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Welcome!

You can actually buy this "wheel of the year" wall plack.  Just click on the picture!

 

 

The Wheel of the Year is based on the seasons. Samhain is the beginning of the new year. Maybe you will notice that the ancient holidays coincide with Christian holidays.  Not only the dates but some of the traditions.  I will try to point that out with each holiday.  The reason this set of holidays appeals so much to me is because it feels important to remember that we are still part of Nature.  Like all of the animals and trees, humans, too, react to the seasons.  For example; many people experience S.A.D. in the winter months when the sun shines the least.  And it would seem that the fertility customs of Beltaine are alive and well in the practices of "spring break."   I feel that staying in touch with the natural world keeps me more balanced and closer to the Divine.

 

Samhain - October 31
Many people still celebrate this holiday as Halloween or the Feast of the Dead.  It is said the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.   Our ancestors are closest to us and this is a time for honoring them.   This day is also used for ending things in our lives.  Maybe a time to quit a bad habit or let go of a past relationship.  Tonight is traditionally a powerful night and good for tarot cards, scrying, runes and other divination.

 

Yule - December 21
This is the winter solstice and longest night of the year. Yule celebrate the end of the darkness and the return of the sun. Traditions include gatherings, feast, and gifts.  The Celts started such traditions the Yule log, holly, decorating a tree.  The colors red and green were long used to celebrate Yule.  An interesting parallel: Yule celebrates the birth of the Sun child, the son of the Goddess and returns light to the earth.  Christmas celebrate the birth of the son of God, the Light of the World.  Their are a lot of similarities between holidays, especially Yule, in many religions and cultures.

 

Imbolc - February 2
We celebrate the first signs of Spring.  (Like Groundhog Day.) People light candles all through the house to "bring back the sun." This is a holiday for new beginings.  I usually try to do some Spring cleaning now and get rid of all the old in bring in the new.  It's nice to welcome the sun back with a nice clean house.

 

Ostara - March 21
Celebrated on the Spring equinox.  Night and Day are equal this time of year.  We celebrate the return of the sun.  (Much like Easter where the return of the Son is celebrated.) Traditionally a time of rebirth. Easter got its name from the goddess Eostre. The colored eggs and rabbits are all ancient tradition, too.

 

Beltaine - May 1
Also celebrated as May Day. It's my personal favorite.  I tried to coincide my honeymoon with it.  It's all about fertility, this one.  We celebrate the new life that has returned with the sun.  The Ancient Celts used to have big bon fires and celebrated the great marriage between the Goddess and the God.

 

Litha - June 21
Celebrated on the summer solstice.  This is the longest day of the whole year and is also called Midsummer.  People used to believe this was the most powerful night for the faeries.  Ever read a Midsummer Nights' Dream by Shakespeare?  The animals and their young, the flowers in full bloom, the fruit ripe on the trees... we celebrate the prosperity of the earth.

 

Lammas - August 1
This holiday celebrates the harvest.  Particularly corn and grains from what I have read.  There are dolls of corn and wheat made.  We appreciate Nature for the harvest and all her gifts.  Usually celebrated with bonfires.

 

Mabon - September 21
This holiday has always held a bit of sadness for me.  We reflect on the past year and give thanks for the harvest.  We finish our preparations for the return of the darkness as the sun once again will shy away for the winter months.

 

 

Brief descriptions of Celtic  holidays and sabbats
 
The way the ancient Celts measured the year
 
Different outlines for meditations, crafts and activities.
 
  Briefly describes how I began walking my path.  Eventually, I would like to link to other sites illustrating personal journeys  pagan pathways.
 

 

 
 

Pagan/Celtic/Family Links:

Ferret's Glen

This is a link to my best friend, Dan's site.  His site is filled with personal experience from one who is experienced in his path.

Witches' Tutorial

This is Dan's wife, my cousin, Aimee's page.  She is new to her path, but definitely has done her homework.  Her resources are very informative and worth your time.

Celtic Paganism vs. Wicca

This is an article I stumbled across and decided to post.  I don't think it represents me entirely, but it definitely clears the confusion most people have about Wicca and Celtic Paganism.

WitchVox

One of THE BEST resources on the web for pagans, witches and what nots...  There section on the military is wonderful as well.

 

 

 

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How to contact me:

on AOL IM "AmandaAwbrey"

on Yahoo IM "Aithnefire"

on MSN "AmandaAwbrey"

or email me

The ivy and Celtic knots came from Pats Web Graphics.  Be sure to visit!

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