Movable Celebrations
Throughout November
Guernsey, UK : Eisteddfod Festival.
Installation of Guru Granth Sahib as Eternal Guru
Sikh holiday and festival
November 5 (nearest Saturday)
Lamberhurst, Kent, England : 'Guy Fawkes' Day' Bonfire
& Fireworks Display. Remembrance of the attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow
up the House of Parliament in 1605. During the eighteenth century is was
illegal to celebrate this day but the bill was repealed.
First Sunday after November 12
Broughton, Northamptonshire, England : Traditional
'Tin Can Band' Parade at midnight.
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev
Sikh holiday and festival
Saturday nearest November 30
Eton College, Buckinghamshire, England : Traditional
'Wall Game'.
Fixed Days of the Month
November 1
: The Day of Onslaught
Christian feast of 'All Saints'.
Celtic feast day of 'Cadfan', monk, Welsh, sixth century. Thought to be
Abbot of Bardsey Island. Founded a monastery, believed to be a place of
miracles at Tywyn, Wales where he was later buried. Cousin of Padarn (15
April), half-brother of Winaloe (3 March), cousin of Armel (16 August).
Believed to have spent time in Wales and Brittany, where he is the patron
of warriors.
Celtic feast day of 'Gothian', also known as 'Gwythyen', and 'Gwythian',
sixth-seventh century, Irish saint. Travelled to Cornwall, and believed
to have been murdered there.
November 2 : The Day of
Transformation
Christian feast of 'All Souls'. The following are
lines from nineteenth century English beggar's song :
'Soul!
Soul! For a soul cake,
I pray, good missis, a soul cake,
An apple, or pear, a plum or a cherry,
Any good thing to make us merry...'
'Day of the Dead' : Mexican festival day, to honour the deceased. Food offerings are made after the ancestral tombs are cleaned. Gifts of skulls made from papier mache and sugar are placed at the graveside and also adorn decorations.
November 3 : The Day of
the Long Breath
Gaelic 'New Year'.
Celtic feast day of 'Winefride', nun, Abbess of Gwytherin (where she died).
It is said that her head was severed by a local chieftain whom she had
refused to marry many times. The ground is said to have swallowed him
up and a stream burst forth from the ground where Winefride's head hit
the floor' now known as Holywell (a place of pilgrimage). Niece and disciple
of Beuno (21 April), he is reputed to have restored her back to life.
Celtic feast day of 'Clydog', king of Ewyas. Murdered whilst hunting by
the River Monnow, Black Mountains. Believed to be a relative of Brychan
(6 April). It is believed that Clodock was named in his honour.
November 4 : The Day of Provocateur
Under research. Mystical-WWW welcomes submissions.
November 5 : The Day of
Actuality
Ottery St. Mary, Devon, England : Traditional 'Tar-barrel
Rolling'.
Shebbear, Devon, England : 'Turning the Devil's Stone' activities.
'Guy Fawkes' Day' : UK.
Lewes, Sussex, England : 'Guy Fawkes' Day' Celebrations.
Rye, Sussex, England : Traditional 'Burning the Boat' festivities.
Autumn 'Samhain', sun at 15 degrees in the house of Scorpio (November
5-7). Festivities in ancient times included lighting fires on top of hills
across the British Isles to signal to the people the hope of 'Bel's' return
to bring fertility back to the land, accompanied by the 'Earth Goddess'
who would ensure a bountiful harvest. One of four major fire festivals
(5-8 May, 2-7 August, 5-7 November, 2-7 February).
Celtic feast day of 'Kea', monk, Welsh., sixth century. Travelled throughout
the south west, including the wattle church at Glastonbury, and Brittany,
possibly accompanying Gildas (29 January) to Somerset. Founded a monastery
at Cleder, Brittany. Thought to be a cousin of Beuno (21 April). Both
Kea and Gildas are reputed to have advised Guinevere to enter a nunnery,
and to have attempted to heal the broken bonds between Arthur and Mordred.
Kea was often sought assistance from for helping cure toothache.
Autumn 'Samhain', sun at 15 degrees in the house of Scorpio (November 5-7). Festivities in ancient times included lighting fires on top of hills across the British Isles to signal to the people the hope of 'Bel's' return to bring fertility back to the land, accompanied by the 'Earth Goddess' who would ensure a bountiful harvest. One of four major fire festivals (5-8 May, 2-7 August, 5-7 November, 2-7 February).
Howard Carter, discovered the treasures held within Tutankhamen's tomb on this day in 1922.
Celtic feast day of 'Illtyd', fifth-sixth century. Soldier and married man who converted to a religious life on Dyfrig's advice (14 November) which was granted by Cadoc (25 September). Thought to have been near Brecon, Wales. Founded a monastic college at Llantwit Major, Glamorgan, and to have a place of solitary worship at Llanhamlach. Described by the monk Gildas (29 January) as 'the refined master of all Britain', said to have the gift of foretelling future events. His disciples also included David (1 March), Samson (28 July) and Paul Aurelian (12 March). Associated with Germanus of Man (3 July), Maglorius (24 October), Germanus of Auxerre (31 July). Illytd is reputed to have prayed with Samson, David and Paul for the land attached to the monastery to be increased, tracing a line by the water's edge (by the monastery) beyond which he forbade the water to return (this is said to have worked with the area reclaimed and rich in resources for the monastery life). Thought to be buried at Mynydd Illytd, although there is dispute over where he was born and buried (and also that he was not buried alone but with the body of King Arthur). Believed to have been one of the guardians of the Holy Grail, reputed to be a cousin of Arthur. Some reports have said that Illytd was an Arthurian knight. (See Mystical WWW Glastonbury for further information on Arthur).
Celtic feast day of 'Melaine', Bishop of Rennes, fifth-sixth century. Known as the patron of Mullion, Cornwall, England.
November 7:
The Day of Discovery
Autumn 'Samhain', sun at 15 degrees in the house
of Scorpio (November 5-7). Festivities in ancient times included lighting
fires on top of hills across the British Isles to signal to the people
the hope of 'Bel's' return to bring fertility back to the land, accompanied
by the 'Earth Goddess' who would ensure a bountiful harvest. One of four
major fire festivals (5-8 May, 2-7 August, 5-7 November, 2-7 February).
November 8 : The Day of the
Borderline
Bram Stoker, writer, born on this day 1847.
Celtic feast day of 'Cybi', monk, sixth century. Believed to be the great-grandson
of the King of Cornwall (Geraint). Travelled to Wales and Ireland, spending
time with Enda (21 March) at Inishmore (said to have made a miraculous
return, following a dispute, across the Irish Sea in the shell of a coracle.
Established a centre of worship at Holyhead, Wales. There is reputed to
be a healing well dedicated in his honour in the Teifi Valley, Wales.
Celtic feast day of 'Tysilio', monk, Abbot of Meifod , sixth-seventh century,
Welsh nobility. Born in Shrewsbury, England and travelled to Wales to
follow a religious life despite his father being against the idea. Instructed
by Gwyddfarch (and later it is believed that Tysilio was able to bring
him through a period of personal anxiety regarding whether he should journey
to Rome). Eventually travelled to Saint Sullac Brittany (in 617). Died
here in 640. His crosier and gospels were said to have been returned to
Wales after his death.
November 9 : The Day of Earthly
Temptation
Under research. Mystical-WWW welcomes submissions.
Celtic feast day of 'Aedh Mac Bric'. Founded a church in West Meath. Of Irish nobility, who followed the monastic life after being denied any inheritance of his father's estate by his brothers. Reputed to have been able to work miracles.
November 11
: The Day of the Underground
Original 'Samhain', 'The Coming of Darkness' date
for the Celts.
Fenny Stratford, Buckinghamshire, England : Traditional 'Firing the Fenny
Poppers'.
'St. Martin's Day' : also known as 'Martinmas'. It was traditionally believed
in rural England (UK) that the following winter would be extremely wet
if there was a heavy frost on this day.
Celtic feast day of 'Martin' of Tours', hermit, monk, Bishop of Tours.
Originally a soldier, then converted to Christianity (and imprisoned).
Believed to be the first to conduct missionary work across the British
Isles, and known for providing the basic operation and working practices
of Western monasticism, later followed by all those connected with the
Celtic church. Established the first monastery in Western Europe at Marmoutier.
Associated with Ninian (26 August). Patron of blacksmiths, portrayed on
horseback, sharing his cloak with a beggar. The cloak is said to symbolise
his meeting with a naked man who he gave his cloak to (before he entered
the church). Martin is then said to have dreamed that the beggar reappeared
before him, as Christ.
'Ice before Martinmas enough to bear a duck,
The rest of the winter is sure to be but muck.'
General Patton, of the American Army, born on this day in 1885. He was
a firm believer in reincarnation claiming that he himself had experienced
six previous lives.
November 12
: The Day of Sensual Charisma
Celtic feast day of 'Cadwalader', also known as the
'battle-shunner' due to his love of peace.. Seventh century, son of Cadwallon,
Welsh king.
Celtic feast day of 'Machar', also known as 'Mochunna', monk, sixth century.
Lived in Iona for some tine, then travelled to Scotland on missionary
work..
November 13 : The Day of the Commentator
'Jupiter Festival' : Ancient Rome.
R.L. Stevenson, writer, born on this day 1850.
November 14 : The Day of
the Investigator
Celtic feast day of 'Dyfrig', monk, Abbot of Caldey
Island according to Samson's biography (28 July). Instructed according
to the work and beliefs of Germanus of Auxerre (31 July). Established
monasteries at Madley, Hentland and Moccas. Thought to be the illegitimate
son of Welsh nobility whose grandfather cast his mother to sea attempting
to drown her, then attempting to burn her, but she was found suckling
the child the next morning, totally unscathed. (Dyfrig as a baby is reputed
to have cured his grandfather from leprosy). Believed to have advised
Illytd (6 November) to follow a monastic life. A close friend of David
(1 March) and Teilo (9 February).
November 15 : The Day of Encounter
Under research. Mystical-WWW welcomes submissions.
November 16 : The Day of
the Boss
Huge meteor shower occurred above the northern Pacific
Ocean on this night in 1966, said to be at times at least two thousand
meteors a minute.
November 17 : The Day of
the Bridge
Celtic feast day of 'Hilda', nun, Abbess
of Hartlepool (reputed to have been based on the work of Columbanus (21
November)). Born 614 (17 November). Daughter of exiled parents of Northumberland
and East Anglia living in Yorkshire. Associated with Caedmon (February
11), Bega (6 September), Paulinus of York (10 October), great-niece of
Edwin, King of Northumbria. Thought to have been baptised in 628 after
hearing Paulinus preach. Followed Aidan's (31 August) teaching and said
to have been instructed by him. Established a monastery (both sexes) at
Streanaeshalch (Whitby), Yorkshire, and one at Hackness. Known for her
work to unite the Roman and Celtic arms of the church with Cuthbert (20
March). Died 17 November 674 after a even year illness. It has been suggested
that she was buried at Glastonbury in the tenth century.
The first ship sailed through the Panama Canal on this day in 1913.
Celtic feast day of 'Matthew' (see also 21 September).
'Queens Day', the day of the accession of Queen Elizabeth I first publicly
celebrated in 1570.
November 18
: The Day of Temperament
Celtic feast day of 'Mawes', monk, bishop, date uncertain.
Known for his work as a healer and a teacher of the monastic life. The
village of Mawes, Cornwall, England is believed to be named in his honour.
Travelled to Brittany where he conducted the majority of work. It was
believed that a cure could be found, by praying to Mawes, for a number
of ailments, most notably snakes bites.
November 19 : The Day of the Reformer
Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address during
the American Civil War in 1863.
'Government of the people, by the people, for the people.'
November 20 : .The Day of the Scrambler
Under research. Mystical-WWW welcomes submissions.
November 21
: The Day of Elegance
The skull of the 'Piltdown Man' discovered by Charles
Dawson in 1912. Eventually declared a hoax.
Celtic feast day of 'Columbanus', monk, missionary, sixth-seventh century,
Irish. Expounded that silence, fasting (only bread and water) and prayer
were the paths of righteousness, with penance based on changes to the
length of the period of fasting and silence. Founded a church at Vosges,
Gaul, and at Luxeuil. Instructed by Finnian of Moville (10 September)
and a disciple of Comgall (11 May). Known to have spoken many languages
and have been able to write in Latin and Greek. Expelled from Luxeuil
by King Theoderic II believed to be for not blessing two sons born out
of wedlock. Eventually established a monastery at Bobbo, Appennines. Associated
with Hilda (17 November) and Cagnold (6 September). Associated with animals,
and their care. Known for writing poetry and songs, and to have been controversial
stating that authority at a monastery should be overseen by the abbot.
Born 543, died on 23 November, 615.
November 22 : The Day of the Liberator
The beginning of the winter festival : Norse.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy, American President occurred on this
day in 1963. (See Mystical WWW JFK Article).
November 23 : The Day of
Irreverence
Laxton, Nottinghamshire, England : Traditional 'Court
Leet' festivities.
Christian feast day of 'St Clement' (first day of winter for many traditionally).
Patron saint of blacksmiths. The following are lines from nineteenth century
English beggar's song. 'Clemen' meaning 'Clement' :
'Cattern'
and Clemen', be here' be here'
Some of your apples and some of your beer.'
November 24
: The Day of Contentious Conviviality
'Origin of the Species', written by Charles Darwin
published on this day in 1859.
Celtic feast day of 'Colman' of Cloyne, sixth-seventh century. Is said
to have converted to Christianity following the find of Ailbe's (12 September)
relics by Brendan (16 May) at Cashel. Known to have worked at Cashel during
this time and later in Limerick, Ireland and Cork, Ireland.
November 25 : The Day of
Sustained Effort
Christian feast day of 'St Catherine'. Patron saint
of lace-makers. The following are lines from nineteenth century English
beggar's song. 'Cattern' meaning 'Catherine' :
'Cattern' and Clemen', be
here' be here'
Some of your apples and some of your beer.'
November 26 : The Day of Distinctive Manner
Tibetan 'Festival of Light'.
November 27 : The Day of
Electrifying Excitement
Celtic feast of 'Virgil', also known as 'Ferghill',
monk, Bishop of Salzburg, Irish. Responsible for spreading information
on the life and works of Samthann (18 December), and to have taken the
relics of Brigid (1 February) to Salzburg. Known to be controversial for
expounding the possibilities of cosmology, which at the time was deemed
a pagan belief.
Celtic feast day of 'Congar', monk, Abbot, date uncertain. Believed to
be buried at the monastery of Congresbury, which he founded. Reputed to
be a holy well dedicated to his work here.
Celtic feast day of 'Fergus', also known as 'The Pict', Bishop, eighth
century. Believed to have died at Glamis, Scotland.
November 28 : The Day of the Lone
Wolf
William Blake, mystic, poet and visionary,
born on this day 1757 in London, England. Claimed to be in communication
with many of the prophets of history.
Celtic feast day of 'Juthwara', date uncertain, sister of Sidwell (2 August).
Murdered by Bana who believed wrongly that she was pregnant. A spring
is said to mark the spot where her head fell at Lanteglos, Cornwall, England.
November 29 : The Day of the Instigator
Giacomo Puccini, composer, died on this day in 1924.
Celtic feast day of 'Brendan' of Birr, also known as 'the chief of the
prophets of Ireland'. monk, sixth century. Believed to have been a close
friend of Columcille (9 June) having a vision of Brendan being borne to
heaven by angels when he died. Disciple of Columcille.
November 30 : The Day of Measured
Attack
Christian day of remembrance, known as 'St. Andrew's
Day'.
Sir Winston Churchill, politician and writer, born on this day 1874.
Unlucky November Dates
5. 6. 15. 20. 29. 30.
According to the English historian Richard Grafton these certain dates of the month were unlucky as published in the 'Manual' in 1565. Days throughout the year were identified and of course could have related to any day of the week. The date was the most important point to consider. The work was reputed to have some credence with support given by astronomers of the day. Exactly why these dates are unlucky is unclear today but by looking at the calendar of days an idea of the major occurrences can be seen.