Solstices...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 12 Mar 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Vita-morte	12 Mar 2003
I'm an atheist, but I am interesting in what holidays are practiced by people in the Wiccan religion and in what happens in the celebrations. I am thinking (more like barely entertaining the idea) of having a very non-organized party for the Summer Solstice just because I like the ideas behind the celebration (It seems like a day that should totally be celebrated!) Just don't think I'm an idiot!

Sulis	12 Mar 2003
No-one will think you`re an idiot. Solstice parties are ace, just make sure that the party`s the night before so that everyone can stay up to watch the sunrise - that`s if you can see the sunrise, I`ve been to many a solstice party when all that`s been visible are a bunch of clouds - still had a good time though. There are 8 holidays in the pagan calendar: 2 solstices - winter and summer, 2 equinoxes when the hours of light and dark are equal - usually around March 21 (also known as Oestra) and September 21 - these are all solar festivals. The other 4 festivals are Imbolc - February 2, Beltaine - around May 1, Lammas or Lughnasah - August 1 and Samhain - October 31. You party on girl! :) ;) :) Love and light Crystalmynx xx

Vita-morte	12 Mar 2003
Thank you! I've looked up a little more on the Solstices and Equinoxes and I think I will seriously consider throwing a party come summer. I have one question, though, what do you usually end up doing special? I mean staying up all night and being outside is basicly what I have to work with, but what did people at the other parties DO? THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Kiama	13 Mar 2003
Sometimes we have a bardic circle, where everybody contributes something to the Circle, be it a poem, story, song, play... A feast doesn't go amiss either, and some group games if you're feeling child-like! :D Campfires are also fun, if it wouldn't be illegal for you to light one. Once you get one of those, everybody's happy, oh, and warm. Plus you've got light! Yay for campfires! And everybody feels more comfortable singing when there's a campfire for some reason... Don't ask me why! I'm Pagan, so on top of all this I usually have a ritual/celebration of the Sun, either at it's lowest point or highest point. Kiama

Vita-morte	13 Mar 2003
Thanks y'all! :)

The Solstices... thread was originally posted on 12 Mar 2003 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.