Sabbats and Sabbaths

Time Keeps On Ticking

Posted on January 2, 2022 by David Taliesin

People mark time in different ways. Some of us carry a physical calendar with us to keep track of events and appointments. Others use a virtual one on our cell phones. Some have four seasons and all the delightful changes each one brings. Others live in a temperate climate all year round and have to watch for subtler changes in nature that tell us what time of year it is.

Not surprisingly, our spiritual lives are structured in ways that mark time as well. Both Pagans and Christians have rites that celebrate significant life events such as birth, coming of age, marriage, death, etc. Then there are the “spiritual calendars” both groups keep that take us through the cycle of the year. Not surprisingly, both of these calendars connect with one another in significant ways.

Most modern Pagans follow the “Wheel of the Year” which is an annual cycle of eight seasonal festivals. Wiccans call these sabbats (from the Greek word “sabatu” which means “to rest.”)

Four of the sabbats fall on the solstices and equinoxes of the year and are referred to as “quarter days.” They include Yule, Ostara, Midsummer, and Mabon. The other four occur on the midpoints between the other four and are referred to as “cross quarter days.” They include Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. All of these sabbats are deeply tied to the cycle of the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. These sabbats are rich with agricultural and natural imagery where the change of seasons reflect various aspects of our spiritual lives such as rebirth, growth, maturity, and dormancy.

Many modern Christians follow the “Liturgical Calendar” which, surprise, surprise, is also in the shape of a wheel! This calendar follows mostly follows the life of Jesus and contains the seasons of Advent. Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. While Advent always begins four Sundays before December 25th, Easter is a moveable feast that occurs on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, falling on or after the Spring Equinox (March 21). Once the date for Easter is established, then the days of Lent through Pentecost fall into place.

I see several very deep connections between these two ways of marking spiritual time. For Christians, Advent is a season of waiting for the light to appear, that light being Jesus whose actual birth date is unknown. December 25th was chosen because it coincided with other Pagan celebrations surrounding the winter solstice such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Pagan Yule. Both of these observances are also festivals of light and the connection between these and the themes of Advent and Christmas are too numerous to mention in this post.

The second big connection is that the Lent/Easter season traces Jesus’ death and resurrection. Its most powerful spiritual theme is dying to destructive ways of living and rising to new life. This fits perfectly with the themes of Imbolc (which speaks of seeds dying and rooting/transforming so that new life can emerge in the spring) and Ostara (which is all about fertility, birth and the new life that is blooming everywhere).

Well, that gets us started. Both of these spirituals calendars are powerful ways of thinking about our ives and our connection with the Divine and each other.

Posted in Advent, Beltane, Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Imbolc, Lent, Liturgical Calendar, Lughnasadh, Mabon, Midsummer, Ostara, Samhain, Wheel of the Year, Yule | Tagged Spirituality, Wicca | 5 Comments

Frankincense: Universal Magical Resin

Posted on December 22, 2021 by David Taliesin

The LORD said to Moses: Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (an equal part of each), and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy; and you shall beat some of it into powder, and put part of it before the covenant in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you; it shall be for you most holy. [Ex 30:34-36, NRSV]

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [Mt 2:11, NRSV]

Many years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Egypt. One of the stops in the Valley of the Kings was a perfume factory that manufactures essential oils. I smelled a number of scents that day but the one that immediately became my favorite was frankincense. I loved its spicy, musky scent and purchased a sizable bottle of the stuff to bring back home. My favorite use of it is on Christmas Eve. After worship, I offer those who attend the service the chance to be anointed with it. Very few say no. There is something magical about the scent that’s irresistible! I’m also glad to report that of the thousands of people who have been anointed with it over the years, not a single one had an allergic reaction to it that I’m aware of.

Frankincense is native to both North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was used as incense by ancient Pagans in Persia, Babylon, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Eventually both Jews and Christians incorporated this fragrant resin into their worship life as well, making frankincense the universal resin that ties us all together! Jews used it as part of a special blend of incense that was burned in both the tabernacle and the Temple. The exact formulation of this incense is up for debate but there’s no doubt that frankincense was a part of it. Frankincense was also among the gifts given to the Christ Child by the “Magi” (i.e. the magicians) who, according to the Arabic Gospel of the Infancy, were followers of Zoroaster. To this day, frankincense is used in many Christian churches, especially Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopalian and Lutheran. It is also heralded in the popular Christmas carol We Three Kings:

Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, gladly raising, worshipping God, Most High.
O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright;
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Frankincense is also called olibanum and the English name of this resin comes from the Old French “franc encens,” which simply means “high quality incense.” Among Wiccans, it’s planetary correspondence is Sun and it’s elemental correspondence is Fire. Magical properties include protection, exorcism, spirituality, cleansing, consecration and purification. It is believed that when frankincense is burned it releases powerful vibrations which not only lift up those in the area, but also drive out all evil and negativity. It is also burned to induce visions and to aid meditation. According to Scott Cunningham it is easily substituted with copal or pine resin. (I’m allergic to pine so this is not an option for me!) Frankincense is a little hard to grind into a powder with a mortal and pestle but be patient and you’ll get the hang of it! The oil is useful in promoting spirituality and meditative states.

When I am doing any magical work that requires an extra boost, I use the following incense blend which is an adaptation of a formula from Scott Cunningham’s indispensable volume “The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews.” This Ares Blend works like rocket fuel for me!

2 parts Frankincense (Sun, Fire)
1 part Juniper berries (Sun, Fire)
1 part Cedar leaf tips (Sun, Fire)

I grind these ingredients with a mortal and pestle as best as I can and place them on a self-lighting incense charcoal briquette. When working with Frankincense it should be noted that it often emits a bitter aroma the longer it burns. For this reason, some prefer to use Copal in its place which stays sweet from start to finish. Copal is also native to North America so it’s the perfect choice for those who live on this continent and feel strongly about using plants and resins that are native to their region.

As a final note, Witchipedia says that “recent studies have indicated that frankincense tree populations are declining, partly due to over-exploitation. Heavily tapped trees produce seeds that germinate at only 16% while seeds of trees that had not been tapped germinate at more than 80%. In addition, burning, grazing, and attacks by the longhorn beetle have reduced the tree population. Conversion (clearing) of frankincense woodlands to agriculture is also a major threat.” Because of this, take the time to find out where the frankincense you’re purchasing comes from. My local metaphysical bookstore sells frankincense resin which comes from a company that is dedicated to harvesting it sustainably. It might be a little more expensive but it’s worth the extra cost in my book.

Posted in Incense | Tagged Frankincense, Incense | 2 Comments

December Full Cold Moon

Posted on December 16, 2021 by David Taliesin

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, December’s full moon, which occurs on Saturday December 18, is known as the Full Cold Moon. The name comes from Native American, Colonial American, or other traditional sources passed down through generations. It’s a Mohawk name that conveys the frigid conditions of this time of year, when cold weather truly begins to grip us.

With Christmas, Yule, the Winter Solstice and other festivals of light in front of us, we enter into what is actually one of my favorite times of the year. There is a stillness in the natural world around us whether we have snow or not. Our bodies tell us it’s time to “hibernate” which means we need to give ourselves permission to slow our pace a bit, including getting more sleep if our bodies tell us it’s needed.

I use this time in the Wheel of the Year to rest and to listen. I tap into my artistic side and work on fun projects that recharge my batteries. I also take time to discern what goals the Divine is calling me to accomplish in the New Year.

Perhaps, this Full Moon is calling us to cease the need to be productive tonight and just rest and recharge. Cook a meal that bring you delight or order take-out if that’s more appealing. Prepare your favorite beverage, light some candles, and don’t be in a hurry to finish your meal. Enjoy every bite. Savor every smell. Give gratitude that you have a warm home to live in and food on the table.

After dinner, if whether permits, bundle up and go outside. Ground yourself in the stillness of the winter season. Absorb the tranquil energy of the Cold Moon and try to let go of any anxiety and worry you may be carrying. There have been a lot of things in 2020 that have caused us to feel outraged and afraid. For one night, give yourself permission to simply be!

Blessings! David Taliesin

Posted in Esbats | Tagged December, Full Moon | Leave a comment

The Christians and the Pagans

Posted on December 8, 2021 by David Taliesin

While strolling through YouTube looking for Solstice/Yule carols, I came across a delightful song by Dar Williams entitled “The Christians and the Pagans” that recalls a somewhat tense but hopeful December family gathering. The first version of the chorus goes like this:

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

There is both humor and wisdom contained in the lyrics and as someone with a “blended family” of Christian and Pagan traditions, it really spoke to my heart. Perhaps it will speak to yours as well.

For many years I’ve considered myself to be a Christo-Pagan (or a Spiritual Mutt which is my preferred term). In my personal spiritual path I blend many faith traditions into a harmonious whole that definitely works for me. Now I find that several family members have become much more interested in “what I do.” I’ve always been open about it with them but they’ve never asked me too many follow up questions. For whatever reason, the questions are flowing freely these days and I’m excited to share with them what I’ve learned from my Pagan siblings of many different traditions.

So the Christians and the Pagans are sitting together at my holiday table. I know that’s not the case for some of you. I know that some holiday tables are contentious if not downright hostile because of differences too numerous to mention.

However, it is my hope and prayer that what Dar Williams sings about may come to pass this holiday season. Because of COVID, we’ve been apart for far too long. Maybe, this year, we’ll learn to be kinder to each other! Blessed be!

Posted in Christmas, Spirituality, Yule | Tagged Christmas, Dar Williams, Solstice, The CHristians and the Pagans, Yule | Leave a comment

What Do Spirits Smell Like?

Posted on November 9, 2021 by David Taliesin

So, a weird and wonderful experience happened to me that I wanted to share with you. My husband was in the hospital after a serious car accident and I left his bedside one afternoon to get some work done at church. I was dashing from my office to the kitchen when, all of a sudden, I smelled pipe smoke. This is not really possible because 1) no one had been in the building for two days, 2) no one in my church smokes a pipe and there is no smoking on campus, and 3) the nearest building is quite a distance from my church so it could not have come from there either!

As soon as I smelled it, I instinctively knew it was my great grandfather and it made me smile. I even giggled out loud when I made the connection. It felt like he had paid me a visit to let me know I could handle the crisis I was facing and everything would be okay. After the message was received, the smell disappeared and never reappeared again.

Later that night, I asked my Mom if my great grandfather had ever smoked a pipe. Much to my surprise, she told me he had one with him constantly! This was a detail about him I had never known about my great grandfather before, so it confirmed my intuition about what I had experienced at church.

Has anyone out there had a similar experience with smells and spirits? This has never happened to me before. It wasn’t something I was expecting to occur nor was I intentionally trying to contact someone from beyond the veil. Instead, it was a surprise visitation from my great grandfather whom I never met in person but have always felt a strong connection to him ever since I was a teenager. Blessed be!

Posted in Spirituality | Leave a comment

A Halloween Blessing

Posted on October 30, 2021 by David Taliesin

A Halloween blessing for all who aspire to be nightmares when evil sleeps too peacefully.

Listen, God is howling at the moon.

Let the strange come out of hiding.

Let imagination rise from the grave.

Let all who are named Freak, Monster, Weirdo, or That Which Others Should Fear call out to the gifts in each other. When destruction is made normal, we need all the wild, all the odd, all the unusual we can get.

Blessed be the tricksters, stirring up trouble when evil desires calm.

Praise God for the prophets who linger with us like ghosts.

Hallelujah to the children, knocking on the hearts of strangers,chasing joy from door to door.

When evil is lurking in broad daylight, we practice our courage in the night.

Nourish that which has bite, unleash the impulse to scream, feed the desire to haunt the unjust.

Let us keep trying on possibilities like costumes, until we discover the ones that will leave evil trembling.

Rev. M Barclay, enfleshed (from Facebook)

Posted in Samhain | Leave a comment

October Blessing Ritual

Posted on September 28, 2021 by David Taliesin

I saw this idea on the interwebs and absolutely loved it. The concept is that each day during the month of October or November you add a few words of things and people that you are thankful for. This would make a lovely centerpiece for a table or fireplace mantle. It’s a simple way to do an intentional, sustained ritual during this powerful season on the Wheel of the Year. Blessed be!

Posted in Prayer, Samhain, Spirituality | Leave a comment

September Full Corn Moon

Posted on September 17, 2021 by David Taliesin

According to the Farmer’s Almanac the September Full Moon, Sept. 20, is called the Full Corn Moon by many Native American tribes because it traditionally corresponds with the time of the harvesting moon. Other tribes call it the Barley Moon for the same reason. Living in the mountains of North Carolina, however, the corn harvest is long gone but there are many things that are being harvested including apples, squash, gourds and pumpkins.

No matter where you live, the energy of this moon corresponds to harvesting. It’s a good time to reflect on what is ready to be harvested in our lives. What project can be completed with just a little effort? What relationship can be nurtured with a little more time and attention? What idea has been rolling around in our brains that come to fruition if we focus our energies on it?

These are the kinds of questions we should be asking ourselves this full moon. and as we soak in its powerful energy, perhaps, we’ll find the energy and motivation to manifest something good in our lives and in our world. Blessed be!

Posted in Esbats, Uncategorized | Tagged corn moon, Full Moon, September | 3 Comments

Seasons of a Magical Life: Book Review

Posted on September 16, 2021 by David Taliesin

Byron Ballard lives and breathes Appalachian culture and magic. Her roots in this region run very deep with many generations of her ancestors calling this land home. She pours her depth of knowledge and experience into what may well be her finest book to date. Seasons of a Magical Life takes us on a journey through the Wheel of the Year. Byron expertly weaves stories, history, magic,herbalism, gardening, seasonal activities and humor into a rich stew that you will want to savor slowly and enjoy every bite.

The first part of the book is a series of essays that set the stage for what comes next. Then Byron takes us through the Wheel of the Year starting with Samhain and ending with Mabon (the fall equinox). The framework which holds it all together is not only the Wheel of the Year but also her journaling which occurred over the span of a year as she spent time in her garden which is located at a remote cabin she calls her “small forest farm.” It is, indeed, a magical and mystic location that is full of awe and wonder (and a lot of hard work). Her enthusiasm for it is contagious, and it’s the perfect literary device for exploring all the themes attached to each spoke on the Wheel of the Year.

The other thing Byron does really well is reference Christian history and spiritual practice throughout the book. This, of course, is of particular interest to me and to the readers of this blog. She does this with great ease and challenges us to look at the ways we’re tied together rather than focusing on the things that make us different. This definitely sets her apart from other authors. It’s also the reason why she and this Christo-Pagan have forged such a deep friendship. We need more people like Byron in both the Pagan and Christian communities!

I don’t want to spoil the joy of discovery that awaits the reader of this book so I’ll end my review here. If you are not familiar with Byron’s writings, what are you waiting for? She’s the real deal and walks a spiritual path that many of us who know her personally love and admire. It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to earth based spirituality or you’ve walked a Pagan path for decades. Everyone will find something in Seasons of a Magical Life that will make their spiritual practice sparkle. I highly recommend it!

Posted in Magic, Spirituality, Wheel of the Year | Tagged Byron Ballard, Seasons of a magical life | Leave a comment

August Full Moon: Sturgeon Moon

Posted on August 19, 2021 by David Taliesin

supermoon-sturgeon

According to the Farmer’s Almanac “Some Native American tribes called the August Moon the Sturgeon Moon because they knew that the sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this Full Moon.”

Since the habitat of sturgeon is water, perhaps we can use this full moon (Sunday, August 22) to reflect on our emotional life which is commonly associated with the element of water. Even though Lughnasadh has come and gone, the harvest continues. In fact, we have two more harvest festivals to go! With this in mind, what “emotional harvest” do we want to reap in our lives at this moment? Is fear preventing us from pursuing our dreams? Is anger alienating us from others? OR do we want to cultivate more peace in our lives? Do we have the courage to feel love again? I think you get the point.

If this sounds like a worthwhile activity to you, my suggestion is to go outside Sunday evening and find a place where you will not be disturbed. Soak in the energy of the full moon and let Divine, in its feminine form, whisper to you the truth about your emotional state at this point in your life. What needs to be cultivated? What needs to be uprooted?

As a side note, several species of sturgeon are harvested for their roe which is processed into caviar. This is a rare and expensive gift that symbolizes the rare and expensive gifts each of us possess, some of which are emotional. What gifts do you want to reveal this full moon? Claim your power and let your light shine!

Posted in Esbats | Tagged August, Full Moon, sturgeon moon | 2 Comments