Holly and Oak Kings Do Battle
On the Solstice's eve, how shall we endure?
Through winter's deep darkness, hope flickers, pure.
Our stores, though half-spent, promise survival,
This winter shall end, and spring's revival.
The Holly and Oak Kings battle on this day,
To overturn the results of May's fray.
To lengthen the hours of light we pray,
In honor of the Sun God, we bid him stay.
The Oak King, emboldened, sends forth every sprout,
Confronted by the Holly King, with frost snuffing it out.
"Yield now!" proclaims the Oak King, "Your reign nears its end,
Let new life emerge forth, rest well, my friend."
The equilibrium of day and night wavers and tilts,
Bestowing fresh blessings and praises that never wilt.
The wheel rotates once more, with a click and a ring,
Advancing another season, as it has eternally been.
Celebrate the Oak King! The conqueror of the night,
Winter shall retreat, yielding to the light.
Days will lengthen, and soon we will sew
The new year's hope in seeds, row by row
Until the Holly King's next contest, as the cycle turns
Life, death, and rebirth, in the Fates' hands it churns.
Personifying the seasons was a way for our ancestors to understand their role in the cycle of life and to prepare for the coming changes, which were crucial for their survival. It's hard to imagine coping with these shifts without modern conveniences, even for those of us who have lived in the North. The eight Sabbats celebrated by many Wiccans and neo-pagans originate from Northern Europe, where the seasonal changes are stark. In Florida, we're somewhat spoiled by the milder shifts. Therefore, I suggest we journey through the Wheel, honoring traditional practices while also observing the changes around us to deepen our connection. By being mindful, we can observe the turning of the Wheel.
(Wheel art by Morgandria. Found on Pinterest.)
Where should we start? Considering it's a wheel with no beginning or end, one could start anywhere that seems appropriate. However, by tradition and for the sake of discussion, let's start at the Witches New Year, Samhain.
*Why start there?* It marks the end of the growing season with the third harvest, akin to beginning the day at sundown—where an ending seamlessly ushers in a beginning, leaving no voids.
Moreover, Samhain is likely the most accessible holiday to embrace. Personally, it's my favorite.
1. Samhain is a period for rekindling connections with our ancestors and honoring the deceased. It is believed that during this time, the barrier between our world and the spirit realm becomes permeable, making it an ideal opportunity to communicate with the dead. Prepare your dinner table with a setting for each family member and an additional one for the ancestors.
Florida's deciduous trees, such as the Red Maple, Sugarberry, Persimmon, Sweet Gum, Florida Maple, Flowering Dogwood, Sorrel Tree, Sassafras, and Cypress, are undergoing seasonal changes. Observe them closely to see how they transform.
Yule, the Winter Solstice, brims with magick, centering on themes of rebirth and renewal as the sun returns to the earth. Venture to the beach and discover the gifts Olokun has bestowed upon the shore.
Imbolc heralds the nearing of spring, signaling that only a few weeks of winter remain. This period is imbued with magical energy, associated with the feminine aspect of the goddess, symbolizing new beginnings and fire. It serves as an opportune moment to concentrate on divination and the enhancement of one's magical talents and skills. It coincides with the time when livestock birth their young, ushering in a season of milk. Meanwhile, manatees, during this early spring period, are known to seek warmer waters, often congregating around Florida's springs or power plant discharge areas to maintain their body temperature.
http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/theaquarium/snootycam.aspx
Ostara, the Spring Equinox, is celebrated as a time to welcome the arrival of spring and the land's fertility. Since the days of ancient Egypt, eggs and rabbits have symbolized fertility. It is customary to bless the seeds before planting. Enjoy nature trails and Pagan gatherings—spend some time outdoors before the heat sets in!
Beltane marks the period when the Earth Mother welcomes the Fertility God, resulting in the flourishing of livestock, crops, and new life everywhere. It's a time characterized by fertility and fire, which is often mirrored in the season's magical essence.
Explore the hues of history. Delve into the Christian Rainbow Covenant in Genesis 9 and the Iroquois narrative of the first rainbow.
Litha, the summer solstice, celebrates the longest day of the year. From this day forward, the nights will gradually become longer, and the sun's position in the sky will start to descend. It's time to prepare your hurricane supplies and remain considerate of the sea turtles.
http://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/sea-turtle/where-to-view/
http://www.conserveturtles.org/pdf/education/FactsAboutSeaTurtles&Beaches.pdf
Lammas is approaching, marking the time to harvest what we've cultivated over the past months and to acknowledge that the bright days of summer are nearing their close. It's the period when the initial grains are set for harvesting and threshing, the apples and grapes are plump for picking, and we express gratitude for the bounty on our tables. Consider visiting a Farmer's Market to purchase local produce.
Mabon marks the autumn equinox, signaling the end of the harvest season. The fields stand almost bare, as the crops have been harvested and stored in preparation for winter. This mid-harvest festival is a time to pause and pay tribute to the shifting seasons and to rejoice in the bounty of the second harvest. In the South, this time is also marked by the abundant presence of butterflies.
http://www.butterflydatabase.com/details_result.php?ID=7
http://www.floridasnature.com/florida_butterflies.htm
Before we realize it, it's time to consider our costumes for the Witches Ball once more.
Observing tradition is beneficial, as it honors and respects our predecessors. However, by infusing Florida flair into our practices, we become active pagans, engaging with the nature that surrounds us. How are the sabbaths celebrated in South Florida?
As you may know, the four seasons here are truly hurricane season, love bug season, tourist season, and summer. *Wink*
Stay Crafty, Opal Luna