Wheel of the Year

Part 1

This is one that’s going to take a while but I’m super excited about. The Wheel of the Year.

I had to put this off because of a few reasons; one because the season is then associated with deities that are strongest during these times and second, these deities associated with elements, herbs, colours and so on. So things can get a bit complicated

For example the Lady Isis is associated with water and Shiva with fire, but funny enough they're both related to the moon. So as you can see things begin to overlap which is one of the confusing things to those who aren’t used to this.

The Wheel of the Year is the Wiccan’s calendar which marks important dates in year when the environment changes the most. As Wiccan beliefs are weighed heavily in the earth noticing the world's changes and understand it is very important because once you do, it's like you can feel the energy shift in nature all the time.

So the Wheel is made up of eight sabbats, which is just as fancy word for holiday. These sabbats are about a month to two months apart and begin in February.

Imbolc - around February 2
Ostara - around March 21
Beltane - May 1
Litha - June 21-22
Lammas -July 31 - August 1
Mabon - around September 21
Samhain - October 31
Yule - December 21

Now this is a lot of information to take in if I was to do all eight at once but I’m not gonna do that. Breaking it up evenly, four and four, would make sense but word count wise, that would still be quite a bit of information so let’s just do the first two for today.

One small note - the section on decorations can mean either for the house or ones altar.

Imbolc - around February 2

The celebration of the rebirth of the sun. Meaning that the harsh winter is now passing and the light of the sun will return to the earth and inhabitants. It is the time when the Crone becomes the Maiden, the first signs of spring.

Also known as Brigid’s Day, one of the five Celtic fire festivals.

The explanation, that is very lore based, is sexual so we’re gonna skip that bit, to be nice. So instead let's go with a time for purification after the shut in of winter as the sun returns to bring life back to earth. A time for communing with the Goddess.

Deities: Brigid (Celtic Goddess)

Colours: White, Orange, Red
Herbs: Rosemary and Frankincense
Decoration: Corn dolls

Brigid

A common ritual practise is to light a white candle in every room of the house as the sunsets to honour the Sun’s rebirth. Even if only for a few moments. Other ritual practises are dependant on the independent practise or the coven.

Most of the deities honoured on this day are those who domains happen to be love, protection and fire. Brigid is just the most common of these deities. Here are some others.


Ostara: March 21/22

Spring equinox. The midpoint in spring where the day and night are in perfect balance. A good time to practise self banishing spells and work on things you’ve lost. A time of childish wonder.

The day the Goddess celebrated her fertility, since she is the earth and life begins to return to the earth.

Deities: Ostara (Germanic Goddess)
Colours: Yellow, purple, white
Herbs: Jasmine and rose
Decoration: Eggs (painted) and spring flowers

Eostre (Ostara)

This is the date that was used to create the holiday Easter and where the tradition of the Easter egg comes from. The Egg is a symbol of fertility and each colour has it’s own meaning.

This link will show some of the other deities that can be worshipped but also goes into more detail on the importance the egg plays in the sabbat.


Ya that’s a good start. Next week will be the remaining six. Any questions relating to these dates are welcomed.

Blessed Be.
Dani.