festivals-and-traditions

[festivals-and-traditions]

Fun

WITCHY ACTIVITIES FOR SPOOKY SEASON👻🎃🦇🕷🪦🐈‍⬛

tips for witchy activities to do during the spooky season which one is on your list?🍂🕯️☕ - follow @faerytalemagick on instagram for more🌠

[festivals-and-traditions]

Samhain

October 2023 witch guide

Full moon: October 28th

New moon: October 14th

Sabbats: Samhain

October Hunter's Moon

Known as: Blood moon, drying rice moon, falling leaf moon, freezing moon, migrating moon, moon of the changing seasons, shedding moon, ten colds moon, winterfelleth & windermanoth

Element: Air

Zodiac: Libra & Scorpio

Nature spirits: Frost faeries & Plant faeries

Deities: Apollo, Astarte, Belili, Cernunnos, Demeter, Hathor, Herne, Horned God, Ishtar, Kore, Lakshmi & Mercury

Animals: Elephant, jackal, ram, scorpion & stag

Birds: Crow, heron & robin

Trees: Acacia, apple, cypress & yew

Herbs/Plants: Angelica, apple blossom, burdock, catnip, pennyroyal, sweet Annie, thyme & Uva ursi

Flowers: Calendula, cosmos & marigold

Scents: Apple blossom, cherry & strawberry

Stones: Amethyst, beryl, obsidian, opal, tourmaline & turquoise

Colors: Black, dark blue, Dark greens & purples

Energy: Artistic works, balance, creativity, harmony, inner cleansing, justice, karma, legal matters, mental stimulation, partnerships, reincarnation & uncovering mysteries or secrets

It is believed that this name originates from the fact that it was a signal for hunters to prepare for the upcoming cold winter by going hunting. This is because animals were beginning to fatten up in preparation for the winter season. Moreover, since fields had recently been cleared out under the Harvest Moon, hunters could easily spot deer and other animals that had come out to search for remaining scraps. Additionally, foxes and wolves would also come out to prey on these animals.

The earliest use of the term “Hunter’s Moon,” cited in the Oxford English Dictionary, is from 1710. Some sources suggest that other names for the Hunter’s Moon are the Sanguine or Blood Moon, either associated with the blood from hunting or the color of the changing autumn leaves. 

Samhain

Also known as: All Hallow's Eve,  Ancestor Night, Feast of Apples, Feast of Sam-fuim, Feast of Souls, Feast of the Dead, Geimhreadh, Hallowmass, Martinmass, Old Hallowmas, Pagan New Year, Samana, Samhuinn, Samonios, Shadowfest & Third Harvest

Season: Fall

Symbols: Apples, bats, besom(brooms), black cats, cauldrons, ghosts, gourds, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, scarecrows & witches

Colors: Black, gold, orange, silver & white

Oils/incense: Basil, cloves, copal, frankincense, gum mastic, heather, heliotrope, mint, myrrh & nutmeg

Animals: Bat, boar, cat cattle & dogs

Stones: Amber, anatase, black calcite, black obsidian, black tourmaline, brass, carnelian, clear quartz diamond, garnet, gold, granite, hematite, iron, jet, marble, pearl, pyrite, ruby, sandstone, sardonyx, smokey quartz, steel & tektite

Foods: Apples, ale, beef, cider, corm, fruits, garlic, gourds, grains, hazelnuts, herbal teas, mushroom, nettle, nuts, pears, pomegranates, pork, poultry, pumpkin pie, sunflower seeds, thistle, turnips & wine (mulled)

Herbs/plants: Acorn, Allspice, catnip, corn, dittany of Crete, hazel, mandrake, mugwort, mullien, oak leaves, pine, rosemary, sage, straw, tarragon, thistle, wormwood & yellow cedar

Flowers: Calendula, chrysanthemum, deadly nightshade, rue & fumitory

Goddesses: Al-lat, Baba Yaga, Badb, Banba, Bast, Bebhionn, Bronach, Brunhilde, Cailleach, Carlin, Cassandra, Cerridwen, Copper Woman, Crobh Dearg, Devanyani, Dolya, Edda, Elli, Eris, Erishkigal, Fortuna, Frau Holde, Hecate, Hel, Ishtar, Kali, Macha Mania, Morrigan, Nemesis, Nephthys, Nicneven & Rhiannon

Gods: Arawan, Baron Samede, Belenus, Coyote, Cronus, Dagda, Dis, Hades, Loki, Nefertum, Odin, Osiris, Pluto, Woden & Xocatl

Issues Intentions & Powers: Crossroads, darkness, death, divination, honoring ancestors, introspection, the otherworld/underworld, release, visions & wisdom (of the crone)

Spellwork: Divination, fire magick, night magick, shape-shifting, spirit calling & water magick

Related festivals:

• Day of the Dead- (Spanish: Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed & is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage. Although related to the simultaneous Christian remembrances for Hallowtide, it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

• All Saints Day- is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints & martyrs of the Church, whether they are known or unknown

Activities:

• Dedicate an altar to loved ones who have passed

• Boil a simmer pot to cleanse your space

• Have a silent dinner

• Light a candle for your loved ones & yourself

• Decorate your house and/or altar

• Release negative energy & cleanse your with a ritual bath

• Pull tarot cards to see what may be in store for you ahead

• Cleanse, clean & de-clutter your space

• Leave offerings to the Fae

• Journal & reflect on your accomplishments, challenges & everything you did this year

•Go on a nature walk

• Learn a new form of divination

• Have a bonfire with your friends and/or family

• Carve pumpkins

• Express yourself creatively through art, music, ect

• Visit a cemetery & help clean off areas that need it or to visit a family member/ ancestor & leave an offering

• Hold a seance

• Bake spooky treats & bread as offerings

• Refresh your protection magicks, sigils & rituals

Samhain is a Gaelic festival on 1 November marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter or "darker half" of the year. Celebrations begin on the evening of 31 October, since the Celtic day began and ended at sunset.

This fire festival is celebrated on October 31st & is considered the Pagan New Year. It is the first Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year, a cross-quarter festival & the third (final) harvest festival of the mundane year. This is the time when the veil between the worlds of the living & those who have passed is the thinnest, which allows greater communication between the two

Some believe this is the time of the Goddess's mourning of the death of the God until his rebirth at Yule. The Goddess's sadness can be seen in the shortening, darkening days & the arrival of cold weather

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's 2023 magical almanac: practical magic for everyday living

Wikipedia

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

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Happy Summer Solstice to all who celebrate or mark this day in some way, may it be beautiful and wonderful 🌿✨💚✨🌿

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LOW ENERGY LITHA ACTIVITIES

light colourful candles

watch the sun rise or sun set

brew a honey & chamomile tea

burn a floral scented incense

decorate your altar with flowers

eat fresh fruits and berries

open the windows and let fresh air in

admire flowers

read a faerie related book

have a cleansing bath or shower

meditate outside

press some wildflowers in a book

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Sabbats Masterpost

The History of Samhain

Samhain Facts

Samhain Correspondences

Samhain Crystals

Samhain Colors

Samhain Plants

Samhain Incense & Oils

Samhain Animals

Samhain Foods

Samhain Ritual & Magick

Samhain Deities

Samhain Altar Ideas

Samhain Activities

Last Minute Samhain Ideas

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The History of Mabon

Mabon Facts

Mabon Correspondences

Mabon Crystals

Mabon Colors

Mabon Plants

Mabon Oils & Incense

Mabon Animals

Mabon Foods

Mabon Ritual & Magick

Mabon Deities

Mabon Altar

Mabon Activities

Last Minute Mabon Ideas

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Lughnasadh/Lammas History

Lughnasadh/Lammas Facts

Lughnasadh/Lammas Correspondences

Lughnasadh/Lammas Crystals

Lughnasadh/Lammas Colors

Lughnasadh/Lammas Plants

Lughnasadh/Lammas Incense & Oils

Lughnasadh/Lammas Animals

Lughnasadh/Lammas Food

Lughnasadh/Lammas Ritual & Magick

Lughnasadh & Lammas Deities

Lughnasadh & Lammas Altar Ideas

Lughnasadh & Lammas Activities

Last minute Lammas Ideas

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Litha History

Litha Facts

Litha Correspondences

Litha Crystals

Litha Incense & Oils

Litha Colors

Litha Plants

Litha Animals

Litha Foods

Litha Deities

Litha Altar Ideas

Litha Ritual & Magick

Litha Activities

Last Minute Litha Ideas

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The History of Beltane

Beltane Facts

Beltane Correspondences

Beltane Incense & Oils

Beltane Colors

Beltane Crystals

Beltane Plants

Beltane Animals

Beltane Altar

Beltane Food

Beltane Deities

Beltane Ritual & Magick

Beltane Activities

Last Minute Beltane Ideas

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Ostara History

Ostara Facts

Ostara Correspondences

Ostara Colors

Ostara Crystals

Ostara Incense & Oils

Ostara Plants

Ostara Animals

Ostara Food

Ostara Altar Ideas

Ostara Ritual & Magick

Ostara Deities

Ostara Activities

Last Minute Ostara Ideas

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The History of Imbolc

Imbolc Facts

Imbolc Correspondenses

Imbolc Colors

Imbolc Crystals

Imbolc Incense & Oils

Imbolc Plants

Imbolc Animals

Imbolc Food

Imbolc Altar

Imbolc Ritual & Magick

Imbolc Deities

Imbolc Activities

Last Minute Imbolc Ideas

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The History of Yule

Yule Facts

Yule Correspondences

Yule Crystals

Yule Colors

Yule Plants

Yule Incense & Oils

Yule Animals

Yule Foods

Yule Ritual & Magick

Yule Deities

Yule Altar

Yule Activities

Last Minute Yule Ideas

[festivals-and-traditions]

Witchcraft: Mabon Information and Inspiration

Mabon is only a few days away in the northern hemisphere, so I hope this may help you plan! 🍂

Credit: thewitchoftheforest, witchytips, losillewitch, leladymoon, Spoonie Witches Facebook, blessingmanifesting.com

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[festivals-and-traditions]

The Summer Solstice

The time for the sun to beat down at its most powerful is upon us. In other words: Summer is almost here! Read more to find out about the Summer solstice and its history!

What is the Summer Solstice? 

Coming from the Latin sol (sun) and stare or sistere (to stand or to stop), the solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice a year; one being the Summer Solstice, the other being the Winter Solstice.

In the Northern Hemisphere, this Solstice takes place on June 20th or the 21st. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’ll take place on December 20th or 21st.

The Summer solstice is the longest day of the year. The Sun travels the longest path through the sky, causing this day to have the most daylight. 

Holidays on or around the Summer Solstice 

This is not a complete or absolute list of Summer Solstice holidays, these are the most common I’ve found while researching. Feel free to comment if you know of any more!

Vestalia, an ancient Roman holiday to celebrate the Goddess of the Hearth, Vesta. One the first day of Vestalia, married women would be allowed to enter the temples of the vestal virgins and give offerings to Vesta.

Kronia, an ancient Greek holiday to celebrate the God of harvest/agriculture, Cronus. One this day slaves would be allowed to join in festivities with the free folks, all equal under the sun for one day.

Midsummer was, and in many cases still is, celebrated by Baltic, Slavic, and Celtic folk. 

Many indigenous peoples across the world have their own holidays associated with the Summer Solstice, but these celebrations vary by region and community.

Holidays involving St. John have many different names, but all celebrate the life of St. John the Baptist.

In Jewish tradition, Tekufat Tammuz is the solstice of the month of Tammuz.

Litha celebrates the beginning of summer and the summer solstice and is often celebrated by modern pagans as well as Wiccans. Wiccans attribute the holiday to their Horned God, consort of the Wiccan Triple Goddess. 

Ultimately, you can call this holiday whatever you want and celebrate it however you want, just be respectful of what other people call and celebrate it!

Lore, Legends, and Traditions

In ancient Greece, the solstice would mark a one month count-down to the Olympic Games.

In China the Summer Solstice was associated with Yin, or feminine force, the people would have festivities that pertained to earth, femininity, and yin force.

Bonfires may have been held by ancient Slavic, Baltic, Celtic, and (possibly) Nordic people to either represent the sun, help the sun gain more power, or to banish negative energy/beings. 

It was also thought that bonfires could lead young women to their future husbands.

Vikings would often gather around Midsummer to resolve issues and talk about legal matters.

The Celts believed that the solstice was the best day to catch a glimpse of the Fae. 

It's been said that the Druids would gather specific herbs on the night of the solstice, believing that they would gain certain magical attributes on the shortest night of the year that they wouldn’t usually have.

Modern Summer Solstice

Many people still celebrate the Summer Solstice, though the celebrations have become more eclectic over time as cultures and people merge.

Keep in mind that this is by no means a complete or absolute list. This is just what I’ve found while looking into the Summer Solstice. 

Celebrations

Bonfires

Feasts

Wear flower crowns or wreaths or otherwise adorn yourself in flowers

Decorating your space with flowers or foliage

Go berry picking

Go on a walk and appreciate nature

Go Swimming

Rituals and Practices

Do spells involving success or abundance

Meditate

Tarot or other divination

Decorate your altar with Summer Solstice-associated items (you can look at the list below this section for ideas)

Offerings or Devotional Acts

You can give or dedicate these offerings/devotional acts to deities mentioned above, Summer associated deities, local spirits, or whichever beings you think you should offer to!

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Lemonade/other citrus beverages

Citrus flavored baked goods

Tend to a garden

Tend to houseplants

Light a candle (or many, just be careful!)

Watch the sun rise or set (or both)

Feel the sun on your skin and soak in its energy

Associations

Deities and Divinities

Vesta, Cronus, Freyr, Aine, Damia, Aestas, Theros, Apollo, the Great Summer God (夏大神), Hine-Raumati (the personification of Summer in Māori mythology), Miochin (summer spirit or god in some Native American mythology), and many other Solar Deities.

Do your research before offering to a new deity!

Colors

Golds, yellows, oranges, reddish-pinks, deep greens, and sky blue.

Creatures

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and dragonflies.

Herbs and Plants

Sunflowers, basil, bay leaves, mint, thyme, lemongrass, rosemary, calendula, and chamomile.

Rocks/Metals/Crystals

Citrine, tiger’s eye, sunstone, and amber.

Citations and Further Reading

Scientificamerican.com Why We Celebrate the Summer Solstice

History.com History of the Summer Solstice

Timeanddate.com June Solstice Customs

Summer Deities and Divinites - Wikipedia

Britannica - Midsummer’s Eve

A Midsummer’s Celebration by Mike Nichols

Sun Lore of all Ages: Chapter IX by William Tyler Olcott

The Midsummer Solstice as it was, or was not, Observed in Pagan Germany, Scandinavia, and Anglo-Saxon England by Sandra Billington

Post edited for accuracy.

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Litha (June 21st) also known as the Summer solstice is almost here.. Litha marks the first day of summer, the longest day and shortest night of the year. 🌞

In slavic traditions called Ivana Kupala (June 24/ July 7), flower wreaths are made and floated on water, it promised happiness and a long life or marriage.

Here are some Litha/Summer solstice correspondences: Symbols | The sun, blooming and colorful flowers, honey, fruits, bees, animals Colors | Yellow, blue, green, white, pink Spells | Love (self-love), protection, growth, abundance Crystals | Tigers eye, moonstone, agate, citrine, sunstone, amber, jade Herbs and flowers | Chamomile, thyme, dill, lavender, rose Food | anything with honey (cakes), herbal teas, fruits (ber ries, strawberries), cheese, wine, salads, homemade breads How to celebrate | Make flower crowns/wreaths, pick strawberries/cherries, bake!, go for a nature walk, picnic, sunbathe, make sun water/tea.

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Beltane

☀️🪴The Transition from Spring to Summer🪴☀️

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Yule

Homemade Yule Wreath 💖

Pine and pinecones ➡️ Healing, Protection, and Purification

Orange slices ➡️ Represnt the Sun; Happiness, Luck, Prosperity, Strength, and Success

Cinnamon ➡️ Love and Prosperity

Cranberries ➡️ Love, abundance, Protection, and healing

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🌱✨IMBOLC ✨🌱

🌱✨CORRESPONDENCES ✨🌱

(February 1st)

🌼SPIRITUAL FOCUS + KEY WORDS🌼

Awakening

Beginnings

Change

Child-Like Delight

Cleansing and Purifying

Emergence from Sleep

Fertility

Innocence

Newness and Renewal

Patience

Preparation

Sprouting Seeds

Thrift

Transition

🌼MAGICAL FOCUS + KEY WORDS🌼

Astral Projection

Awakenings

Birth and Rebirth

Calming

Cleansing

Creativity

Divination

Emergence

Protection

Setting Intentions

Spiritual Evolution

Transformation

Well-Being

Youth

🌼HERBS🌼

Angelica

Basil

Bay Laurel

Blackberry

Celandine

Cinnamon

Hay

Heather

Reed

Straw

Wormwood

🌼ANIMALS🌼

Cow

Dragon

Groundhog

Hibernating Animals

Lark

Robin

Sheep

Snake

Swan

Vulture

Wolf

🌼COLORS🌼

Gold

Gray

Light Green

Pink

Spring Green

White

Yellow

🌼STONES🌼

Amethyst

Calcite

Carnelian

Chrysocolla

Malachite

Moonstone

Turquoise

🌼FLOWERS + TREES🌼

Crocus

Daffodil

Snowdrop

Iris

Birch

Blackthorn

Rowan

Sycamore

🌼SYMBOLS + TOOLS🌼

Brigid's Cross

Corn Dollies

Candles

Cauldron

Broom or Besom

Whistle

Crafting Doll or Cross

Making Candles

Dedicating Tools

Setting Intentions

Blessing Animals

Starting New Projects

Divination

Canned Food

Dairy Substitutes

Dried Food

Grains

Green Tea

Nuts

Pickled Food

Potatoes

Water

🌼TAROT CARDS🌼

Death

The Empress

The Star

Strength

I really hope this post helps some of you! If you’d like to check out my complete breakdown of Imbolc post click HERE

If you like what I do here please feel free to check out my Mothers Etsy store! Moon Circle Insights She’s got a wonderful assortment of detailed spells on there✨🥰

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns ✨💕merry meet -B

Follow for more

[festivals-and-traditions]

🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷

✨🌱IMBOLC🌱✨

✨🌱BREAKDOWN🌱✨

🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼

Hey there! I wanted to share a friendly breakdown of Imbolc and how to celebrate as it’s coming up soon! I would like to say that this is simply ONE of many holidays celebrated by witches around this time of year, many will be celebrating under different names or associated festivals!

🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻

OTHER NAMES

&

FESTIVALS

🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻🦋🌻

Imbolc

Imbolg

Oimealg

The Feast of St. Brigid

Brigid’s Day

Bride’s Feast

Ground Hog Day

Imbolgc Brigantia

Imbolic

Disting

Lubercus

Candlemas

Candlelaria

the Snowdrop Festival

The Festival of Lights

the Feast of the Virgin

February Eve

WHEN IS IT?

is typically held on February 1st through until sundown of February 2nd

WHAT DOES IT

SYMBOLIZE?

symbolizes the half way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

WHAT IS IT?

is a Celtic/Gaelic holiday

is another Celtic fire festival

hearth fires are often re-lit, especially using the Yule greenery, as keeping this too long invites the fae folk to stay in the house beyond their welcome.

WHO TO HONOUR

Imbolc celebrations took place in honour of the goddess Brigid! This goddess was considered one of the most powerful Celtic gods.

ABOUT BRIGID

REPRESENTS:

spring

fertility

fire

creativity

poetry

healing

crafting

and so much more!

She is the daughter of Dagda, one of the oldest Celtic gods In some representations.

Brigid in some stories has two sisters both also named Brigid, it’s thought among many that this is meant to represent the goddess in different forms or points in life (personally I love this aspect of them because not many gods actually do age thought the stories and legends. They’re are a few others but I just think it’s cool little thing to note)

it was often found that Brigid’s crosses were made from wheat stalks at this time of year and exchanged and hung in the home to protect from fire damage.

While many people still honour Brigid today, if working with dietys isn’t your thing, many more modern celebrations can include the following:

⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸

SOME FUN WAYS

TO CELEBRATE

🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️🌸⭐️

having a fire this could be as nice as having a bonfire or as simple as leaving a tea light in a bowl outside for them!

for Brigid, you could write intentions on paper and throw them into the fire,

a simple meditation with a candle would be amazing for this day!

You could even make making Brigid a crosses out of pipe cleaners or paper if you have little ones you want to include in the festivities.

Maybe burn some candles in the imbolc colours which are white,pink,red, yellow, green, brown.

if you wanted to indulge in some classic imbolc type food typically it would be dairy products, spicy food or lamb! And Something that would’ve been stored over the winter, smoked meats, dried fruit and nuts!

Often times Candles are placed in windows to welcome the spring and spring cleaning and household purification rituals are common.

this is really just a quick breakdown of this witchy holiday and a few suggestions! Your celebration doesn’t have to be grand or spectacular either I’ve had imbolc where all I’ve done was change the altar cloth to a flowered one! I’ve also had imbolc a filled with ritual and magic! It’s all up to you how to celebrate the day, it’s about welcoming in the spring energy! Releasing that which serves you no more! Even spring cleaning can be associated with imbolc!

If you’d like to check out more imbolc correspondences you can do so by clicking HERE

If you like what I do here please feel free to check out my Mothers Etsy store! Moon Circle Insights She’s got a wonderful assortment of detailed spells on there✨🥰

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns! Merry meet - B

Follow for more

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Samhain 101

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Paperwitchco