The concept of a "twelve forever witch" is a captivating idea that represents a powerful and mystical being with eternal youth and magic. This concept combines the allure of witchcraft with the enchantment of everlasting life, resulting in a character that possesses immense knowledge and abilities. A "twelve forever witch" is depicted as a sorceress who has mastered the ancient art of magic and has been gifted with immortality. This individual is said to have achieved this status by undergoing a transformative ritual involving the alignment of celestial bodies, allowing them to attain eternal youth and vitality. They are believed to possess a deep connection with nature and the supernatural forces that govern the universe. In many legends and folklore, the "twelve forever witch" is associated with wisdom and great power.
Lammas is one of the four “Greater Sabbats,” making it one of the most important days on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. It is the cross-quarter day between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox, and it marks the beginning of the harvest season. Though it’s often the hottest part of the Summer, this is also the moment when the first hints of Autumn are perceptible—the first grains are ready to be harvested, the trees begin dropping their fruits, and the ever-shortening daylight becomes more apparent with each sunset. At this time we give thanks for the abundance of the past growing season and look forward to the remaining weeks of light and warmth as we continue reaping what we have sown.
Irish legend has it that the festival originated with Lugh himself, when he held a funeral feast and sporting competition to honor his foster mother, Tailtiu. Lammas rituals are related to harvest and gratitude, and recognizing the manifestations of our intentions that have unfolded so far during the course of the year.
In many legends and folklore, the "twelve forever witch" is associated with wisdom and great power. It is said that they have an innate understanding of the natural world, the ability to communicate with spirits, and the capacity to manipulate the elements. Their spells and incantations are said to be incredibly potent and effective, capable of bending reality to their will.
Lughnasa - How to celebrate the ancient Celtic festival
As the exact Lughnasadh date may fall anytime between August 1 and August 12, IrishCentral has your definitive guide for all the best ways to celebrate the Lughnasadh festival.
Lughnasadh date
Lughnasa marks the beginning of autumn (fall). It is the beginning of the harvest season and celebrates the decline of summer into winter. The old Celtic pagan festival lasted a month, with August 1 at its midpoint, but is currently most often celebrated on the Sunday closest to that date.
Celtic festivals and rituals typically center around the assurance of a bountiful harvest and the celebration of the harvest cycle.
There is often much confusion surrounding Lammas/Lughnasa because of the variety of names and the differing dates on which it is celebrated.
When the Gregorian system was adopted in Ireland in 1782, 11 days had to be dropped to make the calendar astronomically correct. This led to the festival being celebrated on either the 1st or the 12th of August, called respectively New Style and Old Style Lughnasa.
To further complicate matters, many Lammas/Lughnasa festivities became appropriated to Christian saints’ days or the nearest Sunday.
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Lughnasadh festival traditions
Folklore survivals of Lughnasa are celebrated under a wide variety of names, such as Bilberry Sunday, Garland Sunday, and Domhnach Crom Dubh (‘Crom Dubh Sunday’), depending on the locality, at various dates between mid-July and mid-August.
The name Bilberry Sunday comes from a tradition of gathering bilberries (blueberries) at this time. If the bilberries were bountiful, the crops would be also. This is also the feast of the first grain harvest. Though the exact date of the festival varies, in the old days it was held anywhere from August 1 to August 14. Often, it began at sundown of the previous evening, or July 31, since the Celts measure their days from sundown to sundown.
Garland Sunday is so-called because garlands of flowers and greenery are usually placed around most of the Holy Wells. These wells are found throughout Ireland and are most often dedicated to the patron saint of the parish. This day also marked the end of the ‘hungry season' as people were now confident there’d be plenty of new potatoes, freshly baked bread, and baskets brimming with berries.
Read more
- The eight sacred Celtic holidays of the year
Lughnasadh recipe
Nothing reminds us more of summer than a freshly baked blueberry pie full of big and plump, sweet and juicy berries. The important thing to remember when making any fruit pie is to start with good-quality fruit. If using cultivated blueberries make sure they are firm, plump, fragrant, and dark blue with a dusty white bloom. The white bloom is the blueberry’s natural protection against the sun and is a sign of freshness.
Blueberry pie recipe for Lughnasadh
Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Method:
Sprinkle berries with lemon juice; set aside.
Fit half of pastry in a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions.
Combine 1 cup sugar and next 3 ingredients; add to berries, stirring well.
Pour into pastry shell, and dot with butter.
Unfold remaining pastry on a lightly floured surface; roll gently with rolling pin to remove creases in pastry.
Place pastry over filling; seal and crimp edges.
Cut slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape.
Brush top of pastry with beaten egg, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar
Bake at 400° for 35 minutes or until golden.
Cover edges with aluminum foil to prevent over browning, if necessary.
Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
* Originally published in 2015. Updated in 2023.
Wiccan mythology holds that the God’s power begins to wane at this time, as the days grow shorter and the crops are ready to be cut down. In some traditions, the Sun God actually infuses the grain with his power, and so is sacrificed, in a sense, when the grain is harvested. This grain is then used to bake the first bread from the year’s crop, which in earlier times would then be taken to a church and laid on the altar to be blessed. This custom is a good example of how pagan religions and Christianity were able to coexist and even commingle for a time. The name “Lammas” actually comes from this tradition, taken from an old Anglo-Saxon phrase meaning “loaf mass.”
Despite their seemingly unbeatable powers, however, the "twelve forever witch" is often portrayed as a figure of both fear and fascination. They are seen as enigmatic and mysterious beings, existing on the fringes of society. Stories and myths surrounding them often speak of their otherworldly beauty and their ability to seduce and deceive. Their intentions are often ambiguous, making them unpredictable and intriguing. In literature and popular culture, the character of the "twelve forever witch" has been portrayed in various ways. Sometimes they are depicted as solitary figures, living in seclusion and dedicating their lives to their magical craft. Other times they are shown as wise leaders or mentors, guiding others on their own magical journeys. Their characteristics and personalities can vary greatly, making each portrayal unique and captivating. Overall, the idea of a "twelve forever witch" holds an irresistible allure due to the combination of eternal youth, great power, and a deep connection to the supernatural. This concept taps into our fascination with magic, immortality, and the mysteries of the universe, creating a character that is both captivating and enchanting..
Reviews for "Embracing the Shadows: Exploring the Role of Dark Magic in Twekve Forever Witchcraft"
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3. Emily - 1.5 stars - I struggled to get through "Twekve forever witch". The writing felt disjointed and the characters were difficult to relate to. The author introduced too many subplots that didn't seem to add much to the overall story, making it hard to stay engaged. The plot twists were predictable and lacked any sense of surprise or excitement. Overall, I found this book to be a forgettable and unenjoyable read.