The Celtic Year 2006

May 5, 2006 - April 23, 2007

YEAR 5 of FIVE YEAR CYCLE 2002-2006: CYCLE 1 of SAECULUM 2002-2031

I. Samhradh - the Celtic Summer: May to October

"They divided the year into two parts. During the first half, namely, from Bealtaine to Samhain, they hunted each day..."
- from The Pursuit of Giolla dacker and his horse, 16th Century Ireland
The Celtic Calendar - Main Essay

Mids SAMON Mat
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	May 5	FQ	I	May 20	LQ
II	May 6		II	May 21
III	May 7		III	May 22
IIII	May 8		IIII	May 23
V	May 9		V	May 24
VI	May 10		VI	May 25
VII	May 11		VII	May 26
VIII	May 12		VIII	May 27	NM
VIIII	May 13	FM	VIIII	May 28
X	May 14		X	May 29
XI	May 15		XI	May 30
XII	May 16		XII	May 31
XIII	May 17	Aldeb.	XIII	Jun 1
XIIII	May 18		XIIII	Jun 2
XV	May 19		XV	Jun 3

Samon

The name of the first month literally means 'Summer'. Common to all the Celtic languages, the linguistic stem *samo- for 'summer' words is shared in the 1st century BC Gaullish 'Samon', the old Irish name 'cet-Samhin' for May and the Irish name for summer, 'Samhradh'. The meaning of this month name is very clear, as is its seasonal occurrence.

Samon is a matus month of 30 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from May 5 to June 3. The rising of the bright red star Aldebaran and the Pleiades cluster in mid-May anciently signalled the feast of Summer, the TRINOX SAMONI, now the feast of Beltaine conveniently held on Gregorian May eve.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter May 5, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon May 13, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter May 20, 2006 At nadir	New Moon May 27, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids DUMAN Anm
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Jun 4	FQ	I	Jun 19
II	Jun 5		II	Jun 20
III	Jun 6		III	Jun 21	Solst.
IIII	Jun 7		IIII	Jun 22
V	Jun 8		V	Jun 23
VI	Jun 9		VI	Jun 24
VII	Jun 10		VII	Jun 25
VIII	Jun 11		VIII	Jun 26	NM
VIIII	Jun 12	FM	VIIII	Jun 27
X	Jun 13		X	Jun 28
XI	Jun 14		XI	Jun 29
XII	Jun 15		XII	Jun 30
XIII	Jun 16		XIII	Jul 1
XIIII	Jun 17		XIIII	Jul 2
XV	Jun 18	LQ	XV	no day

Duman

The second month of the Celtic year is the second month of the Celtic summer. Etymology suggests Duman may equate to the Gaullish Dumno- and Old Irish Doman ( I. Domhan 'universe'), derived from Common Celtic *dubno- 'the world'. The name of the Gaullish king Dumnorix meant 'World king'.

Duman is an anmatus month of 29 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from June 4 to July 2. In this lunation falls the Summer solstice, on June 21, now St John's Day.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter June 4, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon June 12, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter June 18, 2006 At nadir	New Moon June 26, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids RIVROS Mat
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Jul 3		I	Jun 18	LQ
II	Jul 4	FQ	II	Jul 19
III	Jul 5		III	Jul 20
IIII	Jul 6		IIII	Jul 21
V	Jul 7		V	Jul 22
VI	Jul 8		VI	Jul 23
VII	Jul 9		VII	Jul 24
VIII	Jul 10		VIII	Jul 25	NM
VIIII	Jul 11	FM	VIIII	Jul 26
X	Jul 12		X	Jul 27
XI	Jul 13		XI	Jul 28
XII	Jul 14		XII	Jul 29	Sirius
XIII	Jul 15		XIII	Jul 30
XIIII	Jul 16		XIIII	Jul 31
XV	Jul 17		XV	Aug 1	Lugn.

Riuros

The third month of the Celtic year is the third month of the Celtic summer. The name Riuros is in the Celtic language of 1st Century BC Gaul. This peak summer month holds the element Ri- denoting 'King' or 'Royal' (as in Ard Rí - the Irish High Kings - or Riannon - the Old Welsh for the Great Queen found in the White Book). The meaning of this month's name would thus relate to its season, 'king of the year'.

Riuros is a matus month of 30 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from July 3 to August 1. The rising of the brightest star Sirius at the end of July may have signalled the feast of Lugnasa, now August eve.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter July 4, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon July 11, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter July 18, 2006 At nadir	New Moon July 25, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids ANAGAN Anm
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Aug 2	FQ	I	Aug 17
II	Aug 3		II	Aug 18
III	Aug 4		III	Aug 19
IIII	Aug 5		IIII	Aug 20
V	Aug 6		V	Aug 21
VI	Aug 7		VI	Aug 22
VII	Aug 8		VII	Aug 23
VIII	Aug 9	FM	VIII	Aug 24	NM
VIIII	Aug 10		VIIII	Aug 25
X	Aug 11		X	Aug 26
XI	Aug 12		XI	Aug 27
XII	Aug 13		XII	Aug 28
XIII	Aug 14		XIII	Aug 29
XIIII	Aug 15		XIIII	Aug 30
XV	Aug 16	LQ	XV	no day

Anagantios

The fourth month of the Celtic year is the fourth month of the Celtic summer. The name Anagantios is in the Celtic language of 1st Century BC Gaul. Etymology suggests it is derived from the Common Celtic terms *an- and *ag-, with the meaning of "not+work", the resting month before the harvest: The meaning of this month name is clear.

The summer games at Lugodunum held in honour of Lugos were held in this month. Anagantios is an anmatus month of 29 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from August 2 to August 30.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Aug 2, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon Aug 9, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter Aug 16, 2006 At nadir	New Moon Aug 24, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids OGRON Mat
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Aug 31		I	Sep 15
II	Sep 1	FQ	II	Sep 16
III	Sep 2		III	Sep 17
IIII	Sep 3		IIII	Sep 18
V	Sep 4		V	Sep 19
VI	Sep 5		VI	Sep 20
VII	Sep 6		VII	Sep 21
VIII	Sep 7		VIII	Sep 22	NM
VIIII	Sep 8	FM	VIIII	Sep 23	Eqx.
X	Sep 9		X	Sep 24
XI	Sep 10		XI	Sep 25
XII	Sep 11		XII	Sep 26
XIII	Sep 12		XIII	Sep 27
XIIII	Sep 13		XIIII	Sep 28
XV	Sep 14	LQ	XV	Sep 29

Ogronnos

The fifth month of the Celtic year is the fifth month of the Celtic summer. The name Ogronnos is in the Celtic language of 1st Century BC Gaul. Etymology reveals it is derived from the Common Celtic *ogro-, with the meaning of 'cold', modern W 'oer', modern I 'fuar', and the meaning of this autumnal month is understood as 'the Colder month': the Autumn. The meaning of this month name is very clear.

Ogronnos is a matus month of 30 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from August 31 to September 29. In this month falls the Autumnal equinox, on September 23rd.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Sept 1, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon Sept 8, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter Sept 14, 2006 At nadir	New Moon Sept 22, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids CVTIOS Mat
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Sep 30	FQ	I	Oct 15
II	Oct 1		II	Oct 16
III	Oct 2		III	Oct 17
IIII	Oct 3		IIII	Oct 18
V	Oct 4		V	Oct 19
VI	Oct 5		VI	Oct 20
VII	Oct 6		VII	Oct 21
VIII	Oct 7	FM	VIII	Oct 22	NM
VIIII	Oct 8		VIIII	Oct 23
X	Oct 9		X	Oct 24
XI	Oct 10		XI	Oct 25
XII	Oct 11		XII	Oct 26
XIII	Oct 12		XIII	Oct 27
XIIII	Oct 13		XIIII	Oct 28
XV	Oct 14	LQ	XV	Oct 29

Cutios

The sixth month of the Celtic year is the sixth and last month of the Celtic summer. The name Cutios is in the Celtic language of 1st Century BC Gaul. Etymology suggests it is derived from the proto-Indo-European *[s]keu-, with the meaning of 'to cover, hide or conceal', e.g. modern W 'cuddio, 'to hide''. The meaning of the last month of the 'Summer' series is therefore clearly understood as 'Hidden Month'.

Cutios is a matus month of 30 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from September 30 to October 29. Next follow the series of six 'Winter' months.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Sept 30, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon Oct 7, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter Oct 14, 2006 At nadir	New Moon Oct 22, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

II. Geimhreadh - the Celtic Winter: November to April

"And during the second half, namely, from Samhain to Bealtaine, they lived quartered during the winter half of the year".
- from The Pursuit of Giolla dacker and his horse, 16th Century Ireland
The Celtic Calendar - Main Essay

Mids GIAMMON Anm
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Oct 30	FQ	I	Nov 14
II	Oct 31	Samh.	II	Nov 15
III	Nov 1		III	Nov 16
IIII	Nov 2		IIII	Nov 17
V	Nov 3		V	Nov 18
VI	Nov 4		VI	Nov 19
VII	Nov 5	FM	VII	Nov 20
VIII	Nov 6		VIII	Nov 21	NM
VIIII	Nov 7	Antar.	VIIII	Nov 22
X	Nov 8		X	Nov 23
XI	Nov 9		XI	Nov 24
XII	Nov 10		XII	Nov 25
XIII	Nov 11		XIII	Nov 26
XIIII	Nov 12		XIIII	Nov 27
XV	Nov 13	LQ	XV	no day

Giammon

The seventh month of the Celtic year is the first month of the Celtic winter. Appropriatly, its name literally means 'Winter'. Common to all the Celtic languages, the linguistic stem *giammo- for 'winter' words is shared in the 1st century BC Gaullish 'Giammon', and the modern Celtic names for winter, W 'Gaeaf', I 'Geimhreadh'. The meaning of this month name is very clear, as is its seasonal occurrence.

Giammon is an anmatus month of 29 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from October 30 to November 27. The rising of the bright red star Antares in early November anciently signalled Winter, the feast of Samhain conveniently held on Gregorian November eve.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Oct 30, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon Nov 5, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter Nov 13, 2006 At nadir	New Moon Nov 21, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids SEMIVISON Mat
2006
Mids			Atenoux
I	Nov 28	FQ	I	Dec 13
II	Nov 29		II	Dec 14
III	Nov 30		III	Dec 15
IIII	Dec 1		IIII	Dec 16
V	Dec 2		V	Dec 17
VI	Dec 3		VI	Dec 18
VII	Dec 4		VII	Dec 19
VIII	Dec 5	FM	VIII	Dec 20	NM
VIIII	Dec 6		VIIII	Dec 21
X	Dec 7		X	Dec 22	Solst.
XI	Dec 8		XI	Dec 23
XII	Dec 9		XII	Dec 24
XIII	Dec 10		XIII	Dec 25
XIIII	Dec 11		XIIII	Dec 26
XV	Dec 12	LQ	XV	Dec 27	FQ

Semiuisonna

The eighth month of the Celtic year is the second month of the Celtic winter. Etymology suggests it is derived from the proto-Indo-European *sem-, 'to flow' and -uis- 'water'
(I. uisg), thus 'water flowing' as a reference to the mid-point of the solar cycle, the winter solstice. The second component of the word -uis- may share an origin with the 'navel of Ireland', Uisnech.

Semiuisonna is a matus month of 30 days, and for Gregorian 2006 extends from November 28 to December 27. In this lunation falls the Winter solstice (on December 22) associated with the nativities of both (Roman) Mithras and Christ on December 25.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Nov 28, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon Dec 5, 2006 East horizon	Last Quarter Dec 12, 2006 At nadir	New Moon Dec 20, 2006 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids EQVOS Anm
2006/7
Mids			Atenoux
I	Dec 28		I	Jan 12
II	Dec 29		II	Jan 13
III	Dec 30		III	Jan 14
IIII	Dec 31		IIII	Jan 15
V	Jan 1		V	Jan 16
VI	Jan 2	FM	VI	Jan 17
VII	Jan 3		VII	Jan 18
VIII	Jan 4		VIII	Jan 19	NM
VIIII	Jan 5		VIIII	Jan 20
X	Jan 6		X	Jan 21	Solst.
XI	Jan 7		XI	Jan 21
XII	Jan 8		XII	Jan 22
XIII	Jan 9		XIII	Jan 23
XIIII	Jan 10		XIIII	Jan 25
XV	Jan 11	LQ	XV	no day

Equos

The ninth month of the Celtic year is the third month of the Celtic winter. Etymology suggests it is derived from the proto-Indo-European term *peku-, 'herd animal' and thus the has the meaning of "Herding Month". Equos is an anmatus month of 29 days, and for Gregorian 2006/7 extends from December 28, 2006 to January 25. Throughout the Celtic Five Year cycle, Equos is generally complete within the now Gregorian month of February.

In the Brehon Laws, February marked the last of the seven months of winter pastoral law, and the fines and prohibitions placed on the owners of animals that had not been penned up correctly and had caused damage were lifted, and ewes were prepared for lambing.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Dec 27, 2006 At zenith	Full Moon Jan 3, 2007 East horizon	Last Quarter Jan 11, 2007 At nadir	New Moon Jan 19, 2007 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

MidsELEMB Anm
2007
Mids			Atenoux
I	Jan 26	FQ	I	Feb 10	LQ
II	Jan 27		II	Feb 11	Capel.
III	Jan 28		III	Feb 12
IIII	Jan 29		IIII	Feb 13
V	Jan 30		V	Feb 14
VI	Jan 31		VI	Feb 15
VII	Feb 1	OiImb	VII	Feb 16
VIII	Feb 2	FM	VIII	Feb 17	NM
VIIII	Feb 3		VIIII	Feb 18	NM
X	Feb 4		X	Feb 19
XI	Feb 5		XI	Feb 20
XII	Feb 6		XII	Feb 21
XIII	Feb 7		XIII	Feb 22
XIIII	Feb 8		XIIII	Feb 23
XV	Feb 9	LQ	XV	no day

Elembiuos

The tenth month of the Celtic year is the fourth month of the Celtic winter. Etymology suggests it is derived from the proto-Indo-European stems *el-n-bh-oi indicating 'stags' and may begin with the particle referring to hunting (W 'hela'; OI 'selg'): February is the end of the stag hunting season, and hinds are usually pregnant with their next calf. The second particle -em- is found in Early Irish ét, 'herds, riches': *em-tâli-, root em, 'hold'.

Elembiuos is an anmatus month of 29 days, and for Gregorian 2007 extends from January 26 to February 23. The rising of the bright star Capella in mid-February may have anciently signalled the feast of Oimelc/ Imbolg.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Jan 26, 2007 At zenith	Full Moon Feb 2, 2007 East horizon	Last Quarter Feb 10, 2007 At nadir	New Moon Feb 18, 2007 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids AEDRINI Mat
2007
Mids			Atenoux
I	Feb 24	FQ	I	Mar 11
II	Feb 25		II	Mar 12	LQ
III	Feb 26		III	Mar 13
IIII	Feb 27		IIII	Mar 14
V	Feb 28		V	Mar 15
VI	Mar 1		VI	Mar 16
VII	Mar 2		VII	Mar 17
VIII	Mar 3		VIII	Mar 18
VIIII	Mar 4	FM	VIIII	Mar 19	NM
X	Mar 5		X	Mar 20
XI	Mar 6		XI	Mar 21	Eqx.
XII	Mar 7		XII	Mar 22
XIII	Mar 8		XIII	Mar 23
XIIII	Mar 9		XIIII	Mar 24
XV	Mar 10		XV	Mar 25

Aedrini

The eleventh month of the Celtic year is the fifth month of the Celtic winter. Etymology reveals it is derived from the Common Celtic *aed-, 'fire': we find the name Aedh 'a flame of fire' in the Irish myth The Fate of the Children of Lir, and the meaning of this spring month's name can be understood as 'the Warmer month' : the Spring. The meaning of this month name is very clear.

Aedrini is a matus month of 30 days, and for Gregorian 2007 extends from February 24 to March 25. In this month falls the Vernal (Spring) equinox, on March 21st.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Feb 24, 2007 At zenith	Full Moon Mar 4, 2007 East horizon	Last Quarter Mar 12, 2007 At nadir	New Moon Mar 19, 2007 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

Mids CANTLOS Anm
2007
Mids			Atenoux
I	Mar 26	FQ	I	Apr 10
II	Mar 27		II	Apr 11	LQ
III	Mar 28		III	Apr 12
IIII	Mar 29		IIII	Apr 13
V	Mar 30		V	Apr 14
VI	Mar 31		VI	Apr 15
VII	Apr 1		VII	Apr 16
VIII	Apr 2		VIII	Apr 17	NM
VIIII	Apr 3	FM	VIIII	Apr 18
X	Apr 4		X	Apr 19
XI	Apr 5		XI	Apr 20
XII	Apr 6		XII	Apr 21
XIII	Apr 7		XIII	Apr 22
XIIII	Apr 8		XIIII	Apr 23
XV	Apr 9		XV	no day

Cantlos

The twelfth and final month of the Celtic year is the sixth and last month of the Celtic winter. Etymology reveals that its name derives from the Common Celtic word *cantla-, 'song, to sing', as in W 'can', I 'canu'. It has the meaning of "Month of Song": Diodorus tells us of the 'Hyperborean priests of Apollo' that the god (Celtic Belinos) sang "from the vernal equinox until the rising of the Pleiades", the lunation of Cantlos.

Cantlos is an anmatus month of 29 days, and for Gregorian 2007 extends from March 26 to April 23. This is the last of the twelve months of the Celtic Year 2006.

The Moon at Sunset
First Quarter Mar 23, 2007 At zenith	Full Moon April 3, 2007 East horizon	Last Quarter April 11, 2007 At nadir	New Moon April 17, 2007 West horizon

SAMHRADH - SAMON - SUMMER						GEIMHREADH - GIAMMON - WINTER
SAM	DUM	RIUR	ANAG	OGR	CUT	GIAM	SEMI	EQU	ELEM	AED	CANT

The Celtic Year 2007

Cantlos 2006 is the final month of the current Five Year Cycle that began in May 2002, which was also the beginning of the current saeculum or 30 year cycle, with the return of Saturn to the constellation of Taurus as anciently noted by Pliny the Elder. The following lunation, April 24 to May 23 2007, is an intercalary month of 30 days used in the Celtic calendar to keep the solar cycle in check with the lunations, and Samon 2007 begins on May 24 2007. April 24 2007 is the first day of the second Five Year Cycle (2007-2011), the second cycle of the Saeculum 2002-2031.