| The Eight Pagan Sabbats Imbolc (February 2) The earliest whisperings of Springtide are heard now as the Goddess nurtures Her Young Son. As a time of the year associated with beginning growth, Imbolc is an initiatory period for many. Here we plant the "seeds" of our hopes and dreams for the coming summer months. Ostara (March 20-23) A time of life and birth. Ostara is the first day of spring and is one of the holidays that Easter is based on. Night and day are equal and bring a sense of balance. Beltane (May 1st) Beltane is a celebration of freedom, spring, happiness, and fertility. Bonfires, Maypoles wound, and flowers gathered. The rabbits, eggs, and baskets of Easter come from Beltane. Litha (June 20-23) Litha is the Summer Solstice and a celebration of the the Sun and the domination of day compared to night. Generally considered a masculine holiday due to the worship of the God or Sun God. Litha celebrates his birth from the Goddess as Summer emerges from Winter through Spring. Lughnasad (August 1st) Lughnasad is the first harvest of the year and is named after the Sun God Lugh. Often called Lammas, Lughnasad marks the end of the Summer and the nearing of Autumn. Breads and grains are a large part of the ceremonies to celebrate the gift of harvest from the Lady. Mabon (September 20-23) Mabon is the Autumn Equinox, the first solar day of Fall. It is the second harvest and marks the defeat of the day by the night. The female aspects begin to hold more sway. Samhain (October 31st) Samhain is the Pagan New Year and the third and final harvest. It is a day to remember our dead and tradition. Samhain is a very magickal time when the veils between the worlds thin. Samhain is opposite Beltane and is its Autumn equivalent. Yule (December 20-23) Yule is the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Many Christmas traditions come from Yule, such as decorating pine trees and the Yule Log. Yule is the full circle of the year when death and rebirth meet. |
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