Samhain
(October 31)
Samhain means "end of summer"
and is often called "Halloween" or "Hallow's Eve,".
It's our new year and the renewal of the Wheel of Life. It is the
time when the old God dies and returns to Avalon/Summerland (the land
of the dead) and the Old Crone Goddess falls into mourning for her
consort.
Even from the earliest of Celtic mythologies,
Samhain is seen as the night when the dead come through the veil of
the Other World and visit their living relatives and friends and join
in ritual celebrations. This makes Samhain one of the most perfect
time to communicate with spirits. During the early days of Celtic
paganism, candles and food were left out for these traveling spirits,
to help guide them along their journey. This is often seen as the
origin of the jack-o-lantern and practice of trick-or-treat.
Foods: Nuts, Poultry, Wine
Herbs/Plants: Mugwort, Catnip, Rosemary
and Sage
Incense: Frankincense, Myrrh, Rosemary
and cedar
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Yule
(December 21)
Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, is celebrated
on the longest night of the year, which is on or around December 21.
From this night, the days get longer. The Divine Birth occurs on this
day. On Yule, many often make and decorate their own candleholders,
or the Yule log and of course, the Yule tree.
Foods: Dried fruits, nuts, ale, turkey
Herbs/Plants: Bayberry, Sage, Oak, Pine, Evergreen,
Cedar
Incense: Cinnamon, Pine, Cedar
Stones: Ruby, Diamond, Garnet
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Imbolc / Imbolg
(February 2)
On Imbolc, also known as Candlemas,
the Goddess (we envision Bridghid or Bridget on this day) is said
to return from the Underworld. Traditionally, young girls would carry
around flower baskets as presents to their neighbors and acquaintances.
Foods: Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds,
Muffins, Breads, Onion, Garlic
Herbs/Plants: Basil, Angelica, Blackberry,
Myrrh, Iris, Violets, Tansy
Incense: Bay, Basil, Cinnamon, Vanilla,
Myrrh, Violet
Stones: Turquoise, Onyx, Ruby, Amethyst,
Garnet
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Ostara
(March 21)
Ostara is also known as the Spring
Equinox. This is the first day of spring. It is said that the God
reunited with the Goddess and day and nights are of equal length.
It is also a day of balance and fertility. Many plant flowers and
such on this day.
Foods: Green Leafy Vegetables, Dairy
Herbs/Plants: Daffodils, Violets,
Iris, Narcissus
Incense: Jasmine, Rose
Stone: Jasper
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Beltaine
(May 1)
Beltaine, also known as May Eve, is a celebration
of the renewal of life and growth. We often rise early on this day
and pick flowers to decorate our homes. To celebrate, many take a
walk in the forest and appreciate the nature around them. Traditionally, this is the wedding period where young lovers would join through hand-fasting and for one year they would remain together to renew (if they saw fit) their vows the following Beltaine.
Foods: Breads, Cereals, Dairy
And the May Pole!
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Litha / Midsummer
(June 21)
Litha is also known as the Summer
Solstice. This is the longest day of the year and the Sun God's at
his strongest. On Litha, many reaffirm their vows to the Lady and
Lord or dedicate themselves into the Craft.
Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables
Herbs/Plants: Chamomile, Rose, Mugwort,
Lily, Lavender, Oak, Fern, Yarrow, Elder, Daisy, Carnation.
Incense: Myrrh, Pine, Rose
Stone: Emerald
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Lughnasadh
/ Lammas
(July 31)
From this day on, the nights get longer
and the day shortens. The word Lughnasadh roughly relates to 'to give
in marriage' and was once associated with marriage contracts. Lughnasadh
represents the time of honoring the summer and sun, giving thankfulness
for the start of the harvest season and the bounty to be provided.
These are the themes of preparation, getting ready for the waning
year and end of life. It is also a time to honor Elders, both in the
clan,and in the family.
Foods: Berries and Grains
Herbs/Plants: Grapes, Oats, Pears,
Heather
Incense: Rose, Sandalwood
Stone: Carnelian
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Mabon
(September 21)
Mabon is also known as the Autumn
Equinox. This is the time to finish all business which is renewed
on Samhain. Also, many store and harvest the years' crops and make
wine on this day.
The day and nights are equal and balanced. We bid farewell to the light and welcome the dark.
We honor the coming crone and prepare for the God's death and rebirth.
Those who are inclined to the dark feel a great sense of enlightenment
Foods: Breads, Pomegranates, Apples,
Potatoes
Herbs/Plants: Acorn, Myrrh, Passionflower,
Rose, Sage
Incense: Myrrh, Sage, Jasmine, Benzoin
Stones: Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire
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Esbats
Esbats are rituals that celebrate
the full and new moons. Some traditions only practice full moon Esbats,
some only new, and some do both.
Some do new, full, waxing and waning.
For most, the moon represents the Goddess in either her Maiden, Mother
or Crown aspect.
Many cultures perform magick according to the specific cycle of the
moon.
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