Feast Of Fools

The Feast of Fools, a day when the normal order of things was ceremonially reversed, has been neglected for a long while - unfortunately, as it could well serve in our own times as a safe way of letting off steam. Essentially, it allowed people who were restricted from even the most casual of pleasure by the Church, to act in an abandoned way. It was also a time of festivity that was both part of, and sometimes even superseded, Christmas.

So, why not celebrate the Feast of Fools by ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in its entirety here: Feast of Fools

The Fool

The Fool is the spirit in search of experience. He represents the mystical cleverness bereft of reason within us, the childlike ability to tune into the inner workings of the world. The sun shining behind him represents the divine nature of the Fool's wisdom and exuberance, holy madness or 'crazy wisdom'. On his back are all the possessions he might need. In his hand there is a flower, showing his appreciation of beauty. He is frequently accompanied by a dog, sometimes seen as his animal desires, sometimes as the call of the "real world", nipping at his heels and distracting him. He is seemingly unconcerned that he is standing on a precipice, apparently about to step off....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, and can be found in its entirety here: The Fool

All Fools' Day

The practice of playing tricks on April 1st dates back to 15th century France, when the New Year was moved from March 25th and the beginning of Spring, to January 1st.

This was so unpopular that people began sending officials on "fool's errands" in retaliation. However, this is a good day to consider the nature of the Fool and his associations with The Craft....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: All Fool's Day