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 Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 4:07 pm
The Pagan Wheel of the Year turns through many significant dates and festivals. The highlights are the eight seasonal Sabbats, and the thirteen Esbats which we celebrate each Full Moon.
The Sabbats are divided into two groups. The Greater Sabbats; Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lammas, fall on dates that represent high energy in the season. The Lesser Sabbats; Yule, Ostara, Litha and Mabon, fall on the equinoxes and solstices, the dates of which vary slightly from year to year, and they mark the changes of the four seasons. The Greater Sabbats are also known as the "cross-quarter" days as they mark the point between the solstice and the equinox.
This seasonal cycle is one of the key ways in which we see the processes of birth, growth, death, and rebirth play themselves out, and the myth of the Wheel of the Year was created to illustrate this cycle.
There are many variations of the myth throughout the different Pagan Traditions but the underlying theme is the same, and the rituals of the Sabbats are derived from this myth. A simplified version is given below:
In midwinter, the Goddess gives birth to a son, the God, who grows to adolescence by spring. In spring, the Goddess appears to the God in a youthful form. She falls pregnant to him and grows in beauty through summer and autumn. Over the same time, the God ages and slowly dies, symbolizing winter. In the darkest time, when the days are at their shortest, the Goddess gives birth to her son, the God, whom she will again take as a lover in spring, continuing the life cycle or spiral.
In this myth the Triple Goddess goes through the changing aspects of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The God brings forth the force of projective energy, the Spark of Life, and also the withdrawing and destructive energy of Death. The Goddess absorbs, reflects and transforms these energies. The Goddess and God are viewed as immortal and imperishable; they are the Duality of the Divine. Their different aspects are a symbolic shifting of cycles, ones we discover within ourselves, our World and throughout our own lives. This is the process that produces balance; within and without, above and below.
In spite of modern lifestyles and insulation from the natural world, we are still dependent upon the forces of nature, and contemporary Witches observe the Sabbats to establish and maintain a balance with nature. Sabbats are also a time for the Witch to look within, to reassess the life-path taken so far, and to reaffirm the directions she or he wishes to take in the future.
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 7:33 pm
Samhain
Northern Hemisphere: Oct 31
Southern Hemisphere: April 30
Hallowe'en, All Hallows
Samhain (SOW-en) is the one Sabbat that is also widely celebrated amongst non-Pagans. The God has died, and the Goddess mourns him until his rebirth at Yule. It's the last harvest festival, and the end of the Wiccan year.
Traditions~Divination, honouring the dead, carving Jack o' Lanterns
Correspondences~pumpkins, apples, sage, mugwort
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:02 pm
Yule
Northern Hemisphere: Dec 21
Southern Hemisphere: June 21
Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Alban Arthan
The holiday of Yule was celebrated long before Christians adopted the date. Many of the Christmas traditions we see today stem from old Pagan customs. As the solstice, it is the longest night of the year. From this day forward, light begins to return and we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God.
Traditions~lighting the Yule log, wreath making, gift giving
Correspondences~pine, holly, myrrh, cinnamon
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:23 pm
Imbolc
Northern Hemisphere: Feb 2
Southern Hemisphere: August 1
Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigid's Day
Imbolc is a day to celebrate the first glimpses of Spring, and it is also dedicated to the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Non-Pagans celebrate today as Groundhog Day. Make new starts in life, as you give your home a thorough cleaning.
Traditions~Burning fires and candles, cleaning, making a bed for Brigid
Correspondences~carnation, rosemary, chamomile, milk
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:34 pm
Ostara
Northern Hemisphere: March 21
Southern Hemisphere:Sept 21
Spring Equinox, Lady Day
This is another holiday that has been overlaid with Christian meanings (Easter). Eggs and bunnies are typical symbols, representing new birth and new life. Plant the seeds of long-term goals.
Traditions~Colouring eggs, decorating with flowers
Correspondences~jasmine, daffodil, lotus, new spring flowers
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:37 pm
Beltane
Northern Hemisphere May 1
Sothern Hemisphere: November 1
May Day, Walpurgis Night
The God born at Yule is now a man, and the sacred marriage between God and Goddess is consumated. Beltane is a celebration of fertility, growth, love and passion. However you celebrate Beltane, do it with joy and happiness.
Traditions~Dancing around the May Pole, lighting bonfires
Correspondences~Rose, lilac, vanilla
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:40 pm
Midsummer
Northern Hemisphere: June 21
Southern Hemisphere December 21
Litha, Summer Solstice, Whitsun
Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and the strength of the Sun God begins to wane. The Goddess has left her Maiden form of Imbolc and is now in her Mother aspect. Refill your herb collection for the coming year.
Traditions~Fairy magick, collecting herbs
Correspondences~Orange, lemon, honeysuckle, vervain
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:43 pm
Lammas
Northern Hemisphere: August 1
Southern Hemisphere: Feb 1
Lughnasadh
As the first of the three harvest festivals, much of the symbolism for Lammas revolves around grains and bread. Sacrifices were common, though mostly symbolic, in order to ensure the continued success of the harvest.
Traditions~Bread baking, making corn dollies
Correspondences~corn, sandalwood, heather
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:45 pm
Mabon
Northern Hemisphere: Sept 21
Southern Hemisphere: March 21
Autumn Equinox, Cornucopia
Day and night are equal again, and the weather grows colder as winter approaches. This is the second harvest festival. Rituals of thanks at this time have brought about the modern holidays of Thanksgiving. Take some time to think about what you are thankful for.
Traditions~Making and drinking of wine, share with the less fortunate
Correspondences~grapes, blackberries, cedar, patchouli
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