The Wheel of the Year — The Fall Equinox and Its Lore

Often called Mabon or the Fall Equinox, the Autumnal Equinox falls in the second half of September, usually around September 21st. It is often marked on calendars as the “first day of fall.” It is a time when day and night are equal, the last day in the season where the hours of darkness do not overwhelm the hours of light. This is the height of the harvest, the culmination of what began at Lughnasadh. It is a time to think about what we have and to be grateful for it. The Autumnal Equinox is often seen as the Pagan equivalent of Thanksgiving.

As a part of the Wheel of the Year, the Autumnal Equinox sees the Goddess’s pregnancy advancing. She is still the Mother, but She grows wiser and is the Crone as well. The God becomes the Sorcerer and is poised to leave His physical body. It is not His end, but His beginning. The Goddess mourns Him, but She knows that She carries His child within Her. He will never truly be gone, but will reappear as the Wheel of the Year continues to turn.

The Themes and Practices of Mabon

As this Sabbat is a time of preparation for the resting period that follows Samhain, this is a good time to rid yourself of anything unnecessary and unwanted, a time to lay to rest the quarrels and arguments that have plagued you during the season. Get rid of your guilt, envy, and unwanted feelings, banish those things that are holding you back, keeping you from your true potential. This is the time of year to put your own life back into balance, just as the year is in balance as day and night are equal.

This is the season of balance, healing, and justice. It is common to celebrate these themes with festivals and celebration. It is a time of self-expression, of reclaiming the self before the cold of winter arrives. There are many symbols of the Autumnal Equinox, including:

• Cornucopia
• Dried leaves
• Gourds
• Grains
• Turkeys
• Wheel

The Feast of the Autumn Equinox
 
Lughnasadh and the Autumnal Equinox are very similar, both being harvest festivals, but the Equinox is truly a time of plenty. The foods of Lughnasadh are still available, as are many others that have finally come into season. Fish, oysters, game birds, and various meats are traditional. Vegetables such as turnip, zucchini, and cauliflower are also easily available. If you have wild foods in your area, this is the time to collect them.
 
If you’re looking for a truly traditional feast, serve goose. This goose should be smaller and less fatty than a goose served at Yule. Try serving the goose with cranberries, raspberries, or even rowan for an interesting alternative. Roast your small goose on a rack in your oven with a variety of herbs and spices for flavor.
 
There are many other foods you might try, including:

• Fish or shellfish cooked in tinfoil with seasonal herbs
• Fresh vegetables just barely cooked so that they are still crisp
• Boiled potatoes
• Turkey
• Duck
• Fruit Cobbler
• Fruit preserves

Beverages for the Autumnal Equinox
 
Fruit wines are a popular choice for the Autumnal Equinox, but they do take a few weeks to mature. If you’re making your own fruit wine, start it no later than Lughnasadh to enjoy it by late September. For a quicker alternative, mush some fruit and strain. Add the juice to a chilled sweet wine just before serving. For the non-alcoholic crowd, try chilled fruit juice mixed with sparkling water.
 
If you prefer liqueurs, make a fruit liqueur by adding vodka and fine caster sugar to some chilled fruit juice. Shake this mixture three times a day for eight days and serve chilled. Substitute sparking water for the vodka if your celebration includes children or those who prefer not to drink alcohol. Harvest Mead, both in its alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms, is also an appropriate choice
 
Celebrating Mabon
 
When thinking about September, we tend to associate it with the beginning of fall. But it’s important to remember that this month is also the end of summer. The weather is still usually warm enough to host a celebration outside, even if you do have to put on a sweater before heading out.
 
It’s always fun to go out and look for edible plants, nuts, and berries in your area. However, there are always a few poisonous plants hanging around that look like they might be edible. Take a field guide with you and don’t eat anything you’re unsure of. If you’re involving children in this, don’t let them eat anything until you’ve checked it out. If you’re lucky, you have a berry-picking farm nearby that you can visit. This takes most of the risk out of your little hunt.
 
Conker fighting is a traditional way to pass the time in the fall. Take a horse chestnut and skewer it. Suspend the horse chestnut from a knotted string at least three feet long. Face off with an opponent and try to smash each other’s conkers. The person whose conker breaks first is the loser. This game invites a great deal of hilarity, but you’ll also end up with occasional scraped knuckles from flying conkers. Consider wearing heavy gloves to protect delicate fingers if you’re worried.
 
Remember that you’re about to say goodbye to the warm days of the lighter half of the year. Hold a spiral dance, having all participants dance counterclockwise, in honor the dark half the year that is about to begin. Keep in mind that dances take practice, so you might want to have your dancers rehearse once or twice before the actual day.
 
A ritual is always nice, but not strictly necessary. If you do decide on a ritual, keep in mind that you should focus on the themes of the day and not of performing magick for yourself.
 
Dressing for Mabon
 
Dressing for the Autumnal Equinox is much like dressing for any other Sabbat. Pick something special in colors that both represent and honor the season. For this Equinox, choose clothing in the rich fall colors of yellow, orange, and brown. You could wear ritual robes in these colors or choose something more meaningful to you. Alternatively, you could dress in the God’s color of bright gold or the Goddess’s color of deep autumn red. You might also choose to use these colors to decorate your ritual space.
 
The Autumnal Equinox is a time of balance. It is a time to reflect on the abundance that nature provides and offer up thanks for what we have.

The Wheel of the Year — Lughnasadh and Its Lore

Lughnasadh, often called Lammas or Loafmas, falls on August 1st. It marks the first harvest of the season and is a time to give thanks. It is the festival of Lugh, Celtic Sun God, and in honor of this one man would often be chosen as King for the day. In ancient times, this King would be given the best foods and would later lead the villagers to the fields to begin the harvest.

As a part of the Wheel of the Year, Lughnasadh is the time when the God, in His aspect as King, watches as the Goddess continues to grow with his child. He watches this with sorrow, sensing that his death will not be long in coming. And yet, Lughnasadh is the season of transformation, when grain becomes bread, and so he knows that he will only be changing form, not vanishing forever.

Themes and Practices of Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh celebrates the death and rebirth of Lugh. It is a time of sacrifice and thanksgiving, and in ancient times true sacrifice often happened at this festival. Today, Wiccans celebrate by sacrificing those things that are inappropriate in life, such as hatred, fear, or illness. Lughnasadh is also about making sure we have given enough for what we have received. It is often easier to think about what we have and what we can get than it is to think about what we have given. Therefore, many Wiccans make it a point to give back on this day in whatever manner they feel is appropriate for them.

There are many symbols that are associated with Lughnasadh. Some of these include:

• Transformation
• Bread
• Corn dollies
• Gingerbread men representing the Sacrificial King
• Sheaves of grain
• Dark green plants such as ferns

The Feast of Lughnasadh
 
The central part of your meal should revolve around grains. Breads, pastries, cookies, and pies are all good ideas. Breads in the shape of men that can be sacrificed (eaten or even thrown into the fire) are especially appropriate.
 
Any game meat can be served at Lughnasadh. Rabbit is traditional, as rabbits would be chased from the fields as the harvest began, but you can use anything you like. Chicken and pork both work well. Vegetables and fruits of the season can be served alongside your meat and bread for a full meal.
 
There are many options for creating a full Lughnasadh feast, including:

• Meat pies
• Cornish-style pasties
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Cherries
• Gooseberries
• Pears
• Plums
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Salads made with dark green vegetables and light olive oil dressing

Beverages for Lughnasadh
 
When choosing beverages for this Sabbat, keep in mind the colors of the harvest and the various grains, fruits, and vegetables naturally available. Yellow ales and ciders are popular, as are fruit juices and lemonade. If you want to get a little more festive, consider making Harvest Mead. You’ll have to plan for this in advance, since a good Harvest Mead can’t be made in an hour. If you’re hosting games or other physical activities, have sparkling water on hand to quench thirst.
 
Celebrating Lughnasadh
 
One of the most traditional ways to celebrate Lughnasadh is to make your own Sacrificial King out of cornhusks, straw, or sheaves of grain. Take your straw (or whatever you happen to be using) and gather it together. Fold the entire thing in half and tie off the top so you have a head. Add another tie about midway down the body for a waist. Divide the straw below the waist into two and tie off for legs. Use another bundle of straw to make arms and tie this to the body. To be really traditional, you should use straw to tie the bundle, but I use thread in a matching color. It’s easier to work with and thin enough that you don’t even see it.
 
Once you have your Sacrificial King, use him to decorate your ritual space. Later, make a game out of slaying the Sacrificial King. Stand him up or tie him to a tree and fire arrows at him. Whoever gets closest to the head or heart wins. Or assign points to certain areas of the body and give everyone three tries. If you can’t fire an arrow, use darts. Just make sure you’re careful with this. You don’t want one of your guests or family members to be hit with an arrow or dart!
 
This Sacrificial King can be used again when the bonfire is lit. Throw him into the fire and see your negative emotions or bad habits burning with him. Keep watching him until he is reduced to ash.
 
Games that honor Lugh are common for a Lughnasadh celebration. Anything that tests a skill can be used as a game. Try archery contests, wrestling, games of chess, poetry readings, or anything else that’s fun and inspires competition. Award prizes for the winners.
 
You will probably also celebrate Lughnasadh with a ritual or ceremony. However, magick not in keeping with the themes of the Sabbat should be avoided. Try to use the Sabbats as a way to honor the Goddess and the God, not practicing magick for your own ends.
 
Dressing for Lughnasadh
 
Get into the spirit of the season by dressing for Lughnasadh. Pick clothing in the traditional colors of yellow and dark green. You might wish to wear ritual robes or something even fancier. Whatever you choose should be comfortable, functional, and possibly even decorated with the symbols of Lughnasadh. You could also choose the colors of the Goddess and the God. The God is often associated with gold, yellow, and orange during this festival while dark green or even red is for the Goddess.
 
Lughnasadh represents the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time to be thankful for what we have and an acknowledgement that everything we are given must be paid for.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Flower Fairy

As society changes, so does its mythology. This rule applies equally to the continuous development of the Faery Lineage. With the arrival of the 18th century, the Jacobean Fairy of the previous century changed and adapted, splitting into the Flower Fairy and the Folk Tale Fairy. Both of these forms have endured into modern times, but it is the Flower Fairy that most people envision when they hear the term ‘fairy.’

The Nature of the Flower Fairy

Above all, the tiny Flower Fairy was said to be gentle and generous. Flower Fairies were the gentle spirits of the earth. They were thought to exist wherever nature flourished. They lived in the hills and the mountains, the lakes and the oceans, and they would flit from flower to flower in every garden.

Flower Fairies were passionate in their pursuits. They admired love and beauty, but abhorred ugliness and greed. They held in contempt those who were tightfisted with their time or wealth.

Those humans who left a bit of food or drink for them at night earned their love. They were said to wander the physical realm at night, collecting the last bit of grain from the field, the last fruit off the tree, and the last drop of milk from the pail. They also enjoyed a bit of wine, but Flower Fairies never became intoxicated.

Superstitions Surrounding the Flower Fairy

In 18th century Europe, including Ireland, superstition was still very much a part of daily life. Common knowledge of the era held that the blessings of the Flower Fairy could be brought into a household with a few simple actions.

Those households wishing to draw the Flower Fairies into their homes were advised not to sit up too late, as the fairies might wish to come into their home after dark. They would leave some food or milk for the fairies to dine, and a vessel of clear water for them to bathe. Those who made the effort to provide the fairies with these small comforts were said to be rewarded quite richly in the form of luck and protection.

This charming fairy would endure into the modern era, and continues to be a part of popular mythology. With the rise of Wicca and other Pagan movements in the 20th century, the Flower Fairy was reinvented, slowly becoming the Elemental Fairy.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Heroic Faery

In the centuries before the Middle Ages, the Daoine Sidhe began to dwindle and diminish. As this happened, they changed form once again. In time, they became the Heroic Faeries of myth and legend.

The Heroic Faery and the Fenian Heroes

Though they existed during different era, from a mythological standpoint, the Heroic Faeries had much in common with the legendary Fenian Heroes. They both were a form of diminished or fallen gods, descendants of the Tuatha De Danann. Cut lose from what they once were, they became closer to humans than their predecessors ever were. Sometimes, they even became close enough to mate, resulting in human children with faery gifts.

However, there were some key differences between the Fenian Heroes and the Heroic Faery. The Fenian Heroes were true warriors, ready to die for kind and country. The Heroic Faery, on the other hand, could be more accurately describes as aristocrats. They were more likely to spend the day hunting or riding than defending the kingdom, much like the human nobles of the era. They were lovers of the arts, prone to spending the evening indulging in music and dance. The Heroic Faery was a reflection of the nobles of the time, while the Fenian Heroes were the reflection of the warriors of the past.

The Heroic Faery and the Medieval Fairy

By the 11th and 12th centuries, the Heroic Faery had developed to include characters who were fine warriors and champions of the people, as well as patrons of the arts and lovers of cultures. As human culture evolved, so did the Heroic Faery, and the line between warrior and poet began to disappear. It is at this point in time where the Faery Lineage begins to converge.

The Medieval Fairy, a descendant of the Fenian Heroes, had grown to encompass newer legends, such as that of Avalon. However, the characters, while well-versed in the arts of magick, lacked the feel of nobility and aristocracy that the Heroic Faery possessed. The two lines merged, for a time, before they both began to diminish further, changing form once more.

With the passage of time and the changing of the people, the faery changed as well. They slowly dwindled, becoming the Diminutive Fairy.

Beach Spells for Spring and Summer

As the Spring Equinox approaches and the sun begins to warm the earth, our thoughts turn inevitably toward the beach. The beach is a destination, a place to feel the hot sand beneath our fee, the cool water upon our skin, and the powerful sun upon our backs. But it can also be a place to case some simple spells.

The Magick of the Beach

It is difficult to find a more magickal place than a sunny beach. It is one of the few places on earth where all four elements — earth, air, fire, and water — are present at the same time. Earth is the sand beneath your feet. Air is the wind blowing across your cheeks. Fire is the blazing sun. And water is the cool lap of the ocean or lake against your skin.

On land, only a lightning storm combines the four elements in such a natural way. But a lightning storm is harsh and distracting. The beach is gentle and soothing. The perfect place to work some magick.

Simple Spells for the Beach

Simplicity is often the core of powerful magicks. This is especially true of magick at the beach. You can honor the Goddess and the God, in their aspects as water deities, by tossing bread crumbs into the water while your feet are buried in the sand. Do this at sunset or sunrise to invoke Their blessings. It really doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.

Find a flat area of sand that will remain fairly undisturbed and draw a symbol to represent something you desire. This may be a career, love, a new home, or anything else you can think of. Draw your chosen symbol with a stick, your finger, or environmentally-safe paint that dissolves in water. Infuse the symbol with your intent as you do this. Allow the symbol to wear away naturally as your spell manifests.

The spot where the water meets the sand has great magickal potential and is symbolic of being between two worlds. Take a seat in the sand where the water washes over the shore and meditate. As you do so, visualize your desires flowing back and forth between these two worlds, passing through you to get to each other. This will help your desires to manifest in your life.

If you’re looking for a talisman or ritual tool, sit at the shoreline and ask the deities of the water to send you a gift. Close your eyes, and if you wait long enough, you might find your request granted. You’ll have to be patient and dedicated for this to work.

Alternatively, you can actively seek out things such as natural ritual tools and talismans. Search along the beach for shells, stones, fossils, or anything else you might find useful. You might even find a hagstone, a stone with a whole worn through the center by the eroding action of water and sand. These are symbols of the Goddess, and can be worn about the neck as talismans of protection and fertility.

There are many other ways you can use the beach as a place of power. You might choose to immerse yourself in the water as an act of purification. You could bury your feet in the sand to fully center and ground yourself. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

The Basics of Pagan Sex Magick

Sex has incredible power, both in Paganism and life in general. Sexual release can be a very potent catalyst for spells and rituals. The act of controlling this release can raise powerful energy that can be sent toward a specific goal. This is where sex becomes sacred sex.

Though the true study of sex magick can take years, even a lifetime, the very basics can be mastered with a little practice. All it takes is a willing partner and the desire to experiment with combining magick and sex.

Preparing for Sex Magick

Speak to your partner and decide on a precise goal for the spell. It is very important for you both to be in complete agreement. Not only is it polite to discuss the spell with your partner, but it gives the spell more power and focus.

Decide on a symbol to represent your goal. It can be simple or elaborate, colored or black and white, a symbol universally accepted to mean a certain thing or something you’ve created yourself. With your partner, make at least five copies of this symbol; more is better. Don’t use a photocopier. Take the time to place as much of your own personal energy into the symbol as possible.

You and your partner should spend several nights meditating over the symbol you have created. Do this together, linking your chosen symbol to the deepest parts of your subconscious mind. Discuss your thoughts and feelings with your partner. It is essential that your vision of the spell and its intent match your partner’s vision. This may take some time, so be prepared to work on this for several days.

Place your symbols in various spots around the room where you will engage in sacred sex. Take some time to consider the space. You’ll want to ensure that a symbol will always be within easy view. Place symbols on the ceiling, walls, headboard, or anywhere you like. Remember that you’ll probably change positions during your spell, so you may need to make additional copies of your symbol.

Engaging in Sacred Sex

Immediately before you begin your sex magick, refocus your mind on your goal and the symbol you’ve chosen to represent that goal. Then let it go. Don’t consciously try to focus on your spell while you have sex. It is incredibly difficult to experience good sex while focusing on something else, though some advanced tantric masters can do so. Tantra could be described as controlled sacred sex. However, unless you’re a tantric master, just enjoy yourself.

If both you and your partner have properly prepared yourselves, your subconscious minds will already know what to do. The symbols placed around the room will serve as a key to your inner self. As you approach release, gaze at one of these symbols. As both you and your partner achieve sexual release, the energy you have raised will be channelled by your subconscious and begin to move toward your goal.

Sex magick is a fun and vibrant way to cast a spell. However, it is important that you observe magickal ethics at all times. If you do this, you can use sacred sex as a powerful source of energy.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Folk Tale Fairy

Mythology is not a stagnant thing. It grows and adapts with society. The Folk Tale Fairy is the result of the diminishing of the Faery Lineage from the great Tuatha De Danann to the Jacobean Fairy. In time, the Jacobean Fairy also changed, becoming the Flower Fairy and the Folk Tale Fairy. Both of these forms have endured into the modern age, but the Folk Tale Fairy evolved into something unique.

Literature and the Folk Tale Fairy

In the 18th century, the world of literature expanded. For the first time in Europe, books were written specifically for children. All manner of creatures, both good and evil, were pull from various mythologies to be adapted to suit children’s stories. From Irish mythology, the Folk Tale Fairy was born.

A great effort was made to ensure the children of the 18th century were taught proper morality. The literature of the time was used to do this, wherever possible. Fairies took on a new form — they became guardians and guides, relentless moralists who were intent on always driving their wards towards virtue.

Out of these tales the Fairy Godmother was born. Writers and poets embraced this new form, turning tale upon tale for the benefit of children.

The Nature of the Folk Tale Fairy

The Folk Tale Fairy didn’t have a single, standard appearance. These fairies could be as tiny as the Flower Fairy, quietly nudging their protégés with careful whispers, heard but not always seen. Folk Tale Fairies could also be larger, sometimes as large as humans. There was no rule.

Regardless of size, Folk Tale Fairies almost always took a direct interest in a specific individual, such as the literary Cinderella. They would hint and prod this individual onto the proper course, but they would never force. It simply wasn’t in their nature.

The Folk Tale Fairy was a gentle and persistent guide, always seeking the path of virtue. This image has endured into the modern era and continues to have a place in popular mythology. The picture of the Fairy Godmother has become ingrained in the minds of the populace, and will likely remain there for some time.

The Wheel of the Year — The Summer Solstice and Its Lore

Sometimes called Litha, the Summer Solstice falls in the middle of summer, somewhere around June 21st. This is the longest day of the year and is often marked on calendars as the "first day of summer." It is a time of paradox, because even as the sun reaches its height, it begins to wane and the days grow shorter. Just like at the Winter Solstice, the Oak King battles the Holly King, but it is the Holly King, the King who presides over the waning sun, who wins this time.

As a part of the Wheel of the Year, the Summer Solstice sees the God move past his prime. He moves from his Lover aspect and becomes the King. The Goddess quickens with His child, still in Her aspect of Mother.

There are many symbols that reflect the spirit of this Sabbat, including:

• Fireworks
• Catherine wheels
• Yellow flowers
• Phallic symbols
• Any sun symbols

Themes and Practices of Midsummer
 
The general theme of this Sabbat is change as the sun's power begins to wane. It is a preparation for the coming harvest and an acknowledgment that the season will continue to advance towards winter. This day is a reminder to enjoy the heat of summer while it lasts, for it will not last forever.
 
After the Summer Solstice, after the bright day of the year, the hours of daylight will decrease as the hours of darkness increase. In the northern hemisphere summer really doesn’t get into full swing until this date.
 
The Feast of the Summer Solstice
 
The colors of this Sabbat are the colors of the sun. Try to keep these colors in your feast. Try carrots, oranges, and breads shaped to resemble the sun. As summer has finally arrived and the cold of winter and unpredictability of spring are both long passed, pull out the barbeque and plan a picnic for your feast. If you tend to have a problem with barbequing, try marinating the meats and precooking them in the microwave. All you’ll have to do then is throw them on the grill to brown and heat them thoroughly.
 
Vegetables can be prepared by sprinkling them with herbs and a little olive oil. Wrap them tightly in tinfoil before throwing on the grill for a few minutes. Don’t overcook. Alternatively, leave the vegetables raw and simply enjoy the fruits of the season. Most foods that you would normally cook in the cover can be covered in tinfoil and cooked on the grill instead, including a children’s favorite, chicken nuggets.
 
There are many options for feasting at the Summer Solstice. Some of these include:

• Green-leaf salad with herbs tossed with a little orange juice
• Sliced tomatoes sprinkled with salt and pepper
• Cucumber, olives, and goat cheese with a light olive oil dressing
• Apples and walnuts in yogurt
• Cooked and chilled chickpeas with olive oil and garlic dressing
• Couscous with lemon juice
• Potato and anchovy salad with a light tomato dressing
• Stuffed fish

If you’re looking for a dessert, try ice cream. It’s perfect for the summer heat and you can make it yourself in any flavor you can imagine. If you’d rather buy it, but still want to make it special, let it soften a little on the counter and stir in your own ingredients. Try crushing up chocolate chip cookies or malted milk biscuits and mixing them into the ice cream. Also try adding in slices of seasonal fruit such as strawberries and raspberries. Add your ingredients and allow the ice cream to chill again before serving. This will allow any crispy ingredients such as cookies to soften as well.
 
Beverages for Litha
 
Though you’ll probably use a strong red wine or juice for your ritual, for feasting and celebrating you’ll want beverages that are a little more festive. Look for golden liquids such as cider , sweet white wines, pale sherry or even a Honey Mead. For the non-alcoholic crowd and for children, look for seasonal fruit juices and even lemonade. Just remember that the summer is hot and you’ll probably be more thirsty than normal. Have some cool water on hand to quench that thirst.
 
Celebrating the Summer Solstice
 
For many Wiccans, it is traditional to rise at dawn the morning of the Summer Solstice. Since dawn comes early on the longest day of the year, many people choose to have an all-night party and simply stay up to greet the dawn. Those who make it through the night can go to bed and get a few hours’ sleep.
 
There are other ways to celebrate this day as well. You can reenact the battle of the Oak King and the Holly King just as you did with the Winter Solstice. Just remember that the Holly King wins this time around. Consider also hosting several physical activities and getting everyone involved. Tug-of-wars, races, or even board games can provide hours of fun for everyone. Don’t get too serious about your games. Simple and fun is usually better than complicated and serious.
 
If it’s nice enough to be outside, organize a little treasure hunt. Make a list of items that can be found in your area that represent spring. A river rock, green leaf, a flower, or a feather are all common enough objects that people should be able to find them if they look hard enough. Give a prize to the person who completes their collection first.
 
If you have a large open space, build the face of the sun outside where the sun can shine upon it. Gather up light-colored twigs and stones and lay them out so that they resemble the sun. Get everyone involved and build it as large as you can. Don’t forget to take a picture when you’re finished.
 
Most Wiccans will also choose to celebrate the Summer Solstice with a ritual or ceremony. You would not generally perform magick during this ritual, honoring the Goddess, the God, and the power of the son instead.
 
Dressing for the Summer Solstice
 
Dressing in the colors of the season is an excellent way to get into the spirit. Whether you choose your ritual robes or something else, keep in mind that your dress should be special, not something that you’d wear every day. Traditional colors for the Summer Solstice include golds and bright greens. You may also choose to use golden yellows and oranges to represent the God and reds for the Goddess. Use these colors to choose your clothing or simply to decorate your ritual space.
 
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, representing the heightened power of the God. It is a time to bask in the heat of the sun, to make the most of the warm summer months, and yet to acknowledge that nothing lasts forever.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Seelie Court

Some versions of Irish mythology have the Daoine Sidhe eventually divide into two groups: the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court. Though this separation is more commonly seen in Scottish mythology, Ireland also adopted this division. The Seelie Court was considered to be the blessed or holy court. They were often said to be the ‘good’ faeries, but Irish mythology is rarely that clear cut.

Characteristics of the Seelie Court

Sometimes called the ‘Blessed Ones,’ the Seelie were often depicted as a procession of brilliant light riding on the night air. The Seelie Court, as a group, would often use these excursions to find those in need of help. However, their form of help was sometimes closer to mischief.

The Seelie Court were considered the true aristocrats of the Daoine Sidhe. They were judges, dispensing justice to the other faery when it was required, and served as frequent arbitrators of the many faery quarrels. The Seelie Court was very political, complete with cliques, factions, gossiping, and rivalry.

Those of the Seelie Court tended towards harmony and happiness. It was their way to help humans, and to seek help from them in return. They always gave full warning when someone offended them, and when a human did them a kindness, they made every effort to return this favor. The Seelie were more inclined to towards good than evil. If give the choice between the two, there was never any doubt that they would choose good. They worked together in constructive ways for the benefit of all.

None of this means that they were entirely benign. Any of the faery, including the Seelie, would seek vengeance for an insult, if an insult were perceived. Though not malicious, they would defend themselves against any threat, and even go to war if need be. The Seelie were also prone to a great deal of mischief, especially when bored. However, their pranks rarely caused true harm, for the Seelie were really very fond of humans.

The Code of the Seelie Court

Like many human courts, the Seelie Court had its own code of conduct, a code which all of the Seelie had to abide by. This code was:

• Death Before Dishonor: A member of the Seelie Court would protect his or her honor to the death. Honor was the single source of glory for the Seelie, the only way to attain recognition. A true Seelie would rather have died than live with personal dishonor, and would never bring dishonor to another of the Seelie.
• Love Conquers All: For the Seelie, love was the perfect expression of the soul. It transcended all other things. Though romantic love was considered to be the highest and purest form of love, platonic love was also encouraged.
• Beauty is Life: Beauty was one of the first tenants of the Seelie Court. To belong, a faery had to be beautiful, and all beauty was to be protected. The Seelie were known to go to war to protect beauty, whether it was a beautiful person, place, or thing.
• Never Forget a Debt: This tenant worked in two ways. The Seelie were bound by their code of honor to repay any debt owed as soon as was possible. This included both favors and insults. The Seelie would repay a favor in a timely fashion. At the same time, they would exact vengeance almost immediately.

The Seelie Court was said to be a beautiful and benevolent place. It is no wonder that the people of Ireland and Scotland often appealed to the Seelie for help and advice. In time, however, the people turned away from the Daoine Sidhe and its Courts, seeking newer incarnations of the Faery Lineage, such as the Heroic Faery.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Unseelie Court

The Unseelie Court is a deeply routed part of both Irish and Scottish mythology . They are a part of the Daoine Sidhe, and the polar opposite of the Seelie Court. Where the Seelie Court was considered to be holy and blessed, the Unseelie court was better described as unholy. Sometimes, the Unseelie were even referred to as damned.

Characteristics of the Unseelie Court

Often called the ‘Unblessed Ones,’ the Unseelie were depicted as a dark cloud riding upon the wind. Though not necessarily evil, they were far from kind. These unsavory characters tended towards evil and were often malignant. Some legends claim that the Unseelie were fallen Seelie, those who could not live up to the strict standards of chivalry of the shining court.

Unlike the Seelie Court, the Unseelie did not need a reason to assault and harm humans. They would do so purely for entertainment, often just to be malicious. It is impossible to classify the Unseelie as truly evil, however, as they did sometimes offer aid to humans. But when offered a choice between doing good or doing evil, the Unseelie would almost always s choose evil.

The Code of the Unseelie Court

Like many human courts, the Unseelie Court had its own code of conduct, a code which all of the Unseelie had to abide by. The details of this code were:

• Change is Good: The Unseelie firmly believed that security was an illusion. They considered chaos to be the ruling force in the universe, and accepted that they had to adapt and change to survive.
• Glamour is Free: Glamour was the magick of the Daoine Sidhe. Both the Seelie and Unseelie possessed its power. However, the two Courts had differing opinions over its use. The Unseelie believed that to have power and not to use it was near to sin. They used their power for whatever they saw fit.
• Honor is a Lie: The Unseelie placed no stock in the ideals of honor. Instead, they pursued their own self-interests vigorously. The Unseelie felt as if truth could be only be reach through a devotion to self, not a devotion to others.
• Passion Before Duty: Passion was considered to be the truest state of being. The Unseelie acted without thought on pure instinct and passion. They valued fun over all other things.

The Unseelie Court was said to be a dark and frightening place. The people of Ireland and Scotland fled in fear before them. However, as time passed, the power of the Unseelie diminished, the Faery Lineage continued to evolve, and the Daoine Sidhe and their Courts became the Heroic Faery.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Jacobean Fairy

The end of the Elizabethan era saw many changes in European society, resulting in corresponding changes in the Faery Lineage. The Elizabethan Fairy shrank further in size, and became more dangerous. This darker fairy, making its first appearance in the 17th century, became known as the Jacobean Fairy.

The Nature of the Jacobean Fairy

The Puritans classified all fairies as devils, claiming that they were creatures of the purest evil. However, most people in the 17th century regarded them as more maliciously mischievous than truly evil. The general populace felt that they were to avoided, not because they were evil, but because they might cause difficulties for the humans who encountered them.

The Jacobean Fairy was so minute as to be almost invisible. Some of them were said to be no bigger than microbes. Their small size was one of the reasons they were said to be malicious. They were thought to be jealous of humans and their naturally large stature.

This envy sometimes turned into something more sinister. Though unlikely to attack humans directly, they had no qualms about causing indirect harm or even death. Tales of will-o-wisps and fairies leading travelers to their deaths in the swamps and bogs of Ireland abound during the 16th and 17th centuries. Similar stories can be found throughout Europe.

The Powers of the Jacobean Fairy

The Jacobean Fairy were said to have many powers. They could affect the seasons, controlling when the seasons changed. The fairies could turn a good harvest into dust. They could withhold the spring rains, causing drought. And in some cases, they were credited with prolonging the winter, causing starvation when the food ran out.

The Jacobean Fairy had power over unborn children. They could influence children still in the womb, encouraging them towards the ideals of the fairy. Sometimes, they would even steal human children, replacing them with changelings.

As the 18th century arrived, the nature of the fairy changed once again. The Jacobean Fairy lost its tendency towards evil, and reconnected with the powers of nature. As this happened, the Faery Lineage split into the Flower Fairy and the Folk Tale Fairy.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Elizabethan Fairy

The birth of the Elizabethan era saw the death of the romantic warriors of the Daoine Sidhe. Even the gentle kindness of the Diminutive Fairy had begun to disappear. The fair became mischievous, pesky, and even bothersome, at least among the general populace. Appearing in the 16th century, this new fairy eventually came to be known as the Elizabethan Fairy.

The Nature of the Elizabethan Fairy

The physical appearance of the standard modern fairy has its roots in Elizabethan times. Elizabethan Fairies were tiny little things, often no bigger than a thumbnail, though sometimes as large as a clutched first. They occasionally had gossamer wings, and were usually described as being female. Often lovelier than any human woman, these fairies tended to wear little in the way of clothing.

The Elizabethan Fairy were not seen as evil. However, they were considered pests and most regular citizens went to great lengths to avoid contact with these beings of myth and legend. It was said that these fairies would torment humans for simple entertainment, though they did not typically seek to harm. Harm would instead happen by accident.

The Elizabethan Fairy in Literature

The fairy ladies of eras past were no longer in style by the 16th century. Nymphs, brownies, hobgoblins, and the classic fairy with gossamer wings become popular in tales and stories. Common literature of the time was suddenly flooded with references to these mythological creatures.

The writers of the age supplied the very first look into the social structure of the tiny fairy. Individual writers chose different traits to emphasize, but on the whole, they managed to give a literary version of the fairy and its social life. The Elizabethan Faeries were seen as living in a monarchy, almost a parody of the monarchies present throughout the British Isles and various other areas of Western Europe.

By this point in time, Ireland was not at all isolated from the rest of Europe. English influences had become a part of Irish life. This was true of literature as well. The social structure of the fairies of the 16th century was immortalized by William Shakespeare in his A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This had a major impact on how the populace of Europe as a whole viewed the fairy, including the Irish, who had traditionally worshipped the Tuatha De Danann.

Shakespeare crafted a story where the interactions of various fairies and their leaders, King Oberon and Queen Titania, shows them to be somewhat organized, passionate, and rather bothersome to the humans they encounter. This version of what fairies could and might be persisted for many years, and is still a part of modern folk tales. When these types of tales were immortalized in literature, the very fabric of belief, myth, and legend in Ireland was altered forever.

Following the Elizabethan era, a time of repression hit most of Europe. The fairy evolved with the changing morals and values of the people. England grew more puritan, as did much of Western Europe, and the fairy came to be regarded as a more evil being. The Jacobean Fairy was born as the Faery Lineage continued to develop.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Diminutive Fairy

Today, when picturing a fairy, most people see a little being with gossamer wings, flitting about from flower to flower. However, this being did not really exist in Irish mythology until the ancient Faery Lineage of Ireland began to diminish. By the late 14th century, the Heroic Faery and the Medieval Fairy had merged and dwindled, becoming the Diminutive Fairy.

The Nature of the Diminutive Fairy

The people of Ireland, Britain, and Scotland viewed the Diminutive Fairy with some admiration, but they were also wary of them. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the fairies were spoke on kindly, just in case the might be listening. The fairies were called the Gentry, the week folk, the Good Neighbors, and many other flattering names.

This wasn’t done because fairies were feared. However, it was generally known that the fairies would seek justice if a wrong was done to them. Their idea of justice was usually swifter and more severe than what a human might consider acceptable. For this reason, care was taken to avoid offending the fey.

The Diminutive Fairy was generally quite benign, but they were prone to some mischief. They mischief was usually confined to simple pranks and jokes, and it was considered rare indeed for a human to be harmed by a fairy.

The Diminutive Fairy and the Soul

By the 16th century, the vision of the Diminutive Fairy had grown to encompass a relatively new idea. Some began to believe that the soul inside every human was really a tiny being that emerged from a sleeping person to wander aimlessly about. It was said that the adventures of this creature were the sleeper’s dreams. This belief didn’t last long, but it did serve to cement the Diminutive Fairy into the minds of the general populace.

By the end of the 15th century, the Diminutive Fairy had changed again, not necessarily in appearance, but in nature. This new breed of fairy was pesky and bothersome, and rarely helpful of kind to humans. This new fairy eventually came to be known as the Elizabethan Fairy.

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology — The Medieval Fairy

The Faery Lineage did not stay confined to the shores of Ireland. When the Fenian Heroes found themselves cast adrift from the fiana, they went in search of a new king to serve. Some tales suggest that they made their way to England and found the legendary King Arthur. Seeing him as a man of honor and integrity, they may have chosen to follow him as they once had the High Kings of Ireland. In was here, in Britain, that the Fenian Heroes gave birth to the Medieval Fairy.

The Medieval Fairy and Arthurian Legend

As followers of King Arthur, the Medieval Fairy spawned a great many tales, most of them woven with sorcery and enchantment, wizards and witches, and characters such as Morgan La Fay and Lancelot. Even Arthur himself came to be considered to be one of the fairy people by the 11th and 12th centuries. As history became myth, King Arthur and his followers, once clearly one of the Fenian Heroes, came to be regarded as the chief Medieval Fairy of the era.

Characteristics of the Medieval Fairy

In the time of the Medieval Fairy, the size and appearance of the fairy became quite variable. They could be tiny and beautiful or huge and monstrous. Most commonly, however, the Medieval Fairy was depicted as a fair-skinned maiden with flowing red hair.

The Medieval era was full of stories of strange happenings and supernatural occurrences. Most of these were attributed to the fairies. It is through these tales that we can catch a glimpse of the powers of the Medieval Fairy.

They were masters of enchantment and magick, much like the Tuatha De Danann, and usually very beautiful. Though they would assist humans when asked, they could also exact terrible vengeance on those who wronged them. Despite their sometime mischievous nature, the Medieval Faeries were enamored with humans, and often mated with them. The children who were a natural result of these unions were often gifted with many of the powers of the fay.

Many common fairies of the Medieval era can be recognized as half-remembered gods and goddess. The Medieval Fairy can be considered the last true appearance of the Daoine Sidhe, and so the Tuatha De Danann, before the Medieval Fairy merges with the Heroic Faery. Out of this merging, the Diminutive Fairy was born.

The Wheel of the Year — Beltane and Its Lore

Also known as Bealtien, La Baal Tinne, or May Day, Beltane falls on May 1st. It is considered one of the most important days in the Wiccan calendar, second only to Samhain. Like Samhain, it is a day when the veil between the worlds is thin, but it is not a day of the dead. Instead, this thin veil allows trickery and confusion to rule the day. Because of this, divination readings may have unexpected results.

As part of the Wheel of the Year, Beltane is the time when the Goddess sheds her robes as Maiden and becomes the Mother. The God, grown now, comes to Her side as Consort instead of son. The Goddess and the God celebrate Their union, mating in the spring warmth and conceiving a child.

The Themes and Practices of Beltane

The main themes of Beltane are the great fires of Bel and the associated fertility rites. The sexual union of the Goddess and the God is traditionally celebrated by performing the Great Rite. Symbolically, the Great Rite is represented using a chalice and athame. The chalice, representing the womb of the Goddess, is filled with liquid (usually wine, but juice works for the non-alcoholic crowd) and placed upon the altar. The athame, representing the phallic nature of the God, is lowered into the chalice. Usually, this is part of a greater ritual and is not done on its own.

The Great Rite can also be performed literally, as a part of Pagan sex magick. This is only done by a consenting adult couple.

Since this Sabbat represents the marriage of the Goddess and the God, many Wiccans and other Pagans celebrate with a wedding, handfasting, or simple renewal of vows. In times of old, the fertility of livestock and people was important, so marriages would take place and animals would be driven between two large bonfires to encourage fertility. People would then jump the bonfires to help ensure their own fertility in the years to come.

Some of the symbols associated with Beltane include:

• Daisies
• Fairies
• Flower garlands
• Balefires (bonfires)
• Passion and sensuality

The Feast of Beltane
 
Since Beltane is the celebration of the marriage between the Goddess and the God, it is time for a major feast. Consider it a wedding supper. If you live in a climate conducive to outdoor meals, consider making this the first picnic of the year. This would also allow you to plan games and activities that can be held outdoors, which is traditional for Beltane.
 
Some popular dishes for Beltane include:

• Roast pork
• Apple sauce
• Lightly cooked or raw spring vegetables and herbs
• Cucumber soup
• Deep fried elderflower heads
• Roast chicken
• Salads
• Egg recipes

Beverages for Beltane
 
Drinks appropriate for Beltane are similar to those consumed at the Spring Equinox. Make your own Honey Mead or look for other sweet wines and liqueurs. Elderflower wine or cordial made with a sparkling mineral water is also an excellent selection. Cool fruit teas or light fruit drinks are an excellent alternative for the non-alcoholic crowd.
 
In ancient times, mineral water would have been considered festive because spring is the time when ice has just melted. To spruce up your mineral water, add a squeeze of fresh fruit juice. Try to choose fruits that are in season in the area where you live.
 
Celebrating Beltane
 
There are many ways to celebrate Beltane. One of the most traditional is the selecting of a May Queen/King to preside over the Beltane festivities. The Queen or King directs the celebration and organizes any rituals or ceremonies to be performed. She or he also organizes the dance around the May Pole. If you’re worried about anyone feeling left out, let the selection of May Queen/King be random by drawing lots. Allow the selected person to choose their partner. To make the celebration more elaborate, have special cloaks and thrones prepared for the royal couple.
 
Make chains of daisies or other seasonal flowers for everyone in your group. These can be worn around the head or around the neck. Children especially love to make these, so put the children in your family to work weaving chains of flowers.
 
Set up a May Pole for your merrymakers to dance around. While a large pole with multiple ribbons might be traditional, you can make a smaller pole with a broomstick or umbrella pole. Even a flagpole will work. Bury the pole into the ground so that it is secure. Make sure a random child or animal can’t knock it over. Tie a number of ribbons or streamers to the top of the pole. You should have as many ribbons as you will have dancers, and you should always have an even number of dancers. Have your dancers assemble and instruct half your dancers to dance clockwise, the other counterclockwise. Your clockwise and counterclockwise dancers should alternate and weave in and out of each other. This may take a little practice, so have your dancers do a test run if necessary.
 
To make the May Pole dance more traditional, place a flower garland at the top of the pole before the dance begins. As the ribbons weave around each other and around the pole, the garland should descent gracefully. If you don’t think you can manage to set up a May Pole dance, look around your area for events that might have one. They are becoming more and more popular as time goes by.
 
Most Wiccans also mark Beltane with a ritual. As Sabbats are celebratory in nature, magick is generally not performed. However, if there is a true emergency, such as healing, an exception may be made.
 
Dressing for Beltane
 
Like most holidays, fancy dress is an excellent way to get into the spirit of things. You might wish to wear ritual robes or choose simpler clothing. While there is no firm rule, try to make it special for the occasion. Traditional colors for Beltane include green and the bright colors of the rainbow. Colors associated with the Maiden and Her Lover include bright red or silver for the Goddess and green and gold for the God. Alternatively, consider blue and gold for the Goddess and red and gold for the God. You can use the colors for your clothing or simply to decorate the ritual space.
 
Beltane is regarded as a sacred time for Wiccans around the world. It is a time to celebrate the natural cycles of the earth and look forward to the coming heat of summer.