Sunday   March 30th 2008 Color of the Day: Orange Incense of the Day: Hyacinth Charm to Prevent Sickness The Festival of Hygeia was celebrated on this day in ancient Greece.  In Greek mythology, Hygeia was the goddess of health, hygiene, and later the Moon.  Her father Asclepius was considered the giver of health while she was more closely associated with the prevention of sickness.  The caduceus, our symbol for medicine, resembles the rod of Asclepius entwined by the snake of his daughter Hygeia, who was often depicted wrapped in a huge snake.  Her cults glourished in the seventh century BC after the catastrophic plagues of Athens.  In her temples, offerings were made by covering her statues with women's hair and clothing.  To keep yourself well this sprig, take a lock of your hair and wrap it in a silk cord of gold for vitality.  Place it outside when the Sun is at its highest.  Offer your hair to Hygeia, saying, "Goddess of health and well being, keep me as strong as the Sun!" By Igraine