The Wiccan calendar wheel, also known as the Wheel of the Year, is a symbolic representation of the cycles of nature and the annual celebrations observed by those who follow the Wiccan religion. It is comprised of eight major festivals, or Sabbats, which are spaced roughly evenly throughout the year and correspond to significant points in the agricultural and natural seasonal cycle. The first festival on the Wiccan calendar wheel is known as Samhain, which takes place on October 31st or November 1st. Samhain is considered the Wiccan New Year and marks the end of the harvest season. It is a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world is believed to be thinnest, making it a suitable time for communication with ancestors and the remembering of loved ones who have passed on. Following Samhain is Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, which usually falls around December 21st.
But it turns out that the deep, rumbly vibrations required to soothe sore muscles can be repurposed. Sex educator Betty Dodson famously handed out wand vibes to the participants of her “Bodysex” masturbation workshops, starting in the 1970s. Since then, various studies have found that wand vibrators can be helpful in treating sexual dysfunction such as anorgasmia, or the inability to orgasm. The authors of one such study explained the wand vibe’s usefulness by saying that its “very large head [is] designed for efficient transference of vibrations to the vulva and clitoral region without causing soreness or irritation of the tissue.”
If you tend to masturbate or have sex near a power outlet, and if vibration strength is a priority for you, then you should consider plug-in electric wands, but if you prefer a little more mobility and don t mind potentially sacrificing some power, go with a rechargeable option. I ve surprisingly used a lot of sex toys specifically designed for penises and find they never really come close to the experience of using a wand, says Dick Wound, a kink educator and cohost of the Off the Cuffs podcast.
Following Samhain is Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, which usually falls around December 21st. Yule marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and is a celebration of the return of the sun. It is a time for introspection and renewal, as well as for honoring the interconnectedness of all things during the darkest part of the year.
The Best Wand Vibrators Are Worth the Buzz
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Wand vibrators are a super-popular category of pleasure product, with almost every major sex toy company making their own versions of the “best wand vibrators.” Sure, you might think they're just a sex toy made for women, but it's also a very popular sex toy for men (more on that later). Last we looked, of the 25 best-selling vibrators on Amazon, six are wands, including the one in the top spot. Wands have had cameo roles in plenty of sex-positive media properties, from Sex and the City to Grace & Frankie to How to Build a Sex Room.
But are they really worth all the hype? I think so—and I would know. I’ve been reviewing sex toys for more than a decade, and some of my most-used toys are wands, whether I’m reaching for them to crank out an orgasm or to work out some muscle tension (or both at once!). I love wand vibes so much that I actually got one tattooed on my body.
Here's what makes wand vibrators so iconic and beloved, and which wands stand out from the pack.
Imbolc, the third festival on the Wiccan calendar wheel, takes place on February 2nd and marks the beginning of spring. It is a time for purification and initiation, as well as for paying tribute to the goddess Brigid, who embodies the energy of the returning light and the awakening of the earth. Ostara, celebrated on the spring equinox around March 21st, is a festival of balance and fertility. It marks the time when day and night are once again equal in length, and symbolizes the rebirth and renewal of nature. Plants and animals awaken from their winter slumber, and it is a time of growth, new beginnings, and fresh starts. Beltane, observed on May 1st, is a celebration of the arrival of summer and the full blooming of the earth. It is a time for honoring the union of the god and goddess, as well as for fertility rites and the lighting of bonfires. Beltane is associated with abundance, passion, and the awakening of desire. Litha, also known as the summer solstice, occurs around June 21st and is the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is a time to celebrate the sun at its peak and to honor the power of light and warmth. Litha is a joyous celebration of life and abundance, and is often marked with outdoor rituals, feasting, and dancing. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, is the first harvest festival of the year. It is a time for giving thanks for the fruits of the earth and for the abundance of the summer. Lughnasadh is also associated with the god Lugh, who represents the skills and talents of humankind. It is a time for gathering and sharing resources, as well as for reflecting on the efforts and sacrifices made throughout the year. The final festival on the Wiccan calendar wheel is Mabon, which occurs on the fall equinox around September 21st. It is a celebration of the second harvest and a time to express gratitude for the blessings of the season. Mabon is also a time for reflection and balance, as day and night are once again equal in length. It is a time to honor the changing seasons and to prepare for the coming darkness and introspection of winter. The Wiccan calendar wheel is a cyclical representation of the natural world and the spiritual journey that mirrors the cycles of nature. Through the observance of the Sabbats, Wiccans connect with the energy of the seasons, honor the divine in all things, and seek balance and harmony in their lives. Each festival on the Wiccan calendar wheel offers an opportunity for spiritual growth, connection with nature, and celebration of life’s cycles..
Reviews for "Mabon: The Wiccan Calendar Wheel and the Celebration of the Autumn Equinox"
1. Samantha - 2 out of 5 stars.
I found the "Wicca calendar wheel" to be disappointing. The content lacked depth and was too general. I was hoping for more detailed information about various Wiccan festivals and rituals, but instead, it only provided a basic overview without any practical guidance. The layout and design were also underwhelming, making it difficult to navigate and find specific information. Overall, I would not recommend this calendar for anyone looking for an in-depth understanding of Wiccan practices.
2. David - 1 out of 5 stars.
I was highly disappointed with the "Wicca calendar wheel." As a beginner in Wicca, I was expecting this calendar to serve as a helpful tool to guide me through the year. However, it fell short in providing any substantial knowledge or guidance. The information provided was too superficial and lacked any practical application. Additionally, the artistic design and imagery were unimpressive, and it lacked any vibrant colors or aesthetically pleasing elements. Overall, I feel like it was a waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone serious about practicing Wicca.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars.
The "Wicca calendar wheel" was a letdown for me. While it had a decent amount of information about the different sabbats and phases of the moon, I found it to be lacking in practical suggestions or ideas for celebrating these events. The calendar format was also a bit confusing, with a cluttered layout that made it difficult to read and understand at a glance. I was hoping for a more user-friendly and visually appealing calendar that would make it easier to follow the Wiccan calendar throughout the year. Unfortunately, this calendar did not meet my expectations.