Lorri@Mabon_House 7/3/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 7/3/23

Book Review: The Way of the Hedge Witch

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As I’ve noted before I don’t really identify as a witch per se, but there are definitely elements of witchcraft, healing and magick that I routinely embrace as part of my own spiritual path and desire to connect more with nature. As such, I do a lot of reading for both personal growth and also for content here on Mabon House. So I thought it would be nice to create some reviews of my favorite books. First up is The Way of the Hedge Witch - Rituals and Spells for Hearth & Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.

The Way of the Hedge Witch is an excellent book for those looking for easy ways to enhance their spiritual practice and connect with nature. Throughout the book, Murphy-Hiscock's wisdom and insights provides a comprehensive understanding of the ancient traditions of a hedge witch, which I found both helpful and inspiring. .

What I liked most about the book was Murphy-Hiscock's ability to make complex concepts accessible. I appreciated her clear explanations of the origins and history of hedge witchery and how she guides the reader through the rituals, tools, and spellwork associated with this path.

Murphy-Hiscock's emphasis on the importance of connecting with nature deeply resonated with me. Her exploration of the bond between hedge witchcraft and the natural world explained the significance of plants, animals, and the elements. The practical exercises she provided allows the reader to forge a stronger relationship with nature and its profound wisdom, which is something I certainly aspire to.

The Way of the Hedge Witch is an excellent resource on herbalism and healing, specifically. Murphy-Hiscock's wealth of knowledge on herbs and their properties enriched my understanding of their magical and medicinal uses. The inclusion of recipes for potions, teas, and salves. And while I don’t do much with DIY herbology, I did appreciate how she demonstrated ways to incorporate this practice into my own spiritual journey, if I decide to try it out later on.

If you’re looking for some general information about incorporating nature into your own practice, The Way of the Hedge Witch is a good addition to your library. Arin Murphy-Hiscock's expertise and passion shine through, making this book an indispensable guide for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

What are some of your favorite books for connecting with nature and following your own spiritual path?

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Lorri@Mabon_House 6/8/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 6/8/23

A History of Litha and Midsummer

Litha, also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, is an ancient festival celebrated by various cultures around the world. Litha has its roots in ancient agricultural societies that heavily relied on the sun for their livelihoods. The festival marks the peak of the sun's power and the longest day of the year. Celtic mythology associates Litha with the Oak King, representing the waxing power of the sun. Bonfires were lit during Litha to honor the sun's strength and ensure abundant harvests. In Norse traditions, the solstice was celebrated with bonfires, feasts, and ceremonies dedicated to Freyr, the fertility god.

Where does the name Litha Come from?

The name "Litha" is derived from Old English and has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon calendar. The term "Litha" is believed to be related to the word "liþa," which translates to "gentle" or "calm" in Old English. It refers to the period of the summer solstice when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the day is at its longest. The term gained popularity among modern pagan and Wiccan communities as they sought to reclaim and revive ancient traditions and festivals. Today, Litha is widely recognized and celebrated as the name for the festival that marks the summer solstice.

Litha and the Wheel of the Year

Litha is part of the Wheel of the Year, a cycle of seasonal celebrations observed by modern pagan and Wiccan communities. It represents the changing seasons and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Litha stands opposite to Yule, the winter solstice, symbolizing the balance between light and darkness. It is a time to celebrate the fullness of life and embrace the energy of the sun.

Throughout history, Litha has been accompanied by various customs and rituals. Gathering medicinal herbs and plants believed to be more potent during this time is a common practice. These herbs are used in rituals and potions for health and protection. Another tradition is the construction of sunwheels, which are wheels adorned with flowers and set on fire. Rolling the wheel down a hill signifies the descent of the sun and the turning of the wheel of life.

Litha and Midsummer

Additionally, Litha is often associated with Midsummer, a celebration that extends beyond the pagan and Wiccan traditions. Midsummer festivities are observed in many cultures around the world, including Scandinavian countries where it holds a prominent place in their cultural heritage. Midsummer dances, bonfires, and feasts are integral parts of these celebrations, often accompanied by folklore and traditional rituals that honor the sun's energy and the abundance of nature during this time.

In modern times, Litha is celebrated by pagans, Wiccans, and nature-based spiritual communities. Many gather at ancient sacred sites, such as Stonehenge, to witness the sunrise and engage in solstice ceremonies. Private rituals in natural settings are also common, where individuals connect with the earth and embrace the energy of the sun. Litha is a time for community, feasting, music, dancing, and expressing gratitude for nature's abundance.

The history of Litha reveals its deep connections to ancient agricultural societies and their reliance on the sun's power. Celebrated as part of the Wheel of the Year, Litha symbolizes the balance between light and darkness. Throughout history, customs such as bonfires, herb gathering, and the construction of sunwheels have marked this festival. Today, Litha continues to be celebrated by various communities, with gatherings at sacred sites and private rituals in natural settings. Litha serves as a reminder of our connection with nature and the cycles of life. Additionally, Midsummer celebrations add cultural richness and diversity to the tapestry of Litha festivities.

A History of the Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is an ancient concept that has been used by many cultures throughout history to mark the changing seasons and cycles of nature. Its origins can be traced back to prehistoric times when people relied on the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars to measure the passing of time. The ancient Celts, who inhabited much of Europe from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, were among the first to formalize this concept and develop the Sabbats, or seasonal festivals, that are still celebrated by modern pagans and Wiccans. In addition, the Wheel of the Year serves as a guide for individuals seeking alternative spiritual paths.

Celtic Fire Festivals

The earliest origins of the Wheel of the Year are from the four Celtic Fire Festivals. The Celts divided the year into two seasons, summer and winter, and marked the transition between these seasons with four Sabbats: Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, marked the beginning of spring and the start of the agricultural season. It was a time for purification and renewal, as well as a time to honor the goddess Brigid. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, marked the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice and was associated with fertility and new growth. It was a time for feasting, dancing, and celebrating the union of the god and goddess. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, marked the beginning of the harvest season and was a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. It was also associated with the god Lugh, who was said to have sacrificed himself to ensure a good harvest. Samhain, celebrated on November 1st, marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was a time to honor the dead and the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead.

Christianity & The Wheel of the Year

With the spread of Christianity throughout Europe, many of the old pagan traditions and beliefs were absorbed into the Christian faith. The Catholic Church introduced a new set of holidays, or holy days, that were based on the astronomical cycles of the sun and moon. These holy days were Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints' Day. However, many of the old pagan customs and beliefs persisted, and the pagan festivals were adapted to fit the new Christian holidays. For example, Samhain became All Saints' Day, which was later renamed All Souls' Day. The night before All Souls' Day became known as All Hallows' Eve, or Halloween.

The Modern Wheel of the Year

In the 20th century, interest in pagan and earth-based spiritual practices began to grow, and many people began to rediscover and revive the old pagan traditions and beliefs, including the Wheel of the Year. Today, the Wheel of the Year is celebrated by modern pagans, Wiccans, and other earth-based spiritual practitioners, who have adapted and expanded the concept to include eight Sabbats, each marking a significant moment in the yearly cycle.

The eight Sabbats of the modern Wheel of the Year include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, and Mabon. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, is still associated with the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead and is a time to honor ancestors and departed loved ones. Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the return of light. Imbolc, celebrated on February 2nd, marks the beginning of spring and is associated with purification, new beginnings, and the goddess Brigid. Ostara, celebrated on the spring equinox, is a time of balance between light and dark and is associated with fertility and growth. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, is a time to celebrate the union of the god and goddess and the fertility of the earth. Litha, celebrated on the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year and is a time to honor the sun and the power of the god. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. Mabon, celebrated on the fall equinox, is a time of balance between light and dark and is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and to prepare for the coming winter.

The Wheel of the Year is a cyclical concept that has been used by many cultures throughout history to mark the changing seasons and cycles of nature. Its origins can be traced back to prehistoric times when people relied on the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars to measure the passing of time. The ancient Celts developed the Sabbats, or seasonal festivals, that are still celebrated by modern pagans and Wiccans. With the spread of Christianity, many of the old pagan customs and beliefs were absorbed into the Christian faith. Today, the Wheel of the Year is celebrated by modern pagans, Wiccans, and other earth-based spiritual practitioners, who have adapted and expanded the concept to include eight Sabbats, each marking a significant moment in the yearly cycle. Celebrating the Wheel of the Year is a way to connect with nature, honor the changing seasons, and recognize the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that are an essential part of the natural world.