Seasonal Celebrations

The celebration of Samhain, now known as Halloween, occurs during the Reed Moon. To the Celts this month hailed the end of the year, a time to cull the livestock and to connect with ancestors. All around the world festivals that honour the dead are celebrated. During the Reed Moon, light a candle for loved ones who have died and you may receive a message from the spirit world.

Releasing old energy

The Reed Moon is a good time to use divination to gain insights into the year that has passed. Perform energy work that will release old energy, burn symbols of illness on your bonfire on November the 5th during your Guy Fawkes celebrations. Remember the Celtic year does not begin until the Winter Solstice so use this interval to dream, not to make plans for the future.

The haunting sound of reed

In the past, the reed was used to make swift-flying arrow shafts that slew both enemies and game. In this way the plant was linked to the season of death and sacrifice, in which trees shed their leaves and the energy of nature became more introspective. Many early musical instruments also used the reed to create a haunting sound that has been connected to rites for the dead and the summoning of spirits.

Wind instruments

Modern day wind instruments have developed the same principle used by original reed instruments. Whereby a current of air is vibrated to produce a melodic sound.

Other traditional uses for reed include thatching. Rooftops were thatched with reeds, and as the Celts withdrew into their homes for the winter they honoured the plant that gave them shelter, making the reed a symbol of royalty and protection.

Reed Moon energy

Harness the power of the plant of protection and divination during this lunar month. Using reed energy can help you to connect with your ancestral roots or let go of the past.

Ancestor spirit space

Use this ancestral ritual to connect with your ancestors and other loved ones who have crossed over to the spirit world.
You will need:

• Ancestral images
• Three white candles
• Flowers

First place the ancestral image on a table, with the flowers and candles. Light each candle in turn offer a prayer after each in the following order.

1. I honour the ancestors of my blood
2. I honour the ancestors of my heart
3. I honour the ancestors of my tradition

Meditate, letting images peacefully drift through your mind, and ask for a sign that your loved ones are still with you in spirit.

Samhain Reed energy

If you need help in letting go of something from your past, use a little reed energy at Samhain (31st October).
You will need:

• Knife
• Pen
• Sea salt
• Matches
• Fireproof dish

1. Go to a spot along the river bank where reeds grow tall and strong.
2. Sprinkle sea salt on the surface of the water and say, “River of birth, river of death, I honour you. Please accept this offering”.
3. Now choose a reed, cut it and carefully draw a symbol, or write a word, to represent what you wish to release on the reed.
4. Light the reed in the fireproof dish and, as it burns, visualise the old energy transformed into light and disappearing.
5. Once the reed has burned away, pour the ashes into the water and walk away, feeling fully cleansed of the past.

Protection charm

Use this reed charm to protect yourself from negativity.
You will need:

• Freshly cut reed
• A black ribbon

1. Visualise yourself within a circle of white light.
2. Tie a knot into a freshly cut reed, as it will be more flexible, and then say, “Royal reed, plant of protection, keep me safe until the new year”.
3. Suspend the knotted reed from the ceiling using the black ribbon.
4. At Christmas, take down the charm and burn it.

Traditional reed energy

Try bringing some reed magic into your life with these traditional examples.

• Leap over a small bonfire to leave behind the old year.
• Eat an apple on Samhain at midnight to dream of your spirit guide.
• Carve out a turnip or pumpkin as a lantern of protection.
• Bury an apple at a crossroads as an offering to the spirits of the dead.
• Use the runes for divination or to gain insight into your current situation.

The Elder Moon is the last month in the cycle of the 13 Celtic months, and it indicates the renewal of energy and the continuous journey of the soul towards greater happiness and understanding. The Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night, occurs during the Elder Moon, and offers the chance to focus on your heart’s desire.

Annual evaluation

The Elder Moon is a time to bring a halt to habit-forming patterns that have been restricting your growth, so that you may heal and move on. Evaluate what you have learned during the past year and give yourself time to work out what you really want from life. Draw upon energy that concludes the annual cycle and release the energy you have invested in previous projects and endeavours, so that you may concentrate on conceiving your new dreams for the New Year.

Tree of life and death

The elder tree’s ability to recover when damaged has made it a symbol of regeneration since ancient times and for this reason it was used in burial rites in British longbarrows (an ancient style of grave). Due to to its white flowers (life) and black berries (death), the tree is also sacred to the Mother Goddess who governs birth and death.

Protective powers

The wood of elder is believed to have protective properties because of the powerful Dryad spirit that lives within it. When planted near a home, the tree will ward off intruders. The healing powers of the elder are also thought to cure insomnia (by placing elderberries in a bad under a pillow) and ensure the health of unborn babies (when pregnant women kiss its bark).

Elder Moon energy

Use the powers of the elder tree to bring a sense of completion to the old year and a feeling of renewal for the start of the next cycle.

Review the year

Try these simple rituals to bring a sense of completion to your Celtic lunar year.

• Review the last 13 Moon, writing down what you have learned from each. Acknowledging your lessons will help you move on.
• Areas of your life that feel unfulfilled indicate stuck energy. Hold a quartz crystal and direct love towards your current job, cramped flat, or credit card bill. New opportunities will appear as if my magic.
• Resolve difficult relationships by writing a letter to the soul of the person with whom you are in conflict. This helps to clear the way for change. Then burn the letter.

Protection charm

Use this charm to repel unwanted attention and harassment during the party season.

1. Collect together five tiny elder twigs, a white ribbon, a white candle and a strand of your hair.
2. Light the candle saying, “White light surround me, safe I will stay.”
3. Drip the wax onto one of the elder twigs and press your hair into it before it dries.
4. Surround the twig with the others, making a small bundle.
5. Secure the twigs with the white ribbon saying, “As I will it, so mote it be.”
6. Slip the protection charm into your party handbag and you’re ready to go.

Release negativity

upon reaching the end of the Celtic calendar, the Elder Moon month is the perfect time to release negative energies before entering the New Year, feeling renewed.

1. Dig a hole in the ground and say, “Mother Earth, I ask you to transform my pain into healing.”
2. Place a photo of yourself and a drawing, or written account, of any negative incidents into the hole.
3. Speak or shout your feelings into the hole.
4. When you feel ready place an elder twig into the hole to represent the end of the cycle.
5. Fill in the hole and stamp the earth down three times saying, “I release the past, so mote it be.”

Elder tree blessing

Use this blessing to heal an environment where there has been an argument, accident, illness or shock.

1. Gather together some elderberries and leaves.
2. Face the north and say, “I call upon the guardians of the earth to bless this place.” Throw some elderberries and leaves towards the north.
3. Turn to the east and repeat the ritual, this time calling upon the guardians of air.
4. Turn to the south and repeat, calling upon the guardians of fire.
5. Finally turn to the west and call upon the guardians of water.
6. End the blessing by randomly scattering the remaining elderberries and leaves.

The world is frozen at Winter Solstice and, in nature, little is happening on the surface. Deep in the Earth, however, the roots are quietly putting out shoots, building up the resources for the great push towards life when the weather warms in spring. This is the season of rebirth and many religions celebrate the birth of the Sun King. In Christianity, it is the child Jesus, the ‘Light of the World’.

The fruition of dreams

The ideas, dreams and visions you begin to connect with at Samhain can now be born. They will grow in power and strength – in parallel with the waxing of the Sun’s strength and nurturing warmth as it begins its journey towards Summer Solstice.

In Wiccan lore, the power of the winter Holly King is at its maximum now, but the summer Oak King has been born. He will gain in ascendancy from this point on, showing that the Wheel of the Year always turns.

Yuletide in the modern world

In Christian countries, Winter Solstice, is replaced by Christmas. The stillness of this time of year is felt, but rarely acknowledged. Most people have exhausted their energies in the preparations for Christmas Day, when they inherently know it’s time to stop – and eat!

The feast of fools

The ancient Yule rituals still predominate today. The Lord of Misrule, who originated in the wild Roman Saturnalia festival (that ended on the Winter Solstice) presided over a time of chaos, which is still echoed in some of today’s Christmas office parties. Normal behaviour is replaced by people acting like a fool. Yule has also always been a time of feasting and plenty, hopefully setting the pattern of abundance for the year to come.

Yuletide celebrations

Celebrate the Yuletide traditions of old, such as kissing under the mistletoe and making Yule logs, as the Wheel of the Year turns around the Winter Solstice.

Ancient Pagan roots

Many of the customs you may observe at Christmas are rooted in Pagan ritual. Evergreens, for example, have always been brought indoors at Yuletide to symbolise everlasting life. This ritual survives in the traditional Christmas tree. Other aspects of the festivities, such as kissing under the mistletoe, also hark back to ancient beliefs.

Fertility rites

Holly and Mistletoe were used in fertility rites to ensure the coming of spring. Red holly berries represent the life-blood of the female, while white mistletoe berries represent drops of male semen. The Yule’s holly wreath also referred to the Wheel of the Year, as Yule means ‘wheel’.

Making a Yule log

The Yule log was traditionally cut from oak, because of its connections with the Oak King of Summer. It burns slowly and with great heat, redolent of the Sun. Make your own Yule log by following the steps below.

1. Get a piece of wood, preferably oak, approximately 10cm in diameter and 25cm long.
2. Drill three holes in the top of the log. Then wrap tin foil around the bottom of three red candles and wedge these in the holes in the log.
3. Decorate the log with holly, ivy and mistletoe, and light the three candles to welcome the rebirth of the Sun King.

When the season’s festivities come to an end, keep your log to use for next year’s Winter Solstice.

Welcome the Sun

Many customs surrounding the Winter Solstice involve honouring the return of the Sun and celebrating the birth of the Sun King – or Oak King, in Celtic circles. As a change of pace from the usual rush of social activity, Christmas parties and festivities surrounding this time of year, you may wish to find a moment of solitude to welcome back the Sun.

A meditative ritual

Set the atmosphere for your private Winter Solstice ritual by darkening a room in your home and kneeling at a small table where you have placed a red candle.

Reflect on all the things that you hope for the New Year, and visualise the Sun rising up out of darkness to a position high above the Earth. Light the candle and say, “I welcome back the life-giving light of the Sun.”

Tribal gathering

An ancient need stirs within the human soul at this time of year for contact with the tribe. On the eve of the Winter Solstice, gather with friends and family, and watch the Sun set for the last time under the rulership of the Holly King. Then invite everyone home and light the Yule log.

Community

Sit everyone around the fire and let people tell their hopes and dreams for the following year. Here begins the start of the 12 days of Yule, a special event for all family and loved ones to get involved in. You can also have fun making a hot punch with plenty of spices and apples, then drink together from a communal cup – traditionally called the wassail bowl.

Your gathering may wish to spread their good cheer and visit your neighbours with gifts of food, to share the festivities of Yuletide in this very traditional way.

The first of the 13 tree months of the Celtic calendar is the month of the Birch Moon. It begins just after Yuletide, and runs through most of January.

Starting just after the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year – the month of the Birch Moon marks the period of the year when the hours of daylight start to increase over the hours of darkness. Its associated colour is flame red. From this comes the red candles that we burn at Yuletide.

New year’s resolutions

The month of the Birch Moon falls into the ‘quiet time’ during the bleakest period of winter. None of the eight major festivals occur in this month, so there is little to do but wait for the warmer weather.

This month is primarily a time of contemplation, of looking to the future and starting to make plans for the year ahead – hence the tradition of making new years resolutions.

The lady of the woods

The silvery bark that covers the trunk of the birch tree resembles the silver of moonlight, which it reflects at night giving it a magical look.

With its long, slender branches that stretch up to the sky, the birch symbolises the female aspects of nature and is often known as ‘the lady of the woods’. Growing up to 100 feet high, it has also been thought of as a ladder that shamans can climb to reach the gods.

Birth Moon energy

The month of the Birch Moon is the ideal time to weave energy focusing on new beginnings and purification, or to cast energy forward for support, shielding and cleansing.

Resolution blessing

The birch is the first tree to grow back after a forest has been cut down or razed, reinforcing its association with new beginnings. It is a tree of extreme hardiness, thriving in places where the oak cannot. When you make a New Year’s resolution, increase your chances of sticking to your guns by performing a blessing.
You will need:

• Red candle
• Red ribbon
• Birch wand
• Frankincense, rose an benzoine essential oil

1. Go for a walk in your local park and collect a birch twig no more than 30cm long. As birch is one of the most common trees in Europe, you should be able to find one easily, even in the most urban areas.
2. Mix a few drops of rose, frankincense and benzoine essential oil into the palm of your hand and rub the mixture into a red candle.
3. Light the candle, and stand in front of it for a few moments visualising your resolution. If you are planning to learn to play the guitar, for instance, visualise yourself happily strumming your favourite song. You may want to state your intent aloud, saying, “I will learn to play the guitar.”
4. Holding your birch twig at one end, pass it through the candle’s flame. Then turn around, anti-clockwise, holding the twig in front of you so that you use it to draw a circle around yourself.
5. Repeat the words, “I manifest new chances for good fortune, clarity and insight. I open myself to new experience and allow change to manifest in my life.”
6. Now sit down for a few minutes and quietly contemplate your wish. When you have finished, blow out the candle.

Purification and cleansing

The silver colour of the birch’s bark is associated with purity and cleansing. Criminals and naughty schoolboys were often beaten with birch twigs – ‘birched’ – in order to purify them and drive out evil influences.

This is a good time to cleanse your mind of negative thoughts or attitudes, such as anger and jealousy, or addictive behaviour such as smoking. A full Moon that falls within the month of the Birch Moon is called the Cold Moon. You can strengthen your intent by performing the following ritual at this time.

Simple Cold Moon ritual

1. Light a white candle beside a small bowl of natural spring water.
2. Stand over the water and pray for the strength to let go of your vice.
3. Write down your negative behaviour nine times on a piece of paper.
4. Fold up the paper, place it inside a freezer bag, and pour in some of the prayer water.
5. Place the bag inside your icebox to ‘freeze’ your bad habits – putting them behind you forever.

Birch throughout the year

• Birch is used for purification, exorcism and protection. A red ribbon tied to a birch twig will help ward off the evil eye.
• Witches’ brooms are made of birch twigs tied around an ash branch with strips of willow. The purifying birch sweeps away evil spirits as well as dirt.
• At Beltane (May Day) birch twigs are used to light the fires that signal the beginning of the new season.

This point in the agricultural calendar is marked by the ploughing of the soil to allow it to prepare for the seed, and any energy work performed now is all about groundwork. The surface of the earth appears barren, but the life force is stirring beneath. Ask yourself what you need to prepare in order to plant the seeds of your dreams this year.

The white month

The Celtic fire festival of Imbolc (2 February) falls in the Rowan Moon, lending this time associations with the goddess Brigid to whom the festivities are dedicated. Also known as Bride, Brigid represents the mother of the new-born Sun and all candle energy work is sacred to her. Like the snowdrops peeking out of the ground to meet the goddess, white is a powerful symbol during this month. During the Rowan Moon wear white to cast energy, use white candles and feast on white foods to attune to the season.

The tree of perseverance

The rowan tree often grows on craggy mountains, higher than any other tree. Its ability to flourish in inaccessible locations teaches you to persevere. The rowan berries reveal a natural pentagram at their base – a symbol of the womb of the Earth Goddess and of protection. These physical attributes give the tree associations of healing and guardianship.

Rowan charms

Sprays of rowan berries were hung in cattle-sheds throughout the UK to protect livestock from disease and sorcery. The leaves and berries can also be used to make a divination incense, and carrying the bark is believed to promote healing in the bearer. The name ‘rowan’ even comes from the same root as the word ‘rune’ in its meaning as a charm.

Rowan Moon energy

Use the new-born energies of the Sun and of Brigid to harness the power of Rowan Moon, to cast forward energy for good fortune and prosperity.

The wheel of Bride

This protection charm represents the waxing energies of the Sun and can be hung in the home to attract good luck.

1. Collect together two straight sticks of rowan wood. Remember to leave an offering of thanks on a breach, such as a strand of hair, or thread or ribbon.
2. Hold the sticks in a cross and say, “Spirits of this wood, I bring you together for the good of all.”
3. Now bind the sticks into an equal-armed cross and secure them with red thread. As you do this visualise a powerful white light.
4. Hold the charm up to the Sun and say, “Behold the Wheel of Bride, blessed be.”

Candle Energy

Combine the energy of the Rowan Moon with the candle energy of Imbolc.

1. Fill a small pot with earth and then hold a white candle in your right hand. Concentrate on what you want to grow this year.
2. Plant the candle in the soil saying, “Mother Brigid I ask you to nurture my dream, may it grow with your blessed light.”
3. Light the candle and see its flame expand, taking strength from the Sun.
4. After seeking the help of the goddess through candle energy, plant a seed as an offering of thanks to her in a favourite place, and wait for your wish to grow.

Magic Mirror

Use this meditation and a mirror to help increase your psychic powers.

1. Prop up a round mirror on a table, surrounded by rowan leaves, berries and three white candles. Close your eyes and say aloud, “My lady, open my inner eye to grant clear vision.”
2. Focus on the centre of your forehead and ‘direct’ your breathing to this spot.
3. Half open your eyes and gaze into the mirror. Focus on your breath and register any images that drift into your mind. Repeat this process regularly and your visions will improve.

Attune to the Moon

Harness the growing potential of the Rowan Moon in your life and make a new start by following these resolutions.

• Begin spring cleaning now. As the light increases, you will need to clear out your clutter with all your energy to make way for new growth.
• Have a Rowan Moon dinner party and ask your guests to wear white, dine by candlelight and eat seeds such as beans, pulses and nuts.
• Look for the first snowdrops of the season and make a wish when you see one. Snowdrops hold the potential of spring.
• Tie a white ribbon on a rowan tree while saying the names of those you love. The tree will send out healing vibrations to them.

Imbolc brings the very first whisperings of spring. Snowdrops peep up through the cold earth and the tiniest buds begin to form on the trees. Winter is by no means over – in fact the worst is often to come – but there is a glimmer of hope. In northern latitudes, it becomes obvious that the days are lengthening. Candles are lit to represent the return of the Sun and the divine spark of creativity.

The Virgin Goddess

In the Triple Goddess tradition, the Crone of winter is reborn as the virgin at Imbolc. Known to the Celts as Brigid, she was a fire goddess and one of her main aspects was as a healer.

The Celtic image of a virgin was of inherent sexuality and fertility, full of potential for nurturing on all levels. As the thoughts and ideas incubated over winter emerge at this time, it is necessary to heal old, out-moded ways to allow new ideas to be born.

Imbolc in the modern world

The Pagan fire festival of Imbolc is present in the modern world as a festival of light. On February 2nd, the returning light is celebrated by the Christian church as Candlemas. Traditionally the candles are blessed and taken home to use in times of trouble. The festival also recognises the Purification of the Virgin Mary, when she went to the temple for 40 days after giving birth to Jesus, to be cleansed.

Weather forecast

Old country lore claims that the weather at Candlemas forecasts the climate for the next six weeks. If the day is sunny the remainder of the winter will be stormy, but if it rains the next six weeks will be mild. This aspect has been taken up in North America where the emergence, or not, of the hibernating groundhog is believed to be a spring weather predictor. This is known as Groundhog Day.

Celebrating Imbolc

Celebrate the lengthening of days and the warming of the earth at Imbolc, with rituals of purification, fertility and renewal.

A purifying bath.

The Romans named the month of February after a word signifying purification, as this was the time when ritual cleansing would prepare a person for a fresh start. So take a ritual bath at Imbolc in your own homemade ‘healing well’.

1. Collect some snowdrops and then set the scene in your bathroom with lit candles around the bath tub, to signify the burning away of old ideas as well as the coming of the light.
2. Burn juniper oil in a burner and put a drop or two in the bath water. This oil is chosen because it is a very powerful auric cleanser.
3. Summon Brigid with the snowdrops, scattering them in the bath.
4. Relax in the water, using an apple green soap – and a white towel to dry off.

Planting seeds

Just as the seeds are germinating in the earth, Imbolc is a time when you should imagine your thoughts and ideas starting to warm up after leaving them to hibernate through the winter. Combine the correspondences of new life and light to perform this simple ritual for Imbolc.

1. Choose a quiet spot outdoors, in your garden or a local park, perhaps beneath your favourite type of tree or bush.
2. Plant a seed or bulb in the ground – to make this place more special to you, choose a seed of your preferred plant or perhaps one associated with your Zodiac sign.
3. Now, light a small, white candle (to represent the Virgin Goddess’ purity), sit and watch it burn down. As you do so, imagine that the seed you have planted represents the thoughts and ideas you have sown in hope for the year ahead.

A Brigid’s Cross

At Imbolc, it was traditional to make a Brigid’s Cross to welcome the goddess into the home. These were hung over doors or windows for the year, then burned and replaced at next Imbolc. Make your own Brigid’s Cross.

1. Bind two stick of equal length to form a cross.
2. Imagine your cross is made of four sticks and number them 1-4, from the top, going round clockwise.
3. Tie a silver ribbon around stick 1, close to the centre of the cross, then take it to the right stick 2 and wrap it round the back. From the left of stick 2, take the ribbon round to the right of stick 3 and wrap it round the back. Take it from the left of stick 3 to the right of stick 4 and so on. Continue weaving in this way.
4. When it’s complete, adorn your cross with other decorative items.

A fertility doll

Imbolc is the opposite of Lammas when the Corn Mother is made, and this festival also sees another form of fertility doll, but this time it’s for Brigid, or Bride. These were traditionally made from oats, but can be made from any type of corn. You can either fashion a full doll or just tie up a few pieces of corn into a representative style and shape.

The bridal bed

Once you have made the fertility doll, dress it with lace and ribbons, and lay it in a basket with flowers and a wand to create the Virgin Goddess’ bridal bed. Light white candles for purity on either side of the basket then go to the front door and quietly call, “Bride’s bed is ready. Let Bride come in, Bride is welcome.” In Celtic beliefs, you are inviting in the virgins potential fertility and nurturing qualities.

Imbolc brings the very first whisperings of spring. Snowdrops peep up through the cold earth and the tiniest buds begin to form on the trees. Winter is by no means over – in fact the worst is often to come – but there is a glimmer of hope. In northern latitudes, it becomes obvious that the days are lengthening. Candles are lit to represent the return of the Sun and the divine spark of creativity.

The Virgin Goddess

In the Triple Goddess tradition, the Crone of winter is reborn as the virgin at Imbolc. Known to the Celts as Brigid, she was a fire goddess and one of her main aspects was as a healer.

The Celtic image of a virgin was of inherent sexuality and fertility, full of potential for nurturing on all levels. As the thoughts and ideas incubated over winter emerge at this time, it is necessary to heal old, out-moded ways to allow new ideas to be born.

Imbolc in the modern world

The Pagan fire festival of Imbolc is present in the modern world as a festival of light. On February 2nd, the returning light is celebrated by the Christian church as Candlemas. Traditionally the candles are blessed and taken home to use in times of trouble. The festival also recognises the Purification of the Virgin Mary, when she went to the temple for 40 days after giving birth to Jesus, to be cleansed.

Weather forecast

Old country lore claims that the weather at Candlemas forecasts the climate for the next six weeks. If the day is sunny the remainder of the winter will be stormy, but if it rains the next six weeks will be mild. This aspect has been taken up in North America where the emergence, or not, of the hibernating groundhog is believed to be a spring weather predictor. This is known as Groundhog Day.

Celebrating Imbolc

Celebrate the lengthening of days and the warming of the earth at Imbolc, with rituals of purification, fertility and renewal.

A purifying bath.

The Romans named the month of February after a word signifying purification, as this was the time when ritual cleansing would prepare a person for a fresh start. So take a ritual bath at Imbolc in your own homemade ‘healing well’.

1. Collect some snowdrops and then set the scene in your bathroom with lit candles around the bath tub, to signify the burning away of old ideas as well as the coming of the light.
2. Burn juniper oil in a burner and put a drop or two in the bath water. This oil is chosen because it is a very powerful auric cleanser.
3. Summon Brigid with the snowdrops, scattering them in the bath.
4. Relax in the water, using an apple green soap – and a white towel to dry off.

Planting seeds

Just as the seeds are germinating in the earth, Imbolc is a time when you should imagine your thoughts and ideas starting to warm up after leaving them to hibernate through the winter. Combine the correspondences of new life and light to perform this simple ritual for Imbolc.

1. Choose a quiet spot outdoors, in your garden or a local park, perhaps beneath your favourite type of tree or bush.
2. Plant a seed or bulb in the ground – to make this place more special to you, choose a seed of your preferred plant or perhaps one associated with your Zodiac sign.
3. Now, light a small, white candle (to represent the Virgin Goddess’ purity), sit and watch it burn down. As you do so, imagine that the seed you have planted represents the thoughts and ideas you have sown in hope for the year ahead.

A Brigid’s Cross

At Imbolc, it was traditional to make a Brigid’s Cross to welcome the goddess into the home. These were hung over doors or windows for the year, then burned and replaced at next Imbolc. Make your own Brigid’s Cross.

1. Bind two stick of equal length to form a cross.
2. Imagine your cross is made of four sticks and number them 1-4, from the top, going round clockwise.
3. Tie a silver ribbon around stick 1, close to the centre of the cross, then take it to the right stick 2 and wrap it round the back. From the left of stick 2, take the ribbon round to the right of stick 3 and wrap it round the back. Take it from the left of stick 3 to the right of stick 4 and so on. Continue weaving in this way.
4. When it’s complete, adorn your cross with other decorative items.

A fertility doll

Imbolc is the opposite of Lammas when the Corn Mother is made, and this festival also sees another form of fertility doll, but this time it’s for Brigid, or Bride. These were traditionally made from oats, but can be made from any type of corn. You can either fashion a full doll or just tie up a few pieces of corn into a representative style and shape.

The bridal bed

Once you have made the fertility doll, dress it with lace and ribbons, and lay it in a basket with flowers and a wand to create the Virgin Goddess’ bridal bed. Light white candles for purity on either side of the basket then go to the front door and quietly call, “Bride’s bed is ready. Let Bride come in, Bride is welcome.” In Celtic beliefs, you are inviting in the virgins potential fertility and nurturing qualities.

In ancient Europe, the winter’s ice began to thaw during the Celtic Month of Ash Moon. People ventured out of their homes and villages for the first time since the darkening days of late autumn. It is perhaps for this reason that this month is linked with journeys of all Kinds. Energy directed now should focus on transformation, moving you into a new space either physically or spiritually.

Taking time out

The month of the Ash Moon is a good time to start planning your summer holiday and to acclimatise your body to spending time outside. Cast energy forward that takes your inner energies on an excursion by harnessing natural forces, such as floating wishes downstream in a paper boat, or blessing a feather and letting it fly on the wind. Valentine’s Day also occurs near the time of the Ash Moon, so cast love energy that focuses on sharing your journey in the year ahead with someone special.

A sacred tree of magic

The ash has always been revered as a magical tree. In Scandinavian countries the universe was believed to be composed of a giant ash called Yggdrasil, and runes were traditionally made from ash wood. In Greece, ash trees are sacred to Poseidon, the god of the sea, and the wood was used to carve charms that protected against drowning.

Ash for the sick

Ash is renowned for its healing powers. Sick children were passed through the ash branches, and a bowl of water and ash leaves by the sick bed was an old remedy to speed healing.

In witchcraft, ash wood is traditionally used to make healing wands and the leaves from the ash tree are used to boost the power of protection and prosperity incenses.

Ash Moon energy

Use Ash Moon energy to focus your mind through meditation or move your life in a new direction. Use this month to create a healing wand or to cast love energy forward.

Journey energy

Use the ash to attract good fortune in all of your journeys, both physical and metaphysical.

• Write a letter to the angels telling them what you want to change in your life and asking for help. Address it to paradise and ‘post it’ by burning the letter in a candle flame. Wait for your answer. It’s guaranteed that it will come in unexpected ways.
• Draw an image of your wish on a luggage label and attach to a kite. Fly the kite and ask the spirits of the wind to make it come true.
• Charge a feather by passing it through incense smoke and repeating your wish three times. Drop the feather from a bridge into a river to activate the energy.

Walking meditation

Practising this technique during the Ash Moon will free your mind from stress and attract solutions to your problems. You will need a smudge stick, a bunch of herbs – usually white sage – that is used to ‘smudge’ or cleanse an area with smoke.

1. Light a smudge stick, then take time to relax and breathe deeply.
2. Direct the smoke around your body, taking time to cleanse your aura, and say, “Spirit I walk this journey and invite you to join me. May each step be sacred.”
3. Set out on a walk that takes you through nature. Everything on your journey has a message for you, so relax and enjoy it.
4. On your return write down any animals you encountered and unusual sights or flashes of inspiration you received.

A healing wand

Harness the healing powers of the ash to make a wand.

1. Lay your hands on an ash tree’s trunk and say, “Magical tree I ask for a wand infused with your power to heal.”
2. Cut a branch the length of your forearm and the thickness of the base of your index finger.
3. Shave off the bark and decorate with a soldering iron. Runes and spirals are appropriate.
4. Charge the wand my leaving it in spring water overnight. Use your wand whenever you are going to direct healing energy.

Ash love energy

Valentine’s Day falls close to the Ash Moon, so cast your energy to attract romance.
You will need:

• Red candle
• Valentine’s card
• Three red rose petals
• Red pen

1. Light the candle saying, “Flame of desire, light the fire, three kisses and love will come.”
2. Kiss each rose petal and place them in the card.
3. Close the envelope an seal with red wax.
4. Send the card to your lover, or carry it as a talisman to attract love.

The month of the Alder Moon runs from mid March to mid April. Significantly, this is a period that includes the Spring Equinox, the day on which the return of spring is celebrated, with its night and day of equal length. Falling as it does at the start of spring, the month of the Alder Moon symbolises the reawakening of the Earth Mother’s fertility for another cycle.

Growth and fertility

The month of the Alder Moon signifies a period of accelerated growth, and the energy your case during this time can aid in business or creative ventures you undertake, bringing your ambitions closer to fruition. Your emphasis during the month of the Alder Moon should be on harnessing your hidden potential.

Balance in work

Focusing on the Moon’s influence during this month will also help you to being a sense of balance to your work. The power of the Alder Moon will be able to unite your intuitive side with a pragmatic approach to planning.

Fertility and courage

The alder tree is also known as the King of the waters (with the willow tree as its Queen) because its natural habitat is near lakes, rivers and streams. It actually grows with its roots in the water and its branches in the air and for this reason is associated with balancing of female and male energies.

Symbols of fertility

When the wood of the alder tree is cut, it turns from white to red, both of which are colours long associated with the Goddess’ fertility. The buds of the alder tree also grow in spirals that are a symbol of regeneration and a reminder of the cycle to come.

Wood for weapons

The Celts traditionally used charcoal made from the alder tree in the making of their weapons. This work was carried out in spring – in preparation for the hunting season to start.

Alder Moon energy

The month of the Alder Moon is the ideal time to focus on balancing your life, setting new goals for yourself and working to achieve them with energy and enthusiasm.

Yin-Yang meditation

The Yin-Yang is a symbol of male and female energies in perfect balance, and is an ideal symbol to use in meditation. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and relax your body.

1. Look at the Yin-Yang and let your gaze become blurred. Close your eyes while holding the image in your mind.
2. Concentrate on letting your in-breath become equal with your out-breath.
3. Focus on the Yin-Yang symbol and let other thoughts drift away.

Achieving balance in your life

During the month of the Alder Moon, try to bring more balance into you life with the following tips

Balance your books

Check your bank balance. Always overdrawn? Find four ways you can economise this month. Small symbolic steps let the powers of the universe know that you are ready for some big changes.

Balanced Diet

Are you eating a balanced diet? Remember that your body is a temple. Valuing yourself is the first step to getting what you want.

Balance your emotions

Take up Yoga or Tai Chi during the Alder Moon. The balance of spirituality and physical exercise stimulates feelings of well-being. Your improved posture will radiate poise and confidence to the outside world.

Drink plenty of water

Take your lead from the alder tree, drink plenty of water and breathe deeply. You will find you have more energy to make your dreams come true this spring.

Chocolate love ritual

Perform this simple ritual with your partner to help your love grow stronger.
You will need:

• A chocolate Easter egg
• A pin
• A red candle
• Matches

1. Create a romantic setting in the room you wish to use for your ritual with soft music and scented candles.
2. Sit facing your partner, look into each others eyes and breathe deeply.
3. Light the candle, then take it in turns to say these words to each other, “Beneath this Alder Moon I offer my love to you, may it grow ever stronger and ever clearer, so mote it be.”
4. Both use the pin to scratch four things you love about each other onto the chocolate egg.
5. Have fun feeding each other pieces of the egg.
6. Let the red candle burn down. Your love will grow in the year ahead.

Spring Equinox, which usually falls on 20th or 21st March in the UK, is the exact midpoint between the winter and summer solstices. There is exactly 12 hours of night and 12 hours of daylight.

This is a time of huge energy and immense forward motion. Nature is waking up after a long winter sleep and everywhere you look there is evidence of life’s ability to regenerate. Trees are in bud, seeds are germinating and animals are preparing to bear their young.

Celebrating new life

In Wiccan lore, the Oak king, the god of light, has now won a victory over the Holly King, the god of darkness. As light conquers darkness, the great Mother Goddess welcomes the young Sun god in the sacred marriage and conceives a child. Nine months later, at winter solstice, the child will be born and the cycle will begin all over again.

Easter: Spring Equinox in the world

The Easter festival we think of as a Christian celebration is the church’s appropriation of this traditional Pagan festival. The resurrection is a tale of new life, but where do the Easter eggs and rabbits feature in the bible?

Even the name Easter, had Pagan roots – Eoestre is the goddess of light, who brings the spring. The root of the word comes from ‘Oestrus’ – the time in an animals sexual cycle when it is fertile. Eoestre’s festival was held on the Spring Equinox full Moon. Thus Easter is on the first Sunday after the first full Moon following the Spring Equinox.

Fertility and birth

The Spring Equinox is often represented by a spring maiden carrying a basket of eggs, the symbol of rebirth. The maiden is accompanied by a hare or rabbit, representing abundant fertility, from which comes our modern British symbol, the Easter bunny.

Celebrating the Spring Equinox

There are many simple ways to celebrate the season of rebirth – from spring cleaning your body and home to cooking up traditional Easter treats for family and friends.

Spring clean your home

In springtime, gardeners clear away the debris of winter from the base of plants, allowing room for new growth. So we, too, can make space in our homes for fresh ideas and projects to emerge.

Renew you home

As the growing light shows up the accumulated dirt of winter, remove it.

• Go into those hidden places, under the sofa and behind the fridge, letting in the light and leaving everything fresh and new.
• Clear out any clothes you no longer wear from in your wardrobe.
• Wear green to symbolise the shoots of spring. This will remind you of the new beginnings spring represents.

Special spring food and drink

Make a celebratory meal to share with your friends – perhaps a picnic outdoors, or inside, if the weather is bad.

Dishes for spring

Create the following dishes for a symbolic spring meal.

• Nettle tea – the first edible green leaves of spring, nettles are rich in minerals such as iron.
• Quiche, the eggs in which are reminiscent of new life.
• Hot cross buns are reminiscent of the Sacred Marriage. The arms of the cross are of equal length, which in some cosmologies represents the union of male and female.

Make your own Easter egg

Traditionally, eggs were painted bright colours to represent the sunlight of spring, or coloured scarlet, to represent life-blood.

Spring resolutions

As part of your ceremonies, you can paint an egg.

• Decorate a hard-boiled egg with bright colours, symbols, or affirmations.
• Write about a new project on the shell. If you are with friends, you can take turns to talk about what your eggs symbolise. Passing the eggs around the group will help to energise them and fill them with positive intent.
• Absorb the energy you have invested in the egg by ceremonially shelling it and eating the contents.
• Crush the painted eggshell and bury it – to sow your new hopes into the earth.

Spring clean your body

After you have spring cleaned your home and it is clear of the previous season’s old, stale energies, you can then cleanse yourself. Spring clean your body’s systems by drinking a purifying tea of dandelion leaves and nettle tops.

New beginnings

Then make a spring space, preferably in your garden to fully benefit from the new air of the season. In it, place spring flowers and fresh greens. Prepare an incense of purification herbs and spices, such as hyssop and juniper. As these offerings burn, meditate on the new projects you are ready to start – the seeds of new plans you wish to sow.

During the time of April showers, the watery month of the Willow Moon teaches you to release pent-up emotions and experience your grief. Tears are linked to healing and as you express difficult and painful feelings, you are able to purge yourself of subconscious fears, which would otherwise prevent you from reaching your dreams. The Willow Moon offered a healing month to the Celts who literally spring-cleaned themselves in steamy saunas, known as sweat lodges, in readiness for the Beltane Festival at the start of May.

Watery tree

This month is the perfect time to perform lunar magic and to let go of the past. Cast energy to restore and nurture during the Waxing Moon and to release problems during the Waning Moon. Drinking more water will also help you to attune to the Willow Moon, and so enable you to connect to the tree’s watery magic.

Healing and Blessing

The Willow is imbued with the power of the Moon and so it has always been particularly linked with witchcraft. The traditional witches’ broom is bound with a Willow branch and lunar wands used specifically for Moon magic are made of Willow wood.

Broken hearts

The Willow’s close ties to the Moon and tides also connects it to affairs of the heart. An old English tradition involved jilted lovers wearing a sprig of Willow in their hats, which originated from an ancient Willow charm to heal a broken heart.

Lucky tree

It was also believed that knocking on Willow wood would help banish bad luck, and that the tree’s leaves and bark could be added to healing incenses and sachets.

Willow Moon Energy

The Willow Moon provides the perfect time to harness lunar power and energy for wishing, divination, healing, and protection.

Willow divination

Willow is a good tree for boosting your intuition because of its watery association with the Moon. Try these traditional ‘Willow-ways’ of using your extra-sensory perception.

• Throw your shoe into a willow tree on the new Moon. If it gets stuck you will be married in the next 12 months, but if it falls you will remain single. You can try this eight times, if you do not get the desired result the first time!
• Sleep with willow leaves under your pillow on the night of the full Moon to have a psychic dream.
• Burning the bark and leaves of willow with sandalwood, outside during the waning moon, will help you to see spirits.

Protection energy

Planting a willow tree in your garden will banish bad luck from your home.
You will need:

• Willow branch
• Spring water
• A quartz crystal
• A lock of your hair

1. On the new Moon dig a hole and place the quartz crystal inside it.
2. Call upon the blessing of the Earth Mother with the following incantation – “Earth to earth, in power and love grow”
3. Add the lock of your hair, to bring your own energy to the spell, and say, “I welcome you”
4. Plant the willow branch in the hole and refill the earth around it
5. Shower the covered earth with the spring water, while saying this chant – “Water to water, in power and love grow”
6. Water the planted branch each day until it is strong

Moon water energy

This Willow tree ritual should be performed outside and can be used to make a wish. or heart’s desire, come true.

1. At the time of the full Moon go to a shallow river or stream where willow trees grow
2. Stand with your feet in the water and hold your arms up towards the Moon
3. Visualise moonlight flooding your aura, filling your body with each breath
4. recite this incantation “Lady Moon of wax and wane, bring my wish and take my pain”
5. Perform an act of ritual purification by washing your hands in the water by the roots of the tree
6. Focus on your wish and tie a knot with string around a willow branch to seal it/ When your wish comes true, untie the knot

Healing Sachet

Use this charm during the Willow Moon to support your recovery from past bereavement or heartbreak.
You will need:

• White spell bag
• Willow leaves
• Willow bark
• Moonstone crystal

1. Harvest the bark and leaves on a full Moon, leaving a strand of hair as an offering of thanks
2. Hold up the moonstone and say, “Mother Moon, fair thou art, may your radiance heal my heart”
3. Place all the ingredients in the bag tying three knots to seal it, saying, “by the power of three so mote it be”

Beltane is the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. It is called a ‘cross-quarter’ and is also a fire festival, celebrated around 1st May. The origins of the name are not clear, although ‘fire of Bel’, the bright or shining one, or simply ‘good fire’ are reasonable suppositions.

Abundance of spring

Beltane is the peak of spring and the first hint of summer. What was set in motion at the Spring Equinox in the form of buds and shoots, as well as the seeds of ideas, is manifesting itself. Nature is abundant with flowers, the hawthorn tree drips with May blossom and everything is vibrant. At Beltane, male and female come together in unabashed sexuality. Young people would spend the night in the woods ‘a-maying’ and married couples could abandon their vows for the night.

There is nothing subtle about the ancient festival of Beltane. Nature itself is rampant. The sap rises with great velocity, flower buds fly open seemingly overnight, and the hedgerows are heady with the sensual smell of cow parsley and May blossom. In the ancient world, no separation was perceived between sexuality and spirituality, neither was the fecundity of the animal kingdom considered as separate from humankind. If all of nature was throbbing with life’s energies, then the Earth people would participate and honour it.

Sacred Beltane rites

Beltane, then, is the time for lovers to celebrate their sexual nature – marital duties have no place at this time. Their lovemaking recreates the sacred union of the Earth Goddess and Horned God and the energy released helps to fertilise the land on which they lie.

The Roman festival of Floralia

The Celtic Beltane festival is rooted in the Floralia festival of the Romans, which took place at the beginning of May. The goddess of blossoming plants, Flora, was worshipped to ensure a fruitful harvest.

The Romans celebrated Floralia by releasing animals associated with fertility and frequent breeding, such as hares and goats. Women wore bright-coloured clothes to represent flowers, and garlands in their hair.

Feasts were held and the tables covered with sweet smelling roses, synonymous with lovers.

Wild celebrations

The wine flowed freely on this night, releasing people’s inhibitions so they might make love more easily. It was a sacred, as well as a ribald, festival.

Beltane in the modern world

Beltane marked the start of the summer and the beginning of the pastoral season and celebrations focused on sexuality, fertility and abundance.

The lord of the Greenwood and Queen of the May symbolise the divine union of male and female. The traditional maypole is a symbol of the male phallus and the female principle is represented by baskets and wreaths, while the weaving of red and white ribbons symbolises their interconnection.

Modern May Day

Nowadays we still have maypoles, but the male god has gone. Christianity kept the Queen of the May, but transformed her into a symbol of virginity, purity and chastity.

Beltane used to be a time when everyone, with their class or status suspended for a day, went ‘a-maying’. Thus, with May Day already associated with the masses, it was natural that May Day has become a modern-day worker’s holiday in many places around the world.