The Holidays of Witches occur on what we refer to as the Wheel of the Year. This illustrates the innate belief that earth regions hold that time is circular, not linear. We celebrate the Circle of Life, Death and Rebirth, apparent in nature as well as human life. Trough the celebrations and connections of these Holidays we are allowed to experience and thus understand the eternal process.

SAMHAIN (Halloween - Shadow Feast - Old Hallowmas - Martinmas) October 31
The last harvest. The earth nods a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will once be reborn of the Goddess and the Cycle will continue. This is the time of reflection, to honor the ancients who have gone before us and the time to "seeing" (devination). As we contemplate the wheel of the year, we come to recognize our own part in the Eternal Cycle of Life.
It begins at sundown October 31st. Many people leaves milk and cakes outside their door. Some Witches use a chant at the beginning of the feast to welcome their ancestors.

Samhain Ritual
Balefire in centre. Two black candles upon the altar. A red candle in each of the Quarters. A wreath of autumn flowers and the crown of the Horned One are upon the altar.
All Coveners are properly prepared, naked and bound. All are purified by the scourge.

HPS erects the Circle. The HP says:

HPS bearing a priapus wand then leads the Coven in a meeting dance, slowly, to the Witches' Rune. HP gives each an unlit candle and brings up the rear of the dance. The candles are each lit from the balefire before the outward spiral. When it is done the HPS assumes the Goddess position saying:

HPS strikes bell. Witches walk slowly around the Circle. HPS fills chalice with wine and hands it to HP who drinks and then says:

HP takes chalice to first witch, giving it with his right hand whilst taking the taper with his left (kiss), then extinguishing the taper before accepting back the chalice. Repeat with each witch present. HP then says:

Yule Ritual
Let all be properly prepared and purified. In the centre (or just south of centre) of the Circle stands the Cauldron of Cerridwen wreathed about with pine boughs, holly, ivy and mistletoe and therein is laid a balefire of nine woods: Rowan, apple, elder, holly, pine, cedar, juniper, poplar and dogwood.

The altar is decorated as is the Cauldron and bears two red candles as well as an unlit red candle or torch for each covener present. There should be no other light except the altar candles and those about the Circle.

HP casts the Circle, calling forth the Ancient Ones to bear witness. HP draws down the moon upon the HPS and then lights the balefire. HP then moves to the north, before the altar, as the HPS stands in the south with the coveners in a circle, alternately man and woman, about the Cauldron between them.

The circle now moves slowly deosil once about the Circle. As each passes the HPS they kiss her upon the cheek; as they pass the HP, he hands each one a candle which is lit from the balefire.

Coveners dance slowly deosil as the HP calls:

Cakes and wine follows and, after the Circle has been closed, much merriment, feasting, dancing and games.

IMBOLC (Candlemas - Lupercus - Imbolg - Disting) February 2
The earliest whisperings of springtide are heard now as the Goddess nurtures Her Young Son. As a time of the year associated with beginning, growth, Imbolc is an initiatory period for many. Here we plant seeds of our hopes and dreams for the coming summer months.

Imbolc Ritual
The HPS, carrying the Wand, leads the coveners with a dance step to the chosen site.
The Volta Dance follows: in other words, lively dancing in couples. HPS casts the Circle in the usual way. HP then enters the Circle, with a Sword in his right hand and a Wand in his left. He lays these on the altar. HP now salutes the HPS with the Fivefold Kiss. She says 'Blessed be' and gives him the Fivefold Kiss in return. HP assumes the god position before the altar as the HPS invokes:

Ostara Ritual
A Symbol of the Wheel is on the altar, flanked with burning candles, or with fire in some form - torches, or small tripods with fire in their cups.

The Symbol of the Wheel may be a plain disc, or an eight spoked wheel, or the pentacle. Alex and Maxine Sanders used a circular mirror with a broad frame, also circular, decorated as a twelve-
pointed star.

In the centre of the Circle is either a cauldron full of inflammable material, or (out of doors) a bonfire ready to be lit.

HPS casts the Circle. HPS then stands in the West, and the HP in the East, both with carrying
wands, and says :

HPS then draws invoking pentagram before the HP and then hands the Wand to him, together with the scourge.

The Maiden strikes a light and hands it to the High Priest, who lights the cauldron or bonfire. He (carrying a wand) and the High Priestess (carrying a sistrum) lead the dance, with the rest following in couples. Each couple must leap over the fire. The last couple over the fire before it goes out must be well purified. The man must then give a fivefold kiss to each of the women, as the woman to the men, or any other penalty the HPS shall decide.

Cakes and wine shall follow.

BELTAINE (Mayday - Walburga - Bealtinne) May 1
The land represented by the Goddess is now ripe and fertile and the Young God expresses His love for Her. This is a time of joyous reveling as the first flowers of the summer are gathered in Their honor. Is the beginning of the warm months. It was customary to walk around one's property lines for good luck. Itīs also a feast of love and fertility.

Beltaine Ritual

Two white candles are on the altar with a wreath of spring flowers. Quarter candles are green.

HPS leads the coven, riding poles if possible, about the Covenstead with a quick, trotting step, singing:

A ring dance follows after which the High Priestess casts the Circle. High Priest draws down the Moon upon the High Priestess. All are purified in sacrifice before Her. She then purifies the High Priest at her own hands. All partake of Cakes and Wine followed by feasting and dancing and singing and the Great Rite, if at all possible, in token or truly.

LUGHNASADH (Lammas - August Eve) August 1
The first harvest. Plants are "setting their seed" already for the next year. The Sun still burns but the passing of the days begins to herald the coming of Autumn. The Goddess is honored as the Mother who gave birth and abundance and the God as the Father of Prosperity.

Lammas Ritual
Poles should be ridden in a ring dance about the Covenstead. And sing the Ancient Call. The casting of the Circle follows. HPS traces the Five Point Star before the Coven saying:

HPS draws down the Moon upon herself and all salute Her. After a brief silence for contemplation, the Ceremony of Cakes and Wine follows.

MIDSUMMER Summer Solstice
The days of the first harvesting herbs as the earth begins to share her bounty. This time of the longest days is celebrated as a fire festival. The season between planting and harvest. This is also the month for weddings and handfastings. The Father Sun reaches His highest power.

Midsummer Ritual
The cauldron, filled with water and decorated with flowers, is placed before the altar. HPS casts the Circle and then stands before the Cauldron, wand upraised. HP stands in North behind the altar; coven is in a circle, facing inwards, alternately man and woman. HPS says:

HP leads a slow circle dance deosil about the Cauldron. As each passes, HPS sprinkles them with water from it. Cakes and wine follow and dances, rites and games as the HPS shall direct. A balefire may be lit and leaped.

MABON Autumn Equinoxe
It celebrates the harvests of the vine, wine and apples, and symbols of life renewed. The colors are russet, marroon and orange, and the symbols are apple, wine, vine and cornucopias.

Mabon Ritual
The altar is decorated with the symbols of autumn: pine-cones, oak sprigs, acorns, ears of grain, etc. After the Circle has been cast, the coven stands in a ring facing inwards, men and women alternately. The High Priest stands to the west of the altar and the High Priestess to the east, facing each other. The High Priestess recites:

HPS hands HP the wand, and picks up a sistrum; they lead the dance three
times round the altar. The Candle Game is played, followed by cakes and wine and any other games the High Priestess decides on.

The Candle Game

The men form a ring facing inwards, either sitting or standing.
The women stand in a ring outside them, standing on something if too short.
The men pass a lighted candle from hand to hand, deosil, while the women lean
forward and try to blow it out.
The man who holds it when it is blown out gets three flicks of the scourge from
the successful blower, and must give her the Fivefold Kiss in return.
The candle is relit and the game proceeds.

A year and a day after you've decided to become a Witch, you have to perform the Dedication Ritual. To ritualize the commitment, mark the date on a calendar, pour small salt on water in a bowl, concentrate, and holding the bowl say :

Then, using your fingertip, anoint your forehead, making the sign of the Sun Wheel, the Crescent Moon or Pentagram. When a year and a day have come to pass, you will become one of the initiated.

It could be your favorite Deity from pagan myths or legends, animal totem, gem, mineral, etc.
When you have chosen one, do this ritual during Full or Waxing Moon.Cast the Circle and Say :

The name should be secret. You can choose another name to interact with other pagans in a public context. (ei. in the Net...)

The Witch
You are the most magickal tool of all. It is your intentions and energies that determine the results of any magickal work. Many Witches never use any other tool but their own personal energies. And some of the most powerful workings can be done without ever leaving your armchair. It is the focus, concentration, intentions and desires that reside within YOU that are the real 'tools" of the Witch!

Book of Shadows
All your personal thoughts, Spells, Rituals, Poems, and Magickal secrets. Never show it to anyone !

The Broom
The broom or "besom" is used for cleansing ritual areas, hence the term "making a clean sweep". In handfasting rituals, couples often jump over the broom if they want children. (If you don't want children, DON'T JUMP! The combination of the "brush" and the handle are a very powerful fertility symbol.) Many Witches have a broom-brushy side up-by their door to protect the home from unwanted outside energies.

The Pentacle (or Paton)
The Altar pentacle is usually a disk or plate of metal or wood inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle. This is set upon the altar and used to consecrate various other tools and as a focal point of concentration for magickal workings. It is associated with the Female North and the element of Earth. Some Witches use a paton when calling in the elements as well.

Patons (sometimes "peytons" or "patens") can now be found made of ceramic and glass. You can even make your own from clay or simply draw and color one on stiff paper. In some references, it is stated that patons in the 'old days" were only made from disposable materials so that evidence of your beliefs could be quickly burned should the authorities come knocking at your door

The Staff
The staff is a very important tool in some traditions. It is used to mark quarter points or as a "stang" to hold banners representing elements or other unique symbolic flags.

The staff may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle without either knocking yourself upside the head or having it trip you up from behind.

The Cauldron
One of the most common symbols of Witchcraft, the cauldron was once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. The cauldron-traditionally with three legs- represents bounty and blessings. In some Celtic Traditions, it is associated with otherworldly figures such as Bran the Blessed and the Goddess Cerridwen.

Based on these myths, the cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Many Witches believe in some form of reincarnation or the transmigration of souls. Cauldrons can be used to represent water and used for scrying. It is sometimes used in association with elemental fire as well and small "bonfires" can be lit in them to burn spells or incense. Jumping over the cauldron has replaced the "bonfire" leap in modern times and urban spaces. It can, depending on intent and use, be placed in the Female West or Male South. Cauldrons range in size from the small altar models to the antique "floor" type. Many Witches have cauldrons in various sizes for different workings and purposes.

The Athame
Many Witches own one or more ritual knives. These are commonly known as "athames" in Wiccan circles. As with all ritual tools, the athame is a very personal magickal item-one which you will want to take some care in obtaining. It should fit well and comfortably in your hand. Many Witches make their own blades or "personalize" purchased ones with runes, carvings and other symbols; all of which serve to blend the energy of the tool with their own magickal intentions.

Modern Witchcraft books almost always state that the athame is a "black handled double edged
iron blade." But many other practitioners now use athames made from stainless steel, copper, silver and various other metals, or even carved stone. Some have family heirlooms, such as letter openers which serve the purpose. Some Witches never use a blade at all! So you can see, it is more important that the tool you choose suits you personally rather than reflect the latest fashion craze.
The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, call the "quarters" or elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite. It is associated with the element of Fire and the South. It is customary in some traditions to have your blade given to you as a gift. Some Witches or ceremonial workers give their tools a magickal "name".

Almost all materials written state, that magickal tools should not be used for any other purpose than ritual work. Often the blade is left "dull" or unsharpened because of this. Some Witches will not let their tools be touched by anyone other than themselves. Some covens or working groups share common tools. It is, other than for those who are dedicated into a specific Tradition, what you are comfortable with.

The Sword
With the coming of the modern "Celtic Revival", the sword has become a very popular-and quite showy- magickal tool. It can used in place of, or in addition to, the athame. Most groups who hold rituals indoors usually limit the use of the sword to just one for the Priest/Priestess. At festivals and outdoor rituals, Witches often bring their own swords to mark the boundaries or quarter points of the circle.

The Chalice
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water. Another chalice or cauldron is sometimes placed in the West as well. The chalice along with the athame, sword or wand are the modern tools which are used in the enactment of the "Great Rite"-the union of the male and female principle from which Life will spring.

Chalices may be of any material. Many use silver or pewter (be careful with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real "lead" crystal because of the Saturn energy influence.

The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice. Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and "sabbat" cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner.

Thurible or Incense burner
A container used to contain a hot coal for burning incense. This is best made from a fire resistant or fire proof material. The most common are the "mini-cauldrons' of iron and the various brass types which come in wonderful shapes and sizes. Some even hang on a chain. The incense itself represents the element of Air while the fire (charcoal) represents Fire. The combination of these two elements are used to purify ritual areas, other tools or the circle itself. Incense has a powerful effect on your magick. It invokes different Deities and sets a certain mood.

Clothing Magickal
Clothing is "optional" for many Witches. If you are dedicated into a Tradition, you may practice "skyclad". The clothing-robes, capes, jewelry and other items-used in ritual work is usually dedicated to only these uses. Having "special" garments lends an "otherworldly" feel and sets ritual work apart from mundane life.

Many traditions or paths have a "standard" wardrobe which reflects the ethnic background of that path. Scots may wear kilts and Druids may wear hooded robes. Many embroider magickal symbols on their ritual clothing or "hide" small magickal items in the seams and hems to act as talismans for protection.

The Wand
The wand represents the element of Air and the Male East. You can purchase a ready made one or collect one from your friendly neighborhood tree. The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations. There are wands of glass, copper, silver and other metals, but the "classic" material is still wood. Various woods have different magickal associations and uses. It is very common for a "Wand Witch" to have many wands of various types in his/her magickal closet. Witches who do not use athames often use a wand instead.

Oils
It's not that important, but still has its use in ritual magick. Follows the same set of principles as with the incense.

You'll need Goddess and God candles, a bowl of water, bowl of salt, incense and a white candle.
Cast the Circle, Invoke the Gods, hold the tool in your hands and say :

Place the tool on the pentacle, touch it with your left hand and say :

Pick up the tool and touch it to the salt, pass it trough the incense smoke, trough the candle flame and sprinkle it with water. Then hold it to the sky, and say :

Thank the Goddess and the God and Close the Circle.