Exploring the Pagan Year Wheel: Understanding the Cycle of the Seasons

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The Pagan year wheel is a cyclical concept that encompasses the celebration of different festivals and the changing of the seasons in Pagan traditions. It represents the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth found in nature and is deeply connected to the cycle of agricultural and natural cycles. In Paganism, the year is typically divided into eight main festivals, known as Sabbats, which mark the significant points in the wheel of the year. These Sabbats are celebrated by modern Pagans and Wiccans, among others, and are often seen as opportunities for spiritual reflection, honoring ancestors, and connecting with the natural world. The wheel of the year begins with Samhain, also known as Halloween, in the Pagan calendar. Samhain is considered the start of the spiritual new year and is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be the thinnest.



A Curse for True Love

Gr 8 Up–In this highly anticipated finale to Garber’s latest trilogy in the “Caraval” universe, Evangeline (who reads white) awakens with all of her memories from the past year erased. Her husband, the handsome Prince Apollo (who is Black), promises to keep her safe and whisks her back to a seemingly fairy-tale life. Her lack of memories leaves her unsure of whether she should trust Apollo, who is determined to kill the charming but villainous Lord Jacks who Apollo claims was responsible for a long list of heinous crimes. As she slowly pieces together her past, Evangeline rediscovers her love for Jacks and realizes she must stop him from making an irreversible mistake in a foolhardy attempt to keep her safe. As always, Garber’s worldbuilding is lush and captivating. The beautiful prose make for a smooth, quick read, and the characters are witty and complex. The first half of the book leaves Jacks and Evangeline separated, but the second half of the book more than makes up for the lack of witty banter and forbidden romance in the first half. Garber has successfully crafted a love story that has left readers rooting for a villain from the “Caraval” series. The ending is predictable, but will give fans what they’ve been waiting for.

VERDICT Readers will be on the edge of their seats to get to the stunning finale of this much-loved series.

Reviewed by Candyce Pruitt-Goddard , Dec 22, 2023

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A curse for true love / Stephanie Garber.

"Blood will be shed, hearts will be stolen, and true love will be put to the test in A CURSE FOR TRUE LOVE, the breathtaking conclusion to Stephanie Garber's #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after. Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She's married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she's paid for this fairytale. She doesn't know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out. . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts"-- Provided by publisher.

More Details

Samhain is considered the start of the spiritual new year and is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be the thinnest. It is a time to honor the deceased and welcome them back into our lives, and to let go of the old and prepare for new beginnings. The next festival is Yule, which takes place in late December and celebrates the winter solstice.

Item details

  • ISBN: 9781250851208
  • ISBN: 1250851203
  • ISBN: 9781250324061
  • ISBN: 1250324068
  • Physical Description: 385 pages : illustrations, map ; 25 cm.
  • Edition: First U.S. edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Flatiron Books, 2023.
  • Copyright: ©2023
Pagan year wheel

It is a time of rebirth and renewal as the days start to lengthen again. Yule is often associated with the birth of the new sun, and many Pagan customs surrounding this festival have been incorporated into the modern celebration of Christmas. Imbolc, which falls in early February, marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of purification and preparation for the coming spring. The goddess Brigid, associated with healing and poetry, is often honored during this festival. Ostara, or the spring equinox, occurs around March 20th and marks the official beginning of spring. It is a time of balance, when day and night are equal in length, and the earth comes to life again after the long winter. Many Pagan traditions celebrate Ostara with rituals and ceremonies that honor the return of fertility and growth. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, signifies the arrival of summer. It is a time of joy and abundance, when the earth is in full bloom. Traditionally, it is a time for courting and fertility rituals, and the maypole dance is a common feature of Beltane celebrations. Litha, or the summer solstice, takes place around June 21st and marks the longest day of the year. It is a time to celebrate the sun's power and energy, as well as the abundance of the natural world. Many Pagan customs surrounding Midsummer, as the festival is often called, involve bonfires and outdoor rituals. Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, occurs on August 1st and marks the first harvest of the year. It is a time of thanksgiving for the abundance of the earth and a celebration of the fruits of our labor. Lughnasadh is often associated with the god Lugh and is a time to honor the skills and talents we have cultivated. Finally, Mabon, the autumn equinox, takes place around September 21st and signifies the start of the fall season. It is a time of balance and reflection as we begin to harvest the fruits of our labor and prepare for the coming winter. Mabon is often associated with gratitude and thanksgiving for the gifts of the earth and the abundance of the harvest. In conclusion, the Pagan year wheel is a cyclical representation of the changing seasons and the spiritual journey of birth, life, death, and rebirth. It encompasses a series of eight festivals, or Sabbats, that honor the natural cycles of the earth and offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and connection with the natural world..

Reviews for "Harnessing the Energy of the Pagan Year Wheel: Manifesting Your Intentions"

1. John - 1/5 rating - I was really disappointed with the Pagan year wheel. The book lacked depth and substance, and it felt like the author was just stringing together random bits of information without any clear structure or purpose. The content was repetitive and didn't provide any new insights or knowledge about the Pagan traditions. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - 2/5 rating - I had high hopes for the Pagan year wheel, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was dry and academic, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. The book also lacked practical guidance and examples, which I feel are important for beginners in Paganism. Additionally, the information provided felt disjointed and disconnected, making it difficult to grasp the overall concepts. I would not recommend this book to someone looking for a comprehensive guide to the Pagan year.
3. Alex - 2/5 rating - The Pagan year wheel was quite underwhelming. While it touched on various Pagan holidays and rituals, the information was presented in a fragmented way that made it difficult to follow. The book lacked a clear structure and coherence, leaving me confused and unsatisfied. I also found the writing style to be dry and lacking in enthusiasm, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with the content and organization of the book.

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