2010 Sabbat Dates

The Sabbats are based on astrological times. Culturally, we celebrate Beltane on May 1st, but the actual cross quarter time always falls a few days later, around the fifth of May. I personally recognize & honor the power of both days. All of the following times listed are in Universal Time.

Imbolc
February 3rd, 22:30

Spring Equinox
March 20, 17:32

Beltane
May 5, 14:32

Summer Solstice
June 21, 11:28

Lughnasa
August 7, 14:45

Autumn Equinox
September 22, 03:09

Samhain
November 7, 12:33

Winter Solstice
December 21, 23:38

Pagan Wiccan Wheel of the Year Calendar Dates 2009

Pagan and Wiccan Holy Days of the Year.

February 1st - Imbolc. Moonrise @ 9:53am

March 20th - Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox @ 5:44am

May 1st - Beltane. Moonrise @ 12:12pm

June 20th - Summer Solstice @ 11:43am

August 1st - Lughnasah . Moonrise @ 4:32pm

September 22nd - Fall Equinox or Autmnal Equinox @ 3:23pm

October 31st - Samhain. Moonrise @ 4:32pm

December 21st - Winter Solstice @ 10:46am

Sun Tea

Sun Tea - recipe calls for fresh herbs.
If you are using dried, reduce amount by 2/3 (3C would be 1 C)

For this spell, you will need:
1C Lemon Balm
1C Hibiscus Flowers
1C Spearmint
Juice of one lime
Honey to taste (add when warm)

Place herbs into a 1-gallon glass jar
Fill with spring water
Steep in the sun for several hours.
Remove herbs, strain and filter tea.
Sweeten with honey if desired.

Quick Whiskey Mead

Ahh, two of my favorite things: Honey and Whisky!
Meade is the oldest fermented beverage known to man.
Honey is known as the "nectar of the gods" and as a sacred food, was used in offerings and libations. Bees are symbols of prosperity, industry, community and are thougth to be messangers to the divine. Throughout the ages they have been associated with many Gods & Goddesses including: Ra, Ishtar, Marduk, Vishnu, Indra, Krishna, Peresphone, Artemis, Zeus, and Odin.
The word Whisky derives from the Gaelic word, uisce beatha, which means "Water of Life"
For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 Cup raw honey
• 1 slice lemon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• dash of cinnamon
• 1 quart water
• pinch of salt
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 Cup Whiskey (Scotch)

1. Boil together the first 5 ingredients in a non metal pan (stainless steel ok).
2. Remove scum from the top of the boiling liquid.
3. When scum stops rising, add pinch of salt and lemon juice.
4. Stain and cool to room temperature.
5. When cool, add whiskey & chill.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This is my Nana's Irish Soda Bread recipe.
For this recipe, you will need:

• 3 1/3 C whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 pint buttermilk (add a bit at a time)

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Sieve Flour, Salt, Baking Soda & Cream of Tartar
3. Make a well in the center of the flour ingredients
4. Pour in Buttermilk and mix to make a soft dough.
5. Turn dough on to floured table.
6. Knead to make a smooth ball.
7. Press into a round flat, about 2 inches thick.
8. Place on to floured baking pan.
9. Cut a cross on the top.
10. Bake for about 30 minutes.

Lughnasa Incense

For this spell, you will need:

• 3 parts Frankincense
• 2 parts Sandalwood
• 1 part Rose
• 1 part Chamomile
• 1 part lemon balm
• a dedicated coffee grinder (for herbs exclusively)
• wood or glass mixing bowl
• glass jar to store incense

1. Grind up each herb or resin one at at time, adding to the mixing bowl
2. When ingredients are powdered and in the bowl, mix it up with you hands (or a wooden spoon if you prefer)
3. As you are combining the powders, use your powers of intention. Themes are harvest, gratitude, Lugh, Sun energy, community.
4. This incense is powdered for use on a charcoal or open fire.

Lughnasa recipe

In preparation for the First Harvest, Lughnasa (means August in Gaelic) , here is a favorite recipe. Please use organic ingredients where possible.

So Easy, it's a (Rhubarb) Dream
For this recipe, you will need
crust ingredients: 1 Cup flour, 5 Tbs Sugar, 1/4 C butter
filling ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 1/2 Cups Flour, 1/4 salt, 3 Cups Rhubarb, fresh, diced

Preheat oven to 350F.
Blend crust ingredients.
Press into ungreased 9" x 9" pan.
Mix topping ingredients and spoon over crust.
Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes or till crust is golden brown.