Hello lovies,
I'm laughing at myself a little bit as I write this to you because I feel as though I am a little late to my own party. When I first started this blog, before the unexpected year and a half hiatus, I had always planned on incorporating the Wheel of the Year and why I find it to be so important.
Well, by the time this post is available for you to see, we will have passed two cycles with some of you not knowing why the heck I am talking about these holidays and some of you might not have even heard of the Wheel of the Year!
I'm sure that had I not been caught up in the rush and dazzle of picking up this project again I would have made this post already. But! As fate would have it, I have until now been completely wrapped up in everything else that has been going on, so I shall apologize for the time it took to get this post to you, and digress...
Other then the previous posts about the previous two holidays, and potentially mentioning it in passing, I have not really addressed what the Wheel of the Year is, and why as a practicing pagan, I observe said holidays.
Believe it or not, this will probably end up being one of my shorter posts. [Instert dun dun dun noise.]
The Wheel of the Year is really, what it sounds like. It is a calender that consists of the eight major holidays celebrated/observed by most pagans. There are the four solar holidays that are more commonly known as the four seasons which traditionally tracks the birth, death, and rebirth of the Sun. Spring and Autumn mark the quarters and are known as Equinoxes leaving Summer and Winter to make the halfway points between the year, and they are known as Solstices.
You may some times hear these four holidays called Sabbats, as well as the 'cross quarter days' as there are four of them, and they make a cross shape. Yep. (I'm feeling silly as I write this, sue me. :P ) These holidays consist of Midwinter/Yule (Winter Solstice), Ostara (Spring Equinox), Midsummer/Litha (Summer Solstice) and Mabon (Autumn Equinox) .
There are some pagans that only observe those four main holidays as they mark the seasons, which works just fine. Being someone who likes celebrating I like the idea of having the eight holidays, and that's just how I learned it.
In between those four main holidays we have what are called Esbats and they mark the lunar holidays which consist of Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas/Lughnasadh, and Samhain.
So if you were to put them in order of the Gregorian calender that we still use today, the list of holidays would look like this.
Imbolc
Ostara (Spring Equinox)
Beltane
Midsummer/Litha (Summer Solstice)
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
Samhain
Midwinter/Yule (Winter Solstice)
However, since many pagans (myself included) recognize Samhain as the Celtic New Year, most of us start our spiritual calender there. So instead, the list looks more like this.
Samhain
Midwinter/Yule (Winter Solstice)
Imbolc
Ostara (Spring Equinox)
Beltane
Midsummer/Litha (Summer Solstice)
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
Or even,
Midwinter/Yule (Winter Solstice)
Imbolc
Ostara (Spring Equinox)
Beltane
Midsummer/Litha (Summer Solstice)
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
Samhain
Keeping track of the sun, the moon and the seasons themselves were essential to substantial living in ancient times. Even today, modern farmers use the moon as an indication of when to plant what crops.
Regardless of how you want to order them, it all comes back around again, which is why it is likened to a wheel, and thus it became known as the Wheel of the Year.
As the year progresses I will be making posts about the different holidays, hopefully with enough time for you lovely readers to get what you might want if you're interested in celebrating!
One thing I will share with you is that when I first started on this path, I had the WORST TIME trying to remember these holidays. If I was lucky and remembered it on the day of, I would burn a plain white tea light candle. It hasn't been until more recently that I have gotten better at planning ritual, or making yummy things to be devoured in honor of the holiday.
Most times I still only end up burning a candle and maybe saying a few words. Some times life is just too busy for us to do much more than that. But I figure that as long as I am setting aside just a few minutes, that's really all it takes.
I look forward to sharing more with you throughout this turning of the wheel.
Many blessings,
Thealynn
©2013-2015 Thealynn
Showing posts with label Yule. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yule. Show all posts
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Winter Solstice and a New Moon Too
Hello lovies,
In this post today I am not going to be diving into the controversy of who or when the tradition of Yule started or the 'war on Christmas'. None of the ' so and so stole this and that from so and so.' I'm not saying that I don't have an opinion about those topics, because of course I do. But that's not the purpose of this post, I feel like it would take away from the cheer of this time of the year.
All semantics aside, this is meant to be a joyous time of year, and that is what we'll be focusing on, so without further ado!
It is officially Yule! Also known as the Winter Solstice, the one day of the year where the day is the shortest and the night is longest. This is also the day that we celebrate the birth of the sun. Most cultures have their own traditions from the festival of Saturnalia in ancient Rome, to the Celts celebrating the Goddess Brighid, or the early Germanic peoples hiding inside as Odin rode through the sky deciding who would prosper and who would perish.
Another common theme that you will see is the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King. Rather trying to explain it in my own words as it is a legend that I myself have recently been studying, I found a web page that does a great job explaining. The author of the post is writing from a Wiccan perspective, but this legend is not observed strictly by Wiccans, so please keep that in mind.
From Holly to Oak.
One of my favorite reads this time of year is Yule by Dorothy Morrison. It's a wonderful book full of history, traditions, recipes, and rituals you can do either solo or with the whole family,
One of my favorite traditions is the Yule log. Last year we tied ribbons decorated with rune symbols around the log and let it burn while we watched a holiday film.
Another personal favorite tradition of mine is lighting candles. White, red and green are traditional colors. But you can use whatever you have. In a lot of places either there is no fireplace or burning candles is not permitted,
So here are a couple of ideas of what you can do instead!
For a lot of folks who don't have fire places, the Yule log can still be used. Take a log and carve three holes to place the candles, and you can decorate the log wit ribbons, mistletoe, pine needles, whatever you fancy and have it be a center piece on your alter or your table. It's festive for the whole season, and will smell terrific!
As far as not burning candles, there are always the little LED tea lights, and while they might not come in different colors, you can put them in different colored tea light holders. I did that for a few years when I wasn't able to burn candles, and it worked just the same.
Now for one of my favorite parts of the holiday season-the food!
Growing up we would usually have ham or turkey, with mashed potatoes and gravy, green been casserole, cranberries, yams, rolls, and sparkling fruit jell-o (my grandmother's specialty.)
All of which were wonderful (except maybe the jell-o, it lost its wonder after the age of nine.) But if you're looking for something a little more tradition for a pagan solstice feast, check out this awesome website a friend told me about during the Yule part she hosted. The Wassail is particularly exceptional.
Next year I am going to be sure to make the Chocolate Yule Log for dessert!
Here are some of my favorite recipes: Yule Cooking.
Baked Spaghetti Squash
Sunshine Skillet Casserole
Buttered Rum Mix
Wassail
That is going to wrap up this portion for Yule, here are a couple of other sources you can check out for some more detailed information. Yule Lore, and Merry Yule.
One really cool thing about Yule this year is that it coincides with a new moon. New moons are the ideal time during the month to set your intentions, write down your goals, and to welcome in all of the positive and wonderful things that you want to manifest in the next month.
When it comes to rituals, they do not have to be elaborate or lengthy; just go with whatever makes you most comfortable, the ritual is for you after all!
Normally when I set out to do a ritual, I smudge myself and the area I'm going to be working in, but since this is a new moon, I don't want the smoke to carry out the blessings along with any nasties, so I'll be using my besome to clear my ritual space tonight. If you don't have a ritual broom to use, you can use a bell to clear your space as well.
I make sure that I am ready and centered. Some times I meditate, or I'll just take a few deep breathes.
I always call the corners: North, East, South and West. I always call my guides and then I request the presence of the the Lord and Lady. The God and Goddess go by many names, I personally like the way that Lord and Lady sound, so that's usually what I go with, but I always let my intuition guide me.
Once I feel that all who are present are with me I begin.
New moons are the time to set those intentions, so I'll have paper and pen with me to write down my goals and heart's desires.
It's important to put the date on your paper and write the purpose of your ritual, something like this will work, but don't be afraid to use your own words-the more of you that you put in, the more personal and the more powerful it is. The Universe is also very understanding, so if you're just starting or you have wording from somewhere else that you feel good about, go for it!
"I accept these gifts and blessings from the Universe into my life, for the highest good of all, and harm to none."
This is what we call an affirmation statement. It helps to breathe life into what you're doing and what I consider to be the greatest form of magic.
Once you have that written down, start writing those wishes down! Make sure you hang on to it though, and as things manifest record how they do manifest as a way of keeping track of the wonderful blessings the Universe is helping you to achieve and provide for you.
The Sun is Reborn and with a Dark Moon, feel the magic and the love that is etched into this time of year.
Whatever you celebrate, may you be surrounded by light and warmth, laughter and love.
A Blessed Yule to you all as we welcome back the Oak King and our Sun.
Brightest Blessings to you and yours,
Thealynn
©2013-2015 Thealynn
In this post today I am not going to be diving into the controversy of who or when the tradition of Yule started or the 'war on Christmas'. None of the ' so and so stole this and that from so and so.' I'm not saying that I don't have an opinion about those topics, because of course I do. But that's not the purpose of this post, I feel like it would take away from the cheer of this time of the year.
All semantics aside, this is meant to be a joyous time of year, and that is what we'll be focusing on, so without further ado!
It is officially Yule! Also known as the Winter Solstice, the one day of the year where the day is the shortest and the night is longest. This is also the day that we celebrate the birth of the sun. Most cultures have their own traditions from the festival of Saturnalia in ancient Rome, to the Celts celebrating the Goddess Brighid, or the early Germanic peoples hiding inside as Odin rode through the sky deciding who would prosper and who would perish.
Another common theme that you will see is the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King. Rather trying to explain it in my own words as it is a legend that I myself have recently been studying, I found a web page that does a great job explaining. The author of the post is writing from a Wiccan perspective, but this legend is not observed strictly by Wiccans, so please keep that in mind.
From Holly to Oak.
One of my favorite reads this time of year is Yule by Dorothy Morrison. It's a wonderful book full of history, traditions, recipes, and rituals you can do either solo or with the whole family,
One of my favorite traditions is the Yule log. Last year we tied ribbons decorated with rune symbols around the log and let it burn while we watched a holiday film.
Another personal favorite tradition of mine is lighting candles. White, red and green are traditional colors. But you can use whatever you have. In a lot of places either there is no fireplace or burning candles is not permitted,
So here are a couple of ideas of what you can do instead!
For a lot of folks who don't have fire places, the Yule log can still be used. Take a log and carve three holes to place the candles, and you can decorate the log wit ribbons, mistletoe, pine needles, whatever you fancy and have it be a center piece on your alter or your table. It's festive for the whole season, and will smell terrific!
As far as not burning candles, there are always the little LED tea lights, and while they might not come in different colors, you can put them in different colored tea light holders. I did that for a few years when I wasn't able to burn candles, and it worked just the same.
Now for one of my favorite parts of the holiday season-the food!
All of which were wonderful (except maybe the jell-o, it lost its wonder after the age of nine.) But if you're looking for something a little more tradition for a pagan solstice feast, check out this awesome website a friend told me about during the Yule part she hosted. The Wassail is particularly exceptional.
Next year I am going to be sure to make the Chocolate Yule Log for dessert!
Here are some of my favorite recipes: Yule Cooking.
Baked Spaghetti Squash
Sunshine Skillet Casserole
Buttered Rum Mix
Wassail
That is going to wrap up this portion for Yule, here are a couple of other sources you can check out for some more detailed information. Yule Lore, and Merry Yule.
One really cool thing about Yule this year is that it coincides with a new moon. New moons are the ideal time during the month to set your intentions, write down your goals, and to welcome in all of the positive and wonderful things that you want to manifest in the next month.
When it comes to rituals, they do not have to be elaborate or lengthy; just go with whatever makes you most comfortable, the ritual is for you after all!
Normally when I set out to do a ritual, I smudge myself and the area I'm going to be working in, but since this is a new moon, I don't want the smoke to carry out the blessings along with any nasties, so I'll be using my besome to clear my ritual space tonight. If you don't have a ritual broom to use, you can use a bell to clear your space as well.
I make sure that I am ready and centered. Some times I meditate, or I'll just take a few deep breathes.
I always call the corners: North, East, South and West. I always call my guides and then I request the presence of the the Lord and Lady. The God and Goddess go by many names, I personally like the way that Lord and Lady sound, so that's usually what I go with, but I always let my intuition guide me.
Once I feel that all who are present are with me I begin.
New moons are the time to set those intentions, so I'll have paper and pen with me to write down my goals and heart's desires.
It's important to put the date on your paper and write the purpose of your ritual, something like this will work, but don't be afraid to use your own words-the more of you that you put in, the more personal and the more powerful it is. The Universe is also very understanding, so if you're just starting or you have wording from somewhere else that you feel good about, go for it!
"I accept these gifts and blessings from the Universe into my life, for the highest good of all, and harm to none."
This is what we call an affirmation statement. It helps to breathe life into what you're doing and what I consider to be the greatest form of magic.
Once you have that written down, start writing those wishes down! Make sure you hang on to it though, and as things manifest record how they do manifest as a way of keeping track of the wonderful blessings the Universe is helping you to achieve and provide for you.
The Sun is Reborn and with a Dark Moon, feel the magic and the love that is etched into this time of year.
Whatever you celebrate, may you be surrounded by light and warmth, laughter and love.
A Blessed Yule to you all as we welcome back the Oak King and our Sun.
Brightest Blessings to you and yours,
Thealynn
©2013-2015 Thealynn
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Yuletide
Good evening lovies,
Prior to my last post, I took a little bit of a break from writing to give myself a chance to breath and to refuel a bit. When I sat down to write Behind Door Number One, I was a little nervous to do so, and it really did take a lot of energy out of me.
I am so happy I did though, because not only was I able to face a darker truth about myself, I am much more able to see how it's been affecting different aspects of my life and it's not so easily swept under the rug.
So, before I jump into the topic for tonight, I wanted to say thank you for being a support of that piece of my journey. Even if you're reading all of this months later, I still appreciate your presence. I would like to send everyone who has read or will read that post, and everyone who deals with similar trials a heartfelt energy hug. Thank you.
~*~
Now, this is a topic that has been on my mind that last few days, and while I have so many things that I want to write about, I feel like this is the perfect time to talk about this particular subject. It even came up during work this afternoon, and while I had absolutely no intention of writing tonight as fatigue is not a fun friend, I simply felt compelled to do so, and well, here I am!
This time of year can bring a lot of mixed emotions, as it can be a very complex time for a lot of people. The holiday season in America has gone through many phases, and it certainly has not slowed down.
The month of December can be complicated. It's a very special time of year for a lot of folks, and I don't mean just the warm and fuzzy stuff.
There is a political, religious, secular, and emotional aspect for about the last six weeks of the year, if you want to include Thanksgiving. You have a variety of holidays celebrated by a variety of faiths all on a different level of commitment. There is traveling, and money flying everywhere and potential family obligations (depending on how you feel about your family). It can be the most wonderful time of the year. It can also be a very heart heavy time of the year, filled with loneliness, heartbreak, hunger, and a feeling of inadequacy.
I have been very fortunate in that for the most part, this time of year has been a very happy time of year for me, full of love and laughter, time spent with the people that I love. There have also been times when it didn't feel very joyful at all.
There were times that I spent without most of my family, and I relied on my friends and the family of my ex, whom I loved very much, and still do, but it's not quite the same.
I think most of us can say that though. "...but it's not quite the same." This time of year can make us long for what no longer is, or what could have been.
As I look around my little hobbit hole, I do not have festive decorations. No tree or lights or knick knacks. And it does make me a little sad, I love this time of year. One of my favorite things about this time of year is the decorations, overall they just make me feel happy and peaceful. Despite the lows that I have experience in my life, as short as it has been, I have always had a special place in my heart for Yuletide.
The holidays can get a little complicated for those of us who practice a faith differently then our families. Mine is kind of split, I have some who are very Christian and believe that Jesus is the Reason for the Season, and then there are those who also celebrate Yule.
During work this afternoon I had a customer say something along the lines of "I would say 'Happy Holidays' but I don't want my head bitten off."
I gave her a sincerely puzzled look and ask her, "Why would anyone bite your head off for that?"
She went on to explain that she had noticed people being offended, and correcting her with "Merry Christmas." I nodded in understanding and shared with her that I always say 'Happy Holidays', and that if someone says 'Merry Christmas' in return, I give them a warm smile and return the sentiment. Because while I might not celebrate Christmas religiously, I celebrate it in a secular manner, and that for me it's more about spending time with family.
My assistant manager and I talked a little bit about it after the customer had left, and she expressed how she was offended when people insisted on 'Merry Christmas' bringing up the point of Hanukkah, and so on, and being someone who didn't believe in anything, she felt it was inconsiderate.
Rather than getting into a distracting conversation, because we were at work, I left it where it lay, comfortable and happy with my stance on the subject. Because at the end of the day, regardless of which holiday you observe, I hope that there will be time with loved ones making memories that will last a life time. As mine certainly have, and will.
Growing up it was Christmas, and some of my favorite memories are of Christmas time with my family, decorating the house and the tree, listening to Christmas music-which I still do. Of course now it has a very different meaning to me. As fun and appreciated as presents are (because seriously, who doesn't love getting presents) this year I am going to be focusing on a very spiritual aspect.
So this holiday season, I am going to be celebrating holiday tradition of spending time with my family, for Christmas and my grandfather's birthday which falls on the Winter Solstice-something I still giggle over. As a part of a new tradition, I have decided that I will light a candle for everyone I know that is missing someone during the holiday season. I will take a piece of paper and write down their name and honor those whom I love, and the ones that they love.
I will also be welcoming the birth of the sun, as it will shine the way for the new year and all of the amazing possibilities that lay before me. I said before that this will be my last year of living in fear, so as the moon wanes, I will finish the work I started on the full moon. I will finish releasing all that I have holding onto that no longer serves me, and when the new moon arrives, I will be ready to fill the empty space that the negativity left with light and love and positivity.
May you be surrounded by love and light this holiday season,
Many blessings to you and yours,
Thealynn
©2013-2015 Thealynn
Prior to my last post, I took a little bit of a break from writing to give myself a chance to breath and to refuel a bit. When I sat down to write Behind Door Number One, I was a little nervous to do so, and it really did take a lot of energy out of me.
I am so happy I did though, because not only was I able to face a darker truth about myself, I am much more able to see how it's been affecting different aspects of my life and it's not so easily swept under the rug.
So, before I jump into the topic for tonight, I wanted to say thank you for being a support of that piece of my journey. Even if you're reading all of this months later, I still appreciate your presence. I would like to send everyone who has read or will read that post, and everyone who deals with similar trials a heartfelt energy hug. Thank you.
~*~
Now, this is a topic that has been on my mind that last few days, and while I have so many things that I want to write about, I feel like this is the perfect time to talk about this particular subject. It even came up during work this afternoon, and while I had absolutely no intention of writing tonight as fatigue is not a fun friend, I simply felt compelled to do so, and well, here I am!
This time of year can bring a lot of mixed emotions, as it can be a very complex time for a lot of people. The holiday season in America has gone through many phases, and it certainly has not slowed down.
The month of December can be complicated. It's a very special time of year for a lot of folks, and I don't mean just the warm and fuzzy stuff.
There is a political, religious, secular, and emotional aspect for about the last six weeks of the year, if you want to include Thanksgiving. You have a variety of holidays celebrated by a variety of faiths all on a different level of commitment. There is traveling, and money flying everywhere and potential family obligations (depending on how you feel about your family). It can be the most wonderful time of the year. It can also be a very heart heavy time of the year, filled with loneliness, heartbreak, hunger, and a feeling of inadequacy.
I have been very fortunate in that for the most part, this time of year has been a very happy time of year for me, full of love and laughter, time spent with the people that I love. There have also been times when it didn't feel very joyful at all.
There were times that I spent without most of my family, and I relied on my friends and the family of my ex, whom I loved very much, and still do, but it's not quite the same.
I think most of us can say that though. "...but it's not quite the same." This time of year can make us long for what no longer is, or what could have been.
As I look around my little hobbit hole, I do not have festive decorations. No tree or lights or knick knacks. And it does make me a little sad, I love this time of year. One of my favorite things about this time of year is the decorations, overall they just make me feel happy and peaceful. Despite the lows that I have experience in my life, as short as it has been, I have always had a special place in my heart for Yuletide.
The holidays can get a little complicated for those of us who practice a faith differently then our families. Mine is kind of split, I have some who are very Christian and believe that Jesus is the Reason for the Season, and then there are those who also celebrate Yule.
During work this afternoon I had a customer say something along the lines of "I would say 'Happy Holidays' but I don't want my head bitten off."
I gave her a sincerely puzzled look and ask her, "Why would anyone bite your head off for that?"
She went on to explain that she had noticed people being offended, and correcting her with "Merry Christmas." I nodded in understanding and shared with her that I always say 'Happy Holidays', and that if someone says 'Merry Christmas' in return, I give them a warm smile and return the sentiment. Because while I might not celebrate Christmas religiously, I celebrate it in a secular manner, and that for me it's more about spending time with family.
My assistant manager and I talked a little bit about it after the customer had left, and she expressed how she was offended when people insisted on 'Merry Christmas' bringing up the point of Hanukkah, and so on, and being someone who didn't believe in anything, she felt it was inconsiderate.
Rather than getting into a distracting conversation, because we were at work, I left it where it lay, comfortable and happy with my stance on the subject. Because at the end of the day, regardless of which holiday you observe, I hope that there will be time with loved ones making memories that will last a life time. As mine certainly have, and will.
Growing up it was Christmas, and some of my favorite memories are of Christmas time with my family, decorating the house and the tree, listening to Christmas music-which I still do. Of course now it has a very different meaning to me. As fun and appreciated as presents are (because seriously, who doesn't love getting presents) this year I am going to be focusing on a very spiritual aspect.
So this holiday season, I am going to be celebrating holiday tradition of spending time with my family, for Christmas and my grandfather's birthday which falls on the Winter Solstice-something I still giggle over. As a part of a new tradition, I have decided that I will light a candle for everyone I know that is missing someone during the holiday season. I will take a piece of paper and write down their name and honor those whom I love, and the ones that they love.
I will also be welcoming the birth of the sun, as it will shine the way for the new year and all of the amazing possibilities that lay before me. I said before that this will be my last year of living in fear, so as the moon wanes, I will finish the work I started on the full moon. I will finish releasing all that I have holding onto that no longer serves me, and when the new moon arrives, I will be ready to fill the empty space that the negativity left with light and love and positivity.
May you be surrounded by love and light this holiday season,
Many blessings to you and yours,
Thealynn
©2013-2015 Thealynn
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