Pagan holy days, also known as Sabbats, are significant dates for those who follow pagan or earth-based spiritual practices. In the United States, these holy days are celebrated throughout the year and offer a chance for pagans to connect with nature and honor their beliefs. In 2023, the pagan holy days will fall on specific dates, each with their own unique rituals and meanings. The **Wheel of the Year** is divided into eight Sabbats, which are further divided into two categories: **Greater Sabbats** and **Lesser Sabbats**. The Greater Sabbats occur at the solstices and equinoxes and mark the changing seasons. These include **Imbolc** on February 2nd, **Beltane** on May 1st, **Lughnasadh** on August 1st, and **Samhain** on October 31st.
These include **Imbolc** on February 2nd, **Beltane** on May 1st, **Lughnasadh** on August 1st, and **Samhain** on October 31st. The Lesser Sabbats, also known as the cross-quarter days, fall between the solstices and equinoxes and celebrate the midpoint of each season. These include **Ostara** on March 21st, **Midsummer** on June 21st, **Mabon** on September 21st, and **Yule** on December 21st.
The Art of Divine Enchantment
Dear Reader, As I mentioned in last Friday’s newsletter, after 60 straight weeks of writing Second Drafts , I took a break this week to focus on playing the role of Grandfather in Orpheus Ascending this weekend. In my absence, I asked friend and fellow pilgrim, Jake Aharonian, to write a guest feature, and he knocked it out of the park (as I knew he would) . I hope you enjoy it. In response to last week’s feature on Christianity Today self-reporting on sexual harassment (and the problem with sexual harassment in general), I received this email from a reader:
“I’m going to offer my guess as to why this problem of sexual sin within our Christian institutions is occurring so often. I feel much of the blame falls on broad acceptance of artificial birth control both from churches and from parishioners. What seemed like such an amazing idea to free women from their natural God-given fertility so they could be more free to work or enjoy the physical act of marriage without the consequence of a child. This certainly applies to men also. With the removal of the consequence of children for men, they quit looking at their wives as something to be treasured and turned them into an object that could now be ‘open for business’ any day of the month. This could also apply to premarital relationships where respecting the girl you were courting and looking forward to marrying and being intimate with could now simply be viewed as on opportunity to ‘getting the milk for free without buying the cow.’ Factor in the secular world embracing this even more than Christians and we have the place we are at now. For time’s sake, I will spare you the diatribe about the prevalence of abortion, even amongst Christians, that yielded similar results as the Pill. When Christians submitted to these secular ills, we gained perceived power, then corruption, etc.”
I don’t disagree with the significance the reader attributes to birth control; fifty years after the fact, most of us can’t imagine the cultural shift that must have been then and even since . While the milk/cow analogy is familiar and perhaps not as nuanced as some may like, it gets at the mentality of getting something with no moral obligation to or for it, which as I suggested in last week’s newsletter is at the heart of harassment. The issue is not (just) sex, but power . I always enjoy hearing from my readers. As always, thanks for reading and writing to tell me so. Enjoy this week’s Second Drafts ( and thanks again, Jake, for giving me a break ). Craig P.S.: As a reminder, you’re welcome and encouraged to email me directly with feedback, ideas, links, etc. at cmdunham [at] gmail [dot] com . Just know that, unless you specifically tell me not to, I may quote you here (though it will always be anonymously).
Each of these Sabbats carries its own symbolism and activities. For example, Imbolc signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time for purification and the lighting of candles to welcome the returning sun. Beltane, on the other hand, celebrates fertility and the coming of summer. It is a time of dancing around the Maypole and lighting bonfires. Pagans celebrate these holy days in various ways, including rituals, ceremonies, feasts, and gatherings. Each individual or group may have their own unique traditions and practices. While these pagan holy days are not officially recognized as national holidays in the United States, they hold great importance for those who follow pagan spiritual paths. They provide an opportunity for connection with the cycles of nature and the sacredness of the earth..
Reviews for "Pagan Holy Days: A Yearlong Journey of Spiritual Connection in 2023"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was so disappointed with "Pagan holy days 2023 united states". The book lacked any substantial information about the specific dates and celebrations of Pagan holy days in the United States for the year 2023. The author simply provided a brief overview of Paganism and generalized information that can easily be found online. I was looking for detailed descriptions and insights into how different Pagan communities celebrate these special days, but this book fell short in that aspect. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and money.
2. John - 2 stars - As someone who was genuinely interested in learning more about Paganism and its holy days, I found "Pagan holy days 2023 united states" to be quite disappointing. The book lacked organization and clarity, making it difficult to navigate through the different chapters. In addition, the author's writing style was dry and unengaging, making it harder to stay focused while reading. I was also hoping for more in-depth information about the historical significance and cultural practices associated with Pagan holy days, which were sorely lacking. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking comprehensive information about Paganism.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Pagan holy days 2023 united states" turned out to be a major letdown. The book failed to provide any new or insightful information about Pagan holy days in the United States. It felt more like a generic introduction to Paganism rather than a detailed guide to the specific celebrations and observances. The lack of depth and substance left me feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Pagan holy days in the United States for the year 2023.
4. Mike - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Pagan holy days 2023 united states". The book failed to meet my expectations in terms of content and organization. The information provided was vague and lacked detail, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the chapters seemed disorganized, making it difficult to follow along. I was looking for a comprehensive guide to Pagan holy days in the United States, but this book was a missed opportunity. I would advise others to explore alternative resources if they are genuinely interested in learning about Paganism and its celebrations.