Tag Archive for Wheel of the year

| April 26, 2012
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Invocation to Mabon

autumn-leaves autumn-leaves

Leaves shudder, And Blush at your Passing lord, Remembering the days of summer, When you , green and pollen bright. Dancing in the warm, caressing winds Proud and vital as the Up thrusting Oak. But now the sword – edge of frost, Looms from the mist. Balancing night and day, A blade poised at your throat, You shudder. And the leafs shudder with you, You grip your hand to the branch, Savouring that one last touch, Then you leap spiralling through the crisp air, As you dive upon the frost blade. Dying the leafs, Red with your willing sacrifice, You rise, your lips, Pale as the blade buried within you, And make your way to the darkest shore At your feet, the leafs rustle and sigh, And shudder And blush at your passing Related articles by Zemanta Practice Of Invocation (dragonintuitive.com) Group Invocation (dragonintuitive.com)

Category: Mabon | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
| April 26, 2012
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Beltane Activities

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Jump the balefire. The bonfire, or need-fire, is one of the oldest Beltane traditions. When lighting the fire, use nine sacred woods from the following list: oak, apple, hawthorn, birch, elder, ash, blackthorn, grape vine, mountain ash (rowan), holly, willow, cedar, yew, and hemlock. Ashes from the balefire can be scattered in the fields as a fertility charm. Women wishing to conceive can tie a bag of the ashes around their necks. Traditionally, cattle and other animals were driven between two fires for protection, healing, and purification. Modern pagans can ritually purify tools or other things in the balefire. Jump the dying embers of the fire for summer blessings. Dance around the maypole. Gather the first wild herbs of the season. Go a-Mayin’ by going to the woods and fields to gather flowers. Take a picnic. Wash your face in dew at sunrise on Beltane for beauty in the coming year. (Traditionally the dew from the hawthorn tree, but dew from grass and flowers will do.) Make daisy chains and fresh flower wreaths and chaplets (head dresses) to wear and to place atop the maypole. Braid flowers in your hair. Make and wear leafy green masks to represent the Green Man who has returned. Make a wish at the hawthorn tree, a tree associated with faeries. Place strips of cloth symbolizing your wish in the tree (the color should be appropriate to the nature of your wish, i.e. blue for health, pink or red for love, green or gold for prosperity). Take some time to

Category: Beltane, Everyday Pagan | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
| April 26, 2012
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The Wheel Of The Year

wheel_of_the_year wheel_of_the_year

The Wheel of the year is basically a calendar of the 8 festivals called Sabbats celebrated by Wiccan’s and some other pagan paths. The wheel looks like a cartwheel with 8 spokes marking the sections of the year. The wheel is in 2 sections the first is the Quarters know as “the lesser Sabbats” or “quarter days”, these quarters mark the movement of the sun through the year with the vertical spokes marking the solstices and the horizontal spokes marking the equinoxes The second section represents the cross quarters “cross-quarter days,” “fire festivals,” or “Greater Sabbats”, these are a mix of Gaelic and Germanic festival but basically or from my understanding the cross quarters are the cycles of life and death. The truth be told the Wiccan Wheel of the Year as been made up and in fact at the very starting of Wicca only the Cross quarters where celebrated online pharmacy without prescription it was the Bricket Wood Coven that added the quarter days basically because the wanted more meeting They did this while Gerald Gardner was away although he did not object to the additions as this brought Wicca closer to Gardner’s Long time friend Ross Nichols’s Neo druidism groups the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Although this Wheel has no historical value in terms of reclaiming the Craft it is a valued addition to Wicca and in other pagan paths. For me the wheel is a great source of meditation, understanding of life and death, a reminder of the cycles in

Category: Ásatrú, Dianic Wicca, Druidry, Eclectic witchcraft, Forn Siðr, Heathenism, Heathenry, Lammas, Lughnasadh, Mabon, McFarland Dianic, Mens Tradition, Odinism, Order of Baphomet Lodge, Oslac, Pagan Paths, pagan People, Rituals and Rites, Samhain, Seax-Wica, Shamanism, Theodism, Vor Siðr, Wheel of the year, Wicca, Yule | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| April 26, 2012
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The Wiccan Rede

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Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give. For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme. Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much. Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune. Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane. When the Lady’s moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart’s desire seek. Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail. When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest. Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God‘s insight.   Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland. Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie

Category: Gods and Goddessess, Magicks, Wicca | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| April 26, 2012
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The Summer Solstice

Stonehenge_Summer_Solstice_eve_02 Stonehenge_Summer_Solstice_eve_02

Litha, which means to stand still or stopping, is the name given to the pagan Mid summer ritual. The Summer solstice which happens around the 21st / 22nd of June depending on the position of the sun. As pagans we celebrate the summer solstice as part of the wheel of the year and their some slight differences in the symbology. Some pagans see the summer solstice as the time where the Goddess took over the earth from the horned God at the beginning of spring and she is now at the height of her power and fertility. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and sees their union as the force that creates the harvest’s fruits. For me it the time when the god and goddess of the light half of the year are at their most fertile and radiate life. The God is at his peek but from this point forward he will weaken until he is final defeated and killed by the god of the dark half of the year and is reborn in mid winter. For me this time of year is about balance and enjoying the best times while you have them it is also it a big reminder that nothing will last forever. This is a time to celebrate growth and life for Pagans, who see balance in the world and are deeply aware of the ongoing shifting of the seasons it is also time to acknowledge that the sun will now begin

Category: Book of Shadows, Druidry, Pagan Paths, Summer Solstice, Wheel of the year | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| March 12, 2012
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My First harvest

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Most of my pagan friends will tell you that me and gardening is not a true match in fact a pagan friend of mine (someone who is now running their own coven) was told that I had spent weeks designing my garden to which he replied why did it take him so long to draw a square and write concrete ‘LOL’. I always lived in London and gardening was a luxury but since I move out in to the middle of the country I have wanted improve my pagan practices with getting back to ground roots pagan life I could not cope with the “good life” (tv version) of going totally self sufficient but I did want to be able to grow a few herbs for spell and potions and some fruit over the last few years I have not had much success (explains the concrete comment), I have had the dog dig them up, slugs and caterpillars eat them and the frost kill them and the few bit that have survived have been never in time for any ritual or rite. But this year I have managed to grow stuff that will be ready for the 1st august it not much I have 1 melon a few raspberries a few black currents and 4 or five broad bean come on don’t laugh I know it not much. This will be the first year that I will be able to perform a harvest ritual where the harvest will be a physical act, will be able to

Category: Book of Shadows, Everyday Pagan, Lammas, Lughnasadh, Rituals and Rites, Wheel of the year, Witchcraft | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| March 12, 2012
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May Day Beltane and Bile

Beltane (AKA Lá Bealtaine, Bealltainn, Beltain, Beltaine, Boaltinn, Boaldyn, Belotenia, G?yl Galan Mai) is the Celtic fire festival that either marks the mid point between spring and summer or for others the first day of summer. The name Beltane means ‘fires of Bel’. The god bel is also known as Belen, Belenus, Belinus, Bellinus, Bélénos, Belennos, Belenos, Bel, Bilé: Is The Celtic god of light and healing, “Bel” means “shining one,” or in Irish Gaelic, the name “bile” translates to “sacred tree.” It is thought that the waters of Danu, the Irish All-Mother goddess, fed the oak and produced their son, The Dagda. As the Welsh Beli, he is the father of Arianrhod by Don. Patron of sheep and cattle, Bel’s festival is Beltane, one of two main Celtic fire festivals. Beltane celebrates the return of life and fertility to the world — marking the beginning of summer and the growing season. Taking place on Sunset April 30, Beltane also is sometimes referred to as “Cetsamhain” which means “opposite Samhain.” The word “Beltaine” literally means “bright” or “brilliant fire,” and refers to the bonfire lit by a presiding Druid in honour of Bile. “Some believe this deity is the equivalent of Belatucadros, the consort of Belisama, another patroness of light, fire, the forge and crafts. Belatucadros, whose name means “fair shining one” or possibly “the fair slayer,” is the god of destruction and war and transports the dead to Danu’s “divine waters.” Celtic deities often reign over seemingly contradictory themes. In the case of Belatucadros,

Category: Beltane, Events, Everyday Pagan, Gods and Goddessess, Pagan Mysteries, Rituals and Rites | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| March 12, 2012
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Alban Elfed Stags and Cernunnos

The Celtic, antlered god Cernunnos is followed for his life-fertility-death cycle. His death is now usually set at Samhain (or Hallowe'en, October 31st) and his rebirth is marked at or around Spring Equinox. The pendant is worn for Renewal and Transformation. The Celtic, antlered god Cernunnos is followed for his life-fertility-death cycle. His death is now usually set at Samhain (or Hallowe'en, October 31st) and his rebirth is marked at or around Spring Equinox. The pendant is worn for Renewal and Transformation.

For the second time in the solar cycle. We stand equally between light and dark time instead of moving from darkness to light. We now move from light to dark and it is the time of the autumn Equinox, celebrated by Druids and Celtic traditions are Alban Elfed, (the light of the water in the Druid tradition). Although most of the celebrations are related to agriculture and harvest and giving thanks to the fields. One of the major symbols depicted in Celtic charms is the stag, which is used to symbolise nature surviving through the hard times of winter. The stag is closely associated to Cernunnos horned God. Also known as the Lord of animals or the laws of wild things. Cernunnos is often seen with horns, cross-legged in shamanic pose with the torc around his neck and in one hand and with a snake in the other. Cernunnos is depicted with seven points on his horns and often in the company of a stag. The stag is the symbol for Cernunnos or Herne, the horned gods; and is also is sometimes associated with the Green Man  and with gods of the Underworld.  Moreover, the Druid’s Horned God of Fertility, Hu Gadarn, was usually portrayed with the head of a stag.  Also, the Man in the Tree, or Derg Corra, is always accompanied by a stag. He is the Celtic guardian of knowledge. The stag and itself symbolology, played a large part in the Celtic belief system. They were considered to be animals of the

Category: Druidry, Gods and Goddessess, Pagan Mysteries, Symbols and Sigils | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| March 12, 2012
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Mabon Apple butter

applebutter applebutter

Since Mabon is the second harvest of the 3 harvest festivals of the wheel of the year and deals with the collections of fruit, this recipe is perfect for Mabon and is not hard to follow. Ingredients: 4 Kilos of Cooking Apples 2 litres of Water 1 1/2 litres of Cider (Such as scrumpy) Pear Cider can replace apple cider for slightly different flavour. 1 1/2 pounds Sugar 1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 teaspoon Allspice 1 teaspoon Cloves Method Wash and slice apples removing core and seeds place in large pan with cloves cook to soft strain of remaining liquid and keep to one side. Remove cloves from apples them mash or use a ricer for a smother texture pass through a sieve. Remove apples from pan if not already done so pour the liquid stock back in to pan and reduce by half then add Cider and bring to boil. Add apple pulp and sugar to liquid cook slowly stirring constantly and till it thickens and become sloppy, check taste for sweetness if to sweet squeeze a little lemon or orange juice to cut sweetness if not sweet enough add a little more. Add remaining spices and continue cooking and till thick enough to spread pour into sterilized jam jars and seal. Will keep for several months but it nicer to give to friends as Mabon gifts. NB-Adding a little grated orange zest to final stage adds a little extra pop to the taste. Related articles by Zemanta Healthy Apple Recipes for Autumn (brighthub.com) Apple

Category: Mabon, Recipes | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| March 5, 2012
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Samhain

Samhain Recipe Samhain Recipe

Samhain means “Summer’s end”, and is known by many different names: November Eve, All Hallows Eve, Hallowmas, Feast of Apples, Night of Spirits, Halloween and the Feast of the Dead. In the Gaelic languages of Ireland, Samhain is also known as “Oíche Shamhna”, in Scotland “Oidhche Shamhna” and in Wales “Nos Calan Gaeaf”. Depending on where you come from, Samhain also has many pronunciations; like in Ireland it is pronounced “sow-in”, in Scotland “sav-en” and in Wales “sow-een” Samhain is one of the greater Sabbats and falls on the 31st October and is originally a Celtic festival. Samhain marked the end of the harvest, the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half”. For our ancestors winter was a time of famine and hardship, especially for the sick and elderly as many will fail to survive the following winter months. Samhain at the start of the winter season and the beginning of the Celtic New Year was therefore a emotional time to honour those who had died before them. To pagans and witches alike Samhain is a celebration in honour of our ancestors, much as they honoured us in the days before we were born. As the wheel of year and of our lives continues to turn so will they honour us again, for time will come when we too cross the divide and take up our own place beside them. Samhain is one of the most popular days in the pagan wheel of the year and is it

Category: Rituals and Rites, Samhain, Wheel of the year | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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