| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/30/2006 10:47:35 PM | Okay, folks. Here's one for ya. Now, we all know that, when a holiday's coming up, the religious forum threads go nuts about the origins of said holiday. That's not what this is about. Please hold the applause, if you would, just participate.
Now, I've been Pagan for a good while, and I've done both the solitary and communal celebrations, but one that sticks with me is one I've seen in several places.
Samhain, being the end of the Pagan year, and the beginning of the new one, has been celebrated in a similar fashion to the secular New Year's Day. Like New Year's, Pagans use this time as an opportunity to observe the cycle of death and rebirth by dedicating themselves to "resolutions".
In one of the rituals I've attended, after having called the corners and cast the circle, the practitioners take time to focus on those aspects of themselves with which they are less than happy. While concentrating on these things, and keeping in mind the sorts of positive change they'd like to effect, the participants write or inscribe symbolically their "negatives", those attributes which they wish to "let go" on slips of paper, which are subsequently burned, releasing the power to enact those changes in the self. Sometimes, the willworker will want to specify not only what detriments they are "casting off", but also focus on the virtues or strengths they are using the power of letting go to call into their life.
I was just wondering if anyone else performs a similar rite, and if so, what sorts of "weaknesses" they'd be finding the strength to rid themselves of, as well as what strengths they seek. And, if not, what form of Samhain "new year's" rituals they do or would perform.
Come on, folks, let's share some fellowship, here! | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 1:34:13 AM | Hi Feral
I am a newbie to paganism. I was brought up catholic but this faith left me as my mind questioned many aspects when I studied science and medicine. Further theological study has led me to paganism but I am a solitary practitioner and always will be. I follow my own calling as it is the only one in which I have true faith.
To answer your question - I wish to rid myself of the physical excess of nicotine addiction and will follow your example ritual. This will make me stronger to carry out God's will. | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 3:36:31 AM | I have done similar rituals in the past and always found them strengthening. This year if I were to do this ritual I would cast off assumptions that I make in my relationships that are detrimental ~ and instead ask for clarification.
(as she goes off to rewrite tonights ritual..... thanks for the reminder OP....) | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 4:17:51 AM | We did something similar last year. I did get a lot of strength from the ritual and the requests made. I'm not sure how the others that were there feel now.
Unfortunatly this year I think we are skipping the ritual, both familys that are usually involved are in mourning and the energy is not there to have any kind of ritual or celebration.
Hopefully I will beable to read here that others had a wonderful time and are feeling the effects of the energy they have called. | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 7:09:35 AM | | I shall be resovilng to lead a healthier lifestyle. Cut down on the booze and junk food and start eating more greens. I' do not plan on going overboard with this, just reducing the impact all the modern day poisons are having on my health. | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 7:27:20 AM | | Hrm..I won't be doing anything (nor have I ever done anything to celebrate) as I am not pagan..however I would like to wish all Pagans a Blessed Samhain. | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 7:33:02 AM | You know, I'm just delighted to read messages from so many Pagans, Druids, and Wiccans on these boards! Tonight, I will bake unleavened bread, cut it into 9 pieces, offer each to an element of nature in thanks. (Usually a Beltane ritual, but I try to do it at every holy day.)After that, I will ask to be more mindful in everything I do.
Samhain blessings! | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 8:00:25 AM | Well, Happy Hallows Eve to all you pagans out there...
Im not a pagan, but I personally dont know of any Christian denomination not influenced by the Pagan calendar --- which became the liturgical calendar of the CHURCH.....
he he eh. I am not personally a pagan, and yet, I find this funny. I don't choose my religion on the basis of whether something is Christian or pagan, because I am following the trend, or ....following the trend, ..cause it's all just earth religion in the end....
Happy Harvest --- and since it's the Day of the Dead Saints tomorrow...Happy Day of the Dead. It's all about the end of the seasons and the metaphores with death and life. Be it plants, or man. Happy whatever you call it --- Samhain )lovely reference to Saturn there), happy Day of the Dead, Happy...life ! It's all the same by any other name or in any other language, or any other millenia.... It';s fun to celebrate changes in the life cycle of the earth and of US ! | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 8:58:57 AM | I've been doing that one since I was little. ...Though it wasn't at first because I knew exactly what I was doing. You know - they do the SAME THING on Star Trek DS9 ...The Bajorans have a very similar ritual. That's where I got it from. Gee...wonder where the writers got the idea?  < | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 2:22:09 PM | WOW finally a forum with Wiccans and or Wiccan/Pagan friendly types, I had almsot given up hope. Some of us are gathering tonight and will be doing this but as well written messages to those whom have crossed over will be added to the flames as well.
BB
Drew | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 10/31/2006 4:40:55 PM | Yes the Witching Hour is approaching across the dark North American continent.
The last three midnights I've spent in strong prayer and worship with my fellow Pagan Druids. The silent force within the Film Industry. Our numbers grow each year.
(Welsh) warm up competitions for Druidic Welsh practice, including Samhain (Halloween)
Drwy ymuno â Ffrindiau’r Eisteddfod gallwch chi:
http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/index.php?lang=EN;navId=13
More pagan Druids and Harry Potter Druid schools for real.
http://www.gorsedd.org/brynowain.php
William Blake was a Druid pagan and celebrated Samhain.
We hear the old pagan Druid songs chanted in the dark and fires of Samhain, such as the pagan Druids did at Stonehenge.
"... Maughfling, the archdruid of Stonehenge, performed a Samhain ceremony, a Pagan precursor to Halloween that marks the end of summer."
So it has begun.....
| |
|
| |
| halloween??? Another hallmark holiday!
Posted: 10/31/2006 7:06:37 PM | | Nevermind knowing what it means, I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce it :P So now you have to translate, for those of us that only speak one language :P | |
|
| Halloweeny
Posted: 10/31/2006 8:13:07 PM |
Oiche hamanh agaibh go leir! I doubt 99.9 % of you know what that means?
That would be because most here are fluent in English....and that...well I'm not sure what that is. What is that? | |
|
| Halloweeny
Posted: 10/31/2006 9:30:09 PM | I knew it was dear old Irish on sight but I had to cheat and go look up the phrase as I am not yet fluent... I want to learn this language as an aid to singing the traditional songs in Gaelic...
Happy Halloween to you all
That more or less it Jack? But the way of saying it is particular to Munster I would bet.
And Happy Halloween to you as well... My great grandad was from Cork to the south of yez...one Frank Corrigan...I hope to get over that way, maybe this time next year if I am lucky and a good friend of mine pops by Limerick! You'll have to educate me on the finer points of Irish drinking
Slainte!
 | |
|
| Halloweeny
Posted: 11/1/2006 3:08:04 AM | | Big thanks to all who posted. I know it's not easy maintaining or even getting involved in a thread that will probably not get much further than the day it's posted, but it's cool that everyone shared their perspectives. I also am glad that everyone's kept it civil. I wasn't sure if it could be done, keeping it from devolving into moral arguments, but everyone's kept to the spirit of the initial post, and I appreciate that. Thanks again, everyone who posted, for sharing your experiences and viewpoints. Bless you all! | |
|
| Halloweeny
Posted: 11/2/2006 2:52:01 AM | Posted By: Feral on 11/1/2006 3:08:04 AM
"I wasn't sure if it could be done, keeping it from devolving into moral arguments, but everyone's kept to the spirit of the initial post, and I appreciate that. Thanks again, everyone who posted, for sharing your experiences and viewpoints. Bless you all! "
I too was most appreciative that the overall tone was one of Love. Bless you Feral for starting it. | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 11/2/2006 3:50:59 PM | I performed many of what was posted here, except for what is known as a "Dumb Supper". I generally ask and do what anyone else does for a New Year's Eve celebration. Intend to end baneful habits, and look forward to positive new ones. Ended a chapter in my story of life, asked for clarity and help from my ancestors, and reminisced my ritual at Stonehenge. Good to feel safe here.
Live Well All | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 11/2/2006 9:24:28 PM | Wow Stonehenge would love to hear about it sometime.
BB
Drew | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 11/3/2006 1:52:20 PM | Wow I have nothing to add, I'm just glad to see other Pagans on this board. I spent my Samhain alone reflecting on the past year (was a very trying one for me) and doing some writing to ensure a better new year.
Bright Blessings to all
-c | |
|
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 11/3/2006 9:52:55 PM | Brought this over from the poetry forums, a little late, but not never. Just found you here.
Their pictures on the table, candles circle the floor
We’ve made a very tasty dish, for every ancestor.
Tonight’s the night to celebrate all our departed guests.
And to cook a feast and serve it up on the Sunday best!
So aunts and uncles long since past and great grandparents too
We've all come from far and wide to celebrate Samhain here with you.
We’ve potatoes for the Irish, Some deer meat for the Cree
Cooked rice for the Burma And fruit for the Zuni.
We’ll laugh and sing and celebrate with lanterns lit in gourds
We’ll visit with our loved ones and speak of their rewards
We’ll visit all the night and just before dawn’s break
The balefire we will light to illuminate
The way back home. Wave goodbye One more year complete,
Good Samhain, see you next year, Merry meet, meery part, merry meet. | |
|
chinua
|
Joined: 9/30/2005
Msg: 22 | |
| Pagan New Year!
Posted: 11/3/2006 10:45:53 PM |  happy new year to you all; and good luck too | |
|
| halloween??? Another hallmark holiday!
Posted: 11/4/2006 4:41:46 AM | When the IRA used to take you to your death in their car, they would say....
Oiche hamanh agaibh go leir!
The above sentence combines both written and spoken Irish Gaelic, with a compressed Irish Gaelic phonetic word, printed.
Silent ___"man"___"has"____ your coat = anglicized
"hamanh" = phonetic Irish gaelic, for "Tha (thà) mant" ...."Man (I) have".
Tha is the written form of Irish Gaelic "man" or "I" and "mant" is "have"
In many forms of Gaelic (Irish, Welsh, Scot) the phonetic "h" is for a English "t". (or the T is silent).
"Silent man has your coat." - Oiche hamanh agaibh go leir!
When Gaelic users mix written and phonetic Gaelic and even Irish with Scottish Gaelic, then it's good to brush up on all the Gaelic our parents and granparents, aunts and uncles taught us: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/ga-ge/coimeas.html
Meaning the God of Lugh has your coat, implies you are already dead. It's an old IRA Irish Gaelic saying meaning the the God of Lugh already has our coat, you are already dead, and the British Empire can't help you now. | |
|
| halloween??? Another hallmark holiday!
Posted: 11/4/2006 11:40:06 AM | | Actual citations please, for the IRA story, the linguistic assertion, and for the mythological reference. Pretty extraordinary claims. jacksmart, the Irish speaker who introduced the phrase, can very likely confirm or deny both the authenticity of your linguistics and the likelihood of the IRA story, if he so chooses...but I for one would like to see some written cites for these big 'uns. | |
|
| halloween??? Another hallmark holiday!
Posted: 11/4/2006 1:53:57 PM |
Oiche hamanh agaibh go leir!
It means "As soon as I'm done with this sheep, I'll have another beer" .
This is only in the compressed spoken Scottish Gaelic, and only when pronounced phoenitcally.
As_soon_as_I'm_"done"_with_this_sheep_I'll_"have"_another_beer.
Of course, in the Orkneys and Shetlands, and possibly the outer Hebrides, it may have a different meaning.
After uttering this phrase, it was then customary to pile a few more rocks on the cairn of your dead relatives while whistling an incantation to the god of Lugh to ensure that your family will have enough oatmeal to last through the winter. | |
|
Home
login 
