Lorri@Mabon_House 4/19/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 4/19/23

Embracing the Crone: Navigating the Next Stage of Life

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As we journey through life, we pass through different stages, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. From the excitement of youth to the responsibilities of parenthood, and eventually, to the quieter years of maturity, life is a never-ending journey of growth and transformation.

For many women, the transition from active parenting to the next phase of life can be challenging. After years of putting the needs of our children first, we may feel unsure about who we are and what our purpose is now that they are grown and independent. We may feel a sense of loss or grief as we let go of our role as full-time mothers, and wonder what comes next.

But the transition to from the Mother to the Crone is also a time of great opportunity. It's a chance to rediscover ourselves, to reconnect with our passions and dreams, and to embrace the wisdom and experience that comes with age.

For many women, this transition is marked by perimenopause, a time of hormonal changes that can bring physical discomfort and emotional upheaval. But despite the challenges, it's also a time of tremendous growth and transformation.

Embracing the transition to the Crone phase of life means embracing wisdom, learning to be quiet, and really listening for a change. It means letting go of the lifetime of accumulated emotional baggage, of societal expectations, of parenting responsibilities, of pleasing people out of habit, and of always finding fault with ourselves.

It means slowing down, really looking at the world around us, and discovering who we are now that our children are grown. It means embracing the softness and strength that comes with age, and stepping into our power as wise, experienced women.

So if you're feeling uncertain about the next phase of life, know that you're not alone. Embrace the transition, and allow yourself to grow and evolve into the next version of yourself. The Crone phase of life is a time of tremendous opportunity, and with the right mindset and attitude, it can be the most fulfilling phase yet.

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I've practiced yoga off and on for 7-8 years. I haven't practiced consistently since my mom died, almost 4 years ago. I wanted to avoid the silence and the space that yoga offers. I did not want to be mindful, or present or practice feeling my feelin

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Lorri@Mabon_House 4/3/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 4/3/23

A History of the Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is an ancient concept that has been used by many cultures throughout history to mark the changing seasons and cycles of nature. Its origins can be traced back to prehistoric times when people relied on the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars to measure the passing of time. The ancient Celts, who inhabited much of Europe from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, were among the first to formalize this concept and develop the Sabbats, or seasonal festivals, that are still celebrated by modern pagans and Wiccans. In addition, the Wheel of the Year serves as a guide for individuals seeking alternative spiritual paths.

Celtic Fire Festivals

The earliest origins of the Wheel of the Year are from the four Celtic Fire Festivals. The Celts divided the year into two seasons, summer and winter, and marked the transition between these seasons with four Sabbats: Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, marked the beginning of spring and the start of the agricultural season. It was a time for purification and renewal, as well as a time to honor the goddess Brigid. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, marked the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice and was associated with fertility and new growth. It was a time for feasting, dancing, and celebrating the union of the god and goddess. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, marked the beginning of the harvest season and was a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. It was also associated with the god Lugh, who was said to have sacrificed himself to ensure a good harvest. Samhain, celebrated on November 1st, marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was a time to honor the dead and the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead.

Christianity & The Wheel of the Year

With the spread of Christianity throughout Europe, many of the old pagan traditions and beliefs were absorbed into the Christian faith. The Catholic Church introduced a new set of holidays, or holy days, that were based on the astronomical cycles of the sun and moon. These holy days were Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints' Day. However, many of the old pagan customs and beliefs persisted, and the pagan festivals were adapted to fit the new Christian holidays. For example, Samhain became All Saints' Day, which was later renamed All Souls' Day. The night before All Souls' Day became known as All Hallows' Eve, or Halloween.

The Modern Wheel of the Year

In the 20th century, interest in pagan and earth-based spiritual practices began to grow, and many people began to rediscover and revive the old pagan traditions and beliefs, including the Wheel of the Year. Today, the Wheel of the Year is celebrated by modern pagans, Wiccans, and other earth-based spiritual practitioners, who have adapted and expanded the concept to include eight Sabbats, each marking a significant moment in the yearly cycle.

The eight Sabbats of the modern Wheel of the Year include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, and Mabon. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, is still associated with the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead and is a time to honor ancestors and departed loved ones. Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the return of light. Imbolc, celebrated on February 2nd, marks the beginning of spring and is associated with purification, new beginnings, and the goddess Brigid. Ostara, celebrated on the spring equinox, is a time of balance between light and dark and is associated with fertility and growth. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, is a time to celebrate the union of the god and goddess and the fertility of the earth. Litha, celebrated on the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year and is a time to honor the sun and the power of the god. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. Mabon, celebrated on the fall equinox, is a time of balance between light and dark and is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and to prepare for the coming winter.

The Wheel of the Year is a cyclical concept that has been used by many cultures throughout history to mark the changing seasons and cycles of nature. Its origins can be traced back to prehistoric times when people relied on the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars to measure the passing of time. The ancient Celts developed the Sabbats, or seasonal festivals, that are still celebrated by modern pagans and Wiccans. With the spread of Christianity, many of the old pagan customs and beliefs were absorbed into the Christian faith. Today, the Wheel of the Year is celebrated by modern pagans, Wiccans, and other earth-based spiritual practitioners, who have adapted and expanded the concept to include eight Sabbats, each marking a significant moment in the yearly cycle. Celebrating the Wheel of the Year is a way to connect with nature, honor the changing seasons, and recognize the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that are an essential part of the natural world.

The Symbolic Meanings of Ostara: Connecting with Nature's Rebirth

Ostara marks the fourth sabbat holiday in the Wheel of the Year and is a celebration of the Spring Equinox, when there is balance between light and dark. It also marks the beginning of springtime and nature’s rebirth. Symbols from nature that are associated with Ostara, including rabbits, flowers and seeds. As Christianity spread through Europe in the Middle Ages, many of these symbols became synonymous with Easter, including the association with the Teutonic Goddess Esotre, from which the name is Easter is derived.

Eggs are one of the most well-known symbols of Ostara. They represent new beginnings and the cycle of life. The egg is a symbol of fertility and rebirth, and it's also associated with the goddess Eostre, after whom Ostara is named. In many cultures, eggs were painted and decorated during Ostara celebrations.
Hares/Rabbits are another important symbol of Ostara. It's associated with fertility, growth, and abundance. The hare was also considered a messenger between the worlds of the living and the dead. In some cultures, the hare was seen as a symbol of the moon, which is also associated with the divine feminine.
Spring Flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, are also symbols of Ostara. They represent new beginnings and the renewal of life. Flowers are associated with the goddess, and they were often used in rituals and ceremonies.
Butterflies are also associated with Ostara. They represent transformation and growth. The butterfly starts life as a caterpillar and undergoes a metamorphosis to become a beautiful butterfly. This symbolizes the cycle of life and the transformation that occurs during the spring season.
Seeds are a powerful symbol of Ostara. They represent potential and growth. The seeds that are planted during the spring will grow into plants and flowers during the summer months. This represents the cycle of life and the potential for growth and abundance.
Sun and Moon are also important symbols of Ostara. The spring equinox marks the time when the day and night are of equal length, representing balance and harmony. The sun is
associated with the god, and the moon is associated with the goddess. Together, they represent the balance of masculine and feminine energy.
Greenery, such as leaves and branches, are also symbols of Ostara. They represent the renewal of life and growth. Greenery was often used to decorate homes and altars during Ostara celebrations.
Ostara is a time of new beginnings and growth. The symbols of Ostara represent the cycle of life, the potential for growth and abundance, and the balance between light and dark. By honoring these symbols, we can connect with the energy of the season and celebrate the renewal of life.