Wicca holidays for the year 2022 are celebrated by followers of the Wiccan religion, which is a modern pagan, witchcraft-centered spiritual path. These holidays, also known as Sabbats, are based on the cycles of the seasons and nature. The year begins with Imbolc on February 2nd, marking the awakening of the earth as winter starts to wane and the first signs of spring can be seen. It is a time for purification, renewal, and the honoring of the goddess Brigid. Ostara, celebrated on March 20th, is the spring equinox. It signifies the balance of light and dark with the lengthening of daylight hours.
Queens of the Wild
It signifies the balance of light and dark with the lengthening of daylight hours. It is a time for growth, fertility, and the celebration of the goddess Eostre. Beltane takes place on May 1st and marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice.
Pagan Goddesses in Christian Europe: An Investigation
by Ronald Hutton
256 Pages , 5.00 x 7.75 in , 24 b-w illus.
- Paperback
- 9780300273342
- Published: Tuesday, 5 Sep 2023
- Hardcover
- 9780300261011
- Published: Tuesday, 31 May 2022
Also Available At:
A concise history of the goddess-like figures who evade both Christian and pagan traditions, from the medieval period to the present day
In this riveting account, renowned scholar Ronald Hutton explores the history of deity-like figures in Christian Europe. Drawing on anthropology, archaeology, literature, and history, Hutton shows how hags, witches, the Fairy Queen, and the Green Man all came to be, and how they changed over the centuries.
Looking closely at four main figures—Mother Earth, the Fairy Queen, the Mistress of the Night, and the Old Woman of Gaelic tradition—Hutton challenges decades of debate around the female figures who have long been thought versions of pre-Christian goddesses. He makes the compelling case that these goddess figures found in the European imagination did not descend from the pre-Christian ancient world, yet have nothing Christian about them. It was in fact nineteenth-century scholars who attempted to establish the narrative of pagan survival that persists today.
Ronald Hutton is professor of history at Bristol University and a leading authority on the British Isles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, on ancient and medieval paganism and magic, and on the global context of witchcraft beliefs. He is the author of seventeen books.
“Europe’s pagan traditions never seem to have been stamped out. Instead, parts of them have been with us all along, as [Hutton] demonstrates in his sprightly—and spritely—account of four female figures: Mother Earth; the Fairy Queen; the Lady of the Night; and the Cailleach of the Gaelic tradition.”—Peter Stanford, Daily Telegraph
“Hutton’s arguments are thoughtful and convincing. . . . [He] propose[s] these archetypes as ‘new superhuman figures which operated outside of Christian cosmology.’”—Elizabeth Dearnley, Times Literary Supplement
“Whether your interest is in the history of formal religious practice, folklore, or mythology, or in the influences motifs of divine nature . . . have had and continue to have upon modern thought, I very much recommend this new book as an entryway into a remarkably expansive garden of possibilities as to how even the most so-called ‘settled matters’ may still be examined, and by which your interpretation of the world may be enlarged.”—Johannes E. Riuitta, Well-read Naturalist
“An illuminating and thought-provoking book.”—A. Sheppard, Choice
“Magnificently researched, thoroughly detailed, and clearly argued.”—Michael Nichols, Anglican and Episcopal History
“A wide-ranging, highly readable survey. . . . [Hutton’s] blend of skepticism with ontological humility renders him a uniquely refreshing guide to his field.”—Barbara Newman, Medieval Review
“A wonderful book, deeply thoughtful and engaging, packed with great research and thought-provoking ideas.”—Marion Gibson, author of Witchcraft: The Basics
“This splendid book greatly expands our knowledge of how apparently pagan divine figures of European tradition evolved. By deftly showing what we know—and what we only think we know—the author illuminates how these figures have mattered over the centuries, and continue to do so.”—Mark Williams, author of The Celtic Myths that Shape the Way We Think
“England’s favourite historian has done it again! In this series of essays, he traces the histories of four popular feminine figures from folklore, showing us the vitality of human creativity and its shaping of tradition even under periods of religious domination.”—Sabina Magliocco, author of Witching Culture: Folklore and Neo-Paganism in America
Pagan Gods
Pagan religions are the fastest growing and most popular type of spirituality in the modern world, according to some sources. The concepts of divinity within Paganism are many and varied, so here is an overview of Pagan Gods, from a contemporary Pagan author and teacher, Lora O’Brien.
It is a time for the celebration of life, love, and the union of the god and goddess. Bonfires are lit to symbolize strength and vitality. Midsummer, also known as Litha, occurs on June 21st and signifies the summer solstice. It is the longest day of the year and represents the peak of the sun's power. It is a time for celebration, abundance, and the honoring of the god and goddess. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for gratitude, abundance, and the honoring of the god Lugh. The first grains and fruits are harvested, and the community comes together to share in the bounty. Mabon, also known as the autumn equinox, occurs on September 22nd. It signifies the second harvest and the balance of light and dark once again. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the preparation for the coming winter. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, is the most widely recognized Wiccan holiday and corresponds to Halloween. It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is thinnest, allowing for communication with ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. It is a time for honoring the dead, divination, and transformation. Finally, Yule takes place on December 21st and marks the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year and signifies rebirth, as the sun begins its ascent and the days start to become longer once again. It is a time for introspection, renewal, and the celebration of the goddess and god. These Wicca holidays provide Wiccans with opportunities to connect with the natural cycles of the earth, honor their gods and goddesses, and celebrate the various aspects of life. They serve as important moments for spiritual reflection, ritual, and community gatherings..
Reviews for "Samhain: Honoring Ancestors and the Veil between Worlds in 2022"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wicca holidays 2022". The information provided was very basic and didn't offer anything new or insightful. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations of each holiday and how they are celebrated within the Wiccan community. Additionally, the book lacked any practical guidance or suggestions on how to incorporate these holidays into your own practice. Overall, I found it to be a shallow and unhelpful guide.
2. Michael - 1 star - I found "Wicca holidays 2022" to be incredibly disorganized and poorly structured. It jumps from one topic to another without any clear flow or organization, making it difficult to follow along. The information provided is also quite limited, lacking any real depth or substance. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide that would help me understand the significance and rituals of each Wiccan holiday, but this book fell far short of my expectations.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - As someone new to Wicca, I was hoping that "Wicca holidays 2022" would provide me with a solid foundation and understanding of the Wiccan holidays. Unfortunately, the book was too vague and left me with more questions than answers. It didn't provide enough context or historical background, which made it difficult for me to fully grasp the significance of each holiday. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in substance and not particularly helpful for someone seeking to deepen their knowledge of Wicca.
4. Mark - 1 star - "Wicca holidays 2022" was a major letdown for me. The information provided was very basic and repetitive, lacking any real depth or insights. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide that would delve into the symbolism and rituals associated with each holiday, but this book barely scratched the surface. It felt like a rushed and poorly researched publication that didn't offer anything new or valuable to the Wiccan community. Save your money and look for alternative resources if you're seeking a more informative and comprehensive guide to Wiccan holidays.