Month 2, Week 2, Earth Path Celebrations

I like the Earth Path, Sun Path and Moon Path outline.  In the brief description, my nature includes all three.

This week’s questions:

-Looking back over the list above, do you have a favorite High Day?

I have been following the Wheel of the Year since childhood – seasonally and as a lifeway.  There is something unique about each that hearkens within me, so it is difficult to pick just one.

My understanding of them includes their directions (and those subsequent meanings), so if I were to choose I would say the cross-quarter days are my favorite.  Being a liminal being, this makes sense for they too reside Between.  Additionally, when drawn out, these tides create an “X” which can be runically read as gebo or “gift”.  I understand each to allow access to its ‘other’ or mirror, making these times of year particularly  beneficial when walking between worlds.

As I fareforth, Imbolc and Lughnasa are threaded together; as are Beltane and Samhain.  The thread that binds them is one of Great Presence; one that, by its very existence, summons the might of gods and giants.  Likewise, I have discovered these to be remarkable periods of life, health and healing, and of crossing over in birth and death.

-What Gods/Goddesses are associated with it?

By my way of reckoning: Imbolc and Lughnasa, being northeast and southwest, are watched over by Cailleach and The Hooded Crow.  Then Beltaine and Samhain, being southeast and northwest, are watched over by Áine and The Night Ferry.

-What is its history?

By my reckoning: Cailleach and The Hooded Crow represent wise council and corpse devourer; Áine and The Night Ferry represent wealth and health, and death and rebirth.

                                                                                     

-What is its spiritual meaning?

By my reckoning: Imbolc and Lughnasa are Learning and Lineage; Beltaine and Samhain are Liberation and Legacy.

                       

-What are its symbols?

By my reckoning: Imbolc and Lughnasa are The Womb of Every Holt and the Tomb of Every Hope, and the Queen of Every Hive.  Beltaine and Samhain are The Blaze of Every Hill, and the Shield to Every Head.

-What are its celebrations?

Imbolc and Lughnasa are the Abaton Circos, and the Corn Maiden; and Beltaine and Samhain both are celebrations to Charm the Fire.