The Wheel of the Year is the term applied to the cycle of the seasons, as observed by most contemporary Pagans and Wiccans. While not every group celebrates each of the eight Sabbats, it's often a common thread among different Wiccan and Pagan groups. In this lesson, we're going to start looking at the eig
ht Sabbats. You'll get a
chance to learn about their history and what they represent, as well as
rituals, craft ideas, and ways to celebrate them.
Samhain, October 31
Samhain is known as the Witch's New Year, and falls on October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere (if you're below the equator, all of your Sabbat dates will be different by six months). Although this is celebrated as Halloween, it's also a time of sacred reflection and for honoring the dead. Learn about Samhain history, rituals and celebrations, and more!
Yule, the Winter Solstice
Yule typically falls around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, and is the longest night of the year. It's the night that truly marks the beginning of winter, and reminds us that we're still in for a couple of months of cold and darkness before spring returns -- however, the day after Yule, the sun begins its journey back towards earth.
Imbolc, a Festival of Light
Imbolc is sometimes called Candlemas, and is typically a day associated with the Celtic goddess Brighid. Celebrated on February 2, this is a festival of fire and light, and is a harbinger of spring. Although there still is snow on the ground at Imbolc, we know that soon, spring will return.
Ostara, the Vernal Equinox
Although the Christians typically celebrate Easter around this time of year, for Wiccans and Pagans it's Ostara. This is a time of balance, because there are equal hours of night and day. Ostara is the time when the snow begins to melt, and we can celebrate the first day of spring.
Beltane, a Day of Fire and Fertility
Come May 1, the earth and everyone on it is fertile and ready to bloom! The old custom of May Day lives on in our modern Beltane festivals, which celebrate the greening of the earth, and the fertile land which is ready to be plowed. Beltane is chock-full of sexual imagery (after all, it's a fertility celebration), from the May Pole to the opening of magical spring flowers
Samhain, October 31
Samhain is known as the Witch's New Year, and falls on October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere (if you're below the equator, all of your Sabbat dates will be different by six months). Although this is celebrated as Halloween, it's also a time of sacred reflection and for honoring the dead. Learn about Samhain history, rituals and celebrations, and more!
Yule, the Winter Solstice
Yule typically falls around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, and is the longest night of the year. It's the night that truly marks the beginning of winter, and reminds us that we're still in for a couple of months of cold and darkness before spring returns -- however, the day after Yule, the sun begins its journey back towards earth.
Imbolc, a Festival of Light
Imbolc is sometimes called Candlemas, and is typically a day associated with the Celtic goddess Brighid. Celebrated on February 2, this is a festival of fire and light, and is a harbinger of spring. Although there still is snow on the ground at Imbolc, we know that soon, spring will return.
Ostara, the Vernal Equinox
Although the Christians typically celebrate Easter around this time of year, for Wiccans and Pagans it's Ostara. This is a time of balance, because there are equal hours of night and day. Ostara is the time when the snow begins to melt, and we can celebrate the first day of spring.
Beltane, a Day of Fire and Fertility
Come May 1, the earth and everyone on it is fertile and ready to bloom! The old custom of May Day lives on in our modern Beltane festivals, which celebrate the greening of the earth, and the fertile land which is ready to be plowed. Beltane is chock-full of sexual imagery (after all, it's a fertility celebration), from the May Pole to the opening of magical spring flowers
Wonderful, cheers Marie
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