The journal
Nature cycles and celebrations
First-Footing: The Scottish New Year Tradition
In Scotland, the first person to cross the threshold after midnight held a special place in New Year celebrations. This tradition, known as first-footing, grew from the belief that the first visitor of the year could influence the fortune of the household. The person who entered the home after the bells of midnight was not…
A Month in Lore: January
Ten old beliefs, customs and seasonal whispers for the first month of the year. January is an in-between sort of month. The decorations are gone, the days are still short, and most gardens look as though they’re asleep. It’s easy to think nothing is happening. But this has always been a month of signs.…
New Year’s Eve: Rituals, Symbols, and the Allure of Fresh Beginnings
There’s something quietly intoxicating about the cusp of a new year, isn’t it? A liminal space where the world holds its breath, and for a few hours, time feels malleable, like molten gold slipping through the fingers, ready to be shaped. For those of us who have lived long enough to understand the weight of…
Welcome to May: The Blooming Threshold
The wheel turns, and we find ourselves in May— a month of fire and flower, of rising light and fertile earth. The days stretch long and golden, and the ground beneath our feet hums with life. The seeds we dreamed of in winter stir now, pushing through the dark, reaching toward the sun. May is…
Saint Valentine: The Man, the Myth, the Love-Day Mascot
Valentine’s Day. The day of love, overpriced roses, and a desperate scramble for dinner reservations. But before you roll your eyes at the heart-shaped insanity, let’s rewind and meet the OG romantic himself: Saint Valentine. Who was he, and how did he inspire a global phenomenon that now includes heart-shaped pizza and (sometimes awkward) first…
Origins and History of Santa Claus: Reindeer, Snow, and Spirits
Santa Claus—a jolly figure, known for his red suit, white beard, and reindeer-drawn sleigh—is one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas. His arrival each year brings joy to children and adults alike, filling the air with anticipation, magic, and wonder. But where did this beloved figure come from? Santa’s journey through time is a…
Origins of Halloween: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
As autumn casts its colorful spell across the landscape, transforming trees into vibrant hues of orange and gold, a certain enchantment begins to weave its way through the air. The scent of pumpkin spice mingles with the crispness of fallen leaves, and laughter fills the streets as children don their costumes, ready for a night…
Yule, a Timeless Ritual: When and How to Celebrate It
Amid the winter’s chill, as daylight retreats and shadows lengthen, a mystical celebration unfolds—Yule. This ancient festival, rooted in Norse and Germanic traditions, marks the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. Yule encapsulates the paradox of death and rebirth, symbolized by the seemingly barren earth and the emergence of evergreen plants, testifying that…
Día de Muertos: History, Celebration and a Dedicated Altar
“Día de Muertos“, celebrated from October 28th to November 2nd, is more than just a tradition; it’s a heartfelt connection. In Mexico, every year, people come together, not in mourning, but in celebration. While specific honors are given to deceased children on November 1st, known as “Día de los Inocentes” or “Día de los Angelitos,”…
Samhain Rituals: Lifting the Veil Between Worlds
Amidst the fiery tapestry of the year’s festivities, one holds a special place. Samhain, the fourth in the Wheel of the Year, emerges with a certain mystique. It is celebrated on the cusp of October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere and May 1 in the Southern Hemisphere. Samhain, a festival of profound significance, serves as…
Friday the 13th: A Day of Feminine Celebration
In the world of folklore, superstition, and arcane mystique, few dates elicit as much intrigue and trepidation as Friday the 13th. It is a day when many tread with caution, a day when our innermost fears of the unknown can resurface. But what is the origin of this seemingly ominous date? And is there more…
Medicine Wheel: The Wisdom of the Sacred Circle
In the heart of indigenous cultures, a sacred symbol stands as a timeless testament to the profound connection between humans, the Earth, and the universe. The Medicine Wheel, a spiritual compass rooted in ancient wisdom, serves as a guide to understanding the intricate rhythms of life, the seasons, and the interdependence of all things. In…
Unwrapping the Autumn Equinox Meaning and Rituals
As the Earth pirouettes through its celestial dance, there are two pivotal moments when day and night stand in perfect equilibrium, heralding the arrival of autumn and spring. These junctures, known as equinoxes, hold profound significance in myriad cultures across the globe. In this exploration, we delve into the meaning and rituals of the Autumn…
How to Celebrate Mabon: Origin, Traditions and Rituals
As the autumnal equinox approaches, Mabon graces us with its presence, celebrating the transition from light to dark. Unlike Ostara, which honors the balance of life, during the autumn equinox, light gives way to night. Mabon signifies a time of reflection, of giving thanks for the bountiful harvest, and preparing for the colder months ahead.…
Lughnasadh: History, Meaning and Traditions
As the warm sun blankets the earth and the fields shimmer with golden hues, a joyous celebration begins across European populations. Lughnasadh arrives like a vibrant burst of energy, heralding the enchanting harvest festival. As a significant event in the Wheel of the Year, Lughnasadh bridges the gap between the Summer Solstice and the autumn equinox,…
Litha: The Radiant Glow of the Longest Day
The air is filled with vibrant energy as summer solstice approaches, marking the enchanting celebration of Litha. Known as the minor sabbat, Litha falls between June 20th and 23rd, welcoming the sun’s zenith and bringing us the longest day of the year. Litha is a significant event in the Wheel of the Year, a cycle…
