Samhain, the last harvest. A night of Witches and candy and hallowed mystery. It is Samhain. Or to the non-Witchy people, Halloween or All Hallows Eve. Samhain is the Witches' New Year. It is said that the veil between the worlds (life and death) is at its thinnest. This means that souls that have passed on may re-enter our world through reincarnation. It is this night that we bid farewell to the God. He passes into the underworld to become the seed of his own re-birth. We know he will be reborn soon during the Winter solstice and the wheel will spin on.

This is a night for divination, a time to recognize our own part in the cycle of life. Samhain is also a celebration of departed loved ones. A night to remember our friends and family members who have died. Many Pagans prepare a big feast for Samhain, leaving out food for the spirits. It is even a tradition at my house to leave a plate of food at the table for my dad who died three years ago.

So fly high, celebrate the spinning of the Wheel and remember to honor all of those who have gone to the other side and watch over us eternally.

Yule, the darkest time. The Winter solstice is the longest night of the year. It represents the birth of the God, the Sun Child and the hope for new light. Yule is a time of awakening. Time to configure your goals and leaving all your regrets behind. It is a time for high hopes and dream recognition.

Yule is a familiar word. It coincides closely with the whole Christmas celebration. The birth of Jesus and the birth of the Sun Child�very similar. The Roman celebration of the birth of the sun God Mithras was also observed on December 25. The Christians designed Christmas around the time of existing Pagan festivals to win allegiance of the population. You'll find that most Sabbats are followed by a similar Christian holiday.

Some Christmas "PAGAN" traditions include:

So turn those lights on and start planning your herb gardens!

The first true day of spring! It is the point of equilibrium. The balance of nature is suspended just before spring bursts forth from the long dark winter. Ostara is a time of freeing yourself from anything that is holding you back. It is a time to watch nature's rebirth, walk in the woods, cultivate herbs and rejoice in the season of spring. Energy is building around us as the days become warmer.

Put away those winter coats! Summer is coming.

Beltane is the time of the sacred marriage which honors the fertility of the Earth. It is the union of the God and Goddess. This is a time for marriages, love, union and developing your potential for personal growth. It is said Beltane should be honored by showing much love on this day. Be the loving person you know you are. Call up friends and let them know you care. Celebrate in a 'sexual' way with your partner. Join the earth in this fertility rite!

Love, Love, LOVE!

The longest day of the year. The time is of triumph for the light. This sabbat represents the Sun King in all of his glory. This is a time for healing and love magick. Beltane proved fruitful. The first harvesting time is approaching, the Earth is sharing her bounty. This is also a month for handfasting (marriage). Midsummer Night's Eve is supposed to be a good time to commune with the field and forest sprites and faeries.

Celebrate the summer. Heal and love.

The first harvest. This is the celebration of the first fruits of the harvest. The Sun King, now the Dark Lord, gives his energy to the crops to ensure life while the Mother prepares to give way to her aspect as the Crone.

Now is the time to teach what you have learned. Time to share the fruits of your achievements with the world. The sun is still burning brightly but already the days begin to herald the coming of Autumn.

Get out there and teach and inform.

The second harvest. The days and nights are now equal. It is a time of balance. Although gardens are at their fullest bounty, the air is becoming chilled. The Goddess is morning her fallen consort, but the emphasis is on the message of rebirth that can be found in the harvest seeds.

This is a good time to walk the forests again, gathering dried plants for herbal magick or ritual uses.

And the Wheel spins on to Samhain! As you can see it is a confusing cycle because the Goddess gives birth to her son and he was the father too�.confused? The Goddess is fertile on Beltane� thru her union with the Sun King she grows pregnant (to give birth to him at Yule) The Sun King dies at Samhain�..leaving the Goddess to give birth to him and raise him and then preform her union and so on and so on and so on!