Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst,
for I have lived today
John Dryden, born on 9 August 1631, English poet, Sun in Leo, Moon in Taurus, Ascendant in Capricorn.
Other personalities born today:
Tove Jansson, born on 9 August 1914, Finnish author (d. 2001), author of the Moomin books, stories for children that involve a family of trolls who are white, round and furry in appearance, with large snouts that make them vaguely resemble hippopotamuses.
Enzo Biagi, born on 9 August 1920, Italian journalist and writer (d. 2007)
Philip Larkin, born on 9 August 1922, English poet (d. 1985).
Daniel Keyes, born on 9 August 1927, (5.10) American author, Sun in Leo, Moon in Capricorn, Flowers for Algernon.
Jonathan Kellerman, born on 9 August 1949, American writer, psychologist, and Edgar Award winning author of numerous bestselling suspense novels.
Melanie Griffith, born on 9 August 1957, (5.11.2) American actress. Golden Globe winner for her performance in the 1988 film Working Girl. She is the daughter of actress Tippi Hedren, and the wife of actor Antonio Banderas.
Whitney Houston, born on 9 August 1963 (5.1.12) American singer and actress, the most awarded female act of all time.
Holidays & Observances:
Western Christianity: Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), virgin and martyr – Optional Memorial, Edith Stein, Firmus and Rusticus, Jean Vianney, Nath Í of Achonry, Romanus Ostiarius, Secundian, Marcellian and Verian (RC). Herman of Alaska (Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Eastern Catholics). Mary Sumner, Founder of the Mothers’ Union, 1921 (CoE). John Mason Neale, Priest, 1866 (SEC).
Eastern Orthodox: Holy Apostle Matthias (1st century), Martyr Anthony of Alexandria (2nd century), Saint Psoes of Egypt (6th century), Saint Macarius of Oredezh, abbot, (1532)
Paganism: On this date, many Wiccans from around the world celebrate the annual Feast of the Fire Spirits. Dried mandrake root or yarrow herb is cast into fires as offerings to the Salamanders.The goddess month of Hesperis begins today.
Druid feast of fire spirits. Sol Indiges. Festival of Athena Pallas and Zeus- as protectors of city and state.
Other Holidays: Frank Zappa Day (Baltimore), International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (International), National Day, celebrates the independence of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965, National Peacekeepers’ Day, celebrated on Sunday closest to the day (Canada), National Women’s Day (South Africa)