WHEEL OF THE YEAR by Pauline Campanelli
$12.95
Foreward
The eternal ebb and flow of human life -- the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth -- is reflected in the annual cycle of the seasons. As Pagans we seek to attune ourselves with the creative forces of the universe as they are manifested in Nature, whose seasonal changes are marked by the great Sabbats. The purpose of this attunement is to promote our own evolution toward Godhood and the Gods, while maintaining or improving our worldly conditions. The method we use is to perform rituals that at once express the seasonal condition and its implication for human spiritual growth. Whether solitary Pagans like ourselves, or practicing with a group or coven, the weeks between the Solar Sabbats can seem long and spiritless, and the Lunar Esbats repetitious, unless we realize that the rhythms of Nature are ever changing on a monthly, weekly, and daily level as well as seasonally, and that these gradual transitions have a timeless magic all their own. The blossoming of certain trees, the ripening of certain fruits -- each is a sacred Sabbat in itself.
My husband Dan and I, because of our deep religious convictions as Pagans, have evolved a lifestyle over the past 20 years that is ultimately entwined with the seasonal cycles of Nature on a daily basis. Everyone has access to the gifts of the great Goddess, and as each of these gifts comes into season, an urge is stimulated in us to celebrate with ritual.
This book is not only about the Great Sabbats and their profound significance but also about the minor Sabbats, the magic of everyday life. Paganism is a religion of great and ancient traditions far older than any other religion can claim. And these traditions are preserved and used whenever possible, because like the amulet or the ritual tool that is charged again and again, these traditions become stronger and more powerful with every usage.
This book is filled with rituals and charms that celebrate the seasonal changes on a monthly basis. The rituals are simple and easy to perform and can readily be adapted to suit any system of innovation, because innovation based on ancient tradition is the very essence of the magical power of Pagan celebration.