Welcome to Wicca

Wheel of the year

Since my main reason for starting this book was my upcoming feeling of loneliness as Imbolc approaches and I am (shocker) still alone, I decided to write this chapter on the wheel of the year. In the Wiccan Rede, you will notice numerous lines mentioning various holidays and the time when they occur. Much of this will be taken straight from my BOS as that is where the majority of my note-taking regarding holidays is. Also, the dates are for the northern hemisphere, I apologize for the inconvenience.

Yule

"As the wheel has turned to Yule, light the log, the Horned one rules"

Yule is the longest night of the year (December 20-23). Originally it was celebrated as it marks the time when the days will begin to get longer. It was known as the sun's rebirth. The sun referring to the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life aka the Horned God. (I can write more about the various names and forms of the God and Goddess if desired) This holiday is the basis of most Christmas traditions. Many of which you or your family may already do. Houses can be decorated with holly, mistletoe, and ivy to attract nature spirits. This is the time to light a yule log. Christmas cactus, evergreen boughs or wreaths, poinsettias, and gold pillar candles are additional common decor. Red, green, gold, white and silver are prominent colours. Common activities are wassailing trees (toasting trees with spiced cider), decorating trees, large feasts with fruits, eggnog, cider, caraway cakes, cookies, nut, wassail, and turkey.

Imbolc

"When the time for Imbolc shows, watch for flowers in the snow"

Begins Feb 1st at sundown and continues through until Feb 2nd. Imbolc means "in the belly of the mother" because it is when seeds begin to stir and get ready to grow in the upcoming spring. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is time to bless seeds and farming tools and is extremely sacred to the Goddess Brigit. This day also marks the start of the festival of the maiden which continues until March 21st. Candles are often lit and placed in each room of a home to honor the rebirth of the sun. Brighid's crosses can be given as gifts to symbolize protection and prosperity. They are made out of wheat stalks. White flowers are also common decor during this holiday. Seeds and seed themed food can be eaten in celebration and bonfires, decorating plows, making acorn wands and stone gathering can also be ways to celebrate, along with just going on a hike and having a feast :)

Ostara

"I the spring when night equals day, time for Ostara to come our way"

Ostara is time for new growth, fertility, and newborn animals. It is sacred to Eostre the Saxon Lunar Goddess of fertility. Her symbols (the egg and the rabbit) is where the concept of the Easter bunny on Easter came. Dishes with fresh greens, flowers, and dairy are popular at this time. As well as many flowers such as daffodils, irises, violets, peonies and essentially all existent spring flowers. It is a good time to plant your garden and reflect on nature, all it provides and its beauty.

Beltane

"When the wheel begins to turn, soon the Beltane fires will burn"

It is essentially a time of shameless sexuality. Flowers and branches decorate homes and flowers are often braided into hair or bodies are decorated. Beltane marks the return of passion and strength and symbolizes the Sun gods change into manhood. At this time it is said he desires the Goddess. They fall in love and lay among the flowers, the Goddess then becomes pregnant. A wedding feast is prepared to celebrate. Because of this large feasts are prepared to celebrate Beltane. This is also the holiday in which we dance around the maypole.

Summer Solstice (Litha)

"When the sun has reached its height, time for Oak and Holly to fight"

It is the longest day of the year so light and life are not only extremely abundant but celebrated. This is when the Sun God is his strongest and sits on his greenwood throne, lording over the forest. Litha is portrayed as having relation to faeries. Its a day to eat bounties from the earth like garden-grown fruits and veggies. It is a good time to reaffirm your dedication to the Lord and Lady or any particular deity.

Lammas (Lughnasadh)

"As the wheel is turned to Lammas night, power is brought to magic rite"

It is time to celebrate the first official harvest of the year and recognize that summer is coming to an end. Talitean marriages (marriages that last for a year and a day) are celebrated at this time. The Sun God becomes weaker. It is a celebration to remember summer as it comes to its end and reflect on it. Bread and apples are common foods for this time.

Mabon

"Harvesting comes to one and all, when the Autumn equinox does fall"

It is time to pay respects to the upcoming dark. We also give thanks to past light. It is a time to finish old business. Trees are liberated and the green man is celebrated. Mabon is a more lavish affair as we wear fine clothes as we celebrate and feast.

Samhain

"As the old year starts to wane, the new begins it's now Samhain"

It is the official end of Summer and our biggest festival. More commonly known today as Halloween. It is a time when the veil between worlds is lifted and conversation with past loved ones is therefore increasingly easy. Candles can be lit in window sills to attract lost spirits and turnips were carved to be given the faces of guardians for protection. Extra place settings are often set at tables for our "unseens guests". Bonfires are lit at this time and we are advised to not go out alone after dark.

That was my quick run-through of the Sabbat's we celebrate and the wheel of the year. If there is anything you want me to cover don't be afraid to ask. I can always add more if needed.

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xo Shay