Sunday, June 23, 2013

Celebrating Sabbats 1

Today I will be with my group and a sister group celebrating Litha this evening. Which got me to thinking, I hadn't talked about how to celebrate the sabbats yet. Again I am basically focusing on those that can't be as outspoken for one reason or another. So on the next two posts I will talk about ways to celebrate if you're in the closet, or if you simply can't afford tools. I will cover both of those for solitaires and groups. Well not quite 'cover' more like give some suggestions that you can use or perhaps they'll spark some ideas for how you can celebrate it. As always only you know your situation and how you can do it. For this one, let's focus on those that are in hiding.

Hiding - Group
Yule: Christmas is already pretty pagan, except for the story it tells. Yule included decorating, eating, dancing, singing, and gift exchange. Perhaps you could decorate your place on yule, while singing and dancing, then do the eating and gift exchange on Christmas with the rest of the family?
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: Easter is already pretty pagan as well. Perhaps you can color eggs on Ostara (Unless Easter is too long away) and nibble on chocolate. Then hunt and eat with the rest of the family. If Easter is too far away, then perhaps you could make other Easter decorations (that could be both Easter and Ostara) to hang out and decorate with.
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. If you plan those right, it'll just look like a family having fun. Feel free to invite rest of family to join in if they wish to.
Litha: BBQ outside while listening to music and splashing in the water.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field as a family and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps plan a big meal and invite some family that you want to share it with.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Excuse could be "Don't have to wait till thanksgiving to be thankful"
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and let the children remember their lost loved ones in their own way before bed, while the adults do so in their way.

Hiding - Solo
Yule: Christmas is already pretty pagan, except for the story it tells. Yule included decorating, eating, dancing, singing, and gift exchange. Perhaps you could decorate your place on yule, while singing and dancing, then do the eating and gift exchange on Christmas with the rest of the family?
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: Plant a garden of either flower, herbal, or other. If no room for a garden then how about planting a single seed?
Beltane: Sing some of your favorite songs while dancing, or make your own music. Perhaps drink some fruit (fermented or regular) juice.
Litha: Go swimming, tan under the sun, or just generally enjoy the outdoors.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps plan a big meal and invite some family that you want to share it with.
Mabon: Make a list of everything you are grateful for, then make a small meal and share with your dietie(s) while you express your gratitude
.Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and remember your lost loved ones in your own way before bed.

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