It’s the first month of 2012 and already we have a Friday the 13th, and in my opinion a perfect date to open “Songs & Stories For Our Days.” I’ve never worried about the bad luck associated with the day. In fact according to some statistics, because people are more cautious of the 13th, fewer "bad" incidents often occur. As a kid I made it my lucky day, it was the 14th I worried about! Maybe it’s my association with the Friday the 13th horror films, my name is after all Jason. But it’s my hope to bring a new, positive energy into association with the much maligned number.
I include 13 songs in my first bound book collection (and forthcoming album) “Songs & Stories For Our Days.” The number holds significance for me for several reasons. Because 12 is considered a traditional number for a complete cycle, some view 13 as a number that transgresses the cycle — or rebegins a new cycle, depending on how you look at it. 13 is a sacred number that introduces a new dynamic to what is considered complete and stable. Some cultures used it as an opportunity to start anew. I just read that 13 is sometimes viewed as the central point surrounded by cycles of 12, that it is about
the bonding of many into one. There were 12 Apostles, but if you counted Jesus, 13. 12 knight of the round table, and King Arthur 13. 12 Tribes of Israel, with Israel as 13. There are 13 lunar cycles in a year and it's also a sacred Wiccan number.
Friday the 13th as an "unlucky day" actually come about because on in Friday the 13th in October 1307, King Philip IV of France had many of the Knight’s Templar arrested, tortured and eventually executed. The Knight’s Templar had grown in power and wealth over the centuries. They were a sacred society of skilled fighters and intelligent men sworn to do good and among other things, supposedly protected the secrets of the Holy Grail. They innovated financial banking techniques and building strong fortifications. So on that dreadful day, Friday the 13th, a power play with the Church and State took most of the Knights out, AND their great treasures and property were confiscated, with the excuse that the king was “suspicious” of them.
So hopefully, the spirit of the noble Knights will smile upon this Friday the 13th and help to bless "Songs & Stories", bringing good tidings to the infamous date!
