Basic Wiccan Workbook, Eclectic Tradition
by Cynthia Gregory
Priestess and Witch, Circle of Winged Toads and Compost Coven
7. CELEBRATIONS
Cakes and Wine
Every ritual includes a celebration of the abundance of the god/dess with a sharing of 'cakes and wine'. With the wine, which can be fruit juice, ale, milk, water, an herbal tea, or any liquid refreshment you wish to use, we speak of our gratitude for the gifts we have received in our life or in this ritual. With the cake or bread we bless each other.
At this time the great rite is often symbolized with the ritual chalice filled with wine and the athame. One person can hold the cup and another the chalice. (See previous section under tools.)
Bless the cup and the cake. "Body of the God, Gift of the Goddess". A libation can be offered to the god/dess, if outdoors pour some wine into the earth and sprinkle some of the cake on the ground.
Take the chalice, raise it and speak you thanks. Pass it to the person on your left. When everyone is finished, take the bread or cake, break a piece off and feed it to the person on your left, speaking your blessing to them. A traditional blessing, which can be used if you don't know the person well enough or nothing comes to you, is "May you never hunger". I like better "May your hungers always be satisfied", since I think a little hunger is a good thing in life. I wouldn't want to live a life with out the joy of anticipation and the heightened sense of appreciation when desire is finally fulfilled.
Wheel of the Year (The Holidays)
The solar year is one cycle of the sun and 13 cycles of the moon or lunar months. The Wiccan year is 364 days with one day in-between, set aside, between the worlds . That is where the term 'a year and a day ' is derived. A year and a day is considered the typical length of time to undergo training, to undergo a trial marriage or otherwise to prove a commitment.
The holidays begin on the Eve and run through the day. Urban witches with corporate work schedules often celebrate on the closest weekend to the actual holiday. The most important holidays are Samhain (Halloween) and Beltane (May Day), at opposite sides of the wheel.
Samhain (Halloween) Oct. 31
The beginning and the end of the cycle, Samhain (pronounced Sow-wen) is the day between the years. It is the day to honor our dead and welcome new souls into our world. It is a crack in time, a day when the veils between the worlds are thinnest and souls can pass between the worlds and speak with each other.
On this holiday, we create altars to remember our dead, with pictures, mementos, flowers, dishes of food, beverages, candles, etc. The altars can be quite elaborate or very simple. The altar is usually placed in the west.
On this day we visit the Shining Isle and our friends, family and ancestors who've left us. It is a good time to use tools of divination and to ask for advice through dreams. This is the time when the sunchild is conceived.
Yule (Winter Solstice) Dec. 20-23
The longest night and the rebirth of the sun are celebrated at Yule, with decorated trees, Yule logs, wassail, songs, gifts and feasting. It is a time to gather loved ones, one's community and honor our chosen family.
Imbolc (Candlemas or Brigit) Feb. 2
This festival is dedicated to the goddess Brigit and is the beginning of the Celtic spring. Bridget is a triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft and healing. Venerate Brigit by sharing your creativity with your circle by telling stories, reading poems, showing your art. Make Brigit crosses with willow branches to hang in your house. This is a traditional time for initiations or starting new large projects.
Eostar (Ostara or Spring Equinox) Mar. 20-23
This is a holiday of balance. The dark and light are equal now. Spring is in full flow. Dyed eggs on he altar represent rebirth and renewal. This is a good time to plant seeds both of a magical or horticultural variety.
Beltane (May Eve-Day) May 1
May Day is the first day of Celtic summer and celebrates the fertility of the earth with maypole dances , mock battles between Summer and Winter. If you can, celebrate this holiday outdoors during the day. The Goddess and God join together in this festival.
Litha (Summer Solstice or Midsummer) June 20-23
This is the apex of the sun, the climax of the waxing god. The sun god merges with the earth goddess and begins to wane. Build bonfires in honor of the completeness and power of their union.
Lammas (Lughnasad) Aug. 1
The beginning of the harvest season and the wake of the Sun King, Lugh, are commemorated at this time. Decorate your altar with fruits of the season and corn in honor of Lugh. The mystery of the grain is usually enacted with an ear of corn passed around the circle for each to eat a few grains.
Mabon (Fall Equinox) Sept. 20-23
Another day of balance between light and dark and we continue our journey into the dark and towards the rebirth of light. Harvest nears its end. Decorate the altars with seed pods and fall fruits. Contemplate rest from the work of harvest, tools that need repair and the renewal that fallowness brings.
Samhain (Halloween) Oct. 31
And back to Halloween again. One of my favorite days. Celebrate by sharing the waters of life ( good Irish whiskey or apple brandy). Make foods with pumpkins and apples. Bake soul cakes.