Wiccan spiritual observance is a practice that is deeply rooted in the beliefs and principles of Wicca, a modern pagan religion. Wiccans follow a nature-based spirituality that worships the divine as immanent in nature and celebrates the cycles of the seasons and the cycles of life. One important aspect of Wiccan spiritual observance is the honoring of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements are seen as the building blocks of life and are associated with different qualities and aspects of existence. Wiccans often incorporate rituals and ceremonies that involve these elements, such as casting a circle or invoking the elements during spellwork. Another crucial part of Wiccan spiritual observance is the celebration of the Wheel of the Year.
Culture/religion: Bahá’í
Date: March 20
For the Bahá í faith, it is a celebration of new beginnings and marks the end of the 19-day Bahá í fast, which is a period of reflection and spiritual reinvigoration. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed each year on March 21, recognizing the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid pass laws in 1960.
Another crucial part of Wiccan spiritual observance is the celebration of the Wheel of the Year. This is a series of eight festivals that mark the changing seasons and correspond to important agricultural and astronomical events. The festivals include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon.
Kansas State University
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for Dec. 20-Jan. 2, 2022.
Dec. 21, Winter solstice — Wiccan/Pagan Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. This time is celebrated as the “return of the Sun God” when He is reborn of the Goddess.
Dec. 23, Human Light, Humanist — a celebration of reason and human achievement; any time between the winter solstice and Christmas day, usually Dec. 23. Celebrated among families and those in a freethought community.
Dec. 24, Christmas Eve — Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals.
Dec. 25, Christmas — Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Dec. 26-Jan. 1, Kwanzaa — African American celebration of family, community and culture.
Dec. 26 — Zoroastrians mark the death of their founder, Zoroaster. The day of this observance depends on which calendar is being followed: Qadimi, Parsis, Shahenshai or Gregorian.
Dec. 28, Holy Innocents — Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus
The president's committee welcomes those of all global faith, spiritual and nonreligious worldview commitments.
For further information, please see our website and/or contact Beverley Earles, chair, at [email protected].
The committee is looking for your input for observances to announce for the spring 2022 semester. If you have observances to contribute, please email [email protected].
Each festival has its own specific themes, rituals, and practices, but they all focus on connecting with the rhythms of nature and the cycles of life and death. Wiccans also believe in the concept of deity duality, which means they worship both a God and a Goddess. These deities are often seen as complimentary forces that represent different aspects of the divine. Wiccans may choose to work with specific deities or pantheons based on personal preference or spiritual connection. In addition to these specific observances, Wiccans also engage in regular personal rituals and practices to connect with the divine, honor ancestral spirits, and seek spiritual guidance. These can include meditation, divination, energy work, spellcraft, and other forms of personal spiritual exploration. Overall, Wiccan spiritual observance is a deeply personal and individualized practice that is focused on connecting with the divine through nature and celebrating the cycles of life and the changing seasons. It is a way for Wiccans to find meaning, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment in their lives, while also honoring and respecting the natural world around them..
Reviews for "The Power of Intention: Manifestation and Ritual in Wiccan Spiritual Observance"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I attended a Wiccan spiritual observance out of curiosity, and it was a complete letdown. The whole experience felt like a strange mix of chanting, dancing, and awkward rituals that didn't make any sense to me. I found it hard to take seriously, and it felt more like a theatrical performance than a genuine spiritual practice. I left feeling disappointed and unconvinced of the whole Wiccan belief system.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I have always been open-minded about different spiritual practices, but my experience with Wiccan spiritual observance left me feeling skeptical. The gathering I attended focused heavily on spells, crystals, and tarot cards, which felt more like a gimmick than a sincere spiritual practice. There was also a lack of focus and organization, leading to confusion and a sense of disconnection. Overall, I appreciate the community aspect of Wiccan beliefs, but I found the actual observance to be lacking depth and substance.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - I gave Wiccan spiritual observance a chance because I wanted to explore different spiritual paths, but it just wasn't for me. The rituals and chants felt more like repetitive routines rather than meaningful practices. Additionally, the emphasis on nature worship felt forced and contrived. While I appreciate the intention behind Wiccan beliefs, the execution during the observance I attended left much to be desired in terms of connecting to a higher power or finding a deeper sense of spirituality.