Lesson 4 - Measuring Time

This lesson is comprised of 3 sections from our outline. These three concepts are woven together quite tightly that the study is likely to overlap. I do suggest noting them in your workbook separately for future reference.

Section 2: Cycles and Celebrations

I believe that one of the hallmarks of “civilization” should be the ability to organize and document time as well as plan for future dates. Cycles and calendars, by their very nature, allowed people to plan and order events as well as a way to communicate about the events relative to one another.

The Assignment: Research the concept of time measurement and cycles. Don’t shy away from myths about how time measurement was invented and deities related to it. Start your practices notebook with your thoughts and learnings about cycles. Don’t forget to share your own thoughts, questions and opinions. It’s best to do this before researching the types of cycles below.

2.1 Solar
The solstices and equinoxes are the most common example of a solar cycle. This is the cycle that the well known wheel of the year is based upon.

The Assignment: Research at least three different solar based calendars. In your practice notebook make some notes on the calendars/cycles and include your thoughts and questions.

2.2 Lunar
The lunar cycles are thought to be the second measure of time people noticed and used after the day/night cycle. It’s clear to so many of us that are interested in paganism that the moon draws our attention. Why is that? What does it mean to you?

The Assignment: Research at least three different perspectives on the lunar cycle. In your practice notebook make some notes on the calendars/cycles and include your thoughts and questions.

2.3 Agrarian
An agrarian society (or agricultural society) is any society based around producing and maintaining crops and farmland. Another way to define an agrarian society is by seeing how much of a nation’s total production is in agriculture. In an agrarian society cultivating the land is the primary source of wealth. Your research into solar calendars and cycles likely included some agrarian components. Look for similarities and differences within different climates.

The Assignment: Research at least three different agrarian cycles. In your practice notebook make some notes on the calendars/cycles and include your thoughts and questions.


We would love to see your work! Share your definition, resources or questions in this thread for discussion and feedback.