Walpurgisnacht

 In parts of Germanic Europe, Walpurgisnacht is celebrated each year around April 30 - right around the time of Beltane. The festival is named for Walpurga, a Christian saint, who spent a number of years as a missionary in the Frankish empire. Over time, the celebration of St. Walpurga blended with the Viking celebrations of spring, and Walpurgisnacht was born.

In Norse traditions - and many others - this night is the time when the boundary between our world and that of the spirits is a bit shaky. Much like Samhain, six months later, Walpurgisnacht is a time to communicate with the spirit world and the fae. Bonfires are traditionally lit to keep away malevolent spirits or those who might do us mischief.

Today, some Pagans in central and northern Europe still celebrate Walpurgisnacht as a precursor to Beltane. Although it is named for a martyred saint, many Germanic Pagans try to honor the celebrations of their ancestors by observing this traditional holiday each year. It is typically observed much like May Day celebrations - with lots of dancing, singing, and ritual around the bonfire.

-Reblogged Patti Wigington


-The Crafty Witch

Friendship Spell

For the month of April I had opened up to some of my followers and asked what type of spells do they use and need on a daily bases or just in general - each blog post except for holidays or days of importance I will be posts a different spell every day.

Todays Spell

 

 

 

 

 

-The Crafty Witch

Healing Spell

For the month of April I had opened up to some of my followers and asked what type of spells do they use and need on a daily bases or just in general - each blog post except for holidays or days of importance I will be posts a different spell every day.

Todays Spell

 

-The Crafty Witch

Wiccan Pentacle Added To Approved VA Gravestons 2007

One this day is 2007 the Wiccan pentacle is officially added to the list of VA approved emblems for gravestons. Veteran's Pentacle Quest is a project led by the folks at the Lady Liberty League and Circle Sanctuary.

It's the name given to the effort to have symbols of Pagan religions allowed on the headstones of fallen veterans. Although the pentacle has finally been approved by the Veteran's Administration, there are still many issues to be looked at concerning the Veteran's Pentacle. Here are some of the headlines we've seen here at Pagan/Wiccan About.com.

July 3, 2008: Ellen Evert Hopman and Selena Fox on the Awen Symbol

August 30, 2007: Update: Stewart Gets Call from President

August 29, 2007: Wiccan Widow Dissed by the President

July 19, 2007: A Hero Denied: Stewart's Widow Speaks Out

May 8, 2007: Justice at Last for Deceased Pagan Soldiers

-The Crafty Witch

Do Pagans Celebrate Earth Day? By Patti Wigington

Question: Do Pagans Celebrate Earth Day?

I know that there are eight Pagan sabbats during the year, as well as a bunch of Esbats, but I also notice you've got Earth Day on the calendar. Is Earth Day even a Pagan or Wiccan holiday?

Answer:

Well, no, it's not, but then again neither is Tartan Day or the anniversary of Bewitched, but those are on the calendar too. It's important to note, however, that many Pagans and Wiccans view the environment as something really important. Although it's not an "official" Pagan or Wiccan holiday, if you've sworn to be a steward of our planet, then Earth Day is as good a reason as any other to honor Mother Earth.

The first Earth Day celebration was held in 1970, and sponsored by the Earth Day Network. This annual celebration is a time when people worldwide honor our planet and (hopefully) take a few minutes to try to make a difference in the world.
Some things you can do to make a difference in your own space? Try one of the following:

• Turn off the lights you're not using
• Pick up some garbage that isn't yours
• Ride a bike to work instead of driving
• Plant a tree
• Use cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic
• Recycle your stuff
• Plant a garden of your own, or buy from local growers
• Build a birdhouse
• Adopt a stream
• Shut off appliances that don't have to be on all the time

Regardless of how you observe this day, even if it's just for a few minutes, take the time to thank the earth for her gifts, and take a moment to be glad we're part of it.
For more information, visit the Official Earth Day Homepage, and be sure to read up on 10 Ways Pagans Can Celebrate Earth Day.


Patti Wigington

-The CraftyWitch

Spell To Contact The Dead

For the month of April I had opened up to some of my followers and asked what type of spells do they use and need on a daily bases or just in general - each blog post except for holidays or days of importance I will be posts a different spell every day.

Todays Spell

Birthday of author Margot Adler

A very Happy Birthday to author Margot Adler!

-The Crafty Witch