The turn of the year

[Toddy]

The recent thread on religious belief/ practices among bushcrafters brought this topic to mind.
In our increasingly secular, 'Westernised' society it could be very easy to become even more removed physically, emotionally, even spiritually from the natural world; yet the very existence of this forum would appear to dispute this.
How many of us, religious or otherwise, feel a need to be attached to the lunar and solar calender of the year?

Imbolc is at the beginning of February, Beltane in May, Lughnasahd in August and Samhein in November. While these traditional dates are more commonly called sabbats now, they are also in their own ways quarter days while the Spring and Autum Equinoxes and Summer and Winter Solstices provide the other divides. There are traditional seasonal rites appropriate to each of these days that fit very well with the natural world around us.

Imbolc to me is that first greening I see on the trees, it's the first white flowers, it's that light-ening of the skies that eases out the grey of Winter, there's a different scent on the wind, a breath of fresh air. I redd up in the garden, find the first leaf buds, think about planting for the year, and finally start to wake up after Winter, even though I know it'll be cold, dark and wet for a bit yet.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[gregorach]

Yeah, I like to try and keep track using the solar / lunar festivals - it seems to match what's actually going on better than the conventional 4-season year. I don't really celebrate any of them, but I do like to be aware of them. Especially in winter, when anything that makes it seem like you're getting closer to spring is a good thing!

I find the tricky bit is deciding exactly which full moon each of the lunar festivals falls on in any given year...

 

[BorderReiver]

Imbolc to me is that first greening I see on the trees, it's the first white flowers, it's that light-ening of the skies that eases out the grey of Winter, there's a different scent on the wind, a breath of fresh air. I redd up in the garden, find the first leaf buds, think about planting for the year, and finally start to wake up after Winter, even though I know it'll be cold, dark and wet for a bit yet.

Cheers,
Toddy

That says it all for me,better than I could say it.

Only difference is I don't bother with the "label".I enjoy the changes as they happen,without any man made references.

 

[useless]

I give a nod in the direction of the "festivals". To some they occur on fixed dates, for others at the nearest full moon to these dates. However I see these landmarks in the year as being marked by what's going on. So Imbolc is about snowdrops coming through, for example. Beltaine I celebrate when I feel the sap rising in me, getting a bit frisky and all that... I do like to mark the festivals with friends and family when I can, so I guess that's my "(dis) organised spirituality" thing.

So, no I don't feel the need to attend to a lunar / solar calander for my recognition of the turning of the wheel of the year. But I do sometimes do it, because it helps when organising parties!

Paul

 

[EdS]

I also nod in the direction of the 'old' festival as they seem to make more sense of when the year changes and have gut feling to them. Plus they are better spread out.

Oh I also do New Year - but only to have an early start to my birthday (3 Jan)


Mind you I've also been known to celerbrate (well join in) Divali, Eid-ul-Adha, Yuan Tan, Rosh Hashana, birthday of several Guru plus Rasta, Jain, Buddist ones and christmas - I'll celerbrate with any of my friends if they ask to join in.

 

[Salix]

Ever since I can remember i have always been drawn to the natural cycles of the seasons, I am fully aware of the festivals, and do celebrate them in my own way. I love every season, as it brings it's own smell, taste and feelings. I believe we are all still tightly bound to the earths rythms, it's just that with the trappings of modern day society we choose to ignore them. I dont like to be classed as pagan or witch or any other tag that orthodoxy requires to pigeon hole me, it's just a deep feeling inside, awe, wonder, respect, joy, elation it's all of them.

mark

 

[locum76]

generally i'm far too oblivious to any organized festivals to give a damn. apart from new year when the lagavulin is rising.