Hi Soapy,
We've been to 3 weddings in 3 months. First was on a beach, second at a stabding stone, third in a cathedral, all great though the first was the most magical and had perfect weather right through the day and night. After the wedding on the beach, the reception was at a place which had the most wonderful arboretum with a fabulous atmosphere and wall to wall sunshine.
I lurrrrrrrrrrrrv old trees.
I still want to get going on Sabbat cards but it has been hectic one way and another.
On the ebay protest group (yes folks, it's still working well and looking for new recruits to help the next campaign) we've been tracking scammers and I was amazed that for the first time last night, I actually caught one in the act of listing. Got screenshots as he listed and followed him through about half a dozen hijacked accounts.
A little controversy maybe ... when Christianity first came to the country, there were already celebrations taking place at certain times (see earlier list from Soapy) and the 'new religion' incorporated the dates, giving them slightly different meanings, not too different though.
What used to amuse me no end was that, until less than 5 years ago, in the village I live in (fiercely Christian) there was always a bonfire held on October 31st and all the kids would turn up there after guising (trick or treat Scots style) for burgers and a fancy dress competition at the bonfire, which went on late into the night (by which time the kids were leading the adults home).
I don't suppose any of the adults realised they were celebrating a pagan festival (except me, of course). It used to be a brilliant evening of pigging out etc.
I have a book - Stations of the Sun - which is fairly comprehensive in its coverage but a biy short on symbolic detail.
BTW I always have a hard time finding cards which only say 'Season's Greetings', that's one reason why I started making my own many years ago.
We must chat in detail soon.
Hope everything's going well for you, sending you my festive gift man pressie list soon.
http://uk.three.ebid.net/stores/0ctavias0fferings
http://uk.three.ebid.net/stores/Oriental-Offerings