The Sabbats
Yule, December 21 (approx.). Winter Solstice. From Norse Iul, "wheel". Time of the death and rebirth of the Sun God. The Holly King, God of the Waning Year, is killed by his brother, the Oak King, God of the Waxing Year, and the time of rising light begins. The Goddess in dual aspect: as Mother, giving birth to the Sun. As Crone, acting as midwife or presiding over the Oak/Holly rites. Many pagan traditions surrounding Yule have been incorporated into the Christian celebrations of Christmas. Woden as Santa. La Befana, the "good witch" of Italy who delivers presents on Twelfth Night. Celebration after the darkness of Samhain. Moratorium on initiations (in some Wiccan trads) ends.
Imbolg, Imbolc (im-MOL'g: "in the belly"), February 2. Days have visibly begun to lengthen. Groundhog Day; the anticipation of spring and banishment of winter. In more moderate climates, the Earth begins to quicken with the first stirrings of new growth (Mother aspect). Still, it is the Maiden who is dominant, symbolic of the youth of the year. A time for worshipping the Goddess in her Triple aspects,as with the Celtic Goddess Brigid/Bride. Fire festival, Candlemas; consecration of candles. In Brit Trads among others, the (in some cases, only) time for beginning Wiccan apprenticeships (and by the year-and-a-day system, for initiations).
Ostara (from Teutonic Goddess Eostre (from Isis, Astarte, Ishtar)), March 21 (approx.). Vernal Equinox. Day and night are again in balance, but now light begins to dominate. Again, Christian tradition has largely appropriated the pagan at this time. Hatching of the World Egg; death and resurrection theme of Attis, son and lover of Phyrgian Goddess Cybele. Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries; return of Persephone. Young God, trickster God, "April Fool."
Beltane, May 1. From Irish Gaelic Bealtaine (b'YOL-tinnuh), "May"; Scots Gaelic Bealtuinn (b'YAL-ten), "May Day". Worship of proto-Celtic god Bel, the Lord of light and fire. Celtic beginning of summer. After Samhain, the most important Sabbat. A fire festival, where couples leapt the flames for good luck, and cattle were driven between two fires for fertility. Celebration of the Sacred Marriage of the Goddess and God, of the impregnation of the Goddess (Maypole), who begins to assume Mother aspect. Emphasis on fertility, polarity, and sex. Frequently a time for relieving the tensions after a hard winter, with humour and sport where sexuality is inappropriate.
Litha (Midsummer), June 21 (approx.). Summer Solstice. The Sun God is at the height of his power, and solar deities (e.g. Apollo) are worshipped. Magical energy is at its peak. In some interpretations, the marriage (as opposed to the Beltane coupling) of the Goddess and the God.The Oak King dies at the hands of the Holly King, and the waning year begins.
Lughnasadh (LOO-nas-a) or Lammas, August 1. "Commemoration of Lugh", the Irish god of fire and light (solar deity). "This is the wake of Lugh the Sun King..." "Loaf-mass"; the celebration of the beginning of the corn/grain harvest and the killing of the Corn King. Sacrificial aspect of the God; the Goddess is still in Her fertile aspect as Mother (though according to some, She begins Her turning to the Crone by the act of taking up the sickle to begin the harvest). A time for baking bread, and sharing food. To many Wiccan groups, this is the time to sacrifice the first fruits of harvest in the Wicker Man, though originally this rite was more commonly celebrated at Eostre or Beltane, to empower the growing season with the sacrifice of the last of the winter's food.
Mabon (MAH-bon), September 21 (approx). Autumnal Equinox. Light and darkness are in balance, with dark ascendant. The end of the grain harvest, beginning of the root crop harvest. Time of the Greater Eleusinian Mysteries (myth of Demeter and Persephone). Hunting season; emphasis on the Horned God, and Goddesses and Gods of the Hunt. Goddess begins to assume Crone aspect.
Samhain (SOW-en, SAH-ven), October 31. (From Irish/Gaelic word for November). Traditional time for the slaughter of cattle to the minimum breeding stocks required to survive the winter. Time of frost, when ungathered crops must be abandoned, a time for rest after labour. Move from external activity to internal reflection. Veil between the worlds is thinnest, when communication with the dead is best possible; also a time for divination, and for dealing with death issues. Celtic New Year; the beginning of a new cycle. Appointment of a Lord of Misrule, to enable us to look chaos in the face and see the new patterns emerging. In some traditions of Wicca, beginning of moratorium on initiations.
July 31st Lughnasadh / Lammas
Lughnasadh means the funeral games of Lugh (pronounced Loo), referring to Lugh, the Irish 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 celebrated at this time.
This day originally coincided with the first reapings of the harvest. It was known as the time when the plants of spring wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops.
As autumn begins, the 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.
Traditional Foods:
Apples, Grains, Breads and Berries.
Herbs and Flowers:
All Grains, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sloe, Crab Apples, Pears.
Incense:
Aloes, Rose, Sandalwood.
Sacred Gemstone:
Carnelian.
Special Activities:
As summer passes, many Pagans celebrate this time to remember its warmth and bounty in a celebrated feast shared with family or Coven members. Save and plant the seeds from the fruits consumed during the feast or ritual. If they sprout, grow the plant or tree with love and as a symbol of your connection with the Lord and Lady. Walk through the fields and orchards or spend time along springs, creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes reflecting on the bounty and love of the Lord and Lady.
Blessed Be!
Copyright � 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved.
Jade got this info from Holidays by Akasha. Check out their site. It has a LOT of great info.
Mabon Ritual
Autumn Equinox, 2nd Harvest, September 21st
Tools:
In addition to your magikal tools you will need:
A Red Alter Cloth
A Wicker Basket
A Red Apple
Assorted Fruits and Vegetables of the Second Harvest (Berries, Squash, Corn, etc.)
A Bell
A Fallen Tree Branch
A Bolline
A Sprig or Two of Ivy
An Autumn Blend Incense
Any other Personal items of choice
Preparation:
Sweep area, moving in a deosil (clockwise) manner. Outline your Circle with a red cord, low vibration stones, or various Harvest items such as wheat, corn, beans, etc. Set up your alter and place the red alter cloth over it. At center top, place the wicker basket, filled with the assorted fruit and vegetables. Place the apple and the bolline on your Pentacle or a plate. Place the tree branch to the right of the basket. Place the rest of your tools and props according to your personal preference. Take a shower or bath for purity. Sit quietly and meditate to ground and center. When you are ready, begin by playing some soothing music associated with the Sabbat and your ritual.
Cast the Circle and call Quarters.....Pick up your Wand in your right hand, face your alter, and with arms stretched out above your head, say:
"I honor Thee, Autumn Queen, and Thy consort, the God of the Harvest.
The Wheel has once more turned, and the change of season begins.
What will be is. What was will be.
The Equinox is upon us, and the time to reflect, at hand.
All time comes together, here and now in this sacred space.
And I, but a moment in time, feel the change as I pass From one season to the next.
The Second Harvest has been reaped, and the time of rest is deserved.
Go now My Mother and slumber.
Go now My Father and dream of re-birth.
I shall be here to greet Thee on Your return."
With arms still out-stretched lower your head and close your eyes. Contemplate what you have just spoken. When ready, open your eyes and lower your arms. Pick up the apple and place it in the center of the Pentacle/plate. Cut it crosswise with the Bolline, to reveal the natural pentagram at it's core. Then lift half the apple, pentagram up, as if in offering, while saying:
"As the Wheel turns, the seasons pass, and the years give 'way To the next,
Guide me most Wise Ones,
Lest I forget
Every beginning has an ending
And every ending is a new beginning."
Take a bite of the apple. Put the rest aside to share later with the wildlife. Pick up the tree branch and shake once at each direction, starting with North, saying:
"As the days grow colder, and the nights last longer,
May I remember the summer past.
With sunlight fading, and hearth inviting,
My memories will warm my soul.
From a season of hard work and hard play,
I hear Mother's voice calling me forward.
While I rest, shall She lull me, with songs of a dream,
As close to Her bosom I cling."
Face the alter and hold the branch out in front of you with both hands, saying:
"With memories of the summer, least I never forget,
And aspirings for the colder months to come,
Least I never stop striving,
I honor Thee with this symbol of Nature,
Keeping it and Thee in my home and heart,
That I may see it and pause,
To reflect on the Ancient Mysteries,
Leading me to a better understanding of myself,
And of others, and all that is Life."
Put the tree branch on the alter, into the basket of fruit so that it sticks out, back in your direction. Contemplate on the various memory symbols that you have attached to it. Also contemplate on the various projects for autumn and winter that you have attached to it. Close your eyes and feel the seasons pass within the circle from summer to autumn. When ready, say:
"Between the worlds I stand in this sacred place.
All time is here and now.
As I leave this circle, the season shall have changed,
And I will have changed with it.
May I use the short time of Winter Finding
To draw the strength and power from within
As I quest for vision, understanding, and peace."
Pick up the sprig(s) of ivy, and wrap around your arms, from the elbow to the wrist. Pick up the Bell with your right hand, and ring thrice, to toll the passing of the first 3 seasons of the year. Now place it in your left hand and ring once to usher in the 4th and last season of the year. Place the bell on the alter and the ivy in your cauldron (for burning later).
"In Life is Death, and in Death is Life.
The Sacred Dance goes on and on
From whence we came, we shall return,
And come again.
Seasons pass, and pass again,
The circle stays unbroken
Heed the words of your child, here,
Through Your wisdom I have spoken."
It is now time for meditation and spellworking. Associated spellworkings would include those for protection, wealth, security, and self-confidence. If there is no spellworking, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then release the Circle. Clean up. You are done. Find an appropriate place in your home to display the decorated tree branch.
*Find a fallen tree branch. It need not be a large one, for it will adorn your alter, then go on display in your home. The more smaller offshoots from the main branch, the better. Mine has four, which I think is awesome! Next, take a couple of pine cones, small shells, dried flowers, or any other item that reminds you of the late spring-summer months. With some string, tie each to the offshoots. Also take yarn or ribbon of yellows, oranges, reds, and gold and tie one end to the offshoots. Then, on very thin strips of (colored) paper, write down some projects to work on during the upcoming ' dark ' months. Wrap these around the offshoots (like little cocoons) and tie closed with silver thread. These you will open over the next couple of months when you start feeling lethargic or without a sense of direction. I tie on a couple of small bells, to add some ambiance to my ritual...
***This ritual and the accompanying activity planner are dedicated to MadaRua, as she gracefully transcends from one season of Life to the next. Our prayers and blessings are with you...
--Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys to share withh all her friends and those of like mind--
Copyright � 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved.
Mabon
Autumn Equinox, 2nd Harvest, September 21st
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.
Symbolism of Mabon:
Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.
Symbols of Mabon:
wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.
Herbs of Maybon:
Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, solomon's seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.
Foods of Mabon:
Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Incense of Mabon:
Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage.
Colors of Mabon:
Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.
Stones of Mabon:
Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.
Activities of Mabon:
Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Spellworkings of Mabon:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.
Deities of Mabon:
Goddesses-Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.
Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hussle-bussle of everyday life. May your Mabon be memorable, and your hearts and spirits be filled to overflowing!
--Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys to share withh all her friends and those of a like mind.--
Copyright � 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved.
Jade gave me a Samhain update to post, so up it goes. Enjoy all!
Samhain Lore (October 31st)
Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.
It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. 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.
Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.
This was the time that the cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months. Any crops still in the field on Samhain were considered taboo, and left as offerings to the Nature spirits. Bonfires were built, (originally called bone-fires, for after feasting, the bones were thrown in the fire as offerings for healthy and plentiful livestock in the New Year) and stones were marked with peoples names. Then they were thrown into the fire, to be retrieved in the morning. The condition of the retrieved stone foretold of that person's fortune in the coming year. Hearth fires were also lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Third Harvest, Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow's Eve, (that day actually falls on November 7th), and Martinmas (that is celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the Witch's New Year.
Symbolism of Samhain:
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.
Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.
Herbs of Samhain:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.
Foods of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry.
Incense of Samhain:
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.
Colors of Samhain:
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.
Stones of Samhain:
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.
Once again, Jade got this info from Holidays by Akasha. Check out their site. It has a LOT of great info.
