Wheel O'The Year
SAMHAIN(so-when, sam-hane)- October 31, Major
Samhain, for Wiccans, is the start of the year and also the last of the hearvest Sabbats. The veil between worlds in thin, and communicating with the dead is most powerful now. This is also a holiday for introspection about the year in the past and what was achieved, and what can be changed for the next year. The Sun king has died and so one morns the loss of him aswell. Black is a common color, also fall colors of orange and red. Ritual consists of leaving food out for the spritis in reverance. I, myself, took the time to morn over the people I loved and lost over the year, and wish them a safe journey into the Summerland. Plus, it is better to wait to perform ritual after the trick-or-treaters have left and gone home.*s*
SabbatsYule, for some other pagans, is the start of the new year. This is because the night is longest here. The Sun is being reborn, and so is gone until dawn. Here, the acts of putting up a decorated tree, giving gifts, singing carols, and most other acts done at Christmas originated in paganism. Haven't you heard of "yuletide carols" or "yuletide cheer" in those Christmas carols? Now you know why. Colors are (surprise!) red and green with white. This has been a time for me, and perhaps you too, to celebrate my family, bake bread, open my gifts, and have fun. I still have to go to the Christmas celebrations for my family, but that just means more pumpkin pie! Ritual means honoring the birth of the Sun-Lord by the Lady. I also place an evergreen wreath on my altar adorned with ribbons.
SabbatsImbolic is the start of the Fire festivals. Winter begins to fade, and people begin to look towards spring( and if you live in the plains states, you really, really look hard for spring). In addition to fires, seeds are placed on the altar to be blessed. Thus, this marks the begining of growth of warmth. Colors are white and/or blue. Enjoy the warming of the Earth!
SabbatsAh! The first day of Spring, and the Equinox. This is a time to celebrate the beauty of the awakening Earth. The Lord is still young, and that is evident in the plants and animals. If you have plants, now is the time to fetilize them or set them out in the sun. You may also place them around your altar to be blessed. Now is also a time to ask the plant divas to gaurd them. Colors are usually white and or blue. I take the old, fallen leaves out of my garden and take care of the weeds before they get to wild. I also take stock in new projects, like cleaning and home improvment.
SabbatsNow it is the First day of Summer. All the trees have their leaves. The day is longest here, and most people begin BBQ-ing or hitting the water. You, aswell the most of us, Honor the Sun in it's highest glory. Mirrors may be placed at the altar to capture the sun's rays. Flowers and grasses are also placed on the altar. White is a common color, but I feel yellow is also appropriate. I light a gold candle especially on this day (although I place a gold candle on all Sabbats, but you may not be so inclined). Go out and enjoy the sun, and if clouds get in the way, have fun anyway!
SabbatsThis is the first of the Harvest Sabbats. Thanksgiving is done and feasting is enjoyed. Baked bread, vegtables, ect are eaten. I make cornbread. Since I do not live on a farm, I do not harvest corn or wheat, so corn bread (and sometimes wheat bread) is my way to honor those who do so or who have in the past. The Lord is dying, as the sun fades, so there is a dark note underlying the happy feasting. Red and orange may be used as your colors.
SabbatsThe first day of fall and the second harvest Sabbat. Brown, red, and orange are the colors, as they represent the leaves that are falling and dying. Acorns, dried leaves, and pine cones decorate the altar. Increasing awarness of the dying God is also prevalent. Try fruit pies or desserts to help honor the day.
Sabbats
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