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Naveh HaMarah Sanctuary.....
Since ancient times, the year has been marked by the celebration of eight Holy Days or Sabbaths. These are celebrated all over the world in one form or another. They have been incorporated into Christian holidays, or otherwise transformed in line with the religions and politics of the day however, these rituals and their deeper meanings are a part of our lives to this day.
There are four major Sabbaths which correspond to the change in the seasons and are determined by the position of the sun. There are also four lesser Sabbaths which correspond to the mid-point between the four major Sabbaths. Each culture has its own name for each of these Sabbaths as well as its own particular legends surrounding them. However, there is a common thread among all cultural interpretations of these Sabbaths which is a mystical and symbolic interpretation of how life functions, how time passes and how all must one day die only to be reborn in the dark womb of the Great Mother.
It's interesting to note that the eight Sabbaths of the year also correspond to the eight phases of the moon as it moves through its monthly cycle. The moon is a reflection of the sun's transit through the year. She gives form to the sun's light. From this it can be seen how the moon's cycle affects not only the month, but also the year as well as the stages of civilization.
At the Winter Solstice, or Yule, with a new vision infused with intention, Nature germinates her seeds in the darkness of the earth. The Winter Solstice energy initiates and projects the seed idea, its purpose unfolding as the year cycles. Symbolically, the vision is felt, not seen.*
The aspect of the moon is the New Moon.
The aspect of the sun is Capricorn.
Correspondences for the Winter Solstice:
Colors: Black, red, green, white, gold, silver
Flowers: Bayberry, holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and evergreen
Herbs: Balsam, bay, bayberry, cedar, chamomile, evergreen, fir, frankincense, holly, juniper, mistletoe, moss, oak, pinecones, rosemary, sage and dried summer herbs
Incense and oils: Balsam, bayberry, cedar, cinnamon, fir, frankincense, myrrh, pine and rosemary
Candles: Black, red, green, white, gold, silver
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The February 1st Quarter Point is also known as Candlemas or Imbolc. With ever increasing Light, the seed breaks out of its casting and struggles to push its way above the ground. We may see the first glimpses of the intention rising into our conscious awareness.*
The aspect of the moon is the waxing crescent phase.
The aspect of the sun is Aquarius.
Correspondences for the February Quarter Point:
Colors: White, green, rose and aqua
Flowers: Yellow flowers and evergreens
Herbs: Agelica, basil, bay, benzoin, chamomile, coriander, dragon's blood, dried sage, heather, lemon, myrrh, rose hips, violets, sunflower petals (dried) and seeds, wheat, and all yellow flowers
Incense and oils: Chamomile, basil, heather, myrrh, rose hips, sage (dried) and wisteria
Candles: White, red, pink and black
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The first tender shoots of our symbolic seed establishes its root and stem structure. In Nature we begin so see plant life emerging according to the genetic coding within the seed. The form of the vision begins to take shape.*
The aspect of the moon is the first quarter phase.
The aspect of the sun is Aries.
Correspondences for the Spring Equinox:
Colors: Green, lavendar, pink, rose, sky blue, soft yellow, gold
Flowers: Springtime wildflowers, yellow flowers such as daffodils, forsythia, yellow roses, primrose, violets, Easter Lily, iris, jasmine, lilac, lily of the valley, and rose
Any flower grown from bulbs - daffodils, crocus, etc.
Any seeds from the previous harvest
Herbs: Acorns, honeysuckle, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, oak, seeds of apple, pear, peach, strawberry, sunflower seeds, tansy, tarragon, thyme, and willow
Incense and oils: Iris roots dried and ground, jasmine (also used as tea in the ritual cup), lavender, rose, patchouli, and sage
Candles: Pink, blue, white, gold, yellow and other spring colors
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Popularly known as Beltane, this Sabbath corresponds with the development of the buds. With the increasing Light cast upon our vision, we are able to consider it and perfect its form.*
The aspect of the moon is the waxing gibbous phase.
The aspect of the sun is Taurus.
Correspondences for the May 1st Quarter Point:
Colors: Green, soft pink, blue and yellow
Flowers: Daisy chain and springtime wildflowers, bluebells, daffodil, daisy, lilac, roses, and hawthorn
Herbs: Angelica, blessed thistle, broom, coriander, curry, dogwood, dragon's blood reed, elder leaves, frankincense, hawthorn, ivy, marjoram, marigold, meadowsweet, mint, paprika, primrose, radish, rosemary, tansy, woodruff, and yarrow
Incense and oils: Almond, dragon's blood, frankincense, lilac, marjoram, and rose
Candles: Dark green, candles to represent the god and goddess (ie: silver and gold, black and white, etc.)
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At the Summer Solstice, Nature puts on a grand show! Her seeds are in full bloom, fruits are ripening, and we are able to see how our symbolic seed is expressing in our lives.*
The aspect of the moon is full.
The aspect of the sun is Cancer.
Correspondences for the Summer Solstice:
Colors: Green, blue, red, yellow, gold, white
Flowers: Summertime flowers, heather, and roses
Herbs: Chamomile, fennel, hemp, larkspur, lavender, pine, rosemary, Saint John's wort, wisteria and verbena
Incense and oils: Frankincense, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose, and rosemary
Candles: Green, blue, red, yellow, gold, white
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The August 1st Quarter Point, also known as Lammas, is the fruition cycle. Our symbolic seed has now fully expressed the vision. We become consciously aware of how our intention has manifested. At this time, the energy of the vision circulates within us and throughout all of Nature, including humanity.*
The aspect of the moon is the wanning gibbous or disseminating phase.
The aspect of the sun is Leo.
Correspondences for the August 1st Quarter Point:
Colors: Orange, golden yellow, green and light brown
Flowers: Bilberries, stems of grain, red poppies, cyclamen, and seasonal flowers
Herbs: Cornstalks, fenugreek, frankincense, heather hollyhock, myrtle, oak leaves, sunflower and wheat
Incense and oils: Aloes, rose and sandlewood
Candles: Orange, gold, golden yellow, and green
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At the Fall Equinox, we reap the final harvest from the seeds planted at the Winter Solstice. The plant begins to wither and decompose. All dross and that which no longer serves is cast away. Our energies begin to turn inward as the Darkness begins to increase. *
The aspect of the moon is the last quarter phase.
The aspect of the sun is Libra.
Correspondences for the Fall Equinox:
Colors: Brown, green, orange, yellow
Flowers: Pomegranates, acorns, pine cones, wheat, red poppies and any seasonal flowers, leaves and fruits, mums, and roses.
Herbs: Acorns, benzoin, ferns, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, oak leaves, passionflower, pine, sage, Solomon's seal and thistles
Incense and oils: Benzoin, myrrh and sage
Candles: Brown, green, orange, yellow
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The November 1st Quarter Point coincides with the sabbath Samhain. The experience and wisdom of the year is condensed into a capsule of seed ideas for the future. They are once again dropped from the plant and allowed to make their way into the dark, cold Earth. We inwardly reflect on the past year, and release all desire for a time. We honor all those who have graced our lives and who have now passed from the physical form. *
The aspect of the moon is the dark or balsamic phase.
The aspect of the sun is Scorpio.
Correspondences for the November 1st Quarter Point:
Colors: Black, orange, white
Flowers: Apples, pumpkins
Herbs: Acorns, apples, broom, deadly nightshade, ferns, flax, heather, mandrake, mullein, oak leaves, sage and straw
Incense and oils: Apple, mint, nutmeg and sage
Candles: Homemade herbal candles scented with apple or mint, black, orange, white
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*Sources
www.healinghappens.com
Demetra George, Mysteries of the Dark Moon