When magic becomes natural
like breathing, you become a master.
Sabbats are witchcraft holidays that make up the Wheel of the Year, or one complete cycle of changes in energies and flows in Nature.
Main Sabbats:
Saun (Samhain, Samhain) (October 31), Yule (December 21), Imbolc (February 2), Ostara (March 21), Beltane (April 30 - May 1), Litha (June 21), Lammas (August 1) and Mabon (September 21), as well as 13 esbats (full moons) a year. Four sabbaths are the days of the equinoxes (autumn and spring - Mabon and Ostara) and solstices (winter and summer - Yule and Lita), the remaining four holidays are based on folk holidays.
Samhain (October 31)
It is a Celtic festival of the dead in honor of the Aryan Lord of Death, Saman (the Irish call it the Vigil of Saman). Over time, it turned into a holiday in honor of the world of spirits; this holiday is dedicated to the interaction between the subtle world and the world of dense matter. This is where the custom of lighting lanterns in the shape of skulls carved from pumpkins came from. Ordinary people, no
Those who participated in the celebration of Samhain tried to protect themselves with similar lanterns and candles and scare away evil spirits and evil spirits. This day was a day of honoring the spirits of deceased friends and relatives. To appease the spirits on this day, they baked pastries and left them for the souls of the departed.
But Samhain was both a holiday of death and a holiday of rebirth. The Celts believed that those who died in given year, must wait until Samhain to be able to move to the spirit world, or the Land of Summer, where they begin new life.
Samhain is also witchcraft New Year and the most important coven of witches. It symbolizes the end of the season of the Goddess - summer, and the beginning of the "season of death" ruled by God - winter.
On the night of Samhain, it is customary to place a plate of food outside and bury an apple in the ground to feed the dead. A candle on the window this night shows the spirits their way to the Land of Summer.
Food for Samhain: vegetables, pumpkin dishes, nuts, warmed spiced wine, and, if you are not a vegetarian, meat dishes.
Yule is the celebration of the turning of the Wheel of the Year from darkness to light; the longest night and shortest day of the year. At this time, mother goddesses give birth to their children, which is probably why Yule is associated with Christian Christmas, but the traditions of Yule are the burning of the Yule log, the Yule tree, etc. - arose in the Celtic tradition long before the advent of Christianity.
In the northern hemisphere, there is a moment when the sun reaches its extreme southeastern point. When the ancients saw this, they knew that in a few weeks the sun would begin to rise a little earlier and a little further north, and this would continue until it rose at its extreme northeastern point six months later.
On this day, it is customary to light huge bonfires, drink wine, give each other gifts and have fun. According to the old pagan tradition, on this day the house is decorated with branches of holly, spruce, and pine. For garlands, dried roses, corn, cranberries are used, bags with aromatic herbs are hung on the branches of the Yule tree. Apples, oranges and lemons,
hanging on a tree are also a wonderful decoration and, moreover, are associated with ancient customs.
Food for Yule: nuts, fruits, cookies, tea.
The name of this holiday means milk. Imbolc is considered the first spring holiday, the holiday of the Sun and represents the awakening of nature from winter hibernation. This holiday is dedicated to the Celtic goddess Brigid.
At this time, sheep begin to produce milk - a clear sign of the approaching spring. Many agricultural peoples celebrated the appearance of some sign indicating the imminent end of winter: the fermentation of sap in maples, the return of certain species of birds, the appearance of spring constellations in the winter sky, even the awakening of marmots from hibernation.
At Imbolc, at sunset, it is customary to light all the lamps in the house for a few minutes, as well as light candles in each room.
Food for Imbolc: naturally, dairy foods (milk, sour cream, cream, cheese, etc.), spicy and fatty foods, wine, raisins. Dishes should be seasoned with pepper, onion, garlic, etc.
Ostara - Spring equinox, spring solstice March 21)
In Ostara, day and night are equal in length. On this day, witches honor the great Harmony, thanks to which night gives way to day, darkness gives way to light. On this holiday, winter finally gives way to spring. At this time of year, the ancient tribes of Europe honored Ostera, the Goddess of Spring, who holds an egg in her hand and looks at the rabbit playing at her bare feet. Witches are released from eggshells its contents, after
Why do they paint the shell? bright colors. This is how a talisman is made, which should promote fertility and success in any endeavor of the coming summer.
On this day it is customary to take walks in parks and forests; plant seeds, etc.
Food on Ostara: various nuts and seeds, sprouts, leaves, green vegetables, flower dishes.
Great holiday fertility, dedicated to God and Goddess. On the night from April 30 to May 1, it is customary to light bonfires, set up a maypole, sing songs, dance and have fun, seeing off winter time year and welcoming summer. On this day, God and Goddess unite in sacred union.
Beltane food: dairy products, oatmeal cookies, vanilla ice cream.
This is the shortest night of the year and the longest day. After Lita day
begins to slowly decrease, become shorter, and the night becomes longer.
These days and nights summer solstice full of energy and magic. This is a time of numerous rituals, a time of travel and great outdoor celebrations. It is best to cook and sleep in nature these days. This holiday embodies abundance, fertility, happiness, and cheerfulness.
During the midsummer festival people jump over bonfires, sing songs, swim, dance and have fun.
A traditional activity on Litu is collecting herbs. Healing, love magic and protective magic are especially appropriate for this day.
Midsummer food is the best fresh fruit.
Lammas is a holiday of fertility, harvest, bread. Some peoples called this holiday Lagnasad, and was dedicated to the great Celtic warrior god Lugh.
On Lammas people traditionally bake homemade bread, pies, weave straw (making a bread doll), and visit nearby places in nature.
Food on Lagnasad: bread, berries, fruits, cookies, grains.
This is the holiday of the end of the harvest, on this day the great Harmony is honored; in Mabon the Horned God is revered. According to the Celts, summer had only three months left and people had to work hard to reap a good harvest.
In Mabon they go for nature walks and collect fallen leaves.
Food for the Autumn Equinox is grains, fruits, vegetables, cornbread and beans.
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Magical holidays have dates different from the traditional calendar. They are closely related to the forces of nature and are aimed at maintaining human energy for full life. Each holiday has its own ritual, the implementation of which will easily and naturally bring you closer to your own true essence. Rituals performed on magical days are effective and quickly bring the desired result.
Magical New Year
The magical year begins on November 1st, the pagan beginning of winter called Samhain. This is the time of year when noticeable cooling occurs in our latitudes. In nature, the growth process stops, energy falls into hibernation. At this time, the connections between the manifest world and the other world are strengthened, and the veil separating them is dissipated. That is why the night before November 1 is the ideal time for predictions and prophetic dreams.
This period also includes nights favorable for establishing contact with the spirits of the dead.
At this time, you will most likely be able to follow the path of your future. If you work with Tarot cards, try making a prediction layout for the year on Samhain or ask your questions to another oracle.
Winter Solstice Festival
The next holiday in the magical calendar is the winter solstice, celebrated on December 21st. The name itself indicates that the very middle of winter has arrived. This is a time of rest that should be used to gain strength. The same thing happens with nature, plunged into winter sleep.
People, unfortunately, behave differently. There's no chance of immersing yourself if Christmas carols are playing in every store. During this pre-Christmas season, most people think about everything but "silent night." But even when a stressful Christmas holiday with children and paper caps hangs over you like a sword of Damocles, and there is still a party at your company to survive, treat yourself to a hot bath, at least once or twice. Give the water aromas that correspond to the time of year: the smell of spruce needles (best in the form essential oil) or orange. If you need something else to calm your mind, you can splash a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow. If, on the contrary, you need a little energy, we can recommend something fiery. After all, in the end, on the day winter solstice we celebrate the return of the sun. This is the beginning of a new solar year, a good reason for fireworks.
If conditions allow, light a big fire, invite friends and have a party with mulled wine (spices carry the power of fire). During this holiday, choose the right moment, stand in front of the fire and let its energy carry you upward. Let your wings grow, fly! After all, you are celebrating a holiday of joy.
If nothing comes of the fire, since the precipitation at this time is more like drizzling rain than snow, move the fiery holiday to your apartment. Place as many candles throughout the rooms as you can find. Just be sure to make sure that they stand firmly (for example, on fireproof stands or trays). After all, fire brigades already have enough work to do at Christmas. Light the candles one by one. At the same time, visualize how the new year is getting brighter, the days are getting shorter, and how summer begins to return at this very moment. As soon as all the candles are lit, you will notice that the temperature in the apartment has become almost summer, and it is quite possible to wear a T-shirt.
Celebration of the beginning of spring
According to the magical calendar, spring begins six weeks after the middle of winter. Candlemas falls on February 2. The days are becoming noticeably longer, the sun is starting to warm up. The most severe frosts are already behind us, and the spirits of life are beginning to awaken.
Use the day to start new things. If by November 1 you have matured certain intentions, then now is the time to get serious about putting them into practice. Do you want to quit smoking? The day has come for the start of your new tobacco-free existence. This is not at all connected with a departure from a proven scheme. Rather, it is a step into the unknown.
This the right time in order to get rid of addiction. It doesn’t matter what it is: addiction to sweets, alcohol, nicotine or food additives.
For this ritual you will need: a white candle, stones (the properties of which you prefer), salt, water, incense, a cup of sand, small piece paper (about 2-3 cm), a simple pencil (the metal it contains will give you additional protection) and tweezers.
Warning: You will have to burn a piece of paper during this ritual, so plan ahead. Perhaps it is better to move the whole action outdoors, to the bathroom or kitchen. This is safer and will prevent a fire from occurring. Usually the piece of paper that you have to set on fire will simply smolder; there should not be a large flame. If you insist on having a "real" fire, then soak the paper in melted candle wax before lighting it.
Light a candle and stick it into the sand so that it stands firmly. If you are using stones for this ritual, hold each of them in your hands for a couple of seconds. At the same time, visualize why you need this particular stone and what you will use it for. This could be, for example, a healing stone that softens physical consequences addiction, or a stone that strengthens willpower.
Place suitably charged stones in the sand behind the candle. Now take a small piece of paper and a simple pencil. Write a word on paper that conveys the essence of what you are with today left behind. If you are a smoker, you can write the word "cigarette" or the word "smoking." Choose a word that expresses your sentiment, even if it has nothing to do with the intended topic.
Fold the paper as many times as possible. At the same time, visualize how the old energy that you no longer need, which you invested in your addiction, flows into this piece of paper. Hold it for a couple of seconds with both hands until everything flows into it without a trace.
Now take a pair of tweezers and use them to hold the paper over the candle until it lights up. After that, put it in a bowl on the sand. As the paper smoulders, visualize your old way of life going up in smoke.
Place some incense on charcoal slabs or light an incense stick. Fumigate yourself with the smoke and visualize how it brings you cleansing.
Spring Equinox Festival
In mid-spring the first equinox of the year occurs. According to the calendar recognized in our latitudes, the “official” beginning of spring falls on March 21st. A balance is established between days and nights. That's why energy of this period good for everything related to balance. Here's a little exercise to help put your inner world in order.
Relax, stand in the center of the room with enough free space around you. Close your eyes for a moment and enter a state of calm.
When you open your eyes again, extend your arms and lift one leg off the floor. Relax and stand in this position for a minute or two. That's it! Remember to keep your knees slightly bent. Do this exercise for as long as you want and as much as you can. At the same time, try to clearly feel how balance is maintained: with the help of your legs, arms, back and your thoughts. You can make the task slightly more difficult for yourself by closing your eyes during the exercise and feel how your sense of balance changes.
Summer magical holidays
The night of May 1 is the best time to celebrate the month of bliss by dancing. According to the pagan calendar, summer begins with his arrival. He brings with him the first warm days, nature is transformed, everything grows, blooms and turns green.
If you want to light a fire, do it in nature if the weather cooperates. If you don't want or can't go out, prepare a love dish and invite someone over. Here we are not talking about love for humanity as a whole, but rather about love for a specific person. If you have a friend, celebrate this holiday with him. Walpurgis Night is favorable for everything related to family, love relationships, marriage and children. If you want to have a child, this night is well suited for the corresponding ritual.
The Midsummer Festival is dedicated to happiness in all its interpretations. This sun festival falls on June 20-21. During these dates, even in cooler regions, the weather becomes milder and the evenings become lighter. It's the perfect time of year to enjoy nature's bounty. Be blissful, treat yourself to fresh fruits, vegetables and seasonings. You can cook any magical dishes you like.
This time of year, like the full moon, is ideal for getting things done. During this period, the curtailment of projects will be especially successful. Just make a wish and, in the form of a star, send it on a journey.
Magical holidays of autumn
According to ancient calendars, autumn begins on August 1, which corresponds to the first harvest festival. The days are gradually getting shorter, even if the cold has not yet set in. A great time to take a quick look behind the scenes of the world. As the energy of the year gradually wanes, this transition to a state of rest can be used to open up a new area of spiritual life. This is not about firm intentions or specific knowledge. Just do the exercises that will tell you which direction to follow. Afterwards, take some time to consider the Universe's suggestions. During this period it is especially good to meditate.
The second equinox of the year falls on September 21, the very middle of autumn. This time should be used to prepare for the dark and quiet half of the year. Everything is heading towards winter sleep. Nature still abounds in the gifts of the gods. This time is especially favorable for the manufacture of amulets, dream snares and other magical items, the creation of which uses fresh materials.
On the day of the equinox, you can do a spring balance exercise and feel how the energy has changed during this time.
Holidays in January.
January 1Festival of the goddess Nanshe (a good day for summing up and thinking about the future)
January 6Adoration of the Magi
January 12Day of Goddess Saraswati (on this day the power of wisdom and knowledge is glorified)
January 15Feast of the goddess Carmenta (this is the praise of midwives and women in labor)
January 20Festival of the Kitchen Deity (blessing hearth and home and brownie)
January 30festival of the goddess Pax (peace and prosperity are revered)
Holidays in February.
February 1Festival of the goddess Bregit (celebration of rebirth and female wisdom)
February 2Imbolc - holiday of candles
February 4Family Day (ideal day for reconciliation)
February 16Day of the Goddess Hecate
February 26Festival of the Goddess Hygeia (dedicate the day to spiritual cleansing)
Holidays in March.
March 1 Feast of the goddess Juno (a day for peace in family and marriage)
March 15 Festival of the goddess Cybele (harbinger of spring)
March 16 Hori Festival (fire festival dedicated to seeing off winter and welcoming spring)
March 17 Feast of the Goddess Libera (Feast of the First Grass)
March 21 Ostara
March 25 Festival of the goddess Mati (celebration of the earth, rebirth of nature)
March 27 Spring Breeze Festival (luck, health, cheerfulness triumph. Day of Air Magic)
March 31 An ideal day to repay debts and pay bills.
Holidays in April.
April 5 Patron God Day
April 12 Forest Spirits Awakening Day
April 15 Festival of the Goddess Tellus (on this day the circle of rebirth is venerated)
April 19 Day of the Goddess Ceres (rituals to protect plants and vegetable gardens. It is recommended to plant herbs on this day)
April 22 Feast of the goddess Ishtar
April 24 Apple blossom day
April 28 Day of the Goddess Flora (from this day began celebrations with orgies until Beltane)
Holidays in May.
May 1 Beltane
May 6 Festival of the goddess Inghin Bhuide (celebration of the beginning of summer)
May 7 Festival of the god Pan (day of absolute luck. Day of getting rid of negative energy)
May 16 The holiday is dedicated to travel and adventure.
May 23 Feast of the Madonna (a good day for charging amulets with positive energy)
May 29 Druid Day (day of veneration of trees, in particular oak)
Holidays in June.
June 1 Feast of the Goddess Carnot (requests for good health and physical well-being)
June 7 Day of God Kamehaliha (the day is ideal for witchcraft for career and wealth)
June 9 Feast of the Goddess Vesta (day of well-being at home)
June 14 Muses' birthday
June 16 holiday protected from wickedness
June 21 Lita
Holidays in July.
July 2 Holiday of future mothers.
July 3 Day of the Goddess Cherridwen (day of honoring talents)
July 7 Kupala
July 12 Tibetan festival of old dances (marks the victory of light forces over dark ones)
July 19 Wedding of Isis and Osiris (family day)
July 20 Wreath Making Day (weave a wreath to bless your home)
July 29 Bird Day (day of honoring birds)
Holidays in August.
August 2 Lughnasadh (Lammas)
August 7 Milky Way Festival (day of honoring the stars. The day is ideal for fortune telling)
August 13 Feast of the goddess Diana (the day is favorable for rituals of protection and hunting)
August 15 Feast of Isis (day of femininity and female power)
August 23 Holiday of Moira (a day of honoring the past, present and future. Ideal for reflecting on what has been done and thinking about the future)
Holidays in September.
September 7 Banquet of Venus (ideal day for love rituals)
September 15 Birth of the Moon (a day in praise of the moon and lunar magic)
September 21 Mabon
September 28 Festival of the goddess Baubo (day of fun and liberation from the past)
Holidays in October.
October 1 Feast of the Goddess Fides (on this day they ask for justice and a happy marriage)
October 11 Feast of the goddess Demeter (day of falling asleep of the earth)
October 12 Festival of Meditation
October 22 Festival of the Goddess of Mercy
October 31 Samhain
Holidays in November.
November 1 Festival of the Goddess Keillich (weather change day)
November 15 Festival of the goddess Feronia (day of healing herbs and the underworld)
November 30 Body Worship Day.
November 30 Wolf's day (the day of winter's arrival)
Holidays in December.
December 1 Feast of the goddess Bona dea (day of honoring women and women's rites)
December 13 Lucia Day (day of fidelity to one's beliefs and faith)
December 14 Holiday in honor of bread and home
December 19 Festival of the Goddess Ops (day of wealth and prosperity)
December 21 Yule
December 25 Goddess Holle Day (day of reward for good deeds)
December 31 Feast of the Goddess Vesta (give thanks for good things and wishes for a happy new year)
Holidays not tied to days.
First Monday of the year day of forgiveness
New Year according to the Chinese calendar
Carnival(winter farewell day)
3 days before Easter (dark days are prohibited from casting spells, especially for white magicians)
Mermaid week(the week after Trinity to honor the spirits of water and various water games)
Last Thursday of November thanksgiving day to the gods
From 15 to 20 December Days of the year of the hounds of Annon (festival of the wild hunt, dark days of retribution to enemies)
Shellira
Wheel of the Year
Each community sets the time and place of gathering so that it is convenient for all its members. Typically this happens within days new month or the full moon of each month, and also during the eight annual great sabbaths, which are the four festivals of the earth:
Nobody knows how long ago these European holidays were born. Perhaps they are associated with the time of sowing, harvesting and the appearance of offspring in domestic animals. The Inquisition claimed that these holidays were invented by Christians, and witches perverted them for their own purposes. Modern historians and anthropologists have proven the opposite. These were pagan holidays pre-Christian era, which the church Christianized. The process of “co-opting” old holidays was very long. May 1st was the Celtic festival of Beltaine, then the Robin Hood festival, then became the feast of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph the Worker, and finally became the official "holiday of labor" in the Soviet Union, also used to demonstrate the armed might of the communist state. . As Erica Ying* says: “The holidays are piled on top of each other, like the remains of different civilizations in Asia Minor.”
*Famous American writer, author of erotic novels. Note per.
Most ancient holidays were dedicated to fire. The Celtic word for fire was "tan" or "tain", and this word is still found in many British names (for example, the name of the area Tunhill means "Fire Hill"). Bonfires were lit on hills and heights:
The ritual participants held torches in their hands: some of them jumped over small fires or ran between two large fires. Fire provided light and warmth on a cold night and for people of the pre-industrial era it was a manifestation of energy in its pure form. From the point of view of the pagans, fire not only represented divine energy, but also introduced man to it. Today's witches use candles, lamps and, if possible, fires in their rituals.
The concept of the Wheel of the Year is based on the understanding of the ring-like nature of time and space. /Modern physics has only recently come to this understanding/. Hartley Burr Alexander, in his work "The Ring of the World", dedicated to the worldview of the indigenous people of America, explains that the concept of the four cardinal points / four directions / that form the great circle of the horizon is logically related to the direct structure human body. This "square" concept reflects our sense of warmth and perception of the physical world. As other owls, it is natural for us to divide space into four parts: front, back, left and right.
The same scheme is natural for the formation of ideas about earth and time. There are four parts of the world - north, east, south and west, and, accordingly, four seasons - autumn, winter, spring, summer. Pythagoras and other Greek philosophers argued that numbers are symbols of order; so the Wheel of the Year, with its four main parts, which in turn are easily divided by four corresponding points, determines the order of the eight great annual festivals of earth and heaven, which are celebrated by the witches.
However, for the Celts, the wheel of the year represented even more simple diagram The two main seasons of the year are the time of fire and the time of ice, that is, winter and summer. According to Celtic tradition, the New Year began on October 31, and this day was the first day of winter. Then they celebrated their holiday Samhain, which is now called Halloween. This day was of great importance for the spirituality of the Celts, since it did not belong to either the old or the new year. He was "between the years." It was "the time between times." He not only finished old year and began a new one, but also lifted the veil separating the two worlds.
Witches still believe that on this day a gap appears in the wall between spirit and matter, and life flows freely from one world to another. Spirits can visit our world of dense matter, and we can also make forays into their world to communicate with our ancestors and loved ones who are no longer among us. During Samhain, as the old year flows into the new, a huge exchange of energy occurs, which is of great importance in maintaining balance between the world of spirit, the natural world and the human world. Witches use this time to communicate with the other world, absorb the knowledge of their ancestors and prepare for the new year.
Samhain.
Samhain is Celtic holiday of the dead, which is celebrated in honor of the Aryan Lord of Death, Saman (the Irish call it Saman's Vigil). Over time, it developed into a holiday in honor of the spirit world, and not just in honor of one god. In addition, this holiday is dedicated to the interaction between the subtle world and the world of dense matter. On this day, witches still leave “soul cakes” for their deceased ancestors, but this custom itself has transformed into helping the homeless and travelers who did not find shelter that night. The ancients believed that if appropriate gifts and sacrifices were not made, the spirits of the dead would take advantage of the gap that opened on this day in the wall between the worlds, penetrate our world and cause trouble to the living. This night is still considered dangerous, but witches believe that the threat came not from the spirits of angry ancestors, but from the approaching forces of destruction: hunger, cold, snow storms. On the Wheel of the Year, Samhain marks the beginning of the season of death: winter. The Goddess of Agriculture transfers her power over the earth to the Horned God of the Hunt. The fertile fields of summer give way to the bare forests of winter.
On this magical evening, bonfires light up on the magical hills (sidh), where the spirits live. It is there that the souls of dead ancestors and the disappeared gods of bygone times live. People who did not participate in these rituals, but also feared the invasion of hostile spirits into the world of the living, tried to scare away uninvited guests with gloomy masks carved from pumpkins and lit from the inside by candles inserted into them.
Some of these terrifying “lanterns” resembled the face of death, but the ancient Celts considered the skull not the embodiment of horror, but a revered object charged with special energy. Among some Celtic tribes, the cult of the skull became very widespread, which was proven by archaeological excavations, during which they were discovered large collections skulls Modern witches perceive the skull and bones not as creepy symbols, but as a reminder of our immortality, however, they also remind us that we are all mortal, since the fact that the bones are preserved for quite a long time after the physical death of a person suggests that our existence is not interrupted once and for all immediately after the soul leaves the body. In shamanic civilizations, the classic rite of initiation into shamans included the ability, while immersed in a state of trance, to “see” one’s skeleton, and even watch as friendly spirits “disassemble” it and “assemble” it again. It was a feeling of the birth of a new life, the appearance of which the witches celebrate on this most holy of nights.
Samhain was both a holiday of death and a holiday of rebirth. The Celts believed that those who died in a given year must wait until Samhain to be able to move to the spirit world, or the Land of Summer, where they begin a new life. At the very moment of transition, “little men”, “fairies”, the spirits of ancestors, who still have some unresolved matters in our world, may appear. Some of them will help newcomers leave our world and enter the next one; others come to play or play pranks. Every human life and death is part of a great exchange between the spirit world and the natural world.
Nowadays, many people "dive" for apples into a large cauldron or barrel, since the apple is a symbol of the soul, and the cauldron represents the great womb of life. This night is also the night of divination, since those who know how to look into the future see it especially clearly on this night. On this special night, the events that will happen in the new year become known. On this night, orange and black colors prevail in our attire:
orange symbolizes the dying leaves and dying fires of summer, and the traditional black attracts light to our bodies, for at this time of year, when the days are shorter, there is less light and warmth.
Christmas time.
The next holiday is Christmastide, which is celebrated on the winter solstice. Old pagan decorations made from holly, willow, and pine branches, trees decorated with lanterns, warm beer and wine, roasted pig, huge Yuletide bonfires, songs and giving each other gifts are still part of our celebrations. In the northern hemisphere there is a moment when the sun, on its annual journey, reaches its extreme southeastern point. When the ancients saw this, they knew that in a few weeks the sun would begin to rise a little earlier and a little further north, and this would continue until it rose at its extreme northeastern point six months later. Even though the worst of the cold was yet to come, Christmastide has always been a time of joy and fun.
Imbolc.
On February 1, Imbolc is celebrated, the name of which can be translated roughly as follows: “in milk.” At this time, pregnant lambs begin to produce milk - a clear sign of the approaching spring. Many agricultural peoples celebrated the appearance of some sign indicating the imminent end of winter: the fermentation of sap in maples, the return of certain species of birds, the appearance of spring constellations in the winter sky, even the awakening of marmots from hibernation. Around this time, the church holds a feast in honor of St. Brigid, the Christian equivalent of the Celtic goddess Brigid. According to Christian mythology, Saint Brigid was the midwife of the Virgin Mary, and midwives, of course, are a reminder of new life being born.
If in the summer, when life was spent in the fresh air, one could get caught in the pouring rain, or swim in a lake or river, then in the winter, when Stone Age people could not even stick their noses out of huts or caves, they began to understand the need for cleansing. And we still carry out winter rituals cleansing. On February 2, Christians celebrate the Presentation of the Lord, in memory of the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the ritual cleansing of his mother (according to Jewish law, a woman after childbirth was considered unclean!). At this time, candles are considered a sacred object and are used in rituals performed in honor of Saint Blaise, who is believed to protect believers from colds, the most common illness in February.
February is the peak of winter, when food and fuel supplies run out and hunters may lose their luck. At this time, warmth, shelter, clothing and food are especially needed. Some peoples had a custom of spending this last night in revelry and fun, and then for a certain period of fasting and purification. Mardi Grae, Carnival, the ancient Roman Lupercalia, the Fool's Fun - all these holidays occur around this time. The witches carry pots of food together for their celebrations. We also donate food to homeless shelters and soup kitchens. We honor Brigit, not the midwife of the Virgin Mary, but the Celtic goddess of Fire, who is able to keep the fires burning in our hearths on these dark, cold nights.
Vernal equinox.
During the spring equinox (March 21), as well as during the autumn, the great harmony is honored, thanks to which one season gives way to another, and night gives way to day. At this time, night and day are equal in length. Winter finally gives way to spring. The rivers are completely free of ice, buds appear on the trees, the grass turns green again, and the sheep have offspring. At this time of year, the ancient tribes of Europe honored Ostera or Istera * - the Goddess of Spring, who holds an egg in her hand and looks at the rabbit playing merrily at her bare feet. Witches release the contents from the eggshell, after which they paint the shell with bright colors. This is how a talisman is made, which should promote fertility and success in any endeavor of the coming summer. At this time, we begin to cultivate our gardens and flower beds, from which we will harvest the flowers, herbs and vegetables we need for our rituals, spells and decoctions.
Beltane.
The great fertility festival Beltane, dedicated to the God and Goddess, is celebrated on May 1st. Bonfires are lit, maypoles are erected, music is played, and the green groves witness numerous sensual pleasures. May is a voluptuous month. The fifth month of the year expresses all the sexual and sensual meaning of the number "5"; the body receives a new charge of energy; we feel how our vital juices ferment; and all five of our senses are heightened. The great fertility of the earth is reflected in natural celebratory rituals celebrating sex and the birth of new life. The children of the earth, men and women, also strive for unity and reproduction. Old rituals and customs symbolize the copulation of the Goddess and her young Horned God. Beltane is a time of love.
During Beltane, our clothing is dominated by green. This is how we honor the Celtic god Belenos. We become the "green people", the "little men" of Pan. We decorate ourselves with masks made of leaves, pointed “ears,” and small horns, which symbolize the vitality of nature, which is especially evident in this green month. We light fires ("Beltane" means "fire of Belenos") and jump over them to demonstrate our agility and joy for the coming summer. In May, agricultural peoples took their herds to summer pastures. They drove cattle between two large fires, which were supposed to rid the animals of winter diseases and drive out the evil spirits of winter.
During the rituals, some of us play the roles of the young king, the old king and the queen of the magical forests. Our show tells how the young king of summer kills the old king of winter in order to win the hand and heart of his young wife, the Mayan Queen. She is Mother Earth, still young and fresh, but ready to bestow people with a generous harvest. In Germany, this May night is called Walpurgis, that is, dedicated to Saint Walpurga - the Christian analogue of the Teutonic Mother Earth, Walburga.
This month is oversaturated with sexual energy, and as the old folk song says, “we're going on Mayday.” The symbol of the energy of this month is the “Maypole”, around which young men and women dance, entangling each other with colorful ribbons tied to this pole.
Night in Midsummer.
In June we celebrate Midsummer Night, the shortest night of the year, when Fart and Pan and all the fairies and elves go out and have fun. Since there is little time left for sleep, dreams and reality get mixed up. These days and nights of the summer solstice are full of energy and magic. This is a time of many rituals, since life is easy at this time of year, and thanks to the long daylight hours We not only have time to do all our work, but also have fun from the heart. This is a time of travel and great outdoor celebrations. It is best to cook and sleep in nature these days. We visit each other and encourage all "pagans" to join us in our fun.
Lammas.
August is approaching, and with it the time of harvest. These days celebrate the holiday of first fruits - Lammas. In our ritual circle we express gratitude to the earth for its bounty and ask that the fruits of this bounty be shared with all living beings. Lammas is the festival of bread, and we always place freshly baked loaves on our altars. We honor the great grain goddesses, Ceres and Demeter. We decorate our hair with flowers, especially yellow ones, symbolizing the sun, which shines most brightly this month. Some peoples called this holiday Lughnasadh, and was dedicated to the great Celtic warrior god Luh. In his honor we organize games and sports competitions. Athletes' competitions symbolize fullness of life, strength and health, since it is at this time of year that people are at the peak of their physical fitness.
Autumn equinox.
According to the Celts, summer had only three months left and people must work hard to reap a good harvest, be it corn or wheat, or some personal goal that this or that person has set for himself. When in days autumn equinox As the sun crosses the equator and heads south, we once again celebrate the balance provided by the rotation of the Wheel of the Year. These days are a great reminder that both the dark days of winter and fun days summers are transitory, that everything has its time, and nothing lasts forever. The law of polarity and rhythm require that every thing be balanced by its opposite. On these holy days, our ancestors tried to find both physical and mental balance in order to more successfully withstand the vicissitudes of life.
At any time of the year, people maintain their connection with the ever-moving stream of life; we make our plans and try to implement them. If we fail, we try again. We know joy and we know sorrow; our children are born; our old people die and go to another world. Every event in life has its own meaning and purpose. Every day, every night and every season has its own special character. Through our rituals we take part in the great and small dramas of the year and the great circle of life. We tap into the character and spirit of each year and practice magic to transform our lives, to give them meaning that would be unattainable to us if we did not perform our rituals and celebrate our holidays. Even the most modest ritual gives us the strength and will to change, and each participant in the ritual touches something that is higher than himself. It can be said that in the moment of ecstasy we truly go beyond ourselves, the light of God and Goddess becomes brighter within us and we touch the Whole.
We continue our conversation about the main witchcraft holidays. At one time they were all mandatory. In our time, a person who takes the path of black magic and witchcraft must familiarize himself with the traditions of many generations of his predecessors.
Witchcraft holidays of August
The night from August 8 to 9 is the appearance of the Antichrist himself. Once upon a time, it was on this night that the Mother of God conceived Herod himself. Warlocks offered prayers to Herodias, as well as to the Son of Satan, in front of the witchcraft cursed icons.
On August 11, Mafava is revered, and also they perform actions to search for treasures, read conspiracies and perform rituals to improve financial well-being.
On August 21, according to tradition, it is customary to honor all the Evil Spirits that are in the air. In particular, you need to read the prayers to Likhodey and Solts. To do this, the witch or sorcerer, when the sun set, had to go to the crossroads, where they cast special spells. On the same day, the warlocks sent damage to the wind.
August 29 is the day of Ekhandra, a spirit that lives in distant and fetid swamps. As gifts to the demon, the sorcerers brought him black chickens.
Magic holidays of September
On September 4, gifts were presented to Leshy, the Master of the forest. In addition, prayers were read to other forest deities: Seneon, Mirulei, Samsay.
On September 9, black magicians honor the memory of the Black Saint Aglaya of Tambov. Aglaya is rightfully considered the most powerful spinner of the 20th century: she could destroy any person in three days. Aglaya left behind a work called “Nine.”
On September 18, they try to protect themselves from the influence of the 12 fever sisters, who are believed to be the daughters of Herod himself. Warlocks, on the other hand, used their daring powers to inflict harm on their enemies.
Magical traditions of October
The seventh day of October was the day of the Barn Demon (also known as the Barn Demon or the Gumennik). To appease him, a rooster and a piece of pie were brought to the barn.
On October 9, the black sorcerer Aristarchus of Pechora, who lived his entire life in the Urals, is revered.
And on October 17, Leshy was seen off. According to old beliefs, on this day he is especially violent - he chases animals through the forest, breaking trees on his way.
The night from October 31 to November 1, better known as Halloween, is a time of rampant evil spirits. This time is favorable for carrying out any rituals or ceremonies.
The magic of November
On November 2, sorcerers honor two demons - Mirulei and Samsai. On this day, you can perform any forest rituals, make amulets from animal bones and skins.
On November 8, representatives of the black magic branch of secret knowledge worship the demon Korzhak. To do this, you need to read a special prayer before his image.
November 14th is associated with the demons Sufava and Dagrud. It is beneficial to perform rituals designed to bring good luck into a person’s life.
On November 25, they revered Herodias - they prayed in front of her image and asked for protection for themselves and their children.
Witchcraft holidays of December
On the fifth of December, the sorcerers appeal to Agares with a request to destroy the “god’s dwellings.”
On December 19, Abara, the church demon, is venerated. Veretnik, standing with his back to the altar and holding a large candle in reverse, reads a special prayer.
On December 22, it was customary to bring gifts to Morozey, a demon who could send severe frosts. Alcohol or a black rooster could be used as offerings.
December 27 is the day of veneration of the Black Saint Avdot (in the world Avdoty Golovin). This sorcerer is famous for organizing many “black parishes” throughout Siberia. They say that after his death, Satan made him a Demi-Demon.
