If you are part of the Wiccan ritual, you can do a ritual when there is a New Moon. The first thing that you should do is cast a circle. You can cast a circle or purify the area to make it sacred. You should perform outside to get a good look at the new moon as well as the sun setting.For this ceremony, you should bring a white candle, a handheld mirror and a small bowl should be put on the altar. You should perform this ritual at sunset.

As soon as the sun drops below the horizon, you should be able to see the new moon rising. If you do this ceremony with ceremony, you should make the children feel part of the ceremony by having them spot the new moon. As soon as the new moon is in the sky, you should unwrap the candle and speak:

Welcome back, Moon!
We’re glad to see you.
Another life cycle has passed
another four weeks gone by
and our lives have moved to the next level.

You should set the candle on the altar and light it. You should face the moon and speak:

Today is a new 24 hours,
and a new 4 weeks begin.
As the waters flow, and the moon goes above us,
we are grateful that The Moon has returned.
She watches over us, ever vigilant,
yet always not the same,
and we are grateful for her light.

The children present at this ceremony should wave to the moon and thank her for coming back. You should then turn to the east to where the sun is rising in the morning. You should pick up the mirror and hold it until you can look at the new moon in the mirror. You should then speak:

Bring us your intelligence, your guidance,
Your protection, in the coming 4 weeks.
You are with me at every step,
watching and showing me the way,
And I am grateful

After placing the mirror back on the altar, beside the candle, you should pause to think about new beginnings and new commitments. You should heat the small bowl, full of blessing oil, then put the water on the foreheads of the people in the ceremony. You should speak:

May the moon, bless you.

If you are alone, you should put the water on your forehead and bless yourself for the new moon.
You should end the ceremony with closing the circle.

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An esbat is a ritual that is related to the practice of the Wicca religion. Wicca is a modern, pagan religion previously referred to as witchcraft. The name Wicca was first introduced in the 1950s by an English anthropologist and archeologist named Gerald Broussea Gardner. Wiccan practitioners do not acknowledge a central authority and therefore there is a varied interpretation of how Wicca is defined. A universal agreement across denominations is that Wicca is a pagan form of religious practice that focuses on the natural world for its belief system. Wicca is primarily a duotheistic religion, worshiping two gods, one representing feminine and the other representing masculine.

Most Wiccans believe in magic, a force that can manipulate nature through witchcraft, sorcery or spells. A Wiccan code of morality states that you should do no harm to others through magic and if you do you will suffer negative consequences. Belief in an afterlife among Wiccans includes reincarnation of the human soul which returns to Earth to learn and advance the spiritual self.

Wicca is based in natural elements and many traditional Wiccans hold the five classical elements of spirit, water, air, earth and fire in high regard. Natural cycles play a major role in Wiccan rituals and ceremonies and often coincide with phases of the moon and changing of the seasons.

Esbats are ritual observances that occur in conjunction with phases of the moon. Unlike the more formal Sabbats, celebrations of the equinoxes and solstices, esbats are less formal meetings of a coven, or group of Wiccans. Some Wiccan denominations prefer to hold esbats during the full moon but esbats can be observed during any phase of the moon. There is an esbat for each full moon so Wiccans observe 12 esbats a year. Some practitioners observe a thirteenth esbat in observation of the blue moon. A blue moon is the occurrence of a second full moon within a one month period. The reason a blue moon occurs is due to the natural lunar cycle which takes an average of 28 days. Approximately every 28 lunar cycles extra days accumulate because the Roman calendar is longer than then the natural cycles. When enough days have accumulated a blue moon is observed.

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Autumnal Equinox/Mabon

Mabon or the autumnal equinox is one of the eight Sabbats or celebrations based on the cycles of the sun that is observed by pagans and Wiccans alike. Wiccans have a deep respect for nature along with a pantheistic worldview. Some practice some form of ritual magic that is almost always considered good or constructive. Some Wiccans are solitary practitioners; others belong to covens. The Autumnal Equinox or Mabon is a time for Wiccans to celebrate the harvest and a time to reflect on and honor the changing seasons.

Our biological connection to the earth’s seasonal cycles call us to ponder the gift of the bounty of the fields along with the many blessings in our lives. There is a balance at this time of year between light and dark when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south as the fall equinox takes place on or about September 21. The term equinox is derived from the Latin and means “equal night”. This transitional period of the year allows us to experience and to enjoy equal amounts of light and dark. It is a perfect time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives and to take notice of what we may do better and how we may make our lives more purposeful and productive.

As the earth gives us food so should we strive to give of ourselves to others thus as we take care of the harvest, so should we take care of those currently in our lives and those who we are yet to meet. It is a time for giving thanks for what we have and a time to contemplate what we can give to others. The Autumnal Equinox is also a time to remember that all life is sacred and to know that when we do good in the world it is destined to return to us threefold. It is a perfect time to plan a feast or celebration to enjoy the bounty of the harvest with friends and family and to share and to give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives.

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Midsummer- A Time for Light and Life

Midsummer is the day that is the peak of summer. It is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the time when the power of the sun is the strongest. Also known as Litha, Midsummer is a time of inner power and light. It is a celebration of life, a thank you for the bounty given during the growing season, and a preparation for the decline to come.

There are a lot of differences in the way Litha is observed. Some scholars deny that the ancients celebrated Midsummer, and others say it was imported. Druids celebrate the day, but call it Alban Hefin. In their lore, it represents the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, and represents the Wheel of The Year in its completeness. Stonehenge has a gateway aligned with the rising midsummer sun, and is a popular place for modern druid enthusiasts to go.

For modern Wiccans, it is one of the lesser Sabbats, and is called Litha in tribute to the Lord of the Light. It is a day and night of celebrating, being thankful for the summer. Many Wiccans spend the day outdoors, swimming and enjoying the sun. Historically there would be nude dancing around bonfires from sunrise to after sunset, but that is not practical for many Wiccans in today’s society.

To honor the day today, just go outside. Take the children out, go to the beach, the park, the woods. Wear braided circlets of clover and flowers at the wrists and ankles for the ladies, and oaken crowns for the men. Do a barbeque or have an outdoor fire to end the day, and stay up into the night. Watch the sun set, and give thanks for the bounty of the season.

Many Wiccans will make protective charms prior to Litha so they can be charged during the day since Midsummer is the most powerful day for the sun. Acknowledge any relationships during this time as June is the month for marriage and commitment.

Also, the fairies are more prevalent during Midsummer, and it is traditional to leave out offerings of fresh herbs like lavender, chamomile and rose petals in the evening for them.

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Wiccan Beltane /Floralia

Beltane is a Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of the Spring and is typically held anywhere from April 30th to May 1st (falling in between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice) when the livestock is sent out into the Summer pastures to graze; a celebration of bonfires, flowers and the fertility of Spring the time of sowing seeds of all kinds. It is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals and has its roots in an ancient Roman festival, Floralia, which celebrated flowers and sexuality.

Having faded into obscurity by the mid-century it has been revived by Wiccans and Celtic Neopagans and is a celebration of fertility and hope for the coming period of growth leading up to the fruition of the fall harvest. Loose flowers, garlands and bouquets are a symbol of this and are used for decoration everywhere, inside the home and pasture, braided in hair and on the animals, often mirroring the color of the flames serving to remind everyone of the blessings of nature and of the season.

Beltane serves to protect and enhance the ties between the people, the gods of the home and the land. Large bonfires are lit in the fields while the people and their animals walk around them, between two or leap over them. These fires can be started with what is called a May Bush, usually made from a small tree or shrub with thorned branches and covered with decorations evocative of fire in color or form.

Today Beltane festivals are as much a cultural celebration as a religious time of offerings and rituals. The current Wiccan festivals, in addition to the traditions above, includes maypole dancing and the symbolic marriage of a May Lord and May Lady with their wedding feast following. It is one of the eight Wheel of the Year Sabbats, falling before Midsummer and after Ostara. Wiccan Beltane focuses on the fertility of the season and the cycle of life. The foods of the feast reflect this cycle in the whole grains, beans, dairy and honeyed treats that are popular.

Incorporating a number of spring traditions from many cultures the Wiccan Beltane maintains and honors its ancient roots of hope, abundance and fertility to this day. Jalin Marshall Jersey

What is Ostara all about?

Throughout the dark winter months, nature holds back. It’s a time when the abundance of nature is not available, and our ancestors worked hard to survive it. When spring arrives, the world wakes up and the cycle of life begins anew with the promise of prosperity. The coming of spring is marked by the vernal equinox, when the Earth’s axis tilts neither toward nor away from the sun. The days will become longer, and the land becomes fertile once more.

This is an important time of year because it reminds us that we are alive. It is relief from the dark uncertainty of winter and the affirmation of new growth. Ostara is a celebration of all these things – the coming of spring, life, fertility, revitalization. The God and the Goddess are joined so that the Goddess may conceive.

There are many ways to celebrate Ostara, but many traditions developed from the old agricultural way of life in Europe. At this time of year, animals come out of hibernation, and leafy vegetables begin to grow. People did not need to rely on their winter stores, so they might serve the best of the cured meats and root vegetables that they had preserved for the winter. Many people continue this tradition by serving ham, eggs, fruit, and honey cakes. Some people fast or perform a spring cleaning because they’ve been cooped up all winter.

This is also a time to focus on new beginnings in your life. Warm weather and sunlight banish the “winter blues” and many people become more active. It’s a good time to get in shape, plant a garden, and perform magick. Our own selves reflect the changes that the Earth is going through, and we can access that vigor, that lust for life. We should also take the time to reflect on the wonder and abundance that is around us and to make note of the many overlooked things that make our lives easier.

Ostara is the beginning of spring and relief from winter. It’s the fertile time of year and best for planting seeds – be they flowers, vegetables, or your intentions. Celebrate life and be thankful for the gifts of the Earth.

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During the ages, cultures from Europe to North America have kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon, meaning a new name every month. There are many reasons for different cultures having different sets of names, like being in wildly variable regions where weather is not concurrent between places, and the timing of seasonal changes may be skewed. This guide specifically explains the English moon names, beginning in January and ending in December.

January is the Hunger moon, named for the European harshness of winter during the beginning of the year. Wolves during this time roam the countryside looking for food, which is hard to find, not only for wolves but, for everyone. This month is a time to plan ahead from a spiritual perspective.

February is the Snow moon, as certain parts of the world are blasted by thick blankets of it during this time. This is a good time to bolster your spells for the home and family.

March is the Sap moon, for this is when tree sap first begins to bleed from the bark. Magic that heals is made best this month.

April is the Pink moon, mirroring the nubile beginnings of the flowering season. This is the time to foster relationships.

May is the Flower moon for obvious reasons. Spring is under way, and such is the time to turn those fostering relationships into commitments.

June is called the Rose moon, or “la lune rose,” as cited by the French. Half of the year has now passed away, and this is the point in time where it is good to be proud of your accomplishments so far. Also it would be wise to begin pondering on what is left for you to do before the rest of the year is gone.

July is the Buck moon. Moose and deer grow their first antlers during this time. This is when one works on physical things, like the body, or handiwork.

August takes the name of the Sturgeon moon, named after the fish, which it is now the season of. Give thanks this month to the Great Spirit, and to yourself.

September is the Corn moon, or the late Harvest moon if it does not show itself during August. Clear up life’s issues now, for it is a good time.

October details the Hunter’s moon. At this time align yourself with the natural world.

November is called the beaver moon. The cold sweeps in, and culture dictated that this was the time to gather beaver pelts to keep warm for the coming frost. Set protection for yourself and others this month.

December is the final moon, the Cold moon. This is when you stay indoors and turn your attention to home, especially your ritual space, for the new year comes upon you soon, and the cycle begins anew.

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Wiccan Imbolc 

Imbolc, also called the Feast of Brighid, is a ritual and a festival that celebrates the coming of spring. Held at the half-way point of winter, there is no specific date for Imbolc but it is usually celebrated sometime between January 29th and February 3rd. Many practitioners and covens celebrate on February 1, which is halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Solstice, but some Wiccans wait for a sign, such as the sprouting of crocus to tell them when to celebrate Imbolc. The Feast of Brighid has made it into secular culture and is celebrated as Groundhog Day. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain.

This is a festival that heralds the beginning of spring and the Goddess as Maiden. During this time, the Goddess prepares for renewal. It is during this time that seeds and agricultural equipment are blessed in preparation for planting and livestock have had or are soon to have their first offspring. Think of Imbolc as near-spring or last-winter, meaning the dark and the cold are receding, and the earth is stirring from a long sleep. This is the time that the Goddess prepares for the growing season.

One popular way Wiccans celebrate Imbolc as a group is by standing in a dark room, or outside at night if it is dark enough. There is one lit candle in the room and everyone holds an unlit candle. One after the other, each person present with light the candle they are holding from the flame of the lit candle until the group is bathed in light and warmth. Prayers are then offered for a kind and prosperous spring and that the reserves of money and provisions that supported the group through winter will last until the first spring crops. After the ritual, there is a big feast, traditionally put together by determining which provisions will not last until the first crop and which things you have an excess of. These provisions are shared with everyone present during the Imbolc ritual as well as with people in the community.

Imbolc is the time of year that Wiccans scrub their homes from top to bottom and finish up all business left over from winter such as unpaid bills or debts owed. It is important to use this time of preparedness to wrap up old business so that nothing interferes with the rebirth of the Goddess as Maiden and the coming spring. Once you have completed cleaning, place a fresh besom above your front door as a symbol that you have swept out the old business and energy of winter and are welcoming the renewing energy of spring. As you’ve probably guessed, Imbolc has been absorbed into secular culture as Spring Cleaning. Bud Norris Authentic Jersey

Wiccan Midwinter/Yule

Wicca is a religion where the past and the present collide in a harmonious manner. It’s a modern religion that’s based on ancient witchcraft and pre-Christian traditions. Many of these traditions originated in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Witchcraft is part of Wicca, but in a positive way, as that of using its powers to heal, restore, and be in communion with the world around.

Wicca is known to be older than Christianity, as witchcraft. It predates Christianity by 28,000 years and is still part of world history. Many of the holiday festivities that the world celebrates are based on Wiccan, and in turn pagan, traditions.

One of those celebrations is the Wiccan midwinter/yule. The date varies, it can be from December 20 to the 23rd. This celebration marks the return of the sun and the longevity of days. It’s the rebirth of the sun. The Sun King, the Oak King, and the Giver of Life are worshiped during this celebration. It enables Wiccans to be in tune with nature and all that nature represents.

Evergreen plants decorate the homes of Wiccans, giving color and style; a pagan practice enabling Wiccans to celebrate midwinter Yule. It was believed that the evergreen plants and boughs were a haven for good spirits during the winter season. The Christmas tree, adopted from pagan traditions, is a Christian symbol of Christmas. This is one way where Wiccan influences Christian tradition today.

The celebration of the Wiccan midwinter/Yule is as much of a rebirt. Just as the apples and oranges represent the sun, and the green boughs represent immortality.

The highlight is the yule wooden log. According to tradition, the log must have been harvested or given as a present. It’s placed in the fireplace or another place where there’s an organized burning, then decorated with some green leaves, doused with either ale or cider (both are excellent fire conductors). Then it’s set on fire with parts of the log from the year before.

This is an out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new celebration. A rebirth from an old life into a new, rejuvenated life, making this the most important of all Wiccan celebrations.

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