Harvest's End

The Harvest festivals of the year have passed.

Yet there is still another opportunity to give thanks to the bounty for which Mother Nature has provided. Though this is a more modern Holiday we may still include it in our family celebrations. Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated in many parts of the world.

In the United states it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The first time all the states celebrated on this set day was in 1863 by proclamation of Abraham Lincoln. In Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday of October and April 15, 1872 was their first official celebration. Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving on November 23rd, derived from Niiname-sai an ancient grain/harvest festival to honor hard work and give thanks to one another. These are just some of the many Thanksgiving celebrations that occur.

There are many ways you can continue to honor your Harvest!

Here are instructions for a great Thanksgiving Alter to Honor Mother Nature made by Renee Willoughby here at Hidden Realms!

Place an Orange cloth over your space, this will cleanse negative energies and infuse your alter with happiness.

At the center place a Pentacle to represent Spirit.

Just above the Pentacle place a bowl of Earth. This bowl of earth represent both the Element Earth and Mother Nature.

On each side below the bowl of Earth place a Gold and Silver votive candle, representing God and Goddess.

On each side above the bowl of Earth place a Violet and Beige taper candle. Beige for balance and Violet for strength in the coming winter.

To the left of your Pentacle place a chalice of Water, this represents the Element Water.

To the right of your pentacle place your cauldron, in it place peach incense, this represents the Element Air as well as restoration and rejuvenation.  

Just below your cauldron place a Pinecone, representing the everlasting cycles of nature. With it place an Item from your Harvest, representing thankfulness for the abundance you have received. Also place a picture or other item that represents your ancestors, for your thankfulness for the growth of your family. Include any other items to represent what you are thankful for.

Activate your Alter and place your Wand/Athame in the bottom left corner with the point towards the Pentacle.  

 

~Shine Boldly~

Mary