The Festivals

In Traditionalist Witchcraft the festivals are festive times of celebration, but they are of less importance than the Full Moons and which ones that are celebrated vary considerably from one Trad to another.

Many Trads are likely to keep only some of the festivals while other Trads may keep festivals associated with their honored gods. As an example: Trads that recognize the Roman pantheon, such as Blue Moon Manor, are very likely to keep Saturnalia in addition to Yule.

Each seeker needs to decide for themselves which festivals to observe. Of course, as time goes by, you will gain insight as to which festivals have special meaning to you.

How to Observe

Full observance of a festival involves honoring that day with activities related to that festival. Dedicate the day as a special day.

Before hand, read about the festival you plan to observe. Note that when you do research, Wiccan rituals do not reflect the historic qualities of these festivals.

Decide upon appropriate activities. I recommend you buy special treats, special foods and drink.

On the eve of the festival (the night before the day of the festival is always the beginning of a festival), light candles and maybe incense. Enjoy a fine dinner. Families with young children may follow the meal with the children's faborite games.

On the day of the festival, do special things you and your family like to do. If you are alone, take a long walk in a park. Meditate. Visit a museum, art gallery, or see a movie.

I would suggest that if circumstances prevent you from doing much, then light a candle and have a glass of wine.

List of Most Common Festivals:

Imbolc - Festival of Light, also Brigit's Day, is sacred to Brigit, the Fire Goddess, begins on February 1st or the first sign of Spring. Candles are always lit.

May Day - Also called Beltane, is on the 1st of May, it is a celebration of the beginning of summer.

Midsummer - The Summer Solstice, (but is usually not on the exact day of the actual solstice), begins the night of 23rd June until following day at sundown. National holidays in some Northern European countries

Lughnasadh - Harvest Home, August 1st or on the Full Moon, still celebrated in Ireland and in some areas in Northern Europe.

Samhain (pronounced: SOW-an and not "sam hain") - October 31st or Novenber 1st

Yule (pronounced: you-EL and not "youl") - The Winter Solstice - This 12 day Winter Festival has always started on the night of December 24th, timing it with the Winter Solstice according to the old Julian calendar and not on today's Winter Solstice.

Plus:

Twelfth Night - Twelve nights after the beginning of Yule, January 5th, concludes the Yuletide season with a feast.

More information on the Festivals including a detailed look at each Festival is in the Full Course material in The Journey to Trad Witchcraft.

The Festivals