The Wheel of the Year: Celebrations
The wheel of the year is a representation of the season’s changing. It explains that time is continuous. The 8 Wiccan Holidays fall along the wheel of the year, pinpointing the harvests and integral moments during the year.
Wiccan holidays have a Celtic dissent, and most Wiccans follow the wheel of the year. Certain holidays align with the solstices and equinoxes, which are celestial phenomena, while others follow Celtic lore.
Sabbaths
As mentioned, eight (8) Wiccan holidays break up the wheel of the year, the turning of time, and changing seasons. They are:
Fire Festivals (4 Sabbath on the Wheel of the Year)
Samhain
Finally, we have Samhain. Samhain is the beginning of the wheel. This is the witches’ new year. It is a time of celebration and preparation. It is also when the veil is the thinnest, so we must be vigilant for the wandering spirits. At this time of year, it is great to connect and remember those who have passed on.
Imbolc
Imbolc represents the coming of spring. This is a hopeful time. The snow is melting, and we see the first few seeds beginning to bud.
Beltane
Beltane otherwise known as Mayday is one of the fire festivals. This marks the coming of summer. The sun’s heat is intensifying, and the world is in bloom.
Lughnasadh
Lugh is the final fire festival and first harvest. The weather is starting to hint at cooling down and we must begin the toil of preparation. We are approaching the end of the year, this is the time to start wrapping up projects and anything you do not wish to carry unfinished into the new year.
Solstice and Equinox affiliations on the Wheel of the Year
Yule
Yule aligns with the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year. This is a great time for reflection/shadow work. This is also the beginning of a new cycle, so there is joy and celebration. There is preparation for the return of the light.
Ostara
Ostara aligns with the mainstream holiday of easter. It is a time for fertility. This is when the earth is the greenest. Ostara also falls on the spring equinox. It is a time of rebirth.
Litha
Then we have Litha. Litha is in the depths of summer. This is when it is all lush green, bright, and hot. It is the time to connect with the mother and all her gifts.
Mabon
Mabon falls on the Autumn equinox. This is when day and night are equal. There is utter balance and we come to the end of the year. The air is cool and crisp and alive with change.
The Holidays and Me
When I first started my craft, I followed the wheel. As my practice changed, I followed it a bit less, no longer do I have it at the center of my craft. I appreciate the changes of the seasons and the movement of time and celebrate as I see fit. If I cannot initiate a full ritual on each holiday, I do not feel bad.
Some holidays along the wheel hold a special place in my heart. Samhain has always been my favorite. The energy around this time of year is intoxicating. Even if there is no ritual, I can bathe in the energy of this time of year. Litha is another of my favorites because it was my first celebrated sabbath and the time I did my first dedication.
What is your favorite holiday if you follow and celebrate the wheel of the year?
