#old lammas

[wytchoftheways]

Lammas Prayer: 🌾🌞

The Corn king gives his life for the land,

We toast his sacrifice with ale in our hand,

And eat the bread, from the harvest made,

As sheaves of corn to the earth are laid.

Transformation surrounds us,

The harvest turned to food and drink,

Now is the time to learn and to think,

Of what we can do to grow even stronger,

As the summer recedes and nights grow longer.

We share our rewards and bless the earth,

That brings our fruitful abundance to birth, May our well-earned bounty reward our toil,

As we harvest the seed and the grain from the soil.

[maypoleman1]

11th August

Old Lammas Eve

The Harvest Moon by Samuel Palmer. Source: sebreilly.com

Today is Lammas Eve, according to the old calendar (therefore Old Lammas Eve). In Scotland, the rowan tree was much favoured as a source of charms and friendly magic to ward of the unwelcome attention of witches, boggles and faeries rumoured to be abroad at harvest time. Rowan branches were suspended over doors after being wound into the shape of a cross; rowan was also braided into cows’ tails with red and blue thread to protect them from otherworldly depredations. In order to work, the wood had to be collected in secret and in silence.

Old Lammas used to be when some of the British Isles’ largest sheep fairs were held in the Middle Ages, an opportunity to buy and sell the animals as well as to indulge in boisterous medieval pastimes. At Bretton in Derbyshire, sheep races were held. The notion of these notorious flock animals competing in a race may sound odd, but the race was actually between human male competitors who chased after a suitably annoyed ram who had been covered in soap. The winner was the pursuer who managed not only to catch the slippery beast, but hold on to him too.

[breelandwalker]

2025 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here���s a handy list of the 2025 dates for the solstices, some commonly-referenced holidays, full and new moons, and special astronomical events. I’ve listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area.

On a related note, readers are encouraged to create their own seasonal calendars, holidays, and observances based on your local biome and personal preferences. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, Quarter Days, Some Common Dates

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas / High Winter

March 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day / Walpurgisnacht

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 13 - Wolf Moon ♋

February 12 - Snow Moon ♌

March 14 - Worm Moon ♍ (Lunar Eclipse)

April 12 - Pink Moon ♎

May 12 - Flower Moon ♏

June 11 - Strawberry Moon ♐

July 10 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 9 - Sturgeon Moon (aka Corn Moon) ♒

September 7 - Harvest Moon ♓ (Lunar Eclipse)

October 6 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon) ♈

November 5 - Frost Moon (aka Beaver Moon) ♉ (Supermoon)

December 4 - Cold Moon ♊ (Supermoon)

* The full moons in September and October are almost EXACTLY equidistant from the Autumn Equinox this year, so whether you'll have a Harvest Moon in September or October depends on where you live!

New Moons

January 29 ♒

February 27 ♓

March 29 ♈

April 27 ♉

May 26 ♊

June 25 ♋

July 24 ♌

August 23 ♍

September 21 ♍ (Seasonal black moon, second new moon in Virgo)

October 21 ♎

November 20 ♏

December 19 ♐

Special Celestial Events

March 14 - Worm Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

March 29 - Solar Eclipse

September 7 - Harvest Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

September 21 - Seasonal Black Moon / Solar Eclipse

November 5 - Frost Moon Supermoon

December 4 - Cold Moon Supermoon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

March 14 to April 6

July 17 to August 10

November 9 to November 29

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree’s Lunar Calendar Series

Bree’s Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2025

Calendar-12 - 2025 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2025 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2025 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2025

Old Farmer’s Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2024-2025

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2025

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Patheos - 2025 Wheel of the Year Astrological Calendar

Image Source - How Stuff Works

=

If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, tune in to my podcast Hex Positive, or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

[oblivioussloth]

Literally didn’t realise it was the first that means tomorrow’s my birthday uwu

[yourwitchmama]

Lughnasadh/Lammas spell jar for prosperity:

Ingredients:

🫙 A small glass jar with a lid

🌾 Dried grains (such as wheat, oats, or rice)

🪙Coins or small crystals (such as citrine or aventurine)

🍂Cinnamon sticks or powdered cinnamon

🌿 Dried herbs (such as rosemary, basil, or thyme)

🍃 Bay leaves

📝 A piece of paper and pen

🎗️A yellow or gold ribbon

🧿 Cleanse Your Space and Tools:

Make sure you cleanse your space and the items you’ll be using to get rid of or neutralize any old or negative energy. Energy cleansing with smoke is going to be the easiest way since nothing will get wet, but you can also use cleansing spray for people with sensitivities/strict rules. Just a soft mist- you don’t need to dowse everything in water.

🧘🏿‍♀️ Set Your Intention:

Meditate with the jar in your hands. Imagine whatever blessings you want, and really visualize it going into the jar. Feel the energy from your daydreams and wishes charge it.

🪷Layer/pour your spell jar Ingredients:

Layering your ingredients in the jar, starting with the dried grains, can make it aesthetically pleasing. Of course, you can throw them into the jar with passion and disorganization as well. Whichever you feel is right for you. As you add each layer or handful/spoonful of ingredients, focus on your intention and visualize abundance.

🖊️ Write Your Intention:

Write down sigils, intentions, affirmations, runes, or whatever you feel is best with your style to put in the jar. It’s best to roll it up or fold it so it fits, just don’t burn it or rip it up.

You can say: “With this spell jar, I invite abundance, prosperity, and gratitude into my life.” OR you can make up your own spell.

🦭 Seal the Jar:

Once all the ingredients are in the jar, seal it with the lid. Wrap the yellow or gold ribbon around the neck of the jar and tie it in a knot or bow. Yellow and gold are colors associated with the sun and abundance.

🌕 Charge the Jar:

There are a few ways to do this.

The first way is you can put specific miracle tones, chants, meditation music, and subliminals to charge it. Let it sit in front of the music for a long time. However long you intuitively feel is necessary.

The second way is you can place it in the sun or under the moon. I typically use the moon. Try to not do it under a new moon.

For the third way, hold the jar in your hands and focus on your intention once more. You can say a prayer, chant, or simply visualize golden light filling the jar and radiating out into your life.

Use any method you are used to or feel intuitively pulled towards! These three examples don’t need to be the way you charge- they are just ideas.

🙏🏻Place the Jar

Place the spell jar on your altar, a windowsill, or another special place in your home where it will be undisturbed.

💫 Maintain:

Continue to charge your jar if you feel that it isn’t working. You can shake around the ingredients if you feel that it will help remove stagnant energy.

[the-mortuary-witch]

𖤐 INTRODUCTION 𖤐

I UPDATE ALL MY POSTS IF I FIND NEW INFO. THIS BLOG OF MINE IS SPIRITUAL, IT IS NOT AN AESTHETIC OR FETISH!

Everyone is welcome on my blog, no matter your skin tone, body type, age (please don’t message me if you’re a minor), gender, sexuality, beliefs, nationality, and interests.

DO NOT interact with me or my account if you support anti-abortion, proshippers/or are one, bullying, climate change, war, poverty, terrorism, fetishize serial killers racism, murder, are a hazbin hotel/helluva boss fans, have a nsfw blag, rape/rapists, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableist, anti vax, fascists, donald trump, neo-nazi’s, white supremacy, any kind of abuse, TERFs, bestiality, arson, jk rowling, and just overall piss off if you can’t be a decent human being.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Blóðtappi. I’m 19-years-old, Icelandic, my personality type is ENFJ, and I’m an ambivert, metalhead, and goth. I have been a Satanist since Nov 2023 and a witch since Feb 2024. I’ve learnt a lot so far, and still currently am doing research on Satanism and witchcraft. This blog of mine is dedicated to Satanism, Witchcraft, deity and entity info/work.

Currently Working With: Lady Aphrodite, King Asmodeus, Lord Fenrir, Mother Freyja, King Hades, Mother Hecate, Lady Hel, Lord Loki, Mother Lilith, Lord Lucifer, and Queen Persephone.

Will Soon Be Devoted to: ???

Magickal Interests: sigils, crystals, spell work, meditation, divination, runes, and deity and entity work.

Other Interests: metal, rock, and goth music, corpse paint, anime, manga, drumming, taxidermy, exercising, vulture culture, and collecting records and CDs.

SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM: @the.mortuary.witch

PINTEREST: @the_mortuary_witch

POSTS:

SATANISM:

SATANISM INFO

THE 7 FUNDAMENTAL TENETS

PAGAN AND SATANIC HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SATANISM, WITCHCRAFT, AND PAGANISM

THE 11 SATANIC RULES OF THE EARTH

WHAT SATANISM DOES AND DOESN’T SUPPORT

THE 9 SATANIC SINS AND THEIR MEANINGS

WITCHCRAFT:

2025 WITCHES CALENDAR

MY ALTARS

THE SABBATS

WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SABBATS

IMBOLC

OSTARA

BELTANE

LITHA

LAMMAS

MABON

SAMHAIN

YULE

LOW ENERGY YULE ACTIVITIES

WITCHCRAFT INFO

SPELLS

SPELL BAGS

EVERYDAY WITCHCRAFT

TYPES OF WITCHES

TYPES OF HERBS AND SPICES

TYPES OF CRYSTALS

TYPES OF WATER

TYPES OF DIVINATION

INCENSE PROPERTIES

HERB AND FLORA PROPERTIES

GRIMORE IDEAS

WITCHY RED FLAGS

LIMINAL SPACES IN WITCHCRAFT

FRUIT CORRESPONDENCES

VEGETABLE CORRESPONDENCES

CLEANING / REUSING SPELL JARS GUIDE

GRAVEYARD GUIDE

COMMON WITCHY TERMS / TOOLS

WITCHY SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS

FAMILIARS AND THEIR MEANINGS

CONNECTING WITH NATURE’S ELEMENTS

WHERE TO DRAW SIGILS AND RUNES

CANDLE COLOUR MEANINGS

PLANETARY MAGICK

FULL MOON MEANINGS

MOON PHASES

DAY OF THE WEEK MAGICKAL CORRESPONDENCES

LOW EFFORT / ENERGY WITCHCRAFT

DECEMBER MAGIC CORRESPONDENCES

DEITIES AND ENTITIES:

CONNECTING WITH DEITIES

TYPES OF DEITIES

TYPES OF DEVOTIONAL ACTS

THINGS I ASSOCIATE WITH MY DEITIES AND ENTITIES

DEITY MASTERLIST (PART ONE)

DEITY MASTERLIST (PART TWO)

IDEAS FOR TALKING TO DEITIES AND ENTITIES

DEITY AND ENTITY PLAYLISTS

DEITY AND ENTITY AESTHETICS

TAROT ASSOCIATED WITH DEITIES AND ENTITIES

MASTERLISTS:

ASMODEUS

ANUBIS

APHRODITE

ARES

APOLLO

ARTEMIS

ATHENA

BAPHOMET

BASTET

BEELZEBUB

CERBERUS

DIONYSUS

DEMETER

FREYJA

FENRIR

HECATE

HYPNOS

HERA

HERMES

HADES

HEL

LOKI

LUCIFER

LILITH

MELINOË

MA’AT

MEDUSA

NYX

ODIN

OSIRIS

PERSEPHONE

POSEIDON

RAUM

SKÖLL AND HATI

SATAN

SELENE

SANTA MUERTE

THOR

THE MORRIGAN

THANATOS

ZEUS

[talonabraxas]

Lughnasadh David Wyatt Maenhir Wiccan Calendar by Ste Pickford 1st August 2024 Lammas/ Lughnasadh – Wiccan Lughnasadh – Pagan

Lughnasadh, otherwise called Lammas, is the time of the corn harvest, when Pagans reap those things they have sown and when they celebrate the fruits of the mystery of Nature. At Lughnasadh, Pagans give thanks for the bounty of the Goddess as Queen of the Land. Lammas is the first harvest, a time for gathering in and giving thanks for abundance; then Mabon or the Autumn Equinox is the Second Harvest of Fruit; and Samhain is the third and Final Harvest of Nuts and Berries.

With the coming of Christianity to the Celtic lands, the old festival of Lughnasadh took on Christian symbolism. Loaves of bread were baked from the first of the harvested grain and placed on the church altar on the first Sunday of August. The Christianized name for the feast of Lughnasadh is Lammas which means “loaf mass”.

But this is also the major festival of Lugh, or Lug, the great Celtic Sun King and God of Light. August is His sacred month when He initiated great festivities in honour of His mother, Tailtiu. Feasting, market fairs, games and bonfire celebrations are the order of the day. Circle dancing, reflecting the movement of the sun in sympathetic magic, is popular, as are all community gatherings. August is considered an auspicious month for handfastings and weddings.

At Lammas the Goddess is in Her aspect as Grain Mother, Harvest Mother, Harvest Queen, Earth Mother, Ceres and Demeter. Demeter, as Corn Mother, represents the ripe corn of this year’s harvest and her daughter Persephone/Kore represents the grain – the seed which drops back deep into the dark earth, hidden throughout the winter, to reappear in the spring as new growth. So as the grain harvest is gathered in, there is food to feed the community through the winter and within that harvest is the seed of next year’s rebirth, regeneration and harvest. The Grain Mother is ripe and full; heavily pregnant she carries the seed of the new year’s Sun God within her. This is the deep core meaning of Lammas and evokes the fullness and fulfilment of the present harvest, holding at its heart the seed of all future harvests.

But underlying this is the knowledge that the bounty and energy of Lugh, of the Sun, is now beginning to wane. It is a time when the year changes and shifts. Active growth is slowing down and the darker days of winter and reflection are beckoning. There is tension here. For Lugh, the Sun God, the God of the Harvest, the Green Man, or John Barleycorn, surrenders his life with the cutting of the corn. In the form of John Barleycorn, he is the living Spirit of the corn, or grain. As the corn is cut so John Barleycorn is cut down also. He surrenders his life so that others may be sustained by the grain, and so that the life of the community can continue. He is both eaten as the bread and is then reborn as the seed returns to the earth.

[mari-thesapphic-lady]

I have had SO many questions since I started watching Agatha all along!

I really wanted to know more about witches, about the lore of this universe, like:

Do witches celebrate sabbats (Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, Samhain)?

Or is this something we, human, created? And more importantly, does Agatha celebrate sabbats?

Do witches have familiars?

If so, what are they? Are they animals chosen for some reason by the witch? Are they beings of nature (I mean, obviously yes, but magically speaking) that chose the witch, or the witch choose them?

Do witches perform rituals like Drawing down the Moon?

I mean, the only covens we saw performing any ritual were Evanora's, with Agatha's failed attempt at execution, and Agatha's own, when they sang the ballad of the Witches' Road.

Was Evanora the High Priestess of Agatha's old Coven, or its founder?

I disagree with this one myself, because a High Priestess is the role of a woman who's leading a group ritual. High Priestess is also a title sometimes conferred on female members of a Wiccan coven when they have completed their third, or fifth year of study and practice. Evanora looks more like the founder of the Coven.

Are grimoires only made by Coven leaders?

I BLAME THE FANFICS FOR THIS! Every time someone writes about the books Agatha used to learn magic, a lot of people mention that she stole her mother's grimoire after killing her coven, and I always wonder: "Couldn't Agatha create her own grimoire?", "Does every witch have a grimoire?", and things like that.

Why does the Witches' Road classify witches in the Ballad?

Agatha, Jen, Lilia and Alice are witches, they all have knowledge of spells, they know how to use magic, but why the hell did the Witches' Road classify them specifically as "Spirit Witch", "Potion Witch", "Divination Witch" and "Protection Witch"? In terms of witches' powers, do they have any specific magical specialization? That's why?

Why can ONLY those types of witches enter the Road?

Who the fuck decided that only these types of witches can enter the Witches' Road? And why? Can't a witch be a potions witch and a divination witch at the same time? Or it's because of what's in the Witches' Road Ballad?

Like, I have questions, and NOBODY ANSWERS THEM! I honestly feel a little lost, but it's really fun to have these questions, because this series is amazing in everything it proposes.

[coinandcandle]

Lammas

Learn about the holiday of Lammas!

What is Lammas?

Lammas, Lammas Day, Loaf Mass, Loaf Mass Day—however you’d like to call it—is a holiday celebrated originally by Christian Anglo-Saxons. Lammas is also called “the feast of first fruits” and is a harvest festival taking place on August 1st in the northern hemisphere (February 1st in the southern hemisphere).

Some neopagan religions, namely Wicca, would later add this holiday to their sabbats (see: Wheel of the Year). Due to various reasons, the holiday Lughnasadh—a festival historically celebrated in Ireland—became conflated with Lammas, and the two are often used interchangeably. For a short explanation as to why this is an issue, please see this post.

Etymology

Lammas comes from the Old English hlāfmæsse, or “Loaf mass”. This most likely references the tradition of making a loaf of bread with the crop harvested on Lammastide.

History

In the past, it was customary to bring a loaf of bread to one’s local church to be blessed or to have a procession from the church to a bakery wherein those who are working will be blessed. The blessed bread may also be used for the Eucharist.

Throughout Britain in the Middle Ages fairs would be celebrated, feasts would be had, rent would be paid, and local elections held.

Note: Lammas may have pre-Christian influences but the festivities we know of and its name come from a distinctly English and Christina era. It was not “stolen” from pagans.

Modern Day Lammas

These are simply suggestions, anything that can be seen as traditional will be marked with a (T).

Correspondences

Deities

The Christian God (T), Lugh, Demeter, Freyr, Osiris, and many of the harvest/agricultural deities.

Rocks, Crystals, Minerals, Etc

Sunstone, amber, gold, iron

Herbs and Plants

Wheat, cereals, corn (T), blackberries, blueberries, bilberries

Activities

Bake bread (T)

Hold a bonfire

Harvest crops (T) or tend to houseplants

Practice divination

Create or cast spells involving equity and justice

Visit a bakery (and tip your bakers if possible!)

Pray for blessings

Feast (T)

Offerings

Beer

Bread or other baked goods (T)

Any of the herbs or rocks mentioned above

Support local farmers

Dance or sing

Honor your ancestors, gods, or spirits with an altar or a space at your feast

References and Resources

Lammas - Britannica

A Little History of Lammas - A Clerk of Oxford

Lammas - Wikipedia

Stations of the Sun - Ronald Hutton

Enjoy my work? Consider leaving me a tip or supporting me on ko-fi!

[pherryt]

Crossovers

Who loves crossovers? I love reading and writing them! So much so, I've been nicknamed the Crossover Queen in one of my servers. And now I'm curious -

My fellow writers: If you write them, how many Crossover fics do you have? How does that work out in percentages? Do you stick with the same fandoms or do you dabble in many? Do you find you have one or two main fandoms you like to mix with everything else under the sun? (Looking at my own list, that's exactly what *I* do lol)

Stats: Out of 443 works (over 3 million words which also include: 27 art posts, 10 podfics and 2 collabs), 47 of those are CROSSOVERS! (for a total of 612,031 words) hitting around 40 different fandoms?

(I lost track trying to break it down, especially with things that bleed into each other. Do I count each type of Star Trek as separate or as a whole?)

That's only 10% of my fics! And only 18% of my total words! But I still feel like I've written a ton of them!

What have I got? ALOT of different fandom combos:

5 Old Guard / MCU fics (same series)

2 Witcher / Zelda fics

2 One Piece / Witcher fics

3 SPN / Doctor Who fics (and one plus Torchwood but that one is unfinished)

2 Star Trek OS / AOS fics

2 Power Pack / Doctor Who fics

Then one each of:

Doctor Who / Star Trek OS / Next Gen

SPN / ElfQuest

Power Pack / ElfQuest

Power Pack / Venom

Venom / MCU

MCU / ElfQuest

SPN / BtVS

SPN / Scooby Doo

SPN / MCU

SPN / Old Guard

Star Trek / MCU

Witcher / Supernatural

Ranma 1/2 / Fruits Basket

Fusion Style Crossovers:

3 fics for SPN / Anne of Green Gables (same series)

SPN / Golden Girls

Witcher / Doctor Who

Witcher / Yuri on Ice

Witcher / Princess Bride

SPN / Mercedes Lackey (Lammas Night)

MCU / Pacific Rim

MCU / Alice in Wonderland

Insane Fics with 4 or more Fandoms:

SPN / MCU / Star Trek / Harry Potter

MHA / MASH / MCU / SPN /One Piece / Eureka / Witcher

SPN / One Piece / Warehouse 13 / MASH / Ranma 1/2 / Zelda /Good Omens / Knives Out

Witcher / One Piece / PotC / OFMD

One Piece / Ranma 1/2 / Zelda / Witcher / LotR / HDM /Old Guard / Doctor Who / Prydain / Fruits Basket / Slayers

In various stages of written/planning that I'm still hoping to finish:

Witcher / SPN

Witcher / ElfQuest

Witcher / MCU

Witcher / The Others

Witcher (AWAU Flavor) / MHA

MHA / Valdemar

[magickkate]

Today, let's talk about Lammas, the Sabbat of the first harvest! As the days grow shorter and the first fruits of the harvest ripen on the vine, we come to Lammas, a festival of gratitude, abundance, and celebration. This Sabbat marks the first harvest of the season and celebrates the fruits of our labor and the blessings of the earth.

Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a sacred festival celebrated on July 31st - August 2nd in the Northern Hemisphere (or January 31st - February 2nd in the Southern Hemisphere). It marks the halfway point between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox and is a time to honor the first harvest of the season and give thanks for the abundance of the Earth.

🌾 History and Traditions:

Lammas has its roots in ancient agricultural societies, where it was celebrated as a festival of grain and the harvest. The name "Lammas" comes from the Old English word "hlafmaesse," meaning "loaf mass," referring to the tradition of baking bread with the newly harvested grain. In Celtic mythology, Lammas is associated with the god Lugh, who was honored with games, feasting, and rituals celebrating the harvest. It is a time of community gatherings, feasting, and giving thanks for the blessings of the Earth.

Here are a few ways to honor the magic of Lammas:

Give Thanks for the Harvest: Take this time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and the blessings of the harvest, expressing gratitude for the nourishment and sustenance it provides.

Bake Bread and Share Food: Bake bread or other baked goods using grains harvested from the earth, and share them with loved ones as a symbol of abundance and community.

🌾 Recipes: -> Lammas Bread: Bake a loaf of bread using whole grains such as wheat or cornmeal. Add herbs like rosemary or basil for flavor and intention. -> Harvest Soup: Create a hearty soup using seasonal vegetables like corn, squash, and potatoes. Infuse it with warmth and nourishment to symbolize the abundance of the harvest.

Create a Harvest Altar: Decorate your altar with symbols of the harvest, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and symbols of abundance, to honor the bounty of the earth and the blessings of the season.

🌾 Correspondences:

Colors: Gold, yellow, orange, green.

Symbols: Wheat, grain, corn, bread, sunflowers, sheaves of wheat.

Herbs: Meadowsweet, chamomile, sunflower, rosemary, basil.

Crystals: Citrine, amber, peridot, carnelian.

Offerings to the Land: Make offerings to the land and the spirits of nature, giving back to the earth and expressing your appreciation for its gifts.

Hold a Harvest Ritual: Gather with loved ones to hold a ritual of gratitude and celebration, giving thanks for the abundance of the earth and the blessings of the season.

🌾 Rituals and Celebrations:

Harvest Ritual: Create an altar adorned with symbols of the harvest, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Offer gratitude to the Earth for its abundance and blessings. Light candles in shades of gold and yellow to honor the sun's warmth and energy.

Bread Baking: Bake bread using freshly harvested grains or incorporate grains like wheat or cornmeal into your cooking. As you knead the dough, infuse it with your intentions for abundance and prosperity.

Outdoor Activities: Spend time in nature, perhaps visiting a local farm or orchard to connect with the land and observe the ripening crops. Take a nature walk and collect wildflowers or herbs to decorate your home or altar.

Feasting and Sharing: Host a feast with friends and loved ones, featuring dishes made from seasonal produce. Share stories, laughter, and gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season.

Lammas is a time of gratitude, abundance, and celebration, reminding us to honor the cycles of nature and give thanks for the blessings of the Earth. May your Lammas be filled with joy, abundance, and blessings from the harvest! 🌾🍞🌞

[thetotomoo]

Location/ Lore Hunting

Sometimes procrastination leads to useful resources such as location hunting for scenes in upcoming chapters. It took a bit of revising to settle on this particular location around Keensbridge. Particularly the tower that sits at the base of the hill (just past a bridge) between the a Rookwood encampment and a village.

Ignore the glitch where I can’t access that whirlpool— I hear it’s a common thing? But nevertheless, a fun thing to incorporate in a story I suppose.

Preview of Ch 66 “Sacred Ground Part 1”

What had begun as a journey of three had become more at the insistence of their family and friends. There was no old woman to greet them when they reached the foot of the hill, no figure they could give their offerings to, and no whisper assuring them that the loaves and biscuits they carried were no meager offerings at all.

Instead, they filed one by one, at the instruction of Matilda Weasley and led by Tessie, up the steps into a small alcove of ruins. Will-o-the-wisps flitted through the open rafters as moonlight cast ripples of shadows to pass across each face. Vincent trailed closely after their mother, hands clenched into a fist around his wand and loaf of bread. Ominis and Garreth stood nervously hand in hand along the edges. Anne, she could see, stood beside her and Sebastian— her impish smile replaced by a grim and wary stare across the room while Sebastian peered at the watch in his hand.

The slow steady tick and the howling wind did little to ease the heavy silence. And while Caroline returned the smile Tessie threw her way, she was unwilling to admit the dread creeping up from under her skin. However delicious and incomparable Tessie’s biscuits and loaves were, Caroline could not speak of its value before the unknown. If they were like the god the Muggles spoke of, they would be blessed most assuredly. But if they were the spirits and other beings of old, they were fickle— favored one moment before being struck and cursed the next.

“What now?” Vincent asked.

“We give thanks,” Matilda smiled, hand sweeping around the room. Lammas Day. In any other year, they would have slept peacefully before breaking bread in the comfort of their homes with their friends and families. But tonight they stood amidst ruined stone— desperate. Matilda smiled as she ushered Tessie to the rounded nook in the southeast of the tower, “Choose one. We must cover all.”

Vincent nodded as he gripped their mother’s hand beside the modest and crumbling bookshelves while Garreth and Ominis took their place amongst the tower of cauldrons. Caroline moved, feet dragging across dust and dirt with the Sallows, passing beneath the carved figure of a sphinx in stone beside a fireplace.

No sooner had Caroline tear her gaze from the slab, did the wind settle into a deathly stillness and bells began to ring.

“Not one, two, three, or four— Seven beings and not one more.”

Louder and louder, it grew until the scent of earth filled her with dread down to her bones.

“Seek the summit, and you shall find all the answers to be divined.”

The words hissed and howled as the world plunged to black and then the deepest blue.

“Beware, beware, when next night draws near, at the seventh bell, unknown appears. Foolish mortals make haste— go fast— face your future and the past.”

[jeanjauthor]

Just a little pet peeve...

Okay, it's a rant. But it still needs to be ranted!

Writers, let's talk about what Midwinter actually is, because I keep reading stories wherein people celebrate midwinter festivities...on the Solstice.

Midwinter is NOT the same as the Winter Solstice.

Winter Solstice starts Winter as a season.

Midwinter literally means middle-of-winter.

Midwinter, Midsummer, Midspring, Midautumn/Midfall are pagan holy days with very specific names.

Lammas or Lughnasadh is Midsummer, and it is literally also called August Eve, because it takes place on July 31st, the (approximate) midpoint between the start of summer (Summer Solstice) and the start of autumn (Autumnal Equinox).

Sovvan, Sowain, Samhain, this one is also known as All Hallow's Eve, November Eve, and yes, that's Halloween, October 31st. Midautumn is NOT held on the Autumnal Equinox!!

Midspring is called Beltain, also called May Eve, aka April 30th. It lies midway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice (if off by a few days; remember, there were calendar shifts happening amidst all of these centuries).

And Midwinter is Imbolc, or February Eve, aka January 31st.

It is not 12th Night (January 6th).

It is not the Winter Solstice, way back in December!

Winter has already long since begun, by the time Imbolc comes around! Midwinter is the mid-point of winter.

So please, writers, stop mixing this up!

JUST CALL IT THE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL, BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN YOU'RE HOLDING YOUR STORY FESTIVAL.

Midwinter is something completely different, by roughly seven (7) weeks!!

...If you don't believe me, I'm going to start calling your Christian Easter goddamn Christmas!

*To Clarify: I did a lot of research into various religions, including several sects of paganism (old and new). This is what Midwinter means! It's Imbolc!! Not the Winter Solstice!! I literally got a Ph.D. in Religions while I was learning this stuff!

[breelandwalker]

2024 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here's a handy list of the 2024 dates for the solstices, quarter days, full and new moons, and special events. I've listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, and Quarter Days

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas

March 19 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 25 - Wolf Moon ♌

February 24 - Snow Moon ♍

March 25 - Worm Moon ♎

April 23 - Pink Moon ♏

May 23 - Flower Moon ♐

June 21 - Strawberry Moon ♑

July 21 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 19 - Sturgeon Moon* ♒

September 17 - Harvest Moon* ♓

October 17 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon)* ♈

November 15 - Frost Moon (or Beaver Moon)* ♉

December 15 - Cold Moon ♊

*- Supermoon

Fun Fact: The title of Harvest Moon is given to either the September or October full moon, whichever falls closest to the autumn equinox. Once again this year, that month will be September.

New Moons

January 11 ♑

February 9 ♒

March 10 ♓

April 8 ♈

May 7 ♉

June 6 ♊

July 5 ♋

August 4 ♌

September 2 ♍

October 2 ♎

November 1 ♏

December 1 ♐

December 30 (black moon) ♑

Special Celestial Events

January 3-4 - Quadrantids meteor shower peak

March 25 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

April 8 - Total solar eclipse

April 22-23 - Lyrids meteor shower peak

May 6-7 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower peak

August 11-13 - Perseids meteor shower peak

August 19 - Sturgeon Supermoon / Seasonal Blue Moon

September 17 - Harvest Supermoon / Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 2 - "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse

October 17 - Hunter's Supermoon

October 21-22 - Orionids meteor shower peak

November 15 - Frost Supermoon

November 16-17 - Leonids meteor shower peak

December 13-14 - Geminids meteor shower peak

December 30 - Black Moon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

April 1 - April 24

August 4 - August 27

November 25 - December 15

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree's Lunar Calendar Series

Bree's Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2024

Calendar-12 - 2024 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2024 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2024 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2024

Old Farmer's Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2023-2024

Lonely Planet - Best Star-gazing Events of 2024

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2024

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Pagan Grimoire - Wheel of the Year: The 8 Festivals in the Wiccan Calendar (2024 Edition)

=

If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

EDIT: Mercury is stationed direct on Jan 1st, 2024. The source I used which stated it was in retrograde until the 18th had a typo.

EDIT: Fixed the zodiac signs for the full moons using a new source.

[realvalgalstyan]

The Wheel of the Year (Apr 1, 2014)

Yule - December 21

Imbolc - February 2

Ostara - March 21

Beltane - May 1

Litha - June 21

Lammas - August 1

Mabon - September 21

Samhain - October 31/November 1

The Wheel of the Year: A Guide to Nature’s Cycles

If you’ve explored modern paganism, you’ve likely heard of the Wheel of the Year. But if you’re new, you might be wondering: What is it, and why is it so important?

The Wheel of the Year is a calendar that follows the natural cycles of light and darkness throughout the year. It includes eight holidays, called Sabbats:

Four solar festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) mark the changing seasons.

Four fire festivals (from Celtic traditions) fall between the solstices and equinoxes.

This calendar is mainly influenced by Celtic mythology and traditions, with some Germanic and Norse influences.

Where Did the Wheel of the Year Come From?

The Wheel of the Year was created in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s by the founders of Wicca, a modern witchcraft religion that draws from many ancient pagan traditions. While the holidays on the Wheel were celebrated in old European cultures, the idea of the Wheel itself is modern.

The first known mention of a "Wheel" connecting seasonal festivals comes from Jacob Grimm’s 1835 book Teutonic Mythology, which describes pre-Christian Germanic beliefs. Over time, Wiccans and other pagans built on this idea, creating the Wheel we know today.

The Wheel is a mix of different traditions, including Celtic, Norse, and old farming customs. It respects these past traditions but doesn’t claim to be an exact copy of any one ancient belief system. Instead, it adapts old wisdom for modern spiritual practice.

Why Do People Follow the Wheel Today?

The Wheel of the Year is more than just a calendar—it’s a spiritual guide for modern pagans, Wiccans, and nature-based believers. It connects them to the changing seasons and helps them celebrate life’s cycles:

Birth, growth, death, and rebirth—just like the natural world.

Celebrations of change, from the joy of summer (Beltane) to the reflection of autumn (Samhain).

A sense of connection with nature, history, and personal spirituality.

People can follow the Wheel in different ways. Some use it to celebrate all eight Sabbats, while others only observe the ones that match their personal traditions.

Is the Wheel of the Year Cultural Appropriation?

Some critics say the Wheel of the Year is cultural appropriation because it borrows from old European traditions. However, this overlooks how spiritual beliefs evolve over time.

The Wheel is not a direct copy of any ancient tradition. Instead, it’s a modern way of honoring old customs while making them relevant today. Many spiritual practices throughout history have changed and adapted to fit new generations, and the Wheel is no different.

Also, not all pagans or witches follow the Wheel. Some prefer other spiritual paths, while others celebrate only certain Sabbats that feel meaningful to them.

YULE

Yule, a celebration of the winter solstice, marks the longest night of the year and occurs annually between December 20th and 22nd or June in the southern hemisphere. Rooted in ancient traditions like the Norse Jól, Danish Jul, and Old English Geol, Yule celebrates the rebirth of the sun as the days begin to lengthen following the stillness and quietude of the solstice night. This solar festival, linked to the Roman Saturnalia, honors the transition from the busy harvest and butchering seasons to the cold winter months. Much like Christmas, it includes traditions such as gift-giving, feasting, and the use of candles and fire to symbolize the return of light. Yule represents the Sun King's journey to bring light to the world, a theme later echoed in Christian tradition with Jesus as the bringer of light. This time of year offers a moment for reflection, honoring the darkness, and sparking new hope. Yule is a perfect opportunity to focus on peace, love, and happiness, whether by enjoying a family meal, taking a walk in nature, or sharing gratitude with loved ones.

YULE SYMBOLS

Colors: red, green, white, gold.

Moon Phase: Dark or new moon.

Botanicals: mistletoe, holly, wintergreen, ivy, poinsettia, pine, cedar, fir, spruce, juniper, birch, orange, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, myrrh.

Stones: amber, emerald, bloodstone, red jasper, garnet, ruby, moonstone, diamond.

Animals: goats, boars, reindeer, bears, wolves, stags, squirrels, owls, ravens, robins, cardinals.

Foods: mulled ciders and wines (try this wassail recipe), gingerbread, roasted meat, apples, oranges, winter squash, root vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, sunbread.

Altar Items & Decor: Yule log, evergreen garlands and wreaths, mistletoe ball, winter botanicals, wassail, red and green candles.

Rituals: shadow work, cleansing, grounding, peace, hope, solar magic.

Traditions: make a Yule altar, create a Yule log, make an evergreen garland or wreath, make a holly or mistletoe ball, bake Yule cookies, create Yule ornaments with dried fruit or gingerbread cookies, host a Yule feast and make merry with loved ones.

IMBOLC

Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st and 2nd or in August in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival Imbolg, which means "in the belly" or "milking," Imbolc signifies the time when ewes are pregnant and lambing season begins. It is closely associated with Brigid, the goddess of healing, poetry, blacksmithing, childbirth, and inspiration, who was later merged with Saint Brigid of Ireland, transforming the holiday into Candlemas, a feast day honoring the saint. Imbolc celebrates the renewal of life, symbolized by the Earth’s fires, and is traditionally a time for spring cleaning—clearing away the old to make space for new beginnings. It is the third holiday on the Wheel of the Year and often involves practices tied to fertility and the birth of new life, with foods like dairy and grains commonly consumed. The holiday is also marked by weather divination, such as listening for a lark's song to predict the arrival of spring. Modern traditions like Candlemas and Groundhog Day have their origins in Imbolc, and over time, Brigid was transformed into St. Brigid of Kildare, whose feast day on February 1st is still celebrated, with her shrine cared for by an all-female group of nuns, echoing the ancient priestesses who once honored her.

IMBOLC SYMBOLS

Colors: brown, lavender, light blue, green, pink, white, grey.

Moon Phase: New or waxing crescent moon.

Botanicals: snowdrops, dandelions, chamomile, basil, bay, benzoin, rosemary, angelica, myrrh, cinnamon, cedar, rowan, vanilla.

Stones: selenite, amethyst, blue lace agate, rose quartz, clear quartz, rhodonite, turquoise, bloodstone, onyx, ametrine.

Animals: sheep, lambs, swans, snakes, cows, bears, stags, any hibernating creatures.

Foods: oats, grains, breads, bread pudding, poppy, pumpkin, & sunflower seeds, dairy, eggs, pork, potatoes, onions, leeks (try this Irish Colcannon recipe), garlic, shallots, fermented foods, soup, stew, apple ciders, spiced wines, herbal teas.

Altar Items & Decor: acorns, brooms, Brighid’s cross, candles, snowflakes, white flowers, corn dollies, green wreaths, sun totems, and living plants.

Rituals: awakening, cleansing, protection, divination, house blessing, healing.

Traditions: make an Imbolc altar, do spring cleaning, and spiritual cleansing, make a dream sachet, plan your garden, work with fire, start a new project, craft, or hobby, and host an Imbolc feast.

OSTARA

Ostara is a celebration of the spring equinox, which happens between March 19th and 23rd or in September in the Southern Hemisphere, when day and night are equal. Named after the German goddess Eostre, this festival marks the start of spring, a time for new growth and fresh starts. It’s a good time to begin new projects or goals you've been thinking about since the winter holidays. Ostara is also a great time for cleaning up your life, whether that’s tidying your home, car, computer, or workspace. Anything you start now will have time to grow and develop, ready to be enjoyed in the summer.

OSTARA SYMBOLS

Colors: pink, green, yellow, white, light blue, anything pastel in hue.

Moon Phase: First quarter moon.

Botanicals: crocus, dandelion, tulips, daffodils, echinacea, goldenseal, hibiscus, honeysuckle, hyacinth, lilies, narcissus, violets, primrose, peony, hyssop, clover, alder, birch, dogwood.

Stones: rose quartz, green jade, selenite, rhodonite, sunstone, aventurine, moss agate, amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone.

Animals: rabbits, newborns (chicks, ducklings, lambs, calves, etc.), caterpillars, butterflies, ladybugs, snakes, and dragons.

Foods: eggs, rabbit, lamb, seeds, leafy green vegetables (try dandelion greens!), fruits, sprouts, olives, yogurt, cupcakes, honeycakes, hot cross buns, fruit wines, milk & honey, mead.

Altar Items & Decor: eggs (painted or otherwise), flower bulbs, seeds, balance imagery (sun and moon, black and white candles, etc), rose of Jericho, fresh flowers, living plants, green & white candles.

Rituals: new beginnings, fertility, creativity, prosperity, emergence, divination, restoration, play.

Traditions: make an Ostara altar, paint eggs, collect wildflowers, do spring cleaning, cleansing, oomancy (egg divination), host an Ostara feast, plan a magical garden, and charge seeds with intentions for planting at Beltane.

BELTANE

Beltane is a celebration held from April 30th to May 1st or October to November in the Southern Hemisphere and marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. The name comes from the Celtic word Bealtaine, meaning "bright fire." It's a time when the veil between worlds is believed to be thin, so people celebrate by protecting themselves from bad spirits and bringing good luck. It’s also a time when farmers moved their cattle to summer pastures and focused on fertility, love, and marriage. People celebrate with dancing, jumping over fires, and having fun. The festival is connected to nature and the start of the planting season, with traditions like lighting bonfires to bring protection and fertility. It is a time for feasting, making wishes, and decorating homes with flowers. The dew collected on Beltane was thought to make people more beautiful. In ancient times, people also had sex outdoors and jumped over fires for fertility. Though some of these traditions were banned in the 17th century, Beltane is still a time to celebrate nature, give thanks, and prepare for the upcoming harvest.

BELTANE SYMBOLS

Colors: blue, pink, red, green, gold, yellow.

Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous moon.

Botanicals: oak, apple, hawthorne, birch, elder, ash, blackthorn, grapevine, rowan, holly, willow, cedar, yew, hemlock, hazel, dogwood, jasmine, rose, daffodil, tansy, honeysuckle, St. John’s wort, snapdragon, flox, lilac, primrose, blessed thistle, curry, coriander, fern, fire’s weed, nettle, flaxseed, marjoram, paprika, radish, rue, mushroom, almond, meadowsweet, woodruff, frankincense.

Stones: carnelian, rose quartz, citrine, moonstone, malachite, garnet, emerald, beryl, tourmaline, amber, black obsidian.

Animals: cows, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, cats, butterflies, bees.

Foods: dairy, oat cakes, cherries, strawberries, leafy greens, May wine, almond bread.

Altar Items & Decor: salts, fresh flowers, fertility symbols, fire symbols, candles, chalices, honey, milk, oats, stone fruits, antlers & horns, swords, lances, arrows.

Rituals: prosperity, fertility, conservation, protection, strengthening relationships, divination.

Traditions: make a Beltane altar, collect morning dew, make flower crowns, plant seeds, dance around a maypole, manifest with fire, host a Beltane bonfire or feast.

LITHA

Litha is a celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which happens between June 20th and 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere or December in the Southern Hemisphere. The name "Litha" comes from the Saxon calendar and was made popular by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s. This holiday celebrates light, the sun, and the abundance of nature, bringing happiness and joy. People gather with family and friends to celebrate the beauty of the Earth, as flowers bloom and gardens fill with fresh fruits and vegetables. It's believed that at twilight, faeries come into the human world to offer blessings for a good harvest. Litha also marks the changing of the seasons, with the Oak King’s reign ending and the Holly King taking over as the days get shorter. Bonfires were traditionally lit to help the sun as it began to set earlier. The holiday honors the Celtic goddess Danu, mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann, who became the faerie folk. Over time, Litha became linked to St. John’s Day, celebrating John the Baptist. Litha is also a time to reflect on personal growth, goals, and to thank the Earth for its blessings.

LITHA SYMBOLS

Colors: gold, orange, red, yellow, white, green, blue.

Moon Phase: Full moon.

Botanicals: calendula, St. John’s wort, sunflower, dandelion, rosemary, bay, lavender, sage, mint, basil, mistletoe, rowan, oak, chamomile, fennel, cinnamon, mugwort, oats, rose, rue, star anise, yarrow.

Stones: sunstone, citrine, carnelian, pyrite, lapis lazuli, fluorite, amber, tiger’s eye.

Animals: horses, butterflies, bees, fireflies, songbirds.

Foods: summer fruits & vegetables, honeycakes, mead, cheese, sun-dried foods, sun tea.

Altar Items & Decor: solar symbols, fresh flowers.

Rituals: protection, love, divination.

Traditions: make a Litha altar, see the sunrise, make protective amulets or pouches, cleanse with water, make a solar wheel or sun catcher, dance, play, build a Litha fire, burn your Yule wreath, manifest with herbs, host a Litha feast.

LAMMAS

Lammas, celebrated on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere or February 1st in the Southern Hemisphere, is a festival that marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It comes from an ancient Celtic celebration called Lughnasadh, which honored the god Lugh’s foster mother, Tailtiu, who helped prepare the land for farming in Ireland. Over time, Lammas became a Christian harvest festival, and its name means "loaf mass." It's the first of three harvest festivals, marking the start of the harvest season when people gather and enjoy the fruits of summer as the days get shorter. Celebrated on August 1st during the zodiac sign of Leo, Lughnasadh is a time for gathering grains and baking bread. Early Christians called it Lammas, and sometimes people use the term Lammastide to refer to the festival.

LAMMAS SYMBOLS

Colors: yellow, gold, red, orange, brown, bronze.

Moon Phase: The waning gibbous moon.

Botanicals: grains, wheat, sunflower, corn, rose, mint, meadowsweet, apple, heather, hollyhock, ginseng, hops, calendula, fenugreek, grape leaves, sandalwood, frankincense, aloe.

Stones: citrine, carnelian, amber, tourmaline, bloodstone, rutile or rutilated quartz.

Animals: horses, oxen, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, roosters, bees.

Foods: grains, breads, blueberries, blackberries, apples, carrots, squashes, pomegranates, cheese, ciders, fresh vegetables, herbs, corn, jellies, herbal sun teas, mead, beer, wine.

Altar Items & Decor: sickles, scythes, fresh vegetables & fruits, grains, berries, corn dollies, bread, flowers, wheat stocks, yellow candles, corn, sheaves of grain.

Rituals: harvest, gratitude, sacrifice.

Traditions: make a Lammas altar, harvest the first boons from your garden, bake bread, make corn dollies, practice sports or crafts, save & dry seeds for next year, share your harvest, bless your tools for a rich harvest next year, host a Lammas feast.

MABON

Mabon is a celebration of the autumn equinox, which happens between September 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, or in March in the Southern Hemisphere. This festival, named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, marks the second harvest of the year. It's a time for gathering fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, apples, and grapes, and celebrating the Earth's abundance. Mabon also reminds us to prepare for winter as the days get shorter. Modern Pagans began celebrating Mabon in the 1970s, but its roots go back much further. It's a time to give thanks for the harvest, reflect on the past year, and let go of things that no longer serve us. Mabon encourages balance, change, and growth as the year comes to an end.

MABON SYMBOLS

Colors: red, brown, orange, gold, indigo.

Moon Phase: Last quarter moon.

Botanicals: cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, honeysuckle, marigold, passionflower, Solomon’s seal, milkweed, myrrh, tobacco, thistle, chamomile, garden sage, sweetgrass, pine, mugwort, rosemary, rosehips, yarrow, frankincense.

Stones: red jasper, garnet, obsidian, tourmaline, labradorite, moonstone, sapphire, lapis lazuli, amber, topaz, citrine, amethyst, ametrine.

Animals: bears, salmon, horses, boars, stags, geese, blackbirds, owls, eagles, herons, cranes.

Foods: apples, grapes, cherries, pomegranates, corn, squashes, root vegetables, breads, nuts, grains, soups, stews, eggs, beans, roasted meats, ciders, wine, mead, and beer.

Altar Items & Decor: corn, autumn flowers & leaves, red poppies, nuts, grains, acorns, pinecones, corn or apple dolls, and cornucopias.

Rituals: balance, abundance, harvest, gratitude, grounding, protection, shadow work, divination.

Traditions: make a Mabon altar, gather dried herbs and seeds to store for next year, make wine, go wassailing, give offerings to harvest fields, make a besom broom, share your harvest, express gratitude, host a Mabon feast.

SAMHAIN

Samhain is a celebration that happens every year from October 31st to November 1st in the Northern Hemisphere, or in April in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the halfway point between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, and its name comes from the Celtic word meaning "summer's end." This festival signals the start of the darker, colder months as the days get shorter. People believe that during Samhain, the barrier between the living and the spirit world is thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through more easily. Because of this, people light fires, use spells for protection, dress up to confuse spirits, and honor their ancestors. Samhain is one of the most important pagan holidays, especially for witches, as it marks the beginning of the Wheel of the Year. It’s a time for setting new goals, remembering loved ones who have passed, and connecting with the spirit world. Today, Samhain is similar to the Latin American Day of the Dead and is a chance to reflect on the past and prepare for the year ahead. The Mabon House Wheel of the Year Planner can help guide your spiritual path for the months to come.

SAMHAIN SYMBOLS:

Colors: black, orange, brown, red, white, silver, gold.

Moon Phase: Waning crescent or dark moon.

Botanicals: allspice, catnip, mandrake, sage, nightshade, mugwort, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, patchouli, frankincense, mullein, chrysanthemums, bay, tobacco, rue, wormwood, mushroom.

Stones: amber, obsidian, tourmaline, jet, howlite, selenite, smoky quartz, carnelian, iolite, aquamarine, opal, serpentine, spirit quartz.

Animals: bats, dogs, cats (particularly black cats), spiders, owls, ravens, crows.

Foods: turnips, apples, squashes, nuts, meats, mulled wines, pumpkin dishes, stew, soul cakes.

Altar Items & Decor: ancestor totems, gourds, apples, besoms, jack o'lanterns, skulls or bones (ethically sourced).

Rituals: ancestor communion, shadow work, grounding, protection, divination.

Traditions: make a Samhain altar, leave offerings for ancestors, honor the unknown dead, carve pumpkins, dress in costume to trick the wee folk, host a silent supper, host a Samhain bonfire or feast.

[the-mortuary-witch]

FREYJA

WHO IS SHE?

Freyja is the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, battle, gold, and seiðr (magic for seeing and influencing the future) in Norse mythology. She is often portrayed as a beautiful and powerful goddess who rides a chariot pulled by her two male cats, Bygul and Trjegul. She is known for her immense love, warmth, and affection, especially towards her close friends and loved ones. She is also known for her fierce and protective nature, which she uses to defend her loved ones and those who are innocent and vulnerable. She is one of the main goddesses, and is associated with several domains of life, and also plays a role in war and wisdom.

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: Freyja is described as a beautiful and ethereal goddess, with blonde hair and a slender body. She is often portrayed as a symbol of fertility and femininity, and she is often depicted as wearing a thin scarf or veil called a völva cloak. Sometimes she is described as having red hair and a bright, youthful face. In other depictions, she is described as having long, wavy hair and a delicate, feminine physique.

Personality: she is described as being a very loving, kind, and caring figure, who is associated with fertility and femininity. She is seen as a deity of love and passion, and is often likened to a mother figure. She is also seen as being a very compassionate and generous goddess, who is willing to help and support others.

Symbols: her chariot pulled by cats, Fehu rune, Brisingamen necklace, her boar (Hildisvíni), and cloak of feathers

Goddess of: love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, battle, gold, and seiðr (magic for seeing and influencing the future)

Culture: Norse

Plants: daisy, linden, snowdrops, lily of the valley, cowslip, columbine, pimpernel, strawberries, elderflower, thyme, and zinnias

Crystals: amethyst, amber, ruby, citrine, pink tourmaline, emerald, red jasper, jade, malachite, amazonite, lavender quartz, rose quartz, moonstone, and clear quartz

Animals: geese, cuckoo, sparrow, horse, cat, falcon, hawk, rabbit, ladybug, oxen, swallow, and boar

Incense: dragons blood, frankincense, lavender, rose, jasmine, and other sweet and/or floral-scents

Practices: embodying the divine feminine, love magick, divination, healing, protection, rebirth, fertility magick, banishing negativity, ancestor worship, beauty magick, pregnancy rituals, and nature worship

Colours: gold, yellow, white, green, red, pink, and light blue

Numbers: 9 and 12

Zodiacs: Capricorn and Leo

Tarot: The High Priestess, The Empress, The Lovers, The Chariot, Death, and Suit of Swords

Planet: Moon

Days: Friday, Lupercalia, full moon, new moon, Ostara, Litha, Beltane, Lammas

Parents: Njörðr and unnamed mother

Siblings: Freyr

Partner: Odin

Children: Hnoss and Gersemi

MISC:

Cats: she is associated with cats because, in Norse mythology, she is said to own two cats that pull her chariot through the night sky. According to some myths, Freyja's cats are named Bygul and Trjegul, and are said to be the reason why the Milky Way is created every night. The cats are also said to be magical and have the ability to predict the future. Additionally, cats were considered to be sacred animals to the Vikings and were often kept as pets and used for hunting vermin.

Moon: Freyja is associated with the moon because she is the Norse goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and war. She is also the goddess of the moon and is often depicted as riding a chariot pulled by two cats, which are her sacred animals. According to Norse mythology, Freyja is the owner of the magical necklace Brísingamen, which was created by four dwarfs and was said to shine with the light of the moon. Additionally, some scholars speculate that Freyja's association with the moon may also stem from her name, which means "lady" and is similar to the Old English word for the moon, which is "mōna.”

Friday: this weekday is considered to be the day of Freyja in Norse mythology because it is believed that it is the day of the week where the goddess is most active and able to interact with mortals. In some accounts, Friday was believed to be the day of the week where Freyja and the other goddesses would meet together to participate in various activities, such as spinning and weaving. Additionally, because Freyja was known as the goddess of love and beauty, Friday was also believed to be the day of the week where romantic pursuits were most likely to be successful.

War and battle: Freyja is associated with war and battle because she was a warrior goddess who was known for her prowess in battle. She was said to lead the Valkyries, who were the female warriors of Norse mythology, into battle. She was also known for her love of gold and her connection to the slain, as her hall in the afterlife, Fólkvangr, was said to be where she received half of the dead who had died in battle. 

Boar: she is associated with the boar because in Norse mythology, she is known for riding a boar named Hildisvíni, which means "battle swine" or "fighting pig" in Old Norse. It is said that Freyja uses Hildisvini as her mount and that she rides it into battle alongside her other animal companions. The connection between Freyja and the boar may also be linked to her reputation as a fertility goddess, as the boar was seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance in many Germanic cultures.

The colour gold: Freyja is associated with the colour gold because, according to Norse mythology, she is the goddess of gold and in some myths, the goddess of wealth. In some other myths, Freyja is said to have received her share of the treasure of the gods, which included a magical necklace and a golden boar. She was also said to be the owner of a golden ring that had the power to bestow both wealth and wisdom upon its wearer. Additionally, in some depictions of Freyja, she is often depicted wearing or holding golden objects, further reinforcing her connection to the precious metal.

FACTS ABOUT FREYJA:

• In some sources, she is known as the leader of the völva, which are the female seers and mystics of Norse mythology.

• Freyja is said to be the creator of the Vanir tribe of gods.

• She has given the gift of fertility to the Vanir.

• In Norse mythology, it is said that Freyja received the golden ring Brisingamen from the Dwarves in exchange for her favour, which leads to the story of her affair with Odin.

• Freyja is said to have gifted Skádi a necklace called Érfárátr which gives eternal youthful beauty.

• The völva cloak is a symbol of Freyja's power and authority.

• She had a magical feathered cloak which she could use to transform into a falcon. The cape made it possible for her to astral travel, to see beyond the limits of the physical world. She loaned it to Loki at some point.

• One should not underestimate Freyja, for she embodies the roles of a warrior, a sorceress, and a shapeshifter. She taught the chief of the Æsir, Odin, the magical art of seiðr, showing her mastery over magic. She also has the power to choose half of the warriors slain in battle to reside in her hall, Sessrúmnir, showing her connection to death and the afterlife.

• If you are trying to work with this deity, it is wise to be aware that Freyja does not live by human standards of morality. She lives to her own accord and will go by any means to obtain what she wants, as she is viewed as a goddess of the untamed forces of nature. Freyja may appear to you and either gently motivate you in a direction or outright demand it! How she might appear to someone, especially in a dream or vision, would depend on the context, the individual's beliefs, and the cultural interpretations of her character. However, based on her attributes and descriptions in Norse myths Freyja might manifest as a cat, a beautiful woman adorned with jewelry, a falcon or hawk, or even a fierce warrior.

• The Vanir Queen is a common title given to Freyja.

HOW TO INVOKE FREYJA:

Working with of Freyja involves taking time to set up a sacred space, cleaning and dedicating this space, offering prayers of reverence and gratitude, showing care and thought with offerings, asking for guidance and wisdom with your prayers, being open to messages she may send, and being mindful and attentive throughout the devotion.

PRAYER FOR FREYJA:

Mother Freyja, Queen of the Vanir and holder of golden Brisingamen, I come to you seeking your guidance and protection.

I respectfully ask for your blessing and your help in whatever I undertake. I offer you our prayers and our devotion, with respect and reverence. Please look upon us with your gentle mercy and your grace. I give myself to you, for I trust you will use me as you see fit. I ask this in your name and I pay this tribute in your honour.

Thank you, Mother Freyja, for your wisdom and generosity. I have received your blessings and your guidance, and I ask for your continued protection and support. As you see fit, I humbly beg your favor and your grace. I give ourselves to you, and I worship you with devotion and respect. So be it. Hail Mother Freyja.

SIGNS THAT FREYJA IS CALLING YOU:

• Finding yourself drawn to her energy and feeling a strong connection.

• You feel a strong sense of devotion and reverence towards her.

• You experience synchronicity or signs that seem to indicate her presence.

• You have an urge to work with her, and you feel an overwhelming need to reach out to her.

• Freyja comes to you in a dream

• She comes to you in meditation or journeying

• Cats follow you or seem to be everywhere you go

• A ladybug lands on you

• You see ladybugs or cats constantly – on TV, online, etc.

• You hear her name in random conversations or on the radio

• Open a book and her name pops up

• Another witch or psychic tells you Freyja is calling you

• She sends you these these runes repetitively: Fehu, Kenaz, and Jera.

OFFERINGS:

• Foods and drinks: ale, apples, barley, honey, mead, pork, orange, chocolate, and sweet liquors.

• Lavish jewelry.

• Perfume.

• Cinnamon.

• Plants and trees: daisy, linden, snowdrops, lily of the valley, cowslip, columbine, pimpernel, strawberries, elderflower, thyme, zinnias, apple tree, alder, birch, bramble, cypress, feverfew, mint, mistletoe, mugwort, rose, tansy, vervain, yarrow, and valerian.

• Love songs.

• Dancing.

• Cat whiskers (please don’t cut a kitty’s precious whiskers, wait for them to shed naturally - look for them mostly during summer and on the places your cats spend most of their time).

• Divination.

• Crystals: amethyst, amber, ruby, citrine, pink tourmaline, emerald, red jasper, jade, malachite, amazonite, lavender quartz, rose quartz, moonstone, and clear quartz.

•Weaponry.

• Hawk or falcon feathers.

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

• Pray or meditate in her name on a daily basis.

• Keep a journal, record your thoughts and feelings about her.

• Create an altar or sacred space for her.

• Do not declaw her for being a goddess of love and beauty. Recognize her for the goddess of war that she is, Queen of the Valkyries, and one of the gods of the Vanir.

• Decorate your home or altar with cats, honey combs, horns, or bones.

• Practice self love in it’s totally, look at where you need to grow but recognize and appreciate your strengths.

• Carry the crystals (or keep in your home): amber, rose quartz, snow quartz, gold sheen obsidian, labradorite, orange calcite, tangerine quartz, and peridot.

• Dedicate a piece of jewelry to her in honour of her Brisingamen.

• Feeding stray cats.

• Drink floral teas like lavender, chamomile, rose, or jasmine with honey.

• Read the stories that mention her: Völuspá, Lokasenna, Oddrúnargrátr, Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Egils saga, Njáls saga, Hyndluljóð, Hálfs saga ok Hálfsrekka, Grímnismál, Sörla þáttr, and Þrymskviða.

• Use the runes Fehu, Kenaz, and Jera in your craft or altar.

• Plant alder, apple, birch, bramble, elder, vervain, rose, tansy, lavender, yarrow, or belladona.

• Dedicate a leg shaking orgasm to her.

• Take a bath in salts, roses, and lavender. Decorate accordingly.

• Enchant your make up to make you feel beautiful, confident, and strong.

• Learn self defense or kick boxing; or just do something to help you stay active and strong in her honour.

• Light incense or candles of rose, honey, jasmine, amber, strawberry, dragon’s blood, or musk.

• Learn about or listen to kulning and Norwegian throat-singing.

• Pray to her for your loved ones in battles whether it’s oversees, a disease, or an abusive relationship.

• Leave her offerings of mead, weed, wine, red velvet, roasted nuts, honey, pork, bread, or chocolate.

• Explore yourself and your body.

• Watch movies/tv shows with strong female leads (preferably with none problematic actors) like Wonder Woman, How To Get Away With Murder, Moana, Queen of Katwe, etc.

• Spend time in nature, as she is often associated with the natural world.

• Talk to her openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

• Read or study books on Norse mythology and stories that involve Freyja.

• Consider growing some of Freyja’s holy plants: primrose, mugwort, holly, hemp, or flax

• By adopting a cat (if you don’t already have one), you uplift Freyja’s sacred animal. And if you can’t adopt a cat, consider donating cat food, toys, etc. to a local rescue or shelter. OR volunteer. Doing these things in Freya’s name brings her great joy.