Samhain

Samhain is perhaps the most meaningful day for those of us at ShadowGrove. The Grove itself was founded on Samhain 2004. Truthsong and SpiritHawk were ordained into ministry on Samhain 2005. The circle of stones that delineates the sacred space of ShadowGrove was moved from its initial location to a more special, more secluded, and more magical spot on Samhain 2005 as well. Each Samhain, we re-dedicate the Grove to its members, as we reflect upon the year that has gone by and the new year that is beginning.

Yule

Yule is a magical time at ShadowGrove. In a private gathering for members and invited guests only, we spend an evening reaffirming the close relationships we have with one another. We light candles to place in the Yule log, as a way of acknowledging that though the night is long and dark, the sun will soon return to the world. In the tradition of old, we share handmade gifts with one another, each person giving one and each receiving one, as a token of the giving and receiving that is what makes the ShadowGrove community work.

Imbolc

Imbolc is a quiet time; a time when winter still holds the world in its grasp, but also a time of hope, for the days are already growing longer, and soon the snows will be gone. On Imbolc we of ShadowGrove gather in sacred space to light candles in anticipation of this returning light. We adorn our stone circle with those candles, and then watch them as they burn, a circle of sacred fire in the dark forest.

Ostara

At Ostara, we celebrate the return of spring, and of fertility and growth to the world. In the past we have hidden candy filled eggs in the woods for the children of the Grove to find. It is a time of crafting as well, because the influx of new energy often outpaces the return of good weather, so we gather indoors to nurture that creative spark together. Our creations are a testament to the spirit of rebirth which abounds within our communtity and afterward we celebrate together to be rid of the old and unwanted to make room for the new personal growth that's to come.

Beltane

Beltane at ShadowGrove is a time to celebrate the fertility of the Earth, and the burgeoning growth of Spring. Beginning in 2008, we (together with the Northern Virginia Pagan Network, as well as some members of MoonFire CUUPs) began a tradition that we are extremely proud of: Fertile Ground Gathering. This Gathering is a celebration not only of the return of spring, but of a unity we hope to build within the Pagan community as a whole. In 2008, we camped overnight, danced around the maypole, held classes and rituals, and drummed around a massive bonfire late into the night. The first Fertile Ground was such a success that we can't wait to do it again and again.

Litha

Litha is another anniversary date at ShadowGrove: the anniversary of the wedding of Truthsong and SpiritHawk, whose union took place in the sacred woods that were to become the Grove. At Litha, we celebrate the longest day of the year, but not without tempering our joy in the knowledge that, hereafter, the days shorten and the sun grows dimmer, leading us inexorably toward the winter. This is an auspicious time for the creation of magical tools; several Grove members have created staves and wands during Lithas past.

Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh, the First Harvest, is a celebration of the summer. We play games in the field, and then gather together for a feast that centers around those things most plentiful during the early harvest season: grains and fruit. And as night falls, we honor the Earth and all its bounty by leaving an offering to the creatures who reside within the Grove.

Mabon

Mabon is the Second Harvest, and the time of Thanksgiving. We can begin to see the fruition of those seeds we have planted in our lives at this time, and we gather together as a family to feast and give thanks to one another, as well as to the Grove and to the Earth for blessing us with such bounty.