If you notice on the side of our webpage- there is a small wheel that tells you the year's current wheel and is captioned with what sabbath we are currently in, in the Northern Hemisphere of the world- It is the opposite in the South. So Ostara in the North is Mabon in the South.
You're probably now wondering where is the beginning of the wheel and when is the end. Well if you are in the Northern hemisphere and going from the western New year ( January 1st)
You may also be wondering what the specific dates within these Sabbaths are. Think of these as the holidays within a sabbath- Like Christmas eve is and mothering Sunday etc. These holidays are the peak of the sabbath and many aims to celebrate on these days or within a couple of days before and from this date.
For more detailed information please scroll through the posts on the Home page of this blog. As the time comes new posts regarding the sabbath are made available. I do however have a brief table to help you get the gist of what is celebrated.
Sabbath | What is celebrated? how is it celebrated? | Who is celebrated? |
Imbolc/Imbolg: | This is the thawing of winter- not quite spring but the starting of new life 'peaking through the snow' Traditionally pronounced "I'm-bolck" or "I'm-Boll-g" This is usually celebrated by decorations- be this around the home or just by redecorating an altar. Many decorate using a Brigid doll or Cross which can be made of straw/grass or woven with leftover wheat. Seasonal fruit, veg and homemade drinks and food are consumed. Many also perform rituals of thanks to the appropriate deities. Christian Alternative: Candlemass | Celebration of Brigid/ Brighid ( Bridgehid/ Brij-heed). Brigid is an ancient, powerful, Celtic Goddess of the Hearth, a maternal goddess of protection and nurture who brings rebirth to the land. Oats, Rushes, Milk, Honey and fire is often associated with Brigid. Christian Alternative: Believed to be St Brigid, a young daughter of a slave who became a leader of her people and skilled in agriculture. |
Ostara: | Ostara is the Spring Equinox. It starts in the last fortnight of March. It is the celebration of the rebirth of the earth and its species. Traditionally Altars are decorated with spring flowers baby animals and a seasonal feast is eaten on the spring equinox as well as what's known as "Walking the Labyrinth" This labyrinth is much like a maze in its structure. However, unlike a maze, there is only one route to take to enter and exit it. Labyrinth meditation takes this concept and allows individuals to identify a problem or a goal as they walk towards its centre and the solution or how to achieve this goal as they exit the Labyrinth. You can make a labyrinth yourself using anything from rocks, rope, plants, people or chalk. If your inside you may even be able to use tape to create one or simply create a route and envision one. Now is a good time to make new year resolutions, start afresh or attempt something new. Christian Alternative: Easter | Ostara is the name of a goddess of fertility who was known for coming to earth to visit and play with new life (children and young animals) and brought about spring. She is considered to be the rising sun and has a similar role like the Greek goddess Persephone. Spring deities can also be worshipped The story of Ostara saving a beautiful brightly coloured bird (who laid beautiful eggs to match)from the clutches of death by turning her into a rabbit is one of many stories. This Rabbit is believed to be where the Easter rabbit comes from. As the Newly the transformed bird was still capable of laying eggs. An alternative is that the Bird belonged to Brigid and she would transform the bird into a Rabit to entertain children with. Eggs and Rabbits are associated with Ostara. |
Beltane/ Beltain | Beltane, is a fire, sex and a passion-infused celebration that supposedly means "Fire of Bel". Many Marriages occur during this time. It is a time of celebrating life, sunsets and the coming summer. As well as celebrating the Fae, who are more active around this time of year and at Samhain- due to the veil between worlds being incredibly thin. So respect and offerings towards our Neighbors or fair folk(a friendlier term for Fae) are fairly common. Milk, Bread and Honey are considered to be suitable for offerings. Again, a huge feast is prepared, there is a lot of drinking dancing and general good fun. Many dances around a "Maypole" which is a large pole with ribbons that dancers hold as they dance; weaving until they have no more ribbon left. Altars are decorated bright candles- specifically green with seasonal wildflowers. For examples like the Violets, Fruit blossoms and Marigolds growing in mine and my neighbours (my actual neighbours) garden. Christian Alternative: Mayday | Belenus/ Belenos/Belinus/Bel/Beli Mawr. Some believe his name means "Bright one" and that he is associated with the Sun, healing and warmth. He is depicted as a Wheel/sun shape with a face. It is believed that he would chariot the sun's disk across the sky. Much like the Greek god Helios. In some cultures, it is believed that Belenus had a wife who is a goddess of fire- others believe she is similar to the Roman goddess Minerva. The Fae is also celebrated to promote a good relationship with them |
Litha:
| Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice and Mid-summers day. Is all about celebrating the SUN!. Many create a bonfire as the sun comes under the fire element. Other celebrate the Masculine energy of the sun; which in theory makes sense due to the popular holiday "Father's Day" is celebrated around the same time. Midsummer mead is a popular drink, as is seasonal food and flowers as part of feasts, rituals and Altar decorations. Many use stone circles as part of their celebration, such as Stonehenge, famous for its spiritual symbolism and the solstice celebrations. With ritual celebrations that lasts from sunrise and sunset- usually observed in masses. 2020 was the first known that Stonehenge was closed off to our community as a preventative for the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK? Many National Heritage staff did, however, prepare a live video feed of Stonehenge that was globally available. | There are no specific deities associated with Lith, however, in general, any solar deities, summer deities, even love deities are celebrated and worshipped during this time. Helios, Suli, Sol, Minerva, Aphrodite, JunoHestia, Horus are all good options |
Lughnasadh/ Lammas | Lughnasadh or Lammas as it's known. Is the celebration of the first harvest. Lughnasadh is all about the celebration of life while acknowledging death is close by as it is the start of the seasons changing. As it is the first harvest time of the year. Berries and fruits, root vegetables and fresh-baked bread are feasted upon in delight and Altars become humbled with nature themes and seasonal offerings. In England, there are telling's of the legend of John Barleycorn who represents the first crop of corn but personified through corn decorations. Speaking of How can you decorate? Those who practice kitchen magic will already be familiar with a Kitchen Altar. Just like a regular Altar but more foodie and homely. You can decorate this with freshly baked bread, corn husks, gathered wheat, homegrown produce and homemade items ( like knitting!). Any way you like it really. Now is also the time to get crafty, be you a chef, sewer or an artsy person. So why not put some of your masterpieces up for decoration. | Celtic god of crafts and skill Lugh. It is also connected closely to the Roman god Vulcan who is known for being a fiery and destructive god of blacksmithing and many other seasonal gods and spirits. Though his celebration is in late August compared to Lughnasadh. |
Mabon: | Mabon is the Autumnal/Fall equinox that opposes Ostara. Whilst Ostara is the rebirth, Mabon is the waning of life and the suns light. Darkness and light are now at the balance before the tip towards the dark and cold associated with death...and the second harvest of fruits and vegetables are occurring. A cornucopia basket is often used to depict Mabon with its phallic masculine shape and hollow feminine interior. Altars are usually dressed with non-perishable (or continually replaced or dried)harvest produce and outdoor shrines with othering to nature, spirits are built to honour those who have helped create the bountiful harvest. Traditionally buttermilk bread, Apple pies, crumble and cakes are baked and feasted upon alongside other seasonal foods. Corn dolls and grain crafts are also traditional. Colours associated are greens, yellows, Oranges, Reds and browns | Mabon is a God who was stolen as an infant and rescued by woodland animals/spirits before being returned to his mother Modron. In other legends, he was rescued by King Arthur. Other deities worshipped include: Deities of Harvest Deities of the Hunt Deities of the Vine. Goddesses: Modron,Morgan, Epona,Persephone, Pamona and the Muses.
Gods: Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man |
Samhain: | Samhain is a time of year, much like Beltane. When the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. It is believed that during this time spirits, death and evils are free to roam. In the 1770s a writer characterised Samhain from a holiday into a deity personification mistakenly- however, Samhain is not a deity, merely the celebration of ancestors, visiting spirits and the looming winter. Decorations follow this theme within altars, decorations and dress. Hallows eve specifically (also known as Halloween) and the Mexican holiday “Día de Muertos” includes the very essence of Samhain on single days. Individuals on Hallows eve (31st Oct), dress as spirits, animals, goblins and ghouls as a method of protection against evil spirits or fair folk who wish to "spirit" individuals away into heir realms. Pumpkin carving ( formally turnips and squash carving) is also a protective act, and 'trick or treating' was originally named souling. This is where visitors (usually poor) would offer prayers and aid to deceased family members in return for food and water. On Día de Muertos/ Day of the dead (2nd Nov) Individuals visit family graves, decorate graves, feast/party, have ancestral Altars and believe their ancestors visit them as well as pray to allow safe journeying to the spirit world. Samhain is a time for reconnecting with spirits, honouring the fallen. As well as a perfect time to do shadow work and divination. | Spirits, Ancestors, Fae, Unknown energies. Deities of death and some of Harvest. It is also worth noting that protection and appeasement against evil spirits. Fae and energies are necessary too. Spirit and divination magic is extra powerful around Samhain. |
Yule/ Yuletide: | Yule is the Winter Solstice and a celebration of the year and life we have had to date. Many have great feasts, give gifts to others and spend time with family. It is also a time for welcoming in the new year and the upcoming rebirth of the world whilst honouring the last elements of death. Bright colours, preserved food and homemade Crafting is traditional at this time. As well as a gift to others protection charms made of apples. Wreaths are hung on doors as a method of protection from illness and cold, a Yule log is selected by families together and burnt for 12 days ( in modern-day a chocolate cake is made into the shape of a log and eaten instead) which is decorated also using seasonal flowers and herbs. Mistletoe is hung and prayers for fertility (as well as kisses) are executed and foliage dressed the house in the form of Holly berries and trees. Ginger is used in treats as a medicinal aid as well as a tool in refreshing one’s spiritual energy. Apples, Cinnamon and citrus are also used in decorations. Apples and Cinnamon for protection and Citrus to bring in positivity and cleansing Christian Alternative: Christmas | Some many deities and figures are involved within the winter season- from many different cultures. In Norse culture, it is believed that Baldor, Hodr, Frigga and Odin are worshipped- With Odin bestowing gifts on his horse and resurrecting Baldor after an incident with Hodr being tricked into killing Baldor (who had been honoured by Frigga and enchanted against the harm of nature) with mistletoe (Frigga forgot to mention this plant) by Loki. Odin later resurrected him. There is also the Holly King who battles the Oak King for supremacy throughout the year. At the winter solstice, the Holly King is defeated. Demeter is linked strongly to the changing of the seasons and is often connected to the image of the dark mother in winter. Cailleach Bheur is known as the Queen of Winter. She is the hag aspect of theTriple Goddess and rules the dark days between Samhain and Beltane. She appears in Autumn, as the earth is dying, and is known as a bringer of storms. She is typically portrayed as a one-eyed old woman with bad teeth and matted hair. Dionysus The god of merriment and wine. |
beliefs and traditions are recommended to further connect to the craft and beliefs.
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