Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices III What about those horrible Witches everywhere and the annoying Trick or Treaters? This is the time of year that the Scots believed that the Cailleach, the Hag, arises from stone to walk the Earth. She actually had a blue-gray or almost black face. She is an important supernatural being in … Continue reading Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices II This was when cattle and sheep were brought in from summer pasture, all but breeding stock being killed for winter food and making fewer mouths to feed. The last fruit was picked, except that which would be left for the Sidhe, grain was gathered and processed for fodder, flour, and … Continue reading Samhain~Halloween Customs and Practices

Lammas/Lughnasadh Customs and Practices

August 1, is the beginning of the harvest cycle and rests on the early grain harvest as well as those fruits and vegetables that are ready to be picked. Canning of fruits and vegetables goes into full swing, jams and jellies made and cabinets are stocked with herbs before the onset of autumn. As long … Continue reading Lammas/Lughnasadh Customs and Practices

Litha/Midsummer Customs and Practice

Just as the Pagan Midwinter celebration of Yule was adopted by Christians as “Christmas” (December 25), so too the Pagan Midsummer celebration was adopted by them as the Feast of John the Baptist (June 24). Occurring 180 degrees apart on the wheel of the year, the Midwinter celebration commemorates the birth of Jesus, while … Continue reading Litha/Midsummer Customs and Practice

Beltane Customs and Practices:Fire festivals

Fire was believed to have purifying qualities - it cleansed and rejuvenated both the land and the people. The ritual welcoming of the sun and the lighting of the fires was also believed to ensure the fertility of the land and the people. Animals were transferred from winter pens to summer pastures and were driven … Continue reading Beltane Customs and Practices:Fire festivals