Red Pixie October, 2011

Samhain Traditions & Folklore.

Its almost here, the best holiday of them all, in my opinion at least, I love Samhain (pron Sow in – for those unsure) I remember even as a small child Samhain was a celebration for me of people who has passed over, I am still unsure to this day where I gained that knowledge from considering my own parents are far from Pagan and really never spoken about religion or the history of the holiday, to me at least.

I have, to this day, certain traditions that I will always carry out and pass down to my own children, should they wish to follow them of course.  I think for me ‘Halloween’ is much more commercialised than I’d like it to be, more about ‘the kids’ or ‘candy’ or in some cases ‘money’ can you belive it!  But I am not going to focus upon the negative aspects that I can pin point instead I’m going to focus on the joy and happiness that fills Samhain.

One of the traditions I have been doing over the past couple of years, is an age old folk tale of ‘feeding the dead’ I take an apple, no particular type just an apple, I take mine from the apple tree in my garden but you can use one from your fruit bowl, and under the moon, bury the apple in the ground, it is said to nurish the souls of the dead that roam the earth at this time.  Another popular folklore tale is that if you bury thirteen leaves from a harvested apple tree on Halloween you would be guareteed a bumper crop the following year.  How fantastic is that. Another one I follow is to eat a full apple on halloween night before you go to bed as it is said that you will not suffer any illness within the next twelve months, and eating a slice from three apples on halloween night also ensures a year filled with good luck.  These are all folk tales but seriously why would you not try them out, thinking back to last year I did all of these and the results are very good indeed.

Another tradition we have is pumpkin carving, it’s great to do as a family and the pumkin can be then used for soup or pie so there’s no waste and if you dry the seeds out you can plant them next year and grow your own pumpkins.  Even better, free pumpkins for next year and just think of all that lovely soup you can make and freeze for throughout the year (pumpkin soup has been my favourite since I made my first batch about four years ago).

I heard about some ‘Moon Omens’ that I want to share with you  – If the Moon is New on Halloween  it indicates that the coming year will be firtile ground for new beginnings to take place such as a new project, career or a new way of thinking.  If the moon is Waxing on Halloween it means good luck throughout the coming year it also indicates growth and an increase of all things that are of a positive nature.  A Full Moon on Halloween could mean a wish made at midnight will be realised within the coming year, it also insures that the powers of all forms of magic and divination practised will be at their greatest.  A Halloween Waning Moon this can be an indication of an omen of good or bad consequences.  If the moon is in its ‘Dark Phase’ on Halloween its believed to be a very negative omen, advise for extreme caustion in all your endevors over the coming twelve months and it wouldn’t hurt to protect yourself by carrying a talisman designed to ward off bad luck and misfortune.

I love the folklore that surrounds Samhain, I can just imagine sat around the fire in a field surrounded by good friends  toasting marshmellows and telling folktales, what a perfect Samhain that would be.

Do you guys have any traditions that you follow?  Maybe trick or treating with you children or something else, I ould love to hear from you and what your traditions are.   Whatever you do celebrate this festival with love in your hearts and smiles on your faces but above all be safe and look after eachother.

Brightest Blessings

Tags: folklore, halloween, holiday, sabbat, samhain, traditions

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Charlynn Walls November, 2009

The Unicorn Tradition

I’ve had many conversations with people over the years about differing Traditions and what their personal experiences have been.  The focus for this month’s article is the Unicorn Tradition.

A good friend of mine is a member of this tradition and it’s always sparked a great deal of interest for me because of the way it is structured and their take on certain aspects of Wiccan teachings.  We have often discussed and debated topics with her perspective having come from a very traditional and structured background and my own eclectic learning here in the Midwest.

The Unicorn Tradition stems from Atlanta, Georgia and was founded by Lady Galadriel and Lord Athanor.  The many branches of the Unicorn Tradition share a common belief and practice.  Each group has its own flavor and main deities while keeping the core framework in place.

The Unicorn Tradition is an initiatory mystery tradition.  It is teaching and working tradition.  The Unicorn Tradition celebrates the Sabbats, Full, and New Moons.  Both the God and Goddess are revered as aspects of the One Source.

The Unicorn Tradition has distinct levels and degrees within their system.  Its structure includes 5 levels and 3 degrees.  Those just starting out are Neophytes. Neophytes are those interested in Paganism and the Unicorn Tradition, but are not members of the group. They may choose to dedicate to the group, to the Pagan path in general or not at all upon completion of 13 classes. The next level is that of the Dedicant. A dedicant has chosen to continue with the group. First, Second and Third degrees come after dedication.  Finally a member of the tradition may become an Elder. Progression within the tradition is not just time and information based. The tradition also stresses community support and work. As my friend says, “It is not a cookie cutter tradition.”

So, what sets the Unicorn Tradition apart?  There are two major differences from other Wiccan traditions.  The celebration of the Sabbats is based on astrological calculations.  The calculations are based on when the Sun reaches certain degrees in the astrological circuit.  The use of astrological dates instead of the more familiar calendar dates allows for a more even spacing of the Sabbats.

The other most noticeable difference in this tradition deals with the elemental correspondences.  In the Unicorn Tradition the correspondences are:

East – Earth

South – Fire

West – Water

North – Air

The reasons that they are aligned in such a manner is to first place masculine and feminine elements across from one another.  This promotes balance and a better flow of energy in the circle.

Unicorn Tradition teachings also state that the earthly journey begins in the East and ends the journey in an incorporeal form through the North.  Also, the directional correspondences are based on the seasonal aspects of the year.

Since the elemental and directional correspondences vary from the more traditional Wiccan set, the tool correspondences also vary.  The pentacle is associated with Earth.  The athame is associated with fire.  The chalice is associated with water.  The wand is associated with air. The cauldron is associated with spirit.  The tool is an extension of the element and what it represents.

Though there are some striking differences between the basics tenants of the Unicorn Tradition and other Wiccan traditions, the reasoning for the divergence is sound.  The Unicorn Tradition goes to great lengths to make sure that all its members are on the same page.  The same sets of classes are taught to all of the new students. A common set of beliefs and philosophies binds all the groups of the tradition, but is accommodating enough that each group retains its own unique essence.  It is an inclusive system that utilizes its structure as a strength that unites its members in all the groups associated with the tradition.

Ostuni, Ro. Email Interview.  15 October 2009.

Welcome to the Unicorn Tradition (2009). Retrieved October 1, 2009 from The Unicorn Tradition Website:

http://www.unicorntrad.org/

Tags: paths, traditions, unicorn

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Charlynn Walls October, 2009

North American Eclectic Wicca

As practioners, or those interested in alternative spiritual paths, we are often left on our own to learn and discover the options available to us.  As with any journey it begins with a willingness to take the first step.  It’s my hope that this article will help some of you start your own journeys and give you an idea of the options available to you.

When I started my own path over 11 years ago I had no idea what was out there.  I didn’t realize that there were so many different Traditions and Paths. I will cover both the well known and those that are more obscure.  I have always had a great desire to help those new to their paths.  My hope is that this column will be able to provide illumination for all.

A tradition that is dear to my heart is North American Eclectic Wicca, referred here unto as, NAEW.  NAEW is a tradition that has been around since the inception of Yarrow Coven in 1989.  It is one of the longest standing traditions in the Midwest.

The NAEW draws its inspiration from European Traditions, but sees the need to modify and adapt practices for the world in which we live.  It’s a modern approach and has a distinctly North American flavor.

North American Eclectic Wicca does seek to recreate a pure form of the practices of the past.  It is not a reclaiming or recreationist tradition.   Rather, it draws inspiration from the past and brings the old gods to a new land.

Though NAEW draws its basic ritual structure from more traditional Wiccan practices, there are some inherent differences.  There is a very practical nature to the approach that NAEW takes toward its spirituality.  NAEW keeps what works and rejects what does not.  For example NAEW does not recognize the Rule of Three, holding that it defies logic and explanation.

There is no hierarchy within NAEW.  There are no inner or outer courts associated with it.  All the members are given equal standing within the coven and act as its own governing body with no more authority given to one individual over another. Though there is a designated High Priest and High Priestess, all members are expected to be able to fill this role.

As such, there is no formal degree system for NAEW.  Each member of the Tradition is afforded the luxury of learning and following any personal path that they choose.  The Tradition has provided common ground to all its members and given them a structured way to celebrate as a group.

North American Eclectic Wicca is a tradition that honors the past and the wheel of the year.  It is a tradition that adapts and changes and in doing so it morphs symbolism and practices into relevant concepts to its members.  As such it has withstood 20 years and promises many more.

What is North American Eclectic Wicca? (2009). Retrieved September 15, 2009, form Yarrow Coven Web site: http://www.yarrowcoven.org

Tags: North American Eclectic Wicca, paths, traditions, trads

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