The Sabbats

Samhain

is the beginning of the Pagan year for most traditions. It comes on Oct 31 - Nov 1 in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the true dark of the year. Nights are noticeably longer, the leaves have fallen, and everyone is settling in for the fallow time. It's the time when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest, and the beloved dead are remembered.

Yule

is the winter solstice, the darkest, longest night of the year. It is also the turning between the waning year and the waxing year as the world works Herself back towards spring. It is a time to gather with those you love and celebrate sharing light and warmth in the middle of the cold and dark. The Goddess renews Herself and prepares to come back in the spring as a maiden once again.

Brighid

also called Imbolc or Oimelc is the halfway marker between the dead of winter and the beginning of spring. It is the time of year when traditionally new dedications are done for students and those who have finished their initial time are initiated. We celebrate the Goddess of healing, smithcraft, and poetry - Brighid herself. Many groups have talent fairs where people can display different works they've done and where those in healing professions are appreciated for the owrk they do all year.

Ostara

is the spring equinox when light and day balance and the Goddess re-emerges as the dancing maiden of spring. Flowers and plants awaken and the world is alive with baby animals coming from their winter birthing nests. It is time to open the windows and air out the cobwebs of winter and open yourself to the new promise of life.

Beltane

is the celebration of the fecundity of Gaia, outr Mother, who gives us food and shelter and hope all year. Celebrate your own fertility whether it be sexual or creative or both. Dance barefoot in the grass and drape yourself in jewelry and clothing that makes you feel sensual and alive.

Litha

is the summer soltice, the shortest night and in most climates, the beginning of the hottest part of the year. Planting is done and it's time to let soil and rain do their thing and nurture those fledgling lives. It's a time to celebrate your inner energy which is bursting with potential courtesy of the sun's generous rays filling the air and everything around us. The earliest spring fruits are ready so bite deep into berries bursting with juice and let it dribble down your chin. Go to the beach and play in the surf. Live and love!

Lammas

or Lughnasadh is the grain harvest, a celebration that there will be food for the winter. Think of the potential for life in every grain and seed. Bake some bread and share it with those you love. The year is on the waning cycle and though the days are long and hot, night is catching up with day. In many regions this is a time of danger. Storms and fires and hurricanes loom in the background reminding us of the precariousness of life.

Mabon

is the fall equinox when day and night are once again even and the nights will be longer than day once again. Apples and grapes and other late fruits are harvested and we give thanks for the abundance of our Mother. Share stories with the community and with your sisters and give each other gifts of food and the harvest of your soul.

And thus the wheel turns anew...

Back to my Dianic page...