Pagans follow the changes of seasons with anticipation and celebrations.
The cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter is called the Wheel of
the Year.
Myths of the creation and the Goddess and God abound in this world, but there are common threads that run through all. You are able to discern the seasons of nature in all of these stories. The eight holidays of the Wheel are derived from the Creation myths. The Wheel will turn.
A Creation Myth
In the beginning there was She. She was All and All was She. She was the creator. She was alone and wanted to be so no longer. She, the Mother of All, created life out of herself. She created Him.
He was born to Her and grew strong. She, the Creator, recovered easily from the birth and also grew strong.
He who came from The Mother of All was maturing.
He Who was Her Son became her Lover and Consort. She became with child.
He who was Her Consort reached the peak of his power.
He who was her Lover, grew older.
His time was over and He who was Her Son and Consort died.
She who was the Creator was again alone. But She was with Child and He who was Her Son would be born again.
And the circle continues...
This is the Wheel of the Year
This never-ending circle marks the changing of the seasons and the travels of the sun. The events on this calendar are rooted in the solar and lunar celebrations of the Celts.
Solar Holidays
These Craft holidays are associated with a sun diety, and are called
Sabbats. Sabbats are the eight standard holidays during each year. They
represent the natural cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Pages will be added focusing on each of these holidays
YULE : Winter Solstice, December 20 or 21
A celebration of the return of the journey of the sun. Also known as a Quarter
For information on this holiday, please visit the Yule page of the Manor-House which includes the Manor-House Yule Ritual.
IMBOLC : February 2
The sun is getting stronger. A time of creativity and inspiration. Also known as a Cross Quarter.
OSTARA : Spring Equinox, about March 21
First day of spring. A time of starting new. warmth and light. Also known as a Quarter
BELTANE : May 1
The flourishing of new growth. It is a time of love. Also known as a Cross Quarter.
MIDSUMMER : Summer Solstice, About June 21
A time of nature's bounty. Known as a Quarter
LUGHNASADH : (pronounced loo-na-sa) August 1
Summer is waning, a time of giving thanks for the bounty. Also known as a Cross Quarter.
MABON : (Autumn Equinox) About September 1
The light begins to grow less, and the God, is the final harvest, when the fields are clear of their bounty. Winter is coming. It is a time of balance. Known as a Quarter
SAMHAIN : (pronounced sow-en) October 31
This day marks the Pagan new year, and commonly known as Halloween. The veil between the worlds of life and death is thin on this night, we take this time to remember our loved ones who have died. The God gives his life up to the land, and passes into the Shadowland, only to be reborn again at Yule. Also known as a Cross Quarter.
Celebrations for these holidays usually cover 3 days: the day before, the day of, and the day after.
The dates of the solstices at midsummer and midwinter and equinoxes in spring and autumn vary depending on the Suns entry into the zodiacal signs of Capricorn for the winter solstice or Cancer for the summer solstice, Aries for the spring equinox and Libra for the autumnal equinox.
The wheel turns again. It is the story of life, death and rebirth of the God, the land and the crops. It is the story of the Goddess and God, and it is the story of our lives.
If you are not able to take a day off from work for these celebrations, take a moment out of the day to recognize the Wheel. During Yule, if you are where it snows, hear the crunch of the snow under your feet as you walk. Really listen to the sound and rejoice in the season. In spring, feel the increasing warmth of the sun, in autumn breath deep the scent of the dropping leaves. Enjoy the flourishing of the flowers in summer and follow the Wheel of the Year.
Text and Wheel graphic © 1998 GreyWing
Property of the Manor-House for Wiccan Studies
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