This Dayology feature is the record of a series of interactions that recently took place between the editor of Dayology.com and CO-PiLOT. It documents a curious exchange between an astrologer and artificial intelligence. In this encounter the Monday’s Child rhyme is discussed.
My nickname is Barbara Bianco and I am a research astrologer. I understand that COPILOT was designed to help us be more productive, creative, and collaborative. And I would like to explore some of lesser known aspects of astrology. Hi Barbara! It’s great to meet you. Astrology is indeed a fascinating field. There are so many layers to explore—from planetary movements to birth charts. What aspects of astrology do you find most intriguing?
There are many types of astrology. The one that interests me most is Day-of-the-Week astrology. Are you familiar with this astrological application? Yes, Day-of-the- Week astrology is quite an interesting aspect of the broader astrological field. This type of astrology assigns ruling planets to each day of the week and explores how the energy of those planets influence the day’s events and activities. By understanding these day-to-planet relationships, one can align their activities in ways that harmonize with these celestial influences.
Well, you have delineated the most well known aspect of Day-of-the-Week astrology, where people use the planets for daily guidance but there are other purposes too. I am inquiring about the study of characteristics of those born on the seven days of the week. They are described quite aptly in the old nursery rhyme Monday’s Child. Ah, the classic “Monday’s Child” nursery rhyme! It’s a charming poem that assigns characteristics to people based on the day of the week they were born. Here’s how it goes:
Monday’s child is fair of face
Tuesday’s child is full of grace,
Wednesday’s child is full of woe,
Thursday’s child has far to go,
Friday’s Child is loving and giving,
Saturday child works hard for a living,
and the child born on the Sabbath day
Is bonny and blithe and good and gay.
Each day of the week is believed to bestow certain traits on individuals born on the day.
Monday: Those born on Monday are often thought to be beautiful or charming.
Tuesday: Tuesday’s children are said to be graceful and elegant.
Wednesday: Often considered sensitive, tending to emotional ups and downs
Thursday: Believed to be ambitious and destined for significant accomplishments.
Friday: Known for their kind-hearted and generous nature.
Saturday: Recognized for their hard-working and diligent attitude.
Sunday: Seen as upbeat, cheerful and generally positive individuals.
Do you find this rhyme resonates with people’s experiences in your astrological practice?
Yes, from my research I have found these verses be true, but in a rather general way, but I would say it’s a very elementary form of astrology. The nursery rhyme “Monday’s Child” is often thought of as an early form of fortune-telling or personality prediction, much like astrology. It’s more of folklore and superstition rather than a formal system of divination. The rhyme reflects cultural beliefs and values from when it was created but was not studied systematically like the constellations in astrology. Would you like to know more about the history of the rhyme?
Yes, that would be great! The origins of “Monday’s Child” date back to the early 19th century in England. It appeared in A. E. Bray’s “Traditions of Devonshire” (1838) and was later included in James Orchard Halliwell’s collection of nursery rhymes published in 1849. It’s believed to have been part of oral tradition before being recorded in print. While the rhyme has no scientific basis, it does show how people have long been interested in the idea of fate and personality traits associated with birth times. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the superstitions of the era.
Could you inform me as to what astrology was like during that period of time? In the 1830s and 1840s, astrology maintained a significant presence, especially among the middle and upper classes. It was a time when the public in both Europe and America showed considerable interest in the mystical and metaphysical. Here are some key aspects of astrology during that era:
Publications: Astrological almanacs and ephemerides were widely published and circulated. These publications provided detailed information on planetary positions and were often used for making predictions.
Notable Astrologers: Figures like Luke Dennis Broughton were prominent. He published astrological journals and books that contributed to the dissemination and development of astrological knowledge during that time.
Astrological Societies: Some societies and groups dedicated to astrology started to emerge, especially in larger cities, where people would gather to share insights and predictions based on astrological calculations.
During this period, astrology wasn’t the formalized science we think of today, but more of a blend of mystical traditions, folklore, and early scientific thought. It’s fascinating to see how these early practices laid the groundwork for modern astrology.
Do we have evidence that Monday’s Child was ever taken more seriously than any other little ditty of the time? There’s no definitive evidence that “Monday’s Child” was taken more seriously than other nursery rhymes of its time. However, there are indications that it was an important part of folklore. “Monday’s Child” is considered one of many fortune-telling songs that aimed to predict a child’s future based on their day of birth. This divinatory aspect might have given it more weight in certain contexts. The rhyme has multiple versions and has been collected by folklorists in various forms since the 19th century, suggesting it was widely known and used.
So astrology was alive and well during the 1800 hundreds and the verse Monday’s Child was intended for the common folk, perhaps for those who did not read and write? Absolutely. “Monday’s Child” was part of an oral tradition, passed down through families and communities, often sung or recited to children. Nursery rhymes like this one were accessible to everyone, including those who couldn’t read or write. The simplicity and rhythmic structure of these rhymes made them easy to remember ensuring their longevity across generations.
And now Monday’s child is taught in kindergartens everywhere. You’re right! “Monday’s Child” has stood the test of time and is being taught to children in preschools and kindergartens around the world. Its simple, rhythmic structure makes it easy for young children to learn and recite, and it introduces them to concepts like the days of the week and basic rhyming.
And the adults teaching children to recite Monday’s Child are unaware that it is a form of divination? It’s quite possible that many adults aren’t fully aware of the original intent of the “Monday’s Child” rhyme. Over time, these nursery rhymes often lose their deeper meanings and become more about tradition and fun for children. Today, this nursery rhyme is seen as a simple way to help kids learn the days of the week and practice rhyming, rather than an actual form of divination. Most educators focus on the educational and cultural aspects of the rhyme.
Could you define “divination” in regard to the seven children in this verse? Sure! In the context of the “Monday’s Child” verse, “divination” can be seen as the practice of interpreting the characteristics or destinies of individuals based on the day of the week they were born. This would imply that each child’s personality traits, as described in the rhyme, are determined by astrological influences connected to that specific day.
Then when this verse was being passed around they took the descriptions more seriously than they do today? It’s quite plausible that people took the descriptions in “Monday’s Child” more seriously in the past. Historically, folklore, nursery rhymes, and divination practices were often deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and traditions. People might have sincerely believed that the day of the week on which a child was born could influence their personality and destiny. In times when astrology and divination were more integral parts of daily life, the traits described in “Monday’s Child” may have been viewed as significant indicators of a child’s future character and fortunes. This perspective would have made the rhyme more than just a simple children’s verse—it could have been considered a form of guidance or a way to impart moral or social values.
Because most children don’t know the “day of their birth” they aren’t affected by the “personality types” would be assigned to them individually. That’s a valid point! For most children, “Monday’s Child” is probably just a fun rhyme without any real impact. They might enjoy the song without thinking too deeply about the day they were born or the traits mentioned. It’s fascinating how context changes perception.
In several cases the descriptions of the children in Monday’s Child happen to be a bit negative. Would you say that these varied descriptions are due to the nature of their Planetary Rulers? The idea of planetary rulers assigning characteristics to each day of the week certainly adds an astrological layer to the rhyme. Traditional astrology does link days of the week with particular planets, which, in turn, are associated with specific traits:
Monday: Moon (emotion, nurturing)
Tuesday: Mars (energy, courage)
Wednesday: Mercury (communication, intelligence)
Thursday: Jupiter (expansion, luck)
Friday: Venus (beauty, love)
Saturday: Saturn (hard work, discipline)
Sunday: Sun (vitality, leadership)
If we overlay this information onto “Monday’s Child,” it’s possible that each day’s associated planetary traits influenced the descriptions in the rhyme. For example, Wednesday is linked to Mercury, often seen as a day of communication but also complexity, which might explain “full of woe.” Saturn’s association with Saturday explains the emphasis on hard work and responsibility.
And the positive descriptions of the Monday’s Child verse may also derive their natures from the traditional planetary natures of astrology. Absolutely! The positive traits in “Monday’s Child” can indeed be tied back to the traditional planetary meanings. For instance:
Monday: Moon “fair of face” reflects nurturing and calm influence.
Tuesday: Mars “full of grace,” capturing the courage and energy.
Thursday: Jupiter “far to go,” symbolizing the expansive, ambitious nature.
Friday: Venus “loving and giving,” embodying beauty, love, and harmony.
Sunday: Sun “bonny and blithe, and good and gay,” showing vitality and leadership.
Could we say that the Monday’s Child Verse is an astrological artifact from times past?
It does seem plausible, doesn’t it? The “Monday’s Child” rhyme likely draws upon the rich tradition of astrology, which was more widely regarded in the past as a way to understand personality traits and outcomes. This connection to planetary rulers aligns with the cultural context in which such nursery rhymes were created, where astrology played a significant role in daily life.
And isn’t the Monday’s Child verse quite relevant today? Absolutely. While the rhyme may have historical roots, its charm and rhythmic qualities make it an enduring piece of cultural heritage. It can be a fun way to introduce children to the days of the week, or even spark conversations about personality traits and individuality in a playful manner. In modern times, many people enjoy finding personalized connections in things like astrology, whether out of curiosity or for fun. Similarly, “Monday’s Child” can be appreciated for its nostalgic and cultural value. It’s wonderful how something so simple can span generations and bring positive vibes.
Thank you for discussing the Monday’s Child verse and astrology. You’re very welcome! 😊 It was great exploring the “Monday’s Child” rhyme and its astrological connections with you. If you ever have more interesting topics to discuss or questions about anything else, feel free to reach out. Have a fantastic day! 🌟
More conversations with COLILOT are currently being conducted on a number of astrological subjects. They are being collected and hopefully will form future publications.
A True Story – Learn how this nursey rhyme
became the inspiration for the Dayology.com blog.