Paganism - Misconceptions Made Clear - Page 6

PollySis · 12-20-2006, 10:57 PM

For me, Jul is about going out into the woods to find my Jul log, spending time with the kids, having fun... and looking forward to the light coming back!

Here's something from the OBOD site:

Quote:

Alban Arthan - The Winter Solstice

by Eilthireach

In this darkest time of the year we celebrate the return of the Divine Child, the Mabon, the rebirth of the golden solstice Sun, who will bring warmth, light and life back to Earth again. The Wheel of the Year revolves beyond death and towards new light and new life.

In the Druidic tradition the name of this festival is "Alban Arthan", Welsh for "Light of Winter". According to an older and more poetic interpretation, the name is "Alban Arthuan", meaning "Light of Arthur". In this poetical image, Arthur is symbolized by the Sun. The Sun dies and is reborn, just as the mythical Arthur is sleeping deep inside a mountain and will wake up again when the people needs his help.

Alban Arthan, the Winter Solstice, takes place every year on the 21st or 22nd of December (Northern Hemisphere).

While Samhain is strongly connected with insular Celtic culture, Alban Arthan is a universal festival, which has been (and still is) celebrated by many peoples and long before the coming of the Celts. The Winter Solstice is probably (together with the Summer Solstice) the oldest seasonal festival of humankind.

We know today that the Sun will return, because the course of the Sun and the other planets in our system have been scientifically explored. Our ancestors did not take the return of the Sun for granted, and in addition they were suffering much more under the hardships of severe winter weather than we do today. For an agricultural society, whose survival depended mostly on crops, the return of the Sun was not just a matter of casual celebration, it was rather a matter of life or death.

What Stonehenge is for Alban Hefin, Newgrange is for Alban Arthan. Newgrange (Brú na Bhoinne) is a mighty Neolithic passage tomb and temple structure in the valley of the Boyne River in Ireland. Its age is presently estimated at approximately 5200 years, making Newgrange older than the Pyramids of Gizeh and Stonehenge. Newgrange is aligned towards the sunrise of the winter solstice. When the Sun reaches a certain angle, the light shines through a special window (the famous "roof box") along a 17 meters/57 feet long passage and at the end of the passage falls onto a big stone, which bears the carving of a three-fold spiral. The event lasts for about 15 minutes, during which the light is wandering across the floor of the passage and the stone at its end, as if it wanted to tell a story.
This alignment has been esoterically interpreted as the insertion of a ray of light by the Sun God into the womb of Mother Earth, to bring about the creation of new life in spring.
Other monuments aligned to the winter solstice are to be found in Knowth and Loughcrew (also in the Boyne Valley, Ireland), Maes Howe (Orkney, Scotland), and the so called Seven-Mile-Cursus in Dorset, England. The winter solstice can also be watched through specific stone formations of Stonehenge, although this is not the main alignment of this monument.

What were the celebrations of the winter solstice in pre-Christian times, is nowadays mostly known as Christmas. The difference may not be that big as it appears from the first look. In Catholic tradition, Jesus Christ is "the Light of the World" and it is no coincidence that Jesus is born at the time of the winter solstice. It has been said that the birth of Christ, which is not dated in the Bible, was originally celebrated in spring. It has later been moved towards the winter solstice, partly because the early church was unable to stop the winter solstice celebrations and wanted to give them at least a Christian motto, partly also because it seemed fit to place the birth of the light into the time of greatest darkness.

One of the main features of a traditional winter solstice celebration in Northern European countries is the Yule log. A log or a big piece of wood is burned in the central fireplace. According to tradition it must come from one's own land or be a gift, and it must not be purchased. It is traditionally ignited with the remaining piece of last year's Yule log. This way, the light is passed on from one year to another. The Yule log is to burn slowly for 12 days in the fireplace, before it is extinguished. The ashes are stowed away and in springtime mixed with seeds and brought out on the fields. Thus, the power of the Sun, symbolized in the Yule log, is distributed over the land. The rest of the wood is kept until next year to ignite the new log.

The house is decorated with evergreen branches. The green reminds us of the promise that nature will be green again in springtime and life will return to our lands. In the Irish tradition, a house decorated with greeneries is expected to offer a place of rest to nature spirits fleeing from cold and darkness.

Another tradition says that there is a perpetual battle between the Oak King, the God of the waxing light, or the Divine Child, and the Holly king, the God of the waning light, or the Dark Lord. Each year at the winter solstice, the Oak King wins the battle and rules, until he is defeated by the Holly King at the time of the summer solstice.

In the folk customs and traditions of Bavaria, the time around Christmas sees some of the most important and festive celebrations of the year. Bavaria's traditions are still defined by the fact that it was an agricultural country over many centuries.

Along the Alps there are so called "Percht runnings", enactments of the misdeeds of malevolent spirits. Often wildly masked young men run up and down the streets and "kidnap" people who don't hide or run away in time, or give them mock beatings with willow sticks. This is probably a remainder of the Germanic "rough nights" and Odin's Wild Hunt, but one could also think of a local interpretation of the Cailleach.
Numerous customs involving the use of incense have survived. Traditionally, there are three occasions to "smoke out" the house: Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and the evening before Epiphany, which marks the last day of the Christmas celebrations. On these occasions, all people living in a house walk ritually from room to room and burn incense and certain herbs, while the head of the household speaks prayers. On farms, stables and animals are included in the round. Sometimes consecrated water is sprinkled in the rooms. The use of fire and water hints at a purification ritual.

Around this time of the year there is generally a liberal use of lights and candles. I often notice that people don't just put candles up because it is dark. It seems to be somehow culturally ingrained to do so, and I guess that these customs are remains of light rituals reaching back further than we might imagine.
Almost gone are the wassailing customs, where the head of the farm would bless the fruit trees and pour them a libation of wine. This should induce the tree to bear rich fruit in summer. There was and still is much baking going on, especially of Christmas cookies. Sometimes they still come in traditional shapes, especially Sun shapes.
Christmas in Bavaria is celebrated on Christmas Eve, December 24th, after fall of dark. This may well be a surviving Celtic relic. We know that in ancient Celtic understanding the day started with the sunset, not the sunrise.

The deities of Alban Arthan are the Dagda and Brighid. Brighid is the bearer of the flame of inspiration, which penetrates the darkness of mind and soul, just as the light of the reborn Sun penetrates the darkest time of the year. The caudron of the Dagda is a symbol for the promise, that nature will bear fruit once again and care for all beings living on Earth

The plants of Alban Arthan are in the first place mistletoe and holly, but in a wider sense all evergreen plants, e.g. spruce, fir, pine etc. The green of the plants is pleasant to the eye and symbolizes the promise of renewal and new growth.

The central and essential thought of Alban Arthan is renewal. We let the past behind us and greet the new. The world is undergoing constant change and we must change and adjust, too, in order to be able to survive. Change is inevitable. The German poet Heinrich Heine said: "Nothing is so permanent as change". In this knowledge, humankind celebrates festivals since times unknown, giving people the opportunity to let go of the old and to embrace the new things which life would certainly hold in store.

Alban Arthan is also a good occasion to think about the meaning of the Sun. In spite of all modern technology and the possibility to bring bright light to a room with the turn of a switch, we are still dependant of the Sun. The Sun is indicating the times of the day and of the year to us. It is vital for the growth of all plants and for the existence of all living beings. It decides over warmth or cold. Everything on Earth and in the whole "solar system" literally is revolving around the Sun!

In spite of the importance of the Sun, I honor the Sun not as a deity, but as manifestation of the Divine Principle which stands behind it.

Eilthireach, Ovate grade/|\.

Bibliography:

- Ansha, Die Weisheit der Kelten, W. Ludwig Verlag, 2000
- Ebertshuser, Heidi Caroline (Hrsg.), Das bairische Jahr, Hugendubel Verlag, 1979
Eilthireach, A'Chuibhe Mhór - Das große Rad. Der keltische Jahreskreis in Theorie und Praxis
- Heinberg, Richard, Celebrate The Solstice, Quest Books, 1993
- Hopman, Ellen Evert, A Druid's Herbal For The Sacred Earth Year, Destiny Books, 1994
- Hutton, Ronald, The Stations Of The Sun, Oxford University Press, 1997
- Steinbacher, Dorothea und Kumpfmller, Judith Bauernregeln und Brauchtum, W. Ludwig Verlag, 2001

BecStan · 03-28-2007, 10:21 AM

I know this is an older thread -- but I just wanted to chime in and say that it's good to know that there are other Pagan Cysters here!!!

Maybe if there are other Pagan threads that start I'll share more about my individual path/journey, and tradition.

jesstx · 03-30-2007, 02:55 PM

I forgot about this thread!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited to see that there are other Pagans here!!! Sticking to the topic at hand, I wanted to say that most people are surprised when they find out I am Pagan. Their responses are generally something like, "...but you're so normal". So, I ask those who may not know about Paganism to keep an open mind. We are just like you!

Any Pagan Cysters are more than welcome to PM me, if you'd like!!

*GUERA* · 03-31-2007, 03:32 AM

Merry Meet Everyone.. I have been Pagan for 6 years now coming from a Catholic upbringing. This Thread is way cool.. I just never have enough time to read everyones responses. I will though. Just wanted to say Hello and I am glad someone started a Pagan thread.

Blessed Be & Namastè,
Meg

BrightCeleste · 04-05-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesstx

I forgot about this thread!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited to see that there are other Pagans here!!! Sticking to the topic at hand, I wanted to say that most people are surprised when they find out I am Pagan. Their responses are generally something like, "...but you're so normal". So, I ask those who may not know about Paganism to keep an open mind. We are just like you!

LOL - I love comments like that. I'm "normal" too. People have weird ideas about Pagans.. but I can guarantee that I'm not about to start sacrificing chickens or anything.

I'm a normal suburban woman, with a husband, two cats, and flowers in the front yard. I just happen to be polytheistic also.

Nice to meet you guys!

PollySis · 04-08-2007, 12:37 PM

Ooh I dunno if I'm 'normal' or not... I think anyone of any religion who comes over as being 'in yer face' - like xians quoting scripture at you, or wearing drop dead 6 foot high crosses... or anyone sort of 'manic' seeming, or who tries to convert you... is scary! Regardless of their religion.

But the 'real' pagans I have known are (usually, well the women anyway) 'normal'. I've know pagan soliders, police officers, teachers (like I used to be), a pagan civil servant - all sorts! I even used to teach in xian schools - so you don't now where we're lurking.

ekuhr · 04-25-2007, 05:43 PM

I find this thread so interesting. I was brought up christian, southern baptist to be exact, but never really felt into it. It never provided me with a sense of completeness. I hope that makes sense. I have always longed for something deeper and haven't been able to find it. I have purchased many books on wicca and the whole thing appeals to me so very much. Almost familiar. Must have been a past life.

I just don't think I would make it as a solitary, too many questions. Anyway, I guess I will keep popping in here to see what is going on.

Erin

PollySis · 04-25-2007, 07:13 PM

Erin, it's interesting how many people who come topaganism say exactly the same thing - they just feel they've come home.

Welcome home!

SuzanneStar · 05-10-2007, 11:24 PM

I am so glad i found this little corner of the forum.

I have been learning about Wicca for some years now but only starting practising

It is great to know there are many pagan cysters here too.

I have my own forums and webpage too if you would like to have a peek :0

BB
Suzanne
xxxx

http://z6.invisionfree.com/Wiccan_Horizons/

stellarnix · 05-20-2007, 06:42 PM

Bright blessings all! I have stopped lurking and joined SC, so this is the first I have seen of a pagan thread. I'd like to pose a question.... has your beliefs changed anything about the way you treat your PCOS? I know that I was viewed as "less of a witch" by some who thought I should be doing less scripts and more herbals/alternative medicine. Also had the same prejudice when I chose not to breastfeed.
BTW, loved the repost of the Green Egg article on the Adam/Eve story!

BecStan · 05-20-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stellarnix

Bright blessings all! I have stopped lurking and joined SC, so this is the first I have seen of a pagan thread. I'd like to pose a question.... has your beliefs changed anything about the way you treat your PCOS? I know that I was viewed as "less of a witch" by some who thought I should be doing less scripts and more herbals/alternative medicine. Also had the same prejudice when I chose not to breastfeed.
BTW, loved the repost of the Green Egg article on the Adam/Eve story!

I'm not sure whether or not my spiritual beliefs have "changed" the way that I "treat" my PCOS... maybe they have altered how I view the situation. Within our tradition everyone has burdens that they bear in life -- different things to different people. Part of mine has to do with health issues this go round; so I make the best of it.

Now, as a 20+ year Witch/Pagan, I'd chew someone up and spit them out the other side if they wanted to judge me spiritually because of taking prescription medication. For one thing they show not only a lack of spiritual maturity to do such, they also show a gross lack of intelligence! Pish-Posh! So, no, no one has stood in judgement of me like that --- they'd pull back a nub if they did.

Grassaf,

Becca

Beylia · 05-23-2007, 08:32 AM

Fellow Pagan Cyster here!

Navi · 05-23-2007, 07:01 PM

Hello, "heathen" cyster here (Slavianstvo, but it's typically allowed to use the "heathen" title due to spiritual/cultural similarities with the Norse and Germanic folks). Looks like I'm the only one?

Great topic.

BecStan · 05-27-2007, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navi

Hello, "heathen" cyster here (Slavianstvo, but it's typically allowed to use the "heathen" title due to spiritual/cultural similarities with the Norse and Germanic folks). Looks like I'm the only one?

Great topic.

I'm probably one of your closest "kin" on the boards. I follow a Cornish tradition, and typically call our kind Cunning-Folk. Sometimes Heathen.

SuzanneStar · 06-21-2007, 12:24 AM

Hiya everyone

i wanted to wish everyone a fantastic Midsummers (litha) and i hope you have a fantastic time whatever you are doing when the glorious sun rises tomorrow morning.

I am heading down to the beach witha friend to greet the sun coming up with some lovely red wine and some food.
i am really looking forward to this as it will be my first Litha as a Wiccan