Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that celebrates the cycles of nature and worships a goddess and god. It is a diverse religion with various traditions and practices, but one common ceremony celebrated by Wiccans is the spring equinoctial ceremony. The spring equinox, also known as Ostara, is a time when day and night are of equal length, marking the beginning of spring. Wiccans view this as a time of balance and renewal, when the earth starts to awaken after the winter months. During the spring equinoctial ceremony, Wiccans gather to honor the changing of the seasons and to connect with the energies of nature. The ceremony often takes place outdoors, in a natural setting, to foster a closer connection with the earth.
The former Divas is now the unmarked home of the Living Church. | Source: Astrid Kane/The Standard Dosages can be inconsistent. According to the label of a Galaxy Labs bar, eating half of it can cause you to "blast off to space." | Source: RJ Mickelson/The Standard
Our coalition of veterans, first responders, health care professionals and former law enforcement officers are conveying to the Governor the critical importance of these substances in helping people heal and get their lives back. There, spiritual guidance comes in the form of a Vibrant Minds honey nut granola bar, sold in the kind of vaguely Space Age packaging that cannabis edibles come in evoking Honey Nut Cheerios, bee and all.
The ceremony often takes place outdoors, in a natural setting, to foster a closer connection with the earth. Wiccans typically create a sacred circle, symbolizing the womb of the goddess, where they conduct their rituals and ceremonies. They may use various tools and symbols, such as athames (ritual knives), chalices, and candles, to invoke their deities and cast spells.
Cannabis goes gourmet at these culinary events.
While the pandemic forced some of those fledgling tastemakers out of business, culinary cannabis events are once again on the rise from Napa to San Francisco and Oakland. From the travel-centric Cannescape to the womens-only club Big Bad Queens, here’s where to get a seat at the weed-friendly table.
Big Bad Wolf + Big Bad Queens
Kick-ass, cannabis-consuming woman, this one’s for you. Big Bad Queens developed out of Big Bad Wolf, the beloved herb-infused pop-up dinners chef and Food Network cannabis consultant Haejin Chun has been hosting since 2016. Those events, which bring together Bay Area connoisseurs of all genders for great weed and even better food (think pork belly and tomato kimchi, oxtail kimchi dumplings, and miso cheesecake) have become a springboard for something greater: a members-only space created by women for women that revolves not just around cannabis but the power of collaboration. Join the club for just $30 a year to get in on their panels, smoke sessions, mixers, and co-working luncheons—plus first access to Chun’s famously fabulous dinner parties. // Sign up at bbwsfmembership.splashthat.com
Cannescape
Cannescape, a collaboration between Solomon Johnson, Chopped 420 champ and co-owner of Oakland’s The Bussdown, and local journalist Chelsea Davis, combines culinary cannabis excellence with Northern California’s best getaways. At their events, Johnson’s weed-infused feasts are just the start. Overnight experiences also include CBD happy hours, expert panels, and a CBD breakfast.
For its 2023 4/20 party, Cannescape takes over Calisotga’s Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs for a two-day event with a five-course dinner at its center. The meal will feature dishes like ubora tart with crab and king salmon with seared brassicas. Tickets for some of the festivities are still available, but definitely keep an eye on their Instagram for their next brilliant showing. // cannescape.com
Cannaisseur
Chef Coreen Carroll, author of Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen and winner of Netflix’s Cooked With Cannabis, has been hosting curated events with her cannabis entrepreneur husband Ryan Bush since 2015. With Cannaisseur, the pair does everything from communal meals to educational opportunities in both public and private formats. Check out their four-course seasonal brunches complete with a mimosa bar and dishes infused with flower, extracts and leaves, or a workshop pairing an edible education with curated tastings. If you’re planning a private event, they’ll set you up with a tailored menu and infused hors d’oeuvres based on rotating themes. // For more info, go to cannaisseurseries.com.
Chef Coreen Carroll, author of Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen and winner of Netflix’s Cooked With Cannabis, has been hosting curated events with her cannabis entrepreneur husband Ryan Bush since 2015. With Cannaisseur, the pair does everything from communal meals to educational opportunities in both public and private formats. Check out their four-course seasonal brunches complete with a mimosa bar and dishes infused with flower, extracts and leaves, or a workshop pairing an edible education with curated tastings. If you’re planning a private event, they’ll set you up with a tailored menu and infused hors d’oeuvres based on rotating themes. // For more info, go to cannaisseurseries.com.
The ceremony usually begins with a purification ritual, where participants cleanse themselves and the ritual space with water or incense. This is followed by the invocation of the goddess and god, where Wiccans call upon the energies of these deities for blessings and guidance. Prayers, chants, and songs are often performed during the ceremony to create a sacred and spiritual atmosphere. Wiccans may also engage in activities such as dancing, drumming, or meditating to raise energy and commune with nature. Spring equinoctial ceremonies often include rituals to honor the changing of the seasons and to welcome the arrival of spring. This may involve planting seeds or flowers, symbolizing new beginnings and growth. Wiccans may also perform divination or tarot readings to gain insight and guidance for the coming months. Overall, the main idea of the Wiccan spring equinoctial ceremony is to celebrate the arrival of spring, to honor the cycles of nature, and to connect with the divine energies of the goddess and god. It is a time of balance, renewal, and the awakening of the earth after the winter months. Wiccans gather to create a sacred space, engage in rituals, and commune with nature to foster spiritual growth and connection..
Reviews for "Sacred Offerings: Wiccan Ceremonies for the Equinox"
1. John - 1/5 stars - The Wiccan spring equinoctial ceremony was just a bunch of people dressed in robes, waving around incense, and chanting in some made-up language. It felt like a complete waste of time. I was hoping to learn something new about Wiccan beliefs and spirituality, but all I got was some weird performance that made no sense to me.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I'm all for exploring different spiritual practices, but the Wiccan spring equinoctial ceremony was just not my cup of tea. The ritual seemed overly complicated, with lots of elaborate hand gestures and specific instructions that were hard to follow. I didn't feel any connection to the ceremony or the energy in the room, and it left me feeling more confused than enlightened.
3. Mark - 1/5 stars - I attended the Wiccan spring equinoctial ceremony out of curiosity, but I left feeling disappointed. The whole event felt disorganized and chaotic, with participants stumbling over their words and forgetting their lines. It lacked the sense of reverence and sacredness that I was expecting, and instead felt like a group of amateurs trying to put on a show. Overall, it was a letdown and not representative of what I imagined a Wiccan ceremony to be like.
4. Emma - 2/5 stars - As someone who appreciates different spiritual practices, I was excited to attend the Wiccan spring equinoctial ceremony. However, I found the atmosphere to be a bit overwhelming and intense. The participants seemed very serious and focused, which could be a positive aspect for some, but it didn't resonate with me personally. Additionally, the ceremony lacked clear explanations or introductions to help newcomers understand the symbolism and purpose behind each ritual. Overall, it wasn't a fulfilling experience for me.