Friday is for Venus

January 15, 2016 — 1 Comment

signs in order

The days of the week are assigned to planets. Friday is the day of Venus, the goddess of love, known to the Greeks as Aphrodite.  Since it is the final day of work in most western countries it holds special meaning. Thank God It’s Friday, and Piss Off Early Tomorrow’s Saturday are acronym phrases invented to celebrate the arrival the free time on the weekend. Happy hours, romantic dining, and entertainment beckon to workers as they finish the tasks in front of them. The magic of payday often happens on Friday too.  In the ancient world the 40 hour work week was unknown, but the day had meaning as a weekly holiday dedicated to art, beauty and love.  Today I like the idea of setting aside time for art, beauty and love.  In our home I take time every Friday to follow some small but significant rituals.

• I clean and clear the house of clutter, discarding anything we no longer need
• I care for all my houseplants and do touch up work on the outside garden area
• I cook some special foods.  This can vary, but at least one dish is prepared as a treat
• I workout at the gym and take a long steam bath to pamper my body and mind
• I come home early in the day to relax and finish the food preparations
• I watch the PBS Newshour with Shields and Brooks political commentary
• I drink cocktails of my own creation

That is all it takes to make my weekend start with a bang.  The clean house and the food treats make home feel like a trip to a resort.  Home is where the heart is, gentle reader.  What are your Friday rituals?

planet Venus sign