The Pagan celebration wheel, also known as the Wheel of the Year, is a concept that represents the cycle of seasons and the significant festivals observed by many Pagan traditions. It is a way to acknowledge and honor the changing rhythms of nature and the various phases of life. The Pagan celebration wheel is generally divided into eight main holidays, also called Sabbats, which are spaced evenly throughout the year. These holidays are based on the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the significant agricultural and natural events that occur during those times. The wheel begins with the winter solstice, known as Yule, which usually falls around December 21st. This is the day with the shortest amount of daylight and is often associated with the rebirth of the sun.
The sun was cold, the teakettle refused to boil, and the wretched scent of old memories burned from the logs as Sadie Revelare built up the fire. Even the grandfather clock, which never paid attention to time, warbled out ten sad magpie notes.
Sadie s best friend lives with bipolar disorder and her brother suffers from depression and although neither is explored in depth since they are secondary characters, it provided representation of those living with the condition, and Sadie herself discusses plans to see a therapist for grief counseling. Sadie s best friend lives with bipolar disorder and her brother suffers from depression and although neither is explored in depth since they are secondary characters, it provided representation of those living with the condition, and Sadie herself discusses plans to see a therapist for grief counseling.
This is the day with the shortest amount of daylight and is often associated with the rebirth of the sun. Traditions vary, but celebrations during Yule often involve lighting candles, decorating trees, and exchanging gifts. The next holiday on the wheel is Imbolc, usually celebrated around February 2nd, which marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
Bad Spells, Good Books: In Charm’s Way & The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
In Charm’s Way
by Lena Harper
In Charm’s Way is the fourth in the supernatural romance Witches of Thistle Grove series; although not necessary to be read in order, you will have some spoilers for previous books if you read this one first. I had been looking forward to hearing about the resolution of Delilah Harlow’s story since the events of Back in a Spell, released this past January. In that novel another witch’s out of control spell causes Delilah once perfect recall to be damaged. Now she struggles to regain her memory and her sense of self. She is helped by her new charming raven familiar Montalban. Delilah spends much of her time working at her family’s magical book store, so if you are a book worm like me you will likely identify with this clever introvert. If you are someone who generally doesn’t read romance, but loves fantasy, I’d still highly recommend this series since the interesting world building with the magical town and complex, well developed characters will have you hooked. Though of course it wouldn’t be a Thistle Grove story without romance in this case it comes in the form of the Catriona Quinn, a beautiful “monster hunter” with an unusual lineage.
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
by Breanne Randall
Coming soon on September 19, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is Breanne Randall’s first novel to be published, but hopefully not her last. Fellow fans of the magical realism of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Allen Addison will want to check this one out. Sadie Revelare is happy working with her grandmother at their small café, A Peach in Thyme, but then everything seems to start to unravel when her first love returns to town and her grandmother reveals some serious medical news. Sadie believes that these heartbreaks are a side effect to the power she wields. When her estranged twin brother returns further family secrets are revealed and it will take all the Revelare’s and their communities efforts to save them. I enjoyed the whimsical magic details mixed in with the more serious topics of the story. Sadie’s best friend lives with bipolar disorder and her brother suffers from depression and although neither is explored in depth since they are secondary characters, it provided representation of those living with the condition, and Sadie herself discusses plans to see a therapist for grief counseling. You’ll be left craving some of the delicious drinks and treats that are mentioned in the story, so it is lucky that each chapter ends with a recipe from Sadie’s grandmother so you can try it for yourself just BYOM (bring your own magic). I made the Chocolate Pecan Pie (good for healing strength and longevity) and the Cherry Cheese Pie (helps ensure the peace, good for family gatherings) for our Fourth of July celebration this year.
I received advanced copies of both novels from Netgalley and the publishers in order to provide you with honest reviews.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
If you’re in need of a bit of magic and a heaping dose of hope, look no further than The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
It is a time of purification and welcoming the return of the light. It is often associated with the goddess Brigid and is celebrated with candlelight rituals and the blessing of hearth and home. The spring equinox, known as Ostara, is the next holiday on the wheel, usually occurring around March 20th. It is a time of balance when day and night are equal in length. It symbolizes the awakening of the earth and the beginning of new life. Celebrations during Ostara often involve planting seeds, decorating eggs, and enjoying the blossoming of nature. Beltane is celebrated around May 1st and marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It is a celebration of fertility, growth, and the union of lovers. Bonfires are lit, Maypoles are raised, and rituals involving dancing and feasting are common. The summer solstice, known as Litha, is celebrated around June 21st and represents the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is a time of abundance, light, and acknowledging the power of the sun. Celebrations during Litha often involve bonfires, dancing, and honoring the natural world. Lammas, celebrated around August 1st, is the next holiday on the wheel and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of gratitude and reflection on the bounty of the earth. Traditions during Lammas often include feasting, making corn dollies, and baking bread with freshly harvested grains. The autumn equinox, known as Mabon, is observed around September 21st and represents the balance between light and darkness. It is a time of harvest and preparing for the colder months ahead. Celebrations during Mabon often involve honoring ancestors, sharing meals, and giving thanks for the abundance of the earth. The final holiday on the wheel is Samhain, celebrated around October 31st, which is often associated with Halloween. It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest, and it is customary to honor and communicate with deceased loved ones. This holiday also marks the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of a new cycle. The Pagan celebration wheel provides a structure for Pagans to connect with nature, celebrate the changing seasons, and honor their spiritual beliefs. It is a way to cultivate a deeper understanding of the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all things..
Reviews for "Rituals and Ceremonies on the Pagan Celebration Wheel: Celebrating Nature's Bounty"
1. Mark - 2/5 stars - I was quite disappointed with "Pagan Celebration Wheel". The book promised an in-depth exploration of pagan holidays and rituals, but it fell short of my expectations. The information provided was brief and lacked depth, leaving me wanting more substance. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and uninspiring. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book for those seeking a comprehensive resource on pagan celebrations.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I regret purchasing "Pagan Celebration Wheel". The content felt shallow and repetitive, covering the same information that can be easily found online for free. The lack of originality in the book was quite disappointing, and it failed to provide any new insights or perspectives on pagan celebrations. It seemed more like a compilation of generic information rather than a well-researched and thoughtful exploration. Save your money and find better resources elsewhere.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - As someone who has been practicing paganism for several years, I was excited to dive into "Pagan Celebration Wheel". However, I was ultimately let down by the book. The author's perspective on pagan celebrations felt narrow and limited, and I found myself disagreeing with some of their interpretations. Additionally, the book lacked practical guidance and advice, which I was hoping for as someone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice. Overall, I would suggest looking for more comprehensive and inclusive resources on pagan celebrations instead of this book.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - "Pagan Celebration Wheel" left me underwhelmed. The book focused too much on theoretical aspects of pagan celebrations and rituals without providing practical guidance for those interested in incorporating them into their own lives. The lack of detailed instructions and suggestions made it difficult to fully engage with the material and implement it in a meaningful way. This book might be suitable for those looking for an academic overview, but for someone seeking hands-on guidance, it falls short.