Beltane/Litha 2009
The birds are chirping and singing outside my window, and I finally feel that Spring has "sprung"! Though have always been partial to Fall, Spring comes in a close second as my favorite season. After the dull grays and browns of winter, seeing bright greens, pinks, yellows and blue is a welcome change.
From Beltane though Litha is the time to continue nurturing what we we have planted at Ostara. Plans that have been made need to be acted on, and we need to be working diligently towards our goals. Though it is still early Spring, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes. So though it seems we have plenty of time now, if we procrastinate too much, we will find ourselves at Harvest time, with nothing to show for it.
As usual we will open up the Gatherings sub-forum for our Sabbat celebrations - Beltane/Samhain at the towards the end of April and Litha/Yule towards the middle of June. For those of you who haven't joined us in the past (or if you are new to the guild) - these events are a lot of fun and there are always lots of gold and prizes to be given out. So you definitely won't want to miss out!!! We look forward to seeing you there!
May
1: Beltane
1: Samhain (Southern Hemisphere)
9: Full moon -- Flower Moon at 12:01 am
10: Mother's Day
24: New moon at 8:11 am
June
1: England's Witchcraft Act of 1563 goes into effect
7: Full moon -- Strong Sun Moon at 2:12 pm
10: Hanging of Bridget Bishop, first victim in the Salem Witch Trials
13: Birthday of Gerald Gardner in 1884
17: Birthday of Wiccan author Starhawk
21: Father's Day
21: Litha
21: Yule (Southern Hemisphere)
22: New moon at 3:35 pm
22: England's last Witchcraft Law is repealed in 1951
27: Birthday of author Scott Cunningham in 1956
July
4: Independence Day (US)
7: Full moon -- Blessing Moon at 5:21 am
19: Rebecca Nurse is hanged in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692
21: New moon at 10:34 pm
22: Solar eclipse
For information on the exact dates and times of the Sabbats please check out this site... archaeoastronomy.com
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
Beltane (April 30th to May 1st)
Beltane marks the emergence of the Sun God in manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lying amongst the grass and flowers and unit. The Goddess then becomes pregnant. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passions and hopes consummated. This is the last Spring Fertility Festival. It is time to dance around the Maypole, a symbol of Fertility. This Festival celebrates the union and marriage of the God and Goddess and reawakening of the Earth’s fertility at its greatest. The time for plating seeds has ended and the time to wait has begun. It is one of the two most important Sabbats of the year. Beltane is the compliment of Samhain. The Barriers between our world and the next are again blurred. At Samhain the Otherworld visits us, at Beltane we can visit the Otherworld. Jumping over the bonfire promotes fertility and prosperity. Wild Water is collected on this day and used the bathe in or used to drink for health. Beltane literally means “Fire of Bel” (Celtic God of Light and Fire.). May is the month for sensuality and sexuality to be revitalized. The awakening of the Earth and her Children.
Other Names: Beltaine, May Day, or May Eve.
Correspondences and Associations
Colors: Pink, White, Green, Soft Pink, Blue, Yellow, and Red.
Foods: Red Fruits, Herbal Salads, Red or Pink Wine/Punch, Large round Oatmeal or Barley Cake, Strawberries, Cherries, Passion Fruit, Kiwi, Marigold Custard, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Green Salads.
Symbols: Bonfires, Maypole, and Flowers.
Incense: Frankincense, Lilac, and Rose.
Candles: Dark Green.
Gemstones: Emerald, Orange Carnelian, Sapphire, Rose Quarts, Amber, and Malachite.
Deities: Flora, Diana and Artemis, Pan, Aphrodite, Venus and Maia.
Herbs: Honeysuckle, St. Johns Wort, Almond, Angelica, Ash Tree, Bluebells, Daisies, Hawthorn, Ivy, Lilac, Marigold, Dandelion, and Apple Tree.
Animals: Swallows, Doves, Swans, Cats, Lynx, and Leopards.
Work: Fertilize, Activities of Pleasure, Leaping Bonfires, Making Garlands, Dancing around the maypole, and Feasting.
Tools: Besom, Bonfire, and Cauldron.
Litha (June 21st):
Litha is the Summer Solstice. It marks the longest day of the year. Litha is the classic time for Magick of all kinds. Believe whatever is dreamt of will become true for the dreamer. This is a time to celebrate passion and success. Litha is the opposite of Yule. On this day of the longest daylight, life and light are abundant. This is the time when the Sun God has reached his greatest strength. Seated on his greenwood throne, he is God of the forests. The powers of nature are at their highest point. Bonfires are lit to represent the Sun God and to rouse love, purification, health, and fertility. Litha Eve is also special for adherents of the Faerie Faith.
Other Names: Midsummer, and Leetha.
Correspondences and Associations
Colors: Blue, Green, and Yellow.
Foods: Fresh Vegetables, Summer Fruits, Pumpernickel Bread, Ale, and Mead.
Symbols:Dried Herbs, Potpourri, Seashells, Summer Flowers and Fruits.
Incense: Frankincense, Lemon, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, and Wisteria.
Candles: Blue, Green, Gold, and Red.
Gemstones: Emerald, Jade, Lapis, and Diamond.
Deities: Ra, Bast, Mother Earth, Mother Nature, Father Sun, Father Sky, and the Oak King.
Herbs: Lavender, Chamomile, Roses, Daisies, Cheekweed, Apple, Vervain, and Lilies.
Animals: Butterflies, Caterpillars, Sea Creatures, Wren, Robins, Horses, Cattle, Satyrs, Faeries, Firebird, Dragon and the Thunder Bird.
Work: Herb Drying, protection, luck, health, transformation, career, and relationships.
Tools: Drums, Rattles, Bonfire, Mirrors for reflecting the sun or bonfire, Earth circles of stone energies.
~~~*~~~
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
Samhain (October 31st):
Samhain is a time to remember those who have left us. This is a time to remember our ancestors, both ancient and wise. This is the time when the barriers between our world and the next become blurred, and those from the other side are free to visit our world, as well as guide us. It is also the time when the Witches and Wiccans say goodbye to the god. Though this temporary as the God gets ready to be reborn from the Goddess. This is a time for reflection, to look back over the past year. A time to come to terms with the one great phenomenon of life in which we have no control of – Death. The year starts with Samhain, for it is in the dark half of the year. The great Druids believed that the day began with the setting of the sun; therefore, the dark half of the year is the beginning. New Years resolutions are made on Samhain. Samhain is the traditional day to raise a Covener within a circle.
Other Names: Third Harvest, Samana, Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Hallowe’en, and the Scottish Gaelic spellings for Samhain are Samhuin or Samhuinn.
Correspondences and Associations
Colors: Black, Orange, White, Silver, Scarlet, Dark Brown, Bronze and Gold.
Foods: Apples, Pumpkin Pie, Hazelnuts, Corn, Cranberry Muffins and Bread, Ale, Nuts, Cider, Turnips, Gourds, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry, and Herbal Teas.
Symbols: Jack-o-Lanterns, Photos of the Deceased, Apples, Squashes, Autumn Flowers, Fall Leaves, Gourds, Black Cats, Bats, Crows, Oak Leaves, Divination Acorns and Besoms.
Incense: Apple, Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Mugwort, Patchouli and Sage.
Candles: Black, Orange, White, Silver, and Gold.
Gemstones: All Black Gemstones (Jet, Obsidian, and Onyx), Carnelian, Jasper, Smoky Quarts, and Bloodstone.
Deities: Anubis, Arianrhod, Astarte, Cernunnos, Cerridwen, Crone, Dark Lord and Lady, Demeter, Hathor, Hecate, Horned God, Innana, Isis, Kali, Odin, Morrigan, and Lilith
Herbs:Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak Leaves, Sage, Pumpkin, Apples, Chrysanthemums, Thistle, Rosemary, Rue, Calendula, Sunflower Petals, Pumpkin Seeds, Apple Leaves, Mushrooms, Wild Ginseng, Wormwood, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Almond, Hazelnut, Passionflower, Nettle, Mandrake Root, Hemlock Cones, Garlic, Pine Needles, Acorns, and Straw.
Animals: Stag, Cat, Bat, Owl, Jackal, Elephant, Ram, Scorpion, Heron, Crow, and Robin.
Work: Sex Magick, Release of Bad Habits, Banishing, Faerie Magick, Divination of any kind, Candle Magick, Astral Projection, Past Life Work, Dark Moon Mysteries, Mirror Spells (reflection), Casting Protection, Inner Work, Clearing Obstacles, Uncrossing, Inspiration, Creative Visualization, and Contacting those who are no longer on this plane.
Tools: Besom, Cauldron, Tarot, Obsidian Ball, Pendulum, Runes, Ouija Board, Black Cauldron or Bowl filled with Black Ink or Water, and Magick Mirror.
Yule (December 21st):
Yule has the longest night and the shortest day of the year. It is the time when the Goddess gives birth to a son, the God. Witches and Wiccans celebrate the Festival of the God’s Rebirth. It is a time to honor the Holly King. Accomplishes of the past, love, togetherness, and love are also celebrated. These things are celebrated by burning the Yule Log in a bonfire. A portion of the Yule Log is always saved to light next years Yule Log. The Yule Log is usually oak. It is kept throughout the year to protect the home as well.
Other Names: Winter Solstice, Christmas, Alban Arthan, Finn’s Day, Festival of Sol, Yuletide, Great Day of the Cauldron, and the Festival of Growth.
Correspondences and Associations
Colors: Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold, Yellow, and Orange.
Foods: Roasted Turkey, Nuts, Eggnog, Cookies, Fruit, Pork, Ale, Roasted Apples and Mulled Wine.
Symbols: Yule Log, Evergreen Boughs, Wreaths, Holly, Mistletoe, Gold Pillar Candles, Baskets of Clove Studded Fruits, Poinsettias, Cinnamon Sticks, Ivy, Wheel, and Fir or Pin Bows.
Incense: Bayberry, Pine, Cedar, Rosemary, Juniper, Cinnamon, and Frankincense.
Candles:Red, Green, White, and Gold.
Gemstones:Ruby, Cat’s Eye, Blue Zircon, Turquoise, Serpentine, Emeralds, and Diamonds.
Deities: Athena, Attis, Dionysus, Fates, Frey, Freyja, Hathor, Lucina, Norns, Osiris, Woden, and the Horned God.
Herbs: Bayberry, Blessed Thistle, Evergreen, Frankincense, Holly, Laurel, Mistletoe, Oak, Pine, Sage, and Yellow Cedar.
Animals: Reindeer, the Stage, Mouse, Deer, Horse, Squirrel, Phoenix, and Bear.
Work: Peace, Harmony, Love, Happiness, Banishing Disease, Seeking Past Lives, Meditation, Singing Around the Hearth Fire, and Goals and Accomplishments.
Tools: Bells.
source
BELTANE INCENSE
Items needed:
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Sandal wood
1 part Woodruff
1 part Rose petals
a few drops Jasmine oil
a few drops Neroli oil
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Beltane (April 30th) or on May Day for fortune and favors and to attune with the changing of the seasons.
The above recipe for "Beltane Incense" is quoted directly from Scott Cunningham's book "The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews", page 60,
Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992.)
LITHA SUN-CATCHERS
Things You’ll Need:
* 2 old CD's
* Needle
* Fishing line
* Markers
* Paint
* Stickers
* Sequins
* Plastic Gems
* Buttons
* Assorted beads
* Greeting card pictures
Instructions:
1. Locate two old CD's that are blank one side.
2. Using a strong permanent adhesive glue the printed sides of the CD's together. The result should look like a regular CD with double the thickness. Let dry.
3. Heat a needle over a candle flame. Guide heated needle through the double thickness of CD to create a hole for a hanger at the top of the CD. Continue until hole is 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide. Repeat to make three holes at bottom edge of CD. Space these holes 1 inch apart.
4. Cut pictures from old greeting cards. Glue pictures on CD positioning image to cover center hole.
5. Use markers to decorate front and back of CD's. Accent design with sequins, buttons and plastic gems.
6. String fishing line through hole at top of CD to create a hanger.
7. Thread assorted beads on a 5-inch length of fishing line. Tie fishing line around first bead to keep string from unraveling. Tie other end of fishing line to one of the holes in bottom of CD. Repeat for remaining two strands of beads.
source
~~~*~~~
SAMHAIN
Tried and true...Pumpkin carving!!! You know you want to!! smile
YULE...SOLSTICE SUN WHEEL
A little something from an email I got this past Yule:
Quote:
If you have been a regular reader here in past years, you know that during this period at the end of November, I invite my visitors to join together in a virtual spell weaving. Inspired by the wonderful Waverly FitzGerald’s ideas in School of the Seasons, it is a gentle, but powerful practice that many of my readers have found deeply meaningful. I know I have.
And if this ritual is in harmony with your own dreams and desires, I encourage you to share it with your friends and beloveds.
For now, as we move into the darkest time of the year, as we honor the gifts and lessons of the night, we also begin the preparations for the rebirth of the Sun.
Tonight, we will begin this spell for the return of the Light. It is based on the Christian practice of lighting candles around an Advent wreath, which, in fact, was copied from older Pagan practices surrounding the advent of the Winter Solstice.
The Christians call this season Advent, referring to the coming birth of their God. But “advent” simply means “to come,” and virtually all northern hemisphere cultures throughout history have made merry in this time of preparation for the great miracle of the longest night. Because this is when the long descent into the darkness ends, and the daylight begins to lengthen once more.
This is the rebirth of the Light, the coming of the shining Child of Promise.
The Solstice Sun Wheel
The Solstice Sun Wheel is simply a small wreath laid horizontally upon a table, altar, or other special place. Evergreens are a nice touch, but holly berries have lots of rich magic. Or it can be grapevine, or whatever materials you have on hand. The wreath will have four candles around its periphery, one for each of the Sun’s sacred days (Sundays) leading up to Solstice. And I suggest a fifth candle for the Center, which you can then light on Solstice night, or Christmas.
The Christian Advent wreath traditionally is made with four candles in a circle of evergreens. Three candles are violet and the fourth, which is lit the last Sunday before Christmas, is rose pink.
My Witchy suggestion would be either five white candles (tea lights would be great) for simplicity, or a yellow candle for East (Air), a red candle for South (Fire), a blue candle for West (Water), and a green candle for North (Earth) with a fifth candle in the center for Spirit (Mystery). A black, white or purple candle would be a good choice for this.
Our Intention
Let our intention be that we will shine with the Light of understanding and truth. Let our Light awaken what is best in our human family and help us to restore wisdom, honor, balance, beauty, and good will among all beings. Let the Light guide our hearts and hands to act for the healing of our Mother Earth.
The actual ritual is very simple. This evening, Sunday, Nov. 23, ideally at sunset, take some time for a quiet ceremony to light one candle, for the Guardians of East, or the Element of Air (or whoever your tradition invokes first, when casting a Circle).
As you do this, send your energy and intentions for welcoming the birth of the Light.
Consider all the meanings that this has for you - in your own personal life, for the good of our community, our nation, and the planet as well. What is your deepest wish and will for the coming year, in the Light reborn? You may want to share these thoughts with your family, and invite their participation.
Meditate on the fact that (based on the many, many emails I’ve gotten every year) there are untold hundreds of other people, in many different time zones, around the world, who are participating in this with you.
As the shadow of sunset moves over our globe, envision how, one by one, a candle is lit in friendship, hope, and intention. All of our hearts are joined in this act of both acknowledging the dark, and yet recognizing our power to light a candle of hope and renewal.
As you focus your will, remember that we are not fighting, fearing, or trying to defeat the dark. Darkness is necessary. Without the dark, there are no dreams, no healing sleep, no deep growth that is necessary to thrive. We honor the dark, but heaven knows our troubled world is in great need of the new day dawning.
So gaze a while upon the dancing flame and call upon the powers of that Element or Gift of Spirit, to bless and protect the renewal of Light.
When you are at peace, and the time feels right, gently extinguish your candle.
©2008 Beth Owl's Daughter
source
And if this ritual is in harmony with your own dreams and desires, I encourage you to share it with your friends and beloveds.
For now, as we move into the darkest time of the year, as we honor the gifts and lessons of the night, we also begin the preparations for the rebirth of the Sun.
Tonight, we will begin this spell for the return of the Light. It is based on the Christian practice of lighting candles around an Advent wreath, which, in fact, was copied from older Pagan practices surrounding the advent of the Winter Solstice.
The Christians call this season Advent, referring to the coming birth of their God. But “advent” simply means “to come,” and virtually all northern hemisphere cultures throughout history have made merry in this time of preparation for the great miracle of the longest night. Because this is when the long descent into the darkness ends, and the daylight begins to lengthen once more.
This is the rebirth of the Light, the coming of the shining Child of Promise.
The Solstice Sun Wheel
The Solstice Sun Wheel is simply a small wreath laid horizontally upon a table, altar, or other special place. Evergreens are a nice touch, but holly berries have lots of rich magic. Or it can be grapevine, or whatever materials you have on hand. The wreath will have four candles around its periphery, one for each of the Sun’s sacred days (Sundays) leading up to Solstice. And I suggest a fifth candle for the Center, which you can then light on Solstice night, or Christmas.
The Christian Advent wreath traditionally is made with four candles in a circle of evergreens. Three candles are violet and the fourth, which is lit the last Sunday before Christmas, is rose pink.
My Witchy suggestion would be either five white candles (tea lights would be great) for simplicity, or a yellow candle for East (Air), a red candle for South (Fire), a blue candle for West (Water), and a green candle for North (Earth) with a fifth candle in the center for Spirit (Mystery). A black, white or purple candle would be a good choice for this.
Our Intention
Let our intention be that we will shine with the Light of understanding and truth. Let our Light awaken what is best in our human family and help us to restore wisdom, honor, balance, beauty, and good will among all beings. Let the Light guide our hearts and hands to act for the healing of our Mother Earth.
The actual ritual is very simple. This evening, Sunday, Nov. 23, ideally at sunset, take some time for a quiet ceremony to light one candle, for the Guardians of East, or the Element of Air (or whoever your tradition invokes first, when casting a Circle).
As you do this, send your energy and intentions for welcoming the birth of the Light.
Consider all the meanings that this has for you - in your own personal life, for the good of our community, our nation, and the planet as well. What is your deepest wish and will for the coming year, in the Light reborn? You may want to share these thoughts with your family, and invite their participation.
Meditate on the fact that (based on the many, many emails I’ve gotten every year) there are untold hundreds of other people, in many different time zones, around the world, who are participating in this with you.
As the shadow of sunset moves over our globe, envision how, one by one, a candle is lit in friendship, hope, and intention. All of our hearts are joined in this act of both acknowledging the dark, and yet recognizing our power to light a candle of hope and renewal.
As you focus your will, remember that we are not fighting, fearing, or trying to defeat the dark. Darkness is necessary. Without the dark, there are no dreams, no healing sleep, no deep growth that is necessary to thrive. We honor the dark, but heaven knows our troubled world is in great need of the new day dawning.
So gaze a while upon the dancing flame and call upon the powers of that Element or Gift of Spirit, to bless and protect the renewal of Light.
When you are at peace, and the time feels right, gently extinguish your candle.
©2008 Beth Owl's Daughter
source
This month we are spotlighting the Midnight Library. This forum has a wealth of info on any number of topics, and is the best place to go if you are looking for a Guide on a Wicca, Witchcraft or other Pagan-related topic.If you haven't had a chance to check it out, now is the perfect time. Just about anything you could possibly want to know about neo-paganism in general can be found in our Library. If not you can always ask, as we would welcome the chance to do a little bit of research to get an answer for you.
The Library features our guild's Book of Shadows, our Sabbats thread, Recommended Reading List, plus a Pagan Calendar + Moon Phases thread. There's also a good many "Basics" and "How To" threads, "Guides" and old "Class" threads. Talk about information overload...our Library is the place to find what you are looking for!! We'd love to see you there!!!
Intro: Pagans, Heathens and Recons
A Brief Introduction:
The following introduction is offered here to help to dispel many of the myths surrounding Neo-paganism, Witchcraft and the Heathen and Reconstructionist religions. The ways of many Neo-Pagan traditions, religions and groups, as well as some of the Heathen and Reconstructionist religions, are described in even more detail on various other pages on this Web site and elsewhere on the net.
This 'overview' is a very generalized rendition of some Neo-Pagan, Wiccan, Witch, Heathen and Reconstructionist religions and may not necessarily reflect the beliefs of all Pagan or Heathen individuals, religions or traditions.
Pagans:
Paganism is not a single religion, but an umbrella term for all those religions other than the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. A Pagan is a person who follows one of those "other" faiths. Many Witches, Wiccans, Reconstructionists, and other Neo-Pagans simply identify themselves as "Pagan" or "Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. This can make it sound like "Paganism" is a religion instead of a collection of religions. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement, as Pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive religions while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques which are generally added as an extra layer on top of whatever religion one normally follows.
Note: The word 'Pagan" itself comes from the Latin paganu(m), for "someone who is not from the city, rather from the country." In Late Latin, this turned into pagensis, "one who is from the country, " and this ultimately became the French pays and the Spanish Pa's, both meaning "nation."-(From Etymologically Speaking at www.westegg.com/etymology/)
Witchcraft and Witches:
A practitioner of a nature-based/revering or folk belief system, art or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "Old Religion" which has its roots in Pagan pre-monotheistic folkways and beliefs and which usually follows the agricultural seasonal cycles. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin. Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions that trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations. Some Witches consider Witchcraft to be a religion while others simply practice witchcraft as a magical art.
Traditional Wicca:
A modern religion of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven (group) based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wicca is considered a 'mystery' religion, one that requires initiation by the coven and has a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. Traditional Wiccan covens have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is shared only with initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement, have taken a voluntary sabbatical or do not have access to a Traditional coven in their area.
Strega:
(Stregheria, La Vecchia Religione, "The Old Religion") An Italian form of Witchcraft encompassing elements of the pre-Christian European mystery teachings and the ancient Etruscan and Tuscan religions. Many modern Italian Witches today, especially those who still reside in Italy, are Christians who have simply continued to practice their native Old Religion alongside the 'new'.
Other Forms of Wicca:
A newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's that is looser in structure and practice than Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or 'eclectic' Pagan and/or non-pagan beliefs. Some have formed 'traditions' or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a "book of shadows" outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are 'solitaries' who practice their beliefs and formulate their personal rituals in their own way.
Reconstructionist Religions:
Since modern Wicca is by far the most well known of the Neo-pagan religions or belief systems, many people incorrectly assume that all Pagan or Heathen religions are very much the same as or follow closely the specific tenets and ritual structures of Wicca. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each Pagan or Heathen religion has its own ritual structure, core beliefs and there is often little that can be said to hold 'true' as a universal belief held by either all Neo-pagans or Reconstructionists. In fact, most Reconstructionists take great umbrage when their cultural religious practices and/or Gods are misappropriated and/or misinterpreted by Neo-pagan groups. This has, in recent years, been cause for considerable friction to arise between Neo-pagans and Reconstructionists as they interact with one another.
Reconstructionism is a general term used to describe those religions (sometimes designated as' Heathen' with many groups preferring the term 'polytheists' or 'pagan') that are the continuation of a cultural spiritual tradition into the modern era. Great emphasis is placed upon scholarship, the use of classic texts (such as 'The Eddas' in çsatrœ and the ancient Egyptian texts in Kemetism) and the revival of traditional modes of worship. Magic(k) plays much less of a role in Reconstructionist religions than it usually does in Wicca or Witchcraft. Cultural relevance is stressed, but this should not be confused with either nationalism or racism, as most Reconstructionists, while protective of their cultural heritage, are neither racists nor bigots. Some of the major Reconstructionist Religions are:
Ásatrú:
(Norse, Nordic, Regintroth Northern Heathenism) Ásatrú is a reconstructionist, polytheistic faith based on pre-Christian Northern European beliefs, Gods and Heroes. Most adherents of Ásatrú (Ásatrúar) put much emphasis on historical accuracy and the heroic tales as recorded in texts such as the Icelandic sagas and 'The Eddas'. Ásatrú has a rich and complex ethical system in which personal honor, truth and integrity are considered to be some of the highest virtues.
Baltic:
The reconstructionist religions of the Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian peoples. Like their neighbors, the Slavs, folklore and custom are important elements in their practices and rituals and the 'Balts' have largely maintained their language, folklore, pagan beliefs and customs throughout the centuries. Nature as a sacred force is emphasized as is harmony both within the individual and in society and the relationship with the gods and ancestors.
Celtic Reconstructionism:
Celtic Reconstructionism is an umbrella term for those who follow the cultural and religious practices of the Gaelic or Brythonic (Celtic) peoples. Beliefs and ritual practices vary from one ethnic or tribal group to another, but almost all place great store in history, language, the surviving Gaelic literature and cultural relevance/context (with the emphasis being placed upon linguistic and cultural, rather than DNA or religious, ties to those regions). As in most other Reconstructionist religions, personal honesty, integrity, honor in both word and deed and scholarship are very important and highly valued.
Druidism:
A reconstruction and/or a reweaving of the spiritual threads of the wisdom and ritual framework of the ancient Druids. Druids are generally polytheistic and follow a calendar based upon the astronomical yearly stages of the sun, the earth and the moon. Modern or Neo-Druids can be either male or female. Since the ancient order or class of Druids passed along their lore and wisdom through a closely guarded oral tradition, little is known of the actual rites themselves. However, Modern Druidism considers itself as a mainly spiritual path wherein the old knowledge is still accessible through insight and revelation. Like the ancient order, Neo-Druids often denote different levels of learning or expertise. The most commonly known classifications are the Bards (composer of verses; keeper of the lore), The Ovates (guardians and interpreters of the mysteries; diviners) and the Druids (advisors; authorities of worship, law and ceremony). The entire training process for new initiates may last several years.
Hellenismos:
Hellenic or Greek Reconstructionists (Hellenists, Hellenes, Hellenism) are generally polytheists who worship and revere the ancient Greek Olympian gods. It is primarily a 'votive' religion where 'offerings' or gifts to the Gods are an important element of ritual practice. Hellenismos has a highly developed ethical system based upon moderation, hospitality and reciprocity, place great value on scholarship and specifically on the use of classical texts.
Kemetism:
A modern religion based upon the ancient Egyptian family of gods/goddesses and the concepts of Ma'at (all) and Netjer (the divine force). While many gods and goddesses are revered or acknowledged, the Kemetic religion is not polytheistic in the same sense that many other Pagan or Heathen religions are. In many sects of Kemetism, the concept is better described as a 'monolatry' or one god manifesting as many distinct personalities and divinities. Rituals and offerings are often elaborate and great value is placed upon both ancient texts and modern archeological discoveries and research.
Religo Romana:
The Religio Romana is the pre-Christian religion of Rome. The modern religion attempts to reconstruct the ancient faith of Rome and its gods, goddesses and temple rituals as closely as possible. Every attempt is made to rely on actual historical and archaeological evidence and much emphasis is placed upon the original classical texts, writers and language.
Slavic:
The Slavic peoples are not a "race", but are related through culture and area. These regional groups include the Russians, Polish, Czechs, Ukrainians, Byelorussia's, Serbo-Croatians, Macedonians, Slovenians, Bulgarians, Kashubians and Slovakians. In reconstructing Slavic religions, adherents place much store on Slav folk tales and stories. Dualism is an important concept in Slavic religion, but differs from the 'good' and 'evil' dichotomy of post-Christian thought. Here dualism is understood to be a system of complimenting opposites such as darkness and light, winter and summer, female and male, cold and hot. The God-brothers Bialybog "white-god" and Czarnebog "black-god" who rule the light half and dark half of the year respectively, are further illustrations of this polarity. Nature spirits also play an important role in Slavic beliefs.
Source:
Wren Walker
Co-Founder - The Witches' Voice
Monday, July 8th., 2002
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usfl&c=basics&id=4575
Credits: The Witches' Voice would like to thank the moderators and members of The Cauldron-A Pagan Forum for their thoughtful suggestions and encouragement and whose input proved to be an invaluable source of information for the formation of this page.
Well it should be a great couple of months! We're looking forward to seeing everyone hanging around. If you are looking for a great way to earn some extra gold be sure to check out the Arcade - there are lots of contests and games for everyone!!! I mention this because we give out 1000's in gold every month to a handful of loyal players, so if you are looking for your share of the loot - come on in and join the fun!!! I also encourage everyone (if you haven't already) to really explore the subforums - there are a lot of things going on that you might miss out on if you never move off of the main page blaugh Also if you have any articles, art, poetry, trivia, or anything at all that you would like to submit for the next newsletter please feel free to PM it to MidnightLetter. If we use your submissions in the newsletter you will receive payment for your work - amounts will depend on type of work submitted.
Brightest Blessings!!!