Samhain,Also called Halloween
it is pronounced sow-en and, is the end of the Celtic year. This ritual
is known as Ancestor Night or Feast of the Dead. Feasts are prepared in
recollection of dead ancestors and as an affirmation of continuing life.
Because of the closeness between the spirit worlds it is considered an
excellent time for divinations. A time for settling problems, throwing
out old ideas and influences. This is either celebrated October 31. The
Celtic New Year truly begins at sunset on October 31. |
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Winter Solstice or Yule,Occurs about December
21. The Sun at its lowest point and the shortest day of the year This
is the time of death and rebirth of the Sun God and celebrated as a festival
of light. The Full Moon after Yule is considered the most powerful of
the whole year. |
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Imbolc,The name, Imbolc,
comes from the word 'oimelc' or sheep's milk It is a festival in preparation
for growing and renewal and a time of cleansing It is celebrated on February
1st or the first Full Moon in Aquarius. |
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Spring Equinox or Ostara,Ostara is around
March 21, is when light and darkness are in balance but the light is growing
stronger. It was named for the Teutonic Goddess of Spring and New Life,
Eostre, . |
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Beltaine, Celebrated on
May 1, or the first Full Moon in Taurus. It is also called May Day or
Lady Day. It is a festival of fertility with celebrating nature and making
of offerings to nature and Elemental forces. A time of great magic, it
is good for all divinations the powers of elves and faeries are said to
be growing stronger. |
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Summer Solstice Celebrated about
June 21, at the time of the longest day. The Sun is at the highest before
it begins its slip into darkness. Traditionally this is the night of elves
and fairies when they are around in countless numbers. Also a good time
to gather herbs as they are said to be extremely powerful. |
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LughnassadhThis is the turning
point in Mother Earth's year and is celebrated August 1 or the first Full
Moon in Leo. |
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Autumn Equinox or Mabon,Celebrated about
September 21, this is the time of completion of the harvest when preparations
for the dark of the year and the years are ending are made. The hours
of day and night are in balance, with the darkness increasing. |
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