Yule ~ December 21/22
Yule is celebrating the sun being reborn. In symbolic language we state:
"The goddess has given birth to the reborn sun.
She has brought forth the child or promise.
There is hope again in the land.
The Wheel has turned."
(excerpt taken from "A way of Wicca" by Vivienne Crowley pg.48 , 4th paragraph)
Yule is a time for feasting with friends and family. herbs associated with Yule are Holly, Mistletoe, Rosemary, Oak, Pine cones. Alter decorations include An evergreen tree, golden apples, holly, mistletoe, sparkling crystals, candles, a hearth fire. Colours associated with Yule are White and pale green, silver, gold.
Imbolc/Candlemans~ February 1st
Imbolc celebrates the beginning of the Wicca year. It originates from Celtic tradition. Although now imbolc symbolizes the start of new life, trees beginning to bud, greet shoots appearing from under the soil. It is the beginning of spring, when sheep and goats begin to produce milk. It is a time to give thanks to the goddess for brining spring to us. Herbs associated with imbolc are Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, First Flowers of the Year. Alter decorations include Snowdrops and any other spring bulb and candles (candle magik is popular at this time.) Colours associated with imbolc are White, Orange, Red, green.
Spring equinox (Ostara)~ March 20th - 23rd
Spring Equinox celebrates the turning of the year. Its a point where light over throws dark. Days grow longer and night time shortens. In the animal world mating begins bringing new life forms. It celebrates the fertility of the lands and it is a time to grow seeds and start gardening and farming. Spring equinox urges to take out the old and bring in the new. New life can be seen in meadows. Herbs associated with Ostara are Honeysuckle, Iris, Peony, Violet All spring flowers. Alter decorations includes spring flowers like daffodils and primroses, painted green eggs, seed cake and catkins. Colour associated with Ostara is green.
Beltane/ May Eve~ April 30th- may 1st
Beltane celebrates fertility and the union of the young goddess and horned god. It is also known as mayday. The may pole that is represented with mayday often represents the unity of the god and goddess. feminine and masculine forces join together. t is said that children who are conceived during Beltane were gifted and were called Merry-be-gots. Often fires are lit and is called *the Beltane fire* Wiccan couples often jumped the fire to enhance fertility to conceive a child. Herbs associated with Beltane are Honeysuckle, St. John's wort, Hawthorn, All flowers. Alter decorations include Hawthorn, blossoms, ribbons, flower crowns, decorated poles. Colours associated with Beltane are green, pink, blue and white.
Midsummer~ 21st/2nd June
Midsummer celebrates the longest day. It is more dedicated to the god, as Beltane is more dedicated to the goddess. It celebrates the shining of the sun and thanks should be made to the solar king. It celebrates the beauty of the earth. This is a good time for couples to get married if they are seeking to be on a more spiritual basis and also to have children. Herbs associated with midsummer are Lavender, Chamomile, Roses, Daisy, Lily. Alter decorations include Roses oak leaves and symbols of the sun. Colours associated with midsummer are Blue, green, yellow, red.
Lughnasadh/lammas~ July 31st/ August 1st
Lamma celebrates the harvest. And it is a time to harvest seeds that have grown. Often during Lamma dances and games are performed. Herbs associated with Lamma are All grains, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sunflowers. Alter decorations include newly cut wheat, corn dollies, fresh bread, sickles. Colours associated with Lamma are Yellow, orange, green, brown.
Autumn Eqinox~ September 21st / 22nd
Autumn equinox celebrates the end of harvest. Again our days and nights become equal. It is the end of summer and we must prepare for the cold. We must stock what we will need to survive the winter. Herbs associated with Autumn Equinox are Hazel, Corn, Acorns, Oak, Wheat Stalks, Cypress cones, Pine cones. Alter decorations include Apples, fallen leaves, pine cones, antlers. Colours associated with Autumn Equinox are Orange, Dark red, Yellow, Brown, gold.
Samhain/Hallowe'en~ October 31st/ November 1st
Hollowe'en Celebrates and is the festival of the dead. It is a Pagan custom. This is the time to honor lost loved ones and say our goodbyes to the people we have lost the year before. this is the night that the dead pass through to the other side. Herbs associated with Hallowe'en are Pumpkin, Apple, Nuts, Thistle, Chrysanthemum, Broom, Oak leaves, Sage. Alter Decorations include apples, spirals, branches of leaves, black mirrors, crystal balls, cauldrons. Colours associated with Hallowe'en are brown, black, orange.
