The vernal equinox is a significant event in many pagan traditions and is often celebrated as a time of balance and renewal. It marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the summer solstice, when the length of day and night is roughly equal. In pagan belief systems, the vernal equinox represents the return of the sun's power and the awakening of nature after the long, dark winter. It is seen as a time of rebirth and fertility, when life begins to stir and plants and animals emerge from their hibernation. Many pagan cultures and religions have their own unique ways of celebrating the vernal equinox. In Wicca, for example, it is observed as one of the eight Sabbats or festivals of the Wheel of the Year.
Today I have another book review for you, dear readers; a popular one at that. Year of the Witch: Connecting Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden has been popping up everywhere in the witch community. It's probably one of the hottest books on the market at the moment, and I was thrilled when Weiser reached out and asked if I would like to review this book. I actually had it on my Amazon wishlist, especially because I follow Alden on Instagram and love her budget-friendly witch tips. This book didn't disappoint!
Furthermore, her recipes, spells, and rituals also support sustainable, local practices, encouraging the reader to use local, in-season produce, local ingredients, and she is mindful of how spell ingredients should be disposed of. Her method is very similar to my own, so I can vouch that it works, and I second her proposal that all witches be familiar with how to create their own correspondences.
In Wicca, for example, it is observed as one of the eight Sabbats or festivals of the Wheel of the Year. It is known as Ostara, named after the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. During the vernal equinox, pagans often engage in rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing seasons and to welcome the return of light and warmth.
Year of the Witch - by Temperance Alden (Paperback)
"When we think of the 'wheel of the year,' it is the Wiccan wheel-with its celebrations of the Yule, Beltane, Mabon, Samhain, etc.-that comes to mind. But what about a 'wheel of the year' for the rest of us pagans and witches? This book will help readers create their own intuitive practices, in harmony with the climate, culture, and local spirits where they live"
Book Synopsis
"In her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch, Temperance Alden guides readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year."-- Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick, and Manifestation
When we think of the wheel of the year, the Wiccan wheel with its celebrations of the Yule, Beltane, Mabon, and Samhain come to mind. But what about a wheel of the year for the rest of us pagans and witches? As a witch living in sunny South Florida, longtime hereditary witch Temperance Alden has often felt at odds gearing up to celebrate Yule, for example, when it is 76 degrees and sunny outside.
- The origins of the neo-pagan wheel of the year and why it is still so relevant today
- Culture, historical facts, and traditions associated with the major ceremonies
- Basic principles of land-based magick
- How to intuitively connect to the nature below your feet and the local gods
- Being a custodian to the land and its impact on our spiritual practice
Review Quotes
"Year of The Witch surpasses all other wheel-of-the-year books on my shelves as a perfect mix of traditional practices and modern application. . . . An absolute 'must-have' if you're looking to incorporate the wheel into your life without the pressure of ideas about what you 'should do' and only build instead upon what is authentic to you." --Olivia Graves, "The Witch of Wonderlust"
"Not only is Year of the Witch an engaging, thoughtful, and truly fun read, but it is also packed with wisdom and insight that comes only from the living the path. Temperance's words are so generous and supportive, and her perspective offers so much depth for new and practiced witches alike. Whether you're a city witch or swamp witch, whether you've been celebrating the wheel of the year for a decade or are new to it, this book has something to offer through the many practices, advice, prompts, and invitations that help readers reconnect with the cycles of the earth and those within themselves. This book is so encouraging of the fact that there's no one way to be a witch, without watering down the potency or power of the craft; a true act of magick." --Gabriela Herstik, author of Inner Witch
"Temperance Alden has written a book about the wheel of the year that can finally serve all witches and magickal practitioners living anywhere in the world in any climate. The authenticity in Alden's prose enables her to effectively teach how to develop intuition and work with elements leading to a more profound understanding of the power of life's cycles. Delightful recipes and engaging rituals and spells help readers to create a wheel of the year unique to their own experiences. Year of the Witch is a direct conduit to Mother Earth and all Her power, and Alden has unveiled secrets even experienced witches will want to know." --Lawren Leo, author of Horse Magick
"Temperance Alden is at the fore of a new generation of witches, and they are smart, fearless, and ready to overthrow paradigms that many of us have taken for granted. Year of the Witch invites readers to challenge the assumption that the wheel of the year needs to uphold Arcadian agricultural ideals that just don't apply to how we actually live and practice our Crafts. Temperance is here to remind us that we don't know as much as we think we do, and thank goodness for that." --Thorn Mooney, author of Traditional Wicca
"The key to the heart of witchery lies in authentic connection. But many witches feel disconnected from the traditional wheel of the year due to either its religious tones or because the seasonal celebrations are based upon the European climates of the wheel's origins. Temperance Alden remedies this in her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch, where she guides the readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year. Drawing on folklore, mythology, and religious customs surrounding the wheel of the year, Alden provides a well-researched overview of the themes of the Sabbats, while urging the reader to intuitively tap into themselves to learn how to authentically connect with the high holy holidays of the witch to extract power and wisdom from them, regardless of their path or religious leanings." --Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch
About the Author
Temperance Alden is a hereditary folk witch with over eighteen years of practice devoted to witchcraft and paganism. She is the founder of Wild Woman Witchcraft.
“The key to the heart of witchery lies in authentic connection. But many witches feel disconnected from the traditional wheel of the year due to either its religious tones or because the seasonal celebrations are based upon the European climates of the wheel’s origins. Temperance Alden remedies this in her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch , where she guides the readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year. Drawing on folklore, mythology, and religious customs surrounding the wheel of the year, Alden provides a well-researched overview of the themes of the Sabbats, while urging the reader to intuitively tap into themselves to learn how to authentically connect with the high holy holidays of the witch to extract power and wisdom from them, regardless of their path or religious leanings.” — Mat Auryn , author of Psychic Witch “Not only is Year of the Witch an engaging, thoughtful, and truly fun read , but it is also packed with wisdom and insight that comes only from the living the path . Temperance’s words are so generous and supportive, and her perspective offers so much depth for new and practiced witches alike. Whether you’re a city witch or swamp witch, whether you’ve been celebrating the wheel of the year for a decade or are new to it, this book has something to offer through the many practices, advice, prompts, and invitations that help readers reconnect with the cycles of the earth and those within themselves. This book is so encouraging of the fact that there’s no one way to be a witch, without watering down the potency or power of the craft; a true act of magick.” — Gabriela Herstik , author of Inner Witch “ Year of The Witch surpasses all other wheel-of-the-year books on my shelves as a perfect mix of traditional practices and modern application. . . . An absolute ‘must-have’ if you’re looking to incorporate the wheel into your life without the pressure of ideas about what you ‘should do’ and only build instead upon what is authentic to you.” — Olivia Graves , “The Witch of Wonderlust” “Temperance Alden is at the fore of a new generation of witches, and they are smart, fearless, and ready to overthrow paradigms that many of us have taken for granted. Year of the Witch invites readers to challenge the assumption that the wheel of the year needs to uphold Arcadian agricultural ideals that just don’t apply to how we actually live and practice our Crafts. Temperance is here to remind us that we don’t know as much as we think we do, and thank goodness for that.” — Thorn Mooney , author of Traditional Wicca “Temperance Alden has written a book about the wheel of the year that can finally serve all witches and magickal practitioners living anywhere in the world in any climate . The authenticity in Alden’s prose enables her to effectively teach how to develop intuition and work with elements leading to a more profound understanding of the power of life’s cycles. Delightful recipes and engaging rituals and spells help readers to create a wheel of the year unique to their own experiences. Year of the Witch is a direct conduit to Mother Earth and all Her power, and Alden has unveiled secrets even experienced witches will want to know .” — Lawren Leo , author of Horse Magick
These may include lighting bonfires, performing dances, and making offerings of food and flowers. Some pagans also practice divination and spellwork during this time, seeking guidance and setting intentions for the months ahead. The vernal equinox is a time for pagans to connect with nature, to celebrate the cycle of life, and to give thanks for the gifts of the Earth. It is a time of balance between light and dark, and a time to embrace the energy of growth and transformation. Whether through traditional rituals or personal reflection, pagans use this sacred time to embrace the coming spring and to honor the cycles of nature..
Reviews for "Manifesting Intentions: Setting Goals during the Vernal Equinox in Paganism"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Vernal Equinox Pagan". The plot was extremely predictable and lacked any depth or intrigue. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect with any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward sentence structure and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I found this book to be a complete bore and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "Vernal Equinox Pagan" failed to captivate my interest. The pacing was sluggish, and the story lacked any real excitement or suspense. The author seemed more focused on describing the natural surroundings and pagan rituals rather than developing a compelling plot or engaging characters. I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book and ultimately felt underwhelmed by the whole experience.
3. Mark - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Vernal Equinox Pagan" as I found it to be extremely dull. The writing was monotonous and lacked any originality. The characters were uninteresting and had no depth to them. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I was hoping for an exciting and thought-provoking read, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver. I would not recommend wasting your time on this one.