Pagan October holidays are rooted in ancient traditions and beliefs. These holidays, also known as harvest festivals, have been celebrated for centuries by various pagan and earth-centered communities around the world. They mark the transition from the warm summer months to the colder, darker days of autumn. One of the most well-known pagan October holidays is Samhain, which is typically celebrated on October 31st. Samhain is believed to be the time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing for communication with spirits and ancestors. It is a time for honoring and remembering those who have passed away.
Symbols: Corn; Grain
It was expected that ancestors might cross over during this time as well, and Celts would dress as animals and monsters so that fairies were not tempted to kidnap them. According to Aistars the alter will include candles representing the four quarters and spirit, a Hecate goddess statue, a pentagram, a cauldron and chalice as well as seasonal items, such as pumpkins, apples and pomegranate.
It is a time for honoring and remembering those who have passed away. Another pagan October holiday is Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, which falls around September 21st or 22nd. Mabon celebrates the second harvest and the balance between light and dark.
Pagan Calendar: October 15 – 16, 2016
Saturday: Day of Reckoning
Saturn, the Roman god of the harvest, rules this day of the Jewish Sabbath. The French word for Saturday, sumedi, also suggests a link to Saturn. Saturday is seen as the day of reckoning – a time to summon energy for wisdom, legal matters, knowledge, and karma. It is associated with magic dealing with banishing, change, death, motivation, reincarnation, understanding and wills.
Astro Aspects: All times CDT
5:43 am
Transiting Sun Opposition Transiting Uranus
Right now you may feel a little restless but try not to revolt. A little restraint helps you make appropriate changes.
9:29 pm
Transiting Mercury Square Transiting Pluto
Mental intensity. Troubled mind. Passive-aggressive argument. Persuasive speech. Craftiness. Strategy. Paranoia?!
11:21 pm
Moon goes void of course
11:23 pm
Full Moon at 23°Aries 14′: Time to begin new projects. Exercise patience and selflessness where possible. Look out for new opportunities.
Color of the Day: Blue
Primary spiritual color; for rituals to obtain wisdom, harmony, inner light, or peace; confers truth and guidance.
Deities of the Day: Hecate (Greek), Saturn (Roman)
Hecate was the daughter of Perses and one of the original Titans. Even after Zeus had defeated the Titans, he kept Hecate in power to assist the mortals. Zeus honored Hecate greatly by granting her a share of power over the earth, sky, and sea.
Mortals who were favored by Hecate received great blessings, as she could increase the size of their herds or help fishermen who prayed to her haul in huge catches of fish. Originally considered a generous and compassionate ancient fertility goddess, in later myths, Hecate became associated with darker and more frightening magic. She developed into the patron of sorcerers and became linked with the underworld, dark mysteries, crossroads, and graveyards. Hecate became known as the Queen of the Witches and the guardian of the crossroads.
Hecate was frequently pictured as a triple-faced deity. There are a few variations on her name as well– Hecate Trivia or Hekate. She is often part of another trio of Greco-Roman goddesses: Persephone the Maiden, Demeter the Mother, and Hecate as the Crone.
Hecate was thought to be all-seeing and wise. When Demeter searched everywhere for her daughter Persephone, who had been kidnapped by Hades into the underworld to be his bride, it was Hecate who finally told Demeter where she was.
Today, Hecate is a powerful and protective deity for Witches. Whenever you feel the need to defend yourself, your property, or your family, Hecate is the one to call upon. Associations for Hecate include three-way crossroads, black dogs, snakes, owls, ravens and crows, bats, and toads– a symbol of conception.
Her festivals include August 13 and November 16, called “The Night of Hecate” in Greece, which began at sundown. There is also a Hecate’s day in Rome, celebrated on December 31.
Also known as the ancient Roman god “Father Time”, Saturn was called the ruler of the Golden Age and the Father of the Gods. Saturn was considered the “great lesson giver,” as he required people to learn their lessons through karma. Saturn was also a god of agriculture and fertility, and he was married to a fertility goddess named Ops.
There is a Roman festival named after him called the Saturnalia, which began on December 17 and ran until December 23. Saturnalia was similar in nature to the New Orleans, Louisiana version of Mardi Gras. This 7 day midwinter festival was a time of gift-giving, feasts, and partying. Traditional gifts on Saturnalia were candles, clay figurines of the gods, and silver. Decorations included wreaths and fresh garlands hung above doorways. With an “eat, drink, and make merry” type of attitude in place, the wine flowed freely, and the slaves were given the holiday off. Schools closed, and the military was given leave.
The god Saturn was described as a man with a half-bared chest, holding a sickle and a few ears of corn. This image of Saturn eventually evolved into our “Father Time,” a popular image at New Year’s Eve. The sickle became the scythe, and the hourglass symbolized the passing of time and Saturn’s control over it. Saturn is not a frightening god– he is a teacher, a spiritual influence that grants tranquility and calmness in your later years. Saturn is the guardian of time.
Goddess Focus of the Day: Thanksgiving (Canada)/Gaia
Themes: Abundance; Providence; Thankfulness; Nature; Divination; Promises; Earth
Symbols: Harvested foods (especially fruit and grain); Soil
About Gaia: In Greek tradition, Gaia stretched out at the beginning of time, becoming the earth’s land. In this form, she continues to give life and sustenance to all things that dwell in and on the planet, even when the cold weather tries to steal away that life. So sacred are Gaia’s soils that any promise made with one hand on the earth is irrevocable. The oracle at Delphi belonged to Gaia before Apollo took over, giving her the additional attribute of prophecy.
Source: ‘365 Goddess: A daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess’, by Patricia Telesco
Herbals of the Day: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli
Saturday’s Spell: Anoint a black candle with one of the above-mentioned essential oils. Cast your circle in your usual manner, then return to your altar and light your spell candle and say…
By the day’s energy, I banish troubles away,
This spill will bring security for many a day.
Herbs of Saturn, add your strong energies to mine,
I am protected, safe, and secure for all time.
On this Date: Ides of October
In ancient Rome, the tradition of Winter’s Day was held a day later than in the north. Here, the season of combat ended, and weapons were put away until the following year.
Source: ‘The Pagan Book of Days: A Guide to the Festivals, Traditions, and Sacred Days of the Year’, by Nigel Pennick
Tarot Card Associations of the Day: Temperance (for help in finding or restoring balance), Two of Swords (for balance and restored peace), Knight of Swords (for dealing with conflict or arguments with others, overcoming obstacles, breaking negativity, and attempts in dealing with others fairly).
Sunday: The Day of the Sun
The day of the Sun, honoring the God in general Pagan terminology is also the Christian sabbath, or “day of the Lord”. This makes Sunday a traditional day of rest, reflection, and worship. It is believed that babies born on this day are destined to be lucky. In general, Sunday is a day to inspire joy, peace, and happiness and to focus on growth, healing, and male health issues. It is associated with magic dealing with authority, divine power, friendships, healing, learning, reason and world leaders.
Astro Aspects: All times CDT
10:04 am
Moon enters Taurus
Establish routines. Time for stability and security. Not ideal for new activities. Consolidate existing projects.
1:51 pm
Transiting Venus SemiSquare Transiting Mars
Feeling tense? It is time to discover your life’s passion. This could be a person or a vocation or a creative hobby.
Color of the Day: Orange
Charges and recharges intellect; combine with any other candle to stimulate their actions.
Deities of the Day: Brighid, Helios, Sunna
The Celtic goddess of the hearth and flame, Brighid is a triple goddess of light, inspiration, and healing. She is often associated with smithcraft, well-being, and poetry. There are many variations on the name Brighid, including Breed, Brigid, Brigit, and Brigantia. This goddess was also known as the “Bright One” or the “Bright Arrow.” Often depicted as a woman with long, braided, red-gold hair, this beloved goddess of the Celts once had a sacred fire that was tended in Kildare, Ireland. In medieval times, abbey nuns tended the perpetual flame. In ancient times, it was Brighid’s priestesses. Recently, Brighid’s flame was relit. This goddess of Erin (Ireland) will always bring illumination to those whom seek her out.
Brighid keeps the home fires burning. She is the guardian of the hearth and the goddess of flame, light, and the Sun. If you have a fireplace in your home, she is the deity to guard it. If you don’t have a fireplace, a good alternative would be your kitchen stove.
Helios was the Greek god of the Sun. He was thought of as the physical representation of the Sun. He was portayed as sometimes wearing a golden helmet or having a golden halo. He was often characterized in art as a handsome man draped in a white, sparkling tunic and cloak. Helios drove his blazing sun-chariot across the sky from east to west, every day. The golden chariot was pulled by his four white horses, named Pyrois, Eos, Aethon, and Phiegon.
Sunna drives her horse-drawn chariot across the daytime sky. According to Norse mythology, the horses’ names are Allsvinn and Arvak, which mean “very fast” and “early rising.” Sunna is the divine representation of the Sun, and she was much loved by the Norse people as a giver of life. Sunna is chased across the daytime sky by the wolf Skoll. From time to time, Skoll catches up to her and takes a bite out of the Sun, which appears to us here on earth as a solar eclipse. Sunna is characterized in modern art as a beautiful woman with golden hair. Traditionally, she was simply viewed as the Sun in the sky.
Goddess Focus of the Day: World Food Day (United Nations)/Annapurna
Themes: Providence; Prosperity; Charity
Symbols: Corn; Grain
About Annapurna: This Indian grain goddess is kind and charitable, providing food to those in need. According to tradition, Annapurna watches over the world’s storehouses when supplies wane, and over the storehouse of our soul when our spirits hunger.
Source: ‘365 Goddess: A daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess’, by Patricia Telesco
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Herbals of the Day: Bergamot, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Orange, Rosemary, Saffron
Sunday’s Spell: Anoint a yellow candle with one of the above-mentioned essential oils. Cast your circle in your usual manner, then return to your altar and light your spell candle and say…
By today’s bright glow of magic and success,
May my spells now rapidly manifest.
Herbs of the golden sun, lend your energies to mine,
Bring positive change and happiness for all time.
On this Date: Nothing noted
Source: ‘The Pagan Book of Days: A Guide to the Festivals, Traditions, and Sacred Days of the Year’, by Nigel Pennick
http://amzn.to/18QRB61
Tarot Card Associations of the Day: The Chariot (for strength and determination), the Sun (for help on focusing on high ideals and encouragement to be strong while pursuing your ambitions), Ace of Wands (for help in obtaining career goals and personal ambitions).
***What have you been missing? Find out here…
Ruler, damsel, and our nursemaid, wandering the mountainsides.
It is a time for gratitude and reflection on the abundance of the harvest season. The pagan holiday of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is also celebrated in October. Originating from Mexican and Latin American traditions, this holiday honors loved ones who have died. It involves altars, colorful decorations, and offerings of food and drink to the deceased. Pagan October holidays often involve rituals, ceremonies, and feasts. These celebrations connect people with nature, the cycles of the seasons, and their spiritual beliefs. They offer an opportunity for individuals to reflect on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. While these holidays may have originated in pagan traditions, they have influenced and been adapted by other cultures and religions over time. Many people continue to observe these October holidays today, either in their traditional pagan form or in a more modern, secular manner. Overall, pagan October holidays provide a chance for individuals to connect with their spirituality, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the changing seasons. These ancient traditions continue to play an important role in the lives of many people, reminding them of their connection to nature and the cycles of life..
Reviews for "Celebrating Mabon: The Pagan Harvest Festival of October"
1. Rachel - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with the "Pagan October Holidays" event. As someone who celebrates Halloween and embraces the rich history and symbolism behind it, I was expecting a fun and educational experience. However, the event felt more like a cheap attempt to cash in on the holiday's popularity rather than a genuine celebration of its roots. The activities were poorly organized, the decorations were tacky, and the overall atmosphere was underwhelming. I left feeling like I wasted my time and money.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - The "Pagan October Holidays" event had potential, but it fell short in many ways. The historical aspect of the celebration was glossed over, and instead, it felt commercialized and watered down. The activities offered were lackluster and didn't provide any meaningful insight into the origins of Halloween. The overall experience felt rushed and poorly planned. I would have preferred a more authentic and informative event that truly honored the traditions and beliefs associated with pagan October holidays.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I found the "Pagan October Holidays" event to be more of a marketing gimmick than an actual celebration of pagan traditions. The organizers seemed more focused on selling merchandise and promoting their brand than educating visitors about the history and significance of Halloween. The activities were repetitive and didn't offer anything unique or engaging. I left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had spent my time and money elsewhere. It's a shame that such a rich and fascinating part of our culture was reduced to a shallow and commercialized event.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - The "Pagan October Holidays" event was a complete disappointment. It seemed like the organizers had no understanding or respect for the traditions they were supposedly celebrating. The activities were uninspired and lacked any depth or cultural significance. The event felt more like a generic Halloween party rather than an opportunity to learn and appreciate the rich history behind the holiday. Save your money and skip this event if you're looking for a meaningful and authentic celebration of pagan October holidays.