Beltane, also known as May Day, is celebrated on May 1st, which is about halfway between the spring equinox (Ostara) and summer solstice (Litha) in the northern hemisphere. It represents fertility, the peak of spring, and the coming of summer. Although Beltane rituals and celebrations had mostly died out toward the mid-20th century, some of […]
Ostara is celebrated at the spring equinox, which falls between March 19-21 in the northern hemisphere, depending on the year. It represents rebirth, new beginnings, and revitalization, and it’s also the first official day of spring.
Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, and it represents the welcoming of spring’s return and the light half of the year.
Yule, also known as Yuletide or Yulefest, is celebrated at the winter solstice, which falls between December 20-23 in the northern hemisphere, depending on the year. It represents the transition back into the light and a celebration of the sun. It’s also the official first day of winter. This year, Yule and the winter solstice […]
It’s that time of year again! The Yuletide season is almost upon us. Many modern-day witches celebrate Yule, which is the winter solstice and the eighth festival in the Wheel of the Year. Yule is the longest night of the year. It marks the end of the dark half and the gradual return to the […]
From October 31st to November 1st, which is about halfway between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice, people around the world celebrate Samhain. But what exactly is Samhain? Is it just the Pagan version of Halloween? Learn all about the third harvest festival in the Wheel of the Year and discover the origins and […]
The date for the autumnal equinox is Thursday, September 22, 2022, signifying the official arrival of fall in the northern hemisphere. (Goodbye, summer! Move over for my favorite season!) Besides pumpkin spice everything returning to our palate, this is a great time to recognize the temporary balance and gradual transition in the natural cycle. Many […]
Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) is the fourth Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year. It’s the first of three harvest festivals, and Lammas falls between Litha and Mabon on the wheel. Lammas is celebrated on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and February 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. In this article, we’ll explore the origins and […]
Also known as Midsummer, Litha (pronounced LEE-thuh) is the fourth Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year, and it’s celebrated on the summer solstice. Litha is in between Beltane and Lammas on the wheel. This year, Litha falls on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere. This article will explore Litha’s origins, history, and […]
Witches, pagans, Wiccans, and other cultures celebrate eight important festivals throughout the year. These celebrations are known as the Sabbats, which follow a nature-based calendar. The Greater Sabbats (Ostara, Litha, Mabon, and Yule) are solar-based festivals to honor the spring equinox, summer solstice, fall equinox, and winter solstice respectively. The Lesser Sabbats (Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, […]
