Ostara

Bird Egg Study III

Ostara marks the Spring Equinox (Vernal) and Marks the Arrival of spring. It is a time to celebrate fertility and prosperity. It is a time of planting and hard work.

Ostara is Celebrated much like Easter with familial gatherings , feasts , decoration of eggs and distribution of seeds.

Items for an Ostara Altar :

• Spring Flowers
• Seeds
• Springs Foods of Dairy and Eggs
• Grass and Seedlings
• A Bowl of Fresh Water
• Honey
• Gemstones
• Decorated Eggs
• Eggshells
• Found Bird Egg Shells
  

Imbolc

Candles Burn in a Church Courtyard during Corpus Christi

Imbolc Marks the first signs of spring. It marks a begining of fertility and prosperity. It is closely associated with the first lactation of animals. A Return of Dairy products into peoples lives.

Imbolc Is Celebrated Much Like St.Brighids Day with the making of Brides Crosses


Items for an Imbolc Altar

• Candles(*1)
• Crosses of Bride
• Dairy Products (To Be Eaten of Course)
  
• Spring Flowers
  
• Seeds to be planted

*1 Be Cautious of Candle Usage - Use Common Sense , I prefer to Store My Candle on the Altar but only light it if everything else has been removed that might be flammable.

Yule

Stonehenge, Winter Solstice
Yule marks the Winter Solstice , the shortest day of the year(*1) , which indicates that the Sun is returning to its proper place , and gives the promise that spring will return. The solstices vary from year to year , I use The Farmers Almanac to find proper dates.

Yule Is Celebrated Much in the same fashion as other Winter Holidays (*2), with familial Gatherings , Feasts , and Observation of Lit Candles in recognition of the Sun's return.


Items for a Yule Altar :

• Winter Herbs
• Evergreen Boughs
• Pine cones , Acorns , Natures Gifts
• Gifts to be Given
• Crystals
• Seeds
• Candles (*3)
  

*1 - Northern Hemisphere Only
*2 - North American Winter Holidays , Christmas and Thanksgiving
*3 - Be Cautious of Candle Usage - Use Common Sense , I prefer to Store My Candle on the Altar but only light it if everything else has been removed that might be flammable.

Samhain

Dead Tree End of Summer
Samhain marks Summers End , the end of the years Harvest Season.
It is a time to celebrate the seasons ends , and to prepare for the coming winter.

Samhain celebrated much like Mexican Day of The Dead as a time to Pray for and commune with the ancestors that have passed.

Samhain is also considered the night when the barrier between the world (Solid / Spiritual) is which is belived to facilitate communications between the world.

Items for a Samhain Altar :

• Photos of the beloved passed
• Items given to you by the beloved passed
• Items of food , gifts , or letter to the beloved passed
• Prized Items from the seasons Harvest.
• Items of Consecration and Cleansing
• Items of Protection
• Drying Herbs
• Bundled Sticks , Twigs , and Wood bound for ritual usage throughout the year.
• Dried Gourd Bowls
• Seed that have been saved for next years use.
  

List of 2009 Sabbats and Esbats

Earth, Moon and the Sun
2009 Sabbats :

2009 Esbats Lunar Events :

What are Sabbats & Esbats

The Seasons

They are often referred to as Sabbats and Esbats to many pagans.
Sabbats Recognize Solar Events or Solstices.
Esbats Recognize Lunar Events or the 13 full moons of the year.

The Sabbats and Esbats sometimes differ for each hemisphere depending on those who celebrate them. This is often done Because the Northern and Southern hemispheres have opposite seasons.

Over time I will Describe How I celebrate my North America festival of change as I celebrate.
I would love to Amend this Post with How other People Celebrate Their Festivals of Change.
So if you wish to share please do I want To Collect The Knowledge .
Sabbats :

Esbats :