New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
In Scotland, the month of February was known by the Scottish Gaelic term Faoilleach, which meant "wolf-month." In Celtic tradition, it was taboo to speak the name of the wolf, and so it was known instead as a "wild dog" (faol-chú). In ancient times, the wolf was one of the animals associated with the horned or antlered god known as Cernunnos. It was also one of the animals honored by the ancient Picts. During this dark time of the year, honor the wolf and invoke its powers to survive ...
In Wales, January 3 was one of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and many wonderful traditions took place during this time. The Yule log was kept burning and its ashes kept as a charm for protection and fertility. Wassail was served (cakes and apples cooked together and mixed with warm ale and spices). A procession known as the Mari Lwyd took place in Wales in which a decorated horse's skull led a procession door to door in a contest of poetic skill. Recite this traditional song of winter poetry ...
Color of the day: White Incense of the day: Lilac Christmas chants were once common throughout Scotland, and on Christmas Eve groups of men or boys went about from house to house chanting traditional songs. These were known as fir-duan (song-men) or Gillean Nollaig (Christmas lads). When they had sung two or three songs at a house, sacred cakes or "bannocks" were handed out to them through the window. Here is a modern adaptation of one of their traditional chants, which can be used for either ...
Color of the day: Gray Incense of the day: Clary sage One of the most interesting goddesses in Norse tradition is Skadi, a powerful and independent deity. She came down from the mountains to marry Njord, the sea god. Their marriage was not successful, because neither was willing to live away from home. Skadi returned to the hills, where she went about on skis and hunted with a bow. Here is a poem to honour and invoke Skadi: Goddess of the wintry hills, Divine huntress, A goddess ...
