Category: Observances


Fall equinox

The September equinox is a specific astronomical moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, this event marks the beginning of astronomical fall (the autumnal equinox), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the start of astronomical spring (the vernal equinox).
Time and Duration of the Equinox
The September equinox occurs at a precise moment in time, not over an entire day. In 2025, the equinox will occur on Monday, September 22, at 18:19 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). The Sun is not “on” the equator for a duration but crosses it at that single moment. At this instant, the Sun’s rays shine directly on the equator.
Daylight and Its Erosion
The word “equinox” comes from the Latin for “equal night,” suggesting that day and night are of equal length. While this is a common approximation, it’s not perfectly accurate. Due to the way sunrise and sunset are defined (when the upper edge of the Sun’s disk appears on the horizon) and the refraction of sunlight by Earth’s atmosphere, the day is slightly longer than 12 hours everywhere on the planet on the day of the equinox.
After the September equinox, daylight hours begin to erode in the Northern Hemisphere. The rate of this daylight loss is not constant. It is most rapid around the time of the equinox. For locations in the Northern Hemisphere, the amount of daylight lost can be several minutes per day, with the rate of loss increasing as you move farther north.

Daylight loss until September end.

Here is a list of the daylight hours for Merritt, British Columbia from September 17 to September 30, 2025.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Hours |
|—|—|—|—|
| Sep 17 | 6:42 AM | 7:11 PM | 12h 29m |
| Sep 18 | 6:44 AM | 7:09 PM | 12h 25m |
| Sep 19 | 6:45 AM | 7:06 PM | 12h 21m |
| Sep 20 | 6:47 AM | 7:04 PM | 12h 17m |
| Sep 21 | 6:48 AM | 7:02 PM | 12h 14m |
| Sep 22 | 6:50 AM | 7:00 PM | 12h 10m |
| Sep 23 | 6:51 AM | 6:57 PM | 12h 06m |
| Sep 24 | 6:53 AM | 6:55 PM | 12h 02m |
| Sep 25 | 6:54 AM | 6:53 PM | 11h 58m |
| Sep 26 | 6:56 AM | 6:51 PM | 11h 55m |
| Sep 27 | 6:57 AM | 6:49 PM | 11h 51m |
| Sep 28 | 6:59 AM | 6:46 PM | 11h 47m |
| Sep 29 | 7:00 AM | 6:44 PM | 11h 44m |
| Sep 30 | 7:02 AM | 6:42 PM | 11h 40m |

Source AI

Labour got you here

You started with a labour of love, 💕

Show some love to those that are close to you today. If your mom is still with us, give her a good thought ” remember pain can end up bringing Joy.

Jupiter eating his sun

The myth of Jupiter eating his son is a Roman version of the Greek myth of Cronus (the Titan god of time) and his children. It’s a foundational story in ancient mythology, explaining the succession of power among the gods.
Here is what the myth is about:
The Prophecy and the Act
The story begins with a prophecy that Cronus would be overthrown by one of his own children, just as he had overthrown his father, Uranus (the Sky). Driven by paranoia and a desire to retain his power, Cronus devoured each of his children as they were born. His wife, Rhea, was heartbroken and, when her sixth child, Zeus (Jupiter in Roman mythology), was born, she decided to save him.
Rhea hid the infant Zeus in a cave on the island of Crete and, to deceive Cronus, she gave him a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes. Cronus, not noticing the deception, swallowed the stone, believing he had successfully consumed his final child.
Zeus grew up in secret and, once he was an adult, he returned to confront his father. He forced Cronus to regurgitate his siblings—Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon—who had been living inside him the whole time. The siblings, along with Zeus, then waged a ten-year war against Cronus and the other Titans, known as the Titanomachy. Zeus and the Olympians were victorious, and he became the ruler of the gods, fulfilling the prophecy.
The Omen and its Meaning
The myth was not an omen for a specific, future time. Instead, it was a symbolic story about the cyclical nature of power and the inevitability of change. It illustrates the idea of a “self-fulfilling prophecy,” where the very actions taken to prevent a fate from happening ultimately cause it to come to pass. Cronus’s fear and cruelty led directly to his downfall, as his attempt to avert the prophecy created the very enemy—his son Zeus—who would one day overthrow him.
The myth is often interpreted as a commentary on a few different themes:
* The passage of time: Cronus, who was also associated with the god of time (Chronos), devours his children, which can be seen as a metaphor for time consuming all things.
* The conflict between generations: It reflects the struggle between the older, tyrannical generation and the younger, more dynamic one.
* The triumph of a new order: The victory of the Olympians over the Titans represents a shift from a primal, chaotic world to a more civilized and orderly one, with Zeus establishing a new reign of justice.

A new rain, sounds good.

Tic

Rain or reign they both need to be timely to be effective.

The  reason for being here is not as necessary as the fact that you did.

Ode to natural wisdom
The road was not there,nor ever fair.
Long was the dream of life to continue.
A drive stronger than void.
Take partnership in nature,with  it's sense to endure,it will ensure.
A crown to the victor and bowl at the table.
Where it will lead.

On to the show

Fathers day this weekend, This stylized photo is a timeless view of the traditional winner of the family bread. We know that the sense of contribution is more often material then some times the bonding would complete, in this world it remains a basis of security we should all support. That abides…

Dad thanks…

The role of a father encompasses various responsibilities and influences that shape a child’s development and well-being. A father provides emotional support, nurturing, and guidance while serving as a role model for values, ethics, and behavior. He is often involved in teaching life skills and problem-solving, fostering independence and confidence in his children. Additionally, a father’s presence can enhance a child’s social development, contributing to their ability to form healthy relationships. Fathers also play a crucial role in providing financial stability and security for the family. Balancing love and discipline, a father helps instill a sense of responsibility and work ethic in his children, preparing them for adulthood.

Have a productive Pentecost,

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the end of the 50-day wait after the resurrection and whatever that means to you. The empowerment of the spirit for a commission is a picture of what often happens when events happen that are very consequential.

So, The object lesson is preparation and sober thought, reflection for commitment  to be realized particularly when dealing with a group is necessary.

This Sunday be empowered for  your goals and responsibility at an appropriate level as your conscience agrees with your methods of engaging .

Good day

Don’t hurt anybody

Be patient

Act

Enjoy the fellowship!

Mother’s Day ❤️ 2025

Mother’s Day in Canada in 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11th.Mother’s Day is a day to honour mothers and mother figures for their invaluable contributions to families and society. It’s a time to express gratitude and love for the women who have nurtured and cared for us.Here’s a little background and some common ways the day is observed:History: * The modern version of Mother’s Day in North America is largely attributed to Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century. She advocated for a special day to honour mothers after her own mother’s passing. * The first official Mother’s Day was celebrated in the United States in 1908. * In 1914, it became an official U.S. holiday, designated as the second Sunday in May. * Canada soon followed suit, and the second Sunday in May became the widely recognized day to celebrate Mother’s Day here as well.Traditions: * Breakfast in bed: Often, children (with the help of dad!) will prepare a special breakfast to surprise their mothers. * Gifts and cards: Giving cards expressing love and appreciation is a very common tradition. Gifts can range from flowers and chocolates to jewellery, clothing, or something more personal. Handmade gifts are often particularly cherished. * Flowers: Carnations have historical significance, with red or pink carnations often representing a living mother and white representing a deceased mother. Other popular flowers are also given. * Family meals: Many families get together for a special lunch or dinner, either at home or at a restaurant, to celebrate the mothers in the family. * Spending quality time: The most important aspect for many mothers is simply spending quality time with their loved ones. This could involve going for a walk, watching a movie, playing games, or just having meaningful conversations. * Remembering mother figures: Mother’s Day is also a time to acknowledge other important mother figures in people’s lives, such as grandmothers, stepmothers, aunts, or close family friends.While it’s not a public holiday in Canada, it’s a widely observed and significant day for families across the country. You’re in Merritt, British Columbia, so you’ll likely see local businesses and restaurants offering specials for the occasion, and families will be making plans to celebrate the mothers they cherish.

New moon tonight,

Black sky on West coast of North America

The new moon will occur on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 12:31 PM PDT on the west coast of North America.Visibility on the West Coast of North America:A new moon is the first lunar phase, which occurs when the Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun. At this phase, the sunlit side of the Moon faces away from Earth, making the Moon generally invisible to the naked eye. It rises and sets at roughly the same time as the Sun.Therefore, on the night of April 27th, 2025, and the days immediately surrounding it, the new moon will not be visible from the west coast of North America. The sky will appear dark (assuming clear weather and minimal light pollution), which makes it an excellent time for observing stars and other fainter celestial objects.General Information about the New Moon: * The Start of the Lunar Cycle: The new moon marks the beginning of the approximately 29.5-day lunar cycle. * Alignment: During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. * Earthshine: Although the sunlit side faces away, sometimes a very faint glow called “earthshine” can make the unlit portion of the new moon subtly visible. This is due to sunlight reflecting off the Earth and onto the Moon. * Solar Eclipses: New moons are the only phase during which a solar eclipse can occur. This happens when the new moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. However, a solar eclipse will not occur on April 27th, 2025. * Stargazing: The dark skies during the new moon phase provide the best conditions for observing faint stars, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects since there is no bright moonlight to interfere. * Tides: New moons (along with full moons) contribute to higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides, due to the combined gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon.So, while you won’t be able to see the new moon itself on April 27th from the west coast of North America, you will have a dark sky perfect for stargazing!

Good sky gazing, good luck 🤞

This weekend is marked with the beginning of the cherry blossom festival in Vancouver. Along with that, the Juno awards are up. You’re invited to visit David Lamb Park.

Juno Awards

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 will take place from March 26th to April 28th, 2025. This festival celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossoms and offers a variety of events and activities.Here are some of the must-attend events: * Blossoms After Dark (March 28-30): A magical nighttime event where cherry blossoms are illuminated, accompanied by live music, bubble performances, and glow-in-the-dark treats at David Lam Park. * The Big Picnic (March 29): A community picnic inspired by Japan’s Hanami tradition, featuring art workshops, music, and cultural performances under the blossoms at David Lam Park. * Blossom Block Party (April 5): A lively celebration with music, food, and dance at the Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre. * Sakura Days Japan Fair (April 12-13): Experience Japanese culture through traditional food, performances, tea ceremonies, and crafts at VanDusen Botanical Garden.The festival will be held throughout Vancouver, with key locations including: * David Lam Park * VanDusen Botanical Garden * Queen Elizabeth Park * Stanley ParkWould you like more information about any of these events or locations?

Have Great weekend…

Spring 2025

April showers bring May flowers…

Alright, let’s talk about spring in 2025!
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
* The First Day of Spring:
   * In 2025, the first day of spring, also known as the vernal equinox, will be on Thursday, March 20th.
   * Specifically, it will occur at 5:01 a.m. EDT.
   * This marks the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
* What the Spring Equinox Means:
   * The spring equinox is when the sun crosses the equator line, heading north.
   * This causes the Northern Hemisphere to tilt more towards the sun, resulting in:
     * Longer days.
     * Warmer temperatures.
* General Expectations for Spring:
   * Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Expect to see:
     * Plants and trees budding and blooming.
     * Animals emerging from hibernation.
     * Increased daylight hours.
     * A gradual rise in temperatures.
* Factors that influence spring weather:
   * It is important to remember that weather patterns are becoming more variable. So while the equinox is a set date, the weather that follows is less predictable. Factors like the El Nino/La Nina southern oscillation, and other global weather patterns will greatly effect local weather.
To get more specific information about your local area, I would recommend checking your local weather forecasts as spring approaches.

Coming up fast…

Happy Canada Family Day…

Paradise of the mind…

New years eve…

The end of 2024, the beginning of 2025 resolutions galore. Be kind to yourself and to others and your resolutions will be kind to you.

Here’s some good advice for making resolutions for the coming year:
* Focus on a Few Key Goals:
   * Don’t try to overhaul your entire life at once. Choose 1-3 meaningful goals that truly matter to you.
   * Example: Instead of “get healthier,” try “exercise 3 times a week” or “cook more meals at home.”
* Make Them Specific and Measurable:
   * Vague goals are hard to track.
   * Instead of “read more,” try “read 1 book per month” or “read 30 minutes each evening.”
* Set Realistic Expectations:
   * Don’t set yourself up for failure with overly ambitious goals.
   * Start small and gradually increase the challenge as you progress.
* Break Down Large Goals:
   * Large goals can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, more manageable steps.
   * If your goal is to run a marathon, start with shorter runs and gradually increase the distance.
* Find an Accountability Partner:
   * Share your goals with a friend, family member, or mentor.
   * Regular check-ins can help you stay motivated and on track.
* Track Your Progress:
   * Use a journal, planner, or app to monitor your progress.
   * Celebrate small victories along the way.
* Be Patient and Kind to Yourself:
   * Setbacks are inevitable. Don’t get discouraged if you slip up.
   * Learn from your mistakes and get back on track.
* Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome:
   * Enjoy the journey of achieving your goals.
   * Celebrate your efforts and the positive changes you’re making.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in achieving your New Year’s resolutions and making meaningful progress towards your goals.
Remember: The most important thing is to choose goals that are meaningful to you and to approach them with a positive and realistic mindset.

Happy New Year