Category: The Sabbats

Ancient Celebrations for Today LITHA

A lesser known Wheel of the Year celebration, Litha occurs during the Summer Solstice between June 19 -22.  More commonly referred to as Midsummer’s Night, Litha is believed to be a time when faerie folk pass into the human world at Twilight and offer blessings.  Litha is a time to celebrate the abundance and beauty of Mother Earth. Flowers are in bloom and gardens are producing fresh vegetables and fruits. Gather family and friends to celebrate the longest day of the year and coming harvest season.

History of Litha

Midsummer Night is the longest day of the year and has been celebrated in some fashion since ancient times.  In Pagan tradition, Litha marked the end of the Oak King’s reign and the rise of the Holly King, who oversees the world as the days gradually get shorter as the world descends into the cold dark of winter.

Like Beltane, fire is an element of Litha. Bonfires were lit to assist the sun as it journeyed across the sky, changing course and shortening the days.  It was believed that the faerie realm was the most accessible during Midsummer Night.

Litha was also a celebration of the Celctic goddess Danu (Anu) who represents earth and fruitfulness.  According to Irish mythology Danu was the Universal Mother of Tuatha De Danaan – a tribe of ancient people in Ireland believed to have invaded Ireland and ruled until being defeated in war on midsummer’s day, after which they retreated to the hills and eventually became the Faerie folk.

As Christianity swept across Europe in the early middle ages, Litha / Midsummer Night was adopted by the Catholic church as St. John’s Day, celebrating John the Baptist.

Setting Intentions at Litha

Symbols of Litha

Ways to Celebrate Litha

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: mabonhouse.co

What Is Yule? What Is a Yule Log?

The Story Behind Yule and the Yuletide Season

By Catherine Boeckmann

Are you familiar with the tradition of the Yule log? Or perhaps you like to “troll the ancient yuletide carols”? Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world—celebrated on the solstice. Learn more about this centuries-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule log cake!).

What Is Yule?

Today, “Yule” and “Yuletide” are largely synonymous with “Christmas” and “Christmastide,” but the meaning behind them is quite different from that of the Christian holiday.

“Yule” comes from Old English geol, which shares a history with the equivalent word from Old Norse jól. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. After the solstice—the shortest day of the year—the days again begin to grow longer, so it’s thought that Yule was a celebration of the reappearance of the Sun and the fertile land’s rebirth.

The celebration of Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a significant part in their lives. The customs and traditions associated with it vary widely. Most commonly, the celebration consisted of a hearty feast and general revelry, which included wassailing (caroling), drinking, and dancing.

Later, when Christianity came to the British Isles, Christians adopted aspects of the pagan festival into a celebration of the birth of Christ. As Christianity began to spread in the 4th century, the Christmas feast day was set on December 25 by Pope Julius I to align with the Roman pagan holiday Dies natalis solis invicti, “the birthday of … Click here to read the rest of this article Source: almanac.com

Esbats and Sabbats – The Holy Days of Witchcraft c.2013

Esbats and Sabbats – The Holy Days of Witchcraft

By

Every religion has its own days of power, reverence and  celebration. Wicca is no different in this regard. The holidays that Wiccans  celebrate are referred to as Sabbats, or the Eight High Holy days. They occur  approximately every six weeks, and denote the changing of the seasons. The sun,  as a representation of the God, is revered during a sabbat, and the ceremony for  a particular holiday is often performed at high noon. The other type of holy day  that is more familiar to most people is the Esbat. The Esbat is a monthly  occurrence that generally coincides with the moon being full. It is the night  when witches gather to perform ritual and magickal workings for the coming  month.

This article will detail all of these holy days and  hopefully shed a little light on what witches do throughout the year to honor  their Deities.

The Esbat
As stated  above, the Esbat is a ceremony that coincides with the cycles of the moon.  Generally, the day that it is done occurs when the moon is full, though this is  not necessary. The full moon is significant because witches firmly believe that  the power of magickal workings wax and wane with the phases of the moon. When  the moon is waxing, or becoming fuller, it is good to perform rites that are  drawing things to you or increasing positive influences in general. When the  moon is waning, or diminishing, it is good for banishing influences that are no  longer wanted, or getting rid of negativity. Yet when the moon is full, the  magickal workings are at their peak, and it is good for nearly any rite that a  witch may wish to perform. The new moon, or dark moon, occurs when the moon is  not visible at all. During this time, the rites that are performed are either  for extreme protection rites or negative magicks.

On whatever day the esbat is performed, it is done in the  evening or at night. The reason behind this is that these rites are meant to be  working with the Goddess, who represented by the moon.

The actual process of performing the esbat can be summed  up very concisely. The witch or coven will gather at a designated ritual space.  There, they will cast a circle, and perform rites that will raise their magickal  and psychic power, and then direct that power at their desired goal. Since there  are so many variables as to what a witch or group of witches may wish to direct  their energy, it is difficult to offer up an example of what these rites may  entail.

However, one of the things that is a common theme among  esbats is that it is a time for connecting and communing with Deity. This is  often done by the reciting of The Wiccan Rede and The Charge of the Goddess  while in circle. Afterwards, time may be spent in either meditation or  performing acts of divination with tarot cards, runes or other means. This is  followed by a communion of cakes and wine, where the gathered witches will  celebrate their coming together and catch up on the previous month and make  plans for the coming one. Then the ritual circle is opened, the leftover cakes  and wine are offered up to Nature, and the witches will go their separate  ways.

The Eight High Holy Days
There are eight major holidays that Wiccans celebrate:
– Samhain (pronounce saw-vin or sow-en)  – Yule – Candlemas – Ostara – Beltane – Midsummer –  Lammas – and Mabon

Each of the Holy Days represents a different turning of  the seasons, and a different phase of life. The common representation of these  phases is the God, though many practitioners incorporate an aspect of the  Goddess in some fashion as well. They are primarily Sun festivals, and, unlike  esbats, the rituals are often performed when the sun is at its highest in the  sky.

Sabbats are usually large gatherings where entire families  will come together and celebrate with food and drink in addition to the  religious rites.

Samhain
Samhain is  probably the most recognizable of all of the Wiccan Sabbats. It falls on October  31st and signifies the ending of one cycle of the year. While many view it as  the beginning of the next yearly cycle, that does not actually occur until Yule  in December.

The main symbolism behind this holiday is death and  honoring loved ones that have passed on. It is commonly thought that on this  night, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and witches take  advantage of this opportunity to communicate with their family and friends who  have passed on.

Samhain is also the last harvest festival of the year, and  the last opportunity for the coven and their families to come together to share  their resources before digging in for the winter. The period of time between  Samhain and Yule is spent contemplating plans for the coming year and  remembering the year that has passed.

Yule
Yule is  generally thought to coincide with the Christian holiday of Christmas. This is  not precisely so. Yule actually falls on the day of the winter solstice, which  generally falls on or around December 21st.

The significance of this holiday is that of rebirth. This  is the day where the days begin to grow longer, and the sun is making a  comeback. The general representation of this is of Holly King, a Dark God,  passing and being replaced by the Oak King, or Sun God. Though the sabbat that  signifies the beginning of the year may vary from tradition to tradition, this  is the one that is most popular in signifying the beginning of the year.

All of the sabbats represent a phase of life, and Yule  falls into the fertility category. This is a time of conception, where the  beginnings of life begin to stir. When covens and families come together on this  holiday, plans begin to be made for the coming year, as well as preparations for  the coming spring.

Candlemas
Candlemas  is also known by the name of Imbolc. It is well and truly the first fertility  festival of springtime. The specific date that this day falls on varies from  tradition to tradition, but it can be anywhere from January 31st to February  2nd. At this time, we are beginning to see the very first signs of spring, and  the renewal of life.

The festivities for Candlemas all center on clearing out  the old and making way for the new. The Maiden aspect of the Goddess is honored  at this time, as are any Gods and Goddesses that relate to love and fertility.  This holiday is considered an especially auspicious time for a new marriage or  relationship.

One of the traditional symbols of Candlemas is the plough.  They are often decorated and incorporated into the festivities. Another  tradition for the holiday is to create a besom, a simple broom constructed of  twigs or straw, and use it to ritually cleanse the home. It is then placed near  the front, symbolizing sweeping out the old and welcoming the new.

Ostara
Also called  Eostar, this High Holy Day falls on the spring equinox, on or near March 21st.  This is the second of the three fertility festivals. Springtime is coming on  full force at this time, and planting for the year’s crops is well underway. New  spring growth can be seen everywhere, and the Gods are petitioned for luck with  the crops and the home.

Two of the traditional symbols for this holiday are the  egg and the rabbit. The egg is an emblem of new life and new growth, and it is  incorporated into many ritual workings and festivities at this time. The rabbit,  known for its prolific mating habits, is also a symbol of growth and abundance.  Both also symbolize change. The Christian faith has fully adopted both of these  symbols into their celebrations that occur at near the same time.

Beltane
Also know as  May Day, this Holy Day falls on May first. It is the last of the fertility  festivals for the year, and with it comes unabashed sexuality for many  traditions. The May Pole is one symbol of this holiday that is found throughout  many traditions. It is a tall pole set in the ground, symbolizing the Sun God  uniting with Earth. It is decorated with long ribbons and fresh flowers, and, of  course, maidens traditionally dance around the pole.

One of the traditional May Day activities for this holiday  is to secretly leave baskets of flowers and goodies at the doors of your  neighbors.

Generally, this is a holiday that celebrates and revels in  the return of the sun.

Midsummer
This Holy  Day celebrates the God, represented by the sun in all of his glory. It is  celebrated on the summer solstice, when the longest day of the year takes place.  Midsummer is neither a fertility festival nor a harvest festival. In this way,  it is similar to Yule. On this day, rites often center on protection for the  home and family for the coming year, rites of divination, and celebrating the  abundance of The Oak King in his prime of life.

For those who work with faerie energy in their rites,  Midsummer is an ideal time to commune with them. It is a common tradition for  witches to go out in the twilight and look for faerie folk in stands of oak, ash  and thorn trees.

Lammas
Another name  for this holiday is Lughnassadh. It occurs on August 1st, and it is the first of  the three harvest sabbats celebrated by witches. Attention turns now to harvest  the crops and gardens, and preparations begin for the coming winter. The days  are beginning to grow shorter, and the Sun God begins to lose his strength as  the days grow shorter.

As this is the time of year when we first begin to reap  the bounties of harvest, it is often a holiday accompanied with feasting and  celebration. Decorations and dollies are often made from dried ears of corn, and  used in rites and to decorate the home.

Mabon
Mabon is the  primary harvest festival, counterpoint to Ostara, and it occurs on the Autumnal  Equinox. On this day, witches pay homage to retreating daylight, and prepare for  the coming winter. This holiday symbolizes the God in old age and readying for  his impending death and rebirth.

Though this holiday is a little more somber than the rest  of them, it is also one where Wiccans are sure to give thanks for what they have  received throughout the past year. It is a popular time of year for witches and  pagans to give back to their communities, and generally share their bountiful  harvests.

With so many holidays to celebrate, Wiccans always have  something to look forward to in their faith. As the seasons come and go, witches  around the world celebrate the wheel of the year. Though traditions and names  may be a little different from place to place, they are all basically the same  at heart.  Thanks for reading, and, as  always: Blessed Be!!

All About Beltane c.2015

April’s showers have given way to rich and fertile earth, and as the land greens, there are few celebrations as representative of fertility as Beltane. Observed on May 1st (or October 31 – November 1 for our Southern Hemisphere readers), festivities typically begin the evening before, on the last night of April. It’s a time to welcome the abundance of the fertile earth, and a day that has a long (and sometimes scandalous) history. Depending on your tradition, there are a number of ways you can celebrate this Sabbat. First, you might want to read up on:

Rituals and Ceremonies

Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Beltane, but the focus is nearly always on fertility. It’s the time when the earth mother opens up to the fertility god, and their union brings about healthy livestock, strong crops, and new life all around.

Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying — and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.

Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind the celebrations of May Day? Learn why the Romans had a big party, and who the popular fertility gods are.

Beltane Magic

Beltane is a season of fertility and fire, and we often find this reflected in the magic of the season. Let’s look at some of that spring magic, from ritual sex to fertility magic, along with the magic found in gardens and nature.

Crafts and Creations

As Beltane approaches, you can decorate your home (and keep your kids entertained) with a number of easy craft projects. Start celebrating a bit early with fun floral crowns and a Maypole altar centerpiece.

Feasting and Food

No Pagan celebration is really complete without a meal to go along with it. For Beltane, celebrate with foods that honor fertility of the earth. Enjoy light spring soups, Scottish bannocks, fertility bread loaves, and more.

Related Articles

Source: paganwiccan.about.com

Beltaine Correspondences c.2014

Beltaine Correspondences

Also known as: May Day, Bealtaine, Beltane, Bhealtainn, Bealtinne, Festival of Tana (Strega), Giamonios, Rudemass, and Walburga (Teutonic), Cetsamhain (opposite Samhain),Fairy Day ,Sacred Thorn Day, Rood Day, Roodmas (the Christian term for Rood Day, Old Beltane, Beltain, Baltane, Walpurgis Night, Floriala (Roman feast of flowers from April 29 to May 1), Walpurgisnacht (Germanic-feast of St. Walpurga), Thrimilce (Anglo-saxon), Bloumaand (Old Dutch)

Date: May 1

Animals: Swallow, dove, swan, Cats, lynx, leopard

Deities: Flower Goddesses, Divine Couples, Deities of the Hunt, Aphrodite,

artemis, Bast, Diana, Faunus, Flora, Maia, Pan, the Horned God, Venus, and all Gods and Goddesses who preside over fertility.Tools: broom, May Pole, cauldronStones/Gems: emerald, malachite, amber, orange carnelian, sapphire, rose quartzColors: green, soft pink, blue, yellow, red, brown

Herbs and Flowers: almond tree/shrub, ash, broom, cinquefoil, clover, Dittany of Crete, elder, foxglove, frankincense, honeysuckle, rowan, sorrel, hawthorn, ivy, lily of the valley, marigold, meadowsweet, mint, mugwort, thyme, woodruff may be burned; angelica, bluebells, daisy, hawthorn, ivy, lilac, primrose, and rose may be decorations, st. john’s wort, yarrow, basically all flowers.

Incense: frankincense, lilac, rose.

Symbols and Decorations: maypole, strings of beads or flowers, ribbons, spring flowers, fires, fertility, growing things, ploughs, cauldrons of flowers, butterchurn, baskets, eggs

Food: dairy, bread, cereals, oatmeal cakes, cherries, strawberries, wine, green salads.

Activities and Rituals: fertilize, nurture and boost existing goals, games, activities of pleasure, leaping bonfires, making garlands, May Pole dance, planting seeds, walking one’s property, feasting

Wiccan mythology: sexual union and/or marriage of the Goddess and God

It’s association with fire also makes Beltaine a holiday of purification.

Wiccan weddings are frequently held on or around Beltaine

Source: PaganPages.org

Samhain

Samhain Sources: bbc.co.uk

Samhain (pronounced ‘sow’inn’) is a very important date in the Pagan calendar for it marks the Feast of the Dead. Many Pagans also celebrate it as the old Celtic New Year (although some mark this at Imbolc). It is also celebrated by non-Pagans who call this festival Halloween.

Samhain has been celebrated in Britain for centuries and has its origin in Pagan Celtic traditions. It was the time of year when the veils between this world and the Otherworld were believed to be at their thinnest: when the spirits of the dead could most readily mingle with the living once again. Later, when the festival was adopted by Christians, they celebrated it as All Hallows’ Eve, followed by All Saints Day, though it still retained elements of remembering and honouring the dead.

To most modern Pagans, while death is still the central theme of the festival this does not mean it is a morbid event. For Pagans, death is not a thing to be feared. Old age is valued for its wisdom and dying is accepted as a part of life as necessary and welcome as birth. While Pagans, like people of other faiths, always honour and show respect for their dead, this is particularly marked at Samhain. Loved ones who have recently died are remembered and their spirits often invited to join the living in the celebratory feast. It is also a time at which those born during the past year are formally welcomed into the community. As well as feasting, Pagans often celebrate Samahin with traditional games such as apple-dooking.

Death also symbolises endings and Samhain is therefore not only a time for reflecting on mortality, but also on the passing of relationships, jobs and other significant changes in life. A time for taking stock of the past and coming to terms with it, in order to move on and look forward to the future.

Ancient Celtic celebrations

Not only did the Celts believe the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead dissolved on this night, they thought that the presence of the spirits helped their priests to make predictions about the future.

To celebrate Samhain the Druids built huge sacred bonfires. People brought harvest food and sacrificed animals to share a communal dinner in celebration of the festival.

During the celebration the Celts wore costumes – usually animal heads and skins. They would also try and tell each other’s fortunes.

After the festival they re-lit the fires in their homes from the sacred bonfire to help protect them, as well as keep them warm during the winter months.

Ostara’s Meaning, Traditions and A Simple Ostara Ritual

From otherworldlyoracle.com

The Spring Equinox is knocking on our dew-stained windows, beckoning us to remember its beauty and release. Many Wiccans, witches and Pagans celebrate the Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, which falls around March 21st on the calendar each year. Learn all about Ostara’s meaning, how to celebrate Ostara with old and modern traditions, and adapt our simple Ostara ritual as your own.

Ostara and Easter’s Similar Origins

The word Ostara originates from a Spring Goddess’s name—Eostre. The symbols of Ostara are uncannily similar to the traditions of the Christian holiday Easter. Why is this? To find Jesus’ Resurrection Day on the calendar – look at the first full moon following the Spring Equinox, and Easter will be on the first Sunday following the full moon. If it happens the first full moon of Spring falls on a Sunday, then Easter will be on the following Sunday.

Easter & Fertility

The word Easter looks a lot like the Spring Goddess’s name Eostre, doesn’t it? There’s no coincidence there! Ostara (the Spring Equinox) was celebrated by Germanic people and by the Anglo-Saxons. Fertility and rebirth of the earth were the two main reasons for Ostara festivities. The earth is returning to its abundant greenness and the sun is returning to the high skies. Flowers are budding, lambs are bleating in the fields, and the whole of nature is singing.

Ostara Symbols and Traditions

The Easter Bunny is an image on a pedestal with the likes of Santa Claus and The Tooth Fairy. But where does the Easter Bunny come from? Just like so many other historical Holiday icons and traditions, the Easter Bunny was born from Pagan customs. Bunnies are cute, fluffy, and hippety-hoppety. But they’re also known for mating. LOTS of it. It should come as no surprise the Rabbit is one of Ostara’s original symbols of fertility. In addition, there’s speculation the goddess Eostre once had a consort who was part-rabbit.

Easter Eggs

Easter Eggs are another symbol of fertility and rebirth. Christians claim Easter eggs represent Christ’s Resurrection – an egg inevitably means new life or birth into a new life. The “dying of eggs” tradition may have its roots in the ancient Zoroastrians’ painting egg ritual on the Spring Equinox. Painting eggs is a common activity at various times of the year for many countries, including Ukraine, the U.S., Austria, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Bulgaria.

Flowers

Another image that is widely associated with Ostara and Easter…the flower. The symbol of the flower is new life. Flowers have an uplifting effect on us. Their bright colors prove even though there is a time for death, there will always be a time for rebirth. This Ostara, pick some wildflowers and place them in a vase on your table or altar. Or decorate your table with Spring greenery. It will remind you of the beauty of Spring and of the true meaning of Ostara (and Easter, for that matter) which is new life.

13 SIMPLE Ways to Celebrate Ostara …

A Simple Ostara Ritual

If you’re looking for simple Ostara rituals, here’s one of ours to adapt to fit your needs.

On Ostara, stand outside somewhere private. Breathe in the air and remind yourself why Spring is special and magical. Let old memories of the Springtime and Ostara arise in your mind. Holding the joyful memories of spring in your mind:

Turn and face the direction of the sun. Thank the sun for its grand return to the sky and ask for its blessings upon the land.

Thank Mother Nature for her nourishment and love.

If you have shoes on, remove them and allow the earth’s energy to rise into your feet and gradually up your legs and then through the rest of your body.

Choose the nearest tree and walk over to it, still feeling the earth’s energy undulating in waves throughout your body. Hold your hand out to the tree, fingers up and place your palm against the tree, as if saying hello.

Let the tree’s energy flow into your fingers and palm and then into your arm, slowly meeting and mixing with the energy still rising from your feet. Place your other palm against the tree to greet the tree’s spirit.

Let the tree’s energy fill the top portion of your body, including your mind and heart. At this point, you will feel the earth and tree’s energy meeting and combining. If you cannot feel it physically, feel it with your mind and spirit.

Visualize the energies mixing and filling your body fluidly. This is the spirit of Spring and the soul of nature.

Wrapping Up the Ritual…

To end your Ostara ritual, be sure that both of your feet are flat upon the ground and both palms are flat against the same tree. Imagine some of your energy and spirit flowing out from your heart chakra and into the tree.

Think of your solar plexus as sending waves of your energy down through your legs, through your feet and into the earth. This is to give some of yourself to the earth, as you have taken some of its energy in this rite.

Once more, face the sun (don’t stare directly at it), and thank the sun for its warmth and thank the earth for its upcoming gifts to us this Spring.

After you have performed this simple Ostara ritual, remember the exchange of energies for the rest of the day. Remember why we love Spring and be grateful for all of the fruitfulness of the earth. If we take, we must give something in return.

Ostara Recipes: 15 Spring Equinox Foods and Meals Source: otherworldlyoracle.com

Egg Cleanse: How To Do An Egg Cleansing & Read the Meaning Source: otherworldyoracle.com

Spell For Ostara – Ostara Chant

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Ostara Chant

The Wheel of the Year is now turning,

The day and the night the same length

Ostara is ruling the springtime

The Sun Child is gaining his strength

Sow your seeds now in the springtime

The Goddess gives her blessing to the land

Renews the life-force of the Earth

The Sun Lord’s coming is at hand

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Mabon

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Exploring Mabon Correspondences Source: bryjaimea.com

Colours.

Red.

Red symbolises the turning leaves and the life force of the harvest. It evokes the passion and energy of the season and reminds us of the vitality in both the Earth and our own lives. This powerful colour is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life, where endings and beginnings coexist. The fiery hues of red can ignite our inner drive and enthusiasm, making it a great choice for rituals that seek to inspire motivation and action.

Incorporating red into your Mabon celebrations can be done in various ways. Add red candles to your Mabon altar to symbolise the warmth and energy of the season, or wear red during your rituals to embody the passion and power of the harvest. You can also use red leaves, flowers, or fruits as decorations, which enhances the visual representation of the equinox. Red is also linked to the root chakra, which is associated with grounding and survival, reinforcing the idea of staying rooted while celebrating the abundance around us.

Orange.

Orange represents the harvest and the warmth of the autumn sun. It’s a colour of abundance and creativity, perfect for rituals and spells focused on gratitude and bringing projects to fruition. The warm, inviting nature of orange encourages us to embrace the fruits of our labour and to be thankful for the prosperity in our lives. This colour is also associated with the sacral chakra, which governs creativity and emotional expression.

Using orange in your Mabon practices can help you tap into the creative energies of the season. Decorate your altar with orange pumpkins, squash, and other harvest fruits, or use orange candles to symbolise the ongoing warmth and light as the days grow shorter. Wearing orange can also enhance your connection to the creative and abundant energies of Mabon. Additionally, orange flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums can be placed on your altar or around your home to bring in the vibrant energy of the season.

Brown.

Brown is the colour of the Earth and signifies grounding and stability. It’s a reminder of the solid foundation that supports our growth and the stability that comes from being connected to the land. This earthy colour helps us stay grounded and balanced, especially as we prepare for the introspective months ahead. Brown is also associated with the base chakra, which connects us to our physical existence and the material world.

Incorporate brown into your Mabon decorations and rituals to deepen your connection to the Earth. Use brown altar cloths, stones, and other natural elements to create a grounding atmosphere. You can also wear brown clothing during your rituals to symbolise your bond with the land and the cycles of nature. Adding elements like acorns, pinecones, and items made from wood to your altar can further reinforce the grounding energy of brown. This colour encourages us to reflect on our roots and appreciate the stability that comes from being connected to the natural world.

Foods.

Apples.

Apples are a quintessential symbol of Mabon, representing wisdom, harvest, and the turning of the seasons. These fruits have been celebrated in various cultures for their mystical and symbolic properties. In many traditions, apples are associated with knowledge and the divine, often linked to deities and myths involving wisdom and immortality. During Mabon, apples can be used in many different ways in your celebrations and rituals.

In rituals, apples can be used as offerings to deities, particularly those associated with harvest and wisdom, such as Demeter or Mabon ap Modron. You might also use apples in your spellwork for clarity, insight, and health. Carving symbols or intentions into the skin of an apple before consuming it or placing it on your altar can imbue it with magical intent.

For your Mabon feast, you can make all sorts of apple dishes, from apple pies and tarts to spiced apple cider. These treats not only celebrate the harvest but also bring a sense of warmth and comfort as the season shifts. Including apples in your meal is a delicious way to honour the abundance and wisdom of the equinox.

Squash and Pumpkins.

Squash and pumpkins are abundant during this time and symbolise nourishment and the harvest’s bounty. These hardy fruits and vegetables are staples of autumn, representing the culmination of the growing season and the sustenance they provide. The presence of squash and pumpkins in Mabon celebrations highlights themes of abundance, gratitude, and the nourishment that sustains us through the colder months.

Include squash and pumpkins in your meals to fully embrace the spirit of the harvest. They can be used in soups, stews, and roasted dishes, adding rich, earthy flavours to your Mabon feast. These foods are not only nourishing but also embody the essence of the season, making them perfect for celebratory meals.

Beyond food, squash and pumpkins make beautiful and meaningful decorations for your home and altar. Carved pumpkins, filled with candles or inscribed with protective symbols, can serve as both light and spiritual protection. Small gourds and decorative squash can be arranged on your altar to represent the bounty of the harvest and to honour the Earth’s generosity. Offering squash and pumpkins to your deities during your rituals is another way to give thanks for the abundance they have provided.

Nuts.

Nuts, especially hazelnuts and acorns, are symbols of wisdom and potential. These small but mighty foods have long been associated with knowledge, fertility, and the promise of growth. During Mabon, nuts represent the seeds of potential that we harvest and nurture as we prepare for the introspective period of winter.

In rituals, nuts can be used as offerings or tools for divination and spellwork. Hazelnuts, in particular, are linked to wisdom and can be incorporated into rituals seeking insight and clarity. Scatter nuts on your altar or include them in charm bags to harness their potent energy. Acorns, symbolising strength and potential, can be used in protective spells or carried as talismans.

Including nuts in your Mabon feast is a simple and nutritious way to celebrate the harvest. They can be enjoyed as a healthy snack, added to baked goods, or used as a garnish for autumnal dishes. Beyond their nutritional value, nuts remind us of the potential within every seed and the wisdom we gather throughout our lives. Incorporating them into your celebrations helps to ground your intentions and honour the gifts of the Earth.

Herbs.

Sage.

Sage is used for purification and protection, making it ideal for Mabon rituals. Its cleansing properties help to prepare your space for the coming darker months. Traditionally, sage has been used in various cultures for its powerful ability to clear negative energies and create a sacred space. As we move deeper into autumn, using sage can help us release any lingering negativity from the past year, allowing us to enter the new season with a clean slate.

Incorporate sage into your Mabon rituals by using it in ritual baths, and adding dried leaves to the water to purify your body and spirit. Additionally, placing sage leaves on your altar or in charm bags can enhance the protective and purifying energies of your Mabon celebrations.

Sage can also be used in cooking, infusing your meals with its earthy, aromatic flavour. Adding sage to your Mabon meals brings its protective properties into your body, reinforcing the theme of preparation and cleansing for the darker months ahead.

Rosemary.

Rosemary symbolises remembrance. This herb has been used throughout history to honour ancestors and loved ones, making it a perfect addition to your Mabon rituals. As we celebrate the second harvest festival, rosemary helps us to reflect on our connections with the past and the lessons we’ve learnt along the way.

In Mabon rituals, you can use rosemary to create a remembrance altar by placing sprigs of rosemary alongside photos or mementoes of your ancestors and loved ones to honour their memory. You can also incorporate rosemary into wreaths or garlands, symbolising the eternal bond between past and present. Burning rosemary as incense during your rituals can further connect you to the energies of remembrance and reflection.

Rosemary is also a great addition to your Mabon feast. Use it to season roasted vegetables, or breads, infusing your meal with its fragrant and comforting essence. Including rosemary in your cooking helps you to connect with the traditions and wisdom of those who came before you.

Thyme.

Thyme is associated with courage and strength, making it the perfect herb for Mabon celebrations. As we prepare for the winter months, thyme can help bolster our resolve and fortify our spirits. This hardy herb has been revered for its protective and empowering properties, often used in rituals to invoke bravery and perseverance.

Incorporate thyme into your Mabon rituals by using it in spellwork and charm bags. Create a sachet filled with dried thyme and other protective herbs to carry with you or place on your altar, enhancing your courage and strength. You can also use thyme in ritual baths, adding the herb to the water to infuse yourself with its empowering energy.

Thyme is also a versatile herb in the kitchen, adding a robust flavour to a variety of dishes. Use thyme to season soups, stews, and roasted vegetables, bringing its grounding and strengthening properties into your Mabon feast. Including thyme in your meals not only nourishes your body but also reinforces the themes of courage and resilience, helping you to face the coming months with confidence and strength.

Crystals.

Citrine.

Citrine, with its warm yellow hue, is a stone of abundance and personal power. Known as the “Merchant’s Stone,” citrine is revered for its ability to attract wealth, success, and prosperity. This crystal’s vibrant energy is perfect for rituals focusing on gratitude and manifestation, aligning with Mabon’s themes of harvest and abundance.

Incorporate citrine into your Mabon rituals by placing it on your altar to draw in positive energy and enhance your manifestation work. Meditating with citrine can help you focus on your intentions and goals, amplifying your efforts to bring them to fruition. You can also carry a piece of citrine with you to maintain a constant flow of abundance and confidence throughout the day.

Citrine’s energy is also excellent for boosting your personal power and self-esteem. During Mabon, as you reflect on the fruits of your labour, use citrine to reinforce your sense of accomplishment and to set intentions for future success. Its sunny disposition will remind you of the light and warmth that still surrounds you, even as the days grow shorter.

Amethyst.

Amethyst is known for its calming and balancing properties, making it ideal for meditation and reflection during Mabon. This beautiful purple stone has been used for centuries to promote spiritual growth, clarity of mind, and emotional balance. Its soothing energy can help you maintain inner peace and focus as you prepare for the introspective months ahead.

Use amethyst in your Mabon rituals by placing it on your altar to create a gentle and balanced atmosphere. Meditating with amethyst can enhance your spiritual awareness and help you gain insight into your personal journey. Its calming influence makes it an excellent companion for rituals that involve deep reflection and connection with your higher self.

Amethyst can also be used to aid in sleep and dream work. Place a piece of amethyst under your pillow or on your bedside table to promote restful sleep and vivid, insightful dreams. This can be particularly helpful during Mabon, as the equinox encourages us to balance our active lives with moments of rest and reflection.

Smoky Quartz.

Smoky quartz is grounding and protective, making it another great crystal for Mabon. This powerful stone is known for its ability to anchor energy and protect against negativity, which is especially important as we transition into the darker half of the year. Smoky quartz’s deep, earthy tones resonate with the stability and grounding energy of the Earth, reinforcing our connection to the land.

Incorporate smoky quartz into your Mabon rituals by using it to create a protective grid around your home or altar. Meditating with smoky quartz can help you release negative energies and find a sense of calm and stability amidst the seasonal changes. Its grounding properties make it an excellent stone for centering yourself and staying balanced during this time of transition.

Smoky quartz can also be used in protective charm bags or worn as jewellery to shield against negative influences and keep you grounded. By integrating smoky quartz into your Mabon celebrations, you can enhance your resilience and ensure that you remain anchored and protected as you move into the introspective months ahead.

Symbols.

Cornucopia.

The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is a classic symbol of abundance and nourishment. Traditionally depicted as a horn overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and grains, it represents the bounty of the harvest and the prosperity that comes from the Earth’s generosity. The cornucopia not only represents abundance but is also a reminder to appreciate and give thanks for the plenty in our lives.

Add a cornucopia to your Mabon celebrations by using it as a central decoration on your altar or dining table. Fill it with seasonal produce such as apples, squash, nuts, and berries to honour the harvest and the gifts of the Earth. You can also use the cornucopia in rituals to symbolise your gratitude and to attract continued abundance. As you arrange the contents of your cornucopia, take a moment to reflect on the blessings you’ve received and to set intentions for the prosperity you wish to cultivate in the future.

Creating your own cornucopia can be a fun activity, connecting you more deeply with the spirit of Mabon. Whether you craft one from natural materials or use a pre-made horn, the act of filling it with seasonal offerings can be a powerful ritual of gratitude and celebration.

Scales.

Scales symbolise balance, a key theme of Mabon. The autumn equinox is a time when day and night are equal, highlighting the importance of equilibrium in our lives. Scales remind us of the need to maintain the balance between light and dark, work and rest, giving and receiving. They encourage us to find harmony within ourselves and in our interactions with the world around us.

Incorporate scales into your Mabon rituals to focus on restoring balance in various aspects of your life. Place a set of scales on your altar as a visual representation of equilibrium and use them to meditate on areas where you may need to create more harmony. You can also use the scales in divination practices to gain insight into how you can achieve greater balance.

During Mabon, think about rituals that involve balancing objects on the scales, such as stones or other natural items, to symbolise finding and maintaining balance. Reflect on the areas of your life that feel out of sync and set intentions to bring them into alignment. By focusing on balance during Mabon, you can enter the darker months with a sense of harmony and peace.

Harvest Moon.

The Harvest Moon, which often occurs around Mabon, symbolises the culmination of the harvest. Its bright, full light is a reminder of the abundance and the cycles of nature. The Harvest Moon has historically provided farmers with extra light to gather crops, symbolising a time of hard work and reward. For those celebrating Mabon, the Harvest Moon represents the peak of the harvest season and the fruits of our labour.

Incorporate the energy of the Harvest Moon into your Mabon celebration by holding a moonlit ritual or meditation. The full moon’s light can enhance your connection to the cycles of nature and amplify your intentions for gratitude and abundance. Use this time to reflect on what you have harvested in your life, both physically and spiritually, and to give thanks for these blessings.

You can also use the Harvest Moon as a focal point in your rituals, drawing down its energy to empower your spells and intentions. Create a moon altar with items that symbolise the harvest and abundance, and spend time under the moonlight to absorb its nurturing and illuminating energy. The Harvest Moon serves as a powerful reminder of the cycles of nature and the continuous flow of growth and renewal.

Deities.

Mabon ap Modron.

Mabon ap Modron, the Welsh god of light and son of the Earth Mother goddess Modron, is central to this festival. His story is one of rebirth and renewal, making him a fitting deity to honour during Mabon, a time of balance and harvest. Mabon was said to have been stolen from his mother three days after his birth and later rescued by King Arthur and his knights. This tale of captivity and release symbolises the cyclical nature of the seasons and the balance between light and darkness.

Honouring Mabon ap Modron during Mabon can be done through rituals of gratitude and balance. Create an altar dedicated to him, adorned with symbols of light and harvest such as candles, sunflowers, and harvested grains. Offerings of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains can be made to honour his role in the harvest. Meditate on the themes of rebirth and renewal, reflecting on how you can bring balance into your own life.

You can also celebrate Mabon by engaging in activities that symbolise the harvest and the light he represents. Spend time outdoors, gather with loved ones for a harvest feast, and share stories and memories that reflect the themes of the season. By honouring Mabon ap Modron, you connect with the ancient rhythms of the Earth and the cycles of nature.

Persephone.

Persephone, the Greek goddess of the underworld and spring, represents the cyclical nature of life and death. Her myth, where she spends part of the year in the underworld with Hades and the other part on Earth with her mother Demeter, symbolises the balance between light and dark, growth and decay. Persephone’s story is particularly resonant during Mabon, a time when we honour the balance of the equinox and prepare for the darker months ahead.

Honouring Persephone during Mabon involves acknowledging the changing seasons and the balance between light and dark. Create a ritual that includes both light and dark elements, such as lighting candles and placing dark stones or crystals on your altar. Offer pomegranates, a fruit associated with Persephone, as a symbol of her descent into the underworld and her return to the Earth.

Meditate on the themes of transformation and renewal, reflecting on how the cycles of life and death play out in your own life. You can also perform a ritual to honour Persephone by planting seeds or bulbs, symbolising the life that will emerge after the darkness of winter. By connecting with Persephone, you embrace the natural cycles and prepare yourself for the introspective time ahead.

Demeter.

Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest, can be honoured for her role in providing the abundance we celebrate during Mabon. As the mother of Persephone, Demeter’s story is deeply intertwined with the changing seasons and the cycles of growth and decay. Her grief during Persephone’s absence causes the barren winter months, while her joy upon her return brings about the fertile spring and summer.

To honour Demeter during Mabon, create an altar with offerings of grains, fruits, and flowers. These offerings symbolise the abundance and fertility she provides. Include symbols of the harvest, such as wheat sheaves and cornucopias, to represent the fruits of her labour. You can also bake bread or prepare a meal using seasonal produce as an offering to Demeter, expressing gratitude for the nourishment she provides.

Rituals to honour Demeter can focus on gratitude and the cycles of nature. Spend time outdoors, acknowledging the changing landscape and the gifts of the harvest. Reflect on the ways in which you have grown and what you have harvested in your own life. By giving thanks to Demeter, you honour the Earth’s bounty and the cycles of growth and renewal that sustain us.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Ostara

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Ostara Correspondences Source: paganpages.org

(oh-star-ah) – Lesser Sabbat – Spring/Vernal Equinox, September 20-21st

Other Names: Ostre, Oestre, Eostre, Rites of Spring, Eostra’s Day, Lady Day, First Day of Spring, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Alban Eiler, Bacchanalia, Mean Earraigh, Pasch, Caisg, Pess

Date: Spring Equinox March 19–23 in Northern Hemisphere.

Symbolism: The beginning of spring, new life and rebirth, the God and Goddess in Their youth, balance, fertility

Goddesses: all love, virgin, and fertility Goddesses; Anna Perenna (Roman), Aphrodite (Greek), Astarte (Canaanite, Persia, GrecoRoman), Athena (Greek), Cybele (Greco-Roman), Blodeuwedd, Eostre (Saxon Goddess of Fertility), Flidais (Irish), Gaia (Greek), Hera, Ishtar (Assyro-Babylonian), Isis (Egyptian), Libera (Roman), Minerva (Roman), The Muses (Greek), Persephone (Greek), Renpet (Egyptian), Venus (Roman), Ostara (the German Goddess of Fertility), Kore, Maiden, Isis, Youthful Goddesses. Faerie Queen, Lady of the Lake(Welsh-Cornish), the Green Goddess

Gods: all love, song & dance, and fertility Gods; Adonis (Greek), Attis (Greco-Roman), Cernunnos (Celtic), The Great Horned God (European), Liber (Roman), Mars (Roman), Mithras (Persian), Odin (Norse), Osiris (Egyptian), Thoth, Pan (Greek), the Green Man, Hare, Youthful Gods, Warrior Gods, Taliesin, Lord of the Greenwood (English), Dagda(Irish),Adonis (Greek)

Symbols: Eggs, rabbits, similar to easter symbols.

Purpose: Plant and animal fertility, sowing

Meaning: The God comes of age, sexual union of the Lord & Lady, sprouting, greening, balance of light and dark

Essence: Strength, birthing, completion, power, love, sexuality, embodiment of spirit, fertility, opening, beginning

Customs: Wearing green, new clothes, celtic bird festival, egg baskets coloring eggs, collecting birds eggs, bird watching, egg hunts, starting new projects, spring planting

Foods: Hard-boiled eggs, honey cakes, fresh seasonal fruits, milk punch, leafy green vegetables, dairy foods, apples, nuts, flower dishes, sprouts, fish, maple sugar candies, hot cross buns, sweet breads, milk, punch, egg drinks

Plants & Herbs: Acorn, celandine, cinquefoil, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Easter lily, Irish Moss, ginger, hyssop, linden, strawberry, gorse, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, jonquils, narcissus, olive, peony, rose, tansy, violets, woodruff and all spring flowers

Incense and oils: African violet, jasmine, rose, strawberry, lotus, magnolia, ginger, sage lavender, narcissus, broom

Colors: Light green, lemon yellow, pale pink, pastels, gold, grass green, robin’s egg blue, lemon yellow.

Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, rose quartz, moonstone, bloodstone, red jasper

Animals and Mythical Beasts: Rabbits/Easter bunny, snakes, pegasus, unicorns, chicks, swallows, merpeople

Decorations: Daffodils, tulips, violet, iris, narcissus, any spring flowers, eggs, butterflies, cocoons

Spell/Ritual Work: Garden/plant blessings, seed blessing, spellcrafting, balance, growth, communication, invention, new growth, new projects

Planetary Ruler: Mars

Element: Air

Gender: Male

Threshold: Dawn

Let’s Have Some Fun – Ostara Printable Coloring Page

OSTARA COLOR

The Holly King and The Oak King

The legend of the Holly King and the Oak King is oft referred to as we approach Yule and start decking the halls with boughs of holly, but what is it all about and where does the story come from?

There are two main versions of the story, each with slightly different characters. In one, the Oak King is a figure similar to the Green Man; a summer God of warm smiles and broad green leaves, while the Holly King is a similarly benign and jolly chap dressed in red and with holly tangled in his long white beard (sound familiar?), associated with winter. He even rides a sleigh pulled by deer. This version has its roots in Wiccan belief, and tells of two battling kings; the Holly King reigns the waning year and is defeated at the Winter Solstice by the Oak King, who then reigns the waxing year in turn until he is defeated at the Summer Solstice by the Holly King, and so on ad infinitum.

The second version of the story has older roots in European witchcraft traditions, and as with so much goes back …

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13 Fascinating Winter Solstice Traditions Around the World

Just when you think December has enough to celebrate between Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the impending New Year, there’s yet another reason to gather with your loved ones and celebrate: the winter solstice. You might be more familiar with the winter solstice as the day with the shortest amount of sunlight. But around the world, many cultures still celebrate the longest night of the year with unique winter solstice traditions. Read on to find out what they are. Then learn when the winter solstice is this year and what the 2021 winter solstice means for your zodiac.

Winter solstice traditions: Saint Lucia Day, Scandinavia

As with many modern celebrations, ancient festivals observing the winter solstice merged with newer traditions to create the holiday season as we know it today. In Scandinavia…

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Difference Between the Winter and Summer Solstices?

To understand the difference between summer and winter solstices, we need to have a clear understanding of the word solstice. We know that earth revolves around sun in an elliptical orbit, but it also spins around its own axis. This is an imaginary line going right across the planet from North Pole to South Pole. Fortunately for our planet, this axis is not perpendicular but tilted about 23.5 degrees and it is this tilt that gives us seasons on earth. This tilt makes one half of earth receive more direct rays from sun than the other half which remains away from earth.

The axis, when it tilts towards the sun, it makes northern hemisphere receive more direct rays from the sun than southern hemisphere. This phenomenon occurs between June and September and thus this is the period when it is summer season in the northern hemisphere. Again, this axis tilts away from the sun between December and March which is why we have winter season in the northern hemisphere during this period. While it is summers in northern hemisphere as it receives more direct rays from the sun, it is winter in the southern hemisphere, and vice versa in winters.

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Summer Solstice: The Meaning and History Behind the First Day of Summer

The summer solstice sets off the official start of summer as the Northern Hemisphere angles itself at the point in its orbit closest to the sun, causing the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year.

Many cultures, both ancient and modern, celebrate the sunlight with rituals and holidays.

What is the summer solstice?

The term solstice comes from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “stitium” (still or stopped). It is used to describe the exact moment when the poles are tilted at their maximum toward or away from the sun.

The summer solstice occurs when the sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer, which is the circle marking the latitude 23.5 degrees north, and which runs through …

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5,400-year-old Tomb Discovered in Spain Perfectly Captures the Summer Solstice

Archaeologists have discovered a 5,400-year-old stone tomb beside a prominent lone mountain in southern Spain, indicating it was a local focus for the prehistoric people of the region.

The area, in the countryside near the city of Antequera, is renowned for its megaliths — prehistoric monuments made from large stones — and the newly found tomb seems to solve one of the mysteries of their alignment.

The tomb was designed to funnel light from the rising midsummer sun into a chamber deep within — much like the contemporary megalithic tomb built more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away at Newgrange in Ireland, suggesting both places shared similar beliefs about the afterlife more than 5,000 years ago.

“Newgrange is much bigger and more complex than the tomb we have discovered [in Spain], but they have something in common — the interest of the builders to use sunlight at a specific time of the year, to produce a symbolic — possibly magic — effect,” Leonardo García Sanjuán, an archaeologist at the University of Seville, told Live Science. 

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