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Samhain - 31 October
Commonly known as Halloween, Samhain is one
time in the year when the viel between worlds is thin.
At this time we celebrate and remember
people who have passed away. Lighting candles is one way of doing this. Divination is also
popular at Samahin for this reason.
It is also a time for reflection and remembering, which can be expressed
through ritual if you chose to.
The God (the Sun) is said to die, bringing
on the winter until his rebirth at Yule.
Herbal correspondences
for Samhain are Myrrh, Bay, Sage, Basil, Cinnamon
and Frankinsence.
Yule - 21 Decemeber
Imbolc - 2 February
Ostara - 21 March
Also known as the spring or vernal equinox, Ostara is one of the two dates in the year when day and night are equal, and so it is a time where
we can seek balance within ourselves. After this
day the days are longer. We also celebrate fertility, life and growth
at Ostara and can bring these things into our ritual if one is performed.
Herbs that are appropriate at Ostara are Jasmine, Olive,
Rose, Acorn and Hyssop. Eggs, apples and sweet breads are eaten at Ostara
too.
Beltane - 1 May
The days are still lengthening at Beltane so
it is a time in the year that we celebrate nature, the increased warmth, light,
growth and fertility of the earth reminds us of this.
At Beltane we celebrate the marriage of
the Goddess and God and so it is a time of new begginings, a time to start new things. These things could be involved
in your ritual if one is performed.
These reasons why we celebrate Beltane make
spellwork for fertility, love, the future, happiness,
safety, prosperity and links with deities appropriate at this time of the year.
Herbs that correspond with Beltane are; Lavender,
Apple, Daisy, Honeysuckle, Primrose, St Johns
Wort, Rose and Rowan.
Foods appropriate at Beltane are oats, green
salads, strawberries, cherries, cakes and dairy products.
It is considered unfortunate to give away fire
or salt at Beltane because these were at one time the two most sacred substances, so gving them away on May day is giving
your luck away.
Litha - 21 June
Lammas - 1 Aug
Mabon - 21 Septemeber
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