Observed for over 1,500 years, Yule is celebrated every winter solstice to usher in a new cycle of growth. It signifies the end of darkness and cold winter nights and symbolizes rebirth and renewal as days slowly become longer. Given its pagan origins, it’s associated with honoring deities or gods, such as Odin, in Norse mythology. In the past, Yule was celebrated with feasts and festivities, such as singing, drinking, and dancing. And now, the festivities have continued involving into a staple holiday for modern pagans and those that practice witchcraft. Let’s take a look at some traditional…
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The final Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year is none other than Samhain (pronounced SOW-win), the third harvest festival and the time when many believe that the veil between our world and the world of the Spirits is at its thinnest. This celebration of the last harvest holds significance in many cultures and takes form in many different ways; the most notable being that of Halloween in modern western calendars. While dressing up and going door-to-door for candy or enjoying media filled with monsters and scares may be what first comes to mind, many of these modern activities actually…
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Lughnasadh: A Pagan Sabbat Celebrated on August 1st With August and fall quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to learn about one of the Pagan Sabbats: Lughnasadh. Lughnasadh is a celebration of the grain harvest and occurs right in between summer and fall. This holiday has significant meaning and history and is still celebrated by pagans today. Let’s explore the origins of Lughnasadh, how it was celebrated in the past, and some of the ways modern pagans celebrate it today. What is Lughnasadh? Originally, Lughnasadh was a Celtic festival that honored Lugh, the Celtic…
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These stars and yellow moon are as bright as ever above the twin ritual bonefires crackling and sparkling the faces of your friends, all the sheep and cattle. It is Beltane, Mayday, and the sacred druids are driving the herds between the two fires to purify them ensuring good health and fertility. The cacophony of odors and sounds and your tired feet remind you of the Maypole dancing earlier that day and your secret beloved. Our European ancestors were both pastoral and agricultural. The lives of both animals and crops were governed by the seasons of the northern hemisphere and,…
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Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons when new life is created, and nature begins to come alive. It’s also when we celebrate the festival of Eostre and sow the seeds for what we want to accomplish in the upcoming year. For millennia, people have celebrated Eostre and the fertility it promotes, welcoming in the hope of new life and the joy that it brings. What Is Eostre? Eostre is the spring festival of fertility honoring the goddess of the dawn, Eostre. Eostre’s name means East, coming from the area the sun rises and signifies new life and new…
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