As we celebrate more holidays together, we are slowly but steadily creating our own traditions that enrich our experiences and add to our group identity. We have defined our lore as “traditions and customs that we have performed more than once, and have made a conscious choice to continue doing.”
Samhain
- The Grove’s Fire is extinguished, and then relit by the women of the Grove, from nine sacred woods. Grove members keep vigil with the Fire throughout the night before the ritual.
- A shrine to the Ancestors is created, and they are given special honour in our ritual.
- The Leadership Council take their oaths of office before the Kindred and the Grove and are installed during the ritual.
- The sharing in a báirín breac, a divination cake with charms to divine our futures for the coming year.
- Participation in the Dancing Lights Grove Annual Turnip Carving Invitational.
Winter Solstice
- Honouring Eithne and Lugh in our ritual.
Imbolc
- Honouring Brighid in our ritual.
- The procession of the brídeog to welcome Brighid to our rite.
- Receiving the threefold blessings of Brighid, through Her críos (girdle), crosóga (crosses), and brat (mantle).
Vernal Equinox / Latha na Cailliche
- Honouring An Cailleach in our ritual.
Bealtaine
- The Grove’s Fire is extinguished, and then relit by the men of the Grove, from nine sacred woods.
- The decoration of a May Bush with ribbons and other objects.
Summer Solstice
- Manannán mac Lir is honoured in our ritual.
- The Grove goes on a camping trip, either privately or to a larger gathering.
Lughnasadh
- Lugh is honoured in our ritual, as well as Tailtiu, who is usually honoured as the Earth Mother.
- Warrior games, consisting of varying events meant to test a number of skills, are played to honour Lugh and Tailtiu.
Autumnal Equinox
- Dagda is honoured in our ritual.
- Food donations are collected for our Lughnasadh quarter charity event, the Dagda’s Cauldron Food Drive.
