laura_seabrook | DIES NATALIS (10th April) (Reply)

This is the anniversary of the founding of the Temple of Cybele in ancient Rome. People were entitled to chariot races in the Circus Maximus, where a statue of Cybele stood beside the central obelisk. It was on this day that the galli (gender variant followers) were allowed to collect money.

The festivities from the 15th to 27th of March are clearly those of a dying and reborn God. Attis was originally a god of vegetation. Later he became associated with the Sun. There are also clearly similarities between these rites and those of Easter, but it most likely that the Christian rites were influenced by these, not vice versa. Christianity had a habit of incorporating pagan practices as a way of gaining converts. Mithra, another dying and reborn God, also had a popular cult about this time.

Of what relevance are these festivities to transgendered pagans today? They are reflective of death and rebirth, grieving and celebration. Grieving, because he have let go of all the possibilities inherent in who we were, as opposed to who we need to be. This might involve saying goodbye to friends, lovers and family (hopefully not), or to those illusions which mislead or ensnare us. But in any case, something is lost, for better or worse. But something is gained too. We gain a new life and the possibility of developing ourselves in new ways and directions -- ways that were impossible before.