In 2023, Wiccans will celebrate a series of holidays that hold deep significance in their religious and spiritual practices. These holidays, also known as Sabbats, are based on the cycles of nature and the movements of the sun and moon. The first Wicca holiday in 2023 is Imbolc, which falls on February 1st. It marks the beginning of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Brigid. Wiccans celebrate Imbolc by lighting candles and making offerings to Brigid, as well as performing rituals to bring about new beginnings and growth. The next holiday is Ostara, which takes place on March 21st or 22nd, depending on the equinox.
If Moura's Tarot can embody her Green Craft well, it would be extremely valuable.
The deck looks lovely, but I m more interested in seeing exactly how the symbol and image choices sync up with the ideologies of Green Witchcraft described in Ann Moura s books. Interestingly, Leonard studied art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, which is also where Pamela Coleman Smith studied for two years the institute had only been open six years when she enrolled.
The next holiday is Ostara, which takes place on March 21st or 22nd, depending on the equinox. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the balance between light and darkness. Wiccans engage in activities such as planting seeds, decorating eggs, and honoring the goddess of spring, Ostara.
The Green Witch Tarot
The Green Witch Tarot is the a deck that I’ve been waiting for ever since Ann Moura wrote Tarot for the Green Witch back in 2003. It is finally here and it is worth the wait. Charmingly illustrated by Kiri Østergaard Leonard, this is a deck full of stories, wisdom, and symbols. Interestingly, Leonard studied art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, which is also where Pamela Coleman Smith studied for two years (the institute had only been open six years when she enrolled).
Moura tells us that:
“The Green Witchcraft approach to the tarot is based on a personal relationship with nature, earth magic, the elementals, and the power of the immanent Goddess and God in their many aspects, and to the faeries, spirits, and entities of the earth, otherworld, and underworld. The cards draw upon the season, sabbats, esbats, faerie lore, herbs, plants, animals, celestial energies, and the bounty of nature.”
I love how the cards are rich with story. Although it is not the most happy card, I can’t help but be drawn into the story of the Four of Chalices, pictured here:
Moura writes about the card:
“This is a card of dissatisfaction despite current success. Although one has sufficient emotional well-being, one is seeking something more. There is a sense of restlessness and of looking for greener pastures, perhaps due to satiation, too much of a good thing. One desires something new to feel revitalized. One may need to reassess one’s situation to be able to reach out to a prospect for greater fulfillment. Such an opportunity will not fall into one’s lap, so one must make the effort to seize it to accomplish what is desired. There may be a need to reevaluate a relationship or assess an unexpressed yearning that remains in remains in a faithful commitment. It is this self-exploration of what will bring greater emotional satisfaction that is tined with a latent longing to know if the right choices have been made and if what one has attained is genuine. Even with the external needs being well met, internal contentment is being questioned. This may signal a new direction in emotional expression so that a sense of balance, symbolized by the Three of Chalices in of the Four, returns.
“Dittany, an herb of desires, beginnings, and manifestation, grows in a flowerpot. A dragonfly, a symbol of guidance, activation, and inspiration, flies into the room.”
Beltane, occurring on May 1st, is the next holiday in the Wiccan calendar. It marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Wiccans celebrate Beltane by building bonfires, dancing around the Maypole, and performing rituals to honor fertility and love. After Beltane comes Litha, celebrated on June 21st or 22nd, which coincides with the summer solstice. It is a time of abundant daylight and the longest day of the year. Wiccans celebrate Litha by lighting fires, dedicating rituals to solar deities, and embracing the energy of the sun for personal growth and empowerment. Lughnasadh, taking place on August 1st, celebrates the first harvest of the year. It is a time for gathering the fruits of labor and showing gratitude for the abundance of the earth. Wiccans engage in activities such as baking bread, making corn dollies, and performing rituals to honor the god Lugh. Mabon, occurring on September 21st or 22nd, marks the autumnal equinox and the beginning of the harvest season. Wiccans celebrate Mabon by giving thanks for the bountiful harvest and preparing for the upcoming period of darkness. They perform rituals to honor the balance between light and dark and reflect on the cycles of life and death. The final Wicca holiday in 2023 is Samhain, also known as Halloween, which falls on October 31st. It is the most sacred holiday for Wiccans and marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Wiccans honor their ancestors, communicate with spirits, and perform rituals to release the past and welcome new beginnings. In summary, the Wicca holidays in 2023 reflect the cycles of nature and the changes in seasons. Each holiday holds its own unique significance and is celebrated through rituals, offerings, and connecting with deities. Whether it is the arrival of spring, the flourishing of summer, or the transition into darkness, these holidays provide Wiccans with opportunities for reflection, growth, and spiritual connection..
Reviews for "Exploring Wiccan Traditions: A Journey through the Holidays of 2023"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wicca holidays 2023". I was expecting a comprehensive guide to the Wiccan holidays and how to celebrate them, but instead, I found it to be quite superficial. The book provided basic information that I could easily find with a quick internet search. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations, rituals, and traditions associated with each holiday. Overall, I think this book would be more suitable for absolute beginners who have no prior knowledge of Wicca.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I found "Wicca holidays 2023" to be extremely underwhelming. The book lacked depth and substance, offering only brief overviews of the holidays without delving into the significance, history, or spiritual aspects behind them. Furthermore, I noticed several inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the information provided, which made me question the credibility of the author. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan holidays.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - I was really hoping that "Wicca holidays 2023" would provide unique and creative ideas for celebrating the Wiccan holidays. Unfortunately, I found the suggestions to be quite generic and uninspiring. The book mostly offered common practices and rituals that I was already familiar with. It lacked innovation and failed to provide any fresh perspectives or creative approaches. Overall, I was left feeling bored and unimpressed with this book.
4. Emma - 1/5 stars - I found "Wicca holidays 2023" to be extremely poorly organized and confusing. The layout was haphazard, making it difficult to navigate through the different chapters and find the information I was looking for. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked engaging storytelling, which made it hard to stay interested in the book. I would highly recommend looking for other resources on Wiccan holidays that are better organized and more engaging to read.
5. Michael - 2/5 stars - "Wicca holidays 2023" may be suitable for someone who is completely new to Wicca and wants a basic overview of the holidays. However, as someone with some prior knowledge and experience, I found this book to be lacking depth and substance. The information provided was too simplistic and didn't offer anything new or insightful. I was disappointed that the book didn't provide any unique perspectives or delve into the rich symbolism and spiritual significance of the holidays. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a more profound understanding of Wiccan celebrations.