Solstice, Equinox, And Moon Ceremonies Written by Nicole Yalsovac

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1 Solstice, Equinox, And Moon Ceremonies Written by Nicole Yalsovac For thousands of centuries people have celebrated festivals associated with yearly cycles. The observance of these various holidays help validate humanity s dependence on the energy of the earth and planets, and reaffirm our interconnectedness with the animal, plant and astronomical realms. These festivals and rituals allow us to identify with and honor our source of life, and mark the passage of time in our lives. These various seasonal festivals continue to be celebrated throughout the world. You will see that the traditions and rituals for many of these festivals have been assimilated into Christian holidays. There are eight significant times throughout the year that are recognized as special festivities and rituals. These dates are generally believed to have originated with the Druids and became an essential aspect of Celtic culture. These pagan rituals are also referred to as Sabbats. Four of the eight holidays are solar, associated with the sun, and the other four are lunar, influenced by the moon. It was felt that these created a balance between masculine and feminine powers, since the masculine Yang energy is represented by the sun and feminine Yin energy by the moon. In this course we will discuss ceremonies associated with the four seasons, the sun and the moon. We will present some historical background, traditions and rituals practiced both in ancient and modern times. The four solar festivals, based on astronomical sightings are: Spring Equinox (called Alban Eilir by the Druids) on or near March 21 Summer Solstice (Alban Hefin) on or near June 21 Autumnal Equinox (Alban Elfed) on or near September 21 Winter Solstice (Alban Arthan) on or near December 21 The four lunar holidays are: Imbolc on February 2 Beltane on May 1 Lughnasadh on August 1 Samhain on October 31 Since these dates originated in the Northern Hemisphere, they apply only in that hemisphere. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you just reverse the dates. For example, Summer Solstice would be in December instead of June, Autumnal Equinox would be in March instead of September, September would be the Spring Equinox, and so on. Equinoxes refer to equality between day and night; the hours of light and dark are equal during this time. Although the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes are balanced in light and dark, the Spring Equinox marks the beginning in the expansion of the sun s power, while the Autumnal Equinox marks the start of its decline. Solstices pertain to the power of the sun at its strongest and weakest. At the Summer Solstice, the sun gives maximum light, as this is the longest day of the year, and Winter Solstice is the day with the least amount of sunlight, the shortest day of the year. It is evident, from megaliths, stone circles, pyramids and other ancient structures throughout the world, that these days were calculated and observed by the way in which the various structure s points were oriented to the sunrise and sunset, to the solstices and equinoxes. Stonehenge in England is a well known example of an ancient structure that, as many theorize, is an astronomical observatory. Another lesser known, but more remarkable structure is Newgrange in Ireland. This structure is thought to be 5,000 years old, which is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. It is a huge circular stone megalith with a design that receives a shaft of sunlight deep into its central chamber precisely at dawn on winter solstice. This shaft of light illuminates a stone basin that is surrounded by carvings of solar shapes, spirals and eye shapes. Even though little is known about other uses of some of these structures, it is obvious that marking the movement of the sun and moon and the yearly cycles held immense spiritual importance to these cultures. Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 1

2 Vernal (Spring) Equinox The first Equinox that occurs in a calendar year is the Spring or Vernal Equinox, also known as Eostre (or Ostara). Ostara and Eostre were ancient goddesses of sun (Germanic) and fertility (Saxon), and both were Goddesses of Dawn. The Spring Equinox is the time of full dawn, when from that day forward the days grow longer than the nights. It generally occurs on March 21, but depending on the calendar, it can be a day before or after. It is a time of new beginnings, when the earth is freed from the constraints of winter. Since this Equinox symbolized a time of new life and fertility, it was a time for planting new crops. It also represented the climax of the dark half of the year, the survival of yet another winter. You may have already noticed the similarity between the names Eostre and Easter. In fact the early Christians did take this name, Easter, and apply it to the holiday that celebrates Jesus resurrection, also representative of new life and rebirth. In 325 A.D., a French papal council declared that Easter was to be the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the Vernal Equinox. The Easter customs of coloring eggs and bunny rabbits delivering sweets also stems from pagan traditions. Eggs symbolize new life and the rabbit denotes fertility. The goddess Ostara was associated with these symbols as a result of a legend that maintained that she was saved by a bird whose wings became frozen in winter, so the bird was changed into a hare (rabbit) that could lay eggs. So the name, the symbols and the reverence for new life arising were adapted into the holiday of Easter as Christianity spread. The manner of celebrating the Vernal Equinox varied from region to region and culture to culture. Appeals would be made for abundance from the new crops being planted, with ritual prayers and feasts. The Mayan Chichen Itza pyramid was designed to produce a serpent shadow on the Spring Equinox and the current Mayans still gather there on this day. Celebrating a passage from darkness and cold to warmth and light, as well as new life and hope, seems to be the common theme in any culture observing the Spring Equinox. In current times, in lieu of planting new seeds, we can celebrate balance, new endeavors, the greening of the earth and request spiritual blessings upon our new hopes and projects. During the Spring Equinox the sun s first rays of light at dawn are from due East. The East has always been analogous to Wisdom and Enlightenment, so during this time we are very receptive to receiving these qualities. Autumnal (Fall) Equinox Just as in the Spring Equinox, the hours of daylight and darkness are equal at the Fall Equinox as well, but the sun will begin to decline in its power, and the darkness of the nights will gradually become longer lasting. Thanks are given for this waning sunlight and the resulting final harvest. Respect is paid to the approaching dark of winter. The completed crops are celebrated, along with all the efforts put forth. A farewell to the end of summer is declared. This holiday falls on September 21 or a day before or after. It is also known as Mabon (pronounced May bun, or Mah boon), who was a Welsh God. It is particularly a celebration of harvesting vineyards and wine. It is also associated with apple harvests. Apples were viewed as symbols of life renewed. It was also considered by the Druids as a time to honor aging deities and the spirit world. They would give offerings of drinks to the trees, such as cider or wine, as a way to honor the God of the Forest. Some symbols of this festival are apples, wine, vines, wheat and corn stalks, gourds, and pine cones. In England, the last sheaf of corn harvested symbolized the Spirit Of The Field and was fashioned into a doll, called the corn dolly. Burial cairns were also a symbol. The Celts would visit the burial cairns of departed loved ones and place an apple upon them, symbolizing their wish to be reunited with them. Another tradition is the use of ginger. Feasts often had gingerbread, ginger beer, and other foods seasoned with this spice. These festivals were lavish, with people outfitted in their fanciest attire. Perhaps they felt they could now relax and have some fun. Today we could also relax, and, rather than celebrating the final harvest, we could reflect on the fruits of our personal harvests, such as accomplishments on our jobs, raising our families, or just dealing with everyday stresses and strains. One could hang dried ears of corn on the front door, or decorate with acorns, oak leaves, pine and roses, or burn sage, marigold, myrrh or thistles. Summer Solstice (also known as Midsummer Night and Litha) The word solstice is derived from two Latin words; Sol means sun, and sistere means causing to stand still, so literally it translates to sun standing still. On Summer Solstice, which is typically June 21 or 22, the noonday sun has reached its highest point in the sky, compared to the day before or the day after, so it stands still Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 2

3 on this day. It is the longest day of the year, meaning the daylight hours are at a maximum and the hours of darkness are at a minimum. Officially it is the first day of summer. The term Midsummer refers to the approximate middle of the growing season throughout Europe. At Summer Solstice, the warmth and green of the earth, the many flowers and trees that are in full bloom, and the coming abundance of harvests are all honored. It is time for the first harvest of seeds planted in the fall, consisting of herbs used for rituals and medicinal purposes. It is considered a time of fire and light, and a period for cleansing and renewal. One experiences the fullness of light by receiving healing energy from the sun. Many cultures include bonfires in their ceremonies, believed to generate magic and increase the sun s energy. During these festivals divination and healing rituals were practiced. In Slavic and Celtic regions, pairs of lovers would jump over the embers for luck, as this was considered a time of love and growth. June s first (or only) full moon was referred to as the Honey Moon, because customarily this is the best time to harvest honey from the beehives. The popular drink at these festivals is mead wine, made from fermented honey, and was traditionally consumed after the many marriage ceremonies held during this time. June is known as the wedding month to this day. This stems from the ancient belief that the Grand Sexual Union of the Goddess and God took place in May at Beltane. Since it was considered to be unlucky to compete with the deities, couples waited until June and the Summer Solstice to be wed, a time celebrating the magic of love. It is easy to see why the name attached to the holiday following a wedding is called honeymoon. Current and ongoing popular Summer Solstice activities, as adapted from ancient rituals, are singing, dancing, chanting, and drumming around a bonfire. Symbols of abundance, such as wine, bread, fruit, and flowers are often present. Other symbols are mistletoe and feathers. Some herbs associated with this holiday are chamomile, fennel, thyme, and lavender, which are all burned in smudge sticks. St. John s Wort is made into garlands and used for decoration and protection of homes and domestic animals. Many cultures also incorporate ceremonial bathing as part of their ritual. Winter (Yule) Solstice Just as in the Summer Solstice, the sun stands still on this shortest day of the year, occurring on or close to December 21 st. To the ancients, it appeared as if the sun was dying on this day, with the longest night of the year. They feared that if they didn t intercede with nervous vigil or playful celebrations, the decreasing light would never return. So the Pagans viewed this time as the re birth of the sun, and coincidentally, the Christians celebrate the re birth of the Son of God. Although the Bible states that Jesus was born in the Spring, in the 4 th century A.D., Christian authorities in Rome tried to abolish the pagan rituals by adopting December 25 th as Christ s birthday. Their hope was to convert those who still followed the Olde Ways. This period then came to represent a time when a spiritual light enters the darkness of the world. The early Christians in Rome were never entirely successful in eliminating the Pagan rituals during this period. However, over time many of these traditions have been incorporated into the observance of the Christmas Holiday. One of these Pagan rituals was the gathering of evergreen boughs, such as holly and fir, which were used in decorating their homes, symbolizing the promise of new life come spring. Another Pagan tradition assimilated into Christmas is the burning of the Yule log. Both ancient Anglo Saxons and Scandinavians referred to the Winter Solstice as the Yule, which means wheel, i.e., wheel of the year. The Yule log was lit on the eve of Winter Solstice and burned for twelve hours. It was believed to protect the home from fires and lightning in the coming year. Over the years, in some regions, it was replaced by the Yule tree, which was decorated with lit candles, representing new light, meaning the rebirth of the sun and longer days beginning. From this derived the Christian Christmas tree adorned with lights. Germanic cultures also festooned fir or pine trees with candles and tokens. In many regions throughout the world it is considered bad luck for a fire or candle to go out during Christmas Day. In Rome, it was a common practice for the Pagans to exchange small gifts, believed to bring good luck to the recipient. The mistletoe is another symbol that originated from ancient times. The white berry of the mistletoe represented the seed of light and was handed out during ceremonies. In the Celtic culture it was considered to be sacred and was also often hung over a doorway or in a room to offer goodwill to visitors. Fire Festivals In between the Equinoxes and Solstices are the four additional lunar based celebrations considered sacred, and based on ancient Celtic festivals. They are also referred to as the four fire festivals and connect to Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 3

4 major life periods and the experiences essential for each one. Again, it is obvious that some of these are closely related or have been overlaid with Christian and Catholic festivals. These festivals are: Imbolc, on the eve of February 1 (Candlemass) Beltane, on the eve of May 1 Lughnasadh, on August 1 (Lammas) Samhain on November 1 (All Soul s Day) Imbolc (Candlemas) This ancient festival (pronounced IM bolc) marks the halfway point through the dark half of the year. The term means in the belly, referring to the first stirrings of spring in the womb of Mother Earth. It also refers to the time of first milk, when the pregnant ewes or sheep would begin lactating because it was time for the lambs to be born. The animal s milk was symbolic of the coming of spring. Other first visible signs of spring, such as the snow beginning to melt, and the lengthening of days were reasons to rejoice. Seeds planted in the fall were beginning to germinate and grow, so this was a time to give thanks and celebrate the new fertility, new life and new beginnings that lay ahead. It was a time of hope and expectation. It invokes the gentleness and mothering needed in our first years on Earth. The Druid Imbolc celebration was a gentle, beautiful festival where eight candles were lit and put to float in water at the center of a ceremonial circle. They honored the Goddess Brighid, the fertility mother and goddess of poets, healers and midwives. Consequently, poetry and song were often part of the rituals. Great bonfires were lit in her honor and also to impart extra energy to God so he would continue to increase the light. Throughout Europe there were bonfires in the country or processions of lighted candles through city streets. In Rome, the Popes tried to eliminate this pagan procession of candles custom, but were unsuccessful, so they persuaded everyone to enter the churches so the candles could be blessed, and thus, it became the Christian holiday of Candlemas. Candlemas is a feast day dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Today, both Imbolc and Candlemas are viewed as a time for dedications and initiations, rituals of new beginnings, and the freshness of a new season coming. Beltane (May Day) This occurs on May 1 and was considered to be the beginning of summer in the Celtic culture. As this is one of the fire festivals, it was customary for huge bonfires (also called balefires) to be lit, in recognition of the sun s crucial energy and to increase its waxing powers. Beltane is the most joyful and frolicsome of the fire festivals, most likely because its central premise apparently was sexuality and fertility. However, the association of fertility was for animals and crops as well as humans. The Celtic farmers took their livestock out to pasture at this time, first guiding them between two fires as a ritual of purification and fertility. The festivals acknowledged the Wedding of Heaven and Earth, the Bridal feast of the Goddess. Older people felt young again, and the young were filled with vitality and desire and were feeling very frisky. It was a time for ritual coupling. Women and men would go off into the woods to search for green boughs and flowers, particularly the hawthorn flower, due to its aphrodisiacal qualities. They would often stay out all night, dancing, singing and making love, hoping to awaken the fertility of the land as well. They would also search for the perfect tree or pole and bring it with them when they returned to the villages. They would then stand this pole up in the ground, decorate it with ribbons and flowers and dance around it, weaving the ribbons as they went. Hence, the origin of the well known Maypole. The Maypole was a phallic symbol representative of the God penetrating the womb of the earth (the Goddess). Just as in other major festivals, another tradition at Beltane was to jump over the balefires as well as dance around them. Individuals would bound over the fire to guarantee fertility, good health, and spiritual cleansing for protection in the year to come. Couples would leap together over the fire for the same reasons, and also to ensure a happy and healthy marriage. Additional customs were to drink from a well before sunrise, bathe in the morning dew, which was supposed to enhance one s beauty, and adorn oneself with flowers. Although May Day is not an actual Christian holiday, it is considered a secular festival honoring the coming of spring. The ribbon dance around the Maypole to make it colorful can represent people coming together and contributing to make new things happen. If not actually mating during Beltane, we can think about incorporating the feminine and masculine sides of our own individual natures, one of the key objectives in spiritual work. Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 4

5 Lughnasadh (Lammas) This festival occurs on August 1 and marks the ending of the Celtic summer. Lughnasadh (pronounced loo nah suh) is the time for the first harvests, particularly of wheat and corn. It is named after an Irish God Lugh and translates to Lugh s Festival. Again, balefires are lit to honor the life giving spirit of the earth. In some cultures this festival has a somber facet in that sacrifice is the theme. They are killing the grains for harvest and the Corn God is laying down his life so that we can be fed and continue to live. This demonstrates how we rely on the bounty of nature. During the corn harvest, the Druids always left outdoors a supply of seed corn as an offering to the gods of the harvest. In other regions, the last cutting of a sheaf of corn was made into elaborate corn dollies, which were used as an offering. In ancient Ireland, this festival lasted a whole month and included competitive sporting events as part of the celebration of the beginning of harvest. The Christian version of Lughnasadh is known as Lammas. Some believe this is derived from an Old English word for loaf mass, while others maintain that Lammas is a combination of lamb and mass, echoing a time when lambs were offered as a tribute to feudal lords. During medieval times, loaves of bread were baked from the first grains of the harvest and blessed in a church ceremony known as loaf mass. Both of these festivals honor the fruits of the harvest with contests, games and a bountiful feast. Symbols connected with these celebrations are grains, breads, threshing tools and blackberries. If using a smudge stick for purifying the air, one would burn cornstalks, heather, frankincense or wheat. Samhain (All Soul s Day, All Saints Day, All Hallows, Hallowe en) Samhain (pronounced sow in, to rhyme with cow) means summer s end, and marks the end of summer in the Celtic year. Modern day practitioners often pronounce it Som hane. The ancient Celtic calendar consisted of just two seasons: summer (May through October) and winter (November through April). Ancient pagans celebrated this holiday as the New Year, and current Wiccans and other pagans also view this as the start of the New Year. It symbolizes the end of the harvests and the onset of winter. It is the most popular of the four fire festivals and is celebrated for three days, from October 31 to November 2. It was, and still is, the largest of the fire festivals. Huge feasts were prepared and enormous fires were lit. Livestock had to be thinned at this time so the feed would last during the winter months. Therefore, many would be slaughtered, resulting in plenty of fresh meat. Meat not consumed at the festivals would then be stored. As with all the fire festivals, the huge bonfires were sacred and thought of as eyes through which the goddess could observe and feel at one with her people. During this holiday too, the people would walk between two fires, as well as drive their livestock between them, believing this would bring fertility, fortune and purification to help endure another winter season. The ancient Celtic society was very organized, and everyone knew their place. However, during Samhain, in order to ease the stress and allow the strict order to be mentally and emotionally more comfortable, the normal structure was put aside temporarily and craziness and disorder reigned. It was viewed as a time of no time. People did wild and outrageous things, such as men dressing as women and women dressing as men (perhaps a prequel to modern day Hallowe en costumes), moving someone s horses to different fields, and children knocking on neighbors doors for food and treats (like trick or treating on Hallowe en, and other pranks and practical jokes. There was also, however, a serious side of Samhain for many cultures. It was believed that during these three days of flickering light, the curtain or borders between human and spirit, between this world and the other world, were thought to be especially thin. So that enabled one to more easily communicate with the spirits of their departed loved ones, pay their respects and receive guidance and inspiration. Some believe that these spirits even return during Samhain to celebrate along with them. The idea of ghosts at Hallowe en most likely derived from this belief. You can see how the Christian holidays of Hallowe en (October 31), All Hallows (November 1) and All Saints Day (November 2) evolved from the pagan traditions of Samhain. Their purpose is basically the same, which is to revere one s departed loved ones and acknowledge them as living spirits guarding the wisdom of mankind. Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 5

6 Some of the symbols associated with Samhain are apples and nuts. The ancient Romans celebrated the ripening of the fruits and the Celts related the apple to the underworld, fertility and divination. The familiar Hallowe en game of Bobbing for Apples originated with the Samhain festival. Summary It has been suggested that the eight Sabbats reflect the stages and functions in our lives as follows. The four solar festivals correspond to: Inspiration (Winter Solstice); Reception (Spring Equinox); Expression (Summer Solstice); and Recollection (Fall Equinox). The four fire events relate to: Imbolc: early childhood, the need for mothering; Beltane: adolescence and early womanhood and manhood; Lughnasadh: becoming adults, family responsibilities; and Samhain: our later years, opening ourselves to the existence of other worlds and the spirits of our loved ones and preparing to meet them. The celebrations and observances of these eight Sabbats include ancient traditions that are intertwined with spirituality. They are a way to orient ourselves with the powerful connections and energies that exist between the Earth, Sun, and Cosmos. We are honoring the natural cycles of life as well as our individual major phases of life on earth. Moon Worship And Rituals Where the eight Sabbats mentioned above are pagan rituals or festivals related to the sun and the changing of the seasons, Esbats, on the other hand, are based on the cycles of the moon. Many pagans have an extraordinary reverence for the moon and all its cycles, particularly the full moon and the new moon. Since the lunar cycle does not correlate exactly with the modern day calendar, the dates of the full and new moons differ significantly, resulting in no fixed dates for Esbat celebrations. The worship of the moon is based on the view that its phases are related to the growth and decline of plant, animal and human life. Unlike the live giving properties of the sun, the moon is believed to radiate occult power and rule over the hidden processes of nature, including the movements of all the liquid elements of earth. Think of the movement of the tides in the earth s seas and you can appreciate the powerful magnetic, gravitational influence that the moon possesses. Additionally, the cycles of the moon influence the spawning of a variety of sea life such as crabs, oysters, mussels, and sea urchins. Farmers from ancient times to the present day frequently plant and sow, slaughter livestock, and shear sheep according to the moon s phases. This same cyclical magnetic force similarly affects the bodies of all living things, being composed of mostly fluid. It stands to reason then, that the human brain, being a hunk of semi liquid pulp, would also be stirred by the pull of the moon. In fact, the phases of the moon can dramatically affect our energy and moods. The fuller the moon, the more agitated and susceptible the mind becomes. Those who deal with the public on a regular basis, such as the police and hospitals, commonly observe a marked increase in unusual, eccentric behavior during the full moon. They notice more cases of drunkenness, more thefts, and more auto accidents. Attendants in mental hospitals notice increased anxiety among the patients. Pay attention to your own mood the next time the moon is full. Are you feeling in especially good spirits, or are you feeling blue? You will probably notice that the moon affects you and it will vary from month to month. There has always been a prevalent belief in a connection between the moon and lunacy. The word lunatic stems from the Latin word luna meaning moon. The worship of the moon has been known to exist since the earliest recorded times and actually preceded sun worship in most primitive cultures. The Babylonians, the greatest astronomers of ancient times, worshipped the moon as the queen of the night, honoring her as an ancestor of the sun, which she surpassed in power. Even the Bible, in the Book of Job, refers to moon worship. Some claim that Adam s religion was moon worship. Early Christians claimed that the full moon shone on Jesus crucifixion. In Egypt, homage was paid to the moon long before sun worship existed, and the moon was related to their agricultural rites. The African Pygmies also revere the moon and believe that it molded the first man, covered him with skin and filled him with blood. Moon worship in China dates back to the Sung dynasty ( ) where the moon goddess Chang e was worshiped. Moon worship still endures today in many parts of the world. Modern day witches will meet at the full moon to pay their respects to their deities, especially the Goddess Diana. Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 6

7 In most mythologies the moon was a revered symbol of the very essence of womanhood. It is generally seen as female in nature and its influence is basically feminine, emotional, watery, and reproductive. Much of primitive society felt the moon s ruler was a Goddess. The Egyptian goddess Isis, the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, the Greek goddess Artemis, the Latin goddess Diana, and the Chinese goddess Chang e were all associated with the moon. Whereas the sun represented the male principle (Yang), the moon is the strength behind all that is female (Yin). As the female s monthly cycle coincides with the lunar phases, there is a universal belief that the physiological life of women is linked with the moon. Medical experts on the subject maintain that there is statistical evidence to confirm that the cycle of female ovulation corresponds to the lunar month. The term menstruation, derived from the Latin menses, means monthly. There have been some exceptions to the notion of the moon being regarded as feminine. In the Eskimo culture, the moon is a male whose lover is the feminine sun. Old English nursery rhymes speak of the Man in the Moon. The Egyptian god Thoth was god of the moon. Both the Native American tribes of Navajo and Pueblo have myths showing the moon god was male. A few remote tribes believe the moon is a lewd male who roams the earth during the full moon seeking young maidens whom he can deflower. So the girls are warned not to stare at the moon or lie in the moonlight lest they become pregnant. Superstitions and legends abound in connection with the moon. A tribe in central Africa traditionally bathe their newborn children by the light of the first full moon in order to endow the child with the wisdom and justice imparted by the moon. Some regions lay out food to absorb the moon rays, which they believe have the power to cure disease. Certain cultures feel it is unlucky to look at the new moon for the first time through the branches of a tree. Others consider it unlucky to point at the moon at any time, and one should always bow to the new moon, specifically the first one of the year. Anytime the new moon is first seen, a silver coin should be turned in the purse or pocket, as silver is the metal of the moon, then make a wish. Some fairly widespread omens about the moon are: Rings around the moon foretell storms; Heavy rains arrive more often following the new and full moon; Expect a heavier dew fall on moonlight nights; If a Saturday has a new moon foul weather will follow; It is considered to be lucky if you first see the new moon on your right or straight ahead. Each cycle of the moon is divided into four phases: New Moon; First Quarter/Waxing Moon; Full Moon; Last Quarter/Waning Moon. Each phase lasts about seven days. There are no precise moments when one ends and the other begins, they just flow into each other. At the beginning of the lunar cycle, the moon is essentially invisible because it is in the sky at the same time as the sun, and the glare of the sun hides it from view. The traditional meanings of each cycle are as follows. The New Moon: This begins with the sky being moonless, but within about three days the New Moon will be visible in the form of a crescent shape. This is a time to think about new ideas and new projects, a time for rest and renewal, as well as a time for inner reflection and introspection. First Quarter/Waxing Moon: Waxing means to increase in quantity or power, so the moon is increasing in its illumination and seems to be getting larger. It appears to be about half full. This is the time to act upon the endeavors you thought of during the New Moon, put energy and strength into something you have been wanting to cultivate, whether it be in business or personal relationships. Focus on your goals. Full Moon: This occurs approximately two weeks into the lunar cycle. This is an excellent time to carry out an activity that requires a lot of energy. Let your creative juices flow. Celebrate. The Full Moon represents the peak of energy and should be handled with respect and reverence. Witches and practitioners of the occult say this is the best time for scrying and divination (rituals of magic and fortune telling). It is an excellent time for asking, seeking healing and prosperity, and for receiving. Last Quarter/Waning Moon: Waning means to decrease in illumination and power, to diminish in size. The Waning Moon rises at a later time in the night and will appear smaller with each successive night. This is a time for letting go and releasing. Discard things in your life that are unnecessary. Clear out the clutter. Grasp and absorb what you have learned in the previous phases. Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 7

8 There are approximately 13 lunar cycles in each year. Each month s full moon has specific symbolic significance and meanings, although these vary according to the region or culture. They are as follows: January: The Wolf Moon. It is a period of examination, meditation, and inner reflection. February: One source calls it the Storm Moon, another refers to it as the Ice Moon. It is a time for lighting candles, and starting to plan new undertakings. March: One source calls this the Storm Moon, another calls it the Innocent Moon. Honor the spirits of nature and the arrival of Spring. Partake in outdoor activities. April: One source refers to it as the Seed Moon, another as the Growing Moon. A time for sowing and planting, or simply jump into a project you have been thinking about. Celebrate beginnings. May: The Hare Moon. Playful like rabbits, this is the moon for celebrating sensuality, love and fertility. June: One source calls it the Mead Moon, another the Dyad Moon. Mead refers to the wine made from fermented honey and this is the best month to harvest honey from beehives. The moon in this month is especially sacred to fairies and nature spirits. Celebrate the growth in the fields, the blooming in nature. July: One source refers to this moon as the Mead Moon (see above), another calls it the Hay Moon. Celebrate the healthy growth of the crops. Tell stories. August: The Corn Moon. Honor the harvest of grains. Bake breads. Settle past quarrels. September: The Harvest Moon. The harvests are well under way, so this is a time to give thanks for abundance and for sharing with those who have less. October: The Blood Moon. This moon symbolizes clearing out clutter, letting go of needless things or feelings, and preparing for the chilly months to come. November: The Snow Moon. Time for introspection, turn you attention within. Try some divination, or practice your psychic skills. Have everything ready for winter. December: One source calls this moon the Cold Moon, another refers to it as the Oak Moon. Since the Oak tree represents strength, this is a time to trust, and have faith, hope and conviction during these darkest days. Keep the home fires burning, sing joyful songs and tell cheerful entertaining stories. The Blue Moon: This is considered the wild card of moons. It refers to a second full moon within one calendar month, and the month in which it takes place varies from year to year. For example, in July of 2004 there was a full moon on July 2 and on July 31. So the July 31 full moon is called a Blue Moon. This moon symbolizes spontaneity; try new courageous or silly things, let your imagination go wild. The earliest calendars marked the passage of time by the moons, rather than the sun and seasons. Cultures relying upon these lunar calendars were often nomadic tribes and began their day in the evening so as to avoid the hot daytime sun. This practice has carried over to current day rituals of celebrating an important day on the eve prior to it, such as New Year s Eve and Christmas Eve. The lunar month is approximately 28 days, so this number became significant to these societies and is the source of the sacred number seven, which was a shorter division of the lunar month. The seven day week is now, of course, observed in our modern day solar calendars, although the lunar calendar is still used in a few parts of the world and contains a 13 month year. There are some religious festivals that are based on the lunar cycle. The most well known is Easter, which is always the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21 (the Vernal Equinox). Creating Your Own Rituals If you are interested in having your own ritual to celebrate any of the Solstices, Equinoxes, Fire Festivals or Moons, you do not need years of training to create one. There is enough information above about symbols and traditions for each of the festivals for you to do a ceremony. They can be as simple or complex as you feel comfortable with, but the best ones come from the heart. Gather the materials you feel would be appropriate for the festival, such as candles, or wood for making a fire, flowers, herbs, fruit, wine, gourds, drums, statues or figures, or anything that is associated with the particular festival you wish to honor. Invite a few friends and family. There are no hard and fast rules for opening a ritual, but generally people gather in a circle. Before beginning, it is common for everyone present to be smudged. This is the process of using smoke to clear away Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 8

9 negative energies and attract positive energies. You can usually find ready made (dried and tied) smudge sticks in herb stores or natural foods stores, often made from sage and sweetgrass or other herbs and plants. Or you can make your own. Using a large stone or pottery bowl or shell as the holder, light the herb, blow out the flames and keep it smoldering by occasionally fanning it, using a feather or your hand. Whomever is doing the smudging first brings the smoke toward their heart and fans it up over their head, helping the energy run in a good direction and taking away any negative feelings. The container and the smoke are then offered to the four directions, East, West, North and South. Then fan the smoke towards Mother Earth and Father Sun. The smudging of each person in the circle is commonly done in a sunrise direction beginning with the north. In addition, you could walk around the inside of the circle shaking a rattle, starting and ending facing east. As you face each direction while shaking the rattle, you are calling the spirits from those directions. Shake the rattle first above your head (representing the Upper world), then at chest level (Middle world), then at waist level (Lower world). You or someone else in the circle may wish to say something to summon the spirits from each direction, such as, Spirits of the East (or North, etc.), Season of Summer (or Spring, etc), Please bring (something that direction symbolizes to you) to this ceremony You could then repeat this process for Earth and Sky. Then your guide s presence should also be invoked. Each person in the circle, if they wish, can ask the spirits and guides for their assistance with something, such as good health, a good marriage, financial security, or good crops (if you re into growing your own food). Whatever is asked for should be associated with the specific festival. In other words, the general purpose of the ceremony should be clear at the outset. Just be careful what you ask for and pay attention to the wording and intentions. The group can sing, chant, dance, jump over the flames, feast, or whatever everyone feels is appropriate. At the closing of the ceremony, make sure to thank the spirits and guides for their assistance and guidance. Show your gratitude or they may not return for the next ceremony. This is interestingly similar to today s concepts in metaphysical manifesting techniques. Conclusion Ceremonies have long been used as a way to focus spiritual intent. These kinds of ceremonies have been celebrated for ages upon ages in some way or another by every culture and religion. They are emerging as rituals in the metaphysical field, and are practiced in every city. If you wish to hold your own ceremonies in your area, these guidelines should help you create the best experience possible for all attendees. Rituals and ceremonies are a wonderful way to harness group energy, set intent and send this intent into the physical world. The sum is always greater than its parts, and groups can accomplish more than any one individual alone. Ceremonies are a wonderful way for likeminded people to come together. Seek out those who are already conducting ceremonies and observe how the group energy generates great magic when it is focused correctly. It is something that can only be understood if it is experienced directly. Bibliography Buckland, Raymond The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca And Neo paganism. Canton, MI: Visible Ink Press LLC Man, Myth & Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mythology, Religion And The Unknown Volume (Mani Nirv), (section on the Moon). Marshall Cavendish Ltd.; Freeport, NY Linn, Denise Secrets & Mysteries: The Glory And Pleasure Of Being A Woman. Hay House, Inc.; Carlsbad, CA Internet Resources: and solstice.com Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 9

10 Solstice, Equinox, And Moon Ceremonies Exam Questions Name Phone # Address (Please supply name, phone #, and address as identifying factors for giving credit properly) 1. How many Sabbat festivals are celebrated throughout the yearly cycle? A. four B. six C. eight D. fifteen 2. If you live in Australia, when would you celebrate Summer Solstice? A. February B. December C. June D. October 3. The hours of daylight are much longer than the hours of darkness during an Equinox. T F 4. Another name for Autumnal (Fall) Equinox is: A. Lammas B. Mabon C. Ostara D. Neither A, B or C 5. What spice is commonly used in the foods of the Fall Equinox festivals? A. Thyme B. Arrow Root C. Sage D. Ginger 6. Summer Solstice was a time to celebrate the earth, flowers, and trees. T F 7. Around December 21 st, the ancient pagans were afraid of: A. angry gods taking away their crops B. bonfires destroying their village C. losing the sun forever D. All A, B and C 8. During Imbolc, pagans in large cities participated in processions of lighted candles through the streets. T F 9. What is the main theme during Beltane? A. harvest and reward B. marriage ceremonies C. fertility and sexuality D. All A, B and C 10. Lughnasadh is a time for harvesting: A. Corn B. honey C. herbs D. All A, B and C 11. During Lammas, apple pies are blessed in a church ceremony. T F 12. What Hallowe en tradition originated from pagan rituals associated with Samhain? A. Hallowe en Costumes B. ghosts (returning spirits) C. bobbing for apple D. All A, B andc 13. Which solar festival reflects Recollection? A. Winter (Yule) Solstice B. Vernal (Spring) Equinox C. Summer Solstice D. Autumnal (Fall) Equinox 14. Esbats refer to: A. Festivals based on the moon cycles B. Wiccan birthday parties C. Celtic rituals based on the sun 15. Many ancient cultures worshipped the Moon before worshipping the sun. T F 16. The practice of celebrating Christmas and New Year beginning on the night ( Eve ) before originated with A. the solar calendar B. the lunar calendar C. the fiscal calendar 17. Spirits and guides will just become present at a ritual ceremony without being asked. T F Solstice, Equinox, and Moon Ceremonies 2005 University Of Metaphysical Sciences 10