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The Sacredness of life is revealed to us through the seasons of the Year, by the turning of the wheel. Those who follow an Earth based Spirituality belief system usually celebrate the never ending process of birth, growth, fruition, waning and rest of not only the life cycle on Earth, but the same life cycle within our own bodies. Here are the 8 days that I celebrate and what they correspond with in regard to the Earth's Sacred Wheel.
Yule - The Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, usually falls on or around Dec.21st. A time of Darkness. Also, it is the start of the Waxing Year. Goddess gives birth to the God at Yule and Yule is a reminder to us all that the ultimate result of death is rebirth. A new beginning and a new Year. Christians celebrate Christmas.....the birth of "the God".
Imbolc - Celebrated on Feb. 2nd, Imbolc is also known as Candlemas or Brigid's day
(the goddess of fire). Imbolc marks the end of the Goddess' 6 week recovery period after the birth of the God. The days are perceptibly longer, and depending on where you live, somewhat warmer. It is the time our inner fires are lit.....the first glimmer of hope for spring after a long, hard winter. It is a time of awakening and purification. Initiations and Dedications unto ones chosen path are done at this time. Traditionally, Imbolc is the Fire fesival, celebrated with torches and bonfires. On Imbolc's eve, light candles and place them in every room of your dwelling to welcome the return of Light!
Ostara - Ostara is the Spring equinox, a time when darkness and light are balanced and equal. The equinoxes are times to seek balance in your body and the world around it. Ostara brings the freshness of the Earth's awakening and the energies shift from rest to growth. It is a time to plant, initiate projects, make plans for the future. The christians celebrate Easter at this time. Many of the Easter staples, such as Egg hunts and Easter Bunnies, come from the Pagan Traditions. Easter is held on the first Sunday after the full moon after the equinox. A mighty Pagan way to hold a Christian Holy Day, don't you think?
Beltane - Beltane, or May's Eve, falls of course on April 30th. A passionate day, this Beltane be. The young god emerges into manhood and the goddess takes him as her consort and she becomes pregnant. The Earth's fertility is rich and her growth abounds. Beltane has always been associated with feasts and ritual. May Poles, representative of the god and cauldrons, representative of goddess are the centerpoint of the celebrations. Beltane is the return of passion and vitality for the Earth and her creatures.
Litha - Midsummer or the Summer Soltice falls on or around the 21st of June. The powers of nature reach their climax on this day as the Earth revels in the fertility of the goddess and the god. The practice of leaping bonfires takes place to encourage health, love and vitality. This is the festival of the sun, as it is the longest day of the year. It is the Classic time for all things Magickal!
Lammas - Lammas, otherwise known as Lughnasadh falls on August first.It is the first harvest, the first ripening of seed. This is a joyous day! The fruits of our labors are enjoyed as we celebrate in feast. The god begins to lose strength as the sun falls below the horizon sooner in the day now. The goddess watches in both sorrow and joy as she understands the god's presence is waning upon the Earth, yet growing inside of her as her child.
Mabon - The Autumnal Equinox falls on or around September 21st. Mabon signifies the completion of the harvest that began at Lammas. The days and nights are now equal as the Earth's growth cycle comes to an end. The god prepares to leave his physical body and The Earth prepares for rest and renewal.
Samhain - At Samhain (Oct. 31st.) we bid farewell to the god. However, the farewell is short lived as he is to be reborn with the sun come Yule. Samhain is a time of rest and reflection, a time to look back at our year, gain wisdom from the mistakes and to turn within for answers. It is a time to come to terms with that which is beyond ouur control. On this night the veil between the worlds is thin. The world of spirit is most easily accessed. It is a time to remember our ancestors......those who have gone into the realm of spirit before us. I use the time between Samhain and Yule as a period of deep rest. I will need a strongly renewed sense of life and purpose for the coming year. I believe we should use this period wisely.
