The pagan holidays, also known as pagan festivals or celebrations, refer to the ancient religious and cultural events that were observed by pagan societies. Paganism, which is characterized by the worship of multiple deities and a deep connection with nature, dates back to pre-Christian times and was prevalent in various parts of the world. One of the most well-known pagan holidays is Samhain, which is believed to be the precursor to Halloween. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundaries between the living and the dead were thinnest, allowing spirits to freely roam the earth. To ward off these spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to disguise themselves.
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With each circling, chant this incantation, starting low and quietly, and with each turn, raising the cone of power through the volume, speed and intensity of your voice. wikipedia, Celtic tree calendar and the Number 9 Hazel is the Tree of Knowledge , and is associated with the ninth month, which falls August 5th September 1st.
To ward off these spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to disguise themselves. Another significant pagan holiday is the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule. Celebrated around December 21st, this festival marked the shortest day and longest night of the year.
A Samhain Hazelnut Charm for Luck and Protection in the New Year
Samhain is considered by some to the witch’s new year. As the final harvest sabbat, it is the conclusion of the previous Wheel of the Year and the Great Work of magick that we’ve been manifesting. Samhain marks the height of Autumn, and full embrace of the deep, dark journey of spirit beyond death. It is an appropriate time to work for some good luck and protection with the aid of Mercury, known also as Hermes. He is the psychopomp who guides spirits into the underworld, the God of travel and protection upon the road, of wisdom, communication, magick, and mediumship.
This Samhain, charge a hazelnut luck and protection charm for the new year. It can be a meaningful spell to share with the kids around a ritual fire. The first time I made one was for a rite I held back in 2005. I was a very “green” witchling at the time, and I found the instructions for the spell at www.tryskelion.com. That same charm has been hanging in my home ever since. (picture below) At the time, I followed directions without bothering to dig for the occult reasons behind it. Now I am a priestess of Hermes, and today I DID dig into it further. Lo and behold, I found Hermes there all along. The occult interconnections never cease to amaze me. This Samhain, I will charge a new Hazelnut charm, but with a deeper understanding of the lore and occult powers held within. Below, I will share with you my new and improved version of this old spell, with my own adapted charm language that specifically appeals to the God Mercury/Hermes for aid, and extends that protection to all who call this home, but follows them wherever they roam. Hazelnuts CC0 Creative Commons – Pixabay
Pagan communities would gather to light bonfires and exchange gifts, symbolizing the return of the sun and the rebirth of nature. Many of the traditions associated with Yule, such as decorating trees and hanging mistletoe, have been incorporated into modern-day Christmas celebrations. Beltane, observed on May 1st, was a pagan festival that marked the beginning of summer. It was a time of fertility and growth, and people would participate in rituals and dances to ensure abundant harvests. Maypoles, a common symbol of Beltane, were erected and adorned with ribbons as part of the celebrations. Additionally, Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, marked the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It honored the Celtic goddess Brigid and was associated with purification and the returning light of spring. People would light candles and fires to welcome the lengthening days and participate in rituals to honor Brigid's healing and creative powers. These pagan holidays were deeply rooted in the beliefs and customs of ancient societies, and they played a significant role in their religious and cultural practices. While many of these traditions have evolved or been superseded by modern holidays, the influence of pagan celebrations can still be seen today..
Reviews for "Exploring the Different Pagan Holiday Traditions around the World"
1. Sofia - 2/5 stars - I found "The Pagan Holidays" to be quite underwhelming. The plot was confusing and it seemed like the author couldn't decide which direction to take the story in. The characters were also poorly developed and lacked depth. Additionally, I felt that the pacing was off, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - "The Pagan Holidays" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. The author's attempts to create suspense fell flat, and I found myself having to force myself to finish the book. The lack of character development and meaningful plot just added to my frustration. I highly discourage anyone from picking up this book, as there are much better options out there.
3. Emily - 2/5stars - I had high hopes for "The Pagan Holidays," but it didn't live up to my expectations. The concept was promising, but the execution fell short. The narrative was disjointed, and I often found myself confused about what was happening. The characters were forgettable, lacking the depth and relatability that would have made me care about their fates. The overall story felt lackluster and left me feeling unfulfilled. I would advise readers to look elsewhere for a more engaging and well-crafted read.