Imbolac, at 15 degrees of Aquarius, is the Feast of the Waxing Light. This is the time of beginnings, when we celebrate the light of inspiration. Our celebration is characterized by the lighting of many candles so that the Sun will see the welcoming flames and return more quickly.
Ostara is the time of Spring's return. It is a joyful time, when life bursts forth from the Earth and the chains of Winter are broken. Light and dark are equal. It is a time of balance, when all the elements within us can be brought into a new harmony.
This is one of our most joyful celebrations of the year. We choose a May King and a May Queen by drawing the names of those present. The May King and May Queen are crowned with flowers and given honor. The May King is tied to the Maypole, and we dance around him with ribbons. After the Maypole dance, the May King lights the Balefire, which we can jump over, or use to consecrate Ritual items and jewelry.
Litha, at 0 ° of Cancer, is the time when the Sun turns within the embrace of the Great Goddess, to show His darker face. The Oak King has ruled the first half of the Year. It is now time for the Holly King to ascend to His reign. The Holly King and the Oak King must duel to see who shall rule the second half of the Year. The Waxing Year, ruled by the Oak King, becomes the Waning Year, ruled by the Holly King, and the days start getting shorter. After the Duel, the Midsummer Fires are lit, and we dance between them to bring blessings upon ourselves. The Waning half of the Year will bring darkness and Winter, but it will also bring the Harvest.
Lughnasadh is the First Harvest of the season, and we celebrate it as the Wedding of the Bountiful Mother Earth and the Lord of the Sun. There is an abundant feast, for there is much food and the weather is bright and warm. The fields are golden in the Summer Sun, and the sky is a cloudless blue. The Lady and Lord of the Harvest are honored, and as an ancient tradition, They grant favors to Their guests on this day.
Saturday, September 13, 2008 -- Mabon Celebration
Mabon Web Page
Mabon is the second Harvest, the original Thanksgiving, which occurs at the Autumn Equinox. We celebrate as we await the coming of the Third and Final Harvest, and the descent of Winter. This is the time when we can recognize and be thankful for our accomplishments of the past year.
Samhain, at 15 degrees of Scorpio, is the time when the veil between the world of life and the spirit world becomes very thin. It is the third and final Harvest, the end of the old year, and the beginning of the dark of the Winter season: the time which stands outside of time. We acknowledge the place that Death has in the cycle of life. This is the end of the Celtic year. The Sun King has left this plane, and now rules from His realm in the Underworld. The Lady grieves and the world grows colder and darker. The last of the crops are harvested and stored.
The Sun King is reborn and begins His return into our lives and into our hearts. The Oak King to ascends to His reign and brings the Springtime growth of new life. The Waning Year, which was ruled by the Holly King, becomes the Waxing Year, to be ruled by the Oak King, and the days start getting longer.
