The seven minutes from hell plays out tonight, and afterward we will know the status of the Mars rover landing. I wish it all the best, especially since the space shuttle program is in the scrap heap.
I must mix in a little astrology here. Today our moon enters Aries, the astrological sign ruled by Mars. The red planet itself occupies the sign of Libra, ruled by Mars’ lover Venus. Maybe it’s a matter of right place, right time? I’ll take it as a good omen for a safe landing.
Everyone knows Mars as the Roman god of war, preceded by the Greek god of war, Ares. However, are you aware that Mars’ repertoire included fertility powers? I bet a wooden nickel his paramour, Venus, the goddess of love, preferred that aspect of him to his war duties. In his fertility aspect, Mars fathered Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
Like Mars, most gods had more than one job, and major life functions were often carried by multiple deities. Ares, for example, though known today as the god of war, exemplified extreme battle rage, while the Greeks lauded the goddess Athena for her cool-headed strategies that resulted in winning the wars. That makes sense, since Athena sprang into life in full body armor.
The Germanic tribes gave birth to an interesting god of war named Tyr. In addition to his battle duties, he carried a spear to represent justice. Tyr actually preceded Odin. Once Odin gained power in the Viking pantheon, Tyr became known as the son of Odin.
My favorite is the Celtic war goddess Morrigan, one of the Tuatha De Danann from whence many of our ideas of fairies originated. Morrigan served as an individual goddess and also as a triple goddess. Not only did she reign over battle ecstasy, but also over fertility. She often appeared in the guise of a raven or crow and as a washerwoman at the ford. You may know her as Morgan le Fay from the King Arthur stories.
Seven and eleven bring good luck in Dame Fortune’s favorite pastime, gambling. From what I’ve read, an educated risk describes the Mars rover initiative. Let’s cross our fingers for a dice roll of seven tonight!
