Cancer (Southern Hemisphere)
In the Southern Hemisphere, Cancer is the fourth month of Our Zodiacal Hellenistic Mystery Calendar. It has also been called Brumalis (Latin, "Wintry"). This month was named in ancient Greece according to the chart below.
| Athens | Delphi | Delos | Rhodes | Sparta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamelion | Amalios | Lenaion | Theudaisios | (unknown) |
The fourth month resets to Energizing. It represents the natural law of Form, under rule of Hephaestus. The Year, the Universe, the Soul, the arrow filled with Energy by Artemis in the Changing of last month, is now red hot. Hephaestus pulls it from his Energizing forge and hammers it against his anvil. Day by day, blow by blow, He gives it Form. The forge represents the fourth level of ascension, which is the sphere of the Sun.
The Fourth Labor of Herakles is to capture the Erymanthian Boar alive. The boar, wild and wrathful, represents untamed rage. Herakles shouts at the boar before ultimately burying it deep in snow to trap it. The requirement to capture the boar alive suggests that rather than completely extinguish our anger, it is best to tame it and direct it toward productive outlets.
Festivals in Capricorn
| Day | City | Name | Deities Honored | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-15 | Athens | Lenaia | Dionysus | Celebrated with dancing, thyrsus processions, drama competitions | |
| 27 | Athens | Theogamia or Gamelia | Zeus Teleios, Hera Teleia | Celebrates the marriage of Zeus and Hera | This month was considered a good time to get married. It is uncertain if that link caused or is caused by this festival. |