Cross-Quarter Lore

Each seasonal celebration fit into the agricultural cycle of the year.

Samhain - October - The Celtic New Year: Both Harvest & Humanfolk are safely gathered in.

Samhain marks a "thin time" when there is little seperation between our world and the world of the spirits. Samhain customs formed the basis of our modern-day Halloween! Samhain (pronounced SOW-wen) is Gaelic for Summer's end. Yet the end of harvest was also a beginning, as ancient Celts gathered around their fires and welcomed in a season of rest, reflection, and merrymaking.

Imbolc - February - Lambing time: Life stirs again.

Tho' the "Cailleach", or Old Woman of Winter, still beats her silver hammer to harden the frozen ground, this is a time of celebration. The womanly gifts of birth and midwifery are celebrated, along with the gifts of poetry and fire! Women weave straw crosses to welcome Brigid (both goddess & saint). Groundhog's Day is a modern American echo of this holiday.

Beltane - May - The Earth beckons with blossoms, and humanfolk return the embrace.

Mayday marks the joyful escape from winter's grip and its attendent ills. Time to shake off the stresses & aches of indoor life with a boisterous return to outdoor living!

Lughnasagh - August - The Sun shares its gold: Harvest-time .

The themes of Lughnasadh (LOO-na-suh) are the gifts of grain, the power of the sun, and the celebration of agricultural work (particularly the work of men; this acts as a balance to Imbolc, when women's work is celebrated.)

Both the Irish Gaelic name, Lughnasadh, and the Scottish Gaelic name, Lunasdal (LOO-nas-dal), refer to the deity or hero, Lugh (LOO, a "golden boy" whose battles and exploits were the stuff of legend. This time is also known as "Lammas." According to the Heritage Wheat Conservancy, A Celtic wheat variety known as "Red Lammas" was introduced to New England by early British or Celtic settlers in 1602!