The Blaze Star and two different myths

 

According to news reports, we're due to witness the nova of a star at the constellation Corona Borealis. The star brightens up when it reaches nova phase roughly every 80 years. It's nicknamed "Blaze Star", and it's proper name is T CrB. The last nova flare up happened in 1946. The Blaze Star is a binary system with a red giant and a white dwarf. While the star gazers are waiting excitedly for this to happen, we would see it as a bright star with our naked eyes. It could happen any moment as it's due to occur soon. 

This region of the sky is connected to the Celtic goddess Arianrhod, as the corona borealis constellation is one of her important symbols. Arianrhod is a virgin goddess of the stars and silver wheel, the "crown of the north", associated with weaving, full moon, silver coins, wheat, fish and candles. The constellation of corona borealis was named "Caer Arianrhod" the revolving Castle of the Silver Circle. It's other names include Arianrhod's Crown, which is her tower abode. The belief is that the corona borealis is an entrance to Annwn. One of the most well known stories about Arianrhod is her giving birth to twins. They were mysteriously conceived and it's believed this was magical and a test for her.

The corona borealis is also associated with Ariadne of Greek mythology. It's even called the Crown of Ariadne. She was the mistress of the Labyrinth that held the dangerous man-eating Minotaur as prisoner. Many human sacrifices were made to the Minotaur. Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos and niece of enchantress Circe. She was worshipped in Athens, Delos, Naxos, Cyprus and even Roman Britain. It's believed she fell in love with Theseus, the hero set out to slay the Minotaur, so she gave him a ball of wool to help him navigate the complex dark labyrinth. Theseus killed the Minotaur and later married Ariadne, although it depends on what version you come across. In some, she's simply the girlfriend of Theseus but wife of the god Dionysus as she then became Queen of the Maenads, the wild women who worshipped Dionysus. Ariadne's gift from Dionysus was a crown, of which became the star constellation after she died. The corona borealis resembles her glittering crown jewels. 

Storm Valkyrie 

The deeper hidden star signs

Astrology and the traditional 12 zodiacs. People love them so much and invest in books, jewellery, oracle cards, food and fortunes that connects them with their zodiac sign. A zodiac sign is the sign that you were born under. Some people may hate this but there are many more hidden star signs outside of the 12 zodiac that may or may not have an impression. Some have tried to squeeze the 13th new sign into the 12 zodiac but this pushes them along so that peoples beloved signs are not over their months anymore. This is kind of unnecessary and rude! Keep the 12 traditional zodiac but make a new one that includes all of the distant hidden stars. 

Our zodiac system has been like family for about 3,000 years when the idea was first invented. It's regarded as a sun sign system. The zodiac signs are based on equinoxes and the solstices. There are many who debate that this should've included a 13th zodiac, named Ophiuchus, that the sun often passes. Ophiuchus is a vast constellation called a "serpent bearer" so was not included when the ancient Babylonians made the zodiac. Basically if the 13th sign was included, this would change the dates on the present zodiac, which would alter peoples own familiar sun signs. Many don't like that. 

The excluded 13th zodiac is like the story of 13th fairy who wasn't invited to the royal celebration of the newborn princess. All the other 12 fairies were invited and each gave their blessing. It's as if the 13th fairy was like the 13th zodiac sign who wasn't allowed to influence a child's life after birth. Fairy tales are often magical and have deep significance. Some are connected to old myths, legends, folklore and ancient wisdom. It's not just the 12 signs or even the 13th sign. Many star constellations play an important role in shaping our lives too. 

I could never really warm to my own star sign of the zodiac, mainly because I was born on the cusp. Although I do identify with the constellation Pegasus, where my birth chart is under. My daughter doesn't like her zodiac sign although she's now happy to learn that the constellation Andromeda "the princess" is in her birth chart. Others won't agree with me but all of this is very exciting stuff.  

Storm Valkyrie

May celebration

 There is a special place in my heart for May celebrations, including the English May Day and also Beltane. These are traditionally with dancing around maypoles using ribbons and weaving them around as dancers circle. This represents the seasons, cycles and fertility. The ancient roots of this tradition of Maypole dancing goes back more than 2,000 years during the time of Roman rule. Over time the Maypole dancing and ribbon features appeared in the 18th or 19th centuries. 

Other customs include the "Bread and Cheese Tree", which is the Hawthorn tree, where the early leaves are edible and sweet. This is not to be confused with the May sport which is almost a funny tradition of Cheese Rolling. There will be May celebrations including Morris Dancers, a folk dance with men and women, and depending on whereabouts in the country, the costumes are different. 

Enjoy May Day!

Storm Valkyrie