For centuries the word witch has carried a negative connotation. They were predominantly healers that explored elemental ways of healing and alternative methods. Paganism and Wicca date back to the Druids and ancient mysteries of those that worship the earth in all of its seasons.
The burning, hanging, and drowning of witches was a massacre on men, women, and children for exploring alternative methods other than the church. The word witch is another term for more modern titles such as healer, shaman, priest/priestess, and medicine carrier. Most of these people were forced into hiding with the rise of the Church and state. We are in a society now where the word “witch” is still widely misinterpreted but more accepted than a century ago.
Hollywood has made witches to have horrifying features, a broomstick, and to be evil. This is far from the truth of the old ways of true witches. This is a community of people that worship earth, wind, water, fire and spirit. Back to our hunter-gatherer days and the evolution of man kind we have always honoured the seasons as the body is in sync with this ebb and flow of nature.
Mayan and Egyptian cultures honoured nature, sun and the moon, and the changing of seasons much like the Pagans and Druids. The honouring of oneself comes from following the Wheel of the Year. The wheel is an ancient practice observed by many cultures predominantly Pagans with eight solar holidays. Much like Mother Nature the wheel honours the cycles of death, rebirth, light and dark. Most holidays are derived from the pagan traditions and wheel.
Our new year in Roman terms starts in January. The astrological new year starts in March when spring is in bloom and the body is coming out of its slumber. The animals are out of hibernation and the plants are growing. As a society we are forced to create New Year resolutions when the body and mind should be resting in winter months going within.
The question we must ask ourselves is why are we so disconnected from each other and our being? And what is truly missing?
We are governed by fast paced instant gratification, screens, and validation. Our bodies are made to receive sunlight and food from the Earth. The over stimulation we all experience from society is so far removed from the old ways. If we slow down and flow with the seasons and come back to nature we will always find our true essence.
The Wheel of the Year starts with Yule (winter solstice) and is celebrated on December 21 the shortest day of the year. This is a time where the body and soul are preparing for darker days to rest and go within. Many Yule traditions have evolved over the years with present day Christmas. This is the time the Sun child will defeat the darkness in the arrival of Spring.
Imbolc follows as the first day of February celebrating Springs return. This sabbat is driven from the the old Irish word meaning in the belly or womb. The signs of Spring and the incoming of light brings promise for what will grow in the coming year. In the old ways Imbolc marked a productive time for growth in regards to productive farming. It is the signs of the harvest dedicated to goddess Brigid, goddess of healing and renewal.
Ostara is spring equinox with equal amount of sunlight and darkness marking the first sights of Spring. This symbolizes new life and the time to wake up from our winter slumber to embrace the new beginnings ahead. It is the mating season for many animals, plants and trees growing, and the harvest of crops.
Beltane means the month of May. It is one of the greater sabbats where one decorates their home in flowers representing fertility. The celebration with a maypole is for the God and Goddess as the God is showing his devotion from animal lust to love and devotion. This represents the spiral of life and the beginnings of summer.
Midsummer or Litha is summer solstice falling on June 21 marking the strength and power of the sun over the summer months. Stonehenge and Glastonbury are modern spots for practicing pagans and druids to channel the sun and celebrate this festival.
Lughnasadh is at the beginning of August which is in opposition on the wheel to Imbolc. This is when the God sacrifices himself to the Goddess promising fertility as the darker months approach. Bread and other baked goods are made to show the abundance of the year.
Mabon or the autumn equinox celebrates a successful harvest and is associated with fall months as the days get darker and we must focus ourselves in ward after the vibrant summer season. The autumn equinox is a magical one where the spring equinox is sexual representing fertility.
Samhain is most commonly known as Halloween. It is celebrated the night of October 31 meaning summers end and the new year for pagans. It marks the return of winter and the thinning between the veils.
For centuries these traditions were followed with most holidays mainly regarding Christianity placing holidays around the Wheel of the Year. What we can learn from the wheel and these traditions is that much like our ancestors our bodies flow with the seasons of nature. In society wee have shut ourselves on from community, connection, and oneself. The wheel is a glimpse into the power we can harness if we just stop and listen. The sun, moon, oceans, and animals listen to their inner knowing and nature.
Being a witch is not merely burning sage and lighting candles. It is a deep calling and inner knowing of the old ways bringing you back home to yourself in all of your entirety communing with nature and the cycles of the seasons. Anyone can hear this calling and find themselves over and over again through the Wheel of the Year.