Equinox and Solstice Celebration Information

Observance and celebration of Nature's holidays -
The summer and winter solstices, spring and fall equinoxes.

The Celts were a far reaching collection of peoples. The range of settlement
was as far south as India and as far North as Scandinavia. The Celts were a lunar
based civilization, based upon the phases of the thirteen moons that occur during
a solar year. Globally we now use a solar calendar based upon the cycle of the
sun's travel through the zodiac. This can cause conflict in the placement of a
set holiday, taken from a lunar culture and placed upon a solar calendar.

It is a misconception that Ireland is the only home of the Celts, for it is one
of many. It is through the Irish culture we have the purest information of
the Celts and their traditions.

It is the various factors and locations throughout Europe that influence the
celebratory differences among the traditions. As grouping of the Celts evolved,
they developed their own flair and thus their own customs. The specific times of
the festivals varied across the continent as these factors varied from region to region.
For the beginning of Spring was much later in the season in Scandinavia than
in the countryside of France. So these vast area distances and their effects
on the various holiday celebrations have sometimes caused conflict regarding
which is the "true" date of a holiday.

Typically the festivals were three day events. The eve prior, the day of,
and the day after. Unfortunately the hectic lifestyle we all have in the modern day
makes it difficult to enjoy these holidays in the manner our forebearers did.
We may not be able to shut the village down for three days, but we do hold the
holiday in our hearts and our homes. Although shutting down the town for three
days of enjoyment may not be bad idea.

Through the turning of the Wheel of the Year, we see the earth always changing,
moving from season to season, around the Wheel. As we celebrate the turning of the Wheel, our own lives begin to change, following the seasons, winter to summer,
summer to winter, around we turn. As we experience the earth and Her journey,
we become attuned to the great enigma of Existence.

It is through the passage of this lifetime that we gain wisdom through experience.
This wisdom then guides us into our tomorrows. Fueling our desire to learn, to live,
and learn once more. As we comprehend the magnificence of Existence, we joyfully anticipate the turning of the Wheel both personally and globally, relishing the
gifts of each season, seeing the beauty within and without.
Understanding the depth of the Love that exists.

We journey from Death into Life, from Life into Death, knowing that once again the Wheel of Life will turn and we shall begin yet again. From each life we reap the
harvest of experience that becomes etched into our Souls, like the roads on a map.
Guiding us closer and closer to understanding that which cannot be understood,
if we do not seek to gain understanding.

May the Gift of the Wheel be Yours,
each turn conveying the Beauty and Wisdom It holds.