Let's switch gears for a bit and talk about the sacred calender. This calender is very important for Wiccans, but I believe that not just Wiccans should follow the ways of the sacred calender. These holidays have been around since even before the creation of Christianity, starting back from generations of Pagans. First, before we go into a big huge lesson of Beltane, or Samhain, let's talk about the moon phases.
The moon phases are a major and important part to spell practitioners, and many others. Some of the spells we shared we kind of already got a sense of when to do certain spells according to the moon phase. Loves spells to attract are performed when the moon is waxing, getting larger, and banishing spells are cast when the moon is waning, or getting smaller.
The full moon is a particularly significant day, symbolizing the power of the moon at its fullest. It's more than possible to tap into deeper levels of power if you perform a ritual or spell on the night of the full moon. What to remember is that the moon symbolizes the goddess, or the feminine aspect of the divine. So, if you have already figured out your matron goddess, this could be any female goddess; Ix Chel, Isis, Athena, Aphrodite, Hera, Durga, etc. But, there is also belief in a god, the masculine divine, symbolized by the sun. This can be any male god; Zeus, Triton, Thor, Osiris, Anubis, Odin, etc.
Therefore the days that mark the changing of the seasons are also days of power and significance, thus the Calender. There are eight days of power; four of them are the solstices and equinoxes. The other four mark the changing of the agricultural seasons. Here are all eight days and what they signify in order of the calender.
Imbolc - February 2: Imbolc celebrates light and fertility, as the days begin to get longer and the light begins to return, and the earth prepares for another season. It's also known as the Feast of Torches.
Spring Equinox - March 21: This is the official beginning of spring. Light and dark are in equal balance on this day, and the fields awaken and prepare for the blooming of spring and fertility. Spells for money and prosperity are especially effective at this time.
Beltane (Bell-chan-ee) - April 30: This is the return of vitality and passion to the earth. This is a good time to perform a love spell.
The Summer Solstice - June 21: This is the longest day of the year. It's a day of purification, health, and fertility. Healing spells done on this day have special powers.
Lunasa - August 1: This day commemorates the first harvest. The nights grow longer, and we begin to reap the fruits of our labors.
The Fall Equinox - Semptember 21: This is the other day when light and dark are in balance and harmony. The cycle of the earth is slowing down and preparing for winter.
Samhain - October 31: You may know this date as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve. It's also known as the Feast of the Dead. It's a time of reflection on the past, and a perfect time to communicate with spirits unseen. This is also the very last day of the calender. November first will be the beginning of the new year instead of January first, but this is only spiritually.
The Winter Solstice - December 21: This is the shortest day of the year. The darkness is greatest on this day and therefore spells that use light and candles are used to enhance the darkness.
Those are the eight days of power in the Calender. All of them have their own specific purpose and meaning. But it is safe to say, that if you want to add extra power to a particular spell, performing your spell on the proper holy day will add immense power to your spell.
Many Pagans choose to celebrate these days of power with a special ritual to mark the occasion. They are not asking for anything specific, per se. Sometimes they just want to give thanks to the divine powers, or feel connected in some way to the movement of the earth and the seasons.
Next time, we'll talk about the Holidays and how you can incorporate them to your Pagan religion. Blessed be!
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