During my work on the Chronology project (see that thread), it came to my attention that the day Hermetic Oath as written (and through the editions) is now a little weird as it references an erroneous year in a "wrong" Age of Aries and potentially we may want another day of that year too (?).
“This oath I hereby swear on the third day of Pisces, in the nine hundred and fiftieth year of Aries. Woe to they who try to tempt me to break this oath, and woe to me if I succumb to the temptation.”
Age of Aries (AA) was used as calendar by the Order in earlier editions, but it wasn't matching historical use (Age of Aries is 2000BC to 0, it's now Age of Pisces). In Arm5e it's only really in the Hermetic Oath and on 4 tribunal rulings in Guardians of the Forest. In Mythic Locations it's referenced, but correctly to real world.
Also the year given doesn't seem to align with the previous editions Age of Aries logic and the year 767 anyway and looks to be about 43 years off (correct me if I missed something).
I have searched but I haven't been able to find any reference to the original oath being sworn in february on the third day of Pisces either besides the Oath itself (happy if somebody actually finds this somewhere).
If we want to change the Oath to make more sense, but keep an astrological age for flavor it'll be Pisces + Pisces which can kinda work but is a little meh..
Also, 3rd day of Pisces might not make the best sense, since that's in february. Tribunals for example tend to be in summer as it's more comfortable travel etc (not that it hinders magicians too much but anyway). In my mind, they would have done this in Durenmar, and certainly at an auspiciously opportune day (perhaps summer solstice? Day 30 of Gemini, medieval Julian calendar reckoning, or at an astrologically auspicious day).
For fun I played around a bit with astrology to find some alternative auspicious dates for 767:
The Summer Solstice – A Day of Power and Renewal
On this day, the 30th day of Gemini, as the Sun stands at the gateway of the heavens, fortune and wisdom may be claimed by those who dare.
Tuesday, June 17, 767 AD (Julian Calendar) (Equivalent to June 20-21 Gregorian)
"At the turning of the year, when the Sun reaches its zenith, the world stands at a threshold, and knowledge must be seized before the descent into darkness."
It's an exceedingly powerful day (and good for drama & tension). Why? The longest day of the year symbolizes the height of knowledge and power, but also the beginning of its decline.
The transition from Gemini (air, knowledge) into Cancer (water, emotion) creates a battle between reason and feeling, between scholars and mystics. Ideal for a future schism or inner conflict within the Order over its purpose. I.e. Schism War, or should magic be kept secret, or shared?
- Last day of Gemini (29° Gemini), a moment of transition and insight. A day for bold declarations, mystical rites, and the foundation of a legendary Order.
- The Sun reaches its zenith, making this an ideal time for ambitious undertakings, leadership, and public declarations.
- Scholars and sages, for wisdom burns brightest at the peak of light.
- Oaths and alliances, for bonds forged under the longest light are blessed.
- Mars’ day (Tuesday) adds boldness but must be used wisely - great power, but also potential for conflict.
Looking at the history of the Order and the last bullet point here, I'd say this is what they did - and they knew what they did and accepted the risk, perhaps arrogantly. Hahaha
Traditionally most auspicious day (but perhaps not for the Order)
On this day, the 5th day of Leo, under the rule of the Sun, the stars align for great fortune and prosperity.
Thursday, July 27, 767 AD (Julian Calendar) (Equivalent to August 5-6 in Gregorian Calendar)
- The Sun, in its own sign of Leo, grants leadership, power, and success.
- Jupiter, the great benefic, influences prosperity.
- The waxing Moon ensures growth and expansion.
The 1st Day of Virgo (August 23, 767 AD – Julian Calendar)
"On this day, as the Virgin takes her seat in the heavens, wisdom and knowledge may be gathered and safeguarded for generations to come."
- Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of knowledge, magic, and communication.
- Strengths: A day of order, study, and discipline—the perfect day to codify magical knowledge and create a structured order of scholars.
- Conflict Factor: Virgo’s meticulous nature may clash with Leo’s lingering fire, bringing tension between pragmatists and visionaries within the Order.
The 9th Day of Sagittarius (December 2, 767 AD – Julian Calendar)
"As the Archer lets loose his arrow, the fire of knowledge flies toward destiny, a day when the wise may set forth on a grand new journey."
- Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, philosophy, and learning—ideal for an order of magicians and seekers of wisdom.
- Strengths: A day blessed for travelers, explorers, and those seeking divine truth.
- Conflict Factor: This falls in late autumn, a time of waning light, symbolizing the struggle between knowledge and ignorance.
I don't think the Founders would have waited this long in the year - unless they couldn't agree for the whole time
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As for the canon 3rd day of Pisces it is kinda great too and I understand why it might have been the choice. Sharing the full load as it may be interesting for people to use :).
3rd Day of Pisces in AD 767
As the Fishes swim within the celestial waters, the third day of Pisces marks a time of deep reflection, hidden knowledge, and the weaving of fate’s unseen threads.
The 3rd day of Pisces (February 21 or 22, Julian Calendar) falls under the dominion of Jupiter, the great benefic, yet also carries the influence of the mystical Neptune (unknown to medieval astrologers but later associated with Pisces). This day is steeped in the currents of intuition, dreams, and secret wisdom, favoring those who seek truth beyond the material world.
"As the Fishes swim between worlds, the veil is thin, and those who walk between the seen and unseen may claim their birthright."
Why? Pisces is deeply mystical, ruled by Jupiter (higher wisdom) and Neptune (illusion, magic).
Strengths: A day rich in prophetic insight, spirit contact, and deep magical power.
Conflict Factor: Dreams and reality blur, a day of great enlightenment but also potential for illusion and deception within the Order.
What This Day Signifies:
- A Day of Mysticism & Secrets – The veil between worlds thins, and those who seek prophecy, divination, or hidden knowledge may find answers beyond reason.
- Fortune in Matters of the Soul – Acts of charity, compassion, and spiritual devotion bear fruit, as Jupiter’s influence magnifies the rewards of kindness.
- The Tides of Fate Move in Silence – It is an opportune time for whispered alliances, secret negotiations, and long-laid plans to take shape.
- Beware of Deception – As the waters of Pisces blur the edges of reality, those who deceive, or are deceived, will feel the weight of unseen consequences.
Favored on This Day (sounds like the Order alright):
- Sages, mystics, and those who walk between worlds
- Poets, musicians, and visionaries whose art flows like water
- Seafarers and wanderers, for fortune favors the drifting soul
- Healers, alchemists, and those who work with hidden forces
Ill-Advised on This Day:
- Warriors seeking conquest—this is a day of thought, not steel
- Merchants who seek only material gain—the tides favor wisdom over greed
- Lies, false promises, and illusions—the stars will turn against the deceiver
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So here's an alternative ending of the oath using summer solstice, but one can keep 3rd of Pisces as well of course.
“This oath I hereby swear on the thirtieth day of Gemini, in the seven hundreth and sixty-seventh year of Pisces. Woe to they who try to tempt me to break this oath, and woe to me if I succumb to the temptation.”