Candles for Imbolc

While contemplating my Imbolc ritual I have been reading several books and blogs to add something different this year. Today I was happy to see Patti Wigington's blog had a very nice candle ritual. If you would be interested in reading about it, click here



It is good to know that the Wheel of the Year is turning a bit more towards Spring. Where I live, it is definitely a symbolic turning, as it is way too cold, there is far too much snow, and we definitely will not be seeing signs of spring yet. But we know it is coming, and celebrating the Imbolc Sabbatt means we do not have to wish the winter away; winter will be leaving on its own soon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_the_Year

(note: midsummer is called Litha in many traditions)

Hey, it is Friday! Lots to do this weekend. Blessings to all, stay safe, warm and happy.   Robin.

What is Samhain?

A couple of my non-pagan followers asked me about Samhain. I had written a post about Samhain and my plans for the observance.  Samhain, pronounced sow-wen (sow, rhyming with cow), is the last Sabbat of the year. A Sabbat is a religious holiday and in Wicca we celebrate 8 sabbats during the year. Our Wheel of the Year marks events throughout the seasons of the year. Four of the Sabbats are based on agricultural/nature observances: Imbolc, Beltane, Lugnasadh, Samhain. The other four sabbats mark the solstices and equinoxes:  Ostara, Litha, Mabon and Yule.
 
Samhain is also know today by  more familiar names, Halloween or All Hallow's Eve. But Wiccans celebrate this sabbat a little differently then non-pagans. It is a religious observance, and is also called the Witches' New Year. Wiccans believe that this is a time to honor our loved ones who have passed during the year, and to remember our ancestors.  The "veil of the Otherworld" is at its thinnest at this time, hence a good time to contact, if you will, those who have passed beyond the veil. Do not get spooked by this, it is a loving remembrance, and a soothing riutal.  Samhain is also a time to reflect on the year that has passed, and to prepare for the Wheel of the Year to begin it's journey again at Yule (Winter Solstice) when we celebrate Light returning to us.

This is a nutshell description of this Wiccan sabbat. Wiccans love Samhain, a favorite for most. Of course, Wiccans will say that about all their Sabbats...each one is a favorite. Wishing all of you a Bless-ed Samhain, and Happy New Year.