Is the Wheel of the Year Cultural Appropriation?
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The Wheel of the Year, a nature-based spiritual calendar marking the cyclical nature of the seasons through eight Sabbats, is sometimes criticized as cultural appropriation of ancient European cultures. However, this perspective overlooks the evolving nature of spiritual beliefs and practices. The Wheel of the Year is a contemporary framework that draws inspiration from various traditions but ultimately serves as a modern expression of spirituality, reflecting both historical roots and current spiritual needs.
The modern Wheel of the Year is a synthesis of multiple traditions, including Celtic, Norse, and Germanic practices, as well as influences from ancient agricultural societies. While it honors these historical roots, it does not claim to be a direct continuation of any single ancient tradition. Instead, it acknowledges the wisdom of the past while adapting it to contemporary contexts. This adaptability is a hallmark of living spiritual systems, which evolve to remain relevant to their practitioners.
The Wheel of the Year (WOTY) has gained significant recognition and popularity in contemporary spirituality, largely due to its association with modern witchcraft and Wicca. Witchcraft and Wicca, which emphasize a deep connection to nature and the cycles of the earth, have brought the WOTY into the spotlight as a framework for celebrating seasonal festivals and honoring natural rhythms. Wiccans and modern witches have adopted and adapted these ancient festivals, integrating them into a cohesive spiritual framework, increasing the knowledge and practice of the WOTY and making it accessible to a wider audience.
The Wheel of the Year (WOTY) has evolved in modern spiritual practice much like how Christianity and other mainstream religions have adapted over time to remain relevant to their adherents. For instance, Christianity incorporated pagan holidays and practices into its own calendar to ease the transition for converts, leading to the adoption of Christmas near the Winter Solstice and Easter near the Spring Equinox. Religions change and evolve over time. Christianity, Judaism and Islam have different groups within one religion, with sometimes very different practices.
Many religious communities throughout the world have adopted beliefs and values that are more inclusive, including allowing women to serve in leadership positions and supporting same-sex marriage. Just as mainstream religious practices have developed diverse denominations and practices, the WOTY is embraced by a wide range of practitioners, from Wiccans and Neopagans to those simply seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Following the Wheel of the Year is not about reenacting ancient rituals in a historically accurate manner, but rather about finding personal and communal meaning in the cycles of nature. It encourages practitioners to connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and personal growth. This approach transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to a universal human experience of observing and celebrating the changing seasons.
Critics often label the Wheel of the Year as cultural appropriation, suggesting it misappropriates and trivializes ancient European customs. However, cultural appropriation typically involves the exploitation of one culture by another, often with power imbalances and disrespectful usage. And while there may be those that do exploit these traditions and practices, many people who follow the Wheel of the Year practice with respect and as a form of cultural appreciation that fosters understanding and respect for diverse spiritual heritages.
Many individuals who follow a nature-based spiritual path do so with a deep sense of respect and scholarship. They study the historical and cultural contexts of the traditions they draw from, striving to honor their essence while making them accessible and meaningful in today's world. This scholarly approach ensures that the practices are informed and respectful, rather than superficial or exploitative.
The Wheel of the Year represents an evolving spiritual practice that integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary insights. By honoring the past and adapting it to the present, the Wheel of the Year fosters a deeper connection to the natural world and a richer spiritual life for its practitioners.
What do you think? Why do you follow the Wheel of the Year?
Litha Traditions & Rituals
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Litha is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the peak of summer in the Wheel of the Year. Litha is celebrated around June 21st, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, giving us the longest day and shortest night of the year. This day is also known as the Summer Solstice and midsummer’s night. It is a time to celebrate light, growth, and the and our connection to nature.
History of Litha
Midsummer Night is the longest day of the year and has been celebrated in some fashion since ancient times. In Pagan tradition, Litha marked the end of the Oak King’s reign and the rise of the Holly King, who oversees the world as the days gradually get shorter as the world descends into the cold dark of winter.
Like Beltane, fire is an element of Litha. Bonfires were lit to assist the sun as it journeyed across the sky, changing course and shortening the days. It was believed that the faerie realm was the most accessible during Midsummer Night.
Litha was also a celebration of the Celctic goddess Danu (Anu) who represents earth and fruitfulness. According to Irish mythology Danu was the Universal Mother of Tuatha De Danaan - a tribe of ancient people in Ireland believed to have invaded Ireland and ruled until being defeated in war on midsummer’s day, after which they retreated to the hills and eventually became the Faerie folk.
As Christianity swept across Europe in the early middle ages, Litha / Midsummer Night was adopted by the Catholic church as St. John’s Day, celebrating John the Baptist.
Symbols of Litha
Some common symbols of Litha include:
Sunflowers: These bright flowers symbolize the sun and its energy.
Oak trees: Oaks are strong and powerful, just like the sun at its peak.
Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is a traditional way to honor the sun and its warmth.
General themes for Litha include:
Light: Celebrating the longest day of the year and the light that nourishes us.
Growth: Recognizing the peak of summer and the abundance it brings.
Power: Honoring the strength and energy of the sun.
Traditional Litha Activities
Litha is a time to celebrate the sun at its peak, and many traditional activities reflect this focus on light and energy. Here are some popular ways to celebrate Litha:
Lighting Bonfires: One of the oldest traditions is lighting bonfires. These fires symbolize the sun's power and offer protection. People often gather around bonfires to dance, sing, and celebrate together.
Gathering Herbs: Many believe that herbs picked on Litha are especially powerful. Common herbs include St. John's Wort, yarrow, and mugwort. These herbs can be used for healing, protection, and magic.
Decorating with Flowers: Flowers are abundant in the summer, and decorating with them is a beautiful way to celebrate Litha. You can make flower crowns, wreaths, or garlands to wear or decorate your home.
Rituals to Honor the Sun
Rituals are a meaningful way to connect with the energy of Litha. Here are some simple rituals you can try:
Create a Sun Wheel: A sun wheel is a circular arrangement of flowers, herbs, and other natural items that symbolize the sun. You can place it on your altar or hang it in your home to honor the sun's energy.
Sunrise Meditation: Wake up early on the day of the Summer Solstice to watch the sunrise. As you watch, meditate on the sun's energy and how it brings light and warmth to your life.
Make a Litha Candle: Decorate a candle with symbols of the sun, such as sunflowers, gold glitter, or orange ribbons. Light this candle during your Litha celebrations to honor the sun's power.
Community and Connection
Litha is a time for community and connection. Many people celebrate with family and friends. Here are some ways to gather and celebrate together:
Host a Solstice Feast: Prepare a meal with seasonal foods and invite friends and family to join you. You can enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are abundant at this time of year.
Study Litha Oracle Cards: Oracle cards are a type of divination tool used for guidance, insight, and reflection. They are similar to tarot cards but differ in structure and purpose. They are often seen as more beginner-friendly because they do not require extensive study of tarot card meanings and traditional spreads.
Attend a Festival: Many communities hold festivals to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Look for local events where you can join in the festivities, dance, and enjoy music.
Plan a Nature Outing: Spend time in nature with your loved ones. You can go for a hike, have a picnic, or spend the day at the beach. Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to connect with the energy of Litha.
Litha is a time to celebrate the peak of summer and the power of the sun. By participating in traditional activities and rituals, you can deepen your connection to this special time of year. Whether you light a bonfire, gather herbs, or meditate at sunrise, these practices help you honor the energy of Litha. Stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore Litha crafts and recipes to bring the solstice spirit into your home.
Recommended Reading & Resources*
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year: From Samhain to Yule, Your Guide to the Wiccan Holidays by Judy Ann Nock
The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells by Skye Alexander
The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book: Your Complete Guide to Crafting and Casting Spells by Skye Alexander
Does Manifesting Really Work?
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I was cleaning out my home office not too long ago and came across a Life Binder I started back in 2012. In it were notes and lists written in my Law of Attraction heyday. I had snippets from magazines glued to copy paper, representing my Be, Do, Have desires. There were images of white farmhouses and rose gardens, yellow kitchens and smart business casual outfits. There was the ubiquitous Check from the Universe, made out to myself (obviously), for an amount representing the salary I wanted that year. I had a lists of desires written in the present tense. I am so happy and grateful that…. There were gratitude lists galore.
I found different versions of my Be Do Have lists from 2012, 2014 and 2017 - each one with new items and wants.
Reading through these lists was fun. I checked off many of the items. I bought a house, got my masters degree, raised my kids, increased my income, started a successful blog. Did I manifest these? Maybe. But I also took a LOT of action to bring these desires into reality. But…..I definitely think that for some events in my life, there was some divine intervention. How I bought my house is a prime example. After my divorce I had to go back to renting and I thought I would never own a house again. But somehow I was approved for a mortgage, found a home in my price range that was big enough for my family and close to schools and my work. Everything seemed to fall magically into place at just the right time. Side note - this was 2013, when the housing market was still stable. Did I manifest this house? Maybe. Maybe not. But I’ve always felt like someone was looking out for me, to find what literally felt like the perfect place to call home.
Some of the items on my Be Do Have lists I no longer wanted. In fact, I’m really happy I didn’t get them. This includes jobs, relationships, a questionable chevron inspired rug for my living room. Did I not get these things because I wasn’t high vibe enough? Or because the Universe knew better? Or was it just bad luck/ good luck?
I’ve been off any kind of LOA/Manifesting for a few years now. I don’t know if it was because of the pandemic or I just got tired of trying to be positive so much of the time. A major flaw with LOA for me, is that it kept me in my head too much. I was always policing my thoughts and was constantly trying to find silver linings, when sometimes, it was just a pile of sh!t.
During COVID-19, out of curiosity, I did deep dives into the history of some of the most popular LOA figures - Abraham Hicks, Neville Goddard, Rhonda Byrnes, the hippy guy from The Secret. What I found wasn’t great. There are lots of articles and information about some shady past dealings with each of them. Is it all true? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way it was enough to put me off any thoughts of LOA until recently.
In her book, The Age of Magical Thinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, author and podcast host Amanda Montell delves into the ideas behind concepts like manifesting, debunking the idea that thoughts become things and that we can control anything by just focusing on it. On a logical level I understood what Montell was saying. We are programmed with cognitive biases and to imbue meaning into even the most mundane parts of our life. Coincidences become signs from a higher power. Bad luck is attributed to bad karma in a past life. Seeing certain numbesr is a message from angels. Listening to this book (I bought it on Audible) thoroughly debunk any kind of magickal thinking left me feeling a little sad. I mean, there has to be some magic in life, right?
Yes, humans are designed to make meaning out of pretty much anything, but I refuse to believe that there is NO higher power guiding us in some way. Perhaps it is a God or Goddess, or maybe our ancestors. I like to think that nature is my guide, because being outside brings me peace and clarity. Is this because I am allowing myself to slow down and be present enough to feel to my feelings? Or is it the essence of Gaia guiding me with soft winds and passing clouds? Maybe it’s a little bit of both.
I’ve picked up my Be Do Have lists again. This time feeling a little more grounded and wise about what I really want in life. My list in 2024 includes peace, joy, health and stability. And maybe a new rug for my living room.