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| Color of the day: Rose
Incense of the day: Nutmeg This is the first day of the most sacred period of the Islamic religion. It is the first day of the holy month of fasting and atonement patterned after the Jewish Yom Kippur. The need to observe this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For this month, one is asked to abstain from all food, drink, and sexual activity on each day from sunup till sundown. In the evening there is a meal with family and friends, and one is encouraged to strengthen the bonds of friendship. During this month, Mohammed received his revelation. While walking in the wilderness near Mecca, the angel Gabriel came to him and showed him a book. Mohammed could not read. So, Gabriel read the book to him and helped him memorize it over the next ten days. This book was the Koran. During this month it is said that God determines the fate of the world for the next year. Although the Islamic New Year was already celebrated in February, this holiday fits the pattern of a new year's celebration. To understand this more fully, reread the spell on January 1. In the time between years there is always the threat that chaos will take over. Magic rituals are needed therefore to protect one from chaos and to reinstate order. The Chinese perceive the threat as coming from without and use fireworks for protection. In the Jewish and Islamic tradition, the threat is perceived as coming from within, and introspection is stressed. |
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