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The Wheel of the Year

The year is a dancing woman who is born at the coming of spring
The year is a dancing woman of Her birth and death we sing...
In spring She comes to power when the red of Her moon blood come
And She dances and spins towards summer to the beat of Her passion's drums
'Tis then She becomes so fertile with the Life that is to come
And She flows with the Love that feeds us 'til the Harvest Time is done
Then dances and spins towards darkness all dressed in autumn fire
To descend to the time of shadow and rest from the world's desire
Now Her hair is touched with silver, Winter's wisdom claims her soul
And She births the spirit within us bringing light and hope to us all
Igniting a blaze in the darkness to kindle the coming spring
Then dreams 'til Her resurrection and Her story begins again...
The year is a dancing woman who is born at the coming of spring
The year is a dancing woman of Her birth and death we sing...
by Shekhinah Mountainwater

Samhain (sow' en) - Major Sabbat
15 degrees of Scorpio, or November 1: starts from sun down October 31, ends sun down November 1
Wiccan mythology: The death of the God
Samhain is the Wiccan New Year and the Feast of the Dead. It is times to honor and to say goodbye to loved ones who have passed on, especially if their deaths have occurred within the last year. Samhain is also a time for reflecting upon the last year, making plans for the upcoming one, and especially for banishing weaknesses or other undesired qualities within us.
How is it we start the year with a festival revolving around death? Death is necessary for rebirth, and the two frequently happen simultaneously. In many pagan cultures, the New Year was celebrated with chaotic festivities bringing on a symbolic end of the world. The Roman Saturnalia is one example.

The Goddess enters her Dark phase as she mourns her son and consort, and the Dark God takes up the ruler ship of winter, leading the Wild Hunt of the Fey upon the earth.

Also called the feast of apples. Bobbing for apples is a great game to play with family or children. Also carving apples is a fun activity to do. The custom of dressing in costume and 'trick-or-treating' is of Celtic origin with survivals particularly strong in Scotland. However, there are some important differences from the modern version. In the first place, the custom was not relegated to children, but was actively indulged in by adults as well. Also, the ?treat?, which was required, was often one of spirits (the liquid variety). College students who go ?trick-or-drinking? have recently revived this. And in ancient times, the roving bands would sing seasonal carols from house to house, making the tradition very similar to Yuletide wassailing. In fact, the custom known as 'caroling', now connected exclusively with mid-winter, was once practiced at all the major holidays. Finally, in Scotland at least, the tradition of dressing in costume consisted almost exclusively of cross-dressing (i.e., men dressing as women, and women as men). It seems as though ancient societies provided an opportunity for people to 'try on' the role of the opposite gender for one night of the year. (Although in Scotland, this is admittedly less dramatic - but more confusing - since men were in the habit of wearing skirt-like kilts anyway. Oh well...)

Come with me now as daylight ends;
the sun sinks low, black night descends;
into a world of sleep and dream,
moon and star shine and lamplight gleam.
Enter now and join the dance
of creeping shadow and midnight trance.
This is the dark kingdom
where colors change, and mystery reigns.
Enter now and join the dance.
Come With Me Now, Adrian Rumble

Yule - Minor Sabbat
Also know as Midwinter
Winter solstice (around December 22)
Wiccan mythology: The birth of the God
Yule is a celebration of life emerging from darkness and is honored with the exchange of presents. Evergreens, holly, ivy and mistletoe can be symbolic of the God, still living and green in the dead of winter.

Some major customs is bringing some of the out doors in side. Like setting up a Yule tree, wreaths (represent the sun), and mistletoe and the other plants associated with the season. Wassailing is another fun thing to do. Exchanging presents is also typical of this time of year. Burning a Yule log to represent the rebirth of the sun after his death.

Imbolc (im' molc) or (im' bolc) - Major Sabbat
15 degrees of Aquarius, or February 1
Wiccan mythology: Goddess recovers from childbirth, becomes Maiden.
Imbolc is the beginning of spring. The child God continues to mature, as can be witnessed in the lengthening days, and celebrations frequently center on light. The Crone Goddess of Winter makes way for the Maiden, who has recovered from childbirth and prepares the earth to begin its growth cycle once more. Imbolc is therefore also a holiday of purification, a stripping away of the old in anticipation of the new. Historically, Imbolc was an Irish holiday specifically dedicated to Brigid or Bride, goddess of creativity, smiting, and healing.

This is traditionally a time of purification ? clean your house! If you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now. Make your own Brighid?s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food. Put out food ? cake, buttered bread and milk will do ? outside your door: Brighid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and will appreciate your offering. Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brighid to bless: It can then be used for healing purposes. Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Bride's blessing upon your prayers
Also turning on all the lights in your house at midnight is a common custom for this Sabbat.

I am the unopened bud, and I the blossom,
I am the life force gathering to a crest,
I am the still companion of the silence,
I am the far flung seeker of the quest.
I am the daughter gathering in wisdom,
I am the son whose questions never cease,
I am the dawn-light searching out glad justice,
I am the center where all souls find peace.
by Caitlin Matthews

Eostara (os tar' a) - Minor Sabbat
Vernal equinox (around March 22)
Wiccan mythology: Sexual union of the Goddess and God (sometimes)
Eostara is a celebration of fertility, conception and regeneration as the earth recovers from winter and begins to bloom. It is also a triumph of light over dark as from now until Litha days will be longer than the nights.
In former days, Eostara was a time of sowing and planting. Today, Eostara is a time for putting plans into motion, sowing the seeds of ideas that may not reach fruition for many months.
The name Eostara is a misnomer. It's named for the goddess Eostre, but her festival wasn't associated with the equinox. I've seen unconfirmed suggestions that her festival was the first full moon after the equinox, which would make sense, since the Christian Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon after the equinox.
The union of Goddess and God varies by tradition. A few date it as early as Imbolc. Some attribute it to Eostara, others to Beltaine. Eostara has the benefit of being 9 months prior to Yule, when the Goddess gives birth.
Easter eggs!!! Celebrating life, where bright colors and hang ribbons in your window to attract good energies.

Beltaine - Major Sabbat
15 degrees of Taurus, or May 1
Wiccan mythology: Sexual union and/or marriage of the Goddess and God
Beltaine, the start of summer, is the most important Sabbat after Samhain. It is another fertility celebration, but mostly it is a celebration of joy and life. Named for the Celtic fire god Bel, the lighting of fires is a frequent component of Beltaine events. It's association with fire also makes Beltaine a holiday of purification.
It must be remembered that even our modern interpretations of these holidays are based on older holidays celebrated at a time when the year was marked by seasonal changes, not a calendar on the wall. On the continent, where Eostre was worshipped, the earth has generally returned to life by the vernal equinox. However, in Celtic Britain, the ground is still cold in March, and so Beltaine becomes the great festival of life, when Goddess and God have matured to unite as one.

On Beltaine, the Light God has matured to the age of ruler ship and takes over from the Dark God. The pregnant Goddess becomes Mother.

Wiccan weddings are frequently held on or around Beltaine. Maypoles, ribbons are warn in the hair, along with garlands of flowers. Making windsocks, and jumping a fire to get rid of bad habits. (according to Gardnerian Tradition) Staying up all night singing to usher in the spring.

It's May, it's May,
the lusty month of May,
That lovely month when everyone goes
blissfully astray.
It's here, it's here,
that shocking time of year,
When tons of little wicked thoughts
merrily appear.
It's May, that gorgeous holiday,
When every maiden letches for fun,
wholesome or un.
It's mad! It's gay, depraved in every way.
Those dreary vows that everyone takes,
everyone breaks, everyone makes divine mistakes.
The lusty month of May.

Litha - Minor Sabbat
Also known as Midsummer
Summer solstice (around June 22)
Wiccan mythology: Apex of the God's life
Celebrating the God's life, Litha is another fire festival. It is a holiday of transition, when the God transforms from young warrior to aging sage. It is a time for rejoicing, but also of introspection, making sure plans are still on track and correcting negative aspects of one's life.

Litha is a modern name for this Sabbat. There is no historical record of the name.
Staying up all night dancing around a bonfire. Get together with friends and just having a good time. Celebrate life at its peak. (in other words get together with your friends, get drunk, staying up all night around a camp fire J)

Lughnasadh (loo' na sah) or (loon' sah) - Major Sabbat
Also known as Lammas
15 degrees of Leo, or August 1
Wiccan mythology: Aging God
Lughnasadh is the start of Autumn and was the time of the first harvest, and so this is a holiday of fruition and also of preparation for the oncoming winter, as well as the God's impending death. The Goddess enters her phase as Crone. It is a time of giving thanks for all that we have, all that we will have, and all that others have sacrificed for us.

Feast of grains. Play games with friends and be thankful, kind of like Thanksgiving.
Remember that when each tree dies
a new acorn has already been planted
and will soon begin to sprout through to the Sun

Remember that we harvest
the tears as well as the laughter,
the pain along with the joy
Remember that in the end we harvest more, sometimes,
from our supposed losses
than we do from what we once thought gains
Remember that our lives on this plane
are like flames
each flame flickers in its cycles

Remember that whatever this life throws our way
we should be humble enough to know our weaknesses,
but not so humble that we forget our strengths,
Remember to rejoice
For it is only here on this earthly plane that
our fire burns brightly enough to warm the heart of another.

Mabon - Minor Sabbat
Autumnal equinox (around September 22)
Wiccan mythology: Decline of the God
Mabon was the second harvest, and as such becomes another holiday of thanksgiving. It is also the day when darkness once more overtakes light, and so it is a day of planning, reflection, and the contemplation of mysteries.

While a minor Sabbat, Mabon is named after a Celtic, not Germanic, god who was imprisoned only to return at a later date. The name does not appear to have been historically attributed to any festival.
The second harvest of corn. Still a festival of thanksgiving. Planning ahead for the winter.

Wheel of the Year: Circle of Sun and Seasons by Selena Fox
Study Group Guide for Pagan Paths Workshop
? 1995, Selena Fox, PO Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 USA; circle@mthc.net

Samhain
Also called: Halloween, All Hallows Eve, All Saints & All Souls, Day of the Dead
dates: October 31, early November
colors: black, orange, indigo
tools: votive candles, magic mirror, cauldron, pumpkins, divination tools
energy: death & transformation; Wiccan new year
goddesses: Crone, Hecate
gods: Horned Hunter, Cernnunos, Anubis
rituals: honoring ancestors, releasing old, foreseeing future, understanding death and rebirth
customs: jack o'lanterns, spirit plate, ancestor altar, divination, costumes

Winter Solstice
Also called: Yule, Jul, Saturnalia, Christmas, solar/secular New Year
dates: around December 21 colors: red, green, white
tools: mistletoe, evergreen wreath, lights, gifts, holly, Yule log, Yule tree
energy: regeneration & renewal
goddesses: Great Mother, Isis, Mary, Tonazin, Lucina, Bona Dea
gods: Sun Child, Horus, Jesus, Mithras, Santa/Odin, Saturn, Holly King
rituals: personal renewal, world peace, honoring family & friends
customs: wreaths, lights, gift-giving, singing, feasting, resolutions

Imbolc
Also called: Candlemas, Oimelc, Brigid's Day; merged with Lupercalia/Valentines Day
dates: February 2, early February
colors: white, red
tools: candles, seeds, Brigid wheel, milk
energy: conception, initiation, inspiration
goddesses: Brigid, Maiden
gods: Groundhog, other creatures emerging from hibernation; young Sun
rituals: creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, house & temple blessings
customs: lighting candles, seeking omens of Spring, cleaning house, welcoming Brigid

Spring Equinox
Also called: Ostara, St. Patrick's Day, Easter
dates: around March 21
colors: green, yellow
tools: eggs, basket, green clothes
energy: birthing, sprouting, greening
goddesses: Ostara, Kore, Maiden
gods: Hare, Green Man
rituals: breakthrough, new growth, new projects, seed blessings
customs: wearing green, egg games, new clothes, egg baskets

Beltane
Also called: May Eve, May Day, Walspurgis Night
dates: April 30, early May
colors: rainbow spectrum, blue, green, pastels, all colors
tools: Maypole & ribbons, flower crowns, fires, bowers, fields
energy: youthful play, exhuberance, sensuality, pleasure
goddesses: May Queen, Flora
gods: May King, Jack in the Green
rituals: love, romance, fertility, crop blessings, creativity endeavors
customs: dancing Maypole, jumping fire, mating, flower baskets

Summer Solstice
Also called: Midsummer, Litha, St. John's Day
dates: around June 21
colors: yellow, gold, rainbow colors
tools: bonfires, Sun wheel, Earth circles of stone energy: partnership
goddesses: Mother Earth, Mother Nature
gods: Father Sun/Sky, Oak King
rituals: community, career, relationships, Nature Spirit communion, planetary wellness
customs: bonfires, processions, all night vigil, singing, feasting, celebrating with others

Lammas
Also called: Lughnassad
dates: August 2, early August
colors: orange, yellow, brown, green
tools: sacred loaf of bread, harvested herbs, bonfires
energy: fruitfulness, reaping prosperity
goddesses: Demeter, Ceres, Corn Mother
gods: Grain God, Lugh, John Barleycorn
rituals: prosperity, generosity, continued success
customs: offering of first fruits/grains, games, country fairs

Fall Equinox
Also called: Mabon, Michaelmas
dates: around September 21
colors: orange, red, brown, purple, blue
tools: cornucopia, corn, harvested crops
energy: appreciation & harvest
goddesses: Bona Dea, Land Mother
gods: Mabon, Sky Father
rituals: thanksgiving, harvest, introspection
customs: offerings to land, preparing for cold weather, bringing in harvest

(Info taken from http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/PaganHolidays.html, http://www.glasstemple.com/info/index.php?conjure=sabbats_seasons, and http://wicca.timerift.net/sabbat.html, http://www.owlsdottir.com/calendar/wheel_of_the_year.html, and of course my personal knowledge)

Thanks, I was still a little confuesed as to what day celebrated what. It's a little more clear now.

I heart our Ivy. xd Thank you so much sister!! I'll actually read it once I'm done with my homework, along with your billion other posts. xd

I'm sure it'll be very helpful! I just need to focus on my homework sweatdrop ((which I'm not doing... xd ))

Okay!! Cya later sister! heart
*hugs*

That was really informative thanks biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile silly faces biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile smile biggrin smile smile smile biggrin smile biggrin smile biggrin smile smile

So.. Whoa. I think i just got confused. Now I feel stupid. With pagan traditions and such, the season are celebrated on different days then with tradition days on the calendar? So Summer is on... Beltaine, Fall on Lughnassadh, Winter on Samhain, and Spring on Imbolc? It's like a few months before... That explains... O_o ::shiver:: The confusion is overwhelming...

I just read that and got utterlly confused. It was well organized..I will read it into depth a bit more when I get the chance. Does anyone have any idea what they would be celebrating..tomorrow..such as feb 5th?...?

Well my friend and his girlfriend are in a coven...they're much older..and they invited me to something tomorrow night to do with the path of fire i think...I'm not quite sure if they are celebrating something in particular or?