EarthPath Spirituality

Metaphysics

The term metaphysics is used often today to indicate the working of mystical energies or the use of magick. Although metaphysics may indeed include these things, a more basic definition for metaphysics is one's study of the workings of our Universe and how one fits into that Universe. It is one's explanation of intangible, subtle reality and of the system by which one operates and interacts on a spiritual level.

Building a Metaphysical Perspective

We all study metaphysics and we have since the day we were born. When we gaze at the stars or wonder at the translucency of a leaf, when we stand in awe at the foot of a mountain or hold a tiny life in our hands, our spirits connect with the Spirit Whole and we remember some of what we are. We add another piece to the puzzle of what things are and how they work. Sometimes the connection is a tiny glimmer and sometimes it is an overwhelming rush upon our souls.

Your metaphysical perspective takes a lifetime to complete. Indeed, you will continue to build that perspective for all existence. The quest for spiritual understanding is never ending. It may take you to the far reaches of the Earth or to the center of the Universe. It may take you to the deepest part of yourself or all the way to your back yard! Answers to our spiritual questions are often found in what we have, up until the point of recognition, considered simply mundane.

The tools used to form our metaphysical perspective are innumerable. They can be the cannon of known religions, mythologies of forgotten religions, prayer, ritual, hikes into nature, fire-gazing, music....the list would go on forever. The best place to start is where you are. The Spirit gives up answers freely to those who seek. All you have to do is ask....and be ready for the answer, no matter what it may be. Sometimes the answers are not what we expect and come when we least expect them.

In a nature-based spiritual system, emphasis is put on making spiritual connections and building a metaphysical perspective from our surrounding environment. Ask for assistance from stones and crystals, from animal spirits and trees. Open yourself to messages and insights from every natural source and recognize that in subtle reality, you can communicate with the spirit of anyone or any thing. In addition, utilize pre-Christian era teachings received from guides, information passed down from elders, or insight recovered through meditation and journeying.

Be sure to record your experiences in your journal and notice how your metaphysical perspective changes and grows over time. Read and later reread the books at the end of the chapter. You will find that your understanding of certain passages will change and sometimes reverse between readings.

Nature-based Holidays

Holidays in the nature-based traditions are known as Esbats and Sabbats. The Esbats and Sabbats mark the cycles of nature and the cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth. They teach us about our own cycles and assure us that there is never an end to life, even in the apparent "dead" season of winter. These nature-based holidays or days of worship consist of moon cycle Esbats (new moons and full moons), sun cycle Sabbats (spring and fall equinoxes, winter and summer solstices) and agricultural cycle Sabbats (marked by plantings and harvess). The sun Sabbats are also known as the "quarter" Sabbats and the agricultural Sabbats as the"cross-quarter" Sabbats.

Because the cross-quarter Sabbats are agriculturally dependent, they were originally celebrated at different times from year to year and from place to place, depending upon the weather and crop conditions of any given region. In modern society, it has become practice to assign given dates to these Sabbats, since generally our society is more removed from crop and weather development than our ancient ancestors. However, in the EarthPath Tradition, though we may celebrate with friends on the calendar dates, we also make ourselves aware of when these Sabbats would have traditionally been celebrated and honor them at those times. In regions where there are not significant temperature or agricultural changes to signal the cross-quarter Sabbats, local weather conditions still affect the growing and harvesting of crops. These conditions should be noticed and appropriate Sabbats honored accordingly. People in such regions may even wish to develop Sabbats unique to the local agricultural environment.

Esbats

Esbats are considered "minor" holidays, and are conducted in accordance with the cycles of the moon: the Full Moon and the New Moon. Although the sun is the largest celestrial body close to the Earth and is the source of energy that feeds all Earthly life, the greater affect on the cycles of our everyday living comes from the cycles of the moon. Before written calendar existed, the moon governed the marking of time through the year. Crops were planted and harvested in harmony with the moon's cycles. Women's menstrual cycles followed in time with the moon and is still sometimes called her "moon time." It is understandable, then why emphasis is given to the Esbats that honor the cycles of the moon.

Full Moon

At the Full Moon, it is time to plant those crops whose fruit ripens beneath the Earth, such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, etc. It is a time of fulfillment and overt strength. It is a time of bringing things to fruition. Full Moon is the traditional time for those practicing a nature-based religion to hold magickal circles which need the culminating power of the full moon.

Open Full Moon circles are now held in many communities. If there is not an Open Full Moon held where you live, plan to hold a Full Moon in your own way in the privacy of your home or, if it is possible. in an outdoor natural setting. At the very least, light a candle and inscense and give a prayer of thanks to the Lord and Lady or to Spirit for those things which have come to fruition for you. If you are in need of completion or fulfillment in some area, especially spiritual, this is the time to ask for it.

Eostara Esbat

When the sun crosses the equator from the southern to the northern hemisphere, the day and night are of equal length. This day is called the spring equinox. The first full moon after the equinox is the lunar Esbat, Eostara. The Catholic Church has two holidays around this time: The Annunciation, which announces the pregnancy of Mary (she gives birth nine months later at the time of the winter solstice, i.e. Christmas) and Easter. The Catholic Church calculates Easter to fall the first Sunday after the first full moon after vernal equinox. This ensures that Easter never falls on the day of a full moon (see Lady Day and <http://www.mylittlecorner.com/wheel/eostara.html> by Rhiannon).

Eostara marks the birth of the Mother. Everywhere young are being born and hatched. New plant growth is springing up and the first flowers are blooming. It is the time when life springs from an apparently dead world and Gaia assures us that life does indeed go on, in abundance. The Esbat was named for the Goddess Eostara. Eostara's totem animal was believed to be the hare, as folk people saw a hare (instead of the "man in the moon") in the shadows of the full moon at this time of the year. She was also associated with the eggs of birds and newborn animals. Modern nature-based religions celebrate Eostara at the vernal equinox, combining it with celebrations properly associated with Lady Day, leaving the second unrecognized as an official Sabbat. (see Lady Day/Vernal Equinox).

The traditional coloring or painting of eggs and displaying of bunnies are certainly appropriate for this Sabbat. It is a good time to get out to see what is in flower, especially noticing the tiny flowers of trees that are not considered "flowering" trees. You will be surprised what beautiful flowers you can find where you may have never seen them before.

Cleaning and making things new is a traditional activity. Think about what you need to "clean out" in your daily life or spiritual life. Get some feathers or some other lightweight material (such as hair or colorful pieces of yarn) and imbue them with these no-longer-needed things. Take the feathers outside and let them blow away on the wind. Thank the awakening Mother for accepting them and turning them into new, positive energy.

New Moon

The New Moon is a time for quiet internal reflection, mundane commitments and study. It is a time of beginnings. Crops whose fruit ripens above ground, such as flowers, herbs, lettuce, etc. are planted at the new moon. Although New Moons are usually held privately, some communities are establishing Open New Moons. Community members get together to learn about traditions other than their own, acknowledging that it is important for community cohesiveness to educate each other about the different traditions.

The New Moon is a good time to seek personal improvement, especially with mundane issues and a time to make mundane commitments to be kept for the cycle from New Moon to New Moon. This is a good time for a candle meditation to seek inner guidance. If there are things in your life which you need to discard (so you can start over), this is the time to do it. If there is something you need, you can still work for it at the New Moon by discarding or letting go of the barriers between you and your need.

Sabbats

The Sabbats in a nature-based religion are based upon mythical stories of sun gods, harvest gods, gods of darkness and their relationship with the Earth Mother goddess. Each Sabbat has its own story. Some of the Sabbat stories work in linear fashion with others and some stand alone as their own story, depending upon which myth is being told. This sometimes creates confusion, especially for the person just learning about the Sabbats, concerning "what comes next" and "but that can't happen in that order." Keep in mind that there are several different god stories and goddess stories, each with its own timeline.

Last Harvest/Samhain

In traditional agricultural societies no crops were harvested after the first frost, which marked the end of their year and the beginning of the next. The folk name for this Sabbat is Samhain (pronounced Sahwin). In Western Europe, first frost usually happened about the end of October in the northern hemisphere, and October 31 has become the date in that hemisphere upon which this Sabbat is held.

Since the harvest was in and safely stored, great celebration was called for. Games were played, the first mead of the season was shared and the people rejoiced in the abundance which would sustain them through the winter. The people wore bright colors that echoed the colors of the trees: orange, gold, and black. They bobbed for apples, sang, and danced before settling in for the long winter's work of preparing for the next planting season.

This is a time to consider and honor those of our community and family who have died, especially if it has been during the past year's cycle. Our ancestors were very conscious of the sacrifice of life offered by both the animals and plants which nourished them. They were also aware that they would become part of this cycle of life when they died. Therefore, they honored the spirits of the dead, thanking them for their sacrifice and praying to them that they would return into the bodies new animals and plants so the cycle of life could continue.

Some societies call this Sabbat by names indicating the original purpose: The Day of the Dead, All Souls Night, All Hallow's Eve (Halloween). In the American culture, Halloween has taken on a commercial, mundane aspect, however, the nature-based religions are making strides to restore this Sabbat to its sacred state.

At this time, the veil between the Three Worlds is very thin and souls who have gone to the Summerlands are able to come to the veil and communicate with those still living in physical reality. This is a time for seances, divining, and communing with our ancestors to learn and, where needed, to make amends.

Winter Solstice/Yule

The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. It is a time of deep winter. The folk name for this Sabbat is Yule. Folk communities celebrated this night as the rebirth of the sun and the the sun god who rules over the growing season. At the same time, the god of darkness who rules over the resting season, is at the height of his power. At each equinox, they battle, one is killed to be reborn at the following solstice, and the cycle continues. This birth of the sun god in Christianity became the birth of the Son of God.

By the time Winter Solstice came around, it was possible to tell whether or not enough food had been harvested and stored to last the community through the winter. At the longest night of the year, the community would celebrate being alive and the ability to share their bounty. They would feast as a community and a family and give presents to each other to show their prosperity. Father Winter was derived from this Sabbat as a representation of the Holly King bringing the gifts of the Earth. From him came the idea of Santa Claus who brings gifts to good children. Stories of the last growing season, of hunts, achievements, and ancient legends would be told by the hearthstone. It was a season when the oral tradition was at its best.

This is a time to get together with special friends and loved ones to share the prosperity of friendship, love, stories, and gifts made of the Earth. It is a time to feast and celebrate being alive. Give thanks to the sun for the return of its nurturing light and warmth. Tell the story of some accomplishment by you or your group of friends during the active days of summer, or write a song about it and share it with them.

In your celebration of the return of the sun, give recognition to its rebirth. A week before the Solstice, burn a candle each night so that it will burn down by the night of the Solstice. On Solstice Night, light a new candle from the old one and extinguish the depleted candle with a prayer of thanks for the life it, as the representative of the sun, has given. Sing songs such as Deck the Halls and Merry Are the Bells , both of which have survived intact from pre-Christian religious celebrations. If you know any songs written specifically for nature-based celebration, sing those as well (see end of chapter for resources).

Most of the modern Christmas traditions apply fully to Yule. This mid-winter celebration long outdates Christmas and is the basis for many Christmas traditions. Long before Christmas, the Yule log was brought in, wished upon, and lit (it had to light on the first try for good luck) from the previous year's Yule log. In later centuries, the Yule log became the Yule tree and instead of being burned, burning candles were placed on the tree's branches. In modern times, it is becoming tradition to use the trunk of the Yule tree for next year's May pole, and the May pole for the next Yule log. This tradition brings a nice continuity and sense of completion or closure to the wheel of the year.

Become aware of the newness and possibilities ahead of you. Watch the sun as it dies and notice how the color is different than it is during the summer when it was at its power. Notice whether the moon is full or new, waxing or waning at the time of the Winter Solstice and meditate on what bearing this may have on you at the time and in the coming season.

River Thaw/Imbolc

River Thaw was known to the Celts as Imbolc, meaning "in the belly." Its importance lay in the fact that by Imbolc it was possible to tell whether or not animals that had been bred the previous growing season had become pregnant. The reproduction of the animals was vital to the survival of the community. It would determine the odds for a successful hunting season as well as for a successful rearing season for domesticated stock.

This Sabbat in the Christian Tradition is known as Candlemas. Imbolc, being an agricultural Sabbat, again was dependent upon the weather and unpredictable events. However, the rivers generally thawed in mid-winter, around the end of January or beginning of February in the northern hemisphere. Thus, it has become celebrated in that hemisphere on February 2nd, or Ground Hog Day, which also celebrates the promise of the end of winter.

River Thaw celebrates the impregnation of the Mother Earth. It is at this time that the melting snows first stimulate the awakening of the seed lying in the Mother's belly. Although they still sleep awaiting the warmth of spring to sprout, the catalyst of the melting snow has lit the first small fire of life. River Thaw has given the sign that the Holly King is dying and winter cannot hold back the growing sun for very much longer.

This is the time for preparing your spring planting program. Design your garden or decide on landscaping. City dwellers can take an active role by planning a potted herbal or flower garden. This can be for a balcony, patio or window box. Look forward with anticipation to the coming birth of the Mother and the following rowing season.

Place a seed or two, in a flower pot of planting medium (do not use potting soil, as it does not retain water well), give it a little water and put a clear cover over it. If the seed is very small, you should use several seeds to ensure at least one of these will sprout. Light a candle and some inscence. Think about something you are anticipating or hoping will manifest over the next growing season. Make sure your hoped for event is for universal good and allows freedom of choice for all.

Allow this hope to rise on the smoke of the incense to Spirit. Send your hope into the seed and put it into the refrigerator until Lady's Day. Every time you see your seed, send it some loving energy to encourage your hoped-for event to grow and prosper. Be sure to check the soil periodically to make sure it has remained slightly moist to remind yourself to water and nurish your hope.

Lady Day/Vernal Equinox

At the vernal equinox (when the sun crosses the equator into the northern hemisphere), the sun god, born at the Winter Solstice, comes of age and conquers the god of darkness, banishing him until he returns to power at the autumn equinox. The Mother Goddess mourns over the death of her lord of darkness, but also begins a courtship with the sun god so that together they can replenish the Earth. This Sabbat is generally celebrated as Eostara in the modern nature-based religious community (see Eostara Esbat).

There is a noticeable change in the light at the vernal equinox. It turns from a white winter sun into the golden nourishing sun of summer. The change in the length of the days becomes noticeable, as does the return of birds and the waking of animals. Even in cities, if one is observant, you can sense the awakening of the environment and the greater growth and activity around you.

For this Sabbat, reenact the battle between the sun god and the god of darkness, if you are able to work with a group. If you are working alone, you might try writing a tale or poem about the battle. See whether you are able to discern the changing of the sun's light. Nine days before Lady Day, set two cups or shells somewhere so that one is in shadow and the other in light. Get nine clear crystals and put them into the container that is shadowed. Each day, move a crystal to the container that is in the sun, so that all the crystals are in sunlight on Lady Day. In this way you can honor the changing of power from darkness to light on this day.

You may wish to combine Eostara with Lady Day, including in your celebration elements of both the Esbat and the Sabbat. If you do this, make certain that you verbally or physically acknowledge both events and their importance to the Earth Mother and all Her children. If you planted a seed at Imbolc, it is time to take it out of the refrigerator and put it near a sunny window. Make sure the clear cover is high enough to allow the seed to sprout and still maintain a balanced moisture level. Monitor your seed, watering it just enough to keep the soil lightly moist. When the seedling gets tall enough, remove the clear cover and place the plant in the window, preferably an eastern window so it will not get too hot. If you do not have an eastern window, make sure the plant is not so close to the sunlight, that it dehydrates or gets sunburned. Use this maintenance ritual to also nurture your hopes that the plant symbolizes.

First Planting, Beltain (Beltane)

The first of May marks the beginning of summer or the growing season. The folk name is Beltain which is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Bealtaine" or the Scottish Gaelic "Bealtuinn", meaning "Bel-fire", the fire of the Celtic god of light (Bel, Beli or Belinus). It was traditionally celebrated "when the Rowan Tree (Mountain Ash) bloomed." Since the Mountain Ash is not always around to observe, this Sabbat is celebrated on May 1st, also known as May Day.

This Sabbat is second in importance only to Last Harvest (Samhain), which falls at the opposite side of the wheel of the year, six months away. These two Sabbats are considered the "hinges" of the wheel, Last Harvest being the beginning of winter and First Planting the beginning of summer. In some modern traditions, "hinge vows" are made which are kept until the next hinge Sabbat.

As with Last Harvest, the veil between the Three Worlds is thin at Beltain. However, in the spring, it is more likely the spirits of the Middle World such as the sylphs, "Little People," and gnomes, will come through the veil, rather than departed ancestors. The Little People (called elves and sometimes fairies by some) can be a mischievous people. They have been blamed for such things as bread not rising, clothes falling from the clothesline, spoiled milk, etc. Their acts of mischief, however, are usually attributed to a lack of respect shown to their special places by people living in physical reality.

Everything about this Sabbat is sexual, the most obvious being the May Pole. The May pole may be remnants of the previous year's Yule tree (see Winter Solstice/Yule). At this time of the year, all the energy of the pagan peoples went into the fertilization of the land and each other. They depended upon the land, the crops and the game, just as they depended upon enough people in the community to work the land and hunt. Therefore, it was imperative for the land to be fertile and for the people to be fertile.

Young women would jump "skyclad" (nude) over the Beltain fire in hopes of becoming pregnant. The ill would jump the fire hoping to be healed. Young men would dance the May pole shaking ribbons (which looks much like sperm swimming) and weaving them in and out around the May pole. A wreath which had been placed at the top of the pole before the dance began, descended the pole as the ribbons were woven around it.

Other indications of the sexuality of this Sabbat were exhibited by riding a hobby horse, Morris dancing and dancing around the planted fields to impregnate the Mother Earth. Beltain marriages, where agreements where young women and men were "married" for the day, hoping the girl would become impregnated to prove her worthiness to be a wife. Any girl who conceived on Beltain could claim her child was a child of the gods.

Rejoice in the vibrance of this Sabbat. All things are sexual because all things depend upon fertility for the survival of their species. If you are not in a relationship, demonstrate your fertility by creating a picture, song, crafted item, or anything which would give you pleasure over the growing season. Honor the Fay (Little People) by creating a special place for them. Make a "hinge vow" to keep from this Sabbat until Samhain.

If you planted seed at Imbolc, you can put your plant(s) into the yard, depending upon your climate, but be aware that there may still be late frost. Be prepared to protect your plant if necessary, or postpone transplanting outdoors until the danger of frost has passed. If your seed was to remain potted for your patio or balcony, put it out and bring it back in if the weather gets bad.

Summer Solstice/Litha

The Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year. The sun has traveled to its farthest point north and will begin its journey south with the next rising. The use of the name "Litha" for this Sabbbat is a modern usage from a Saxon word meaning the opposite of Yule. Among Christians, it is known as the Feast of John the Baptist and falls six months opposite Christmas, since John was born six months before Christ in order to announce Christ's arrival. Litha is another Sabbat that is especially sacred to fairie folk.

Some customs include decking the house (especially over the front door) with birch, fennel, St. John's wort, orpin, and white lilies. Some of the early-ripening crops are already being enjoyed and soon harvesting will begin in earnest. Summer flowers abound. Life is easy.

The sun god, the Oak King, is at the peak of his power and the god of darkness, the Holly King is born. The goddess, Earth Mother is in full bloom. The god and goddess, now in their prime, marry at Litha, If a young girl had become pregnant at Beltain, she could chose a young man as a partner for a more permanent handfasting (marriage), thus the traditional June wedding. She could also choose not to marry and claim the divinity of the child. In this case, the child was raised by the village. Celebrate the fullness of the Mother Earth and give thanks for the life-giving force of the sun. Embrace and honor your relationships, especially intimate ones. Take time to nurture those relationships and bring mid-summer's fire into them. Enjoy activities that express your passion for living.

First Harvest/Lughnasad

Lughnasad celebrates the First Harvest (especially corn and barley) and the feast of Lugh. It is held on or soon after August 1st or in modern nature-based traditions. Mythologically, games were held in honor of the death of Lugh's foster mother, Tailte and are thus called Tailtean games. In addition to games of skill, craft items and wares were displayed and sold. Temporary marriages that lasted a "year and a day" were sanctioned at Lughnasad and such "handfastings" still occur, though they are no longer limited to this Sabbat.

Although there will still be some hot days, the Oak King is now in his declining stage. The Holly King has reached puberty and will soon dethrone the Oak King. In addition, the The goddess begins her descent into the Underworld for the sleep of winter and the days become noticeably shorter.

Celebrate this Sabbat with games, bright colors and merriment, for soon there will be much work to do. Notice how the animals in your environment begin to prepare for the coming winter. The birds will begin to flock and the squirrels will soon be running everywhere in an attempt to lay aside their winter stores. Already, there will be a noticeable change in the color of the leaves.

Autumnal Equinox/Mabon

By the Autumn Equinox, harvest is in full swing. The fullness of the summer labor is at hand. There is much work to do and much to celebrate. The folk name for this holiday is Mabon after the goddess Mab. At this time, Christians celebrate Michaelmas. It is the time of harvest home. John Barleycorn is sacrificed so that we might survive and honor is given to this sacrifice.

Birds are on the move unless they are of the hardier variety that stay with us all winter, however, even these birds are singing less than during the fullness of the growing season. The power of the sun god gives way to the power of the god of darkness and the quality of light changes from golden to the paler white winter sun. Change is in the air and every living thing feels it. The wind changes direction and the leaves begin to fall. Winter wheat is planted to lie dormant until early spring rains and sunshine awaken it.

Celebrate the transfer of power from light and activity to darkness and rest, for we need to ensure balance in order to be healthy. Give honor to the things which have blessed you over the past summer and look forward to the unseen coming your way. This is a time of turning, of changing and becoming, a time of transformation. Rather than disdaining this change, look forward to it with rejoicing, for it signals a new level of development.

Bringing Spirituality into Daily Life

It is often easier to recognize special days than it is to give recognition to every day. We have many mundane, life-sustaining things to keep us busy and tell us we just do not have the time to do something special for every day. We have errands after work, so it will be too late to light a candle when we get home. Weekends are filled with tasks we were unable to do during the week, with cleaning and washing. How can we possibly make time for something else?

If your drive home from work is a long one, spend the time speaking to Spirit instead of listening to the radio. If you ride with a companion or friends and are unable to do this and you are uncomfortable guiding the conversation to metaphysical matters, put a tape or cd into the player that plays music that brings you more into balance with Spirit. If you are a passenger, use the time to observe the environment during your ride home. Watch as animals and seasons change. Be aware of the cycles as they move around you.

As you do your work around the house, play a drumming tape or again, one of your favorite tapes that bring you into balance. At the grocery store, garage or shopping mall, look at every woman and see the Goddess in her. See the God in every man, including those who are overweight, untidy, ignorant or rude. We each choose a path to follow that may not be in alignment with another person, however, each and every one of us is part of Spirit.

At the office, if you have space to do it, place a stone or shell in your work space. Tape or tack a picture on the wall that reminds you of Spirit: a picture of a favorite flower or animal, or a picture of a special place where the Spirit is especially strong for you.

Whether you live in the country or the city, take every opportunity to get outdoors and listen to bird song, feel the breeze and sunshine, touch the grass and trees. Be aware of when and how the seasons change, of which animals live in your area or neighborhood. Note how the animals behave in different seasons, when they arrive or become active in the spring and when they leave or become dormant in the fall or winter. Become fully aware of your environment, because you turn as it turns.

Reading and Discussion

1. •Required:
   

2. •To Stir a Magick Caludron, Silver Ravenwolf
   

3. •Solitary Witch, Silver Ravenwolf
   

4. •Wicca: A Guide to the Solitary Practitioner, Scott Cunningham
   

5. •Pagan Spirituality, Joyce and River Higginbotham
   

6. •Recommended:
   

7. •One River, Many Wells, Matthew Fox
   

8. •To Light a Sacred Flame, Silver Ravenwolf
   

9. •Ancient Ways, Dan and Pauline Campanell
   

10. •Teachings Around the Sacared Wheel, Lynn Andrews
    

11. •Pagans & Christians: The Personal Spiritual Experience, Gus Di Zerega, Ph.D.
    

Exercises

1. •Note the phases of the moon for three months. Record in your journal your moods, activities, interests, etc. during the different phases. Light a candle at the new moon and the full moon in recognition of the affect the moon has on you.
   

2. •Meditate on your own metaphysical system. In your journal, write a short history of your spiritual path and what events have led you to where you are now. As your metaphysical system develops, write in your journal how it changes and why.
   

3. •Research the Sabbats in the above reading material, adding other resources if you desire. As you research, especially if some of this is on the internet, note the differences in opinion as to the meanings of the Sabbats. With which of these do you agree/disagree and why?
   

4. •Write a paper describing your understanding of each of the Sabbats and Esbats, how they developed and are celebrated among the nature-based traditions today. When do the agricultural Sabbats occur in your area? If you are uncertain, follow the seasons through a sun cycle and note in your journal as the Sabbats occur. If you move to a new area far away, note whether or not the Sabbats occur at the same time of the year as your previous home.
   

5. •Write in your journal how you celebrate each of the Sabbats and Esbats. Write your Beltain and Samhain "hinge" vows, and your New Moon vows in your journal. Track how well you hold to them.
   

6. •Choose one method per moon cycle to bring spirituality into your daily life. Write these in your journal and track how well you apply them.
   

7. •Discuss what you learn with your mentor.
   

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