The Pagan Festival Circle is a concept that refers to the cycle of annual religious and spiritual celebrations observed by many modern pagan and Wiccan communities. These festivals, also known as Sabbats, mark the changing seasons and celebrate the cycles of nature. The Pagan Festival Circle is rooted in ancient traditions and folklore that have been passed down through generations. It is believed that these festivals connect individuals to the natural world and the spiritual energies that are present during these times. There are eight major festivals in the Pagan Festival Circle, which are divided into two categories: the solstices and equinoxes (known as the quarter days) and the midpoints between them (known as the cross-quarter days). The solstices and equinoxes are based on the changing position of the sun, while the cross-quarter days are based on the agricultural and seasonal cycles.
The solstices and equinoxes are based on the changing position of the sun, while the cross-quarter days are based on the agricultural and seasonal cycles. The first festival in the Pagan Festival Circle is Yule, which is observed on the winter solstice. It marks the rebirth of the sun and celebrates the return of light after the darkest time of the year.
A Healing Circle at Beltane
Sister Dearest, I was thinking of you and our walks along the river path. Walking, talking, sharing secrets. And singing, of course. Singing the tunes we sang with our CrowSisters. The Crow Women had developed a repertoire of tunes for life events, rituals, festivals and more. Remembering festivals, we came to a pause, quiet, then together we both said, “Beltane!”. Smiling and laughing we recalled one special Beltane.
Remember? We were chatting with some of the Beltane festival tribe, and one woman shyly mentioned a health challenge she was dealing with. There in the golden light of sunset, the eve before the raising of the maypole, we responded to her need with the healing magic of song.
Untitled 4:17, Dona M Fleming, 5crowstudioWe, the Crow Women, held hands forming a circle around the woman who was offered the song. It began as a small circle, just us and her companions. This is a short tune, easy to learn. Others joined in singing, and the circle grew. Once the circle sounded comfortable with singing, the Crow Women added harmony and toning and other creative embellishments. Filled with song, I closed my eyes. Did you close yours?
Healing Circle Song, from the album Crow Goddess
I am a circle, I am healing you.
You are a circle, you are healing me.
Unite us, be one, unite us, be as one.
Something full was beginning, I felt it, you said you did too. As we all sang, the singers became the song. The flow was continuous, no breaks, one phrase flowing into the next—we became one. The harmonies we created wafted above us creating their own harmonies. Layers of soothing warmth, bright and gentle, the sphere of song holding us.
The song chose its own ending, a seamless “Om”. Then there was silence. I opened my eyes; the circle had almost doubled while we sang. I looked at you, your face aglow and smiling. Yes, we knew it, true magic.
The next day, when the community toned to the newly-raised maypole, we felt the echoes of the healing energy of the night before. The vibrations still in our bodies, we offered that healing to all present. Did they feel it, I wonder?
Seed Series II, Dona M Fleming, 5crowstudioWe Crows have sung this same song many times, before and since. That May Beltane was transformative; something rare and precious had occurred. When we later recorded the song on our first album, we sought to recreate that spontaneous healing moment, right there in the studio. Listen, can you hear it?
Some of us have moved far from the CrowNest, but on those occasions when we flock together, it’s a pleasure to sing the magic together, and to remember the moment when it was born.
The fiber art depicted in this post is by post author Donamarie Fleming, whose art graces the covers of both of our previous albums.
At the time of this writing, the artwork in this post is for sale. For more information about her work you can contact her at [email protected]
The Crow Women learned Healing Circle Song from the cassette tape Earth Dance Celebrates Songs of the Sacred Wheel. It is listed as “author unknown”. If you know the composer, let us know. We’d love to give them credit.
Mer Gush IV, Dona M Fleming, 5crowstudioShare this:
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So I write this, and I know it is true. I know this is my honest experience. I know I can say without exaggeration that I believe this is the closest thing to Eleusis you will find, and I know that sounds like utter horseshit.
This festival is associated with themes of renewal, hope, and rebirth. Imbolc is the next festival, observed on February 2nd. It marks the midpoint between winter solstice and the spring equinox and is associated with the start of spring and the beginning of the agricultural year. Imbolc celebrates the return of life and the start of new growth. The Spring Equinox, known as Ostara, is celebrated around March 20th. It marks the arrival of spring and the balance between light and darkness. Ostara is associated with fertility, new beginnings, and the awakening of the earth. Beltane is observed on May 1st and celebrates the height of spring and the beginning of summer. It is a time of fertility, passion, and abundance. Beltane is often associated with Maypole dancing and the honoring of the earth's energy. The Summer Solstice, known as Litha, is celebrated around June 21st. It is the longest day of the year and marks the peak of the sun's power. Litha is associated with abundance, protection, and the honoring of the sun. Lughnasadh is observed on August 1st and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of gratitude, abundance, and celebrating the fruits of the earth. Lughnasadh is associated with the agricultural cycle and the turning of the seasons. The Autumn Equinox, known as Mabon, is celebrated around September 21st. It marks the second harvest and the balance between light and darkness. Mabon is associated with gratitude, reflection, and the preparation for the coming winter. The final festival in the Pagan Festival Circle is Samhain, observed on October 31st. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Samhain is associated with honoring ancestors, divination, and the thinning of the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds. The Pagan Festival Circle provides a framework for individuals to connect with nature, celebrate the changing seasons, and honor the spiritual energies that are present during these times. These festivals are a way for pagan and Wiccan communities to come together, celebrate their beliefs, and deepen their connection with the natural world..
Reviews for "Connecting with Ancestors: An Important Aspect of Pagan Festival Circles"
1. John - 2/5
I attended the Pagan Festival Circle with high expectations but was left disappointed. The event had a disorganized atmosphere and lacked clear instructions for participants. The festival grounds were poorly maintained, with trash left scattered around and an overall feeling of neglect. Additionally, the activities advertised in the event program were either canceled or poorly executed. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money attending this festival.
2. Emily - 1/5
The Pagan Festival Circle was a complete disaster. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that the organizers had no idea what they were doing. The schedule was constantly changing, and the lack of communication made it impossible to know what was happening next. The workshops and performances that were supposed to be the highlights of the event were mediocre at best and didn't live up to the advertised descriptions. The whole experience felt unprofessional and poorly planned, and I would not recommend attending this festival.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I was excited to celebrate my pagan beliefs at the Pagan Festival Circle, but unfortunately, the experience fell short. The event lacked a welcoming atmosphere, and it seemed like most attendees already knew each other, which made it difficult for newcomers to feel included. The activities offered were limited, and there wasn't much variety in workshops or performances. The festival could also benefit from better organization and clearer instructions for participants. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed with the lackluster experience.
4. Mike - 2/5
I attended the Pagan Festival Circle hoping to connect with like-minded individuals and learn more about pagan practices. Unfortunately, the festival didn't deliver on either front. The event felt cliquey and exclusionary, making it difficult for newcomers to feel accepted. The workshops and discussions lacked depth and meaningful content, leaving me with more questions than answers. Moreover, the festival grounds were unkempt and unappealing, which impacted the overall experience. I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone seeking a genuinely enriching and inclusive pagan gathering.