![[Diagram of the Wheel of the Year]](wheelhigh.jpg)
Wheel of the Year
Samhain:
October 31st - The night when the veil between the world is believed to be the thinnest. This is the time to honour our ancestors as they visit with us.
Yule:
December 21st - The Winter Solstice. The shortest day and the longest night of the year. Within the womb of darkness grows the new light and new life. The Sun god is reborn and begins to grow.
Imbolc:
February 2nd - A fire festival celebrating the quickening of the year. The strength is returning to the Sun god and the first stirrings of Spring begin in Mother Earth's womb. The goddess Brigid is often honored at this time.
Ostara:
March 21st - The Spring Equinox. Celebration of Spring! Day and night are equally balanced. Eggs - a fertility symbol - are colored on this day. Rabbits are also a fertility symbol for obvious reasons. The name Ostara comes from the Norse fertility goddess.
Beltaine:
May 1st - May Day. Another fertility celebration and probably the most popular one! Today we celebrate the mating of the god and goddess. May Poles are popular symbols of the mating with the pole representing the god and the ribbons around it representing the goddess.
Litha:
June 21st - Summer Solstice. Celebration of the longest day of the year. The Sun god is at the peak of his power. The Earth Goddess is in full summer glory.
Lammas/Lughnasadh:
August 1st. Celebration of the first harvest. The Celtic Sun god Lugh is revered this day as well as grain goddesses such as Demeter.
Mabon:
September 21st - Autumn Equinox. Time of the last harvest and preparation of winter. A time of thanksgiving for the Earth's abundance.
Home l Goddesses l Gods l Tables l Wheel of the Year
Links l Related Books l Summerland Tribute