copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Warrior’s Admonition Your body is your temple: Care for it! Do not engage in useless activity. Listen to the Goddess. Help thyself. You create your own reality. The Warrior’s path is creativity. A serene path to enlightenment. Know thyself. Master thyself. Create your own reality. Nurture the ability to perceive the truth in all matters. Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye. Learn from your mistakes. Teach thyself. Do not be negligent, even in trifling matters Grace and guilt do not exist: Strive for responsibility. Honor thyself. This admonition is based on the 13 Warrior Precepts of the Order of Paladins. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

13 Precepts: Know thyself. Nurture the ability to perceive the truth in all matters. You create your own reality. Develop a sense of Right Action. Do not be negligent, even in trifling matters. Your body is your temple: Care for it! Minimal appearance, maximum content. Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye. Power with. Who dares wins. The Gods cannot help those who will not help themselves. Be creative! Do not engage in useless activity. These are the precepts that all members of the Order of Paladins will be expected to adhere to. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Code of Chivalry: All members of the Order of Paladins must live according to the principles of chivalry, which include: Sincerity. Courtesy. Compassion. Perseverance. Industriousness. Justice. Loyalty. Courage. Self-Discipline. Humility. Largesse. Truth. Honor copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Preamble: The Wheel of the Year is the cycle of seasonal Sabbats that reminds us of our connection to nature and helps us to renew and maintain that connection. Honoring the Wheel of the Year is part of our Service to the Earth. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Sabbats The term “sabbat” is derived from a Hebrew term: “shabbath” (“rest”). Wiccan use of the term “Sabbat” was derived from the works of Margaret Murray (circa 1920). Murray used the term “Sabbats” to refer to the major celebrations of Pagans persecuted as witches during the Inquisition. The term “sabbat” is derived from a Hebrew term: “shabbath” (“rest”). This later became “Sabbaton” in Greek, “Sabbatum” in Latin and ultimately “Sabat” in Old English (circa 950 CE). In Christianity the Sabbath is a day of rest, being the seventh day after the creation of the world, according to the Bible. In Judaism and some Christian sects this is Saturday, but in most other Christian denominations it is Sunday. The Wiccan use of the term “Sabbat” was derived from the works of Margaret Murray published circa Murray used the term “Sabbats” to refer to the major celebrations of Pagans persecuted as witches during the Inquisition. Murray borrowed it from the works of early demonologists, who used the term to describe alleged meetings of witches because the same demonologists held Judaism to be the antithesis of Christianity. For this same reason Modern day Satanists use it to describe their ritual meetings. Regular (lunar) meetings of Wiccans are called Esbats, not Sabbats. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Sabbats Wiccans refer to the eight seasonal festivals as Sabbats. You will note that, in accordance with the Celtic tradition, Wiccans normally consider the day as beginning at sundown and ending at the following sundown. Hence, Samhain runs from sundown, October 31st through sundown, November 1st. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

The Sabbats: The Wheel of the Year
copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Sabbats The Wiccan Sabbats are (beginning at the Celtic New Year): Samhain (October 31), Yule (winter solstice), Imbolc (February 2), Eostre (spring equinox), Beltaine (April 30), Litha (summer solstice), Lughnasad (August 1), and Mabon (autumnal equinox). copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Lesser Sabbats The four Celtic solar festivals (the two equinoxes and the two solstices) are Lesser Sabbats The dates of the Lesser Sabbats are approximate because the exact date of the Equinoxes and Solstices varies two days either side of the 21st. The exact dates are easily found in an ephemeris, calendar or in newspapers copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Length of Days Samhain Yule Imbolc Eostre Beltaine Litha Lughnasad Mabon Litha Beltaine Lughnasad Eostre Mabon As you can see in the diagram in the slide, if you graph the amount of light per day (ie. the length of the days) over the span of the year, you will end up with a sine curve and can see this for yourself. These were much more easily recognized astronomical events than the equinoxes and solstices, around which the length of the days change at a hardly perceptible rate. It may be that because these cross quarter days were so noticeable that they became Greater Sabbats. Samhain Imbolc Yule copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Length of Days The ancients noticed that on the Cross Quarter days the length of days either suddenly started: Shortening or lengthening at a much faster rate (for example, after August 1 or February 2); or Shortening or lengthening at a much slower rate (for example, after October 31 or April 30). copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Druid Comparison: The Druid wheel of the year is also marked by eight festivals, consisting of four Fire Festivals and Four Solar festivals: Samhain (October 31), La Ceimbroadh (Winter Solstice), Imbolc (February 2), An Earraigh (Spring Equinox), Beltaine (April 30), Grianstod (Summer Solstice), Lughnasad (August 1), and An Fhomhair (Autumnal Equinox). Like the Wiccan ritual calendar, the Druid wheel of the year is marked by eight festivals, consisting of four Fire Festivals and Four Solar festivals. Druids do not refer to them as Sabbats, nor do they consider the solar festivals to be lesser festivals. Like the Wiccan calendar, the Druid year commences at Samhain. The Druid festivals are (beginning at the New Year): Samhain (October 31), La Ceimbroadh (Winter Solstice), Imbolc (February 2), An Earraigh (Spring Equinox), Beltaine (April 30), Grianstod (Summer Solstice), Lughnasad (August 1), and An Fhomhair (Autumnal Equinox). copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Order of Paladin’s 4 Seasons
The Order of Paladins pairs up the Sabbats with one Fire festival and one Solar festival into seasons linked to the four groupings of Magickal Weapons (more on this later) and which reflect the focus of the ancient Warrior. This pairs up one of the four Celtic solar festivals (the two equinoxes and the two solstices) or Lesser Sabbats, with one of the four Greater Sabbats or fire festivals. These Greater Sabbats, or “Cross Quarter” days, fall half way between the solstices and equinoxes. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Order of Paladin’s 4 Seasons
Shield Season: This is winter, a season of earth, starting at Samhain and including Yule, the winter solstice. Sword Season: This is spring, a season of air, starting at Imbolc and including Eostre, the vernal equinox. Spear Season: This is summer, a season of fire, starting at Beltaine and including Litha, the summer solstice. Cauldron Season: This is autumn, a season of water, starting at Lughnasad and including the autumnal equinox, Mabon. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Samhain “Celtic New Year's Eve”: celebrated from sunset on October 31 to sunset on 1 November Marks the end and beginning of the Sacred Year for Wiccans. Samhain is the Celtic New Year's Eve and was celebrated from sunset on October 31 to sunset on 1 November. Some Druid groups refer to it as Samhuinn. The Welsh call it Calan Gaef or Nos Galan Gaeof and it is still celebrated today as Halloween, All Hallows Eve or Hallowmas. Samhain was the end of the summer season and the beginning of the winter season for the Celts. This was the time of year when the Celts culled their herds, slaughtering cattle and salting or drying the meat, leaving just breeding cattle to be fed over the winter. This is one of the reasons that Samhain is associated with death and spirits. To the Celts Samhain was the turning of the year, a time at which the barriers between the worlds of life and death were believed to be as thin as veils. For this reason it was believed that spirits of the departed could return, to be welcomed by their kin and celebrate with them. It was a time to honour those who have gone before us, not to fear them. It was also a time of truce for the Celtic tribes, when councils were held, legal judgments passed and agreements made. The Feast of Samhain marks the end and beginning of the Sacred Year for both Wiccans and Druids. It marks the Last Harvest. It is a time of remembrance of one’s ancestors. It is a Feast of the Dead, with offerings made to the Lord of the House of the Dead and to the Queen of Phantoms, to the Gods, the Dead and the Sidhe. “We offer to Donn the Dark One,” Ian Corrigan writes, “the Antlered God who offers hospitality and peace to those bound for the Ancestors' Country. We offer to Morrigan, the Great Queen of Battle and Sorcery; the Old Woman of Death and the Cauldron of Rebirth. In this Season of Death we honor the Holy Dead as the ancients did, and we seek the Seed that will wait in the Womb of Winter.” The photo shows Kerr lighting luminaria at the Motherhouse in Surrey at Samhain copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Ancestors Samhain is a time to remember the dear departed Both Wiccan and Druid Samhain rites are concerned with making contact with the spirits of the departed, who are seen as sources of guidance and inspiration rather than as sources of dread. The dead are honored and feasted, not as the dead, but as the living spirits of loved ones and of guardians who hold the root-wisdom of the tribe. Offerings are left to the Gods: Some Druid groups offer silver or precious stones to the offering bowl, oil or whiskey to the fire, horn or feathers at the foot of the World Tree or Bile, and offerings of apples, pork and hazelnuts are made to the Ancestors. Another common Druid practice involves passing a wreath among the participants. Each who wishes to ties a black ribbon to the wreath in commemoration of their departed relatives. Later this wreath is given to the fire at the Prayer of Sacrifice. A variation of this involves passing a basket around into which each person can make an offering, or simply add energy. This basket is then offered to the dead. Divination is performed by tossing apples and nuts into the fire. The photo in the lower left is luminaria at the old Surrey Motherhouse at Samhain. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Dumb Supper Modern Wiccans often observe Samhain by serving a feast called a “Dumb Supper” at which strict silence is observed. A place is set at the table for the spirits of the ancestors. In Ireland and Brittany, food and drink was set out for the spirits of the departed. This was often referred to as the “Dumb Supper”. Soul cakes may have originally been the food that was offered. Modern Wiccans often observe Samhain by serving a feast called a “Dumb Supper” at which strict silence is observed. A place is set at the table for the spirits of the ancestors. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Samhain History With the coming of Christianity, this festival was turned into Hallowe'en [October 31st] All Hallows [November 1st] and All Saints [November 2nd]. Here we can see most clearly the way in which Christianity built on the Pagan foundations it found. With the coming of Christianity, Samhain was turned into Hallowe'en [October 31st] All Hallows [November 1st] and All Saints [November 2nd]. Here we can see most clearly the way in which Christianity built on the Pagan foundations it found rooted in the British isles. Not only does the purpose of the festival match with the earlier one, but even the unusual length of the festival is the same. In the 7th century CE the Church established a Feast of All Saints, which was originally celebrated on May 13. It was moved to November 1st in 835 CE, to coincide with the festival of Samhain and probably with the purpose of giving the people a new reason to celebrate Samhain, a reason more palatable to the Church. In 988 CE the festival was expanded to November 2 in order to include a commemoration of the dead, which was called “All Soul's Eve” or “All Hallows Eve”. This was later shortened to “Hallows Eve” and ultimately to the modern name “Hallowe'en” in Scotland in 1745.[1] [1] Barnhart,Robert K. (1988). Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, H. W. Wilson, NY, pg 462. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

The Pleiades Samhain marks the rising of the constellation of the Pleiades. Samhain also marks the rising of the constellation of the Pleiades, which is to be found in the constellation Taurus. The setting and rising of the Pleiades are festivals celebrated in diverse cultures all around the world, marking the beginning and ending of the fishing and hunting seasons. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Puca The ancient Celts believed that all of the crops had to be harvested before Samhain. Anything left in the fields after Samhain was considered to be either blasted by the Puca or to be the property of the Puca. Since “Puca” is a term which is not found in ancient Celtic mythology and is probably a more recent import from the Danish invaders (who called them Puki), this is probably a more recent custom. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Bonfires Samhain is one of the two great fire festivals of the Celtic peoples, the other being Beltaine. Samhain is one of the two great fire festivals of the Celtic peoples, the other being Beltaine. Bonfires were lit all over Britain at Samhain. In many parts of Britain these fires were known as “Teanlas”, “Teanlay”, “Tindles” or “Tandles”. Farmers would carry aloft pitch forks of flaming straw, burning splinters or smouldering brands from these fires and carry them around the fields to bless them. It was once customary for farmers to collect the bones of livestock slaughtered for food and burn them in fires at festivals such as Samhain, the fires being called “bone fires” and later “bonfires”. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Guising: Trick or Treat
Traditional Shropshire souler's song: “Soul! Soul! for a soul-cake! I pray you, good missis, a soul-cake! An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry, Or any good thing to make us all merry. One for Peter, two for Paul Three for Them who made us all. Up with the kettle and down with the pan. Give us good alms, and we'll be gone”[2]. Another, from Staffordshire, goes like this: “Soul Day! Soul Day! We've been praying for the souls departed; So pray, good people, give us a cake, For we are all poor people, well known to you before, So give us a cake for charity's sake, And our blessing we'll leave at your door.” An ancient custom still practiced in Ireland and Scotland is guising, the forerunner of the current “Trick or Treat” custom in North America. A procession of horn-blowing youths went from house to house fantastically dressed, collecting money or gifts of food. A related custom was “Hodening” of “Hoodening”. A man would bear a horse's skull (or wooden horse's head) on a pole. The jaws of the horse's head were often wired and made to snap open and shut. Some of these horse skulls had candles inside them to cast an eerie light. The man bearing the skull covered himself with a stable blanket or sheet. This “Hooden Horse” would go from house to house accompanied by “soulers” who sang traditional seasonal songs.[1] The horse is, as I mentioned above, a symbol of Celtic Goddesses like Epona and Rhiannon. Often the soulers were children, who would sing their ancient souling-songs from door to door in return for gifts or food. In some places special cakes called “Soul cakes”, “Saumas cakes”, “Soulmas cakes”, “Dole cakes” or “Dirge Loaves” were traditionally handed out to soulers. Traditional souler's songs appear above. This ultimately was adapted into the modern practice of “Trick or Treat”. [1] Hole,Christina. (1976). British Folk Customs, pg [2] Ibid, pg 187. [3] Ibid, pg 188. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Punkies: Jack o Lanterns
Punkies are often carved with elaborate designs of animals, flowers, etc. The flame in each of the punkies represents the spirits of the departed that are remembered on Samhain. The modern “Jack O Lantern” has a long history. One of the colloquial names for Halloween in Sommerset is “Punkie Night.” It got this name from the “punkies” or candle lanterns which the children would make from hollowed out gourds such as mangold-wurzels. In other places turnips or cabbage stalks (called in Scotland a “custock”) were used to make lanterns. The children did not necessarily carve faces into them: Punkies were often carved with elaborate designs of animals, flowers, etc. A candle was put inside and a cord run through the top to provide a handle. The children would go from door to door begging candles for their punkies, singing: “It’s Punkie Night tonight. Give us a candle, give us a light, If you don't, you'll get a fright. "Its Punkie Night tonight. Adam and Eve, they'd never believe Its Punkie Night tonight.”[1] The flame in each of the punkies represented the spirits of the departed that are remembered on Samhain. All over Europe it was customary on Samhain to leave lighted candles in the windows to guide the spirits of departed relatives back to visit their living kin. The Celts believed that the flames in their lanterns, made of turnips, gourds or whatever, represented the spirits of their dear departed relatives. Carving faces into them was probably originally an extension of this belief. The punkies depicted in this slide were a couple that I did for Samhain 2001: One is a statue of liberty theme and the other is Harry Potter. [1] Ibid, pg 162. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Samhain Divination Customs
Lating: lighting candles and carrying them over the hills between 11 PM and midnight. If the candle remains lit then the person that it had been lit for was safe for the coming year, but if it goes out, misfortune might be expected. Candle Ring: Place twelve candles in a ring on the floor. People jump the candles in turn, each candle representing a month of the year. If one goes out when a person jumps over it, this means that misfortune would befall that person in that month. Sometimes candles were lit for the living, as a form of divination. In North Lancashire a ceremony of “Lating the Witches” takes place, where people light candles and carry them over the hills between 11 PM and midnight (see next slide). If the candle remained lit then the person that it had been lit for was safe for the coming year, but if it went out, misfortune might be expected. Another custom is the placing of twelve candles in a ring on the floor. People would jump the candles in turn, each candle representing a month of the year. If one went out when a person jumped over it, this meant that misfortune would befall that person in that month. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Yule Yule, the Winter Solstice (December 21), is a Lesser Sabbat in the Wiccan calendar, also known as Alban Arthuan. The Winter Solstice is known to the ADF as La Ceimbroadh, to ODOB as Alban Arthan (“the light of Arthur”), to the RDNA as Yule and to the ODU as Mean Geimhridh. The word “Yule” first appeared in its modern spelling in 1475 CE. Circa 1450 CE it was spelled “Yoole” and circa 1200 CE it appeared in The Ormulum as “Yole”. Before 899 CE it appeared in Old English as the word “Geol” or “Geola”. The venerable Bede recorded it circa 726 CE in his history (written in Anglian Old English) as “Giuli”. It may have originated in Scandinavian countries, since their word for this season is similar: “jul”. In old Icelandic it is “jol”.[1] December 21 is also the Christian Feast of Saint Thomas. As a matter of interest, the term "Christmas" cannot be traced back as far as the term “Yule”. It first appeared as “Cristmessa”, or “Christ's festival” around 1100 CE. Another Old English variation was “Cristes Maesse”. The expression “Christmas Eve” did not appear before 1300 CE (from “Cristenmesse Even”), Christmastide appeared in 1626 and although decorated trees appeared in England in the mid 1700s, the term “Christmas Tree” did not appear until 1835.[2] Some cultures hold a festival of light to commemorate the Goddess as Mother giving birth (once again) to the Sun God. In the Wiccan community this often this takes the form of getting up before the sun rises and lighting a bon fire. The celebrants stand around the fire, “singing the sun up” in celebration of the returning light. Wiccans often appoint coveners to represent the Young Lord (or the waxing year) and the Old Lord (the waning year) and play out a ritual drama of the Young Lord's victory over the Old to mark the point from which the days will lengthen. The Christmas tree is a custom borrowed from the Pagans: Decorating an evergreen tree at Yule is an old Pagan custom. [1] Barnhart, Robert K., ed. (1988). Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, pg 1255. [2] Ibid, pg 170. Yule: the longest night of the year. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Christmas The modern celebration of Christmas has been turned into a commercial rat race where people bankrupt themselves attempting to buy everyone that they know presents to prove how much regard they have for one another. Christmas decorations appear in stores as early as September and Christmas sales catalogues even earlier. With all due respect to the merchants who make a living selling all this, we believe that this is utter nonsense. You can and should demonstrate your love and feelings to others without having to “buy” it with lavish gifts. Yule is about celebrating our community and our peace and good will towards one another, not about trying to outdo one another. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Yule Gifting We have a Yule breakfast and a gift tree: Each person brings only one inexpensive gift with no label and puts it under the Yule tree. They may also bring an ornament to hang on the tree and make a wish for the coming season. When they leave the celebration they take one gift from under the Yule tree with them. No one ends up paying off massive credit card debts and no one feels pressured to get “just the right gift” for anyone. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Yule Log A Yule log is a large log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule celebrations. A Yule log, sometimes known as the Great Ashen Faggot, is a large log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule celebrations. The Yule log has been suggested to have been originally a custom amongst the Germanic peoples in tribute to Thor. Thor was associated with oak trees, such as Thor's Oak, in surviving references amongst the ancient Germanic tribes. Later, as Christianity spread throughout Europe, the tradition became more closely tied with Christmas, especially in England. The Yule fire is lit with a fragment of last year’s Yule log. At the end of the Sabbat a fragment of the Yule log is saved and carefully stored: This was believed to bring prosperity to the household and stave off illness. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Hodening Yule was another time of year that the custom of “Hodening” or “Hoodening” was practised. As in the Samhain Hodening, a man would drape a stable blanket or sheet over himself and carry about a horse's skull (sometimes a wooden horse's head) on a pole about four feet long. He would go about from household to household at night with a small group of attendants. His visit was said to bring fertility and good fortune to the household. Yule was another time of year that the custom of “Hodening” or “Hoodening” was practised. As in the Samhain Hodening, a man would drape a stable blanket or sheet over himself and carry about a horse's skull (sometimes a wooden horse's head) on a pole about four feet long. The jaws were often hinged and made to snap open and shut. He would go about from household to household at night with a small group of attendants. His visit was said to bring fertility and good fortune to the household. One of his attendants would lead him by the reins or a rope. Another would carry a whip. Sometimes a lighter person would ride on the “horse’s” back. Another of the attendants was a man dressed as a woman called “Mollie” or “Old Woman”, who carried a besom. Originally this was probably a woman, perhaps a priestess. This group would greet the householders at the front door, the Hodening horse snapping his jaws and The Old Woman sweeping the entrance way to sweep out any bad luck. The Hodening party would enter the house and the occupants would tie a red ribbon on the horse's head. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Imbolc This is a Greater Sabbat on the Wiccan calendar. Imbolc marks the midpoint of the dark half of the year. Februum,” from which we derive the word for February, is a Latin word meaning “purification” and “atonement”, thus this month is considered a month of cleansing. Juno Februa was the Roman Goddess who presided over this month. Wiccans call February 2 Imbolc, which means “in the belly.” It is also known as Imbolg, Uimelc, Oimelc, Feile Bhride, Brigid, Brigantia or Candlemas. Many Druids call this festival Imbolc. The ODU calls it Oimelc. This is a Greater Sabbat on the Wiccan calendar. It was named by some “Oimelc” (“Sheep's Milk”) as it marked the beginning of the lambing season for the Celts. Imbolc marks the midpoint of the dark half of the year. At Imbolc household fires are put out and relit. Imbolc often marks the first ploughing and first planting of the year. An old Candlemas rhyme goes: “If Candlemas Day be Fair and Bright, Winter will have another fight, If on Candlemas Day be shower and rain, Winter is gone and will not come again. Another Candlemas rhyme goes: If the sun shines bright on Candlemas Day, The half of the winter's not yet away.” Candlemas is still publicly celebrated in Scandinavian countries as a festival of lights. Many will recognize this date as being the current “Groundhog Day”. This dates back to the original festival when people sought out signs of the approaching Spring. Candlemas is also a Grand festival in Brujeria, sacred to Candelaria. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Candlemas The Christian Church in Britain incorporated Imbolc into its calendar as early as the fifth century as Candlemas, a Feast of Lights or the time of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. Many Popes tried to stop parades of lit candles in the streets of Rome at this time. When this failed, they simply diverted these parades into the churches so that the priests could bless the candles. It subsequently became a church tradition that at Candlemas the candles in the church were blessed and carried around in procession. The Puritans of the 17th century tried to obliterate the custom, but they did not entirely succeed. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Candle Blessing Many Wiccan covens have picked up on the Church’s custom of blessing candles for the coming year: Candles are often dipped and blessed in a similar fashion as part of Imbolc celebrations. Pancakes are a typical festival food for Imbolc celebrations: The Church incorporated this custom into their observation of Lent. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Brigid Wiccan celebrations are typically dedicated to Brigid. Corn Dollies or Bride’s Dolls are woven out of stalks of grain and are placed overnight in a “bed” by the hearth or entrance. Last year’s Dollies are burnt and replaced with these new ones. A white wand of birch or willow may be left beside it. Imbolc is a celebration of the first signs of returning life in Spring. It was celebrated by the Celts as being sacred to Brigid, a Goddess whose threefold aspect rules smith craft, poetry, inspiration, and healing. Hence one of the other names for this day is “Feile Bhride”, meaning “Brigid's Feast.” Brighid is commonly honored at Imbolc, which is indicated by the Christian observance named for it: St. Brighids Eve. At Imbolc the fires of the smithy are blessed by a woman acting on Brighid's behalf. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Eostre March 21st is the Spring or Vernal Equinox. Wiccans call the spring equinox Eostre, Ostara or Alban Eilir (“light of the earth”). It is a Lesser Sabbat on the Wiccan calendar. March 21st is the Spring or Vernal Equinox. Wiccans call the spring equinox Eostre, Ostara or Alban Eilir (“light of the earth”). It is a Lesser Sabbat on the Wiccan calendar. Druids call this festival Eostre, Alban Eilir, Méan Earraigh or Méan An Earraigh. In Old High German its name was “Ostarun”, becoming “Ostern” in Modern German. In Bede's Ecclesiastical History it was spelled “Eastre”, as it was in Old English before By 1103 it had become “Estran”. In Middle English (before 1387) it was spelled “Ester” or “Esterne”.[1] [1] Barnhart, Robert K., ed. (1988). Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, pg 311. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Eostre Eostre marks the beginning of Spring. It is a celebration of the return of life to the Earth after the long winter. Eostre’s name derives from the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostre (or Ostara), who was believed to fly over the Earth, leaving the eggs (beginnings) of new life. Eostre’s totem animal was the rabbit. Both of these symbols have been incorporated into the modern Christian celebration of Easter. This date is also sacred to the Norse Goddess Iduna. Wiccan Eostre celebrations typically focus on themes of fertility and rebirth and often occur at day break. Many incorporate the ancient Greek myths of Demeter and Persephone and of Dionysus into their celebrations. For example, the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, based in Washington state, has hosted a Spring Mysteries festival at Eostre for the past twenty years that recreates the Eleusian Mysteries and Epoptaic rituals based on these myths.[1] Wiccan Eostre ceremonies often involve blessing of seeds for spring planting. [1] copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Easter It is from this festival and the name of this Germanic Goddess Eostre that the Christian festival of Easter was derived. The system for fixing the date of the Christian festival of Easter is still based on the date of March 21, being the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21. The photo depicts the Eostre altar at the Motherhouse in 2008. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Eggs Ancient Saxons decorated eggs as offerings to the Goddess Eostre, which is where modern Wiccans, Druids and Christians acquired the custom. Ancient Druids dyed eggs scarlet with furze (gorse) blossoms or madder root in honor of the Sun. Ancient Egyptians placed eggs in tombs as a symbol of rebirth. Ancient Greeks placed eggs on the graves of loved ones to ensure reincarnation. Ancient Eastern Europeans colored and decorated eggs as offerings to bird goddesses. Single colored eggs were known to the Eastern Europeans as pysanky and those with elaborate designs were known as krashanka. Ancient Saxons borrowed this custom, decorating eggs as offerings to the Goddess Eostre, which is where modern Wiccans, Druids and Christians acquired the custom. Ancient Druids dyed eggs scarlet with furze (gorse) blossoms or madder root in honor of the Sun. Modern Wiccans and Druids still carry on this custom. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Hot Cross Buns This custom was borrowed from the ancient Greeks, who decorated buns with a solar cross as offerings to the Gods. The Ancient Saxons had a similar custom. Hot cross buns are often used as the “cakes” in the cakes and wine ceremony included in Eostre celebrations by Wiccans. Another ancient Pagan custom incorporated into modern Christian Easter celebrations is hot cross buns. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Beltaine Beltaine, also known as Beltane, Galan Mai, Cetshamhain, Rudemas or May Eve, is a Greater Sabbat of the Wiccan calendar, celebrated April 30. Beltaine (literally “fires of Bel”) was the beginning of the summer season for the Celtic peoples, named for the solar deity known in various parts of the Celtic world as Beli, Bile, Belenos, Bel and Belenus. It is known in Wales as Galan Mai. In more recent times the Christian Church incorporated this into their calendar as the feast of St John the Baptist. Another Christian name for Beltaine is Roodmas, Rudemas or Rood Day, which has been moved to May 3. Rudemas is a Grand Festival of Brujeria, also known as the Vigil and Feast of San Jose el Obrero. Beltaine, is a Greater Sabbat of the Wiccan calendar, celebrated April 30. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Beltaine Beltaine is an ancient celebration of fertility and life. The crowning of a young girl as “May Queen”, representing the Maiden Goddess, is still practiced throughout Great Britain. Originally a "May King" representing the Young God, Robin, or Jack-in-the-Green, was crowned too. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Beltaine Beltaine is the one of the great Celtic fire festivals, the other being Samhain. Unlike Samhain, when the fires are lit at dusk, the Beltaine fires are lit at dawn. Horns were often sounded during the lighting of the fires. It was customary in some places to keep up the horn blowing for hours. Eggs and cakes, such as Scottish bannocks, would be cooked in the fires. The photo is from a Morris Dance at a Beltaine gathering Kerr attended in 2001. Beltaine is the one of the great Celtic fire festivals, the other being Samhain. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Pleaides Beltaine was when the Celts drove their cattle to summer pasture. It marks the setting of the constellation of the Pleiades, an event which in some parts of the world signals the start of the fishing season. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Maypole Maypole dancing is a Beltaine custom. The maypole is an ancient fertility symbol. That’s me in the hat holding up the Maypole at a Beltaine celebration. Dancing around the Maypole is a Beltaine custom which continues in the British Isles to this day and which has been adopted by modern Wiccans in their Beltaine celebrations. The maypole is an ancient fertility symbol. The British Maypole was a young tree which was chopped down on May Day and trimmed of all but a few branches at the top. It was then decorated and raised on the village green. In later years many towns had permanent poles. In 1644, Maypoles were forbidden throughout England and Wales by Cromwell's government. Many of the permanent poles came down. When the king Charles II was restored to office on May 29, 1660, this prohibition was lifted and some of the Maypoles returned. Historian Christina Hole reports that “The shorter poles, round which the children perform a plaited ribbon dance, and which are often seen at school May Day celebrations today, do not belong to the English tradition. They come from southern Europe, and seem to have been introduced into [England] (by Ruskin) in 1888.”[1] [1] Hole, Christina. (1976). British Folk Customs, pg 137. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Birching Between sunset and dawn the May Birchers would make their rounds, affixing branches or sprigs to the doors of their neighbor's houses. The trees or plants were chosen for their symbolism or because their name rhymed with whatever message the Birchers thought most appropriate. “Birching” is a traditional Beltaine custom. Between sunset and dawn the May Birchers would make their rounds, affixing branches or sprigs to the doors of their neighbor's houses. The trees or plants were chosen for their symbolism or because their name rhymed with whatever message the Birchers thought most appropriate. For example, a flowering hawthorn branch was a compliment. Lime or pear branches were also compliments, as they rhymed with “prime” and “fair.” Rowan was a sign of affection as its other name, “wicken” rhymed with the endearing slang term “chicken”. A Thorn branch indicated that the occupant was an object of scorn. Holly, briar and plum were insults, rhyming with folly, liar and glum. This distribution of greenery was obviously an indication of how a person was regarded in their community, and could help them to mend their ways. Unfortunately it sometimes was employed for spite or revenge. Although it has died out in most places, a shadow of it still lives on with the custom of leaving hawthorn or some other complimentary plant outside of a bride's door on the eve of a wedding. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

May Gads Many traditional May Day celebrations involve the carrying about of garlands or the use of May Gads: Peeled willow wands covered with cowslips (see photo). There they would strike them together to scatter the blossoms in honor of the first day of summer. May Garlands are a related custom. Many traditional May Day celebrations involve the carrying about of garlands. For this reason another name for Beltaine is “Garland Day.” Children used to go from door to door with their garlands singing songs and receiving small gifts or coins. Often the garlands were in the form of a hoop, and in some places games evolved where a ball was thrown through or over the hoop. Sometime they took the form of floral globes, often with a May Doll suspended inside. In Horncastle in Lincolnshire young boys carried peeled willow wands covered with cowslips called “May Gads,” which they carried in procession on May morning to the site of an old Roman temple where the Maypole stood. There they would strike them together to scatter the blossoms in honor of the first day of summer. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Well Dressing Another related custom was the dressing of wells and springs, in keeping with the Celtic customs of venerating such springs as connections to the otherworld. This custom continues in many parts of Britain today, although the designs are usually Christian now. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

May Dew Young girls would go out before dawn on May Day to collect dew and wash their faces with it. This was supposed to bring beauty and luck to them. Another Beltaine custom is the collection of dew. “May first is the magical time of greatest power for the element of water and ‘wild’ water (dew, flowing streams, or ocean water) is collected for the base of healing drinks and potions for the year to come.”[1] Young girls would go out before dawn on May Day to collect dew and wash their faces with it. This was supposed to bring beauty and luck to them. It was also collected and kept to treat consumption, goitre, and various other ills. [1] "Wicca and Paganism: A Rebirth of the Religion of the Mother Goddess", The Center for Non-Traditional Religion, p. 9. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Hobby Horse A man stands inside, his head hidden by a mask. The Hobby Horse goes about with a group of attendants, the most important of which is often a “Teaser” or “Club Man” who carries a padded club. “Hobby Horses” also make their appearance at Beltaine. This is similar to the custom of Hodening that occurs at Samhain and Yule. The most usual form is a hoop frame, six feet in diameter, covered with cloth skirting. In front is a wooden horse's head, with jaws that snap. A man stands inside, his head hidden by a mask. The Hobby Horse goes about with a group of attendants, the most important of which is often a “Teaser” or “Club Man” who carries a padded club and wears grotesque clothing. As they process down the streets the Hobby Horse will rush at girls and try to trap them under his skirts. This is thought to bring them fertility and/or a husband. The inside of the skirts was formerly smeared with blacking to leave a mark on the girl of her good fortune, but this is not done in modern survivals of this custom. Another discontinued custom was the sprinkling of water on the onlookers by the Hobby Horse when it stopped at a pool to “drink.” Every so often the horse sinks down as if dying and the songs change from happy ones to sadder ones. The Teaser gently strokes him with his club. But after this brief pause the Hobby horse leaps up, the music returns to happier tunes and the procession continues. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Hobby Horse is on the left in this old Beltaine festival photo
copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Litha Litha was originally a Saxon solar celebration incorporated into the Wiccan calendar as a celebration of the first fruits of the season. In some traditions, this day is celebrated as the Sacred Marriage of the Goddess and God. In others it is celebrated as the victory of the Lord of the waning year over the Lord of the Waxing year, to mark the point from which the days will shorten. The Summer Solstice is called Mean Samhraidh by the ODU, Grianstod by the ADF, Alban Heruin by OBOD and Alban Hefin (“light of the shore”) by other Druids. Wiccans call the Summer Solstice Litha or Alban Heruin. This is a “Lesser Sabbat” in the Wiccan calendar. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Litha The Summer Solstice on June 21st or 22nd is the longest day of the year. It is at the summer solstice that the Druids hold their most complex ceremony, while Wiccans consider this a Lesser Sabbat. For Wiccans it is a time of blessing the crops so that they may be ready to harvest by Lughnasad, the next Greater Sabbat. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Lughnadad Lughnasad is one of the Celtic fire festivals or cross quarter days, celebrated August 1. It is named in honor of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. Races and games are held in his name and that of his mother, Tailltiu. Lughnasad is one of the Celtic fire festivals or cross quarter days, celebrated August 1. It is named in honor of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. Races and games are held in his name and that of his mother, Tailltiu. It is a celebration of the first harvest and often includes celebrations dedicated to mythical figures such as John Barleycorn, which represent the life of the grain in the fields. In many areas this was the day that the Lammas Lands, those lands belonging to the community and let to individuals during the summer, reverted to the community. It was a time to gather hay and reap the wheat and barley. In some areas a flaming wheel was sent rolling down the hillside at this time to symbolise the descent of the year towards Winter, and in Druid ceremonies a wheel is passed around the circle in symbol of the turning year. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Lammas This comes from the Saxon “Hloaf Masse” or “loaf mass, and was the name that the Church gave to this harvest festival In many Churches in England the first corn is still brought into the church on Lammas or the Sunday nearest to it for blessing, perpetuating the ancient custom of honoring the first harvest. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

John Barleycorn The song John Barleycorn appeared in print in the Journal of Folk Song Society Volume VIII, 41, and there are several 17th century broadsides of this song. This song first appeared in the reign of James I but is said to be much older. One can find variants of this song in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Somerset and Wiltshire. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

John Barleycorn song “There were three men came out of the west Their fortunes for to try, And these three men made a solemn vow John Barleycorn must die. ”They've ploughed, they've sown, they've harrowed him in Threw clods upon his head, And these three men made a solemn vow John Barleycorn was dead. ”They let him lie for a very long time Till the rains from Heaven did fall, And little Sir John sprung up his head And so amazed them all. ”They've let him stand till Midsummer's day, Till he looked both pale and wan. And little Sir John's grown a long, long beard And so become a man… copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Song continued… …They've hired men with the scythes so sharp, To cut him off at the knee, They've rolled him and tied him by the waist, Serving him most barbarously. ”They've hired men with the sharp pitchforks, Who pricked him through the heart And the loader, he has served him worse than that, For he's bound him to the cart. ”They've wheeled him around and around a field, Till they came unto a barn, And there they made a solemn oath On poor John Barleycorn ”They've hired men with the crab-tree sticks, To cut him skin from bone, And the miller, he has served him worse than that, For he's ground him between two stones… copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Song Continued… …And little Sir John and the nut brown bowl And his brandy in the glass And little Sir John and the nut brown bowl Proved the strongest man at last ”The huntsman, he can't hunt the fox Nor so loudly to blow his horn, And the tinker, he can't mend kettle nor pots without a little barley corn.” copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Mabon Wiccans call the Autumnal Equinox Mabon, after the Celtic deity Mabon, son of Modron (“mother”), who is mentioned in the story of Culhwch and Olwen. His name translates simply as “son”. It is also known as Alban Elved. Mabon is a Lesser Sabbat which is the third and last harvest festival of the Wiccan calendar. It is a time of thanksgiving for the bounty of the earth which will sustain the people through the Winter. The Autumnal Equinox is known as Mean Foghamar (“autumnal equinox”) by the ODU and as An Fhomhair by the ADF, and as Alban Elfed (“light of the water”) by OBOD. Mabon is the autumnal equinox, a Lesser Sabbat which is the second to last harvest festival of the Wiccan calendar. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Mabon Mabon is the third of the Celtic harvest festivals: It marks the end of harvest-time, just as Lughnasadh marked its beginning. Mabon is the second of the Celtic harvest festivals: It marks the end of harvest-time, just as Lughnasadh marked its beginning. Both Wiccan and Druid ceremonies on this date give thanks for the fruits of the earth and for the goodness of the Mother Goddess. It is a time of canning and drying the fruits of the harvest and drying the herbs needed in the winter months. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Ritual Assignment To qualify for your Knighthood, you’ll need to write a ritual. Alternatively, you can take an existing ritual and write an analysis of it. However, we’d prefer if you came up with something original. You can use the basic Order of Paladins Circle Casting ritual as a basis if you like. This ritual can be a Sabbat or some other ritual event. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Scriptorium You’ll recall the expression: “The pen is mightier than the sword”? This is a place where the earth and air energies combine to inspire writing. This is a good place to come to for inspiration in writing: This would be an excellent place to meditate on ideas for the ritual that you need to write. No fortress created by a writer would be without one of these. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

Lesson 9 homework reminder
Send us a photo and/or description of a Sabbat that you attended so that we can share it with other Order of Paladins members. Do some research to find and report back on ancient religious customs from these Sabbat dates Write a ritual. This can be a Sabbat or some other event. I’d like members from all over to share these experiences with one another. Not only will this help us all find new ways to find that connection with Mother Earth, it will bring us all together by showing us how we each honor the same seasons, no matter where we are. copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

copyright 2013 Kerr Cuhulain

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