Sweet's Basic Info/Resources for Seekers

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Thought I'd put together a thread with some of my favorite resources and information. Most of what is contained in here is simply eclectic neo-pagan info (though it is geared particularly towards Seekers as well). For the moment it's not in any particular order and I'll be adding more from time to time, but for now feel free to ask questions, discuss, debate, share, etc...

 

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Personal notes: On the subject of "other forms of Wicca" - if it is not a valid, lineaged tradition, then it really should not be calling itself Wicca (see this thread for details). Also though Druidism is listed below please see this thread for more info on why this title is inappropriate.

Intro: Pagans, Heathens and Recons


A Brief Introduction:
The following introduction is offered here to help to dispel many of the myths surrounding Neo-paganism, Witchcraft and the Heathen and Reconstructionist religions. The ways of many Neo-Pagan traditions, religions and groups, as well as some of the Heathen and Reconstructionist religions, are described in even more detail on various other pages on this Web site and elsewhere on the net.

This 'overview' is a very generalized rendition of some Neo-Pagan, Wiccan, Witch, Heathen and Reconstructionist religions and may not necessarily reflect the beliefs of all Pagan or Heathen individuals, religions or traditions.


Pagans:
Paganism is not a single religion, but an umbrella term for all those religions other than the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. A Pagan is a person who follows one of those "other" faiths. Many Witches, Wiccans, Reconstructionists, and other Neo-Pagans simply identify themselves as "Pagan" or "Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. This can make it sound like "Paganism" is a religion instead of a collection of religions. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement, as Pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive religions while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques which are generally added as an extra layer on top of whatever religion one normally follows.

Note: The word 'Pagan" itself comes from the Latin paganu(m), for "someone who is not from the city, rather from the country." In Late Latin, this turned into pagensis, "one who is from the country, " and this ultimately became the French pays and the Spanish Pa's, both meaning "nation."-(From Etymologically Speaking at www.westegg.com/etymology/)

Witchcraft and Witches:
A practitioner of a nature-based/revering or folk belief system, art or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "Old Religion" which has its roots in Pagan pre-monotheistic folkways and beliefs and which usually follows the agricultural seasonal cycles. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin. Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions that trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations. Some Witches consider Witchcraft to be a religion while others simply practice witchcraft as a magical art.

Traditional Wicca:
A modern religion of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven (group) based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wicca is considered a 'mystery' religion, one that requires initiation by the coven and has a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. Traditional Wiccan covens have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is shared only with initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement, have taken a voluntary sabbatical or do not have access to a Traditional coven in their area.

Strega:
(Stregheria, La Vecchia Religione, "The Old Religion") An Italian form of Witchcraft encompassing elements of the pre-Christian European mystery teachings and the ancient Etruscan and Tuscan religions. Many modern Italian Witches today, especially those who still reside in Italy, are Christians who have simply continued to practice their native Old Religion alongside the 'new'.

Other Forms of Wicca:
A newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's that is looser in structure and practice than Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or 'eclectic' Pagan and/or non-pagan beliefs. Some have formed 'traditions' or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a "book of shadows" outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are 'solitaries' who practice their beliefs and formulate their personal rituals in their own way.



Reconstructionist Religions:
Since modern Wicca is by far the most well known of the Neo-pagan religions or belief systems, many people incorrectly assume that all Pagan or Heathen religions are very much the same as or follow closely the specific tenets and ritual structures of Wicca. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each Pagan or Heathen religion has its own ritual structure, core beliefs and there is often little that can be said to hold 'true' as a universal belief held by either all Neo-pagans or Reconstructionists. In fact, most Reconstructionists take great umbrage when their cultural religious practices and/or Gods are misappropriated and/or misinterpreted by Neo-pagan groups. This has, in recent years, been cause for considerable friction to arise between Neo-pagans and Reconstructionists as they interact with one another.

Reconstructionism is a general term used to describe those religions (sometimes designated as' Heathen' with many groups preferring the term 'polytheists' or 'pagan') that are the continuation of a cultural spiritual tradition into the modern era. Great emphasis is placed upon scholarship, the use of classic texts (such as 'The Eddas' in çsatrœ and the ancient Egyptian texts in Kemetism) and the revival of traditional modes of worship. Magic(k) plays much less of a role in Reconstructionist religions than it usually does in Wicca or Witchcraft. Cultural relevance is stressed, but this should not be confused with either nationalism or racism, as most Reconstructionists, while protective of their cultural heritage, are neither racists nor bigots. Some of the major Reconstructionist Religions are:

Ásatrú:
(Norse, Nordic, Regintroth Northern Heathenism) Ásatrú is a reconstructionist, polytheistic faith based on pre-Christian Northern European beliefs, Gods and Heroes. Most adherents of Ásatrú (Ásatrúar) put much emphasis on historical accuracy and the heroic tales as recorded in texts such as the Icelandic sagas and 'The Eddas'. Ásatrú has a rich and complex ethical system in which personal honor, truth and integrity are considered to be some of the highest virtues.

Baltic:
The reconstructionist religions of the Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian peoples. Like their neighbors, the Slavs, folklore and custom are important elements in their practices and rituals and the 'Balts' have largely maintained their language, folklore, pagan beliefs and customs throughout the centuries. Nature as a sacred force is emphasized as is harmony both within the individual and in society and the relationship with the gods and ancestors.

Celtic Reconstructionism:
Celtic Reconstructionism is an umbrella term for those who follow the cultural and religious practices of the Gaelic or Brythonic (Celtic) peoples. Beliefs and ritual practices vary from one ethnic or tribal group to another, but almost all place great store in history, language, the surviving Gaelic literature and cultural relevance/context (with the emphasis being placed upon linguistic and cultural, rather than DNA or religious, ties to those regions). As in most other Reconstructionist religions, personal honesty, integrity, honor in both word and deed and scholarship are very important and highly valued.

Druidism:
A reconstruction and/or a reweaving of the spiritual threads of the wisdom and ritual framework of the ancient Druids. Druids are generally polytheistic and follow a calendar based upon the astronomical yearly stages of the sun, the earth and the moon. Modern or Neo-Druids can be either male or female. Since the ancient order or class of Druids passed along their lore and wisdom through a closely guarded oral tradition, little is known of the actual rites themselves. However, Modern Druidism considers itself as a mainly spiritual path wherein the old knowledge is still accessible through insight and revelation. Like the ancient order, Neo-Druids often denote different levels of learning or expertise. The most commonly known classifications are the Bards (composer of verses; keeper of the lore), The Ovates (guardians and interpreters of the mysteries; diviners) and the Druids (advisors; authorities of worship, law and ceremony). The entire training process for new initiates may last several years.

Hellenismos:
Hellenic or Greek Reconstructionists (Hellenists, Hellenes, Hellenism) are generally polytheists who worship and revere the ancient Greek Olympian gods. It is primarily a 'votive' religion where 'offerings' or gifts to the Gods are an important element of ritual practice. Hellenismos has a highly developed ethical system based upon moderation, hospitality and reciprocity, place great value on scholarship and specifically on the use of classical texts.

Kemetism:
A modern religion based upon the ancient Egyptian family of gods/goddesses and the concepts of Ma'at (all) and Netjer (the divine force). While many gods and goddesses are revered or acknowledged, the Kemetic religion is not polytheistic in the same sense that many other Pagan or Heathen religions are. In many sects of Kemetism, the concept is better described as a 'monolatry' or one god manifesting as many distinct personalities and divinities. Rituals and offerings are often elaborate and great value is placed upon both ancient texts and modern archeological discoveries and research.

Religo Romana:
The Religio Romana is the pre-Christian religion of Rome. The modern religion attempts to reconstruct the ancient faith of Rome and its gods, goddesses and temple rituals as closely as possible. Every attempt is made to rely on actual historical and archaeological evidence and much emphasis is placed upon the original classical texts, writers and language.

Slavic:
The Slavic peoples are not a "race", but are related through culture and area. These regional groups include the Russians, Polish, Czechs, Ukrainians, Byelorussia's, Serbo-Croatians, Macedonians, Slovenians, Bulgarians, Kashubians and Slovakians. In reconstructing Slavic religions, adherents place much store on Slav folk tales and stories. Dualism is an important concept in Slavic religion, but differs from the 'good' and 'evil' dichotomy of post-Christian thought. Here dualism is understood to be a system of complimenting opposites such as darkness and light, winter and summer, female and male, cold and hot. The God-brothers Bialybog "white-god" and Czarnebog "black-god" who rule the light half and dark half of the year respectively, are further illustrations of this polarity. Nature spirits also play an important role in Slavic beliefs.


Source:

Wren Walker
Co-Founder - The Witches' Voice
Monday, July 8th., 2002
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usfl&c=basics&id=4575
Credits: The Witches' Voice would like to thank the moderators and members of The Cauldron-A Pagan Forum for their thoughtful suggestions and encouragement and whose input proved to be an invaluable source of information for the formation of this page.  

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How to Find Your Way in a Library (A Witches Guide to Dewey)

Unless you are fortunate enough to have access to a good Pagan store (see Witchvox listings for details of your nearest!), buying Craft books from a general bookstore can be a sub-optimal experience. Yes they will probably have some books on Witchcraft/Wicca, but the choice, quality, and depth of those available may be limited. Also, you are likely to find that they will expect you to pay for the privilege before you take them home and read them.

Fortunately there is an alternative - your local Library.

It is perhaps an indicator of the growth of Neo-Paganism that today most (even small to medium size) libraries will have some books on the subject and some of these can be of surprisingly good quality. Admittedly, there is still a need to 'separate the wheat from the chaff' – but if you look, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Most importantly, it’s usually free!

Unfortunately, the Dewey Decimal Classification, (which is used by most general libraries to arrange the books on the shelves by subject) can make finding this material less than straightforward.

Books that you might consider to be on the same or a related subject can often be found far apart – sometimes in quite separate sections of the library: and this is not because they've been misplaced, but because this is how the vagaries of the classification system have ordered them.

To get some examples of what can happen, let's have a look at www.worldcat.org. Here it is possible to find libraries, which hold a particular title across the globe, and by following links to their individual catalogues, see details of how they have been classified.

Searching on Worldcat for libraries which hold editions of 'Witchcraft Today' by G.B. Gardner very quickly shows that nearly all of the libraries that use the Dewey Decimal Classification give this volume a classmark of 133.4 – which places it with other works on Witchcraft, and close to works concerning other aspects of the occult: But not all. A very small number of libraries have given recently acquired copies of this work the classmarks 290 or 299.

Repeating this process with Buckland's 'Wicca for One' gives somewhat different results. A large number (approximately 40%) of libraries use classmark 133.4 for this title but the majority (60%), including the Library of Congress, use a different classmark – 299.94.

To summarize, some libraries will place Buckland's book close to Gardner on the shelves – others will place them in completely different sections: What is happening here?

Well, Dewey is called a Decimal system because it is divided and subdivided in tens (and is theoretically infinitely subdivisible), so the codes between 000 and 999 are divided into 10 main classes, 100 divisions and 1, 000 sections: 000-099 is for General Works, 100-199 is for Philosophy and Psychology, 200-299 for Religions, 300-399 for the Social Sciences; and so on.

Inevitably the system reflects the prejudices and mores of its creator Melvil Dewey and of late 19th century America where it was formulated.

In the first (1876) version of the classification Witchcraft is tellingly given the classmark 133 for "Delusions, witchcraft, magic". This section was subdivided in later editions, and Witchcraft was given progressively more specific classmarks of 133.4 and 133.43.

Although these classmarks dealt mainly with historical works on the Witchcraft persecutions, when 'Witchcraft Today' came out it was naturally placed in the same classmark - and as specifically Wiccan titles appeared they were classified in the same way.

This continued until the 22nd Revision of Dewey was released in 2004 and a new classmark was provided - 299.94, for "Religions based on modern revivals of witchcraft", of which Wicca was cited as a specific example. However, this new classmark was not prominently highlighted in the Changes Notes for the new revision, and has been slow to be adopted by libraries.

As recently as May 2006, Janet Tapper was still arguing the case for Wicca to be considered as a religion by libraries rather than as part of the occult. Things are beginning to improve, but remain patchy - which is why the Buckland title referred to above has such inconsistent results. In some library systems the same book can be seen to have different classmarks in different branches!

Central libraries – such as the Library of Congress – are hugely influential in determining how books are classified as many libraries will simply follow their lead and use the same classmark. Reasons why this doesn't lead to total uniformity are that some librarians will continue to use a certain classmark either out of habit; because they believe it will help their readers by placing them with other related books; or to maintain consistency of classification if they are using an older version of Dewey.

Unfortunately, even the Library of Congress seems to be inconsistent, with Buckland's "Wicca for One" (2004) getting the 'new' classmark of 299.94; and some more recent works, like Thea Sabin's "Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy and Practice" (2006) still being given the 'old' classmark of 133.43.

What this means in practice is that to get the most out of what your library has to offer you need to know your way around the shelves and look under several different classmarks. Nor is useful material confined just to the classmarks specifically for Witchcraft/Wicca.

With all the specifically Wiccan/Witchcraft texts available nowadays, and the innumerable sources on the web, it is some times easy to forget how much can be learned from books on folklore, comparative religion and mythology.

George Knowles has notably recounted how Laurie Cabot first came to Witchcraft, through study directed by a Witch who was one of the librarians at the Boston Public Library long before "Witchcraft Today" or other modern Witchcraft texts were available.

With this in mind, here is a list of classmarks where useful and relevant books can be found using the Dewey Classification (Examples of some texts which have actually been assigned these classmarks by the British Library are included in the notes):

133.4
Demonology and Witchcraft

133.43
Magic and Witchcraft
Perhaps the most widely used, and over used, classmark.

133.44
Spells, Curses, Charms
This is subdivided as follows:
.442 Love spells and charms
.443 Good luck spells and charms
.446 Therapeutic spells and charms

203.3
Public Worship and Other Practices: Witchcraft
Not widely used. (As far as the British Library goes - not ever used, and that is saying something!)

292
Greek and Roman Religions
The pagan religions of classical Rome and Greece. Also some general works on modern Paganism
i.e. The Busy Pagan: Living the Wheel of the Year in the Modern World/Graham Miller; illustrations by Anita Luckett.

293
Celtic and Germanic Religions
A very untidy section of the classification. Norse and Celtic Mythology/Religion are quite different things: Yet they are frequently found sharing the same classmarks right across this section.
i.e. Freyja - the Great Goddess of the North and The Celtic Year.

299
Other Religions
General catchall for books on Neopaganism that the classifying librarian can't think where to put!

Examples are: Offering to Isis: knowing the goddess through her sacred symbols, M. Isidora Forrest and Old peoples, new songs: a collection of songs and chants for the modern ’pagan’ community compiled and introduced by Aeron Medbh-Mara.

299.31 Ancient Egyptian Religion
Gods and Goddesses of Egypt
i.e. Egyptian paganism for beginners: bring the gods and goddesses into daily life

299.94
Religions based on modern revivals of Witchcraft:
Including Wicca
Although this classmark is technically for Witchcraft as a Religion, there is some evidence that librarians are doing the same as they did with 133.43 (only in reverse), and lumping Magic[k]al practice and religious practice together.
i.e. Circle, Coven and Grove: a Year of Magickal Practice / Deborah Blake.

345.420288
Criminal Law: Witchcraft
The law relating to Witchcraft
i.e. Witchcraft and the Act of 1604 / edited by John Newton and Jo Bath.

398.2
Myths and Legends
This classmark is primarily for Mythology as a cultural rather than a religious phenomenon: But of course there is much material that touches both aspects. This section is extensively subdivided, according to culture and location.

For instance:
398.2089916 - Celtic Mythology
398.3Folklore

As with Mythology above, there is much of interest hidden in this section.
i.e. Moon Customs and Superstitions / T.F. Thiselton-Dyer and Sabine Baring-Gould.

This table is far from comprehensive, and any comments would be welcomed for future revisions. What it does show clearly that there is much confusion and inconsistency amongst librarians about the best place to put works in the area of neopaganism: and that it can be very worthwhile to broaden a search for material beyond the obvious classmarks.

Good Hunting!

Copyright: Copyright J.P. Brettle 2008. Reproduction permitted if source and author acknowledged.  

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Recommended Reading

WICCA

* Books by Gerald Gardner...
Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner
The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner
High Magic's Aid by Gerald Gardner (fiction, but still worth reading)

* Books by Doreen Valiente
* Books by Vivianne Crowley
* Circle of Fire - Sorita D'Este & David Rankine
* Fifty Years Of Wicca - Frederic Lamond
* A Witches' Bible – Janet and Stewart Farrar
* Lid off the Cauldron - Patricia Crowther
* A Grimoire of Shadows - Ed Fitch

GOD AND GODDESS

* The Witches God and The Witches Goddess – Janet and Stewart Farrar

SABBATS

* Ancient Ways: Reclaiming Pagan Traditions - Pauline Campanelli

GENERAL REFERENCE

* Elements of Ritual – Deborah Lipp

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

* The Triumph of the Moon - Ronald Hutton
* Drawing Down the Moon - Margot Adler
* Wiccan Roots - Philip Heselton
* Aradia: Gospel of the Witches - Charles G. Leland  

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source:Beginner Guide To The 8 Sabbats

The Wheel of the Year as it is called, starts with Samhain and ends with Mabon. The following is the descriptions and associations for each Sabbat starting with Samhain.

Samhain (October 31st):

Samhain is a time to remember those who have left us. This is a time to remember our ancestors, both ancient and wise. This is the time when the barriers between our world and the next become blurred, and those from the other side are free to visit our world, as well as guide us. It is also the time when the Witches and Wiccans say goodbye to the god. Though this temporary as the God gets ready to be reborn from the Goddess. This is a time for reflection, to look back over the past year. A time to come to terms with the one great phenomenon of life in which we have no control of – Death. The year starts with Samhain, for it is in the dark half of the year. The great Druids believed that the day began with the setting of the sun; therefore, the dark half of the year is the beginning. New Years resolutions are made on Samhain. Samhain is the traditional day to raise a Covener within a circle.

Other Names: Third Harvest, Samana, Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Hallowe’en, and the Scottish Gaelic spellings for Samhain are Samhuin or Samhuinn.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Black, Orange, White, Silver, Scarlet, Dark Brown, Bronze and Gold.
Foods: Apples, Pumpkin Pie, Hazelnuts, Corn, Cranberry Muffins and Bread, Ale, Nuts, Cider, Turnips, Gourds, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry, and Herbal Teas.
Symbols: Jack-o-Lanterns, Photos of the Deceased, Apples, Squashes, Autumn Flowers, Fall Leaves, Gourds, Black Cats, Bats, Crows, Oak Leaves, Divination Acorns and Besoms.
Incense: Apple, Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Mugwort, Patchouli and Sage.
Candles: Black, Orange, White, Silver, and Gold.
Gemstones: All Black Gemstones (Jet, Obsidian, and Onyx), Carnelian, Jasper, Smoky Quarts, and Bloodstone.
Deities: Anubis, Arianrhod, Astarte, Cernunnos, Cerridwen, Crone, Dark Lord and Lady, Demeter, Hathor, Hecate, Horned God, Innana, Isis, Kali, Odin, Morrigan, and Lilith
Herbs:Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak Leaves, Sage, Pumpkin, Apples, Chrysanthemums, Thistle, Rosemary, Rue, Calendula, Sunflower Petals, Pumpkin Seeds, Apple Leaves, Mushrooms, Wild Ginseng, Wormwood, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Almond, Hazelnut, Passionflower, Nettle, Mandrake Root, Hemlock Cones, Garlic, Pine Needles, Acorns, and Straw.
Animals: Stag, Cat, Bat, Owl, Jackal, Elephant, Ram, Scorpion, Heron, Crow, and Robin.
Work: Sex Magick, Release of Bad Habits, Banishing, Faerie Magick, Divination of any kind, Candle Magick, Astral Projection, Past Life Work, Dark Moon Mysteries, Mirror Spells (reflection), Casting Protection, Inner Work, Clearing Obstacles, Uncrossing, Inspiration, Creative Visualization, and Contacting those who are no longer on this plane.
Tools: Besom, Cauldron, Tarot, Obsidian Ball, Pendulum, Runes, Ouija Board, Black Cauldron or Bowl filled with Black Ink or Water, and Magick Mirror.

Yule (December 21st):

Yule has the longest night and the shortest day of the year. It is the time when the Goddess gives birth to a son, the God. Witches and Wiccans celebrate the Festival of the God’s Rebirth. It is a time to honor the Holly King. Accomplishes of the past, love, togetherness, and love are also celebrated. These things are celebrated by burning the Yule Log in a bonfire. A portion of the Yule Log is always saved to light next years Yule Log. The Yule Log is usually oak. It is kept throughout the year to protect the home as well.

Other Names: Winter Solstice, Christmas, Alban Arthan, Finn’s Day, Festival of Sol, Yuletide, Great Day of the Cauldron, and the Festival of Growth.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold, Yellow, and Orange.
Foods: Roasted Turkey, Nuts, Eggnog, Cookies, Fruit, Pork, Ale, Roasted Apples and Mulled Wine.
Symbols: Yule Log, Evergreen Boughs, Wreaths, Holly, Mistletoe, Gold Pillar Candles, Baskets of Clove Studded Fruits, Poinsettias, Cinnamon Sticks, Ivy, Wheel, and Fir or Pin Bows.
Incense: Bayberry, Pine, Cedar, Rosemary, Juniper, Cinnamon, and Frankincense.
Candles:Red, Green, White, and Gold.
Gemstones:Ruby, Cat’s Eye, Blue Zircon, Turquoise, Serpentine, Emeralds, and Diamonds.
Deities: Athena, Attis, Dionysus, Fates, Frey, Freyja, Hathor, Lucina, Norns, Osiris, Woden, and the Horned God.
Herbs: Bayberry, Blessed Thistle, Evergreen, Frankincense, Holly, Laurel, Mistletoe, Oak, Pine, Sage, and Yellow Cedar.
Animals: Reindeer, the Stage, Mouse, Deer, Horse, Squirrel, Phoenix, and Bear.
Work: Peace, Harmony, Love, Happiness, Banishing Disease, Seeking Past Lives, Meditation, Singing Around the Hearth Fire, and Goals and Accomplishments.
Tools: Bells.

Imbolc (February 2nd):

Imbolc is the time to welcome spring, and celebrate the festival of the end of winter. It is a Festival of Light and Fertility. Imbolg is the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. The lengthening periods of light awaken her. The God is now young and lusty, but his power is felt during the longer days. Marking the return of Spring, the Earth feels his warmth. Imbolg represents new beginnings, spiritual growth, and the “sweeping of the old”.

Other Names: Imbolic, Candlemas, St. Bridget’s Day, Brides Day, Lady Day, Imbolg, Lupercus, and the Snowdrop Festival.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: White, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Light Green, and Brown.
Foods: Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Muffins, Dairy Products, Peppers, Onions, Raisons, Garlic, Poppy Seed Bread and Cakes, Herbal Teas, Spiced Wines, Potatoes, and Turnips.
Symbols: White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Yellow Flowers, Lamps, and a Dish of Snow.
Incense: Basil, Bay, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Rosemary, and Wisteria.
Candles: Brown, Pink, and Red.
Gemstones: Amethyst, Garnet, Bloodstone, and Onyx.
Deities: Bridget, Aradia, Gaia, Dagda, Pan, and Herne.
Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay, Blackberries, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Snowdrops, and Violets.
Animals: Sheep, Wolves, Bears, Stags, Eagles, Ravens, Groundhogs, Owls, and Snakes.
Work: Blessing the Seeds for this years Garden, Fertility and Purification, All Virgin and Maiden Goddess are honored, Candle Lightings, Stone Gathering, Searching for signs of spring, and Rituals of Initiation.
Tools: Plough and Garden Implements.

Ostara (March 21st):

Ostara marks the true fist day of spring. This is the time to celebrate the balance of seasons and the passage of Night into Day. The Goddess covers the earth with Fertility as she bursts forth from her sleep. The God stretches and grows into maturity. He walks among the greening earth and delights in the abundance of nature. On Ostara, the hours of the day and night are equal. This is a time of beginnings, of action, or planting seeds for future grains. As spring reaches its midpoint, night and day stand in perfect balance. (With light on the increase.) The young Sun God now celebrates a 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 and growth, and newborn animals. Ostara is the time of Fertility of the Earth.

Other Names: Eostre and Spring Equinox.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Light Green, Lemon Yellow, and Pale Pink.
Foods: Hard-Boiled Eggs, Honey Cakes, 1st Fruit of the Season, Leafy Greens, Dairy Products, Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, and Flower Dishes.
Symbols: Eggs, Rabbits, Seeds, Spring Flowers, Four-Leaf Clover, and Colored Ribbons.
Incense: African Violet, Jasmine, Rose, Sage, and Strawberry.
Candles: Gold, Green, and Yellow.
Gemstones: Aquamarine, Amethyst, and Red Jasper.
Deities: Diana, Artemis, Ostara, Eos, Eostre, Mars, Ares, The Green Man and The Maiden.
Herbs: Daffodil, Jonquils, Woodruff, Violet, Gorse, Olive, Peony, Iris, Tansy, Honeysuckle, and all Spring Flowers.
Animals: Rabbits, Hares, Robins, Dragons, Lambs, and Chicks.
Work: Planting, Coloring Eggs, Fertility Rites, Herb Work, Spells for new beginnings, prosperity, fertility, and potential.
Tools: Eggs, Baskets, and Green Clothe.

Beltaine (April 30th to May 1st):

Beltaine marks the emergence of the Sun God in manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lying amongst the grass and flowers and unit. The Goddess then becomes pregnant. Beltaine marks the return of vitality, of passions and hopes consummated. This is the last Spring Fertility Festival. It is time to dance around the Maypole, a symbol of Fertility. This Festival celebrates the union and marriage of the God and Goddess and reawakening of the Earth’s fertility at its greatest. The time for plating seeds has ended and the time to wait has begun. It is one of the two most important Sabbats of the year. Beltaine is the compliment of Samhain. The Barriers between our world and the next are again blurred. At Samhain the Otherworld visits us, at Beltaine we can visit the Otherworld. Jumping over the bonfire promotes fertility and prosperity. Wild Water is collected on this day and used the bathe in or used to drink for health. Beltaine literally means “Fire of Bel” (Celtic God of Light and Fire.). May is the month for sensuality and sexuality to be revitalized. The awakening of the Earth and her Children.

Other Names: Beltane, May Day, or May Eve.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Pink, White, Green, Soft Pink, Blue, Yellow, and Red.
Foods: Red Fruits, Herbal Salads, Red or Pink Wine/Punch, Large round Oatmeal or Barley Cake, Strawberries, Cherries, Passion Fruit, Kiwi, Marigold Custard, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Green Salads.
Symbols: Bonfires, Maypole, and Flowers.
Incense: Frankincense, Lilac, and Rose.
Candles: Dark Green.
Gemstones: Emerald, Orange Carnelian, Sapphire, Rose Quarts, Amber, and Malachite.
Deities: Flora, Diana and Artemis, Pan, Aphrodite, Venus and Maia.
Herbs: Honeysuckle, St. Johns Wort, Almond, Angelica, Ash Tree, Bluebells, Daisies, Hawthorn, Ivy, Lilac, Marigold, Dandelion, and Apple Tree.
Animals: Swallows, Doves, Swans, Cats, Lynx, and Leopards.
Work: Fertilize, Activities of Pleasure, Leaping Bonfires, Making Garlands, Dancing around the maypole, and Feasting.
Tools: Besom, Bonfire, and Cauldron.

Litha (June 21st):

Litha is the Summer Solstice. It marks the longest day of the year. Litha is the classic time for Magick of all kinds. Believe whatever is dreamt of will become true for the dreamer. This is a time to celebrate passion and success. Litha is the opposite of Yule. On this day of the longest daylight, life and light are abundant. This is the time when the Sun God has reached his greatest strength. Seated on his greenwood throne, he is God of the forests. The powers of nature are at their highest point. Bonfires are lit to represent the Sun God and to rouse love, purification, health, and fertility. Litha Eve is also special for adherents of the Faerie Faith.

Other Names: Midsummer, and Leetha.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Blue, Green, and Yellow.
Foods: Fresh Vegetables, Summer Fruits, Pumpernickel Bread, Ale, and Mead.
Symbols:Dried Herbs, Potpourri, Seashells, Summer Flowers and Fruits.
Incense: Frankincense, Lemon, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, and Wisteria.
Candles: Blue, Green, Gold, and Red.
Gemstones: Emerald, Jade, Lapis, and Diamond.
Deities: Ra, Bast, Mother Earth, Mother Nature, Father Sun, Father Sky, and the Oak King.
Herbs: Lavender, Chamomile, Roses, Daisies, Cheekweed, Apple, Vervain, and Lilies.
Animals: Butterflies, Caterpillars, Sea Creatures, Wren, Robins, Horses, Cattle, Satyrs, Faeries, Firebird, Dragon and the Thunder Bird.
Work: Herb Drying, protection, luck, health, transformation, career, and relationships.
Tools: Drums, Rattles, Bonfire, Mirrors for reflecting the sun or bonfire, Earth circles of stone energies.

Lammas (August 1st):

Lammas is the time for the first Harvest, when the plants begin to wither and drop their seeds for our use as well to ensure future crops. The Sun God losses his strength as the sun rises farther in the south each day and the nights grow longer. The God is dying, but living inside the Goddess as her child. We are reminded that nothing in the universe is constant. Lammas stands for the funeral games of Lugh. (Lugh referring to the Irish Sun God.) However, the funeral is not his own, but the funeral games he hosts for his foster-mother Tailte. For that reason, the traditional Tailtean Craft fairs and Tailtean Marriages are celebrated at this time.

Other Names: Lughnasadh, Cornucopia, Lughsasa, and Thingtide.

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Yellow, Orange, Green, and Brown.
Foods: Homemade Breads (Wheat, Oat, and Corn), Nuts, Wildberries, Apples, Rye, Berry Pies, Elderberry Wine, Ale, Corn, Rice, and Meadowsweet Tea.
Symbols: Corn Dolls, Wheat Weaving, Corn, and Wheat Stalks.
Incense: Aloes, Rose, and Sandalwood.
Candles: Orange and Yellow
Gemstones: Aventurine, Citrine, Peridot, Sardonyx, and Tourmaline.
Deities: Lugh, Demeter, Epona, Tailte, Cerridwen, and Rhiannon.
Herbs: Heather, Hollyhock, Grapes, Crab Apples, Sunflowers, and Pears.
Animals: Goats, Lamas, and Horses.
Work:Grains woven into God and Goddess symbols and Meditation.
Tools: Athame

Mabon (September 21st):

Mabon is the Autumn Equinox. Mabon is the completion of the Harvest that began at Lammas. Once again day and night are equal. The God prepares to leave his physical body and begin the great journey to the unseen, towards renewal and rebirth of the Goddess. Nature begins to die, laying in rest for next springs bounty. The Goddess nods in the weakening sun, but fire burns within her womb. We all take a moment to pay our respects to impending darkness. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight as we store our harvest of this year’s crops. Offerings of Ciders, Wines, Herbs, and Fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Witches and 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.

Other Names: Fall or Autumn Equinox

Correspondences and Associations

Colors: Orange, Dark Red, Yellow, Brown, Maroon, Deep Gold, Violet, and Indigo.
Foods: Corn Bread Cakes, Wheat Products, Breads, Nuts, Vegetables, Apples, Cider, Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, Wine, Ale, and Pomegranates.
Symbols: Acorns, Pine Cones, Baskets of Fallen Leaves, Ivy Vines, Dried Seeds, Dried Leaves, and Dried Flowers.
Incense: Benzoin, Myrrh, Pine, Cinnamon, Cloves, Jasmine, Frankincense, and Sage.
Candles: Brown, Green, Orange, and Yellow.
Gemstones: Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Agates, and Yellow Topaz.
Deities:Thor, Morgan, Green Man, Epona, and Land Mother and the Muses.
Herbs: Hazel, Corn, Acorns, Oaks, Wheat Stalks, Cypress Cones, Pine Cones, Thistles, Milkweed, Pine, Cedar, and Sage.
Animals: Dogs, Wolves, Stag, Owl, Eagle, Salmon, Goat, and Blackbirds.
Work: Celebration of the Second Harvest, Ritual sprinkling of leaves, protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence.
Tools: Red Alter Cloth and Bolline.  

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Recommended Sites

Archaeoastronomy.com - exact dates and times for the Sabbats

Luna Bar - great little download that let's you know the current moon phase (as well as other useful little tidbits)

Chronos XP - I haven't used this personally, but it has been recommended for those who like to track planetary hours/days for any given time or location.

2009 Pagan Calendar - general neo-pagan calendar

Intro E-Course - everything you might want to know about eclectic neo-paganism

Ritual Creation Worksheet - Need help planning the perfect ritual? Here is a very detailed worksheet that can help you create your own rituals. Definitely worth checking it out!  

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This is a link to a free online Wicca 101 course. Circle of Fire by David Rankine and Sorita d'Este is one of my favorite books, and this "course" is from their website.

Wicca 101

Lesson Index
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lesson 1 -- What Is Wicca?
Lesson 2 -- The Origins of Wicca
Lesson 3 -- Initiation, Self Dedication & Wicca
Lesson 4 -- Wiccan Beliefs
Lesson 5 -- Wiccan Ethics (The Wiccan Rede)
Lesson 6 -- What do Wiccans Do?
Lesson 7 -- The Goddess and God
Lesson 8 -- The Wiccan Wheel of the Year (Wiccan Festivals or Sabbats)
Lesson 9 -- Sacred Space : The Magick Circle
Lesson 10 -- Sacred Space : Altars & Shrines
Lesson 11 -- Air, Fire, Water, Earth & Spirit : The Five Elements
Lesson 12 -- Exploring the Elements
Lesson 13 -- Invoking / Inviting the Four Elements (Elemental Guardians)
Lesson 14 -- Elemental Ritual  

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