This actually happened last night, but for posterity, I thought I’d let y’all know about it, even a bit late. Next year’s Samhain New Moon is on 13 November, and will be in Libra. In ancient Pagan traditions, the New Moon directly preceding Samhain was known as – you guessed it! – the Samhain New Moon. Each new moon brings a new aspect of our lives as it is reborn, and this year is … [Read more...]
Samhain in a Week: A History of Samhain
26 October 2011 By
Welcome to TCC’s [Insert Pagan Holiday] in a Week series! It’s been a while since I’ve done this, so I kind of feel like I’m throwing y’all into it, but hey, that’s one way to get a party going, isn’t it! Samhain is in less than a week, and I’ve got much to share with you before the Witches’ New Year: Lots of folklore, history, correspondences, and ritual. Since it’s also … [Read more...]
Lughnasadh is on Monday… and time has run away from me.
27 July 2011 By
Lughnasadh is next Monday, apparently. 1 August, as it is every year. It's not like I don't know this, but for some reason, this turn of the wheel feels as though it sneaked up on me... where did the rest of the time go, where we're suddenly focused on the harvest, the year waning down to Samhain? I wanted to have a full week of posts for Lughnasadh, but, while I'll have quite a few days with … [Read more...]
Litha In A Week: Ritual and Celebration
21 June 2011 By
Blessed Litha, everyone! :) In celebration, I thought I'd offer up some rituals and celebrations you can incorporate into your day! From mundane activities to full-out circle-castin' ritual, make every step of your day (and life) a magickal one. The Lesser Sabbats (equinoxes and solstices), of which Litha is one, are a great time to think about changes to be made in your life; as they mark … [Read more...]
Litha In A Week: Crafts and Goodies
20 June 2011 By
For today's Litha In A Week, I'm also setting up a linkup where you can link to your own crafts and Litha goodies! If you want to participate, I'll have it at the end of this post. :) Looking forward to your submissions! Here are some great craft ideas to get your Litha kicked off in a festive and creative way! These crafts, unless otherwise indicated, are great for kids, too, so be sure to get … [Read more...]
Litha In A Week: Customs and Correspondences
19 June 2011 By
Litha is a time to celebrate both work and leisure, a time for children and for childlike play. (Remember when I told y'all the other day to go run in the sprinklers? Yup, Litha's all about that feeling!) There are certain customs by region and correspondences associated with Litha, and you'll notice that they all point to the celebration of the sun's warming rays and the Earth's endless … [Read more...]
Litha In A Week: Gods and Goddesses
17 June 2011 By
As we discussed a couple days ago, Litha is a time to celebrate the abundance and beauty of the Earth as she is warmed by the light of the sum. Accordingly, the gods and goddesses of this Sabbat particularly emphasize the solar aspect, including pregnant goddesses who have been blessed with fertility. Below is a (very!) short list of recognized sun deities revered around the world. Apollo Apollo … [Read more...]
Litha In A Week: A History of Litha
15 June 2011 By
Can you believe it? Litha's coming up in one short week! It really sneaked up on me this year, and between everything going on in life and things still to come, I feel ill-prepared this year. But that doesn't mean you should feel the same! ;) Just like last Sabbat, when I talked about Beltane the week before the actual holiday, I'll be doing a week-long series on Litha: Its history, gods and … [Read more...]
Beltane In A Week: Prayers and Ritual Honoring the Feminine
29 April 2011 By
I fully admit, I am typically not a prayerful person. Perhaps that's a result of being a lapsed Catholic (more about my journey to and through Paganism at a later time) or just because it wasn't the medium of connecting with Spirit that I thought was right for me, but it's not often that I find myself compelled to prayer.When I do, though, there are some prayers that I find comfort and solace in, … [Read more...]
Beltane In A Week: Bonfire and Maypole Celebrations
29 April 2011 By
Now that you're armed with knowledge about Beltane's history, lore, and deities, I'll bet you're ready to spread your witchy wings and fly in your own ritual to celebrate the Sabbat. I know I am! Being stuck inside all winter has made me a bit randy, and I'm looking forward to the bonfires, maypoles, and other trappings that come with Beltane conviviality.In addition to these customs, Beltane is … [Read more...]
