THE WITCHES' FESTIVALS

May Day - Calendimaggio - The Feast of Flowers

Floralia, Beltane, Roodmas, May Eve, April 30th - May 2nd

Calendimaggio - The First of May

In many cultures throughout the world the month of May is a time of festivity as well as the observance of the Earth’s Renewal and Waxing Sun. Calendimaggio "Calendi" meaning ‘Day’ and "maggio" means ‘May’. It is traditionally held the first week of May from Thursday to Saturday (lasting a total of three days). In Italy, Calendimaggio includes medieval themes and costumes, theatrical performances, feasting, drum parades, music, singing, and the playing the mandolin and guitar.

In our Witches’ Tradition the Calendimaggio Festivity focuses on the Cosmic Union of the Feminine and Masculine Forces of the Universe and celebrates the Cosmic link between Life and Death. It is taught that on May Eve, the Veil between Worlds is at its’ thinnest (similar to Halloween) and the spirits of the dead awaken beneath the ground - desiring the sun's warm glow.. The Great Goddess of the Witches watches over and protects the newly planted seeds - as well as the Spirits of the Dead.

On May Eve, the Witches’ Goddess seats herself in Her hunting chariot and the Spirits of Nature, or the Fae Folk, are said to easily pass from the world of spirit to the world of man, as they host the Great Wild Hunt. She acts as a herald, uniting both light and dark and making this is a period of earthy rejuvenation and rebirth. Full blown and blazing, the Feminine and Masculine Forces bringing new and continual life onto earth.

During the Calendimaggio Witches and Magickal Kin hold joyous festivities of feasting, dancing, prayer circles, rituals to rid away malevolent forces, and rituals for blessing of the home. In our Witches tradition, we cast spells, work in our magickal gardens and draw in the warm energy of the sun. We cast spells and create charms for: spiritual growth, belonging, and blessings for all who seek the Old Ways and also for all who respect the Witches path.

Animals and familiars are commonly purified during the Calendimaggio festivity. Wreathes of seven flowers are prepared to decorate the home and beans are tossed around one’s property to attract both blessings and prosperity. Many wake up early on the morning of May 1st to collect and wash their faces with morning dew for it is believed to promote beauty, radiance, good health, and longevity.

Floralia - Feast of Flowers April 27 – May 2nd

The Floralia Festivities is an ancient Roman Festival dedicated to Flora; the Goddess of ‘Blooming’ Life, Fertility, Flowers, and the Growth of Vegetation. Traditionally this is held on April 27th (April 28th: Julian Calendar). The Floralia Festivity includes feasting, nocturnal rituals, and games lasting six days. In our Witches Tradition, we celebrate the Floralia Festival as the ‘Feast of Flowers’ or the ‘Treguenda dei Fiore’ and offer our devotion to the Great Goddess as Queen of the Blooming Blossoms. During the Feast of Flowers, we hold a sacred vigil lasting six days and seven nights. Each evening we offer flowers and fresh water to the Great Goddess to ensure protection and future prosperity. The Feast of Flowers marks the beginning of the cycle of the Triumphant Sun.  The Triumphant Sun conquered the Underworld obtaining the right to marry the maid He fought for. Symbolizing the triumph of Light over Darkness.

The Lady’s Tree - Tree of May - ‘Albero della Cuccagna’ - May Tree

 In many parts of Italy, during the Calendimaggio Festivity, a Poplar Tree is stripped of its’ branches, greased and crowned with flowers and ‘rewards’. The Lady Tree or May Tree represents the Divine union of Heaven and Earth. Young men and woman compete to climb the ‘Lady Tree’ in hope to retrieve the ‘reward’ to become King or Queen of May. The Lady Tree is symbolic of the Cosmic Tree and Universal Axis.

Beltane: May Eve - April 30th - May 1st

Beltane is the Gaelic May Day Festival observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and The Isle of Man. Beltane means ‘fire of Bel’ - Bel being an ancient Sun God who is often compared to the Greco-Italian Apollo. In the Celtic Traditions of Witchcraft Beltane marks the Great Festival of Fire and Fertility as well as the beginning of the summer half of the Witches’ Yearly Wheel.

Being Observed on May 1st, it is halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, Beltane is a time when the veil between the world of men and the world of the fairy folk is at its thinnest. This is One of the Greater Witches’ Sabbats.  On May 1 or the eve of May, witches celebrate the marriage or union of the Horned God and Earth Goddess. In old Celtic traditions Beltane was a time when many strive to improve their love lives, get hand-fasted (Wedding Ceremony) and declare vows of love for a year and a day.

In early times, Beltane marked the beginning of summer pastoral season where many ancient rites involving the purification and protection of cattle and livestock and the fertility of crops were performed. Sacred Bonfires were ignited throughout the festivity – the ashes, flames and smoke are believed to hold protective and purifying properties to both man and beast. The Beltane Festivity included feasting, dancing and libations offered to the ‘Aos Sí’ or fairy folk, who are said to be especially active during the Beltane Festivity. Homes were decorated in brilliant colors of white and yellow May Flowers and all home fires extinguished and relit.

This holiday marks a very sacred and magickal time of the year when witches twist and bend beautiful colored ribbons around a Maypole, an ancient pagan rite symbolizing the masculine energy uniting the feminine. Similar to the Lady Tree, the May pole is also a symbol of the Cosmic Tree and Universal Axis.

Primavera Giornata - The Spring Equinox

Vernal Equinox, Ostara, Feast of Attis and Kybele - March 19th-22nd

In the Northern Hemisphere the Spring Equinox marks the arrival of Spring and occurs between March 19 to March 21. As the light begins to take over the darkness, Witches celebrate the fertility of the Earth and the growing Light of the Sun. On the Spring Equinox the day and night are of equal length therefore marking a period of renewal and the fertility. Our altars are decorated in the warm colors of Summer and with the cold colors of Winter - icy blues and fiery reds. Fresh Plants, Seeds, and Eggs adorn our sacred space representing the ancient symbols of New Life and Fertility. As Witches, we cast spells and project our magick towards: new beginnings, fertility: both physical and spiritual, as well as attracting new love and future prosperity.

Feast of Attis & Kybele Passion of Attis and Kybele - March 15th -27th

In our Witches’ Tradition, during the Primavera Giornata Festivity we celebrate and offer our reverence to the ancient Mythos of Attis and Kybele. The Passions of Attis and Kybele or the Feast of Attis and Kybele is traditionally observed from March 15th to March 27th (during the Vernal Equinox and the rising of Aries Star Sign in the House of the Sun).

‘Through myth and sacred ritual, we become closer to the Gods and experience their mysteries.’

During the Primavera Giornata Festivity three-mythoi are celebrated and acknowledged. The first mythos offers reverence and celebration to the light of the strengthening Sun God as he begins his journey across the heavens. As His light takes over the darkness of winter he illuminates the sky and warms the earth. The second mythos celebrates the return of the Maiden Goddess and the beginning of Her transition into the Mighty Mother. She forever keeps her promise of continual life and renewal.

The third mythos celebrates the Resurrection of the Spring God Attis: the ‘New Fire, yet not full-blown’. Attis is an ancient Shepherd God as well as the God of Death and Resurrection. He is also the beloved Son and Consort to Goddess Kybele. Attis, who is said to have been the Young God of the Phrygian Mysteries, was called by the name of ‘Papa’ or ‘Father’. Attis may also have originated from ancient Tree Spirit Worship since he is affiliated with the Pine Tree to which his effigy was attached representing the ancient rite of winter’s transition into spring. Attis is represented by Reaped Corn and an Icon of Pine. He is often offered libations of Fresh Fish, Bread and Wine. Attis is often compared to the Syrian God Adonis, the Greek God Pan and the Italian God Sol Invictus. Being equated with both a Sun God and Lord of the Woods, Attis is said to rule the Spring, Apollo the Summer, Dionysus the Autumn, and Iacchus in the Winter.

Ostara The Spring Equinox - March 19th – 22nd

This is one of the Lesser Witches’ Sabbats, usually celebrated on March 21st or the Astrological Vernal Equinox. In the Celtic Traditions of Witchcraft, the Spring Equinox marks Ostara and celebrates the arrival of the Spring and the beginning of the Agricultural Year. Ostara is derived from ‘Eostre’ the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of springtime, fertility and renewal. The Ostara Sabbat is a time to celebrate the beginning of spring and the renewal of the earth. Symbols of Ostara include – seeds, rabbits, pastel colors, and eggs.

The Feast of Lights

Candelora, Candlemas, The Ascension of Kore - February 1st

Throughout history the month of February has marked the Earth’s  transition from winter to spring. As we begin to feel the strengthening warmth of the sun, the earth begins to bloom, the cold winter is replaced with fresh greenery and delicate blossoms. Both flora and fauna begin to awaken from their winter slumber and are reborn once again.

On February 1st we celebrate the Feast of Lights or the Ascension of Kore. During this time, we Witches honor and celebrate the renewal of the virginity of the Earth and bid farewell to the winter cold. The Festival of Lights is a period of homage for the many blessings the Great Mother Goddess has bestowed upon us.

In our Witches tradition, during the Festival of Lights, we call upon and welcome the Goddess Kore-Persephone. She is the Maiden of Rebirth, the Protectress of Witches and Preserver of the Earthly Cycles. In honor of Kore’s return, small family feasts are held and offerings of candles, incense, garlic, fresh water, mint bouquets, pomegranates, cheese, honey, milk, pastries and are presented to both her and Demeter.

At this time, the masculine forces of nature are represented through the Sun God, Apollo or Sol Invictus.  He bestows new light and warmth onto the earth. The feminine forces of nature are represented through the Spring Goddess, Persephone or Kore, returning to the earth, bring new life and spirit to all.  Our magickal altars are adorned with a multitude of candles - each flickering flame acting as a welcoming beacon to the Maiden Goddess. Evergreens are often saved during the Brumalia festivity and burned during the Feast of Lights to purify and expel evil.

Imbolc, Imbolg

February 1st or 2nd

In The Celtic Traditions of Witchcraft, Imbolg or Imbolc, marks the welcoming of spring. The festival celebrates the beginning of the end of winter. Imbolc is one of the Greater Witches’ Sabbats, usually celebrated on the eve of February or February 1st.

The word Imbolg is Irish-Gaelic for "in the belly" and Oimelc (pronounced EE-mulk), means "ewe's milk" in Scots-Gaelic. This  Festivity represents both fertility and light.  Imbolc marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God, the lengthening periods of light awaken Her. The Sun God is a young, lusty boy, and His power is felt in the longer days.

Imbolc is said to have originated in Ireland as a holy day devoted to the Goddess Brigit (pronounced "breed"). She is the Great Mother Goddess, who is in the form of a bride for the returned Sun God. Brigid is the Celtic goddess of Fire, Poetry and Healing. Imbolc is a good time for self-dedication rituals or spells for new beginnings. Children born on Imbolc are said to be the "first children of spring" and will always be one step ahead of everyone else.

Lupercalia
Lupercus, Feast of Lupercalia - February 1-15

The Lupercalia Feast is an ancient pastoral festival connected to the Annual Roman Wild Hunt. The ‘Wolf Festival’ is  held in honor of Lupercus and consecrates Lupa, the Great She-Wolf.

Lupercus is an ancient God believed to have protected farmers, shepherds, wild animals and the harvest.  It is often compared to the Greco-Italian Satyr Spirits; Pan, Silvanus and Faunus. Shepherds and goat herders invoke Lupercus for protection against nature’s predators. Lupa, the She-Wolf who nourished and protected Romulus and Remus; the founders of Rome is invoked as the protectress of Children and the Mother of Nature.

The Feast of Lupercalia is a period of both healing and vitality. The Great Wolf is invoked as a Spirit of Life, Death, Rebirth, and Unity – the Wolf brings both Healing as well as Destruction.

Lupercalia is traditionally celebrated on February 13th-16th or February 15th. In our Witches’ Tradition, the Lupercalia festivity is celebrated in honor of the Sacred Spirit of the Wolf and is observed from February 1-15^th in unison with the Feast of Lights. The beginning of the February festivity is venerated as the Ascension of Kore. The remaining days of the festivity (7-15) is celebrated as Lupercalia, The Feast of the Great Wolf.

The Lupercalia Feast is deeply rooted in ancient fertility rites as well as the welcoming of spring and the banishment of winter. The Lupercalia feast is believed to have originated from both Sabine and Etruscan Traditions and originally celebrated in the Lupercal Caves.

The luperci or Brothers of the Wolf were the Priesthood of Lupercalia festivity. They are said to have adorned themselves in goatskins, carrying leather thongs, went through the streets striking all who them came across - this simple scourging was believed to promote fertility, purify the spirit and to avert negative forces. They also are said to have anointed their foreheads with blood from a sacrificial dagger that was then cleaned in milk and wool then followed this rite with a tremendous laugh. During the Lupercalia festivities, the ancients sacrificed both dogs and goats, as well as offered libations of figs and vestal cakes – salt-meal cakes.

It is often speculated that the Lupercalia Feast influenced or was Christianized into The Feast of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as possibly being connected to Valentine’s Day.

Brumalia

November 24th - December 25th

In our Witches’ Tradition, the Winter Solstice festivity is observed as “Brumalia”. It occurs from November 24th until December 25th. In ancient Rome, Brumalia was a month-long vigil celebrated in honor of the Agricultural Deities: Ceres and Saturn. They were presented offerings and libations of: fruits, grains, wine, olive oil, flowers, and honey. Brumalia marked the astronomic winter solstice; the time of dark intermission that concluded on ‘Natalis Solus Invicti’ or the Feast of Sol Invictus. Ancient Brumalia festivities included nighttime feasting, bonfires, dancing, singing and sacred rites of divination and fortune-telling. During the Brumalia holiday we hold candle-lit vigils in our homes and focus our magick towards protection, prosperity, clearing roads, and attracting good fortune. During this time; we as Witches say farewell to the Spirit of the Old Year and celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God.  We present offerings to the Great Mother Goddess in hopes of future abundance, protection and longevity for ourselves and those who we deeply cherish. We kindle our hearths and light small bonfires to draw in the last remaining rays of light of the old year.

Yule

The Winter Solstice, December 19th-21st

In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice occurs between December 19th to December 21st. It is the shortest day of the year and therefore the longest night. In the Celtic Tradition, the battle between the Holly King and Oak King is celebrated and often re-enacted in sacred ritual. It’s the Holly King time to descend into the underworld to allow the Oak King to be reborn and grow to later fertilize the land in spring. In days of old, families would gather for feasts and celebrations to “call back” the Sun. Families spent much of the cold months together to share food and the warmth of the fire. Evergreen Wreaths were often crafted and hung on doors – symbolizing the wheel of the year and the cycles of life.

Natalis Solus Invicti

Feast of Sol Invictus, December 25th 

In our Witches Tradition, at sunrise on December 25th we celebrate Natalis Solus Invicti or the Feast of Sol Invictus - the birthday of the Sun God Sol Invictus ‘the Invincible Sun’. It has been speculated that the early Church chose this date as the birth of Christ in its attempt to replace the ancient pagan festival. This sacred and powerful day is held in veneration of the birth of the Sun God and the Waxing of the Year. Many rise early to witness the rising Sun and later celebrate His birth with feasting and dancing. In our Witches’ Tradition we exchange gifts, cast spells to manifest wishes, and ring bells throughout the home to expel baneful spirits and welcome in benevolent spirits. The Rising Sun God is presented with offerings of candles, fresh water, pastries, fruits, and soft smelling incense. 

Capodanno

New Year’s Day, A Time of Blessing, December 31st - January 1st

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is celebrated all throughout the world. Its origin and customs are rooted in ancient Babylonia. In our Witches’ Tradition, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is celebrated in unison. On December 31st we focus on protection of the home and family and January 1st ‘Capodanno’ we focus on attracting wealth, prosperity and abundance in the forthcoming year. In Italy, December 31st is connected to San Silvestro (or Saint Silvester).  He was invoked by ancient farmers and shepherds to ward off wolves and the other dangers that threaten livestock. It is often conjectured that San Silvestro may be connected to the somewhat mischievous pagan God Silvanus – an ancient God (or group of gods: the silvani) of the Countrywide, Woodlands and Animals. 

The New Year Festivities are filled with many ancient traditions, customs and superstitions. An old tradition involves keeping a Silver Coin (or Coins in general) in your pocket until the morning of January 1st to ensure future prosperity and abundance. In Italy on New Year’s Eve, all of the lights in the home are extinguished and all inhabitants close their eyes. When the clock strikes 12:01, all open their eyes and welcome the New Year. On New Year’s Eve; rituals of protection are conducted to ward off evil and baneful spirits.  These rituals include firework displays, the breaking of glassware, and the tossing of unwanted objects out the window - representing “letting go” of the Old Year and that which we wish to no longer carry. It is said that a Yule Log burned on New Year’s Eve will ward off evil forces and spirits from the home and invoke the forces of the Great Witches’ Goddess. The ashes are often collected and saved for later use; usually in rites of protection where the ashes are simply sprinkled to ward off malevolence and disease. 

On New Year’s Day, rites of prosperity and attracting wealth are conducted along with celebrations and feasting. Our home Altars are embellished in colors of red, green and orange, and adorned with bowls of Beans, Figs, Dates, Grapes, Nuts, Honey, Laurel Leaves, and Pomegranates.  Each is believed to manifest and attract good fortune, prosperity and clear roads. Food also plays an important role in the New Year Festivities; large feasts are held with family and friends and traditional foods are prepared using ingredients believed to attract wealth and prosperity. These dishes are created using Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Dates, Figs, Honey, Grapes & Raisins. 

Halloween – October 31st

Festa Dei Morti, Day of the Dead, Samhain, Juorno de Morti, Festival of the Dead

The true origin and roots of Halloween have been lost in time. It is often conjectured that this ancient holiday may be linked to the Feast of Pamona, the Roman Goddess of Orchards and Fruit - as well as to Parentalia; the ancient Roman festival held in honor of the dead.

In the Italian and Sicilian Traditions of Witchcraft the Festa Dei Morti or Festival of the Dead focuses upon ancestral devotion and commemoration. The Festival of the Dead is a sacred and holy time of remembrance, love, spiritual communion, joy and mourning. It is a time of reflection, for looking back at the last year and coming to terms With the phenomenon of which we have no control over; death.

Witches gather to celebrate the harvest season with family and friends. We  mourn the downward spiral of life, but focus our minds and hearts on what is to come in the future. To a Witch, Halloween is a powerful festivity and not the Fearsome time that some believe it to be. It is a time to release the failures in our lives and project for a future of balance and harmony. Witches and their children often dress in clothing and costumes to project out these wishes and spiritual workings. It is also a Festival of Thanksgiving, we remember all those in the past who fought to win the freedoms we have today, many of whom paid the ultimate price of their life. We include those who were tortured and killed for the false definition and descriptions applied to Witches and Witchcraft. In remembrance, we share the knowledge gained from the past and ensure that truth and wisdom will prevail in the future.

Halloween marks a period when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest. We as witches focus our thoughts on increasing our own psychic abilities and to honor those who walk in the Spirit World. The thin veil between worlds allows us to communicate with our loved ones who have passed on and commune with them once more. We conduct rituals where we invite our deceased loved ones to take part in our celebrations. This is done by leaving food and a seat at our table so they may take part and feast with us.

Samhain - The Witches' New Year

Samhain, which is Irish-Gaelic for “Harvest of the Pigs” marks the Third and final harvest in the Witches' Calendar as well as the Witches' New Year. In some places, this was a time when animals were slaughtered to be eaten or preserved for future use during the depths of winter. At Samhain, Witches say farewell to the Masculine Forces of Nature; this is a temporary farewell –“for He is within the ‘Mystery” - ready to be reborn to the Goddess at Winter Solstice.

All Saints Day - November 1st

Ognissanti, All Hallows Day, Feast of the Saints, All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day is held in honor and commemoration of the Holy Saints, many who mask ancient pagan deities. Patron Saints are offered candles, flowers and attributed offerings along with prayers of devotion and thanksgiving. Originally, All Saints’ Day took occurred in the spring, and was later moved to November 1st. This may further connect All Saints Day with Parentalia, which was celebrated in early spring. In Sicily the home is decorated with a ‘cannistru’ a decorative basket filled with an array of nuts, cookies and pastries and the delightful ‘pupacenna’ or Sugar Doll. The Cannistru is a symbol of prosperity, good fortune and the Great Mother Goddess.

All Soul’s Day - November 2nd

Il Giorni Dei Morti, Day of the Dead, Tutti i morti, All Souls Day

All Souls Day is held in honor, commemoration and remembrance of the Ancestral Dead. It is said that on the eve of All Souls’ Day, our ancestral spirits are believed to rise from their graves and visit their loved ones. All Souls’ Day festivities begins early morning; usually at dawn, where flowers, candles and tokens of love and remembrance are brought to the graves of the deceased. The tombs and grounds are cleaned and prayers are offered to the spirits of the dead, following a large feast of celebration of those who walked before us.

Children who have been good and who have remembered their dead relatives throughout the year receive gifts - which are often hidden in the home - they are said to be gifts from the dead. Sugared Pastries and Muffullette is often served. Chrysanthemums are often brought to the graves of the deceased – the traditional Italian ‘Funeral Flower” which is a symbol of death and mourning.

During the Festa Dei Morti many people leave their homes empty, to make space for the dead to visit - an empty space is left at the dining room table: to offer space to those who no longer sit there. Lanterns, candles and fires are allowed to burn overnight to guide the wandering of the souls of the dead. In some areas of Rome many families picnic at the graveside of their deceased loved ones offering them a plate and sharing a meal with them once more.

On the island of Sardinia, children travel from house to house retrieving candy and pastries in exchange for a prayer for the deceased. Sicilian children leave their shoes outside the front door of their home in hope to receive a gift from the beloved dead

The Feast of Archangel Raphael – October 24th

The Archangels serve as heralds of the Great Four Powers. On the 24th of October we celebrate the Feast of Archangel Raphael as Chief of the Aerial Elemental Spirits & Forces, Messenger of the Divine, and the Great Angelic Spirit of Healing & Inspiration. To honor Archangel Raphael small family feasts are held and offerings of sweet smelling incense, candy, fresh water, pastries, poems & songs, written prayers, and ‘fixed’ candles are presented to Archangel Raphael.

On this sacred day, we as Witches, call upon Raphael in matters concerning: attracting new love, enhancing already existing love, promoting balance and tranquility, conception and fertility, healing (both physical and spiritual), poetic inspiration, invoking protection, spiritual guidance, and warding off nightmares.

Archangel Raphael is one of Four Archangels invoked by the witch. Archangel Raphael rules the Eastern Cardinal Direction, the Air Element, and the Healer’s Hand. Archangel Raphael is invoked by many names: the Archangel of Healing, Messenger of God, and Spirit of Inspiration. Archangel Raphael is also honored on September 29th along with Archangel Michael and Archangel Gabriel.

Archangel Raphael’s name means ‘God has Healed’ and is often depicted with bottle or flask in hand. In the Witches tradition Archangel Raphael is often portrayed as a young man bearing a Staff or Trumpet.

Archangel Raphael is the Patron Angel of: Apothecaries, Blind People, Body Pains & Aches, Conception, Dream Interpretation, Eye Disorders, Guardian Angels & Spirit Guides, Happy Meetings, Healing, Lovers, Medical Workers, Mental Illness & Disorder, Ministers, Nightmares, Nurses, Pharmacist, Physicians, Poetic Thought, Sick People, Telecommunication Workers, Travelers, and Young People.

Michaelmas - The Feast of Archangel Michael - September 29th

The Archangels serve as heralds of the Great Four Powers. On the 29th of September we celebrate the Feast of Archangel Michael as Chief of the Fire Elemental Spirits & Forces, Commander of All Angels and as the Great Angelic Warrior. To honor Archangel Michael small family feasts are held and offerings of incense, candy, sugar, sweet liquors, pastries, and ‘fixed’ candles are presented to Archangel Michael.

On this sacred day, we as Witches, call upon Michael in matters concerning: averting the evil eye, breaking hexes and curses, physical and spiritual healing, calling forth victory and justice, to promote peaceful and prophetic dreaming, to cure insomnia and sleep disorders, to cure or prevent motion sickness, in Rites of Passages and Initiation, protection of the home and family, and safe travel during long sea voyages.

Archangel Michael is one of Four Archangels invoked by the witch. Archangel Michael rules the Southern Cardinal Direction, the Fire Element, and the Protection of Humankind. Archangel Michael is invoked by many names: the Archangel of Righteousness, Supreme Commander of the Heavenly Hosts and Prince of the Seraphim.

Archangel Michael’s name means ‘Who is like God’ or ‘Who is like the Lord” and is often depicted bearing a flaming sword and a set of scales. In the Witches tradition Archangel Michael is often portrayed as a Winged Roman Soldier triumphing over Lucifer or a Dragon.

Archangel Michael is the Patron Angel of: Ambulance Drivers, Artists, Bakers, Bankers, Banking,, Boatmen, Cemeteries, Chivalry, Coopers, Disease & Sickness, Drug Dealers, Dying People, Endangered Children, Fencers & Fencing, Firefighters, Grocers, Guardian of the Church and Vatican City, Haberdashers, Hatmakers, Hatters, Holy Death, Holy Roman Empire, Knights, Mariners, Military, Mountaineers, Mountains, Natural Phenomena (Rain), Paramedics, Paratroopers, Police Officers, Protection Against Storms at Sea, Protection Against Temptations, Protector of Psychic & Mediums, Protector of the Jewish People, Protector of the Oppressed, Protector of the Stregoneria, Radiologist, Sailors, Security Guards, Soldiers, Swordsmiths, Warriors, Watermen 

Autumn Equinox - September 19th-21st

Abbondanza, Equinozio di Autunno, Vendemmia, Mabon, The Witches Thanksgiving

In the Northern Hemisphere the Autumn Equinox occurs between September 19 to September 21 and marks the Harvest of Fruits, Vegetables and Grapes for Wine making. During this time, we as Witches rejoice and celebrate the abundance and prosperity which the Great Goddess has bestowed upon us and prepare ourselves for the cold winter months ahead. In our Witches’ Tradition, the Autumn Equinox is described as a ‘Bachanal’ of revelry, dancing and feasting upon the bounty of the Autumn Harvest.

On the Autumn Equinox, day and night are again equal, the night triumphing over the day. The Sun’s warmth continues to weaken until the Winter Solstice. The Autumn Equinox is a time of both celebration and mourning. As the Sun enters the Realm of Darkness and Shadow, we mourn the weakening of the Witches’ God and the Masculine Forces of Nature. We remember that it is because of his sacrifice that the harvest is both plentiful and fruitful. As the Goddess of the Witches enters the Realm of Darkness and Shadows, we rejoice in the bounty She has provided and given life to.

Our altars are decorated in the Autumn colors of golds, coppers, reds, and oranges, accented with gourds, oak leaves, acorns, and pumpkins. We cast spells for prosperity, abundance, new beginnings, drawing balance,  and strength and protection. The Autumn Equinox is a time of dramatic change,  from the vibrancy and newness of the Summer, to the impending darkness and seeming death of Wintertime.

Nemoralia - August 13th-15th

Diana’s Day and the Festival of Torches

Today, Nemoralia consists of a three day festival occurring from August 13th-15th in dedication and in adoration to the Holy Goddess Diana, the Great Mistress of the Wild and Queen of the Witches. Nemoralia was traditionally held during the August Full Moon or on August 13th (lunar calendar). This date was changed to August 15th to coincide with the solar calendar. In ancient times, Nemoralia was also known as Diana’s Day or The Festival of Torches and was traditionally celebrated at the Sanctuary of Diana at Lake Nemi (near Aricia Valley) as well as at the Temple of Diana on the Aventine Hill in Rome. The Sanctuary of Diana offered refuge to those who were oppressed and enslaved and acted as veil between the world of chaos and a world of sacredness, peace, healing and safety.

Diana is the Italic Goddess of Nature, Animals, and of the Moon and Stars. She is the daughter of Titaness Latona and Sky God Jupiter. Above all, Diana is the beloved twin sister to the Sun God Apollo. During the Nemoralia festivity, the Goddess Diana is invoked with both love and reverence. She is called forth in her many aspects and many faces. She is invoked as the Mother of the Earth, the Queen of Heaven, and the Mistress of the Underworld.

In our Witches’ Tradition we offer our prayers to the Goddess Diana in hopes of receiving her favor and aid. Many spend this sacred occasion renewing spiritual oaths and vows. We focus our magick and rituals towards good health and healing and the protection of woman and children. We invoke Diana to charge and empower each of us as conduits of Her ancient Wisdom and beacons of Her Unwavering Love. Witches call upon Diana as the Mistress of the Moon and Stars, Loving Midwife, Queen of Spirits, Lady of Animals and the Wild, the Sacred Spirit of the Oak and Forest, Sister to the Sun God Apollo, Protectress of Woman and Children, Queen of Witches and Mighty Huntress.

In ancient times, the Nemoralia Festival consisted of torch-lit processions from Rome to Lake Nemi - a volcanic lake hidden in a deeply wooded grove known as ‘Diana’s Mirror’. Participants celebrated in dance and song with their heads adorned with wreaths of flowers offering prayers and petitions to the Goddess in hopes of obtaining Her favor and protection. Written prayers were attached to the tree branches within Her sacred grove - a custom still practiced by many today. The ancient practice of ‘hair washing’ was conducted prior to the Great Procession. Woman and slaves ceremonially washed their hair and dressed their heads in fragrant blossoms. Lake Nemi was often illuminated with small torch-lit boats, left to float in the tranquil waters by travelers who wish safety and protection upon their journey. Small cakes were crafted and affixed with ‘tiny torches’ and were given as a ‘gift-like’ offerings to the Goddess.

Devotees left offerings of: vegetables, fruits, incense, written tablets, sculptures of stags, limb-shaped bread

sculptures of the kourotrophos (child nurturer)clay effigies; representing the location of the body in need of healing and repair. In each home, the head of the family would carry a lantern counterclockwise throughout the home, offering prayers to Diana - if the lantern’s flame remained burning, it was believed that no evil could enter the home or harm the family.

During Nemoralia, participants were often accompanied by their canine companion - a sacred symbol of the Goddess. Canines were often adorned in flower garlands - a symbol of their sacredness during this hallow time. During the Nemoralia festivity, the hunting and killing of animals was forbidden.

It is often assumed that the Catholic Church applied August 15th as the Feast of the Assumption of Mary as a replacement or adaptation of the ancient Nemoralia - taking with them the sacred timing and symbols of power. The Feast of the Assumption of Mary also connected with the worship of Greek Goddess Demeter and Egyptian Goddess Isis – both Goddess are often connected to Diana.

The Witches Harvest - Cornucopia – July 31st - August 2nd

Meititura, Lughnasadh, Lammas, The First Harvest, Harvest of Corn and Grain

Meititura - The Harvest of Grain and Wheat

During the month of July into early August, corn and grains were the first crops to be harvested by the ancestors of the Witch. In ancient Sicily, the ‘Meititura’ (Harvest) was period of hard work, festivity and the blessings of the ‘First Fruits’ of the Agricultural Season. An effigy or puppet of the Grain Mother was fashioned from sheaves of wheat and adorned in female attire. This ‘puppet’ was then carried in procession throughout the local villages in joyous festivity. The sheaves of the Effigy were later used for amulets of protection and good fortune.

Throughout the world, July to August is marked as a time of harvesting corn, grain, and grapes – (to make wine). In our Witches’ Tradition we offer our devotion to the Goddess Demeter (Roman: Ceres) offering Her thanks and gratitude for the bounty She has bestowed.

In many cultures, this sacred climax of power is associated with bread and the nourishment of the physical body. We as Witches give thanks and honor to all Gods and Goddesses of the Harvest, as well as those who represent Death and Resurrection. During this time the Sun God begins to weaken as each day grows shorter and the nights grow longer. The Witches’ Goddess watches in sorrow, but she realizes that while the God passes into transition, he lives on inside Her Belly. This is, in a manner, the Witches Thanksgiving, and we continue to tend to our gardens, and begin to harvest our magickal herbs and flowers.

Lughnasadh or Lammas

In The Celtic Traditions of Witchcraft, Lammas, or Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nahs-ah), is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “Loaf-mass”. This is one of the Greater Witches’ Sabbats, usually celebrated on August 1st or 2nd, or occasionally on July 31st. The Lughnasadh Sabbat is a time to celebrate the end of Summer and the beginning of the Autumn season, as well as to usher in the first of three harvest celebrations in the Celtic Yearly Calendar.

The Feast of Archangel Uriel - July 28th

Angels are of pure spirit - they are the very essence of the Divine Creator and the Universe. Angels do not belong to any particular religion and often play a central role in many traditions of witchcraft and magick. The Archangels serve as heralds of the Great Four Powers. On the 28th of July we celebrate the Feast of Archangel Uriel as Chief of the Earth’s Elemental Spirits & Forces, the Nurturer of the Earth, and the Great Angelic Spirit of Wisdom. To honor Archangel Uriel small family feasts are held and offerings of incense, candy, pastries, candles, as well as written petitions (often written in green ink) are presented to Archangel Uriel.

On this sacred day, we as Witches, call upon Uriel in matters concerning: healing, good health, spiritual protection, attracting new love, problem solving, warding away nightmares, enhancing psychic power, prophetic inspiration, blessings, home purification, attracting prosperity, and stability.

Archangel Uriel is one of Four Archangels invoked by the witch. Archangel Uriel rules the Northern Cardinal Direction, the Earth Element, and the Growth of Vegetation. Archangel Uriel is invoked by many names: the Archangel of Salvation, the Regent of the Sun, and Prince of Light.

Archangel Uriel’s name means ‘Light of God’ or ‘Fire of God’ and is often depicted with a flaming orb or a book in hand. In the Witches tradition Archangel Uriel is often portrayed in robes of black, brown, green, and yellow with wings of Gold and Scarlet bearing a stem of ripened Wheat. Uriel, also spelled Auriel (Hermetic Qabalah) and is the Patron Angel of: Art, Artists, Conception, Confirmation, Dream, Interpretation, Judges and Lawmakers, Justice, Peace and Order, Poetry, Science, Telecommunication Workers, Truth, and Visionaries. It is also believed that Archangel Uriel watches over thunderstorms and brings protection against lightning strikes.

The Summer Solstice - La notte delle Streghe - June 19th-22nd

Litha, St. John’s Day, La Notte Di San Giovanni, La note Delle Streghe, Lora di Estate, Midsummer

In the Northern Hemisphere the Summer Solstice occurs between June 19 to June 21 and is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. During this time, we as Witches honor and celebrate the Sun at the peak of His power. We draw in the energy of the Mother Earth and her magick of fertility and growth and prepare ourselves and our homes for the waning period of the Sun, which lies shortly ahead.

In our Witches tradition, during the Summer Solstice we invoke and call upon the God of the Sun, the Great Lord of the Heavens and King of Light. We call forth the power of the Sun God to defeat and diminish the forces of darkness and to invoke future fertility and earthly growth. During the Summer Solstice, the Mother Goddess of the Witches dances her dance of ecstasy - her dance of life, renewal and infinite love. She is invoked as the Queen of the Fae, the Queen of Elphame, and Our Lady of Blossoming Flowers. The Summer Solstice is a festivity ruled by the elements of Fire and Water, making this day a spiritual culmination of Light and Darkness. We cast spells for love, passion, protection, and psychic power.

The Fairy World is also drawn to the energy of this time. Many of us attempt to contact these magickal creatures and harness their forces to empower our lives, homes, and spells. Offerings to the world of the Fae are given at sunrise and sunset; in a secret place outdoors or in your magickal garden. On the morning of the Summer Solstice, spiritual tools are often left in nature to collect the light of the rising Sun, this believed to charge the tools with magick and power. Herbs gathered on the Eve and Day of the Summer Solstice hold great power, as their energies strengthened by the kiss of the sun, their leaves and stems later may be used to fashion valuable amulets.

The Fire Element is invoked during the Summer Solstice in rites of purification and warding away evil and illness. Bonfires are traditionally ignited on the Eve of the Summer Solstice, composed of nine or thirteen sacred woods or herbs. These fires are believed to hold great power and the ashes are collected for magickal use.

Saint John's Eve - La notte delle Sreghe

In an attempt to convert early traditions or in some sense to accommodate them, many ancient pagan customs and deities were ‘syncretized’ with that of the early Church. This act of assimilation of Pre-Christian traditions led to the ‘intertwining’ of Old Traditions with that of the New. Among the ancient pagans, it was believed that during eve of the Summer Solstice the forces of good and evil, of light versus dark, are both most potent and powerful.

St. John’s Eve is also known as La note delle streghe or Night of the Witches. In Italy it is said that Witches were summoned by the damned souls of Salome and Herodias. This an early corruption of the veneration of Feminine Deities. The Church celebrated the nativity of John the Baptist on June 24 to coincide with the early Summer Solstice traditions - linking or ‘masking’ John the Baptist to the Waning Sun God of the pagans.

John the Baptist was invoked to: dispel illness and disease, to heal the sick, bring protection against the evil eye and demonic forces, and to aid matters of the heart and marriage. Throughout Europe the night between June 23rd and June 24rd (the Feast Day of St John the Baptist) is celebrated by blazing bonfires, ritualistic purification, protection rites, and musical festivities. St. John’s Eve and St. John Day are believed to be a powerful time for Love Magick. Including rituals involving Marriage and Commitment, Creating and Cementing Bonds and Pacts both Physical and Spiritual. An ancient summer tradition involved a couple sealing their loving bond, by leaping over a blazing bonfire on the eve of St. John’s Day.

Copyright 2021-2022 Kyle Brandon Leite

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here primarily reflects the Sicilian-Italic Tradition of Witchcraft .

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