Also known
as Halloween and The Feast of the Dead, is the Witches' New Year. It signifies
the end of summer, honoring the dead and temporary fair well to The God
until He is reborn of the Goddess again at Yule. It's a time where it is
said that the veil between worlds is at it's thinnest. Candles are lit
and cakes and wine are left out as an offering to the dead. Altars can
be decorated with colorful fall leaves, an apple and a pomegranate (if
you can find one). Pumpkins are obviously quite popular as well. It is
a time for reflection. A time to look back at events that have taken place
in the last turn of the wheel and how you have grown from them. During
my ritual I like to read out loud the list of those who were killed during
the burning times (a list of victims can be found on my links page) along
with others that I wish to remember. After your ritual, bury your apple
outside as an offering. If you cannot go outdoors, bury it in a planter
of soil. Colors are red, orange and black.
Yule-Dec
19 - 22
The winter
solstice celebrates renewal and rebirth during winter. It is the shortest
day of the year when the Goddess gives birth to the God which marks the
return of the sun. Candles and fires are lit and small potted trees are
decorated to welcome it's return. As Samhain represents death this turn
of the wheel celebrates rebirth. If you can't make a fire you might want
to get a Yule log, carve holes and place candles in it. Take every precaution
to make sure the log doesn't catch fire. Colors are green and red. * Yule
is commonly celebrated on Dec 21.
Imbolc
(im-BULK) - Feb 1st
Also known
as Candlemas, Festival of Lights, Feast of Torches & Brigid's day marks
the lengthening of days and light encouraging the renewal of the sun. It
is a time of purification. It's a traditional time for initiations into
covens, self dedication and renewing your dedication. Seeds for planting
are placed on the altar and a ritual is performed to bless the seeds. Some
place a lamp or candle in every room to encourage to return of the sun.
A dish of snow along with evergreens and candles decorate the altar. Colors
are white, green and white, or blue.
Spring
Equinox - March 21st
Also known
as Ostara (oh-STAR-ah) is the beginning of Spring. The light of day and
darkness of night are equal. The Earth is charged with the fertility of
the Goddess and the mating of the Goddess and God compel the wilderness
to do the same (Spring fever?). It is a time for new beginnings and letting
go of things holding you back. A potted plant decorates the altar and a
cauldron or bonfire is lit. Mirrors are displayed. The color is white.
At this time of year it is traditional to wonder through forests, gardens
and the like as a celebration of nature.
Beltane
- May 1st
Also known
as May Day is the time of fertility when the Goddess becomes pregnant of
the God. The symbol of Her fertility is celebrated in ritual and feast.
Witches joyously dance and weave the May pole which along with homes can
be decorated with flowers, branches and other greenery. Wearing a wreath
of flowers upon your head is also traditional. Fresh flowers are placed
in the cauldron. Color is white.
Summer
Solstice- June 19 - 22
Also known
as Litha is when the powers of nature are at their peak. A great time for
magick of all kinds when the Earth is saturated with the fertility of the
Goddess and God. Bonfires are lit and leaped over encouraging fertility,
purification, health and love. Cauldron fires are lit and mirrors used
to capture the fire or sun. Altars are decorated with a ring of flowers
around the cauldron which the athame is in. The cauldron being a Goddess
symbol and athame God, this is a symbol of their union. The color is white.
Lughnasadh
(Loo-nassa) - Aug 1st
Also known
as Lammas or Feast of Bread is the time of first harvest and a time to
give thanks for the bounty that the Goddess and God have given us. The
days light grows shorter as the God represented by the sun slowly begins
losing His strength. In this turn of the wheel seeds, fruit and vegetables
fall to the ground for us and to ensure a good harvest next year. Special
breads are made to eat and pieces thrown into the fire. We celebrate the
warmth of the sun and the bounty of harvest in the food given to us as
summer draws to an end. Corn dollies are made in Goddess and God shapes.
The colors are red and orange.
Autumn
Equinox - Sept 21st
The Autumn
Equinox, also known as Mabon, signifies the second harvest often the corn
harvest. The days and nights are again equal and the God prepares for His
temporary slumber. Nature prepares for winter. As with every turn of the
wheel, it's a good time to wander through the wilderness and attune with
nature. Ritual celebrations often include apple cider and corn bread. Altars
are decorated with things associated with fall. Leaves in their endless
varieties and colors, pine cones, acorns etc. The colors are red and brown
but any color associated with Autumn are appropriate.
