal amount of advantage and disadvantage, opportunity and challenge, positive and negative. When you accept these dualities, you build theunity from which love flows.

Until next time, Happy Belated Mother’s Day and Happy Father’s Day as well. May Brigit’s Mantle enfold you and keep you warm.

Any questions write me at brideerose6000@gmail, com

FYI – Starting in June on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:15 in the evening at the Cornwall Library there is a free Tarot Club meeting. All are welcome with knowledge or without knowledge. See Library calendar for further info or text me.