Elvish Rites

Elves are spiritual creatures. They have a strong connection with the Universe and all of nature around them. To understand Elvish Rites, let us first take a look at aspects of human pagan paths, then delve into the Elven world.

Most of the pagan paths celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year. This wheel encompasses eight Sabbats: Imbolc, Ostara (Spring Equinox), Beltane, Litha (Summer Solstice), Lughnasahd/Lammas, Mabon (Fall Equinox), Samhain, and Yule (Winter Solstice). The Witches' New Year falls on/day after Samhain and they honor each Sabbat with some form of ritual. These Sabbats fall around the following dates:

Imbolc - Around February 1st

Ostara - Around the 20th of April

Beltane - Around May 1st

Litha - Around the 20th of June

Lughnasahd - Around August 1st

Mabon - Around the 20th of September

Samhain - October 31st

Yule - Around December 20th

Each Sabbat focuses on specific aspects of nature and witches and pagans conduct elaborate rituals to honor each one.

Imbolc celebrates the early Spring, the birthing of lambs and the stirring of life after a long winter's sleep.

Ostara celebrates the equality of light and dark and the first day of Spring.

Beltane honors the growing fertility of the earth.

Litha celebrates the longest day of the year on the Summer Solstice. For humans, this is also considered the first day of Summer.

Lughnasahd is the first of three harvest festivals. The earliest crops are ripe and the harvest season begins.

Mabon is also the Fall Equinox, the second point in the wheel where light and dark are equal. It is the second of the three harvest festivals and a time when families and communities gather together to give thanks for all they have.

Samhain is the final harvest festival. The last of the crops are stored away for the harsh winter months ahead. It is also a time when the veil between worlds is thinnest and the Ancients who've gone before are honored. Samhain marks the new year for Witches and many do rituals to release the old and welcome in new things to their lives.

Yule is also known as the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Witches and Pagan honor the long night and the return of the sun the next morning. Humans also consider this the first day of winter.

While the Elvish yearly cycle is similar, their practice is much simpler. The yearly cycle is divided into four seasons. Each season encompasses three months of the year. The equinoxes and solstices are the mid-points of each season. Their main rituals take place in a sacred grove, similar to the one pictured above. The others (beginning of the seasons) are small rituals done in individual homes to mark the passing of time and changing of the seasons. The following are the Elvish Mardar:

Aistyr: This occurs around the first of February and is considered the first day of Spring. It is marked by the lighting of a seasonal candle, the burning of herbs and/or incense, and a small offering to nature.

Orasae: Spring Equinox. The Elvish rite honors the balance between night and day and welcome in the Light Half of the Year. The ritual encompasses aspects of light and dark, dancing, and the sharing of food. An offering of thanks is given to nature.

Shaelali: Occurs around the first of May and is the first day of Summer. As with Aistyr, Shaelali is marked with the lighting of a seasonal candle, the burning of herbs and/or incense, and a small offering to nature.

Jhorae: Mid-Summer or the Summer Solstice. The Elvish rite honors the longest day and mid-point in the Light half of the year. The sun is honored with dancing, merriment, and food. An offering of thanks is given to nature.

Jhendrar: Occurs around the first of August and is the first day of Autumn. It marks the beginning of the forage season. This is the time the Elves begin gathering the last of the herbs, plants, nuts, and berries and storing them away to sustain them through the long winter months. The foraging season lasts for the length of the fall season. It is marked by the lighting of a seasonal candle, the burning of appropriate herbs/incense, and an offering to nature.

Tardyl: Fall Equinox. A ritual is held to honor the balance of night and day/light and dark. They welcome in the Dark Half of the Year with dancing and singing, followed by a community feast. An offering of thanks is given to nature.

Mastal: Occurs around the first of November. It is the first day of the Winter season and is marked by the lighting of a seasonal candle, burning of appropriate herbs/incense, and an offering to nature.

Oli: Yule, also the longest night of the year and mid-point of the Dark Half of the Year. The Elves honor this point in the yearly cycle with dancing and singing. The ritual lasts throughout the long night with the sharing of food and telling of tales. At the rising of the sun, an offering of thanks is given for the sun's return and the beginning of the yearly cycle once more.

Along with these rites, the Elves also have one celebrating the birth of Elflings, a Joining Ceremony for mates, similar to the handfasting & wedding ceremonies of humans, and Death Rites to honor Elves who have given up their immortality and passed into the realm of Spirit.

It is said the Elves shared their spiritual practices with humans during their time on Earth. Considering the similarities, it is easy to see why the Elves believe today's human practices were originally based on these Elvish Rites. Whatever the case, the Elves, to this day, continue to honor their connection to all of nature and give thanks for its sustenance.

I hope you've enjoyed this little peek into the ways of the Elves of Paer-Jhysael. Until next time...

Raven