Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that focuses on witchcraft and nature worship. One important aspect of Wicca is the use of a calendar that revolves around the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons. The Wiccan calendar is divided into eight Sabbats or holidays, which are celebrated throughout the year. The Wiccan calendar follows a solar and lunar cycle, with the eight Sabbats marking the turning points of the seasons. The first Sabbat is Imbolc, celebrated on February 2nd, which marks the beginning of spring and the start of the agricultural year. It is a time to celebrate the returning light and the awakening of the earth.
What Star is This? The Pagan Origins of Christmas Symbols
Rooted in the cyclical pagan year, Christmas can be linked back to the celebration of the Winter Solstice around December 21st, a time when the night was at its longest, and the coming of the “light” was celebrated and revered. New hope, the Sacred Fire, the Light of the World, all represented the end point of one natural cycle, and beginning of another. The Solstice may have been the longest and darkest of days and nights, but from that point on, there would be more light and the promise of a coming spring.
It is a time to celebrate the returning light and the awakening of the earth. The next Sabbat is Ostara, celebrated on the spring equinox, around March 21st. It is a time of balance between light and dark, and a celebration of the arrival of spring.
Roots in Ancient Tradition
Our traditional ‘Western” Christmas holiday actually has its roots in ancient Celtic and Saxon tradition. The Celts and Saxons celebrated “Yula” or “wheel of the year,” which became our modern Yule. This was often held on the actual day of the Solstice.
This gala involved the burning of a log that was lit on the eve of the solstice and burned for twelve hours. It signified good luck and a prosperous coming year. Trees were later used instead, with lights placed upon them in the form of small candles—and thus the Christmas tree was born! Usually it was an evergreen, decorated with holly and mistletoe as these two plants were revered as fertility symbols.
Painting of the Yule Log being brought in at Hever Castle, 19th century (Public Domain)
Celts believed that mistletoe was an aphrodisiac, which is the reason why people all over the world now kiss under the hanging mistletoe.
The tradition of the Christmas tree really took off in 16th century Germany when Christians began to use them in their homes, decorating them with candles and later, when the tradition spread into other parts of Europe, with small, sweet treats. The first Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in England in 1841 was covered with candles, fruits and gingerbread, and eventually in the 1850s, the use of small toys and trinkets, often fairies, dolls, horns and bells.
The biggest part of the Yule celebration was food and drink, mainly the wassail cup, which is mentioned in many a favorite traditional Christmas carol. The word wassail comes from the Old English “ wes hal,” literally “ be in good health.” Beyond the wassail cup, food has continued to be a staple of holiday celebration, with feasting that might continue for days and of course, the imbibing of spirits to make “merry.”
This is followed by Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, which marks the beginning of summer and is a time of fertility and abundance. Midsummer, or Litha, is celebrated on the summer solstice, around June 21st. It is a time to celebrate the power of the sun and the abundance of the earth. Lammas, celebrated on August 1st, marks the first harvest and the beginning of the descent into autumn. The Sabbat of Mabon, celebrated on the autumn equinox, around September 21st, is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for the coming winter. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. It is a time to honor ancestors and communicate with the spirit world. The final Sabbat is Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, around December 21st. It is the longest night of the year and marks the beginning of winter. It is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of new life. In addition to the Sabbats, Wiccans also observe Esbats, which are celebrations of the full moon. These occur roughly every 29.5 days and serve as a time for magic and spiritual practice. The Wiccan calendar wheel is a representation of the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. It serves as a guide for Wiccans to connect with the natural world and celebrate the turning points of the year. By aligning their rituals and practices with the calendar, Wiccans can create a deeper connection with the earth and the divine..
Reviews for "The Seasonal Aesthetics of the Wiccan Calendar"
1. John - 2 stars - I didn't enjoy the "Wicca Calendar Wheel" at all. The content felt repetitive, and the information provided was very basic and generic. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations or insights into Wiccan practices, but I didn't find anything substantial in this calendar. The illustrations were also underwhelming and didn't enhance the overall experience. I would not recommend this calendar to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Wicca.
2. Emily - 1 star - The "Wicca Calendar Wheel" was a huge disappointment for me. The design and layout were confusing and cluttered, making it difficult to navigate and find the specific information I was looking for. Additionally, the calendar lacked any meaningful descriptions or explanations of the celebrations and rituals associated with Wicca. Instead, it mostly consisted of brief, surface-level descriptions that left me unsatisfied. Overall, this was not a useful or informative calendar for someone interested in Wicca.
3. Mark - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for years, I found the "Wicca Calendar Wheel" to be extremely basic and lacking in substance. The information provided was very introductory and didn't offer anything new or insightful. I was hoping for a calendar that would provide more in-depth information about the different Sabbats and their corresponding rituals, but this calendar fell short. Additionally, the illustrations were not visually appealing, and the overall design was lackluster. I wouldn't recommend this calendar to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to practicing Wicca.
4. Stephanie - 2 stars - I was disappointed with the "Wicca Calendar Wheel" as it didn't live up to my expectations. The information provided was very surface-level and didn't delve into the rich history and traditions of Wicca. The illustrations were also mediocre and didn't enhance the overall aesthetic of the calendar. I would have preferred a more comprehensive and informative calendar that catered to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Unfortunately, this calendar did not meet those expectations.