Delphi and cosmovision: Apollo’s absence at the land of the Hyperboreans and the time for consulting the oracle

摘要

Abstract: Keeping an exact calendar was important to schedule Delphic festivals. The proper day for a prophecy involved a meticulous calculation, which was carried out by learned priests and ancient philosophers. The month of Bysios on average is February, but in reality it could be any 30-day interval between January and March. Bysios starts with a New Moon, but the beginning of the month is not easily pinpointed and thus Bysios and the 7th day for giving an oracle cannot be identified accordin.