Witchy Wednesday: The April Fool

It's is April 1, and of course, the tricks are flying. For example, Google pulled a "gotcha" on folks by stating it was turning google maps into a pacman game. It was announced yesterday for most of us, but in conjunction with Asian countries' calendars turning to the 1st.

Speaking of calendars, up until 1582, many cultures celebrated the new year on April 1. Pope Gregory XIII is the one who declared January 1 as the new year. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, to celebrate the resurrection of Attis, the vegetation god who died and was reborn (nope, Jesus was just one of many resurrection god myths). The Hindu calendar has Holi, and the Jewish calendar has Purim. All of these are very light-hearted festivals that seem to celebrate the earth's "reawakening".

In Tarot, the Fool card is the card of new beginnings, potential, and renewal. It's about setting out on a new journey, experiencing new lessons, personal growth, and adventure. The fool brings a spirit of innocence, lack of fear, and creative expression.

While this day may be a day of pranks and hoaxes, it can have a lot of meaning for those who wish to go a little deeper into the Pagan mindset of our forebears. With the full blood moon/lunar eclipse on the horizon, it's a great time for shedding that which no longer serves you, and for setting off on a new adventure.

Celebrate with foolish gusto today!

Sláinte :)