The Wheel of the Year
Wheel of the Year - Sabbats Dates and Times
Summary of the Wheel of the Year
- Samhain (October 31st): Ends the current cycle and begins the new year with a focus on death, rebirth, and honoring the ancestors.
- Yule (December 21st): Celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the return of light.
- Imbolc (February 2nd): Marks the first signs of spring and the growing light.
- Ostara (March 19th-22nd): Balances day and night, celebrating renewal and fertility.
- Beltane (May 1st): Celebrates fertility, passion, and the beginning of the light half of the year.
- Litha (June 20th-22nd): Marks the peak of the sun's power and the height of the growing season.
- Lammas (Lughnasadh) (August 1st): Begins the harvest season with gratitude and preparation.
- Mabon (September 21st-24th): Balances light and dark, celebrating the second harvest and reflection.
The Wheel of the Year is a continuous cycle that honors the natural rhythms of the earth, the changing seasons, and the balance between light and dark. Each Sabbat provides an opportunity to connect with these cycles, celebrate the present moment, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Samhain is Oct. 31, 2024
Samhain is one of the most significant Sabbats in the calendar, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is celebrated from the evening of October 31st to the evening of November 1st. Samhain is often referred to as the Witches' New Year, as it represents both an ending and a new beginning. The veil between the physical world and the spirit world is believed to be at its thinnest during this time, making it a powerful occasion for honoring ancestors and connecting with the spiritual realm.
Yule is Dec. 21, 2024
Yule is the celebration of the Winter Solstice, marking the longest night and the return of the light as the days begin to lengthen again. It is a time of renewal, hope, and the rebirth of the sun. Many Yule traditions are similar to those of Christmas, reflecting the ancient roots of this winter festival.
Imbolc is February 2nd, 2025
Imbolc, also known as Brigid’s Day, is a festival that marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). It is a celebration of light, renewal, and the impending arrival of spring. Imbolc is dedicated to the goddess Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire, healing, poetry, and smithcraft.
Ostara is March 20,2025
Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, is a celebration that marks the day when day and night are of equal length, signaling the official arrival of spring. It is a time of balance, renewal, and new beginnings. Ostara is named after the Germanic goddess Ēostre or Ostara, who is associated with spring, fertility, and rebirth.
Beltane is May 1, 2025
Beltane is one of the most significant Sabbats in the calendar, marking the beginning of the warmer half of the year. It is celebrated on May 1st and is a festival of fire, fertility, and the blossoming of life. Beltane is often seen as a counterpart to Samhain, which marks the beginning of the darker half of the year. The festival is named after the Celtic god Bel, associated with the sun and fire.
Litha is June 21, 2025
Litha (Summer Solstice) celebrates the longest day of the year and the power of the sun. It is a time of abundance, strength, and honoring the fullness of life.
Lammas is August 1, 2024
Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time to celebrate the first fruits of the earth and to give thanks for the abundance of the land. The festival is named after the Celtic god Lugh, who is associated with light, craftsmanship, and skill.
Mabon is Sept. 22, 2024
Mabon is a celebration that marks the Autumn Equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length. It is the second of the three harvest festivals, following Lammas and preceding Samhain. Mabon is a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and preparation for the coming winter. The festival is named after the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, associated with youth and the harvest.