THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR FESTIVALS: The 8 Sabbats
Updated: Aug 2, 2022
Yule: December 19-23
In the Northern Hemisphere, this sabbat is also known as the Winter Solstice. It is when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, and marks the longest night of the year. For Pagans, it is a time of introspection and celebration of the coming light. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the coming one.
during the winter solstice.
practiced by Germanic peoples and many Wiccans today. It is associated with the Celtic Calendar and practiced by many. Even modern Christmas celebrations practiced by Christians are very similar to Yule. Yule also stands for Jul or “lul” on the Celtic calendar. Often Yule is celebrated with a midwinter feast that lasts 12 days. People decorated trees and left out food for the tree spirits so they can return in the spring. The mistletoe was considered to have the ability to deflect negative spirits and possess healing powers. In Norse legends old man winter would visit. Children bounced from house to house with gifts of apples and oranges spiked with cloves. The Yule log is meant to be burned for 12 days because the Celts believed the sun stood still those days. They burned the Yule log to encourage the sun to move again.
What do I do during this time?
Do a salt and cinnamon wash on my floor, burn sage, cleanse all my tools, make a simmer pot, and make homemade yule balls for my family.
Imbolc: February 1-2
Also called Candlemas, this sabbat is when Pagans celebrate the first signs of Spring. It is also a time to honor the Goddess as she transitions from Mother to Maiden. Imbolc is derived from the Old Irish word for “in milk”, referring to ewes who are lactating at this time of year
This is also known as St Bridges day. This time of the year is the time to honor the fertility goddess Brigid. Often fires were lit and small straw dolls were made. This time of the year is associated with pregnancy and rebirth.
During this time I make bridge crosses and plant some seeds.
I use this time to get my yard prepped for spring.
Beltane: April 30 – May 1
Beltane is a sabbat that celebrates the peak of Spring. It is a time of fertility and growth, and Pagans often honor the God and Goddess at this time. Beltane is derived from the Old Irish word for “bright fire”, referring to the bonfires that were traditionally lit on this sabbat.
A lot of Pagans will use this holiday to symbolize when God and Goddess are in equal power. They lit fires to cleanse the land, animals, and people. Most people erect a maypole and dance around it. Many people even have sexual intimacies and dance naked around it. It is a very popular time to plant, flower gather, and handfast. It is a more romantic holiday of love but it is said the veil is thin during this time as well.
What do I do during this time?
My shop down the street has the best Beltane oil. I keep that burning and usually make a mini maypole for my desk during work. I use this time to finish up my garden planning and to get to planting some more. I burn fires in my yard and enjoy the fresh air.
Litha/Midsummer: June 19-23
Litha is the summer solstice and is a time of celebration for Pagans. It is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and marks the longest day of the year. For Pagans, it is a time of joy and growth, as well as a time to reflect on our own personal power.
Midsummer is the time of year when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It is also a time to celebrate growth, joy, and personal power. This holiday was originally called Litha, but the name was eventually changed to Midsummer to better reflect the Christian influence on this holiday.
This holiday celebrates the union of God and Goddess. The marriage that was promised is now done.
What do I do during this time?
I make a dream pillow! This is my favorite time to clean out the house and set goals and journal.
Lughnasadh: August 1-2
Also called Lammas, this sabbat is a time of harvest and thanksgiving. It is a time to reflect on the fruits of our labor and to give thanks for all that we have. Lughnasadh is derived from the Old Irish word for “games”, referring to the traditional games and sports that were played
This is midway between summer and fall and is meant to represent the harvest. Some Pagans believe this is when the God Lugh is supposed to transfer his power to the grain.
During this time I harvest my garden and clean up weeds.
This is also my Birthday month. I am busy celebrating that all month :).
Mabon: September 20-24
Mabon is the Autumnal equinox and is a time of balance. It is when the day and night are of equal length, and is a time to reflect on the changing of the seasons. Mabon is derived from the Old Welsh word for “son”, referring to the god Mabon ap Modron.
Mabon is a time to give thanks for the harvest and to reflect on the changing of the seasons. This holiday was originally called Alban Elfed, but the name was eventually changed to Mabon to better reflect the Christian influence on this holiday.
This is the second harvest festival very similar to the last harvest season. Wiccans believe this is when the Goddess moves to Crone.
I usually just garden and make a fire during this time.
(This is not a hugely celebrated one for me personally.)
Samhain: October 31 – November 1
Also called All Hallows Eve and Halloween, Samhain is the time of year when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It is a time to reflect on the cycle of life and death and to remember our ancestors. Samhain is derived from the Old Irish word for “summer’s end”.
This is the New Year for Pagans. It is a time to close old doors and start fresh with new endeavors. This is also a time for divination and prophecy.
This is known to others as Halloween. This is the Celtic NYE. Pagans believe it is when the veil is the thinnest and it is a time for spirits to roam and us to communicate with them.
I usually spend this time doing a lot of rituals and divination.
I use my ouija board to communicate with loved ones. My children and I all dress up every year and pass out candy. I usually spend my time watching Harry Potter and Halloweentown.
Any type of divination is usually ideal for me on this day. I also make ciders and many other treats.
I celebrate Halloween of course! I also get my apple cider vinegar brewing, make sure my witch’s bottle is full, and start working on my Samhain altar.
