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*samhain- is also the witches' new year (oct.31) The dead are honored, but not called on (they maybe already incarnated), food is placed outside for the dead, and barriers between the worlds are thinnest. Black candles ward off evil, jack o lanterns carved. it is the last of 3 harvest celebrations. foods-apples, beets, cider, gingerbread, meat dishes, pumpkin dishes, corn, nuts. colors-black, red, orange *Yule (dec.21) birth of sun god renewal &rebirth, fires lit in couldren, trees or potted evergreens may be decorated. a yule log may be lit. you can make a wheel symbol made from a wreath. longest night of the year. mistletoe may be hung for luck. exchanging of gifts. foods-nuts, apples & pears, cakes of caraways soaked in cider, pork, ginger tea colors- silver, gold, green, red, white *Imbolc(feb.2) also known as candlemas marks the festival of calving,days begin to lengthen & spring is on it's way. new beginning (handfasting, dedication) ritual blessing & planting of seeds godess recovery. candles lit in circle. festival of lights 1st in trinity of spring celebrations foods-dairy, sour cream dishes, peppers, onions, garlic, raisons, spiced wines & dishes colors-white, green, blue *Ostara(march 21) flowers laid on alter placed in a circle, spring equinox, seeds are blessed, 2nd trinity celebration of spring, easter bunny arrives, traditional breakfast, do herb and healing work, rejoice mothers gift of rebith and fertility, not quit winter but not spring yet. foods-eggs for breakfast (my family has the whole feast) leafy green veggies, twisted bread, sweet cakes, rolls colors-white, pale pink, yellow, lt green *Beltane(may 5) Also called "mayday", last spring celebration, large bowl of flowers, return of fertility, wear flowers in your hair, bonfire leaping (good luck), joining 2 to make a 3rd, children and fairies food-dairy, ice cream, oatmeal cakes colors-white, bright blue, lavender, pink, yellow Summer solstice(june 21) also known as midsummer and litha, longest day of the year, celebrate fruits of our labor, magic with power of male energy, celebrate kingly aspect of the god, talk to the forest spirits and fairies. foods-fresh fruits colors-white, red, gold *Lughnasadh(aug1) also known as lammas, 1st harvest festival, the nights are longer, honor sun god, canning and magickal cabinets stocked, making corn dollies, making ritual bread, herbs are harvested on this day. foods-breads, berries, grains, acorns, crab apples colors-red and orange *Mabon(sept.21) Autumn equinox, 2nd harvest festival, time for thanksgiving, fruit is honored, stones are gathered. foods-grains, cornbread, corn and veggies, fruit, beans, squash. colors-brown, orange, gold, red |
