Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays

And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

Day Dedicated to Nathor. (Nuit Nut, Nwt, Nathor) Celebrate with a Middle Eastern/Egyptian meal.

In ancient Egypt, the cow-headed Goddess Hathor was honored on this day by an annual festival known as Breaking the Nile. The festival, which was also dedicated to all water and River Goddesses, celebrated the rising of the fertile waters of the mystical River Nile.

In ancient Greece, the annual mourning ceremony called the Adonia was held on this date in honor of the dying hero-god Adonis.

Dog Days/Doyo – The Japanese call these the Dog Days, the most dangerous time of the year because of the heat which brings with it vermin and illness. The best way to stay healthy during this time is to eat lots of eels, whose slippery coolness is the proper antidote. For more information on the Dog Days, see July 2. Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994

FEAST OF ‘AUT-YER, Egypt – Personification of Female Joy.

Gaia Consciousness Day – Day to meditate on Mother Earth as a living planet.

School of The Seasons, Sacred Source, The Daily Bleed

GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives

Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred!

)0(

Live each Season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)

• • •.

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Legends and Lore for August

August, the eighth month of the current Gregorian calendar and the third month of Summer’s rule, derives its name from Augustus (Augustus Caesar).

The traditional birthstone amulets of August are the peridot and the sardonyx; and the gladiolus and the poppy are the month’s traditional flowers.

August is shared by the astrological signs of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Ceres, the Corn Mother, Demeter, John Barleycorn, Lugh, and all goddesses who preside over agriculture.

During the month of August, the Great Solar Wheel of the Year is turned to Lammas, one of the four Grand Sabbats celebrated each year by Wiccans and modern Witches throughout the world.

August 1~ 2 On this day, the Lammas sabbat is celebrated by Wiccans and Witches throughout the world. Lammas (which is also known as Lughnasadh, August Eve, and the First Festival of Harvest) marks the start of the harvest season and is a time when the fertility aspect of the sacred union of the Goddess and Horned God is honored. The making of corn dollies (small figures fashioned from braided straw) is a centuries-old Pagan custom which is carried on by many modern Witches as part of the Lammas sabbath rite. The corn dollies are placed on the sabbath altar to represent the Mother Goddess who presides over the harvest. It is customary on each Lammas to make or buy a new corn dolly and then burn the old one from the past year for good luck.

On this day in the country of Macedonia, Neo-Pagans celebrate the Day of the Dryads, an annual nature festival dedicated to the maiden spirits who inhabit and rule over forests and trees.

——————————————————————————–

August 2

On this day, the Feast of Anahita is celebrated in honor of the ancient Persian goddess Anahita, a deity associated with love and lunar powers.

Lady Godiva Day is celebrated annually on this date in the village of Coventry, England, with a medieval-style parade led by a nude woman on horseback.

——————————————————————————–

Today Is …

August 3

The harvest season begins on this date in Japan with an annual festival called the Aomori Nebuta. Bamboo effigies with grotesquely painted faces are paraded through the streets in order to drive away the spirits of sleep.

Feast Of Caligo, Mother Of Chaos.

England: Bell-Belt Day In Congleton, Cheshire: drunken excesses were announced by midnight runners wearing belts of bells. In 1601, money destined for the church was hijacked to buy a replacement town bear:

“Congleton rare, Congleton rare, Sold the Bible to pay for a bear”.

Weather Prognostication – Greeks look at the weather on the third day of August to predict the weather for the next three months. If it’s nice, it will be nice for the next three months. Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994

)0( GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred! )0( Live each Season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)

• • •.

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Legends and Lore of Lammas (Lughnasadh)

Legends and Lore of Lammas

(Lughnasadh)

In many cultures, there are different legends and lore surrounding Lammas (Lughnasadh). Here are a few of the stories about this magical harvest celebration from around the world.

In Israel, the festival of Shavout commemorates the beginning of the harvest, as well as honoring the date that Moses received the Torah on Mt. Sinai. The final sheaf of wheat is brought to the rabbi for a blessing, synagogues and homes are decorated with flower, and a great feast is prepared for all to enjoy.

The festival of Onam is celebrated in India, and people dress up in their finest clothes and give food to the poor. Onam is celebrated in honor of King Mahabali, who was a ruler of Kerala. In one story, the god Vishnu approached Mahabali dressed as a beggar, and asked for land, which Mahabali gave him. Mahabli ended up buried under the earth by Vishnu, but was allowed to return once a year, symbolizing the planting of the seed and the subsequent harvest.

Thor’s wife, Sif, had beautiful golden hair, until Loki the prankster cut it off. Thor was so upset he wanted to kill Loki, but some dwarves spun new hair for Sif, which grew magically as soon as it touched her head. The hair of Sif is associated with the harvest, and the golden grain that grows every year.

In the Shetland Islands, farmers believed that grain harvesting should only take place during a waning moon. They also believed this about the fall potato crop, and the cutting of peat.

At Lughnasadh, calves are weaned, and the first fruits are ripe, such as apples and grapes. In some Irish counties, it was believed farmers had to wait until Lughnasadh to start picking these fruits, or bad luck would befall the community.

In some countries, Lammas is a time for warrior games and mock battles. This may hearken back to the days when a harvest festival was held, and people would come from miles around to get together. What better way for young men to show off their strength and impress the girls than by whacking away at all the competition? Games and contests are also held in honor of Lugh, the mighty Celtic craftsman god, in which artisans offer up their finest work.

It’s become a custom to give people the gift of a pair of gloves at Lammastide. In part, it’s because winter is just around the corner, but it’s also related to an old tradition in which landowners gave their tenants a pair of gloves after the harvest. The glove is a symbol of authority and benevolence.
Source:
By Patti Wigington, Pagan and Wicca Expert
Article found on & owned by About.com

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays
And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

July 28 In the olden days of Pagan Europe, the great thunder-god Thor was honored on this day with prayers for protection of the crops against destructive storms.

July 28-Birthday of Pythias, Oracle of Delphi. Practice divination skills today and though them seek to know yourself better

July 28-29 Vardavar – Armenians celebrate the Monday and Tuesday seven weeks after Pentecost as Rose Day. Once this was a midsummer festival of the goddess, Anahid, who was offered roses and doves. These are still part of the ritual, along with sprinkling water on each other and spending the day outdoors.

According to Injejkian, in Armenia, women and children often carried a broom dressed in rags called the boub ‘lad ‘gin through the village, singing special songs. Onlookers threw water on the ragged broom or bride, as it was sometimes called, and gave those who carried it lard, cracked wheat, and eggs. After the procession, the boub’lad’gin carriers gathered at a sacred spring and dined on pilav.
Blackburn, Bonnie & Leofranc Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press 1999

Injejkian, Hasmig, “In Search of Nine Keghi Songs,” Canadian Journal for Traditional Music (1990), http://cjtm.icaap.org/content/18/v18art7.html

Brussels, Belgium: KERMESSE. A 600-year-old-spectacular parade featuring elaborate floats & enormous balloon creatures & characters.

Virgin Islands: HURRICANE SUPPLICATION DAY.

MAYAN CALENDER: NEW YEARS DAY! Eighteen 20-day months (appended by five ‘bad days’); beginning today with the Month of Pop
Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • • •.
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

The Mayan New Year is celebrated annually on this date in South America. This is a very sacred day to the Maya, who welcome their New Year with feasts and prayers in honor of the old gods.

Mayan New Year. Make an offering in a well.

Egyptian: Birthday of Aten. Aten was the radiant disk of the sun. Aten (also Aton, Egyptian jtn) is the disk of the sun in ancient Egyptian mythology, and originally an aspect of Ra.

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

“Graeco-Roman: Hecate ~ The last day of the month was sacred to Hecate. Offerings were made to her in the cross-roads (typically at a place where a side path joins a main road), which seem to be haunted the world over. ‘Hecate’s Suppers’ were put out monthly for her.

Day of Aestas, Roman Grain Goddess of Summer. The ancient Roman Corn-Goddess of Summer is honored each year on this sacred day. Corn bread is traditionally served at Pagan gatherings. Bake and eat bread. Offer some to Aestas.

This day is also sacred to the Pagan and Native American Goddesses Ceres, Changing Woman, Chicomecoatl, the Corn Mothers, Demeter, Gaia, Ge, Hestia,
Iatiku, Oraea, Pachamama, Spider Woman, and Tonantzin.

NOTE: Because of the large number of ancient calendars, many in simultaneous use, as well as different ways of computing holy days (marked by the annual inundation, the solar year, the lunar month, the rising of key stars, and other celestial and terrestrial events), you may find these holy days celebrated a few days earlier or later at your local temple.

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • • •.

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays
And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

Ancient Rome: Lundi Piscateri, the Festival of Fishermen, is celebrated in the Roman traditions with a ritual and blessing of the boats of fishermen.

Greece: Festival of Eurydice, a tree nymph who was transformed into an underworld goddess after dying from a serpent bite was honored annually in ancient Greece.
Ask Her for a dream or vision!

Ancient Egyptian: Day of the procession of Sopdu, the Warrior.

1873 – US: Susan B. Anthony arrested for voting

The Cleansing Lily ~ Annual purification ritual to drive away the evil spirits of the rainy season takes place on this date in Nara, Japan. Lily stalks are blessed by seven white-robed priestesses, and a traditional dance is performed.

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • • •.
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!
• • • •.

Goddess Month of Hera begins 5/16 – 6/12
Celtic Tree Calendar: Uath (Hawthorn) – May 13 to June 9
• • • •
May Moon Phases
First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM
• • • •
The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons:
The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”;
The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”;
Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire;
Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”.
~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!
• • • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15
Goddess Month of Hera begins 5/16 – 6/12
Celtic Tree Calendar: Uath (Hawthorn) – May 13 to June 9
• • • •
May Moon Phases
Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM
New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM
First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM
• • • •
The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons:
The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”;
The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”;
Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire;
Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”.
~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15
Goddess Month of Hera begins 5/16 – 6/12
Celtic Tree Calendar: Uath (Hawthorn) – May 13 to June 9

• • • •

May Moon Phases
Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM
New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM
First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM
• • • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons:
The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”;
The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”;
Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire;
Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”.
~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

• • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15

Celtic Tree Month of Willow April 15 – May 12

• • • •

May Moon Phases

Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM

• • • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons:

The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”; The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”; Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire; Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”. ~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15 Celtic Tree Month of Willow April 15 – May 12

• • •

May Moon Phases Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM • • • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons: The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”; The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”; Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire; Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”. ~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15 Celtic Tree Month of Willow April 15 – May 12

• • • •

May Moon Phases Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM

• • • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons: The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”; The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”; Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire; Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”. ~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

• • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Egyptian Comments & Graphics

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15 Celtic Tree Month of Willow April 15 – May 12

• • •

May Moon Phases

Full “Flower” Moon falls on Sunday, 03 May, 2015 at 11:44 PM Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM

• • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons: The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”; The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”; Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire; Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”. ~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

• • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15 Celtic Tree Month of Willow April 15 – May 12

• • •

May Moon Phases Full “Flower” Moon falls on Sunday, 03 May, 2015 at 11:44 PM Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM

• • • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons: The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”; The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”; Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire; Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”. ~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

• • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

	Karen Koester on Update on Lady B
	Jasmin Catovic on Daily Horoscope Thursday, Janu…
	Monica Williams on The Wisdom of Buddha
	Silver Sage on Angel & Oracle & Tarot…
	Jasmin Catovic on Angel & Oracle & Tarot…
	Jasmin Catovic on Daily Horoscope Thursday, Dece…
	Jasmin Catovic on Daily Horoscope Monday, Decemb…