Samhain
It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a
magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily
suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with
ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey
through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the
Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the
Crone and her aged Consort. This is also concidered the pagan new year, because the vail is so thin, those souls who have died in the last year move on and those who will be born move into this land and wait to be reborn. For this reason we leave cakes out for souls to eat while they wait for birth.
magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily
suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with
ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey
through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the
Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the
Crone and her aged Consort. This is also concidered the pagan new year, because the vail is so thin, those souls who have died in the last year move on and those who will be born move into this land and wait to be reborn. For this reason we leave cakes out for souls to eat while they wait for birth.
Yule
The date varies from December 20 to December 23 depending on the year in the
Gregorian calendar. Yule is also known as the winter solstice in the northern
hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the
seasonal differences.
Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the year
relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun
climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day.
Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's
"rebirth" was celebrated with much joy. On this night, our
ancestors celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of
Life that warmed the frozen Earth. From this day forward, the days would
become longer.A Yule log, suitable for modern practitioners would be the type that is used as a base to hold three candles.Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright.
Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season), green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great
Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds, cloves, and dust with flour. Many customs created around Yule are identified with Christmas today. If you decorate your home with a Yule tree, holly or candles, you are following some of these old traditions. The Yule log, (usually made from a piece of wood saved from the previous year) is burned in the fire to symbolize the Newborn Sun/Son.
Gregorian calendar. Yule is also known as the winter solstice in the northern
hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the
seasonal differences.
Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the year
relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun
climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day.
Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's
"rebirth" was celebrated with much joy. On this night, our
ancestors celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of
Life that warmed the frozen Earth. From this day forward, the days would
become longer.A Yule log, suitable for modern practitioners would be the type that is used as a base to hold three candles.Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright.
Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season), green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great
Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds, cloves, and dust with flour. Many customs created around Yule are identified with Christmas today. If you decorate your home with a Yule tree, holly or candles, you are following some of these old traditions. The Yule log, (usually made from a piece of wood saved from the previous year) is burned in the fire to symbolize the Newborn Sun/Son.
Imbolc
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and Groundhog's
Day, occurs at the beginning of February. It marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring. The Goddess manifests as the Maiden and Brigid. The Groundhog is a manifestation of the God. Colors are White, and sometimes Red.It is a festival of spiritual purification and dedication. Thoroughly clean
your altar and/or temple room. Do a self-purification rite with Elemental tools -- cleanse your body with salt (Earth), your thoughts with incense (Air), your will with a candle flame (Fire), your emotions with water (Water), and your spiritual body with a healing crystal (Spirit). Bless candles that you will be using for rituals throughout the year. Invoke Brigid for creative inspiration.Take a Nature walk and look for the first signs of Spring. Reflect upon/reaffirm spiritual vows and commitments you have made.
Day, occurs at the beginning of February. It marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring. The Goddess manifests as the Maiden and Brigid. The Groundhog is a manifestation of the God. Colors are White, and sometimes Red.It is a festival of spiritual purification and dedication. Thoroughly clean
your altar and/or temple room. Do a self-purification rite with Elemental tools -- cleanse your body with salt (Earth), your thoughts with incense (Air), your will with a candle flame (Fire), your emotions with water (Water), and your spiritual body with a healing crystal (Spirit). Bless candles that you will be using for rituals throughout the year. Invoke Brigid for creative inspiration.Take a Nature walk and look for the first signs of Spring. Reflect upon/reaffirm spiritual vows and commitments you have made.
Ostara
As Spring reaches its midpoint, night and day stand in perfect balance, with light on the increase. The young Sun God now celebrates a hierogamy (sacred marriage) with the young Maiden Goddess, who
conceives. In nine months, she will again become the Great Mother. It is a time of great fertility, new growth, and newborn animals. The next full moon (a time of increased births) is called the Ostara and is sacred to Eostre the Saxon Lunar Goddess of fertility (from whence we get the word estrogen, whose two symbols were the egg and the rabbit. The Christian religion adopted these emblems for Easter which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The theme of the conception of the Goddess was adapted as the Feast of the Annunciation, occurring on the alternative fixed calendar date of March 25 Old Lady Day, the earlier date of the equinox. Lady Day may also refer to other goddesses (such as Venus and Aphrodite), many of whom have festivals celebrated at this.
conceives. In nine months, she will again become the Great Mother. It is a time of great fertility, new growth, and newborn animals. The next full moon (a time of increased births) is called the Ostara and is sacred to Eostre the Saxon Lunar Goddess of fertility (from whence we get the word estrogen, whose two symbols were the egg and the rabbit. The Christian religion adopted these emblems for Easter which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The theme of the conception of the Goddess was adapted as the Feast of the Annunciation, occurring on the alternative fixed calendar date of March 25 Old Lady Day, the earlier date of the equinox. Lady Day may also refer to other goddesses (such as Venus and Aphrodite), many of whom have festivals celebrated at this.
Beltane
Many Wiccans and Pagans celebrate Beltane. It is one of eight solar Sabbats. This
holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire,
but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its
significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as May pole
dancing). Some traditions celebrate this holiday on May 1 or May day, whiles
others begin their celebration the eve before or April 30th. Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. The name means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms,an exuberant mood prevails. In old Celtic traditions it was a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity where marriages of a year and a day could be undertaken but it is rarely observed in that manner in modern times. In the old Celtic times, young people would spend the entire night in
the woods "A-Maying," and then dance around the phallic Maypole the next
morning. Older married couples were allowed to remove their wedding rings (and
the restrictions they imply) for this one night. May morning is a magickal time
for wild water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and used
to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health.The Christian religion had only a poor substitute for the life-affirming Maypole -- namely, the death-affirming cross. Hence, in the Christian calendar, this was celebrated as 'Roodmas'. In Germany, it was the feast of Saint Walpurga, or 'Walpurgisnacht'. An alternative date around May 5 (Old Beltane), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Taurus, is sometimes employed by Covens. (Both 'Lady Day' and 'Ostara' are names incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some modern traditions of Wicca.) The May pole was a focal point of the old English village rituals. Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. Women traditionally would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion. Ancient Pagan traditions say that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God. To celebrate, a wedding feast, for the God and Goddess must be prepared.
Let Them guide you! Breads and cereals are popular. Try oatmeal cakes or cookies sweetened with a dab of honey. Dairy foods are again appropriate...just make a lovely wedding feast and you are sure to enjoy yourself! An early morning walk through a local park or forest could be fun for everyone. Gather up some plants or flowers to display in your home. Mom and daughter could braid their hair, and weave in a few tender blossoms.
holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire,
but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its
significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as May pole
dancing). Some traditions celebrate this holiday on May 1 or May day, whiles
others begin their celebration the eve before or April 30th. Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. The name means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms,an exuberant mood prevails. In old Celtic traditions it was a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity where marriages of a year and a day could be undertaken but it is rarely observed in that manner in modern times. In the old Celtic times, young people would spend the entire night in
the woods "A-Maying," and then dance around the phallic Maypole the next
morning. Older married couples were allowed to remove their wedding rings (and
the restrictions they imply) for this one night. May morning is a magickal time
for wild water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and used
to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health.The Christian religion had only a poor substitute for the life-affirming Maypole -- namely, the death-affirming cross. Hence, in the Christian calendar, this was celebrated as 'Roodmas'. In Germany, it was the feast of Saint Walpurga, or 'Walpurgisnacht'. An alternative date around May 5 (Old Beltane), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Taurus, is sometimes employed by Covens. (Both 'Lady Day' and 'Ostara' are names incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some modern traditions of Wicca.) The May pole was a focal point of the old English village rituals. Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. Women traditionally would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion. Ancient Pagan traditions say that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God. To celebrate, a wedding feast, for the God and Goddess must be prepared.
Let Them guide you! Breads and cereals are popular. Try oatmeal cakes or cookies sweetened with a dab of honey. Dairy foods are again appropriate...just make a lovely wedding feast and you are sure to enjoy yourself! An early morning walk through a local park or forest could be fun for everyone. Gather up some plants or flowers to display in your home. Mom and daughter could braid their hair, and weave in a few tender blossoms.
Litha/ Summer Solstice
Litha is the season of expansion, when the crops burgeon forth. We forget winters cares
and spend our days basking under the brilliant light. The Summer Solstice brings
us the longest day of the year - the zenith of the Sun King, and also His death
as the Holly King dethrones him and takes reign over the now waning year. From
now until Yule, the light will fade into darkness. This is the time of lovers and gardeners. The rutting fervor of Beltane has deepened into the passionate eroticism that grows when partners become familiar
with one anothers rhythms and moods. It is the love between those committed by heart as well as body. It is also the love of parents for their children (be they two- or four-legged!). Everywhere we look, ripeness spills out from field and forest. Litha is the height of the Divine Marriage, then the Oak King falls, His vigor and prime giving way to the sagacity of the Holly King, even as the
Goddess prepares Herself for harvest and Cronehood.
and spend our days basking under the brilliant light. The Summer Solstice brings
us the longest day of the year - the zenith of the Sun King, and also His death
as the Holly King dethrones him and takes reign over the now waning year. From
now until Yule, the light will fade into darkness. This is the time of lovers and gardeners. The rutting fervor of Beltane has deepened into the passionate eroticism that grows when partners become familiar
with one anothers rhythms and moods. It is the love between those committed by heart as well as body. It is also the love of parents for their children (be they two- or four-legged!). Everywhere we look, ripeness spills out from field and forest. Litha is the height of the Divine Marriage, then the Oak King falls, His vigor and prime giving way to the sagacity of the Holly King, even as the
Goddess prepares Herself for harvest and Cronehood.
Lughnasadh
At Lammas, sometimes called Lughnasadh, it's time to celebrate the first harvest of the year, and recognize that the hot summer days will soon come to an end. The plants of spring wither and drop seeds to ensure future crops. Grains are ready to be harvested and the fruits are ripe for picking. We can give thanks for the food on our tables.
Lughnasadh means the funeral games of Lugh (pronounced Loo), referring to Lugh, the sun god. However, the funeral is not his own, but the funeral games he hosts in honor of his foster-mother Tailte. For that reason, the traditional Tailtean craft fairs and Tailtean marriages (which last for a year and a day) are also celebrated at this time.
As autumn begins, the Celtic Sun God enters his old age, but is not yet dead. The God symbolically loses some of his strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer. The Christian religion adopted this theme and called it 'Lammas ', meaning 'loaf-mass ', a time when newly baked loaves of bread are placed on the altar. An alternative date around August 5 (Old Lammas), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Leo, is sometimes employed by Covens.
Lughnasadh means the funeral games of Lugh (pronounced Loo), referring to Lugh, the sun god. However, the funeral is not his own, but the funeral games he hosts in honor of his foster-mother Tailte. For that reason, the traditional Tailtean craft fairs and Tailtean marriages (which last for a year and a day) are also celebrated at this time.
As autumn begins, the Celtic Sun God enters his old age, but is not yet dead. The God symbolically loses some of his strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer. The Christian religion adopted this theme and called it 'Lammas ', meaning 'loaf-mass ', a time when newly baked loaves of bread are placed on the altar. An alternative date around August 5 (Old Lammas), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Leo, is sometimes employed by Covens.
Mabon
Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the Autumn Equinox. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the
Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth. Various other names for this Lesser Wiccan Sabbat
are The Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Feast of Avalon, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), Alben Elfed (Caledonii), or Cornucopia. The Teutonic name, Winter Finding, spans a period of time from the Sabbat to Oct. 15th, Winter's Night, which is the Norse New Year. At this festival it is appropriate
to wear all of your finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection.
Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth. Various other names for this Lesser Wiccan Sabbat
are The Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Feast of Avalon, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), Alben Elfed (Caledonii), or Cornucopia. The Teutonic name, Winter Finding, spans a period of time from the Sabbat to Oct. 15th, Winter's Night, which is the Norse New Year. At this festival it is appropriate
to wear all of your finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection.