Bladzijde uit een Deventer almanak voor het schrikkeljaar 1596 c. 1596

This is a page from a Deventer almanac for the leap year 1596, crafted anonymously. The text speaks of eclipses and astrological predictions, a common theme in almanacs of the time, reflecting a world where celestial events were deeply intertwined with daily life. The serpent-like border writhing along the edge of the page, is particularly striking. This symbol, found throughout history, from the Ouroboros representing eternal cycles to the biblical serpent embodying temptation and knowledge. The serpent's presence here reminds us of humanity's enduring fascination with fate and the cosmos. It taps into our collective memory, evoking both fear and a desire to understand the hidden forces shaping our existence. The cyclical nature of the serpent mirrors the almanac's purpose: to predict the future based on recurring patterns, an endless dance of anticipation and understanding.