Circle of Sublime Elms

ASTRONOMICAL DATE FOR SAMHAIN IS NOVEMBER 7th. ADULTS ONLY! Owing to the intensity of the ritual, we ask, generally, that children do NOT attend. Please contact Justin if there are any questions regarding a specific case or anything else.
"Don't forget to bring photos or Memorabilia of your departed loved ones for our Ancestor Altar."
ALSO FIND US AT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/circleofthesublimeelms/
While reading this Lore of Samhain..... listen to this fantastic music:
The Witch's Sabbat - Samhain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njoJTpXptks
Ancestors - Lila
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWcMO8020X4
Burning Times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K_g-5FEKLU
OUR FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:
A Dumb Supper
Altar to the Ancestors - BRING Photo/Memorabilia of departed loved ones and Offerings to the ancestors
A Magickal and Unique Ritual
After Ritual Potluck Feasting
Raffle
Drumming - Dancing and Merriment!
We encourage you to dress in costume or in black, while remembering the tone of the ritual.

The breeze turns crisp, the harvest is brought in,
the nights grow long, and the veil thins.
The whispers of the ancestors echo softly in the winds.
Your heart hears the call of the Horned One.
Samhain has come once more.

It is the festival of Samhain, the eighth and final spoke of the wheel. We gather here on the Feast of Samhain, the Time of Turning when the Dark Time begins. We are here to offer worship to the Dark Mother, Queen of the Night, Hecate, Freya, Hela, Morrigan, she who has many names. We also offer worship to the Gods, the Dead, and especially to our ancestors who have walked before us.

"This is the night of the Feast of the Dead, the night of the wheel-turning year that brings us to the Thin Veil. The gates between the worlds stand open this night. We honor our Loved Ones whose voices come to us on the whispering wind. The Veil is lifted this night so that all may once more rejoice together in fellowship. All those who wish well, welcome to The Circle.”
SAMHAIN – FEAST OF THE DEAD
Samhain is one of the original Celtic fire festivals and means "Summer's End." When the sun's power wanes, and the strength of the Gods of darkness, winter, and the Underworld grows great. As Beltane marks the beginning of summer, Samhain records its end. Samhain is regarded as the Celtic New Year and also the "Festival of the Dead." It is believed that at this time of the year the souls of the dead can walk among the living.
On the night of Samhain, the door to realms beyond mortal comprehension is opened, the veil between life and death is at its thinnest, and the evolving wheel has stopped for a brief moment. This night and all of the first week of November once blazed with ritual fires, upon which the early Celts symbolically burned all the frustrations and anxieties of the preceding year.
SAMHAIN LORE
Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.
It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane.
CORRESPONDENCES:
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Third Harvest, Samana, Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos), Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow's Eve, (that day actually falls on November 7th), and Martinmas (that is celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the Witch's New Year.
Symbolism of Samhain: Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.
Symbols of Samhain: Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.
Herbs of Samhain: Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.
Foods of Samhain: Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines.
Incense of Samhain: Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Colors of Samhain: Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.
Stones of Samhain: All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.
PARKING is directly across the street from the house. There is a small u-shaped street [Fern Circle}, parking is alongside both sides of the street staying at least 4 feet from driveways.
Please be conscious that others will need to use the street as well. So, park accordingly! ALSO, BE AWARE that there needs to be room left for EMERGENCY VEHICLES to pass through. Also, you may park on Davis Drive or the west side of Hampton {between Livingston & Robinson}..

SHINTO TSUKIMI (FULL MOON GAZING) CELEBRATION!
Sunday, November 22nd - Gathering: 6:30 - Celebration: 7- By Joe
Hajimemashite! (Greetings, Nice to meet you!) Please join us at the Circle of the Sublime Elms as we transform our circle into a Shinto jinja (shrine) on the evening of the full moon to celebrate the coming of the Fall season by holding our Tsukimi (or otsukimi) translated as "moon gazing".
Moon gazing and enjoying the aesthetics of the outdoors is very popular in Japan around the early fall as the weather cools from the heat of summer, as well it is a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest and wish for good fortune the rest of the year. Many will gather in parks, fields and backyards and read poetry, sing traditional songs and dine on mooncakes and, of course enjoy one of the better-known products of the rice harvest, sake.
Besides enjoying the pleasant weather outdoors, many visit Shinto shrines throughout Japan to pay homage to and to petition the kami (nature spirits) for good fortune, to cleanse and release any negative energies, and to also receive a fortune! (omikuji)
Shinto (the way of the gods) is the indigenous religious tradition of the Japanese people and has been practiced for more than a millennia. Shintoism is a polytheistic tradition that believes that all of the natural world (and human world) is inhabited by the kami and Shinto concerns itself with the relationships we have with these natural energies.
As part of our celebration, we will be having:
-Japanese food and drink
-A Shinto ceremony for the full moon
-Poetry readings honouring the full moon (bring your own about the full moon or just a favourite poem)
-Gift bags for all who attend
-Special performances throughout the evening
Come dressed in your best cosplay, or just as yourself, bring a small offering for the kami and enjoy this once a year tradition at the Sublime Elms. Dewa mata ne! (see you soon!)
PARKING is directly across the street from the house. There is a small u-shaped street [Fern Circle}, parking is alongside both sides of the street staying at least 4 feet from driveways.Please be conscious that others will need to use the street as well. So, park accordingly! ALSO, BE AWARE that there needs to be room left for EMERGENCY VEHICLES to pass through. Also, you may park on Davis Drive or the west side of Hampton {between Livingston & Robinson}.
CHECK OUT MONTHLY CALENDAR AT: https://www.meetup.com/circleof-sublimeelms/messages/boards/thread/53926469
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WELCOME TO OUR YULE CELEBRATION!
The longest night and the first returning light 🌲🔥🌙
Sunday, December 20th - Gathering 6:30 - Ritual 7PM
Ritual Led By: Fey Wilde
The Circle of Sublime Elms invites you to celebrate Yule, the Winter Solstice, and the triumphant return of the Sun.

ONLINE VIDEO OF SUBLIME ELMS RITUAL ETIQUETTE CLASS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFLYPN59WyM&t=594s

OUR FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:

• A Magical Yule Ritual led by Fey Wilde
• Celebration of the Longest Night, Winter Solstice & First Returning Light
• The Battle of the Oak King & Holly King, a theatrical seasonal production
• A Traditional Yule Working & Lighting of the Returning Sun
• Wassailing, Yule Carols & Group Singing
• After-Ritual Potluck Feast
• Raffle
• Drumming, Dancing & Merriment

Led by High Priestess Fey Wilde, our Yule ritual will honor the turning Wheel, the Elements, the Divine, and the first returning light.
We’ll gather in sacred Circle for seasonal celebration, traditional workings, storytelling, and shared community magic.
The evening will include the theatrical battle of the Oak King and Holly King, the welcoming of the returning Sun, and plenty of festive merriment.
YULE TRADITIONS, SYMBOLISM & CORRESPONDENCES
Yule is rich with symbolism drawn from historical midwinter customs and contemporary Pagan practice.
Themes: Rebirth, renewal, hope, protection, reflection, gratitude, community, and the returning Sun.
Colors: Red, green, white, silver, and gold.
Trees & Evergreens: Oak, holly, pine, fir, spruce, and ivy.
Herbs & Plants: Mistletoe, holly, ivy, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, and evergreen boughs.
Symbols: The Sun, Yule log, candles, evergreen wreaths, bells, stars, and the turning Wheel.
Seasonal Traditions: Yule fires, gift-giving, feasting, wassailing, caroling, storytelling, and decorating with evergreens.
Magical Workings: Renewal, protection, blessings, releasing what no longer serves us, and welcoming light into the coming year.
OUR YULE FEAST IS POTLUCK!
Following our ritual, we will gather for a festive community feast.
If you plan to partake in the potluck, please bring a prepared dish, dessert, appetizer, or other food item to share.
We ask that contributions provide approximately 8–10 servings so everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the feast.
If you are unable to bring food, a monetary contribution toward the feast is also welcome. Homemade dishes are wonderful. Store-bought contributions are equally welcome.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — WANT TO BE PART OF THE MAGIC?
And this year, we need a few brave souls willing to step up.
Volunteering is entirely optional. Your presence is valued whether you take an active role, contribute to our potluck, or simply join us in celebration.
PLEASE POST A MESSAGE RIGHT HERE IN THE EVENT CHAT indicating which role you would like to volunteer for.
High Priestess Fey Wilde will confirm your assigned role and provide the necessary instructions, information, and any applicable speaking parts before the event so you have time to familiarize yourself with your responsibilities. No previous ritual experience is required.
AVAILABLE VOLUNTEER ROLES
Sentry: Welcomes participants at the entrance to our sacred space, performs the designated cleansing or smudging, and helps guide attendees into the Circle. Think magical gatekeeper, minus the bridge troll’s attitude.
Sweeper: Performs the ceremonial sweeping of the ritual area, symbolically clearing away unwanted energies and preparing the sacred space. Finally, a legitimate opportunity to wield a broom without anyone expecting you to clean the kitchen!
Breathbringer (East): Calls the Eastern Quarter, honoring Air and its associations with breath, inspiration, intellect, and communication.
Flamekeeper (South): Calls the Southern Quarter, honoring Fire and its associations with transformation, passion, courage, and will.
Wavetreader (West): Calls the Western Quarter, honoring Water and its associations with emotion, intuition, healing, and the mysteries of the heart.
Stonecutter (North): Calls the Northern Quarter, honoring Earth and its associations with stability, abundance, protection, and the physical world.
Fire Tender: Assists with preparing, tending, and safely maintaining the ritual fire under the direction of High Priestess Fey Wilde. An excellent role for someone who enjoys fire but understands that “more gasoline” is never the correct answer.
Cupbearer: Assists with the ceremonial chalice and the sharing of the ritual beverage as directed during the ceremony. Yes, it’s a sacred responsibility, not an excuse to become the Circle’s medieval bartender.
Breadbearer: Assists with the presentation and distribution of the ceremonial bread or cakes during the ritual. Arguably one of the most popular positions, because everyone loves the person bringing carbohydrates.
Bard: Contributes seasonal poetry, music, song, storytelling, or other appropriate performance during the celebration. Musical talent is welcome. The ability to make people laugh is a bonus.
The Oak King and Holly King performance will be narrated while the performers act out the action, emotions, conflict, and seasonal drama as it unfolds.
Let’s make this year’s Yule Ritual one to remember for years to come!
GUILD MEMBERSHIP
Circle of Sublime Elms membership cards are available to active participants in our rituals, classes, and community outings.
Guild Membership contributions are:

• Individuals: $10
• Families: $15

Membership benefits include discounts of approximately 10–20% at participating Central Florida metaphysical shops, along with access to designated Circle special events, major rituals, and classes.
Please speak with Justin, the Circle of Sublime Elms creator, for additional membership information.
RAFFLE DONATIONS
We’ll be holding our traditional raffle during the festivities! 🎟️✨
Donations of Pagan, witchy, metaphysical, handmade, or other delightful treasures are warmly encouraged and greatly appreciated.
RITUAL ETIQUETTE & PARTICIPATION
We ask all attendees, especially those joining us for the first time, to familiarize themselves with our ritual etiquette before attending.
Once ritual begins, follow the directions of High Priestess Fey Wilde and designated ritual volunteers.
PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY
Parking is available directly across the street from the gathering location.
Fern Circle is a small U-shaped street where parking is permitted along both sides, provided vehicles remain at least four feet from driveways.
Please be considerate of residents and other drivers, and leave sufficient clearance for emergency vehicles to pass safely.
Additional parking may be available on Davis Drive and along the west side of Hampton Avenue between Livingston Street and Robinson Street.
If you have accessibility concerns please contact High Priestess Fey Wilde before the gathering so arrangements can be discussed.
Do not block someone’s driveway.
A FINAL YULE BLESSING
As the longest night approaches, may we remember that darkness has its place, rest has its purpose, and even the smallest returning light carries the promise of brighter days.
May our fires burn warmly, our tables be plentiful, our friendships grow stronger, and our hearts remain open to the magic of the turning Wheel.
May the Oak King reclaim his crown, may the Holly King surrender with at least a shred of dignity.
Come celebrate the returning Sun with the Circle of Sublime Elms!

Blessed Yule, and Blessed Be! 🌲🔥🌙

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