Wheel of the Year – Alberta Witches Association

What Is Samhain?

**WHAT IS SAMHAIN?** Samhain (Gaelic, commonly pronounced Sow-wen), is an ancient harvest festival and ceremonial practice dating back to pre-Christian Ireland and the rest of the Celtic world, taking place between 31st October and November 1st. Considered the beginning of the Wheel of the Year (and thus the Pagan “New Year”), Samhain also serves asContinue reading “What Is Samhain?”

The Celestial and Elemental Wheel of the year

**The Celestial and Elemental Wheel of the year** The wheel of the year is used by many witches, however, not all. The wheel of the year is a Wiccan construct and belief that was developed in the 50-90’s. It draws heavily on Celtic practices, as well as Norse and Germanic traditions. I am not WiccanContinue reading “The Celestial and Elemental Wheel of the year”

Lammas & Lughnasadh

**Lammas & Lughnasadh** Happy Lammas! Blessed Lughnasadh. These are two holidays you will not find on your 365 days of cats calendar (I’ve checked), but are they the same? Are they just simply interchangeable? We’re going to do a little dive to find out. If the title didn’t give it away, they are actually differentContinue reading “Lammas & Lughnasadh”

History and Traditions of Beltane

**History and Traditions of Beltane** Beltane is a traditional Gaelic festival celebrated to welcome the arrival of summer. It signifies new beginnings and is a time for joyous festivities. The celebration takes place every year on May 1st, where people come together to enjoy the season’s warmth and beauty. It’s an occasion that brings peopleContinue reading “History and Traditions of Beltane”

The History of Ostara

**The History of Ostara**The word Ostara is just one of the names applied to the celebration of the spring equinox on March 21. It’s been celebrated and observed for a long time in many places around the world. For Wiccans and other Pagans, Ostara is the day when the goddess, the Mother Earth, and theContinue reading “The History of Ostara”

Kitchen Witch Imbolc: Irish Soda Bread

**Kitchen Witch Imbolc: Irish Soda Bread** Imbolc is just around the corner! Since Imbolc originated as an Irish festival, I thought it would be nice to celebrate with a yummy loaf of Irish Soda Bread. The recipe is a classic from the Joy of Cooking Cookbook, circa 1967. I love these classic recipes since theyContinue reading “Kitchen Witch Imbolc: Irish Soda Bread”