Wheels of the Year
The Wheel of the year is the Circle of Life. The cycle , like a circle is on going and continuous. It is an annual cycle with 4 major Sabbats (holidays) and 4 minor Sabbats. The Wiccan calendar begins with October and ends with September. It is a cycle of death and rebirth and tied to the Solar Cycle.
The first Sabbat is Samhain and sadly only a minor holiday (I say this with tongue-in-cheek because it is my favorite holiday).
Second comes Yule also known as Midwinter. It is the Winter Solstice and a major holiday.
Then Imbolic is a minor holiday. The first stirrings a Spring begin and so rebirth begins.
Ostara is the next. This is the Vernal Equinox and the first Solar holiday. It is a major holiday.
Beltane is a minor holiday. Beltane is a Fire festival celebrating fertility.
Litha is the second Solar holiday where the summer reaches its height. Litha is a major Holiday.
Lughnasah (Lammas) is the 1st Harvest Festival and a minor holiday.
Then finally, Mabon. This is the Autumnal Equinox and a major holiday.
There are three Harvest Festivals; Lammas ~ harvesting corn, wheat and barley, Mabon ~ harvesting grapes, nuts and apples and root vegetables and Samhain ~ harvesting nuts and berries.
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There are four Fire Festivals (four cross-quarter days) Imbolc ~Feb 2nd~celebration of light and fire, Beltane~May 1st~celebration of the greening of the earth, Lammas~celebrates the reaping of the grain and Samhain~celebrates Ancestors.
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There are four Quarter Festivals (lesser sabbats, solstices and equinoxes)~The term “quarter days” is from a system in the British Isles in which four specific days each year to collect rents, hire new servants, and resolve legal matters. Ostara (Vernal equinox celebrates fertility and marker Spring has come), Litha, midsummer solstice, longest day of the year, Mabon, autumn equinox, celebrates the beginning of the dark time, and Yule, midwinter solstice, marks the longest night of the year, shortest day of the year.
The Journey of the
Goddess and God
through the Wheel of the Year
Samhain/Final Harvest ~ The Crone holds the seed of The God, The God is the Quickening Seed held within the womb of the Crone.
Yule/Midwinter/Winter Solstice ~ The Goddess gives birth, The God is born and is the Child of Light.
Imbolc ~ The Goddess is a Young Mother, The God is a growing Youth. The Goddess, after giving birth at the Winter Solstice begins her renewal into the Maiden. renewal and Preparation.
Ostara/Vernal Equinox ~ As The God is gaining in strength and The Goddess is the nurturing Mother and the quickening Maiden.
Beltane ~ the Goddess is a Maiden, The God is Virile Young Man. The Goddess is ready to procreate and continue the cycle of life. The God has reached the stage of virility. Their sacred union will provide the promise of what will be reaped later in the cycle of the Wheel.
Litha/Midsummer/Summer Solstice ~ the Goddess is Pregnant Mother, ready to give birth and at the apex of motherhood. . The God is The Father, has reached maturity and is ready to sustain and provide.
Lammas/1st Harvest ~ The Goddess is now seen as the Earth Mother. The God is the Sacrificial Father/Protector. What was planted is now ready to be Harvested. “The God in his matured aspect of the protective Father holds within the knowledge that His cycle of strength and light will be renewed only if he willingly sacrifices his life to ensure that all life will continue through the harshness of the winter months ahead. He is the wheat that is harvested to nourish.”1
Mabon/Autumnal equinox/2nd Harvest ~ The aging Goddess passes from Mother to Crone The God prepares for death and re-birth. The Goddess, recently widowed through the sacrifice of the God at Lammas, now mourns the loss of her lover, she enters into her time of wisdom of the Crone. The God, has completely become part of the natural world, is The Horned God. The God asks that we take only what is needed from the Earth over the Winter’s months so he can return with strength.
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The Mini Wheel
(Days of the Week)
Sunday
Correspondences:
Color ~ Amber, Gold, Orange Yellow
Stones ~ Amber, Diamonds, Carnelian, Gold, Quartz Sunstone, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Topaz
Plants ~ Angelica, Buttercups, Cinnamon, Eyebright, Juniper, Marigolds, St. Johns Wort, Sunflowers
Incense ~ Cedar, Cinnamon Frankincense, Lemon, Sun Oil
Number ~
Charm ~
Animals ~
Element ~ Fire
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Monday
Correspondences:
Today is Moon-day! In Italian this day of the week is called Lunes (clearly showing it's relationship to the Moon). Today work on dreams, emotional, trips, health, success and domestic issues. Love Magick, home and family Magick is especially important to address on Mondays.
Color ~ light blue, sea-green, lavender, pale pink, tan.
Stones ~ aquamarine, fluorite, geode, moonstone, pearls, clear crystals.
Plants ~ African violet, gardenia, honeysuckle, night blooming flowers, willow, aloe vera, basil, lavender, rose, vervain.
Incense ~ camphor, coconut, sandalwood, frankincense, jasmine and incense made from aromatic leaves.
Number ~ 1, 2
Charm ~ arrow
Animals ~ small animals, frog, goose, deer and cattle.
Element ~ Water
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Tuesday
Correspondences:
Color ~ Red, Black, Orange
Stones ~ Bloodstone, Flint, Garnet, Iron Pink Tourmaline, Red Jasper, Red Tourmaline, Rhodonite, Ruby, Steel
Plants ~ Allspice, Basil, Cactus, Chili Pepper, Coneflower, Dragon’s Blood, Garlic, Ginger, Holly, Horseradish, Mustard, Stinging Nettle, Onion, Pepper, Pine, Radish, Thistles, Tobacco
Incense ~ Basil, Black Pepper, Dragon’s Blood, Ginger, Patchouli
Number ~
Charm ~
Animals ~
Element ~ Fire
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Wednesday
Correspondences:
Color ~ Yellow, Silver, Gray, Purple, Orange, Mixed Colors
Stones ~ Agates, Amber, Aventurine, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Mercury/Quicksilver, Pumice, Sodalite, Zinc
Plants ~ Aspen Trees, Ferns, Lavender, Lilies, Periwinkle
Incense ~ Eucalyptus, Mercury Oil, Jasmine, Lavender, Sweatpea
Number ~
Charm ~
Animals ~
Element ~ Air
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Thursday
Correspondences:
Color ~ Blue, Green, Purple, Rich Royal Colors
Stones ~ Aventurine, Amethyst, Brown Jasper, Green Lodestone, Green Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Peridot, Tin, Turquoise
Plants ~ Anise, Borage, Cinquefoil, Clove, Dandelion, Dill, Fig, Honeysuckle, Hyssop, Maple, Meadowsweet, Mint, Nutmeg, Oak, Patchouli, Sage, Star Anise
Incense ~ Cinnamon, Clove, Jupiter Oil, Musk, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Sage
Number ~
Charm ~
Animals ~
Element ~ Earth
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Friday
Correspondences:
Color ~ Aqua, Copper Colors, Green, Light Blue, Pink
Stones ~ Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Copper, Coral, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Moonstone, Quartz, Rose Quartz, Selenite
Plants ~ African Violet, Apples, Apple blossoms, Apricot, Barley, Birch, Cardamon, Carnations, Catnip, Columbine, Feverfew, Foxglove, Germanium, Goldenrod, Heather, Hibiscus, Iris, Lilac, Magnolia, Roses, Strawberries, Sweetpea, Thyme
Incense ~ Cardamon, Rose, Saffron, Sandalwood, Strawberry, Vanilla, Venus Oil, Yarrow
Number ~
Charm ~
Animals ~
Element ~ Water
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Saturday
Correspondences:
Color ~ Purple, Black, Maroon, Dark Colors, Indigo
Stones ~ Apache Tear, Black Onyx, Coal, Coral, Hematite, Jet, Lead, Obsidian, Pewter, Salt, Serpentine, Smoky Quartz, Tourmaline
Plants ~ Amaranth, Beet, Belladonna, Boneset, Comfrey, Cypress, Hellebore, Hemlock, Hemp, Ivy, Mimosa, Morning Glory, Mullein, Quince, Skullcap, Slippery Elm, Thyme
Incense ~ Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli, Saturn Oil
Number ~
Charm ~
Animals ~
Element ~ Earth, Fire
Weaving Heathenism into the Wheel
This is the Path I have chosen. Pagans say "there is no right or wrong way to be a Pagan however, it is much easier to study and learn if you concentrate on one. I am an Italian/Irish/Dutch and English American and I have chosen to follow the Heathen Path sprinkled with a little Celtic.
We deeply respect and love nature, our ancestors and our Deities. One of the greatest duties we have is keeping the holy feasts and blessings of the year going throughout our lives, our children's lives and our children's children's lives, This is how we are faithful to the Gods & Goddesses. Our holy days are primarily based on the chief points of the agricultural year. Celebrations, Feasts and Holy
Days are how we connect with our Tribe, our Ancestors and our Gods/Goddesses. We gain strength and energy as we transform with the Earth through the Seasons.
Asatru has a general calendar, these are not a re-creation of the feasts held at any given time by any one particular Germanic tribe. It
is a compilation of those which seem to have been most important. In ancient times, some tribes may have had certain feasts, celebrate at different times or in different ways. What is important to that our Gods/Goddesses, ancestors and our Tribe is hailed together as the world around us changes.
We hold Blóts A Blót is a ritual practice in Heathenism, an umbrella term for modern Pagan traditions based on the pre-Christian beliefs and practices of Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The term "Blót" comes from an Old Norse word meaning "sacrifice," and typically involves the offering of food, drink, or other items to the gods or other spiritual beings. Blóts can be performed for various purposes, such as giving thanks, seeking blessings or protection, or marking important life events. The ritual may include the recitation of prayers or poetry, the use of incense or other offerings, and the sharing of food and drink among participants. Blóts are often held outdoors. The practice of Blót is an important part of Heathen spiritual practice, and serves as a way for individuals to connect with the divine, honor their ancestors, and strengthen their relationships with the natural world.
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Remember, not all Heathens practices the same beliefs or holiday pasterns.
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Today, the Norse mythology holidays are celebrated by many people around the world who are interested in Norse mythology and pagan traditions. While some celebrations follow traditional rituals and practices, many modern celebrations are adapted to fit contemporary lifestyles and beliefs. For example, modern celebrations of Yule may include decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and sharing feasts with family and friends. Some groups also hold rituals to honor the gods and goddesses, make offerings, and perform acts of generosity and kindness. These celebrations provide a way for people to connect with their heritage, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the changing seasons and cycles of life. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Norse paganism, and many communities have formed around the world, offering opportunities for people to come together and celebrate these ancient traditions. These communities often hold public celebrations and events, including feasts, rituals, and educational workshops, allowing people to learn more about Norse mythology and connect with others who share their interests.
Norse mythology, like many ancient cultures, had a rich tradition of religious and seasonal festivals. Some of the most important holidays in Norse mythologywhich are still celebrated today include:
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Yule: Yule was the winter solstice festival, which was celebrated in late December. It was a time of feasting and gift-giving, and it marked the beginning of the new year in the Norse calendar.
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Dísablót: Dísablót was a festival held in honor of the female spirits known as dísir. It was celebrated in late winter or early spring and included offerings of food and drink to the dísir.
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Walpurgisnacht in German, is a traditional spring festival celebrated in some Germanic countries, particularly in Germany, Sweden, and Finland.
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Midsummer: Midsummer was the summer solstice festival, which was celebrated in late June. It was a time of bonfires, dancing, and rituals to ensure a good harvest.
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Freyfest, honors of Freyr. It is typically celebrated on the autumnal equinox, around September 21st, and is a celebration of the harvest and the abundance of the earth.
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Haustblót, also known as the Autumnal Sacrifice, was a pagan festival celebrated by the ancient Norse people during the autumn season.
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Winter Nights/Vetrnætr: Winter Nights was a festival that marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was celebrated in late October or early November and included feasting, bonfires, and offerings to the gods and goddesses for protection during the dark winter months.
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Some historical and modren Nordic holidays are:
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Jólnir: Jólnir was a holiday celebrated around the time of the winter solstice. It was a time when Odin, the god of war and wisdom, was said to ride through the skies on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, to deliver gifts to his followers.
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Álfablót: Álfablót was a festival held in honor of the elves, who were considered to be powerful spirits in Norse mythology. It was celebrated in late winter or early spring and included offerings of food and drink to the elves.
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Harvest Festival: The harvest festival was celebrated in the fall, usually in late September or early October. It was a time of feasting and offerings to the gods and goddesses to ensure a good harvest for the coming year.
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Feast of Vali: The Feast of Vali was celebrated in honor of Vali, the son of Odin and the goddess Rindr. It was said that Vali was born solely for the purpose of avenging the death of his brother Baldr, who was killed by Loki. The feast was held in late February or early March and was a time of offerings to Vali and prayers for vengeance.
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Einherjar: Einherjar was a festival held in honor of the warriors who had died in battle and were taken to the afterlife realm of Valhalla by the god Odin. The festival was celebrated in late February or early March and included offerings of food and drink to the warriors.
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Festival of the Dead: The Festival of the Dead was celebrated in late October or early November, around the time of Samhain in Celtic mythology. It was a time when the boundaries between the living and the dead were said to be thin, and offerings were made to ancestors and deceased loved ones.
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Feast of Thor: The Feast of Thor was celebrated in honor of the god of thunder and strength. It was held in late January or early February and included offerings of food and drink to Thor.
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Summer Finding: Summer Finding was a festival that marked the beginning of summer. It was typically held in late April or early May and was a time of feasting and celebration to welcome the return of warmer weather and longer days.
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Sigurblot: Sigurblot was a festival held in honor of the hero Sigurd, who was known for slaying the dragon Fafnir. It was typically celebrated in late February or early March and was a time for feasting and offerings to Sigurd for protection and good fortune.
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Freyfaxi is an ancient Icelandic festival celebrated in honor of the Norse god Freyr, who was associated with fertility, prosperity, and agriculture. It was traditionally celebrated on the first full moon after the summer solstice, and it involved the sacrifice of a horse as an offering to Freyr. This festival is no longer widely celebrated.
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Váli's Blót, also known as the feast of Váli, was a pagan festival celebrated in honor of the Norse god Váli. Váli was associated with vengeance, justice, and retribution. The festival was typically held in late winter or early spring, around the time of the Vernal Equinox.
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Ancestor's Blót, also known as the feast of the ancestors, was a pagan festival celebrated in honor of the ancestors of the Norse people. It was typically held in the fall, around the time of the autumnal equinox.
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Freysblót is another ancient Norse festival that is dedicated to the god Freyr. It was celebrated during the winter solstice and involved sacrifices to honor the god and ensure a prosperous new year. The sacrifices offered during Freysblót may have included animals, such as pigs or horses, or other items such as mead or grains. Today, some modern pagan communities may still honor Freyr with a winter solstice celebration or a similar ritual, but the exact practices may vary depending on the tradition.
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