- Samhain (pronounced SOW-in or SAH-win) is on October 31. It is also called Halloween, All-Hallow's Eve, or just Hallow's Eve. Samhain is a night for honoring the spirits of those who have passed on, when the veil between worlds is especially thin. Samhain is the time of year when the God dies, going to His Mother's womb to sleep until his rebirth at Yule. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on April 30-May 1.)
- Yule-the Winter Solstice, at around the 21 or 22 of December. The date varies year to year. It has been copied by the Christians as Christmas. Yule is a holiday to celebrate the rebirth of the Sun, the Son of the Goddess. Notice the similarities between Yule and Christmas? Christianity made this date a holiday because that helped to draw Pagans to the Christian Church. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on June 20-23.) To view the special holiday page that I've done up for Yule, click here .
- Imbolc, on February 1, is a holiday to celebrate the life that is only beginning to show in the earth. The Goddess has just begun to awaken from Her winter's sleep; while it is not spring yet, Imbolc celebrates the promise of spring. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on August 2.)
- Ostara, also Eostre or Eostra (the basis of Easter--didn't you ever wonder what bunny rabbits had to do with Jesus?) is the Spring Equinox, around March 21; it is a holiday to celebrate the Earth Mother and Spring. The Earth is fertile, heavy with new life. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on September 20-23.) To view the page that I've done for Ostara, click here.
- Beltane (also spelled Beltain), or May Day (May 1), has long been celebrated with Maypoles. This is a holiday to celebrate the coming of warm, long days and the fact that Winter is now completely over. The land is lush with growth, filled with life; Beltane is a time for lovers. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on October 31-November 1. Obviously, Wiccans Down Under do not call this May Day! *giggle*) To view the page that I've done for Beltaine, click here.
- Midsummer (also called Litha), coming at about June 21, is the Summer Solstice, the peak of the God's power, the height of His glory. He is His strongest today, the longest day of the year. This is also a time for lovers and marriage. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on December 20-23.)
- Lughnasadh (pronounced Loo-na-sah), also called Lammas, is on August 1, and is the first grain harvest. It is named for the Irish Sun God, Lugh, who is associated with both the Sun and agriculture. It is a holiday to celebrate the fruitition of our labors, a time of completion. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on February 2.)
- Mabon takes place on September 22, and is named for the legend of Mabon, meaning Son or Son of the Mother. It marks the completion of the harvest. The God prepares to leave His physical body. This holiday is a time of thanksgiving and meditation. (In the Southern Hemisphere, this would be on March 20-23.)
Wicca has 8 main holidays, called Sabbats:
Artwork on N. Wheel of the Year by Joseph A. Smith
The Wheel of the Year in the Southern Hemisphere
Artwork on S. Wheel of the Year by Laren
