The Wiccan calendar for the year 2023 is an important tool in the practice of Wicca. Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that follows the cycles of the seasons and the moon. The Wiccan calendar is divided into eight Sabbats, which are seasonal festivals that celebrate the cycles of nature. The first Sabbat of the year is Imbolc, which falls on February 1st or 2nd. It marks the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox and celebrates the returning light and the first signs of spring. The next Sabbat is Ostara, celebrated on March 20th or 21st, which marks the spring equinox.
Magic bullet: Paul Ehrlich, Salvarsan and the birth of venereology
In the years following its discovery, Salvarsan would have impacts far beyond that of syphilis treatment alone. Salvarsan's expansion would eventually reshape the broader landscape of venereal disease service delivery in the UK.
In August 1913, Paul Ehrlich presented at the International Medical Congress in London, 1 where he dazzled the medical community with his new cure. 2 Prompted by the novelty of Ehrlich's magic bullet, Parliament passed a resolution enacting a new Royal Commission on Venereal Diseases charged with directing venereal disease (VD) policy in the UK. The new commissioners stated that ‘there are good grounds for concluding that eradication of the spirochaete with complete cure, or a total absence of subsequent signs or symptoms of the disease in the majority of cases, can be obtained by ‘intensive treatment’ when commenced in the primary stage’. 3 The combination of the Wassermann diagnostic test 4 and an effective treatment provided new hope for medical VD control.
Beyond focusing on syphilis’ medical importance, the Royal Commission's remit centred on understanding drivers of VD prevalence and prevention of VD. Notably, the Commission did not aim to tackle the thornier moral and social issues raised by the problem, such as the commercial sex work sector (box 1). The Commission brought together key VD control interest groups, including physicians, lawyers, ministers and women's groups (yet no representatives from the armed services 5 or feminist groups). Despite this diversity, the medical community dominated the membership of the Commission: two-thirds were physicians or part of the social hygiene movement, whereas 66 of 85 witnesses called to testify were physicians. 6
Box 1 Royal Commission on Venereal Diseases Instructions to Patients
Syphilis is a contagious disease; it can be cured if promptly treated by a doctor.Treatment by quacks, herbalists or persons advertising so-called cures is likely to lead to disastrous results.
The infection may last several years. It can be conveyed to others by sexual intercourse, by kissing or using the same eating or drinking vessel, utensils or tobacco pipes, etc.
Treatment should not be stopped until the doctor says this may be safely done.Should signs or symptoms of the disease appear, such as a rash on the skin, sore throat or symptoms of nervous disease, a doctor should be consulted at once.
A doctor should be consulted occasionally, even though there are no symptoms or a return of the disease.
Treatment need not as a rule interfere with work or necessitate a stay in a hospital.No one who has, or has had, syphilis should marry without permission of the doctor; otherwise, there is great danger of giving the disease to wife and children.
Teeth should be cleaned in the morning. The patient should dress warmly, live simply and avoid wine, beer, spirits and other intoxicants.
The next Sabbat is Ostara, celebrated on March 20th or 21st, which marks the spring equinox. It is a time of balance between day and night and represents new beginnings and fertility. Beltane is the next Sabbat, which takes place on May 1st.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Lesley Hall at the Wellcome Library and Dr Kevin Brown at the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum for archival assistance and Catie Gliwa for administrative assistance.
Funding Support for this work was provided by the Brocher Foundation, the UNC Center for AIDS Research (NIAID P30-AI50410), and the Social and Ethical Aspects of Research on Curing HIV Working Group (NIAID R01A108366-01). The Working Group's composition and rationale is explained at http://searchiv.web.unc.edu/
It celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the earth. It is a time for joyous celebration and the embracing of passion and creativity. Litha, also known as Midsummer, is celebrated on June 21st or 22nd and represents the peak of the sun's power. It is a time to honor the sun, appreciate the abundance of the earth, and celebrate the potential for personal growth and transformation. Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is celebrated on August 1st and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and to celebrate the fruits of our labor. Mabon, also known as the autumn equinox, is celebrated on September 21st or 22nd. It is a time to find balance and harmony as the days begin to shorten. It is a time of gratitude and reflection for the blessings of the year. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st or November 1st, represents the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin and is often associated with honoring ancestors and remembering loved ones who have passed away. Finally, Yule is celebrated on December 21st or 22nd and marks the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year and represents rebirth and the return of the light. It is a time to celebrate the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. These eight Sabbats form the cornerstone of the Wiccan calendar for 2023. They provide a framework for Wiccans to connect with the world around them and to honor the cycles of nature. By celebrating these Sabbats, Wiccans seek to harmonize their own lives with the rhythm of the natural world and to honor the divine in all its forms..
Reviews for "Witchcraft for Beginners: Getting Started with the Wiccan Calendar 2023"
1. Amanda - 1 star - I was really excited to get the "Wiccan Calendar 2023" because I had heard great things about it. However, I was extremely disappointed with the content. The pictures were poorly printed and looked pixelated, making them unappealing to look at. Additionally, the descriptions of the different Wiccan holidays and practices were very basic and lacked depth. Overall, I found this calendar to be a waste of money and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive and visually pleasing Wiccan calendar.
2. Tyler - 2 stars - As someone who follows the Wiccan path, I was excited to find a calendar specifically catered to my spiritual beliefs. Unfortunately, "Wiccan Calendar 2023" did not live up to my expectations. The layout and design were chaotic and made it difficult to navigate through the months. The inclusion of unnecessary graphics and clipart only added to the confusion. Furthermore, the information provided about each holiday was minimal and lacking important details. I expected a more thorough and thoughtfully designed calendar, but this one fell short.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - The "Wiccan Calendar 2023" was a letdown for me. The overall quality of the physical calendar was poor, with thin paper and a flimsy binding. The artwork featured was underwhelming and did not capture the essence of Wiccan spirituality. Moreover, the information about the various Wiccan holidays was limited and lacking in depth. I was hoping for a calendar that would not only help me keep track of important dates but also provide educational insights into the Wiccan faith. Unfortunately, this calendar did not meet those expectations and left me feeling disappointed.