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Post by Jen on Aug 13, 2005 19:38:15 GMT 1
There are eight great Celtic festivals that mark the cycle of the Sun through the seasons. The festivals are divided into Quarter days, better known as the Soltices and Equinoxes, and the Cross-Quarter days , Beltain, Lughnasad, Samhain and Imbolc, which mark the mid-point between the Equinoxes and Soltices. Mythologically, the cycle of these festivals tells the story of the Goddess and the birth,death,resurrection of her divine child and consort, the Sun God..
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Post by angeleyes on Aug 20, 2005 22:03:22 GMT 1
MM hedge
when do these festivals take place
BB
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Post by Jen on Aug 21, 2005 13:18:15 GMT 1
I will go into more detail of each festival in seperate threads. But for now, here are the dates of each one:
Winter Solstice/Yule - 21st December
Imbolc - 1st February
Spring Equinox - 21st March
Beltain - 1st May
Summer Solstice/Litha - 21st June
Lughnasad - 1st August
Autumn Equinox - 23rd September
Samhain - 1st November
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Post by missj544 on Aug 25, 2005 0:46:34 GMT 1
YAAAHHH! Beltane day!!!! ok i'll shut up now.
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Post by angelis on Aug 25, 2005 1:47:40 GMT 1
miss I would guess that falls on your birthday or a very important day to you.
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Post by blackenedrose on Aug 25, 2005 22:04:31 GMT 1
Personally, I love Imbolc. I have even since before I knew there was an Imbolc. The only time of the year when there is snow where I live, and I can walk in the silence (which to me always sounds more profound in the snow) and look at the icicles and all.
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Post by Goth on Aug 26, 2005 8:42:43 GMT 1
I will go into more detail of each festival in seperate threads. OOPS! Sorry Hedge, didn't see this bit. If you want to delete my post on Samhain, you go ahead ;D  |
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Post by Jen on Aug 26, 2005 18:37:42 GMT 1
I wouldn't dream of it goth!
;D
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Post by angelis on Aug 28, 2005 19:58:21 GMT 1
Wheel of the Year
Wiccans like to celebrate. The Wiccan calendar contains 13 full moons (Esbats) and 8 Sabbats, or days of power, making 21 Wiccan ritual occasions.
The Esbats are for celebrating the Goddess. The Sabbats mark the sun's yearly cycle and tell the story of The Wheel of the Year. (Clicking on the links will take you to rituals for that Sabbat.)
Our story begins on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, (usually around Dec. 21) also known as Yule. It is on this day that we celebrate the Goddess giving birth to the God, a reminder that with death comes rebirth. It is a joyous celebration of family and friends, of peache and love and positive energy. Wiccans light candles and/or fire (the Yule log) to welcome the Sun's return. It is common for this ritual to be performed just before dawn, ending with the sun's rising. It is tradition to save part of the Yule log for use the next year and to bring luck into your home during the coming year.
Imbolic falls on Feb. 2. During this Sabbat, we celebrate the Goddess's recovery from giving birth and the God's growth as the days begin to get longer. It is the quickening of the year. This is the Festival of Light and Fertilization - sacred to the Irish goddess Brigit - a traditional time for purification, initiation and self-dedication. Also referred to as Imbolg, Imbolc, Candlemas and Brigid.
Ostara, the Spring Equinox (when the day and night are equal, usually around March 21), is also known as The Rites of Spring. This is when the God is flourishing in youth and the Goddess (in her Maiden aspect) blankets the earth in fertility. This is where their courtship begins. Ostra is a solar festival of fire, light and fertility. Eggs are a popular symbol of this holiday. This is a time of beginnings and of actions and for planting spells for future gain. It is also a time to bless seeds that will be planted in the garden. Also referred to as Ostra, Ostre and Eostar.
Beltane (May 1) marks the emergence of the God into manhood. It is the great fertility festival where we celebrate the marriage of the Goddess and the God and the consummation of their relationship. This festival celebrates the transformation of from maiden to mother through the mystery of sexuality. The Goddess's fertility is celebrated, usually with the May Pole and Beltane Eve is the perfect time for the Great Rite. Also spelled Bealteinne, Beltaine, Beltainne.
Litha, the Summer Solstice (around July 21) marks the longest day of the year, when powers in nature reach their highest point. The Earth is awash with the fertility of the pregnant Goddess, and the God is at the height of his power. Fire is lit to mark the longest day. It is a great time for handfastings, workings of empowerment, consummation, culmination and magick. Also referred to as Midsummer.
Lughnasad (Aug. 1) is the festival of the first harvest. The God is losing strength and is dying. The Goddess is sad as she watches him die, yet is happy as she knows that he lives on inside of her as her child. This is a reminder that nothing in the Universe is constant. It is usually marked with the Festival of Bread and a corn king is sacrificed. Also spelled Lughnassad and referred to as Lammas.
Mabon, the Fall Equinox (around Sept. 21) is the completion of the harvest begun at Lughnasad. Day and night are equal. It is at this time that the God prepares to leave his body for rebirth. It is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and give thanks for abundance.
Samhain (Sow-win, Oct. 31), Witches' New Year, marks the death of the God and his the arrival in the Land of Youth, where he opens the gates so the souls can revisit their loved ones. It is said to be the day when the walls between the worlds are to be the thinnest and when contact with one's ancestors can tack place. It is celebrated with the Festival of the Dead. This is a time of reflection on the year and a celebration of our ancestors.
Some more detailed info I found hedge, incase anyone wanted it sorry for the post.
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Post by angeleyes on Aug 28, 2005 20:21:43 GMT 1
thanks hedge for your info doll
Aud
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Post by circemoon on Sept 1, 2005 7:43:00 GMT 1
Yes very good energies on these special days. I always seem witness some small miracle on these holy days. Stones that are lsot will re-appear, or a secret divine communication will reveal something profound etc.. I look forward to the next holiday at the equinox (Mabon) when the sun enters Libra.
cm
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Post by Jen on Sept 1, 2005 16:11:25 GMT 1
I do enjoy celebrating the festivals with ritual and prayer, to me it is important to embrace the passing of time and the seasons.
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Post by angelis on Sept 4, 2005 15:05:43 GMT 1
Mabon is soon coming.
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Post by missj544 on Sept 21, 2005 4:51:39 GMT 1
I was born on Beltane day, But the Autumn Equinox is my favorite time. I love the crispness in the air and the changing of all the colors, The Harvest moon!! Breathtaking!
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Post by Jen on Sept 26, 2005 15:59:35 GMT 1
I have to agree with you Jacqueline. The Moon was simply breathetaking the other night, and I do like it to be a bit cooler in the evenings, though here the days are still pretty scorchio. Then of course there's Samhain to look forward too.
YAY!
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