Yule (December 21) This is the time of the greatest darkness on the earth and is the shortest day of the year. It marks the Goddess giving birth to the God...symbolic of giving birth to the sun. It is a celebration of the promise of the sun's returning light and warmth.
Imbolc (February 1) This marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. As the days start to grow longer the light stirres Her and so the earliest beginnings of spring occur.
Ostara (March 21) Spring Equinox. This is the first day of spring, and the hours of day and night are equal. The Goddess is fully awakened now and She brings fertility to the Earth. This is also the time that the God is growing to maturity.
Beltane (May 1) Ahhh...a perfect time for love. The God is a man now and falls deeply in love with the Goddess. They unite and the Goddess becomes pregnant by the God. It is a celebration of her fertility.
Midsummer (June 21) Summer Solstice. This is the time of the longest daylight hours. Midsummer is a celebration of the full fertility of the God and the Goddess.
Lammas (August 1) Traditionally, this is the time of the first harvest. As the plants and trees give us their fruits, the God begins to lose his strength. The nights are growing longer.
Mabon (September 21) Autumn Equinox. Day and night are equal and the harvest is complete.
Samhain (October 31) We say goodbye to the God at this time as he readies to be reborn of the Goddess at Yule. Samhain is a time for reflection and remembrance of those who have passed on before us. It marks the beginning of the new year, and completes the wheel of the year.