By Andrée Noye
Reading Time: 2-3 minutes
As a master herbalist, a typical gardener, and a passionate nature enthusiast, the seasonal cycle holds great significance for me. Although I don't follow any organized religion, my spirituality felt incomplete, lacking form or unity. Through my craft, I discovered the Wheel of the Year, a symbolic calendar that commemorates and respects the cyclical nature of the seasons. This provided the framework I needed to begin!
The Wheel of the Year consists of eight festivals, which are evenly spaced throughout the year and mark significant points in the solar and agricultural cycles. These celebrations are rooted in ancient customs and agricultural practices, reflecting the shift in seasons and the dance between light and darkness.
The ceremonies encompass four solar events: the solstices, Yule and Litha, and the equinoxes, Ostara and Mabon. Additionally, there are four seasonal festivals that take place approximately midway between these events: Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain. Each festival is characterized by its distinct traditions, rituals, and meanings, shaped by a variety of historical and regional influences.
The Wheel of the Year fosters a harmonious relationship with nature by highlighting the transitional periods of the year. By engaging with these seasonal changes, I found the cohesion I needed, and the timed opportunities for personal reflection and renewing my connection to Mother Earth's rhythm.
CIRCÉ + MEDÉE’S WHEEL OF THE YEAR CEREMONIES
Although I was initially uneasy about the concept of profiting from a spiritual experience, I also desired to share the immense joy of being part of a close-knit community during those magical gatherings. Given that there has always been an exchange of energy, such as food, clothing, or other items, for magical practices, money serves as the equivalent of the time we invest to earn it.
Hosting a feast, organizing festival-related activities, and setting up a unique atmosphere to delight attendees isn't cost-free in our capitalist society. As a business owner, I am pleased to provide sliding scale payment options and genuine barter, which I refer to as "an exchange of energy." Currency is one way to measure the perceived value of my services.
Over the year, I will conduct eight ceremonies, each following a similar format:
Welcoming circle and introductions
Gathering over a beverage aligned with the event's purpose
An event-related activity (such as candle making during Imbolc)
A communal feast celebrating the event
A guided meditation and time for reflection
Any additional activity relevant to the celebration
A parting gift
Due to the expenses related to the materials, the food, the necessary license for serving food publicly, and the significant preparation, energy, and passion involved, I set a monetary value of $100 per participant. Regardless of whether I receive gold coins, cash, volunteered time, or bartered goods, what truly matters is that every participant feels the experience was worth their time and essence.