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April

4月/abril/prill/Апрель/四月/travanj/Avril/Απρίλιος/ʻApelila/بريل

Gods and Other Figures
Name Title/Domain Culture of Origin Cultural Significance Common Offerings Common Associations Relationships
Persephone/Kore Queen of Underworld; Goddess of dead, grain, and spring Greek Athens: Anthesterion (month) dedicated to; Locri Epizephyrii (S Italy): cult of Persephone goddess of marriage and childbirth; Zuntz (philosopher): Kore is to corn as Persephone is to death Ram’s blood, agrarian magic, dance, rituals, rhymes Cyclical nature, spring, vegetation (especially grain), destruction, death, honey, growth, fruit, pomegranate seeds, femininity, marriage, fertility, deer Daughter of Zeus and Demeter (or Rhea in Orphic), Niece/Wife of Hades, Mother of Dionysus (Zagreus in Greek)
Dionysus (Greek)/Zagreus (Ophic)/Bacchus (Rome) God of wine, fertility, vegetation, festivity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, theatre, and prophecy Greek/Rome Wine festivals around winter solstice Animal offerings, going against status quo Rebirth, hunting, grapes, wine, bull, panther, tiger or lion, goat, snake, leopard, grapevine, ivy, theatrical masks, phallus, thyrsus (wand), weddings, death, sacrifice, sexuality, satyrs, dancers, metamorphosis, escape Son of Zeus (or Hades sometimes) and Persephone (or Semele sometimes), Partner of Gaia, Father of Priapus, Hymen, Thoas, Staphylus, Oenpion, Comus, Phthonus, the Graces, and Deianira
Attis Ancient Phrygian god of vegetation and consort of the great Moth of the Gods Kybele (Cybele) Greek/Phrygian Rome: March festival week, Hilaria. Marth 24th, Dies Sanguinis (Day of Blood): mourning of Attis’ death by flogging until blood was on his altar or through ritual castration. March 25th, Day of Joy (Hilaria): Attis’ rebirth on the vernal equinox Vegetation, self-mutilation, death, resurrection, fruit, pine tree, almond, violet, transgender priests Son of Nana and Sangarius
Jesus Christ
Isis
Flower and Plants
Name Meanings Benefits Relation to Figures Culture Relations Colors Other Properties
Cherry Blossom Tree Spring Common in Japan and D.C. Soft pink
Daisy/Bellis Beauty, innocence, purity, rebirth, beginnings, writing inspiration Treats bruises, wounds, muscle pain, broken bones, various skin problems, gastritis, diarrhea, coughs, bronchitic, liver and kidney disorders Roman myth nymph Belides (hid as from Vertumnus (god of gardens and season) as). Norse goddess Freya (goddess of fertility, love, and beauty) “They Love Me, They Love Me Not” commonly played in Milan with White In sunflower family, native to Europe and N Africa. Often invasive. Edible in salads. Has a circadian rhythm
Forsythia Good fortune, new opportunities, anticipation/hope for future, renewal, rejuvenation, positivity, happiness, inspiration, abundance, wealth, vitality Treats bacterial infections, upper respiratory disease. Anti-inflammatory, fruits are diuretic William Forsyth (19th Century royal head gardener) In Korea sticks are used for bow of ajaeng Bright Yellow In olive family, native to E Asia and SE Europe. Blooms in early spring
Grape Hyacinth/Muscari Power, confidence, mystery, creativity Extracts: soothing, detoxifying. Antioxidant in some species. Air purifier Mediterranean cuisine (pickled) Blue/Purple Edible
Green Hawthorne Tree Hope, love, marriage, banishes strife, protection Berries: treat digestive problems, heart issues, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, cancer, heart failure. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety Dark green (bronze in autumn); bark: silver-gray and orange; blooms; white; and berries: yellow to red Plant in spring. Native to N America, Europe, and Asia. Drought-resistant, non-toxic
Lady's Mantle/Alchmilla Femininity, intuition, emotion, fertility, protection during childbirth, healing, comfort, new beginnings, growth, tranquility, harmony, happiness, nurturing Treats anemia, diabetes, wounds, burns, menstrual/reproductive issues Alchemists believed dew collected was purest form of water for gold. Greenish yellow Greenish yellow Native to W Asia and Europe. Plant in early spring, blooms May to June. In rose family. Invasive in cool areas
Lilac Love, rebirth, innocence, wisdom, remembrance, art inspiration. Drives away negative energy Treats fevers, malaria, skin infections, sunburns, rashes, cuts, scrapes. Aromatherapy Ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics. Native Americans used/use branches to make arrows, pipes, and combs Light purple In olive family, native to Eurasia, flowers in spring. Edible in salads, cakes, cookies, etc.
Mint Taurus herb. Tough. Treats digestion, common cold, allergic reactions. Lamiaceae family. Grows quickly.
Pale Hepatica Confidence, trust Treats hepatitis, liver and gallbladder diseases, preventative viper bites, coughing. Astringent, diuretic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory Called yukiwariso (snow-breaking) in japan Green; flowers: blue, purple, white In buttercup family, native to Asia (Japan) and Europe. Flower from March to May. Difficult to grow. Toxic leaves
Purple Violet Good fortune, humility, restfulness, romance Tea: ease headaches Jesus (rebirth and cycles). Greek myth nymph Syringa (hid from Pan as) February, Rome Violets at Funerals, 10th Wedding Anniversaries Purple Some species edible. Blooms in spring, autumn, winter; plant early spring, fall
Red Trillium/Wake Robin/Bethroot Consciousness, embodiment, mutuality, elegance, precision, fertility Stimulated labor, antiseptic, astringent, tonic. Treats cough, asthma, ulcers, menstrual problems, uterine hemorrhage, lundisorders, skin irritations, low male libido, aphrodisiac Maroon Blooms in early spring/summer like nesting robins. Poisonous roots and berries. Edible leaves occasionally. Native to E US and E Canada
Rosemary Aries herb. Energy, strength. Ward off evil spirits. Fight bacteria, viruses, oxidation damage, enhance memory and studying Middle Ages: Protection from sickness like Black Plague. Essential oils. Cooking. Funerals, wedding decorations and headpieces. Grows best in sunny areas near the sea. Improves memory by 5-7%
Rowan Tree/Mountain Ash Protection from witchcraft and enchantment, divination, fertility Strong wood Thor (rescued from river to Underworld). Isle of Man used crosses for protection for themselves and cattle, hung inside for May Eve. Taboo to use knife against. Berries make alcohol or jams Red berries, white flowers Native to N Hemisphere (Himalaya, S Tibet, and W China). Berries eaten raw case indigestion and kidney damage (w/o heat treatment)
Sweet Pea/Lathyrus Gratitude, happiness, appreciation. White: purity. Pink: tender, non-romantic love. Purple: royalty, pride Extract: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant Seeds used for animal fodder (must ensure edible). Used in genetics experimentation. Popular in 17th century Victorian gardens. Lompoc, Cali hosts Sweet Pea Festival Various colors (pink, purple, white, bi-colors) Mediterranean region, seeds toxic but edible if boiled or water soaked for salads. Petals for teas, syrups Blooms in spring, autumn, and summer
White Apricot Blossom Hope, new beginnings, renewal, beauty, prosperity, feminine beauty, elegance, resilience, purity, innocence, longevity Oils and extract used in beauty products. Used in Chinese New Year for good fortune, happiness, and new beginnings. Tang Dynasty planted apricot trees in royal gardens for wealth, fortune, protection from evil spirits and bad luck. Persian poem “Rubaiyat” for beauty, fleeting life, and passage of time. Used in Japan for the New Year and by poet Matsuo Basho for beauty. Korean apricot blossom festivals (Khwaja). Soft pink and white Bloom late winter or early spring. Fruit ripens in summer.
White Bloodroot/Sanguinaria Purity, innocence, sacrifice, life force, protection, healing, courage, strength, renewal, mystery, hope Professionally extracted juices/powders used in salves for skin cancer Jesus (sacrifice and resurrection) Sap used for pink, orange, and red dyes. Dark red sap in stems and roots Blooms in early spring. Skin irritant. Poisonous. Native to N America
White Dutchman's Breeches Renewal, good luck Treats syphilis, skin conditions, respiratory issues. Blood purifier Spread commonly by ants Rarely pink to commonly white Native to N America, blooms early spring. Lack fragrance. Psychoactive to livestock. In poppy family. Toxic
Yellow Daffodil Rebirth, new beginnings, good luck, happiness, hope Alzheimer’s Medication St. David’s Day, singular gifted relates to misfortune, 10th wedding anniversaries, mistaken from Narcissus (flower) Yellow Sap is irritant, toxic to animals, plant in fall before first frost, blooms early spring

Apricot, Asparagus, Blueberry, Bread, Dandelion, Egg, Fiddlehead, Grape Hyacinth, Lavendar, Lemon, Lettuce, Lilac, Mint, Onion, Pomegrante, Potato, Rhubarb, Sweet Pea, Tomato, Violet, Wine, Zucchini

Pashka, Tansy Cake

Spring Animals
Native Area Significance Other Attributes
Robin North America and Europe Good omen, protection against fire, afterlife guide, sacrifice, Jesus, hope, messenger, Christmas, 3 taps on a window mean death, spring Migratory. Primarily eats invertebrates, fruits, and berries. Active during the day. Sings at dawn. Hawks and snakes are predators.
Lamb SW Asia, North America Innocence, purity, Jesus, sacrifice, protection, redemption, peace, Apollo, strength, meekness, humility, harmony, community, greater good, childhood sweetness, gentle, vulnerability, youth, naivety Livestock animals
Bunny All except Antarctica Rebirth, abundance, prosperity, playful, creative, childlike, joy, community, nature, hope for a better future, change, innocence, cunning
Bee All except Antarctica Hard work, productivity, feminine power, fertility, unity, resilience, hope, determination, transformation, teamwork, insight, inspiration, Melissae, royalty, power, wisdom, weaving, warfar, Neith, Virgin Mary, Lord Krishna, love, compassion, playfulness, rebirth Pollinators
Doe All except Antarctica Grace, nurture, intuition, sensitivity, gentleness, kindness, femininity, beauty, adaptability, independence, patience, harmony, Persephone
Duck
Frog
Ram
Gems and Minerals
Name Color Significance Cultural associations Found in... Uses Other Properties
Diamond White: purity, new beginnings; Black: strength, power, protection; Blue: wisdom, truth, peace, calm; Yellow:joy, happiness, creativity, mental clarity; Pink: love, compassion, self-love, acceptance Rarity, protection from evil spirits and battle, love, commitment, wealth, power, purity, innocence, strength, courage, rebirth, beauty, clarity, balance Greek: Lightning. Hindu: Volcanoes, third eye chakra Decoration, status symbol, investment, technology Hardest material but brittle. Made from high heat and pressure
Tin Silvery-white Jupiter, wisdom, logic, education, maturity, knowledge, sages, mediation, balance, prosperity, wealth Solder, tin plating Dates to Bronze Age. Very soft. Corrosion resistant. Corroded by acids and alkalis