Horrific Stories of The Infamous Ouija Board

Thanks to Parker Brothers(game company), many young people have dabbled in the paranormal
and have experienced frightening results. Remember being a teenager and the mention of the
Ouija board provoked your curiosity. There is not much talk about the Ouija board today, but
I will never forget the stories of sheer terror, my friends shared with me as a result of using the
infamous Ouija board. Stories I have kept to myself, until now are revealed in this creepy
dark article.

I was watching Unexplained Mysteries late one night and the narrator was talking about the
movie, "The Entity". The Entity(1981 horror movie) is a movie about paranormal phenomenon,
where alleged victim Carla Moran(fictional character) was attacked by a number of unseen forces.
The Unexplained Mysteries show delved into what took place in the home of this woman, who
claimed she was being attacked by mad crazed ghosts. Pictures were shown on the show where
spherical orbs were flying around the room and I noticed something in the pictures, that was not
discussed on the show!

Normally, Unexplained Mysteries does not miss a detail as crucial to a case, as this one! I am very
skeptical about these shows, but yet the pictures had some convincing photography. What caught
my eye and you could barely see the image in the bottom of the picture, was a Ouija board!
You actually see a part of the board in the photograph! How in the world could this slip the eyes
of the staff at Unexplained Mysteries! I've studied photographs of so-called paranormal phenomenon
and the ghostly pictures on the show, were the best I have seen yet.

The paranormal investigators were focused on the spherical orbs darting around the room, as the
woman held the deadly Ouija board on her lap. Fortunately, they did show a picture of the woman
with a deadly Ouija board, that proved she was not just laying around in bed and then being attacked
by angry ghosts. This woman was playing with fire and bringing paranormal investigators in to see
some out of this world ghostly activity.

I think it is hilarious for people to say there is violent paranormal activity in their house and overlook
the fact, they were reaching out to the dead through a Ouija board! Even in the movie "The Exorcist",
a young girl is using a Ouija board and her mother never attributes an entity attacking her daughter,
as a result of playing with the Ouija board. The response to such ghostly attacks is cute little innocent
Regan(Exorcist girl) was sensitive to the spirit realm.

The lady who was photographed with orbs flying around the room was looked at, as paranormally
sensitive to the unseen. What makes my head spin with green pea soup vomiting from my earthly
soul, is no one has brought up the possibilities of the Ouija board opening doors to such violent
ghostly chaos. In the above instances of violent insane paranormal activity, no one ever mentions
or associates the Ouija board as being apart of the horrific equation.

I will never forget my relative Lance sharing with me his experience with a Ouija board. He stated that he
got in touch with a spirit, who was in hell and he use to be an Egyptian king. Another friend said he tried
to get rid of his Ouija board and it kept showing up in his bed room. Late one night, he took the Ouija
board and built a roaring fire in his backyard. He was told the only way to be rid of the board, was to burn
it! He threw the Ouija board into the fire and he said blood-curdling screams came forth from the board, as it was burning. Keep in mind, I was told all of these stories in the mid-1980's when most of my
friends were using Ouija boards.

One girl was having a sleep over with a friend and they pulled out the Ouija board for some cheap thrills. The girls asked where this spirit was, they were conversing with and were stunned by the answer! The spirit told the girls it was in the front yard up in a tree with white hair and bright red eyes. The girls almost had a heart attack and they did not look out the window late at night to verify the spirit's statement. This story was well-known throughout my high school back then and I was friends with one of the girls who lived in the house, but never questioned her about this creepy night with the Ouija board. As far as I know, they never touched the ouija board again!

My friend Bryan told me the scariest Ouija board story of them all! Bryan was addicted to the Ouija board and he tried to stop using it by hiding it in his closet. He said a violent force was speaking to him and telling him to bring the board out of the closet. He said this voice tormented him everyday and would not leave him alone. Being threatened by the board he would not speak any further about the subject. I do not know how he got rid of it or how he is doing mentally today. I have heard nothing but creepy and horrific stories about the Ouija board, which makes me believe there may be some truth to these eerie Ouija board stories.

DeWayne H. Strickland has been a Film Freak since the time he could walk and he is a crazy movie review critic. Learn how you can "Watch Free Movies Online" at: http://www.moviedownloadmatrix.com

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Was Aaron's Breastplate The First Known Ouija Board?

Aaron's Breastplate was probably the most expensive divination device of its day and it may have been among the first devices developed to talk to God/Spirit. Much like a talking board, the predecessor to the Ouija Board, it served as a priestly divination tool for judgement ( for decision making)..

Commercially produced talking boards have been in existence since the latter 19th Century, but Spiritualists were using rocking tables long before that. Known as Table Tipping, the tables are used much like a talking board, tipping certain ways to designate yes, spell out things etc. This practice has probably existed as long as there have been tables. Aaron's Breastplate was used differently, however.

Aaron wasn't using a table. Instead he used a garment adorned with stones. The description of Aaron's Breastplate varies from one translation of the Bible to another. There is even controversy over the assignment of ancient names to various stones, but it is pretty clear it was a garment used for divination. Moses was commanded to take his brother Aaron, along with Aaron's sons and create Aaron's priestly garments.

From Exodus 28:15-23 "And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be doubled; a span the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: row a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: the first row. And the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their closings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends wreathen work pure gold. And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate."

The stones represented Israel's twelve tribes, and were arranged in four rows of three stones each, according to the birth order of Israel's sons. On each stone was engraved the name of the tribe that it represented.

Aaron's Breastplate was used as an oracle to prophetically answer questions about the past, present and future. Holding 12 stones, it was also much like an astrological chart with its twelve houses, only the stones were arranged more like a magic square instead of a circle. Additional instructions included that Aaron wear Urim and Thummin over his heart, or on a string or chain.

The Urim and Thummin (No one knows for certain what objects these were.) could easily have been used as a pendulum, held over the breastplate, and used for divination. A pendulum would serve the same purpose as the planchet, or glass on a talking board. The Urim and Thummin were kept inside the breastplate when not in use. Folded inside a length of cloth doubled over, is reminiscent of modern rituals to place divination tools inside cloth between use.

Most translations of the Bible state that Aaron stood in a place where light could hit the various stones and that he made prophecies and decisions from there. These descriptions are even more reminiscent of an astrological chart and the movement of the sun, moon and planets through the zodiac. Although modern tradition use a wheel for a astrological chart, it may have been designed as a rectangle such as the breastplate in the past.

The stones represented Israel's twelve tribes, and were arranged in four rows of three stones each, according to the birth order of Israel's twelve sons. On each stone was engraved the name of the tribe that it represented. The Urim and Thummim, which were used by the High Priest to communicate with the Divine, were kept inside of the breastplate.

Unfortunately, we don't have any written history that predates the ancient scrolls where the description of the breastplate is recorded. Aaron's Breastplate, just might have been where Ouija Board enthusiasts had their start.

For a free chart listing the gemstones and tribal references on Aaron's Breastplace, send an email to: thetarotpro@gmail.com

LILLIE RUBY entered this world astrologically charted to assist people through her Psychic Gifts and as an Energy Channel.

A Fifth Generation Psychic, LILLIE has been a Professional Energy Channel and Clairvoyant for the past 3 decades, using a variety of divination methods including Lithomancy (Throwing Stones).

For more about LILLIE RUBY'S service go to: http://www.lillieruby.org

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What Are Psychic Abilities? Six of the Most Well Known Types of ESP

People have been fascinated by psychic abilities for centuries. Those possessing these powers have been both revered and feared, and while mainstream science today remain sceptical of the very existence of psychic phenomena, the police and other official agencies have made use of psychics to help further their aims.

But what are psychic abilities really? The term 'psychic' is something of a catchall phrase that is used to refer to various different capabilities, and any individual psychic may exhibit one or several of these. Let's take a look at some of the most commonly known types of extrasensory power.

Telepathy

Telepathy is the ability to perceive the thoughts and feelings of others by means other than the five senses. A telepathic person may be able to read the thoughts of other people with varying degrees of clarity, and/or to pick up their emotional states. It has been relatively widely studied within the field of parapsychology, although such studies are controversial.

Remote Viewing

Remote viewing occurs when information is obtained about an object or location at a distance, which isn't within view of the physical eyes and other senses. Remote viewers may perceive the distant object in their 'minds eye', and such people have been used by the military, law enforcement agencies and others to gather data and help solve crimes.

Clairvoyance, Clairaudience & Clairsentience

Clairvoyance is a somewhat general term that refers to the ability to gather information and knowledge via extra-sensory means. The word literally means 'clear vision', and may be used more specifically to refer to information that is sensed visually. Clairaudience in contrast, denotes the reception of auditory information (such as voices and other sounds) via extra-sensory methods, whereas clairsentience is the perception of 'feeling' or emotional information.

Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis - which is also known as PK or telekinesis - is the ability to move physical objects or to otherwise influence physical matter with the power of the mind. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, psychokinesis is really a broad label for a wide variety of 'mind over matter' phenomena, whereas telekinesis more specifically refers to the movement of objects (including at the microscopic level). Psychokinesis is sometimes confused with poltergeist activity.

Although such psychic powers as these have been demonstrated in cultures around the world throughout history, they haven't been widespread. Instead, 'psychics' are usually seen as some kind of breed apart, who were fortunate enough to be born with abilities that are inaccessible to most. However, extra-sensory abilities aren't just the preserve of the lucky few, but are an inherent human capability that we all possess. In most people, psychic abilities remain dormant, but they can be awakened with training.

One way to learn to tap into your own psychic abilities is to use brainwave entrainment. This involves listening to a recording featuring sounds of specific frequencies, which enables you to access altered states of consciousness more easily. The hidden potentials of the mind are more accessible during trance, and a brainwave entrainment recording that features binaural beats or similar technologies makes it easier to enter and maintain a trance state without having to spend years learning conventional meditation techniques.

So if you want to learn remote viewing or other psychic skills, this can be a powerful way to get started. Just make sure you use a good quality recording that's designed for the purpose, such as those from The Unexplainable Store. This is a great site that specialises in producing high quality brainwave entrainment tracks that have helped many people (me included) to overcome various difficulties and tap into their true potential. For more information, just go to http://www.brain-sync.com

Loren Mann is an experienced 'explorer of consciousness' who enjoys writing about self-development topics and sharing helpful, high quality resources, and may receive compensation as a result of making these recommendations.

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Halloween and World Religions

Halloween has changed dramatically over the years. Originally a Celtic celebration of the New Year, it has transformed into a holiday with evil connotations. Many equate the once benevolent celebration of community into a celebration of evil or "devil-worship."

It is for this reason that many religious people question whether they should celebrate the holiday. While it is not wise to generalize and assume one's opinion by that expressed by the whole as a group, let us take a look at each religion's viewpoint on Halloween.

(Not all followers of each faith prescribe to the opinions listed, but these are general findings of the opinion of each religion. Also, this is a limited selection of the vast amounts of religions found throughout the world. Many religions have little to no connection with the holiday at all.)

Islam:

The devout followers of Islam do not celebrate Halloween for it is forbidden in the Qu'ran to celebrate non-Muslim holidays. A quote from Islam.com further elaborates, " . . . Moreover, it symbolizes the beginning of the ancient Druid new year, who hold that the dead revisit their homes at that time, thus in essence, Halloween represents the devil worshipper's New Year's celebration."

From an Islamic standpoint, Halloween is one of the worst celebrations, due to its origins in Paganism. It is clearly forbidden for a Muslim to participate in a Halloween celebration.

Judaism:

Those of the Jewish faith do not celebrate Halloween for the same reason Muslims do not - it is forbidden in their faith to celebrate a non-Jewish holiday. Halloween's Celtic roots and Christian connection (All Saint's Day), Jews do not consider it to be a non-sectarian holiday.

However, Jews do celebrate a holiday that is similar in festivities. The holiday is Purim, and it commemorates a time when Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. The celebration of this holiday involves costumes and candy.

Christianity:

Christians range in opinion on this topic, from evangelists who condemn anything to do with the religion, to those who welcome it as a chance to spread messages of faith to trick or treaters, and also to those who infer the holiday was started by Christians.

Most devout Christians forbid celebration of Halloween, due to the belief that its origin comes from Paganism and devil-worship.

Some Christians believe the holiday as Christian roots, in reference to All Hallow's Eve or "Feast of All Saints" which occurs on November 1st and celebrates the dead in heaven and purgatory. It became customary on All Hallows Eve to bang pots and pans together to let the dead know the damned know they were not forgotten.

Satanists:

Religious Satanists do not assign any significance to Halloween. The holiday is NOT Satanic in origin, and Satanists certainly do not practice any sort of sacrifice on Halloween (nor is animal sacrifice an accepted practice of any organized Satanic group).

Wiccans:

For Wiccans, Halloween represents the New Year, a time of reflection and celebration. New life is welcomed while the dead are remembered. It is believed that the veil between the spiritual and material worlds is the thinnest at this time of year.

Halloween is one of the eight Sabbats (or seasonal holidays) celebrated by Wiccans. Samhain, as Wiccans refer to it, symbolizes the transition or death of the elderly Great Horn God (not to be confused with the Christian idea of Satan), the male energy of the Divine. It also celebrates the aging Goddess, the female energy of the Divine.

Buddhism:

The Celtic priests, or Druids, who originally celebrated the holiday shared the Buddhists' belief in rebirth, and in the indestructibility of the mind. There are correspondences between the traditional Celtic celebration of Halloween and the Buddhist concept of "Bardo."

Halloween symbolizes the entry of the separated spirit from the spiritual world into the material world. Bardo is the concept of the consciousness experiencing apparitions (ghosts, demons, etc.). If the mind recognizes these apparitions as false hallucinations, liberation is possible.

Religious stances range from support and celebration to ignorance and condemnation and anywhere in between when it comes to Halloween. In the end, it is up to the individual and their personal beliefs and feelings.

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.com which is a site for Writers.

She is also a stringer for the Standard Speaker, a Pennsylvania newspaper, and is editor of Word of Mouth Magazine.

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The Druids & Religon

Due to the Druid's custom of not putting anything into writing, but rather develop a strong knowledge, based solely on memory, not much is known about them today.

A great deal of that which we do know comes from Julius Cesar, recorded in his Gallic Wars, and other early Christian literature. It is interesting to note that the early Christian missionaries and Saints, sought to make prohibitive almost all of the Druidic culture and custom...thus their prohibitions give us an idea of what the Druids were doing, what their teaching was, and even, who they were.

It must be noted the Druids were literate, using at first the Greek and then Roman scripts for their own language. Also, they used the runic script as well, but it seems only for sacred rather than for profane writing. They in effect, left nothing but their traditions behind, and some very interesting legends.

From oral tradition, it is said that Jesus during his 17 year absence from mention (the Bible mentions Jesus at 13 years old, then again at 30 years old) had traveled widely with Joseph of Aramothea. One of the main placed visited was the British Isles, and there, had extensive contact with Druids. It must be remembered that the Druids spoke Greek as well as Latin. Jesus spoke Greek and Latin.

St. Columba had often mentioned that Jesus was his "Druid", and more, many of the later Christian traditions appear to be druidic in origin. At first the missionaries would suppress the Druidic tradition, but then would accept it and Christianize it.

In fact, the early Christian missionaries and Saints were required it seems, to demonstrate similar powers and qualities as the Druids. It is said of St. Martin of Tours that he could, by the power of holding up his Cross, stop people in the their tracks, and prevent them from moving.

Although the coming of the Christian era in the Celtic lands seems to have ended the role of the Druids in every day life, it may have only driven them underground.

In the early 18th century the Druidic tradition was re-discovered with the founding of the Ancient Order of the Druids in London (in 1717). Quite remarkably, modern Freemasonry was established in the same year and the same place.

Also, some very notable Britons were self-declared Druids, including William Blake, John Aubrey, John Toland and William Stukeley. William Blake was even an Archdruid, and said to be the group's leader from 1799 to 1829. Blake's artwork and mystical writing can be much better understood when taken in the Druidic context.

Other notable Britons were Druids, including Winston Churchill. Little or nothing is known about what the famous English leader did as a Druid, but it can be safely assumed that much of the oral tradition of the ancient Druids were saved and passed on to subsequent generations.

The Druids were great scholars and scientists, fortune-tellers, seers and prophets, magicians, sorcerers and more. They were the carriers of the ancient history of the Celtic people.

Today the Druids still celebrate their traditional holidays near and around Stonehenge (and other Druidic sites), and practice such paranormal activity as divination, trans-channeling (as did Edgar Cayce), and the casting of spells.

For More FREE articles on alternative thought please visit our website for free articles and downloads

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Signs of Spiritual Awakening - 9 Essential Symptoms of Awakening

Recently on the Internet I discovered a few lists of the signs of spiritual awakening (sometimes also referred to as symptoms of spiritual awakening). The lists I've come across so far are vague and unclear (for example: headaches and body aches, feeling as though you're on an emotional rollercoaster "for no reason," changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, jobs, and/or relationships, gaining or losing weight, even an itchy scalp--all apparently for no reason), so I decided to come up with my own list of what I understand to be the most essential and relevant signs and symptoms of spiritual awakening. The following is a list of nine things I experienced during the process of awakening:

1. Synchronicities that are meaningful to you. (These help point you in the right direction or help spark an important new insight.)
2. Intensely painful life "changes" that you can't explain or know how you'll get through. (This assures that you look within for the answers. Note that "change" is often a polite way of saying "loss.")
3. All-consuming inner contemplation followed by possible reassessment of beliefs, especially at 3 or 4 in the morning (often triggered by happenings or things you can't explain using your current belief systems or knowledge).
4. Receiving "secret messages" from people who aren't aware they're relaying special messages to you. (If they had known, they may have hesitated, and sometimes spirit just doesn't want to take chances.)
5. Having the same thing (especially something that's unusual) happen to you two or three times in a relatively short period of time, like, say, 24 hours. (This assures that you actually notice what your higher self wants you to notice.)
6. Waking up in the middle of the night feeling intense confusion. (This means your beliefs are being re-evaluated. Before you become clear and solid in your new awakened state, you will no doubt find yourself mucking through a period of deep confusion.)
7. Favorable synchronicities that happen regularly. (You can expect these to occur after you regularly follow through with your inner guidance.)
8. Intense, vivid dreams that seem to point you in a certain direction. (The further along in the process you are, the clearer your dreams will be and the more your dreams will help guide you in your daily life. The dreams will be in metaphor form, often in metaphors that make sense to you.)
9. Finding yourself laughing more often. (Sometimes you will wake up in the middle of the night, think something profound that's also funny, and then laugh your head off. This is not a joke. Your higher self is playful and wants you to have fun while you're awakening.)

Experiencing any (or all) of these signs means that spirit (your higher self) is trying to get your attention! Also, spirit is playful and wants you to enjoy the awakening process (it's not all about pain and drama but about enlightenment, about becoming light-hearted). You will also be amazed at the creativity of your higher self.

Remember, the fast track to spiritual awakening does not depend on how much fame or fortune you're born with (or currently possess), or on how many advanced degrees you have, but on how much you're willing to (temporarily) forgo your comfort zones for the noble purpose of personal and spiritual growth. This is important because it is your individual growth that is of utmost importance at this crossroad in humanity's collective evolution. Remember also that the signs and symptoms you experience aren't just signs or symptoms; they are designed to assist you in the spiritual awakening process.

Are you ready to reconnect with your higher self? Subscribe at http://www.WhatEveryoneBelieved.com/ and receive a free 7-page report on how to reconnect to and integrate with your higher self. Christine Hoeflich is the author of What Everyone Believed: A Memoir of Intuition and Awakening, and Activating 2012: A Practical Guide to Navigating 2012 with Confidence and Clarity--an ebook that raises your consciousness and gives you all the keys to finally fulfill your dreams.

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Esbats and Sabbats - The Holy Days of Witchcraft

Every religion has its own days of power, reverence and celebration. Wicca is no different in this regard. The holidays that Wiccans celebrate are referred to as Sabbats, or the Eight High Holy days. They occur approximately every six weeks, and denote the changing of the seasons. The sun, as a representation of the God, is revered during a sabbat, and the ceremony for a particular holiday is often performed at high noon. The other type of holy day that is more familiar to most people is the Esbat. The Esbat is a monthly occurrence that generally coincides with the moon being full. It is the night when witches gather to perform ritual and magickal workings for the coming month.

This article will detail all of these holy days and hopefully shed a little light on what witches do throughout the year to honor their Deities.

The Esbat
As stated above, the Esbat is a ceremony that coincides with the cycles of the moon. Generally, the day that it is done occurs when the moon is full, though this is not necessary. The full moon is significant because witches firmly believe that the power of magickal workings wax and wane with the phases of the moon. When the moon is waxing, or becoming fuller, it is good to perform rites that are drawing things to you or increasing positive influences in general. When the moon is waning, or diminishing, it is good for banishing influences that are no longer wanted, or getting rid of negativity. Yet when the moon is full, the magickal workings are at their peak, and it is good for nearly any rite that a witch may wish to perform. The new moon, or dark moon, occurs when the moon is not visible at all. During this time, the rites that are performed are either for extreme protection rites or negative magicks.

On whatever day the esbat is performed, it is done in the evening or at night. The reason behind this is that these rites are meant to be working with the Goddess, who represented by the moon.

The actual process of performing the esbat can be summed up very concisely. The witch or coven will gather at a designated ritual space. There, they will cast a circle, and perform rites that will raise their magickal and psychic power, and then direct that power at their desired goal. Since there are so many variables as to what a witch or group of witches may wish to direct their energy, it is difficult to offer up an example of what these rites may entail.

However, one of the things that is a common theme among esbats is that it is a time for connecting and communing with Deity. This is often done by the reciting of The Wiccan Rede and The Charge of the Goddess while in circle. Afterwards, time may be spent in either meditation or performing acts of divination with tarot cards, runes or other means. This is followed by a communion of cakes and wine, where the gathered witches will celebrate their coming together and catch up on the previous month and make plans for the coming one. Then the ritual circle is opened, the leftover cakes and wine are offered up to Nature, and the witches will go their separate ways.

The Eight High Holy Days
There are eight major holidays that Wiccans celebrate:
- Samhain (pronounce saw-vin or sow-en)
- Yule
- Candlemas
- Ostara
- Beltane
- Midsummer
- Lammas
- and Mabon

Each of the Holy Days represents a different turning of the seasons, and a different phase of life. The common representation of these phases is the God, though many practitioners incorporate an aspect of the Goddess in some fashion as well. They are primarily Sun festivals, and, unlike esbats, the rituals are often performed when the sun is at its highest in the sky.

Sabbats are usually large gatherings where entire families will come together and celebrate with food and drink in addition to the religious rites.

Samhain
Samhain is probably the most recognizable of all of the Wiccan Sabbats. It falls on October 31st and signifies the ending of one cycle of the year. While many view it as the beginning of the next yearly cycle, that does not actually occur until Yule in December.

The main symbolism behind this holiday is death and honoring loved ones that have passed on. It is commonly thought that on this night, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and witches take advantage of this opportunity to communicate with their family and friends who have passed on.

Samhain is also the last harvest festival of the year, and the last opportunity for the coven and their families to come together to share their resources before digging in for the winter. The period of time between Samhain and Yule is spent contemplating plans for the coming year and remembering the year that has passed.

Yule
Yule is generally thought to coincide with the Christian holiday of Christmas. This is not precisely so. Yule actually falls on the day of the winter solstice, which generally falls on or around December 21st.

The significance of this holiday is that of rebirth. This is the day where the days begin to grow longer, and the sun is making a comeback. The general representation of this is of Holly King, a Dark God, passing and being replaced by the Oak King, or Sun God. Though the sabbat that signifies the beginning of the year may vary from tradition to tradition, this is the one that is most popular in signifying the beginning of the year.

All of the sabbats represent a phase of life, and Yule falls into the fertility category. This is a time of conception, where the beginnings of life begin to stir. When covens and families come together on this holiday, plans begin to be made for the coming year, as well as preparations for the coming spring.

Candlemas
Candlemas is also known by the name of Imbolc. It is well and truly the first fertility festival of springtime. The specific date that this day falls on varies from tradition to tradition, but it can be anywhere from January 31st to February 2nd. At this time, we are beginning to see the very first signs of spring, and the renewal of life.

The festivities for Candlemas all center on clearing out the old and making way for the new. The Maiden aspect of the Goddess is honored at this time, as are any Gods and Goddesses that relate to love and fertility. This holiday is considered an especially auspicious time for a new marriage or relationship.

One of the traditional symbols of Candlemas is the plough. They are often decorated and incorporated into the festivities. Another tradition for the holiday is to create a besom, a simple broom constructed of twigs or straw, and use it to ritually cleanse the home. It is then placed near the front, symbolizing sweeping out the old and welcoming the new.

Ostara
Also called Eostar, this High Holy Day falls on the spring equinox, on or near March 21st. This is the second of the three fertility festivals. Springtime is coming on full force at this time, and planting for the year's crops is well underway. New spring growth can be seen everywhere, and the Gods are petitioned for luck with the crops and the home.

Two of the traditional symbols for this holiday are the egg and the rabbit. The egg is an emblem of new life and new growth, and it is incorporated into many ritual workings and festivities at this time. The rabbit, known for its prolific mating habits, is also a symbol of growth and abundance. Both also symbolize change. The Christian faith has fully adopted both of these symbols into their celebrations that occur at near the same time.

Beltane
Also know as May Day, this Holy Day falls on May first. It is the last of the fertility festivals for the year, and with it comes unabashed for many traditions. The May Pole is one symbol of this holiday that is found throughout many traditions. It is a tall pole set in the ground, symbolizing the Sun God uniting with Earth. It is decorated with long ribbons and fresh flowers, and, of course, maidens traditionally dance around the pole.

One of the traditional May Day activities for this holiday is to secretly leave baskets of flowers and goodies at the doors of your neighbors.

Generally, this is a holiday that celebrates and revels in the return of the sun.

Midsummer
This Holy Day celebrates the God, represented by the sun in all of his glory. It is celebrated on the summer solstice, when the longest day of the year takes place. Midsummer is neither a fertility festival nor a harvest festival. In this way, it is similar to Yule. On this day, rites often center on protection for the home and family for the coming year, rites of divination, and celebrating the abundance of The Oak King in his prime of life.

For those who work with faerie energy in their rites, Midsummer is an ideal time to commune with them. It is a common tradition for witches to go out in the twilight and look for faerie folk in stands of oak, ash and thorn trees.

Lammas
Another name for this holiday is Lughnassadh. It occurs on August 1st, and it is the first of the three harvest sabbats celebrated by witches. Attention turns now to harvest the crops and gardens, and preparations begin for the coming winter. The days are beginning to grow shorter, and the Sun God begins to lose his strength as the days grow shorter.

As this is the time of year when we first begin to reap the bounties of harvest, it is often a holiday accompanied with feasting and celebration. Decorations and dollies are often made from dried ears of corn, and used in rites and to decorate the home.

Mabon
Mabon is the primary harvest festival, counterpoint to Ostara, and it occurs on the Autumnal Equinox. On this day, witches pay homage to retreating daylight, and prepare for the coming winter. This holiday symbolizes the God in old age and readying for his impending death and rebirth.

Though this holiday is a little more somber than the rest of them, it is also one where Wiccans are sure to give thanks for what they have received throughout the past year. It is a popular time of year for witches and pagans to give back to their communities, and generally share their bountiful harvests.

With so many holidays to celebrate, Wiccans always have something to look forward to in their faith. As the seasons come and go, witches around the world celebrate the wheel of the year. Though traditions and names may be a little different from place to place, they are all basically the same at heart. If you've enjoyed this article, and want to learn about Witchcraft and its Holy Days, please visit the site Wiccan Sabbats and Esbats. It has good information and links on all of the Wiccan holidays. Thanks for reading, and, as always: Blessed Be!!

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