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Yule (December 22nd): The Goddess
gives birth to her Son, the God. This is also the origin of the idea that
Jesus and Mithras were born at this time of year. At Yule, We celebrate
the return journey of the Sun, and the life it will bring.
Imbolc (February 2nd): The Goddess
recovered from the birth and the God's
strength is increasing with
the waxing power of the sun. Imbolc traditionally marked the calving
period, when the animals would begin to bear milk for their young.
Ostara (Spring Equinox): Which marks
the first day of spring, the Goddess regains her strength and works her
magick. The young God is now maturing. Now is a time of new starts, as
we travel through the gateway into the realm of warmth and light.
Beltane (April 30th): When Nature
is truly flourishing, the Goddess and God unite. This ensures the abundance
of the next harvest. At this time the Goddess becomes pregnant, thus
assuring the continuation of life.Beltane is a time of love and great celebration,
and we cherish the joys which life offers us.
Midsummer (Summer Solstice): The God is at the peak of his power ,in all of Nature's bounty. The high time of the Sun and is marked with festivals of light.
Lughnasadh (31st July): Was the
time the ancients gave thanks for the first fruits of the harvest.
The summer is waning and the God has become the God of sacrifice, being
cut down in the fields. It is a time sacred unto the God Lugh
and for giving thanks for what we have and making offerings of gratitude.
Mabon (Autumn Equinox): The light
begins to grow less, and the God, cut down in the corn and wheat, begins
his journey to the Otherworld. It is the final harvest, when the fields
are clear of their bounty. We now make ready for the Winter to come. It
is a time of balance.
Samhain (October 31): marks the Pagan new year, and commonly know as Halloween. The veil between the worlds of life and death is thin on this night, we take this time to remember our beloved who have passed. The God gives his life up to the land, and pass in the Shadowland, only to be reborn again at Yule.
