A Wiccan Bible - Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland

(Barré) #1

(^188) A Wiccan Bible
we recognize that those who do not have kith or kin often do not for a
reason. These forces are linked to the outsiders of Wiccan ritual, those
who are not befriended as either kith or kin.
Februarius 22 The Charistia/Carista—Honoring the goddess Concordia.
This is the Feast of Favor or the Feast of Good Will. It is celebrated
with a grand feast, at which differences between kith and kin are settled
in a manner of compromise such that all participating are satisfied with
the outcome. This holiday is also the third of three in Februarius that
seek to honor and sometimes appease the dead. In the case of this holi-
day, the focus was on giving honors, praise, and sacrifice to departed
friends. Note: Some cites place this holiday earlier in the month, making
it the second of three.
Februarius 23 The Terminalia—Honoring Terminus. This is a Feast of Neighbors cel-
ebrating the old saying “Good fences make good neighbors.” It is a day
to celebrate the marking of boundaries both physical and emotional. It
is a day one might want to spend with a lifetime friend, one who might
have become a lover if circumstances had been different, but with whom
your friendship has flourished because of the clear boundaries.
Februarius 24 The Regifugium—Honoring the principles of freedom. This is the cel-
ebration of the founding of the republic of Rome and the removal of
the last King of Rome. This is a day of national pride, not only to the
ancient Romans but also to the citizens of all current countries that
embrace a democratic system. Its celebration as a religious holiday dem-
onstrates the principle that religion and real life concerns such as gov-
ernment have not always been separate and reflecting the joy of living in
a democratic republic.
Februarius 27 The Equirria—In honor of Mars. A day of horse racing dedicated to
Mars. The modern equivalent is obvious, a day at the track. If you choose
to gamble, perhaps some of the proceeds could be donated to the inno-
cent victims of war or maybe the ongoing effort to identify and remove
landmines left from previous wars. Also celebrated on March 14th.
Martius—March—Sacred to the god Mars
Martius 1 The Matronalia—Honoring the goddess Juno and god Mars (her son).
This holiday began as a day in which mothers were honored by their
partners. However, it grew to include wives who had or had not bore
children, and now to a day in which any female lover (wife, girlfriend, or
not) is honored. Gifts were given to wives and girlfriends in thanks for
their feminine influence and companionship. It is tradition that husbands
pray and make sacrifice for the well being of their wives, but it was in no
way a somber event and celebrated with song, dance, gambling, and other
revelry.
r WB Chap 10.p65 188 7/11/2003, 5:54 PM

Free download pdf