The Wheel of the Year is a spiritual and cultural concept that represents the annual cycle of seasons and holidays celebrated by many modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions. It is based on the cycle of the sun and the changing of the seasons, and it includes eight major holidays or Sabbats, which are celebrated throughout the year.
The eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year are:
1. Yule (December 21st): This holiday celebrates the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. It is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the coming of spring.
2. Imbolc (February 1st-2nd): This holiday marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time to celebrate the first signs of spring and the return of the light.
3. Ostara (March 20th-21st): This holiday celebrates the spring equinox, a time of balance between light and dark. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the fertility of the earth.
4. Beltane (May 1st): This holiday marks the beginning of summer and celebrates the fertility of the earth. It is a time to celebrate love and sexuality.
5. Litha (June 20th-21st): This holiday celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a time to celebrate the power of the sun and the abundance of the earth.
6. Lammas/Lughnasadh (August 1st): This holiday marks the beginning of the harvest season and celebrates the abundance of the earth. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the season.
7. Mabon (September 20th-23rd): This holiday celebrates the autumnal equinox, a time of balance between light and dark. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and to prepare for the coming of winter.
8. Samhain (October 31st-November 1st): This holiday marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor and remember the dead, and to prepare for the coming darkness.
The Wheel of the Year is a way to connect with the cycles of nature and the rhythms of the earth. It is a time to honor the changing seasons, to celebrate the cycles of life and death, and to connect with the divine forces that animate the universe.
Yule
Yule is the first Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21st-22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20th-21st in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate the return of the light and the rebirth of the Sun.
Traditions:
1. Lighting candles: Yule is a time to light candles to represent the return of the light.
2. Decorating trees: Decorating trees is a popular tradition during Yule and represents the Tree of Life.
3. Feasting: Feasting is a common tradition during Yule and represents the abundance of the season.
4. Gift-giving: Gift-giving is a way to share the abundance and love of the season.
Magical Correspondences:
1. Colors: Gold, silver, red, and green.
2. Crystals: Clear quartz, garnet, and ruby.
3. Herbs: Holly, mistletoe, and pine.
4. Element: Fire.
Foods:
1. Gingerbread: Gingerbread is a symbol of the season and is often used in cooking and decorating.
2. Spiced cider: Spiced cider is a warm and comforting drink often served during Yule.
3. Roast meats: Roast meats such as ham and turkey are often served during Yule feasts.
4. Nuts and fruits: Nuts and fruits such as oranges, apples, and pomegranates are in season during Yule and are often used in cooking and decorating.
Symbols:
1. Yule log: The Yule log is a symbol of the season and represents the return of the light.
2. Holly and mistletoe: Holly and mistletoe are symbols of protection and fertility.
3. Reindeer: Reindeer are a symbol of the season and represent the magic and mystery of the winter.
4. Snowflakes: Snowflakes are a symbol of the season and represent the beauty and uniqueness of the winter.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Odin (Norse mythology) - Odin is the leader of the gods in Norse mythology and is associated with wisdom, magic, and war. During Yule, Odin would lead the *Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession of hunters and hounds through the sky (*See note at the bottom on the blog about the Wild Hunt)
2. Thor (Norse mythology) - Thor is the god of thunder, strength, and fertility. During Yule, Thor would bless the crops and protect the people from evil spirits.
4. Freyja (Norse mythology) - Freyja is the goddess of love, fertility, and war. During Yule, she would bless marriages and childbirth.
5. Saturn (Roman mythology) - Saturn is the god of agriculture and harvest. The Roman festival of Saturnalia, which took place around the time of the winter solstice, was a time of feasting and gift-giving. Saturnalia was primarily a celebration of the god Saturn, who was the Roman god of agriculture and harvest. During the festival, the Romans honored Saturn by making offerings of food and drink, decorating their homes with greenery, and participating in festive processions. Saturnalia was also associated with other Roman gods and goddesses, including Bacchus (the god of wine and fertility), Ceres (the goddess of agriculture), and Sol Invictus (the unconquered sun god). Over time, Saturnalia became a popular and widespread festival in the Roman Empire and was celebrated by people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
6. Sol Invictus and Mithras (Roman mythology) - Sol Invictus and Mithras were celebrated around the same time as Yule, but they do not directly correspond to the pagan holiday. Yule is a pagan holiday that has its roots in the Germanic and Nordic cultures of Northern Europe, while Sol Invictus and Mithras were both deities of the Roman Empire. However, the celebration of Sol Invictus and Mithras during the winter solstice may have influenced the way that Yule was celebrated in some regions.
7. Horus (Egyptian mythology) - Horus is the god of the sky and the sun. The birth of Horus is a festival celebrated in ancient Egyptian mythology. Horus was believed to be the god of the sky and the son of Isis and Osiris. According to the myth, Horus was born after his father Osiris was killed by his brother Seth, and his mother Isis used magic to conceive him. The festival celebrating the birth of Horus was usually held in the month of Khoiak, which fell in late October or early November in the Egyptian calendar. Horus does not directly correspond with the sabbat; instead it happens during the same time period. This information can be helpful for people looking to honor Egyptian deities during this time.
8. Demeter (Greek mythology) - Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. The ancient Greeks celebrated the winter solstice as the time of the return of the light, and the beginning of the planting season.
9. Yule Goat (Scandinavian mythology) - The Yule Goat is a Scandinavian tradition that dates back to pagan times. The goat was seen as a symbol of fertility and was often sacrificed during Yule.
10. Sunna (Germanic mythology) - Sunna is the goddess of the sun. During the winter solstice, the Germanic people celebrated the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days.
To celebrate Yule, you can light candles, decorate a Yule tree, have a Yule feast, and exchange gifts. You can also incorporate seasonal foods and herbs into your meals and decorate your home with symbols of the season.
Imbolc:
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is the second Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, marking the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
Traditions:
1. Lighting candles and fires to symbolize the return of light and warmth.
2. Making Brigid's crosses out of straw or wheat to represent protection and blessings.
3. Cleaning and decluttering the home to prepare for the new season.
4. Planting seeds or starting a garden to honor the earth's renewal.
5. Making offerings to Brigid, such as milk, honey, or herbs.
Magical correspondences:
1. Colors: white, red, pink, and yellow.
2. Herbs: lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Crystals: amethyst, citrine, clear quartz, and garnet.
4. Symbols: candles, snowdrops, Brigid's crosses, and sheep.
Foods:
1. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter, to honor Brigid's association with cows.
2. Bread, especially in the shape of a sun or a cross.
3. Spicy foods, such as ginger or cinnamon, to warm the body and soul.
Herbs:
1. Lavender for purification and calming energies.
2. Chamomile for soothing and peaceful energies.
3. Rosemary for protection and healing energies.
4. Thyme for courage and strength energies.
Crystals:
1. Amethyst for spiritual awareness and intuition.
2. Citrine for abundance and manifestation energies.
3. Clear quartz for amplifying energies and enhancing communication with the divine.
4. Garnet for passion and vitality energies.
Symbols:
1. Candles, representing the return of light and warmth.
2. Snowdrops, the first flower to bloom after winter.
3. Brigid's crosses, representing protection and blessings.
4. Sheep, representing fertility and abundance.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Brigid (Celtic mythology) - Brigid is the goddess of fire, poetry, and healing. She is the most commonly associated deity with Imbolc, as the holiday falls on her feast day. Brigid is also the patroness of smiths, and Imbolc was traditionally a time for making offerings to her at the forge.
2. Lugh (Celtic mythology) - Lugh is the god of light, the sun, and harvest. He is also associated with craftsmanship and skillful use of the hands. Lughnasadh, another Celtic holiday, is named after him.
3. Danu (Celtic mythology) - Danu is the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient Irish pantheon. She is associated with rivers, wisdom, and fertility.
4. Epona (Celtic/Gaulish mythology) - Epona is the goddess of horses and fertility. She was worshipped throughout the Celtic world, and her cult spread to the Roman Empire.
7. Hathor (Egyptian mythology) - Hathor is the goddess of love, music, and dance. She was also associated with fertility and childbirth, and Imbolc was a time for celebrating the return of spring and the renewal of life.
Ostara
The third Sabbat, Ostara, is a celebration of the Spring Equinox which usually falls on March 20th-21st in the Northern Hemisphere and September 22nd-23rd in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the time when the day and night are equal in length and also signifies the return of Spring, new beginnings, and fertility.
Traditions:
1. Egg decorating: Eggs are a symbol of new life and fertility. Decorating eggs is a popular tradition during Ostara.
2. Planting seeds: Planting seeds is a way to connect with the earth and celebrate the new growth of the season.
3. Spring cleaning: Ostara is a time for cleaning out the old and making way for the new.
4. Nature walks: Taking a walk in nature is a great way to connect with the energy of the season.
Magical correspondences:
1. Colors: Pastel colors such as pink, yellow, and green.
2. Crystals: Aquamarine, rose quartz, and moonstone.
3. Herbs: Daffodil, crocus, and lavender.
4. Element: Air
Foods:
1. Eggs: Eggs are a symbol of new life and fertility.
2. Honey: Honey is a symbol of sweetness and abundance.
3. Spring greens: Spring greens such as asparagus, spinach, and arugula are in season during Ostara.
4. Dairy: Dairy products such as milk and cheese are associated with fertility.
Symbols:
1. Rabbits: Rabbits are a symbol of fertility and new beginnings.
2. Butterflies: Butterflies are a symbol of transformation and rebirth.
3. Flowers: Flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses represent the new growth of the season.
4. Eggs: Eggs are a symbol of new life and fertility.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Eostre (Germanic mythology) - Eostre is the goddess of spring and the dawn. The name "Easter" is derived from her name, and she is the most commonly associated deity with the holiday.
2. Freyja (Norse mythology) - Freyja is the goddess of love, fertility, and war. She is associated with the springtime and the renewal of life.
3. Persephone (Greek mythology) - Persephone is the goddess of spring and the underworld. Her return from the underworld each spring was seen as a symbol of the renewal of life and the coming of spring.
4. Demeter (Greek mythology) - Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. She is associated with the spring planting season and the renewal of life.
5. Ēostre (Anglo-Saxon mythology) - Ēostre is the goddess of dawn and spring. She is associated with the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days.
6. Ostara (Germanic mythology) - Ostara is the goddess of the dawn and the springtime. She is associated with the renewal of life and the fertility of the earth.
7. Brigid (Celtic mythology) - Brigid is the goddess of fire, poetry, and healing. While she is most commonly associated with Imbolc, some traditions also associate her with Ostara as a goddess of spring and renewal.
To celebrate Ostara, you can decorate eggs, plant seeds, take a nature walk, or do a spring cleaning. You can also create an altar with symbols of the season, light candles in pastel colors, and incorporate foods and herbs associated with Ostara into your meals.
Beltane:
Beltane is the fourth Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate fertility, new growth, and the union of the God and Goddess.
Traditions:
1. Maypole dancing: Maypole dancing is a popular tradition during Beltane and represents the union of the God and Goddess.
2. Bonfires: Bonfires are a common tradition during Beltane and represent the light and warmth of the season.
3. Flower crowns: Wearing flower crowns is a way to connect with the energy of the season and the fertility of the earth.
4. Handfasting: Handfasting is a traditional Pagan wedding ceremony often performed during Beltane.
Magical Correspondences:
1. Colors: Green, pink, and red.
2. Crystals: Rose quartz, emerald, and moonstone.
3. Herbs: Hawthorn, rose, and lavender.
4. Element: Earth.
Foods:
1. Dairy: Dairy products such as milk and cheese are associated with fertility.
2. Honey: Honey is a symbol of sweetness and abundance.
3. Spring vegetables: Spring vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes are in season during Beltane and are often used in cooking.
4. Grains: Grains such as barley and wheat are associated with the harvest and are often used in celebratory feasts.
Symbols:
1. Maypole: The Maypole is a symbol of the union of the God and Goddess.
2. Flowers: Flowers such as roses and daisies represent the new growth of the season and the fertility of the earth.
3. Bees: Bees are a symbol of fertility and abundance.
4. Butterflies: Butterflies are a symbol of transformation and new beginnings.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Belenus (Celtic mythology) - Belenus is the god of fire, light, and the sun. His name is thought to be the origin of the name "Beltane."
2. Cernunnos (Celtic mythology) - Cernunnos is the god of nature, fertility, and the hunt. He is often depicted with antlers or horns.
3. May Queen (Celtic mythology) - The May Queen is a goddess figure associated with Beltane. She represents the fertility and abundance of the earth.
4. Green Man (Celtic mythology) - The Green Man is a nature spirit associated with Beltane. He is often depicted as a man with leaves, branches, or vines growing from his body.
5. Pan (Greek mythology) - Pan is the god of nature, the wild, and fertility. He is often depicted as a man with the legs and horns of a goat.
6. Aphrodite (Greek mythology) - Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She is often associated with Beltane as a goddess of sexual love and desire.
7. Freyja (Norse mythology) - Freyja is the goddess of love, fertility, and war. She is associated with the springtime and the renewal of life, and her blessings were sought during Beltane rituals.
8. Horned God (Wiccan and Neopagan traditions) - The Horned God is a deity figure associated with Beltane. He represents the masculine aspect of nature and is often depicted with antlers or horns.
To celebrate Beltane, you can dance around a Maypole, have a bonfire, wear flower crowns, and perform a handfasting ceremony. Incorporate seasonal foods and herbs into your meals and decorate your home with symbols of the season. You can also take a nature walk and connect with the energy of the earth.
Litha:
Litha is the fifth Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on the Summer Solstice, which falls on June 20th-21st in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21st-22nd in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate the peak of the Sun’s power and the abundance of the summer season.
Traditions:
1. Bonfires: Bonfires are a common tradition during Litha and represent the light and warmth of the season.
2. Sun rituals: Sun rituals are a way to honor the power of the Sun and the abundance of the season.
3. Flower wreaths: Wearing flower wreaths is a way to connect with the energy of the season and the fertility of the earth.
4. Swimming: Swimming in natural bodies of water is a way to connect with the energy of the season and the element of water.
Magical Correspondences:
1. Colors: Red, gold, and yellow.
2. Crystals: Citrine, sunstone, and tiger’s eye.
3. Herbs: Lavender, chamomile, and St. John’s wort.
4. Element: Fire.
Foods:
1. Berries: Berries such as strawberries and raspberries are in season during Litha and are often used in cooking and decorating.
2. Grilled meats: Grilled meats such as chicken and beef are often served during Litha feasts.
3. Summer vegetables: Summer vegetables such as zucchini and corn are in season during Litha and are often used in cooking.
4. Sun tea: Sun tea is a refreshing drink often served during Litha.
Symbols:
1. Sun: The Sun is a symbol of the season and represents the peak of its power.
2. Flowers: Flowers such as sunflowers and roses represent the new growth of the season and the fertility of the earth.
3. Oak: The oak tree is a symbol of strength and the God.
4. Dragonfly: Dragonflies are a symbol of transformation and adaptability.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Sol (Roman mythology) - Sol is the god of the sun in Roman mythology. The summer solstice, which Litha celebrates, is a time when the sun is at its peak.
2. Helios (Greek mythology) - Helios is the god of the sun in Greek mythology. The summer solstice was a time when the Greeks celebrated the power and energy of the sun.
3. Apollo (Greek and Roman mythology) - Apollo is the god of the sun, music, and prophecy. He is often associated with the summer solstice and was worshipped at festivals held during this time.
4. Amaterasu (Japanese mythology) - Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the universe in Japanese mythology. The summer solstice is a time when the Japanese celebrate the power and energy of the sun and honor Amaterasu.
7. Hestia (Greek mythology) - Hestia is the goddess of the hearth and home. The summer solstice was a time when the ancient Greeks would make offerings to Hestia, asking for her protection and blessings.
8. Oak King (Wiccan and Neopagan traditions) - The Oak King is a deity figure associated with Litha. He represents the masculine aspect of nature and is often associated with the growth and abundance of the summer season.
To celebrate Litha, you can have a bonfire, perform a Sun ritual, wear flower wreaths, and go swimming. Incorporate seasonal foods and herbs into your meals and decorate your home with symbols of the season. You can also take a nature walk and connect with the energy of the earth.
Lammas:
Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is the sixth Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and February 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate the first harvest of the season and the abundance of the earth.
Traditions:
1. Baking bread: Baking bread is a traditional activity during Lammas and represents the first harvest of the season.
2. Corn dollies: Corn dollies are a popular tradition during Lammas and represent the fertility of the earth.
3. Harvest festivals: Harvest festivals are often held during Lammas to celebrate the abundance of the season.
4. Offerings: Offerings of food and drink are often made to the earth and the harvest.
Magical Correspondences:
1. Colors: Gold, yellow, and green.
2. Crystals: Citrine, peridot, and carnelian.
3. Herbs: Basil, chamomile, and rosemary.
4. Element: Earth.
Foods:
1. Bread: Bread is a symbol of the harvest and is often baked and shared during Lammas celebrations.
2. Corn: Corn is a symbol of the harvest and is often used in cooking and decorating.
3. Berries: Berries such as blackberries and raspberries are in season during Lammas and are often used in cooking and decorating.
4. Meats: Meats such as chicken and beef are associated with the harvest and are often served during celebratory feasts.
Symbols:
1. Corn: Corn is a symbol of the harvest and represents the fertility of the earth.
2. Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a symbol of the season and represent the abundance and warmth of the sun.
3. Scarecrows: Scarecrows are a symbol of protection and represent the need to protect the harvest from harm.
4. Wheat: Wheat is a symbol of the harvest and represents the nourishment and sustenance provided by the earth.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Lugh (Celtic mythology) - Lugh is the god of light, the sun, and harvest. Lughnasadh is named after him and is a time for celebrating the harvest.
2. Demeter (Greek mythology) - Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. She is associated with the harvest and was worshipped during festivals held at this time.
3. Ceres (Roman mythology) - Ceres is the goddess of agriculture and grain. The Roman festival of Cerealia, held in honor of Ceres, was a time for celebrating the harvest. The Cerealia festival does not correspond directly with any of the eight Sabbats in the modern pagan Wheel of the Year, as it was a festival specific to the ancient Roman religion and culture. However, some modern pagan traditions may incorporate aspects of the Cerealia into their celebrations of the Sabbats that correspond with the themes of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest, such as Beltane or Lammas/Lughnasadh.
4. John Barleycorn (English folklore) - John Barleycorn is a figure from English folklore who represents the spirit of the grain. The harvesting and processing of grains was seen as a sacrifice of John Barleycorn, whose spirit would be reborn in the next year's crop.
6. Lugh's wife (Celtic mythology) - Lugh was said to have a wife who was associated with the harvest and fertility. She was often worshipped alongside him during Lughnasadh celebrations.
7. Pomona (Roman mythology) - Pomona is the goddess of fruit trees and gardens. The Roman festival of Pomonalis, held in her honor, was a time for celebrating the harvest of fruit.
8. Tailtiu (Irish mythology) - Tailtiu was the mother of Lugh and was associated with the harvest and fertility. The festival of Lughnasadh was said to have been established in her honor.
To celebrate Lammas, you can bake bread, make corn dollies, attend a harvest festival, and make offerings to the earth and the harvest. Incorporate seasonal foods and herbs into your meals and decorate your home with symbols of the season. You can also take a nature walk and connect with the energy of the earth.
Mabon:
Mabon is the seventh Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, which falls on September 21st-22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and March 20th-21st in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate the second harvest of the season and the balance between light and dark.
Traditions:
1. Harvest festivals: Harvest festivals are often held during Mabon to celebrate the abundance of the season.
2. Apple picking: Apple picking is a popular tradition during Mabon and represents the harvest of fruit.
3. Nature walks: Taking a nature walk is a great way to connect with the energy of the season and the changing colors of the leaves.
4. Giving thanks: Giving thanks for the abundance of the season is a common tradition during Mabon.
Magical Correspondences:
1. Colors: Orange, brown, and gold.
2. Crystals: Citrine, amber, and jasper.
3. Herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Element: Water.
Foods:
1. Apples: Apples are a symbol of the harvest and are often used in cooking and decorating.
2. Squash: Squash is a symbol of the season and is often used in cooking.
3. Grapes: Grapes are in season during Mabon and are often used in cooking and decorating.
4. Meats: Meats such as pork and turkey are associated with the harvest and are often served during celebratory feasts.
Symbols:
1. Cornucopia: The cornucopia is a symbol of the harvest and represents abundance and plenty.
2. Leaves: Leaves are a symbol of the season and represent the changing colors and the balance between light and dark.
3. Acorns: Acorns are a symbol of the season and represent the potential for growth and abundance.
4. Harvest tools: Harvest tools such as scythes and sickles are a symbol of the harvest and represent the hard work and effort required to reap the rewards of the season.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Mabon ap Modron (Welsh mythology) - Mabon is a Welsh god associated with the harvest and the autumn equinox. His name means "son of Modron," a Welsh goddess who is also associated with the harvest.
2. Demeter (Greek mythology) - Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. She is associated with the harvest and was worshipped during festivals held at this time.
3. Persephone (Greek mythology) - Persephone is the goddess of spring and the underworld. Her return from the underworld each spring was seen as a symbol of the renewal of life and the coming of the harvest.
4. Hades (Greek mythology) - Hades is the god of the underworld and the harvest. He was worshipped during the Greek festival of Thesmophoria, held in honor of Demeter and Persephone.
5. Cernunnos (Celtic mythology) - Cernunnos is the god of nature, fertility, and the hunt. He is often associated with the autumn equinox and the beginning of the hunting season.
6. Bacchus (Roman mythology) - Bacchus is the god of wine and fertility. The Roman festival of Bacchanalia, held in his honor, was a time for celebrating the harvest and indulging in wine and revelry.
7. Modron (Welsh mythology) - Modron is a Welsh goddess associated with the harvest and the autumn equinox. She is often depicted as a mother figure and is sometimes associated with the goddess Rhiannon.
8. Pomona (Roman mythology) - Pomona is the goddess of fruit trees and gardens. The Roman festival of Pomonalis, held in her honor, was a time for celebrating the harvest of fruit.
To celebrate Mabon, you can attend a harvest festival, go apple picking, take a nature walk, and give thanks for the abundance of the season. Incorporate seasonal foods and herbs into your meals and decorate your home with symbols of the season. You can also take time to reflect on the balance between light and dark and the changes of the season.
Samhain:
Samhain is the last Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year and is celebrated on October 31st in the Northern Hemisphere and April 30th in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time to honor the ancestors, celebrate the harvest, and prepare for the dark months ahead.
Traditions:
1. Honoring ancestors: Samhain is a time to honor and connect with ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.
2. Divination: Divination is a popular tradition during Samhain as it is believed that the veil between the worlds is thinnest at this time.
3. Bonfires: Bonfires are a common tradition during Samhain and represent the light and warmth needed to guide and protect us through the dark months.
4. Costumes: Wearing costumes is a way to connect with the energy of the season and the spirits that may be present.
Magical Correspondences:
1. Colors: Black, orange, and purple.
2. Crystals: Obsidian, garnet, and smoky quartz.
3. Herbs: Sage, rosemary, and mugwort.
4. Element: Water.
Foods:
1. Apples: Apples are a symbol of the harvest and are often used in divination rituals.
2. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a symbol of the season and is often used in cooking and decorating.
3. Root vegetables: Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes are in season during Samhain and are often used in cooking.
4. Meats: Meats such as pork and beef are associated with the harvest and are often used in celebratory feasts.
Symbols:
1. Jack-o-lanterns: Jack-o-lanterns are a symbol of the season and are often used as protective talismans.
2. Skulls: Skulls are a symbol of death and rebirth.
3. Candles: Candles represent the light and warmth needed to guide and protect us through the dark months.
4. Brooms: Brooms are a symbol of cleansing and protection.
Gods & Goddesses:
1. Anubis (Egyptian mythology) - Anubis is the god of the dead and the afterlife. His role in Egyptian mythology was to preside over the weighing of the heart ceremony, which determined whether a soul would be allowed to enter the afterlife.
2. Hecate (Greek mythology) - Hecate is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the underworld. She was often invoked during Samhain celebrations for protection and guidance.
3. Morrigan (Celtic mythology) - Morrigan is a goddess of war, fate, and death. She is often depicted as a crow or raven and was associated with Samhain as a time when the veil between the worlds was thinnest.
4. Odin (Norse mythology) - Odin is the god of wisdom, magic, and war. During Samhain, he would lead the *Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession of hunters and hounds through the sky (*See note at the bottom).
5. Persephone (Greek mythology) - Persephone is the goddess of spring and the underworld. Her role in Greek mythology was to spend six months of the year in the underworld and six months on earth, and her return from the underworld each spring was seen as a symbol of the renewal of life.
6. Hel (Norse mythology) - Hel is the goddess of the underworld and death. She was associated with Samhain as a time when the dead would return to the world of the living.
7. Cailleach (Celtic mythology) - Cailleach is a goddess of winter, sovereignty, and the land. Her role in Irish mythology was to bring winter and darkness to the land.
8. Osiris (Egyptian mythology) - Osiris is the god of the afterlife and resurrection. His role in Egyptian mythology was to judge the souls of the dead and guide them to the afterlife.
To celebrate Samhain, you can honor ancestors through ritual, divination, and setting up an ancestor altar. You can also light candles, carve pumpkins, and have a bonfire. Incorporate seasonal foods and herbs into your meals and decorate your home with symbols of the season.
*According to Norse mythology, the Wild Hunt was a ghostly procession of spectral huntsmen, led by Odin or other deities, that would ride through the skies during certain times of the year, often during the winter solstice or around Yule (Christmas).
The Wild Hunt is a mythical event that varies in its interpretation across different cultures and regions. There are no confirmed dates or times for when the Wild Hunt occurs, and it is considered to be a sporadic and unpredictable event that happens at the whim of the gods or spirits. In Norse mythology, the Wild Hunt was associated with the winter solstice and Yule, but in other cultures, it was linked to different times of the year.