Living the Seasonal Cycle

I received this email post today. I thought it would be great to share with the forum and I hope I'm not breaking any rules

Living the Seasonal Cycle
by Tammy Davis
reprinted with permission


Many people today are too busy to appreciate the beauty of nature and the invaluable wisdom each season offers. Living a seasonal life is defined by attuning yourself to the individual energies of each of the four seasons, the way our ancestors would have. Living according to the seasons can lead us to a therapeutic and healthy improvement to our lifestyles. If you invest the little time required to broaden your understanding of the seasons, you will find you are greatly rewarded.
In medieval history, a popular concept known as "The Wheel of the Year" or "The Wheel of Fortune" played a significant part in the daily lives of our ancestors. The Wheel of the Year is often visually portrayed as a wheel with eight spokes, each season manifesting its way through two spokes with the triple goddess or four versions of the same woman accompanying each season. In spring, the woman would be seen as energetic and youthful. In summer, she can often be seen at a mature, not yet old age, gathering the fruits of the harvest, which spring has produced. In autumn, as the trees wilt and nature is preparing itself for the coldest season, she is seen as weak and lifeless. Come winter, the woman lies dead or sleeping, evidently pregnant with the life that will again rule in spring. It is a popular belief amongst scholars that the turning of the wheel had its origins in early seasonal rituals. You may be familiar with the celebrations of the eight Sabbats.
The Major Sabbats
These include Samhain- (pronounced Sow-in), Imbolg (or Imbolc), Beltane and Lammas. These would have been most commonly celebrated with bonfires, as these are the ancient fire festivals. As calendars were most certainly not widely used, these celebrations were held when nature provided the first signs of change.
For Beltane, this would mean the appearance of the first May blossom. Beltane is a fertility festival that is widely celebrated. Animals come into season and mate, and it is a time generally enjoyed by all, as spring is here and we look forward to summer.
Imbolg was when the first buds appeared on the trees, promising the hope and fertility the season of spring offers. It was largely about enjoying the supplies left until spring, when you could again sow what you would gather for the next harvest. This time holds promise, as the days are evidently lengthening and long nights are ending.
Lammas would be celebrated at the first harvest. A huge feast was common, as fields were richly ripening. The days begin to shorten from here onwards, and we notice that winter will soon be here. Samhain, perhaps the most popular Sabbat, is often celebrated in accordance with Halloween and the appearance of the first frosts. Morbidly, this adopted the name of "Blood Harvest," as it was a time when farmers would cull the herds, sparing the best breeding stock. This holiday places much emphasis on the acceptance and even celebration of death, which is just as important as birth. There are many superstitions and legends surrounding Samhain. It is indeed an interesting tradition to research the history of, both in terms of facts and (perhaps) fictions.
Solstices and Equinoxes
Yule, Litha, Mabon and Oestara are examples of solstice celebrations. Yule (Winter Solstice) is actually a holiday that has been transmuted into what we know as Christmas. (Christmas is not the exact date of the birth of Christ). Winter is upon the land, and the days are at their shortest, the nights at their longest. Yule was usually a leisurely time when skills were passed on and stories were shared. Litha is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. This was celebrated because the first fruits of our plantings would make their grand appearance at this time. The term "enjoying the fruits of your harvest" comes from Litha, meaning that it was a common practice to be proud of and feel rewarded by the hard work invested during spring.
The Autumn Equinox, or Mabon, is a day of balance - for the length of day and night is equal. This was the time of the main harvest, and a feast of fresh produce and grains was often shared. Animal energy is at its highest, as many species are busy preparing themselves for winter hibernation. Oestara, like Mabon, is an Equinox - the Spring Equinox. There is much emphasis at this time on fertility, which is a major aspect of spring. The goddess shown on the Wheel of the Year has changed from Crone back to the youthful Maiden, and we celebrate the fruitfulness spring will bring forth.
Why Celebrate the Seasonal Cycle?
Celebrating a seasonal cycle can be the first step to seeking a more fulfilling spiritual path or just improving your life in general. As we have come to rely heavily on technology for convenience - air conditioners, heaters, imported foods, instant foods, electricity, etc., we have begun to ignore the natural rhythms of nature.
When we develop a greater understanding of the seasonal cycles, we will begin to notice that they are not only apparent in nature, but also throughout our entire lives. Periods of fruitfulness and endeavoring to achieve our goals, followed by rest and reflection are never-ending.
If you are looking to improve your physical and emotional health, eating in accordance with the seasons and learning about yourself and the planet is of great importance. Attuning yourself to the regularity of the seasonal cycle is an eternally soothing goal. Its magick cannot be put into words, but it is my sincere promise that whatever you put in, you will definitely get out.
Ways to Celebrate the Seasons
Spring: As spring is the season of growth and change, it is an important time to act on what in our lives we wish to improve. "Spring cleaning" of your home may give you personal satisfaction. Clearing out the unwanted clutter and welcoming the blossoming new energies surrounding you is the way to go. You may also wish to review any current relationships; boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives should seek to refresh their relationships with each other by mending old cuts and grazes. We should be assertive with the people in our lives, and clear our minds of any overwhelming stress.




Summer: Summer is a season when most people are getting their lives into gear. It's the best season to lose excess weight and make your goals, whatever they may be, happen. Take advantage of the sun and the energy it gives the earth, and exercise early in the morning on hot days, late in the afternoon on days when you know you won't sizzle like a piece of bacon. Find the type of exercise that is right for you. A consistent walking speed works for most people. As your fitness increases, you may like to spend half an hour jogging or even a few hours at the gym. There is no excuse for not exercising in summer. In fact, it will help you cope with the heat and feel good about yourself. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain and has an "anti-depressant" effect on most people. On a really hot day, you might like to go for a leisurely swim. If you live near a beach or a lake, pack a light meal and take your picnic along with you. Yoga can be a great way to kick-start your day. This doesn't have to be expensive, either. You can borrow books from your library on yoga, or even learn from videos. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, and be sure to keep yourself adequately hydrated. Replace coffee, cola and other system-disturbing substances with water. If you're an emotional eater, having a bottle of water around you at all times can be a really strategic way to conquer destructive habits.
Autumn: This is the season of balance. Making jams is a fantastic way to honor our ancestors. They spent the autumn months stocking up on food they could preserve to last them through the winter. Jams are tasty, easy to make and affordable, especially if you grow your own ingredients. Autumn in particular should be a season of personal growth. Taking up an indoor martial arts or self-defense class is rewarding both physically and mentally, and the self-defense skills you will acquire will be priceless. Making wind chimes is another fantastic way to welcome the coming winter months. You can buy metal pipes or make your own by hollowing out branches.
Winter: Winter is a time to realize that a cycle of growth is coming to an end, and reflect on your achievements. There is no such thing as failure. In such situations, you can come to accept that you have not yet accomplished what you intended. Make positive, realistic resolutions. If you're not completely convinced you will be able to keep them, there is absolutely no point in considering them.
Soups are a warming treat. Once you learn the basics, you'll be on your way to creating your own recipes. If taste is what you're looking for, learn which herbs suit various types of soup. Soups have also had a long healing history. Use herbs and vegetables to cure colds, headaches, depression and fever - some of the most common problems our minds and bodies experience during the winter.


Tammy lives in Victoria, Australia, and enjoys writing short stories and articles on earth religion topics. She has a growing interest in ancient European beliefs and other alternate religions, particularly Gypsy Wicca and Celtic Wicca, both of which were prominent influences on her ancestors' lives. She is fond of her infinite crystal collection and enjoys working with herbs for healing and other health purposes. She can be reached by email at faerriescribe@hotmail.com.

I was commenting the other day that i heard that with the advent of refrigerated transporation of produce, people are less likely to eat seasonal foods, instead opting for favorites grown far away. Therefore the diet becomes more restricted. This would be contrary to a more natural and wholesome lifestyle.

Thanks for the article. I found it interesting.