Pagan
Festivals or Holidays
You can now check our calendar
for the holidays listed as well as the phases of the moon.
Samhain (Halloween or Ancestor
Night)
Winter Solstice (Yule)
Candlemas (Imbolc or Brigantia)
Spring Equinox
Beltane (May Day)
Summer Solstice
Lughnassadh (Lammas or
Lunasa)
Autumn Equinox
Pagan Festivals or Holidays
First of all let me clarify my definition of
pagan- the literal meaning is "country dweller" however,
in my view this means those that celebrate the passing of the
seasons as those in the past who lived in the country and depended
upon the earth for their livelihood. So my definition of pagan
faith is earth based religion.
The Pagan faiths use a lunar calendar to celebrate their holidays
or festivals. Most of these holidays have been converted to days
of the year instead of the traditional lunar celebration, but
some pagans still continue to practice them at the traditional
times. I have included both references for you. These are the
Wiccan holidays however, almost every pagan faith has a corresponding
holiday. The names may not be the same but all "country dwellers"
followed the passing of the seasons and celebrated the turning
of the "Wheel". (back to top)
Samhain (Halloween or Ancestor
Night)
October 31 or the first full moon of Scorpio
This is the beginning of the "dark"
part of the pagan year. It is a time of great mysteries of the
Thin Veil or reaching out to the other plane of existence (the
realm of the dead). It's a time to ask all those who have gone
before you the questions that plague your mind. Some ritual practices
involve communication with the dead by use of a spirit board or
séance. Some pagans view this time as their New Year celebration
and will party accordingly. You can now
check our calendar for the holidays listed as well as the phases
of the moon.
(back to top)
Winter Solstice (Yule)
December 21
This holiday celebrates the rebirth of the Divine
Child, the reborn Sun God. Which is easy to remember since it
is so close to the Christian holiday Christmas. It is the time
of year to remember that even in the darkest hours of winter the
sun will shine brightly again as the year wheel slowly turns toward
spring. For your rituals or celebrations place as many candles
on and around your altar as you can. But be sure to place them
safely. (Back to top)
Candlemas (Imbolc or Brigantia)
February 1 or the first full moon of Aquarius
It's time to prepare for the coming of spring.
A time for cleansing and getting your surroundings ready for growth
and renewal. Spring is just around the corner. It also celebrates
the Triple Goddess Brigit, who gave life to the dead with her
own breath. (Back to top)
Spring Equinox
March 21
The balance of Light and Dark, it's a time of
new beginnings. It is a celebration of Fertility because we all
know about spring and it's effects in love. (Back
to top)
Beltane (May Day)
May 1 or the first full moon of Taurus
This is a festival that honors your own personal
House Guardian. It also honors the Horned God and the Lady of
the Greenwood. The festival involves dancing around your altar
which comes from the traditional dance around the May Pole. A
good time for all divinations. It is also a great time to set
up an outdoor shrine or altar for use in the warmer months. (Back
to top)
Summer Solstice
June 22
This festival celebrates a rededication to the
Great Goddess and the Great God. It's a time of reflection on
your faith and the blessings in your life. This is the day that
the elves and fairies come out to play. (Back to
top)
Lughnassadh (Lammas or
Lunasa)
August 1 or the first full moon of Leo
This is a pre-harvest festival when one celebrates
the good fortune and abundance in one's life. Many pagans practice
spellwork to achieve these things on this night. This is the night
pagan's celebrate the marriage of the God Lugh to Mother Earth.
(Back to top)
Autumn Equinox
September 21
A balance of Light and Dark. The harvest has
been completed and it's time to take a break after all your hard
work. This is a pagan's Thanksgiving. It is also time to prepare
for Samhain. (Back to top)
Each of these holidays have different rituals and
some are especially good for certain kinds of ritual work. I will
be adding more information on this subject so check back again or
join the mailing list so I can notify you of any updates.
