Much like their ancestors, modern Pagans recognize an agricultural year rather than the standard solar year in current existence. The custom of seeing the year as a wheel harkens back to the days when the people lived close to the land, and depended on natural resources, such as the sun, rain, and animals to provide them with daily sustenance.

The agricultural year of modern Pagans draws from many roots, but has several things in common. Four of the eight holidays, or Sabbats, are astrological points when the sun moves its influence on the planet. Those four days and their corresponding Sabbat names are: Yule, or the Winter Solstice, on December 21; Ostara, or the Spring Equinox, on March 21; Lithia, or the Summer Solstice, on June 21; and Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, on September 21.

The remaining four holidays may have been celebrated for much longer. These holidays are ancient agricultural holidays and were also associated with the bearing of animals and harvests. Those holidays include Imbolc on February 2, Beltaine on April 30, Lughnassadh on August 1, and Samhain on October 31. The names of these holidays are noticeably Celtic, but there are many other names used for the same holidays. Traditional Wicca, however, uses these names to designate the Sabbats.

By celebrating the natural cycle of the year through ritual, we can attune ourselves to nature and the Divine that is inherent in all things.

While different cultures celebrate different holidays, the Pagan calendar usually combines a little bit of many traditions. Tradition is a fine thing to follow, but to make a Sabbat truly meaningful, meditation and reflection upon the time is important. Do something unique when you celebrate your Sabbats to make them personal and meaningful to you.

Below is a listing and a link to the description of each Sabbat.